The similes are for him instrument in the poem's larger agenda to reinforce our faith in the coexistence of free will and divine providence -- difficult, huge concepts.

这些比喻在这首诗更深的议程中是作为工具,来深化我们对自由意志和神圣天命的共存,所持的信念--这是两个艰深宏大的概念。

耶鲁公开课 - 弥尔顿课程节选

Keeping our military and using them when we have to, but not as our first instrument.

保存军事力量，不到非不得已绝不轻易动武。

普林斯顿公开课 - 国际座谈会课程节选