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PARADISE LOST.

^ iF®]iiao

IN TWELVE BOOKS

BY JOHN MILTON.

A NEW EDITION.

BOSTON:
PUBLISHED BY PHILLIPS & SAMPSON.

122 WASHINGTON STREET.

1845.

(£>0

K^S

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK I.

The first Book proposes, first in brief, the whole subject, Man's dis-
obedience, and the loss thereupon of Paradise wherein he was
placed: Then touches the prime cause of bis Fall, tlie Serpent,
or rather Satan in the Serpent; who. revolting from God, and
drawing to his side many iegions of Angels, was, by the com
mand of God, driven out of Heaven, with all his crew, into the
great deep. Which action passed over, the Poem hastens into
the midst of things, presenting Satan with his Angels now falling
into Hell, described hero, not in the centre (for Heaven anil
Earth may be supposed as yet not made, c^eriainly not yet accurs-
ed.) but in a place of utter darkness fitlicst called Chaos: Here
Satan with his Angels lying on the burning lake, thunderstruck
and astonished, after a certain space recovers, as from confusion,
calls up him who next in order and dignity lay by him; They
confer of their miserable fall; Satan awakens all his legions,
who lay till then in the same manner confounded. They rise;
their numbers; array of battle; their chief leaders named, ac-
cording to the idols known afterwards in Canaan and the coun-
tries adjoining. To these Satan directs his speech, comforts
them Avith hope yet of regaining Heavf^n, but tells them lastly
of a new world and new kind of creature to be created, according
to an ancient prophecy or report in Heaven ; for, that Angels
v.ern long before this visible creation, was the opinion of many
ancient Fatliers. To find out tlie truth of this prophecy, and
rfhat to determine thereon, he refers to a full council. "What
liis associates thence attempt. Pandemonium, tlie palace of
Satan, rises, suddenly built out of the deep : The infernal peers
there sit in council.

Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit

Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste

Brought death into tlie world, and all our wee,

With loss of Eden, till one greater Man

Restore us, and regain the blissful seat, 5

Sing, hcaven'.y Muse, that on the secret top

Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire

T'liat shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed,

In the beginning how the Heavens and Earth

Rose out of Chaos : Or if Sihon hill 10

Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flow'd

Fast by the oracle of God ; I thence

Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song,

That wiUi no middle flight intends to soar

4 PARADISE LOST. b. i.

Above the Aoniaii mount, while it pursues 15

Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme.
And chiefly Thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer
Before all temples the upright heart and pure,
Instruct me, for Thou know'st , Thou from the first
Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread 20
Dovelil^e sat'st brooding on the vast abyss,
And madest it pregnant : What in me is dark,
] Illumine ; what is low, raise and support;
That to the height of this great argument
I may assert Eternal Providence, 25

And justify the ways of God to men.

Say first, for Heaven hides nothing from thy view,
Nor the deep tract of Hell ; say first, what cause
Moved our grand Parents, in tlmt happy state,
Favour'd of Heaven so highly, to fall off 30

From their Creator, and transgress his will
For one restraint, lords of the world besides .'
Who first seduced them to that foul revolt .''
The infernal Serpent ; he it was, whose guile,
Stirr'd up with envy and revenge, deceived 35

The mother of mankind, what time his pride
Had cast him out from Heaven, witli all his host
Of rebel Angels; by whose aid, aspiring
To set himself in glory above his peers,
He trusted to have equal'd the Most High, 40

If he opposed ; and, with ambitious aim
Against the throne and monarchy of God,
Raised impious war in Heaven, and battle proud,
With vain attempt. Him the Almighty Power
Hurl'd headlong flaming from tlie ethereal sky, 45
With hideous ruin and combustion, down
To bottomless perdition ; there to dwell
In adamantine chains and penal fire,
Who dvLV^t defy the Omnipotent to arms.
J^ine t'jTies the space that measures day and night 50
To m( rtal men, he with his horrid crew
Lay vanquiah'd, rolling in tlie fiery gulf,

PARADISE LOST. 5

Confounded, though immortal : But his doom

Reserved him to more wrath ; for now the thought

Both of lost happiness, and lasting pain, 55

Torments him : round he throws his baleful eyes,

That witnessd huge afrliction and dismay

Mix'd with obdurate pride and steadfast hate

At once, as far as Angels ken, he views

The dismal situation waste and wild : 60

A dungeon horrible on all sides round

As one great furnace flamed ; yet from those flames

No light ; but rather darkness visible

Served only to discover sights of woe,

Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace 65

And rest can never dwell ; hope never comes

That comes to all ; but torture without end

Still urges, and a iiery deluge, fed

With ever burning sulphur unconsumcd

Such place Eternal Justice had prepared 70

For those rebellious ; here their prison ordain'd

In utter darkness, and their portion set

As far removed from God and light of Heaven

As from the centre thrice to the utmost pole.

O. how unlike the place from whence they fell • 75

There the companions of his fall, o'erwhelm'd

With floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous fire,

He soon discerns ; and weltering by his side

One next himself in power, and next in crime,

Long after known in Palestine, and named 80

Betjlzebub. To whom the Archenemy,

And thence in Heaven call'd Satan, with bold words

Breaking the horrid silence, thus began.

If thou be he ; but O, how fallen ! how changed
From him, who, in the happy realms of liglit, 85

Clothed with transcendent brightness, didst outshine
Myriads though bright! If he whom mutual league,
United thoughts and counsels, equal hope
And hazard in the glorious enterprise,
Jom'd with me once, now misery hath join'd
1^

■G PARADISE LOST b. i

In equal riain J Into what pit thou seest,

•From what height fallen ; so much the stronger proved

He with his thunder • and till then who knew

The force of those dire arms ? Yet not for those,

Nor v/hat the potent victor in his rage 95

Can else inflict, do I repent or change,

Though changed in outward lustre, that fix'd mind,

And high disdain from sense of injured merit,

That with the Mightiest raised me to contend.

And to the fierce contention brought along 100

innumerable force of Spirits arm'd.

That durst dislike his reign, and, me preferring,

His utmost power with adverse power opposed

In dubious battle on the plains of Heaven,

And shook his throne. What though the field be lost ?

All is not lost ; the unconquerable will, 106

And study of revenge, immortal hate,

And courage never to submit or yield,

And what is else not to be overcome ;

That glory never shall his wrath or might 110

Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace

With suppliant knee, and deify his power-,

Who from the terror of this arm so late

Doubted his empire ; that v/ere low indeed.

That were an ignominy, and shame beneath 115

This downfal : since, by fate, the strength of Gods

And this empyreal substance cannot fail ;

Since through experience of this great event

in arms not worse, in foresight much advanced.

We may with more successful hope resolve 120

To wage, by force or guile, eternal war

Irreconcilable to our grand Foe,

Who now triumphs, and, in the excess of joy

Sole reigning, holds the tyranny of Heaven.

So spake the apostate Angel, though in pain, 125
Vaunting alcud, but rack'd with deep despair :
And him thus answer 'd soon his bold compeer.

O Prince, O Chief of many throned Powe'-Sj

PARADISE LOST 7

That led the embattled Seraphim to war
Under thy conduct, and in dreadful deeds 130

Fearless endanger'd Heaven's perpetual king,
And put to proof his high supremacy,
Whether upheld by strength, or chance, or fate }
Too well I see and rue the dire event,
That with sad overthrow, and foul defeat, 135

Hath lost us Heaven, and all this mighty host
In horrible destruction laid thus low.
As far as Gods and heavenly essences
Can perish : for the mind and spirit remains
Invincible, and vigour soon returns, 140

Though all our glory extinct, and happy state
Here swallow'd up in endless misery.
But what if he our Conqueror (whom I now
Offeree believe Almighty, since no less
Than such could have o'erpower'd such force as ours;
Have left us this our spirit and strength entire 146
Strongly to suffer and support our pains,
That we may so suffice his vengeful ire,
Or do him mightier service as his thralls
By right of war, whate'er his business be, 150

Here in the heart of Hell to work in fire.
Or do his errands in the gloomy deep ;
What can it then avail, though yet we feel
Strength undiminish'd, or eternal being,
To undergo eternal punishment ? 155

Whereto with speedy words the Archfiend replied.

Fallen cherub ! to be weak is miserable.
Doing or suffering : but of this be sure.
To do aught good never will be our taskj
But ever to do ill our sole delight, 160

As being the contrary to his high will
Whom we resist. If then his providence
Out of our evil seek to bring forth good,
Our labour must be to pervert that end.
And out of good E*ill to find means of evil ; 163

Which ofttimes mav succeed so as perhaps

8 PARADISE LOST. b i

Shall grieve him, if I fail not, and disturb

His inmost counsels from their destined aim.

But see ! the angry victor hath recall'd

His ministers of vengeance and pursuit 17Q

Back to the gates of Heaven : the sulphurous hail,

Sliot after us in storm, o'erblown, hath laid

The fiery surge, that from the precipice

Of Heaven received us falling ; and the thunder,

Wing'd v/ith red lightning and impetuous rage, 175

Perhaps hath spent Jiis shafts, and ceases now

To bellow through the vast and boundless deep

Let us not slip tlie occasion, whether scorn,

Or satiate fury, yield it from our Foe.

Seest tliou yon dreary plain, forlorn and wild, 180

The seat of desolation, void of light,

Save what the glimmering of these livid flames

Casts pale and dreadful ? Thitlicr let us tend

From off the tossing of these fiery waves ;

There rest, if any rest can harbour there ; 185

And, reassembling our affiicted Powers,

Consult how we may henceforth most offend

Our Enemy ; our own loss how repair

How overcome this dire calamity ;

What reinforcement we may gain from hope ; 190

ff not, what resolution from despair.

Thus Satan talking to his nearest mate
With head uplift above the wave, and eyes
That sparkling blazed ; his other parts besides
Prone on the iiood, extended long and large, I9'i

Lay floating many a rood ; in bulk as huge
As whom the fables name of monstrous size,
Titanian, or Earth-born, that v/ar'd on Jove
Briareos or Typbon, whom the den
By ancient Tarsus held ; or that seabeast 201

Leviathan, which Crod of all his works
Created hugest thai swmi the ocean stream :
Him, haply, slumbering on the Norway foam
The pilot of some small night-founder'd skifF

PARADISE LOST. 9

Deeming some island, oft, as seamen tell, 205

With fixed anchor in his scaly rind.
Moors by his side under the lee, while night
Invests the sea, and wished morn delays :
So stretch'd out huge in length the Archfiend lay,
Chain'd on tlie burning lake : nor ever thence 210
Had risen, or heaved his h^ad ; but that the will
And high permission of all-ruling Heaven
Left him at large to Jiis own dark designs ;
That with reiterated crimes he might
Heap on himself damnation, while he sought 215

Evil to others ; and, enraged, might see
How all his malice served but to bring forth
Infinite goodness, grace, and mercy, shown
On Man by him seduced ; but on himself
Treble confusion, wrath, and vengeance, pour'd. 220
Forthwith upright he rears from off the pool
His mighty stature : on each hand the flames,
Driven backward, slope their pointing spires, and roll'd
In billows, leave i' the midst a horrid vale.
Then with expanded wings he steers his flight 225
Aloft, incumbent on the dusky air,
That felt unusual w^eight ; till on dry land
He lights, if it were land that ever burn'd
With solid, as tne lake with liquid fire :
And such appear'd in hue, as when the forco 230

Of subterranean wind transports a hill
Torn from Pelorus, or the shatter 'd side
Of thundering ^tna, whose combustible
And fuel'd entrails thence conceiving fire,
Sublimed with minerai fury, aid the winds, 235

And leave a singed bottom all involved
With stench and smoke : such resting found the sol©
Of unbless'd feet. Him follow'd liis next mate :
Both glorying to have scaped the Stygian flood
As Gods, and by their own recovcr'd strength, 240
Not by the suflerance of supernal Power.
Is tins tlie region, this tlie soil, the clime,

10 PARADISE LOST. b. i

Said then tlie losst Archangel, this the seat

That we must change for Heaven ; this mournful gloom

For that celestial light ? Be it so ! since he, 245

Who now is Sov'reign, can dispose and bid

What shall be right : furthest from him is best,

Whom reason hath equal'd, force hath made supreme

Above liis equals. Farewell, happy fields,

Where joy for ever dwells ! Hail horrors ! hail, 250

Infernal world ! And thou, profoundest Hell,

Receive thy new possessor ! one who brings

A mind not to be oiiangcd by place or time :

The mind is its own place, and in itself

Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven. 255

What matter where, if I be still the same.

And what I should be ; all but less than he

Whom thunder hath made greater ^ Here at least

We shall be free ; the Almighty hath not built

Here for his envy ; will not drive us hence : 2C0

Here we may reign secure, and, in my choice,

To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell :

Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven !

But wherefore let we then our faithful friends,

The associates and copartners of our loss 265

Lie thus astonished on the oblivious pool.

And call them not to share with us their part

In this unhappy mansion ; or once more

With rallied arms to try Avhat may be yet

Regain'd in Heaven, or what more lost in Hell .'' 270

So Satan spake ; and him BeSlzebub
Thus answer 'd. Leader of those armies bright.
Which but the Omnipotent none could have foil'd !
If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge
Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft 27&

In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge
Of battle when it raged, in all assaults
Their surest signal, they v/ill soon resume
New courage and revive ; tliough now they lie
Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, 280

PARADISE LOST. 11

As we ercwliile, astounded and amazed :
No wonder, fallen such a pernicious height.

He scarce had ceased, when the superior Fiend
Was moving toward tlie shore : his ponderous shield,
Ethereal temper, massy, large, and round, 285

Behind him cast ; the broad circumference
Hung on his shoulders hke the moon, whose orb
Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views
At Evening from the top of i'esole,
Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, .290

Rivers, or mountains, in her spotty globe.
His spear, to cental which the tallest pine
Hewn on Norwe.frian hills, to be the mast
Of some groat ammiral, wore but a v/and,
He walk'd witb, to .support uneasy steps 2!^5

Over the burning uiarle, not like those steps
On Heaven's azure ; and the torrid clime
Smote on him sore besides, vaulted with fire :
Nathless he so endured, till on the beach
Of that inflamed sea he stood, and call'd 300

His legions. Angel forms, who lay entranced
ThicJi as autumnal leaves that strow the brooks,
In Vallambrcsa, Vi^here the Etrurian shades,
High overarched, imbower ; or scattered sedge
AH oat, when v/itli fierce winds Orion arm'd 305

Hsth vex'd the Red Seacoast, whose waves o'erthrew
Busiris and his Ptlemphian chiva,lry,
While with perfidious hatred thcj pursued
The sojourners of Goshen, v%'ho beheld
From the safe shore their floiiting carcasses 310

And broken chariot wheels: so thick bestrewn,
Abject and lost lay these, covering the flood.
Under amazement of their hideous change.
He call'd so lovid. that all the hollow deep
Of Hell resounded ! Princes, Potentates, 335

Warriors, the flower of Heaven! once yours, now lost,
If such astonishment as this can seizo
Eternal Spirits ; or have ye chosen this place

la PARADISE LOST. m. i

After the toil of battle to repose

Your wearied virtue, for the ease you find 320

To slumber here, as in the vales of Heaven ?

Or in this abject posture have ye sworn

To adore the Conqueror ! who now beholds

Cherub and Seraph rolling in the flood,

With scatter'd arms and ensigns ; till anon 325

His swift pursuers from Heaven gates discern

iThe advantage, and descending, tread us down

Thus drooping, or with linked thunderbolts

Transfix us to the bottom of this gulf.

Awake, arise, or be for ever fallen ! 330

They heard, and were abash'd, and up tiiey sprung
Upon the wing ; as when men wont to watch
On duty, sleeping found by whom they dread,
Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake.
Nor did they not perceive the evil plight 335

[n which they were, nor the fierce pains not feel ;
f et to their General's voice they soon obey'd ,
Innumerable. As when the potent rod
Of Amraiii's son, in Egypt's evil day,
Waved round the coast, up call'd a pitch}'- cloud '340
Of locusts, warping on tlie eastern wind,
That o'er the realm of impious Pharaoh hung
Like night, and darken'd all the land of Nile
So numberless were those bad Angels seen
Hovering on wing under the cope of Hell, 345

'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires ;
Till, as a signal given, the uplifted spear
Of their great Sultan, waving to direct
Their course, in even balance down they light
On the firm brimstone, and fill all the plain ; 350

A multitude, like which the populous North
Pour'd never from her frozen loins, to pass
Rhene or the Danaw, when her barbarous sons
Came like a deluge on the South, and spread
Beneath Gibraltar to the Libyan sands. 353

Forthwith from every squadron, and each band;

PARADISE LOST. 13

The heads and leaders thither haste where stood
Their great Commander ; Godlike shapes, and forms
Excelling human ; princely Dignities j
And Powers that erst in Heaven sat on thrones ; 360
Though of their names in heavenly records now
Be no memorial ; blotted out and rased
By their rebellion from the bock of life.
Nor had they yet among the sons of Eve 364

Got them new names ; till, wandering o'er the earth,
Tlirough God's high sufferance for the trial of man,
By falsities and lies the greatest part
Of mankind they corrupted to forsake
God their creator, and the invisible
Glory of him that made them to transform 370

Oft to the image of a brute, adorn'd
With gay religions full of pomp and gold.
And Devils to adore for Deities :
Then were they known to men by various names
And various idols through the Heathen world. 375
Say, Pduse, their names then known ; who first, who last,
Roused from the slumber, on that fisry couch.
At their great Emperor's call, as next in worth
Came singly where he stood on the bare strand,
While the promiscuous crowd stood yet aloof. 380

The chief were those, who from the pit of Hel!
Roaming to seek their prey on earth, durst fix
Their seats long after next the seat of God,
Their altars by his altar ; Gods adored
Among the nations round : and durst abide 385

Jehovah thundering out of Sion, throned
Between the cherubim ; yea, often placed
Within his sanctuary itself their shrines,
Abominations ; and with cursed things
His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned, 390

And with their darkness durst affront his light.
First, Moloch, horrid king, besmear'd with blood
Of himian sacrifice, and parents' tears ;
Though, for the noise of drums and timbrels loud,
2

14 PARADISE LOST. b. i.

Their children's cries unheard, that pass'd though fire,

To his grim idol. Him the Ammonite 396

Worship'd in Rabba and her watery plain,

In Argob and in Basan, to the stream

Of utmost Arnon ; Nor content with such

Audacious neighbourhood, the wisest heart 400

Of Solomon he led by fraud to build

His temple right against the temple of God

On that opprobrious hill : and made his grove

The pleasant valley of Hinnom, Tophet thence

And black Gehenna call'd, the type of Hell. 405

Next, Chemos, the obscene dread of Moab's sons,

From Aroer to Nebo, and the wild

Of southmost Abarim ; in Hesebon

And Horonaim, Seon's realm, beyond

The flowery dale of Sibma clad with vines ; 410

And Eleale to the Asphaltic pool.

Peor Jiis o^her name, when he enticed

Israel in Sittim, on their march from Nile,

To do him wanton rites, which cost them woe.

Yet thence his lustful orgies he enlarged 415

Even to that hill of scandal, by the grove

Of Moloch homicide j lust hard by hate ;

Till good Josiah drove them thence to Hell,

With these came they, who, from the bordering flood

Of old Euphrates to the brook that parts 420

Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names

Of Baalim and Ashtaroth ; those male.

These feminine ; For Spirits, when they please,

Can either sex assume, or both ; so soft

And uncompounded is their essence pure > 425

Not tied or manacled with joint or limb,

Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones,

Like cumbrous flesh ; but, in what shape they choose,

Dilated or condensed, bright or obscure,

Can execute their aery purposes, 430

And works of love or enmity fulfil.

For those the race of Israel oft forsook

PARADISE LOST. 15

Their Living Strength, and unfrequented left

His righteous altar, bowing lowly down

To bestial Gods ; for which their heads as low 435

Bow'd down in battle, sunk before the spear

Of despicable foes. With these in troop

Came Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians call'd

Astarte, queen of Heaven, with crescent horns

To whose bright image nightly by the moon 440

Sidonian virgins paid their vows and songs ;

In Sion also not unsung, where stood

Her temple on the offensive mountain, built

By that uxorious king, whose heart, though large,

Beguiled by fair idolatresses, fell 445

To idols foul. Thammuz came next behind,

Whose annual wound in Lebanon allured

The Syrian damsels to lament his fate

In amorous ditties all a summer's day ;

While smooth Adonis from his native rock 450

Ran purple to the sea, supposed with blood

Of Thammuz yearly wounded : the love tale

Infected Sion's daughters with like heat ;

Whose wanton passions in the sacred porch

Ezekiel saw, when, by the \nsion led, 455

His eye survey'd the dark idolatries

Of alienated Judah. Next came one

Who mourn'd in earnest, when the captive ark

Maim'd his brute image, head and hands lopp'd off

In his own temple, on the grunsel edge, 460

Where he fell flat, and shamed his worsliippers :

Dagon his name, sea monster, upward man

And downward fish : yet had his temple high

Rear'd in Azotus, dreaded through the coast

Of Palestine, in Gath and Ascalon, 465

And Accaron and Gaza's frontier bounds.

Him follow'd Rimmon, whose delightful seat

Was fair Damascus, on the fertile banks

Of Abbana and Pharphar, lucid streams.

He also against the house of God was bold • 470

16 PARADISE LOST b i.

A leper once he lost, and gain'd a king ;

Ahaz, his sottish conqueror, whom he drew

God's altar to disparage, and displace,

For one of Syrian mode, whereon to burn

His odious offerings, and adore the Gods 475

Whcm he had vanquish'd. After these appear'd

A crew, who, under names of old renown,

Osiris, Isis, Orus, and their train.

With monstrous shapes and sorceries abused

Fanatic Egypt, and her priests to seek 480

Their wandering Gods disguised in brutish forms

Rather than human. Nor did Israel scape

The infection, when their borrow'd gold composed

The calf in Oreb ; and the rebel king

Doubled that sin in Bethel and in Dan, 485

Likening his Maker to the grazed ox ;

Jehovah, wlio in one night, when he pass'd

From Egypt marching, equal'd with one stroke

Both her first-born and all her bleating Gods.

Belial camo last, than whom a Spirit more lewd 490

Fell not from Heaven, or more gross to love

Vice for itself: to him no temple stood

Or altar smoked : yet who more oft than he

In temples and at altars, when the priest

Turns atheist, as did Eli's sons, who fill'd 495

With lust and violence the house of God ?

In courts and palaces he also reigns,

And in luxurious cities, where the noise

Of riot ascends above their loftiest towers,

And injury and outrage : And when night 500

Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons

Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine.

Witness the streets of Sodom, and that night

In Gibeah, when the hospitable door

Exposed a matron, to avoid worse rape. 50f

These were the prime in order, and in might ;

The rest were long to tell, though far renown'd,

The Ionian Gods, of Javan's issue ; held

PARADISE LOST 17

Gods, yet confess'd later than Heaven and Earth,

Their boasted parents : Titan, Heaven's first-born, 510

With his enormous brood, and birthright seized

By younger Saturn ; he from mightier Jove,

H's own and Rhea's son, hke measure found ;

So Jove usurping reign'd • these first in Crete

And Ida known, thence on the snowy top 515

Of cold Olympus ruled the middle air,

Their highest Heaven ; or on the Delphian cliff,

Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds

Of Doric land ; or who with Saturn old

Fled ovej: Adria to the Hesperian fields, 520

And o'er the Celtic roam'd the utmost isles.

All these and more came flocking ; but with looks
Downcast and damp ; yet such wherein appear'd
Obscure some glimpse of joy, to have found their Chief
Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost 525
In loss itself: which on his countenance cast
Lilte doubtful hue : but he, his wonted pride
Soon recollecting, with high v/ords, that bore
Semblance of worth, not substance, gently raised
Their fainting courage, and dispell'd their fears. 530
Then straight commands, that at the warlike sound
Of trumpets loud and clarions be uprear'd
His mighty standard i that proud honour claim'd
Azazel as his right, a Cherub tall ;
Who forthwith from the glittering staff unfurl'd 535
The imperial ensign ; which, full high advanced,
Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind,
With gems and golden lustre rich emblazed.
Seraphic arms and trophies ; all the while
Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds: 540

At which the universal host up sent
A shout, that tore Hell's concave, and beyond
Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night.
All in a moment through the gloom were seen
Ten thousand banners rise into the air 545

With orient colours waving ■ with them rose
2 *

18 PARADISE LOST. b. i.

A forest huge of spears ; and thronging helms

Appear d, and serried shields in thick array

Of depth immeasurable : Anon they move

In perfect phalanx to the Dorian mood 550

Of flutes and soft recorders ; such as raised

To height of noblest temper heroes old

Arming to battle ; and instead of rage

Deliberate valour breathed, firm and unmoved

With dread of death to flight or foul retreat ; 555

Nor wanting power to mitigate and suage

With solemn touches troiibled thoughts, and chase

Anguish, and doubt, and fear, and sorrow, and pain

From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they,

Breathing united force, with fixed thought, 5G0

Moved on in silence to soft pipes, that charm'd

Tlieir painful steps o'er the burnt soil : and now

Advanced in view they stand ; a horrid front

Of dreadful length and dazzling arms, in guise

Of warriors old with order'd spear and shield ; 505

Awaiting what command their mighty Chief

Had to impose : He through the armed files

Darts his experienced eye, and soon traverse

The whole battalion views ; their order due ;

Their visages and stature as of Gods ; 570

Their number last he sums. And now his heart

Distends with pride, and hardening in his strength

Glories : for never, since created man.

Mot such imbodied force, as named with these

Could merit more than that small infantry 575

Warr'd on by cranes ; though all the giant brood

Of Phlegra with the heroic race were join'd

That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each side

Mix'd with auxiliar Gods ; and what resounds

In fable or romance of Uther's son 5b0

Begirt with British and Armoric knights ;

And all who since, baptized or infidel,

Jousted in Aspramont, or Montalban,

Damasco, or Marocco, or Trcbisond,

PARADISE LOST. 19

Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore, 585

When Charlemain with all his peerage fell
By Fontarabbia. Thus far these beyond
Compare of mortal prowess, yet observed
Their dread Commander ; he, above the rest
In shape and gesture proudly eminent, 590

Stood like a tower : his form had yet not lost
All her original brightness ; nor appear'd
Less than Archangel ruin'd, and the excess
Of glory obscured : as when the sun, new risen
Looks through the horizontal misty air 595

Shorn of his beams ; or from behind the moon,
Fn dim eclipse, disastrous twilight sheds
On half the nations, and with fear of change
Perplexes monarchs. Darken'd so, yet shone
Above them all the Archangel : but his face 600

Deep scars of thunder had intrench "d ; and care
Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows
Of dauntless courage, and considerate pride
Waiting revenge : cruel his eye, but cast
Signs of remorse and passion, to behold G05

The fellows of his crime, the followers rather
(Far other once beheld in bliss\ condemn'd
For ever now to have their lot in pain ;
Millions of Spirits for his fault amerced
Of Heaven, and from eternal splendours fltmg 610
For his revolt ; yet faithful how they stood,
Their glory wither'd : as v/hen Heaven's fire
Hath scathed the forest oaks, or mountain pine ;
With singed top their stately growth, though bare,
Stands on the blasted heath. He now prepared 615
To speak } whereat their doubled ranks they bend
From wing to wing, and half enclose him round
With all his peers : Attention held them mute.
Thrice he essay "d, and thrice, in spite of scorn,
Tears, such as Angels weep, burst forth : at last 620
Words, interwove with sighs, found out their way.
O Myriads of immortal Spirits ! O Powers

20 PARADISE LOST. b. i.

Matchless, but with the Almiglity! and that, strife

Was not inglorious, though the event was dire,

As this placo testiiies, and this dire change 625

Hateful to utter : but what pov/er of mind,

Foreseeing or presaging, from the depth

Of knowledge past or present, could have fear'd,

How such united force of Gods, how such

As stood like these, could ever know repulse r' 630

For who can yet believe, though after loss,

That ail these puissant legions, whose exile

Math emptied Heaven, shall fail to reascend

yclf-raii5ed, and repossess their native seat ?

For me, be v/itness all the host of Heaven, 635

If counsels different, or dangers shunn'd

By me have lost our hopes. But he, who reigns

Monarch in Heaven, till then as one secure

Sat on his throne, upheld by old repute.

Consent or custom ; and h'is regal state 640

Put forth at full, but still his strength conceal'd,

Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fall.

Henceforth his might we know, and know our own;

So as not either to provoke, or dread

New war, provoked : our better part remains 645

To work in close design, by fraud or guile,

What force effected not : that he no less

At length from us may find, v,'ho overcomes

By force, hath overcome but half his foe.

Space may produce nev/ worlds ; whereof so rife 650

There went a fame in Heaven that he ero long

Intended to create, and therein plant

A generation, whom his choice regard

Should favour equal to the sons of Heaven

Thither, if but to pry, shall be perhaps 655

Our first eruption ; thither or elsewhere :

For this infernal pit shall never hold

Celestiai. Spirits in bondage, nor the abyss

Long under darkness cover. But these thoughts

Fall counsel must mature • Peace is despair'd ; 660

PARADISE LOST. 21

For who can think submission ? War then, War
Open or understood must be resolved.

He spake : and, to confirm his words, out flew
Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs
Of mighty Cherubim ; the sudden blaze 665

Far round illumined hell : Highly they raged
Against the Highest, and fierce with grasped arms
Clash'd on their sounding sliields the din of war,
Hurling defiance toward the vault of heaven.

There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top 670

Belch'd fire and rolling smoke ; the rest entire \

Shone with a glossy scurf; tmdoubted sign
That in his womb was hid metallic ore.
The work of sulphur. Thither, wing'd with speed,
A numerous brigade hasten'd : as when bands 675
Of pioneers, with spade and pickaxe arm'd,
Forerun the royal camp, to trench a field,
Or cast a rampart. Mammon led them on ,
Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fell [thoughts
From Heaven ; for e'en in Heaven his looks and
Were always dovvmward bent, admiring more 681

The riches of Heaven's pavement, trodden gold,
Than ought divine or holy else enjoy'd
In vision beatific : by him first

Men also, and by his suggestion taught, 685

Ransack'd the centre, and with impious hands
Rifled the bowels of their mother Earth
For treasures, better hid. Soon had his crew
Dpen'd into the hill a spacious wound,
\nd digg'd out ribs of gold. Let none admire 690
That riches grow in Hell ; that soil may best
Deserve the precious bane. And here let those,
Who boast in mortal things, and wondering tell
Of Babel, and the works of Memphian kings.
Learn how their greatest monuments of fame, 695
And strength, and art, are easily outdone
By Spirits reprobate, and in an hour.
What in an age they with incessant toil

22 PARADISE LOST. b i.

And hands innumerable scarce perform.

Nigh on the plain, in many cells prepared, 700

That underneath had veins of liquid fire

Sluiced from the lake, a second multitude

With wondrous art founded the massy ore,

Severing each kind, and scumm'd the bullion dross .

A third as soon ]iad form'd within the ground 705

A various mould, and from the boiling cells

By strange conveyance filfd each hollow nook ;

As in an organ, from one blast of wind,

To many a row of pipes the soundboard breathes.

Anon, out of the earth, a fabric huge 710

Rose like an exhalation, with the sound

Of dulcet symphonies and voices sweet,

Built like a temple, where pilasters round

Were set, and Doric pillars overlaid

With golden architrave ; nor did there want 715

Cornice or frieze, with bossy sculptures graven;

The roof was fretted gold. Not Babylon,

Nor great AJcairo, such magnificence

Equal'd in all their glories, to enshrine

Bclu? or Ecrapis, their Gods ; or seat 720

Their kings, when Egypt with Assyria strove

In wealth and luxury. The ascending pile

Stood fix'd her stately height ; and straight the doors,

Opening their brazen folds, discover, wide

Within, her ample spaces, o'er the smooth 725

And level pavement : from the arched roof

Pendant by subtle magic, many a row

Of starry lamps and blazen cressets, fed

With Naphtha and Asphaltus, yielded light

As from a sky. The hasty multitude 730

Admiring enter'd ; and the v^^ork some praise.

And some the architect : his hand was known

In Heaven by many a tower'd structure high.

Where sceptred Angels held their residence.

And sat as princes : whom the supreme King 735

Exalted to such power, and gave to rule.

PARADISE LOST. 23

Each in his hierarchy, the orders bright.
Nor was his name unheard, or unadored,
In ancient Greece ; and in Ausonian land
Men call'd him Mulciber ; and how he fell 740

From Heaven they fabled, thrown by angry Jovo
Sheer o'er the crystal battlements : from morn
To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve,
A summer's day ; and with the setting sun
Dropp'd from the zenith like a falling star, 745

On Leranos the ^gean isle : thus they relate,
Erring ; for he with liis rebellious rout
Fell long before ; nor aught avail'd him now
To have built in Heaven high towers ; nor did he scape
By all his engines, but was headlong sent 750

With his industrious crew to build in Hell.

Meanwhile the winged heralds, by command
Of sovereign power, with awful ceremony
And trumpet's sound, throughout the host proclaim
A solemn council, forchv/ith to be held 755

At Pandemonium ; the high capital
Of Satan and liis peers : their summons call'd
From every band and squared regiment
By place or choice the worthiest ; they anon,
With hundreds and with thousands, trooping came,
Attended : all access was throng'd ; the gates 7G1

And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall
(Though like a cover'd field, where champions bold
Wont ride in arm'd and at the Soldan's chair
Defied the best of Panim chivalry 7G5

To mortal combat, or career with lance,)
Thick swarm'd both on the ground and in the air
Brush'd with the hiss of rustling wings. As bees
In spring tim.e, when the sun with Taurus rides.
Pour forth their populous youth about the hive 770
In clusters ; they among fresh dews and flowers
Fly to and fro, or on the smoothed plank,
The suburb of their strawbuilt citadel.
New rubb'd with balm, expatiate and confer

24 PARADiSE LOST. b. i.

Their state affairs. So thick the aery crowd 775

Swarm'd and were straiten'd 5 till, the signal given

Behold a wonder ! They but now who seem'd

In bigness to surpass Earth's giant sons,

Now less than sinallest dwarfs, in narrow room

Throng numberless, like that Pygmean race 780

Beyond the Indian mount : or fairy elves,

Whose midnight revels, by a forest side

Or fountain, some belated peasant sees

Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon

Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth 785

Wheels her pale coua-se ; they, on their mirth and danco

Intent, with jocund music charm his ear ;

At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds.

Thus incorporeal Spirits to smallest forms

Reduced their shapes immense, and were at largo^ 790

Though without number still, amidst the hall

Of that infernal court. But far within.

And in their own dimensions, like themselves,

The great Seraphic Lords and Cherubim

In close recess and secret conclave sat ; 795

A thousand Demi-gods on golden seats,

Frequent and full. After short silence then,

And summons read, the great consult began

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK II.

The consultation begun, Satan debates whether another battle b«
to be hazarded for the recovery of Heaven ; Some advise it, others
dissuade: A third proposal is preferred, mentioned beibreby Sa-
tan, to search the truth of that prophecy or tradition in Heaven
concerning another world, and anotiier kind of creature equal or
not much inferior #b themselves, about this time to be created*
Their doubt, who shall be sent on this difficult search; Satan
their chief underta' es alone tlie voyage, is honoured and applaud-
ed. The council tJius ended, tlie rest betake them several ways,
and to several employments, as their inclin;i.tions lead them, to
entertain the time til! Satan return. He passes on his journey to
Hell gates: finds them shut, and who sat there to guard them:
by whom at length they are opened, and discover to him the great
gulf l)etween Hell and Heaven ; with what di-fliculty he passes
through, directed by Chaos, the Power of tliat place, to the sight
of this new world which he sought.

High on a throne of royal state, which far

Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind,

Or where the gorgeous East with richest hand

Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold,

Satan exalted sat, by merit raised 5

To that bad eminence : and, from despair

Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires

Beyond thus high : insatiate to pursue

Vam war with Heaven ; and, by success, untaught,

His proud imaginations thus display'd. 10

Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heaven !
For since no deep within her gulf can hold
Immortal vigour, though onpress'd and fallen,
I give not Heaven for lost. From this descent
Celestial virtues rising will appear 15

More glorious and more dread than from no fall.
And trust themselves to fear no second fete.
Me though just right and the fix'd laws of Heaven
Did first create your Leader ; next, free choice,
With what besides, in counsel or in fight, 20

Hath been achieved of merit ; yet thia loss,

ci

26 PARADISE LOST. b. ri

Thus far at least recover'd, hath much more

Estabhsh'd in a safe unenvied throne,

Yielded with full consent. The happier state

In heaven, which follows dignity, might draw 25

Envy from each inferior ; but who here

Will envy whom the highest place exposes

Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim,

Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share

Of endless pain ? Where there is then no good 30

For which to strive, no strife can grdw up there

From faction ; for none sure will clakn in Hell

Precedence ; none, whose portion is so small

Of present pain, that with ambitious mind

Will covet more. With this advantage then 35

To union, and firm faith, and firm accord,

More than can be in Heaven, we now return

To claim our just inheritance of old,

Surer to prosper than prosperity

Could have assured us ; and, by what best way, 40

Whether of open war, or covert guile.

We now debate : Who can advise may speak.

He ceased : and next to him Moloch, sceptred king,
Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest Spirit
That fought in Heaven, now fiercer by despair : 45
His trust was with the Eternal to be deem'd
Equal in strength ; and rather than be less
Cared not to be at all ; with that care lost
Went all his fear : of God, or Hell, or worse,
He reck'd not ; and these words thereafter spake. 50

My sentence is for open war : Of wiles, '

More unexpert, I boast not : them let those
Contrive who need, or when they need ; not now,
For, while they sit contriving, shall the rest,
Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait 55

The signal to ascend, sit lingering here
Heaven's fugitives, and for their dwelling place
Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame,
The prison of his tyranny who reigns

PARADISE LOST. 27

By our delay ? No ! let us rather choose 60

Arm'd with Hell flames and fury, all at once,

O'er Heaven's high towers to force resistless way,

Turning our tortures into horrid arms

Against the Torturer ; when to meet the noise

Of his Almighty engine he shall hear 65

Infernal thunder ; and, for lightning, see

Black fire and horror shot with equal rage

Among his Angels ; and his throne itself

Mix'd with Tartarean sulphur and strange fire,

His own invented torments. But perhaps 70

The way seems difficult and steep to scale

"With upright wing against a higher foe.

Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench

Of that forgetful lake benumb not still.

That in our proper motion we ascend 76

Up to our native seat : Descent and fall

To us IS adverse. Who but felt of late,

When the fierce Foe huno; on our broken rear

Insulting, and pursued us through the deep,

With what compulsion and laborious flight 80

We sunk thus low ? The ascent is easy then ; ^

The event is fear'd ; should we again provoke

Our stronger, some worse way his ^vrath may find

To our destruction ; if there be in Hell

Fear to be worse destroy'd : What can be worse 85

That to dwell here, driven out from bliss, condemn'd

In this abhorred deep to utter woe ;

Where pain of unextinguishable fire

Must exercise us without hope of end.

The vassals of his anger, when the scourge 90

Inexorably, and the torturing hour

Calls us to penance ! JNIore destroy'd than thus,

We should be quite abolish'd, and expire.

What fear we then ? what doubt we to incense

His utmost ire ? which, to the height enraged, 95

Will either quite consume us, and reduce

To nothing this essential ; happier far

28 PARADISE LOST. b. ii.

Than miserable to have eternal being •

Or if our substance be indeed divine,

And cannot cease to be, we are at worst 100

On this side nothing ; and by proof we feel

Our power sufficient to disturb his heaven,

And with perpetual inroads to alarm,

Though inaccessible, his fatal throne •

Which, if not victory, is yet revenge. 105

He ended frowning, and his look denounced
Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous
To less than Gods. On the otlier side uprose
Belial, in act more graceful and humane :
A fairer person lost not Heaven ; he seem'd 110

For dignity composed, and high exploit :
But all was false and hollow ; though his tongue
Dropp'd manna, and could make the worse appear
The better reason, to perplex and dash
Maturest counsels : for his thoughts were low 115
To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds
Timorous and slothful : yet he pleased the car,
And with };. i^uasive accent thus began.
* I should ha much for open war, O Peers,
As not behind in hate ; if vv^hat was urged 120

Main reason to persuade immediate war
Did not dissuade me most, and seem to cast
Ominous conjecture on the whole success ;
When he, who most excels in fact of arms.
In what he counsels, and in what excels, 125

Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair
And utter dissiolution, as the scope
Of all his aim, after some dire revenge.
First, wliat revenge ? The towers of Heaven are fiU'd
With armed watch, that render all access 130

Impregnable : oft on the bordering deep
Encamp their legions ; or, with obscure wing
Scout far and wide into the realm of night,
Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way
By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise 135

PARADISE LOST. 29

With blackest insurrection, to confound
Heaven's purest light ; yet our great Enemy,
All incorruptible, would on his tlirone
Sit unpolluted ; and the ethereal mould,
Incapable of stain, would soon expel 140

Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire,
Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope
Is flat despair : We must exasperate
The Almighty Victor to spend all his rage,
And that must end us ; that must be our cure, 145
To be no more. Sad cure ! for who would lose,
Though full of pain, this intellectual being.
Those thoughts that wander through eternity
To perish rather, swallow'd up and lost
In the wido womb of uncreated night, ISC

Devoid of sense and motion ? And who knows,
Let this be good, whether our angry Foe
Can give it, or will ever ? how he can,
Is doubtful ; that he never will, is sure.
Will he, so wise, let loose at once his ire, 155

Belike through impotence, or unaware.
To give his enemies their wish, and end
Them in his anger, whom his anger saves
To punish endless : Wherefore cease we then ?
Say they who counsel war : we are decreed, 160

Reserved, and destined to eternal woe :
Whatever doing, what can we suffer more,
What can we suffer worse ? Is this then worst,
Thus sitting, thus consulting, thus in arms.'
What ! when we fled amain, pursued, and struck 165
With Heaven's afflicting thunder, and besought
The deep to shelter us ? This Hell then seem'd
A refuge from those wounds ; or when we lay
Chain'd on the burning lake ? That sure was worse.
What if the breath, that kindled those grim fires, 170
Awaked, should blow them into sevenfold rage,
And plunge us in the flames ' or, from above,
Should intermitted vengeance arm again
3*

30 PARADISE LOST. b. ir

His red right hand to plague us ? What if all

Her stores were open'd, and this firmament 175

Of Hell should spout her cataracts of firo,

Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall

One day upon our heads ; while we perhaps

Designing or exhorting glorious war,

Caught in a fiery tempest, shall be huri'd 180

Each on his rock transfix'd, the sport and prey

Of wracking whirlwinds ; or for ever sunk

Under yon boiling ocean, wrapp'd in chains ;

There to converse with everlasting groans,

Unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved, 185

Ages of hopeless end ? This would be worse.

War therefore, open or conceal'd, alike

My voice dissuades ; for what can force or giule

With him, or who deceive his mind, whose eye

Views all things at one view ? He from Heaven's height

All these our motions vain sees and derides ; 191

Not more almighty to resist our might

Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles.

Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heav3n

Thus trampled, thus expell'd to suffer here i95

Chains and these torments ? better these than worse,

By my advice ; since fate inevitable

Subdues us, and omnipotent decree,

The Victor's will To suffer, as to do,

Our strength is equal, nor the law unjust 200

That so ordains : This was at first resolved,

If we were wise, against so great a Foe

Contending, and so doubtful what might fall.

1 laugh, when those who at the spear are bold

And venturous, if that fail them, shrink and fear 205

What yet they know must follow, to endure

Exile, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain.

The sentence of their Conqueror : This is now

Our doom ; which if we can sustain and bear,

Our Supreme Foe in time may much remit 2m

His anger ; and perhaps, thus far removed

PARADISE LOST. 31

Not mind us not offending, satisfied

With what is punish'd ; whence these raging fires

Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames.

Our purer essence then will overcome 215

Their noxious vapour ; or, inured, not feel ;

Or changed at length, and to the place conform'd

In temper and in nature, will receive

Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain ;

This horror will grow mild, this darkness light ; 220

Besides what hope the never ending flight

Of future days may bring, what chance, what change

Worth waiting ; since our present lot appears

For happy though but ill, for ill not worst.

If we procure not to ourselves more woe. 225

Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb,
Counsel'd ignoble ease, and peaceful sloth,
Not peace : And after him thus Mammon spake

Either to disenthrone the King of Heaven
We war, if war be best, or to regain 230

Our own right lost : Him to unthrone we then
May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield
To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife :
The former, vain to hope, argues as vain
The latter : For what place can be for us 235

Within Heaven's bound, unless Heaven's Lord supreme
We overpower ? Suppose he should relent,
And publish grace to all, on promise made
Of new subjection ; with what eyes could we
Stand in his presence humble, and receive 240

Strict laws imposed, to celebrate his throne
With warbled hymns and to his Godhead sing
Forced Hallelujahs : while he lordly sits
Our envied Sov'reign, and his altar breathes
Ambrosial odours and ambrosial flowers, 245

Our servile offerings ? This must be our task
Cn Heaven, this our deli^rht ; how wearisome
Eternity so spent, in worship paid
To whom we h^-te ! Let us not then presume

32 PARADISE LOST. b. u

By force impossible, by leave obtain'd 250

Unaccbptable, though in Heaven, our state

Oi spkiidid vassalage ; but rather seek

Our own good from ourselves, and from our own

Live to ourselves, though in this vast recess,

Free, and to none accountable, preferring 255

Haia liberty before the easy yoke

Of servile pomp. Our greatness will appear

Then most conspicuous, when great things of small,

Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse.

We can create 5 and in what place soe'er 2G0

Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain.

Through labour and endurance. This deep world

Of darkness do we dread ? How oft amidst

Thick clouds and dark doth Heaven's all-ruling Sire

Choose to reside, his glory unobscured, 2G5

And with the majesty of darkness round

Covers his throne ; from whence deep thunders roar

Mustering their rage, and Heaven resembles Hell ''

As he our darkness, cannot we his light

Imitate when we please ? This desert soil 270

Wants not her hidden lustre, gems and gold ;

Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise

Magnificence ; and what can Heaven show more ?

Our torments also may in length of time

Become our elements ; these piercing fires 275

As soft as now severe, our temper changed

Into their temper ; which must needs remove

The sensible of pain. All things invite

To peaceful counsels, and the settled state

Of order, how in safety best we may 280

Compose our present evils, with regard

Of what we are, and where ; dismissing quite

All thoughts of war : Ye have what I advise.

He scarce had finish'd, when such murmur fill'd
The assembly as when hollow rocks retain 285

The sound of blustering winds, which all night long
Had roused the sea, now with hoarse cadence lull

PARADISE LOST. 33

Seafaring men o'erwatch'd, whose bark by chanco,

Or pinnace, anchors in a craggy bay

After the tempest : Such applause was heard 290

As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased,

Advising peace : for such another field

They dreaded worse than Hell : so much the fear

Of thunder and the sword of Michaol

Wrought still within them ; and no less desire 295

To found this nether empire, which might rise

By policy, and long process of time,

In emulation opposite to Heaven.

Which when Beelzebub perceived, than w^hom

Satan except none higher sat, with gvave 300

Aspect he rose, and in his rising seem'd

A pillar of state ; deep on his front engraven

Deliberation sat, and public care ;

And princely counsel in his face yet shone,

Majestic though in ruin : sage he stood 305

With Atlantean shoulders fit to bare

The weight of mightiest monarchies ; his look

Drew audience and attention still as night

Or summer's noontide air, while thus he spake.

Thrones and Imperial Powers, OiTspring of Heaven,
Ethereal Virtues ! or these titles now 311

Must we renounce, and, changing style, be call'd
Princes of Hell ! for so the popular vote
Inclines, here to continue, and build up here
A growing empire ; doubtless ! while we dream, 315
And know not that the King of Heaven hath doora'd
This place our dungeon ; not our safe retreat
Beyond his potent arm, to live exempt
From Heaven's high jurisdiction, in new league
Banded against his throne, but to remain 320

In strictest bondage, though thus far removed
Under the inevitable curb, reserved
His captive multitude : For he, be sure
In height or depth, still first and last will reign
Sole king, and of his kingdom lose no part 325

34 PARADISE LOST. b. ii.

By our revolt ; but over Hell extend

His empire, and with iron sceptre rule

Us here, as w^ith his golden those in Heaven.

What sit we then projecting peace and war ?

War hath determined us, and foil'd with loss 330

Irreparable ; terms of peace yet none

Vouchsafed or sought; for what peace will be given

lo us enslaved, but custody severe,

And stripes, and arbitrary punishment

Inflicted ? and what peace can we return, 335

But to our power hostility and hate.

Untamed reluctance, and revenge though slow

Yet ever plotting how the conqueror least

May reap his conquest, and may least rejoice

In doing what w^e most in suffering feel ? 340

Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need

With dangerous expedition to invade

Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault nor siege,

Or ambush from the deep. What if we find

Some easier enterprise .? There is a place 345

(If ancient and prophetic fame in Heaven

Err not,) another world, the happy seat

Of some new race call'd Man, about tliis time

To be created like to us, though less

In power and excellence, but favour'd more 350

Of Him who rules above ; so was his will

Pronounced among the Gods, and by an oath.

That shook Heaven's whole circumference, confirm'd.

Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn

What creatures there inhabit, of what mould, 35.5

Or substance, how endued, and what their power,

And where their weakness, how attempted best,

By force or subtlety. Though Heaven be shut,

And Heaven's high Arbitrator sit secure

In his own strength, this place may lie exposed, 360

The utmost border of his kingdom, left

To their defence wlio hold it : Here perhaps

Some advantageous act may be acliieved

PARADISE LOST. 35

By sudden onset ; either with Hell fire
To waste his whole creation, or possess 305

All as our own, and drive, as we were driven,
The puny habitants ; or. if not drive,
Seduce them to our party, that their God
May prove their foe, and with repenting hand
Abolish his own works. This would surpass 370

Common revenge, and interrupt his joy
In our confusion, and our joy upraise
In his disturbance ; when his darling sons,
Hurl'd headlong to partake with us. shall curse
Their frail original, and faded bliss, 375

Faded so soon. Advise, if this be worth
Attempting, or to sit in darkness here
Hatching vain empires. Thus Beelzebub
Pleaded his devilish counsel, first devised
By Satan, and in part proposed : For whence, 380
But from the author of all ill, could spring
So deep a malice, to confound the race
Of mankind in one root, and Earth with Hell
To mingle and involve, done all to spite
The great Creator ? But their spite still serves 385
His glory to augment. The bold design
Pleased highly those infernal States, and joy
Sparkled in all their eyes ; with full assent
They vote : whereat his speech he thus renews .

Well have ye judged, well ended long debate, 390
Synod of Gods ! and, like to what ye are,
Great things resolved, which, from the lowest deep.
Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate.
Nearer our ancient seat ; perhaps in view [arms

Of those bright confines, whence, with neighbouring
And opportune excursion, we may chance 396

Reenter Heaven ; or else in some mild zone
Dwell, not unvisited of Heaven's fair light,
Secure ; and at the brightening orient beam
Purge off this gloom : the soft delicious air, 400

To heal the scar of these corrosive fires,

30 PARADISE LOST. b. ii.

Shall breathe her balm. But first whom shall we send
In search of this new world ? whom shall we find
Sufficient ? who shall tempt with wandering feet
The dark unbottora'd infinite abyss, 405

And through the palpable obscure find out
Jhs uncouth way, or spreo.d his aery flight
Upborne with indefatigable wings
Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive
The happy isle ? What strength, what art can then
Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe 411

Through the strict senteries and stations thick
nf Angels watching round ? Here he had need
All circumspection ; and we now no less
Choice in our suffrage ; for on whom we send, 415
The weight of all, and our last hope, relies.

This said he sat ; and expectation held
His look suspense, awaiting who appear'd
To second, or oppose, or undertake
The perilous attempt : but all sat mute, 420

Pondering the danger with deep thought ; and each
In other's countenance read his own dismay,
Astonish'd : None among the choice and prime
Of those heaven-warring champions could be found
So hardy as to proffer or accept, 425

Alone, the dreadful voyage ; till at last
Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised
Above his fellows, with monarchal pride,
Conscious of Jiighest worth, unmoved thus spake .

O Progeny of Heaven, empyreal Thrones 1 430

With reason hath deep silence and demur
Seized us, though undismay'd : Long is the ways
And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light j
Our prison strong ; this huge convex of fire,
Outrageous to devour, immures us round 435

Ninefold ; and gates of burning adamant,
Barr'd o^'^er us, prohibit all egress.
These pass'd, if any pass, the void profound
Of unessential Nijrht receives him next

PARADISE LOST. 37

Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being 440

Threatens liim, plunged in that abortive gulf.
If thence ne scape into wliatever world,
Or unknown region, what remains him less
Than unknown dangers and as hard escape ?
But I should ill become this throne, O Peers, 445

And this imperial sov'reignty, adorn'd
With splendour, arm'd with power, if aught proposed
And judged of public moment, in the shape
Of difficulty or danger could deter
Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume 450
These royalties, and not refuse to reign,
Refusing to accept as great a share
Of hazard as of hont)ur, due alike
To him who reigns, and so much to him due
Of hazard more, as he above the rest 455

High honour'd sits ? Go, therefore, mighty Powers,
Terror of Heaven, though fallen ! intend at home,
While here shall be our home, what best may ease
The present misery, and render Hell
More tolerable ; if there be cure or charm 4G0

To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain
Of this ill mansion : intermit no watch
Against a wakeful Foe, while I abroad
Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek
Deliverance for us all : This enterprise 4G5

None shall partake with me. Thus saying rose
The Monarch, and prevented all reply ;
Prudent, lest, from his resolution raised,
Others among the chief might offer now
(Certain to be refused) what erst they fear'd ; 470
And, so refused, might in opinion stand
His rivals ; winning cheap the high repute
Which he through hazard huge must earn. But thoy
Dreaded not more the adventure than his voice
Forbidding ; and at once with him thej'^ rose : 475

Their rising all at once was as the sound
Of thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend
4

38 PARADISE LOST. b. n.

With awful reverence prone ; and as a God

Extol him equal to the Highest in Heaven :

Nor fail'd they to express how much they praised 480

That for ths general safety he despised

His own : For neither do the Spirits damn'd

Lose all their virtue ; lest bad men should boast

Their specious deeds on earth, which glory excites.

Or close ambition, varuish'd o'er with zeal. 485

Thus they their doubtful consultations dark

Ended, rejoicing in their matchless Chief:

As when from mountain tops the dusky clouds

Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'erspread*

Heaven's cheerful face, tlie lowering element 490

Scowls o'er the darken'd landscape snow or shower;

If chance the radiant sun with farewell sweet

Extend his evening beam, the fields revive,

The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds

Attest their joy. that hill and valley ring. 495

O shame to men ! Devil with Devil damn'd

Firm concord holds ; men only disagree

Of creatures rational, though under hope

Of heavenly grace : and, God proclaiming peace,

Yet live in hatred, enmity,, and strife 500

Among themselves, and levy cruel wars,

Wasting the earth, each other to destroy :

As if (which m.ight induce us to accord)

.Man had not hellish foes enow besides,

That, day and night, for his destruction wait. 505

The Stygian council thus dissolved; and forth
In order came the grand infernal Peers :
Midst came their might}^ Paramount, and seem'd
Alone the Antagonist of Heaven, nor less
Than HeU'o dread Emperor, with pomp supreme 510
And Godlike imitated state : him round
A globe of fiery Seraphim enclosed
With bright emblazonry and horrent arms.
Then of their session ended they bid cry
With trumpets' regal sound the great result : 615

PARADISE LOST. 89

Toward tJie four winds four speedy Cherubim

Put to their mouths the sounding alchemy,

By herald's voice explain'd ; the hollow abyss

Heard far and wide, and all the host of Hell

With deafening shout return'd them loud acclaim. 520

Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat raised

By false presumptuovis hope, the ranged Powers

Disband ; and, wandering, each his several way

Pursues, as inclination or sad choice

Leads him perplex'd, where he may likeliest find 525

Trtice to his restless thoughts, and entertain

The irksome hours till his great Chief return.

Part on the plain, or in the air sublime,

Upon the wing, or in swift race contend,

As at the Olympian games or Pythian fields ; 530

Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal

With rapid wheels, or fronted brigades form.

As when, to warn proud cities, war appears

Waged in the troubled sky, and armies rush

To battle in the clouds, before each van 535

Prick forth the aery knights, and couch their spears

Till thickest legions close ; with feats of arms

From either end of Heaven the welkin burns.

Others, with vast Typhocan rage more fell.

Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air 540

In whirlwind ; Hell scarce holds the Avild uproar.

As when Alcides, from OEchalia crown'd

With conquest, felt the envenom'd robe, and tore

Through pain up by the roots Thessalian pines ;

And Liclias from the top of CEta threw 545

Into the Euboic sea. Others more mild,

Retreated in a silent valley, sing

With notes angelical to many a harp

Their own heroic deeds and hapless fall

By doom of battle ; and complain that fate 550

Free virtue should enthral to force or chance.

Their song was partial ; but the harmony

(What could it less when spirits immortal sing ?)

40 PARADISE LOST. b. il

Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment

The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet

(For eloquence the soul, song charms the sense,) 556

Others apart sat on a hill retired,

In thoughts more elevate, and reason'd high

Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate ;

Fix'd fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute ; 560

And found no end, in wandering mazes lost.

Of good and evil much they argued then.

Of happiness and final miser}?',

Passion and apathy, and glory and shame j

Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy ! 565

Yet, with a pleasing sorcerj'^, could charm

Pain for a while or anguish, and exite

Fallacious hope, or arm the obdured breast

With stubborn patience, as with triple steel.

Another part, in squadrons and gross bands, 570

On bold adventure to discover wide

That dismal world, if any clime perhaps

Might yield them easier habitation, bend

Four ways their flying march, along the banks

Of four infernal rivers that disgorge 575

Into the burning lake their baleful streams ;

Abhorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate;

Sad Acheron, of sorrow, black and deep ;

Cocytus, named of lamentation loud

Heard on the rueful stream ; fierce Phlegethon, 580

Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage.

Far oft from these, a slow and silent stream,

I^ethe, the river of oblivion, rolls

Her Avatery labyrinth, whereof who drinks

Forthwith his former state and being forgets, 585

Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain.

Beyond this flood a frozen continent

Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms

Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm land

Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems 590

Of ancient pile ; or else deep snow and ice,

PARADISE LOST. 41

A o-ulf profound, as that Serbonian hog
Betwixt Damiata and mount Casius old,
Where aiinies whole have siink : The parching air
Burns frore, and cold performs the effect of fire. 595
Thither by harpy-footed furies haled.
At certain revolutions, all the damn'd
Are brought ; and feel by turns the bitter change
Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce,
From beds of raging fire, to starve in ice 600

Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine
Immovable, infix'd, and frozen round,
Periods of time, thence hurried back to fire.
They ferry over this Lethean sound
Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment, 605

And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach
The tempting stream, with one small drop to lose
In sweet forget fulness all pain and woe,
AIl in one moment, and so near the brink ,
But fate withstands, and to oppose the attempt CIO
Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards
The ford, and of itself the water flies
All taste of living wight, as once it fled
The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on
In confused march forlorn, the adventurous bands, 615
With shuddering horror pale, and eyes aghast,
Vievi/^'d first their lamentable lot, and found
No rest : through many a dark and dreary vale
They pass'd, and many a region dolorous,
O'er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp, 62(1

Rocks, caves, lakes, fens,bogs, dens, and shades of death,
A universe of death : which God by curse
Created evil, for evil only good ;
Where all life dies, death lives, and nature breeds,
Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things, 625
Abominable, inutterable, and worse
Than fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceived,
Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimeras dire.
Meanwhile the adversary of God and Man

42 PARADISE LUST. b. ii

Satan, with IhouglitvS inflamed of highest design, 630

Puts on swift wings, and towards the gates of Hell

Explores his solitary flight : sometimes

He scours the right hand coast, sometimes the left ;

Now shaves with level wing the deep, then soars

Up to the fiery concave towering high. C35

As when far off" at sea a fleet descried

Hangs on the clouds, by equinoctial winds

Close sailing from Bengala, or the isles

Of Tcrnate and Tidore, whence merchants bring

Their spicy drugs ; they, on the trading flood, C40

Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape,

Ply stemming nightly toward the pole : so seem'd

Far off the flying Fiend. At last appear

Hell bounds, high reaching to the horrid roof,

And thrice threefold the gates- three folds were brass,

Three iron, three of adamantine rock GIG

Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire,

Yet unconsumed. Before the gates there sat,

On either side a formidable shape :

The one seem'd woman to the Avaist, and fair j C50

But ended foul in many a scaly fold

Voluminous and vast ; a serpent arm'd

With mortal sting : About her middle round

A cry of Hellhounds never censing bark'd

With wide Cerberian mouths full loud, and rung 655

A hideous peal ; yet, when they list, would creep,

If aught disturb'd their noise, into her womb,

And kennel there ; yet there still bark'd and howl'd,

Within, unseen. Far less abhorr'd than these

Vex'd Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts GGO

Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore ;

Nor uglier follow the night hag, when, call'd

In secret, riding through the air she comes,

Lured with the smell of infant blood, to dance

With Lapland witches, while the labouring moon 605

Eclipses ?t their charms. The other shape,

If shape it might be call'd that shapo had none

PARADISE LOST 43

Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb ;
Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd.
For each seem'd either ; black it stood as Night, 670
Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell,
And shook a dreadful dart ; what seem'd his head
The likeness of a kingly crown had on,
Satan was now at hand, and from his seat
The monster moving onward came as fast C75

With horrid strides ; Hell trembled as he strode.
The undaunted Fiend what this might be admired ;
Admired, not fear'd ; God and his Son except,
Created thing nought valued he, nor shunn'd ;
And with disdainful look thus first began : (i80

Whence and what art thou, execrable shape !
That darest, though grim and terrible, advance
Thy miscreated front athwart my way.
To yonder gates ? through them I mean to pass,
That be assured, without leave ask'd of thee : 685

Retire or taste thy folly ; and learn by proof,
Hell-born ! not to contend with Spirits of heaven.

To whom the Goblin full of wrath replied :
Art thou that Traitor-Angel, art thou Pie
Who first broke peace in Heaven, and faith, till then
Unbroken ; and in proud rebellious arms 691

Drew after him the third part of Heaven's sons
Conjured against the Highest ; for which both thou
And they, outcast from God, are here condemn'd
To waste eternal days in woe and pain ? 695

And reckon'st thou thyself with Spirits of Heaven,
Hell-doom'd ! and breathest defiance here and scorn,
Where I reign ki.ig ; and, to enrage thee more,
Thy king and lord ? Back to thy punishment,
False fugitive ! and to thy speed add wings ; 700

Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue
Thy lingering ; or with one stroke of this dart
Strange horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt before.

So spake the grisly Terror, and in shape.
So speaking and so threatening, grew tenfold 706

44 PARADISE LOST b. ii.

More dreadful and deform. On tlie other side,

Incensed with indignation, Satan stood

Unterrified ; and like a comet burn'd,-

That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge

In the arctic sky, and from his horrid hair 710

Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head

Level'd his deadly aim ; their fatal hands

No second stroke intend ; and such a frown

Each cast at th' otiier, as when two black clouds,

With Heaven's artillery fraught, come rattling on 715

Over the Caspian ; then stand front to front.

Hovering a space, till winds the signal blow

To join their dark encounter in mid air :

So frown'd the mighty combatants that Hell

Grew darker at their frown : so match'd they stood ;

For never but once more was either like 721

To meet so great a foe : And now great deeds

Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung.

Had not the snaky Sorceress that sat

Fast by Hell-gate, and kept the fatal key, 725

Risen, and with hideous outcry rush'd between.

O Father ! what intends thy liand, she cried,
Against thy only Son .'' What fury, O Son !
Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart
Against thy father's liead .'' and know'st for whom ,
For him who sits above, and laughs the while 731

At thee ordain'd his drudge ; to execute
Whate'er his wrath, which he calls justice, bids ?
His wrath, which one day will destroy ye both !

Sae spake, and at her words the hellish Pest 735
Forbore ; then these to her Satan return'd :

So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange
Thou interposest, that my sudden hand,
Prevented, spares to tell thee yet by deeds
What it intends ; till first I know of thee 740

W^hat thing thou art, thus double-form'd ; and why,
In this infernal vale first met, thou call'st
Mc Father, and that phantasm call'et my Son ••

PARADISE LOST. 45

I know thee not, nor ever saw till now

Sight more detestable than him and thee. 745

To whom thus the Portress of Hell-gate replied
Hast thou forgot me then, and do I seem
Now in thine eye so foul ? once deem'd so fair
In Heaven, when at the assembly, and in sight
Of all the Seraphim with thee combined 750

In bold conspiracy against Heaven's King,
All on a sudden miserable pain
Surprised thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzy swam
In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast
Threw forth ; till, on the left side opening wide, 755
Likest to thee in shape and countenance bright
Then shining heavenly fair, a goddess arm'd,
Out of thy head I sprang ; Amazement seized
All the host of Heaven ; back they recoil'd afraid
At first, and call'd me Sin, and for a sign 7C0

Portentous held me ; but, familiar grown,
I pleased, and with attractive graces won
The most averse, thee cliiclly, who full oft
Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing
Becamest enamoured ; and such joy thou took'st 765
With me in secret that my womb conceived
A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose,
And fields were fought in Heaven ; Wherein remain'd
(For what could else ?) to our Almighty Foe
Clear victory ; to our part loss and rout, 770

Through all the empyrean ; down they fell
Driven headlong from the pitch of Heaven, down
Into this deep ; and in the general fall
I also ; at which time, this powerful key
Into my hand was given, with charge to keep 77«#
These gates for ever shut, which none can pass
Without my opening. Pensive here I sat
Alone ; but long I sat not, till my womb
Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown,
Prodigious motion felt, and rueful throes. 780

At last this odious offspring whom thou seest,

4G PARADISE LOST. b ii.

Thine own begotten, breaking violent way

Tore through my entrails, that, with fear and pain

Distorted, all iny nether shape thus grew

Transform 'd : But he my inbred enemy 785

Forth issued, brandishing his fatal dart

Made to destroy ! I fled, and cried out Death !

Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sigh'd

From all her caves, and back resounded Death !

I fled } but he pursued (though more, it seems, 790

Inflamed with lust than rage,) and, swifter far,

Me overtook, his mother, all dismay'd ;

And, in embraces forcible and foul

Ingendering with me, of that rape begot

These yelling monsters that with ceaseless cry 795

Surround me, as thou saw'st : hourly conceived

And hourly born, with sorrow infinite

To me ; for, when they list, into the womb

That bred them they return, and howl and gnaw

My bowels, their repast ; then bursting forth 800

Afresh wit's conscious terrors vex me round,

That rest or intermission none I find.

Before mine eyes in opposition sits

Grim Death, my son and foe ; who sets them on.

And me his parent would full soon devour 805

For want of other prey, but that he knows

His end with mine involved ; and knows that I

Should prove a bitter morsel, and his bane,

Whenever that shall be ; so Fate pronounced.

But thou, O Father ! I forewarn thee, shun 810

His deadly arrow ; neither vainly hope

To be invulnerable in those bright arms.

Though temper 'd heavenly ; for that mortal dint,

Save he who reigns above, none can resist.

She finish'd ; and the subtle Fiend his lore 815

Soon learn'd, now milder, and thus answer'd smooth
Dear Daughter ! since thou claim'st me for thy sire
And my fair son here show'st me, (the dear pledge
Of dalliance had with thee in Heaven, and joys

PARADISE LOST 47

Then sv/eet, now sad to mention, through dire change
Befallen us, unforeseen, unthought of) know, 821
I come no enemy, but to set free
From out this dark and dismal house of pain
Both him and thee, and ail the heavenly host
Of Spirits, that, in our just pretences arm'd, 825

Fell with us from on high : From them I go
This uncouth errand sole ; and one for all
Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread
The unfounded deep, and through the void immense
To search with wandering quest a place foretold 830
Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere now
Created vast and round, a place of bliss
In the purlieas of Heaven, and therein placed
A race of upstart creatures, to supply
Perhaps our vacant room ; though more removed, 835
Lest Heaven, surcharged v/ith potent multitude,
Might hap to move new broils. Be this or aught
Than this more secret now design'd, I haste
To know ; and, this once known, shall soon return,
And bring ye to the place where Thou and Death 840
Shall dwell at ease, and up and do\\m unseen
Wing silently the buxom air, embalm'd
With odours ; there ye shall be fed and fiU'd
Immeasurably, all things sliall be your prey.

He ceased, for bothseem'd highly pleased ; and Death
Grinn'd horrible a ghastly smile, to hear 846

His famine should be fill'd ; and bless'd his maw
Destined to that good hour : No less rejoiced
His mother bad, and thus bespake her sire •

The key of this infernal pit by due, 850

And by command of Heaven's all-powerful King,
I keep ; by him forbidden to unlock
These adamantine gates ; against all force
Death ready stands to interpose his dart,
Fearless to be o'ermatch d by living might 855

But what owe I to his commands above
Who hates me, and hath hither tlirust me down

48 PARADISE LOST. b. ii

Into this gloom of Tartarus profound,

To sit in hateful office here confined,

Inhabitant of Heaven, and heavenly born, 8G0

Here in perpetual agony and pain.

With terrors and with clamours compass'd round

Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed?

Thou art my father, thou my author, thou

My being gavest me ; whom should I obey 865

But thee ? whom follow ? thou wilt bring me soon

To that new world of light and bliss, among

The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign

At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems

Thy daughter and thy darling, without end. 870

Thus saying, from her side the fatal key,

Sad instrument of all our woe, she took ;

And, toward the gate roiling her bestial train,

Forthwith the huge portcullis high updrew,

Which but herself, not all the Stygian Power's 875

Could once have moved ; then in the keyhole turns

The intricate wards, and every bolt and bar

Of massy iron or solid rock v/ith ease

Unfastens : On a sudden open fly

With impetuous recoil and jaring sound 880

The infernal doors, and on their hinges grate

Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook

Of Erebus. She open'd, but to shut

Excell'd her power ; the gates wide open stood,

That with extended wings a banner'd host, 885

Under spread ensigns, marching, might pass through

With horse and chariots rank'd in loose array •

So wide they stood, and like a furnace mouth

Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame.

Before their eyes in sudden view appear 890

The secrets of the hoary deep ; a dark

Illimitable ocean, without bound.

Without dimension ; where length, breadth, andheight,

And time, and place are lost ; where eldest Night

And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold 895

PARADISE LOST 4&

Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise
Of endless wars, and by confusion stand.
For hot, cold, moist, and dry, four champions fierce,
Strive here for mastery, and to battle bring
Their embryon atoms ; they around the flag 90&

Of each his faction, in their several clans,
Light arm'd or heavy, sliarp, smooth, swift, or slow,
Swarm populous, unnumber'd as the sands
Of Barca or Gyrene's torrid soil,

Levied to side with warring winds, and poise 905

Their lighter wings. To whom these most adhere.
He rules a moment : Chaos umpire sits.
And by decision more embroils the fray.
By which he reigns : Next him, high arbiter,
Chance governs all. Into this wild abyss, 910

The womb of Nature and perhaps her grave,
Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
But all these in their pregnant causes mix'd
Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight, ^

Unless the Almighty Maker them ordain 915-

His dark materials to create more worlds ;
Into this wild ab3^ss the wary Fiend
Stood on the brinlc of Hell, and look'd awhile,
Pondering his voyage ; for no narrow frith
He had to cross. Nor was his ear less peal'd 920

With noises loud and ruinous (to compare
Great things with small) than when Bellona storms,
With all her battering engines bent to rase
Some capital city ; or less than if this frame
Of Heaven were falling, and these elements 925

In mutiny had from her axle torn
The steadfast earth. At last his sail-broad vans
He spreads for flight, and in the surging smoke
Uplifted spurns the ground ; thence many a league,
As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides 930

Audacious ; but, that seat soon failing, meets
A vast vacuity : all unawares
Fluttering his pennons vain, plumb down he drop8

50 PARADISE LOST. b. ii.

Ten thousand fathom deep } and to this hour

Down had been falling, had not by ill chance 935

The strong rebuff of some tumultuous cloud,

Instinct with fire and nitre, hurried him

As many miles aloft : that fury staid,

Quench'd in a boggy Syrtis, neither sea.

Nor good dry land : nigh founder'd on he fares, 940

Treading the crude consistence, half on foot.

Half flying ; behoves him now both oar and sail

As when a gryphon, through the wilderness

With winged course, o'er hill or moory dale

Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stealth 945

Had from his wakeful custody purloin'd

The guarded gold : So eagerly the Fiend

O'er bog, or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare,

With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his way.

And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies. 950

At length a universal hubbub wild

Of stunning sounds and voices all confused,

Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear

With loudest vehemence : thither he plies.

Undaunted to meet there whatever Power 955

Or Spirit of the nethermost abyss

Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask

Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies

Bordering on light ; when straight behold the throne

Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread 960

Wide on the wasteful deep ; with him enthroned

Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of things.

The consort of his reign ; and by them stood

Orcus and Hades, and the dreaded name

Of Demogorgon ; Rumour next and Chance, 965

And Tumult and Confusion all embroil'd.

And Discord with a thousand various mouths.

To v/hom Satan turning boldly, thus : Ye Powers
And Spirits of this nethermost abyss,
Chaos and ancient Night ! 1 come no spy, 970

With purpose to explore or to disturb

PARADISE LOST. 51

The secrets of your realm : but, by constraint
Wandering this darksome desert, as my way
Lies through your spacious empire up to light,
Alone, and without guide, half lost, I seek 975

What readiest path leads wnere your gloomy bounds
Confine with Heaven ; or if some other place,
From your dominion won, the ethereal King
Possesses lately, thither to arrive
1 travel this profound ; direct my course ; 980

Directed, no mean recompense it brings
To your behoof: if I that region lost,
All usurpation thence expell'd, reduce
To her original darkness, and your sway
(Which is my present journey,) and once more 985
Erect the standard there of ancient Night ;
Yours be the advantage all, mine the revenge !
Thus Satan ; and him thus the Anarch old,
With faltering speech and visage incomposed,
Answer'd: I know thee, stranger, who thou art, 990
That mighty leading Angel, v/ho of late
Made head against Heaven's King, though overthrown
I saw and heard ; for such a numerous host
Fled not in silence through the frighted deep,
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, 995

Confusion worse confounded ; and Heaven gates
Pour'd out by millions her victorious bands
Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here
Keep residence ; if all I can will serve
That little which is left so to defend, 1000

Encroach'd on still through your intestine broils
Weakening the sceptre of old Night: first Hell,
Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath ;
Now lately Heaven, and Earth, another world,
Hung o'er my realm, link'd in a golden chain 1005
To that side Heaven from whence your legions fell
If that way be your walk, you have not far ;
So much the nearer danger ; go, and speed J
Havoc, and spoil, and ruin are my gain.

52 ^ PARADISE LOST. b. ii.

He ceased ; and Satan staid not to reply ; 1010

But, glad that now his sea should find a shore,
With fresh alacrity, and force renew'd,
Springs upwaKd, like a pyramid of fire,
Into the wide expanse ; and, through the shock
Of fighting elements, on all sides round 1015

Environ'd, wins his way ; harder beset
And more endanger'd than when Argo pass'd
Through Bosporus, betwixt the justling rocks :
Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunn'd
Charybdis, and by the other whirlpool steer'd. 1020
So he with difficulty and labour hard
Moved on : with difficulty and labour he :
But, he once pass'd, soon after, when man feH,
Strange alteration ! Sin and Death amain
Following his track, such was the will of Heaven,
Paved after him a broad and beaten way 1026

Over the dark abyss, whose boiling gulf
Tamely endured a bridge of wondrous length,
From Hell continued, reaching the utmost orb
Of this frail world ; by which the Spirits perverse
With easy intercourse pass to and fio 1031

To tempt or punish mortals, except whom
Crod and good Angels guard by special grace.
But now at last the sacred influence
Of light appears, and Irom the walls of Heaven 1035
Shoots far into the bosom of dim night
A glimmering dawn ; Here Nature first begins
Her furthest verge, and Chaos to retire
As from her outmost works a broken foe
With tumult less, and with less hostile din ; 1040

That Satan with less toil, and now with ease,
Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light ;
And, like a weather-beaten vessel, holds
•Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn ;
Or in the emptier waste, resembling air, 1045

Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold
^ar ofFtlie empyreal Heaven, extended wid©

PARADISE LOST. V 53

In circuit, undetermined square or round,
With opal towers and battlements adorn'd
Of living sapphire, once his native seat; 1050

And fast by, hanging; in a golden chain,
This pendent world, in bigness as a star
Of smallest magnitude close by the moon.
Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge,
Accursed, and in a cursed hour, he hies. 1055

5 *

PARADISE T;0ST
BOOK III.

Eod, Bitting on his throne, sees Satan flying towards this world,
then newly created; shows him to the Son, who sat at hrs right
hand ; foretols the success of Satan in perverting mankind ; clears
his own justice and wisdom from all imputation, having creat-
ed Man free, and able enough to have withstood his tempter;
yet declares his purpose of grace towards him, in regard he fell
not of his own malice, as did Satan, but by him seduced. Tho
Son of God renders praises to his Father for the manifestation
of his gracious purpose towards Man: But God again declares,
that grace cannot be extended towards Man without the satisfac-
tion of divine justice : Man hath oflended the majesty of God by as-
piring to Godhead, and, therefore, with a:ll his progeny, devoted
to death, must die, unless some one can bo found sufficient to
answer for his oftence, and undergo his punisluuent. The Son
of God freely offers himself a ransom for Man: The Father ac-
cepts him, ordains his incarnation, pronounces his exaltation
above all names in Heaven and Earth; commands all the An-
gels to adore him ; Tlioy obey, and hymning to their harps in full
choir, celebrate the Father and the Son. Meanwhile Satan
alights upon the bare convex of this world's outermost orb ;
where wandering he first finds a place, since called tho Limbo of
Vanity: What persons and things fiy tip thither; Thence comes
to the gate of Heaven, described ascending by stairs, and the wa-
ters above the firmament that flow about it: His passage thence
to the orb of the sun ; he finds there Uriel, the regent of that orb>
but first changes himself into tJie shape of a meaner Angel; and,
pretending a zealous desire to behold the new creation, and Man
•I'hom God had placed here, inquires of him the place of his habi>
tation, and is directed : Alights first on mount Niphates.

Hail, holy Light, offspring of Heaven first-born,

Or of the Eternal coeternal beam,

May I express thee unblamed ? since God is ligUl,

And never but in unapproachcd light

Dwelt from eternity ; dwelt then in thee, b

Bright effluence of bright essence increate !

Or hear'st thou rather, pxive ethereal stream,

Whose fountain who shall tell ? Before the sun,

Before the Heavens thou wert, and at the voice

Of God, as with a mantle, didst invest 10

The rising world of waters dark and deep

Won from tho void and forojiess infimto.

PARADISE LOST 55

Thee 1 revisit now with bolder wing,
Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detain'd
In that obscure sojourn, while in my flight lb

Through utter and through middle darkness borne,
With other notes than to the Orphean lyre,
I sung of Chaos and eternal Night ;
Taught by the heavenly Mut^e to venture down
The dark descent, and up to reascend, 20

Though hard and rare : thee I revisit safe,
And feel thy sovereign vital lamp ; but thou
Revisit'st not these eyes, that roll in vain
To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn ;
So thick a drop serene hath quench'd their orbs, 23
Or dim suffusion veil'd. Yet not the more
Cease 1 to wander where the Muses haunt
Clear spring, or shady grove, or sunny liill,
Smit with the love of sacred song ; but chief
Thee, Sion, and the flowery brooks beneath, 3f>

That wash'd thy hallow'd feet, and warbling flow.
Nightly I visit : nor sometimes forget
Those other two equal'd with me m fate,
So were I equal'd with them in renown !
Bhnd Thamyris, and blind Mseonides ; 35

And Tiresias, and Phineus, prophets old :
Then feed on thoughts, tliat volunta;ry move
Harmonious numbers ; as the wakeful bird
Sings darkling, and in shadiest covert hid
Tunes her nocturnal note. Thus with the year 40'
Seasons return : but not to me returns
Day, or tlie sweet approach of even or morn.
Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose,
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine ;
But cloud instead, and everduring dark 45

Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men
Cut off, and for the book of luiowledge fair
Presented with a xmiversal blank
Of natures works, to me expunged and rased,
And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out. 50

56 PARADISE LOST. b. hi.

So much the rather thou, celestial Light,

Shine inward, and the niind through all her powers

Irradiate ; there plant eyes, all mist from thence

Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell

Of things invisible to mortal sight. 55

Now had the Almighty Father from above,
From the pure empyrean where he sits
High throned above all height, bent down liis eye
His own works and their works at once to view :
About him all the Sanctities of Heaven 60

Stood thick as stars, and from his sight received
Beatitude past utterance : on his right
The radiant image of his glory sat,
His only Son ; on earth he first beheld
Our two first parents, yet the only two 65

Of mankind in the happy garden placed.
Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love,
Uninterrupted joy, unrival'd love.
In blissful solitude ; he then survey'd
Plell and the gulf between, and Satan there 70

Coasting the wall of Heaven on,this side Night
In the dun air sublime, and ready now
To stoop with wearied wings and willing feet,
On the bare outside of this world, that soemd
Firm land imbosom'd, without firmament, 75

Uncertain which, in ocean or in air.
Him God beholding from his prospect high,
Wherein past, present, future he beholds,
Thus to his only Son foreseeing spake :

Only begotten Son, seest thou what rage 80

Transports our Adversary ? v/hom no boxmds
Prescribed, no bars of Hell, nor all the chains
Heap'd on him there, nor yet the main abyss,
Wide interrupt, can hold ; so bent he seems
On desperate revenge, that shall redound 85

Upon his own rebellious head. And now,
Through all restraint broke loose, he wings his way
Not far off Heaven, in the precincts of light,

PARADISE LOST. 57

Directly towards the new created world,

And man there placed, with purpose to essay 90

If him by force he can destroy, or, worse,

By some false guile pervert ; and shall pervert j

For man will hearken to liis glossing lies.

And easily transgress the sole command,

Sole pledge of his obedience : So will fall 95

He and his faithless progeny : Whose fault ?

Whose but liis own ? Ingrate, he had of me

All he could have ; I made him just and right,

Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall.

Such I created all the ethereal Powers 100

And Spirits, both them who stood, and them who fail'd;

Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell.

Not free, what proof could they have given sincere

Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love,

Where only what they needs must do appear'd, 10i>

Not what they would ? what praise could they receive

What pleasure I from such obedience paid.

When will and reason (reason also is choice)

Useless and vain, of freedom both despoiled.

Made passive both, had served necessity, 110

Not me ? They therefore, as to right belong'd,

So were created, nor can justly accuse

Their Maker, or their making, or their fate,

As if predestination overruled

Their will disposed by absolute decree 115

Or high forelcnowledge ; they themselves decreed

Their own revolt, not I ; if I foreknew.

Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault,

Which had no less proved certain unforeknown.

So without least impulse or shadow of fate, 120

Or aught by me immutably foreseen.

They trespass, authors to themselves in all

"Both what they judge and what they choose ; for so

I form'd them free ; and free they must remain,

Till they enthral themselves ; I else must change 125

Their nature, and revoke the high decree

58 PARADISE LOST. b. in

Unchangeable, eternal, which ordain'd
Their freedom ; they themselves ordain'd their fall.
The first sort by their own suggestion fell,
Self-tempted, self-depraved : Man falls, deceived 130
By the other first : Man therefore shall find grace,
The other none : In mercy and justice both,
Through Heaven and Earth, so shall my glory excel ;
But mercy, first and last, shall brightest shine.

Thus while God spake, ambrosial fragrance fiirdl35
All Heaven, and in the blessed Spirits elect
Sense of new joy ineffable diffused.
Beyond compare the Son of God was seen
Most glorious ; in liim all his father shone
Substantially express'd ; and in his face 140

Divine compassion visibly appear'd.
Love without end, and without measure grace ;
Which, uttering, thus he to his Father spake :

O Father, graciou.s was that word which closed 144
Thy sov'reign sentence, that man should find grace ;
For which both Heaven and Earth shall high extol
Thy praises, with the innumerable sound
Of hynms and sacred songs, wherewith thy throne
Encompass'd shall resound thee ever bless'd.
For should Man finally be lost ? should Man, 150

Thy creature late so loved, thy youngest son,
Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though join'd
With his own folly ? That be from thee far, •
That far be from thee. Father, who art judge
Of all things made, and judgest only right. 155

Or shall the Adversary thus obtain
His end, and frustrate thine ? shall he fulfil
His malice, and thy goodness bring to nought ;
Or proud return, though to his heavier doom,
Yet with revenge accomphsh'd, and to Hell 160

Draw after him the whole race of mankind.
By him corrupted ? or wilt thou thyself
Abolish thy creation, and unmake
For him, what for thy glory thou hast made

PARADISE LOST. 59

So should thy goodness and thy greatness both 165
Be question'd and blasphemed without defence.

To whom the great Creator thus rephed :
O Son, in whom my soul hath chief delight,
Son of my bosom, Sen who art alone
My word, my wisdom, and effectual might, 170

All hast thou spoken as my thoughts are, all
As ray eternal purpose hath decreed ;
Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will ;
Yet not of will in him, but grace in me
Freely vouchsafed ; once more I will renew 175

His lapsed powers, though forfeit, and enthrall'd
By sin to foul exorbitant desires ;
Upheld b}'^ me, yet once more he shall stand
On even ground against his mortal foe ;
By me upheld, that he may know how frail 180

His fallen condition is, and to me owe
All his deUverance, and to none but me.
Some I have chosen of peculiar grace,
Elect above the rest ; so is my will :
The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warn'd 185
Their sinful state, and to appease betimes
The incensed Deity, while ofFer'd grace
Invites ; for I will clear their senses dark,
What may suffice, and soften stony hearts
To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. 100

To prayer, repentance, and obedience due.
Though but endeavour'd with sincere intent,
Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut.
And I will place within them as a guide,
My umpire Conscience ; whom if they will hear, 195
Light after light, well used, they sliall attain,
And to the end, persisting safe arrive.
This my long sufferance, and my day of grace.
They who neglect and scorn shall never taste ;
But hard be harden'd, blind be blinded more, 200

That they may stumble on, and deeper fall ;
And none but such from mercy I exclude.

CO PARADISL LOST b. iil

But yet all is not done ; Man disobeying,

Disloyal, breaks his fealty, and sins

Against the high supremacy of Heaven, 205

Affecting Godhead ; and, so losing all, ,

To expiate his treason hath nought left.

But to destruction sacred and devote,

He with his whole posterity must die ;

Die he or justice must : unless for him 210

Some other able, and as willing, pay

The rigid satisfliction, death for death.

Say, heavenly Powers, where shall we find such love?

Which of ye will be mortal, to redeem

Man's mortal crime, and just the unjust to save ? 215

Dwells in all Heaven charity so dear ?

He ask'd, but all the heavenly choir stood mute.
And silence was in Heaven : On Man's behalf
Patron or intercessor none appear'd.
Much less that durst upon his own head draw 220
The deadly forfeiture and ransom set.
And now without redemption all mankind
Must have been lost, adjudged to Death and Hell
By doom severe, liad not the Son of God,
In whom the fulness dwells of love divine, 225

His dearest mediation thus renew'd :

Father, thy word is pass'd, Man shall find grace ;
And shall grace not find means, that finds her way,
The speediest of thy winged messengers.
To visit all thy creatures, and to all 230

Comes unprevented, unimplored, unsought ?
Happy for Man, so coming : he her aid
Can never seek, once dead in sins, and lost j
Atonement for himself, or offering meet,
Indebted and undone, hath none to bring ; 235

Behold me then : me for him, life for life
I offer ; on me let thine anger fall ;
Account me Man. I for his sake will leave
Thy bosom, and this glory next to theo
Freely put off, and for him lastly die 240

PARADISE LOST CJ

Well pleased ; on me let Death wreak all nis rage j
Under his gloomy power I shall not long
Lie vanquished ; thou hast given me to possess
Life in myself for ever ; by thee I live,
Though noAv to Death I yield, and am his due 245
All that of me can die ; yet, that debt paid,
Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsome grave
His prey, nor suffer my unspotted soul
For ever with corruption there to dwell ;
But I shall rise victorious, and subdue 250

My vanquisher, spoil'd of his vaunted spoil ;
Death his death's wound then shall receive, and stoop
Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarm'd.
1 through the ample air in triumph high
Shall lead Hell captive, maugre Hell, and show 255
The Powers of darkness bound. Thou, at the sight
Pleased, out of Heaven shalt look down and smile j
While, by thee raised, I ruin all my foes.
Death last, and with his carcass glut the grave :
Then, with the multitude of my redeem'd, 260

Shall enter Heaven, long absent, and return,
Father, to see thy face, wherein no cloud
Of anger shall remain, but peace assured
And reconcilement ; wrath shall be no more
Thenceforth, but in thy presence joy entire. 2^

His words here ended, but his meek aspect
Silent yet spake, and breathed immortal love
To mortal men, above which only shone
Filial obedience : As a sacrifice

Glad to be oifer'd, he attends the will 270

Of his ^reat Father. Admiration seized
All Heaven, what this might mean, and whither tend,
Wondering ; but soon the Almighty thus replied ;

O thou in Heaven and Earth the only peace
Found out for mankind under wrath ! O thou 275

My sole complacence ! well thou know'st how dear
To mo are fill my works, nor Man the least.
Though last created ; that for him I spare
6

62 PARADISE LOST. b. hi

Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save,

By loosing thee a while, the whole race lost. 280

Thou, therefore, whom thou only canst redeem,

Their nature also to thy nature join ;

And be thyself Man among men on earth.

Made flesh, when time shall be, of virgin seed,

By wondrous birth : Be thou in Adam's room 285

The head of all mankind, thoug-h Adam's son \

As in him perish all men, so in thee,

As from a second root, shall be restored

As many as are restored, without thee none.

His crime makes guilty all his sons ; thy merit, 29G

Imputed, shall absolve them who renounce

Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds.

And live in tliee transplanted, and frcm thee

Receive new life. So Man, as is most just,

Shall satisfy for Man, be judged and die, 295

And dying rise, and rising with him raise

His brethren, ransom'd with his own dear life.

So heavenly love shall outdo hellish hate,

Giving to death, and dying to redeem ;

So dearly to redeem what hellish hate 300

So easily destroy'd, and still destroys

In those v/ho, when they may, accept not grace.

Nor shpJt thou, by descending to assume

Man's nature, lessen or degrade thine own.

Because thou hast, though throned in highest bliss 305

Equal to God, and equally enjoying

Godlike fruition, quitted all, to save

A v/orld from utter loss, and hast been found

By merit more than birthright Son of God,

Found worthiest to be so by being good, 310

Far more than great or high ; because in thee

Love hath abounded more than glory abeunds ;

Therefore thy humiliation shall exalt

With thee thy manhood also to this throne :

Here shalt thou sit incarnate, here shalt reign 315

Both God and Man, Son both of God antl Man,

PARADISE LOST. 63

Anointed universal king ; all power
I give thee ; reign for ever, and assume
Thy merits ; under thee, as head supreme,
Thrones, Princedoms, Powers, Dominions I reduce :
All knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide 321

In Heaven, or Earth, or under Earth in Hell
When thou, attended gloriously from Heaven,
Shalt in the sky appear, and from thee send
The summoning Archangels to proclaim 325

Thy dread tribunal ; forthwith from all winds,
The living, and forthwith the cited dead
Of all past ages, to the general doom
Shall hasten ; such a peal shall rouse their sleep.
Then, all thy saints assembled, thou shalt judge 330
Bad Men and Angels ; they, arraign'd, shall sink
Beneath thy sentence ; Hell, her numbers full,
Thenceforth shall be for ever shut. Meanwliile
The world shall burn, and from her ashes spring
New Heaven and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell.
And, after all their tribulations long, 336

See golden days fruitful of golden deeds,
With joy and love triumphing, and fair truth.
Then thou thy regal sceptre shalt lay by,
For regal sceptre then no more shall need, 340

God shall be all in all. But, all ye Gods,
Adore him, who to compass a.11 this dies ;
Adore the Son, and honour him as me.

No sooner had the Almighty ceased, but all
The multitude of Angels, v/ith a shout 345

Loud as from numbers without number, sweet
As from bless'd voices, uttering joy, Heaven rung
With jubilee, and loud Hosannas fill'd
The eternal regions : Lowly revetent
Towards either throne they bow, and to the ground
With solemn adoration down they cast 351

Their crowns inwove with amarant and gold ;
Immortal amarant, a flower which once
In Paradise, fast by the tree of life,

64 PARADISE LOST. b. hi

Began to bloom ; but soon for man's offence 355

To Heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows;

And flowers aloft shading the fount of life,

And where the river of bliss through midst of Heaven

Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream ;

With these that never fade the Spirits elect 360

Bind their resplendent locks inwreathed with beams ;

Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright

Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone,

Impurpled with celestial roses smiled.

Then, crown' d again, their golden harps they took, 365

Harps ever tuned, that glittering by their side

Like quivers hung, and with preamble sweet

Of charming symphony they introduce

Their sacred song, and waken raptures high ;

No voice exempt, no voice but well could join 370

Melodious part, such concord is in Heaven.

Thee, Father, first they sung Omnipotent,
Immutable, Immortal, Infinite,
Eternal King ; the Author of all being,
Fountain of light, thyself invisible 375

Amidst the glorious brightness where thou sit'st
Throned inaccessible, but when thou shad'st
The full blaze of thy beams, and, through a cloud
Drawn round about thee like a radiant shrine,
Dark with excessive bright thy skirts appear j 380
Yet dazzle Heaven, that brightest Seraphim
Approach not, but with both wings veil their eyes.
Thee next they sang of all creation first.
Begotten Son, Divine Similitude,
In whose conspicuous countenance, without cloud 3&>
Made visible, the Almighty Father shines,
Whom else no creature can behold ; on thee
Impress'd the effulgence of his glory abides,
Transfused on thee his ample Spirit rests.
He Heaven of Heavens and all the Powers therem
By thee created ; and by thee threw down 301

The aspiring Dominations • Thou that day

PARADISE LOST. 65

Thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare,

Nor stop thy flaming chariot wheels, that shook

Heaven's everlasting frame, while o'er the necks 305

Thou drovest of warring Angels disarray'd.

Back from pursuit thy Powers with loud acclaim

Thee only extoU'd, Son of thy Father's might,

To execute fierce vengeance on his foes,

Not so on Man : Him tiirough their malice fallen, 400

Father of mercy and grace, thou didst not doom

So strictly, but much more to pity incline •

No sooner did thy dear and only Son

Perceive thee purposed not to doom frail Man

So strictly, but much more to pity inclined, 405

He to appease thy wrath, and end the strife

Of mercy and justice in thy face discern'd,

Regardless of the bliss wherein he sat

Second to thee, offer 'd himself to die

For Man's offence. O unexampled love, 410

Love no where to be found less than Divine !

Hail, Son of God, Saviour of Men ! Thy name

Shall be the copious matter of my song

Henceforth, and never shall my heart thy praise

Forget, nor from thy Father's praise disjoin. 415

Thus they in Heaven, above the starry sphere,
Their happy hours in joy and hymning spent.
Meanwhile upon the firm opacous globe
or this round world, whose first convex divides
The luminous inferior orbs, enclosed 420

From Chaos and the inroad of Darkness old,
Satan alighted walks : a globe far off
It secm'd, now seems a boundless continent
Dark, waste, and wild, under the frown of Night
Starless exposed, and ever threatening storms 425
Of Chaos blustering round, inclement sky ;
Save on that side which from the wall of Heaven.
Though distant far, some small reflection gains
Of glimmering air less vex'd with tempest loud :
Here walk'd the Fiend at large in spacious field. 430

66 PARADISE LOST. b. hi

As when a vulture on Imaus bred,

Whose snowy ridge the roving Tartar bounds,

Dislodging from a region scarce of prey

To gorge the flesh of lambs or yeanling kids,

On hills where flocks are fed, flies toward the springs

Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams ; 436

J3ut in his way lights on the barren plains

Of Sericana, where Chineses drive

With sails and wind their cany waggons light .

So, on this windy sea of land, the Fiend 440

Walk'd up and down alone, bent on his pr«y ;

Alone, for other creature in this place,

Living or lifeless, to be found was Jione j

None yet, but store hereafter from the earth

Up hither like aerial vapours flew 445

Of all things transitory and vain, when sin

With vanity had flll'd the works of men :

Both all things vain, and all who on vain things

Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame.

Or happiness in this or the other life ; 450

All who have their reward on earth, the fruits

Of painful superstition and blind zeal,

Nought seeking but the praise of men, here find

Fit retribution, empty as their deeds ;

All the unaccomplish'd works of Nature's hand, 455

Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mix'd,

Dissolved on earth, fleet hither, and in vain,

Till final dissolution, wander here ;

Not in the neighbouring moon as some have dream'd

Those argent fields more likely habitants, 460

Translated Saints, or middle Spirits hold

Betwixt the angelical and human kind.

Hither of ill join'd sons and daughters born

First from the ancient world those giants came

With many a vain exploit, though then renown'd : 465

The builders next of Babel on the plain

Of Sennaar, and still with vain design,

New Babels, had tliey wherewithal, would build

PARADISE LOST. 67

Others came single ; he who, to be deem'd
A God, leap'd fondly into iEtna flames, 4T0

Empedocles ; and he who, to enjoy
Plato's Elysium, leap'd into the sea,
Cleombrotus ; and many more too long.
Embryos, and idiots, eremites, and friars
Wliite, black, and gray, with all their trumpery 475
Here pilgrims roam, that stray'd so far to seek
In Golgotha him dead who lives in Heaven ;
And they who, to be sure of Paradise,
Dying, put on the weeds of Dominic,
Or in Franciscan thinlc to pass disguised ; 480

They pass the planets seven, and pass the fix'd,
And that crystalline sphere whose balance weighs
The trepidation talk'd, and that first moved ;
And now Saint Peter at Heaven's wicket seems
To wait them with his keys, and now at foot 485

Of Heaven's ascent they lift their feet, when lo
A violent cross-wind from either coast
Blows them transverse, ten thousand leagues awry
Into the devious air : Then might ye see
Cowls, hoods, and habits, with their wearers, toss'd
And flutter'd into rags ; then reUques, beads, 491

Indulgences, dispenses, pardons, balls.
The sport of wmds : All these, up-whirl'd aloft,
Fly o'er the backside of the world far off
Into a Limbo large and broad, since call'd 495

The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown
Long after, now unpeopled and untrod.
All this dark globe the Fiend found as he pass'd,
And long he wander'd, till at last a gleam
Of dawning light turn'd thitherward in haste 500

His travel'd steps : far distant he descries
Ascending by degrees magnificent
Up to the wall of Heaven a structure high ;
At top whereof, but far more rich, appear'd
The work as of a kingly palace-gate, 505

With frontispiece of diamond and gold

^. TAilADiSE LOST. B. Ill

Embelliali'd ; thick with sparkling orient gems

The portal shone, inimitable on earth

By model, or by shading pencil drawn.

The stairs were such as whereon Jacob saw 510

Angels ascending and descending, bands

Of guardians bright, when he from Esau fled

To Padan-Aram, in the field of Lut:

Dreaming by night under the open sky,

And waking cried, Tlcis is the gate of Heaven. 515

Each stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood

There alwavs, but drawn up to Heaven sometimes

Viewless ; and underneath a bright sea flow'd

Of jasper, or of liquid pearl, whereon

Who after came from earth, sailing arrived 520

Wafted by Angels, or flew o'er the lake

Wrapp'd in a chariot drawn by fiery steeds.

The stairs were then let down, whether to dare

The Fiend by easy ascent, or aggravate

His sad exclusion from the doors of bliss : 525

Direct against which open'd from beneath,

Just o'er the blissful seat of Paradise,

A passage down to the Earth, a passage wide,

Wider by far than that of aftertimes

Over mount Sion, and, though that were large, 530

Over the Promised Land to God so dear ;

By y.'hich to visit oft those happy tribes.

On high behests his Angels to and fro

Pass'd freqvient, and liis eye with choice regard

From Pancas, the fount of Jordan's flood, 535

To Eecrsaba where the Holy Land

Borders on Egypt and the Arabian shore ;

So wide the opening seem'd, where bounds were set

To da/kness, such as bound the ocean wave

Satan from hence, now on the lower stair, 540

That scaled by steps of gold to Heaven-gate,

Looks down with wonder at the sudden view

Of all tills world at once. As when a scout.

Through dark nnd desert waj^s with peril gone

PARADISE LOST. 69

All night, at last by break of cheerful dawn 546

Obtains the brow of some high-climbing hill,

Which to his eye discovers unaware

The goodly prospect of some foreign land

First seen, or some renown'd metropolis

With glistering spires and pinnacles adorn'd, 550

Which now the rising sun gilds with his beams

Such wonder seized, though after Heaven seen,

The Spirit malign, but much more envy seized,

At sight of all this world beheld so fair.

Round he surveys (and well might, where he stood

So high above the circling canopy 550

Of night's extended shade,) from eastern point

Of Libra to the fleecy star that bears

Andromeda far off Atlantic seas

Beyond the horizon ; then from pole to polo 560

He views in breadth, and without longer pause

Down right into the world's first region throws

His flight precipitant, and winds with ease

Through the pure marble air his oblique way

Amongst innumerable stars, that shone 5G5

Stars distant, but nigh hand seem'd other worlds ;

Or other worlds they seemd, or happy isles,

Like those Hesperian gardens famed of old.

Fortunate fields, and groves, and flowery vales,

Thrice happy isles ; but who dwelt happy there 570

He staid not to inquire : Above them sjl

The golden sun, in splendour likest Heaven,

Allured his eye ; thither his course he bends

Through the calm firman\ent (but up or down,

By centre, or eccentric, hard to tell, 575

Or longitude,) where the great luminary

Aloof the vulgar constellations thick.

That from his lordly eye keep distance due,

Dispenses light from far } tney, as they move

Their starry dance in numbers that compute 580

Days, months, and years, towards his all cheering lamp

Turn swift their various motions, or are turn'd

70 PARADISE LOST. b. th

By his magnetic beam, that gently warms

Tlie universe, and to each inward part

With gentle penetration, though unseen, 585

Shoots invisible virtue even to the deep ;

So wondrously was set his station bright.

Their lands tlie Fiend, a spot like which perhaps

Astronomer in the sun's lucent orb

Through his glazed optic tube yet never saw. 590

The place he found beyond expression bright,

Compared with aught on earth, metal or stone j

Not all parts like, but all alike inform'd

With radient light, as glowing iron with fire ;

If metal, part seem'd gold, part silver clear ; 595

If stone, carbuncle most or crysolite,

Ruby or topaz, to the twelve that shone

In Aaron's breastplate, and a stone besides

Imagined rather oft, than elsewhere seen,

That stone, or like to that which here below 600

Philosophers in vain so long have sought,

In vain, though by their powerful art they bind

Volatile Hermes, and call up unbound

In various shapes old Proteus from the sea,

Drain'd through a limbeck to his native form. 605

What wonder then if fields and regions here

Breathe forth elixir pure, and rivers run

Portable gold, v>^hen with one virtuous touch

The archchemic sun, so far from us remote,

Produces, with terrestrial humour mix'd, 610

Plere in the dark so many precious things

Of colour glorious and effect so rare ?

Here matter new to gaze the Devil met

Undazzled ; far and wide his eye commands ,

For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, 615

But all sunshin(!, as when his beams at noon

Culminate from the equator, as they now

Shot upward still direct, whence no way round

Shadow from body opaque can fall ; and the air,

No where so clear, sharpea'd his visual ray 620

PARADISE LOST. 71

To objects distant far, whereby he soon
Saw within ken a glorious Angel stand,
The same whom John saw also in the sun :
His back was turn'd, but not his brightness hid;
Of beaming sunny rays a golden tiar 625

Circled his head, nor less his locks behind
Illustrious on his shoulders fledge with wings
Lay waving round ; on some great charge employ
He seem'd, or fix'd in cogitation deep.
Glad was tlie Spirit impure, as now in hope C30

To find who might direct his wandering flight
To Paradise, the happy seat of Man,
His journey's end and our beginning woe.
But first he casts to change his proper shap3,
Which else might work him danger or delay : 635

And now a stripling Cherub he appears,
Not of the prime, yet such as in his face
Youth smiled celestial, and to every limb
Suitable grace diffused, so well he feign'd :
Under a coronet his flowing hair 640

In curls on either cheek play'd ; wings he wore
Of many a colour'd plume, sprinkled with gold ;
His habit fit for speed succinct, and held
Before his decent steps a silver wand.
He drew not nigh unheard ; the Angel bright, 645
Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turn'd,
Admonish'd by his ear, and straight was known
The Archangel Uriel, one of the seven
Who in God's presence, nearest to his throne,
Stand ready at command, and are his eyes 650

That run through all the Heavens, or down to the Earth
Bear his swift errands over moist and dry,
O'er sea and land : him Satan thus accosts :

Uriel, for thou of those seven Spirits that stand
In sight of God's high throne, gloriously bright, 655
The first art wont his great authentic will,
Interpreter through highest Heaven to bring.
Where all his sons thy embassy attend ;

*m PARADISE LOST. b. lu.

And here art likeliest by supreme decree

Like honour to obtain, and as his eye 660

To visit oft this new creation round ;

Unspeakable desire to see and know

All these his wondrous works, but chiefly Man,

His chief delight and favour, him for whom

All these his works so wondrous he ordain'd, 665

Hath brought me from the choirs of Cherubim

Alone thus wandering. Brightest Seraph, teU

In which of all these shining orbs hath Man

His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none.

But all these shining orbs his choice to dwell ; 670

That I may find him, and with secret gaze

Or open admiration liim behold,

On whom the great Creator hath bestowed

Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces potir'd ;

That both in him and all things, as is meet, 67b

The universal Maker we may praise ;

Who justly hath driven out his rebel foes

To deepest Hell, and, to repair that loss,

Created this new happy race of Men

To serve him better : Wise are all his ways. 680

So spake the false dissembler unperceived ;
For neither Man nor Angtls can discern
Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks
Invisible, except to God alone,
Ey his permissive will, through Heaven and Earth
And oft, though Wisdom wake. Suspicion sleeps 6SG
At Wisdom's gate, and to Simplicity
Resigns her charge, while Goodness thinks no ill
Where no ill seems ; which now for once beguiled
Uriel, tliough regent of the sun, and held 690

Tlie sharpest sighted Spirit of all in Heaven ;
Who to the fraudulent impostor foul.
In his upriglitness, ansv/er thus return'd :

Fair Angel, thy desire, which tends to know ^

The works of God, tliereby to glorify 695

The great "Workmastcr, leads to no excess

PARADISE LOST. 73

That reaches blame, but rather merits praise

The more it seems excess, that led thee hither

From tiiy empyreal mansion thus alone.

To witness with thine eyes what some perhaps, 700

Contented with report, hear only in Heaven :

For wonderful indeed are all his works.

Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all

Had in remembrance always with delight ;

But wliat creative mind can comprehend 705

Tlieir number, or the wisdom infinite

That brought them forth, but hid their causes deep

I saw when at his word the formless mass.

This world's material mould, came to a heap :

Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar 710

Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined ;

Till at his second bidding darkness fled.

Light shone, and order from disorder sprung :

Swift to their several quarters hasted then

The cumbrous elements, earth, flood, air, fire ; 715

And this etherial quintessence of Heaven

Flew upward, spirited with various forms,

That roll'd orbicular, and turn'd to stars

Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move.

Each had his place appointed, each his course ; 720

The rest in circuit walls this universe.

Look downward on that globe, whose hither side

With light from hence, though but reflected, shines;

That place is Earth, the seat of Man ; that light

His day, which else, as the other hemisphere, 725

Night would invade ; but there the neighbouring moon

(So call that opposite fair star) her aid

Timely interposes, and her monthly roimd

Still ending, still renewing, through mid Heaven,

With borrow'd light her countenance triform 730

Hence fills and empties to enhghten the Earth,

Mm\ 'n he>r pale dominion checks the night.

Thiit spot, to which I point, is Paradise,

74 PARADISE LOST. b. ni

Adam's abode ; those lofty shades, his bower.

Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires. 735

Thus said, he turn'd ; and Satan, bowing low,
As to Superior Spirits is wont in Heaven,
Where honour due and reverence none neglects,
Took leave, and toward the coast of earth beneath,
Down from the ecliptic, sped with hoped success, 740
Throws his steep flight in many a;:j aery wheel ;
Nor staid, till on Niphates' top he lights.

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK IV.

Satan, now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the place where ho must
now attempt the bold enterprise which he undertook alono
against God and Man, falls into many doul»ts with himself, and
many passions, fear, envy, and despair ; but at length confirms
himself in evil ; journeys on to Paradise, whose outward pros-
pect and situation are described ; overleaps the bounds ; sits in
the shape of a cormorant on the tree of life, as highest in the gar-
den, to look about him. The garden described; Satan's first
sight of Adam and Eve; his wonder at their excellent form and
happy state, but with resolutiop. to work their fall ; overhears their
discourse: thence gathers that the tree of knowledge was for-
bidden them to eat of, under penalty of death ; and thereon in-
tends to found his temptation by seducing thom to transgress:
Then leaves them awhile to know further of their state by some
other means. Meanwhile Uriel descending an a sunbeam warns
Gabriel, who had in charge the gate of Paradise, that some evil
Spirit had escaped the deep, and passed at noon by his sphere in
the shape of a good Angel down to Paradise, discovered after by
his furious gestures on the mount. Gabriel promises to find him
ere morning. Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse of
going to their rest : Their bower described ; their evening wor-
ship. Gabriel, drawing forth his bands of night-watch to walk
the round of Paradise, appoints two strong Angels to Adam's
bower, lest the evil Spirit should be there doing some harm to
Adam or Eve sleeping: there they find him at the ear of Eve,
tempting her in a dream, and bring him, though unwilling, to
Gajjriel : by whom questioned, he scornfully answers ; prepares
resistance ; but, hindered by a sign from Heaven, flies out of Pa-
radise

O FOR that warning voice, which he who saw
The Apocalypse, heard cry in Heaven aloud,
Then when the Dragon, put to second rout,
Came furious down to be revenged on men,
Woe to the inhabitants on earth ! that now, 5

While time was, our first parents had been warn'd
The coming of their secret foe, and scaped —
Haply so scaped his mortal snare : For now
Satan, now first inflamed with rage, came down,
■ftie tempter ere the accuser of mankind, 10

To wreak on innocent frail Man his loss
Of that first battle, and his flight to Hell

76 PARADISE LOST. b. iv.

Yet, not rejoicing in ]iis speed, though bold

Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast,

Begins his dire attempt ; which nigh the birth 15

Now rolling boils in his tumultuous breast,

And like a devilisli engine back recoils

Upon himself ; horror and doubt distract

His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir

The Hell within him ; for within him Hell 20

He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell

One step, no more than from himself, can fly

Ey change of place . Now conscience wakes despair

That slumber'd ; wakes the bitter memory

Of what he was, what is, and what must be 25

Worse ; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue.

Sometimes towards Eden, which now in his view

Lay pleasant, his grieved look he fixed sad ;

Sometimes towards Heaven, and the full-blazing sun,

Which now sat high in his meridian tower : 30

Then, much revolving, thus in sighs began :

O thou, that, witli surpassing glory crown'd,
Look'st from thy sole dominion like the God
Of this new world ; at whose sight all the stars
Hide their diminish'd heads : to thee I call, 35

But with no friendly voice, and add thy name,

0 Sun ! to tell thee how I hate thy beams,
That bring to my remembrance from what state

1 fell, how glorious once above thy sphere ;

Till pride and worse ambition threw me down 40

Warring in Heaven against Heaven's matchless King*

Ah, wherefore ! he deserved no such return

From me, whom he created what I Vi^^as

[n that bright eminence, and with his good

Upbraided none ; nor was his service hard. 45

What could be less than to afford him praise,

The easiest recompense, and pay him thanks, ^

How due ! yet all his good proved ill in me, ^

And wrought but malice • lifted up so high

I 'sdain'd subjection, and thought one step higher 50

PARADISE LOST. 77

Would set me highest, and in a moment quit

The debt immense of endless gratitude,

So burdensome still paying, still to owe :

Forgetful what from him I still received,

And understood not that a grateful mind 55

By owing owes not, but still pays, at once

Indebted and discharged ; what burden then ''

O, had his powerful destiny ordain'd

Me some inferior Angel, I had stood

Then happy ; no unbounded hope had raised 60

Ambition ! Yet why not ? some other Power

As great might have aspired, and me, though m«an,

Drawn to his part ; but other Powers as great

Fell not, but stand unshaken, from within

Or from without, to all temptations arm'd. 65

Hadst thou the same free will and power to stand ?

Thou hadst : whom hast liiou then or what to accuse,

But Heaven's free love dealt equally to all ?

Be then his love accursed, smce love or hate,

To me alike, it deals eternal woe. 70

Nay, cursed be thou ; since against his thy will

Chose freely what it now so justly rues.

Me miserable ! which way shall I fly

Infinite wrath and infinite despair ?

Which way I fly is Hell ; myself am Hell ; 75

And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep

Still threatning to devour me opens wide,

To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heaven.

O, then, at last relent : Is there no place

Left for repentance, none for pardon left ? 80

None left but by submission ; and that word

Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame

Among the Spirits beneath, whom I seduced

"With other premises and other vaunts

Than to submit, boasting I could subdue 85

The Omnipotent. Ah me ! they little know

How dearly I abide that boast so vain,

Under what torments inwardly I groan,

78 PARADISE LOST. b. iv.

While they adore me on the throne of Hell.

With diadem and sceptre high advanced, 90

Tiie loAver still I fall, only supreme

In misery : Such joy ambition finds.

But say I could repent, and cculd obtain,

By act of grace, my former state ; how soon

W^ould height recal high thoughts, how soon unsay 95

What feign'd submission swore ? Ease would recant

Vows made in pain, as violent and void.

For never can true reconcilement grow,

Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep :

Which vvould but lead me to a worse relapse 100

And heavier fall ; so should I purchase dear

Sliort interlnission bought v/ith double smart.

This knows my Punisher ; therefore as far

From granting he, as I from begging, peace ;

All hope excluded thus, behold, in stead 105

Of us outcast, exiled, his new delight,

Mankind created, and for him this world.

So farewell, hope ; and with hope farewell, fear;

Farewell, remorse! all good to me is lost;

Evil, be thou my good ; by thee at least 110

Divided empire with Heaven's King I hold,

By thee, and more than half perhaps will reign ;

As Man, ere long, and this new world shall know.

Thus while he spake, each passion dimm'd his face
Thrice changed with pale, ire, envy, and despair ; 115
Which marr'd his borrow'd visage, and betray'd
Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld.
For heavenly minds from such distempers foul
Are ever clear. Whereof he soon aware,
Each perturbation smooth'd with outward calm, 120
Artificer of fraud ; and was the first
That practised falsehood under saintly show,
Deep malice to conceal, couch'd with revenge ;
Yet not enough had practised to deceive
Uriel once warn'd ; whose eye pursued him down 125
The way he went, and on the Assyrian mount

PARADISE LOST. 79

Saw him disfigured, more than could befal

Spirit of happy sort : His gestures fierce

He mark'd and mad demeanour, then alone,

As he supposed, all xmobserved, unseen. 130

So on he fares, and to the border comes

Of Eden, where delicious Paradise,

Now nearer, crowns with her enclosure green,

As with a rural mound, the champaign head

Of a steep wilderness, whose hairy sides 135

With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild,

Access denied ; and overhead up grew

Insuperable height of loftiest shade,

Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm,

A silvan scene ; and, as the ranks ascend 140

Shade above shade, a woody theatre

Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops

The verduous wall of Paradise up sprung :

Which to our general sire gave prospect large

Into his nether empire neighbouring round. 145

And higher than that wall a circling row

Of goodliest trees, loaden with fairest fruit,

Blossoms and fruits at once of golden hue

Appear'd, with gay enamel'd colours mix'd ;

On which the sun more glad impress'd his beams 150

Than on fair evening cloud or humid bow,

When God hath shower'd the earth ; so lovely seem'd

That landscape : and of pure now purer air

Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires

Vernal delight and joy, able to drive 155

All sadness but despair : Now gentle gales.

Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense

Na,tive perfumes, and whisper whence they stole

Those balmy spoils. As when to them who sa,il

Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are pass'd ^60

Mozambic, ofi'at sea north-east winds blow

Sabean odours from the spicy shore

Of Araby the bless'd ; with such delay

Well pleased they slack their course, and many a league

80 PARADISE LOST. b. iv

Clieer'd with the greatful smell old Ocean smiles : 165
So entertain'd those odorous sweets the Fiend,
Who came their bane ; though with them better pleased
Than Asmodcus with the fishy fume
That drove him, though enamour'd, from the spouse
Of Tobit's son, and v/ith a vengeance sent 173

From Media post to Egypt, there fast bound.
Now to the ascent of that steep savage liill
Satan had journey'd on, pensive and slow ;
But further way found none, so thick entwined,
As one continued brake, the undergrowth 175

Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplex'd
All path of man or beast that pass'd that way.
One gate there only was, and that look'd east
On the other side : which when the archfelon saw,
Due entrance he disdain'd : and, in contempt, 180

At one slight bound high overleap'd all bound
Of hill or highest wall, and sheer within
Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf,
Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey,
Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve 185
In hurdled cotes amid the field secure,
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold :
Or as a thief, bent to unheard the cash
Of some rich burgher, whose substantial doors,
Cross-barr'd and bolted fast, fear no assault, 190

In at the window climbs, or o'er the tiles :
So clomb this first grand thief into God's fold ;
So since into his church lewd hirelings climb.
Thence up he flew, and on the tree of life,
The middle tree and highest there that grew, 195

Sat like a cormorant ; yet not true life
Thereby regain'd, but sat devising death
To them who lived ; nor on the virtue thought
Of that lifegiving plant, but only used
For prospect, what well used had been the pledge 200
Of immortality. So little knows
Any, but God alone, to value right

PARADISE LOST. 81

The good before him, but perverts best things
To worst abuse or to their meanest use.
Beneath him with new wonder now he views, 205

To all delight of human sense exposed,
In narrow room, Nature's whole wealth, yea more,
A Heaven on Earth : For blissful Paradise
Of God the garden was, by liim in the east
Of Eden planted ; Eden stretch'd her line 210

From Auran eastward to the royal towers
Of great Seleucia, built by Grecian kings,
Or where the sons of Eden long before
Dwelt in Telassar : In this pleasant soil
His far more pleasant garden God ordain'dj 215

Out of the fertile ground he caused to grow
All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste ,
And all amid them stood the tree of life.
High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit
Of vegetable gold ; and next to life, 220

Our death, the tree of knowledge, grew fast by,
Knowledge of good bought dear by knowing ill.
Southward through Eden went a river large,
Nor changed his course, but through the shaggy Iiill
Pass'd underneath ingulf 'd ; for God had thrown 225
That mountain as his garden mound high raised
Upon the rapid current, which, through veins
Of porous earth v/ith kindly thirst updrawn,
R,ose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill
VVater'd the garden ; thence united fell 230

Do^vn the steep glade, and met the nether flood.
Which from his darksome passage now appears,
And now, divided into four main streams.
Runs diverse, w^andering many a famous realm
And country, whereof here needs no account ; 235
But rather to tell how, if Art could tell,
How from that sapphire fount the crisped brooks,
Rolling on orient pearl and sands of gold,
Witih mazy error under pendent shades
Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed 240

82 PARADISE LOST. b. iv.

Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice Art

In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon

Pour'd forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain,

Both where the morning sun first warmly smote

The open field, and where the unpierced shade 245

Imbrown'd the noontide bowers : Thus was this place

A happy rural seat of various view ;

Groves whose rich trees wept odorous gums and balm.

Others whose fruit, burnish 'd with golden rind,

Hung amiable, Hesperian fables true, 250

If true, here only, and of delicious taste :

Betwixt them lawns, or level downs, and flocks

Grazing the tender herb, were interposed,

Or palmy hillock ; or the flowery lap

Of some irriguous valley spread her store, 255

Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose :

Another side, umbrageous grots and caves

Of cool recess, o'er wliich the mantling vine

Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps

Luxuriant ; meanwhile murmuring waters fall 260

Down the slope hills, dispersed, or in a lalte,

That to the fringed bank with myrtle crown'd

Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams.

The birds their choir apply; airs, vernal airs,

Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune 265

The trembling leaves, while universal Pan,

Knit with the Graces and the Hours in dance,

Led on the eternal Spring. Not that fair field

Of Enna, where Proserpine gathering flowers.

Herself a fairy flower, by gloomy Dis 270

Was gather'd, which cost Ceres all that pain

To seek her through the world ; nor that sweet grove

Of Daphne by Orontes, and the inspired

Castalian spring might with this Paradise

Of Eden strive ; nor that Nyseian isle 275

Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham,

Whom Gentiles Ammon call and Libyan Jove, ,

Hid Amalthea, and her florid son

PARADISE LOST. 83

Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Rhea's eye ;

Nor where Abassin kings their issue guard, 280

Mount Amara, though tliis oy some supposed

True Paradise under the Ethiop line

By Nihxs' head, enclosed with shining rock,

A whole day's journey high, but wide remote

From this Assyrian garden ; where the Fiend 285

Saw, undelighted, all delight, all kind

Of living creatures, new to sight, and strange.

Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall,

Godlike erect, with native hononr clad

In naked majesty, seem'd lords of all : 290

And worthy seem'd ; for in their looks divine

The image of their glorious Maker <*hone,

Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure

(Severe, but in true filial freedom placed,)

Whence true authority in men ; though both 295

Not equal, as their sex not equal seem'd >

For contemplation he and valour form'd ;

For softness she and sweet attractive grace ;

He for God only , she for God in him :

His fair large front and eye sublime declared 300

Absolute rule ; and hyacinthine locks

Round from his parted forelock manly hung

Clustering, but not beneath his shoulders broad :

She, as a veil, down to tlio slender waist

Her unadorned golden tresses wore 305

Dishevel'd, but in wanton ringlets waved

As the vine curls her tendrils, which implied

Subjection, but required with gentle sway,

And by her yielded, by him besu received ;

Yielded with coy submission, modest pride, 31Q

And sweet, reluctant, amorous delay.

Nor those mysterious parts were then conceal'd j

Then was not guilty shame, dishonest shame

Of nature's works, honour dishonourable,

Sin-bred : how have ye troubled all mankind 315

With shows instead, mere shows of seeming pure.

64 PARADISE LOST. , ». iv.

And banish'd from man's life his happiest life,

Simplicity and spotless innocence !

So pass'd they naked on, nor sliunn'd the sight

Of God or Angel ; for they thought no ill : 320

So hand in hand they pass'd, the lovliest pair,

That ever since in love's embraces met ;

Adam the goodliest man of men since born

His sons, the fairest of her daughters Eve.

Under a tuft of shade that on a green 325

Stood whispering soft, by a fresh fountain side

They sat them down ; and, after no more toil

Of their sweet gardening labour than sufficed

To recommend cool Zephyr, and made ease

More easy, Avholesome thirst and appetite 330

More grateful, to their supper fruits they fell j

Nectarine fruits which tne com.pliant boughs

Yielded them, sidelong as they sat recline

On the soft downy bank damask'd with flowers :

The savoury pulp they chew, and in the rind, 335

Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream;

Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles

"Wanted, nor youthful dalliance, as beseems

Fair couple, link'd in happy nuptial league,

A]one as they. About them frisking play'd 340

x^ll beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all chase

In wood or wilderness, forest or den ;

Sporting the lion ramp'd, and in his paw.

Dandled the kid ; bears, tigers, ounces, pards,

Gambol'd before them ; the unv/ieldy elephant. 345

To make them mirth, used all his might, and wreath'd

His lithe proboscis ; close the serpent sly,

Insinuating, wove with Gordian twine

His braided train, and of his fatal guile

Gave proof unlieeded ; others on the grass 350

Couch'd, and now fill'd with pasture gazing sat.

Or bedward ruminating ; for the sun.

Declined, was hasting now with prone career

To the ocean isles, and in the ascending scale

PARADISE LOST. 85

Of Heaven the stars that usher evenmg rose : 355
When Satan still in gaze, as first he stood,
Scarce thus at length fail'd speech recover'd sad :
O Hell ! w' liat do mine eyes with grief behold !
Into our room of bliss thus high advanced
Creatures of other mould, earth-born perhaps, 360
Not Spirits, yet to heavenly Spirits bright
Little inferior : whom my thoughts pursue
With wonder, and could love, so lively shines
In them divine resemblance, and such grace
The hand that form'd them on their shape hath pour'd.
Ah ! gentle pair, ye little think how nigh 3G6

Your change approaches, when all these delights
Will vanish, and deliver ye to woe ;
More woe, the more you tas.,e is now of joy ;
Happy, but for so happy ill secured 370

Long to continue, and this high seat your Heaven
111 fenced for Heaven to keep out such a foe
As now is enter "d ; yet no purposed foe
To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn.
Though I unpitied : League with you I seek, 375

And mutual amity, so straight, so close.
That I with you must dwell, or you with me
Henceforth : my dwelling haply may not please,
Like this fair Paradise, your sense ; yet such
Accept your Maker's work; he gave it me, 380

Which I as freely give : Hell shall unfold.
To entertain you two, her widest gates,
And send forth all her kings ; there will be room,
Not like these narrow limits, to conceive
Your numerous offspring ; if no better place, 385

Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge
On you who wrong me not for him who wrong 'd.
And should I at your harmless innocence
Melt, as I do, yet public reason just,.
Honour and empire with revenge enlarged, 390

By conquering this new world, compel me now
To do what else, though damn'd, I should abhor
8

ee PARADISE LOST. b. nr

So spake the Fiend, and with necessity,
The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish deeds.
Then from his lofty stand on that high tree 393

Down he alights among the sportful herd
Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one,
Now other, as their shape served best his end
Nearer to view his prey, and, unespied.
To mark what of their state he more might learn, 400
By word or action mark'd : About them round
A lion now he stalks with fiery glare ;
Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied
In some purlieu two gentle fawns at play.
Straight couches close, then, rising, changes oft 405
His couchant watch, as one chose his ground.
Whence rushing, he might surest seize them both,
Griped in each paw : when Adam, first of men,
To first of women, Eve, thus moving speech,
Turn'd him, all ear to hear new utterance flow : 410

Sole partner and sole part of all these joj'^si,
Dearer thyself than all ; needs must the Power
That made us, and for us this ample world,
Be infinitely good, and of his good
As liberal and free as infinite ; 415

That raised us from the dust, and placed us here
In all this happiness, who at his hand
Have nothing merited, nor can perform
Aught whereof he hath need ; he who recpiires
From us no other service than to keep 420

This one, this easy charge, of all the trees
In Paradise that bear delicious fruit
So various, not to taste that only tree
Of knowledge, planted by the tree of life •
So near grows death to life, whate'er death is, 425
Some dieadful thing no doubt; for well thou know'st
God hath pronounced it death to taste that tree,
The only sign of our obedience left,
Among so many signs of power and rule
Conferr'd upon us, and dominion given 430

PARADISE LOST. 87

Over all other creatures that possess
Earth, air, and sea. Then let us not think hard
One easy prohibition, who enjoy
Free leave so large to all things else, and choice
Unlimited of manifold delights: 435

But let us ever praise him, and extol
His bounty, following our delightful task,
To prune these growing plants and tend these flowers,
Which were it toilsome, yet v/ith thee were sweet.

To whom thus Eve replied : O thou for whom 440
And from whom I was form'd, flesh of thy flesh,
And without whom am to no end, my guide
And head ! what thou hast said is just and right
For we to him indeed all praises owe
And daily thanks ; I chiefly, who enjoy 445

So for the happier lot, enjoying thee ♦
Pre-eminent by so much odds, while thou
Like consort to thyself canst no where find.
That day I oft remember, when from sleep
I first awaked, and found myself reposed 450

Under a shade on flowers, much wondering where
And what I was, whence thither brought and how.
Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound
Of waters issued from a cave, and spread
Into a liquid plain, then stood unmoved 455

Pure as the expanse of Heaven ; I thither went
With unexperienced thought, and laid me down
On the green bank, to look into the clear
Smooth lake, that to me seem'd another sky.
As I bent down to look, just opposite 460

A shape within the watery gleam appear'd.
Bending to look on me . I started back ;
It started back : but pleased I soon return'd ;
Pleased it return'd as soon with answering looks
Of sjanpathy and love : There I had fix'd 465

Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain desire,
Had not a voice thus warn'd me ; "What thou seest,
V/hat there thou secst, fair Creature, is thyself j

88 PARADISE LOST. b. iv,

With thee it came and goes : but follow me,

And I will bring thee where no shadow stays 470

Thy coming, and thy soft embraces, he

Whose image thou art ; him thou shalt enjoy

Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear

Multitudes like thyself, and thence be call'd

Mother of human race." What could I do, 47f

But follow straight, invisibly thus led ?

Till I espied thee, fair indeed and tall, ,

Under a platane ; yet methought less fair

Less winning soft, less amiably mild,

Than that smooth watery image : back I turn'd ; 480

Thou following criedst aloud, " Return, fair Eve ;

Whom fliest thou ? whom thou fiiest, of him thou art,

His flesh, his bone ; to give thee being I lent

Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart,

Substantial life, to have thee by my side 485

Henceforth an individual solace dear ;

Part of my soul I seek thee, and thee claim

My other half:" With that thy gentle hand

Seized mine : I yielded ; and from that time see

How beauty is excell'd by manly grace, 490

And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.

So spake our general mother, and with eyes
Of conjugal attraction unreproved.
And meek surrender, half embracing lean'd
On our first father ; half her swelling breast 495

Naked met his, under the flowing gold
Of her loose tresses hid : he in delight,
Both of her beauty and submissive charms.
Smiled with superior love, as Jupiter
On Juno smiles, when he impregns the clouds 500
That shed May flowers ; and press'd her matron lip
With kisses pure : Aside the Devil turn'd
For envy ; yet with jealous leer malign
Eyed them askance, and to himself thus plain'd :

Sight hateful, sight tormenting ! thus these two,
Imparadised in one another's arms, 506

PARADISE LOST. 89

The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill

Of bhss on bliss : while I to Hell am thrust,

Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,

Among our other torments not the least, 510

Still unfulfill'd with pain of longing pines.

Yet let me not forget what I have gain'd

From their own mouths : All is not theirs, it seems ;

One fatal tree there stands, of knowledge call'd,

Forbidden them to taste : Knowledge forbidden ' 515

Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord

Envy them that ? Can it be sin to know .''

Can it be death .-' And do they only stand

By ignorance ? Is that their happy state,

The proof of their obedience and their faith f 520

O fair foundation laid whereon to build

Their ruin ! hence I will excite their minds

With more desire to know, and to reject

Envious commands, invented with design

To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt 525

Equal with Gods : aspiring to be such.

They taste and die : What likelier can ensue ?

But first with narrow search I must walk round

This garden, and no corner le^ve unspied ;

A chance but chance may lead where I may meet 530

Some wandering Spirit of Heaven by fountain side,

Or in thick shade retired, from him to draw

What further would be learn'd. Live while ye may,

Yet happy pair ; enjoy, till I return,

Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed ! 535

So saying, his proud step he scornful turn'd,
But with sly circumspection, and began [roam.

Through wood, through waste, o'er hill, o'er dale, his
Meanwhile in utmost longitude, where Heaven
With earth and ocean meets, the setting sun 54ft

Slowly descended, and with right aspect
Against the eastern gate of Paradise
Levelled his evening ra^s : It was a rock
Of alabaster, piled up the clouds,

90 PARADISE LOST. b. iv

Conspicuous far, winding with one ascent 545

Accessible from earth, one entrance high ;

The rest was craggy cliff, that overhung

Still as it rose, impossible to climb.

Betwixt tliese rocky pillars Gabriel sat,

Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night ; 550

About him exercised heroic games

The unarmed youth of Heaven, but nigh at hand

Celestial armory, shields, helms, and spears,

Hung high with diamond flaming and with gold.

Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even 555

On a sunbeam, swift as a shooting star

In autumn thwarts the night, when vapours fired

[mpress the air, and shows the mariner

From what point of his compass to beware

Impetuous winds : He thus began in haste : 560

Gabriel, to thee thy course by lot hath given
Charge and strict watch, that to this happy place
No evil thing approach or enter in.
This day at height of noon came to ray sphere
A Spirit, zealous, as he seem'd, to know 565

More of the Almighty's works, and chiefly Man.
God's latest image : I described his way
Bent all on speed, and mark'd his aery gait ;
But on the mount that lies from Eden north,
Where he first lighted soon disccrn'd his looks 570
Alien from Heaven, with passions foul obscured :
Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade
Lost sight of him : One of the banish'd crew,
[ fear, hath ventured from the deep, to raise
New troubles ; him thy care must be to find. 575

To whom the winged warrior thus return'd :
Uriel, no wonder if thy perfect sight,
Amid the sun's bright circle where thou sitt'st
See far and wide : In at this gate none pass
The vigilance here placed, but such as come 580

Well known from Heaven ; and since meridian hour
No creature thence : If Spirit of other sort,

PARADISE LOST. 91

So minded, have o'erleap'd these earthly bounds
On purpose, hard thou know'st it to exclude
Spiritual substance with corporeal bar. 585

But if within the circuit of these walks,
In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom
Thou tell'st, by morrov^r dawning I shall know.

So promised he : and Uriel to his charge
Return 'd on that bright beam, whose point now raised
Bore him slope downward to the sun now fallen 591
Beneath the Azores ; whether the prime orb,
Incredible how swift, had thither roll'd
Diurnal ; or this less voluble earth.
By shorter fliglit to the east, had left him there, 595
Arraying v/ith reflected purple and gold
The clouds that on his western tlirone attend.
Now came still Evening on, and Twilight gray
Had in her sober livery all things clad ;
Silence accompanied ; for beast and bird, 600

They to their grassy couch, these to their nests,
Were slunk, all but the wakeful niglitingale j
She all night long her amorous descant sung ;
Silence was pleased : Now glow^'d the firmament
With living sapphires : Hesperus, that led 605

The starry host, rode brightest, till the moon,
Rising in clouded majesty, at length
Apparent queen unveil'd her peerless light,
And o'er the dark her silver mantle threw.

When Adam thus to Eve : Fair Consort, the hour
Of night, and all things now retired to rest, 611

Mind us of like repose ; since God hath set
Labour and rest, as day and night to men
Successive ; and the timely dew of sleep.
Now falhng with soft slumbrous weight, inclines 615
Our eyelids : Other creatures all day long
Rove idle, unemployed, and less need rest ;
Man hath his daily work of body or mind
Appointed, which declares his dignity,
And the regard of Henven on all his ways • C20

92 PARADISE LOST. b. iv

While other animals inactive range,

And of their doings God takes no account.

To-morrow, ere fresh morning streak the east

With first approach of light, we must be risen,

And at our pleasant labour, to reform 6%

Yon flowery arbours, yonder alleys green.

Our walk at noon with branches overgrown,

That mock our scant manuring, and require

More hands than ours to lop their wanton growth

Those blossoms also, and those dropping gums, C30

That lie bestrown, unsightly and unsmooth,

Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease ;

Meanwhile, as Nature wills, night bids us rest.

1^0 whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty adorn'd
My Author and Disposer what thou bidd'st 635

Unargued I obey : so God ordains :
God is thy law, thou mine : To know no more
Is woman's happiest knowledge, and her praise.
With thee conversing, I forget all time ;
All seasons, and their change, all please alike. G40

Sweet is the breath of Morn, her rising sweet.
With charm of earliest birds : pleasant the sun,
When first on this delightful land he spreads
His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower,
Glistering with dew ; fragrant the fertile earth 645
After soft showers ; and sweet the coming on
Of grateful Evening mild ; then silent Night,
With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon.
And these the gems of Heaven, her starry train:
But neither breath of Morn, when she ascends 650
With charm of earliest birds : nor rising sun
On this delightful land ; nor herb, fruit, flower,
Glistering with dew ; nor fragrance after showers ;
Nor grateful evening mild ; nor silent Night,
With this her solemn bird, nor walk by moon, 655
Or glittering starlight, without thee, is sweet.
But wherefore all night long shine these .'' for whom
This glorious sight when sleep hath shut all eyes ?

PARADISE LOST. 9S

To whom our general ancestor replied :
Daughter of God and Man, accomplish'd Eve, 660
These have their course to finish round the earth,
By morrow evening, and from land to land
In order, though to nations yet unborn,
Ministering light prepared, they set and rise ,
Lest total Darkness should by night regain 665

Her old possession, and extinguish life
In Nature and all things ; which these soft fires
Not only enlighten, but with kindly heat
Df various influence foment and warm,
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down 670

Their stellar virtue on all kinds that grow
On earth, made hereby apter to receive
Perfection from the sun's more potent ray.
These then, though unbeheld in deep of night, 674
Shine not in vain ; nor think, though men were none,
That Heaven would want spectators, God want praise
Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth
Unseen, both when we wake and when we sleep ;
A.11 these with ceaseless praise his werks behold
Both day and night : How often from stoep 680

Of echoing hill or thicket have we heard
Celestial voices to the midnight air,
Sole, or responsive each to other's note,
Singing their great Creator ? oft in bands
While they keep watch, or nightly rounding \ralk, 685
With heavenly touch of instrumental sounds
?n full harmonic number join'd, their songs
Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to Heaven.

Thus talking, hand in hand alone they pass'd
On to their blissful bower : it was a place 690

Chosen by the sov'reign Planter, when he framed
All things to Man's delightful use : the roof
Of thickest covert was inwoven shade
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew
Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side 695

94 PARADISE LOST. b. iv

Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub,

Fenced up the verdant wall ; each beauteous flower,

Iris all hues, roses, and jessamme,

Rear'd high their flourish'd heads between, and wrought

Mosaic ; underfoot the violet, 700

Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay

Broider'd the ground, more colour'd than with stone

Of costliest emblem : Other creature here.

Bird, beast, insect, or worm, durst enter none,

Such was their awe of Man. In shadier bower 705

More sacred and sequester'd, though but feign'o,

Pan or Sylvanus never slept, nor Nymph

Nor Faunus haunted. Here, in close recess,

With flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs,

Espoused Eve deck'd first her nuptial bed : 710

And heavenly choirs the hymencean sung,

What day the genial Angel to our sire

Brought her in naked beauty more adorn'd,

More lovely, than Pandora, whom the Gods

Endow'd with all their gifts, and O ! too like 715

In sad event, when to the unv/iser son

Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnared

Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged

On him who had stolen Jove's authentic fire.

Thus, at their shady lodge arrived, both stood, 720
Both turn'd, and under open sky adored
The God that made both sky, air, earth, and heaven,
Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe,
And starry pole : Thou also madest the night,
Maker Omnipotent, and thou the day 725

Which we, in our appointed work employ 'd,
Have finish'd, happy in our mutual help
And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss
Ordain'd by thee ; and this delicious place
For us too large, where thy abundance wants 731?

Partakers, and uncropp'd falls to the groimd.
But thou hast promised from us two a race

PARADISE LOST. 95

To fill the earth, who shall with us extol

Thy goodness infinite, both when we v.-ake

And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep. 73a

This said unanimous, and other rites
Observing none, but adoration pure
Which God likes best, into their inmost bower
Handed they went ; and, eased the putting off
These troublesome disguises which we wear, 740

Straiglit side by side were laid , nor turn'd, I ween,
Adam fiom his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites
Mysterious of connubial love refused :
"Whatever hypocrites austerely talk
Of purity, and place, and innocence, 7'45

Defaming as impure what God declares
Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all.
Our Maker bids increase ; who bids abstain
But our Destroyer, foe to God and Man .-*
Hnil, wedded Love ! mysterious law, true source 750
Of human offspring, sole propriety
In Paradise of all things common else.
By thee adulterous Lust was drivMi from men
Among the bestial herds to range ; by thee,
Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure, 755

PteUtions dear, and all the charities
Of father, son, and brother, first were known.
Far be it, that I should write thee sin or blame,
Or think thee unbefitting holiest place.
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets, 760

Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced,
Present or past, as saints and patriarchs used.
Here Love his golden shafts employs, here lights
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings.
Reigns Jiere and revels ; not in the bought smile 765
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendear'd,
Casual fraition ; nor in court amours,
Mix'd dance, or wanton mask, or midnight bail,
Or serenate, vv^hicli the starved lover sings
To his proud fair, best quitted with disaaiii 770

96 PARADISE LOST. b. iv.

These, lull'd by nightingales, embracing slept.
And on their naked limbs the flowery roof
Shower'd roses, which the morn repair'd. Sleep on,
Bless'd pair I and O ' yet happiest, if ye seek
No happier state, and know to know no more. 775

Now had night measured with her shadowy cope
Half way up hill this vast sublunar vault,
And from their ivory port the Cherubim,
Forth issuing at the accustora'd hour, stood arm'd
To their night watches in warlike parade ; 780

When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake :

Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the south
With strictest vv^atch ; these other wheel the north ;
Our circuit meets full west. As flame they part,
Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. 785
From these two strong and subtle Spirits he call'd
That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge.

Ithuriel and Zephon, with wing"d speed
Search through this garden, leave unsearch'd no nook ;
But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge, 790
Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm.
This evening from the sun's decline arrived,
Who tells of some infernal Spirit seen
Hitherward bent (who could have thought .'') escaped
The bars of Hell, on errand bad no doubt ; 795

Such, where ye find, seize fast, and hither bring.

So saying, on he led his radiant files,
Dazzling the moon ; these to the bower direct
In search of whom they sought : Him there they found
Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve, 800

Assaying by his devilish art to reach
The organs of her fancy, and with them forge
Illusions, as he list, phantasms and dreams ;
Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint
The animal spirits that from pure blood arise 805

Like gentle breaths, from rivers pure, thence raise
At least distemper'd, discontented thoughts,
Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires,

PARADISE LOST. 97

Blown up with high conceits ingendering pride.

Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear 810

Touch'd hghtly ; for no falsehood can endure

Touch of celestio,! temper, but returns

Of force to its own likeness : Up he starts

Discover'd and surprised. As w^hen a spark

L:ghts on a heap of nitrous powder, laid 815

fit for the tun some magazine to store

Against a rumour'd war, the smutty grain,

With sudden blaze diffused, inflames the air ;

So started up in his o-\vn shape the Fiend.

Back stepp'd those two fair Angels, half amazed 820

So sudden to behold the grisly king ;

Yet thus, unmoved with fear, accost him soon :

Which of those rebel Spirits adjudged to Hell
Comest thou, escaped thy prison ^ and, transform'd,
Why sat'st thoU like an enemy in wait, 825

Here watching at the head of these that sleep .'

Know ye not then, said Satan, fill'd with scorn,
Know ye not me ? ye knew me once no mate
For you, there sitting where ye durst not soar :
Not to know me argues yourselves unknown, 830

The lowest of your throng ; or, if ye know,
Why ask ye, and superfluous begin
Your message, like to end as much in vain ^

To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn-
Think not, revolted Spirit, thy shape the same, 835
Or undiminish'd brightness to be known.
As when thou stood'st in Heaven upright and pure ',
That glory then, when thou no more wast good,
Departed from thee ; and thou resemblest now
Thy sin and place of doom, obscure and foul. 840

But come ; for thou, be sure, shalt give account
To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep
This place inviolable, and these from harm.

So spake the Cherub : and his grave rebuke,
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace 845

Invincible : Aba,<:h'd the Devil stood,
9

98 PARADISE LOST. b. iv

And felt how awful goodness is. and saw

Virtue in her shape how lovely ; saw, and pined

His loss ; but chiefly to find here observed

His lustre visibly impair'd ; yet seem'd 850

Undaunted. If I must contend, said he,

Best with the best, the sender, not the sent,

Or all at once ) more glory will be won.

Or less be lost. Thy fear, said Zephon bold,

Will save us trial what the least can do 855

Single against thee wicked, and thence weak.

The Fiend replied not, overcome with rage ;
But, like a proud steed rein'd, went haughty on,
Champing his iron curb : To strive or fly
He held it vain ; awe from above had quell'd 860

His heart, not else dismay'd. Now drew they nigh
The western point, where those half-rounding guards
Just met, and closing stood in squadron join'd,
Av/aiting next command. To whom their Chief,
Gabriel, from the front thus call'd aloud : 865

O friends ! I hear the tread of nimble feet
Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern
Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade ;
And with them comes a third of regal port,
But faded splendour wan ; who by his gait 870

And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell,
Not likely to part hence without contest ;
Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours.

He scarce had ended, when those two approach'd,
And brief related whom they brought, where found, 875
How busied, in what form and posture couch'd.

To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake
Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribe
To thy transgressions, and disturb'd the charge
Of others, who approve not to transgress 880

By thy example, but have power and right
To question thy bold entrance on this place ,
Employ'd, it seems, to violate sleep, and those
Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss '

PARADISE LOST. 99

To whom thus Satan with contemptuous brow : 885
Gabriel ! thou hadst in Heaven the esteem of wise,
And such I held thee ; but this question ask'd
Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ?
Who would not, finding way, break loose from Hell,
Though thither doom'd? Thou wouldst thyself, no doubt,
And boldly venture to what ever place 891

Furthest from pain, where thou mightst hope to change
Torment with ease, and soonest recompense
Dole with delight, which in this place I sought ;
To thee no reason, who know'st only good, 895

But evil hast n ">t tried : and wilt object
His will who bounds us ? Let him surer bar
His iron gates, if he intends our stay
In that dark durance : thus much what was ask'd.
The rest is true, they found me where they say ; 900
But that implies not violence or harm.

Thus he in scorn. The warlike Angel moved,
Disdainfully half smiling, thus replied :
O loss of one in Heaven to judge of wise
Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew, 905

And now returns him from his prison scaped,
Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise
Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither
Unlicensed from his bounds in Hell prescribed ;
So wise he judges it to fly from pain 910

However, and to scape his punishment !
So judge thou still presumptuous ! till the wrath,
Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight
Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell,
Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain 915
Can equal anger infinite provoked.
But wherefore thou alone ? wherefore with thee
Came not all hell broke loose .'' is pain to them
Less pain, less to be fled ; or thou than thoy
Less hardy to endure ? Courageous Chief! 920

The first in flight from pain ! hadst thou alleged

IGO PARADISE LOST. b. i\

To thy deserted host this cause of flight,
Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive.

To which the Fiend thus answer'd, frowning stern ♦.
Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain, 985

Insulting Angel ! well thou know'st I stood
Thy fiercest, when in battle to thy aid
The blasting vollied thunder made all speed,
And seconded thy else not dreaded spear.
But still thy words at random, as before, 930

Argue thy inexperience what behoves
From hard assays and ill successes pass'd
A faithful leader, not to hazard all
Through ways of danger by himself untried :
I, therefore, I alone first undertook 935

To wing the desolate abyss, and spy
This new created world, whereof in Hell
Fame is not silent, here in hope to find
Better abode, and my afflicted Powers
To settle here on earth, or in mid air ; 940

Though for possession put to try once more
What thou and thy gay legions dare against ;
Whose easier business were to serve their Lord
High up in Heaven, with songs to hymn his throne,
And practised distances to cringe, not fight. 645

To whom the warrior Angel soon replied :
To say and straight unsay, pretending first
Wise to fly pain, professing next the spy,
Argues no leader Hit a liar traced,
Satan, and coulast thou ' faithful' add ? O name, 950
O sacred name of faithfulness profaned!
Faithful to whom ? to thy rebellious crew ?
Army of Fiends, fit body to fit head.
Was this your discipline and faith engaged,
Your military obedience, to dissolve 955

Mlegiance to the acknowledged Power supreme ."
And thou, sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem
Patron of liberty, who more than thou

PARADISE LOST 101

Once fawn'd, and cringed, and servilely adored
Heaven's awful Monarch ? wherefore, but in hope 960
To dispossess him, and thyself to reign ?
But mark what I aread thee now, Avaunt !
Fly thither whence thou fledst ! If from this hour
Within these hallow'd limits thou appear,
Back to the' infernal pit I drag thee chain'd, 9G5

And seal thee so as henceforth not to scorn
The facile gates of Hell too slightly barr'd.

So threatened he ; but Satan to no threats
Gave heed, but waxing more in rage replied

Then when I am thy captive talk of chains, 970
Proud limitary Cherub ! but ere then
Far heavier load thyself expect to feel
From my prevailing arm, though Heaven's King
Ride on thy wings, and thou v/ith thy compeers,
Used to the yoke, draw'st his triumphant wheels 975
In progress through the road of Heaven star-paved.

While thus he spake, the angelic squadron bright
Turn'd fiery red, sharpening in mooned horns
Their phalanx, and began to hem him round
With ported spears, as thick as when a field 980

Of Ceros ripe for harvest v/aving bends
Her bearded grove of ears, which way the wind
Sways them ; the careful ploughman doubting stands,
Lest on the threshing-floor his hopeless sheaves
Prove chaff. On the other side, Satan, alarm'd, 985
Collecting all his might, dilated stood,
Like Teneriff or Atlas, unremoved :
His stature reach'd the sky, and on his crest
Sat Horror plumed ; nor wanted in his grasp
What seem'd both spear and shield: now dreadful deeds
Might have ensued, nor only Paradise 901

In this commotion, but the starry cope
Of Heaven perhaps, or all the elements
At least had gone to v/reck, disturb'd and torn
With violence in this conflict, had not soon 995

The Eternal, to prevent such horrid fra}',
9 ^

t02 PARADISE LOST.

Hung forth in Heaven his golden scales, yet
Betwixt Astrea and the Scorpion sign,
Wherein all things created first he weigh'd,
The pendulous round earth Avith balanced air 1000
In counterpoise, now ponders all events,
Battles and realms : in these he put two weights,
The sequel each of parting and of fight :
The latter quick up flew and kick'd the beam ;
Which Gabriel spying, thus bespake the Fiend : 1005
Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know'st mine;
Neitiier our own, but givei: : what folly then
To boast what arms can do ? since thine no more
Than Heaven permits, nor mine, though doubled now
To trample thee as mire : for proof look up, 1010

And read thy lot in yon celestial sign ; [weak,

Where thou art weigh'd, and shown how light, hov
If thou resist. The Fiend look'd up, and knew
His mounted scale aloft : no more ; but fled
Murmuring, and with him lied the shades of night. 1015

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK V.

Morning approached, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream
he likes it not, yet comforts her : They come forth to their day
labours ; Their morrting hymn at the door of their bower. God,
to render man inexcusable, sends Raphael to admonish him of his
obedience, of his free estate, of his enemy near at hand, who he
is, and why his enemy, and whatever else may avail Adam to
know. Raphael comes down to Paradise ; his appearance describ-
ed; his coming discerned by Adam afar off sitting at the door
of his bower ; he goes out to meet bim, brings him to his lodge,
entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got together
by Eve; their discourse at table: Raphael performs his message,
minds Adam cf his state and of his enemy ; relates, at Adam's re-
quest, who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning
from his first revol"^ in Heaven, and the occasion thereof; how he
drew his legions after him to the parts of the north, and there in-
cited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only Abdiel, a Se-
raph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes
tiim.

Now Morn, her rosy steps in the' eastern clime

Advancing-, sow'd the earth with orient pearl,

When Adam waked, so custom'd ; for his sleep

Was aery light, from pure digestion bred,

And temperate vapours bland, which the' only sound 5

Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan,

Lightly dispersed, and the shrill matin song

Of birds on every bough ; so much the more

His wonder was to find unwaken'd Eve

vVith tresses discomposed, and glowing cheek, 10

As through unquiet rest : he, on his side

Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial love

Hung over her enamour'd, and beheld

Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep,

Shot forth peculiar graces ; then with voice 15

Mild as when Zeph3n:us on Flora breathes,

Her hand soft toucliing, whisper'd thus : Awake,

My fairest, mj espoused, my latest found,

Heaven's last best gift, my ever new delight '

104 PARADISE LOST. b. ^

Awake : the morning shines, and the fresh field 20
Calls us ; we lose the prime, to mark how sp.ing
Our tender plants, how blows the citron grove,
What drops the m^'rrh, and what the balmy reed,
How nature paints her colours, how the bee
Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet. 25

Such whispering v/aked her, but with startled eye
On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake :

O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose,
My glor}'', my perfection ' glad I see
Thy face, and m-orn return'd ; for I this night 30

(Such night till this I never pass'd) have dream'd,
If dream'd, not, as I oft am wont, of thee,
Works of day past, or morrow's next design,
But of oftence and trouble, which my mind
Knew never till this irkscine night : methought, 35
Close at mine ear one call'd me forth to walk
With gentle voice ; I thought it thine-, it said,
« "Why slecp'st thou. Eve .'' now is the pleasant time,
The cool, the silent, save where silenoe yields
To the night-warbling bird, that now awake 40

Tunes sweetest his love -labour 'd song , now reigns
Full orb'd the moon, and with more pleasing light
Shadowy sets oiF the face of things ; hi vain.
If none regard ; Heaven wakes with all his eyes,
Whom to behold but thee. Nature'?, desire ? 45

In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment
Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze."
I rose as at thy call, but found thee not ;
To find thee I directed then my walk ,
And on, methought, alone I pass'd through ways 50
That brought me on a sudden to the tree
Of interdicted knowledge : fair it seem'd,
Much fairer to my fancy than by day :
And, as I wondering look'd, beside it stood
One shaped and wing'd like one of those from Heaven
By us oft seen ; his dewy locks distill'd 56

Ambrosia ; on that tree he also gazed ;

PARADISE LOST. 105

And, " O fair plant," said he, " with fruit surcharged,

Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet,

Nor God, nor Man? Is knowledge so despised? CO

0» envy, or what reserve forbids to taste ?

Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold

Longer thy offer'd good ; why else set here ?"

This said, he paused not, but with venturous arm

He pluck'd, he tasted : me damp horror chill'd 65

At such bold \7ords vouch'd with a deed so bold «

But he thus, overjoy'd : " O fruit divine,

Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropp'd,

Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit

For Gods, yet able to make Gods of men 70

And why not Gods of Men ; since good, the more

Communicated, more abundant grows,

The author not impair'd, but honour'd more r

Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve !

Partake thou also : happy though thou art, 75

Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be :

Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods

Thyself a Goddess, not to earth confined.

But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes

A-Scend to Heaven, by merit thine, and see 80

What life the Gods live there, and such live thou !"

So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held.

Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part

Which he had pluck'd ; the pleasant savoury smell

So quicken'd appetite, that I, methought, 85

Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds

With him I flew, and underneath beheld

The earth outstretch'd immense, a prospect wide

And various : wondering at my flight and change

To this high exaltation ; suddenly 90

My guide was gone, and I, methought sunk down

And fell asleep ; but O, how glad I waked

To find this but a dream ! Thus Eve her night

Related, and thus Adam answer'd sad :

Best image of myself, and dearer half, 95

106 PARADISE LOST. b. v.

The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep

Affects me equally ; nor can I like

This uncouth dream, of evil sprung, I fear ; '

Yet evil whence ? in thee can harbour none, «

Created pure. But know that in the soul 100

Are many lesser faculties, that serve

Reason as chief; among these Fancy next

Her office holds ; of all external things,

Which the five watchful senses represent,

She forms imaginations, aery shapes, 105

Which Reason, joining or disjoining, frames

All what we affirm or what deny, and call

Our knowledge or opinion ; then retires

Into her private cell, when nature rests.

Oft in her absence mimic Fancy wakes 110

To imitate her ; but, misjoining shapes,

Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams ;

111 matching words and deeds long past or late.

Some such resemblances, methinks, I find

Of our last evening's talk, in this thy dream, 115

But with addition strange ; yet be not sad.

Evil into the mind of God or Man

May come and go, so unapproved, and leave

No spot or blame behind : whioh gives me hope

That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream 120

Waking thou never wilt consent to do,

Be not dishearten'd then, nor cloud those looks.

That wont to be more cheerful and serene

Than when fair morning first smiles on the world ;

And let us to our fresh employments rise 125

Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers

That open now their choicest bosom'd smells,

Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store.

So cheer'd ho his fair spouse, and she was cheer'd ;
But silently a gentle tear let fall 1 30

From either eye, and wiped them with her hair;
Tv/o other precious drops that ready stood.
Each in their crystal sluice, he ere they fell

PARADISE LOST. 107

Kiss'a, as the gracious signs of sweet remorse
And pibus awe, that fear'd to have offended. 135

So all was clear'd, and to the field they haste.
But first, from under shady arborous roof
Soon as they forth w^ere come to open sight
Of dayspring, and the sun, who, scarce uprisen,
With wheels yet hovering o'er the ocean-brim, 140
Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray,
Discovering in wide landscape all the east
Of Paradise and Eden's happy plains ;
Lowly they bow'd adoring, and began
Their orisons, each morning duly paid 145

In various style ; for neither various style
Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise
Their Maker, in fit strains pronounced, or sung
Unmeditated : such prompt eloquence
Flow'd from their lips, in prose or numerous verse, 150
More tunable than needed luto or harp.
To add more sweetness ; and they thus began :

These are thy glorious works. Parent of good,
Almighty ! Thine this universal frame.
Thus wondrous fair ; thyself how wondrous then ! 155
Unspeakable, who sitfst above these heavens
To us invisible, or dimly seen
In these thy lowest works ; yet these declare
Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine
Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, 160

Angels ; for ye behold him, and with songs
And choral symphonies, day without night.
Circle his throne rejoicing ; ye in Heaven.
On Earth join, all ye creatures, to extol
Him first, him last, him midst, and without end. 165
Fairest of stars, last in the train of night.
If better thou belong not to the dawn,
Sure pledge of day, that crown'st the smiling morn
With thy bright oirclet, praise him in thy sphere,
While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. 170

Thou Sun of this great world both eye and soul,

108 PARADISE LOST. b. v.

Acknowledge Iiim thy greater ; sound his praise

In thy eternal course, both when thou climb 'st,

And when high noon has gain'd, and when thou fall'st.

Moon, that now meet'st the orient sun, now fliest, VtS

With the fix'd Stars, fix'd in their orb that flies ;

And, ye five other wandering Fires, that move

In mystic dance not without song, resound

His praise, who out of darkness call'd up light.

Air, and, ye Elements, the eldest birth 180

Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion run

Perpetual circle, multiform ; and mix

And nourish all things ; let your ceaseless change

Vary to our great Maker still new praise.

Ye Mists and Exhalations, that now rise 185

From hill or steaming lake, dusky or gray,

Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold,

tn honour to tho world's great Author rise ;

Whether to deck with clouds the imcolour'd sky,

Or whet the thirsty earth w^ith falling showers, 190

Rismg or falling still advance his praise.

His praise, ye Winds, that from four quarters blow.

Breathe soft or loud ; and, wave your tops, ye Pines,

With every plant, in sign of worship wave.

Fountains; and ye that warble, as ye flow, 195

Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise.

Join voices, all ye living Souls : Ye Birds,

That singing up to Heaven-gate ascend,

Bear on y^ur wings and in your notes his praise.

Ye ^lat in waters glide, and ye that walk 200

The earth, and stately tread or lowly creep :

Witness if I be silent, morn or even.

To hill, or valley, fountain, or fresh shade,

Made vocal by my song, and taught his praise.

Hail, universal Lord I be bounteous still 205

To give us only good ; and if the night

Have gather'd aught of evil, or conceal'd,

Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark !

So pray'd they innocent, and to th«ir thoughts

PARADISE LOST. 109

Firm peace recovered soon, and wonted calm. 210

On to their morning's rural work they haste,
Among sweet dews and flowers ; where any row
Of fruit trees over-woody rcach'd too far
Their pamper 'd boughs, and needed hands to check
Fruitless embraces : or they led the vine 215

To wed her elm ; she, spoused, about him twines
Jler marriageable arms, and with her brings
Her dower, llie adopted cKisters, to adorn
His barren leaves. Them thus employ'd beheld
With pity Heaven's high King, a-nd to him call'd 220
Raphael, the sociable Spirit, that deign"d
To travel with Tobias, and secured
His marriage with the seven-times v/edded maid.

Raphael, said he, thou iiear'st v.'hat stir on Earth
Satan, from Hell scaped through the darksome gulf,
Hath raised in Paradise ; and how disturb'd 22G

This night the human pair ; how he designs
[n them at once to ruin all mankind.
Go, therefore, half this day as friend with friend
Converse with Adam, in v/hat bower or shade 21^0

Thou find'st him from the heat of noon retired,
To respite his day-labour vrith repast,
Or with repose ; and such discourse bring on,
As may advise him of his happy state,
Happiness in his power left free to v.'ill, 235

Eeft to his own free will, his will though free,
Yet mutable ; whence warn him to beware
He swerve not, too secure : Tell him withal
His danger, and from whom ; what enemy,
Late fallen himself from Heaven, is plotting now 240
The fall of others from like state of bliss ;
By violence .'' no, for that shall be withstood ;
But by deceit and lies : This let him knov/,
Lest, wdfully transgressing, he pretend
Surprisal, unadmonish'd, unforewarn'd. 2^5

So spake the Eternal P'athcr, and fulfill'd
A.11 justice : Nor dolav'd the winged Saint
10 '

110 PARADISE LOST. n. v

After his charge received ; but from among

Thousand celestial Ardours, where he stood

Veil'd with his gorgeous wings, upspringing light, 250

Flew through the midst of Heaven , the angelic choirs,

On each hand parting, to his speed gave way

Through all the empyreal road ; till, at the gate

Of Heaven arrived, the gate self-open'd wide

On golden hinges tur-ning, as by work 255

Divine the sov'reign Architect had framed.

From hence no cloud, or, to obstruct his sight,

Star interposed, however small, he sees.

Not unconform'd to other sliining globes.

Earth, and the garden of God, with cedars crown'd

Above all hills. As when by night the glass 261

Of Galileo, less assured, observes

Imagined lands and regions in the moon •

Or pilot, from amidst the Cycladcs

Delos or Samos first appearing, kens 265

A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight

He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sky

Sails between worlds and worlds, with steady wing

Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan

Winnows the buxom air ; till, within soar 270

Of towering eagles, to all the fowls he seems

A phenix, gazed by all as- that sole bird.

When, to enshrine his reliques in the Sun's

Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies.

At once on the eastern cliff of Paradise 275

He lights, and to his proper shape returns,

A seraph wing'd : Six wings he wore to shade

His lineaments divine ; the pair that clad

Each shoulder broad, came manfUng o'er his breast

With regal ornament ! the middle pair 28")

Girt like a starry zone his waist, and round

Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold

And colours dipp'd in Heaven ; the third his feet

Shadow'd from either heel with feather'd mail.

Sky-tinctured grain. Like Maia's son he stood, 285

PARADISE LOST. lU

And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance fill'd
The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands
Of Angels under watch ; and to his state
And to his message high, in honour rise ;
For on some message high they guess'd him bound.
Their glittering tents he pass'd, and now is come 291
Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh,
And flowering odours, cassia, nard, and balm ;
A wilderness of sweets : for Nature here
Wanton'd as in her prime, and play'd at will 295

Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet,
Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss.
Him through the spicy forest onward come
Adam discern'd, as in the door he sat
Of his cool bower, while now the mounted sun 300
Shot down direct his fervid rays to warm
Earth's inmost womb, more warmth than Adam needs •
And Eve within, due at her hour, prepared
For dinner savoury fruits, of taste to pleaso
True appetite, and not disrelish thirst 305

Of neetarous draughts between, from milky stream,
Berry or grape : To whom thus Adam call'd :

Haste hither, Eve, and worth thy sight behold
Eastward among those trees, what glorious shape
Comes this way moving ; seems another morn 310
Risen on midnoon ; some great behest from Heaven
To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe
This day to be our guest. But go with speed,
And, what thy stores contain, bring forth, and pour
Abundance, fit to honour and receive 315

Our heavenly stranger : Well may we afford
Our givers their own gifts, and large bestow
From large bestow'd, where nature multiplies
Her fertile growth, and by disburdening grows
More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare. 320

To whom thus Eve : Adam, earth's hallow'd mould.
Of God inspired ! small store will serve, where store,
All seasons, riue for xise han<rs on the stalk;

112 . PARADISE LOST. b. v

Save what by frugal storiii-g firmness gains

To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes . 325

But I will haste, and from each bouarli and brake,

Each plant and juiciest gourd, will pluck such choico

To entertain our Angel guest, as he

Beholding shall confess, that here on Earth

God hath dispensed his bounties as in Heaven. 330

So saying, with despatchful looks in haste
She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent ;
What choice to choose for delicacy best,
What order, so contrived as not to mix
Tastes not well join'd, inelegant, but bring 335

Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change ;
Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk
Whatever Earth, all bearing mother, yields
In India East or West, or middle shore
In Pontus or the Punic coast, or v/liere 340

Alcinous reign'd, fruit of all kinds, in coat
Rough, or smooth rind, or bearded husk, or shell,
Slie gathers tribute large, and on the board
Heaps with unsparing hand ; for drinli the grape
She crushes, inoffensive must, and mcaths 345

From many a berry, and from sweet kernels press'd
She tempers dulcet creams ; nor these to hold
Wants her fit vessels pure ; then strows the ground
With rose and odours from the shrub unfumed.

Rleanwhile our primitive great sire, to meet 350
His Godlike guest, v/alks forth, without more train
Accompanied than with his own complete
Perfections ; in himself was all his state,
More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits
On princes, when their rich retinue long 355

Of horses led, and grooms besmear'd with gold,
Da.zzles the crowd, and sets them all agape.
Nearer his presence Adam, though not awed,
Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek,
As to a superior nature bowing low, 360

Thus said : Native of Jleaven, for other place

PARADISE LOST. 113

None can than Heaven such glorious shape contain
Since, by descending from the thrones above,
Those happy places thou hast deign'd a while
To want, and honour these, vouchsafe with us 365
Two only, who yet by sov'reign gift possess
This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower
To rest ; and what the garden choicest bears
To sit and taste, till this meridian heat
Be over, and the sun more cool decline. 370

Whom thus the angelic Virtue answer 'd mild :
Adam, I therefore came ; nor art thou such
Created, or such place hast here to dwell,
As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heaven,
To visit thee ; lead on then where thy bower 375

O'ershades ; for these midhours, till evening rise,
I have at will. So to the silvan lodge
They came, that like Pomona's arbour smiled,
With flowerets deck'd, and fragrant smells ; but Eve,
Undeck'd save with herself, more lovely fair 380

Than Woodnymph, or the fairest Goddess feign'd
Of three that in mount Ida naked strove.
Stood to entertain her guest from Heaven ; no veil
6he needed, virtue-proof', no thought infirm
Alter'd her cheek. On whom the Angel Hail 385
Bestow'd, the holy salutation used
Long after to bless'd Mary, second Eve.

Hail, Mother of Mankind, whose fruitful womb
Shall fill the world more numerous with thy sons
Than with these various fruits the trees of God 390

Have heap'd this table ! Raised of grassy turf

Their table was, and mossy seats had round,
And on her ample square from side to side
All autumn piled, though spring and autumn here
Danced hand in hand. A while discourse they hold ; 395
No fear lest dinner cool ; when thus began
Our author : Heavenly stranger, please to taste
These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom
All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends,
10^

114 PARADISE LOST. i. v.

To us for food and for delight hath caused 405

The earth to yield ; unsavoury food perhaps
To spiritual nature ; only this I know,
That one celestial Father gives to all.

To whom the Angel : Therefore what he gives
(Whose praise be ever sung) to Man in part 410

Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found
No ingrateful food : and food alike those pure
Intelllgential substances require,
As doth your rational ; and both contain
Within them every lower faculty 415

Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste,
Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate.
And corporeal to incorporeal turn.
For know, whatever was created needs
To be sustained and fed : of elements 420

The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea.
Earth and the sea feed air, the air tliose fires
Ethereal, and as lowest first the moon ;
Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurged
Vapours not yet into her substance turn'd. 42a

Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale
From her moist continent to higher orbs.
The sun, that light imparts to all, receives
From all his alimental recompense
In humid exhalations, and at even 430

Sups with the ocean. Though in Heaven the trees
Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines
Yield nectar ; though from off the boughs each morn
We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground
Cover'd with pcaily grain : yet God hath here A?.'i
V^aried his bounty so with new deligh ts.
As may compare with Heaven ; and to taste
Think not I sliall be nice. So down they sat,
And to their viands fell ; nor seemingly
The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss 440

Of Theologians ; but with keen despatch
Of real hunger, and concoctive heat

PARADISE LOST. 115

To transubstantiate : v/hat redounds transpires
Through Spirits with ease : nor wonder ; if by fire
Of sooty coal the etnpiric alchemist 445

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn,
Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold,
As from the mine. INIeanwhile at table Eve
Minister'd naked, and^heir flowing cups
With pleasant liquors crown'd : O innocence 450

Deserving Paradise 1 If ever, then,
Then had the sons of God excuse to have been
Ennmour'd at that sight ; but in those hearts
Love unlibidinous reign'd, nor jealousy
Was understood, the injured lover's hell. 455

Thus Avhen with meats and drinks they Imd sufficed,
Not burden'd nature, sudden mind arose
In Adam, not to let the occasion pass
Given him by this great conference to know
Of things above his world, and of their being 460

Who dwell in Heaven, whoso excellence he saw
Transcend his own so far ; whose radiant forms,
Divine effulgence, whose high power, so far
Exceeded human ; and his wary speech
Thus to the empyreal minister he framed : 465

Inhabitant with God, now know I well
Thy favour, in this honour done to Man :
Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafed
To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste,
Food not of Angels, yet accepted so, 470

As that more willingly thou couldst not seem
At Heaven's high feasts to have fed; yet what compare?

To whom the winged Hierarch rephed:
O Adam, One Almighty is, from whom
All things proceed; and up to him return, 475

If not depraved from good, created all
Such to perfection, one first matter all,
Endued with various forms, various degrees
Of substance, and, in things that live, of life ;
But more refined, more epiritnuF, and pure, 480

J 16 PARADISE LOST. b. v.

As nearer to him placed, or nearer tending

Each in their several active spheres assign'd,

Till body up to spirit work, in bounds

Proportion'd to each kind. So from the root

Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the kavea

More aery, kist the bright consummate flower 486

•Spirit odorous breathes : flowerg*and their fruit,

Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed,

To vital spirits aspire, to animal.

To intellectual ; give both life and sense, 490

Fancy and understanding ; whence the soul

Reason receives, and reason is her being,

Discursive, or intuitive ; discourse

Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours,

Differing but in degree, of kind the same. 495

Wonder not then, what God for you saw good

If I refuse not, but convert, as you.

To proper substance. Time may come, when Meii

With Angels may participate, and find

No inconvenient diet, nor too light fare ; 500

And from these corporal nutriments perhaps

Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit,

Improved by tract of time, and, wing'd, ascend

Ethereal, as we ; or may, at choice,

Here or in heavenly Paradises dwell ; 505

[f ye be found obedient, and retain

Unalterably firm his love entire.

Whose progeny you are. Meanwhile enjoy

Your fill what happiness this happy state

Can comprehend, incapable of more. 510

To whom the patriarch of mankind replied ;
O favourable Spirit, propitious guest,
Well hast thou taught the way that might direct
Our knowledge, and the scale of nature set
From centre to circumference ; whereon, 515

In contemplation of created things,
By steps we may ascend to God. But say,
What meant that caution join'd, If ye he found

PARADISE LOST. 117

Ohedir.nt ? Can we want, obedience then
To liim, or possibly his love desert, 'S20

Who form'd us from the dust and placed us here,
Full to the utmost measure of what bliss
Human desires can seek or apprehend ?
To whom the Angel: Son of Heaven and Earth,
Attend ! That thou art happy, owe to God ; 525

That thou coiitinuest such, owe to thyself,
That is, to thy obedience ; therein stand.
This was that caution given thee ; be advised.
God made thee perfect, not immutable ;
And good he made thee, but to persevere 530

He left it in thy power ; ordain'd thy will
By nature free, not overruled by fate
Inextricable, or strict necessity :
Our voluntary service he requires,
Not our necessitated ; such with him 535

Finds no acceptance, nor can find ; for how
Can hearts, not free, be tried whether they serve
Willing or no, who will b;t what they must
By destiny, and can no (;l':er choose ?
Myself, and a.11 the angelic host, that stand .''»40

In sight of God enthroned, our happy state
Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds ;
On other surety none : freely we serve,
Because we freely love, as in our will
To love or not , in this we stand or fall : 545

And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen,
And so from Heaven to deepest Hell ; O fall
From v/hat high state of bliss, into what woe !
To whom our great progenitor : Thy words
Attentive, and with more delighted ear, 550

Divine instructor, I have heard, than when
Cherubic songs by night from neighbouring hills
Aerial music send : nor knew I not
To be both will and deed created free ;
Yet that we never shall forget to love 550

Our Maker, and obey him whose command

118 PARADISE LOST. e. v

Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts

Assured me, and still assure : though what thou tell'st

Hath pass'd in Heaven some doubt within me move,

But more desire to hear, if thou consent, 560

The full relation, which must needs be strange,

Worthy of sacred silence to be heard ;

And we have yet large day, for scarce the sun

Hath finish'd half his journey, and scarce begins

His other half in the great zone of Heaven. 565

Thus Adam made request : and Raphael,
After short pause assenting, thus began :

High matter thou enjoin'st me, O prime of men
Sad task and hard : for how shall I relate
To human sense the invisible exploits 570

Of warring Spirits .'' how, without remorse.
The ruin of so many glorious once
And perfect while they stood ? how last unfold
The secrets of another world, perhaps
Not lawful to reveal ? yet for thy good 575

This is dispensed ; and what surmounts the reach
Of human t^ciise, I shall delineate so,
By likening spiritual to corporeal forms,
As may express them best ; though what if Earth
Be but the shadow of Heaven, and things therein 580
Each to other like, more than on earth is thought .''

As yet this world was not, and Chaos wild
Reign'd where these Heavens now roll, where Earth
Upon her centre poised ; when on a day [now rests
(For time, though in eternity, applied 585

To motion, measures all things durable
By present, past, and future,) on such day
As Heaven's great year brings forth, the empyrial host
Of Angels, by imperial summons call'd.
Innumerable before the Almighty's throne 590

Forthwith, from all the ends of Heaven, appear'd
"Under their Hierarchs in orders bright :
Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced.
Standards and gonfalons 'twixt van and rear

PARADISE LOST. 119

Stream in the air, and for distinction serve 595

Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees ;
Or in their ghttering tissues bear imblazed
Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love
Recorded eminent. Thus when in orbs
Of circuit inexpressible they stood, 600

Orb within orb, the Father Infinite,
By w.hom in bliss imbosom'd sat the Son,
Amidst as from a flaming mount, whose top
Brightness had made invisible, thus spake :

Hear, all ye. Angels, progeny of light, G05

Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers ;
Hear ray decree, which unrevoked shall stand.
This day I have begot whom I declare
My only Son, and on this holy hill
Him have anointed, whom ye now behold 610

At my right hand ; your head I him appoint ;
And by myself have sworn, to him shall bow
All knees in Heaven, and shall confess him Lord ;
Under his great vicegerent reign abide
United, as one individual soul, 615

For ever happy : him who disobeys,
Me disobeys, breaks union, and that day,
Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls
Into utter darkness, deep ingulfd, his place
Ordain'd without redemption, without end. 620

So spake the Omnipotent, and with his words
All seem'd well pleased ; all seem'd, but were not all.
That day, as other solemn days, they spent
In song and dance about the sacred hill ;
Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere 625

Of planets, and of fix'd, in all her wheels
Resembles nearest, mazes intricate.
Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular
Then most, when most irregular they seem ;
And in their motions harmony divine 630

So smooths her charming tones, that Gods own ear
Listens delighted. Evening now appraach'd

120 PARADISE LOST. b. v

(For we have also our evening and our morn,

We ours for change delectable, not need ;)

Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn 635

Desirous : all in circles as they stood,

Tables are set, and on a sudden piled

With Angels' food, and rubied nectar flows

In pearl, in diamond, and massy gold.

Fruit of delicioiTS vines, the growth of Heaven. 640

On flowers reposed, and with fresh flowerets crown'd,

They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet

Quaff immortality and joy, secure

Of surfeit, where full measure only bounds

Excess, before the all bounteous King, w^ho shovrer'd

With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy. 64G

Nov/ when ambrosial night, with clouds exhaled

From that high mount of God whence light and shade

Spring both, the face of brightest Heaven had changed

To grateful twilight (for night comes not there 650

In darker veil,) and roseate dews disposed

All bat the unsleeping eyes of God to rest ;

Wide over all the plain, and v/idcr flir

Than all this globous eartli in plain outspread

(Such are the courts of God.) the angelic throng, 655

Dispersed in bands and files, their camp extend

By living streams among the trees of life,

Pavilions numberless, and sudden rear'd,

Celestial ta.bernacle3, where they slept

Fann'd with cool v/inds ; save those, who in their course,

Pilelodious hymns about the sov'reign throne 661

Alternate all night long : but not so vv'^aked

Satan ; so call him now, his former name

Is heard no more in Heaven ; he of the first.

If not the first Archangel, great in power, 665

In favour, and preeminence, yet fraught

With envy against the Son of God, that day

Honour'd by his great Father, and proclaim'd

Messiah King anointed, could not bear

Through pride that sight, and thought himself impair'd.

PARADiSE LOST. 121

Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain, G71

Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour
Friendhest to sleep and silence, he resolved
With all his legions to dislodge, and leave
Unworship'd, unobey'd, the throne supreme, G75

Contemptuous ; and his next subordinate
Awakening, thus to him in secret spake :

Sleep'st thou, companion dear r What sleep can close
Thy eyelids ? and remember 'st what decree
Of yesterday, so late hath pass'd the lips 680

Of Heaven's Almighty. Thou to me thy thoughts
Wast wont, I mine to ihee was wont to impart :
IJ'ith waking \vg were one ; hov.' then can now
Thv sleep dissent .' new laws thou seest imposed ;
New laws from him who reigns new minds may raise
In us v.'ho serve, new counsels to debate GSG

^ v'hat doubtful may ensue : More in this place
To utter is not safe. Assemble thou
Of all those myriads which we lead the chief;
Tell them, that by command, ere yet dim night 690
Her shadowy cloud v/ithdraws, I am to haste,
And all who under me their banners wave.
Homeward, with flying march, where we possess
The quarters of the north; there to prepare
Fit entertainment to receive our king, 695

The great Messiah, and his new commands,
Who speedily through all the hierarchies
Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws

So spake the false Archangel, and infused
Bad influence into the unwary breast 700

Of his associate : he together- calls.
Or several one by one, the regent Powers,
Under him Regent ; tells, as he was taught,
That the Most High commanding, now ere night,
Now ere dim night had disencumber'd Heaven, 705
The great hierarchal standard was to move ;
Tells the suggested cause, and cast between
11

122 PARADISE LOST. b. v

Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound

Or taint integrity . but all obey'd

The wonted signal, and superior voice 7J0

Of their great Potentate ; for great indeed

His name, and high was his degree in Heaven ;

His countenance, as the morning star that guides

The starry flock, allured them, and with lies

Drew after him the third part of Heaven's host. 7J5

Meanwhile the Eternal eye, whose sight discerns

Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount,

And from within the golden lamps that burn

Nightly before him, saw without their light

Rebellion rising ; saw in whom, hov/ spread 720

Among the sons of morn, what multitudes

Were banded to oppose his high decree ;

And, smiling, to his only Son thus said :

Son, thou in whom my glory I behold
In full resplendence. Heir of all my might, 725

Nearly it now concerns us to be sure
Of our Omnipotence, and with what arms
We mean to hold what anciently we claim
Of deity or empire : such a foe

Is rising, who intends to erect his throne 730

Equal to ours, throughout the spacious north ;
Nor so content, hath in his thought to try,
In battle, what our power is, or our right.
Let us advise, and to this hazard drav/
With speed what force is left, and all employ 735

In our defence ; lest unawares we lose
This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.

To v/hom the Son with calm aspect and clear,
Lightning divine, ineffable, serene,
Made answer : Mighty Father, thou thy foes 740

Justly hast in derision, and, secure,
Laugh'st at their vain designs and tumults vaia ;
Matter to me of glory, whom their hate
Illustrates, when they see all regal power

PARADISE LOST. 123

Given me to quell their pride, and in event 745

Know whether I be dexterous to subdue
Thy rebels, or be found the worst in Heaven.

So Spake the Son ; but Satan, with his Powers
Far was advanced on winged speed ; a host
Innumerable as the stars of night, 750

Or stars of morning, dewdrops, which the sun
Impearls on every leaf and every flower.
Regions they pass'd, the mighty regencies
Of Seraphim, and Potentates, and Thrones
In their triple degrees ; regions to which 755

All thy dominion, Adam, is no more
Than what this garden is to all tlie earth
And all the sea, from one entire globose
Stretch'd into longitude ; which having pass'd,
At length into the limits of the north 760

They came ; and Satan to his royal seat
High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount
Raised on a mount, with pyramids and towers
From diamond quarries hewn, and rocks of gold ;
The palace of great Lucifer (so call 765

That structure in the dialect of men
Interpreted,) which, not long after, ha
Affecting all equality with God,
In imitation of that mount whereon
Messiah was declared in sight of Heaven, 770

The Mountain of the Congregation call'd ;
For thither he assembled all his train,
Pretending so commanded to consult
About the great reception of their King,
Thither to come, and with calumnious art 775

Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears :

Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers,
If these magnific titles yet remain
Not merely titular, since by decree
Another now hath to himself engross'd 780

All power, and us eclipsed, under the name
Of King anointed, for whom all this haste

124 PARADISE LOST. b. v

Of mianigiit-march, and hurried meeting here,

This only to consult how we may best,

With what may be devised of honours new, 785

Receive him coming to receive from us

Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile '.

Too much to one ! but double how endured,

To one, and to his image now proclaim'd ?

But what if better counsels might erect 790

Our minds, and teach us to cast off this yoke?

Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend

The supple knee ? Ye will not, if I trust

To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves

Natives and sons of Heaven possess'd before 795

By none ; and if not equal all, yet free,

Equally free ; for orders and degrees

Jar not with liberty, but well consist.

Who can in reason then, or right, assume

Monarchy over such as live by right 800

His equals, if in power and splendour less,

In freedom equal ? or can introduce

Law and edict on us, who without law

Err not ? much less for this to be our Lord,

And look for adoration, to the abuse 805

Of those imperial titles, which assert

Our being ordain'd to govern, not to serve.

Thus far bis bold discourse without control
Had audience ; when among the Seraphim
Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal adored 810
The Deity, and divine commanos ooey d,
Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe
The current of his fury thus opposed.

O argument blaspheznous, false, and proud !
Words which no ear ever to hear in Heaven 815

Expected, least of all from thee, Ingrate,
In place thyself so high above thy peers.
Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn
The just decree of God pronounced and sworn,
TJiat to Ids only Soii, by right endued 820

PARADISE LOST. 125

With regal sceptre, every soul in Heaven
Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due
Confess him rightful King ? unjust, thou say'st,
Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free,
And equal over equals to let reign, 825

One over all witli unsucceeded power.
Shalt thou give law to God ? shalt thou dispute
Wjth him the points of liberty, who made
Thee what thou art, and form'd the Powers of Heaven
Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being .''
Yet, by experience taught, we know how good, 831
And of our good and of our dignity
How provident he is ; how far from thought
To make us less, bent rather to exalt
Our happy state, under one head more near 835

United. But to grant it thee unjust,
That equal over equals monarch reign :
Thyself, though great and glorious, dost thou count,
Or all angelic nature join'd in one.
Equal to him begotten Son ? hy whom, 840

As by his Word, the Mighty Father made
All things, e'en thee; and all the Spirits of Heaven
B> him created in their bright degrees,
Crown'd tliem with glory, and to their glory named
Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers,
Essential powers ; nor by his reign obscured, 846

But more illustrious made ; since he the head
One of our number thus reduced becomes ;
His laws our laws ; all honour to him done
Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage, 850
And tempt not these ; but hasten to appease
The incensed Father, and the incensed Son,
While pardon may be found in time besought.

So spake the fervent Angel: but his zeal
Noji3 seconded, as out of season judged, 855

Or singular and rash : Whereat rejoiced
The Apostate, and, more haughty, thus replied:
That we were form'd then, say'st thou ? and the work

12(3 PARADISE LOST. b. v.

Of secondary hands, by task transferr'd

From Father to his Son ? strange point and new ! 860

Doctrine which we would know whence learn'd : who

When this creation was ? remember'st thou [saw

Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being ?

"We know no time when we were not as now ;

Know none before us, self-begot, self raised 865

By our own quickening power, when fatal course

Had circled his full orb, the birth mature

Of this our native Heaven, ethereal sons.

Our puissance is our own ; our own right hand

Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try 870

Who is our equal : Then thou shalt behold

Whether by supplication we intend

Address, and to begird the almighty throno

Beseeching or besieging. This report.

These tidings carry to the anointed King j 875

And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.

He said : and, as the sound of waters deep.
Hoarse murmur echo'd to his words applause
Through the infinite host ; nor less for that
The flaming Seraph fearless, though alone 880

Eucornpass"d round with foes, thus answcr'd bold:

O alienate from God, O Spirit accursed,
Forsaken of all good ! I see thj fall
Determined, and thy hapless crew involved
In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread 885

Both of thy crime and punishment : henceforth
No more be troubled how to quit the yoke
Of God's Messiah ; those indulgent laws
Will not be now vouchsafed ; other decrees
Against thee are gone forth without recal ; 890

That golden sceptre which thou didst reject,
Is now an iron rod to bruise and break
Thy disobedience. Weil thou didst advise ;
Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly
These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath 895

Tmpondent, raginp- into sudden flame,

PARADISE LOST. 127

Distinguish not : For soon expect to feel
His thundei on thy head, devouring fire.
Then who created thee lamenting learn,
When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know. 900

So spake -the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found
Among the faithless, faithful only lie ;
Among innumerable falje, unmoved,
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified.
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal ; 905

Nor number nor example with him wrought
To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind.
Though single. From amidst them forth he pass'd,
Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustain 'd
Superior, nor of violence fear'd aught ; 91 C

And, v^rith retorted scorn, his back he turn'd
On those proud towers to swift destruction doom'd.

PARADISE LOST.
BOOK VI

Raphael continues to relate how Michael and Gabriel were sent
forth to battle against Satan and his Angels. Tiie first fight
described: Satan and his Powers retire under night: He calls a
council ; invents devilish engines, which, in tlie second day's
tight, put Micliael and his Angels to some disorder ; but they at
length, pulling up mountains, overwhelmed both the force and
machines of Satan; Yet, the tumult not so ending, God, on the
third (lay, sends MESSIAH liis son, for whom he had reserved
the glory of that victory: lie, in the power of his Father,
coming to the place, and causing ail his legions to stand still on
either side, with his chariot and thunder driving into the midst
of his enemies, pursues them, unable to resist, towards the wall
of Heaven: wliich opening, they leap down with horror and
confusion into the place of punislmient prepared for them in the
deep: MESSIAH returns with triumph to his Father

All ni^lit the dreadless Angel, unpursued, [Morn,
Through Heaven's wide champaign held his way ; till
Waked by the circling Hours, with rosy hand
Unbarr'd the gates of light. There is a cave
Within the mount of God, fast by his throne, 5

Where light and darkness in perpetual round
Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through
Grateful vicissitude, like day and night ; [Heaven,
Light issues forth, and at the other door
Obsequious darkness enters, till her hour 10

To veil the Heaven, though darkness there might well
Seem twilight here : And now went forth the Morn
Such as in highest Heaven array'd in gold
Empyreal ; from before her vanish'd Night,
Shot through v>'ith orient beams ; when all the plain 15
Cover'd with thick embattled squadrons bright,
Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds,
Rcflectmg blaze on blaze, first met his view :
War he perceived, war m procinct ; and found
Alrea,dy known what he for news had thought 20

PARADISE LOST 129

To Iiave reported : Gladly then he mix'd

Among- those friendly Powers, who hhn received

With joy and acclamations loud, that one,

That of so many myriads fallen, yet one

Keturn'd not lost. On to the sacred hill 25

They led him high applauded, and present

Before the seat supreme ; from whence a voice,

From midst a golden cloud, thus raild was heard :

Servant of God, well done ; well hast thou fought
The better fight, who single hast maintain'd 30

Against revolted multitudes the cause
Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms ;
And for the testimony of truth hast borne
Universal reproach, far worse to bear
Than violence ; for this was all thy care 35

To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds
Judged thee perverse : The easier conquest now
Remains thee, aided by this host of friends,
Back on thy foes more glorious to return
Than scorn 'd thou didst depart ; and to subdue 40

By force who reason for their law refuse,
Hight reason for their law, and for their King
Messiah, who by right of merit reigns.
Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince,
And thou, in military prowess next, 45

Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons
Invincible ; lead forth my armed Saints,
By thousands and by millions, ranged for fight,
Equal in number to that Godless crew
Rebellious : Them with fire and hostile arms 50

Fearless assault ; and, to the brow of Heaven
Pursuing, drive them out from God and bliss,
Into their place of punishment, the gulf
Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide
His fier}' Chaos to receive their fall. 55

So spake the Sov'reign Voice, and clouds began
To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll
In dusky wreaths, reluctant flames, the sign

130 PARADISE LOST. b. vi.

Of wrath awaked ; nor with less dread the loud

Ethereal trumpet from on high 'gan blow : CO

At which command the Powers militant,

That stood for Heaven, in mighty quadrate jom'd

Of union irresistible, moved on

In silence their bright legions, to the sound

Of instrumental harmony, that breathed 65

Heroic ardour to adventurous deeds,

Under their Godlike leaders, in the cause

Of God and his Messiah. On they move

Indissolubly firm ; nor obvious hill,

Nor straitening vale, nor wood, nor stream divides 70

Their perfect ranks ; for high above the ground

Their march was, and the passive air upbore

Their nimble tread : as when the total kind

Of birds, in orderly array on wing,

Came summon'd over Eden to receive 75

Their names of thee ; so over many a tract

Of Heaven they march'd, and many a province wide,

Tenfold the length of this terrene At last,

Far in the horizon to the north appear'd

From skirt to skirt a fiery region, stretch'd 80

In battailous aspect, and nearer view,

Bristled with upright beams innumerable

Of rigid spears, and helmets throng'd, and shields

Various, with boastful argument portray'd,

The banded Powers of Satan hasting on 85

"With furious expedition ; for they ween'd

That selfsame day, by fight or b}'- surprise.

To win the mount of God, and on his throne

To set the Envier of his state, the proud

Aspirer ; but their thoughts proved fond and vain 90

In the mid Vv'ay : Though strange to us it seem'd

At first that Angel should with Angel war,

And in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet

So oft in festivals of joy and love

Unanimous, as sons of one great Sire, 95

Hymning tha Eternal Father : but the shout

PARADISE LOST. 131

Of battle now began, and rushing sound
Of onset ended soon each milder thought.
High in the midst, exalted as a god,
The Apostate in hi-s sun-bright chariot sat, lOO

Idol of majesty divine, enclosed
V/ith flaming Cherubim, and golden shields ;
Then lighted from his gorgeous throne, for now
'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left,
A dreadful interval, and front to front 105

Presented stood in terrible array
Of hideous length : Before the cloudy van,
On the rougli cd<iG of battle ere it join'd,
Satan, with vast and haughty strides advanced,
Came towering, arm'd in adamant and gold ; 110

Abdiei that sight endured not, v/here he stood
Among the miglitiest, bent oa highest deeds,
Aiid tims his own undaunted heart explores :

O Heaven ! that such resemblance of the Highest
Should yet remain, where faith and realty 115

Remain not : Wherefore should not strength and might
There fail where virtue fails, or weakest prove
Where boldest, though to sight unconquerable ?
His puissance, trusting in the Almighty's aid,
I mean to try, v/bose reason I have tried 120

Unsound and false; nor is it aught but just,
That he, who in debate of truth hath won,
Should win in arms, in both disputes alike
Victor ; though brutish that contest and foul
When reason hath to deal with force, yet so 125

Most reason is that reason overcome.

So pondering, and from his armed peers
Forth stepping opposite, half way he met
His daring foe, at this prevention more
Incensed, and thus securely hira defied : 130

Proud, art thou met .' thy hope was to have reach 'd
The height of tliy aspiring unopposed,
The throne of God unguarded, and his side
Abandon'd, at the terror of tiiy power

132 PARADISE LOST. b. vi

Or potent tongue : Fool ! not to think how vain 135

Against the Omnipotent to rise in arms ;

Who out of smallest things could, without end,

Have raised incessant armies to defeat

Thy folly ; or with solitary hand

Reaching beyond all limit, at one blow, 140

Unaided, could have fiuish'd thee, and whelm'd

Thy legions under darkness : but thou seest

All are not of thy train ; there be, who faith

Prefer, and piety to God, though then

To thee not visible, when I alone 145

Seein'd in thy world erroneous to dissent

From all : My sect thou seest ; now learn too late

How few sometimes may know, when thousands err.

Whom the grand foe, with scornful eye askance.
Thus answer'd : 111 for thee, but in wish'd hour 150
Of my revenge, first sought for, thou return'st
From flight, seditious Angel ! to receive
Thy merited reward, the first assay
Of this right hand provoked, since first that tongue,
Inspired with contradiction, durst oppose 155

A third part of the Gods, in synod met
Their deities to assert; who, while they feel
Vigour divine within them, can allow
Omnipotence to none. But well thou comest
Before thy fellows, ambitious to win 160

From me some plume, that thy success may show
Destruction to the rest ; This pause between
(Unanswer'd lest thou boast,) to let thee know
At first I thought that Liberty and Heaven
To heavenly souls had been all one ; but now 165

I see that most through sloth had rather serve,
Ministering Spirits, train'd up in feast and song !
Such hast thou arm'd, the minstrelsy of Heaven,
Servility with freedom to contend.
As both their deeds compared this day shall prove. 17t

To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern replied :
Apostate ! still thou errst, nor end wilt find

I'ARADISi" J.OST 133

Of erring, from tlie path of truth remote .
Unjustly thou dcpravest it witli the name
Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains 175

Or Nature : God and Nature bid the same,
When he who rules is worthiest, and excels
Them whom he governs. This is servitude,
To serve the unwise, or hira who hath rebell'd
Against his worthier, as thine now serve the-e, 180
Thyself not free, but to thyself enthrall'd ,
Yet lewdly darest our ministering upbraid.
Reign thou in Hell, thy kingdom ; let me serve
In Heaven God ever bless'd, and his divine
Behests obey, worthiest to be obey'd ; 185

Yet chains in Hell, not realms, expect ; Meanwhile
From me, return'd, as erst thou saidst, from flight,
This greeting on thy impious crest receive. .

So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high.
Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fell 190
On the proud crest of Satan, that no sight.
Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield,
Such ruin intercept : Ten paces huge
He back recoil'd ; the tenth .on bended knee
His massy spear upstaid : as if on earth 195

Winds under ground, or waters forcing way,
Sidelong had pujh'd a mountain from his seat,
Half sunk with all his pines. Amazement seized
The rebel Thrones, but greater rags, to see
Thus foil'd their mightiest ; ours joy fill'd, and shout,
Presage of victory, and fierce desire 201

Of battle : Whereat Michacil bid sound
The Archangel trumpet ; through the vast of Heaven
It sounded, and the faithful armies rung
Hosanna to the Highest : Nor stood at gaze 205

The adverse legions, nor less hideous join'd
The horrid shock. Now storming fury rose.
And clamour such as heard in Heaven till now
Was never ; arms on armour clashing bray'd
Horrible discord, and the madding wheels 210

12

134 PARADISE LOST. b.

Of brazen chariots raged ; dire was the noise

Of conflict ; overhead the dismal hiss

Of fiery darts in flaming volleys flew,

And flying vaulted either host with fire.

So under fiery cope together rush'd

Both battles main, with ruinous assault

And inextinguishable rage. All Heaven

Resounded ; and had Earth been then, all Earth

Had to her centre shook. What wonder .'' when

Millions of fierce encountering Angels fought

On either side, the least of whom could wield

These elements, and arm him with the force

Of all tlieir regions : Plow much more of Power

Army against army numberless to raise

Dreadful combustion warring, and disturb,

Though not destroy, their happy native seat ;

Had not the Eternal King Omnipotent,

From his strong hold of Heaven, high overruled

And limited their might ; though number'd such

As each divided legion might have seem'd

A numerous host ; in strength each armed hand

A legion ? led in fight, yet leader seem'd

Each warrior single as in chief, expert

When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway

Of battle, open when, and when to close I

The ridges of grim war : No thought of flight,

None of retreat, no unbecoming deed

That argued fear ; each on himself relied,

As only in his arm the moment lay

Of victory : Deeds of eternal fame

V/ere done, but infinite ; for wide was spread

That war, and various ; sometimes on firm ground

A standing fight, then, soaring on main wing,

Tormented all the air ; all air seem'd then

Conflicting fire. Long time in even scale 1

The battle hung ; till Satan, who that day

Prodigious power had shown, and met in arms

No equal, ranging through the dire attack

PARADISE LOST. 135

Of fighting Seraphim confused, at length
Saw where the sword of Michael smote, and fell'd 250
Squadrons at once ; with huge two-handed sway
Brandish 'd aloft, the horrid edge came down
Wide wasting ; such destruction to withstand
He hasted, and opposed the rocky orb
Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield, 255

A vast circumference. At his approach
The great Archangel from his warlike toil
Surceased, and glad as hoping here to end
Intestine war in Heaven, the archfoe subdued
Or captive dragg'd in chains, Vv-^ith hostile frown 260
And visage all iuflamed first thus began :

Author of evil unlmown till thy revol^.
Unnamed in Heaven, now plenteous ?'=' chon seest
These acts of hateful strife, hateful to all,
Though heaviest by just measure on thyself, 26.5

And thy adherents : How hast thou disturb'd
Heaven's blessed peace, and into nature brought
Misery, uncreated till the crime
Of thy rebellion ! how hisl thou instill'd
Thy malice into thcusands, once upright 270

And faithful, now proved false ! But think not here
To trouble holy rest ; Heaven casts thee out
From all her confines. Heaven, the seat of bliss,
Brooks not the works of violence and war.
Hence then, and evil go with thee along, 275

Thy offspring, to the place of evil, Hell ;
Thou and thy wicked crew ! there mingle broils,
Ere this avenging sword begin thy doom.
Or some more sudden vengeance, wing'd from God,
Precipitate thee with augmented pain. 280

So spake the Prince of Angels ; to whom thus
The Adversary. Nor think thou with wind
Of aery threats to awe whom yet with deeds
Thou canst not. Hast thou turn'd the least of these
To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise 285

Unvanpuisli'd, easier to transact with me

J 36 PARADISE LOST b. vf.

That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with threats

To cliase me hence ? err not, that so shall end

The strife which thou call'st evil, but we style

The strife of glory ; which we mean to win, 290

Or turn this Heaven itself into the Hell

Thou fablest ; here however to dwell free,

If not to reign : Meanwhile thy utmost force,

And join him named Almighty to thy aid,

T fly not, but have sought thee far and nigh. 295

They ended parle, and both address'd for fight
Unspeakable ; for who, though with the tongue
Of Angels, can relate, or to what things
Liken on earth conspicuous, that may lift
Human imagination to such height 300

Of Godlike power ? for likest Gods' they seem'd ;
Stood they or moved, in stature, motion, arms,
Fit to decide the empire of gri.at Heaven.
Now waved their fiery swords, and in the air
Made horrid circles ; two broad suns their shields 305
Blazed opposite, while Expectation stood
In horror: I'rom each hand with speed retired,
Where erst v.as thickest fight, the angelic throng,
And left large field, unsafe within the wind
Of such commotion ; such as, to set forth 310

Great things by small, if, nature's concord broke,
Among the constellations war were sprung-,
Two planets, rushing from aspect malign
Of fiercest opposition, in mid sky
Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound.
Togetlier both with next to almighty arm 316

Uplifted imminent, one stroke they aim'd
That might determine, and not need repeat,
As not of power at once ; nor odds appear'd
In might or swift prevention : But the sword 320

Of Michael from the armory of God .
Was given him temper'd so that neither keen
Nor solid might resist that edge : it met
The sword of Satan, with steep force to smite

PARADISE LOST. U7

Descendin«r, and in half cut sheer ; nor staid, 325

But with swift wheel reverse, deep entering, shared

All his right side : Then Satan first knew pain,

And writhed him to and fro convolved ; so sore

The griding sword with discoaitinuous wound

Pass'd through him : But the ethereal substance closed,

Not long divisible ; and from the gash ' 331

A stream of nectarous< humour issuing flow'd

Sanguine, such as celestial Spirits may bleed,

And all his armour stained, erewhile so bright.

Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run 335

By Angels many and strong, who interposed

Defence, while others bore him on their shields

Back to his chariot, where it stood retired

From off the files of war : There they him laid

Gnashing for anguish and despite and shame, 340

To find himself not matchless, and his pride

Humbled by such rebuke, so far beneath

His confidence to equal God in power.

Yet soon he heaFd ; for Spirits that live throughout

Vital in every part, not as frail man 345

In entrails, heart or head, liver or reins.

Cannot but by annihilating die ;

Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound

Receive, no more than can the fluid air :

All heart they live, all head, all eye, all ear, 350

All intellect, all sense ; and, as they please,

They limb themselves, and colour, shape, or size

Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare.

Meanwhile in other parts hke deeds deserved
Memorial, where the might of Gabriel fought, 355
And with fierce ensigns pierced the deep array
Of Moloch, furious king ; who him defied,
And at his chariot- wheels to drag him bound
Threaten'd, nor from the Holy One of Heaven
Refrain'd his tongue blasphemous ; but anon 360

Down cloven to the v/aist, with shatter'd arms
.\nd uncouth pain fled bellowing. On each wing
12*

133 PARADISE LOST. b. hi

Uriel, and Raphael, his vaunting foe,
Though huge, and in a rock of diamond arm'd,
Vanqaish'd Adramalech, and Asmadai, 365

Two potent Tlu'ones, that to be less than Gods
Disdain'd, but meaner thoughts learn'd in their flight,
Mangled with ghastly wounds through plate and mail.
Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy
The atheist crew, but with redoubled blow 370

Ariel, and Arioch, and the violence
Of Ramiel scorch'd and blasted, overthrew.
I might relate of thousands, and their names
Eternize here on earth ; but those elect
Angels, contented with their fame in Heaven, 3',T5
Seek not the praise of men : The other sort,
in might though wondrous and in acts of war,
Nor of renov/n less eager, yet by doom
Cancel'd from Heaven and sacred memory,
Nameless in dark oblivion let thom dwell. 380

For strength from truth divided, and from just,
Illaudable, nought merits but dispraise
And ignominy ; yet to glory aspires
Vain-glorious, and through infamy seeks fame •
Therefore eternal silence be their doom. 385

And now, their mightiest quell'd, the battle swerved,
With many an inroad gored; deformed rout
Enter'd, and foul disorder ; all the ground
With shiver'd armour strown, and on a heap
Chariot and charioteer lay overturn'd, 390

And fiery-foaming steeds ; what stood recoil'd
O'er wearied, through the faint Satanic host
Defensive scarce, or with pale fear surprised,
Then first with fear surprised, and sense of pain,
Fled ignominious, to such evil brought 395

By sin of disobedience ; till that hour
Not liable to fear or ^ight or pain.
Far otherwise the inviolable Saints
In cubit phalanx firm, advanced entire,
Invulnerable, impenetrably arm"d ; 400

PARADISE LOST. 139

Such high advantages their innocence
Gave them above their foes ; not to have sinn'd,
Not to have disobey'd ; in fight they stood
Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pain'd
By wound, though from their place by violence moved.

Now night her course began, o-nd, over Heaven 406
Inducing darkness, grateful truce imposed,
And silence on the odious din of war :
Under her cloudy covert both retired,
Victor and vanquish'd : On the foughten field 410

Michael and his Angels prevalent
Encamping, placed in guard their watches round,
Cherubic waving fires: On the other part,
Satan with his rebellious disappear 'd.
Far in the dark dislodged; and, void of rest, 415

His potentates to council call'd by night ;
And in the midst thus undismay'd began :

O now in danger tried, now known in arms
Not to be overpower'd. Companions dear,
Found worthy not of liberty alone, 420

Too mean pretence ! but what we more affect,
Honour, dominion, glory, and renown ;
Who have sustain 'd one day in doubtful fight,
(And if one day, why not eternal days ?)
What Heaven's Lord had powerfulest to send 425

Against us from about his throne, and judged
Sufficient to subdue us to his will,
But proves not so : tlren fallible, it seems,
Of future we may deem him, though till now
Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly arm'd, 430
Some disadvantage we endured and pain,
Till now not known, but, known, as soon contemn 'd;
Since now we find this our empyreal form
Incapable of mortal injury,

Imperishable, and, though pierced with wound; 435
Soon closing, and by native vigour heal'd.
Of evil then so small as easy think
Tlio remedv ; nerhaps more valid arms

140 PARADISE LCJST. b. vi,

Weapons more violent, when next we meet,

May serve to better us, and worse our foes, 440

Or equal what between us made the odds,

In nature none : If other hidden cause

Left them superior, while we can preserve

Unhurt our minds, and understanding sound,

Due search and consultation will disclose. . 445

He sat ; and in the assembly next upstood
Nisroch, of Principalities the prime ;
As one he stood escaped from cruel fight,
Sore toil'd, his riven arms to havoc hewn,
And cloudy in aspect thus answering spake : 450

Deliverer from new Lords, leader to free
Enjoyment of our right as Gods : yet hard
l^'or Gods, and too unequal work we iind,-
Against unequal arms to fight in pain.
Against unpain'd, impassive ; from which evil 455
Ruin must needs ensue ; for what avails
V^alour or strength, though matchless, quell'd with pain,
Which all subdues, and makes remiss the hands
Of mightiest ? Sense of pleasure we may well
Spare out of life perhaps, and not repine, 460

But live content, which is the calmest life •
But pain is perfect misery, the worst
Of evils, and, excessive, overturns
All patience. He, who therefore can invent
With what more forcible we may offend 465

Our yet unwounded enemies, or arm
Ourselves with like defence, to me deserves
No less than for deliverance what we owe.

Whereto with look composed Satan replied :
Not uninvented that, which thou aright 470

Believest so main to our -success, I bring.
Which of us who beholds the bright surface
Of this ether eons mould whereon we stand,
Tliis continent of spacious Heaven, adorn'd
With plant, fruit, flower ambrosial, gems, and gold ;
Whose e^'e so superficially surveys 476

PARADISE LOST. 141

These things, as not to mind from whence they grow

Deep under ground, materials dark and crude,

Of spirituous and fiery spume, till touch'd

With Heaven's ray, and temper'd, they shoot forth 480

So beauteous, opening to the ambient light ?

These in their dark nativity the deep

Shall yield us, pregnant with infernal flame ;

Which, into hollow engines, long and round,

Thick ramm'd, at the other bore with touch of fire 485

Dilated and infuriate,- shall send fortli

From far, with thundering noise, among our foes

Such implements of mischief as shall dash

To pieces, and o'erwhelm whatever stands

Adverse, that they shall fear v/e have disarm'd 490

The Thunderer of his only dreaded bolt.

Nor long shall be our labour ; yet ere dawn,

Effect shall end our wish. Meanwhile revive ;

Abandon fear ; to strength and counsel join'd

Think nothing hard, much less to be despair'd. 495

He ended, and his words their drooping cheer
Enlighten'd, and their languish'd hope revived.
The invention all admired, and each, how he
To be the inventor miss'd ; so easy it seem'd [thought
Once found, which yet unfound most would have
Impossible : Yet haply of thy race 501

In future days, if malice should abound,
Some one intent on mischief, or inspired
With devilish machination, might devise
Like instrument to plague the sons of men 505

For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent.
Forthwith from council to the work they flew ,
None arguing stood ; innumerable hands
Were ready ; in a moment up they turn'd
Wide the celestial soil, and saw beneath 510

The originals of nature in their crude
Conception ; sulphurous and nitrous foam
They found, they mingled, and, with subtle art,
Concocted and adjusted, they reduced

142 PARADISE LOST. b. vi.

To blackest grain, and into store convey'd : 515

Part hidden veins digged up (nor hath this earth

Entrails unlike) of mineral and stone,

Whereof to found their engines and their balls

Of missive rum ; part incentive reed

Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire, 520

So all ere dayspring, under conscious night,

Secret they finish'd, and in order set.

With silent circumspection, unespied.

Now when fair morn orient in Heaven appear'd,
Up rose the victor-Angels, and to arms 525

The matin trumpet sung : in arms they stood
Of golden panoply, refulgent host.
Soon banded ; otliers from the dawning hills
Look round, and scouts each coast light-armed scour,
Each quarter to descry the distant foe, 530

Where lodged, or whither fled, or if for fight,
in motion or in halt : Him soon they met
Under spread ensigns moving nigh, in slow
But firm battalion : back with speediest sail
Zophiel, or Cherubim the swiftest wing, 535

Came flying, and in mid air aloud thus cried •

Arm, Warriors, arm for fight ; the foe at hand,
Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit
This day ; fear not his flight ; so thick a cloud
He comes, and settled in his face I see 640

Sad resolution, and secure : Let each
His adamantine coat gird well, and each
Fit well his helm, gripe fast his orbed shield,
Borne even or high ; for this day will pour down,
if I conjecture aught, no drizzling shower, 545

But rattling siorms of arrows barb'd with fire.

So warn'd he them, aware themselves, and soon
Jn order, quit of all impediment ;
Instant without disturb they took alarm.
And onward moved embattled : When behold ! 550
Not distant far with heavy pace the foe
Approaching gross and hucve, in hollow cube

PARADISE LOST. ]43

Training his devilish enginery, impaled

On every side with shadowing squadrons deep,

To hide the fraud. At interview both stood 555

Awhile ; but suddenly at head appear'd

Satan, and thus was heard commo,nding loud :

Vanguard, to right and left the front unfold ;
That all may see who hate us, how we seek
Peace and composure, and with open breast 5G0

Stand ready to receive them, if they lUie
Oar overture, and turn not back perverse ;
But that I doubt ; however witness, tieaven !
Heaven, witness thou anon ! while we discharga
Freely our part : ye, who appointed stand, 5G5

Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch
What we propound, and loud that all may hear !

So scoffing in ambiguous words, he scarce
Had ended ; when to right and left the front
Divided, and to either flank retired : 570

Which to our eyes discovered, new and strange,
A triple mounted row of pillars laid
On wheels (for like to pillars most they seem'd,
Or hollow "d bodies made of oak or fir.
With branches lopp'd, in wood or mountain fell'd,) 575
Brass, iron, stony mould, had not their mouths
With hideous orifice gaped on us wide.
Portending hollow truce : At eacli behind
A Seraph stood, and in his hand a reed
Stood waving tipp'd with fire : wliile we, suspense, 580
Collected stood within our thoughts amused,
Not long : for sudden all at once their reeds
Put forth, and to a narrow vent applied
With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame, 584

But soon obscured with smoke, all Heaven appear'd,
T'rom those deep-throated engines bclch'd, whose roar
Embov/eVd with outrageous noise the air,
And all her entrails tore, disgorging foul
Their devilish glut, chain'd thunderbolts and hail
Of iron globes ; which, on the victor host 590

144 PARADISE LOST. b. vi

Levcrd, witli such impetuous fury smote,

That, whom they hit, none on their feet might stand,

Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell

By thousands, Angel on Archangel roll'd ;

TJie sooner for their arms ; unarm'd, they might 595

Have easil}', as Spirits, evaded swift

By quick contraction or remove ; but now

Foul dissipation follow 'd, and forced rout j

Nor served it to relax their serried files.

What should they do '' if on they rush'd, repulse GOO

Repeated, and indecent overthrow

Doubled, would render them yet more despised,

And to their foes a laughter ; for in view

Stood rank'd of Seraphim another row,

In posture to d'splode their second tire 605

Of thunder : Back defeated to return

They worse abhorr'd. Satan beheld their phght,

And to his r/>ates thus in derision call'd :

O Friends ! why come not on these victors proud .''
Ere while they fierce were coming ; and when we 610
To entertain them ivh with open front
And breast, (what could we more .'') propounded terms
Of composition, straiglit they changed their minds.
Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell,
As they would dance ; yet for a dance they seem'd 615
Somewhat extravagant and wild ; perhaps
For joy of ofter'd peace : But I suppose
If our proposals once again were heard.
We should compel them to a quick result.

To whom thus Belial, in like gamesome mood : 620
Leader ! the terms we sent were terms of weight,
Of hard contents, and full of force urged home ,
Such as we might perceive amused them all,
And stumbled many : Who receives them right
Had need from head to foot well understand ; 625

Not understood, this gift they have besides,
They show us when our foes walk not upright.

So they among themselves in pleasant vein

PARADISE LOST 145

Stood scoffing:, Iieighten'd in their thoughts bej'ond
All doubt of victory : Eternal Might 630

To match with their inventions they presumed
So easy, and of his thunder made a scorn,
And all his host derided, while they stood
Awhile in trouble : But they stood not long ;
Rage prompted them at length, and found them arms
Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose. 636

Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power,
Which God hath in his mighty Angels placed I)
Their arms away they threw, and to the hills
(For Earth hath this variety from Heaven 640

Of pleasure situate in hill and dale,)
Light as the lightnin g glimpse they ran, they flew ;
From their foundations loosening to and fro.
They pluck'd the seated hills, with all their load,
Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops 645
Uplifting bore them in their hands : Amaze,
Be sure, and terror seized the rebel host,
When coming towards them so dread they saw
The bottom of the mountains upward turn'd ;
Till on those cursed engines' triple-row 650

They saw them whelm'd, and all their confidence
Under the weight of mountains buried deep ;
Themselves invaded next, and on their heads
Main promontories flung, which in the air 654

Came shadowing, and oppress'd whole legions arm'd ;
Their armour helped their harm, crushed in and bruised
Into their substance pent, which wrought them pain
Implacable, and many a dolorous groan;
Long struggling underneath, ere they could wind
Out of such prison, though Spirits of purest light, 660
Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown.
The rest, in imitation, to like arms
Betook them, and the neighbouring hills uptore :
So hills amid the air encounter'd hills,
Hurl'd to and fro with jaculation dire } 665

Til at under ground thoy fought in dismal shade ;
13

146 PARADISE LOST. b. vi

Infernal noise ! war seem'd a civil game

To this uproar ; horrid confusion heap'd

Upon confusion rose : and now all Heaven

Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspread ; 67(

Had not the Almighty Father, where he aits

Shrined in his sanctuary of Heaven secure,

Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen

This tumult, and permitted all, advised :

That his great purpose he might so fulfil, 675

To honour his anointed Son avenged

Upon his enemies, and to declare

All power on him transferr'd : whence to his Son,

The Assessor of his throne, he thus began :

Effulgence of my glory. Son beloved, 680

Son, in whose face invisible is beheld
Visibly what by Deity I am ;
And in whose hand wliat by decree I doj
Second Omnipotence ! two days are pass'd,
Two days, as we compute the days of Heaven, 085
Since Michael and his Powers went forth to tame
These disobedient : sore hath been their fight.
As likeliest Avas, when two such foes met arm'd ,
For to themselves I left them ; and thou know'st,
Equal in their creation they were form'd, 690

Save what sin hath impair'd ; which yet hath wrought
Insensibly, for I suspend their doom ;
Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last
Endless, and no solution will be found :
War wearied hath perform'd what war can do, 695
And to disorder'd rage let loose the reins,
With mountains, as with weapons, arm'd ; which makes
Wild work in Heaven, and dangerous to the main.
Two days are therefore pass'd, the third is thine j
For thee I have ordain'd it ; and thus far 700

Have suff'er'd, that the glory may be thine
Of ending this great war, since none but Thou
Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace
fnimcnse I have transfused that all may know

PARADJSE LOST. 147

In Heaven and Hell thy power above compare ; 705
And, this perverse commotion govern'd thus,
To manifest thee worthiest to be Heir
Of all things ; to be Heir, and to be King
By sacred unction, thy deserved right.
Go then. Thou Mightiest, in thy Father's might ; 710
Ascend my chariot, guide the rapid wheels
That shake Heaven's basis, bring forth all my war,
My bow and thunder, my almighty arms
Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh ;
Pursue these sons of darkness, drive them out 715

From all Heaven's bounds into the utter deep :
There let them learn, as likes them, to despise
God, and Messiah his anointed Kijig.

He said, and on his Son with rays direct
Shone full ; he all his Father full express'd 720

Ineffably into his face received ;
And thus the Filial Godhead answering spake :

O Father, O Supreme of heavenly Thrones,
First, Highest, Holiest, Best ; thou always seek'st
To glorify thy Son, I always thee, 725

As is most just : this I my glory account,
My exaltation, and my whole delight,
That thou, in me well pleased, declarest thy will
Fulfill'd, which to fulfil is all my bliss.
Sceptre and power, thy giving, I assume, 730

And gladlier shall resign, when in the end
Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee
For ever ; and in me all whom thou lovest :
But whom thou hatest I hate, and can put on
Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on, 735

Image of thee in all things , and shall soon,
Arm'd with thy might, rid Heaven of these rebell'd ,
To their prepared ill mansion driven down,
To chains of darkness, and the undying worm ;
That from thy just obedience could revolt, 740

Whom to obey is happiness entire.
Then shall tliy Saints unmix'd, and from the impure

148 PARADISE LOST. e. vi

Tar separate, circlraiT thy holy mount.

Unfeigned Hallelujahs to thee sing,

Hymns of high praise, and I among them Chief. 745

So said, he, o'er his sceptre bowing, rose
From the right hand of Glory where he sat ;
And the third sacred morn began to shine, [sound,
Dawning through Heaven. Forth rush'd with whirlwind
The chariot of Paternal Deity, 750

Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawn,
Itself instinct with Spirit, but convoy'd
By four Clierubic shapes ; four faces each
Had wondrous : as with stars, their bodies all
And wings were set with eyes ; with eyes the wheels
Of beryl, and careering fires between; 756

Over their heads a crystal firmament,
Whereon a sapphire throne, inlaid with pure
Amber, and colours of the showery arch.
He, in celestial panoply all arm'd 760

Of radiant Urim, work divinely wrought,
Ascended ; at his right hand Victory
Sat eagle-winged ; beside him hung his bow
And quiver v/ith three-bolted thunder stored ;
And from about him fierce effusion roll'd 765

Of smoke and bickering flame and sparkles dire :
Attended v/ith ten thousand Saints,
He onward came ; far off" his coming shone ;
And twenty thousand (I their number heard)
Chariots of God, half on each hand, were seen ; 770
He on tlie wings of Cherub rode sublime
On the crystdlline sky, in sapphire throned,
Illustrious far and wide ; but by his own
First seen ; tliem unexpected joy surprised,
When the great ensign of Messiah blazed 775

Aloft by Angels borne, his sign in Heaven ;
Under whose conduct Michael soon reduced
His army, ciroumfused on either wing,
Under their Head embodied all in one.
Before him Power Divine his way prepared ; 780

PARADISE LOST 149

At his command the uprooted hills retired

Each to his place ; they heard his voice, and went

Obsequious ; Heaven his wonted face renew'd,

And with fresh flowerets hill and valley smiled.

This saw his hapless foes, but stood obdured, 785

And to rebellious fight rallied their Powers,

Insensate, hope conceiving from despair.

In heavenly Spirits could such perverseness dwell ?

But to convince the proud what signs avail,

Or wonders move the obdurate to relent ? 790

They, harden'd more by what might most reclaim,

Grieving to see his glory, at the sight

Took envy ; and, aspiring to his height,

Stood reembattled fierce, by force or fraud

Weening to prosper, and at length prevail 795

Against God and Messiah, or to fall

ji_i universal ruin last ; and now

To final battle drew, disdaining flight,

Or faint retreat ; when the great Son of God

To all his host on either hand thus spake : 800

Stand still in bright array, ye Saints ; here stand.
Ye Angels arm'd ; this day from battle rest :
Faithful hath been your warfare, and of God
Accepted, fearless in his righteous cause ;
And as ye have received, so have ye done, 805

Invincibly : but of this cursed crew
The pmiishment to other hand belongs ;
Vengeance is his, or whose he sole appoints :
Number to this day's work is not ordain'd,
Nor multitude ; stand only, and behold 810

God's indignation on these godless pour'd
By me ; not you, but me they have despised,
STet envied ; against me is all their rage,
Because the Father, to whom in Heaven supreme
Kingdom and power and glory appertains, 815

Hath honoured me, according to his will.
Therefore to me their doom he hath assigned;
That they may have their wish, to try with me
13*

im PARADISE LOST. b. vi.

In battle which the stronger proves ; they all,

Or I alone against thexr ; since\by strength 820

They measure all, of other excellence

Not emulous, nor care who them excels ;

Nor other strife with them do I vouchsafe.

So spake the Son, and into terror changed
liis countenance too severe to be beheld, 825

A.nd full of wrath bent on his enemies.
At once the Four spread out their starry wings
With dreadful shade contiguous, and the orbs
Of his fierce chariot roll'd, as with the soimd
Of torrent floods, or of a numerous host. 830

He on his impious foes right onward drove,
Gloomy as night ; under his burning wheels
The steadfast empyrean shook throughout,
All but the throne itself of God. Full soon
Among them he ari'ived ; in his right hand 835

Grasping ten thousand thunders, which he sent
Before him, such as in their souls infix'd
Plagues : they, astonish'd, all resistance lost,
All courage ; down their idle weapons dropp'd :
O'er shields and helms and helmed heads he rode 840
Of Thrones and mighty Seraphim prostrate,
That wish'd the mountains now might be again
Thrown on them, as a shelter from his ire
Nor less on either side tempestuous fell
His arrows, from the fourfold-visaged Four 845

Distinct with eyes, and from the living wlieels
Distinct alike with multitude of eyes ; '

One Spirit in them ruled ; and every eye
Glared lightning, and shot forth pernicious fire
Among the accursed, that vvather'd all their strength,
And of their wonted vigour left them drain'd, 851

Exhausted, spiritless, afilicted, fallen.
Yet half his strength he put not forth, but check'd
His thunder in mid volley ; for he meant
Not to destroy, but root them out of Pleaven : 855
T'le overthrown he raised ; and, as a herd

PARADISE LOST. 151

Of goats or timorous flock together tlirong'd,
Drove them before him thunderstruck, pursued
With terrors, and with furies, to the bounds
And crystal wall of Heaven : which, opening wide, 860
Roll'd inward, and a spacious gap disclosed
Into the wasteful deep : the monstrous sight
Struck them with horror backward, but far worse
Urged them behind- headlong themselves they threw
Down from the verge of Heaven ; eternal wrath 865
Burn'd after them to the bottomless pit.

Hell heard the unsufTerable noise, Hell saw
Heaven ruining from Heaven, and would have fled
Affrighted ; but strict Fate had cast too deep
Her dark fomidations, and too fast had bound. 870

Nine days they fell : confounded Chaos roar'd,
And felt tenfold confusion in their fall
Through his wild anarchy, so huge a rout
Encumber'd him with ruin : Hell at last
Yanniing received them whole, and on them closed ;
Hell, their fit habitation, fraught with fire 876

Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain.
Disburden 'd Heaven rejoiced, and soon repair d
Her mural breach, returning whence it roll'd.
^le victor, from the expulsion of his foes, 880

Messiah his triumphal chariot turn'd :
To meet him all his Saints, who silent stood
Eye-witnesses of his almighty acts.
With jubilee advanced ; and, as they went,
Shaded with branching palm, each Order bright 885
Sung triumph, and him sung victorious King,
Son, Heir, and Lord, to him dominion given,
Worthiest to reign : He, celebrated, rode
Triumphant through mid Heaven, into the courts
And temple of his Mighty Father throned 890

On high ; who into glory him received,
Where now he sits at the right hand of blirs. [Earth,

Thus, measuring things in Heaven by things on
At thy request, and that thou mayst bcv/aro

152 PARADISE LOST. b. vi.

By what is pass'd, to thee I have reveal'd 895

What might have else to human race been hid ;

The discord which befel, and war in Heaven

Among the angelic Powers, and the deep fall

Of those too high aspiring, who rebell'd

With Satan ; he who envies now thy state, 900

Who now is plotting how he may seduce

Thee also from obedience, that, with him

Bereaved of happiness, thou mayst partake

His punishment, eternal misery ;

Which would be all his solace and revenge, 905

As a despite done against the Host High,

Thee once to gain companion of his woe.

But listen not to his temptations, warn

Thy weaker : let it profit thee to have heard,

By terrible example, the reward 910

Of disobedience ; firm they might have stood,

TiTet fell; remember, and fear to transgress.

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK VII.

Rapliael, at the request of Adam, relates how and wherofote thig
world was first created ; that God, after the expelling of Satan
■and his Angels out of Heaven, declared his pleasure to create
another world, and other creatures to dwell therein; sends his
Son with glory, and attendance of Angels, to perform the work
of Creation in six dajs : the Angels celebrate with hymns the
performance thereof, and his reascension into Heaven

Descend from Heaven, Urania, by that name

If rightly thou art call'd, whose voice divine

Following, above the Olympian hill I soar,

Above the flight of Pegasean wing !

The meaning, not the name, I call : for thou 5

Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top

Of old Olympus dwell'st ; but heavenly born,

Before the hills appear'd or fountain flow'd,

Thou with eternal Wisdom didst converse,

Wisdom thy sister, and with her didst play 10

In presence of the Almighty Father, pleased

With thy celestial song. Up led by thee

Into the Heaven of Heavens I have presumed.

An earthly guest, and drav/n empyreal air,

Thy tempering : with like safety guided down 15

Return me to my native element :

Lest from this flying steed unrein'd (as once

Bellerophon, though from a lower clime,)

Dismounted, on the Aleian field I fall,

Erroneous there to wander, and forlorn. 20

Half yet remains unsung, but narrower bound

Within the visible diurnal sphere ;

Standing on earth, not wrapp'd above tlie pole,

154 PARADISE LOST.

More safe I sing with mortal voice, unchanged

To hoarse or mute, though fallen on evil days, 25

On evil days though fallen, and evil tongues;

In darkness, and with dangers compass'd round,

And solitude ; yet not alone, while thou

Visit'st my slumbers nightly, or when morn

Purples the east : still govern thou my song, 30

Urania, and fit audience find, though few.

But drive far off the barbarous dissonance

Of Bacchus and his revellers, the race

Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard

In Rhodope, where woods and rocks had ears 35

To rapture, till the savage clamour drown'd

Both harp and voice , nor could the Muse defend

Her son. So fail not thou, who thee implores •

For thou art heavenly, she an empty dream.

Say, Goddess, what ensued when Raphael, 40

The affable Archangel, had forewarn'd
Adam, by dire example, to beware
Apostacy, by what befel in Heaven
To those apostates : lest the like befal
In Paradise to Adam or his race, 45

Charged not to touch the interdicted tree,
If they transgress, and slight that sole command.
So easily obey'd amid the choice
Of all tastes else to please their appetite,
Though wandering. He, with his consorted Eve, 50
The story heard attentive, and was fiU'd
With admiration and deep muse, to hear
Of things so high and strange ; things, to their thought
So unimaginable, as hate in Heaven,
And war so near the peace of God in bliss, 55

With such confusion : but the evil, soon
Driven back, redounded as a flood on those
From whom it sprang ; impossible to mix
With blessedness. Whence Adam soon repeal'd
The doubts that in his heart arose : and now 60

Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know

PARARISE LOST. 155

What nearer might concern him, how this world
Of Heaven and Earth conspicuous first began j
When, and whereof created ; for what cause ;
What within Eden, or without, was done 65

Before his memory ; as one whose drouth
Yet scarce allay'd still eyes the current stream,
Whose liquid murmur heard new thirst excites,
Proceeded thus to ask his heavenly guest.

Great things, and full of wonder in our ears, 70

Far differing from this world, thou hast reveal'd.
Divine interpreter ! by favour sent
Down from the empyrean, to forewarn
Us timely of what might else have been our loss,
Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach :
For which to the infinitely Good we owe 76

Immortal thanks, and his admonishment
Receive, with solemn purpose to observe
[mmutably his sov'reign will, the end
Ofwhatweare. But since thou hast vouchsafed 80
Gently, for our instruction, to impart
Things above earthly thought, which yet concern'd
Our knowing, as to highest wisdom seem'd,
Deign to descend now lower, and relate
What may no less perhaps avail us known, 85

How first began this Heaven which v.^e behold
Distant so high, with moving fires adorn'd
Innumerable ; and this which yields or fills
All space, the ambient are wide interfused
Embracing round this florid Earth ; what cause 90
Moved the Creator, in his holy rest
Through all eternity, so late to build
In Chaos ; and, the work begun, how soon
Absolved •, if unforbid thou mayst unfold
What we, not to explore the secrets ask 95

Of his eternal empire, but the more
To magnify his works, the more we know.
And the great light of day yet wants to run

156 PARADISE LOST. b. vii

Much of his race though steep ; suspense in Heaven,

Held by thy voice, thy potent Voice, he hears, 100

And longer will delay to hear thee tell

His generation, and the rising birth

Of Nature from the unapparent Deep •

Or if the star of evening and the moon

Haste to thy audience, Night with her will bring 105

Silence ; and Sleep, listening to thee, will watch ;

Or we can bid his absence, till thy song

End, and dismiss thee ere the morning shine.

Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought :
And thus the Godlike Angel ansv.'er'd mild : 110

This also thy request, with caution ask'd,
Obtain ; though to recount almighty works
What words or tongue of Seraph can suffice,
Or heart of man suffice to comprehend ?
Yet what thou canst attain, which best may serve 115
To glorify the Maker, and infer
Thee also happier, shall not be withheld
Thy hearmg ; such commission from above
I have received, to answer thy desire
Of knowledge within bounds ; beyond, abstain 120
To ask ; nor let thine own inventions hope
Things not reveal'd, which the invisible King,
Only Omniscient, hath suppress'd in night ;
To none communicable in Earth or Heaven :
Enough is left besides to search and know. 125

But knowledge is as food, and needs no less
Her temperance over appetite, to know
In measure what the mind may well contain ;
Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns
Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. 130

Know then, that, after Lucifer from Heaven
(So call him, brighter once amidst the host
Of Angels than tliat star the stars among,)
Fell with his flaming legions through the deep
Into his placs : a-iid the great Son return'd 135

PARADISE LOST. 157

Victorious with his Saints, the Omnipotent
Eternal Father from his throne beheld
Their multitude, and to his Son thus spake :

At least our envious Foe hath fail'd, who thought
All like himself rebellious, by whose aid 140

This inaccessible liigh strength, the seat
Of Deity supreme, us dispossess'd,
He trusted to have seized, and into fraud
Drew many, whom their place knows here no more :
Yet far the greater part have kept, I see, 145

Their station ; Heaven, yet populous, retains
Number sunicient to possess her realms
Though wide, and this high temple to frequent
With ministeries due and solemn rites j
JBut, lest his heart exalt him in the harm J 50

Already done,, to have dispeopled Heaven,
My dauiage fondly deem'd, I can repair
That detriment, if such it be to lose
Self-lost ; a,nd in a moment will create
Another world, out of one man a race 155

Of men innumerable, there to dwell.
Not here : till, by degrees of merit raised,
They open to themselves at length the way
Up hither, under long obedience tried ;
And Earth be changed to Heaven, and Heaven to Earth
One kingdom, joy and union without end. 161

Meanwhile inhabit lax, ye Powers of Heaven ;
And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee
This I perform ; speak thou, and be it done !
My overshadowing Spirit and Might with thee 165
I s^end along ; ride forth, and bid the Deep
Within appointed bounds be Heaven and Earth ,
Boundless the Deep, because I Am who fill
Infinitude, nor vacuous the space.

Though T, uncircumscribed myself, retire, 170

And put not forth my goodness, which is free
To act or net. Necessity and Chance
Approach not me, and what I will is Fate.
14

158 PARADISE LOST. b. vii.

So spake the Almighty, and to what he spake
His Word, the Filial Godhead, gave effect. 175

Immediate are the acts of God, more swifl
Than time or motion, but to human ears
Cannot without process of speech be told,
So told as earthly notion can receive.
Great triumph and rejoicing was in Heaven, 180

When such was heard declared the Almighty's will ;
Glory they sung to the Most High, good will
To future men, and in their dwellings peace j
Glory to Him, whose just avenging ire
Had driven out the ungodly from his sight 185

And the habitations of tlie just ; to Him
Glory and praise, whose wisdom had ordain'd
Good cut of evil to create ; instead
Of Spirits malign, a better rac6 to bring
Into their vacant room, and thence diffuse 190

His good to worlds and ages infinite

So sang the Hierarchies : meanv/hile the Son
On his great expedition now appear'd,
Girt with Omnipotence, with radiance crown 'd
Of Majesty Divine ; sapience and love 195

Immense, and all his Father in him shone.
About his chariot numberless were pour'd
Cherub, and Seraph, Potentates, and Thrones,
And Virtues, winged Spirits, and chariots wing'd
From the armory of God ; where stand of old 200
Myriads, between two brazen mountains lodged
Against a solemn day, harness'd at hand,
Celestial equipage ; and now came .forth
Spontaneous, for within them Spirit lived,
Attendant on their Lord : Heaven open'd wide 205
Her ever during gates, harmonious sound,
On golden hinges moving, to let forth
The King of Glory, in his powerful Word
And Spirit coming to create new worlds.
On heavenly ground they stood ; and from the shore
They view'd the vast immeasurable abycs 211

PARADISE LOST. 159

Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, v/ild,

Up from the bottom turn'd by furious winds

And surging waves, as mountains, to assault 214

Heaven's height, and with the centre mix the pole.

Silence, ye troubled Waves, and, thou Deep, peace,
Said then the Omnific Word ; your discord end !
Nor staid ; but, on the wings of Cherubim
Uplifted, in paternal glory rode

Far into Chaos, and the world unborn ; 220

For Chaos heard his voice : Him all his train
Follow'd in bright procession, to behold
Creation, and the wonders of his might.
Then staid the fervid wheels, and in his hand
He took the golden compasses, prepared 225

In God's eternal store, to circum.scribe
This universe, and all created things :
One foot he centred, and the other turn'd
Round through the vast profundity obscure ;
And said. Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds, 230
This be thy just circumference, O World !
Thus God the Heaven created, thus the Earth,
Matter unform'd and void : darkness profoxmd
Cover'd the abyss: but on the watery calm
His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspread, 235
And vital virtue infused, and vital warmth
Throughout the fluid mass ; but downward purged
The black tartareous cold infernal dregs.
Adverse to life : then founded, then conglobed
Like things to like ; the rest to several place 240

Disparted, and between spun out the air ;
And Earth self-balanced on her centre hung.

Let there be Light, said God : and forthwith Light
Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure.
Sprung from the deep ; and from her native east 245
To journey through the aery gloom began.
Sphered in a radiant cloud, for yet the sun
Was not ; she in a cloudy tabernacle
Sojourn'd the while. God saw the li>?ht was good ,

160 PARADISE LOST. b. vit.

And light from darkness by the hemisphere 250

Divided : light the Day, and darkness Night,

He named. Thus was the first day even and morn •

Nor pass'd uncelebrated, nor unsung

By the celestial choirs, when orient light

Exhaling first from darkness they beheld ; 255

Birthday of Heaven and Earth ; with joy and shout

The hollow universal orb they fill'd,

And touch'd their golden harps, and hymning praised

God and his works ; Creator him they sung,

Both when first evening was, and when first morn. 260

Again, God said, Let there be firmament
Amid the waters, and let it divide
The waters from the waters ; and God made
The firmament, expanse of liquid, pure,
Transparent, elemental air, diffused 265

In circuit to the uttermost convex
Of this great round ; partition firm and sure,
The waters underneath from those above
Dividing : for as earth, so he the world
Built on circumfluous waters calm, in wide 270

Crystalline ocean, and the loud misrule
Of Chaos far removed ; lest fierce extremes
Contigvious might distemper the whole frame :
And Heaven he named the Firmament : so even
And morning chorus sung the second day. 275

The Earth was form'd, but, in the womb as vet
Of waters, embryon immature involved,
Appear'd not : over all the face of Earth
Main ocean flow'd, not idle ; but, with warm
Prolific humour softening all her globe, 280

Fermented the great mother to conceive,
Satiate with genial moisture ; when God said,
Be gather'd now, ye waters under Heaven,
into one place, and let dry land appear.
Immediately the mountains huge appear 285

Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave
Into the clouds ; their tops ascend the sky ;

PARADISE LOST. 161

So high as heaved the tumid hills, so low
Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep,
Capacious bed of waters : thither they 290

Hasted with glad precipitance, uproll'd,
As drops on dust conglobing from the dry .
Part rise in crystal wall, or ridge direct^,
For haste ; such flight the great command impress'd
On the swift floods : as armies at the call 295

Of trumpet (for of armies thou hast heard)
Troop to their standard ; so the watery throng,
Wave rolling after v/ave, where way they found,
If steep, with torrent rapture, if through plain,
Soft-ebbing ; nor withstood them rock or hill ; 300
But they, or under ground, or circuit wide
With serpent error wandering, found their way,
And on the washy ooze deep channels wore ;
Easy, ere God had bid the ground be dry,
All but withiii those banks, where rivers now 305

Stream, and perpetual draw their humid train.
The dry land Earth, and the great receptacle
Of congregated waters he call'd Seas :
And saw that it was good ; and sa,id. Let the Earth
Put forth the verdant grass, herb yielding seed, 310
And fruit-tree yielding fruit after her kind.
Whose seed is in herself upon the Earth.
He scarce had said, when the bare Earth, till then
Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorn'd.
Brought forth the tender grass, whose verdure clad 315
Her universal face v/ith pleasant green ;
Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flower'd
Opening their various colours, and made gay
Her bosom, smelling sweet : and, these scarce blown,
Forth flourjsh'd thick the clustering vine, forth crept
The sweUing gourd, up stood the corny reed 321

Embattled in her field, and the humble shrub,
And bush vvith frizzled hair implicit : last
Rose, as in dance, the stately trees, and spread
Their branches hung with copious fruit, or gemm'd 325
14*

162 PARADISE LOST. b.vii

Their blossoms : with high woods the hills were crown'd;
With tufts the valleys, and each fountain side.;
With borders long the rivers : the Earth nov/
Seem'd like to Heaven, a seat where Gods might dwell,
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt 330

Her sacred shades : though God had yet not rain'd
Upon the Earth, and man to till the ground
None wa.s ; but from the Earth a dewy mist
Went up, and water'd all the ground, and each
Plant of the field ; which, ere it was in the Earth, 335
Crod made, and every herb, before it grew
On the green stem : God saw that it was good :
So even and morn recorded the third day.

Again the Almighty spake, Let there be lights
High in the expanse of Heaven, to divide 340

The day from night ; and let them be for signs,
For seasons, and for days, and circling years ;
And let them be for lights, as I ordain
Their office in the firmament of Heavon,
To give light on the Earth ; and it was so. 345

And God made two great lights, great for their use
To Man, the greater to have rule by day,
The less by night, altern ; and made the stars,
And set them in the firmauient of Heaven
To illuminate the Earth, and rule the day 350

In their vicissitude, and rule the night.
And light from darkness to divide. God saw.
Surveying his great work, that it was good :
P'or of celestial bodies first the sun
A mighty sphere he framed, unlightsome first, 355
Though of ethereal mould : then form'd the moon
Globose, and every magnitude of stars.
And sow'd with stars the Heaven, thick as a field :
Of light by far the greater part he took,
Transplanted frow her cloudy shrine, and placed 360.
In the sun's orb, made porous to receive
And drink the liquid light ; rirm to retain
Her gather 'd beams, great palace now of light.

PARADISE LOST. 162

Hither, as to their fountain, other stars

Repairing, in their golden urns draw light, 365

And hence the morning planet gilds her horns ;

By tincture or reflection they augment

Their small peculiar, though from human sight

So far remote, with diminution seen.

First in his east the glorious lamp was seen, 370

Regent of da}-, and all the horizon round

Invested with bright rays, jocund to run

His longitude through HeaA^en's high road ; the gray

Dawn and the Pleiades before him danced,

Shedding sweet influence : less bright the moon, 375

But opposite in level'd west v/as set.

His mirror, with full face borrowing her light

From him ; for other light she needed none

In that aspect, and still that distance keeps

Till night ; then in the east her turn she shines, 380

Revolved on Heaven's great axle, and her reign

With thousand lesser lights dividual holds,

With thousand thousand stars, that then appear'd

Spangling the hemisphere : then first adorn'd

With their bright luminaries that set and rose, 385

Glad evening and glad morn crown'd the fourth day.

And God said. Let the waters generate
Reptile with spawn abundant, living soul :
And let fowl fly above the Earth, v/ith wings
Display'd on the open firmamunt of Heaven. ^0

And God created the great whales, and each
Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously
The waters generated by their kinds ;
And every bird of wing after his kind ;
And saw that it was good, and bless'd them, saymg,
Be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas 396

And lakes and rimning streams the waters fill ;
And let the fowl be multiplied on the Earth.
Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay,
With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals 400

Offish that with their fins and shining scales

164 PARADISE LOST. b. vti

Glide under the green wave, in sculls that ofl

Bank the mid sea; part single, or v/ith mate,

Graze the seaweed their pasture, and through groves

Of coral stray ; or, sporting with quick glance, 405

Show to the sun their waved coats dropp'd with gold ;

Or, in their pearly shells at ease, attend

Moist nutriment ; or under rocks their food

In jointed armour watch : on smooth the seal

And bended dolphins play : part huge of bulk 410

Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait.

Tempest the ocean : there leviathan,

Hugest of living creatures, on the deep

Stretch'd like a promontory sleeps or swims,

And seems a moving land ; and at his gills 415

Draws in, and at his trunk spouts out, a sea.

Meanwhile the tepid caves and fens and shores

Their brood as numerous hatch, from the ogg that soon

Bursting with kindly rupture forth disclosed 419

Their callow young ; but feather'd soon and fledge

They summ'd their pens ; and, soaring the air sublime,

With clang despised the ground, under a cloud

In prospect ; there the eagle and the stork

On cliffs and cedar tops their eyries build :

Part loosely wing the region, part more wise 425

In common, ranged in figure, wedge their way,

Intelligent of seasons, and set forth

Their aery caravan, high over seas

Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing

Easing their flight ; so steers the prudent crane 430

Her annual voyage, borne on winds ; the air

Floats as they pass, fann'd with unnumber'd plumes :

From branch to branch the smaller birds with song

Solaced the woods, and spread their painted wings

Till even ; nor then the solemn nightingale 43S

Ceased warbling, but all night tuned her soft lays :

Others, on silver lakes and rivers, bathed

Their downy breast ; the swan with arched neck,

Between her white wu^i>-s mantUni? proudly, rows

PARADISE LOST. 165

Her state with oary feet ; yet oft they quit 440

The dank, and, rising on stiff pennons, tower
The mid aerial cky : others on ground
Walk'd firm : the crested cock whose clarion sounds
The silent hours, and the other whose gay train
Adorns him, colour'd with the florid hue 445

Of rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thug
With fish replenish'd, and the air with fowl,
Evening and morn solemnized the fifth day.

The sixth, and of creation last, arose
With evening harps and matin ; when God said, 450
Let the Earth bring forth soul living in her kind.
Cattle, and creeping things, and beast of the Earth,
Each in their kind. The Earth obey'd, and straight
Opening her fertile womb teem'd at a birth
Innuinerous living creatures, perfect forms, 455

Limb'd and full grown : out of the ground uprose,
As from his lair, the wild beast vdiere he wous
Tn forest wild, in thicket, brake, or den ;
Among the trees in pairs they rose, they walk'd
The cattle in the fields and meadows green : 460

Those rare and solitary, these in fiocks
Pasturing at once, and in broad herds upsprung.
The grassy clods now calved ; now half appear'd
The tawny lion, pawing to get free
His hinder parts, then springs as broke from bonds, 465
And rampant shakes his brinded mane ; the ounce.
The libbard, and the tiger, as the mole
Rising, the crumbled earth above them threw
In hillocks : the swift stag from under ground
Bore up his branching head : scarce from his mould 470
Behemoth bigsest born of earth upheaved
His vastness : fleeced the flocks and bleating rose.
As plants : ambiguous between sea and land
The river-horse, and scaly crocodile.
At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, 475
Insect or worm : those waved their limber fans
For wings, and smallest lineaments exact

166 PARADISE LOST. b. vii

In all the liveries deck'd of summer's pride

With spots of gold and purple, azure and green :

These, as a line, their long dimension drew, 480

Streaking the ground with sinuous trace ; not all

Minims of nature ; some of serpent kind,

Wondrous in length and corpulence, involved

Their snaky folds, and added wings. First crept

The parsimonious emmet, provident 485

Of future ; in small room large hea,rt enclosed ;

Pattern of just equality perhaps

Hereafter, joined in her popular tribes

Of commonalty : swarming next appear'd

The female bee, that feeds her husband drone 490

Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells

With honey stored : the rest are numberless,

And thou their natures know'st, and gavest them nameB^

heedless to thee repeated ; nor unknov/n

The serpent, subtlest beast of all the field, 495

Of huge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes

And hairy mane terrific, though to thee

Not noxious, but obedient at thy call.

Now Heaven in all her glory shone, and roU'd
Her motions, as the great first Mover's hand 500

First wheel'd their course : Earth in her rich attire
Consummate lovely smiled ; air, water, earth.
By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swum, was walk'd,
Frequent ; and of the sixtk day yet remain'd :
There wanted yet the master-work, the end 505

Of all yet done ; a creature, who, not prone
And brute as other creatures, but endued
With sanctity of reason, might erect
His stature, and upright with front serene
Govern the rest, self-knowing ; and from thence 510
Magnanimous to correspond with Heaven,
But grateful to acknowledge whence his good
Descends, thither with heart, and voice, and eyes
Directed in devotion, to adore
And worship God Supreme^ who made him chief 515

PARADISE LOST. 167

Of all his works : therefore the Omnipotent
Eternal Father (for where is not he
Present ?) thus to his Son audibly spake :

Let us make now Man in our imag^e, Man
In our similitude, and let them rule 520

Over the fish and fowl of sea and air,
Beast of the field, and over all the E ^rth.
And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.
This said, ho form'd thee. Adam, thee, O Man,
Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breathed 525
The breath of life ; in his own image he
Created thee, in the image of God
Express ; and thou becamest a living soul.
Male he created thee ; but thy consort
Female, for race; then bless'd mankind, and said, 530
V>Q fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth ;
Sr.'odue it, and throughout dominion hold
Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air.
And every livmg thing that moves on the Earth.
Wherever thus created, for no place 535

Is yet distinct by name, thence, as thou know'st,
He brought thee into this delicious grove.
This garden, planted with the trees of God,
Delectable both to behold and taste ;
And freely all their pleasaiU fruit for food 540

Gave thee ; all sorts are here that all the Earth yields
Variety v\'ithout end ; but of the tree.
Which, tasted, works knowledge of good and evil,
Thou niayst not : in the day thou eat'st, thou diest :
Death is the penalty imposed ; beware, 545

And govern well thy appetite ; lest Sin
Surprise thee, and her black attendant Death.

Here finish'd he, and all that he had made
View'd, and behold all was entirely good;
So even and morn accomplish'd the sixth day ; 550
Yet not till the Creator from his work
Desisting, though unwearied, up return'd,
Up to the Heaven of Heavens, his high abode ;

168 PARADISE LOST. vn.

Thence to behold this new created world,

The addition of his empire, how it shovv'd 555

In prospect from his throne, how good, how fair,

Answering his great idea. Up he rode

Follow'd with acclamation, and the sound

Symphonious of ten thousand harps, that tuned

Angeiic harmonies : the earth, the air 560

Resounded (thou remember'st, for thou heard'st,)

The heavens and all the constellations rung

The planets in their station listening stood,

While the bright pomp ascended jubilant.

Open, ye everlasting gates ! they sung, 565

Open, ye Heavens ! your living doors ; let in

The great Creator from his work return'd

Magnificent, his six days' work, a World ;

Open, and henceforth oft ; for God will deign

To visit oft the dwellings of just men, 570

Delighted ; and with frequent intercourse

Thither will send his winged messengers

On errands of supernal grace. So sung

The glorious train ascending : He through Heaven,

That open'd wide her blazing portals, led 575

To G od'.^ eternal house direct the way ;

A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold

And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear,

Seen in the galaxy, that milky way.

Which nightly, as a circling zone, thou seest 580

Powder'd with stars. And now on Earth the seventh

Evening arose in Eden, for the sun

Was set, and twilight from the east came on.

Forerunning night ; when at the holy mount

Of Heaven's high-seated top, the imperial throne 585

Of Godhead, fix'd for ever firm and sure,

The Filial Power arrived, and sat him down

With his great Father ; for he also went

Invisible, yet staid (such privilege

Hath Omnipresence,) and the work crdain'd, 590

Author and End of all thino-s ; and, from work

PARADISE LOST. 169

Now testing, blessed and hallow'd the seventh day,
As resting on that day from all his work .
But not in silence holy kept : the harp
Had work and rested not ; the solemn pipe, 596

And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop,
All sounds on fret b}' string or golden wire.
Temper 'd soft tu:iings, intermix 'd with voice
Choral or unison ; of incense clouds,
Fuming from golden censers, hid the mount. 600

Creation and the six days' acts they sung :
Great are thy works, Jehovah ! infinite
Thy power ! what thought can measure thee, or tongue
Relate thee ! Greater now in thy return
Than from the giant Angels : Thee that day C05

Thy thmiders magnified ; but to create
Is greater than created to destroy.
Who can impair thee. Mighty King, or bound
Thy empire ! Easily the proud attempt
Of Spirits apostate, and their counsels vain, 610

Thou hast repelled ; while impiously they thought
Thee to diminish, and from thee withdraw
The number of thy worshippers. Who seeks
To lessen thee, again.st his purpose serves
To manifest the more thy might : his evil CI 5

Thou usest, and from thence Greatest more good.
Witness this new-made world, another Heaven
From Heaven gate not far, founded in view
On the clear hyaline, the glassy sea:
Of amplitude almost immense, with stars 620

Numerous, and every star perhaps a world
Of destined habitation : but thou know'st
Their seasons : among these the seat of Men,
Earth, with her nether ocean circumfused.
Their pleasant dwelling place. Thrice happy Men, 625
And sons of Men, whom God hath thus advanced I
Created in his image, there to dwell
And worship him ; and in reward to rule
Over his works, on earth, m sea, or air,
15

170 PARADISE LOST. b. vir

And multiply a race of worshippers G3&

Holy and just : thrice happy, if they know
Their happiness, and persevere upright !
So sung they, and the empyrean rung
With hallelujahs : thus was sabbath kept.
And thy request think now fulfill'd, that ask'd 631
How first this world and face of things began,
And what before thy memory was done
From the beginning ; that posterity,
Inform'd by thee, might know : if else thou seek'st
Aught, not surpassing human measure, say. G-^O

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK VIII.

<iltfam inquires concerning celestial motions ; is doubtfully answer-
ed, and exhorted to search rather things more worthy of know-
ledge : Adam assents : and, still dnsirous to detain Raphael, re-
lates to him what he remembered since his own creation ; his
placing in Paradise; his talk with God concerning solitude and
fit society; his first meeting and nuptials with Eve; his dis-
course with the Angel thereupon: who, after admonitions re-
peated, departs

"he Angel ended, and in Adam's ear
■( 0 charming left his voice, that he awhile
\ bought him still speaking, still stood fix'd to hear ;
'i hen, as new waked, thus gratefully replied;

What thanks sufficient, or Avhat recompense 5

Equal, have I to render thee, divine
Historian, who thus largely hast allay'd
The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsafed
This friendly condescension to relate
Things, else by me unsearchable ; now heard 10

With wonder, but delight, and, as is due,
With glory Attributed to the high
Crentor ! Something yet of doubt remains,
Which only thy solution can resolve.
Wh<rn I behold this goodly frame, this world, 15

Of Heaven and earth consisting ; and compute
Their magnitudes ; this Earth, a spot, a grain,
An n torn, with the firmament compared
And all her numbered stars, that seem to roll
Spa< Es incomprehensible (for such 20

The; • distance argues, and their swift return
Diui lal.) merely to officiate light
Rou d this opacous Earth, this punctual spot,

172 PARADISE LOST. b. vm.

One day and night ; in all her vast survey-
Useless besides ; reasoning I oft admire 25
How Nature wise and frugal could commit
Such disproportions, with superfluous hand
So many nobler bodies to create,
Greater so manifold, to this one use,
For aught appears, and on their orbs impose 30
Such restless revolution day by day
Repeated ; while the sedentary Earth,
That better might with far less compass move,
Served by more noble than herself, attains
Her end without least motion, and receives, 35
As tribute, such a sumless journey brought
Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light ;
Speed, to describe whose swiftness nuniber fails.

So spake our sire, and by his countenance seem'd
Entering on studious thoiights abstruse ; which Eve
Perceiving, where she sat retired in sight, 41

With lowliness niajestic from her seat,
And grace that v:cn who saw to wish her stay,
Rose, and went forth among her fruits and flowers,
To visit hov/ they prospered, bud and bloom, 45

Her nursery ; they at her coming sprung.
And, touch 'd by her fair tendance, gladlier grew.
Yet went she not, as not with such discourse
Delighted, or not capable her ear
Of what was high : such pleasure she reserved, 50
Adam relating, she sole auditress ;
Her husband the relater she preferr'd
Before the Angel, and of him to ask
Chose rather ; he, she knew, would intermix
Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute 55

With conjugal caresses : from his lip
Not words alone pleased her. O ! when meet now
Such pairs, in love and mutual honour join'd ?
With goddess-like demeanour forth she went.
Not unattended ; for on her, as Queen, 6(J

A pomp of winning Graces waited still,

PARADISE LOST. 173

A.nd from about her shot darts of desire

Into ill eyes, to wish her still in sight.

And Raphael now, to Adam's doubt proposed,

Benevolent and facile thus replied : 65

T'j ask or search, I blame thee not ; for Heaven
Is ai' the book of God before thee set,
Wherein to read his wondrous works, and learn
His reasons, hours, or days, or months, or years :
Thiu to attain, whether Heaven move or Earth. 70
Imports not, if thou reckon right ; the rest
Fro.n Man or Angel the great Architect
Did wisely to conceal, and not divulge
His secrets to be scann'd by them who ought
Rather admire ; or, if they list to try 75

Conjecture, he his fabric of the Heavens
Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move
His laughter at their quaint opinions wide
Hereafter ; when they come to model Heaven
And calculate the stars, how they will wield 80

The mighty frame ; how build, unbuild, contrive
To save appearances ; how gird the sphere
With centric and eccentric scribbled o'er.
Cycle and epicycle, orb in orb :

Already by thy reasoning this I guess, 85

Who art to lead thy offspring, and supposest
That bodies bright and greater should not serve
The less not bright, nor Heaven such journeys run
Earth sitting still, when she alone receives
The benefit : Consider first, that great 90

Or bright infers not excellence : the Earth,
Though, in comparison of Heaven, so small.
Nor glistering, may of solid good contain
More plenty tlmn the sun that barren shines ;
Whose virtue on itself works no effect, 95

But in the fruitful Earth ; there first received,
His beams, unactive else, their vigour find.
Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries
Officious J but to thee, Earth's habitant.
15*

174 PARADISE LOST. b. vm.

And for Llic ilcaven's wide circuit, let it speak 100

The Maimer's high magnificence, who built

So spacious, and liis line stretch'd out so far ;

That Man may know he dwells not in his own ;

An edifice too large for him to fill,

Lodged in a small partition ; and the rest 105

Ordain'd for uses to his Lord best known.

The swiftness of those circles cittribute,

Though numberless to his Omnipotence,

That to corporeal substances could add

Speed almost spiritual : Me thou think'st not slow,

Who since the morning-hour set out from Heaven 111

"Where God resides, and ere mid-day arrived

In Eden } distance inexpressible

By numbers that have name. But this I urge,

Admitting motion in the Heavens, to shov/ 115

Invalid that which thee to doubt it moved ;

Not that I so affirm, though so it seem

To thee who hast thy dwelling here on Earth.

God, to remove his vrays from human sense,

Placed Heaven from Earth so far, that earthly sight

If it presume, might err in things too high, 121

And no advantage gain. What if the sun

Be centre to the world ; and other stars,

By his attractive virtue and their own

Incited, dance about him various rounds.^ 125

Their wandering course now high, nov/ low, tlien hid,

Progressive, retrograde, or standing still,

In six thou secst ; and what if seventh to these

The planet earth, so steadfast though she seem,

Insensibly three diflerent motions move .'' 130

Which else to several spheres thou ranst ascribe,

Moved contrary with thwart obliquities ;

Or save the sun his labour, and that swift

Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb supposed,

Invisible else above all stars, the wheel 135

Of da}'- and night ; which needs not thy beliefj

If earth, industrious of herself, fetch day

PARADISE LOST. 175

Travelling east, and with her part adverse

From the sun's beam meet night, her other part

Still luminous by his ray. What if that light 140

Sent from her through the wide transpicuous air,

To the terrestrial moon be as a star,

Enlightening her by day, as she by night

This earth ? reciprocal, if land be there,

Fields, and inhabitants : Her spots thou seest 145

As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce

Fruits in her soften'd soil for some to eat

Allotted there ; and other suns perhaps,

With their attendant moons, thou wilt descry,

Communicating male and female light ; 150

Which two great sexes animate the world.

Stored in each orb perhaps with some that live.

For such vast room in Nature unpossess'd

By living soul, desert and desolate.

Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute 155

Each orb a glimpse of light, convey'd so far

Down to this habitable, which returns

Light back to them, is obvious to dispute.

But whether thus these things, or whether not ;

Whether the sun, predominant in Heaven, 160

Rise on the earth ; or earth rise on the sun ;

He from the east his flaming road begin ;

Or she from west her silent course advance,

With inoffensive pace that spinning sleeps

On her soft axle, while she paces even, 165

And bears thee soft witla the smooth air along ;

Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid ;

Leave them to God above ; him serve, and fear !

Of other creatuges, as him pleases best.

Wherever placed, let him dispose ; joy thou 170

In what he gives to thee, this Paradise

And thy fair Eve ; Heaven is for thee too high

To know what passes there ; be lowly wise :

Think only what concerns thee, and thy being j

Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there 175

176 PARADISE LOST. b. viii

Live, in what state, condition, or degree ;
Contented that thus far hath been reveal'd
Not of Earth only, but of highest Heaven.

To whom thus Adam, clear'd of doubt, replied :
How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure 180

Intelligence of Heaven, Angel serene !
And, freed from intricacies, taught to live
The easiest way ; nor with perplexing thoughts
To interrupt the sweet of life, from which
God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares, 185

And not molest us ; unless we ourselves
Seek them with wandering thoughts and notions vain.
But apt the mind or fancy is to rove
Uncheck'd, and of her roving is no end ;
Till warn'd, or by experience taught, she learn, 100
That, not to know at large of things remote
From use, obscure and subtle ; but, to know
That which before us lies in daily life,
Is the prime wisdom : What is more is fume,
Or emptiness, or fond impertinence : 195

And renders us, in things that most concern,
Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek.
Therefore from this high pitch let us desoend
A lower flight, and speak of things at hand
Useful ; whence, haply, mention may arise 200

Of something not unseasonable to ask.
By sufferance, and thy wonted favour, deign'd.
Thee I have heard relating what was done
Ere my remembrance : now, hear me relate
My story, which perhaps thou hast not heard ; 205
And day is not yet spent ; till then thou seest
How subtly to detain thee I devise ; '
Inviting thee to hear while I relate ;
Fond ! were it not in hope of thy reply :
For, while I sit with thee, I seem in Heaven , 210
And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear
Than fruits ot palm tree pleasantest to thirst
And hunger bothj from labour, at the hour

TARADISE LOST. 177

Of sweet reiyast; they satiate, and soon fill,
Though pleasant ; but thy words, with grace divine
Imbued, bring to their sweetness no satiety. 216

To whom thus Raphael answer 'd heavenly meek :
Nor are thy lips ungraceful. Sire of men,
Nor tongue ineloquent ; for God on thee
Abundantly his gifts hath also pour'd 220

Inward and outward both, his image fair :
Speaking, or mute, all comeliness and grace
Attend thee ; and each word, each motion, form j
Nor less think we in Heaven of thee on Earth
Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire 225

Gladly into the ways of God with Man :
For God, we see, hath honour'd thee, and set
On Man his equal love : Say therefore on ;
For I that day was absent, as befel,
Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure, 230

Far on excursion toward the gates of Hell •,
Squared in full legion (such command we he^d,)
To see that none thence issued forth a spy,
Or enemy, wTiile God was in his work ;
Lest he, incensed at such eruption bold, 235

Destruction with creation might have mix'd.
Not that they durst without his leave attempt ;
But us he sends upon his high behests
For state, as Sov'reign King ; and to inure
Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut 240
The dismal gates, and barricadoed strong ;
But long ere our approaching heard within
Noise, other than the sound of dance or song,
Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage
Glad we return 'd up to the coasts of light 245

Ere sabbath-evening : so we had in charge.
But thy relation now ; for I attend,
Pleased wuth thy words no less than thou with mine.

So spake the Godlike Power, and thus our Sire ;
For Man to tell how human life began 25Q

Is hard : for who hnnself beginning knew ?

178 PARADISE LOST. b. vij»

Desire with thee still longer to converse

Induced me. As new waked from soundest sleep,

Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid,

In balmy sweat ; which with his beams the sun 255

Soon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed.

Straight toward Heaven my wondering eyes I turn'd,

And gazed awhile the ample sky; till, raised

By quick instinctive motion, up I sprung.

As thitherward endeavouring, and upright 260

Stood on my feet : about me round I saw

Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains,

And liquid lapse of murmuring streams ; by these

Creatures that lived and moved, and walk'd, or flew ;

Birds on the branches warbling ; all things smiled ;

With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflow'd. 266

Myself I then perused, and limb by limb

Survey'd, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran

With supple joints, as lively vigour led :

But who I was, or where, or from what cause, 270

Knew not ; to speak I tried, and forthwith spake ;

My tongue obey'd, and readily could name

Wbate'er I saw. Thou Sun, said I, fair light,

And thou enlighten'd Earth, so fresh and gay.

Ye Hills, and Dales, ye Rivers, Woods, and Plains,

And ye that live and move, fair Creatures, teJl, 276

Tell, if ye saw, how I came thus, how here ? —

Not of myself; by some great Maker then,

[n goodness and in power preeminent :

Tell me, how may I know him, how adore, 280

From whom I have that thus I move and live,

And feel that I am happier than I know.

While thus I call'd, and strayed I knew not whither,

Fron:\ where I first drew air, and first beheld

This happy light ; when, answer none return'd, 285

On a green shady bank, profuse of flowers.

Pensive I sat me down : there gentle sleep

First found me, and with soft oppression seized

My drowsied sense, untroubled, though I thought

PARADISE LOST. 179

[ then was passing to ray former state 290

Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve •

When suddenly stood at my head a dream,

Whose inward apparition gently moved

My fancy to believe I yet had being,

And lived One came, methought, of shape divine.

And said. Thy mansion wants thee, Adam : rise, 296

First Man, of men innumerable ordain'd

First Father ! call'd by thee, I come thy guide

To the garden of bliss, thy seat prepared.

Ho saying, by the hand he took me raised, 300

And over fields and waters, as in air

Smooth sliding without step, last led me up

A woody mountain ; whose high top Avas plain^

A circuit wide, enclosed, with goodliest trees

Planted, with walks and bowers ; that what I saw 305

Of Earth before scarce pleasant seem'd. Each tree,

Loaden with fairest fruit that hung to the eye

Tempting, stirr'd in me sudden appetite

To pluck and eat ; whereat I waked, and found

Before mine eyes all real, as the dream 310

Had lively shadow'd : Here had new begun

My wandering, had not he, who was my guide

Up liither, from among the trees appear'd,

Presence Divine. Rejoicing, but with awe,

In adoration at his feet I foil 315

Submiss : He rear'd me, and Whom thou sought'st I am,

Said mildly, Author of all this thou seest

Above, or round about thee, or beneath.

This Paradise I give thee, count it thine

To till and Keep, and of the fruit to eat : 320

Of every tree that in the garden grows

Eat freely with glad heart ; fear here no dearth

But of the tree whose operation brings

Knowledge of good and ill, which I have set

The pledge of thy obedience and thy faith, 325

Amid the garden by the tree of life.

Remember what I warn thee, shun to taste.

180 PARADISE LOST. u. viii

And shun the bitter consequence : for know

The day thou eat'st tliereof, my sole command

Transgress'd, inevitably thou shalt die, 330

From that day mortal ; and this happy state

Shalt lose, expell'd from hence into a world

Of woe and sorrow. Sternly ho pronounce

The rigid interdiction, which resounds

Vet dreadful in mine ear, though in my choic6 335

Not to incur ; but soon his clear aspect

Return'd, and gracious purpose thus renew'd

Not only these fair bounds, but all the Earth

To thee and to thy race I give ; as lords

Possess it, and all things that therein live, 340

Or live in sea, or air ; beast, fish, and fowl.

In sijDfn whereof, each bird and beast behold

After their kinds ; I bring them to receive

From thee their names, and pay thee fealty

With low subjection : understand the same 345

Of fish within their watery residence,

Not hither summon'd, since they cannot change

Their element, to draw the thinner air.

And thus he spake, each bird and beast behold

Approaching two and two ; these cowering low 350

Witli blandishment ; each bird stoop 'd on his wing.

T named them as they pass'd, and understood

Their nature, with such knowledge God endued

My sudden apprehension : But in these

I found not what methought I wanted still ; 355

And to the heavenly Vision thus presumed :

O, by what name, for thou above all these,
Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher,
Surpassest far my naming ; how may I
Adore thee, Author of this universe, 360

And all this good to man ? for whose well being
So amply, and with hands so liberal.
Thou hast provided all things : But with me
I see not who partakes. In solitude
Wliat happiness, who can enjoy alone, 365

PARADISE LOST. 181

Or, all enjoying, what contentment find ?
Thus I presumptuous ; and the Vision bright,
As with a smile more brightcn'd, thus replied:

What callst thou solitude ? Is not the Earth
With various living creatures, and the air 370

Replenish'd, and all these at thy command
To come and pla}' before thee ? Know'st thou not
Their language and their ways ? They also know,
And reason not contemptibly ; With these
Find ^tastime, and bear rule : thy realm is large. 375
So spake the Universal Lord, and seem'd
So ordering : I, with leave of speech implored,
And humble deprecation, thus replied :

Let not my words offend thee, Heavenly Power ,
My Maker, be propitious while I speak. 380

Hast thou not made me here thy substitute.
And these inferior far beneath me set .''
Among unequals what society
Can sort, what harmony, or true delight ?
Which must be mutual, in proportion due 385

Giveir and received ; but, in disparity
The one intense, the other still remiss,
Cannot well suit with either, but soon prove
Tedious alike : of fellowship I speak,
Such as I seek, fit to participate 390

All rational delight : wherein the brute
Cannot be human consort : They rejoice
Each with their kind, lion with lioness ;
So fitly them in pairs thou liast combined :
Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl 305
So well converse, nor with the ox the ape ;
Worse then can man with beast, and least of all.

Whereto tlie Almighty answer 'd, not displeased
A nice and subtle happiness, I see,
Thou to thyself proposest, in the choice 400

Of thy associates, Adam ! and wilt taste
No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary.
What think 'st thou then of me, and this my state ?
16

182 PARADISE LOST. b. viii

Seem I to thee sufficiently pcssess'd

Of happiness, or not ? who am alone 405

From all eternity ; for none I know

Second to me or like, equal much less.

How have I then with whom to hold converse,

Save with the creatures which I made, and those

To me inferior, infinite descents 410

Beneath what other creatures are to thee ?

He ceased ; I lowly answcr'd : To attain
The height and depth of thy eternal ways
All human thoughts come short, Supreme of things !
Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee 415

Is no deficiencc found : Not so is Man,
But in degree ; the cause of his desire
By conversation with his like to help
Or solace his defects. No need that thou
Shouldst propagate, already Infinite; 420

And through all numbers absolute, though One :
But Man by number is to manifest
His single imperfection, and beget
Like of his like, his image multiplied,
In umty defective ; which requires 425

Collateral love, and dearest amity.
Thou in thy secrecy although alone,
Best with thyself accompanied, seek'st not
Social communication ; yet, so pleased,
Canst raise thy creature to what height thou wilt 430
Of union or comnmnion, deified :
I, by conversing, cannot these erect
From prone ; nor in their v/ays com-placence find
Thus I embolden'd spake, and freedom used
Permissive, and acceptance found ; which gain'd 435
This answer from the gracious Voice Divine :

Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased ;
And find thee knowing, not of beasts alone.
Which thou hast rightly named, but of thyself;
Expressing well the spirit within thee free, 440

Wy image, not imparted to the brute ;

PARADISE LOST. 183

Whose fellowship therefore unmeet for thee

Good reason was thou freely shouldil dislike ;

And be so minded still : I, ere thou spakest,

Knew it not good for Man to be alone : 445

And no such company as then thou saw'st

Intended thee ; for trial only brought,

To see how thou couldst judge of fit and meet ;

What next I bring shall please tliee, be assured,

Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, 450

Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire.

He ended, or I heard no more ; for now
My earthly by his heavenly overpower'd,
Which it had long stood under, strain'd to the height
In that celestial colloquy sublime, 455

As with an object that excels the sense
Dazzled and spent, sunk down; and- sought repair
Of sleep, which instantly fell on me, call'd
By Nature as in aid, and closed mine eyes.
Mine eyes he closed, but open left the cell 460

Of fancy, ray internal sight; by which,
Abstract as in a trance, methought I saw.
Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape
Still glorious before v/hom awake I stood :
Who stooping open'd my left side, and took 465

From thence a rib, with cordial spirits warm.
And life-blood streaming fresh ; wide was the wound,
But suddenly with flesh fill'd up and heal'd :
The rib he form'd and fashion'd with his hands ;
Under his forming hands a creature grew, 470

Manlike, but different sex ; so lovely fair,
That what seem'd fair in all the world, seem'd now
Mean, or in her summ'd up, in her contain'd
And in her looks; which from that time infused
Sweetness into my heart, unfelt before, 475

And into all tilings from her air inspired
The spirit of love and amorous delight.
She disappear'd, and left me dark ; I waked
To find her, or for ever to deplore

184 PARADISE LOST. b. tih.

Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure: 480

When out of hope, behold her, not far off,

Such as I saw her in my dream, adorn'd

With what all Earth or Heaven could bestow

To make her amiable : On she came,

Led by her heavenly Maker, though unseen, 485

And guided by his voice; nor uninform'd

Of nuptial sanctity and marriage rites :

Grace was in all her steps, Heaven in her eye,

In every gesture dignity and love.

1, overjoy'd, could not forbear aloud : 490

This turn hath made amends ; thou hast fulfill'd
Thy words, Creator bounteous and benign,
Giver of all things fair ! but fairest this
Of all thy gifts ! nor enviest. I now see
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, myself 495

Before me : Woman is her name ; of Man
Extracted ; for this cause he shall forego
Father and mother, and to his wife adhere j
And they shall be one flesh, one heart, one soul.

She heard me thus : and though divinely brought.
Yet innocence, and virgin modesty, 501

Her virtue, and the conscience of her worth,
That would be woo'd, and not unsought to be won,
Not obvious, not obtrusive, but retired,
The more desirable ; or, to say all, &05

Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought,
Wrought in her so, that seeing me she turn'd :
I follow'd her ; she what was honour knew.
And with obsequious majesty approved
My pleaded reason. To the nuptial bower 510

I led her blushing like the morn : All Heaven
And happy constellations on that hour
Shed their selectest influence ; the Earth
Gave sign of gratulation, and each hill ;
Joyous the birds ; fresh gales and gentle airs 515

Whisper'd it to the woods, and from their wings
Flung rose, flung odours from the spicy shrub,

PARADISE LOST. 185

Disporting, till the amorous bird of night

Sung spousal, and bid haste the evening star

On his hill top, to light the bridal lamp. 520

Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought
My story to the sum of earthly bliss.
Which I enjoy ; and must confess to find
In all things else delight indeed, but such
As, used or not, works in the mind no change, 525
Nor vehement desire ; these delicacies
I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flowers,
Walks, and the melody of birds : but here
Far otherwise, transported I behold,
Transported touch ; here passion first I felt, 530

Commotion strange ! in all enjoyments else
Superior and unmoved ; here only weak
Against the charm of Beautys powerful glance
Or Nature fail'd in me, and left some part
Not proof enough such object to sustain ; 535

Or, from my side subducting, took perhaps
More than enough ; at least on her bestow'd
Too much of ornament, in outward show
Elaborate, of inward less exact.

For well I understand in the prime end 540

Of Nature her the inferior, in the mind
And inward faculties, which most excel ;
In outward also her resembling less
His image who made both, and less expressing
The character of that dominion given 545

O'er other creatures : Yet when I approach
Her loveliness, so absolute she seems
And in herself complete, so well to know
Her own, that what she wills to do or say
Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best : 550

A.11 higher knowledge in her presence falls
Degraded ; Wisdom in discourse with her
Loses discountenanced, and like folly shows
Authority and Reason on lier wait,

186 PARADISE LOST. b. tiii.

As one intended first, not after made 555

Occasionally ; and. to consummate all,
Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat
Build in her loveliest, and create an awe
About her, as a guard angelic placed.

To whom the Angel with contracted brow : 560

Accuse not Nature, she hath done her part ;
Do thou but thino ; and be not difBdent
Of Wisdom; she deserts thee not, if thou
Dismiss not her, when most thou need'st her nigh,
By attributing overmuch to things 5G5

Less exellent, as thou thyself perceivest.
For, what adrairest thou, what transports thee so ?
An outside ? fair, no doubt, and wortliy well
Thy cherishing, thy honouring, and thy love ;
Not thy subjection ; Weigh with her thyself; 570

Then value : Ofttimes nothing profits more
Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right
Well managed ; of that skill the more thou know'st,
The more she will acknowledge thee her head,
And to realities yield all her shows : 575

Made so adorn for thy delight the more.
So awful, that with honour thou mayst love
Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise.
But if the sense of touch, whereby mankind
Is propagated, seem such dear delight 580

Beyond all other ; think the same vouchsafed
To cattle and each beast ; which would not be
To them made common and divulged, if aught
Therein enjoy'd were worthy to subdue
The soul of man, or passion in liim move. 585

What higher in her society thou find'st
Attractive, human, rational, love still ;
In loving thou dost well, in passion not,
W^herein true love consists not : Love refines
The thoughts, and heart enlarges ; hath his seal 500
In reason and is judicious ; is the scale

PARADISE LOST 187

By which to heavenly love thou mayst ascend.
Not sunk in carnal pleasure ; for which cause,
Among the beasts no mate for thee was found.

To whom thus, half abash'd, Adam replied ; 595

Neither her outside form'd so fair, nor aught
In procreation common to all kinds
(Though higher of the genial bed by far,
And with mysterious reverence I deem,)
So much delights me, as those graceful acts, 600

Those thousand decencies, that daily flow
From all her words and actions, raix'd with love
And sweet compliance, which declare unfeign'd
Union of mind, or in us both one soul ;
Harmony to behold in wedded pair G05

More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear.
Yet these subject not ; I to thee disclose
"What inward thence I feel, not therefore foil'd,
Who meet with various objects, from the sense
Variously representing ; yet still free, lilO

ApproA'^e the best, and follow what I approve.
To love thou blamcst m.e not ; for Love, thou sav'Bt,
Leads up to Heaven, is both the way and guide :
Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask :
Love not the heavenly Spirits, and how their love 015
Express they ? by looks only ? or do they mix
Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch ?

To whom the Angel, with a smile that glow'd
Celestial rosy red, Love's proper hue,
Answer'd : Let it suffice thee tliat thou know'st C\iO
Us happy, and without love no happiness
Whatever pure thou in the body cnjoy'st
(And pure thou wert created,) we enjoy
In eminence ; and obstacle find none
Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars ; C2o

Easier than air with air, if Spirits embrace,
Total they mix, union of pure with pure
Desiring, nor restrain'd conveyance need,
As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with snul.

188 PARADISE LOST. b. viii.

But 1 can now no more ; the parting sun 630

Beyond the Earth's green Cape and verdant Isles

Hesperian sets, my signal to depart.

Be strong, live happy, and love ! But, first of all,

Him, whom to love is to obey, and keep

His great command : take heed lest passion sway 635

Thy judgment to do aught, which else free will

Would not admit: thine, and of all thy sons,

The weal or woe in thee is placed : beware !

I in thy persevering shall rejoice,

And all the bl iss'd : Stand fast; to stand or fall 640

Free in thine own arbitrement it lies.

Perfect within, no outv/ard aid require ;

And all temptation to transgress repel.

So saying, he arose ; whom Adam thus
Follow'd with benediction. Since to part, 645

Go, heavenly guest, ethereal Messenger,
Sent from whose sov'reign goodness I adore !
Gentle to me and affable hath been
Thy condescension, and shall be honour'd ever
With grateful memory : Thou to mankind 650

Be good and friendly still, and oft return !

So parted they ; the Angel up to Heaven
From the thick shade, and Adam to liis bower

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK IX.

Saian, liaving compassed the Earth, with meditated guile returno,
as a mist, by night into Paradise; enters into the Serpent sleep-
ing. Adarn and Eve in the morning go forth to their labours,
whicii Eve proposes to divide in several places., each labouring
apart: Adam consents not; alleging the danger, lest that enemy,
of whom they were forowarneil, should attempt her found alone ;
Eve, loath to be thought not circumspect or tirni enough, urges
her going apart, the rather desirous to make trial of her strength ;
Adam at last yields: The Serpent finds her alone ; his subtle ap-
proach, first gazing, then speaking ; with much flattery extolling
Eve above all other creatures. Eve, wondering to hear the Ser-
pent speak, asks how ho attained to human speech and such un-
derstanding not till now ; tlie Serpent answers, that by tastinff
of a certain trp». in the garden he attained both to speech and
reason, till then void of both: Eve requires him to bring her to
that tree, and finds it to be the tree of knowledge forbidden: The
Serpent, now grown bolder, with many wiles and arguments, in-
duces her at length to eat ; she, jdeased with the taste, deliberates
awhile whether to imj)ari; thereof to Adam or not; at last brings
him of the fruit; relates what persuaded her to eat thereof;
Adam, at first amazed, but |> rcciving her lost, resolves, through
vehemence of love, to perish with her: and, extenuating the tres-
pass, eats also of the fruit; Tlie effects thereof in them both;
they seek to cover tlieir nakedness; then fall to variance and
accusation of one another.

No more of talk where God or Angel guest

With Man, as with his friend, familiar used,

To sit indulgent, and with him partake

Rural repast ; permitting him the while

S'^enial discourse unblamed. I now must change 5

Those notes to tragic ; foul distrust, and breach

Disloyal on the part of Man, revolt,

And disobedience : on the part of Heaven,

Now alienated, distance and distaste,

Anger and just rebuke, and judgment given, 10

That brought into this world a world of woe,

Sin and her shadov/ Death, and misery.

Death's harbinger : sad task ! yet argument

Not less but more heroic than the wiath

Of stern Achilles on his foe ])ursued 15

190 PARADISE LOST. b. ix

Thrice fugitive about Troy wall ; or rage

Of Turnus for Lavinia disespoused ;

Or Neptune's ire, or Juno's, that so long

Perplex'd the Greek, and Cytherea's son :

If answerable style I can obtain 20

Of my celestial patroness, who deigns

Her nightly visitation unimplored,

And dictates to me slumbering ; or inspires

Easy my unpremeditated verse :

Since first this subject for heroic song 25

Pleased me long choosing, and beginning late ;

Not sedulous by nature to indite

Wars, hitherto the only argument

Heroic deem'd ; chief mastery to dissect

With long and tedious havoc fabled kn'ghts 30

In battles feign'd ; the better fortitude

Of patience and heroic martyrdom

Unsung ; or to describe races and games,

Or tilting fartiiture, imblazon'd shields,

Impresses (-niiint, caparisons and steeds, 35

Bases and i ,it;el trappings, gorgeous knights

At joust and tournament ; then marshal'd feast

Served up in hall with sewers and seneshals ;

The skill of artifice or ofiice mean,

Not that which justly gives heroic name 40

To person or to poem. Me, of these

Nor skill'd nor studious, higher argument

Kemains ; sufficient of itself to raise

That name, ujoless an age too late, or cold

Climate, or years, damp my intended wing 45

Depress'd ; and much they may, if all be mine,

Not hers, who brings it nightly to my ear.

Tlie sun was sunk, and after him the star
Of Hesperus, whose office is to bring
Twilight upon the earth, short arbiter 50

'Twixt day and night, and now from end to end
Night's hemisphere had veil'd the horizon romid •
"When Satan, who late fled before the threats

PARADISE LOST. 191

Of Gabriel out of Eden, now improved
In meditated fraud and malice, bent 55

On Man's destruction, maugre what might hap
Of heavier on himself, fearless return'd.
By night he fled, and at midnight return'd
From compassing the earth ; cautious of day,
Since Uriel, regent- of the sun, descried GO

His entrance, and forewarn'd the Cherubim
That kept their watch ; thence full of anguish driven,
The space of seven continued nights he rode
With darkness ; thrice the equinoctial line
He circled ; four times cross"d the car of night. 65
From pole to pole, traversing each colure ;
On the eighth return'd ; and, on the coast averse
From entrance or cherubic watch, by stealth
Found unsuspected way. There was a place,
Now not, though sin, not time, first wrought the change,
Where Tigris, at the foot of Paradise, 71

Into a gulf shot under ground, till part
Ptose up a fountain by the tree of life :
In with the river sunk, and with it rose
Satan, involved in rising mist ; then sought 75

Where to lie hid ; sea he had search'd, and land,
From Eden over Pontus and the pool
Mseotis, up beyond the river Ob ;
Downward as far antarctic ; and in length,
West from Orontes to the ocean barr'd 80

At Daricn ; thence to the land where flows
Ganges and Indus : Thus the orb he roam'd
With narrow search ; and with inspection deep
Considered every creature, which of all
Most opportune might serve his wiles ; and found 85
The Serpent subtlest beast of all the field.
Him after long debate, irresolute
Of thoughts revolved, his final sentence chose
Fit vessel, fittest imp of fraud, in whom
To enter, and his dark suggestions hide 90

From sharpest sight • for, in the wily snake

192 PARADISE LOST. b. ix.

Whatever sleights, none would suspicious mark,
As from his wit and native subtlety
Proceeding ; which, in other beasts observed,
Doubt might beget of diabolic power 95

Active within, beyond the sense of brute.
Thus he resolved, but first from inward grief
His bursting passion into plaints thus pour'd :

O Earth, how like to Heaven, if not preferr'd
More justly, seat worthier of Gods, as built 100

With second thoughts, reforming what was old !
For what God, after better, worse would build .''
Terrestrial Heaven, danced round by other Heavens
That shine, yet bear their bright officious lamps,
Light above light, for thee alone, as seems, 105

In thee concentring all their precious beams
Of sacred influence ! As God in Heaven
Is centre, yet extends to all ; so thou,
Centring, receivest from all those orbs : in thee
Not in themselves, all tlieir known virtue appears 110
Productive in herb, plant, and nobler birth
Of creatures animate with gradual life
Of growth, sense, reason, all summ'd up in Man.
With what delight could I have walk'd thee round,
If I could joy in aught, sv/eet interchange 115

Of hill, and valley, rivers, woods, and plains.
Now land, now sea, and shores with forest crown d,
Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these
Find plrxe or refuge ; and the more I see
Pleasures about me, so much more I feel 120

Torment within me, as from the hateful siege
Of contraries : all good to me becomes
Bane, and in Heaven much worse would be my state.
But neither here seek I, no nor in Heaven
To dwell, unless by mastering Heaven's Supreme ; 125
Nor hope to be myself less miserable
By what I seek, but others to make such
As I, though thereby worse to me redound:
For only in destroying I find ease

PARADISE LOST. 193

To my relentless thoughts ; and, him destroy'd, 130
Or won to what may work his utter loss,
For whom all this was made, all this will soon
Follow, as to him link'd in weal or woe ;
In woe then ; that destruction wide may range :
To me shall be the glory sole among 135

The infernal Powers, in one day to have marr'd
What he, Almighty styloid, six nights and days
Continued making ; and who knows how long
Before had been contriving ? though perhaps
Not longer since than I, in one night, freed J 40

From servitude inglorious well nigh half
The angelic name, and thinner left the throng
Of his adorers : He, to be avenged,
And to repair his numbers thus impair'd,
Whether such virtue spent of old now fail'd 145

?tIore Angels to crsAate, if they at least
Are his created, or, to spite us more,
Determined to advance into our room
A creature form'd of earth, and him endow,
Exalted from so base original, 150

With heavenly spoils, our spoils • What he decreed,
He effected ; Man he made, and for him built
Magnificent this world, and earth his seat,
Him lord pronounced ; and, O indignity !
Subjected to his service angel-wings, 155

And flaming ministers to watch and tend
Their earthly charge : Of these the vigilance
I dread; and, to elude, thus wrapp'd in mist
Ol' midnight vapour glide obscure, and pry
^^ every bush and brake, where hap may find 160

^T/tO serpent sleeping ; in whose mazy folds
o hide me, and the dark intent I bring.
O foul descent ! that I, w'.o erst contended
"With Gods to sit the highest, am now constrain'd
Into a beast ; and, mix'd witli bestial slime, 165

This essence to incarnate and imbrute.
That to the height of Deity aspired '
17

194 PARADISE LOST. b. ix

But what will not ambition and revenge

Descend to ? Who aspires must down as low

As high he soar'd ; obnoxious, first or last, 170

To basest things. Revenge, at first though sweet,

Bitter ere long, back on itself recoils :

Let it ; I reck not, so it light well aim'd,

Since higher I fall short, on him who next

Provokes my enyy, this new favourite 175

Of Heaven, this man of clay, son of despite,

Whom, us the more to spite, his Maker raised

From dust : Spite then with spite is best repaid.

So saying, through each thicket danlt or dry,
Like a black mist low-creeping, he held on 180

His midnight search, where soonest he might find
The serpent ; him fast sleeping soon he found
In labyrinth of many a round self-roll'd.
His head the midst, well stored with subtile wiles.
Not yet in horrid shade or dismal den, 185

Nor nocent yet ; but, on the grassy herb,
Fearless unfear'd he slept : in at his mouth
The Devil enter'd ; and his brutal sense,
In heart or head, possessing, soon inspired
With act intelligential ; but his sleep 190

Disturb'd not, waiting close the approach of morn
Now, when as sacred light began to dawn
In Eden on the humid floAvers, that breathed
Their morning incense, when all things that breathe,
From the Earth's great altar send up silent praise 195
To the Creator, and his nostrils fill
With grateful smell, forth came the human pair,
And join'd their vocal worship to the choir
Of creatures wanting voice ; that done, partake
The season, prime for sweetest scents and airs : 200
Then commune, how that d&y they best may ply
Their growing work . for much their work outgrew
The hands' despatch of two gardening so wide,
And Eve first to her husband thus began :

Adam, well may we labour «jtill to dress 205

PARADISE LOST. 195

This garden, still to tend plant, herb, and flower,

Our pleasant task enjoin'd ; but, till more hands

Aid us, the work under our labour grows,

Luxurious by restraint ; what we by day

Lop overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind, 210

One night or two with wanton growth derides,

Tending to wild. Thou therefore now advise,

Or bear what to my mind first thoughts present :

Let us divide our labours ; thou, where choice

Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind 215

The woodbine round this arbour, or direct

The clasping ivy where to climb ; while I,

In yonder spring of roses intermix'd

With myrtle, find what to redress till noon :

For, while so near each other thus all day 220

Our task we choose, what wonder if, so near,

Looks intervene and smiles, or object new

Casual discourse draw on ; which intermits

Our day's work, brought to little, though begun

Early, and the hour of supper comes unearn'd.'' 225

To whom mild answer Adam thus return'd :
Sole Eve, associate sole, to me beyond
Compare above all living creatures dear !
Well hast thou motion'd, well thy thoughts employ'd,
How we might best fulfil the work which here 230
God hath assign'd us ; nor of me shalt pass
Unpraised : for nothing lovelier can be found
In woman, than to study household good,
And good works in her husband to promote.
Tiet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed 235

Labour, as to debar us when we need
Refreshment, whether food or talk between,
Food of the mind, or this sweet intercourse
Of looks and smiles ; for smiles from reason flow.
To brute denied, and are of love the food , 240

Love, not the lowest end of human life.
For not to irksome toil, but to delight,
He made us, and delight to reason join'd.

196 PARADISE LOST. b, is.

These paths and bowers doubt not but our joint hands

Will keep from wilderness with case, as wide 245

As we need walk, till younger liands ere long

Assist us : but, if much converse perhaps

Thee satiate, to short absence I could yield :

For solitude sometimes is best society,

And short retirement urges sweet return. 250

But other doubt possesses me, lest harm

Befal thee sever'd from me ; for thou know'st

What hath been warn'd us, what malicious foe

Envying our happiness, and of his own

Despairing, seeks to work us woe and shame 255

By sly assault ; and somewhere nigh at hand

Watches, no doubt, with greedy hope to find

His wish and best advantage, us asunder ;

Hopeless to circumvent us join'd, where each

To other speedy aid might lend at need : 260

Whether his first design be to withdraw

Our fealty from God, or to disturb

Conjugal love, than which perhaps no bliss

Enjoy'd by us excites his crxvy more ;

Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side 265

That gave thee being, still shades thee, and protects

The wife, where danger or dishonour lurks,

Safest and seemliest by her husband stays,

Who guards her, or with her the worst endures.

To whom the virgin majesty of Eve, 270

As one who loves, and some unkindness meets,
With sweet austere composure thus replied :

Offspring of Heaven and Earth, and all Earth's Lord'
That such an enemy we have, who seeks
Our ruin, both by thee inform'd I learn, 275

And from the parting Angel overheard,
As in a shady nook I stood behind.
Just then relurn'd at shut of evening flowers.
But. that thou shouldst my firmness therefore -doubt
To God or thee, because we have a foe 2^

May tempt it, I expected not to hear.

PARADISE LOST. 197

His violence thou fear'st not, being such

As v/e, not capable of death or pain,

Can either not receive, or can repel.

His fraud is then thy fear ; which plain infers 285

Thy equal fear, that my firm faith and love

Can by his fraud be shaken or seduced ;

Thoughts, which how found they harbour in thy breast,

Adam, misthought of her to thee so dear .''

To whom with healing words Adam replied 290
Daughter of God and Man, immortal Eve !
For such thou art ; from sin and biame entire :
Not diffident of thee do I dissuade
Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid
The attempt itself, intended by our foe. 295

For he who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses
The tempted with dishonour foul ; supposed
Not incorruptible of faith, not proof
Against temptation : thou thyself with scorn
And anger wouldst resent the ofFer'd wrong, 300

Though iueffectual found : misdeem not then,
If such affront I labour to avert
From thee alone, which on us both at once
The enemy, though bold, will hardly dare ?
Or daring, first on me the assault shall light. 305

Nor thou his malice and false guile contemn ;
Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce
Angels ; nor think superfluous others' aid.
I, from the influence of thy looks, receive
Access in every virtue ; in thy sight 310

More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were
Of outward strength ; while shame, thou looking on,
Shame to be overcome or overreach'd,
Would utmost vigour raise, and raised unite.
Why shculdst not thou like sense within thee feel 31o
Wl'.en I am present, and thy trial choose
With me, best witness of thy virtue tried ?

So spake domestic Adam in his care
And matrimonial love ; but Eve, who thought
17*

198 PARADISE LOST. b. is

Less dttributed to lier faith sincere, 320

Thus her reply with accent sweet renew'-d •

If this be our condition, thus to dwell
In narrow circuit straiten'd by a foe,
Subtle or violent, we not endued
Single with like defence, wherever met ; 325

How are we happy, still in f«ar of harm?
But harm precedes not sin : only our foe,
Tempting, affronts us with his foul esteem
Of our integrity : his foul esteem

Sticks no -dishonour on our front, but turns 330

Foul on himself; then wherefore shunn'd or fear'd
By us ? who rather double ]\onour gain
From his surmise proved false ; find p^ace within,
Favour from Heaven, our witness, from the event.
And what is faith, love, virtue, unassay'd 335

Alone, without exterior help sustain'd ?
Let us not then suspect our happy state
Left so imperfect by the Maker wise.
As not secure to single or combined.
Frail is our happiness, if this be so, 340

And Eden were no Eden, thus exposed.

To whom thus Adam fervently replied :
O Woniau, best arc all things as the will
Of God ordain'd them : His creating hand
Nothing imperfect or deficient left 345

Of all that he created, much less Man,
Or aught that might his happy state secure,
Secure from outward foixe ; within himself
The danger lies, yet lies within his power :
Against his will he can receive no harm. 350

But God left free the will ; for what obeys
Reason, is free : and Reason he made right,
But bid her v/ell beware, and still erect ;
Lest, by some fair-appearing good surprised,
She dictate false ; and misinform the will 355

To do what God expressly hath forbid.
Not then mistrust, but tender love, enjomp,

PARADISE LOST. VJ9

That I should mind thee oft ; and mind thou me,

Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve;

Since Reason not impossibly may meet 360

Some specious object by the foe suborn'd,

And fall into deception unaware,

Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warn'd.

Seek not temptation then, w^hicli to avoid

Were better, and most likely if from me 365

Thou sever not : trial will come unsought.

Wouldst thou approve thy constancy, approve

First thy obedience ; the other who can know.

Not seeing thee attempted, who attest ?

But, if thou think, trial unsought may find 370

Us both securer than thus warn'd thou seem'st,

Go ; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more ;

Go in thy native innocence, rely

On what thou hast of virtue ; summon all !

For God towards thee hath done his part : do thine.

So spake the patriarch of mankind ; but Eve 375
Persisted ; yet submiss, though last, replied :

With thy permission then, and thus forewarn'd
Chiefly by w^hat thy own last reasoning words
Touch'd only ; that our trial, when least sought,
May find us both perhaps far less prepared, 380

The willinger I go, nor much expect
A foe so proud will first the w^caker seek ;
So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse.

Thus saying, from her husband's hand her hand
Soft she withdrew ; and, like a Woodnymph light, 385
Oread or Dryad, or of Delia's train.
Betook her to the groves ; but Delia's self
In gait surpass'd, and goddesshke deport.
Though not as she with bow and quiver arm'd,
But with such gardening tools as Art yet rude, 390
Guiltless of fire, had form'd, or Angels brought.
To Pales, or Pomona, thus adorn d,
Likest she seem'd, Pomona when she fied
Vertumnus, or to Ceres in her prime,

200 PARADISE LOST b. is.

Yet virgin of Prcjserpina from Jove. 395

Her long with ardent look his eye pursued

Delighted, but desiring more her stay.

Oft he to her his charge of quick return

Repeated ; she t,o him as oft engaged

To be ret urn 'd by noon amid the bower, 400

And all things in best order to invite

Noontide repast, or afternoon's repose.

O much deceived, much failiiig, hapless Eve,

Of thy presumed return ! event perverse !

Thou never from that hour in Paradise 405

Found'st either sweet repast or sound repose ;

Such ambush, hid among sweet flowers and shades,

Waited with hellish rancour imminent

To intercept thy way, or send thee back

Despoil'd of innocence, of faith, of bliss ! 410

For now, and since first break of dawn, the Fiend,

Mere serpent in appearance, forth was come j

And on his quest, where likeliest he might find

The only two of mankind, but in them

The whole included race, his purposed prey. 415

In bower and field he sought, where any tuft

Of grove or garden plot more pleasant lay,

Their tendance, or plantation for delight j

By fountain or by shady rivulet

He sought them both, but wish'd his hap might find

Eve separate ; he wish'd, but not with hope 421

Of what so seldom chanced ; v/hen to his wish,

Beyond his hope, Eve separate he spies,

Veil'd in a cloud of fragrance, where she stood.

Half spied, so thick the roses blushing round 42?

About her glow'd, oft stooping to support

Each flower of slender stalk, whose head, though gajf

Carnation, purple, azure, or speck'd with gold.

Hung drooping unsustain'd ; them she upstays

Gently with myrtle band, mindless the while 430

Herself, though faireat unsupported flower,

From her best prop so far, and storm so nigh.

PARADISE LOST. 201

ISGnrer he drew, and many a walk traversed

Of staiclicst covert, cedar, pine, or palm ;

Then voluble and bold, now hid, now seen, 435

Among thick-woven crborets, and flowers

Erabroider'd on each bank, the hand of Eve :

Spot more delicious than those gardens feign'd

Or of revived Adonis, or renown'd

Alcinous, host of old Laertes' son ; 440

Or that, not mystic, where the sapient king

Held dalliance with his fair Egyptian spouse.

Much he the place admired, the person more.

As one who long in populous city ]>ent,

Where houses thick and sewers annoy the air, 445

Forth issuing on a summer's morn, to breaths

Among the pleasant villages and farms

Adjoin'd, from each thing met conceives delight;

The smell of grain, or tedded grass, or kine,

Or dairy, each rural sight, each rural sound j 450

If chance, with nymphlike step, fair virgin pass.

What pleasing seem'd, for her now pleases more ;

She most, and in her look suras all delight :

Such pleasure took the Serpent to behold

This flowery plat, the sweet recess of Eve, 455

Thus early, thus alone : her heavenly form

Angelic, but more soft and feminine,

Her graceful innocence, her every air

Of gesture, or least action, overawed

His malice, and with rapine sweet bereaved 460

His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought :

That space the Evil One abstracted stood

From his own evil, and for the time remain 'd

Stupidly good; of enmity disarm'd.

Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge : 465

But the hot Hell that always in him burns,

Though in mid Heaven, soon ended his delight,

And tortures him now more, the more he sees

Of pleasure, not for him ordain'd • then soon

202 PARADISE LOST. b. ix.

Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts 470
Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites.

Thoughts, whither have ye led me ! with what sweet
Compulsion thus transported, to forget
What hither brought us I hate, not love ; nor hope
Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste 475

Of pleasure ; but all pleasure to destroy,
Save what is in destroying ; other joy
To me is lost. Then, let me not let pass
Occasion which now smiles; behold alone
The woman, opportune to all attempts, 480

Her husband, for T view far round, not nigh,
Whose higher intellectual more I shun.
And strength, of courage haughty, and of limb
Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould ;
Foe not informidable ! exempt from wound, 485

1 not ; so much hatli Hell debased, and pam
Enfeebled me, to what I was in Heaven.
She fair, divinely fair, fit love for Gods I
Not terrible, though terror be in love
And beauty, not approach'd by stronger hate, 490

Hate stronger, under show of love well feign'd ;
The way which to her ruin now I tend.

So spake the enemy of mankind, enclosed
In serpent, inmate bad ! and toward Eve
Address'd his way : not with indented wave, 495

Prone on the ground, as since ; but on his rear,
Circular base of rising folds, that tower'd
Fold above fold, a surging maze ! his head
Crested aloft, and carbuncle his eyes ;
With burnish 'd neck of verdant gold, erect 500

Amidst his circling spires, that on the grass
Floated redundant : pleasing was his shape
And lovely ; never since of serpent-kind
Lovelier, not those that in Illyria changed,
Hermione and Cadmus, or the god 505

In Epidaurus ; nor to which transform'd

PARADISE LOST. 20:J

Aramonian Jove, or Capitoline, was seen ;

He with Olympias ; this with her who bore

Scipio, the lieight of Rome. Witli tract oblique

At first, as one who sought accessj but fear'd 510

To interrupt, sidelong he works his way,

As when a ship, by skilful steersmen wrought

Nigh rivers mouth or foreland, w^here the wind

Vetrs oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail :

So varied he, and of his tortuous train 515

Curl'd many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve,

To lure her eye ; she, busied, heard the sound

Of rustling leaves, but minded not, as used

To such disport before her through the field.

From every beast ; more duteous at her call 520

Than at Circean call the herd disguised.

lie, bolder now, uncall'd before her stood,

Rut as in gaze admiring : oft he bow'd

His turret crest, and sleek enamel neck.

Fawning ; and lick'd the ground whereon she trod. 525

His gentle dumb expression turn'd at length

The eye of Eve to mark his play : he, glad

Of her attention gain'd, wath serpent-tongue

Organic, or impulse of vocal air.

His fraudulent temptation thus began : 530

Wonder not, sov'reign Mistress, if perhaps
Thou canst, who art sole wonder ! much less arm
Thy looks, the Heaven of mildness, with disdain,
Displeased that I approach thee thus, and gaze
Insatiate ; I thus single ; nor have fear'd 535

Thy awful brow, more av/ful thus retired.
Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair.
Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine
By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore
With ravishment beheld ! there best beheld, 540

Where universally admired ; but here
In this enclosure wild, these beasts among,
lie.holders rude, and shallow to discern
Half what in thee is fair, one man except,

204 PARADISE LOST. b. ix.

Who sees thee ? (and what is one ?) who should be seen
A Goddess among Gods, adored and served 546

By Angels numberless, thy dail}' train.

So glozed the Tempter, and his proem tuned :
Into the heart of Eve his words made way,
Though at the voice much marveUng ; at length 550
Not unamazed, she thus in answer spake :

What may this mean ? language of man pronctmcad
By tongue of brute, and human senso express'd ?
The first, at least, of these I tliought denied
To beasts ; whom God, on their creation-day, 555
Created mute to all articulate sound :
The latter I demur ; for in their looks
Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears.
Thee, Serpent, subtlest beast of all the field
I knev/, but not with human voice endued ; 560

Redouble then this miracle, and say,
How earnest thou speakable of mute, and how
To me so friendly grown above the rest
Of brutal kind, that daily are in sight .'
Say, for such wonder claims attention due. 565

To whom the guileful Tempter thus replied :
Empress of this fair world, resplendent Eve !
Easy to me it is to tell thee all [obey'd :

What thou command'st ; sjid right thou shouldst bo
I was at first as other beasts that graze 570

The trodden herb, of abject thoughts and low,
As was ]ny food ; nor aught but food discern'd
Or sex, and apprehended nothing high :
Till, on a day roving the field, I chanced
A goodly tree far distant to behold 575

Loaden with fruit of fairest colours mix'd,
Ruddy and gold : I nearer drew to gaze ;
When from the boughs a savoury odour blown,
Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense
Than smell of sweetest fennel, or the teats 580

Of ewe or goat dropping with milk at even;
Unsuck'd of lamb or kid, that tei7d their piay.

PARADISE LOST. 205

To satisfy the sharp desire I had
Of tasting those fair apples, I resolved
Not to defer ; hunger and thirst at once, 585

Powerful persuaders, quickened at the scent
Of that alluring fruit, urged me so keen.
About the mossy trunk I wound me soon ;
For, high from ground the branches would require
Thy utmost reach or Adam's : round the tree o90

All other beasts that saw, with like desire
Longing and envying stood, but could not reach.
Amid the tree now got, where plenty hung
Tempting so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill
I spared not ; for, such pleasure till that hour, 595
At feed or fountain, never had I found.
Sated at length, ere long I might perceive
Strange alteration in me, to degree
Of reason in my inward powers ; and speech
Wanted not long ; though to this shape retain'd. 600
Thenceforth to speculations high or deep
I turn'd my thoughts, and with capacious mind
Consider'd all things visible in Heaven,
Or Earth, or Middle ; all things fair and good :
But all that fair and good in thy divine COS

Semblance, and in thy beauty's heavenly ray,
United I beheld ; no fair to thine
Equivalent or second ! which compell'd
Me thus, though importune perhaps, to come
And gaze, and worship thee of right declared 610

Sov'reis_ni of creatures, universal Dame !

So talk'd the spirited sly Snake ; and Eve,
Yet more amazed, unwary thus replied :
Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt
The virtue of that fruit, in thee first proved : 615

But say, where grows the tree ? from nence how rar.-*
For many are the trees of God that grow
In Paradise, and various, yet unknown
To us ; in such abundance lies our choice,
As leaves a greater store of fruit untouch'd, 020

18

206 PARADISE LOST. e.n

Still hanging incorruptible, till men

Grow up to their provision, and more hands

Help to disburden Nature of her birth.

To whom the wily Adder, blithe and glad :
Empress, the way is ready, and not long ; 625

Beyond a row of myrtles, on a flat,
Fast by a fountain, one small thicket pass'd
Of blowing myrrh and balm : if thou accept
My conduct, I can bring thee thither soon.

Lead then, said Eve. He, leading, swiftly rcl'd 630
In tangles, and made intricate seem straight.
To mischief swift. Hope elevates, and joy
Brightens his crest ; as when a wandering fire,
Compact of unctuous vapour, which the night
Condenses, and the cold environs round. 635

^ Kindled through agitation to a flame,

Which oft, they say, some evil Spirit attends,
Hovering and blazing with delusive light,
Misleads the amazed night-wanderer from his way
To bogs and mires, and oft through pond or pool ; 640
There swallow'd up and lost, from succour far.
So glister'd the dire Snake, and into fraud
Led Eve, our credulous mother, to the tree
Of prohibition, root of all our woe ; 644

Which when she saw, thus to her guide she spake :

Serpent, we might have spared our coming hither,
Fruitless to me, though fruit be here to excess,
The credit of whose virtue Kest with thee ;
Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects.
But of this tree we may not taste nor touch ; 650

G od so commanded, and left that command
Sole daughter of his voice ; the rest, we live
Law to ourselves ; our reason is our law.

To v:hom the Tempter guilefully replied :
Indeed ! hath God then said that of the fruit 655

Of all these garden-trees ye shall not eat,
Yet Lords declared of all in earth or air ?

To whom thus Eve, yet sinless • Of the fruit

PARADISE LOST. 207

Of each tree in the garden we may eat ;
But of the fruit of this fair tree amidst 660

The garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat
Thereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [bold

She scarce had said, though brief, when now more
The Tempter, but with show of zeal and love
To Man, and indignation at liis wrong, 665

New part puts on ; and, as to passion moved,
Fluctuates disturb'd, yet comely and in act
Raised, as of some great matter to begin.
As when of old some orator renown'd,
In Athens or free Rome, where eloquence 670

Flourish'd, since mute ! to some great cause address'd,
Stood in himself collected ; while each part,
Motion, each act won audience ere the tongue :
Sometimes in height began, as no delay
Of preface brooking, through his zeal of right : 675
So standing, moving, or to height up grown,
The Tempter, all impassion'd, thus began :

O sacred, wise, and wi.-;<iom-giving Plant,
Mother of science ! now 1 feel thy power
Within me clear ; not only to discern 680

Things in their causes, but to trace the ways
Of highest agents, deem'd however wise.
Queen of this universe ! do not believe
Those rigid threats of death : ye shall not die :
How should you .'' by the fruit .'' it gives you life €85
To knowledge; by the threatener ? look on me.
Me, who have touch'd and tasted ; yet both live,
And life more perfect have attained than Fate
Meant me, by venturing higher than my lot.
Shall that be shut to Man, v/hich to the Beast 690
Is open .'' or will God incense his ire
For such a petty trespass ? and not praise
Rather your dauntless virtue, whom the pain
Of death denounced, whatever thing death be,
Detcrr'd not from achieving what might lead 095

To happier life, knowledge of good and evil

208 PARADISE LOST. b. ix

Of good how just ? of evil, if what is evil
Be real, why not known, since easier shunn'd ?
God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just ;
Not just ; not God ; not fear'd then, nor obey'd: 700
Your fear itself of death removes the fear.
Why then was this forbid ? Why, but to awe ?
Why, but to keep ye low and ignorant
His worshippers r He knows that in the day
Ye eat thereof, your eyes that seem so clear, 705

Yet are but dim, shall perfectly be then
Open'd and clear'd, and ye shall be as Gods,
Knowing both good and evil, as they know.
That ye shall be as Gods, since I as Man,
Internal Man, is but proportion meet ; 710

I, of brute, human ; ye, of human, Gods.
So ye shall die perhaps, by putting off
Human, to put on Gods ; death to be wished,
Though threatcn'd, which no worse than this can bring.
And what are Gods, that Man may not become 715
As they, participating Godlike food ?
The Gods aio first, and that advantage use
On our bellei', that all from them proceeds •
I question it ; for this fair earth I see,
Warm'd by the sun, producing every kind : 720

Them, nothing : if they all things, who enclosed
Knowledge of good and evil in this tree.
That whoso eats thereof forthwith attains
Wisdom without their leave ? and wherein lies
The offence, that Man should thus attain to know ?
What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree 726
Impart against his will, if all be his ?
Or is it envy ? and can envy dwell
In heavenly breasts ? — These, these, and many more
Causes import your need of this fair fruit. 730

Goddess humane, reach then, and fi-eely taste !
He ended ; and his words, replete with guile,
Into her heart too easy entrance won ;
Fix'd on the fruit she gazed, which to behold

PARADISE LOST 209

Might tempt alone ; and in her ears the sound 735
Yet rung of his persuasive words, inipregn'd
With reason to her seeming, and with truth :
Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked
An eager appetite, raised by the smell
So savoury of that fruit, wliich with desire, 740

Inclinable now grown to touch or taste,
Solicited her longing eye ; yet first
Pausing awhile, thus to herself she mused*

Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits,
Though kept from man, and worthy to be admired ;
Whose taste, too long forborne, at first essay 746

Gave elocution to the mute, and taught
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise
Thy praise he also, who forbids thy use.
Conceals not from us, naming thee the tree 750

Of knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil;
Forbids us then to taste ! but his forbidding
Commends thee more, while it infers the good
By thee communicated, and our want ;
For good unknown sure is not had : or, had 755

/Vnd yet unknown, is as not had at all.
Jn plain then, what forbids he but to know,
Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise ?
Such prohibitions bind not. But if death
Bind us with after-bands, what profits then 760

Our inward freedom ; In the day we eat
Of this fair fruit, our doom is, we shall die !
How dies the Serpent ^ he hath eaten, lives,
And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discerns,
[rrational till then. For us alone 765

Was death invented .'* or to us denied
This intellectual food, for beasts reserved 1
For beasts it seems : yet that one beast which first
Hath tasted envies not, but brings with joy
The good befallen him, author unsuspect, 770

Friendly to man, far from deceit or guile.
What fear 1 then r rather, what knoAv to fear

210 PARADISE LOST. b. w.

Under this ignorance of good and evil,

Of God or death, of law or penalty ?

Here grows the cure of all, this fruit divine, 775

Fair to the eye, inviting to the taste,

Of virtue to make wise : What hinders then

To reach, and feed at once both body and mind ?

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour
Forth reaching to the fruit, slie pluck'd, she eat ! 780
Earth felt the wound ; and Nature from her seat,
Sighmg through all her works, gave signs of woe,
That all was lost. Back to the thicket slunk
The guilty Serpent ; and well might ; for Eve,
Intent now wliolly on her taste, nought else 785

Regarded ; such delight till then, as s^em'd,
In fruit she never tasted, v/hether true
Or fancied so, through expectation high
Of knowledge ; nor was Godhead from her thought.
Greedily she ingorged without restraint, 790

And knew not eating death; Satiate at length,
And heighten'd as with wine, jocund and boon.
Thus to herself she pleasingly began :

O sov'reign, virtuous, precious of all trees
In Paradise ! of operation bless'd 795

To sapience, hitherto obscured, infamed.
And thy fair fruit let hang, as to no end
Created ; but henceforth my early care,
Not without song, each morning, and due praise,
Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease 800

Of thy full branches ofTer'd free to all ;
Tillj dieted by thee, 1 grow mature
In knowledge, as the Gods, who all things know :
Though others envy what they cannot give :
For, had the gift been theirs, it had not here 805

Thus grown. Experience next, to thee I owe,
Best guide ; not following thee, I had remain'd
In ignorance ; thou open'st wisdom's: way,
And oivest access, though secret she retire.
And I perhaps am secret : Heaven is high, 810

PARADISE LOST. 211

High, and remote to see from thence distinct
Each thing on Earth ; and other care perhaps
May have diverted from continual watch
Our great Forbidder, safe with all his spies
About him. But to Adam in what sort 815

Shall I appear ? shall I to him make known
As yet my change, and give him to partake
Full happiness with me, or rather not,
But keep the odds of knowledge in my power
Without copartner ? so to add what wants 820

In female sex, the more to draw his love,
And render me more equal ; and perhaps,
A thing not undesirable, sometime
Superior : for inferior, v/ho is free ?
This may be well : But what if God have seen, 825
And death ensue ? Then I shall be no more !
And Adam, wedded to another Eve,
Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct ;
A death to think ! Confirm'd then I resolve,
Adam shall share with me in bliss or Avoe : 830

So dear I love him, that with hira all deaths
1 could endure, without him live no life.

So saying, from the tree her step she turn'd ;
But first low reverence done, as to the Power
That dwelt within, whoso presence had infused 835
Into the plant sciential sap, derived
From nectar, drink of Gods. Adam the while.
Waiting desirous her return, had wove
Of clioicest flowers a garland, to adorn
Her tresses, and her rural labours crown ; 840

As reapers oft are wont their harvest-queen.
Great joy he promised to his thoughts, and new-
Solace in her return, so long delay 'd :
Yet oft his heart, divine of something ill,
Misgave him ; he the faltering measure felt ; 845

And forth to meet her went, the way she took
That morn when first they parted : by the tree
Of knowledge he must pass ; there he her met

m2 PARADISE LOST. b. ix.

Scarce from the tree returning ; in her hand

A bough of fairest fruit, that downy smiled, 850

New gather'd, and ambrosial smell diffused.

To him she hasted ; in her face excuse

Came prologue and apology, too prompt ;

Which, with bland words at will, she thus address'd :

Hast thou not wonder'd, Adam, at my stay ? 855
Thee I have miss'd, and thought it long, deprived
Tliy presence ; agony of love till now
Not felt, nor shall be twice ; for never more
Mean I to tr}^, what rash untried I sought.
The pain of absence from thy sight. But strange 860
Hath been the cause, and wonderful to hear :
This tree is not, as we are told, a tree
Of danger tasted, or to evil unknown
Opening the way, but of divine effect
To open eyes, and make them Gods who taste .; 805
And hath been tasted such : The serpent wise,
Or not restrain'd as we, or not obeying,
Hath eaten of the fruit ; and is become,
Not dead, as we are threaten'd, but thenceforth
Endued with human voice and human sense, 870

Reasoning to admiration ; and with me
Persuasively hath so prevail'd that I
Have also tasted, and have also found
The effects to correspond ; opener mine eyes.
Dim erst, dilated spirits, ampler heart, 275

And growing up to Godhead ; which for thee
Chiefly I sought, without thee can despise.
For bliss, as thou hast part, to me is bliss;
Tedious, unshared with thee, and odious soon.
Thou therefore also taste, that equal lot ^0

May join us, equal joy, as equal love ;
Lest, thou not tasting, different degree
Disjoin us, and I then too late renounce
Deity for thee, when Fate will not permit.

Thus Eve, with countenance blithe her story told ;*
But m her choek distemper jlurhing ^rlow'd. 886

PARADISE LOST. 213

On the other side Adam, soon as he heard
The fatal trespass done by Eve, amazed,
Astonied stood and blank, while horror cliill
Ran through his veins, and all his joints relax'd ; 890
From his slack hand the garland wreathed for Eve
Down dropp'd, and all the faded roses shed;
Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length
First to himself he inward silence broke :

O fairest of Creation, last and best 895

Of all God"s works, Creature in whom cxcell'd
Whatever can to sight or thought be form'd,
Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet !
How art thou lost ! now on a sudden lost.
Defaced, deflower'd, and now to death devote ! 900
Rather, how hast thou yielded to transgress
The strict forbiddance, how to violate
The sacred fruit forbidden ! Some cursed fraud
Of enemy hath beguiled thee, yet unknown,
And me with thee hath ruin'd ; for v/ith thee 905

Certain my resolution is to die :
How can I live without thee ! how forego
Thy sweet converse, and love so dearly join'd,
To live again in these wild woods forlorn !
Should God create another E\e, and 1 910

Another rib afford, yet loss of thee
Would never from my heart : no, no ! I feel
The link of Nature draAV me : flesh of flesh,
Bor.e of my bone thou art, and from thy state
Mine never shall be parted, bliss or woe. 915

So having said, as one from sad dismay
Recomforted, and after thoughts disturb'd
Submitting to what seem'd remediless,
Thus in calm mood his words to Eve he turn'd :

Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve, 920
And peril great provoked, who thus hast dared,
Had it been only coveting to eye
That sacred fruit, sacred to abstinence,
Much more to taste it under ban to touch.

214 PARADISE LOST. b. ix.

But past who can recal, or done undo ? 925

Not God omnipotent, nor Fate ; yet so
Perhaps thou shalt not die, perhaps the fact
Is not so heinous now, foretasted fruit,
Profaned first by the serpent, by him first
Made common, and unhallow'd, ere our taste ; 930
Nor yet on him found deadly ; yet he Uves ;
Lives, as thou saidst, and gains to Hve, as Man,
Jligher degree of hfe ; inducement strong
To us, as likely tasting to attain

Proportional ascent ; which cannot be 935

But to be Gods, or Angels demi-Gods.
Nor can I think that God, Creator wise,
Though threatening, will in earnest so destroy
Us his prime creatures, dignified so high,
Set over all his works ; v;hich in our fall, 940

For us created, needs with us must fail.
Dependent made ; so God shall uncreate,
Be frustrate, do, undo, and labour lose ;
Not well conceived of God, who, though his power
Creation could repeat, yet would be loath 945

Us to abolish, lest the Adversary
Triumph, and say : '' Fickle their state whom God
Most favours ; who can please him long ? Me first
He ruin'd, now Mankind ; whom will he next ?"
Matter of scorn, not to be given the Foe. 950

However I with thee have fix'd my lot,
Certain to undergo like doom : If death
Consort with thee, death is to me as life ,
So forcibly within my heart I feel
The bond of Nature draw me to my own ; 955

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine }
Our state cannot be sever'd ; we are one,
One flesh ; to lose thee were to lose myself.
So Adam ; and thus Eve to him replied :
O glorious trial of exceeding love, 960

Illustrious evidence, example high '
Engaging me to emulato ; but, short

PARADISE LOST. 215

Of thy perfection, how shall 1 attain,
Adam, from whose dear side I boast me sprung,
And gladly of our union hear thee speak, 965

One heart, one soul in both ; whereof good proof
This day affords, declaring thee resolved,
Rather than death, or aught than death more dread,
Shall separate us, link'd in love so dear,
To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, 070

If any be, of tasting this fair fruit ;
Whose virtue (for of good still good proceeds,
Direct, or by occasion) hath presented
This happy trial of thy love, which else
So eminently never had been known ? 975

Were it I thought death menaced would ensue
This my attempt, I would sustain alone
The worst, and not persuaded thee, rather die
Deserted, than oblige thee with a fact
Pernicious to thy peace : chiefly assured 980

Remarkably so late of thy so true,
So faithful, love unequal'd : but 1 feel
Far otherwise the event ; not death, but life
Augmented, open'd eyes, new hopes, new joys.
Taste so divine that what of sweet before 985

Hath touch'd my sense fiat seems to this, and harsh.
On my experience, Adam, freely taste,
And fear of death deliver to the winds.

So saying, she embraced him, and for joy
Tenderly wept ; much won, that he his love 990

Had so ennobled, as of choice to incur
Divine displeasure for her sake, or death.
In recompense (for such compliance bad
Such recompense best merits) from the bough
She gave him of that fair enticing fruit 995

With liberal haiid : he scrupled not to eat,
Against his better knowledge ; not deceived.
But fondly overcome with female charm.
Earth trembled from her entrails, as again
[n pangs ; and Nature gave a second groan ; lOOO

21G PARADISE LOST. b. ix.

Sky lour'd ; and, muttering thunder, some sad drops

Wept at completing of the mortal sm

Original : while Adam took no thought,

Eating his fill ; nor Eve to iterate

Her former trespass fear'd, the more to sooth 1005

Him with her loved society ; that now,

As with new wine intoxicated both,

They swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel

Divinity within them breeding wings,

Wherewith to scorn the earth : But that false fruit

Far other operation first display'd, 1011

Carnal desire inflaming; he on Eve

Began to cast lascivious eyes ; she him

As wantonly repaid ; in iust they burn :

Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance move : 1015

Eve, novv'^ I see thou art exact of taste
And elegant, of sapience no small part ;
Since to each meaning savour we apply.
And palate call judicious ; I the praise
Yield thee, so well this da}?^ thou hast purvey'd. 1020
Much pleasure we have lost, while we abstain'd
From this delightful fruit, nor known till now
True relish, tasting ; if such pleasure be
In things to us forbidden, it might be wish'd
For this one tree iiad been forbidden ten. 1025

But come, so well refreshed, now let us play,
As meet is, after such delicious fare ;
For never did thy beauty, since the day
I sav; thee first and wedded thee, adorn'd
With all perfections, so inflame my sense 1030

With ardour to enjoy thee, fairer now
Than ever ; bounty of this virtuous tree !

So said he, and forbore not glance or toy
Of amorous intent ; well understood
Of Eve, whose eye darted contagious fire. 1035

Her hand he seized ; and to a shady bank
Thick overhead with verdant roof imbower'd,
He led her notliing loath : flowers were the couch.

PARADISE LOST. 21

Pansies, and violets, and asphodel,

And hyacinth ; Earth's freshest softest lap. 1040

There they their fill of love and love's disport

Took largely, of their mutual guilt the seal,

The solace of their sin ; till dewy sleep

Oppress'd them, wearied with their amorous play.

Soon as the force of that fallacious fruit, 1045

That with exhilarating vapour bland

About their spirits had pla-y'd, and inmost powers

Made err, was now exhaled ; and grosser sleep,

Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams

Incumber'd, now had left them : up they rose 1050

As from unrest ; and, each the other viewing,

Soon found their eyes how open'd, and their minds

How darken'd ; innocence, that as a veil

Had shadow 'd them from knowing ill, was gone :

Just confidence, and native righteousness, 1055

And honour, from about them, naked left

To guilty Shame ; he cover'd, but his robe

Uncover'd more So rose the Danite strong,

Herculean Samson, from the harlot lap

Of Philistean Dalilah, and M^aked 1060

Shorn of his strength, They destitute and bare

Of all their virtue : Silent, and in face

Confounded, long they sat, as stricken mute :

Till Adam, though not less than Eve abash 'd,

At length gaA'e utterance to these words constrain'd :

O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give ear 1066

To that false worm, of whomsoever taught
To counterfeit Man's voice ; true in our fall.
False in our promised rising ; since our eyes
Open'd we find indeed, and find we know 1070

Both good and evil : good lost, and evil got ;
Bad fruit of knowledge, if this be to know ;
Which leaves us naked thus, of honour void,
Of innocence, of faith, of purity.
Our wonted ornaments now soil'd and stain'd, 1075
And in our faces evident the signs
19

218 PARADISE LOST. b. ix.

Of foul concupiscence ; whence evil store }
Even shame, the last of evils ; of the first
Be sure then. — How shall I behold the face
Henceforth of God or Angel, erst with joy 1080

And rapture so oft beheld ? Those heavenly shapes
Will dazzle now this earthly with their blaze
rnsufferably bright. O ! might I here
In. solitude live savage ; in some glade
Obscured, where highest woods, impenetrable 1085
To star or sunlight, spread their umbrage broad
And brown as evening : Cover me, ye Pines !
Yb Cedars, with innumerable boughs
Hide me, where I may never see them more ! —
But let us now, as in bad plight, devise 1090

What best may for the present serve to hide
The parts of each from other, that seem most
To shame obnoxious, and unseemliest seen ;
Some tree, v/hose broad smooth leaves together sew'd,
And girded on our loins, may cover round 1095

Those middle parts ; that this new comer, Shame,
There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.
So counsel'd he, and both together went
Into the thickest wood ; there soon they chose
The fig tree ; not that kind for fruit renown 'd, 1100
But such as at this day, to Indians known,
In Malabar or Decan spreads her arms
Branching so broad and long, that in the ground
The bended twigs take root, and daughters grow
About the mother tree, a pillar'd shade 1105

High overarched, and echoing walks between .
There oft the Indian herdsmen, shunning heat,
Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds
At loopholes cut through thickest shade : Those leaves
They gather'd, broad as Amazonian targe ; 1110

And, with what skill they had, together sew'd.
To gird their w^ist ; vain covering, if to hide
Their guilt and dreaded sh ime ! O, how unlike
To that first naked glory ! Such of late

PARADISE LOST. 219

Columbus found the American, so girt 1115

With feather'd cincture ; naked else, and wild
Among the trees on isles and woody shores.
Thus fenced, and, as they thought, their shame in part
Cover'd, but not at rest or ease of mind,
They sat them down to weep ; nor only tears 1120
Rain'd at their eyes, but high winds worse within
Began to rise, high passions, anger, hate.
Mistrust, suspicion, discord ; and shook sore
Their inward state of mind, calm region once
And full of peace, now toss'd and turbulent : 1125

For Understanding ruled not, and the Will
Heard not her lore ; both in subjection now
To sensual appetite, who from beneath
Usurping over sov'reign Reason claim'd
Superior sway : From thus distemper'd breast, 1130
Adam, estranged in look and alter'd style.
Speech intermitted thus to Eve renew'd :

Would thou hadst hearken'd to my words, and staid
With me, as I besought thee, when that strange
Desire of wandering, this unhappy morn, 1135

I know not whence possessed thee ; we had then
Remained still happy ; not as now^, despoiFd
Of all our good ; shamed, naked, miserable !
Let none henceforth seek needless cause to approve
The faith they owe ; when earnestly they seek 1140
Such proof, conclude, they then begin to fail. [Eve :

To whom, soon moved with touch of blame, thus
What words have pass'd thy lips, Adam, severe !
Imputest thou that to my default, or will
Of wandering as thou call'st it, which who knows 1145
But might as ill have happened thou being by,
Or to thyself perhaps ? Hadst thou been there,
Or here the attempt, thou couldst not have discern'd
Fraud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake ;
No ground of enmity between us known, 1150

Why he should mean me ill, or seek to harm-
Was I to have never parted from thy side ?

i.'2l) PARADISE LOST. b

As good have grown there still a lifeless rib.
Being as I ani, why didst not thou, the head,
Command me absolutely not to go, ]

Going into such danger, as thou saidst ?
Too facile then, thou didst not much gainsay ;
Nay, didst permit, approve, and fair dismiss.
Hidst thou been firm and fix'd in thy dissent,
Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with me. j

To Vv'hom, then first incensed, Adam replied :
Is this the love, is this the recompense
Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve I express'd
Immutable, when thou v/ert lost, not I ;
Who might have lived, and joy'd immortal bliss, J
Yet willingly chose rather death with thee .''
And am I now upbraided, as the cause
Of thy transgressing ? Not enough severe,
It seems, in thy restraint ; What could I more .''
I warn'd thee, I admonish'd thee, foretold ]

The danger, and the lurking enemy
That lay in wait ; beyond this had been force ;
And force upon free will hath here no place.
But confidence then bore thee on ; secure
Either to meet no danger, or to find '

Matter of glorious trial ; and perhaps
1 also err'd, in overmuch admiring
What seem'd in thee so perfect, that I thought
No evil durst attempt thee ; but I rue
The error now, which is become my crime, ]

And thou the accuser. Thus it shall befal
Him, who, to worth in women overtrusting,
Lets her will rule : restraint she will not brook,
And, left to herself, if evil thence ensue.
She first his weak indulgence will accuse. ]

Thus they in mutual accusation spent
The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning;
And of their vain contest appear'd no end.

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK X.

ttan's transgression known, the guardian Ar.ge.s forsake Paradise,
and return up to Heaven to approve their vigi.ance, and are ap-
proved ; God declarinij that the entrance of Satan could not be
oy them prevented. He sends his Son to judge the transgressors ,
who descends and gives sentence accordingly ; then in pity clothes
them both, and reascends. Sin and Death, sitting till then at
the gates of Hell, by wondrous sympathy feeling the success of
Satan in this new world, and the sin by Man there committed,
resolve to sit no longer confined in Hell, but to follow Satan their
eire up to the place of Man : To make the way easier from Hell
to this world to and fro, they pave a broad highway or bridge
over Chaos, according to tho tract that Satan first made ; then,
preparing for Earth, they meet him. proud of his success, return
ing to Hell; their mutual gratuiation. Satan arrives at Panda
monium, in full assembly relates with boasting his success
against Man ; instead of applause is entertained with a general
hiss by all his audience, transformed with himself also suddenly
into serpents, according to his doom given in Paradise ; then, de-
luded with a show of the forbidden tree springing up before
them, they, greedily reaching to take of the fruit, chew dust and
bitter ashes. The proceedings of Sin and Death : God ibretels
the final victory of his Son over them, and the renewing of all
things; but, for the present, commands his Angels to make seve-
ral alterations in the Heavens and elements. Adam, more and
more perceiving his fallen condition, heavily bewails, rejects the
condolement of Eve; she persists, and at length appeases him:
then, to evade the curse likely to fall on their oftspring, proposes
to Adam violent ways, which he approves not ; but, conceiving
better hope, puts her in mind of the (ate promise made thein,
that her seed should be revenged on the Serpent: and exhorts
her with him to seek peace of the offended Deity, by repentance
and supplication.

Meanwhile the heinous and despiteful act
Of Satan, done in Paradise ; and how
He, in the Serpent, had perverted Eve,
Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit,
Was known in Heaven ; for what can scape the eye 5
Of God all-seeing, or deceive h:s heart
Omniscient .' who, in all things wise and just
19 *

222 PARADISE LOST. b. x

Hinder'd not Satan to attempt the mind

Of Man, with strength entire and free will arm'd,

Complete to have discover'd and repulsed 10

Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend.

For still they knew, and ought to have still remember'd,

The high injunction, not to taste that fruit,

Whoever tempted ; which they not obeying,

Incurr'd (what could they less :) the penalty ; 15

And, manifold in sin, de;;crved to fall.

Up into Keaven from Paradise in haste

The Angelic guards ascended, mute and sad,

For Man ; for of his state by this they knew,

Much wondering how the subtle Fiend had stolen 20

Entrance unseen. Soon as the unwelcome news

From Earth arrived at Heaven-gate, displeased

All were who heard ; dim Sadness did not spare

That time celestial visages, yet, mix'd

With pity, violated not their bliss. 25

About the nev.'-arrived, in multitudes

The ethereal people ran. to hear and know

How all befel : They towards the throne supreme,

Accountable, made haste, to make appear,

With righteous plea, their utmost vigilance, 30

And easily approved : when the Most High

Eternal Father, from his secret cloud.

Amidst in thunder utter'd thus his voice :

Assembled Angels, and ye Powers return'd
Frojn unsuccessful charge, be not dismay 'd, 35

Nor troubled at these tidings from the earth,
Which your sincerest care could not prevent ;
Foretold so lately what would come to pass.
When first this Tempter cross'd the gulf from Hell.
I told ye then he should prevail, and speed 40

On his bad errand ; Man should be seduced,
And flatter'd out of all, believing lies
Against his Maker ; no decree of mine
Concurrmg to necessitate his fall.
Or touch with lightest moment of impulse 45

PARADISE LOST. 223

His free will, to her own inclining left
In even scale. But fallen he is ; and now
What rests, but that the mortal sentence pass
On his transgression, death denounced that day •*
Which he presumes already vain and void, 50

Because not yet inflicted, as he fear'd,
By some immediate stroke ; but soon shall find
Forbearance no acquittance, ere day end.
Justice shall not return as bounty scorn'd.
But whom send I to judgo them ? whom but thee, 55
Vicegerent Son ? To thee I have transferr'd
All judgment, vv^hether in Heaven, or Earth, or Hell.
Easy it may be seen that I intend
Mercy colleague with Justice, sending thee,
Man's friend, his Mediator, his design'd 60

Both ransom and Redeemer voluntary.
And destined Man himself to judge Man fallen.

So spake the Father } and, unfolding bright
Toward the right hand his glory, on the Son
Blazed forth unclouded Deity : He full 65

Resplendent all his Father manifest
Expressed, and thus divinely answer'd mild :

Father Eternal, thine is to decree ;
Mine, both in Heaven and Earth, to do thy will
Supreme ; that thou in me, thy Son beloved, 70

Mayst ever rest well pleased. I go to judge
On earth these thy transgressors ; but thou know'st,
Whoever judged, the worst on me must light,
When time shall be ; for so T undertook
Before thee ; and, not repenting, this obtain 75

Of right, that I may mitigate their doom
On me derived ; yet I shall temper so
Justice with mercy as may illustrate most
Them fully satisfied, and thee appease.
Attendance none shall need, nor train, where none 80
Are to behold the judgment, but the judged,
Those two ; the third best absent is condemn d,

224 PARADISE LOST. b. x.

Convict by flight, and rebel to all law :
Conviction to the serpent none belongs.

Thus saying, from his radiant seat he rose 85

Of high collateral glory ; flim Thrones, and Powers,
Princedoms, and Dominations ministrant,
Accompanied to Heaven-gate ; from whence
Eden and all the coast in prospect lay.
Down he descended straight ; the speed of Gods 90
Time counts not, though with swiftest minutes wing'd.
Now was the sun in western cadence low
From noon, and gentle airs, due at their hour,
To fan the earth now waked, and usher in
The evening cool ; when he, from wrath more cool, 95
Game the mild judge, and Intercessor both,
To sentence Man : The voice of God they heard
Now walking in the garden, by soft winds
Brought to their ears, while day declined ; they heard,
And from his presence hid themselves among 100

The thickest trees, both man and wife ; till God,
Approaching, thus to Adam call'd aloud :

Where art thou, Adam wont with joy to meet
My coming seen far off? 1 miss thee here,
Not pleased, thus entertain'd with solitude, 105

Where obvious duty ere while appear 'd unsought :
Or come I less conspicuous, or what change
Absents thee, or what chance detains ? — Come forth !

He came ; and with him Eve, more loath, though first
To offend ; discountenanced both, and discomposed ;
Love was not in their looks, either to God, 111

Or to each other ; but apparent guilt,
And shame, and perturbation, and despair.
Anger, and obstinacy, and hate, and guile.
Whence Adam, faltering long, thus answer'd brief:

1 heard thee in the garden, and of thy voice 116
Afraid, being naked, hid myself To whom
The gracious Judge without revile replied :

My voice thou oft hast heard, and hast not fear'd,

PARADISE LOST. 225

But still rejoiced ; how is it now become 120

So dreadful to thee ! That thou art naked, who
Hath told tliee ? Hast thou eaten of the tree
Whereof I gave thee charge thou shouldst not eat ?
To whom thus Adam sore beset replied :

0 Heaven ! in evil strait this day I stand 125
Before my Judge ; either to undergo

Myself the total crime, or to accuse
My other self, the partner of my life ;
Whose failing, while her faith to me remains,

1 should conceal, and not expose to blame 130
By my complaint : but strict necessity

Subdues me, and calamitous constraint ;

Lest on my head both sin and punishment

HoAvever insupportable, be all

Devolved ; though should I hold my peace, yet thou

Wouldst easily detect what I conceal. — 136

This Woman; whom thou madest to be my help,

And gavcst me as thy perfect gift, so good.

So fit, so acceptable, so divine,

That from her hand I could suspect no ill, 140

And what she did, Avhatever in itself,

Her doing seera'd to justify the deed ;

Slie gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

To whom the Sov'reign Presence thus replied *
Was she thy God, that her thou didst obey 145

Before his voice ? or was she made thy guide,
Superior, or but equal, that to her
Thou didst resign thy manhood, and the place
Wherein God set thee above her made of thee.
And for thee, whose perfection far excell'd 150

Hers in all real dignity ? Adorn'd
She was indeed, and lovely, to attract
Thy love, not thy subjection ; and her gifts
Were such, as undnr government well seem'd ;
Unseemly to bear rule ; Avhich was thy part ^

And person, hadst thou known thyself aright /

226 PARADISE LOST. b. x.

So having said, he thus to Eve in few :
&ay, Woman, what is this which thou hast done ?

To whom sad Eve, with shame nigh overwhelm'd,
Confessing soon, yet not before her Judge 160

Bold or loquacious, thus abash'd replied :
The Serpent me beguiled, and I did eat.

Which when the Lord God heard, without delay
To judgment he proceeded on the accused
Serpent, though brute ; unable to transfer l6o

The guilt on him who made him instrument
Of mischief, and polluted from the end
Of his creation ; justly then accursed,
As vitiated in nature : More to know
Concern'd not man (since he no further knew,) 170
Nor alter 'd his offence ; yet God at last
To Satan first in sin his doom applied,
Though in mysterious terms, judged as then best :
And on the Serpent thus his curse let fall :

Because thou hast done this thou art accursed 175
Above all citlle, each beast of the field ;
Upon thy bi;iiy grovelling thou shalt go,
And dust shalt eat all the days of thy life.
Between thee and the woman I will put
Enmity, and between thine and her seed ; 180

Her seed shall bruise thy head, thou bruise his heel.

So spake this oracle, then verified
When Jesus, Son of Mary, second Eve,
Saw Satan fall like lightning down from Heaven,
Prince of the air, then, rising from his grave, 185

Spoil'd Principalities and Powers, triumph'd
In open show } and, with ascension bright,
Captivity led captive through the air.
The realm itself of Satan, long usurp'd ;
Whom he shall tread at last under our feet ; 19**

Even he, who now foretold his fatal bruise ;

nd to the woman thus his sentence turn d '
""hy sorrow I will greatly multiply

PARADISE LOST. 227

By thy conception ; children thou shalt bring
In sorrow forth ; and to thy husband's will 195

Thine shall submit ; he over thee shall rule.

On Adam last thus judgment he pronounced :
Because thou hast hearken'd to the voice of thy wife,
And eaten of the tree, concerning which
I charged thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat thereof: 200
Cursed is the ground for thy sake ; thou in sorrow
Shalt eat thereof, all the days of thy life ;
Thorns also and thistles it shall bring thee forth
Unbid ; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field ;
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, 205

Till thou return unto the ground ) for thou
Out of the ground wast taken, know thy birth,
For dust thou art, and shalt to dust return.

So judged he Man, both Judge and Saviour sent ;
And the instant stroke of death, denounced that day.
Removed far off; then, pitying how they stood 213
Before him naked to the air, that now
Must suffer change, disdain'd not to begin
Thenceforth the form of servant to assume ;
As when he wash'd his servants* feet \ so now 215
As father of his family, he clad
Their nakedness with skins of beasts, or slain,
Or as the snake with youthful coat repaid ;
And thought not much to clothe his enemies :
Nor he their outward only vrith the skins 220

Of beasts, but inward nakedness much more
Opprobrious, with his robe of righteousness
Arraying, cover'd from his Father's sight.
To him w-th swift ascent he up return'd.
Into his blissful bosom rcassumed 225

In glory, as of old ; to him appeased
All, though all-knowing, what had pass'd with Man
Recounted, mixing intercession sweet.

Meanwhile, ere thus was sinn'd and judged on Earth,
Within the gates of Holl sat Sin and Death, 230

In counterview within the gates, that now

228 PARADISE LOST. b. k

Stood open wido, belching outrageous flame
Far into Chaos, since the Fiend pass'd through,
Sin opening ; wlio thus now to Death began :

O Son, why sit we here each other vie\\'ing 235
Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives
In other worlds, and happier seat provides
For us, his offspring dear ? It cannot be
But that success attends him ; if mishap,
Ere this he had return'd, with fury driven 240

By his avengers ; since no place like this
Can fit his pmiishment, or their revenge.
Methinks I feel new strength within me rise,
Wings growing, and dominion given me large
Beyond this deep ; whatever draws me on, 245

Or sym.pathy, or some connatural force,
Powerful at greatest distance to unite.
With secret amity things of like kind,
By SGcretest conveyance. Thou, my shade
Inseijarable, must with me along : 250

For Death from Sin no power can separate.
But, lest the difficulty of passing- back
Stay his return perhaps over this gulf
Impassable, impervious ; let us try
Adventurous work, yet to thy poAver and mine 255
Not unagreeable, to found a path
Over this main from Hell to that new world,
Where Satan nov*? prevails : a monument
Of merit high to all the infernal host,
Easing their passage hence, for intercourse, 260

Or transmigration, as their lot shall lead.
Nor can I miss the way, so strongly dr^wn
By this nev/-felt attraction and instinct.

Whom thus the meagre shadow answer'd soon :
Go, whitner Fate and inclination strong 2G5

Leads thee ; I shall not lag behind, nor err
The way, thou leading ; such a scent I draw
Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste
The savour of death from all things there that live

PARADISE LOST. 229

Nor shall 1 to the work thou enterprisest 270

Be wanting, but afford thee equal aid.

So saying, with delight he snufTd the smell
Of mortal change on earth. As when a flock
Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote.
Against the day of battle, to a field, 275

Where armies lie encamp'd, come flying, lured
With scent of living carcasses design'd
For death, the following day, in bloody fight :
So scented the grim Feature, and upturn'd
His nostril wide into the murky air; 28(}

Sagacious of his quarry from so far.
Them both from out Hell gates, into the waste
Wide anarchy of Chaos, damp and dark,
Flew diverse ; and with power (their power was great)
Hq .ering upon the waters, what they met 285

Solid or slimy, as in raging sea
Toss'd up ond dovvm, together crowded drove,
From each side shoaling towards the mouth of Hell :
As when two polar winds, blovv'ing adverse
Upon the Cronian sea, together drive 290

Mountains of ice, that stop the imagined way
Beyond Petsora eastward, to the rich
Cathaian coast. The aggregated soil
Death with his mace petrifie, cold and dry,
As with a trident, smote ; and fix'd as firm 295

As Del OS, floating once ; the rest his look
Bound with Gorgonian rigour not to move j
And with Asphaltic slime, broad as the gate,
Deep to tlie roots of Hell the gather'd beach
They fasten'd, and the mole immense wrought on 300
Over the foaming deep high-areh'd, a bridge
Of length pi odigious, joining to the wall
Immovable of this now fenceless world,
Forfeit to Death ; from hence a passage broad,
Smooth, easy, inoffensive, down to Hell. 305

So, if great things to pmall may bo compared,
Xerxes, the liberty of Greece to yoke,
20

230 PARADISE LOST b. x

From Susa, his Menmonian palace high,

Came to the sea ; and, over Hellespont

Bridging his way, Europe with Asia join'd, 310

And scourged with many a stroke the indignant waves

Now had they brought the work by wondrous art

Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock,

Over the vex'd abyss, following the track

Of Satan to the selfsame place where he 315

First lighted from his wing, and landed safe

From out of Chaos to the outside bare

Of this round world : wuth pins of adamant

And chains they made all fast, too fast they made

And durable ! and now in little S})ace 320

The confines met of empyrean Heaven,

And of this World ; and, on the left hand, Hell.

With long reach interposed ; three several wa,j3

In sight, to each of these three places led.

And now their way to Earth they had descried, 325

To Paradise first tending ; when, behold !

Satan, in likeness of an Angel bright.

Betwixt the Centaur and the Scorpion steering

His zenith, while the sun in Aries rose :

Disguised he came ; but those his children dear 330

Their parent soon discern'd, though in disguise.

He after Eve seduced, unminded slunk

Into the wood fast by ; and, changing shape,

To observe the sequel, saw his guileful act

By Eve, though all unweeting, seconded 335

Upon her husband ; saw their shame that sought

Vain covertures ; but when he saw descend

The Son of God to judge them, terrified

He fled ; not hoping to escape, but shun

The present ; fearing, guilty, what his wrath 340

Might suddenly inflict ; that pass'd, return'd

By night, and listening where the hapless pair

Sat in their sad discourse, and various plaint,

Thence gather'd his own doom ; which understood

Not instant, but of future time, with joy 345

PARADISE LOST. 231

And tidings fraught, to Hell he now return'd ',
And at the brink of Chaos, near the foot
Of this new wondrous pontifice, unhoped
Met, who to meet him came, his offspring dear.
Great joy was at their meeting, and at sight 350

Of that stupendous bridge his joy increased.
Long he admiring stood, till Sin, his fair
Enchanting daughter, thus the silence broke :

O Parent, these are thy magnific deeds.
Thy trophies ! which thou view'st as not thine own ;
Thou art their author, and prime architect : 356

For I no sooner in my heart divined,
My heart, which by a secret harmony
Still moves v/itli thine, join'd in connexion sweet,
That thou on earth hadst prosper'd, which thy looks
Now also evidence, but straight 1 felt, 3G0

Though distant from thee worlds between, yet felt.
That I must after thee, with this thy son ;
Such fatal consequence unites us three !
Hell could no longer hold us in our bounds, 365

Nor this unvoyageable gulf obscure
Detain from following thy illustrious track.
Thou hast achieved our liberty, confined
Within Hell-gates till nov/ ; thou us impower'd
To fortify thus far, and overlay, 370

With this portentous bridge, the dark abyss,
Thine now is all this world ; thy virtue hath won
What thy hands builded not ; thy wisdom gain'd
With odds what war hath lost, and fully avenged
Our foil in Heaven ; here thou shalt monarch reign,
There didst not ; there let him still victor sway, 376
As battle hath adjudged ; from this new world
Retiring, by his own doom alienated ;
And henceforth monarchy with thee divide
Of all things, parted by the empyreal boimds, 380

His quadrature, from thy orbicular world ;
Or try thee now more dangerous to his throne

232 PARADISE LOST. b. x.

"Whom thus the Prince of darkness answer'd glad:
Fair Daughter, and thou Son and Grandchild both j
High proof ye now have given to be the race 385

Of Satan (for I glory in the name,
Antagonist of Heaven's Almighty King,)
Amply have merited of me, of all
The infernal empire, that so near Heaven's door
Triumphal with triumphal act have met, 390

Mine, with this glorious work ; and made one realm;
Hell and this world, one realm, one continent
Of easy thoroughfare. Therefore, while I
Descend through darkness, on yonr road with ease,
To my associate Powers, them to acquaint 395

With these successes, and with them rejoice ;
You too this way, among these numerous orbs,
All 3^ours, right down to Paradise descend ;
There dwell, and reign in bliss ; thence on thSj^carth
Dominion exercise and in the air, 400

Chiefly on Man, solo lord of all declared ;
Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill.
My substitutes I send ye, and create
"Plenipotcnt on earth, of matchless might
issuing from me ; on your joint vigour now 405

My hold of this new kingdom all depends,
Through Sin to Death exposed by my exploit.
If your joint power prevail, the affairs of Hell
No detriment need fear ; go, and be strong !

So saying he dismiss'd them ; they with speed 410
Their course through thickest constellations held,
Spreading their bane ; the blasted stars look'd wan,
And planets, planet-struck, real eclipse
Then suffer'd. The other way Satan went down
The causey to Hell gate : On either side 415

Disparted Chaos overbuilt exclaim'd,
And with rebounding surge the bars assail'd,
That scorn'd his indignation : through the gate.
Wide open and -unguarded, Satan pass'd,
And all about found desolate ; for those, 420

PARADISE LOST. 233

Appointed to sit there, had left their charge,
Flown to the upper world ; the rest were all
Far to the inland retired, about the walls
Of Pandemonium ; city and proud seat
O^ Lucifer, so by allusion call'd 425

Of that bright star to Satan paragon'd ;
There kept their watch the legions, while the Grand
In council sat, solicitous what chance
Might intercept their emperor sent ; so he
Departing gave command, and they observed. 430

As when the Tartar from his Russian foe.
By Astracan, over the snowy plains,
Retires ; or Bactrian Sophi, from the horns
Of Turkish crescent, leaves all waste beyond
The realm of Aladule, in his retreat 435

To Tauris or Casbeen : So these, the late
Heaven-banish'd host, left desert utmost Hell
Many a dark league, reduced in careful watch
Round their metropolis ; and now expecting
Each hour their great adventurer, from the search 440
Of foreign worlds : He through the midst unmark'd
In show plebeian Angel militant
Of lowest order pass'd ; and from the door
Of that Plutonian hall, invisible

Ascended his high throne ; which, under state 445
Of richest texture spread, at the upper end
Was placed in regal lustre. Down awhile
He sat, and round about him saw unseen ;
At last, as from a cloud, his fulgent head
And shape star -bright appear'd, or brighter ; clad 450
With what permissive glory since his fall
Was left him, or false glitter : All amazed
At that so sudden blaze the Stygian throng
Bent their aspect, and whom they wish'd beheld,
Their mighty Chief returned : loud was the acclaim :
Forth rush'd in haste the great consulting peers, 450
Raised from their dark Divan, and with like joy

S34 PARADISE LOST. s. x.

Congiatulant approach'd him ; who with hand
Silence, and with these words attention, won.

Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers;
For in possession such, not only of right, 461

I call ye, and declare ye now ; return'd
Successful beyond hope, to lead ye forth
Triumphant out of this infsrnal pit
Abominable, accursed, the house of woe, 465

And dungeon of our tyrant : Now possess,
As Lords, a spacious world, to our native Heaven
Little inferior, by my adventure hard
"With peril great achieved. Long were to tell
What I have done, what suffer 'd ; with what paiii 470
Voyaged the' unreal, vast, unbounded deep
Of horrible confusion ; over which
By Sin and Death a broad way now is paved,
To expedite your glorious march ; but I
Toil'd out my uncouth passage, forced to ride 475

The untractable abyss, plunged in the womb
Of unoriginal Night and Chaos wild ;
That, jealous of their secrets, fiercely opposed
My journey strange, Vv'ith clamorous uproar
Protesting Fate supreme ; thence how I found 480
The new created v/orld, which fame in'Heaven
Long had foretold, a fabric wonderful
Of absolute perfection ! therein Man
Placed in a Paradise, by our exile
Made happy ; Him by fraud I have seduced 485

From his Creator ; and, the more to increase
Your wonder, with an apple ; he, thereat
Offended, worth your laughter ! hath given up
3oth his beloved Man, and all his world.
To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us, 490

Without our ha'/iard, labour, or alarm,
To range in, and to dwell, and over Man
To rule, as over all he should have ruled.
True is, me also he hath judged, or rather

PARADISE LOST. 235

Me not, but. the brute serpent in whose shape 495

Man 1 deceived : that which to me belongs,

Is enmity which he will put between

Me and mankind ; I am to bruise liis heel ;

His seed (when is not set) shall bruise my head :

A world who would not purchase with a bruise, 500

Or much more grievous pain ? — Ye have the account

Of my performance ; What remains, ye Gods,

But up, and enter now into full bliss ?

So having said, awhile he stood, expecting
Their universal shout and high applause 505

To fill his ear ; when, contrary, he hears
On all sides, from innumerable tongues,
A dismal universal hiss, the sound
On public scorn ; he wonder 'd, but not long
Had leisure, wondering at himself now more ,• 510

Plis visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare ;
His arms clung to his ribs ; his legs entwining
Each other, till supplanted down he fell
A monstrous serpent on his belly prone,
Reluctant, but in vain ; a greater power 515

Now ruled him, punish'd in the shape he sinn'd,
According to his doom : he would have spoke,
But hiss for hiss return'd with forked tongue
To forked tongue ; for nov/ were all transform'd
Alike, to serpents all, as accessories 520

To his bold riot : Dreadful was the din
Of hissing through the hall, thick swarming now
With complicated monsters head and tail,
Scorpion, and Asp, and Amphisbaf3na dire.
Cerastes horn'd, Hydrus, and Elops drear, 525

And Dipsas (not so thick swarm'd once the soil
Bedropp'd with blood of Gorgon, or the isle
Ophiusa ;) but still greatest he the midst.
Now Dragon grown, larger than whom the sun
Engender 'd in the Pythian vale or slime, 530

Huge Python, and his power no less he seem'd
A^bove the reet still to retam . they all

236 PARADISE LOST. b.x

Him foUow'd, issuing forth to the open field,

"Where all yet left of that revolted rout,

Heaven-fallen, in station stood or just arraj' 535

Sublime with expectation when to see

In triumph issuing forth their glorious Chief

They saw, but other sight instead ! a crowd

Of ugly serpents : horror on them fell,

And horrid sympathy ; for, what they saw, 540

They felt themselves, now changing ; down their arms^

Down fell both spear and shield ; down they as fast ;

And the dire hiss renew'd, and the dire form

Catch'd by contagion ; like in punishment.

As in their crime. Thus was the applause they meant

Turn'd to exploding hiss, triumph to shame 546

Cast on themselves from their own mouths. There stood

A grove hard by, sprung up with this their change,

His will v/ho reigns above, to aggravate

Their penance, laden with fair fruit, like that 550

Which grew in Paradise, the bait of Eve

Used by the Tempter ; on that prospect strange

Their earnest eyes they fix'd, imagining

For one forbidden tree a muUitude

Now risen, to work them further woe or shame ; 555

Yet, parch'd with scalding thirst and hunger fierce,

Though to delude them sent, could not abstain';

But on they roll'd in heaps, and, up the trees

Climbing, sat thicker than the snaky locks

I'hat curl'd Megasra ; greedily they pluck'd 560

The fruitage fair to sighc, like that which grew

Near that bituminous lake where Sodom flamed ;

This, more delusive, not the touch, but taste

Deceived ; they, fondly thinking to allay

Their appetite with gust, instead of fruit 565

Chew'd bitter ashes, which the offended taste

With spattering noise rejected ; oft they essay'd,

Himger and thirst constraining ; drugg'd as ofl,

With hatefulest disreli-oh writhed their jaws,

^Vit}» so.jt and cmders filld , so oft (hey fell 570

PARADISE LOST. 237

Into the same illusion, not as Man [plagued

Whom they triumph'd once lapsed. Thus were thej

And worn with famine, long and ceaseless hiss,

Till their lost shape, permitted, they resumed ;

Yearly enjoin'd, some say, to undergo 575

This annual humbling certain number'd days,

To dash their pride and joy, for Man seduced.

However, some tradition they dispersed

Among the Heathen of their purchase got,

And fabled how the Serpent, who)n they eall'd 580

Ophion, with Eurynome, the wide

Encroaching Eve perhaps, had first the rule

Of high Olympus; thence by Saturn driven

And Orps, ere yet Dictcean Jove was born.

Meanwhile in Paradise the hellish pair 585

Too soon arrived ; Sin, there in power before,

Once actual ; now in body, and to dwell

Habitual habitant ; behind her Death,

Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet

On his pale horse ; to whom Sin thus began : 590

Second of Satan sprung, all conquering Death!
What thinkst thou of our empire now, though earn'd
With travel difficult, not better far
Than still at Hell's dark threshold to have set watch,
Unnamed, undreaded, and thyself half starved .'' 595

Whom thus the Sin-born monster answer 'd soon:
To me, who with eternal famine pine,
Ahke is Hell, or Paradise, or Heaven ;
There best, where most with ravine I may meet ;
Which there, though plenteous, all too little seems 600
To stuff this maw, this vast unhide-bound corpse.

To whom the incestuous mother thus replied :
Thou therefore on these herbs, and fruits, and flowers
Feed first ; on each beast next, and fish, and fowl ;
No homely morsels ! and, whatever thing 605

The scythe of Time mows down, devour unspared :
Till 1, in Man residing, through the race.
His thoughts, his looks, words, actions, all infect ;

238 PARADISE LOST. b. x

And season him thy last and sweetest prey.

This said, they both betook them several ways, 610

Both to destroy, or unimmortal make

All kinds, and for destruction to mature

Sooner or later ; which the Almighty seeing,

From his transcendent seat the Saints among,

To those bright Orders utter'd thus his voice : 615

See, with what heat these dogs of Hell advance
To waste and havoc yonder world, which I
So fair and good created ; and had still
Kept in that state, had not the folly of Man
Let in these wasteful furies, who impute 620

Folly to me ; so doth the Prince of Hell
And his adherents, that with so much ease
I suffer them to enter and possess
A place so heavenly ; and, conniving, seem
To gratify my scornful enemies, 625

That laugh, as if, transported with some fit
Of passion, I to them had quitted all,
At random yielded up to their misrule ;
And know not that I call'd, and drew them thither,
My Hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filth 630

Which Man's polluting sin with taint hath shed
On what was pure ; till, cramm'd and gorged, nigh
With suck'd and glutted offal, at one sling [burst,

Of thy victorious arm, well pleasing Son,
Both Sin, and Death, and yawning Grave, at last, 635
Through Chaos hurl'd, obstruct the mouth of Hell
For ever, and seal up his ravenous jaws.
Then Heaven and Earth renew'd shall be made pure
To sanctity, that shall receive no stain :
Till then, the curse pronounced on both precedes. 640

He ended, and the heavenly audience loud
Sung Hallelujah, as the sound of seas,
Through multitude that sung : Just are thy ways,
Righteous are thy decrees on all thy works ;
Who can extenuate thee ? Next, to the Son 645

Destined restorer of mankind, by whom

PARADISE LOST. 239

New Heaven and Earth shall to the ages rise,

Or down from Heaven descend. — Such was their son^ j

While the Creator, calling forth by name

His mighty Angels, gave them several charge, 650

As sorted best with present things. The sun

Had first his precept so to move, so shine,

As might affect the earth with cold and heat

Scarce tolerable ; and from the north to call

Decrepit winter ; from the south to bring 655

Solstitial summer's heat. To the blanc moon

Her office they prescribed ; to the other five

Their planetary motions, and aspects,

Jn sextile, square, and trine, and opposite,

or noxious efficacy, and when to join G60

In synod unbenign ; and taught the fix'd

Their influence malignant when to shower,

Whicii of them rising with the sun, or falling,

Should prove tempestuous : To the winds they set

Their corners, when with bluster to confound 665

Sea, nir, and shore ; the thunder when to roll

With terror through the dark aerial hall.

Some say, he bid his Angels turn askance

The pole': of earth, twice ten degrees and more,

From the sun's axle ; they with labour push'd 670

Oblique the centric globe : Some say, the sun

Was bid turn reins from the' equinoctial road

Like distant breadth to Taurus with the seven

Atlantic Sisters, and the Spartan Twins,

Up to the Tropic Crab ; thence down amain 675

By Leo, and the Virgm, and the Scales,

As deep as Capricorn ; to bring in change

Of seasons to each clime ; else had the spring

Perpetual smiled on earth with verdant flowers

Equal in days and nights, except to those 680

Beyond the polar circles ; to them day

Had unbenighted shone, while the low sun,

To recompense his distance, in their sight

Had rounded still the horizon, and not knowu

240 PARADISE LOST. b. x.

Or east or west ; which had forbid the snow 685

From cold Estotiland, and south as far

Beneath Magellan. At that tasted frait

The sun, as from Thyestean banquet, turn'd

His course intended ; else how had the world

Inhabited, though sinless, more than now 690

Avoided pinching cold and scorching heat ?

These changes in the Heavens, though slow, produced

Like change on sea and land ; sideral blast,

Vapour, and mist, and exhalation hot,

Corrupt and pestilent ; Nov/ from the north 695

Of Norumbega, and the Sameod shore,

Bursting their brazen dungeon, arm'd with ice,

And snow, and hail, and stormy gust and flaw,

Boreas, and Csecias, and Argestes loud.

And Thrascias, rend the Avoods, and seas upturn ; 700

With adverse blast upturns them from the south

Notus, and Afer black wiih thunderous clouds

From Serraliona ; thwart of these, as fieicft,

Forth rush the Levant and the Ponent winds,

Eurus and Zephyr, %vith their lateral noise, WS

Sirocco and Libecchio. Thus began

Outrage from lifeless things ; but Discord first,

Daughter of Sin, among tlie irrational

Death introduced, through fierce antipathy :

Beast now with beast 'gan war, and fowl with fowl, 710

And fish with fish ; to graze the herb all leaving,

Devourd each other ; nor stood much in awe

Of Man, but fled him ; or, with countenance grim,

Glared on him passing. These were from without

The growing miseries, which Adam saw 715

Already in part, though hid in gloomiest shade.

To sorrow abandon'd, but worse felt within ;

And, in a troubled sea of passion toss'd,

Thus to disburden sought v/ith sad complaint :

O miserable of happy ! Is this the end 720

Of this new glorious w^orld, and me so late
The glory of that glory, who now become

PARADISE LOST. 241

Accursed of blessed ? hide me from the face
Of God, whom to behold was then my height
Of happiness ! — Yet well, if here would end 725

The misery ; 1 deserved it, and would bear
My own deservings ; but this will not serve :
All that I eat or drink, or shall beget,
Is propagated curse. O voice, once heard
Delightfully, Increase and multiply : 730

New death to hear ! for what can I increase,
Or multiply, but curses on my head ?
Who of all ages to succeed, but, feeling
The evil on him brought by me, will curse
My head ? Ill fare our ancestor impure, 735

For this we may thank Adam ! but his thanks
Shall be the execration : so, besides
Mine own that bide upon nie, all from me
Shall with a jfierce reflux on me rebound ;
On me, as on their natural centre, light 740

Heavy, though in their place. O fleeting joys
Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes !
Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay
To mould me Man .'' did I solicit thee
From darkness to promote me, or here place 745

In this delicious garden ? As my will
Concurr'd not to my being, it were but right
And equal to reduce me to my dust :
Desirous to resign and render back
All I received ; unable to perform 750

Thy terms too hard, by which I was to hold
The good I sought not. To the loss of that,
Suflicient penalty, why hast thou added
The sense of endless woes .? Inexplicable
Thy justice seems ; yet, to say truth, too late 755
I thus contest ; then should have been refused
Those terms, whatever, when they were proposed :
Thou didst accept them : wilt thou enjoy the good,
Then cavil the conditions ? and, though God
Made thee without thy leave, what if thy son 769

21

242 PARADISE LOST. b. x.

Prove disobedient ; and, reproved, retort,

Whe.refore didst thou beget me ? I sought it not :

Wouldst thou admit for his contempt of thee :

That proud excuse ? yet him not thy election,

But natural necessity begot, 765

God made thee of choice his own, and of his own

To serve him; thy reward was of his grace ;

Thy punishment then justly is at his will.

Be it so, for I submit ; his doom is fair,

That dust I am, and shall to dust return : 7?t)

O welcome hour whenever ! Why delays

His hand to execute what his decree

Fix'd on this day ? Why do I overlive .''

Why am I mock'd with death, and lengthen'd out

To deathless pain ? How gladly would I meet 775

Mortality my sentence, and be earth

Insensible ! How glad would lay me'^down

As in my mother's lap ! There I should rest,

And sleep secure ; his dreadful voice no moro

Would thunder in my ears ; no fear of worse 780

To me and to my offspring would torment me

With cruel expectation. Yet one doubt

Pursues me still, Jest all I cannot die ;

Lest that pure breath of life, the spirit of Man

Which God inspired, cannot together perish 785

With this corporeal clod ; then, in the grave

Or in some other dismal place, who knows

But I shall die a living death ? O thought

Horrid, if true ! Yet why ? It was but breath

Of life that sinn'd ; what dies but what had life 790

And sin ? The body properly had neither.

All of me then shall die : let this appease

The doubt, since human reach no further knows.

For though the Lord of all be infinite,

Is his wrath also ? Be it, Man is not so, 795

But mortal doom'd. How can he exercise

Wrath without end on Man, whom daath must end?

Can he make deathless death ? That were to make

PARADISE LOST. 243

Strange contradiction, which to God himself
Impossible is held ; as argument 800

Of weakness, not of power. Will he draw out
For anger's sake, finite to infinite,
In punish'd Man, to satisfy his rigour,
Satisfied never .? That were to extend
His sentence beyond dust and Nature's law ; 805

By which all causes else, according still
To the reception of their matter, act ;
Not to the extent of their own sphere. But say
That death be not one stroke, as I supposed,
Bereaving sense, but endless misery 810

From this day onward ; which I feel begun
Both in me, and without me ; and so last
To perpetuity ; — Ah me ! that fear
Comes thundering back with dreadful revolution
On my defenceless head ; both Death and I 815

Are found eternal, and incorporate both j
Nor I on my part single ; in me all
Posterity stands cursed ; fair patrimony
That I must leave ye, Sons ! O, were I able
To waste it all myself, and leave ye none ! 820

So disinherited, how would you bless
Me, now your curse ' Ah, why should all mankind,
For one man's fault, thus guiltless be conderan'd,
If guiltless ? But from me what can proceed,
But all corrupt ; both mind and will depraved 825

Not to do only, but to will the same
With me ? How can they then acq-iitted stand
In sight of God ? Him, after all disputes,
Forced I absolve : all my evasions vain,
And reasonings, though through mazes, lead me still
But to my own conviction : first and last 831

On me, me only, as the source and spring
Of all corruption, all the blame lights due j
So might the wrath ! Fond wish ! couldst thou support
That burden, heavier than the earth to bear ; 835

Than all the world much heavier, though divided

244 PARADISE LOST. b. x

With that bad Woman ? Thus, what thou desirest,

And what thou fear'st, ahke destroys all hope

Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable

Beyond all past example and future ; 840

To Satan only like both crime and doom.

0 Conscience ! into what abyss of fears

And horrors hast thou driven me : out of which

1 find no way, from deep to deeper plunged !

Thus Adam to himself lamented loud, 845

Through the still night ; not now, as ere Man fell,
Wholesome, and cool, and mild, but with black air
Accompanied ; with damps, and dreadful gloom j
Which to his evil conscience represented
All things with double terror : on the ground 850

Outstretch'd he lay, on the cold ground ; and oft
Cursed his creation ; Death as oft accused
Of tardy execution, since denounced
The day of his oiFence. Why comes not Death,
Said he, with one thrice-acceptable stroke 855

To end me ? Shall Truth fail to keep her word.
Justice Divine not hasten to be just?
But Death comes not at call ; Justice Divine
Mends not her slowest pace for prayers or cries.

0 woods, O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bowers ' 860
With other echo late I taught your shades

To answer, and resound far other song, —

Whom thus afflicted when sad Eve beheld,

Desolate where she sat, approaching nigh,

Soft words to his fierce passion she essay'd : 865

But her w' )h stern regard he thus repell'd :

Out of my sight, thou Serpent ! That name best
Befits thee with him leagued, thyself as false
And hateful; nothing wants, but that thy shape,
Like his, and colour serpentine, may show 870

Thy inward fraud ; to warn all creatures from thee
Henceforth; lest that too heavenly form, pretended,
To hellish falsehood snare them I But for thee

1 had persisted happy ; had not thy pride

PARADISE LOST. 245

And wandering vanity, when least was safe, 875

Rejected my forewarning, and disdain'd

Not to be trusted ; longing to be seen,

Though by the Devil himself; him overweening

To overreach ; but, with the serpent meeting,

Fool'd and beguiled ; by him thou, I by thee, 380

To trust thee from my side ; imagined wise.

Constant, mature, proof against all assaults ;

And understood not all was but a show,

Rather than solid virtue ; all but a rib

Crooked by nature, bent, as now appears, 885

More to the part sinister, from me drawn j

Well if thrown out, as supernumerary

To my just number found. O ! why did God,

Creator wise, that peopled highest Heaven

With Spirits masculine, create at last 890

This novelty on earth, this fair defect

Of nature, and not fill the world at once

With Men, as Angels, without feminine ;

Or find some other way to generate

Mankind ? This mischief had not then befallen, 895

And more that shall befal ; innumerable

Disturbances on earth through female snares,

And strait conj unction with this sex : for either

He never shall find out fit mate, but such

As some misfortune brings him, or mistake ; 900

Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain

Through her perverseness, but shall see her gain'd

By a far worse ; or, if she love, withheld

By parents ; or his happiest choice too late

Shall meet, already link'd and wedlock bound 905

To a fell adversary, his hate or shame :

W^hich infinite calamity shall cause

To human life, and household peace confound.

He added not, and from her turn'd : but Eve,
Not so repulsed, with tears that ceased not flowing.
And tresses all disorder'd, at his feet 911

21*

246 PARADISE LOST. b. x

Fell humble j and, embracing them, besought
His peace, and thus proceeded in her plaint :

Forsake me not thus, Adam ! witness, Heaven,
What love sincere and reverence in my heart 915
I bear thee, and unweeting have offended,
Unhappily deceived ! Thy suppliant
I beg, and clasp thy knees ; bereave me not,
Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid,
Thy counsel, in this uttermost distress, 920

My only strength and stay : forlorn of thee,
Whither shall I betake me, where subsist ?
While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps,
Between us two let there be peace ; both joining,
As join'd in injuries, one enmity 925

Against a foe by doom express assign'd us,
That cruel Serpent : on me exercise not
Thy hatred for this misery befallen ;
On me already lost, mo than thyself
More miserable ! Both have sinn'd ; but thou 930

Against God only ; I against God and thee ;
And to the place of judgment will return,
There with my cries importune Heaven, that all
The sentence, from thy head removed, may light
On me, sole cause to thee of all this woe ; 935

Me, me only, just object of his ire !

She ended weeping ; and her lowly plight,
Immovable, till peace obtain'd from fault
Acknowledged and deplored, in Adam wrought
Commiseration : soon his heart relented 940

lowards her, his life so late, and sole delight.
Now at his feet submissive in distress ;
Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking,
His counsel, whom she had displeased, his aid :
As one disarm'd, his anger all he lost, 94&

And thus with peaceful words upraised her soon :

Unwary, and too desirous, as before.
So now of what thou know'st not, who desirest

PARADISE LOST. 247

The punishment all on thyself; alas !
Bear thine own first, ill able to sustain 950

His full wrath, whose thou feel'st as yet least part,
And my displeasure bear'st so ill. If prayers
Could alter high decrees, I to that place
Would speed before thee, and be louder heard,
That on my head all might be visited ; 055

Thy frailty and infirmer sex forgiven,
To me committed; and by me exposed.
But rise ; — let us no more contend, nor blame
Each other, blamed enough elsewhere ; but strive
In offices of love, how we may lighten 960

Each other's burden, in our share of woe ;
Since this day's death denounced, if aught I see,
Will prove no sudden, but a slow-paced evil ;
A long day's dying, to augment our pain ;
And to our seed (O hapless seed !) derived. 9G5

To v/hom thus Eve, recovering heart, replied :
Adam, by sad experiment I know
How little weight my words with thee can find,
Found so erroneous ; thence by just event
Found so unfortunate : nevertheless, 970

Restored by thee, vile as I am, to place
Of new acceptance, hopeful to regain
Thy love, the sole contentment of my heart
Jjiving or dying, from thee I will not hide
What thoughts in my unquiet breast are risen, 975
Tending to some relief of our extremes.
Or end ; though sharp and sad, yet tolerable,
As in our evils, and of easier choice.
If care of our descent perplex us most.
Which must be born to certain woe, devour'd 980
By Death at last ; and miserable it is
To be to others cause of misery.
Our own begotten, and of our loins to bring
Into this cursed world a woful race.
That after wretched life must be at last 985

Food for so foul a monster j in thy power

248 PARADISE LOST. b.i,

It lies, yet ere conception to prevent

The race unbless'd, to being yet unbegot.

Childless thou art, childless remain : so Death

Shall be deceived his glut, and with us two 990

Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw.

But if thou judge it hard and difficult,

Conversing, looking; loving, to abstain

From love's due rights, nuptial embraces sweet ',

And with desire to languish without hope, 995

Before the present object languishing

With like desire ; which would be misery

And torment less than none of what we dread ;

Then, both ourselves and seed at once to free

From what we fear for both, let us make short, 1000

Let us seek Death ; — or, he not found, supply

With our own hands his office on ourselves :

Why stand we longer shivering under fears,

That show no end but death, and have the power,

Of many ways to die the shortest choosing, 1005

Destruction with destruction to destroy ? —

She ended here, or vehement despair
Broke off the rest ; so much of death her thoughts
Had entertain'd, as dyed her cheeks with pale.
But Adam, with such counsel nothing sway'd, 1010
To better hopes his more attentive mind
Labouring had raised ; and thus to Eve replied •

Eve, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems
To argue in thee something more sublime
And excellent, than wliat thy mind contemns; 1015
But self-destruction therefore sought refutes
That excellent thought in thee ; and implies,
Not thy contempt, but anguish and regret
For loss of life and pleasure overloved.
Or if thou covet death, as utmost end 1020

Of misery, so thinking to evade
The penalty pronounced ; doubt not but God
Hath wiselier arm'd his vengeful ire than so
To be forestall'd •• much more I fear lest death,

PARADISE LOST. 249

So snatch'd, will not exempt us from the pain 1025
We are by doom to pay; rather, such acts
Of contumacy v;ill provoke the Highest
To make death in us live : then let us seek
Some safer resolution, which melhinks
I have in view, calling to mind with heed 1030

Part of our sentence, that thy seed shall bruise
The Serpent's head ; piteous amends ! unless
Be meant, whom I conjecture, our grand foe,
Satan ; who, in the serpent, hath contrived
Against us this deceit : to crash his head 1035

Would be revenge indeed ! which will be lost
By death brought on ourselves, or childless days
Resolved, as thou proposest ; so our foe
ghall scape his punishment ordain'd, and we
Instead shall double ours upon our heads. 1040

No more be mention'd then of violence
Against ourselves ; and wilful barrenness,
That cuts us off from hope ; and savours only
Rancour and pride, impatience and despite,
Reluctance against God and his just yoke 1045

Laid on our necks. Remember with what mild
And gracious temper he both heard, and judged,
Without wrath or reviling ; we expected
Immediate dissolution, which we thought
Was meant by death that day : when lo ! to thee 1050
Pains only in childbearing were foretold,
And bringing forth ; soon recompensed with joy,
Fruit of thy womb : on me the curse aslope
Glanced on the ground ; with labour I must earn
My bread ; what harm .'' Idleness had been worse. 1055
My labour will sustain me ; and, lest cold
Or heat should injure us, his timely care
Hath, unbesought, provided ; and his hands
Clothed us unworthy, pitying while he judged j
How much morei, if we pray him, will his ear 1000
Be open, and his heart to pity incline.
And teach us further by what means to shun

250 PARADISE LOST. b. x.

The inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow !

Which now the sky, with various face, begins

To show us in this mountain ; while the winds 1065

Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks

Of these fair spreading trees ; which bids us seek

Some better shroud, some better warmth to cherish

Our limbs benumb'd, ere this diurnal star

Leave cold the night, how we his gather'd beams 1070

Reflected may with matter sere foment ;

Or, by collision of two bodies, grind

The air attrite to fire ; as late the clouds

Justling, or push'd with winds, rude in their shock,

Tine the slant lightning ', whose thwart flame, driven

down,
Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine ; 1076

And sends a comfortable heat from far.
Which might supply the sun : such fire to use,
And what may else be remedy or cure
To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, 1080
He will instruct us praying, and of grace
Beseeching him ; so as we need not fear
To pass commodiously this life, sustain'd
By him with many comforts, till we end
In dust, our final rest and native home. 1085

What better can we do than, to the place
Repairing where he judged us, prostrate fall
Before him reverent ; and there confess
Humbly our faults, and pardon beg j with tears
Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air 1090
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign
Of sorrow unfeign'd, and humiliation meek ?
Undoubtedly he will relent, and turn
From his displeasure ; in whose look serene.
When angry most he seem'd and most severe, 1095
What else but favour, grace, and mercy, shone ?

So spake our father penitent ; nor Eve
Felt less remorse : they, forthwith to the place
Repairing where he judged them, prostrate fell

PARADISE LOST. 251

Before him reverent ; and both confessed 1100

Humbly their faults, and pardon begg'd : with tears
Watering the ground, and with their sighs the air
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign
Of sorrow imfeign'd and humiliation meek

PARADISE LOST

BOOK XI.

The Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our firpt pa-
rents now repenting, and intercedes for them: God accepts them,
but declares that they must no longer abide in Paradise ; sends
Michael with a band of Cherubim to dispossess them; but first
to reveal to Adam future things : Michael's coming down.
Adam shows to Eve certain ominous signs ; he discerns Michael's
apjEoach; goes out to meet him; the Angel denounces their de-
parture. Eve's Lamentation. Adam pleads, but submits : The
Angel leads him up to a high hill; sets before him in vision what
shall happen till the Flood.

Thus they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood

Praying ; for from the mercy-seat above

Prevenient grace descending had removed

The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh

Regenerate grow instead ; that sighs now breathed 5

Unutterable ; which the Spirit of prayer

Inspired, and wing'd for Heaven with speedier flight

Than loudest oratory : yet their port

Not of mean suitors ; nor important less

Seem'd their petition, than when the ancient pair 10

in fables old, less ancient yet than these,

Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore

The race of mankind drown'd, before the shrine

Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers

Flew u^, nor miss'd the way, by envious winds 15

Blown vagabond or frustrate : in they pass'd

Dimensionless through heavenly doors ; then clad

With incense, where the golden altar fumed

By their great Intercessor, came in sight

Before the Father's throne : them the glad Son 20

rtescnting, thus to intercede began :

PARADISE LOST. 253

See, Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung
From thy implanted grace in Man ; these sighs
And prayers, which in this golden censer, mix'd
With incense, I thy priest before thee bring : 25

Fruits of more pleasing savour, from thy seed
a.own with contrition in his heart, than those
Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees
Of Paradise could have produced, ere fkllen
From innocence. Now, therefore, bend thine ear 30
To supplication ; hear his sighs, though mute ;
Unskilful with what words to pray, let me
Interpret for him ; me, his advocate
And propitiation ; all his works on me,
Good or not good, ingraft ; my merit those 35

Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay.
Accept me ; and, in me, from these receive
The smell of peace toward mankind : let him live
Before thee reconciled, at least his days
Number "d, though sad ; till death, his doom (which I
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse,) 41

To better life shall yield him : w^here with me
All my redeem"d may dwell in joy and bliss ;
Made one with me, as I with thee am one.

To whom the Father, without cloud, serene ; 45
All tliy request for Man, accepted Son,
Obtain ; all thy request was my decree :
But, longer in that Paradise to dwell,
The law I gave to nature him forbids :
Those pure immortal elements, that know 50

No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul,
Eject him, tainted now ; and purge him off,
As a distemper, gross, to air as gross,
And mortal food ; as may dispose him best
Tor dissolution wrought by sin, that first 55

Distemper'd all things, and of incorrupt
Corrupted. I, at first, with too fair gifts
Created him endow'd ; with happiness
22

254 PARADISE LOST. b.xi^

And immortality : tliat fondly lost,

This other served but to eternize woe ; 60

Till I provided death : so death becomes

His final remedy ; and, after life.

Tried in sharp tribulation, and refined

By faith and faithful works, to second life,

Waked in the renovation of the just, 65

R,esigns him up with Heaven and Earth renew d.

But let us call to synod all the Bless'd [hide

Through Heaven's wide bounds : from them I Avill not

My judgments ; how with mankind I proceed,

As how with peccant Angels late they saw, 70

And in their state, though firm, stood more confirm'd.

He ended, and the Son gave signal high
To the bright minister that watch'd ; he blew
His trumpet, heard in Orcb since perhaps
When God descended, and perhaps once more 75

To sound at general doom. The angelic blast
Fill'd all the regions : from their blissful bowers
Of amarantine shade, fountain or spring,
By the waters of life, where'er tliey sat
In fellowships of joy, the sons of light 80

Hasted, resorting to the summons high ;
And took their seats : till from his throne supreme
The Almighty thus pronounced his sov'reign will :

O Sons, like one of us Man is becomo
To know both good and evil, since his taste 85

Of that defended fruit ; but let him boast
His knowledge ot good lost, and evil got ;
Happier, had it sufficed him to have known
Good by itself, and evil not at all.

He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite, 90

My motions in him ; longer than they move,
His heart I know, how variable and vain,
Self-left. Lest therefore his now bolder hand
Reach also of the tree of life, and eat,
And live for ever, dream at least to live 95

I

• AHADISE LOST 255

For ever, to remove him I decree,

And send him from tlie garden forth to till

The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil.

Michael, this my behest have thou in charge ,
Take to thee from among the Cherubim 100

Thy choice of flaming warriors, lest the Fiend,
Or in behalf of Man, or to invade
Vacant possession, some new trouble raise :
Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God
Without remorse drive out the sinful pair ; 105

From hallow'd ground the unholy ; and denounce
To them, and to their progeny, from thence
Perpetual banishment. Yet, lest they faint
At the sad sentence rigorously urged
(For I behold them soften'd, and with tears 110

Bewailing their excess,) all terror hide.
If patiently thy bidding they obey,
Dismiss them not disconsolate ; reveal
To Adam what shall come in future days,
As I shall thee enlighten ; intermix 115

My covenant in the Woman's seed renew'd ;
So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace
And on the east side of the garden place.
Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs,
Cherubic watch ; and of a sword the flame 120

Wide-waving ; all approach far off" to fright,
And guard all pp^sage to the tree of life :
Lest Paradise a receptacle prove
To Spirits foul, and all my trees their prey :
With whose stolen fruit Man once more to delude. 125

He ceased ; and the archangelic Power prepared
For swift descent ; with him the cohort bright
Of watchful Cherubim : four faces each
Had, like a double Janus ; all their shape
Spangled with eyes more numerous than those 130
Of Argus, and more wakeful than to drowse,
Charm'd with Arcadian pipe, the pastoral reed
Of Hermes, or his opiate rod. Meanwhile,

25C PARADISE LOST. b. a.

To resalute the world with sacred light,

Leucothea waked ; and with fresh dews ombalm'd 135

The earth ; when Adam and first matron Eve

Had ended now tJieir orisons, and found

Strength added from above ; new hope to spring

Out of despair ; joy, but with fear yet link'd ;

Which thus to Eve his welcome words renew'd : 140

Eve, easily may faith admit, that all
The good which we enjoy from Heaven descends j
But, that from us aught should ascend to Heaven
So prevalent as to concern the mind
Of God high-bless'd, or to incline his will, 145

Hard to belief may seem ; yet this will prayer
Or one short sight of human breath, upborne
Even to the seat of God. For since I sought
By prayer the offended Deity to appease ;
Kneel'd, and before him humbled all my heart ; 150
Methought I saw him placable and mild,
Bending his ear ; persuasion in me grew
That I was heard with favour; peace return'd
Home to my breast, and to my memory
His promise, that thy seed shall bruise our foe ; 155
Which, then not minded in dismay, yet now
Assures me that the bitterness of death
Is pass'd, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee,
Eve rightly call'd, mother of all mankind.
Mother of all things living, since by *hee 160

Man iw to live ; and all things live for Man.

To whom thus Eve with sad demeanour meek :
111 worthy I such title should belong
To me transgressor ; who, for thee ordain'd
A help, became thy snare ; to me reproach 165

Rather belongs, distrust, and all dispraise j
But infinite in pardon was my Judge,
That I, who first brought death on all, am graced .
The source of life ; next favourable thou,
Who highly thus to entitle me vouchsafest, 17^

Far other name deserving. But the field

PARADISE LOST. 257

To labour calls us, now with sweat imposed,
Though after sleepless night ; for see ! the morn,
All uncoDcern'd with our unrest, begins
Her rosy progress smiling : let us fcn-th ; 175

I never from thy side henceforth to stray,
Where'er our day's work lies, though now enjoin'd
Laborious, till day droop ; while here we dwell,
Wliat can be toilsome in these pleasant walks ?
Here let us live, though in. fallen state, content. 180

So spake, so wish'd much humbled Eve ; but Fate
Subscribed not : Nature first gave signs, impress'd
On bird, beast, air ; air suddenly eclipsed,
After short blush of morn ; nigh in her sight
The bird of Jove,-stoop'd from his aery tour, 185

Two birds of gayest plume before him drove ;
Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods,
First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace,
Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind ;
Direct to the eastern gate v/as bent their flight. 190
Adam observed, and with his eye the chase
Pursuing, not unmoved, to Eve thus spake :

O Eve, some further change awaits us nigh.
Which Heaven, by these mute signs in Nature, shows
Forerunners of his purpose ; or to warn 195

Us, haply too secure of our discharge
From penalty, because from death released
Some days : how long, and what till then our life,
Who knows ? or more than this, that we are dust,
And thither must return, and be no more ? 200

Why else this double object in our sight
Of flight pursued in the air, and o'er the ground,
One way the selfsame hour ? why in the east
Darkness ere day's mid-course, and morning-light
More orient in yon western cloud, that draws 205

O'er the blue firmament a radiant white,
And slow descends with something heavenly fraught ?

He err'd not ; for by this the heavenly bands
Down from a sky of jasper lighted now
2v>*

258 PARADISE LOST. b. xi.

In Paradise, and on a hill made halt ; 210

A glorious apparition, had not doubt

And carnal fear that day dimm'd Adam's eye.

Not that more glorious, v/hen the Angels met

Jacob in Mahanaim, where he saw

The field pavilion'd with his guardians bright : 215

Nor that, which on the flaming mount appear'd

In Dothan, cover'd with a camp of fire.

Against the Syrian king, who to surprise

One man, assassin-like, had levied war,

War unproclaim'd. The princely Ilierarch 220

In their bright stand there left his Powers, to seize

Possession of the garden ; he alone,

To find where Adam shelter'd, took his way.

Not unperceived of Adam : who to Eve,

While the great visitant approach'd, thus spake : 225

Eve, now expect great tidings, which perhaps
Of us will soon determine, or impose
New laws to be observed ; for I descry,
From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill,
One of the heavenly liost ! and, by his gait, 230

None of the meanest 5 some great Potentate
Or of the Thrones above ; such majesty
Invests him coming ! yet not terrible,
That I should fear ; nor sociably mild.
As Raphael, that I should much confide ; 235

But solemn and sublime ; whom not to offend,
With reverence I must meet, and thou retire.

He ended : and the Archangel soon drew nigh,
Not in his shape celestial, but as man
Clad to meet man ; over his lucid arms 240

A military vest of purple flow'd.
Livelier than Melibcean, or the grain
Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old
In time of truce ; Iris had dipp'd the woof;
His starry helm unbuckled show'd him prime 245

111 manhood where youth ended ; by his side,
As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword,

PARADISE LOST. 259

Satan's dire dread ; and in his hand the spear.
Adam bow'd low ; he, kingly, from his state
Inclined not, but his coming thus declared : 250

Adam ! Heaven's high behest no preface needs •
SufScient that thy prayers are heard ; and Death,
Then due by sentence v/hen thou didst transgress,
Defeated of his seizure many days
Given thee of grace ; wherein thou mayst repent, 255
And one bad act with many deeds well done
Mayst cover : well may then thy Lord, appeased,
Redeem thee quite from Death's rapacious claim ;
But longer in this Paradise to dwell
Permits not : to remove thee I am come, 260

And send thee from the garden forth to till
The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil.

He added not ; for Adam at the news
Heart-struck with chilling gripe of sorrow stood.
That all his senses bound ; Eve, who unseen 265

Yet all had heard, with audible lament
Discover'd soon the place of her retire.

O unexpected stroke, worse than of Death !
Must I thus leave thee, Paradise ? thus leave
Thee, native soil ! these happy walks and shades, 270
Fit haunt of Gods ? where I had hope to spend,
Quiet though sad, the respite of that day
That must be mortal to us both. O flowers,
That never will in other climate grow,
My early visitation, and my last 275

At even, which I bred up with tender hand
From the first opening bud, and gave ye names !
Who now shall rear ye to the sun, or rank
Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount ?
Thee lastly, nuptial bower ! by me adorn'd 280

With what to sight or smell was sweet ! from thee
How shall I part, and whither wander down
Into a lower world ; to this obscure
And wild ? how shall \ve breathe in other air
Less pure, accustom'd to ijrouortal fruits ? 285

260 PARADISE LOST. b. xi.

Whom thus the Angel interrupted mild :
Lament not, Eve, but patiently resign
What justly thou hast lost, nor set thy heart,
Thus overfond, on that which is not thine :
Thy going is not lonely ; with thee goes 290

Thy husband ; him to follow thou art bound ;
Where he abides, think there thy native soil.

Adam, by this from the cold sudden damp
Recovering, and his scatter'd spirits return'd.
To Michael thus his humble words address'd : 295

Celestial, whether among the Thrones, or named
Of them the highest ; for such of shape may seem
Prince above princes : gently hast thou told
Thy message, which might else in telling wound,
And in performing end us ; what besides 300

Of sorrow, and dejection, and despair,
Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring.
Departure from this happy place, our sweet
Recess, and only consolation left

Familial to our eyes ! all places else 305

Inhospitable appear, and desolate ;
Nor knowing us, nor known : and, if by prayer
Incessant I could hope to change the will
Of Him who all things can, I would not cease
To weary him with my assiduous cries : 310

But prayer against his absolute decree
No more avails than breath against the wind.
Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth :
Therefore to his great bidding I submit.
This most afflicts me, that, departing hence, 315

As from his face I shall be hid, deprived
His blessed countenance : here I could frequent
With worship place by place where he vouchsafed
Presence Divine ; and to my sons relate,
On this mount he appear'd ; under this tree 320

Stood visible ; among these pines his voice
I heard ; here with him at this fountain talk'd •
So many grateful altars I would rear

PARADISE LOST. 26)

Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone

Of lustre from the brook, in memory, 325

Or monument to ages , and thereon

Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers :

In yonder nether world where shall I seek

His bright appearances, or footstep trace ?

For though I fled him angry, yet, recall'd 330

To life prolong 'd and promised race, I now

Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts

Of glory ; and far off" his steps adore.

To whom thus Michael with regard benign :
Adam, thou know'st Heaven his, and all the Earth;
Not this rock only ; his Omnipresence fills 336

Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives,
Fomented by his virtual power and warm'd :
All the earth he gave thee to possess and rule,
No despicable gift ; surmise not then 3-10

His presence to these narrow bounds confined
Of Paradise, or Eden , this had been
Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread
All generations; and had hither come
From all the ends of the earth, to celebrate 345

And reverence thee, their great progenitor.
But this preeminence thou hast lost, brought down
To dwell on even ground now with thy sons ;
Yet doubt not but in valley and on plain
God is, as here , and will be found alike 35C

Present ; and of his presence many a sign
Still following thee, still compassing thee round
With goodness and paternal love, his face
Express, and of his steps the track divine.
Which that thou mayst believe, and be confirm'd 355
Ere thou from hence depart ; know, 1 am sent
To show thee what shall come in future days
To thee and to thy offspring ; good with bad
Expect to hear ; supernal grace contending
With sinfulness of men ; thereby to learn 360

True patience, and to temper joy with fear

262 PARADISE LOST b. xi

And pious sorrow ; equally inured

By moderation either state to bear,

Prosperous or adverse : so shalt thou lead

Safest thy life, and best prepared endure 365

Thy mortal passage when it comes. — Ascend

This hill ; let Eve (for I have drench'd her eyes)

Here sleep below ; while thou to foresight wakest ;

As once thou slept'st, while she to life was form'd.

To w^hom thus Adam gratefully replied : 370

Ascend ; I follow thee, safe Guide, the path
Thou lead'st me ; and to the hand of Heaven submit,
However chastening ; to the evil turn
My obvious breast ; arming to overcome
By suffering, and earn rest from labour won, 375

If so I may attain. — So both ascend
In the visions of God. It was a hill,
Of Paradise the highest ; from whose top
The hemisphere of earth, in clearest ken,
Stretch'd out to the amplest reach of prospect lay. 380
Not higher that hill, nor wider looking round,
Whereon, for different cause, the Tempter set
Our second Adam, in the wilderness ;
To show him all Earth's kingdoms and their glory.
His eye might there command wherever stood 385
City of old or modern fame, the seat
Of mightiest empire, from the destined wall
Of Gambalu, seat of Cathaian Can,
And Samarchand b}' Oxus, Temir's throne,
To Paquin of Sinsean kings ; and thence 390

To Agra and Labor of great Mogul,
Down to the golden Chersonese ; or where
The Persian in Ecbatan sat, or since
In Hispahan ; or where the Russian Ksar
In Mosco; oi the Sultan in Bizance, 395

Turchestan-born ; nor could his eye not ken
The empire of Negus to his utmost port
Ercoco, and the less maritime kings
Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind,

PARADISE LOST. 263

And Sofala. thought Ophir, to the realm 400

Of Congo, and Angola furthest south ;
Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount
The kingdoms of Almansor, Fez and Sus,
Morocco, and Algiers, and Tremisen :
On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway 405
The world : in spirit perhaps he also saw
Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume,
And Cusco in Peru, the richer seat
Of Atabalipa ; and yet unspoil'd

Guiana, whose great city Geryon's sons 410

Call El Dorado. But to nobler sights
Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed,
Which that false fruit that promised clearer sight
Had bred ; then purged with euphrasy and rue
The visual nerve, for he had much to see ; 415

And from the well of life three drops instill'd.
So deep the power of these ingredients pierced,
Even to the inmost seat of mental sight.
That Adam, now enforced to close his eyes.
Sunk down, and all his spirits became entranced ; 420
But him the gentle Angel by the hand
Soon rallied, and his attention thus reoall'd :

Adam, now ope thine eyes ; and first behold
The effects which thy original crime hath wrought
In some to spring from thee ; who never touched 425
The excepted tree ; nor with the snake conspired ;
Nor sinned thy sin ; yet from that sin derive
Corruption, to bring forth more violent deeds.

His eyes he opened, and beheld a field.
Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves 430

New reap'd ; the other part sheep-walks and folds ;
r the midst an altar as the landmark stood,
Rustic, of grassy sord : thither anon
A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought
First fruits, the green ear, and the yeDow sheaf, 435
Uncull'd, as came to hand : a shepherd next

264 PARADISE LOST. b. si.

More meek, came with the firsthngs of his flock,

Choicest and best : then, sacrificing, laid

The inwards and their fat, with incense strow'd,

On the cleft wood, and a.ll due rites performed. 440

His offering soon propitious fire from Heaven

Consumed with nimble glance and grateful steam ;

The other's not, for his was not sincere ;

Whereat he inly raged, and, as they talk'd,

Smote him into the midriff with a stone 445

That beat out life ; he fell ; and, deadly pale,

Groan'd out his soul with gushing blood effused.

Much at that sight was Adam in his heart

Dismay'd, and thus in haste to the Angel cried :

O Teacher ! some great mischief hath befallen 450
To that meek man, who well had sacrificed ;
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid ?

To whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied :
These two are brethren, Adam, and to come
Out of thy loins ; the unjust the just hath slain, 455
For envy that his brother's offering found
From Heaven acceptance ; but the bloody fact
Will be avenged ; and the other's faith, approved,
Lose no reward ; though here thou see him die,
Rolling in dust and gore. To which our sire : 4C0

Alas ! both for the deed and for the cause ;
But have I now seen Death ? Is this the way
I must return to native dust ? O sight
Of terror, foul and ugly to behold.
Horrid to think, how horrible to feel ! 465

To whom thus Michael : Death thou hast seen
In his first shape on man ; but many shapes
Of Death, and many are the ways that lead
To his grim cave, all dismal : yet to sense
More terrible at the entrance, than within, 470

Some, as thou saw'st, by violent stroke shall die ;
By fire, flood, famine, by intemperance more
In meals and drinks, which on the earth shall bring

PARADISE LOST. 265

Diajases dire, of which a monstrous crew
Before thee shall appear ; that thou may'st know 475
What misery the inabstinence of Eve
Shall bring on Men, Immediately a place
Before his eyes appear'd, sad, noisome, dark ;
A lazar-house it seem'd ; wherein were laid
Numbers of all diseased ; all maladies 480

Of ghastly spasm, or racking torture, qualms
Of heartsick agony, all feverous kinds,
Convulsions, epilepsies, fierce catarrhs,
Intestine stone and ulcer, coUc-pangs,
Demoniac frenzy, moping melaiicholy, 485

And moon-struck madness, pining atrophy.
Marasmus, and wide-v/asting pestilence,
Dropsies, and asthmas, and joint-racking rheums.
Dire was the tos^iing, deep the groans ; Despair
Tended the sick busiest from couch to couch ; 490
And over them triumpiiant Death his dart
Shook, but delay'd to strike, though oft invoked
With vows, as their chief good and fiial hope.
Sight so deform what heart of rock could long
Dry eyed behold ^ Adam could not, but wept, 495

Though not of woman born ; compassion quell'd
best of man, and gave him up to tears
oacc, till firmer thoughts restrain'd excess ;
1, scarce recovermg words, his plaint renew'd :
> miserable mankind, to what fall 500

graded, to what wretched state reserved !
;tter end here unborn. Why is life given
o be thus wrested from us ? rather, why
ibtruded on us thus ? who, if we knew
^Vhat we receive, would either not accept 505

Life ofFer'd, or soon bog to lay it down ;
Glad to be so dismiss'd in peace. Can thus
The image of God in Man, created once
So goodly and erect, though faulty since,
1') such unsightly suiTc rings be debased 510

Under inhuman paiiis ? Why should not Man,

J

266 • PARADISE LOST. b. xi.

Retaining still divine similitude

In part, from snch deformities be free,

And, for his Maker's image sake, exempt ?

Their Maker's image, answer'd Michael, then 515
Forsook them, wlien themselves they vilified
To serve ungovern'd Appetite ; and took
His image whom they served, a brutish vice,
Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve.
Therefore so abject is their punishment, 520

Disfiguring not God's likeness, but their own j
Or if his likeness, by themselves defaced ;
While they pervert pure Nature's healthful rules
To loathsome sickness ; worthily since they
God's image did not reverence in themselves. 525

I yield it just, said Adaip, and submit.
But is there yet no other way, besides
These painful passages, how we may come
To death, and mix with our conno,tural dust .''

There is, said MichaCl, if thou well observe 530
The rule of S<'ot too inuch ; by temperance taught,
In what thou eat'st and drink'st ; seeking from thence
Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,
Till many years over thy head return :
So mayst thou live ; till, like ripe fruit, thou drop 535
Into thy mother's lap ; or be with ease
Gather'd, not harshly pluck'd ; for death mature :
This is Old Age ; but then thou must outlive [change
Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty ; which will
To wither'd, weak, and gray ; thy senses then, 540
Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forego,
To what thou hast ; and, for the air of youth,
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign
A melancholy damp of cold and dry
To weigh tliy spirits down, and last consume 545

The balm of life. To whom our ancestor :

Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong
Life much ; bent rather, how I may be quit,
Fairest and easiest, of this cumbrous cliarge ; •

PARADISE LOST. 267

Which I must keep till my appointed day 550

Of rendering up, and patiently attend
My dissolution. Michael replied :

Nor love thy life, nor hate ; but what thou liyest
Live well ; how long, or short, permit to Heaven :
And now prepare thee for another sight. 555

He look'd, and saw a spacious plain, whereon
Were tents of various hue ; by some were herds
Of cattle grazing ; others, whence the sound
Of instruments, that made melodious chime.
Was heard, of harp and organ ; and, who moved 560
Their stops and chords, was seen ; his volant touch,
Instinct through all proportions, low and high,
Fled and pursued transverse the resonant fugue.
In other part stood one who, at the forge
Labouring, two massy clods of iron and brass 565

Had melted (whether found where casual fire
Had wasted woods on mountain or in vale,
Down to the veins of earth ; thence gliding hot
To some cave's mouth ; or whether wash'd by stream
From miderground ;) the liquid ore he drain'd 570

Into fit moulds prepared ; from which he form'd
First his own tools ; then, vrhat might else be wrought
Fusil or graven in metal. After these,
But on the hither side, a different sort [seat

From the high neighbouring hills, which was their
Down to the plain descended ; by their guise 576

Just men they seem'd, and all their study bent
To worship God aright, and know his works
Not hid ; nor those things last, which might preserve
Freedom and peace to Men ; they on the plain 5S0
Long had not walk'd, when from the tents, behold !
A bevy of fair women, richly gay.
In gems and wanton dress ;- to the harp they sung
Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on :
The men, though grave, eyed them ; and let their eyes
Rove without rein ; till, in the amorous net 586

Fast caught, they liked ; and each his liking chose ;

268 PARADISE LOST. b. 5i>

And now of love they treat, till the evenhig star,

Love's harbinger, appear'd ; then, all in heat

They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke 590

Hymen, then first to marriage rites invoked .

With feast and music all the tents resound.

Such happy interview, and fair event

Of love and youth not lost, sungs, garlands, flowers,

And charming sympnonies, attach'd the heart 595

Of Adam, soon inclined to admit delight.

The bent of nature ; which he thus express'd :

True opener of mine eyes, prime Angel bless'd j
Much better seems this vision, and more hope
Of peaceful days portends, than those two pass'd ; 600
Those were of hate and death, or pain much worse ;
Here Nature seems fulfill'd in all her ends.

To whom thus Michael : J\idge not what is best
By pleasure, though to nature seeming meet ;
Created, as thou art, to nobler end 605

Holy and pure, conformity divine.
Those tents thou saw'st so pleasant were the tentfl
Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his race
Who slew his brother ; studious they appear
Of arts that polish life, inventors rare; 610

Unmindful of their Maimer, though his Spirit
Taught them ; but they his gifts acknowledged none.
Yet they a beauteous ofispring sliall beget ;
For that fair female troop thou saw'st, that seem'd
Of Goddesses so blithe, so smooth, so gay, 615

Yet empty of all good wherein consists
Woman's domestic honour and chief praise ;
Bred only and completed to the taste
'Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance,
To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye : 620
To thiese tliat sober race of men, whose lives
Religious tilled them the sons of God,
"Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame
Ignobly, to Ihe trains and to the smiles
Of tliesc (air atJicists ; and now swiixi in joy, 625

PARADISE LOST. 2G9

Erelong to swim at large ; and laugh for which
The world erelong a world of tears must weep.

To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft :
O pity and shame, that they, who to live well
Enter d so fair, should turn aside to tread 630

Paths indirect, or in the mid way faint !
But still I see the tenor of Man's woe
Holds on the same, from Woman to begin

From Man's effeminate slackness it begins,
Said the Angel, who should better hold his place 635
By wisdom, and superior gifts received.
But now prepare thee for another scene.

He look'd, and saw wide territory spread
Before him, towns, and rural works between ,
Cities of Men with lofty gates and towers, 640

Concourse in arms, fierce faces tlireatening war,
Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise ;
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed,
Single or in array of battle ranged
Both horse and foot, nor idly mustering stood \ 645
One waj' a band select from forage drives
A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine,
From a fat meadow ground ; or fleecy flock.
Ewes and their bleating lambs over the plain,
Their booty ; scarce with life the shepherds fly, 650
But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray ;
With cruel tournament the squadrons join ;
Where cattle pastured late, now scatter'd lies
With carcasses and arms the ensanguined field,
Deserted : Others to a city strong 655

Lay siege, encamp'd ; by battery, scale, and mine,
Assaulting : others from the wall defend
With dart and javelin, stones, and sulphurous fire \
On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds-
3n other part the sceptred heralds call 660

To council, in tlie city -gates ; anon
Gray-headed men and grave, with warriors mix'd
Assemble, and harangues are hetird : but soon,
23"

mQ PARADISE LOST. b. x«.

In factious opposition ; till at last,

Of middle age one rising, eminent 665

In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong,

Of justice, of religion, truth, and peace,

And judgment from above : him old and young

Exploded, and had seized with violent hands,

Had not a cloud descending snatch'd him thonce €>7Q

"Unseen amid the throng ; so violence

Proceeded, and oppression, and sword-law,

Through all the plain, and refuge none was found

Adam v/as all in tears, and to his guide

Lamenting turn'd full sad : O ! what are these, 675

Death's ministers, not men ? who thus deal death

Inhum.anl^^ to men, and multiply

Ten thousandfold the sin of him who slev/

His brother ; for of whom such massacre

Make they, but of their brethren ; men of men ? 680

But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven

Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost ?

To whom thus Michael : These are the product
Of those ill mated marriages thou saw'st ; [selves

Where good with bad were match'd, who of thera-
Abhor to join ; and, by imprudence mix'd, 686

Produce prodigious births of body or mind.
Such were these giants, men of high renown ;
For in those days might only shall be admired.
And valour and heroic virtue call'd ; 690

To overcome in battle, and subdue
Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite
Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch
Of human glory ; and for glory done
Of triumph, to be styled great conquerors, 695

Patrons of mankind, Gods, and sons of Gods 9
Destroyers rightlier call'd, and plagues of men.
Tlius fame shall be achieved, renown on Earth >
And what most merits fame, in silence hid.
But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou b^ljeldst
The only ri|»hteo\is in a vrorld perverfie, yOl

PARADISE LOST. 271

And therefore hated, therefore so beset

With foes, for daring single to be just,

And utter odious truth, that God would come

To judge them with his Saints ; him the Most High

Wrapp'd in a balmy cloud with winged steeds 706

Did, as thou saw'st, receive, to walk with God

High in salvation and the climes of bliss.

Exempt from death ; to show thee what reward

Awaits the good ; the rest what punishment ; 710

Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold.

He look'd, and saw the face of things quite changed ;

The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar ;

All now was turn'd to jollity and game,

To luxury and riot, feast and dance ; 71&

Marrying or prostituting, as befel,

Rape or adultery, where passing fair

Allured them ; thence from cups to civil broils.

At length a reverend sire among them came,

And of their doings great di.slike declared, 7Q0

And testified against their ways ; he oft

Frequented their assemblies, whereso met,

Triumphs or festivals ; and to them preach'd

Conversion and repentance, as to souls

In prison, under judgments imminent : 725-

But all in vain : which when he saw, he ceased

Contending, and removed his tents far off j

Then, from the mountain hev/ing timber tall,

Began to build a vessel of huge bulk ;

Measured b}"- cubit, length, and breadth, and height ,

Smear 'd round Avith pitch : and in the side a door 731'

Contrived ; and of provisions laid in large.

For man and beast : when lo, a wonder strange !

Of every beast, and bird, and insect small

Came sevens, and pairs : and entcr'd in as taught 735

Their order : last the sire and his three sons.

With their four wives ; and God made fast the door.

Meanwhile the south-wind rose, and, with black wings

Wide-hovering, all the clouds together drovg

272 PARADISE LOST. b. xi.

From under Heaven ; the hills to their supply 740

Vapour, and exhalation dusk and i^ftoist,

Sent up amain ; and now the tliicken'd sky

Like a dark ceiling stood ; down rush'd the rain

Impetuous ; and continued, till the earth

No more was se~'n ; the floating vessel swum 745

Uplifted, and secure with beaked prow

Rode tilting o'er the waves ; all dwellings else

Flood overwhelra'd, and them, with all their pomp

Deep under water roll'd ; sea cover'd sea,

Sea without shore ; and in their palaces, 750

Where luxury late reign'd, sea-monsters whelp'd

And stabled ; of mankind, so numerous late,

All left in one small bottom swum embark'd.

How didst thou grieve then, Adam, to behold

The end of all thy offs])ring, end so sad, 755

Depopulation ! Thee another flood,

Of tears and sorrov/ a flood, thee also drown'd,

And sunk thee as thy sons ; till, gently rear'd

By the Angel, on thy feet thou stood'st at last,

Though comfortless ; as when a father mourns 760

His children, all in viev/ destroy 'd at once ;

And scarce to the Angel utter'dst thus thy plaint •

O visions ill foreseen ! Better had I
Lived ignorant of future ! so had borne
My part of evil only, each day's lot 765

Enough to bear ; those now, that were dispensed
The burden of many ages, on me light
At once, by my foreknov/ledge gaining birth
Abortive, to torment me ere their being,
With thought that they must be. Let no man seek
Henceforth to be foretold what shall befal 771

Him or his children ; evil he may be sure.
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent ;
And he tne future evil sliali no less
In apprehension than in substance feel, 775

Grievous to bear : but that care now is pass'd,
Man is not whom to warn ; those few escaped

PARADISE LOST. 273

Famine and anguish will at last consume,
Wandering that watery desert : I had hope,
"When violence was ceased, and war on earth, 780
All would have then gone well ; peace would have

crown'd
With length of happy days the race of man }
But I was far deceived ; for now I. see
Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste.
How comes it thus .'' unfold, celestial Guide, 785

And whether here the race of Man will end.

To whom thus Michael : Those, whom last thou

saw'st
in triumph and luxurious wealth, are they
First seen in acts of prowess eminent
And great exploits, but of true virtue void } 790

Who, having spilt much blood, and done much waste,
Subduing nations, and achieved thereby
Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey ;
Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth,
Surfeit, and lust ; till wantonness and pride 795

Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace.
The conquer'd also, and enslaved by war.
Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose
And fear of God ; from whom their piety feign'd
In sharp contest of battle found no aid 800

Against invaders ; therefore, cool'd in zeal,
Thenceforth shall practise how to live secure,
Worldly or dissolute, on what their lords
Shall leave them to enjoy ; for the earth shall bear
More than enough, that temperance may be tried : 805
So all shall turn degenerate, all depraved ;
Justice and temperance, truth and faith, forgot ;
One man except, the only son of light
In a dark age, against example good.
Against allurement, custom, and a work 810

Offended : fearless of reproach and scorn
Or violence, he of their wicked ways
Shall them admonish ; and before them set

274 PARADISE LOST. b. xi

The paths of righteousness, how much more safe

And full of peace ; denouncing wrath to come 815

On their impenitence ; and shall return

Of them derided, but of God observed

The one just man alive ; by his command

Shall build a wondrous ark, as thou beheldst,

To save himself and household from amidst 82C

A world devote to universal wrack.

No sooner he, v/ith them of man and beast

Select for life, shall in the ark be lodged,

And shelterd round, but all the cataracts

Of Heaven set open on the Earth shall pour 825

Rain, day and night ; all fountains of the deep,

Broke up, shall heave the ocean to usurp

Beyond all bounds ; till inundation rise

Above the highest hills : then shall this mount

Of Paradise by might of waves be moved 830

Out of his place, push'd by the horned flood,

With ail his verdure spoil'd, and trees adrift,

Down the great river to the opening gulf.

And there take root an island salt and bare.

The haunt of seals, and ores, and seamews' clang : 835

To teach thee that God Attributes to place

No sanctity, if none be thither brought

By men who there frequent or therein dwell.

And now, what further should ensue, behold.

He look'd, and saw the ark hull on the flood, 840
Which now abated ; for the clouds were fled,
Driven by a keen north Avind, that, blowing dry,
Wrinkled the face of deluge, as decay'd ;
And the clear sun on his wide watery glass
Gazed hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew, 845
As after thirst ; which made their flowing shrink
From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole
With soft fo jt towards the deep ; who now had stopp'd
His sluices, as the Heaven his windows shut.
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground, 850
Fast on the top <^f some high mountain fix'd.

PARADISE LOST. 275

And now the tops of hil^s, as rocks, appear ;
With clamour thence the rapid currents drive,
Towards the retreating sea, their furious tide
Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies, 855

And after him, the surer messenger,
A dov0" sent forth once and again to spy-
Green tree or ground, whereon his foot may light :
The second time returning, in his bill
An olive-leaf he brings, pacific sign : 8G0

Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark
The ancient sire descends, with all his train :
Then with uplifted hands, and eyes devout,
Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds
A dewy cloud, and in tlie cloud a bow 865

Conspicuous witli three listed colours gay,
I>etokening peace from God, and covenant new.
Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad,
Greatly rejoiced ; and thus his joy broke forth :

O thou, who future things canst represent 870

■ As present, heavenlj^ Instrncter 1 I revive
At this last sight ; assured that Man shall live,
"With all the creatures, and their seed preserve.
Far less I now lament for one wJiolc world
Of wicked sons destroy'd, than I rejoice 875

For one man found so perfect nnd so just
That God vouchsafes to raise another world
From him, and all his anger to forget.
But say, what mean those colour'd streaks in Heavon
Distended, as the brow of God appeased ? 880

Or serve they, as a flowery verge, to bind
The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud.
Lest it again dissolve, and shower the earth -'

To whom the Archangel : Dexterously thou aira'st ;
So willingly doth God remit his ire, 885

Though late repenti.ng him of Man depraved ;
Grieved at his heart, when looking down he saw
The whole earth fill'd with violence, and all flesh
Corrupting each their way ; vet, those removed.

276 PARADISE LOST. b. xi.

Such grace shall one just man find in his sight, 890
That he relents, not to blot out mankind j
And makes a covenant never to destroy
The earth again by flood ; nor let the sea
Surpass his bounds ; nor rain to drown the world,
With man therein or beast ; but, when he brings 895
Over the eaiiti a cloud, will therein set
His triple-colour'd bow, whereon to look,
And call to mind his covenant : day and night,
Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost, 899

Shall hold their course ; till fire purge all things new,
Both Heaven and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell.

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK XII.

The Argel Michael continues, from the Flood, to relate wnat shall
succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes hy degrees to
explain who that Seed of the Woman shall be, which was pro-
mised Adam and Eve in the Fall; his incarnation, death, resur-
rection, and ascension ; llie state of the church till his second
coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and recomforted by these rela-
tions and promises, descends tiie hill with IMichael ; wakens Eve,
who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams composed
to quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand
leads them out of Pavadiie, the tiery sword waving behind thorn,
and the Cherubim taking their stations to guard the place.

As one who in his journey bates at noon,

Though bent on speed ; so here the Archangel paused

Betwixt the world destroy'd and world restored,

If Adam aught perhaps might interpose ;

Then, with transition sweet, new speech resumes : 5

Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end ;
And Man, as from a second stock, proceed.
Much thou hast yet to see ; but 1 perceive
Thy mortal sight to fail ; objects divine
Must needs impair and weary human sense : 10

Henceforth what is to come I will relate ;
Thou therefore give due audience, and attend.

This second source of Men, while yet but few,
And while the dread of judgment past remains
Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, 15

With some regard to what is just and right
Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace ;
Labouring the soil, and reaping plenteous crop,
Corn, wine, and oil ; artd, from the herd or flock,
Oft sacrificing bullock; lamb, or kid, 20

24

278 PARADISE LOST. b. xii

With large wine-ofFerings pour'd, and sacred feast,

Shall spend their days in joy unblanied ; and dwell

Long time in peace, by families and tribes

Under paternal rule : till one shall rise

Of proud ambitious heart ; who, not content 25

With fair equality, fraternal state,

Will arrogate dominion undeserved

Over his brethren, a.nd quite dispossess

Concord and law of nature from the earth ;

Hunting (and men not beasts shall be his game) 30

With war and hostile snare such as refuse

Subjection to his empire tyrannous .

A mighty hunter thence he shall be styled

Before the Lord : as in despite of Heaven,

Or from Heaven claiming second sovereignty ; 35

And from rebellion shall derive his name,

Though of rebellion others he accuse.

He with a crew, whom like ambition joins

With him or under him to tyrannize,

Marciiing from Eden towards the west, shall find 40

The plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge

Boils out from under ground, the mouth of Hell :

Of brick, and of that stuff, they cast to build

A city and tower, whose top may reach to Heaven ;

And get themselves a name ; lest, far dispersed 45

Li foreign lands, their memory be lost ;

Regardless whether good or evil fame.

But God, wlio oft descends to visit men

Unseen, and through their habitations walks

To mark their doings, them beholding soon, 50

Comes down to see their city, ere the tower

Obstruct Heaven-towers ; and in derision sets

Upon their tongues a various spirit, to rase

Quite out their native language ; and, instead,

To sow a jangling noise of words unknown: 55

Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud,

Among the builders ; each to other calls

Not understood, till hoarse, and all in rage,.

PARADISE LOST. 279

As iiiock'd they storm : great laughter was in Heaven,
And looking down, to see the hubbub strange, CO

And hear the din : thus was the building left
Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named.

Whereto thus Adam, fatherly displeased :
O execrable son ! so to aspire

Above his brethren ; to himself assuming G5

Authority usurp'd, from God not given •
He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl.
Dominion absolute ; that right we hold
By his donation ; but man over men
He made not lord ; such title to himself 70

Reserving, human left from human free.
But this usurper his encroachment proud
Stays not on Man ; to God his tower intends
Siege and defiance : wretched man ! what food
Will he convey up thither, to sustain 75

Himself and his rash army ; where thin air
Above the clouds will pine his entrails gross,
And famish him of breath, if not of bread .'

To whom thus Michael : Justly thou abhorr'st
That son, who on the quiet state of men 80

Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue
Rational liberty ; yet know withal,
Since thy original lapse, true liberty
Is lost, whicli always with right reason dwells
Twinn'd, and from her hath no dividual being - 85

Reason in man obscured or not obey'd,
[mmediately inordinate desires
And upstart passions catch the government
From reason ; and to servitude reduce
Man, till then free. Therefore, since he permits 00
Within himself unworthy powers to reign
Over free reason, God, in judgment just,
Subjects him from without to violent lords ,
Who oft as undeservedly enthral
His outward freedom : tyranny must be ; 95

Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse.

280 PARADISE LOST. b. xii

Yet sometimes nations will decline so Igw

From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong,

But justice and some fatal curse annex'd,

Deprives them of their outward liberty ; 100

Their inward lost : witness the irreverent son

Of him who built the ark ; who, for the shame

Done to his father, heard this heavy curse,

Servant of servants, on his vicious race.

Thus will this latter, as the former world, 105

Still tend from bad to worse ; till God at last,

Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw

His presence from among them, and avert

His holy eyes ; resolving from thenceforth

To leave them to their own polluted ways ; 110

And one peculiar nation to select

From all the rest, of whom to bo- invoked,

A nation from one faithful man to spring :

Him on this side Euphrates yet residing,

Bred up in idol-worship : O, that men 115

(Canst thou believe ?) should be so stupid grown.

While yet O.o patriarch lived who scaped the flood,

As to forsar.e the living God, and fall

To worship their own work in wood and stone

For Gods ! Yet him God the Most High vouchsafes

To call by vision, from his father's house, 121

His kindred, and false Gods, into a land

Which he will show him ; and from him will raise

A mighty nation ; and upon him shower

His benediction so that in his seed 125

All nations shall be bless'd : he straight obeys ;

Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes •

I see him, but thou canst not, with what faith

He leaves his Gods, his friends, and native soil,

Ur of Chaldea, passing now the ford 130

To Haran ; after him a cumbrous train

Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude ;

Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth

With God, who call'd him, in a land unknown.

PARADISE LOST. 281

Canaan lie now attains ; I see his tents 135

Pitch'd about Sechem, and the neighbouring plain
Of Moreh ; there by promise he receives
Gift to his progeny of all that land,
From Hamath northward to the Desert south
(Things by their names 1 call, thou yet unnamed ;)
From Hermon east to the great western Sea ; 141

Mount Hermon, yonder sea ; each place behold
In prospect, as I point them ; on the shore
Mount Carmel ; here, the double-founted stream,
Jordan, true limit eastward ; but his sons 145

Shall dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills.
This ponder, that all nations of the earth
Shall in his seed be blessed : by that seed
Is meant thy great Deliverer, who shall bruise
The Serpent's head ; whereof to thee anon 150

Plainlier shall be reveald. This patriarch bles«^'d,
Whom faithful Abraham due time shall call,
A son, and of his son a grandchild, leaves ■,
Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown :
The grandchild, with twelve sons increased, departs
From Canaan, to a land hereafter call'd 156

Egypt, divided by the river Nile ;
See where it flows, disgorging at seven mouths
Into the sea : to sojourn in that land
He comes, invited by a younger son 160

In time of dearth ; a son, whose worthy deeds
Raise him to be the second in that realm
Of Pharaoh : there he dies, and leaves his race
Growing into a nation, and now grown
Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks 165

To stop their overgrowth, as inmate guests
Too numerous ; whence of guests he makes them slaves
Inhospitably, and kills their infant males :
Till by two brethren fthese two brethren call'd
Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim 170

His people from enthralment, they return,
With glory and spoil, back to their promised land.
24 *

28S PARADISE LOST. b. xii

But first, the lawless tyrant, who denies

To know their God, or message to regard.

Must be compell'd by signs and judgments dire ; 175

To blood ushed the rivers must be turn'd ;

Frogs, lice, and flies must all his palace fill

With loathed intrusion, and fill all the land ;

His cattle must of rot and murrain die ;

Botches and blains must all his flesh emboss, 190

And all his people ; thunder mix'd with hail,

Hail mix'd with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky,

And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls ;

What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain,

A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down 185

Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green ;

Darkness must overshadow all his bounds,

Palpable darkness, and blot out three days ;

Last, with one midnight stroke, all the first-born

Of Egypt must lie dead. Thus with ten wounds 190

The river-dragon tamed at length submits

To let his sojourners depart, and oft

Humbles his stubborn heart ; but still, as ice

More harden'd after thaw ; till, in his rage

Pursuing whom he late dismiss'd, the sea 195

Swallows him with his host ; but them lets pass,

As on dry land, between two crystal walls ;

Awed by the rod of Moses so to stand

Divided, till his rescued gain their shore :

Such wondrous power God to his saint will lend, 200

Though present in his Angel ; who shall go

Before them in a cloud, and pillar of fire ;

By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire ;

To guide them in their journey, and remove

Behind them, while the obdurate king pursues 205

All night he will pursue ; but his approach

Darkness defends between till morning watch ;

Then through the fieiy pillar, and tiie cloud,

God looking forth will trouble all his host, 209

And craze their chariot-v/heels : when by command

PARADISE LOST. 288

Moses once more his potent rod extends

Over the sea ; the sea his rod obeys ;

On their embattled ranks the waves return

And overwhehn their vi^ar : the race elect

Safe towards Canaan from the shore advance 215

Through the wild Desert, not the readiest way ;

Lest, entering on the Canaanite alarm'd,

War terrify them inexpert, aiKl fear

Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather

Inglorious life with servitude ; for life 220

To noble and ignoble is more sweet

Untrain'd in arms, where rashness leads not on.

This also shall they gain by their delay

In the wide wilderness ; there they shall found

Their government, and their great senate choose 225

Through the twelve tribes, to rule by laws ordain'd :

God from the mount of Sinai, whose gray top

Shall tremble, he descending, will himself

In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpets' sound,

Ordain them laws ; part, sach as appertain 230

To civil justice ; part, religious rites

Of sacrifice ; informing them , by types

And shadows, of that destined Seed to bruise

The Serpent, by what means he shall achieve

Mankind's deliverance. But the voice of God 235

To mortal ear is dreadful : they beseech

That Moses might report to them his will,

And terror cease ; he grants what they besought,

Instructed that to God is no access

Without Mediator, whose high office now 240

Moses in figure bears ; to introduce

One greater, of whose day he shall foretel,

And all the Prophets in their age the times

Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus, laws and rites

Establish'd, such delight hath God in men 245

Obedient to his will, that he vouchsafes

Among them to set up his tabernacle ;

The Holy One with mortal men to dwell .

2S4 PARADISE LOST. b. xii.

By his prescript a sanctuary is framed

Of cedar, overlaid with gold ; therein 250

An ark, and in the ark his testimony,

The records of his covenant ; over these

A mercy-seat of gold, betvireen the wings

Of two bright Cherubim ; before him burn

Seven lamps as in a zodiac representing 255

The heavenly fires ; over the tent a cloud

Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night ;

Save when they journe}'^, and at length they come,

Conducted by his Angel, to the land

Promised to Abraham and his seed : — the rest 2G0

Were long to tell ; how many battles fought ;

How many kuigs destroy'd ; and kingdoms won ;

Or how the sun shall in mid Heaven stand still

A day entire, and night's due course adjourn,

Man's voice commanding, Sun, in Gibeon stand, 2G5

And thou, moon, in the vale of Aialon,

Till Israel overcome ! so call the third

From Abraham, son of Isaac ; and from him

His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win.

Here Adam interposed : O send from Heaven, 270
Enlightener of my darkness, gracious things
Thou hast reveal'd ; those chiefly which concern
Just Abraham and his seed ; now first I find
Mine eyes true-opening, and my heart much eased ;
Erewhile perplex'd with thoughts, what would become
Of me and all mankind : but now I see 276

His day, in whom all nations shall be bless'd }
Favour unmerited by me, who sought
Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means.
This yet 1 apprehend not, why to those 280

Among whom God will deign to dwell on earth
So many and so various laws are given ;
So many laws argue so many sins
Among them ; how can God with such reside ^

To whom thus Michael : Doubt not but that sin 285
Will reign among them, as of thee begoi ,

PARADISE LOST. 285

And therefore was law given them, to evince

Their natural pravity, by stirring up

Sin against law to fight : that when they see

Law can discover sin, but not remove, 290

Save by those shadowy expiations weak,

The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude

Some blood more precious must be paid for Man ,

Just for unjust ; that in such righteousness

To them by faith imputed, they may find 295

Justification towards God, and peace

Of conscience ; which the law by ceremonies

Cannot appease ; nor Man the mortal part

Perform ; and, not performing, cannot live.

So law appears imperfect ; and but given 300

With purpose to resign them, in full time,

Up to a better covenant ; disciplined

From shadowy types to truth } from flesh to spirit ;

From imposition of strict laws to free

Acceptance of large grace ; from servile fear 305

To filial ; works of law to works of faith.

And therefore shall not Moses, though of God

Highly beloved, being but the minister

Of law, his people into Canaan lead ;

But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call, 310

His name and ofiice bearing, who shall quell

The Adversary Serpent, and bring back

Through the world's wilderness long-v»^ander'd Man

Safe to eternal Paradise of rest.

Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan placed, 315

Long time shall dwell and prosper ; but when sins

National interrupt their public peace,

Provoking God to raise them enemies ;

From whom as oft he saves them penitent

By judges first, then under kings ; of whom iJ20

The second, both for piety renown'd

And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive

Irrevocable, that his regal throne

For ever shall endure ; the like shall sing

286 PARADISE LOST e xii

All Prophecy, that of the royal stock 325

Of David (so I name this king), shall rise
A Son, tlie Woman's seed to thee foretold,
Foretold to Abraham, as in whom shall trust
All nations ; and to kings foretold of kings
The last ; for of his reign shall be no end. 330

But first, a long succession must ensue ;
And his next son, for wealth and wisdom famed,
The clouded ark of God, till then in tents
Wandering, shall in a glorious temple enshrine.
Such follow him, as shall be register'd 335

Part good, part bad ; of bad the longer scroll ;
Whose foul idolatries, and other faults
Heap'd to the popular sum, will so incense
God, as to leave them, and expose their land,
Their city, his temple, and his holy ark, 340

With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey-
To that proud city, whose high walls thou saw'st
Left in confusion ; Babylon thence call'd.
There in captivity he lets them dwell
The space of seventy years ; then brings thera back,
Remembering mercy, and his covenant sworn 346

To David, stablish'd as the days of Heaven.
Return'd from Babylon by leave of kings
Their lords, whom God disposed, the house of God
They first reedify ; and for awhile 350

In mean estate live moderate ; till, grown
in wealth and multitude, factious they grow ;
But first among the priests dissension springs,
Men who attend the altar, and should most
Endeavour peace : their strife pollution brmgs 355
Upon the temple itself: at last they seize
The sceptre, and regard not David's sons;
Then lose it to a stranger, tliat the true
Anointed King Messiah might be born
Barr'd of his right ; yet at his birth a star, 360

Unseen before in Heaven, proclaims him come j
And guides the eastern sages, who inquire

PARADISE LOST. 287

His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold :

His place of birth a solemn Angel tells

To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night ; 365

They gladly thither haste, and by a choir

Of squadron'd Angels hear his carol sung.

A virgin is his mother, but his sire

The powei of the Most High : He shall ascend

The throne hereditary, and bound his reign 370

With Earth's wide bounds, his glory with the Heavens

He ceased, discerning Adam with such joy
Surcharged, as had like grief been dew'd in tears,
Without the vent of wocds ; Avhich these he breathed .

O prophet of glad tidings, finisher 375

Of utmost hope ! now clear I understand
What oft my steadiest thoughts have search'd m vain ;
Why our great Expectation should be call'd
The seed of Woman : Virgin Mother, hail,
High in the love of Heaven ; yet from my loins 380
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son
Of God Most High : so God with Man unites !
Needs must the Serpent now his capital bruise
Expect with mortal pain : say where and when 384
Their fight, what stroke shall bruise the victor's heel.

To whom thus Michael : Dream not of their fight,
As of a duel, or the local wounds
Of head or heel : not therefore joins the Son
Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil
Thy enemy; nor so is overcome 390

Satan, whose fall from Heaven, a deadlier bruise,
Disabled, not to give thee thy death's wound :
Which he, who comes thy Saviour, shall recure
Not by destroying Satan, but his works
in thee and in thy seed : nor can this be, 395

'But by fulfilling that which thou didst want, '

' Obedience to the law of God, iinposed
On penalty of death, and suffering death ;
The penalty to thy transgression due,
And due to theirs which out of thine will grow ; dOO

288 PARADISE LOST. b. xii

So only can high Justice rest appaid.

The law of God exact he shall fulfil

Both by obedience and by love, though love

Alone fulfil the law ; thy punishment

He shall endure, by coming in the flesh 405

To a reproachful life and cursed death ;

Proclaiming life to all who shall believe

In his redemption ; and that his obedience,

Imputed, becomes theirs by faith ; his merits

To save them, not their own, though legal, works. 410

For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed.

Seized on by force, judged, and to death conderan'd

A shameful and accursed, nail'd to the cross

By his own nation ; slain for bringing life -

But to the cross he nails thy enemies, 415

The law that is against tliee, and the sins

Of all mankind, v/ith him there crucified.

Never to hurt them more who rightly trust

In this his satisfaction ; so he dies,

But soon revives : Death over him no power 420

Shall long usurp ; ere the third dawning light

Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise

Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light,

Thy ransom paid, which Man from death redeems ;

His death for Man, as many as offer'd life 425

Neglect not, and the benefit embrace

By faith not void of works : this godlike act

Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have died,

In sin for ever lost from life ; this act

Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength, 430

Defeating Sin and Death, his two main arms ;

And fix far deeper in his head their stings

Than temporal death shall bruise the victor's heel,

Or theirs whom he redeems ; a death, like sleep,

A gentle wafting to immortal life. 435

Nor after resurrection shall he stay

Longer on earth than certain times to appear

To his disciples, men who in his life

JPARADISE LOST. 289

Still follow'd him ; to them sha\] leave in charge
To teach all nations \vli-it of him they learn'd 44G
And his salvation ; them who shall believe
Baptizing in the profiuent stream, the sign
Of washing them from guilt of sin to life
Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befal,
For death, like that which the Redeemer died 445
All nations they shall teach ; for, from that day
Not only to the sons of Abraham's loins
Salvation shall be preach'd, but to the sons
Of Abraliam's faith wherever through the world;
So in his seed all nations shall be bless'd. 450

Then to the Heaven of Heavens he shall ascend
With victory, triumphing through the air
Over his foes and thine ; there shall surprise
The Serpent, prince of air, and drag in chains
Through all his realm, and there confounded leave ;
Then enter into glory, and resume 45(i

His seat at God's right hand, exalted high
Above all names in Heaven ; and thence shall come,
When this world's dissolution shall be ripe.
With glory and power to judge both quick and dead ;
To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward 461

His faithful, and receive them into bliss,
Whether in Heaven or Earth ; for then the Earth
Shall all be Paradise, far happier place
Than this of Eden, and far happier days. 46S5

So spake the Archangel Michael ; then paused,
As at the world's great period ; and our sire,
Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied :

O Goodness infinite, Goodness immense !
That all this good of evil shall produce, 476

And evil turn to good ; more wonderful
/Than that which by creation first brought forth
/ Light out of darkness ! Full of doubt I stand,
Whether I should repent me now of sin
B^ me done and occasion'd ; or rejoice 475

Much more, that much more good thereof shall springs
'25

'^90 1>ARADISE LOST. b. xu.

To God more glory, more good-will to Men

From God, and over wrath grace shall abound.

But say, if our Deliverer up to Heaven

Must reascend, what will betide the few 480

His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd,

The enemies of truth ? Who then shall guide

His people, who defend ? Will they not deal

Worse with his followers than with him they dealt ?

Be sure they will, said the Angel ; but from Heaven
He to his own a Comforter will send, 486

The promise of the Father, who shall dv/ell
His Spirit within them ; and the law of faith.
Working through love, upon their hearts shall write,
To guide them in all truth ; and also arm 490

With spiritual armour, able to resist
Satan's assaults, and quench his fiery darts;
What man can do against them, not afraid,
Though to the death ; against such cruelties
Witli inward consolations recompensed, 495

And oft supported so as shall amaze
Their proudest persecutors : for the Spirit,
PouT'd first oii his Apostles, whom he sends
To evangelize the nations, then on all
Baptized, shall them with wondrous gifts endue 500
To speak all tongues, and do all miracles.
As did thsir Lord bsfore them. Thus they win
Great numbers of each nation to receive
With joy ths tidings brought from Heaven : at length.
Their ministry perform'd, and race well run, 505

Their doctrine and their story written left,
They die ; but in their room, as tliey forewarn,
Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves,
Who all the saured mysteries cf HeaveK
To their own vile advantages shall turn 510

Of lucre and ambition ; aad the truth
With superstitions and traditions taint.
Left only in those written records pure,
Though not but by the Spirit understood.

PARADISE LOST. 291

Then they shall seek to avail themselves of names,
Places, and titles, and with these to join 516

Secular power ; though feigning still to act
By spiritual, to themselves appropriating
The Spirit of God, promised alilte and given
To all believers ; and, from that pretence, 520

Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force
On every conscience ; laws which none shall find
Left them inrcU'd, or what the Spirit within
Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then
But force the Spirit of Grace itself, and bind 525

His consort Liberty ? What, but unbuild
His living temples, built by faith to stand.
Their own faith, not another's ? For, on earth,
Who against faith and conscience can be heard
Infallible ? yet many will presume : 530

Whence heavy persecution shall arise
On all, who in the worship persevere
Of spirit and truth ; the rest, far greater part,
Will deem in outward rites and specious forms
Religion satisfied ; truth shall retire 535

Bestuck with slanderous darts, and works of faith
Rarely be found : so shall the world go on,
To good malignant, to bad men benign ;
Under her own weight groaning ; till the day
Appear of respiration to the just, 540

And vengeance to the wicked, at return
Of him so lately promised to thy aid,
The Woman's Seed ; obscurely then foretold.
Now ampler known thy Saviour and thy Lord ;
Last, in the clouds, from Heaven to be roveal'd 545
In glory of the Father, to dissolve
Satan with his perverted world ; then raise
From the conflagrant mass, purged and refined.
New Heavens, new Earth, ages of endless date,
Founded in righteousness, and peace, and love ; 550
To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss.
He ended ; and thus Adam last replied

292 r aRADISE lost. b. XII

How soon hath thy prediction, Seer bless'd,

Measured this transient world, the race of time,

Till time stand fix'd ! Beyond is all abyss, 555

Eternity, whose end no eye can reach.

Greatly instructed I shall hence depart ;

Greatly in peace of thought ; and have my fill

Of knowledge,, what this vessel can contain ;

Beyond which was my folly to aspire. 560

Henceforth I learn, that to obey is best,

And love with fear the only God ; to walk

As in his presence ; ever to observe

His providence ; and on liim sole depend,

Merciful over all his works, with good 565

Still overcoming evil, and by small

Accomplishing great things, by things deem'd weak

Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise

By simply meek : that suffering for truth's sake

Is fortitude to highest victory, 570

And, xo the faithful, death the gate of life ;

Taught this by his example, whom I now

Acknowledge my Redeemer ever bless'd.

To whom thus also the Angel last replied .
This having Icarn'd, thou hast attain'd the sum 575
Of wisdom ; hope no higher, though all the stars
Thou knew'st by name, and aU the ethereal powers,
All secrets of the deep, all Nature's works,
Or works of God in Heaven, air, earth, or sea,
And all the riches of this world enjoy'dst, 580

And all the rule, one empire : only add
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable ; add faith,
Add virtue, patience, temperance ; add love,
By name to come call'd charity, the soul
Of all the rest : then wilt thou not be loath 585

To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
A Paradise within thee, happier far. —
Let us descend now therefore from this top
Of speculation ; for the hour precise
Exacts our parting hence ; and see ! the guards, 590

PARADISE LOST 293

By me encarap'd on yonder hill, expect
Their motion ; at whose front a flaming sword.
In signal of remove, waves fiercely round :
We may no longer stay : go, waken Eve ;
Her also I with gentle dreajns have calra'd 595

Portending good, and all her spirits composed
To meek submission : thou, at season fit,
Let her with thee partake what thou hast heard ;
Chiefly what may concern her faith to knovv,
Tho great deUverance by her seed to come 600

(For by the Woman's seed) on ail mankind •
That ye may live, wliich will be many days,
Both in one faith unanimous, ihough sad,
With cause, for evils past , yet much more cheer'd
With meditation on the happy end. 605

He ended, and they both descend the hill j
Descended, Adam to the bower, v/here Eve
Lay sleeping, ran before ; but found her waked ;
And tlius with words not sad she him received :

Whence thou return'st, and whither went'st, I know;
For God is also in sleep ; and dreams advise, 611

Which he hath sent propitious, some great good
Presaging, since with sorro;/ and heart's distress
Wearied I fell asleep : but now lead on ;
In me is no delay } with thee to go, 615

Is to stay here ; without thee hers to stay
Is to go hence unwilling ; thou to ma
Art all things under Heaven, all places thou,
Wlio for ray wilful crime art banish'd hence.
This further consolation yet secure 620

I carry hence ; though all by me is lost,
Such favour I unworthy am vouchsafed.
By me the Promised Seed shall all restore.

So spake our mother Eve ; and Adam heard
Well pleased, but answer'd not : for now too nig 626
The Archangel stood ; and, from the other hill
To their fix'd station, all iu bright array
The Cherubim descended on the ground
25*

294 PARADISE LOST. b. xk

Gliding mettjorous, aa evening mist

Risen from a river o'er the marish glides, 630

And gathers ground fast at the labourer's heel

Homeward returning. High in front advanced,

The brandish'd sword of God before them blazed,

Fierce as a comet ; which with torrid heat

And vapour, as the Libyan air adust, 635

Began to parch that temperate clime ; whereat

In either hand the hastening Angel caught

Our lingering parents, and to the eastern gate

Led them direct, aind down the cliffs first

To the subjected plain ; then disappeared. G40

They, looking bick, all the eastern side beheld
Of Paradise, so latfe their happy seat,
Waved over by thajt Naming brand j the gate
With dreadful face^ throng'd, and fiery arms :
Some natural tears they dropp'd, but wiped thorn Boon ;
The world was all before them, where to choose 646
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide :
They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,
Through Eden took their sohtary way

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