No date prefixed directs me in the starry rubric set

No date prefixed directs me in the starry rubric set

The line "No date prefixed directs me in the starry rubric set" is from John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost." In this line, the speaker is expressing a sense of freedom and independence from the constraints of time and fate. The word "rubric" refers to a set of rules or guidelines, and in this context, it suggests a predetermined path or destiny that one is expected to follow.

Milton was a deeply religious man, and his works often explore themes of fate, free will, and the nature of God. In "Paradise Lost," he tells the story of the fall of man, as described in the Bible. The poem begins with Satan and his followers being cast out of Heaven and ends with Adam and Eve being expelled from the Garden of Eden. Throughout the poem, Milton grapples with questions of predestination and the role of free will in human affairs.

The line "No date prefixed directs me in the starry rubric set" can be interpreted as a rejection of the idea that one's fate is predetermined by the stars or by some external force. The speaker is asserting their own agency and autonomy, refusing to be bound by the constraints of fate. This sentiment is in keeping with Milton's broader themes of rebellion against tyranny and the assertion of individual freedom.

Milton himself lived during a time of great political and religious upheaval in England. He was a staunch supporter of the republican cause and wrote several political tracts advocating for freedom of speech and the separation of church and state. In his poetry, he often explores the tension between individual liberty and the demands of authority.

Overall, the line "No date prefixed directs me in the starry rubric set" reflects Milton's belief in the power of the individual to shape their own destiny and resist the forces that seek to control them. It is a powerful statement of defiance and independence that resonates with readers to this day.