Meaning: This quote is from "Comus," a masque written by the English poet John Milton in 1634. The masque is a dramatic entertainment that combines poetry, music, and dance, and "Comus" is one of Milton's early works. The quote itself reflects Milton's emphasis on inner virtue and moral clarity. In this passage, the speaker contrasts the experience of someone who possesses inner light and clarity with that of someone who harbors dark and impure thoughts.

The quote suggests that a person who has inner light and clarity is able to experience a sense of peace and contentment, regardless of external circumstances. This inner light is metaphorically described as a source of illumination that allows the individual to "enjoy bright day" from the center, implying a sense of stability and balance. It conveys the idea that inner virtue and moral integrity can provide a sense of inner peace and strength, enabling one to navigate life's challenges with equanimity and grace.

Conversely, the quote presents the contrasting experience of someone who conceals a "dark soul and foul thoughts." This person is described as "benighted," which means to be overtaken by darkness or ignorance. The imagery of "walking under the mid-day sun" while being "benighted" suggests a profound sense of disorientation and inner turmoil. The individual is likened to a person who is imprisoned within their own darkness, creating a metaphorical "dungeon" of their own making. This evocative image conveys the idea that harboring negative and impure thoughts can lead to a sense of internal confinement and spiritual darkness.

Milton's use of contrasting imagery and metaphor in this quote serves to underscore the importance of inner virtue and moral clarity. The quote encourages introspection and self-examination, inviting readers to consider the nature of their own inner light or darkness. It suggests that cultivating inner virtue and moral integrity can lead to a sense of inner peace and freedom, while harboring negative thoughts and impure intentions can result in a self-imposed imprisonment of the soul.

From a broader perspective, this quote resonates with Milton's larger thematic concerns in his works, particularly the tension between good and evil, virtue and vice, and the spiritual struggle for moral integrity. Milton, as a poet deeply engaged with religious and moral questions, often explored the inner landscape of the human soul and the choices individuals make in navigating the moral complexities of the world.

In conclusion, John Milton's quote from "Comus" conveys a timeless and universal message about the significance of inner light and moral clarity. By contrasting the experiences of those with inner virtue and those with dark thoughts, the quote emphasizes the profound impact of one's inner state on their experience of the world. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cultivating inner goodness and moral integrity as a source of inner strength and peace.