They seem more pleased to produce a line or stanza that shall recall a line or stanza of Spenser, than to produce a fine original of their own.

They even copy lines almost word for word from their great master.

This is pure homage: it was their delight that such adaptations should be recognized--just as it was Spenser's hope, when he inserted translated stanzas from Tasso's _Jerusalem Delivered_ in _The Fairy Queen_, to gain the honour of a true reproduction.

Yet, strange fate for imitators! both, but Giles especially, were imitated by a greater than their worship--even by Milton.

They make Spenser's worse; Milton makes theirs better.