John Milton,
blind and ignorant,
sold the rights to Paradise Lost
for ten pounds
but that was back at a time
when ten pounds
really meant something.

Consider:
One of the greatest works
in English
– and thus
one of the greatest works
in the world –
was taken from its creator
for such a pittance.
Milton wasn’t even black.

It is a horrible fate for any artist
and an evil act from any publisher
and can make anyone almost glad
to hear that print is dead.