It has often been suggested that John Milton drew inspiration from
Lucifer (1654) and
Adam in Ballingschap (1664) for his
Paradise Lost (1667). In some respects the two works have similarities: the focus on Lucifer, the description of the battle in heaven between Lucifer’s forces and Michael’s, and the anti-climax as Adam and Eve need to leave Paradise.
These similarities however can be explained quite satisfactorily by assuming that they both drew inspiration from the Bible and perhaps
Adamus exil from Hugo Grotius. Although it is certain that Milton knew some Dutch, because Roger Williams taught him in exchange for Hebrew lessons, it is to be doubted that Milton knew enough Dutch to understand the plays and at that time English translations of Vondel’s works did not exist. Lastly, both works differ in many points, mainly in the dialogues.
An example of similarity is the following:
"Here may we reign secure, and in my choice To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell.
Better to reign in hell than serve in heaven."
- Milton's Paradise Lost
"Is ’t noodlot, dat ick vall’, van eere en staet berooft,Laet vallen, als ick vall’, met deze kroone op ’t hooft,Dien scepter in de vuist, dien eersleip van vertrouden,En zoo veel duizenden als onze zyde houden.Dat valle streckt tot eer, en onverwelckbren lof:En liever d’ eerste Vorst in eenigh laeger hof,Dan in ’t gezalight licht de tweede, of noch een minderZoo troost ick my de kans, en vrees nu leet noch hinder."
Translation:
Is it fate that I will fall, robbed of honour and dignity,Then let me fall, if I were to fall, with this crown upon my headThis sceptre in my fist, this company of loyals,And as many as are loyal to our side.This fall would honour one, and give unwilting praise:And rather [would I be] foremost king in any lower court,Than rank second in most holy light, or even lessThus I justify my revolt, and will now fear pain nor hindrance.
- Vondel's Lucifer