John Dalton (priest)

John Dalton (1709 – 1763) was an English clergyman, poet, and literary figure. He is best known for adapting John Milton's poem Comus into a musical work, first performed in 1738.

Dalton was born in Shap, Westmorland (now Cumbria). He attended St John's College, Cambridge, graduating in 1730 and becoming a fellow in 1733. He took holy orders and served as a priest in various parishes.

Dalton's adaptation of Comus, with music composed by Thomas Arne, proved to be a significant success. It helped popularize Milton's work and was performed frequently throughout the 18th century. Dalton also wrote other poems and plays, although none achieved the same level of acclaim as his Comus adaptation. He was a friend and correspondent of several prominent literary figures of his time. Dalton died in 1763.