I admit I only skimmed the article but it I didn't see it say that Milton actually physically met Shakespeare, right: this is simply a metaphorical use?
Doesn't detract from the excitement of the article, I just would love to think how the elder might have influenced the younger.
I'd think it would have to be metaphorical, if Wikipedia is correct - Wikipedia says Shakespeare died in 1616 and Milton was born in 1608... so if they did meet, there was no great exchange of ideas there.
Well, don’t give me too much credit. I had to look it up because I was surprised to learn that Shakespeare and Milton were alive at the same time - but if I had been on a gameshow, I would have guessed that Milton lived and died hundreds of years before _Shakespeare_ was born.
Doesn't detract from the excitement of the article, I just would love to think how the elder might have influenced the younger.