The Miltonic sonnet is an Italian (Petrarchan) sonnet that ignores the distinction between octave and sestet, and indeed makes a point of enjambing the lines that would separate the Petrarchan form into two parts. Others put it a different way, claiming that Milton breaks the sonnet in the middle of the last line of the octave. It seems appropriate that this fiercely Protestant poet and apostle of freedom should take such iconoclastic liberties with a form brought in from a Catholic country!

                    WHEN I consider how my light is spent
                      E're half my days, in this dark world and wide,
                      And that one Talent which is death to hide,
                      Lodg'd with me useless, though my Soul more bent
                    To serve therewith my Maker, and present
                      My true account, least he returning chide,
                      Doth God exact day-labour, light deny'd,
                      I fondly ask; But patience to prevent
                    That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
                      Either man's work or his own gifts, who best
                      Bear his milde yoak, they serve him best, his State
                    Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
                      And post o're Land and Ocean without rest:
                      They also serve who only stand and waite.
                                                                    --John Milton

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