science attracted less attention than on the Continent,
where the genius of Kepler and Galileo elevated it to a position of
national importance.

We shall find as we proceed that Milton's knowledge of astronomy was
comprehensive and accurate; that he was familiar with the astronomical
reasons by which many natural phenomena which occur around us can be
explained; and that he understood many of the details of the science
which are unknown to ordinary observers of the heavens.

It is remarkable how largely astronomy enters into the composition of
'Paradise Lost,' and we doubt if any author could have written such a
poem without possessing a knowledge of the heavens and of the celestial
orbs such as can only be attained by a proficient and intimate
acquaintance with this science.

The arguments in favour of or against the Ptolemaic and Copernican
theories were well known to Milton, even as regards their minute
details; and in Book viii. he introduces a scientific discussion based
upon the respective merits of those theories. The configuration of the
celestial and terrestrial spheres, and the great circles by which they
are circumscribed, he also knew. The causes which bring about the change
of the seasons; the obliquity of the ecliptic; the zodiacal
constellations through which the Sun travels, and the periods of the
year in which he occupies them, are embraced in Milton's knowledge of
the science of astronomy. The motions of the Earth, including the
Precession of the Equinoxes; the number and distinctive appearances of
the planets, their direct and retrograde courses, and their satellites,
are also described by him. The constellations, and their relative
positions on the celestial sphere; the principal stars, star-groups, and
clusters, and the Galaxy, testify to Milton's knowledge of astronomy,
and to the use which he has made of the science in the elaboration of
his poem.

The names of fourteen of the constellations are mentioned in 'Paradise
Lost.' These, when arranged alphabetically, read as follows:--

Andromeda, Aries, Astrea, Centaurus, Cancer, Capricornus, Gemini, Leo,
Libra, Ophiuchus, Orion, Scorpio, Taurus, and Virgo. Milton's allusions
to the zodiacal constellations are chiefly associated with his
description of the Sun's path in the heavens; but with the celestial
sign Libra (the _Scales_) he has introduced a lofty and poetical
conception of the means by which the Creator made known His will when
there