Il Penseroso is a pastoral poem by John Milton, written in 1631. Invoking "divinest Melancholy", the poem is in praise of the contemplative, withdrawn life of study, philosophy, thought and meditation, and is a counterpiece to L'Allegro, which praises the more cheerful sides of life and literature. Both pieces detail the passing of a day in the countryside according to both philosophies. Because of Milton's later reputation as a fearsomely learned and dour poet, readers often detect a greater autobiographical element in Il Penseroso.
The poet and engraver William Blake, who was deeply influenced by Milton's poetry and personality, made illustrations to both L'Allegro and Il Penseroso.
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