| 释义 |
Milton|ˈmɪltən|
1. Name of the English poet John Milton (1608–74) used in the phr. mute inglorious Milton (see quot. 1751) to symbolize the idea of native ability frustrated by lack of opportunity.
1751Gray Elegy 8 Some mute inglorious Milton here may rest. 1883Authors & Publishers (G. P. Putnam's Sons) 61 We do not believe that our American prairies conceal any Charlotte Brontés to whom the opportunity for expression and fame has been denied, or that a careful search through American villages would develop any ‘mute, inglorious Miltons’ rusting away their undeveloped lives. 1922H. L. Mencken Prejudices (1923) 3rd Ser. iii. 89 A genuine artist..would have thoughts and feelings of his own, and the impulse to give them objective form would be irresistible... There are no mute inglorious Miltons, save in the hallucinations of poets. The one sound test of a Milton is that he functions as a Milton. 1933J. Buchan Prince of Captivity i. iv. 125 We've got to see that our Miltons don't remain mute and inglorious, but above all that our Hampdens are not left to rot on a village green. 1948T. S. Eliot Notes Def. Culture vi. 102 The Equality of Opportunity dogma..derives emotional reinforcement from the belief in the mute inglorious Milton. This myth assumes that a great deal of first-rate ability—not merely ability, but genius—is being wasted for lack of education.
2. [Perh. a different word.] slang. An oyster.
1841Thackeray Professor ii, in Bentley's Misc. Sept. 285 Mrs. Grampus herself operated with the oyster-knife, and served the Milton morsels to the customers. 1845‘Bon Gaultier’ Bk. Ballads 35 Fill me once more the foaming pewter up! Another board of oysters, ladye mine! To night Lucullus with himself shall sup, These mute inglorious Miltons are divine. |