John Milton
Paradise Lost

BOOK I.

   Of Mans First Disobedience, and the Fruit
   Of that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal tast
   Brought Death into the World, and all our woe,
   With loss of EDEN, till one greater Man
   Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat,
   Sing Heav'nly Muse, that on the secret top
   Of OREB, or of SINAI, didst inspire
   That Shepherd, who first taught the chosen Seed,
   In the Beginning how the Heav'ns and Earth
   Rose out of CHAOS: Or if SION Hill
   Delight thee more, and SILOA'S Brook that flow'd
   Fast by the Oracle of God; I thence
   Invoke thy aid to my adventrous Song,
   That with no middle flight intends to soar
   Above th' AONIAN Mount, while it pursues
   Things unattempted yet in Prose or Rhime.
   And chiefly Thou O Spirit, that dost prefer
   Before all Temples th' upright heart and pure,
   Instruct me, for Thou know'st; Thou from the first
   Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread
   Dove-like satst brooding on the vast Abyss
   And mad'st it pregnant: What in me is dark
   Illumine, what is low raise and support;
   That to the highth of this great Argument
   I may assert th' Eternal Providence,
   And justifie the wayes of God to men.
   Say first, for Heav'n hides nothing from thy view
   Nor the deep Tract of Hell, say first what cause
   Mov'd our Grand Parents in that happy State,
   Favour'd of Heav'n so highly, to fall off
   From their Creator, and transgress his Will
   For one restraint, Lords of the World besides?
   Who first seduc'd them to that fowl revolt?
   Th' infernal Serpent; he it was, whose guile
   Stird up with Envy and Revenge, deceiv'd
   The Mother of Mankinde, what time his Pride
   Had cast him out from Heav'n, with 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,
   If he oppos'd; and with ambitious aim
   Against the Throne and Monarchy of God
   Rais'd impious War in Heav'n and Battel proud
   With vain attempt. Him the Almighty Power
   Hurld headlong flaming from th' Ethereal Skie
   With hideous ruine and combustion down
   To bottomless perdition, there to dwell
   In Adamantine Chains and penal Fire,
   Who durst defie th' Omnipotent to Arms.
   Nine times the Space that measures Day and Night
   To mortal men, he with his horrid crew
   Lay vanquisht, rowling in the fiery Gulfe
   Confounded though immortal: But his doom
   Reserv'd him to more wrath; for now the thought
   Both of lost happiness and lasting pain
   Torments him; round he throws his baleful eyes
   That witness'd huge affliction and dismay
   Mixt with obdurate pride and stedfast hate:
   At once as far as Angels kenn he views
   The dismal Situation waste and wilde,
   A Dungeon horrible, on all sides round
   As one great Furnace flam'd, yet from those flames
   No light, but rather darkness visible
   Serv'd only to discover sights of woe,
   Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace
   And rest can never dwell, hope never comes
   That comes to all; but torture without end
   Still urges, and a fiery Deluge, fed
   With ever-burning Sulphur unconsum'd:
   Such place Eternal Justice had prepar'd
   For those rebellious, here their Prison ordain'd
   In utter darkness, and their portion set
   As far remov'd from God and light of Heav'n
   As from the Center thrice to th' utmost Pole.
   O how unlike the place from whence they fell!
   There the companions of his fall, o'rewhelm'd
   With Floods and Whirlwinds of tempestuous fire,
   He soon discerns, and weltring by his side
   One next himself in power, and next in crime,
   Long after known in PALESTINE, and nam'd
   BEELZEBUB. To whom th' Arch-Enemy,
   And thence in Heav'n call'd Satan, with bold words
   Breaking the horrid silence thus began.
   If thou beest he; But O how fall'n! how chang'd
   From him, who in the happy Realms of Light
   Cloth'd with transcendent brightnes didst outshine
   Myriads though bright: If he whom mutual league,
   United thoughts and counsels, equal hope,
   And hazard in the Glorious Enterprize,
   Joynd with me once, now misery hath joynd
   In equal ruin: into what Pit thou seest
   From what highth fal'n, so much the stronger provd
   He with his Thunder: and till then who knew
   The force of those dire Arms? yet not for those
   Nor what the Potent Victor in his rage
   Can else inflict do I repent or change,
   Though chang'd in outward lustre; that fixt mind
   And high disdain, from sence of injur'd merit,
   That with the mightiest rais'd me to contend,
   And to the fierce contention brought along
   Innumerable force of Spirits arm'd
   That durst dislike his reign, and me preferring,
   His utmost power with adverse power oppos'd
   In dubious Battel on the Plains of Heav'n,
   And shook his throne. What though the field be lost?
   All is not lost; the unconquerable Will,
   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
   Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace
   With suppliant knee, and deifie his power
   Who from the terrour of this Arm so late
   Doubted his Empire, that were low indeed,
   That were an ignominy and shame beneath
   This downfall; 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 advanc't,
   We may with more successful hope resolve
   To wage by force or guile eternal Warr
   Irreconcileable, to our grand Foe,
   Who now triumphs, and in th' excess of joy
   Sole reigning holds the Tyranny of Heav'n.
   So spake th' Apostate Angel, though in pain,
   Vaunting aloud, but rackt with deep despare:
   And him thus answer'd soon his bold Compeer.
   O Prince, O Chief of many Throned Powers,
   That led th' imbattelld Seraphim to Warr
   Under thy conduct, and in dreadful deeds
   Fearless, endanger'd Heav'ns 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
   Hath lost us Heav'n, and all this mighty Host
   In horrible destruction laid thus low,
   As far as Gods and Heav'nly Essences
   Can Perish: for the mind and spirit remains
   Invincible, and vigour soon returns,
   Though all our Glory extinct, and happy state
   Here swallow'd up in endless misery.
   But what if he our Conquerour, (whom I now
   Of force believe Almighty, since no less
   Then such could hav orepow'rd such force as ours)
   Have left us this our spirit and strength intire
   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 Warr, what e're his business be
   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 undiminisht, or eternal being
   To undergo eternal punishment?
   Whereto with speedy words th' Arch-fiend reply'd.
   Fall'n Cherube, to be weak is miserable
   Doing or Suffering: but of this be sure,
   To do ought good never will be our task,
   But ever to do ill our sole delight,
   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 still to find means of evil;
   Which oft times may succeed, so as perhaps
   Shall grieve him, if I fail not, and disturb
   His inmost counsels from their destind aim.
   But see the angry Victor hath recall'd
   His Ministers of vengeance and pursuit
   Back to the Gates of Heav'n: The Sulphurous Hail
   Shot after us in storm, oreblown hath laid
   The fiery Surge, that from the Precipice
   Of Heav'n receiv'd us falling, and the Thunder,
   Wing'd with red Lightning and impetuous rage,
   Perhaps hath spent his shafts, and ceases now
   To bellow through the vast and boundless Deep.
   Let us not slip th' occasion, whether scorn,
   Or satiate fury yield it from our Foe.
   Seest thou yon dreary Plain, forlorn and wilde,
   The seat of desolation, voyd of light,
   Save what the glimmering of these livid flames
   Casts pale and dreadful? Thither let us tend
   From off the tossing of these fiery waves,
   There rest, if any rest can harbour there,
   And reassembling our afflicted 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,
   If not what resolution from despare.
   Thus Satan talking to his neerest Mate
   With Head up-lift above the wave, and Eyes
   That sparkling blaz'd, his other Parts besides
   Prone on the Flood, extended long and large
   Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge
   As whom the Fables name of monstrous size,
   TITANIAN, or EARTH-BORN, that warr'd on JOVE,
   BRIARIOS or TYPHON, whom the Den
   By ancient TARSUS held, or that Sea-beast
   LEVIATHAN, which God of all his works
   Created hugest that swim th' Ocean stream:
   Him haply slumbring on the NORWAY foam
   The Pilot of some small night-founder'd Skiff,
   Deeming some Island, oft, as Sea-men tell,
   With fixed Anchor in his skaly rind
   Moors by his side under the Lee, while Night
   Invests the Sea, and wished Morn delayes:
   So stretcht out huge in length the Arch-fiend lay
   Chain'd on the burning Lake, nor ever thence
   Had ris'n or heav'd his head, but that the will
   And high permission of all-ruling Heaven
   Left him at large to his own dark designs,
   That with reiterated crimes he might
   Heap on himself damnation, while he sought
   Evil to others, and enrag'd might see
   How all his malice serv'd but to bring forth
   Infinite goodness, grace and mercy shewn
   On Man by him seduc't, but on himself
   Treble confusion, wrath and vengeance pour'd.
   Forthwith upright he rears from off the Pool
   His mighty Stature; on each hand the flames
   Drivn backward slope their pointing spires, & rowld
   In billows, leave i'th' midst a horrid Vale.
   Then with expanded wings he stears his flight
   Aloft, incumbent on the dusky Air
   That felt unusual weight, till on dry Land
   He lights, if it were Land that ever burn'd
   With solid, as the Lake with liquid fire;
   And such appear'd in hue, as when the force
   Of subterranean wind transports a Hill
   Torn from PELORUS, or the shatter'd side
   Of thundring AETNA, whose combustible
   And fewel'd entrals thence conceiving Fire,
   Sublim'd with Mineral fury, aid the Winds,
   And leave a singed bottom all involv'd
   With stench and smoak: Such resting found the sole
   Of unblest feet. Him followed his next Mate,
   Both glorying to have scap't the STYGIAN flood
   As Gods, and by their own recover'd strength,
   Not by the sufferance of supernal Power.
   Is this the Region, this the Soil, the Clime,
   Said then the lost Arch Angel, this the seat
   That we must change for Heav'n, this mournful gloom
   For that celestial light? Be it so, since hee
   Who now is Sovran can dispose and bid
   What shall be right: fardest from him is best
   Whom reason hath equald, force hath made supream
   Above his equals. Farewel happy Fields
   Where Joy for ever dwells: Hail horrours, hail
   Infernal world, and thou profoundest Hell
   Receive thy new Possessor: One who brings
   A mind not to be chang'd by Place or Time.
   The mind is its own place, and in it self
   Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.
   What matter where, if I be still the same,
   And what I should be, all but less then hee
   Whom Thunder hath made greater? Here at least
   We shall be free; th' Almighty hath not built
   Here for his envy, will not drive us hence:
   Here we may reign secure, and in my choyce
   To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:
   Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.
   But wherefore let we then our faithful friends,
   Th' associates and copartners of our loss
   Lye thus astonisht on th' oblivious Pool,
   And call them not to share with us their part
   In this unhappy Mansion, or once more
   With rallied Arms to try what may be yet
   Regaind in Heav'n, or what more lost in Hell?
   So SATAN spake, and him BEELZEBUB
   Thus answer'd. Leader of those Armies bright,
   Which but th' Omnipotent none could have foyld,
   If once they hear that voyce, their liveliest pledge
   Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft
   In worst extreams, and on the perilous edge
   Of battel when it rag'd, in all assaults
   Their surest signal, they will soon resume
   New courage and revive, though now they lye
   Groveling and prostrate on yon Lake of Fire,
   As we erewhile, astounded and amaz'd,
   No wonder, fall'n such a pernicious highth.
   He scarce had ceas't when the superiour Fiend
   Was moving toward the shore; his ponderous shield
   Ethereal temper, massy, large and round,
   Behind him cast; the broad circumference
   Hung on his shoulders like the Moon, whose Orb
   Through Optic Glass the TUSCAN Artist views
   At Ev'ning from the top of FESOLE,
   Or in VALDARNO, to descry new Lands,
   Rivers or Mountains in her spotty Globe.
   His Spear, to equal which the tallest Pine
   Hewn on NORWEGIAN hills, to be the Mast
   Of some great Ammiral, were but a wand,
   He walkt with to support uneasie steps
   Over the burning Marle, not like those steps
   On Heavens Azure, and the torrid Clime
   Smote on him sore besides, vaulted with Fire;
   Nathless he so endur'd, till on the Beach
   Of that inflamed Sea, he stood and call'd
   His Legions, Angel Forms, who lay intrans't
   Thick as Autumnal Leaves that strow the Brooks
   In VALLOMBROSA, where th' ETRURIAN shades
   High overarch't imbowr; or scatterd sedge
   Afloat, when with fierce Winds ORION arm'd
   Hath vext the Red-Sea Coast, whose waves orethrew
   BUSIRIS and his MEMPHIAN Chivalrie,
   VVhile with perfidious hatred they pursu'd
   The Sojourners of GOSHEN, who beheld
   From the safe shore their floating Carkases
   And broken Chariot Wheels, so thick bestrown
   Abject and lost lay these, covering the Flood,
   Under amazement of their hideous change.
   He call'd so loud, that all the hollow Deep
   Of Hell resounded. Princes, Potentates,
   Warriers, the Flowr of Heav'n, once yours, now lost,
   If such astonishment as this can sieze
   Eternal spirits; or have ye chos'n this place
   After the toyl of Battel to repose
   Your wearied vertue, for the ease you find
   To slumber here, as in the Vales of Heav'n?
   Or in this abject posture have ye sworn
   To adore the Conquerour? who now beholds
   Cherube and Seraph rowling in the Flood
   With scatter'd Arms and Ensigns, till anon
   His swift pursuers from Heav'n Gates discern
   Th' advantage, and descending tread us down
   Thus drooping, or with linked Thunderbolts
   Transfix us to the bottom of this Gulfe.
   Awake, arise, or be for ever fall'n.
   They heard, and were abasht, and up they 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 perceave the evil plight
   In which they were, or the fierce pains not feel;
   Yet to their Generals Voyce they soon obeyd
   Innumerable. As when the potent Rod
   Of AMRAMS Son in EGYPTS evill day
   Wav'd round the Coast, up call'd a pitchy cloud
   Of LOCUSTS, warping on the Eastern Wind,
   That ore the Realm of impious PHAROAH 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
   'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding Fires;
   Till, as a signal giv'n, th' uplifted Spear
   Of their great Sultan waving to direct
   Thir course, in even ballance down they light
   On the firm brimstone, and fill all the Plain;
   A multitude, like which the populous North
   Pour'd never from her frozen loyns, to pass
   RHENE or the DANAW, when her barbarous Sons
   Came like a Deluge on the South, and spread
   Beneath GIBRALTAR to the LYBIAN sands.
   Forthwith from every Squadron and each Band
   The Heads and Leaders thither hast where stood
   Their great Commander; Godlike shapes and forms
   Excelling human, Princely Dignities,
   And Powers that earst in Heaven sat on Thrones;
   Though of their Names in heav'nly Records now
   Be no memorial, blotted out and ras'd
   By thir Rebellion, from the Books of Life.
   Nor had they yet among the Sons of EVE
   Got them new Names, till wandring ore the Earth,
   Through Gods high sufferance for the tryal of man,
   By falsities and lyes the greatest part
   Of Mankind they corrupted to forsake
   God their Creator, and th' invisible
   Glory of him, that made them, to transform
   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.
   Say, Muse, their Names then known, who first, who last,
   Rous'd from the slumber, on that fiery Couch,
   At thir great Emperors call, as next in worth
   Came singly where he stood on the bare strand,
   While the promiscuous croud stood yet aloof?
   The chief were those who from the Pit of Hell
   Roaming to seek their prey on earth, durst fix
   Their Seats long after next the Seat of God,
   Their Altars by his Altar, Gods ador'd
   Among the Nations round, and durst abide
   JEHOVAH thundring out of SION, thron'd
   Between the Cherubim; yea, often plac'd
   Within his Sanctuary it self their Shrines,
   Abominations; and with cursed things
   His holy Rites, and solemn Feasts profan'd,
   And with their darkness durst affront his light.
   First MOLOCH, horrid King besmear'd with blood
   Of human sacrifice, and parents tears,
   Though for the noyse of Drums and Timbrels loud
   Their childrens cries unheard, that past through fire
   To his grim Idol. Him the AMMONITE
   Worshipt in RABBA and her watry Plain,
   In ARGOB and in BASAN, to the stream
   Of utmost ARNON. Nor content with such
   Audacious neighbourhood, the wisest heart
   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 Vally of HINNOM, TOPHET thence
   And black GEHENNA call'd, the Type of Hell.
   Next CHEMOS, th' obscene dread of MOABS Sons,
   From AROER to NEBO, and the wild
   Of Southmost ABARIM; in HESEBON
   And HERONAIM, SEONS Realm, beyond
   The flowry Dale of SIBMA clad with Vines,
   And ELEALE to th' ASPHALTICK Pool.
   PEOR his other Name, when he entic'd
   ISRAEL in SITTIM on their march from NILE
   To do him wanton rites, which cost them woe.
   Yet thence his lustful Orgies he enlarg'd
   Even to that Hill of scandal, by the Grove
   Of MOLOCH homicide, lust hard by hate;
   Till good JOSIAH drove them thence to Hell.
   With these came they, who from the bordring flood
   Of old EUPHRATES to the Brook that parts
   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,
   Not ti'd or manacl'd with joynt or limb,
   Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones,
   Like cumbrous flesh; but in what shape they choose
   Dilated or condens't, bright or obscure,
   Can execute their aerie purposes,
   And works of love or enmity fulfill.
   For those the Race of ISRAEL oft forsook
   Their living strength, and unfrequented left
   His righteous Altar, bowing lowly down
   To bestial Gods; for which their heads as low
   Bow'd down in Battel, sunk before the Spear
   Of despicable foes. With these in troop
   Came ASTORETH, whom the PHOENICIANS call'd
   ASTARTE, Queen of Heav'n, with crescent Horns;
   To whose bright Image nightly by the Moon
   SIDONIAN Virgins paid their Vows and Songs,
   In SION also not unsung, where stood
   Her Temple on th' offensive Mountain, built
   By that uxorious King, whose heart though large,
   Beguil'd by fair Idolatresses, fell
   To Idols foul. THAMMUZ came next behind,
   Whose annual wound in LEBANON allur'd
   The SYRIAN Damsels to lament his fate
   In amorous dittyes all a Summers day,
   While smooth ADONIS from his native Rock
   Ran purple to the Sea, suppos'd with blood
   Of THAMMUZ yearly wounded: the Love-tale
   Infected SIONS daughters with like heat,
   Whose wanton passions in the sacred Porch
   EZEKIEL saw, when by the Vision led
   His eye survay'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 lopt off
   In his own Temple, on the grunsel edge,
   Where he fell flat, and sham'd his Worshipers:
   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,
   And ACCARON and GAZA's frontier bounds.
   Him follow'd RIMMON, whose delightful Seat
   Was fair DAMASCUS, on the fertil Banks
   Of ABBANA and PHARPHAR, lucid streams.
   He also against the house of God was bold:
   A Leper once he lost and gain'd a King,
   AHAZ his sottish Conquerour, whom he drew
   Gods Altar to disparage and displace
   For one of SYRIAN mode, whereon to burn
   His odious offrings, and adore the Gods
   Whom he had vanquisht. After these appear'd
   A crew who under Names of old Renown,
   OSIRIS, ISIS, ORUS and their Train
   With monstrous shapes and sorceries abus'd
   Fanatic EGYPT and her Priests, to seek
   Thir wandring Gods disguis'd in brutish forms
   Rather then human. Nor did ISRAEL scape
   Th' infection when their borrow'd Gold compos'd
   The Calf in OREB: and the Rebel King
   Doubl'd that sin in BETHEL and in DAN,
   Lik'ning his Maker to the Grazed Ox,
   JEHOVAH, who 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 came last, then whom a Spirit more lewd
   Fell not from Heaven, or more gross to love
   Vice for it self: To him no Temple stood
   Or Altar smoak'd; yet who more oft then hee
   In Temples and at Altars, when the Priest
   Turns Atheist, as did ELY'S Sons, who fill'd
   With lust and violence the house of God.
   In Courts and Palaces he also Reigns
   And in luxurious Cities, where the noyse
   Of riot ascends above thir loftiest Towrs,
   And injury and outrage: And when Night
   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 hospitable Dores
   Yielded thir Matrons to prevent worse rape.
   These were the prime in order and in might;
   The rest were long to tell, though far renown'd,
   Th' IONIAN Gods, of JAVANS Issue held
   Gods, yet confest later then Heav'n and Earth
   Thir boasted Parents; TITAN Heav'ns first born
   With his enormous brood, and birthright seis'd
   By younger SATURN, he from mightier JOVE
   His own and RHEA'S Son like measure found;
   So JOVE usurping reign'd: these first in CREET
   And IDA known, thence on the Snowy top
   Of cold OLYMPUS rul'd the middle Air
   Thir highest Heav'n; or on the DELPHIAN Cliff,
   Or in DODONA, and through all the bounds
   Of DORIC Land; or who with SATURN old
   Fled over ADRIA to th' HESPERIAN Fields,
   And ore the CELTIC roam'd the utmost Isles.
   All these and more came flocking; but with looks
   Down cast and damp, yet such wherein appear'd
   Obscure som glimps of joy, to have found thir chief
   Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost
   In loss it self; which on his count'nance cast
   Like doubtful hue: but he his wonted pride
   Soon recollecting, with high words, that bore
   Semblance of worth not substance, gently rais'd
   Their fainted courage, and dispel'd their fears.
   Then strait commands that at the warlike sound
   Of Trumpets loud and Clarions be upreard
   His mighty Standard; that proud honour claim'd
   AZAZEL as his right, a Cherube tall:
   Who forthwith from the glittering Staff unfurld
   Th' Imperial Ensign, which full high advanc't
   Shon like a Meteor streaming to the Wind
   With Gemms and Golden lustre rich imblaz'd,
   Seraphic arms and Trophies: all the while
   Sonorous mettal blowing Martial sounds:
   At which the universal Host upsent
   A shout that tore Hells 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
   With Orient Colours waving: with them rose
   A Forrest 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
   Of Flutes and soft Recorders; such as rais'd
   To highth of noblest temper Hero's old
   Arming to Battel, and in stead of rage
   Deliberate valour breath'd, firm and unmov'd
   With dread of death to flight or foul retreat,
   Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage
   With solemn touches, troubl'd 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
   Mov'd on in silence to soft Pipes that charm'd
   Thir painful steps o're the burnt soyle; and now
   Advanc't in view they stand, a horrid Front
   Of dreadful length and dazling Arms, in guise
   Of Warriers old with order'd Spear and Shield,
   Awaiting what command thir mighty Chief
   Had to impose: He through the armed Files
   Darts his experienc't eye, and soon traverse
   The whole Battalion views, thir order due,
   Thir visages and stature as of Gods,
   Thir number last he summs. And now his heart
   Distends with pride, and hardning in his strength
   Glories: For never since created man,
   Met such imbodied force, as nam'd with these
   Could merit more then that small infantry
   Warr'd on by Cranes: though all the Giant brood
   Of PHLEGRA with th' Heroic Race were joyn'd
   That fought at THEB'S and ILIUM, on each side
   Mixt with auxiliar Gods; and what resounds
   In Fable or ROMANCE of UTHERS Son
   Begirt with BRITISH and ARMORIC Knights;
   And all who since, Baptiz'd or Infidel
   Jousted in ASPRAMONT or MONTALBAN,
   DAMASCO, or MAROCCO, or TREBISOND,
   Or whom BISERTA sent from AFRIC shore
   When CHARLEMAIN with all his Peerage fell
   By FONTARABBIA. Thus far these beyond
   Compare of mortal prowess, yet observ'd
   Thir dread Commander: he above the rest
   In shape and gesture proudly eminent
   Stood like a Towr; his form had yet not lost
   All her Original brightness, nor appear'd
   Less then Arch Angel ruind, and th' excess
   Of Glory obscur'd: As when the Sun new ris'n
   Looks through the Horizontal misty Air
   Shorn of his Beams, or from behind the Moon
   In dim Eclips disastrous twilight sheds
   On half the Nations, and with fear of change
   Perplexes Monarchs. Dark'n'd so, yet shon
   Above them all th' Arch Angel: but his face
   Deep scars of Thunder had intrencht, and care
   Sat on his faded cheek, but under Browes
   Of dauntless courage, and considerate Pride
   Waiting revenge: cruel his eye, but cast
   Signs of remorse and passion to behold
   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 amerc't
   Of Heav'n, and from Eternal Splendors flung
   For his revolt, yet faithfull how they stood,
   Thir Glory witherd. As when Heavens Fire
   Hath scath'd the Forrest Oaks, or Mountain Pines,
   With singed top their stately growth though bare
   Stands on the blasted Heath. He now prepar'd
   To speak; whereat their doubl'd Ranks they bend
   From Wing to Wing, and half enclose him round
   With all his Peers: attention held them mute.
   Thrice he assayd, and thrice in spite of scorn,
   Tears such as Angels weep, burst forth: at last
   Words interwove with sighs found out their way.
   O Myriads of immortal Spirits, O Powers
   Matchless, but with th' Almighty, and that strife
   Was not inglorious, though th' event was dire,
   As this place testifies, and this dire change
   Hateful to utter: but what power 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?
   For who can yet beleeve, though after loss,
   That all these puissant Legions, whose exile
   Hath emptied Heav'n, shall faile to re-ascend
   Self-rais'd, and repossess their native seat.
   For me, be witness all the Host of Heav'n,
   If counsels different, or danger shun'd
   By me, have lost our hopes. But he who reigns
   Monarch in Heav'n, till then as one secure
   Sat on his Throne, upheld by old repute,
   Consent or custome, and his Regal State
   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 warr, provok't; our better part remains
   To work in close design, by fraud or guile
   What force effected not: that he no less
   At length from us may find, who overcomes
   By force, hath overcome but half his foe.
   Space may produce new Worlds; whereof so rife
   There went a fame in Heav'n that he ere 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 prie, shall be perhaps
   Our first eruption, thither or elsewhere:
   For this Infernal Pit shall never hold
   Caelestial Spirits in Bondage, nor th' Abysse
   Long under darkness cover. But these thoughts
   Full Counsel must mature: Peace is despaird,
   For who can think Submission? Warr then, Warr
   Open or understood must be resolv'd.
   He spake: and to confirm his words, out-flew
   Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs
   Of mighty Cherubim; the sudden blaze
   Far round illumin'd hell: highly they rag'd
   Against the Highest, and fierce with grasped arm's
   Clash'd on their sounding shields the din of war,
   Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heav'n.
   There stood a Hill not far whose griesly top
   Belch'd fire and rowling smoak; the rest entire
   Shon with a glossie scurff, undoubted sign
   That in his womb was hid metallic Ore,
   The work of Sulphur. Thither wing'd with speed
   A numerous Brigad hasten'd. As when bands
   Of Pioners 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
   From heav'n, for ev'n in heav'n his looks & thoughts
   Were always downward bent, admiring more
   The riches of Heav'ns pavement, trod'n Gold,
   Then aught divine or holy else enjoy'd
   In vision beatific: by him first
   Men also, and by his suggestion taught,
   Ransack'd the Center, and with impious hands
   Rifl'd the bowels of thir mother Earth
   For Treasures better hid. Soon had his crew
   Op'nd into the Hill a spacious wound
   And dig'd out ribs of Gold. Let none admire
   That riches grow in Hell; that soyle may best
   Deserve the pretious bane. And here let those
   Who boast in mortal things, and wondring tell
   Of BABEL, and the works of MEMPHIAN Kings,
   Learn how thir greatest Monuments of Fame,
   And Strength and Art are easily outdone
   By Spirits reprobate, and in an hour
   What in an age they with incessant toyle
   And hands innumerable scarce perform
   Nigh on the Plain in many cells prepar'd,
   That underneath had veins of liquid fire
   Sluc'd from the Lake, a second multitude
   With wondrous Art founded the massie Ore,
   Severing each kinde, and scum'd the Bullion dross:
   A third as soon had form'd within the ground
   A various mould, and from the boyling cells
   By strange conveyance fill'd each hollow nook,
   As in an Organ from one blast of wind
   To many a row of Pipes the sound-board breaths.
   Anon out of the earth a Fabrick huge
   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
   Cornice or Freeze, with bossy Sculptures grav'n,
   The Roof was fretted Gold. Not BABILON,
   Nor great ALCAIRO such magnificence
   Equal'd in all thir glories, to inshrine
   BELUS or SERAPIS thir Gods, or seat
   Thir Kings, when AEGYPT with ASSYRIA strove
   In wealth and luxurie. Th' ascending pile
   Stood fixt her stately highth, and strait the dores
   Op'ning thir brazen foulds discover wide
   Within, her ample spaces, o're the smooth
   And level pavement: from the arched roof
   Pendant by suttle Magic many a row
   Of Starry Lamps and blazing Cressets fed
   With Naphtha and ASPHALTUS yeilded light
   As from a sky. The hasty multitude
   Admiring enter'd, and the work some praise
   And some the Architect: his hand was known
   In Heav'n by many a Towred structure high,
   Where Scepter'd Angels held thir residence,
   And sat as Princes, whom the supreme King
   Exalted to such power, and gave to rule,
   Each in his Herarchie, the Orders bright.
   Nor was his name unheard or unador'd
   In ancient Greece; and in AUSONIAN land
   Men call'd him MULCIBER; and how he fell
   From Heav'n, they fabl'd, thrown by angry JOVE
   Sheer o're the Chrystal Battlements: from Morn
   To Noon he fell, from Noon to dewy Eve,
   A Summers day; and with the setting Sun
   Dropt from the Zenith like a falling Star,
   On LEMNOS th' AEGAEAN Ile: thus they relate,
   Erring; for he with this rebellious rout
   Fell long before; nor aught avail'd him now
   To have built in Heav'n high Towrs; nor did he scape
   By all his Engins, but was headlong sent
   With his industrious crew to build in hell.
   Mean while the winged Haralds by command
   Of Sovran power, with awful Ceremony
   And Trumpets sound throughout the Host proclaim
   A solemn Councel forthwith to be held
   At PANDAEMONIUM, the high Capital
   Of Satan and his Peers: thir summons call'd
   From every and Band 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
   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 Soldans chair
   Defi'd the best of Panim chivalry
   To mortal combat or carreer with Lance)
   Thick swarm'd, both on the ground and in the air,
   Brusht with the hiss of russling wings. As Bees
   In spring time, when the Sun with Taurus rides,
   Poure forth thir populous youth about the Hive
   In clusters; they among fresh dews and flowers
   Flie to and fro, or on the smoothed Plank,
   The suburb of thir Straw-built Cittadel,
   New rub'd with Baume, expatiate and confer
   Thir State affairs. So thick the aerie crowd
   Swarm'd and were straitn'd; till the Signal giv'n,
   Behold a wonder! they but now who seemd
   In bigness to surpass Earths Giant Sons
   Now less then smallest Dwarfs, in narrow room
   Throng numberless, like that Pigmean Race
   Beyond the INDIAN Mount, or Faerie Elves,
   Whose midnight Revels, by a Forrest side
   Or Fountain fome belated Peasant sees,
   Or dreams he sees, while over head the Moon
   Sits Arbitress, and neerer to the Earth
   Wheels her pale course, they on thir mirth & dance
   Intent, with jocond Music charm his ear;
   At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds.
   Thus incorporeal Spirits to smallest forms
   Reduc'd thir shapes immense, and were at large,
   Though without number still amidst the Hall
   Of that infernal Court. But far within
   And in thir own dimensions like themselves
   The great Seraphic Lords and Cherubim
   In close recess and secret conclave sat
   A thousand Demy-Gods on golden seat's,
   Frequent and full. After short silence then
   And summons read, the great consult began.

BOOK II.

   High on a Throne of Royal State, which far
   Outshon the wealth of ORMUS and of IND,
   Or where the gorgeous East with richest hand
   Showrs on her Kings BARBARIC Pearl & Gold,
   Satan exalted sat, by merit rais'd
   To that bad eminence; and from despair
   Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires
   Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue
   Vain Warr with Heav'n, and by success untaught
   His proud imaginations thus displaid.
   Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heav'n,
   For since no deep within her gulf can hold
   Immortal vigor, though opprest and fall'n,
   I give not Heav'n for lost. From this descent
   Celestial vertues rising, will appear
   More glorious and more dread then from no fall,
   And trust themselves to fear no second fate:
   Mee though just right, and the fixt Laws of Heav'n
   Did first create your Leader, next, free choice,
   With what besides, in Counsel or in Fight,
   Hath bin achievd of merit, yet this loss
   Thus farr at least recover'd, hath much more
   Establisht in a safe unenvied Throne
   Yeilded with full consent. The happier state
   In Heav'n, which follows dignity, might draw
   Envy from each inferior; but who here
   Will envy whom the highest place exposes
   Formost to stand against the Thunderers aime
   Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share
   Of endless pain? where there is then no good
   For which to strive, no strife can grow up there
   From Faction; for none sure will claim in hell
   Precedence, none, whose portion is so small
   Of present pain, that with ambitious mind
   Will covet more. With this advantage then
   To union, and firm Faith, and firm accord,
   More then can be in Heav'n, we now return
   To claim our just inheritance of old,
   Surer to prosper then prosperity
   Could have assur'd us; and by what best way,
   Whether of open Warr or covert guile,
   We now debate; who can advise, may speak.
   He ceas'd, and next him MOLOC, Scepter'd King
   Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest Spirit
   That fought in Heav'n; now fiercer by despair:
   His trust was with th' Eternal to be deem'd
   Equal in strength, and rather then be less
   Car'd not to be at all; with that care lost
   Went all his fear: of God, or Hell, or worse
   He reckd not, and these words thereafter spake.
   My sentence is for open Warr: 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
   The Signal to ascend, sit lingring here
   Heav'ns fugitives, and for thir dwelling place
   Accept this dark opprobrious Den of shame,
   The Prison of his Tyranny who Reigns
   By our delay? no, let us rather choose
   Arm'd with Hell flames and fury all at once
   O're Heav'ns high Towrs to force resistless way,
   Turning our Tortures into horrid Arms
   Against the Torturer; when to meet the noise
   Of his Almighty Engin he shall hear
   Infernal Thunder, and for Lightning see
   Black fire and horror shot with equal rage
   Among his Angels; and his Throne it self
   Mixt with TARTAREAN Sulphur, and strange fire,
   His own invented Torments. But perhaps
   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 benumme not still,
   That in our proper motion we ascend
   Up to our native seat: descent and fall
   To us is adverse. Who but felt of late
   When the fierce Foe hung on our brok'n Rear
   Insulting, and pursu'd us through the Deep,
   With what compulsion and laborious flight
   We sunk thus low? Th' ascent is easie then;
   Th' event is fear'd; should we again provoke
   Our stronger, some worse way his wrath may find
   To our destruction: if there be in Hell
   Fear to be worse destroy'd: what can be worse
   Then to dwell here, driv'n 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
   Inexorably, and the torturing houre
   Calls us to Penance? More destroy'd then thus
   We should be quite abolisht and expire.
   What fear we then? what doubt we to incense
   His utmost ire? which to the highth enrag'd,
   Will either quite consume us, and reduce
   To nothing this essential, happier farr
   Then miserable to have eternal being:
   Or if our substance be indeed Divine,
   And cannot cease to be, we are at worst
   On this side nothing; and by proof we feel
   Our power sufficient to disturb his Heav'n,
   And with perpetual inrodes to Allarme,
   Though inaccessible, his fatal Throne:
   Which if not Victory is yet Revenge.
   He ended frowning, and his look denounc'd
   Desperate revenge, and Battel dangerous
   To less then Gods. On th' other side up rose
   BELIAL, in act more graceful and humane;
   A fairer person lost not Heav'n; he seemd
   For dignity compos'd and high exploit:
   But all was false and hollow; though his Tongue
   Dropt Manna, and could make the worse appear
   The better reason, to perplex and dash
   Maturest Counsels: for his thoughts were low;
   To vice industrious, but to Nobler deeds
   Timorous and slothful: yet he pleas'd the eare,
   And with perswasive accent thus began.
   I should be much for open Warr, O Peers,
   As not behind in hate; if what was urg'd
   Main reason to perswade immediate Warr,
   Did not disswade 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
   Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair
   And utter dissolution, as the scope
   Of all his aim, after some dire revenge.
   First, what Revenge? the Towrs of Heav'n are fill'd
   With Armed watch, that render all access
   Impregnable; oft on the bordering Deep
   Encamp thir Legions, or with obscure wing
   Scout farr and wide into the Realm of night,
   Scorning surprize. Or could we break our way
   By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise
   With blackest Insurrection, to confound
   Heav'ns purest Light, yet our great Enemie
   All incorruptible would on his Throne
   Sit unpolluted, and th' Ethereal mould
   Incapable of stain would soon expel
   Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire
   Victorious. Thus repuls'd, our final hope
   Is flat despair: we must exasperate
   Th' Almighty Victor to spend all his rage,
   And that must end us, that must be our cure,
   To be no more; sad cure; for who would loose,
   Though full of pain, this intellectual being,
   Those thoughts that wander through Eternity,
   To perish rather, swallowd up and lost
   In the wide womb of uncreated night,
   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,
   Belike through impotence, or unaware,
   To give his Enemies thir wish, and end
   Them in his anger, whom his anger saves
   To punish endless? wherefore cease we then?
   Say they who counsel Warr, we are decreed,
   Reserv'd and destin'd 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, pursu'd and strook
   With Heav'ns 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 kindl'd those grim fires
   Awak'd should blow them into sevenfold rage
   And plunge us in the Flames? or from above
   Should intermitted vengeance Arme again
   His red right hand to plague us? what if all
   Her stores were op'n'd, and this Firmament
   Of Hell should spout her Cataracts of Fire,
   Impendent horrors, threatning hideous fall
   One day upon our heads; while we perhaps
   Designing or exhorting glorious Warr,
   Caught in a fierie Tempest shall be hurl'd
   Each on his rock transfixt, the sport and prey
   Of racking whirlwinds, or for ever sunk
   Under yon boyling Ocean, wrapt in Chains;
   There to converse with everlasting groans,
   Unrespited, unpitied, unrepreevd,
   Ages of hopeless end; this would be worse.
   Warr therefore, open or conceal'd, alike
   My voice disswades; for what can force or guile
   With him, or who deceive his mind, whose eye
   Views all things at one view? he from heav'ns highth
   All these our motions vain, sees and derides;
   Not more Almighty to resist our might
   Then wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles.
   Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heav'n
   Thus trampl'd, thus expell'd to suffer here
   Chains & these Torments? better these then worse
   By my advice; since fate inevitable
   Subdues us, and Omnipotent Decree,
   The Victors will. To suffer, as to doe,
   Our strength is equal, nor the Law unjust
   That so ordains: this was at first resolv'd,
   If we were wise, against so great a foe
   Contending, and so doubtful what might fall.
   I laugh, when those who at the Spear are bold
   And vent'rous, if that fail them, shrink and fear
   What yet they know must follow, to endure
   Exile, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain,
   The sentence of thir Conquerour: This is now
   Our doom; which if we can sustain and bear,
   Our Supream Foe in time may much remit
   His anger, and perhaps thus farr remov'd
   Not mind us not offending, satisfi'd
   With what is punish't; whence these raging fires
   Will slack'n, if his breath stir not thir flames.
   Our purer essence then will overcome
   Thir noxious vapour, or enur'd not feel,
   Or chang'd at length, and to the place conformd
   In temper and in nature, will receive
   Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain;
   This horror will grow milde, this darkness light,
   Besides what hope the never-ending flight
   Of future days may bring, what chance, what change
   Worth waiting, since our present lot appeers
   For happy though but ill, for ill not worst,
   If we procure not to our selves more woe.
   Thus BELIAL with words cloath'd in reasons garb
   Counsel'd ignoble ease, and peaceful sloath,
   Not peace: and after him thus MAMMON spake.
   Either to disinthrone the King of Heav'n
   We warr, if warr be best, or to regain
   Our own right lost: him to unthrone we then
   May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yeild
   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
   Within Heav'ns bound, unless Heav'ns Lord supream
   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
   Strict Laws impos'd, to celebrate his Throne
   With warbl'd Hymns, and to his Godhead sing
   Forc't Halleluiah's; while he Lordly sits
   Our envied Sovran, and his Altar breathes
   Ambrosial Odours and Ambrosial Flowers,
   Our servile offerings. This must be our task
   In Heav'n, this our delight; how wearisom
   Eternity so spent in worship paid
   To whom we hate. Let us not then pursue
   By force impossible, by leave obtain'd
   Unacceptable, though in Heav'n, our state
   Of splendid vassalage, but rather seek
   Our own good from our selves, and from our own
   Live to our selves, though in this vast recess,
   Free, and to none accountable, preferring
   Hard liberty before the easie 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, and in what place so e're
   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 Heav'ns all-ruling Sire
   Choose to reside, his Glory unobscur'd,
   And with the Majesty of darkness round
   Covers his Throne; from whence deep thunders roar
   Must'ring thir rage, and Heav'n resembles Hell?
   As he our Darkness, cannot we his Light
   Imitate when we please? This Desart soile
   Wants not her hidden lustre, Gemms and Gold;
   Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise
   Magnificence; and what can Heav'n shew more?
   Our torments also may in length of time
   Become our Elements, these piercing Fires
   As soft as now severe, our temper chang'd
   Into their temper; which must needs remove
   The sensible of pain. All things invite
   To peaceful Counsels, and the settl'd State
   Of order, how in safety best we may
   Compose our present evils, with regard
   Of what we are and where, dismissing quite
   All thoughts of Warr: ye have what I advise.
   He scarce had finisht, when such murmur filld
   Th' Assembly, as when hollow Rocks retain
   The sound of blustring winds, which all night long
   Had rous'd the Sea, now with hoarse cadence lull
   Sea-faring men orewatcht, whose Bark by chance
   Or Pinnace anchors in a craggy Bay
   After the Tempest: Such applause was heard
   As MAMMON ended, and his Sentence pleas'd,
   Advising peace: for such another Field
   They dreaded worse then Hell: so much the fear
   Of Thunder and the Sword of MICHAEL
   Wrought still within them; and no less desire
   To found this nether Empire, which might rise
   By pollicy, and long process of time,
   In emulation opposite to Heav'n.
   Which when BEELZEBUB perceiv'd, then whom,
   SATAN except, none higher sat, with grave
   Aspect he rose, and in his rising seem'd
   A Pillar of State; deep on his Front engraven
   Deliberation sat and publick care;
   And Princely counsel in his face yet shon,
   Majestick though in ruin: sage he stood
   With ATLANTEAN shoulders fit to bear
   The weight of mightiest Monarchies; his look
   Drew audience and attention still as Night
   Or Summers Noon-tide air, while thus he spake.
   Thrones and imperial Powers, off-spring of heav'n,
   Ethereal Vertues; or these Titles now
   Must we renounce, and changing stile 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,
   And know not that the King of Heav'n hath doom'd
   This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat
   Beyond his Potent arm, to live exempt
   From Heav'ns high jurisdiction, in new League
   Banded against his Throne, but to remaine
   In strictest bondage, though thus far remov'd,
   Under th' inevitable curb, reserv'd
   His captive multitude: For he, be sure,
   In highth or depth, still first and last will Reign
   Sole King, and of his Kingdom loose no part
   By our revolt, but over Hell extend
   His Empire, and with Iron Scepter rule
   Us here, as with his Golden those in Heav'n.
   What sit we then projecting Peace and Warr?
   Warr hath determin'd us, and foild with loss
   Irreparable; tearms of peace yet none
   Voutsaf't or sought; for what peace will be giv'n
   To us enslav'd, but custody severe,
   And stripes, and arbitrary punishment
   Inflicted? and what peace can we return,
   But to our power hostility and hate,
   Untam'd reluctance, and revenge though slow,
   Yet ever plotting how the Conquerour least
   May reap his conquest, and may least rejoyce
   In doing what we most in suffering feel?
   Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need
   With dangerous expedition to invade
   Heav'n, whose high walls fear no assault or Siege,
   Or ambush from the Deep. What if we find
   Some easier enterprize? There is a place
   (If ancient and prophetic fame in Heav'n
   Err not) another World, the happy seat
   Of som new Race call'd MAN, about this time
   To be created like to us, though less
   In power and excellence, but favour'd more
   Of him who rules above; so was his will
   Pronounc'd among the Gods, and by an Oath,
   That shook Heav'ns whol circumference, confirm'd.
   Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn
   What creatures there inhabit, of what mould,
   Or substance, how endu'd, and what thir Power,
   And where thir weakness, how attempted best,
   By force or suttlety: Though Heav'n be shut,
   And Heav'ns high Arbitrator sit secure
   In his own strength, this place may lye expos'd
   The utmost border of his Kingdom, left
   To their defence who hold it: here perhaps
   Som advantagious act may be achiev'd
   By sudden onset, either with Hell fire
   To waste his whole Creation, or possess
   All as our own, and drive as we were driven,
   The punie habitants, or if not drive,
   Seduce them to our Party, that thir God
   May prove thir foe, and with repenting hand
   Abolish his own works. This would surpass
   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
   Thir frail Originals, and faded bliss,
   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 devis'd
   By SATAN, and in part propos'd: for whence,
   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 Creatour? But thir spite still serves
   His glory to augment. The bold design
   Pleas'd highly those infernal States, and joy
   Sparkl'd in all thir eyes; with full assent
   They vote: whereat his speech he thus renews.
   Well have ye judg'd, well ended long debate,
   Synod of Gods, and like to what ye are,
   Great things resolv'd; which from the lowest deep
   Will once more lift us up, in spight of Fate,
   Neerer our ancient Seat; perhaps in view
   Of those bright confines, whence with neighbouring Arms
   And opportune excursion we may chance
   Re-enter Heav'n; or else in some milde Zone
   Dwell not unvisited of Heav'ns fair Light
   Secure, and at the brightning Orient beam
   Purge off this gloom; the soft delicious Air,
   To heal the scarr of these corrosive Fires
   Shall breath her balme. But first whom shall we send
   In search of this new world, whom shall we find
   Sufficient? who shall tempt with wandring feet
   The dark unbottom'd infinite Abyss
   And through the palpable obscure find out
   His uncouth way, or spread his aerie flight
   Upborn with indefatigable wings
   Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive
   The happy Ile; what strength, what art can then
   Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe
   Through the strict Senteries and Stations thick
   Of Angels watching round? Here he had need
   All circumspection, and we now no less
   Choice in our suffrage; for on whom we send,
   The weight of all and our last hope relies.
   This said, he sat; and expectation held
   His look suspence, awaiting who appeer'd
   To second, or oppose, or undertake
   The perilous attempt: but all sat mute,
   Pondering the danger with deep thoughts; & each
   In others count'nance red his own dismay
   Astonisht: none among the choice and prime
   Of those Heav'n-warring Champions could be found
   So hardie as to proffer or accept
   Alone the dreadful voyage; till at last
   SATAN, whom now transcendent glory rais'd
   Above his fellows, with Monarchal pride
   Conscious of highest worth, unmov'd thus spake.
   O Progeny of Heav'n, Empyreal Thrones,
   With reason hath deep silence and demurr
   Seis'd us, though undismaid: long is the way
   And hard, that out of Hell leads up to Light;
   Our prison strong, this huge convex of Fire,
   Outrageous to devour, immures us round
   Ninefold, and gates of burning Adamant
   Barr'd over us prohibit all egress.
   These past, if any pass, the void profound
   Of unessential Night receives him next
   Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being
   Threatens him, plung'd in that abortive gulf.
   If thence he scape into what ever world,
   Or unknown Region, what remains him less
   Then unknown dangers and as hard escape.
   But I should ill become this Throne, O Peers,
   And this Imperial Sov'ranty, adorn'd
   With splendor, arm'd with power, if aught propos'd
   And judg'd of public moment, in the shape
   Of difficulty or danger could deterre
   Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume
   These Royalties, and not refuse to Reign,
   Refusing to accept as great a share
   Of hazard as of honour, due alike
   To him who Reigns, and so much to him due
   Of hazard more, as he above the rest
   High honourd sits? Go therfore mighty powers,
   Terror of Heav'n, though fall'n; intend at home,
   While here shall be our home, what best may ease
   The present misery, and render Hell
   More tollerable; if there be cure or charm
   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 enterprize
   None shall partake with me. Thus saying rose
   The Monarch, and prevented all reply,
   Prudent, least from his resolution rais'd
   Others among the chief might offer now
   (Certain to be refus'd) what erst they feard;
   And so refus'd might in opinion stand
   His rivals, winning cheap the high repute
   Which he through hazard huge must earn. But they
   Dreaded not more th' adventure then his voice
   Forbidding; and at once with him they rose;
   Thir rising all at once was as the sound
   Of Thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend
   With awful reverence prone; and as a God
   Extoll him equal to the highest in Heav'n:
   Nor fail'd they to express how much they prais'd,
   That for the general safety he despis'd
   His own: for neither do the Spirits damn'd
   Loose all thir vertue; least bad men should boast
   Thir specious deeds on earth, which glory excites,
   Or close ambition varnisht o're with zeal.
   Thus they thir doubtful consultations dark
   Ended rejoycing in thir matchless Chief:
   As when from mountain tops the dusky clouds
   Ascending, while the North wind sleeps, o'respread
   Heav'ns chearful face, the lowring Element
   Scowls ore the dark'nd lantskip Snow, or showre;
   If chance the radiant Sun with farewell sweet
   Extend his ev'ning beam, the fields revive,
   The birds thir notes renew, and bleating herds
   Attest thir joy, that hill and valley rings.
   O shame to men! Devil with Devil damn'd
   Firm concord holds, men onely disagree
   Of Creatures rational, though under hope
   Of heavenly Grace: and God proclaiming peace,
   Yet live in hatred, enmitie, and strife
   Among themselves, and levie cruel warres,
   Wasting the Earth, each other to destroy:
   As if (which might induce us to accord)
   Man had not hellish foes anow besides,
   That day and night for his destruction waite.
   The STYGIAN Councel thus dissolv'd; and forth
   In order came the grand infernal Peers,
   Midst came thir mighty Paramount, and seemd
   Alone th' Antagonist of Heav'n, nor less
   Then Hells dread Emperour with pomp Supream,
   And God-like imitated State; him round
   A Globe of fierie Seraphim inclos'd
   With bright imblazonrie, and horrent Arms.
   Then of thir Session ended they bid cry
   With Trumpets regal sound the great result:
   Toward the four winds four speedy Cherubim
   Put to thir mouths the sounding Alchymie
   By Haralds voice explain'd: the hollow Abyss
   Heard farr and wide, and all the host of Hell
   With deafning shout, return'd them loud acclaim.
   Thence more at ease thir minds and somwhat rais'd
   By false presumptuous hope, the ranged powers
   Disband, and wandring, each his several way
   Pursues, as inclination or sad choice
   Leads him perplext, where he may likeliest find
   Truce 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 th' Olympian Games or PYTHIAN fields;
   Part curb thir fierie Steeds, or shun the Goal
   With rapid wheels, or fronted Brigads form.
   As when to warn proud Cities warr appears
   Wag'd in the troubl'd Skie, and Armies rush
   To Battel in the Clouds, before each Van
   Pric forth the Aerie Knights, and couch thir spears
   Till thickest Legions close; with feats of Arms
   From either end of Heav'n the welkin burns.
   Others with vast TYPHOEAN rage more fell
   Rend up both Rocks and Hills, and ride the Air
   In whirlwind; Hell scarce holds the wilde uproar.
   As when ALCIDES from OEALIA Crown'd
   With conquest, felt th' envenom'd robe, and tore
   Through pain up by the roots THESSALIAN Pines,
   And LICHAS from the top of OETA threw
   Into th' EUBOIC Sea. Others more milde,
   Retreated in a silent valley, sing
   With notes Angelical to many a Harp
   Thir own Heroic deeds and hapless fall
   By doom of Battel; and complain that Fate
   Free Vertue should enthrall to Force or Chance.
   Thir song was partial, but the harmony
   (What could it less when Spirits immortal sing?)
   Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment
   The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet
   (For Eloquence the Soul, Song charms the Sense,)
   Others apart sat on a Hill retir'd,
   In thoughts more elevate, and reason'd high
   Of Providence, Foreknowledge, Will, and Fate,
   Fixt Fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute,
   And found no end, in wandring mazes lost.
   Of good and evil much they argu'd then,
   Of happiness and final misery,
   Passion and Apathie, and glory and shame,
   Vain wisdom all, and false Philosophie:
   Yet with a pleasing sorcerie could charm
   Pain for a while or anguish, and excite
   Fallacious hope, or arm th' obdured brest
   With stubborn patience as with triple steel.
   Another part in Squadrons and gross Bands,
   On bold adventure to discover wide
   That dismal world, if any Clime perhaps
   Might yeild them easier habitation, bend
   Four ways thir flying March, along the Banks
   Of four infernal Rivers that disgorge
   Into the burning Lake thir baleful streams;
   Abhorred STYX the flood of deadly hate,
   Sad ACHERON of sorrow, black and deep;
   COCYTUS, nam'd of lamentation loud
   Heard on the ruful stream; fierce PHLEGETON
   Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage.
   Farr off from these a slow and silent stream,
   LETHE the River of Oblivion roules
   Her watrie Labyrinth, whereof who drinks,
   Forthwith his former state and being forgets,
   Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain.
   Beyond this flood a frozen Continent
   Lies dark and wilde, beat with perpetual storms
   Of Whirlwind and dire Hail, which on firm land
   Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems
   Of ancient pile; all else deep snow and ice,
   A gulf profound as that SERBONIAN Bog
   Betwixt DAMIATA and mount CASIUS old,
   Where Armies whole have sunk: the parching Air
   Burns frore, and cold performs th' effect of Fire.
   Thither by harpy-footed Furies hail'd,
   At certain revolutions all the damn'd
   Are brought: and feel by turns the bitter change
   Of fierce extreams, extreams by change more fierce,
   From Beds of raging Fire to starve in Ice
   Thir soft Ethereal warmth, and there to pine
   Immovable, infixt, and frozen round,
   Periods of time, thence hurried back to fire.
   They ferry over this LETHEAN Sound
   Both to and fro, thir sorrow to augment,
   And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach
   The tempting stream, with one small drop to loose
   In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe,
   All in one moment, and so neer the brink;
   But fate withstands, and to oppose th' attempt
   MEDUSA with GORGONIAN terror guards
   The Ford, and of it self the water flies
   All taste of living wight, as once it fled
   The lip of TANTALUS. Thus roving on
   In confus'd march forlorn, th' adventrous Bands
   With shuddring horror pale, and eyes agast
   View'd first thir lamentable lot, and found
   No rest: through many a dark and drearie Vaile
   They pass'd, and many a Region dolorous,
   O're many a Frozen, many a Fierie Alpe,
   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,
   Abominable, inutterable, and worse
   Then Fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceiv'd,
   GORGONS and HYDRA'S, and CHIMERA'S dire.
   Mean while the Adversary of God and Man,
   SATAN with thoughts inflam'd of highest design,
   Puts on swift wings, and toward the Gates of Hell
   Explores his solitary flight; som times
   He scours the right hand coast, som times the left,
   Now shaves with level wing the Deep, then soares
   Up to the fiery concave touring high.
   As when farr off at Sea a Fleet descri'd
   Hangs in the Clouds, by AEQUINOCTIAL Winds
   Close sailing from BENGALA, or the Iles
   Of TERNATE and TIDORE, whence Merchants bring
   Thir spicie Drugs: they on the trading Flood
   Through the wide ETHIOPIAN to the Cape
   Ply stemming nightly toward the Pole. So seem'd
   Farr off the flying Fiend: at last appeer
   Hell bounds high reaching to the horrid Roof,
   And thrice threefold the Gates; three folds were Brass
   Three Iron, three of Adamantine Rock,
   Impenitrable, impal'd with circling fire,
   Yet unconsum'd. Before the Gates there sat
   On either side a formidable shape;
   The one seem'd Woman to the waste, and fair,
   But ended foul in many a scaly fould
   Voluminous and vast, a Serpent arm'd
   With mortal sting: about her middle round
   A cry of Hell Hounds never ceasing bark'd
   With wide CERBEREAN mouths full loud, and rung
   A hideous Peal: yet, when they list, would creep,
   If aught disturb'd thir noyse, into her woomb,
   And kennel there, yet there still bark'd and howl'd
   Within unseen. Farr less abhorrd then these
   Vex'd SCYLLA bathing in the Sea that parts
   CALABRIA from the hoarce TRINACRIAN shore:
   Nor uglier follow the Night-Hag, when call'd
   In secret, riding through the Air she comes
   Lur'd with the smell of infant blood, to dance
   With LAPLAND Witches, while the labouring Moon
   Eclipses at thir charms. The other shape,
   If shape it might be call'd that shape had none
   Distinguishable in member, joynt, or limb,
   Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd,
   For each seem'd either; black it stood as Night,
   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,
   With horrid strides, Hell trembled as he strode.
   Th' undaunted Fiend what this might be admir'd,
   Admir'd, not fear'd; God and his Son except,
   Created thing naught vallu'd he nor shun'd;
   And with disdainful look thus first began.
   Whence and what art thou, execrable shape,
   That dar'st, though grim and terrible, advance
   Thy miscreated Front athwart my way
   To yonder Gates? through them I mean to pass,
   That be assur'd, without leave askt of thee:
   Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof,
   Hell-born, not to contend with Spirits of Heav'n.
   To whom the Goblin full of wrauth reply'd,
   Art thou that Traitor Angel, art thou hee,
   Who first broke peace in Heav'n and Faith, till then
   Unbrok'n, and in proud rebellious Arms
   Drew after him the third part of Heav'ns Sons
   Conjur'd against the highest, for which both Thou
   And they outcast from God, are here condemn'd
   To waste Eternal daies in woe and pain?
   And reck'n'st thou thy self with Spirits of Heav'n,
   Hell-doomd, and breath'st defiance here and scorn,
   Where I reign King, and to enrage thee more,
   Thy King and Lord? Back to thy punishment,
   False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings,
   Least with a whip of Scorpions I pursue
   Thy lingring, or with one stroke of this Dart
   Strange horror seise thee, and pangs unfelt before.
   So spake the grieslie terrour, and in shape,
   So speaking and so threatning, grew ten fold
   More dreadful and deform: on th' other side
   Incenc't with indignation SATAN stood
   Unterrifi'd, and like a Comet burn'd,
   That fires the length of OPHIUCUS huge
   In th' Artick Sky, and from his horrid hair
   Shakes Pestilence and Warr. Each at the Head
   Level'd his deadly aime; thir fatall hands
   No second stroke intend, and such a frown
   Each cast at th' other, as when two black Clouds
   With Heav'ns Artillery fraught, come rattling on
   Over the CASPIAN, then stand front to front
   Hov'ring a space, till Winds the signal blow
   To joyn thir dark Encounter in mid air:
   So frownd the mighty Combatants, that Hell
   Grew darker at thir frown, so matcht they stood;
   For never but once more was either like
   To meet so great a foe: and now great deeds
   Had been achiev'd, whereof all Hell had rung,
   Had not the Snakie Sorceress that sat
   Fast by Hell Gate, and kept the fatal Key,
   Ris'n, and with hideous outcry rush'd between.
   O Father, what intends thy hand, she cry'd,
   Against thy only Son? What fury O Son,
   Possesses thee to bend that mortal Dart
   Against thy Fathers head? and know'st for whom;
   For him who sits above and laughs the while
   At thee ordain'd his drudge, to execute
   What e're his wrath, which he calls Justice, bids,
   His wrath which one day will destroy ye both.
   She spake, and at her words the hellish Pest
   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,
   What thing thou art, thus double-form'd, and why
   In this infernal Vaile first met thou call'st
   Me Father, and that Fantasm call'st my Son?
   I know thee not, nor ever saw till now
   Sight more detestable then him and thee.
   T' whom thus the Portress of Hell Gate reply'd;
   Hast thou forgot me then, and do I seem
   Now in thine eye so foul, once deemd so fair
   In Heav'n, when at th' Assembly, and in sight
   Of all the Seraphim with thee combin'd
   In bold conspiracy against Heav'ns King,
   All on a sudden miserable pain
   Surpris'd thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzie swumm
   In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast
   Threw forth, till on the left side op'ning wide,
   Likest to thee in shape and count'nance bright,
   Then shining heav'nly fair, a Goddess arm'd
   Out of thy head I sprung: amazement seis'd
   All th' Host of Heav'n; back they recoild affraid
   At first, and call'd me SIN, and for a Sign
   Portentous held me; but familiar grown,
   I pleas'd, and with attractive graces won
   The most averse, thee chiefly, who full oft
   Thy self in me thy perfect image viewing
   Becam'st enamour'd, and such joy thou took'st
   With me in secret, that my womb conceiv'd
   A growing burden. Mean while Warr arose,
   And fields were fought in Heav'n; wherein remaind
   (For what could else) to our Almighty Foe
   Cleer Victory, to our part loss and rout
   Through all the Empyrean: down they fell
   Driv'n 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 giv'n, with charge to keep
   These Gates for ever shut, which none can pass
   Without my op'ning. 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.
   At last this odious offspring whom thou seest
   Thine own begotten, breaking violent way
   Tore through my entrails, that with fear and pain
   Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew
   Transform'd: but he my inbred enemie
   Forth issu'd, brandishing his fatal Dart
   Made to destroy: I fled, and cry'd out DEATH;
   Hell trembl'd at the hideous Name, and sigh'd
   From all her Caves, and back resounded DEATH.
   I fled, but he pursu'd (though more, it seems,
   Inflam'd with lust then rage) and swifter far,
   Me overtook his mother all dismaid,
   And in embraces forcible and foule
   Ingendring with me, of that rape begot
   These yelling Monsters that with ceasless cry
   Surround me, as thou sawst, hourly conceiv'd
   And hourly born, with sorrow infinite
   To me, for when they list into the womb
   That bred them they return, and howle and gnaw
   My Bowels, their repast; then bursting forth
   Afresh with conscious terrours 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
   For want of other prey, but that he knows
   His end with mine involvd; and knows that I
   Should prove a bitter Morsel, and his bane,
   When ever that shall be; so Fate pronounc'd.
   But thou O Father, I forewarn thee, shun
   His deadly arrow; neither vainly hope
   To be invulnerable in those bright Arms,
   Though temper'd heav'nly, for that mortal dint,
   Save he who reigns above, none can resist.
   She finish'd, and the suttle Fiend his lore
   Soon learnd, now milder, and thus answerd smooth.
   Dear Daughter, since thou claim'st me for thy Sire,
   And my fair Son here showst me, the dear pledge
   Of dalliance had with thee in Heav'n, and joys
   Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change
   Befalln us unforeseen, unthought of, know
   I come no enemie, but to set free
   From out this dark and dismal house of pain,
   Both him and thee, and all the heav'nly Host
   Of Spirits that in our just pretenses arm'd
   Fell with us from on high: from them I go
   This uncouth errand sole, and one for all
   My self expose, with lonely steps to tread
   Th' unfounded deep, & through the void immense
   To search with wandring quest a place foretold
   Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere now
   Created vast and round, a place of bliss
   In the Pourlieues of Heav'n, and therein plac't
   A race of upstart Creatures, to supply
   Perhaps our vacant room, though more remov'd,
   Least Heav'n surcharg'd with potent multitude
   Might hap to move new broiles: Be this or aught
   Then 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
   Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen
   Wing silently the buxom Air, imbalm'd
   With odours; there ye shall be fed and fill'd
   Immeasurably, all things shall be your prey.
   He ceas'd, for both seemd highly pleasd, and Death
   Grinnd horrible a gastly smile, to hear
   His famine should be fill'd, and blest his mawe
   Destin'd to that good hour: no less rejoyc'd
   His mother bad, and thus bespake her Sire.
   The key of this infernal Pit by due,
   And by command of Heav'ns 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'rematcht by living might.
   But what ow I to his commands above
   Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down
   Into this gloom of TARTARUS profound,
   To sit in hateful Office here confin'd,
   Inhabitant of Heav'n, and heav'nlie-born,
   Here in perpetual agonie and pain,
   With terrors and with clamors compasst round
   Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed:
   Thou art my Father, thou my Author, thou
   My being gav'st me; whom should I obey
   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.
   Thus saying, from her side the fatal Key,
   Sad instrument of all our woe, she took;
   And towards the Gate rouling her bestial train,
   Forthwith the huge Porcullis high up drew,
   Which but her self not all the STYGIAN powers
   Could once have mov'd; then in the key-hole turns
   Th' intricate wards, and every Bolt and Bar
   Of massie Iron or sollid Rock with ease
   Unfast'ns: on a sudden op'n flie
   With impetuous recoile and jarring sound
   Th' infernal dores, and on thir hinges great
   Harsh Thunder, that the lowest bottom shook
   Of EREBUS. She op'nd, but to shut
   Excel'd her power; the Gates wide op'n stood,
   That with extended wings a Bannerd Host
   Under spread Ensigns marching might pass through
   With Horse and Chariots rankt in loose array;
   So wide they stood, and like a Furnace mouth
   Cast forth redounding smoak and ruddy flame.
   Before thir eyes in sudden view appear
   The secrets of the hoarie deep, a dark
   Illimitable Ocean without bound,
   Without dimension, where length, breadth, and highth,
   And time and place are lost; where eldest Night
   And CHAOS, Ancestors of Nature, hold
   Eternal ANARCHIE, amidst the noise
   Of endless warrs and by confusion stand.
   For hot, cold, moist, and dry, four Champions fierce
   Strive here for Maistrie, and to Battel bring
   Thir embryon Atoms; they around the flag
   Of each his faction, in thir several Clanns,
   Light-arm'd or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift or slow,
   Swarm populous, unnumber'd as the Sands
   Of BARCA or CYRENE'S torrid soil,
   Levied to side with warring Winds, and poise
   Thir lighter wings. To whom these most adhere,
   Hee rules a moment; CHAOS Umpire sits,
   And by decision more imbroiles the fray
   By which he Reigns: next him high Arbiter
   CHANCE governs all. Into this wilde Abyss,
   The Womb of nature and perhaps her Grave,
   Of neither Sea, nor Shore, nor Air, nor Fire,
   But all these in thir pregnant causes mixt
   Confus'dly, and which thus must ever fight,
   Unless th' Almighty Maker them ordain
   His dark materials to create more Worlds,
   Into this wilde Abyss the warie fiend
   Stood on the brink of Hell and look'd a while,
   Pondering his Voyage; for no narrow frith
   He had to cross. Nor was his eare less peal'd
   With noises loud and ruinous (to compare
   Great things with small) then when BELLONA storms,
   With all her battering Engines bent to rase
   Som Capital City, or less then if this frame
   Of Heav'n were falling, and these Elements
   In mutinie had from her Axle torn
   The stedfast Earth. At last his Sail-broad Vannes
   He spreads for flight, and in the surging smoak
   Uplifted spurns the ground, thence many a League
   As in a cloudy Chair ascending rides
   Audacious, but that seat soon failing, meets
   A vast vacuitie: all unawares
   Fluttring his pennons vain plumb down he drops
   Ten thousand fadom deep, and to this hour
   Down had been falling, had not by ill chance
   The strong rebuff of som tumultuous cloud
   Instinct with Fire and Nitre hurried him
   As many miles aloft: that furie stay'd,
   Quencht in a Boggie SYRTIS, neither Sea,
   Nor good dry Land: nigh founderd on he fares,
   Treading the crude consistence, half on foot,
   Half flying; behoves him now both Oare and Saile.
   As when a Gryfon through the Wilderness
   With winged course ore Hill or moarie Dale,
   Pursues the ARIMASPIAN, who by stelth
   Had from his wakeful custody purloind
   The guarded Gold: So eagerly the fiend
   Ore 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 flyes:
   At length a universal hubbub wilde
   Of stunning sounds and voices all confus'd
   Born through the hollow dark assaults his eare
   With loudest vehemence: thither he plyes,
   Undaunted to meet there what ever power
   Or Spirit of the nethermost Abyss
   Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask
   Which way the neerest coast of darkness lyes
   Bordering on light; when strait behold the Throne
   Of CHAOS, and his dark Pavilion spread
   Wide on the wasteful Deep; with him Enthron'd
   Sat Sable-vested Night, eldest of things,
   The consort of his Reign; and by them stood
   ORCUS and ADES, and the dreaded name
   Of DEMOGORGON; Rumor next and Chance,
   And Tumult and Confusion all imbroild,
   And Discord with a thousand various mouths.
   T' whom SATAN turning boldly, thus. Ye Powers
   And Spirits of this nethermost Abyss,
   CHAOS and ANCIENT NIGHT, I come no Spie,
   With purpose to explore or to disturb
   The secrets of your Realm, but by constraint
   Wandring this darksome desart, as my way
   Lies through your spacious Empire up to light,
   Alone, and without guide, half lost, I seek
   What readiest path leads where your gloomie bounds
   Confine with Heav'n; or if som other place
   From your Dominion won, th' Ethereal King
   Possesses lately, thither to arrive
   I travel this profound, direct my course;
   Directed, no mean recompence 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
   Erect the Standerd there of ANCIENT NIGHT;
   Yours be th' advantage all, mine the revenge.
   Thus SATAN; and him thus the Anarch old
   With faultring speech and visage incompos'd
   Answer'd. I know thee, stranger, who thou art,
   That mighty leading Angel, who of late
   Made head against Heav'ns 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,
   Confusion worse confounded; and Heav'n Gates
   Pourd out by millions her victorious Bands
   Pursuing. I upon my Frontieres here
   Keep residence; if all I can will serve,
   That little which is left so to defend
   Encroacht on still through our intestine broiles
   Weakning the Scepter of old Night: first Hell
   Your dungeon stretching far and wide beneath;
   Now lately Heaven and Earth, another World
   Hung ore my Realm, link'd in a golden Chain
   To that side Heav'n from whence your Legions fell:
   If that way be your walk, you have not farr;
   So much the neerer danger; goe and speed;
   Havock and spoil and ruin are my gain.
   He ceas'd; and SATAN staid not to reply,
   But glad that now his Sea should find a shore,
   With fresh alacritie and force renew'd
   Springs upward like a Pyramid of fire
   Into the wilde expanse, and through the shock
   Of fighting Elements, on all sides round
   Environ'd wins his way; harder beset
   And more endanger'd, then when ARGO pass'd
   Through BOSPORUS betwixt the justling Rocks:
   Or when ULYSSES on the Larbord shunnd
   CHARYBDIS, and by th' other whirlpool steard.
   So he with difficulty and labour hard
   Mov'd on, with difficulty and labour hee;
   But hee once past, soon after when man fell,
   Strange alteration! Sin and Death amain
   Following his track, such was the will of Heav'n,
   Pav'd after him a broad and beat'n way
   Over the dark Abyss, whose boiling Gulf
   Tamely endur'd a Bridge of wondrous length
   From Hell continu'd reaching th' utmost Orbe
   Of this frail World; by which the Spirits perverse
   With easie intercourse pass to and fro
   To tempt or punish mortals, except whom
   God and good Angels guard by special grace.
   But now at last the sacred influence
   Of light appears, and from the walls of Heav'n
   Shoots farr into the bosom of dim Night
   A glimmering dawn; here Nature first begins
   Her fardest verge, and CHAOS to retire
   As from her outmost works a brok'n foe
   With tumult less and with less hostile din,
   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,
   Weighs his spread wings, at leasure to behold
   Farr off th' Empyreal Heav'n, extended wide
   In circuit, undetermind square or round,
   With Opal Towrs and Battlements adorn'd
   Of living Saphire, once his native Seat;
   And fast by hanging in a golden Chain
   This pendant world, in bigness as a Starr
   Of smallest Magnitude close by the Moon.
   Thither full fraught with mischievous revenge,
   Accurst, and in a cursed hour he hies.

BOOK III

   HAil holy light, ofspring of Heav'n first-born,
   Or of th' Eternal Coeternal beam
   May I express thee unblam'd? since God is light,
   And never but in unapproached light
   Dwelt from Eternitie, dwelt then in thee,
   Bright effluence of bright essence increate.
   Or hear'st thou rather pure 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
   The rising world of waters dark and deep,
   Won from the void and formless infinite.
   Thee I re-visit now with bolder wing,
   Escap't the STYGIAN Pool, though long detain'd
   In that obscure sojourn, while in my flight
   Through utter and through middle darkness borne
   With other notes then to th' ORPHEAN Lyre
   I sung of CHAOS and ETERNAL NIGHT,
   Taught by the heav'nly Muse to venture down
   The dark descent, and up to reascend,
   Though hard and rare: thee I revisit safe,
   And feel thy sovran vital Lamp; but thou
   Revisit'st not these eyes, that rowle in vain
   To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn;
   So thick a drop serene hath quencht thir Orbs,
   Or dim suffusion veild. Yet not the more
   Cease I to wander where the Muses haunt
   Cleer Spring, or shadie Grove, or Sunnie Hill,
   Smit with the love of sacred song; but chief
   Thee SION and the flowrie Brooks beneath
   That wash thy hallowd feet, and warbling flow,
   Nightly I visit: nor somtimes forget
   Those other two equal'd with me in Fate,
   So were I equal'd with them in renown,
   Blind THAMYRIS and blind MAEONIDES,
   And TIRESIAS and PHINEUS Prophets old.
   Then feed on thoughts, that voluntarie move
   Harmonious numbers; as the wakeful Bird
   Sings darkling, and in shadiest Covert hid
   Tunes her nocturnal Note. Thus with the Year
   Seasons return, but not to me returns
   Day, or the sweet approach of Ev'n or Morn,
   Or sight of vernal bloom, or Summers Rose,
   Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine;
   But cloud in stead, and ever-during dark
   Surrounds me, from the chearful waies of men
   Cut off, and for the book of knowledg fair
   Presented with a Universal blanc
   Of Natures works to mee expung'd and ras'd,
   And wisdome at one entrance quite shut out.
   So much the rather thou Celestial light
   Shine inward, and the mind 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.
   Now had the Almighty Father from above,
   From the pure Empyrean where he sits
   High Thron'd above all highth, bent down his eye,
   His own works and their works at once to view:
   About him all the Sanctities of Heaven
   Stood thick as Starrs, and from his sight receiv'd
   Beatitude past utterance; on his right
   The radiant image of his Glory sat,
   His onely Son; On Earth he first beheld
   Our two first Parents, yet the onely two
   Of mankind, in the happie Garden plac't,
   Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love,
   Uninterrupted joy, unrivald love
   In blissful solitude; he then survey'd
   Hell and the Gulf between, and SATAN there
   Coasting the wall of Heav'n 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 seem'd
   Firm land imbosom'd without Firmament,
   Uncertain which, in Ocean or in Air.
   Him God beholding from his prospect high,
   Wherein past, present, future he beholds,
   Thus to his onely Son foreseeing spake.
   Onely begotten Son, seest thou what rage
   Transports our adversarie, whom no bounds
   Prescrib'd, no barrs of Hell, nor all the chains
   Heapt on him there, nor yet the main Abyss
   Wide interrupt can hold; so bent he seems
   On desperat revenge, that shall redound
   Upon his own rebellious head. And now
   Through all restraint broke loose he wings his way
   Not farr off Heav'n, in the Precincts of light,
   Directly towards the new created World,
   And Man there plac't, with purpose to assay
   If him by force he can destroy, or worse,
   By som false guile pervert; and shall pervert;
   For man will heark'n to his glozing lyes,
   And easily transgress the sole Command,
   Sole pledge of his obedience: So will fall
   Hee and his faithless Progenie: whose fault?
   Whose but his own? ingrate, he had of mee
   All he could have; I made him just and right,
   Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall.
   Such I created all th' Ethereal Powers
   And Spirits, both them who stood & them who faild;
   Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell.
   Not free, what proof could they have givn sincere
   Of true allegiance, constant Faith or Love,
   Where onely what they needs must do, appeard,
   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 despoild,
   Made passive both, had servd necessitie,
   Not mee. They therefore as to right belongd,
   So were created, nor can justly accuse
   Thir maker, or thir making, or thir Fate;
   As if Predestination over-rul'd
   Thir will, dispos'd by absolute Decree
   Or high foreknowledge; they themselves decreed
   Thir own revolt, not I: if I foreknew,
   Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault,
   Which had no less prov'd certain unforeknown.
   So without least impulse or shadow of Fate,
   Or aught by me immutablie foreseen,
   They trespass, Authors to themselves in all
   Both what they judge and what they choose; for so
   I formd them free, and free they must remain,
   Till they enthrall themselves: I else must change
   Thir nature, and revoke the high Decree
   Unchangeable, Eternal, which ordain'd
   Thir freedom, they themselves ordain'd thir fall.
   The first sort by thir own suggestion fell,
   Self-tempted, self-deprav'd: Man falls deceiv'd
   By the other first: Man therefore shall find grace,
   The other none: in Mercy and Justice both,
   Through Heav'n and Earth, so shall my glorie excel,
   But Mercy first and last shall brightest shine.
   Thus while God spake, ambrosial fragrance fill'd
   All Heav'n, and in the blessed Spirits elect
   Sense of new joy ineffable diffus'd:
   Beyond compare the Son of God was seen
   Most glorious, in him all his Father shon
   Substantially express'd, and in his face
   Divine compassion visibly appeerd,
   Love without end, and without measure Grace,
   Which uttering thus he to his Father spake.
   O Father, gracious was that word which clos'd
   Thy sovran sentence, that Man should find grace;
   For which both Heav'n and Earth shall high extoll
   Thy praises, with th' innumerable sound
   Of Hymns and sacred Songs, wherewith thy Throne
   Encompass'd shall resound thee ever blest.
   For should Man finally be lost, should Man
   Thy creature late so lov'd, thy youngest Son
   Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though joynd
   With his own folly? that be from thee farr,
   That farr be from thee, Father, who art Judge
   Of all things made, and judgest onely right.
   Or shall the Adversarie thus obtain
   His end, and frustrate thine, shall he fulfill
   His malice, and thy goodness bring to naught,
   Or proud return though to his heavier doom,
   Yet with revenge accomplish't and to Hell
   Draw after him the whole Race of mankind,
   By him corrupted? or wilt thou thy self
   Abolish thy Creation, and unmake,
   For him, what for thy glorie thou hast made?
   So should thy goodness and thy greatness both
   Be questiond and blaspheam'd without defence.
   To whom the great Creatour thus reply'd.
   O Son, in whom my Soul hath chief delight,
   Son of my bosom, Son who art alone
   My word, my wisdom, and effectual might,
   All hast thou spok'n as my thoughts are, all
   As my Eternal purpose hath decreed:
   Man shall not quite be lost, but sav'd who will,
   Yet not of will in him, but grace in me
   Freely voutsaft; once more I will renew
   His lapsed powers, though forfeit and enthrall'd
   By sin to foul exorbitant desires;
   Upheld by me, yet once more he shall stand
   On even ground against his mortal foe,
   By me upheld, that he may know how frail
   His fall'n condition is, and to me ow
   All his deliv'rance, 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 warnd
   Thir sinful state, and to appease betimes
   Th' incensed Deitie, while offerd grace
   Invites; for I will cleer thir senses dark,
   What may suffice, and soft'n stonie hearts
   To pray, repent, and bring obedience due.
   To prayer, repentance, and obedience due,
   Though but endevord with sincere intent,
   Mine eare 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,
   Light after light well us'd they shall 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 hard'nd, blind be blinded more,
   That they may stumble on, and deeper fall;
   And none but such from mercy I exclude.
   But yet all is not don; Man disobeying,
   Disloyal breaks his fealtie, and sinns
   Against the high Supremacie of Heav'n,
   Affecting God-head, and so loosing all,
   To expiate his Treason hath naught left,
   But to destruction sacred and devote,
   He with his whole posteritie must die,
   Die hee or Justice must; unless for him
   Som other able, and as willing, pay
   The rigid satisfaction, death for death.
   Say Heav'nly Powers, where shall we find such love,
   Which of ye will be mortal to redeem
   Mans mortal crime, and just th' unjust to save,
   Dwels in all Heaven charitie so deare?
   He ask'd, but all the Heav'nly Quire stood mute,
   And silence was in Heav'n: on mans behalf
   Patron or Intercessor none appeerd,
   Much less that durst upon his own head draw
   The deadly forfeiture, and ransom set.
   And now without redemption all mankind
   Must have bin lost, adjudg'd to Death and Hell
   By doom severe, had not the Son of God,
   In whom the fulness dwels of love divine,
   His dearest mediation thus renewd.
   Father, thy word is past, 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
   Comes unprevented, unimplor'd, unsought,
   Happie for man, so coming; he her aide
   Can never seek, once dead in sins and lost;
   Attonement for himself or offering meet,
   Indebted and undon, hath none to bring:
   Behold mee then, mee for him, life for life
   I offer, on mee let thine anger fall;
   Account mee man; I for his sake will leave
   Thy bosom, and this glorie next to thee
   Freely put off, and for him lastly die
   Well pleas'd, on me let Death wreck all his rage;
   Under his gloomie power I shall not long
   Lie vanquisht; thou hast givn me to possess
   Life in my self for ever, by thee I live,
   Though now to Death I yeild, and am his due
   All that of me can die, yet that debt paid,
   Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsom grave
   His prey, nor suffer my unspotted Soule
   For ever with corruption there to dwell;
   But I shall rise Victorious, and subdue
   My Vanquisher, spoild of his vanted spoile;
   Death his deaths wound shall then receive, & stoop
   Inglorious, of his mortall sting disarm'd.
   I through the ample Air in Triumph high
   Shall lead Hell Captive maugre Hell, and show
   The powers of darkness bound. Thou at the sight
   Pleas'd, out of Heaven shalt look down and smile,
   While by thee rais'd I ruin all my Foes,
   Death last, and with his Carcass glut the Grave:
   Then with the multitude of my redeemd
   Shall enter Heaven long absent, and returne,
   Father, to see thy face, wherein no cloud
   Of anger shall remain, but peace assur'd,
   And reconcilement; wrauth shall be no more
   Thenceforth, but in thy presence Joy entire.
   His words here ended, but his meek aspect
   Silent yet spake, and breath'd immortal love
   To mortal men, above which only shon
   Filial obedience: as a sacrifice
   Glad to be offer'd, he attends the will
   Of his great Father. Admiration seis'd
   All Heav'n, what this might mean, & whither tend
   Wondring; but soon th' Almighty thus reply'd:
   O thou in Heav'n and Earth the only peace
   Found out for mankind under wrauth, O thou
   My sole complacence! well thou know'st how dear,
   To me are all my works, nor Man the least
   Though last created, that for him I spare
   Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save,
   By loosing thee a while, the whole Race lost.
   Thou therefore whom thou only canst redeeme,
   Thir Nature also to thy Nature joyne;
   And be thy self Man among men on Earth,
   Made flesh, when time shall be, of Virgin seed,
   By wondrous birth: Be thou in ADAMS room
   The Head of all mankind, though ADAMS Son.
   As in him perish all men, so in thee
   As from a second root shall be restor'd,
   As many as are restor'd, without thee none.
   His crime makes guiltie all his Sons, thy merit
   Imputed shall absolve them who renounce
   Thir own both righteous and unrighteous deeds,
   And live in thee transplanted, and from thee
   Receive new life. So Man, as is most just,
   Shall satisfie for Man, be judg'd and die,
   And dying rise, and rising with him raise
   His Brethren, ransomd with his own dear life.
   So Heav'nly love shal outdoo Hellish hate,
   Giving to death, and dying to redeeme,
   So dearly to redeem what Hellish hate
   So easily destroy'd, and still destroyes
   In those who, when they may, accept not grace.
   Nor shalt thou by descending to assume
   Mans Nature, less'n or degrade thine owne.
   Because thou hast, though Thron'd in highest bliss
   Equal to God, and equally enjoying
   God-like fruition, quitted all to save
   A World from utter loss, and hast been found
   By Merit more then Birthright Son of God,
   Found worthiest to be so by being Good,
   Farr more then Great or High; because in thee
   Love hath abounded more then Glory abounds,
   Therefore thy Humiliation shall exalt
   With thee thy Manhood also to this Throne;
   Here shalt thou sit incarnate, here shalt Reigne
   Both God and Man, Son both of God and Man,
   Anointed universal King; all Power
   I give thee, reign for ever, and assume
   Thy Merits; under thee as Head Supream
   Thrones, Princedoms, Powers, Dominions I reduce:
   All knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide
   In Heaven, or Earth, or under Earth in Hell;
   When thou attended gloriously from Heav'n
   Shalt in the Skie appeer, and from thee send
   The summoning Arch-Angels to proclaime
   Thy dread Tribunal: forthwith from all Windes
   The living, and forthwith the cited dead
   Of all past Ages to the general Doom
   Shall hast'n, such a peal shall rouse thir sleep.
   Then all thy Saints assembl'd, thou shalt judge
   Bad men and Angels, they arraignd shall sink
   Beneath thy Sentence; Hell, her numbers full,
   Thenceforth shall be for ever shut. Mean while
   The World shall burn, and from her ashes spring
   New Heav'n and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell
   And after all thir tribulations long
   See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds,
   With Joy and Love triumphing, and fair Truth.
   Then thou thy regal Scepter shalt lay by,
   For regal Scepter then no more shall need,
   God shall be All in All. But all ye Gods,
   Adore him, who to compass all this dies,
   Adore the Son, and honour him as mee.
   No sooner had th' Almighty ceas't, but all
   The multitude of Angels with a shout
   Loud as from numbers without number, sweet
   As from blest voices, uttering joy, Heav'n rung
   With Jubilee, and loud Hosanna's fill'd
   Th' eternal Regions: lowly reverent
   Towards either Throne they bow, & to the ground
   With solemn adoration down they cast
   Thir Crowns inwove with Amarant and Gold,
   Immortal Amarant, a Flour which once
   In Paradise, fast by the Tree of Life
   Began to bloom, but soon for mans offence
   To Heav'n remov'd where first it grew, there grows,
   And flours aloft shading the Fount of Life,
   And where the river of Bliss through midst of Heavn
   Rowls o're ELISIAN Flours her Amber stream;
   With these that never fade the Spirits Elect
   Bind thir resplendent locks inwreath'd with beams,
   Now in loose Garlands thick thrown off, the bright
   Pavement that like a Sea of Jasper shon
   Impurpl'd with Celestial Roses smil'd.
   Then Crown'd again thir gold'n Harps they took,
   Harps ever tun'd, that glittering by their side
   Like Quivers hung, and with Praeamble sweet
   Of charming symphonie they introduce
   Thir sacred Song, and waken raptures high;
   No voice exempt, no voice but well could joine
   Melodious part, such concord is in Heav'n.
   Thee Father first they sung Omnipotent,
   Immutable, Immortal, Infinite,
   Eternal King; thee Author of all being,
   Fountain of Light, thy self invisible
   Amidst the glorious brightness where thou sit'st
   Thron'd 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 appeer,
   Yet dazle Heav'n, that brightest Seraphim
   Approach not, but with both wings veil thir eyes.
   Thee next they sang of all Creation first,
   Begotten Son, Divine Similitude,
   In whose conspicuous count'nance, without cloud
   Made visible, th' Almighty Father shines,
   Whom else no Creature can behold; on thee
   Impresst the effulgence of his Glorie abides,
   Transfus'd on thee his ample Spirit rests.
   Hee Heav'n of Heavens and all the Powers therein
   By thee created, and by thee threw down
   Th' aspiring Dominations: thou that day
   Thy Fathers dreadful Thunder didst not spare,
   Nor stop thy flaming Chariot wheels, that shook
   Heav'ns everlasting Frame, while o're the necks
   Thou drov'st of warring Angels disarraid.
   Back from pursuit thy Powers with loud acclaime
   Thee only extold, Son of thy Fathers might,
   To execute fierce vengeance on his foes,
   Not so on Man; him through their malice fall'n,
   Father of Mercie and Grace, thou didst not doome
   So strictly, but much more to pitie encline:
   No sooner did thy dear and onely Son
   Perceive thee purpos'd not to doom frail Man
   So strictly, but much more to pitie enclin'd,
   He to appease thy wrauth, and end the strife
   Of Mercy and Justice in thy face discern'd,
   Regardless of the Bliss wherein hee sat
   Second to thee, offerd himself to die
   For mans offence. O unexampl'd love,
   Love no where to be found less then Divine!
   Hail Son of God, Saviour of Men, thy Name
   Shall be the copious matter of my Song
   Henceforth, and never shall my Harp thy praise
   Forget, nor from thy Fathers praise disjoine.
   Thus they in Heav'n, above the starry Sphear,
   Thir happie hours in joy and hymning spent.
   Mean while upon the firm opacous Globe
   Of this round World, whose first convex divides
   The luminous inferior Orbs, enclos'd
   From CHAOS and th' inroad of Darkness old,
   SATAN alighted walks: a Globe farr off
   It seem'd, now seems a boundless Continent
   Dark, waste, and wild, under the frown of Night
   Starless expos'd, and ever-threatning storms
   Of CHAOS blustring round, inclement skie;
   Save on that side which from the wall of Heav'n
   Though distant farr som small reflection gaines
   Of glimmering air less vext with tempest loud:
   Here walk'd the Fiend at large in spacious field.
   As when a Vultur on IMAUS bred,
   Whose snowie 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;
   But in his way lights on the barren plaines
   Of SERICANA, where CHINESES drive
   With Sails and Wind thir canie Waggons light:
   So on this windie Sea of Land, the Fiend
   Walk'd up and down alone bent on his prey,
   Alone, for other Creature in this place
   Living or liveless to be found was none,
   None yet, but store hereafter from the earth
   Up hither like Aereal vapours flew
   Of all things transitorie and vain, when Sin
   With vanity had filld the works of men:
   Both all things vain, and all who in vain things
   Built thir fond hopes of Glorie or lasting fame,
   Or happiness in this or th' other life;
   All who have thir reward on Earth, the fruits
   Of painful Superstition and blind Zeal,
   Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find
   Fit retribution, emptie as thir deeds;
   All th' unaccomplisht works of Natures hand,
   Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mixt,
   Dissolvd on earth, fleet hither, and in vain,
   Till final dissolution, wander here,
   Not in the neighbouring Moon, as some have dreamd;
   Those argent Fields more likely habitants,
   Translated Saints, or middle Spirits hold
   Betwixt th' Angelical and Human kinde:
   Hither of ill-joynd Sons and Daughters born
   First from the ancient World those Giants came
   With many a vain exploit, though then renownd:
   The builders next of BABEL on the Plain
   Of SENNAAR, and still with vain designe
   New BABELS, had they wherewithall, would build:
   Others came single; hee who to be deemd
   A God, leap'd fondly into AETNA flames,
   EMPEDOCLES, and hee who to enjoy
   PLATO'S ELYSIUM, leap'd into the Sea,
   CLEOMBROTUS, and many more too long,
   Embryo's and Idiots, Eremits and Friers
   White, Black and Grey, with all thir trumperie.
   Here Pilgrims roam, that stray'd so farr to seek
   In GOLGOTHA him dead, who lives in Heav'n;
   And they who to be sure of Paradise
   Dying put on the weeds of DOMINIC,
   Or in FRANCISCAN think to pass disguis'd;
   They pass the Planets seven, and pass the fixt,
   And that Crystalline Sphear whose ballance weighs
   The Trepidation talkt, and that first mov'd;
   And now Saint PETER at Heav'ns Wicket seems
   To wait them with his Keys, and now at foot
   Of Heav'ns ascent they lift thir Feet, when loe
   A violent cross wind from either Coast
   Blows them transverse ten thousand Leagues awry
   Into the devious Air; then might ye see
   Cowles, Hoods and Habits with thir wearers tost
   And flutterd into Raggs, then Reliques, Beads,
   Indulgences, Dispenses, Pardons, Bulls,
   The sport of Winds: all these upwhirld aloft
   Fly o're the backside of the World farr off
   Into a LIMBO large and broad, since calld
   The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown
   Long after, now unpeopl'd, and untrod;
   All this dark Globe the Fiend found as he pass'd,
   And long he wanderd, till at last a gleame
   Of dawning light turnd thither-ward in haste
   His travell'd steps; farr distant hee descries
   Ascending by degrees magnificent
   Up to the wall of Heaven a Structure high,
   At top whereof, but farr more rich appeerd
   The work as of a Kingly Palace Gate
   With Frontispice of Diamond and Gold
   Imbellisht, thick with sparkling orient Gemmes
   The Portal shon, inimitable on Earth
   By Model, or by shading Pencil drawn.
   The Stairs were such as whereon JACOB saw
   Angels ascending and descending, bands
   Of Guardians bright, when he from ESAU fled
   To PADAN-ARAM in the field of LUZ,
   Dreaming by night under the open Skie,
   And waking cri'd, This is the Gate of Heav'n.
   Each Stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood
   There alwaies, but drawn up to Heav'n somtimes
   Viewless, and underneath a bright Sea flow'd
   Of Jasper, or of liquid Pearle, whereon
   Who after came from Earth, sayling arriv'd,
   Wafted by Angels, or flew o're the Lake
   Rapt in a Chariot drawn by fiery Steeds.
   The Stairs were then let down, whether to dare
   The Fiend by easie ascent, or aggravate
   His sad exclusion from the dores of Bliss.
   Direct against which op'nd from beneath,
   Just o're the blissful seat of Paradise,
   A passage down to th' Earth, a passage wide,
   Wider by farr then that of after-times
   Over Mount SION, and, though that were large,
   Over the PROMIS'D LAND to God so dear,
   By which, to visit oft those happy Tribes,
   On high behests his Angels to and fro
   Pass'd frequent, and his eye with choice regard
   From PANEAS the fount of JORDANS flood
   To BEERSABA, where the HOLY LAND
   Borders on AEGYPT and the ARABIAN shoare;
   So wide the op'ning seemd, where bounds were set
   To darkness, such as bound the Ocean wave.
   SATAN from hence now on the lower stair
   That scal'd by steps of Gold to Heav'n Gate
   Looks down with wonder at the sudden view
   Of all this World at once. As when a Scout
   Through dark and desart wayes with peril gone
   All night; at last by break of chearful dawne
   Obtains the brow of some high-climbing Hill,
   Which to his eye discovers unaware
   The goodly prospect of some forein land
   First-seen, or some renownd Metropolis
   With glistering Spires and Pinnacles adornd,
   Which now the Rising Sun guilds with his beams.
   Such wonder seis'd, though after Heaven seen,
   The Spirit maligne, but much more envy seis'd
   At sight of all this World beheld so faire.
   Round he surveys, and well might, where he stood
   So high above the circling Canopie
   Of Nights extended shade; from Eastern Point
   Of LIBRA to the fleecie Starr that bears
   ANDROMEDA farr off ATLANTICK Seas
   Beyond th' HORIZON; then from Pole to Pole
   He views in bredth, and without longer pause
   Down right into the Worlds first Region throws
   His flight precipitant, and windes with ease
   Through the pure marble Air his oblique way
   Amongst innumerable Starrs, that shon
   Stars distant, but nigh hand seemd other Worlds,
   Or other Worlds they seemd, or happy Iles,
   Like those HESPERIAN Gardens fam'd of old,
   Fortunate Fields, and Groves and flourie Vales,
   Thrice happy Iles, but who dwelt happy there
   He stayd not to enquire: above them all
   The golden Sun in splendor likest Heaven
   Allur'd his eye: Thither his course he bends
   Through the calm Firmament; but up or downe
   By center, or eccentric, hard to tell,
   Or Longitude, where the great Luminarie
   Alooff the vulgar Constellations thick,
   That from his Lordly eye keep distance due,
   Dispenses Light from farr; they as they move
   Thir Sarry dance in numbers that compute
   Days, months, and years, towards his all-chearing Lamp
   Turn swift their various motions, or are turnd
   By his Magnetic beam, that gently warms
   The Univers, and to each inward part
   With gentle penetration, though unseen,
   Shoots invisible vertue even to the deep:
   So wondrously was set his Station bright.
   There lands the Fiend, a spot like which perhaps
   Astronomer in the Sun's lucent Orbe
   Through his glaz'd Optic Tube yet never saw.
   The place he found beyond expression bright,
   Compar'd with aught on Earth, Medal or Stone;
   Not all parts like, but all alike informd
   Which radiant light, as glowing Iron with fire;
   If mettal, part seemd Gold, part Silver cleer;
   If stone, Carbuncle most or Chrysolite,
   Rubie or Topaz, to the Twelve that shon
   In AARONS Brest-plate, and a stone besides
   Imagind rather oft then elsewhere seen,
   That stone, or like to that which here below
   Philosophers in vain so long have sought,
   In vain, though by thir powerful Art they binde
   Volatil HERMES, and call up unbound
   In various shapes old PROTEUS from the Sea,
   Draind through a Limbec to his Native forme.
   What wonder then if fields and regions here
   Breathe forth ELIXIR pure, and Rivers run
   Potable Gold, when with one vertuous touch
   Th' Arch-chimic Sun so farr from us remote
   Produces with Terrestrial Humor mixt
   Here in the dark so many precious things
   Of colour glorious and effect so rare?
   Here matter new to gaze the Devil met
   Undazl'd, farr and wide his eye commands,
   For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade,
   But all Sun-shine, as when his Beams at Noon
   Culminate from th' AEQUATOR, as they now
   Shot upward still direct, whence no way round
   Shadow from body opaque can fall, and the Aire,
   No where so cleer, sharp'nd his visual ray
   To objects distant farr, whereby he soon
   Saw within kenn a glorious Angel stand,
   The same whom JOHN saw also in the Sun:
   His back was turnd, but not his brightness hid;
   Of beaming sunnie Raies, a golden tiar
   Circl'd his Head, nor less his Locks behind
   Illustrious on his Shoulders fledge with wings
   Lay waving round; on som great charge imploy'd
   Hee seemd, or fixt in cogitation deep.
   Glad was the Spirit impure as now in hope
   To find who might direct his wandring flight
   To Paradise the happie seat of Man,
   His journies end and our beginning woe.
   But first he casts to change his proper shape,
   Which else might work him danger or delay:
   And now a stripling Cherube he appeers,
   Not of the prime, yet such as in his face
   Youth smil'd Celestial, and to every Limb
   Sutable grace diffus'd, so well he feignd;
   Under a Coronet his flowing haire
   In curles on either cheek plaid, wings he wore
   Of many a colourd plume sprinkl'd 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,
   Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turnd,
   Admonisht by his eare, and strait was known
   Th' Arch-Angel URIEL, one of the seav'n
   Who in Gods presence, neerest to his Throne
   Stand ready at command, and are his Eyes
   That run through all the Heav'ns, or down to th' Earth
   Bear his swift errands over moist and dry,
   O're Sea and Land: him SATAN thus accostes;
   URIEL, for thou of those seav'n Spirits that stand
   In sight of God's high Throne, gloriously bright,
   The first art wont his great authentic will
   Interpreter through highest Heav'n to bring,
   Where all his Sons thy Embassie attend;
   And here art likeliest by supream decree
   Like honour to obtain, and as his Eye
   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 ordaind,
   Hath brought me from the Quires of Cherubim
   Alone thus wandring. Brightest Seraph tell
   In which of all these shining Orbes hath Man
   His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none,
   But all these shining Orbes his choice to dwell;
   That I may find him, and with secret gaze,
   Or open admiration him behold
   On whom the great Creator hath bestowd
   Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces powrd;
   That both in him and all things, as is meet,
   The Universal Maker we may praise;
   Who justly hath drivn out his Rebell Foes
   To deepest Hell, and to repair that loss
   Created this new happie Race of Men
   To serve him better: wise are all his wayes.
   So spake the false dissembler unperceivd;
   For neither Man nor Angel can discern
   Hypocrisie, the only evil that walks
   Invisible, except to God alone,
   By his permissive will, through Heav'n and Earth:
   And oft though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps
   At wisdoms Gate, and to simplicitie
   Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill
   Where no ill seems: Which now for once beguil'd
   URIEL, though Regent of the Sun, and held
   The sharpest sighted Spirit of all in Heav'n;
   Who to the fraudulent Impostor foule
   In his uprightness answer thus returnd.
   Faire Angel, thy desire which tends to know
   The works of God, thereby to glorifie
   The great Work-Maister, leads to no excess
   That reaches blame, but rather merits praise
   The more it seems excess, that led thee hither
   From thy Empyreal Mansion thus alone,
   To witness with thine eyes what some perhaps
   Contented with report heare onely in heav'n:
   For wonderful indeed are all his works,
   Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all
   Had in remembrance alwayes with delight;
   But what created mind can comprehend
   Thir number, or the wisdom infinite
   That brought them forth, but hid thir causes deep.
   I saw when at his Word the formless Mass,
   This worlds material mould, came to a heap:
   Confusion heard his voice, and wilde uproar
   Stood rul'd, stood vast infinitude confin'd;
   Till at his second bidding darkness fled,
   Light shon, and order from disorder sprung:
   Swift to thir several Quarters hasted then
   The cumbrous Elements, Earth, Flood, Aire, Fire,
   And this Ethereal quintessence of Heav'n
   Flew upward, spirited with various forms,
   That rowld orbicular, and turnd to Starrs
   Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move;
   Each had his place appointed, each his course,
   The rest in circuit walles 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 th' other Hemisphere
   Night would invade, but there the neighbouring Moon
   (So call that opposite fair Starr) her aide
   Timely interposes, and her monthly round
   Still ending, still renewing, through mid Heav'n;
   With borrowd light her countenance triform
   Hence fills and empties to enlighten th' Earth,
   And in her pale dominion checks the night.
   That spot to which I point is PARADISE,
   ADAMS abode, those loftie shades his Bowre.
   Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires.
   Thus said, he turnd, 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 th' Ecliptic, sped with hop'd success,
   Throws his steep flight with many an Aerie wheele,
   Nor staid, till on NIPHATES top he lights.

BOOK IV.

   O For that warning voice, which he who saw
   Th' APOCALYPS, heard cry in Heaven aloud,
   Then when the Dragon, put to second rout,
   Came furious down to be reveng'd on men,
   WO TO THE INHABITANTS ON EARTH! that now,
   While time was, our first Parents had bin warnd
   The coming of thir secret foe, and scap'd
   Haply so scap'd his mortal snare; for now
   SATAN, now first inflam'd with rage, came down,
   The Tempter ere th' Accuser of man-kind,
   To wreck on innocent frail man his loss
   Of that first Battel, and his flight to Hell:
   Yet not rejoycing in his speed, though bold,
   Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast,
   Begins his dire attempt, which nigh the birth
   Now rowling, boiles in his tumultuous brest,
   And like a devillish Engine back recoiles
   Upon himself; horror and doubt distract
   His troubl'd thoughts, and from the bottom stirr
   The Hell within him, for within him Hell
   He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell
   One step no more then from himself can fly
   By change of place: Now conscience wakes despair
   That slumberd, wakes the bitter memorie
   Of what he was, what is, and what must be
   Worse; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue.
   Sometimes towards EDEN which now in his view
   Lay pleasant, his grievd look he fixes sad,
   Sometimes towards Heav'n and the full-blazing Sun,
   Which now sat high in his Meridian Towre:
   Then much revolving, thus in sighs began.
   O thou that with surpassing Glory crownd,
   Look'st from thy sole Dominion like the God
   Of this new World; at whose sight all the Starrs
   Hide thir diminisht heads; to thee I call,
   But with no friendly voice, and add thy name
   O Sun, to tell thee how I hate thy beams
   That bring to my remembrance from what state
   I fell, how glorious once above thy Spheare;
   Till Pride and worse Ambition threw me down
   Warring in Heav'n against Heav'ns matchless King:
   Ah wherefore! he deservd no such return
   From me, whom he created what I was
   In that bright eminence, and with his good
   Upbraided none; nor was his service hard.
   What could be less then to afford him praise,
   The easiest recompence, and pay him thanks,
   How due! yet all his good prov'd ill in me,
   And wrought but malice; lifted up so high
   I sdeind subjection, and thought one step higher
   Would set me highest, and in a moment quit
   The debt immense of endless gratitude,
   So burthensome, still paying, still to ow;
   Forgetful what from him I still receivd,
   And understood not that a grateful mind
   By owing owes not, but still pays, at once
   Indebted and dischargd; what burden then?
   O had his powerful Destiny ordaind
   Me some inferiour Angel, I had stood
   Then happie; no unbounded hope had rais'd
   Ambition. Yet why not? som other Power
   As great might have aspir'd, and me though mean
   Drawn to his part; but other Powers as great
   Fell not, but stand unshak'n, from within
   Or from without, to all temptations arm'd.
   Hadst thou the same free Will and Power to stand?
   Thou hadst: whom hast thou then or what to accuse,
   But Heav'ns free Love dealt equally to all?
   Be then his Love accurst, since love or hate,
   To me alike, it deals eternal woe.
   Nay curs'd be thou; since against his thy will
   Chose freely what it now so justly rues.
   Me miserable! which way shall I flie
   Infinite wrauth, and infinite despaire?
   Which way I flie is Hell; my self am Hell;
   And in the lowest deep a lower deep
   Still threatning to devour me opens wide,
   To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heav'n.
   O then at last relent: is there no place
   Left for Repentance, none for Pardon left?
   None left but by submission; and that word
   DISDAIN forbids me, and my dread of shame
   Among the spirits beneath, whom I seduc'd
   With other promises and other vaunts
   Then to submit, boasting I could subdue
   Th' Omnipotent. Ay me, they little know
   How dearly I abide that boast so vaine,
   Under what torments inwardly I groane;
   While they adore me on the Throne of Hell,
   With Diadem and Scepter high advanc'd
   The lower still I fall, onely Supream
   In miserie; such joy Ambition findes.
   But say I could repent and could obtaine
   By Act of Grace my former state; how soon
   Would highth recal high thoughts, how soon unsay
   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 peirc'd so deep:
   Which would but lead me to a worse relapse
   And heavier fall: so should I purchase deare
   Short intermission bought with double smart.
   This knows my punisher; therefore as farr
   From granting hee, as I from begging peace:
   All hope excluded thus, behold in stead
   Of us out-cast, exil'd, his new delight,
   Mankind created, and for him this World.
   So farwel Hope, and with Hope farwel Fear,
   Farwel Remorse: all Good to me is lost;
   Evil be thou my Good; by thee at least
   Divided Empire with Heav'ns King I hold
   By thee, and more then half perhaps will reigne;
   As Man ere long, and this new World shall know.
   Thus while he spake, each passion dimm'd his face
   Thrice chang'd with pale, ire, envie and despair,
   Which marrd his borrow'd visage, and betraid
   Him counterfet, if any eye beheld.
   For heav'nly mindes from such distempers foule
   Are ever cleer. Whereof hee soon aware,
   Each perturbation smooth'd with outward calme,
   Artificer of fraud; and was the first
   That practisd falshood under saintly shew,
   Deep malice to conceale, couch't with revenge:
   Yet not anough had practisd to deceive
   URIEL once warnd; whose eye pursu'd him down
   The way he went, and on th' ASSYRIAN mount
   Saw him disfigur'd, more then could befall
   Spirit of happie sort: his gestures fierce
   He markd and mad demeanour, then alone,
   As he suppos'd, all unobserv'd, unseen.
   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 champain head
   Of a steep wilderness, whose hairie sides
   With thicket overgrown, grottesque and wilde,
   Access deni'd; and over head up grew
   Insuperable highth of loftiest shade,
   Cedar, and Pine, and Firr, and branching Palm,
   A Silvan Scene, and as the ranks ascend
   Shade above shade, a woodie Theatre
   Of stateliest view. Yet higher then thir tops
   The verdurous wall of Paradise up sprung:
   Which to our general Sire gave prospect large
   Into his neather Empire neighbouring round.
   And higher then that Wall a circling row
   Of goodliest Trees loaden with fairest Fruit,
   Blossoms and Fruits at once of golden hue
   Appeerd, with gay enameld colours mixt:
   On which the Sun more glad impress'd his beams
   Then in fair Evening Cloud, or humid Bow,
   When God hath showrd the earth; so lovely seemd
   That Lantskip: And of pure now purer aire
   Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires
   Vernal delight and joy, able to drive
   All sadness but despair: now gentle gales
   Fanning thir odoriferous wings dispense
   Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole
   Those balmie spoiles. As when to them who saile
   Beyond the CAPE OF HOPE, and now are past
   MOZAMBIC, off at Sea North-East windes blow
   SABEAN Odours from the spicie shoare
   Of ARABIE the blest, with such delay
   Well pleas'd they slack thir course, and many a League
   Cheard with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles.
   So entertaind those odorous sweets the Fiend
   Who came thir bane, though with them better pleas'd
   Then ASMODEUS with the fishie fume,
   That drove him, though enamourd, from the Spouse
   Of TOBITS Son, and with a vengeance sent
   From MEDIA post to AEGYPT, there fast bound.
   Now to th' ascent of that steep savage Hill
   SATAN had journied on, pensive and slow;
   But further way found none, so thick entwin'd,
   As one continu'd brake, the undergrowth
   Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplext
   All path of Man or Beast that past that way:
   One Gate there onely was, and that look'd East
   On th' other side: which when th' arch-fellon saw
   Due entrance he disdaind, and in contempt,
   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 Wolfe,
   Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey,
   Watching where Shepherds pen thir Flocks at eeve
   In hurdl'd Cotes amid the field secure,
   Leaps o're the fence with ease into the Fould:
   Or as a Thief bent to unhoord the cash
   Of some rich Burgher, whose substantial dores,
   Cross-barrd and bolted fast, fear no assault,
   In at the window climbes, or o're the tiles;
   So clomb this first grand Thief into Gods Fould:
   So since into his Church lewd Hirelings climbe.
   Thence up he flew, and on the Tree of Life,
   The middle Tree and highest there that grew,
   Sat like a Cormorant; yet not true Life
   Thereby regaind, but sat devising Death
   To them who liv'd; nor on the vertue thought
   Of that life-giving Plant, but only us'd
   For prospect, what well us'd had bin the pledge
   Of immortalitie. So little knows
   Any, but God alone, to value right
   The good before him, but perverts best things
   To worst abuse, or to thir meanest use.
   Beneath him with new wonder now he views
   To all delight of human sense expos'd
   In narrow room Natures whole wealth, yea more,
   A Heaven on Earth, for blissful Paradise
   Of God the Garden was, by him in the East
   Of EDEN planted; EDEN stretchd her Line
   From AURAN Eastward to the Royal Towrs
   Of great SELEUCIA, built by GRECIAN Kings,
   Or where the Sons of EDEN long before
   Dwelt in TELASSAR: in this pleasant soile
   His farr more pleasant Garden God ordaind;
   Out of the fertil ground he caus'd 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
   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 chang'd his course, but through the shaggie hill
   Pass'd underneath ingulft, for God had thrown
   That Mountain as his Garden mould high rais'd
   Upon the rapid current, which through veins
   Of porous Earth with kindly thirst up drawn,
   Rose a fresh Fountain, and with many a rill
   Waterd the Garden; thence united fell
   Down the steep glade, and met the neather Flood,
   Which from his darksom passage now appeers,
   And now divided into four main Streams,
   Runs divers, wandring many a famous Realme
   And Country whereof here needs no account,
   But rather to tell how, if Art could tell,
   How from that Saphire Fount the crisped Brooks,
   Rowling on Orient Pearl and sands of Gold,
   With mazie error under pendant shades
   Ran Nectar, visiting each plant, and fed
   Flours worthy of Paradise which not nice Art
   In Beds and curious Knots, but Nature boon
   Powrd forth profuse on Hill and Dale and Plaine,
   Both where the morning Sun first warmly smote
   The open field, and where the unpierc't shade
   Imbround the noontide Bowrs: Thus was this place,
   A happy rural seat of various view;
   Groves whose rich Trees wept odorous Gumms and Balme,
   Others whose fruit burnisht with Golden Rinde
   Hung amiable, HESPERIAN Fables true,
   If true, here onely, and of delicious taste:
   Betwixt them Lawns, or level Downs, and Flocks
   Grasing the tender herb, were interpos'd,
   Or palmie hilloc, or the flourie lap
   Of som irriguous Valley spread her store,
   Flours of all hue, and without Thorn the Rose:
   Another side, umbrageous Grots and Caves
   Of coole recess, o're which the mantling Vine
   Layes forth her purple Grape, and gently creeps
   Luxuriant; mean while murmuring waters fall
   Down the slope hills, disperst, or in a Lake,
   That to the fringed Bank with Myrtle crownd,
   Her chrystall mirror holds, unite thir streams.
   The Birds thir quire apply; aires, vernal aires,
   Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune
   The trembling leaves, while Universal PAN
   Knit with the GRACES and the HOURS in dance
   Led on th' Eternal Spring. Not that faire field
   Of ENNA, where PROSERPIN gathring flours
   Her self a fairer Floure by gloomie DIS
   Was gatherd, which cost CERES all that pain
   To seek her through the world; nor that sweet Grove
   Of DAPHNE by ORONTES, and th' inspir'd
   CASTALIAN Spring might with this Paradise
   Of EDEN strive; nor that NYSEIAN Ile
   Girt with the River TRITON, where old CHAM,
   Whom Gentiles AMMON call and LIBYAN JOVE,
   Hid AMALTHEA and her Florid Son
   Young BACCHUS from his Stepdame RHEA'S eye;
   Nor where ABASSIN Kings thir issue Guard,
   Mount AMARA, though this by som suppos'd
   True Paradise under the ETHIOP Line
   By NILUS head, enclos'd with shining Rock,
   A whole dayes journey high, but wide remote
   From this ASSYRIAN Garden, where the Fiend
   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 Honour clad
   In naked Majestie seemd Lords of all,
   And worthie seemd, for in thir looks Divine
   The image of thir glorious Maker shon,
   Truth, Wisdome, Sanctitude severe and pure,
   Severe, but in true filial freedom plac't;
   Whence true autoritie in men; though both
   Not equal, as thir sex not equal seemd;
   For contemplation hee and valour formd,
   For softness shee and sweet attractive Grace,
   Hee for God only, shee for God in him:
   His fair large Front and Eye sublime declar'd
   Absolute rule; and Hyacinthin Locks
   Round from his parted forelock manly hung
   Clustring, but not beneath his shoulders broad:
   Shee as a vail down to the slender waste
   Her unadorned golden tresses wore
   Dissheveld, but in wanton ringlets wav'd
   As the Vine curles her tendrils, which impli'd
   Subjection, but requir'd with gentle sway,
   And by her yeilded, by him best receivd,
   Yeilded with coy submission, modest pride,
   And sweet reluctant amorous delay.
   Nor those mysterious parts were then conceald,
   Then was not guiltie shame, dishonest shame
   Of natures works, honor dishonorable,
   Sin-bred, how have ye troubl'd all mankind
   With shews instead, meer shews of seeming pure,
   And banisht from mans life his happiest life,
   Simplicitie and spotless innocence.
   So passd they naked on, nor shund the sight
   Of God or Angel, for they thought no ill:
   So hand in hand they passd, the lovliest pair
   That ever since in loves imbraces met,
   ADAM the goodliest man of men since borne
   His Sons, the fairest of her Daughters EVE.
   Under a tuft of shade that on a green
   Stood whispering soft, by a fresh Fountain side
   They sat them down, and after no more toil
   Of thir sweet Gardning labour then suffic'd
   To recommend coole ZEPHYR, and made ease
   More easie, wholsom thirst and appetite
   More grateful, to thir Supper Fruits they fell,
   Nectarine Fruits which the compliant boughes
   Yeilded them, side-long as they sat recline
   On the soft downie Bank damaskt with flours:
   The savourie pulp they chew, and in the rinde
   Still as they thirsted scoop the brimming stream;
   Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles
   Wanted, nor youthful dalliance as beseems
   Fair couple, linkt in happie nuptial League,
   Alone as they. About them frisking playd
   All Beasts of th' Earth, since wilde, and of all chase
   In Wood or Wilderness, Forrest or Den;
   Sporting the Lion rampd, and in his paw
   Dandl'd the Kid; Bears, Tygers, Ounces, Pards
   Gambold before them, th' unwieldy Elephant
   To make them mirth us'd all his might, & wreathd
   His Lithe Proboscis; close the Serpent sly
   Insinuating, wove with Gordian twine
   His breaded train, and of his fatal guile
   Gave proof unheeded; others on the grass
   Coucht, and now fild with pasture gazing sat,
   Or Bedward ruminating: for the Sun
   Declin'd was hasting now with prone carreer
   To th' Ocean Iles, and in th' ascending Scale
   Of Heav'n the Starrs that usher Evening rose:
   When SATAN still in gaze, as first he stood,
   Scarce thus at length faild speech recoverd sad.
   O Hell! what doe mine eyes with grief behold,
   Into our room of bliss thus high advanc't
   Creatures of other mould, earth-born perhaps,
   Not Spirits, yet to heav'nly 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 formd them on thir shape hath pourd.
   Ah gentle pair, yee little think how nigh
   Your change approaches, when all these delights
   Will vanish and deliver ye to woe,
   More woe, the more your taste is now of joy;
   Happie, but for so happie ill secur'd
   Long to continue, and this high seat your Heav'n
   Ill fenc't for Heav'n to keep out such a foe
   As now is enterd; yet no purpos'd foe
   To you whom I could pittie thus forlorne
   Though I unpittied: League with you I seek,
   And mutual amitie so streight, 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 Makers work; he gave it me,
   Which I as freely give; Hell shall unfould,
   To entertain you two, her widest Gates,
   And send forth all her Kings; there will be room,
   Not like these narrow limits, to receive
   Your numerous ofspring; if no better place,
   Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge
   On you who wrong me not for him who wrongd.
   And should I at your harmless innocence
   Melt, as I doe, yet public reason just,
   Honour and Empire with revenge enlarg'd,
   By conquering this new World, compels me now
   To do what else though damnd I should abhorre.
   So spake the Fiend, and with necessitie,
   The Tyrants plea, excus'd his devilish deeds.
   Then from his loftie stand on that high Tree
   Down he alights among the sportful Herd
   Of those fourfooted kindes, himself now one,
   Now other, as thir shape servd best his end
   Neerer to view his prey, and unespi'd
   To mark what of thir state he more might learn
   By word or action markt: about them round
   A Lion now he stalkes with fierie glare,
   Then as a Tiger, who by chance hath spi'd
   In some Purlieu two gentle Fawnes at play,
   Strait couches close, then rising changes oft
   His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground
   Whence rushing he might surest seise them both
   Grip't in each paw: when ADAM first of men
   To first of women EVE thus moving speech,
   Turnd him all eare to heare new utterance flow.
   Sole partner and sole part of all these joyes,
   Dearer thy self then all; needs must the Power
   That made us, and for us this ample World
   Be infinitly good, and of his good
   As liberal and free as infinite,
   That rais'd us from the dust and plac't us here
   In all this happiness, who at his hand
   Have nothing merited, nor can performe
   Aught whereof hee hath need, hee who requires
   From us no other service then to keep
   This one, this easie charge, of all the Trees
   In Paradise that beare delicious fruit
   So various, not to taste that onely Tree
   Of knowledge, planted by the Tree of Life,
   So neer grows Death to Life, what ere Death is,
   Som dreadful thing no doubt; for well thou knowst
   God hath pronounc't it death to taste that Tree,
   The only sign of our obedience left
   Among so many signes of power and rule
   Conferrd upon us, and Dominion giv'n
   Over all other Creatures that possesse
   Earth, Aire, and Sea. Then let us not think hard
   One easie prohibition, who enjoy
   Free leave so large to all things else, and choice
   Unlimited of manifold delights:
   But let us ever praise him, and extoll
   His bountie, following our delightful task
   To prune these growing Plants, & tend these Flours,
   Which were it toilsom, yet with thee were sweet.
   To whom thus Eve repli'd. O thou for whom
   And from whom I was formd flesh of thy flesh,
   And without whom am to no end, my Guide
   And Head, what thou hast said is just and right.
   For wee to him indeed all praises owe,
   And daily thanks, I chiefly who enjoy
   So farr the happier Lot, enjoying thee
   Preeminent by so much odds, while thou
   Like consort to thy self canst no where find.
   That day I oft remember, when from sleep
   I first awak't, and found my self repos'd
   Under a shade on flours, much wondring where
   And what I was, whence thither brought, and how.
   Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound
   Of waters issu'd from a Cave and spread
   Into a liquid Plain, then stood unmov'd
   Pure as th' expanse of Heav'n; I thither went
   With unexperienc't thought, and laid me downe
   On the green bank, to look into the cleer
   Smooth Lake, that to me seemd another Skie.
   As I bent down to look, just opposite,
   A Shape within the watry gleam appeerd
   Bending to look on me, I started back,
   It started back, but pleasd I soon returnd,
   Pleas'd it returnd as soon with answering looks
   Of sympathie and love, there I had fixt
   Mine eyes till now, and pin'd with vain desire,
   Had not a voice thus warnd me, What thou seest,
   What there thou seest fair Creature is thy self,
   With thee it came and goes: but follow me,
   And I will bring thee where no shadow staies
   Thy coming, and thy soft imbraces, hee
   Whose image thou art, him thou shall enjoy
   Inseparablie thine, to him shalt beare
   Multitudes like thy self, and thence be call'd
   Mother of human Race: what could I doe,
   But follow strait, invisibly thus led?
   Till I espi'd thee, fair indeed and tall,
   Under a Platan, yet methought less faire,
   Less winning soft, less amiablie milde,
   Then that smooth watry image; back I turnd,
   Thou following cryd'st aloud, Return fair EVE,
   Whom fli'st thou? whom thou fli'st, of him thou art,
   His flesh, his bone; to give thee being I lent
   Out of my side to thee, neerest my heart
   Substantial Life, to have thee by my side
   Henceforth an individual solace dear;
   Part of my Soul I seek thee, and thee claim
   My other half: with that thy gentle hand
   Seisd mine, I yeilded, and from that time see
   How beauty is excelld by manly grace
   And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.
   So spake our general Mother, and with eyes
   Of conjugal attraction unreprov'd,
   And meek surrender, half imbracing leand
   On our first Father, half her swelling Breast
   Naked met his under the flowing Gold
   Of her loose tresses hid: he in delight
   Both of her Beauty and submissive Charms
   Smil'd with superior Love, as JUPITER
   On JUNO smiles, when he impregns the Clouds
   That shed MAY Flowers; and press'd her Matron lip
   With kisses pure: aside the Devil turnd
   For envie, yet with jealous leer maligne
   Ey'd them askance, and to himself thus plaind.
   Sight hateful, sight tormenting! thus these two
   Imparadis't in one anothers arms
   The happier EDEN, shall enjoy thir fill
   Of bliss on bliss, while I to Hell am thrust,
   Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,
   Among our other torments not the least,
   Still unfulfill'd with pain of longing pines;
   Yet let me not forget what I have gain'd
   From thir own mouths; all is not theirs it seems:
   One fatal Tree there stands of Knowledge call'd,
   Forbidden them to taste: Knowledge forbidd'n?
   Suspicious, reasonless. Why should thir Lord
   Envie them that? can it be sin to know,
   Can it be death? and do they onely stand
   By Ignorance, is that thir happie state,
   The proof of thir obedience and thir faith?
   O fair foundation laid whereon to build
   Thir ruine! Hence I will excite thir minds
   With more desire to know, and to reject
   Envious commands, invented with designe
   To keep them low whom knowledge might exalt
   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 leave unspi'd;
   A chance but chance may lead where I may meet
   Some wandring Spirit of Heav'n, by Fountain side,
   Or in thick shade retir'd, from him to draw
   What further would be learnt. Live while ye may,
   Yet happie pair; enjoy, till I return,
   Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed.
   So saying, his proud step he scornful turn'd,
   But with sly circumspection, and began
   Through wood, through waste, o're hil, o're dale his roam.
   Mean while in utmost Longitude, where Heav'n
   With Earth and Ocean meets, the setting Sun
   Slowly descended, and with right aspect
   Against the eastern Gate of Paradise
   Leveld his eevning Rayes: it was a Rock
   Of Alablaster, pil'd up to the Clouds,
   Conspicuous farr, winding with one ascent
   Accessible from Earth, one entrance high;
   The rest was craggie cliff, that overhung
   Still as it rose, impossible to climbe.
   Betwixt these rockie Pillars GABRIEL sat
   Chief of th' Angelic Guards, awaiting night;
   About him exercis'd Heroic Games
   Th' unarmed Youth of Heav'n, but nigh at hand
   Celestial Armourie, Shields, Helmes, and Speares
   Hung high with Diamond flaming, and with Gold.
   Thither came URIEL, gliding through the Eeven
   On a Sun beam, swift as a shooting Starr
   In AUTUMN thwarts the night, when vapors fir'd
   Impress the Air, and shews the Mariner
   From what point of his Compass to beware
   Impetuous winds: he thus began in haste.
   GABRIEL, to thee thy cours by Lot hath giv'n
   Charge and strict watch that to this happie place
   No evil thing approach or enter in;
   This day at highth of Noon came to my Spheare
   A Spirit, zealous, as he seem'd, to know
   More of th' Almighties works, and chiefly Man
   Gods latest Image: I describ'd his way
   Bent all on speed, and markt his Aerie Gate;
   But in the Mount that lies from EDEN North,
   Where he first lighted, soon discernd his looks
   Alien from Heav'n, with passions foul obscur'd:
   Mine eye pursu'd him still, but under shade
   Lost sight of him; one of the banisht crew
   I fear, hath ventur'd from the deep, to raise
   New troubles; him thy care must be to find.
   To whom the winged Warriour thus returnd:
   URIEL, no wonder if thy perfet sight,
   Amid the Suns bright circle where thou sitst,
   See farr and wide: in at this Gate none pass
   The vigilance here plac't, but such as come
   Well known from Heav'n; and since Meridian hour
   No Creature thence: if Spirit of other sort,
   So minded, have oreleapt these earthie bounds
   On purpose, hard thou knowst it to exclude
   Spiritual substance with corporeal barr.
   But if within the circuit of these walks
   In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom
   Thou telst, by morrow dawning I shall know.
   So promis'd hee, and URIEL to his charge
   Returnd on that bright beam, whose point now raisd
   Bore him slope downward to the Sun now fall'n
   Beneath th' AZORES; whither the prime Orb,
   Incredible how swift, had thither rowl'd
   Diurnal, or this less volubil Earth
   By shorter flight to th' East, had left him there
   Arraying with reflected Purple and Gold
   The Clouds that on his Western Throne attend:
   Now came still Eevning on, and Twilight gray
   Had in her sober Liverie all things clad;
   Silence accompanied, for Beast and Bird,
   They to thir grassie Couch, these to thir Nests
   Were slunk, all but the wakeful Nightingale;
   She all night long her amorous descant sung;
   Silence was pleas'd: now glow'd the Firmament
   With living Saphirs: HESPERUS that led
   The starrie Host, rode brightest, till the Moon
   Rising in clouded Majestie, at length
   Apparent Queen unvaild her peerless light,
   And o're the dark her Silver Mantle threw.
   When ADAM thus to EVE: Fair Consort, th' hour
   Of night, and all things now retir'd to rest
   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 falling with soft slumbrous weight inclines
   Our eye-lids; other Creatures all day long
   Rove idle unimploid, and less need rest;
   Man hath his daily work of body or mind
   Appointed, which declares his Dignitie,
   And the regard of Heav'n on all his waies;
   While other Animals unactive range,
   And of thir doings God takes no account.
   Tomorrow ere fresh Morning streak the East
   With first approach of light, we must be ris'n,
   And at our pleasant labour, to reform
   Yon flourie Arbors, yonder Allies green,
   Our walks at noon, with branches overgrown,
   That mock our scant manuring, and require
   More hands then ours to lop thir wanton growth:
   Those Blossoms also, and those dropping Gumms,
   That lie bestrowne unsightly and unsmooth,
   Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease;
   Mean while, as Nature wills, Night bids us rest.
   To whom thus EVE with perfet beauty adornd.
   My Author and Disposer, what thou bidst
   Unargu'd I obey; so God ordains,
   God is thy Law, thou mine: to know no more
   Is womans happiest knowledge and her praise.
   With thee conversing I forget all time,
   All seasons and thir change, all please alike.
   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 flour,
   Glistring with dew; fragrant the fertil earth
   After soft showers; and sweet the coming on
   Of grateful Eevning milde, then silent Night
   With this her solemn Bird and this fair Moon,
   And these the Gemms of Heav'n, her starrie train:
   But neither breath of Morn when she ascends
   With charm of earliest Birds, nor rising Sun
   On this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, floure,
   Glistring with dew, nor fragrance after showers,
   Nor grateful Evening mild, nor silent Night
   With this her solemn Bird, nor walk by Moon,
   Or glittering Starr-light without thee is sweet.
   But wherfore all night long shine these, for whom
   This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes?
   To whom our general Ancestor repli'd.
   Daughter of God and Man, accomplisht EVE,
   Those have thir course to finish, round the Earth,
   By morrow Eevning, and from Land to Land
   In order, though to Nations yet unborn,
   Ministring light prepar'd, they set and rise;
   Least total darkness should by Night regaine
   Her old possession, and extinguish life
   In Nature and all things, which these soft fires
   Not only enlighten, but with kindly heate
   Of various influence foment and warme,
   Temper or nourish, or in part shed down
   Thir stellar vertue on all kinds that grow
   On Earth, made hereby apter to receive
   Perfection from the Suns more potent Ray.
   These then, though unbeheld in deep of night,
   Shine not in vain, nor think, though men were none,
   That heav'n would want spectators, God want praise;
   Millions of spiritual Creatures walk the Earth
   Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep:
   All these with ceasless praise his works behold
   Both day and night: how often from the steep
   Of echoing Hill or Thicket have we heard
   Celestial voices to the midnight air,
   Sole, or responsive each to others note
   Singing thir great Creator: oft in bands
   While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk
   With Heav'nly touch of instrumental sounds
   In full harmonic number joind, thir songs
   Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to Heaven.
   Thus talking hand in hand alone they pass'd
   On to thir blissful Bower; it was a place
   Chos'n by the sovran Planter, when he fram'd
   All things to mans delightful use; the roofe
   Of thickest covert was inwoven shade
   Laurel and Mirtle, and what higher grew
   Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side
   ACANTHUS, and each odorous bushie shrub
   Fenc'd up the verdant wall; each beauteous flour,
   IRIS all hues, Roses, and Gessamin
   Rear'd high thir flourisht heads between, and wrought
   Mosaic; underfoot the Violet,
   Crocus, and Hyacinth with rich inlay
   Broiderd the ground, more colour'd then with stone
   Of costliest Emblem: other Creature here
   Beast, Bird, Insect, or Worm durst enter none;
   Such was thir awe of man. In shadier Bower
   More sacred and sequesterd, though but feignd,
   PAN or SILVANUS never slept, nor Nymph,
   Nor FAUNUS haunted. Here in close recess
   With Flowers, Garlands, and sweet-smelling Herbs
   Espoused EVE deckt first her Nuptial Bed,
   And heav'nly Quires the Hymenaean sung,
   What day the genial Angel to our Sire
   Brought her in naked beauty more adorn'd,
   More lovely then PANDORA, whom the Gods
   Endowd with all thir gifts, and O too like
   In sad event, when to the unwiser Son
   Of JAPHET brought by HERMES, she ensnar'd
   Mankind with her faire looks, to be aveng'd
   On him who had stole JOVES authentic fire.
   Thus at thir shadie Lodge arriv'd, both stood,
   Both turnd, and under op'n Skie ador'd
   The God that made both Skie, Air, Earth & Heav'n
   Which they beheld, the Moons resplendent Globe
   And starrie Pole: Thou also mad'st the Night,
   Maker Omnipotent, and thou the Day,
   Which we in our appointed work imployd
   Have finisht happie 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
   Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground.
   But thou hast promis'd from us two a Race
   To fill the Earth, who shall with us extoll
   Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake,
   And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep.
   This said unanimous, and other Rites
   Observing none, but adoration pure
   Which God likes best, into thir inmost bower
   Handed they went; and eas'd the putting off
   These troublesom disguises which wee wear,
   Strait side by side were laid, nor turnd I weene
   ADAM from his fair Spouse, nor EVE the Rites
   Mysterious of connubial Love refus'd:
   Whatever Hypocrites austerely talk
   Of puritie and place and innocence,
   Defaming as impure what God declares
   Pure, and commands to som, leaves free to all.
   Our Maker bids increase, who bids abstain
   But our Destroyer, foe to God and Man?
   Haile wedded Love, mysterious Law, true source
   Of human ofspring, sole proprietie,
   In Paradise of all things common else.
   By thee adulterous lust was driv'n from men
   Among the bestial herds to raunge, by thee
   Founded in Reason, Loyal, Just, and Pure,
   Relations dear, and all the Charities
   Of Father, Son, and Brother first were known.
   Farr be it, that I should write thee sin or blame,
   Or think thee unbefitting holiest place,
   Perpetual Fountain of Domestic sweets,
   Whose Bed is undefil'd and chast pronounc't,
   Present, or past, as Saints and Patriarchs us'd.
   Here Love his golden shafts imploies, here lights
   His constant Lamp, and waves his purple wings,
   Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile
   Of Harlots, loveless, joyless, unindeard,
   Casual fruition, nor in Court Amours
   Mixt Dance, or wanton Mask, or Midnight Bal,
   Or Serenate, which the starv'd Lover sings
   To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.
   These lulld by Nightingales imbraceing slept,
   And on thir naked limbs the flourie roof
   Showrd Roses, which the Morn repair'd. Sleep on,
   Blest pair; and O yet happiest if ye seek
   No happier state, and know to know no more.
   Now had night measur'd with her shaddowie Cone
   Half way up Hill this vast Sublunar Vault,
   And from thir Ivorie Port the Cherubim
   Forth issuing at th' accustomd hour stood armd
   To thir night watches in warlike Parade,
   When GABRIEL to his next in power thus spake.
   UZZIEL, half these draw off, and coast the South
   With strictest watch; these other wheel the North,
   Our circuit meets full West. As flame they part
   Half wheeling to the Shield, half to the Spear.
   From these, two strong and suttle Spirits he calld
   That neer him stood, and gave them thus in charge.
   ITHURIEL and ZEPHON, with wingd speed
   Search through this Garden, leav unsearcht no nook,
   But chiefly where those two fair Creatures Lodge,
   Now laid perhaps asleep secure of harme.
   This Eevning from the Sun's decline arriv'd
   Who tells of som infernal Spirit seen
   Hitherward bent (who could have thought?) escap'd
   The barrs of Hell, on errand bad no doubt:
   Such where ye find, seise fast, and hither bring.
   So saying, on he led his radiant Files,
   Daz'ling the Moon; these to the Bower direct
   In search of whom they sought: him there they found
   Squat like a Toad, close at the eare of EVE;
   Assaying by his Devilish art to reach
   The Organs of her Fancie, and with them forge
   Illusions as he list, Phantasms and Dreams,
   Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint
   Th' animal Spirits that from pure blood arise
   Like gentle breaths from Rivers pure, thence raise
   At least distemperd, discontented thoughts,
   Vain hopes, vain aimes, inordinate desires
   Blown up with high conceits ingendring pride.
   Him thus intent ITHURIEL with his Spear
   Touch'd lightly; for no falshood can endure
   Touch of Celestial temper, but returns
   Of force to its own likeness: up he starts
   Discoverd and surpriz'd. As when a spark
   Lights on a heap of nitrous Powder, laid
   Fit for the Tun som Magazin to store
   Against a rumord Warr, the Smuttie graine
   With sudden blaze diffus'd, inflames the Aire:
   So started up in his own shape the Fiend.
   Back stept those two fair Angels half amaz'd
   So sudden to behold the grieslie King;
   Yet thus, unmovd with fear, accost him soon.
   Which of those rebell Spirits adjudg'd to Hell
   Com'st thou, escap'd thy prison, and transform'd,
   Why satst thou like an enemie in waite
   Here watching at the head of these that sleep?
   Know ye not then said SATAN, filld with scorn,
   Know ye not me? ye knew me once no mate
   For you, there sitting where ye durst not soare;
   Not to know mee argues your selves unknown,
   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,
   Or undiminisht brightness, to be known
   As when thou stoodst in Heav'n upright and pure;
   That Glorie then, when thou no more wast good,
   Departed from thee, and thou resembl'st now
   Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foule.
   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 Cherube, and his grave rebuke
   Severe in youthful beautie, added grace
   Invincible: abasht the Devil stood,
   And felt how awful goodness is, and saw
   Vertue in her shape how lovly, saw, and pin'd
   His loss; but chiefly to find here observd
   His lustre visibly impar'd; yet seemd
   Undaunted. If I must contend, said he,
   Best with the best, the Sender not the sent,
   Or all at once; more glorie will be wonn,
   Or less be lost. Thy fear, said ZEPHON bold,
   Will save us trial what the least can doe
   Single against thee wicked, and thence weak.
   The Fiend repli'd not, overcome with rage;
   But like a proud Steed reind, went hautie on,
   Chaumping his iron curb: to strive or flie
   He held it vain; awe from above had quelld
   His heart, not else dismai'd. Now drew they nigh
   The western point, where those half-rounding guards
   Just met, & closing stood in squadron joind
   Awaiting next command. To whom thir Chief
   GABRIEL from the Front thus calld aloud.
   O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet
   Hasting this way, and now by glimps discerne
   ITHURIEL and ZEPHON through the shade,
   And with them comes a third of Regal port,
   But faded splendor wan; who by his gate
   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 approachd
   And brief related whom they brought, wher found,
   How busied, in what form and posture coucht.
   To whom with stern regard thus GABRIEL spake.
   Why hast thou, SATAN, broke the bounds prescrib'd
   To thy transgressions, and disturbd the charge
   Of others, who approve not to transgress
   By thy example, but have power and right
   To question thy bold entrance on this place;
   Imploi'd it seems to violate sleep, and those
   Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?
   To whom thus SATAN with contemptuous brow.
   GABRIEL, thou hadst in Heav'n th' esteem of wise,
   And such I held thee; but this question askt
   Puts me in doubt. Lives ther who loves his pain?
   Who would not, finding way, break loose from Hell,
   Though thither doomd? Thou wouldst thy self, no doubt,
   And boldly venture to whatever place
   Farthest from pain, where thou mightst hope to change
   Torment with ease, & soonest recompence
   Dole with delight, which in this place I sought;
   To thee no reason; who knowst only good,
   But evil hast not tri'd: and wilt object
   His will who bound us? let him surer barr
   His Iron Gates, if he intends our stay
   In that dark durance: thus much what was askt.
   The rest is true, they found me where they say;
   But that implies not violence or harme.
   Thus hee in scorn. The warlike Angel mov'd,
   Disdainfully half smiling thus repli'd.
   O loss of one in Heav'n to judge of wise,
   Since SATAN fell, whom follie overthrew,
   And now returns him from his prison scap't,
   Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise
   Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither
   Unlicenc't from his bounds in Hell prescrib'd;
   So wise he judges it to fly from pain
   However, and to scape his punishment.
   So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrauth,
   Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight
   Seavenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell,
   Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain
   Can equal anger infinite provok't.
   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 then they
   Less hardie to endure? courageous Chief,
   The first in flight from pain, had'st thou alleg'd
   To thy deserted host this cause of flight,
   Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive.
   To which the Fiend thus answerd frowning stern.
   Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain,
   Insulting Angel, well thou knowst I stood
   Thy fiercest, when in Battel to thy aide
   The blasting volied Thunder made all speed
   And seconded thy else not dreaded Spear.
   But still thy words at random, as before,
   Argue thy inexperience what behooves
   From hard assaies and ill successes past
   A faithful Leader, not to hazard all
   Through wayes of danger by himself untri'd.
   I therefore, I alone first undertook
   To wing the desolate Abyss, and spie
   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 Aire;
   Though for possession put to try once more
   What thou and thy gay Legions dare against;
   Whose easier business were to serve thir Lord
   High up in Heav'n, with songs to hymne his Throne,
   And practis'd distances to cringe, not fight.
   To whom the warriour Angel soon repli'd.
   To say and strait unsay, pretending first
   Wise to flie pain, professing next the Spie,
   Argues no Leader, but a lyar trac't,
   SATAN, and couldst thou faithful add? O name,
   O sacred name of faithfulness profan'd!
   Faithful to whom? to thy rebellious crew?
   Armie of Fiends, fit body to fit head;
   Was this your discipline and faith ingag'd,
   Your military obedience, to dissolve
   Allegeance to th' acknowledg'd Power supream?
   And thou sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem
   Patron of liberty, who more then thou
   Once fawn'd, and cring'd, and servilly ador'd
   Heav'ns awful Monarch? wherefore but in hope
   To dispossess him, and thy self to reigne?
   But mark what I arreede thee now, avant;
   Flie thither whence thou fledst: if from this houre
   Within these hallowd limits thou appeer,
   Back to th' infernal pit I drag thee chaind,
   And Seale thee so, as henceforth not to scorne
   The facil gates of hell too slightly barrd.
   So threatn'd hee, but SATAN to no threats
   Gave heed, but waxing more in rage repli'd.
   Then when I am thy captive talk of chaines,
   Proud limitarie Cherube, but ere then
   Farr heavier load thy self expect to feel
   From my prevailing arme, though Heavens King
   Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy Compeers,
   Us'd to the yoak, draw'st his triumphant wheels
   In progress through the rode of Heav'n Star-pav'd.
   While thus he spake, th' Angelic Squadron bright
   Turnd fierie red, sharpning in mooned hornes
   Thir Phalanx, and began to hemm him round
   With ported Spears, as thick as when a field
   Of CERES ripe for harvest waving bends
   Her bearded Grove of ears, which way the wind
   Swayes them; the careful Plowman doubting stands
   Least on the threshing floore his hopeful sheaves
   Prove chaff. On th' other side SATAN allarm'd
   Collecting all his might dilated stood,
   Like TENERIFF or ATLAS unremov'd:
   His stature reacht the Skie, and on his Crest
   Sat horror Plum'd; nor wanted in his graspe
   What seemd both Spear and Shield: now dreadful deeds
   Might have ensu'd, nor onely Paradise
   In this commotion, but the Starrie Cope
   Of Heav'n perhaps, or all the Elements
   At least had gon to rack, disturbd and torne
   With violence of this conflict, had not soon
   Th' Eternal to prevent such horrid fray
   Hung forth in Heav'n his golden Scales, yet seen
   Betwixt ASTREA and the SCORPION signe,
   Wherein all things created first he weighd,
   The pendulous round Earth with ballanc't Aire
   In counterpoise, now ponders all events,
   Battels and Realms: in these he put two weights
   The sequel each of parting and of fight;
   The latter quick up flew, and kickt the beam;
   Which GABRIEL spying, thus bespake the Fiend.
   SATAN, I know thy strength, and thou knowst mine,
   Neither our own but giv'n; what follie then
   To boast what Arms can doe, since thine no more
   Then Heav'n permits, nor mine, though doubld now
   To trample thee as mire: for proof look up,
   And read thy Lot in yon celestial Sign
   Where thou art weigh'd, & shown how light, how weak,
   If thou resist. The Fiend lookt up and knew
   His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled
   Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night.

BOOK V.

   Now Morn her rosie steps in th' Eastern Clime
   Advancing, sow'd the Earth with Orient Pearle,
   When ADAM wak't, so customd, for his sleep
   Was Aerie light, from pure digestion bred,
   And temperat vapors bland, which th' only sound
   Of leaves and fuming rills, AURORA's fan,
   Lightly dispers'd, and the shrill Matin Song
   Of Birds on every bough; so much the more
   His wonder was to find unwak'nd EVE
   With Tresses discompos'd, and glowing Cheek,
   As through unquiet rest: he on his side
   Leaning half-rais'd, with looks of cordial Love
   Hung over her enamour'd, and beheld
   Beautie, which whether waking or asleep,
   Shot forth peculiar Graces; then with voice
   Milde, as when ZEPHYRUS on FLORA breathes,
   Her hand soft touching, whisperd thus. Awake
   My fairest, my espous'd, my latest found,
   Heav'ns last best gift, my ever new delight,
   Awake, the morning shines, and the fresh field
   Calls us, we lose the prime, to mark how spring
   Our tended Plants, how blows the Citron Grove,
   What drops the Myrrhe, & what the balmie Reed,
   How Nature paints her colours, how the Bee
   Sits on the Bloom extracting liquid sweet.
   Such whispering wak'd her, but with startl'd eye
   On ADAM, whom imbracing, thus she spake.
   O Sole in whom my thoughts find all repose,
   My Glorie, my Perfection, glad I see
   Thy face, and Morn return'd, for I this Night,
   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 pass't, or morrows next designe,
   But of offence and trouble, which my mind
   Knew never till this irksom night; methought
   Close at mine ear one call'd me forth to walk
   With gentle voice, I thought it thine; it said,
   Why sleepst thou EVE? now is the pleasant time,
   The cool, the silent, save where silence yields
   To the night-warbling Bird, that now awake
   Tunes sweetest his love-labor'd song; now reignes
   Full Orb'd the Moon, and with more pleasing light
   Shadowie sets off the face of things; in vain,
   If none regard; Heav'n wakes with all his eyes,
   Whom to behold but thee, Natures desire,
   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
   That brought me on a sudden to the Tree
   Of interdicted Knowledge: fair it seem'd,
   Much fairer to my Fancie then by day:
   And as I wondring lookt, beside it stood
   One shap'd & wing'd like one of those from Heav'n
   By us oft seen; his dewie locks distill'd
   Ambrosia; on that Tree he also gaz'd;
   And O fair Plant, said he, with fruit surcharg'd,
   Deigns none to ease thy load and taste thy sweet,
   Nor God, nor Man; is Knowledge so despis'd?
   Or envie, or what reserve forbids to taste?
   Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold
   Longer thy offerd good, why else set here?
   This said he paus'd not, but with ventrous Arme
   He pluckt, he tasted; mee damp horror chil'd
   At such bold words voucht with a deed so bold:
   But he thus overjoy'd, O Fruit Divine,
   Sweet of thy self, but much more sweet thus cropt,
   Forbidd'n here, it seems, as onely fit
   For Gods, yet able to make Gods of Men:
   And why not Gods of Men, since good, the more
   Communicated, more abundant growes,
   The Author not impair'd, but honourd more?
   Here, happie Creature, fair Angelic EVE,
   Partake thou also; happie though thou art,
   Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be:
   Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods
   Thy self a Goddess, not to Earth confind,
   But somtimes in the Air, as wee, somtimes
   Ascend to Heav'n, by merit thine, and see
   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 pluckt; the pleasant savourie smell
   So quick'nd appetite, that I, methought,
   Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the Clouds
   With him I flew, and underneath beheld
   The Earth outstretcht immense, a prospect wide
   And various: wondring at my flight and change
   To this high exaltation; suddenly
   My Guide was gon, and I, me thought, sunk down,
   And fell asleep; but O how glad I wak'd
   To find this but a dream! Thus EVE her Night
   Related, and thus ADAM answerd sad.
   Best Image of my self and dearer half,
   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 Soule
   Are many lesser Faculties that serve
   Reason as chief; among these Fansie next
   Her office holds; of all external things,
   Which the five watchful Senses represent,
   She forms Imaginations, Aerie shapes,
   Which Reason joyning or disjoyning, 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 Fansie wakes
   To imitate her; but misjoyning shapes,
   Wilde work produces oft, and most in dreams,
   Ill matching words and deeds long past or late.
   Som such resemblances methinks I find
   Of our last Eevnings talk, in this thy dream,
   But with addition strange; yet be not sad.
   Evil into the mind of God or Man
   May come and go, so unapprov'd, and leave
   No spot or blame behind: Which gives me hope
   That what in sleep thou didst abhorr to dream,
   Waking thou never wilt consent to do.
   Be not disheart'nd then, nor cloud those looks
   That wont to be more chearful and serene
   Then when fair Morning first smiles on the World,
   And let us to our fresh imployments rise
   Among the Groves, the Fountains, and the Flours
   That open now thir choicest bosom'd smells
   Reservd from night, and kept for thee in store.
   So cheard he his fair Spouse, and she was cheard,
   But silently a gentle tear let fall
   From either eye, and wip'd them with her haire;
   Two other precious drops that ready stood,
   Each in thir chrystal sluce, hee ere they fell
   Kiss'd as the gracious signs of sweet remorse
   And pious awe, that feard to have offended.
   So all was cleard, and to the Field they haste.
   But first from under shadie arborous roof,
   Soon as they forth were come to open sight
   Of day-spring, and the Sun, who scarce up risen
   With wheels yet hov'ring o're the Ocean brim,
   Shot paralel to the earth his dewie ray,
   Discovering in wide Lantskip all the East
   Of Paradise and EDENS happie Plains,
   Lowly they bow'd adoring, and began
   Thir Orisons, each Morning duly paid
   In various style, for neither various style
   Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise
   Thir Maker, in fit strains pronounc't or sung
   Unmeditated, such prompt eloquence
   Flowd from thir lips, in Prose or numerous Verse,
   More tuneable then needed Lute or Harp
   To add more sweetness, and they thus began.
   These are thy glorious works, Parent of good,
   Almightie, thine this universal Frame,
   Thus wondrous fair; thy self how wondrous then!
   Unspeakable, who sitst 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 yee who best can tell, ye Sons of light,
   Angels, for yee behold him, and with songs
   And choral symphonies, Day without Night,
   Circle his Throne rejoycing, yee in Heav'n,
   On Earth joyn all yee Creatures to extoll
   Him first, him last, him midst, and without end.
   Fairest of Starrs, last in the train of Night,
   If better thou belong not to the dawn,
   Sure pledge of day, that crownst the smiling Morn
   With thy bright Circlet, praise him in thy Spheare
   While day arises, that sweet hour of Prime.
   Thou Sun, of this great World both Eye and Soule,
   Acknowledge him thy Greater, sound his praise
   In thy eternal course, both when thou climb'st,
   And when high Noon hast gaind, & when thou fallst.
   Moon, that now meetst the orient Sun, now fli'st
   With the fixt Starrs, fixt in thir Orb that flies,
   And yee five other wandring Fires that move
   In mystic Dance not without Song, resound
   His praise, who out of Darkness call'd up Light.
   Aire, and ye Elements the eldest birth
   Of Natures Womb, that in quaternion run
   Perpetual Circle, multiform; and mix
   And nourish all things, let your ceasless change
   Varie to our great Maker still new praise.
   Ye Mists and Exhalations that now rise
   From Hill or steaming Lake, duskie or grey,
   Till the Sun paint your fleecie skirts with Gold,
   In honour to the Worlds great Author rise,
   Whether to deck with Clouds the uncolourd skie,
   Or wet the thirstie Earth with falling showers,
   Rising or falling still advance his praise.
   His praise ye Winds, that from four Quarters blow,
   Breath soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye Pines,
   With every Plant, in sign of Worship wave.
   Fountains and yee, that warble, as ye flow,
   Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise.
   Joyn voices all ye living Souls, ye Birds,
   That singing up to Heaven Gate ascend,
   Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise;
   Yee that in Waters glide, and yee that walk
   The Earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep;
   Witness if I be silent, Morn or Eeven,
   To Hill, or Valley, Fountain, or fresh shade
   Made vocal by my Song, and taught his praise.
   Hail universal Lord, be bounteous still
   To give us onely good; and if the night
   Have gathered aught of evil or conceald,
   Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark.
   So pray'd they innocent, and to thir thoughts
   Firm peace recoverd soon and wonted calm.
   On to thir mornings rural work they haste
   Among sweet dewes and flours; where any row
   Of Fruit-trees overwoodie reachd too farr
   Thir pamperd boughes, and needed hands to check
   Fruitless imbraces: or they led the Vine
   To wed her Elm; she spous'd about him twines
   Her mariageable arms, and with her brings
   Her dowr th' adopted Clusters, to adorn
   His barren leaves. Them thus imploid beheld
   With pittie Heav'ns high King, and to him call'd
   RAPHAEL, the sociable Spirit, that deign'd
   To travel with TOBIAS, and secur'd
   His marriage with the seaventimes-wedded Maid.
   RAPHAEL, said hee, thou hear'st what stir on Earth
   SATAN from Hell scap't through the darksom Gulf
   Hath raisd in Paradise, and how disturbd
   This night the human pair, how he designes
   In them at once to ruin all mankind.
   Go therefore, half this day as friend with friend
   Converse with ADAM, in what Bowre or shade
   Thou find'st him from the heat of Noon retir'd,
   To respit his day-labour with repast,
   Or with repose; and such discourse bring on,
   As may advise him of his happie state,
   Happiness in his power left free to will,
   Left to his own free Will, his Will though free,
   Yet mutable; whence warne him to beware
   He swerve not too secure: tell him withall
   His danger, and from whom, what enemie
   Late falln himself from Heav'n, is plotting now
   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 know,
   Least wilfully transgressing he pretend
   Surprisal, unadmonisht, unforewarnd.
   So spake th' Eternal Father, and fulfilld
   All Justice: nor delaid the winged Saint
   After his charge receivd, but from among
   Thousand Celestial Ardors, where he stood
   Vaild with his gorgeous wings, up springing light
   Flew through the midst of Heav'n; th' angelic Quires
   On each hand parting, to his speed gave way
   Through all th' Empyreal road; till at the Gate
   Of Heav'n arriv'd, the gate self-opend wide
   On golden Hinges turning, as by work
   Divine the sov'ran Architect had fram'd.
   From hence, no cloud, or, to obstruct his sight,
   Starr interpos'd, however small he sees,
   Not unconform to other shining Globes,
   Earth and the Gard'n of God, with Cedars crownd
   Above all Hills. As when by night the Glass
   Of GALILEO, less assur'd, observes
   Imagind Lands and Regions in the Moon:
   Or Pilot from amidst the CYCLADES
   DELOS or SAMOS first appeering kenns
   A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight
   He speeds, and through the vast Ethereal Skie
   Sailes between worlds & worlds, with steddie wing
   Now on the polar windes, then with quick Fann
   Winnows the buxom Air; till within soare
   Of Towring Eagles, to all the Fowles he seems
   A PHOENIX, gaz'd by all, as that sole Bird
   When to enshrine his reliques in the Sun's
   Bright Temple, to AEGYPTIAN THEB'S he flies.
   At once on th' Eastern cliff of Paradise
   He lights, and to his proper shape returns
   A Seraph wingd; six wings he wore, to shade
   His lineaments Divine; the pair that clad
   Each shoulder broad, came mantling o're his brest
   With regal Ornament; the middle pair
   Girt like a Starrie Zone his waste, and round
   Skirted his loines and thighes with downie Gold
   And colours dipt in Heav'n; the third his feet
   Shaddowd from either heele with featherd maile
   Skie-tinctur'd grain. Like MAIA'S son he stood,
   And shook his Plumes, that Heav'nly fragrance filld
   The circuit wide. Strait knew him all the bands
   Of Angels under watch; and to his state,
   And to his message high in honour rise;
   For on som message high they guessd him bound.
   Thir glittering Tents he passd, and now is come
   Into the blissful field, through Groves of Myrrhe,
   And flouring Odours, Cassia, Nard, and Balme;
   A Wilderness of sweets; for Nature here
   Wantond as in her prime, and plaid at will
   Her Virgin Fancies, pouring forth more sweet,
   Wilde above rule or art; enormous bliss.
   Him through the spicie Forrest onward com
   ADAM discernd, as in the dore he sat
   Of his coole Bowre, while now the mounted Sun
   Shot down direct his fervid Raies, to warme
   Earths inmost womb, more warmth then ADAM need;
   And EVE within, due at her hour prepar'd
   For dinner savourie fruits, of taste to please
   True appetite, and not disrelish thirst
   Of nectarous draughts between, from milkie stream,
   Berrie 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
   Ris'n on mid-noon; som great behest from Heav'n
   To us perhaps he brings, and will voutsafe
   This day to be our Guest. But goe with speed,
   And what thy stores contain, bring forth and poure
   Abundance, fit to honour and receive
   Our Heav'nly stranger; well we may afford
   Our givers thir own gifts, and large bestow
   From large bestowd, where Nature multiplies
   Her fertil growth, and by disburd'ning grows
   More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare.
   To whom thus EVE. ADAM, earths hallowd mould,
   Of God inspir'd, small store will serve, where store,
   All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk;
   Save what by frugal storing firmness gains
   To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes:
   But I will haste and from each bough and break,
   Each Plant & juciest Gourd will pluck such choice
   To entertain our Angel guest, as hee
   Beholding shall confess that here on Earth
   God hath dispenst his bounties as in Heav'n.
   So saying, with dispatchful looks in haste
   She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent
   What choice to chuse for delicacie best,
   What order, so contriv'd as not to mix
   Tastes, not well joynd, inelegant, but bring
   Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change,
   Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk
   Whatever Earth all-bearing Mother yeilds
   In INDIA East or West, or middle shoare
   In PONTUS or the PUNIC Coast, or where
   ALCINOUS reign'd, fruit of all kindes, in coate,
   Rough, or smooth rin'd, or bearded husk, or shell
   She gathers, Tribute large, and on the board
   Heaps with unsparing hand; for drink the Grape
   She crushes, inoffensive moust, and meathes
   From many a berrie, and from sweet kernels prest
   She tempers dulcet creams, nor these to hold
   Wants her fit vessels pure, then strews the ground
   With Rose and Odours from the shrub unfum'd.
   Mean while our Primitive great Sire, to meet
   His god-like Guest, walks forth, without more train
   Accompani'd then with his own compleat
   Perfections, in himself was all his state,
   More solemn then the tedious pomp that waits
   On Princes, when thir rich Retinue long
   Of Horses led, and Grooms besmeard with Gold
   Dazles the croud, and sets them all agape.
   Neerer his presence ADAM though not awd,
   Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek,
   As to a superior Nature, bowing low,
   Thus said. Native of Heav'n, for other place
   None can then Heav'n such glorious shape contain;
   Since by descending from the Thrones above,
   Those happie places thou hast deignd a while
   To want, and honour these, voutsafe with us
   Two onely, who yet by sov'ran gift possess
   This spacious ground, in yonder shadie Bowre
   To rest, and what the Garden choicest bears
   To sit and taste, till this meridian heat
   Be over, and the Sun more coole decline.
   Whom thus the Angelic Vertue answerd milde.
   ADAM, I therefore came, nor art thou such
   Created, or such place hast here to dwell,
   As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heav'n
   To visit thee; lead on then where thy Bowre
   Oreshades; for these mid-hours, till Eevning rise
   I have at will. So to the Silvan Lodge
   They came, that like POMONA'S Arbour smil'd
   With flourets deck't and fragrant smells; but EVE
   Undeckt, save with her self more lovely fair
   Then Wood-Nymph, or the fairest Goddess feign'd
   Of three that in Mount IDA naked strove,
   Stood to entertain her guest from Heav'n; no vaile
   Shee needed, Vertue-proof, no thought infirme
   Alterd her cheek. On whom the Angel HAILE
   Bestowd, the holy salutation us'd
   Long after to blest MARIE, second EVE.
   Haile Mother of Mankind, whose fruitful Womb
   Shall fill the World more numerous with thy Sons
   Then with these various fruits the Trees of God
   Have heap'd this Table. Rais'd of grassie terf
   Thir Table was, and mossie seats had round,
   And on her ample Square from side to side
   All AUTUMN pil'd, though SPRING and AUTUMN here
   Danc'd hand in hand. A while discourse they hold;
   No fear lest Dinner coole; when thus began
   Our Authour. Heav'nly stranger, please to taste
   These bounties which our Nourisher, from whom
   All perfet good unmeasur'd out, descends,
   To us for food and for delight hath caus'd
   The Earth to yeild; unsavourie food perhaps
   To spiritual Natures; 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
   Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found
   No ingrateful food: and food alike those pure
   Intelligential substances require
   As doth your Rational; and both contain
   Within them every lower facultie
   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 sustaind and fed; of Elements
   The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea,
   Earth and the Sea feed Air, the Air those Fires
   Ethereal, and as lowest first the Moon;
   Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurg'd
   Vapours not yet into her substance turnd.
   Nor doth the Moon no nourishment exhale
   From her moist Continent to higher Orbes.
   The Sun that light imparts to all, receives
   From all his alimental recompence
   In humid exhalations, and at Even
   Sups with the Ocean: though in Heav'n the Trees
   Of life ambrosial frutage bear, and vines
   Yeild Nectar, though from off the boughs each Morn
   We brush mellifluous Dewes, and find the ground
   Cover'd with pearly grain: yet God hath here
   Varied his bounty so with new delights,
   As may compare with Heaven; and to taste
   Think not I shall be nice. So down they sat,
   And to thir viands fell, nor seemingly
   The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss
   Of Theologians, but with keen dispatch
   Of real hunger, and concoctive heate
   To transubstantiate; what redounds, transpires
   Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder; if by fire
   Of sooty coal the Empiric Alchimist
   Can turn, or holds it possible to turn
   Metals of drossiest Ore to perfet Gold
   As from the Mine. Mean while at Table EVE
   Ministerd naked, and thir flowing cups
   With pleasant liquors crown'd: O innocence
   Deserving Paradise! if ever, then,
   Then had the Sons of God excuse to have bin
   Enamour'd at that sight; but in those hearts
   Love unlibidinous reign'd, nor jealousie
   Was understood, the injur'd Lovers Hell.
   Thus when with meats & drinks they had suffic'd,
   Not burd'nd Nature, sudden mind arose
   In ADAM, not to let th' occasion pass
   Given him by this great Conference to know
   Of things above his World, and of thir being
   Who dwell in Heav'n, whose excellence he saw
   Transcend his own so farr, whose radiant forms
   Divine effulgence, whose high Power so far
   Exceeded human, and his wary speech
   Thus to th' Empyreal Minister he fram'd.
   Inhabitant with God, now know I well
   Thy favour, in this honour done to man,
   Under whose lowly roof thou hast voutsaf't
   To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste,
   Food not of Angels, yet accepted so,
   As that more willingly thou couldst not seem
   At Heav'ns high feasts to have fed: yet what compare?
   To whom the winged Hierarch repli'd.
   O ADAM, one Almightie is, from whom
   All things proceed, and up to him return,
   If not deprav'd from good, created all
   Such to perfection, one first matter all,
   Indu'd with various forms, various degrees
   Of substance, and in things that live, of life;
   But more refin'd, more spiritous, and pure,
   As neerer to him plac't or neerer tending
   Each in thir several active Sphears assignd,
   Till body up to spirit work, in bounds
   Proportiond to each kind. So from the root
   Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves
   More aerie, last the bright consummate floure
   Spirits odorous breathes: flours and thir fruit
   Mans nourishment, by gradual scale sublim'd
   To vital Spirits aspire, to animal,
   To intellectual, give both life and sense,
   Fansie and understanding, whence the soule
   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.
   Wonder not then, what God for you saw good
   If I refuse not, but convert, as you,
   To proper substance; time may come when men
   With Angels may participate, and find
   No inconvenient Diet, nor too light Fare:
   And from these corporal nutriments perhaps
   Your bodies may at last turn all to Spirit
   Improv'd by tract of time, and wingd ascend
   Ethereal, as wee, or may at choice
   Here or in Heav'nly Paradises dwell;
   If ye be found obedient, and retain
   Unalterably firm his love entire
   Whose progenie you are. Mean while enjoy
   Your fill what happiness this happie state
   Can comprehend, incapable of more.
   To whom the Patriarch of mankind repli'd.
   O favourable spirit, propitious guest,
   Well hast thou taught the way that might direct
   Our knowledge, and the scale of Nature set
   From center to circumference, whereon
   In contemplation of created things
   By steps we may ascend to God. But say,
   What meant that caution joind, IF YE BE FOUND
   OBEDIENT? can wee want obedience then
   To him, or possibly his love desert
   Who formd us from the dust, and plac'd us here
   Full to the utmost measure of what bliss
   Human desires can seek or apprehend?
   To whom the Angel. Son of Heav'n and Earth,
   Attend: That thou art happie, owe to God;
   That thou continu'st such, owe to thy self,
   That is, to thy obedience; therein stand.
   This was that caution giv'n thee; be advis'd.
   God made thee perfet, not immutable;
   And good he made thee, but to persevere
   He left it in thy power, ordaind thy will
   By nature free, not over-rul'd by Fate
   Inextricable, or strict necessity;
   Our voluntarie service he requires,
   Not our necessitated, such with him
   Findes no acceptance, nor can find, for how
   Can hearts, not free, be tri'd whether they serve
   Willing or no, who will but what they must
   By Destinie, and can no other choose?
   My self and all th' Angelic Host that stand
   In sight of God enthron'd, our happie state
   Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds;
   On other surety none; freely we serve.
   Because wee freely love, as in our will
   To love or not; in this we stand or fall:
   And som are fall'n, to disobedience fall'n,
   And so from Heav'n to deepest Hell; O fall
   From what high state of bliss into what woe!
   To whom our great Progenitor. Thy words
   Attentive, and with more delighted eare
   Divine instructer, I have heard, then when
   Cherubic Songs by night from neighbouring Hills
   Aereal Music send: nor knew I not
   To be both will and deed created free;
   Yet that we never shall forget to love
   Our maker, and obey him whose command
   Single, is yet so just, my constant thoughts
   Assur'd me and still assure: though what thou tellst
   Hath past in Heav'n, som doubt within me move,
   But more desire to hear, if thou consent,
   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 finisht half his journey, and scarce begins
   His other half in the great Zone of Heav'n.
   Thus ADAM made request, and RAPHAEL
   After short pause assenting, thus began.
   High matter thou injoinst me, O prime of men,
   Sad task and hard, for how shall I relate
   To human sense th' invisible exploits
   Of warring Spirits; how without remorse
   The ruin of so many glorious once
   And perfet while they stood; how last unfould
   The secrets of another world, perhaps
   Not lawful to reveal? yet for thy good
   This is dispenc't, and what surmounts the reach
   Of human sense, I shall delineate so,
   By lik'ning spiritual to corporal forms,
   As may express them best, though what if Earth
   Be but the shaddow of Heav'n, and things therein
   Each to other like, more then on earth is thought?
   As yet this world was not, and CHAOS wilde
   Reignd where these Heav'ns now rowl, where Earth now rests
   Upon her Center pois'd, when on a day
   (For Time, though in Eternitie, appli'd
   To motion, measures all things durable
   By present, past, and future) on such day
   As Heav'ns great Year brings forth, th' Empyreal Host
   Of Angels by Imperial summons call'd,
   Innumerable before th' Almighties Throne
   Forthwith from all the ends of Heav'n appeerd
   Under thir Hierarchs in orders bright
   Ten thousand thousand Ensignes high advanc'd,
   Standards, and Gonfalons twixt Van and Reare
   Streame in the Aire, and for distinction serve
   Of Hierarchies, of Orders, and Degrees;
   Or in thir glittering Tissues bear imblaz'd
   Holy Memorials, acts of Zeale and Love
   Recorded eminent. Thus when in Orbes
   Of circuit inexpressible they stood,
   Orb within Orb, the Father infinite,
   By whom in bliss imbosom'd sat the Son,
   Amidst as from a flaming Mount, whoseop
   Brightness had made invisible, thus spake.
   Hear all ye Angels, Progenie of Light,
   Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers,
   Hear my Decree, which unrevok't shall stand.
   This day I have begot whom I declare
   My onely Son, and on this holy Hill
   Him have anointed, whom ye now behold
   At my right hand; your Head I him appoint;
   And by my Self have sworn to him shall bow
   All knees in Heav'n, and shall confess him Lord:
   Under his great Vice-gerent Reign abide
   United as one individual Soule
   For ever happie: him who disobeyes
   Mee disobeyes, breaks union, and that day
   Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls
   Into utter darkness, deep ingulft, his place
   Ordaind without redemption, without end.
   So spake th' Omnipotent, and with his words
   All seemd well pleas'd, all seem'd, but were not all.
   That day, as other solem dayes, they spent
   In song and dance about the sacred Hill,
   Mystical dance, which yonder starrie Spheare
   Of Planets and of fixt in all her Wheeles
   Resembles nearest, mazes intricate,
   Eccentric, intervolv'd, yet regular
   Then most, when most irregular they seem:
   And in thir motions harmonie Divine
   So smooths her charming tones, that Gods own ear
   Listens delighted. Eevning approachd
   (For we have also our Eevning and our Morn,
   We ours for change delectable, not need)
   Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn
   Desirous, all in Circles as they stood,
   Tables are set, and on a sudden pil'd
   With Angels Food, and rubied Nectar flows:
   In Pearl, in Diamond, and massie Gold,
   Fruit of delicious Vines, the growth of Heav'n.
   They eat, they drink, and with refection sweet
   Are fill'd, before th' all bounteous King, who showrd
   With copious hand, rejoycing in thir joy.
   Now when ambrosial Night with Clouds exhal'd
   From that high mount of God, whence light & shade
   Spring both, the face of brightest Heav'n had changd
   To grateful Twilight (for Night comes not there
   In darker veile) and roseat Dews dispos'd
   All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest,
   Wide over all the Plain, and wider farr
   Then all this globous Earth in Plain outspred,
   (Such are the Courts of God) Th' Angelic throng
   Disperst in Bands and Files thir Camp extend
   By living Streams among the Trees of Life,
   Pavilions numberless, and sudden reard,
   Celestial Tabernacles, where they slept
   Fannd with coole Winds, save those who in thir course
   Melodious Hymns about the sovran Throne
   Alternate all night long: but not so wak'd
   SATAN, so call him now, his former name
   Is heard no more Heav'n; he of the first,
   If not the first Arch-Angel, great in Power,
   In favour and praeeminence, yet fraught
   With envie against the Son of God, that day
   Honourd by his great Father, and proclaimd
   MESSIAH King anointed, could not beare
   Through pride that sight, and thought himself impaird.
   Deep malice thence conceiving & disdain,
   Soon as midnight brought on the duskie houre
   Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolv'd
   With all his Legions to dislodge, and leave
   Unworshipt, unobey'd the Throne supream
   Contemptuous, and his next subordinate
   Awak'ning, thus to him in secret spake.
   Sleepst thou Companion dear, what sleep can close
   Thy eye-lids? and remembrest what Decree
   Of yesterday, so late hath past the lips
   Of Heav'ns Almightie. Thou to me thy thoughts
   Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart;
   Both waking we were one; how then can now
   Thy sleep dissent? new Laws thou seest impos'd;
   New Laws from him who reigns, new minds may raise
   In us who serve, new Counsels, to debate
   What 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
   Her shadowie Cloud withdraws, I am to haste,
   And all who under me thir Banners wave,
   Homeward with flying march where we possess
   The Quarters of the North, there to prepare
   Fit entertainment to receive our King
   The great MESSIAH, and his new commands,
   Who speedily through all the Hierarchies
   Intends to pass triumphant, and give Laws.
   So spake the false Arch-Angel, and infus'd
   Bad influence into th' unwarie brest
   Of his Associate; hee 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 disincumberd Heav'n,
   The great Hierarchal Standard was to move;
   Tells the suggested cause, and casts between
   Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound
   Or taint integritie; but all obey'd
   The wonted signal, and superior voice
   Of thir great Potentate; for great indeed
   His name, and high was his degree in Heav'n;
   His count'nance, as the Morning Starr that guides
   The starrie flock, allur'd them, and with lyes
   Drew after him the third part of Heav'ns Host:
   Mean while th' Eternal eye, whose sight discernes
   Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy Mount
   And from within the golden Lamps that burne
   Nightly before him, saw without thir light
   Rebellion rising, saw in whom, how spred
   Among the sons of Morn, what multitudes
   Were banded to oppose his high Decree;
   And smiling to his onely Son thus said.
   Son, thou in whom my glory I behold
   In full resplendence, Heir of all my might,
   Neerly it now concernes us to be sure
   Of our Omnipotence, and with what Arms
   We mean to hold what anciently we claim
   Of Deitie or Empire, such a foe
   Is rising, who intends to erect his Throne
   Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North;
   Nor so content, hath in his thought to trie
   In battel, what our Power is, or our right.
   Let us advise, and to this hazard draw
   With speed what force is left, and all imploy
   In our defence, lest unawares we lose
   This our high place, our Sanctuarie, our Hill.
   To whom the Son with calm aspect and cleer
   Light'ning Divine, ineffable, serene,
   Made answer. Mightie Father, thou thy foes
   Justly hast in derision, and secure
   Laugh'st at thir vain designes and tumults vain,
   Matter to mee of Glory, whom thir hate
   Illustrates, when they see all Regal Power
   Giv'n me to quell thir pride, and in event
   Know whether I be dextrous to subdue
   Thy Rebels, or be found the worst in Heav'n.
   So spake the Son, but SATAN with his Powers
   Farr was advanc't on winged speed, an Host
   Innumerable as the Starrs of Night,
   Or Starrs of Morning, Dew-drops, which the Sun
   Impearls on every leaf and every flouer.
   Regions they pass'd, the mightie Regencies
   Of Seraphim and Potentates and Thrones
   In thir triple Degrees, Regions to which
   All thy Dominion, ADAM, is no more
   Then what this Garden is to all the Earth,
   And all the Sea, from one entire globose
   Stretcht into Longitude; which having pass'd
   At length into the limits of the North
   They came, and SATAN to his Royal seat
   High on a Hill, far blazing, as a Mount
   Rais'd on a Mount, with Pyramids and Towrs
   From Diamond Quarries hew'n, & Rocks of Gold,
   The Palace of great LUCIFER, (so call
   That Structure in the Dialect of men
   Interpreted) which not long after, hee
   Affecting all equality with God,
   In imitation of that Mount whereon
   MESSIAH was declar'd in sight of Heav'n,
   The Mountain of the Congregation call'd;
   For thither he assembl'd all his Train,
   Pretending so commanded to consult
   About the great reception of thir King,
   Thither to come, and with calumnious Art
   Of counterfeted truth thus held thir ears.
   Thrones, Dominations, Princedomes, Vertues, Powers,
   If these magnific Titles yet remain
   Not meerly titular, since by Decree
   Another now hath to himself ingross't
   All Power, and us eclipst under the name
   Of King anointed, for whom all this haste
   Of midnight march, and hurried meeting here,
   This onely to consult how we may best
   With what may be devis'd of honours new
   Receive him coming to receive from us
   Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile,
   Too much to one, but double how endur'd,
   To one and to his image now proclaim'd?
   But what if better counsels might erect
   Our minds and teach us to cast off this Yoke?
   Will ye submit your necks, and chuse to bend
   The supple knee? ye will not, if I trust
   To know ye right, or if ye know your selves
   Natives and Sons of Heav'n possest before
   By none, and if not equal all, yet free,
   Equally free; for Orders and Degrees
   Jarr not with liberty, but well consist.
   Who can in reason then or right assume
   Monarchie over such as live by right
   His equals, if in power and splendor less,
   In freedome equal? or can introduce
   Law and Edict on us, who without law
   Erre not, much less for this to be our Lord,
   And look for adoration to th' abuse
   Of those Imperial Titles which assert
   Our being ordain'd to govern, not to serve?
   Thus farr his bold discourse without controule
   Had audience, when among the Seraphim
   ABDIEL, then whom none with more zeale ador'd
   The Deitie, and divine commands obei'd,
   Stood up, and in a flame of zeale severe
   The current of his fury thus oppos'd.
   O argument blasphemous, false and proud!
   Words which no eare ever to hear in Heav'n
   Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate
   In place thy self so high above thy Peeres.
   Canst thou with impious obloquie condemne
   The just Decree of God, pronounc't and sworn,
   That to his only Son by right endu'd
   With Regal Scepter, every Soule in Heav'n
   Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due
   Confess him rightful King? unjust thou saist
   Flatly unjust, to binde with Laws the free,
   And equal over equals to let Reigne,
   One over all with unsucceeded power.
   Shalt thou give Law to God, shalt thou dispute
   With him the points of libertie, who made
   Thee what thou art, & formd the Pow'rs of Heav'n
   Such as he pleasd, and circumscrib'd thir being?
   Yet by experience taught we know how good,
   And of our good, and of our dignitie
   How provident he is, how farr from thought
   To make us less, bent rather to exalt
   Our happie state under one Head more neer
   United. But to grant it thee unjust,
   That equal over equals Monarch Reigne:
   Thy self though great & glorious dost thou count,
   Or all Angelic Nature joind in one,
   Equal to him begotten Son, by whom
   As by his Word the mighty Father made
   All things, ev'n thee, and all the Spirits of Heav'n
   By him created in thir bright degrees,
   Crownd them with Glory, & to thir Glory nam'd
   Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers
   Essential Powers, nor by his Reign obscur'd,
   But more illustrious made, since he the Head
   One of our number thus reduc't becomes,
   His Laws our Laws, all honour to him done
   Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage,
   And tempt not these; but hast'n to appease
   Th' incensed Father, and th' incensed Son,
   While Pardon may be found in time besought.
   So spake the fervent Angel, but his zeale
   None seconded, as out of season judg'd,
   Or singular and rash, whereat rejoic'd
   Th' Apostat, and more haughty thus repli'd.
   That we were formd then saist thou? & the work
   Of secondarie hands, by task transferd
   From Father to his Son? strange point and new!
   Doctrin which we would know whence learnt: who saw
   When this creation was? rememberst thou
   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-rais'd
   By our own quick'ning power, when fatal course
   Had circl'd his full Orbe, the birth mature
   Of this our native Heav'n, Ethereal Sons.
   Our puissance is our own, our own right hand
   Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try
   Who is our equal: then thou shalt behold
   Whether by supplication we intend
   Address, and to begirt th' Almighty Throne
   Beseeching or besieging. This report,
   These tidings carrie to th' anointed King;
   And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.
   He said, and as the sound of waters deep
   Hoarce murmur echo'd to his words applause
   Through the infinite Host, nor less for that
   The flaming Seraph fearless, though alone
   Encompass'd round with foes, thus answerd bold.
   O alienate from God, O spirit accurst,
   Forsak'n of all good; I see thy fall
   Determind, and thy hapless crew involv'd
   In this perfidious fraud, contagion spred
   Both of thy crime and punishment: henceforth
   No more be troubl'd how to quit the yoke
   Of Gods MESSIAH; those indulgent Laws
   Will not be now voutsaf't, other Decrees
   Against thee are gon forth without recall;
   That Golden Scepter which thou didst reject
   Is now an Iron Rod to bruise and breake
   Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise,
   Yet not for thy advise or threats I fly
   These wicked Tents devoted, least the wrauth
   Impendent, raging into sudden flame
   Distinguish not: for soon expect to feel
   His Thunder on thy head, devouring fire.
   Then who created thee lamenting learne,
   When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know.
   So spake the Seraph ABDIEL faithful found,
   Among the faithless, faithful only hee;
   Among innumerable false, unmov'd,
   Unshak'n, unseduc'd, unterrifi'd
   His Loyaltie he kept, his Love, his Zeale;
   Nor number, nor example with him wrought
   To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind
   Though single. From amidst them forth he passd,
   Long way through hostile scorn, which he susteind
   Superior, nor of violence fear'd aught;
   And with retorted scorn his back he turn'd
   On those proud Towrs to swift destruction doom'd.

BOOK VI.

   All night the dreadless Angel unpursu'd
   Through Heav'ns wide Champain held his way, till Morn,
   Wak't by the circling Hours, with rosie hand
   Unbarr'd the gates of Light. There is a Cave
   Within the Mount of God, fast by his Throne,
   Where light and darkness in perpetual round
   Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through Heav'n
   Grateful vicissitude, like Day and Night;
   Light issues forth, and at the other dore
   Obsequious darkness enters, till her houre
   To veile the Heav'n, though darkness there might well
   Seem twilight here; and now went forth the Morn
   Such as in highest Heav'n, arrayd in Gold
   Empyreal, from before her vanisht Night,
   Shot through with orient Beams: when all the Plain
   Coverd with thick embatteld Squadrons bright,
   Chariots and flaming Armes, and fierie Steeds
   Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his view:
   Warr he perceav'd, warr in procinct, and found
   Already known what he for news had thought
   To have reported: gladly then he mixt
   Among those friendly Powers who him receav'd
   With joy and acclamations loud, that one
   That of so many Myriads fall'n, yet one
   Returnd not lost: On to the sacred hill
   They led him high applauded, and present
   Before the seat supream; from whence a voice
   From midst a Golden Cloud thus milde was heard.
   Servant of God, well done, well hast thou fought
   The better fight, who single hast maintaind
   Against revolted multitudes the Cause
   Of Truth, in word mightier then they in Armes;
   And for the testimonie of Truth hast born
   Universal reproach, far worse to beare
   Then violence: for this was all thy care
   To stand approv'd in sight of God, though Worlds
   Judg'd thee perverse: the easier conquest now
   Remains thee, aided by this host of friends,
   Back on thy foes more glorious to return
   Then scornd thou didst depart, and to subdue
   By force, who reason for thir Law refuse,
   Right reason for thir Law, and for thir King
   MESSIAH, who by right of merit Reigns.
   Goe MICHAEL of Celestial Armies Prince,
   And thou in Military prowess next
   GABRIEL, lead forth to Battel these my Sons
   Invincible, lead forth my armed Saints
   By Thousands and by Millions rang'd for fight;
   Equal in number to that Godless crew
   Rebellious, them with Fire and hostile Arms
   Fearless assault, and to the brow of Heav'n
   Pursuing drive them out from God and bliss,
   Into thir place of punishment, the Gulf
   Of TARTARUS, which ready opens wide
   His fiery CHAOS to receave thir fall.
   So spake the Sovran voice, and Clouds began
   To darken all the Hill, and smoak to rowl
   In duskie wreathes, reluctant flames, the signe
   Of wrauth awak't: nor with less dread the loud
   Ethereal Trumpet from on high gan blow:
   At which command the Powers Militant,
   That stood for Heav'n, in mighty Quadrate joyn'd
   Of Union irresistible, mov'd on
   In silence thir bright Legions, to the sound
   Of instrumental Harmonie that breath'd
   Heroic Ardor to advent'rous deeds
   Under thir God-like Leaders, in the Cause
   Of God and his MESSIAH. On they move
   Indissolubly firm; nor obvious Hill,
   Nor streit'ning Vale, nor Wood, nor Stream divides
   Thir perfet ranks; for high above the ground
   Thir march was, and the passive Air upbore
   Thir nimble tread; as when the total kind
   Of Birds in orderly array on wing
   Came summond over EDEN to receive
   Thir names of thee; so over many a tract
   Of Heav'n they march'd, and many a Province wide
   Tenfold the length of this terrene: at last
   Farr in th' Horizon to the North appeer'd
   From skirt to skirt a fierie Region, stretcht
   In battailous aspect, and neerer view
   Bristl'd with upright beams innumerable
   Of rigid Spears, and Helmets throng'd, and Shields
   Various, with boastful Argument portraid,
   The banded Powers of SATAN hasting on
   With furious expedition; for they weend
   That self same day by fight, or by surprize
   To win the Mount of God, and on his Throne
   To set the envier of his State, the proud
   Aspirer, but thir thoughts prov'd fond and vain
   In the mid way: though strange to us it seemd
   At first, that Angel should with Angel warr,
   And in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet
   So oft in Festivals of joy and love
   Unanimous, as sons of one great Sire
   Hymning th' Eternal Father: but the shout
   Of Battel now began, and rushing sound
   Of onset ended soon each milder thought.
   High in the midst exalted as a God
   Th' Apostat in his Sun-bright Chariot sate
   Idol of Majestie Divine, enclos'd
   With 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
   Presented stood in terrible array
   Of hideous length: before the cloudie Van,
   On the rough edge of battel ere it joyn'd,
   SATAN with vast and haughtie strides advanc't,
   Came towring, armd in Adamant and Gold;
   ABDIEL that sight endur'd not, where he stood
   Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds,
   And thus his own undaunted heart explores.
   O Heav'n! that such resemblance of the Highest
   Should yet remain, where faith and realtie
   Remain not; wherfore should not strength & might
   There fail where Vertue fails, or weakest prove
   Where boldest; though to sight unconquerable?
   His puissance, trusting in th' Almightie's aide,
   I mean to try, whose Reason I have tri'd
   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 foule,
   When Reason hath to deal with force, yet so
   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
   Incens't, and thus securely him defi'd.
   Proud, art thou met? thy hope was to have reacht
   The highth of thy aspiring unoppos'd,
   The Throne of God unguarded, and his side
   Abandond at the terror of thy Power
   Or potent tongue; fool, not to think how vain
   Against th' Omnipotent to rise in Arms;
   Who out of smallest things could without end
   Have rais'd incessant Armies to defeat
   Thy folly; or with solitarie hand
   Reaching beyond all limit, at one blow
   Unaided could have finisht thee, and whelmd
   Thy Legions under darkness; but thou seest
   All are not of thy Train; there be who Faith
   Prefer, and Pietie to God, though then
   To thee not visible, when I alone
   Seemd in thy World erroneous to dissent
   From all: my Sect thou seest, now learn too late
   How few somtimes may know, when thousands err.
   Whom the grand foe with scornful eye askance
   Thus answerd. Ill for thee, but in wisht houre
   Of my revenge, first sought for thou returnst
   From flight, seditious Angel, to receave
   Thy merited reward, the first assay
   Of this right hand provok't, since first that tongue
   Inspir'd with contradiction durst oppose
   A third part of the Gods, in Synod met
   Thir Deities to assert, who while they feel
   Vigour Divine within them, can allow
   Omnipotence to none. But well thou comst
   Before thy fellows, ambitious to win
   From me som Plume, that thy success may show
   Destruction to the rest: this pause between
   (Unanswerd least thou boast) to let thee know;
   At first I thought that Libertie and Heav'n
   To heav'nly Soules had bin all one; but now
   I see that most through sloth had rather serve,
   Ministring Spirits, traind up in Feast and Song;
   Such hast thou arm'd, the Minstrelsie of Heav'n,
   Servilitie with freedom to contend,
   As both thir deeds compar'd this day shall prove.
   To whom in brief thus ABDIEL stern repli'd.
   Apostat, still thou errst, nor end wilt find
   Of erring, from the path of truth remote:
   Unjustly thou deprav'st it with the name
   Of SERVITUDE to serve whom God ordains,
   Or Nature; God and Nature bid the same,
   When he who rules is worthiest, and excells
   Them whom he governs. This is servitude,
   To serve th' unwise, or him who hath rebelld
   Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee,
   Thy self not free, but to thy self enthrall'd;
   Yet leudly dar'st our ministring upbraid.
   Reign thou in Hell thy Kingdom, let mee serve
   In Heav'n God ever blessed, and his Divine
   Behests obey, worthiest to be obey'd,
   Yet Chains in Hell, not Realms expect: mean while
   From mee returnd, 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
   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 recoild; the tenth on bended knee
   His massie Spear upstaid; as if on Earth
   Winds under ground or waters forcing way
   Sidelong, had push't a Mountain from his seat
   Half sunk with all his Pines. Amazement seis'd
   The Rebel Thrones, but greater rage to see
   Thus foil'd thir mightiest, ours joy filld, and shout,
   Presage of Victorie and fierce desire
   Of Battel: whereat MICHAEL bid sound
   Th' Arch-Angel trumpet; through the vast of Heav'n
   It sounded, and the faithful Armies rung
   HOSANNA to the Highest: nor stood at gaze
   The adverse Legions, nor less hideous joyn'd
   The horrid shock: now storming furie rose,
   And clamour such as heard in Heav'n till now
   Was never, Arms on Armour clashing bray'd
   Horrible discord, and the madding Wheeles
   Of brazen Chariots rag'd; dire was the noise
   Of conflict; over head the dismal hiss
   Of fiery Darts in flaming volies flew,
   And flying vaulted either Host with fire.
   Sounder fierie Cope together rush'd
   Both Battels maine, with ruinous assault
   And inextinguishable rage; all Heav'n
   Resounded, and had Earth bin then, all Earth
   Had to her Center shook. What wonder? when
   Millions of fierce encountring Angels fought
   On either side, the least of whom could weild
   These Elements, and arm him with the force
   Of all thir Regions: how much more of Power
   Armie against Armie numberless to raise
   Dreadful combustion warring, and disturb,
   Though not destroy, thir happie Native seat;
   Had not th' Eternal King Omnipotent
   From his strong hold of Heav'n high over-rul'd
   And limited thir might; though numberd such
   As each divided Legion might have seemd
   A numerous Host, in strength each armed hand
   A Legion; led in fight, yet Leader seemd
   Each Warriour single as in Chief, expert
   When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway
   Of Battel, open when, and when to close
   The ridges of grim Warr; no thought of flight,
   None of retreat, no unbecoming deed
   That argu'd fear; each on himself reli'd,
   As onely in his arm the moment lay
   Of victorie; deeds of eternal fame
   Were don, but infinite: for wide was spred
   That Warr and various; somtimes on firm ground
   A standing fight, then soaring on main wing
   Tormented all the Air; all Air seemd then
   Conflicting Fire: long time in eeven scale
   The Battel hung; till SATAN, who that day
   Prodigious power had shewn, and met in Armes
   No equal, raunging through the dire attack
   Of fighting Seraphim confus'd, at length
   Saw where the Sword of MICHAEL smote, and fell'd
   Squadrons at once, with huge two-handed sway
   Brandisht aloft the horrid edge came down
   Wide wasting; such destruction to withstand
   He hasted, and oppos'd the rockie Orb
   Of tenfold Adamant, his ample Shield
   A vast circumference: At his approach
   The great Arch-Angel from his warlike toile
   Surceas'd, and glad as hoping here to end
   Intestine War in Heav'n, the arch foe subdu'd
   Or Captive drag'd in Chains, with hostile frown
   And visage all enflam'd first thus began.
   Author of evil, unknown till thy revolt,
   Unnam'd in Heav'n, now plenteous, as thou seest
   These Acts of hateful strife, hateful to all,
   Though heaviest by just measure on thy self
   And thy adherents: how hast thou disturb'd
   Heav'ns blessed peace, and into Nature brought
   Miserie, uncreated till the crime
   Of thy Rebellion? how hast thou instill'd
   Thy malice into thousands, once upright
   And faithful, now prov'd false. But think not here
   To trouble Holy Rest; Heav'n casts thee out
   From all her Confines. Heav'n the seat of bliss
   Brooks not the works of violence and Warr.
   Hence then, and evil go with thee along
   Thy ofspring, to the place of evil, Hell,
   Thou and thy wicked crew; there mingle broiles,
   Ere this avenging Sword begin thy doome,
   Or som more sudden vengeance wing'd from God
   Precipitate thee with augmented paine.
   So spake the Prince of Angels; to whom thus
   The Adversarie. Nor think thou with wind
   Of airie threats to aw whom yet with deeds
   Thou canst not. Hast thou turnd the least of these
   To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise
   Unvanquisht, easier to transact with mee
   That thou shouldst hope, imperious, & with threats
   To chase me hence? erre not that so shall end
   The strife which thou call'st evil, but wee style
   The strife of Glorie: which we mean to win,
   Or turn this Heav'n it self into the Hell
   Thou fablest, here however to dwell free,
   If not to reign: mean while thy utmost force,
   And join him nam'd ALMIGHTIE to thy aid,
   I flie not, but have sought thee farr and nigh.
   They ended parle, and both addrest 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 highth
   Of Godlike Power: for likest Gods they seemd,
   Stood they or mov'd, in stature, motion, arms
   Fit to decide the Empire of great Heav'n.
   Now wav'd thir fierie Swords, and in the Aire
   Made horrid Circles; two broad Suns thir Shields
   Blaz'd opposite, while expectation stood
   In horror; from each hand with speed retir'd
   Where erst was thickest fight, th' Angelic throng,
   And left large field, unsafe within the wind
   Of such commotion, such as to set forth
   Great things by small, If Natures concord broke,
   Among the Constellations warr were sprung,
   Two Planets rushing from aspect maligne
   Of fiercest opposition in mid Skie,
   Should combat, and thir jarring Sphears confound.
   Together both with next to Almightie Arme,
   Uplifted imminent one stroke they aim'd
   That might determine, and not need repeate,
   As not of power, at once; nor odds appeerd
   In might or swift prevention; but the sword
   Of MICHAEL from the Armorie of God
   Was giv'n him temperd so, that neither keen
   Nor solid might resist that edge: it met
   The sword of SATAN with steep force to smite
   Descending, and in half cut sheere, nor staid,
   But with swift wheele reverse, deep entring shar'd
   All his right side; then SATAN first knew pain,
   And writh'd him to and fro convolv'd; so sore
   The griding sword with discontinuous wound
   Pass'd through him, but th' Ethereal substance clos'd
   Not long divisible, and from the gash
   A stream of Nectarous humor issuing flow'd
   Sanguin, such as Celestial Spirits may bleed,
   And all his Armour staind ere while so bright.
   Forthwith on all sides to his aide was run
   By Angels many and strong, who interpos'd
   Defence, while others bore him on thir Shields
   Back to his Chariot; where it stood retir'd
   From off the files of warr; there they him laid
   Gnashing for anguish and despite and shame
   To find himself not matchless, and his pride
   Humbl'd by such rebuke, so farr beneath
   His confidence to equal God in power.
   Yet soon he heal'd; for Spirits that live throughout
   Vital in every part, not as frail man
   In Entrailes, Heart or Head, Liver or Reines,
   Cannot but by annihilating die;
   Nor in thir liquid texture mortal wound
   Receive, no more then can the fluid Aire:
   All Heart they live, all Head, all Eye, all Eare,
   All Intellect, all Sense, and as they please,
   They Limb themselves, and colour, shape or size
   Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare.
   Mean while in other parts like deeds deservd
   Memorial, where the might of GABRIEL fought,
   And with fierce Ensignes pierc'd the deep array
   Of MOLOC furious King, who him defi'd,
   And at his Chariot wheeles to drag him bound
   Threatn'd, nor from the Holie One of Heav'n
   Refrein'd his tongue blasphemous; but anon
   Down clov'n to the waste, with shatterd Armes
   And uncouth paine fled bellowing. On each wing
   URIEL and RAPHAEL his vaunting foe,
   Though huge, and in a Rock of Diamond Armd,
   Vanquish'd ADRAMELEC, and ASMADAI,
   Two potent Thrones, that to be less then Gods
   Disdain'd, but meaner thoughts learnd in thir flight,
   Mangl'd with gastly wounds through Plate and Maile.
   Nor stood unmindful ABDIEL to annoy
   The Atheist crew, but with redoubl'd blow
   ARIEL and ARIOC, and the violence
   Of RAMIEL scorcht and blasted overthrew.
   I might relate of thousands, and thir names
   Eternize here on Earth; but those elect
   Angels contented with thir fame in Heav'n
   Seek not the praise of men: the other sort
   In might though wondrous and in Acts of Warr,
   Nor of Renown less eager, yet by doome
   Canceld from Heav'n and sacred memorie,
   Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell.
   For strength from Truth divided and from Just,
   Illaudable, naught merits but dispraise
   And ignominie, yet to glorie aspires
   Vain glorious, and through infamie seeks fame:
   Therfore Eternal silence be thir doome.
   And now thir mightiest quelld, the battel swerv'd,
   With many an inrode gor'd; deformed rout
   Enter'd, and foul disorder; all the ground
   With shiverd armour strow'n, and on a heap
   Chariot and Charioter lay overturnd
   And fierie foaming Steeds; what stood, recoyld
   Orewearied, through the faint Satanic Host
   Defensive scarse, or with pale fear surpris'd,
   Then first with fear surpris'd and sense of paine
   Fled ignominious, to such evil brought
   By sinne of disobedience, till that hour
   Not liable to fear or flight or paine.
   Far otherwise th' inviolable Saints
   In Cubic Phalanx firm advanc't entire,
   Invulnerable, impenitrably arm'd:
   Such high advantages thir innocence
   Gave them above thir foes, not to have sinnd,
   Not to have disobei'd; in fight they stood
   Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pain'd
   By wound, though from thir place by violence mov'd.
   Now Night her course began, and over Heav'n
   Inducing darkness, grateful truce impos'd,
   And silence on the odious dinn of Warr:
   Under her Cloudie covert both retir'd,
   Victor and Vanquisht: on the foughten field
   MICHAEL and his Angels prevalent
   Encamping, plac'd in Guard thir Watches round,
   Cherubic waving fires: on th' other part
   SATAN with his rebellious disappeerd,
   Far in the dark dislodg'd, and void of rest,
   His Potentates to Councel call'd by night;
   And in the midst thus undismai'd began.
   O now in danger tri'd, now known in Armes
   Not to be overpowerd, Companions deare,
   Found worthy not of Libertie alone,
   Too mean pretense, but what we more affect,
   Honour, Dominion, Glorie, and renowne,
   Who have sustaind one day in doubtful fight,
   (And if one day, why not Eternal dayes?)
   What Heavens Lord had powerfullest to send
   Against us from about his Throne, and judg'd
   Sufficient to subdue us to his will,
   But proves not so: then fallible, it seems,
   Of future we may deem him, though till now
   Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly arm'd,
   Some disadvantage we endur'd and paine,
   Till now not known, but known as soon contemnd,
   Since now we find this our Empyreal forme
   Incapable of mortal injurie
   Imperishable, and though peirc'd with wound,
   Soon closing, and by native vigour heal'd.
   Of evil then so small as easie think
   The remedie; perhaps more valid Armes,
   Weapons more violent, when next we meet,
   May serve to better us, and worse our foes,
   Or equal what between us made the odds,
   In Nature none: if other hidden cause
   Left them Superiour, while we can preserve
   Unhurt our mindes, and understanding sound,
   Due search and consultation will disclose.
   He sat; and in th' assembly next upstood
   NISROC, of Principalities the prime;
   As one he stood escap't from cruel fight,
   Sore toild, his riv'n Armes to havoc hewn,
   And cloudie in aspect thus answering spake.
   Deliverer from new Lords, leader to free
   Enjoyment of our right as Gods; yet hard
   For Gods, and too unequal work we find
   Against unequal armes to fight in paine,
   Against unpaind, impassive; from which evil
   Ruin must needs ensue; for what availes
   Valour or strength, though matchless, quelld 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,
   But live content, which is the calmest life:
   But pain is perfet miserie, the worst
   Of evils, and excessive, overturnes
   All patience. He who therefore can invent
   With what more forcible we may offend
   Our yet unwounded Enemies, or arme
   Our selves with like defence, to mee deserves
   No less then for deliverance what we owe.
   Whereto with look compos'd SATAN repli'd.
   Not uninvented that, which thou aright
   Beleivst so main to our success, I bring;
   Which of us who beholds the bright surface
   Of this Ethereous mould whereon we stand,
   This continent of spacious Heav'n, adornd
   With Plant, Fruit, Flour Ambrosial, Gemms & Gold,
   Whose Eye so superficially surveyes
   These things, as not to mind from whence they grow
   Deep under ground, materials dark and crude,
   Of spiritous and fierie spume, till toucht
   With Heav'ns ray, and temperd they shoot forth
   So beauteous, op'ning to the ambient light.
   These in thir dark Nativitie the Deep
   Shall yeild us, pregnant with infernal flame,
   Which into hallow Engins long and round
   Thick-rammd, at th' other bore with touch of fire
   Dilated and infuriate shall send forth
   From far with thundring noise among our foes
   Such implements of mischief as shall dash
   To pieces, and orewhelm whatever stands
   Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarmd
   The Thunderer of his only dreaded bolt.
   Nor long shall be our labour, yet ere dawne,
   Effect shall end our wish. Mean while revive;
   Abandon fear; to strength and counsel joind
   Think nothing hard, much less to be despaird.
   He ended, and his words thir drooping chere
   Enlightn'd, and thir languisht hope reviv'd.
   Th' invention all admir'd, and each, how hee
   To be th' inventer miss'd, so easie it seemd
   Once found, which yet unfound most would have thought
   Impossible: yet haply of thy Race
   In future dayes, if Malice should abound,
   Some one intent on mischief, or inspir'd
   With dev'lish machination might devise
   Like instrument to plague the Sons of men
   For sin, on warr and mutual slaughter bent.
   Forthwith from Councel to the work they flew,
   None arguing stood, innumerable hands
   Were ready, in a moment up they turnd
   Wide the Celestial soile, and saw beneath
   Th' originals of Nature in thir crude
   Conception; Sulphurous and Nitrous Foame
   They found, they mingl'd, and with suttle Art,
   Concocted and adusted they reduc'd
   To blackest grain, and into store conveyd:
   Part hidd'n veins diggd up (nor hath this Earth
   Entrails unlike) of Mineral and Stone,
   Whereof to found thir Engins and thir Balls
   Of missive ruin; part incentive reed
   Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire.
   So all ere day spring, under conscious Night
   Secret they finish'd, and in order set,
   With silent circumspection unespi'd.
   Now when fair Morn Orient in Heav'n appeerd
   Up rose the Victor Angels, and to Arms
   The matin Trumpet Sung: in Arms they stood
   Of Golden Panoplie, refulgent Host,
   Soon banded; others from the dawning Hills
   Lookd round, and Scouts each Coast light-armed scoure,
   Each quarter, to descrie the distant foe,
   Where lodg'd, or whither fled, or if for fight,
   In motion or in alt: him soon they met
   Under spred Ensignes moving nigh, in slow
   But firm Battalion; back with speediest Sail
   ZEPHIEL, of Cherubim the swiftest wing,
   Came flying, and in mid Aire aloud thus cri'd.
   Arme, Warriours, Arme 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 settl'd in his face I see
   Sad resolution and secure: let each
   His Adamantine coat gird well, and each
   Fit well his Helme, gripe fast his orbed Shield,
   Born eevn or high, for this day will pour down,
   If I conjecture aught, no drizling showr,
   But ratling storm of Arrows barbd with fire.
   So warnd he them aware themselves, and soon
   In order, quit of all impediment;
   Instant without disturb they took Allarm,
   And onward move Embattelld; when behold
   Not distant far with heavie pace the Foe
   Approaching gross and huge; in hollow Cube
   Training his devilish Enginrie, impal'd
   On every side with shaddowing Squadrons Deep,
   To hide the fraud. At interview both stood
   A while, but suddenly at head appeerd
   SATAN: And thus was heard Commanding loud.
   Vangard, to Right and Left the Front unfould;
   That all may see who hate us, how we seek
   Peace and composure, and with open brest
   Stand readie to receive them, if they like
   Our overture, and turn not back perverse;
   But that I doubt, however witness Heaven,
   Heav'n witness thou anon, while we discharge
   Freely our part: yee who appointed stand
   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 retir'd.
   Which to our eyes discoverd 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 Firr
   With branches lopt, in Wood or Mountain fell'd)
   Brass, Iron, Stonie mould, had not thir mouthes
   With hideous orifice gap't on us wide,
   Portending hollow truce; at each behind
   A Seraph stood, and in his hand a Reed
   Stood waving tipt with fire; while we suspense,
   Collected stood within our thoughts amus'd,
   Not long, for sudden all at once thir Reeds
   Put forth, and to a narrow vent appli'd
   With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame,
   But soon obscur'd with smoak, all Heav'n appeerd,
   From those deep-throated Engins belcht, whose roar
   Emboweld with outragious noise the Air,
   And all her entrails tore, disgorging foule
   Thir devillish glut, chaind Thunderbolts and Hail
   Of Iron Globes, which on the Victor Host
   Level'd, with such impetuous furie smote,
   That whom they hit, none on thir feet might stand,
   Though standing else as Rocks, but down they fell
   By thousands, Angel on Arch-Angel rowl'd;
   The sooner for thir Arms, unarm'd they might
   Have easily as Spirits evaded swift
   By quick contraction or remove; but now
   Foule dissipation follow'd and forc't rout;
   Nor serv'd it to relax thir serried files.
   What should they do? if on they rusht, repulse
   Repeated, and indecent overthrow
   Doubl'd, would render them yet more despis'd,
   And to thir foes a laughter; for in view
   Stood rankt of Seraphim another row
   In posture to displode thir second tire
   Of Thunder: back defeated to return
   They worse abhorr'd. SATAN beheld thir plight,
   And to his Mates thus in derision call'd.
   O Friends, why come not on these Victors proud?
   Ere while they fierce were coming, and when wee,
   To entertain them fair with open Front
   And Brest, (what could we more?) propounded terms
   Of composition, strait they chang'd thir minds,
   Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell,
   As they would dance, yet for a dance they seemd
   Somwhat extravagant and wilde, perhaps
   For joy of offerd 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 gamesom mood.
   Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight,
   Of hard contents, and full of force urg'd home,
   Such as we might perceive amus'd them all,
   And stumbl'd many, who receives them right,
   Had need from head to foot well understand;
   Not understood, this gift they have besides,
   They shew us when our foes walk not upright.
   So they among themselves in pleasant veine
   Stood scoffing, highthn'd in thir thoughts beyond
   All doubt of Victorie, eternal might
   To match with thir inventions they presum'd
   So easie, and of his Thunder made a scorn,
   And all his Host derided, while they stood
   A while in trouble; but they stood not long,
   Rage prompted them at length, & found them arms
   Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose.
   Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power
   Which God hath in his mighty Angels plac'd)
   Thir Arms away they threw, and to the Hills
   (For Earth hath this variety from Heav'n
   Of pleasure situate in Hill and Dale)
   Light as the Lightning glimps they ran, they flew,
   From thir foundations loosning to and fro
   They pluckt the seated Hills with all thir load,
   Rocks, Waters, Woods, and by the shaggie tops
   Up lifting bore them in thir hands: Amaze,
   Be sure, and terrour seis'd the rebel Host,
   When coming towards them so dread they saw
   The bottom of the Mountains upward turn'd,
   Till on those cursed Engins triple-row
   They saw them whelmd, and all thir confidence
   Under the weight of Mountains buried deep,
   Themselves invaded next, and on thir heads
   Main Promontories flung, which in the Air
   Came shadowing, and opprest whole Legions arm'd,
   Thir armor help'd thir harm, crush't in and brus'd
   Into thir substance pent, which wrought them pain
   Implacable, and many a dolorous groan,
   Long strugling underneath, ere they could wind
   Out of such prison, though Spirits of purest light,
   Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown.
   The rest in imitation to like Armes
   Betook them, and the neighbouring Hills uptore;
   So Hills amid the Air encounterd Hills
   Hurl'd to and fro with jaculation dire,
   That under ground they fought in dismal shade;
   Infernal noise; Warr seem'd a civil Game
   To this uproar; horrid confusion heapt
   Upon confusion rose: and now all Heav'n
   Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspred,
   Had not th' Almightie Father where he sits
   Shrin'd in his Sanctuarie of Heav'n secure,
   Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen
   This tumult, and permitted all, advis'd:
   That his great purpose he might so fulfill,
   To honour his Anointed Son aveng'd
   Upon his enemies, and to declare
   All power on him transferr'd: whence to his Son
   Th' Assessor of his Throne he thus began.
   Effulgence of my Glorie, Son belov'd,
   Son in whose face invisible is beheld
   Visibly, what by Deitie I am,
   And in whose hand what by Decree I doe,
   Second Omnipotence, two dayes are past,
   Two dayes, as we compute the dayes of Heav'n,
   Since MICHAEL and his Powers went forth to tame
   These disobedient; sore hath been thir fight,
   As likeliest was, when two such Foes met arm'd;
   For to themselves I left them, and thou knowst,
   Equal in their Creation they were form'd,
   Save what sin hath impaird, which yet hath wrought
   Insensibly, for I suspend thir doom;
   Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last
   Endless, and no solution will be found:
   Warr wearied hath perform'd what Warr can do,
   And to disorder'd rage let loose the reines,
   With Mountains as with Weapons arm'd, which makes
   Wild work in Heav'n, and dangerous to the maine.
   Two dayes are therefore past, the third is thine;
   For thee I have ordain'd it, and thus farr
   Have sufferd, that the Glorie may be thine
   Of ending this great Warr, since none but Thou
   Can end it. Into thee such Vertue and Grace
   Immense I have transfus'd, that all may know
   In Heav'n and Hell thy Power above compare,
   And this perverse Commotion governd 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 Fathers might,
   Ascend my Chariot, guide the rapid Wheeles
   That shake Heav'ns basis, bring forth all my Warr,
   My Bow and Thunder, my Almightie Arms
   Gird on, and Sword upon thy puissant Thigh;
   Pursue these sons of Darkness, drive them out
   From all Heav'ns bounds into the utter Deep:
   There let them learn, as likes them, to despise
   God and MESSIAH his anointed King.
   He said, and on his Son with Rayes direct
   Shon full, he all his Father full exprest
   Ineffably into his face receiv'd,
   And thus the filial Godhead answering spake.
   O Father, O Supream of heav'nly Thrones,
   First, Highest, Holiest, Best, thou alwayes seekst
   To glorifie thy Son, I alwayes thee,
   As is most just; this I my Glorie account,
   My exaltation, and my whole delight,
   That thou in me well pleas'd, declarst thy will
   Fulfill'd, which to fulfil is all my bliss.
   Scepter and Power, thy giving, I assume,
   And gladlier shall resign, when in the end
   Thou shalt be All in All, and I in thee
   For ever, and in mee all whom thou lov'st:
   But whom thou hat'st, I hate, and can put on
   Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on,
   Image of thee in all things; and shall soon,
   Armd with thy might, rid heav'n of these rebell'd,
   To thir prepar'd ill Mansion driven down
   To chains of Darkness, and th' undying Worm,
   That from thy just obedience could revolt,
   Whom to obey is happiness entire.
   Then shall thy Saints unmixt, and from th' impure
   Farr separate, circling thy holy Mount
   Unfained HALLELUIAHS to thee sing,
   Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief.
   So said, he o're his Scepter bowing, rose
   From the right hand of Glorie where he sate,
   And the third sacred Morn began to shine
   Dawning through Heav'n: forth rush'd with whirlwind sound
   The Chariot of Paternal Deitie,
   Flashing thick flames, Wheele within Wheele undrawn,
   It self instinct with Spirit, but convoyd
   By four Cherubic shapes, four Faces each
   Had wondrous, as with Starrs thir bodies all
   And Wings were set with Eyes, with Eyes the Wheels
   Of Beril, and careering Fires between;
   Over thir heads a chrystal Firmament,
   Whereon a Saphir Throne, inlaid with pure
   Amber, and colours of the showrie Arch.
   Hee in Celestial Panoplie all armd
   Of radiant URIM, work divinely wrought,
   Ascended, at his right hand Victorie
   Sate Eagle-wing'd, beside him hung his Bow
   And Quiver with three-bolted Thunder stor'd,
   And from about him fierce Effusion rowld
   Of smoak and bickering flame, and sparkles dire;
   Attended with ten thousand thousand Saints,
   He onward came, farr off his coming shon,
   And twentie thousand (I thir number heard)
   Chariots of God, half on each hand were seen:
   Hee on the wings of Cherub rode sublime
   On the Crystallin Skie, in Saphir Thron'd.
   Illustrious farr and wide, but by his own
   First seen, them unexpected joy surpriz'd,
   When the great Ensign of MESSIAH blaz'd
   Aloft by Angels born, his Sign in Heav'n:
   Under whose Conduct MICHAEL soon reduc'd
   His Armie, circumfus'd on either Wing,
   Under thir Head imbodied all in one.
   Before him Power Divine his way prepar'd;
   At his command the uprooted Hills retir'd
   Each to his place, they heard his voice and went
   Obsequious, Heav'n his wonted face renewd,
   And with fresh Flourets Hill and Valley smil'd.
   This saw his hapless Foes, but stood obdur'd,
   And to rebellious fight rallied thir Powers
   Insensate, hope conceiving from despair.
   In heav'nly Spirits could such perverseness dwell?
   But to convince the proud what Signs availe,
   Or Wonders move th' obdurate to relent?
   They hard'nd more by what might most reclame,
   Grieving to see his Glorie, at the sight
   Took envie, and aspiring to his highth,
   Stood reimbattell'd fierce, by force or fraud
   Weening to prosper, and at length prevaile
   Against God and MESSIAH, or to fall
   In universal ruin last, and now
   To final Battel drew, disdaining flight,
   Or faint retreat; when the great Son of God
   To all his Host on either hand thus spake.
   Stand still in bright array ye Saints, here stand
   Ye Angels arm'd, this day from Battel rest;
   Faithful hath been your Warfare, and of God
   Accepted, fearless in his righteous Cause,
   And as ye have receivd, so have ye don
   Invincibly; but of this cursed crew
   The punishment to other hand belongs,
   Vengeance is his, or whose he sole appoints;
   Number to this dayes work is not ordain'd
   Nor multitude, stand onely and behold
   Gods indignation on these Godless pourd
   By mee; not you but mee they have despis'd,
   Yet envied; against mee is all thir rage,
   Because the Father, t' whom in Heav'n supream
   Kingdom and Power and Glorie appertains,
   Hath honourd me according to his will.
   Therefore to mee thir doom he hath assig'n'd;
   That they may have thir wish, to trie with mee
   In Battel which the stronger proves, they all,
   Or I alone against them, since by strength
   They measure all, of other excellence
   Not emulous, nor care who them excells;
   Nor other strife with them do I voutsafe.
   So spake the Son, and into terrour chang'd
   His count'nance too severe to be beheld
   And full of wrauth bent on his Enemies.
   At once the Four spred out thir Starrie wings
   With dreadful shade contiguous, and the Orbes
   Of his fierce Chariot rowld, as with the sound
   Of torrent Floods, or of a numerous Host.
   Hee on his impious Foes right onward drove,
   Gloomie as Night; under his burning Wheeles
   The stedfast Empyrean shook throughout,
   All but the Throne it self of God. Full soon
   Among them he arriv'd; in his right hand
   Grasping ten thousand Thunders, which he sent
   Before him, such as in thir Soules infix'd
   Plagues; they astonisht all resistance lost,
   All courage; down thir idle weapons drop'd;
   O're Shields and Helmes, and helmed heads he rode
   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-visag'd Foure,
   Distinct with eyes, and from the living Wheels,
   Distinct alike with multitude of eyes,
   One Spirit in them rul'd, and every eye
   Glar'd lightning, and shot forth pernicious fire
   Among th' accurst, that witherd all thir strength,
   And of thir wonted vigour left them draind,
   Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fall'n.
   Yet half his strength he put not forth, but check'd
   His Thunder in mid Volie, for he meant
   Not to destroy, but root them out of Heav'n:
   The overthrown he rais'd, and as a Heard
   Of Goats or timerous flock together throngd
   Drove them before him Thunder-struck, pursu'd
   With terrors and with furies to the bounds
   And Chrystall wall of Heav'n, which op'ning wide,
   Rowld inward, and a spacious Gap disclos'd
   Into the wastful Deep; the monstrous sight
   Strook them with horror backward, but far worse
   Urg'd them behind; headlong themselvs they threw
   Down from the verge of Heav'n, Eternal wrauth
   Burnt after them to the bottomless pit.
   Hell heard th' unsufferable noise, Hell saw
   Heav'n ruining from Heav'n and would have fled
   Affrighted; but strict Fate had cast too deep
   Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound.
   Nine dayes they fell; confounded CHAOS roard,
   And felt tenfold confusion in thir fall
   Through his wilde Anarchie, so huge a rout
   Incumberd him with ruin: Hell at last
   Yawning receavd them whole, and on them clos'd,
   Hell thir fit habitation fraught with fire
   Unquenchable, the house of woe and paine.
   Disburd'nd Heav'n rejoic'd, and soon repaird
   Her mural breach, returning whence it rowld.
   Sole Victor from th' expulsion of his Foes
   MESSIAH his triumphal Chariot turnd:
   To meet him all his Saints, who silent stood
   Eye witnesses of his Almightie Acts,
   With Jubilie advanc'd; and as they went,
   Shaded with branching Palme, each order bright,
   Sung Triumph, and him sung Victorious King,
   Son, Heire, and Lord, to him Dominion giv'n,
   Worthiest to Reign: he celebrated rode
   Triumphant through mid Heav'n, into the Courts
   And Temple of his mightie Father Thron'd
   On high; who into Glorie him receav'd,
   Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss.
   Thus measuring things in Heav'n by things on Earth
   At thy request, and that thou maist beware
   By what is past, to thee I have reveal'd
   What might have else to human Race bin hid;
   The discord which befel, and Warr in Heav'n
   Among th' Angelic Powers, and the deep fall
   Of those too high aspiring, who rebelld
   With SATAN, hee who envies now thy state,
   Who now is plotting how he may seduce
   Thee also from obedience, that with him
   Bereavd of happiness thou maist partake
   His punishment, Eternal miserie;
   Which would be all his solace and revenge,
   As a despite don against the most High,
   Thee once to gaine Companion of his woe.
   But list'n not to his Temptations, warne
   Thy weaker; let it profit thee to have heard
   By terrible Example the reward
   Of disobedience; firm they might have stood,
   Yet fell; remember, and fear to transgress.

BOOK VII.

   Descend from Heav'n URANIA, by that name
   If rightly thou art call'd, whose Voice divine
   Following, above th' OLYMPIAN Hill I soare,
   Above the flight of PEGASEAN wing.
   The meaning, not the Name I call: for thou
   Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top
   Of old OLYMPUS dwell'st, but Heav'nlie borne,
   Before the Hills appeerd, or Fountain flow'd,
   Thou with Eternal wisdom didst converse,
   Wisdom thy Sister, and with her didst play
   In presence of th' Almightie Father, pleas'd
   With thy Celestial Song. Up led by thee
   Into the Heav'n of Heav'ns I have presum'd,
   An Earthlie Guest, and drawn Empyreal Aire,
   Thy tempring; with like safetie guided down
   Return me to my Native Element:
   Least from this flying Steed unrein'd, (as once
   BELLEROPHON, though from a lower Clime)
   Dismounted, on th' ALEIAN Field I fall
   Erroneous, there to wander and forlorne.
   Half yet remaines unsung, but narrower bound
   Within the visible Diurnal Spheare;
   Standing on Earth, not rapt above the Pole,
   More safe I Sing with mortal voice, unchang'd
   To hoarce or mute, though fall'n on evil dayes,
   On evil dayes though fall'n, and evil tongues;
   In darkness, and with dangers compast rouud,
   And solitude; yet not alone, while thou
   Visit'st my slumbers Nightly, or when Morn
   Purples the East: still govern thou my Song,
   URANIA, and fit audience find, though few.
   But drive farr off the barbarous dissonance
   Of BACCHUS and his Revellers, the Race
   Of that wilde Rout that tore the THRACIAN Bard
   In RHODOPE, where Woods and Rocks had Eares
   To rapture, till the savage clamor dround
   Both Harp and Voice; nor could the Muse defend
   Her Son. So fail not thou, who thee implores:
   For thou art Heav'nlie, shee an empty dreame.
   Say Goddess, what ensu'd when RAPHAEL,
   The affable Arch-angel, had forewarn'd
   ADAM by dire example to beware
   Apostasie, by what befell in Heaven
   To those Apostates, least the like befall
   In Paradise to ADAM or his Race,
   Charg'd not to touch the interdicted Tree,
   If they transgress, and slight that sole command,
   So easily obeyd amid the choice
   Of all tasts else to please thir appetite,
   Though wandring. He with his consorted EVE
   The storie heard attentive, and was fill'd
   With admiration, and deep Muse to heare
   Of things so high and strange, things to thir thought
   So unimaginable as hate in Heav'n,
   And Warr so neer the Peace of God in bliss
   With such confusion: but the evil soon
   Driv'n back redounded as a flood on those
   From whom it sprung, impossible to mix
   With Blessedness. Whence ADAM soon repeal'd
   The doubts that in his heart arose: and now
   Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know
   What neerer might concern him, how this World
   Of Heav'n and Earth conspicuous first began,
   When, and whereof created, for what cause,
   What within EDEN or without was done
   Before his memorie, as one whose drouth
   Yet scarce allay'd still eyes the current streame,
   Whose liquid murmur heard new thirst excites,
   Proceeded thus to ask his Heav'nly Guest.
   Great things, and full of wonder in our eares,
   Farr differing from this World, thou hast reveal'd
   Divine Interpreter, by favour sent
   Down from the Empyrean to forewarne
   Us timely of what might else have bin our loss,
   Unknown, which human knowledg could not reach:
   For which to the infinitly Good we owe
   Immortal thanks, and his admonishment
   Receave with solemne purpose to observe
   Immutably his sovran will, the end
   Of what we are. But since thou hast voutsaf't
   Gently for our instruction to impart
   Things above Earthly thought, which yet concernd
   Our knowing, as to highest wisdom seemd,
   Deign to descend now lower, and relate
   What may no less perhaps availe us known,
   How first began this Heav'n which we behold
   Distant so high, with moving Fires adornd
   Innumerable, and this which yeelds or fills
   All space, the ambient Aire wide interfus'd
   Imbracing round this florid Earth, what cause
   Mov'd the Creator in his holy Rest
   Through all Eternitie so late to build
   In CHAOS, and the work begun, how soon
   Absolv'd, if unforbid thou maist unfould
   What wee, not to explore the secrets aske
   Of his Eternal Empire, but the more
   To magnifie his works, the more we know.
   And the great Light of Day yet wants to run
   Much of his Race though steep, suspens in Heav'n
   Held by thy voice, thy potent voice he heares,
   And longer will delay to heare thee tell
   His Generation, and the rising Birth
   Of Nature from the unapparent Deep:
   Or if the Starr of Eevning and the Moon
   Haste to thy audience, Night with her will bring
   Silence, and Sleep listning to thee will watch,
   Or we can bid his absence, till thy Song
   End, and dismiss thee ere the Morning shine.
   Thus ADAM his illustrous Guest besought:
   And thus the Godlike Angel answerd milde.
   This also thy request with caution askt
   Obtaine: though to recount Almightie 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
   To glorifie the Maker, and inferr
   Thee also happier, shall not be withheld
   Thy hearing, such Commission from above
   I have receav'd, to answer thy desire
   Of knowledge within bounds; beyond abstain
   To ask, nor let thine own inventions hope
   Things not reveal'd, which th' invisible King,
   Onely Omniscient, hath supprest in Night,
   To none communicable in Earth or Heaven:
   Anough is left besides to search and know.
   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 Surfet, and soon turns
   Wisdom to Folly, as Nourishment to Winde.
   Know then, that after LUCIFER from Heav'n
   (So call him, brighter once amidst the Host
   Of Angels, then that Starr the Starrs among)
   Fell with his flaming Legions through the Deep
   Into his place, and the great Son returnd
   Victorious with his Saints, th' Omnipotent
   Eternal Father from his Throne beheld
   Thir multitude, and to his Son thus spake.
   At least our envious Foe hath fail'd, who thought
   All like himself rebellious, by whose aid
   This inaccessible high strength, the seat
   Of Deitie supream, us dispossest,
   He trusted to have seis'd, and into fraud
   Drew many, whom thir place knows here no more;
   Yet farr the greater part have kept, I see,
   Thir station, Heav'n yet populous retaines
   Number sufficient to possess her Realmes
   Though wide, and this high Temple to frequent
   With Ministeries due and solemn Rites:
   But least his heart exalt him in the harme
   Already done, to have dispeopl'd Heav'n,
   My damage fondly deem'd, I can repaire
   That detriment, if such it be to lose
   Self-lost, and in a moment will create
   Another World, out of one man a Race
   Of men innumerable, there to dwell,
   Not here, till by degrees of merit rais'd
   They open to themselves at length the way
   Up hither, under long obedience tri'd,
   And Earth be chang'd to Heavn, & Heav'n to Earth,
   One Kingdom, Joy and Union without end.
   Mean while inhabit laxe, ye Powers of Heav'n,
   And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee
   This I perform, speak thou, and be it don:
   My overshadowing Spirit and might with thee
   I send along, ride forth, and bid the Deep
   Within appointed bounds be Heav'n and Earth,
   Boundless the Deep, because I am who fill
   Infinitude, nor vacuous the space.
   Though I uncircumscrib'd my self retire,
   And put not forth my goodness, which is free
   To act or not, Necessitie and Chance
   Approach not mee, and what I will is Fate.
   So spake th' Almightie, and to what he spake
   His Word, the Filial Godhead, gave effect.
   Immediate are the Acts of God, more swift
   Then time or motion, but to human ears
   Cannot without process of speech be told,
   So told as earthly notion can receave.
   Great triumph and rejoycing was in Heav'n
   When such was heard declar'd the Almightie's will;
   Glorie they sung to the most High, good will
   To future men, and in thir dwellings peace:
   Glorie to him whose just avenging ire
   Had driven out th' ungodly from his sight
   And th' habitations of the just; to him
   Glorie and praise, whose wisdom had ordain'd
   Good out of evil to create, in stead
   Of Spirits maligne a better Race to bring
   Into thir vacant room, and thence diffuse
   His good to Worlds and Ages infinite.
   So sang the Hierarchies: Mean while the Son
   On his great Expedition now appeer'd,
   Girt with Omnipotence, with Radiance crown'd
   Of Majestie Divine, Sapience and Love
   Immense, and all his Father in him shon.
   About his Chariot numberless were pour'd
   Cherub and Seraph, Potentates and Thrones,
   And Vertues, winged Spirits, and Chariots wing'd,
   From the Armoury of God, where stand of old
   Myriads between two brazen Mountains lodg'd
   Against a solemn day, harnest at hand,
   Celestial Equipage; and now came forth
   Spontaneous, for within them Spirit livd,
   Attendant on thir Lord: Heav'n op'nd wide
   Her ever during Gates, Harmonious sound
   On golden Hinges moving, to let forth
   The King of Glorie in his powerful Word
   And Spirit coming to create new Worlds.
   On heav'nly ground they stood, and from the shore
   They view'd the vast immeasurable Abyss
   Outrageous as a Sea, dark, wasteful, wilde,
   Up from the bottom turn'd by furious windes
   And surging waves, as Mountains to assault
   Heav'ns highth, and with the Center mix the Pole.
   Silence, ye troubl'd waves, and thou Deep, peace,
   Said then th' Omnific Word, your discord end:
   Nor staid, but on the Wings of Cherubim
   Uplifted, in Paternal Glorie rode
   Farr into CHAOS, and the World unborn;
   For CHAOS heard his voice: him all his Traine
   Follow'd in bright procession to behold
   Creation, and the wonders of his might.
   Then staid the fervid Wheeles, and in his hand
   He took the golden Compasses, prepar'd
   In Gods Eternal store, to circumscribe
   This Universe, and all created things:
   One foot he center'd, and the other turn'd
   Round through the vast profunditie obscure,
   And said, thus farr extend, thus farr thy bounds,
   This be thy just Circumference, O World.
   Thus God the Heav'n created, thus the Earth,
   Matter unform'd and void: Darkness profound
   Cover'd th' Abyss: but on the watrie calme
   His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspred,
   And vital vertue infus'd, and vital warmth
   Throughout the fluid Mass, but downward purg'd
   The black tartareous cold infernal dregs
   Adverse to life: then founded, then conglob'd
   Like things to like, the rest to several place
   Disparted, and between spun out the Air,
   And Earth self-ballanc't on her Center hung.
   Let ther be Light, said God, and forthwith Light
   Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure
   Sprung from the Deep, and from her Native East
   To journie through the airie gloom began,
   Sphear'd in a radiant Cloud, for yet the Sun
   Was not; shee in a cloudie Tabernacle
   Sojourn'd the while. God saw the Light was good;
   And light from darkness by the Hemisphere
   Divided: Light the Day, and Darkness Night
   He nam'd. Thus was the first Day Eev'n and Morn:
   Nor past uncelebrated, nor unsung
   By the Celestial Quires, when Orient Light
   Exhaling first from Darkness they beheld;
   Birth-day of Heav'n and Earth; with joy and shout
   The hollow Universal Orb they fill'd,
   And touch't thir Golden Harps, & hymning prais'd
   God and his works, Creatour him they sung,
   Both when first Eevning was, and when first Morn.
   Again, God said, let ther 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, diffus'd
   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 hee the World
   Built on circumfluous Waters calme, in wide
   Crystallin Ocean, and the loud misrule
   Of CHAOS farr remov'd, least fierce extreames
   Contiguous might distemper the whole frame:
   And Heav'n he nam'd the Firmament: So Eev'n
   And Morning CHORUS sung the second Day.
   The Earth was form'd, but in the Womb as yet
   Of Waters, Embryon immature involv'd,
   Appeer'd not: over all the face of Earth
   Main Ocean flow'd, not idle, but with warme
   Prolific humour soft'ning all her Globe,
   Fermented the great Mother to conceave,
   Satiate with genial moisture, when God said
   Be gather'd now ye Waters under Heav'n
   Into one place, and let dry Land appeer.
   Immediately the Mountains huge appeer
   Emergent, and thir broad bare backs upheave
   Into the Clouds, thir tops ascend the Skie:
   So high as heav'd the tumid Hills, so low
   Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep,
   Capacious bed of Waters: thither they
   Hasted with glad precipitance, uprowld
   As drops on dust conglobing from the drie;
   Part rise in crystal Wall, or ridge direct,
   For haste; such flight the great command impress'd
   On the swift flouds: as Armies at the call
   Of Trumpet (for of Armies thou hast heard)
   Troop to thir Standard, so the watrie throng,
   Wave rowling after Wave, where way they found,
   If steep, with torrent rapture, if through Plaine,
   Soft-ebbing; nor withstood them Rock or Hill,
   But they, or under ground, or circuit wide
   With Serpent errour wandring, found thir way,
   And on the washie Oose deep Channels wore;
   Easie, e're God had bid the ground be drie,
   All but within those banks, where Rivers now
   Stream, and perpetual draw thir humid traine.
   The dry Land, Earth, and the great receptacle
   Of congregated Waters he call'd Seas:
   And saw that it was good, and said, Let th' Earth
   Put forth the verdant Grass, Herb yeilding Seed,
   And Fruit Tree yeilding Fruit after her kind;
   Whose Seed is in her self 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
   Her Universal Face with pleasant green,
   Then Herbs of every leaf, that sudden flour'd
   Op'ning thir various colours, and made gay
   Her bosom smelling sweet: and these scarce blown,
   Forth flourish't thick the clustring Vine, forth crept
   The smelling Gourd, up stood the cornie Reed
   Embattell'd in her field: add the humble Shrub,
   And Bush with frizl'd hair implicit: last
   Rose as in Dance the stately Trees, and spred
   Thir branches hung with copious Fruit; or gemm'd
   Thir Blossoms: with high Woods the Hills were crownd,
   With tufts the vallies & each fountain side,
   With borders long the Rivers. That Earth now
   Seemd like to Heav'n, a seat where Gods might dwell,
   Or wander with delight, and love to haunt
   Her sacred shades: though God had yet not rain'd
   Upon the Earth, and man to till the ground
   None was, but from the Earth a dewie Mist
   Went up and waterd all the ground, and each
   Plant of the field, which e're it was in the Earth
   God made, and every Herb, before it grew
   On the green stemm; God saw that it was good:
   So Eev'n and Morn recorded the Third Day.
   Again th' Almightie spake: Let there be Lights
   High in th' expanse of Heaven to divide
   The Day from Night; and let them be for Signes,
   For Seasons, and for Dayes, and circling Years,
   And let them be for Lights as I ordaine
   Thir Office in the Firmament of Heav'n
   To give Light on the Earth; and it was so.
   And God made two great Lights, great for thir use
   To Man, the greater to have rule by Day,
   The less by Night alterne: and made the Starrs,
   And set them in the Firmament of Heav'n
   To illuminate the Earth, and rule the Day
   In thir vicissitude, and rule the Night,
   And Light from Darkness to divide. God saw,
   Surveying his great Work, that it was good:
   For of Celestial Bodies first the Sun
   A mightie Spheare he fram'd, unlightsom first,
   Though of Ethereal Mould: then form'd the Moon
   Globose, and everie magnitude of Starrs,
   And sowd with Starrs the Heav'n thick as a field:
   Of Light by farr the greater part he took,
   Transplanted from her cloudie Shrine, and plac'd
   In the Suns Orb, made porous to receive
   And drink the liquid Light, firm to retaine
   Her gather'd beams, great Palace now of Light.
   Hither as to thir Fountain other Starrs
   Repairing, in thir gold'n Urns draw Light,
   And hence the Morning Planet guilds his horns;
   By tincture or reflection they augment
   Thir small peculiar, though from human sight
   So farr remote, with diminution seen.
   First in his East the glorious Lamp was seen,
   Regent of Day, and all th' Horizon round
   Invested with bright Rayes, jocond to run
   His Longitude through Heav'ns high rode: the gray
   Dawn, and the PLEIADES before him danc'd
   Shedding sweet influence: less bright the Moon,
   But opposite in leveld West was set
   His mirror, with full face borrowing her Light
   From him, for other light she needed none
   In that aspect, and still that distance keepes
   Till night, then in the East her turn she shines,
   Revolvd on Heav'ns great Axle, and her Reign
   With thousand lesser Lights dividual holds,
   With thousand thousand Starres, that then appeer'd
   Spangling the Hemisphere: then first adornd
   With thir bright Luminaries that Set and Rose,
   Glad Eevning & glad Morn crownd the fourth day.
   And God said, let the Waters generate
   Reptil with Spawn abundant, living Soule:
   And let Fowle flie above the Earth, with wings
   Displayd on the op'n Firmament of Heav'n.
   And God created the great Whales, and each
   Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously
   The waters generated by thir kindes,
   And every Bird of wing after his kinde;
   And saw that it was good, and bless'd them, saying,
   Be fruitful, multiply, and in the Seas
   And Lakes and running Streams the waters fill;
   And let the Fowle be multiply'd on the Earth.
   Forthwith the Sounds and Seas, each Creek & Bay
   With Frie innumerable swarme, and Shoales
   Of Fish that with thir Finns and shining Scales
   Glide under the green Wave, in Sculles that oft
   Bank the mid Sea: part single or with mate
   Graze the Sea weed thir pasture, & through Groves
   Of Coral stray, or sporting with quick glance
   Show to the Sun thir wav'd coats dropt with Gold,
   Or in thir Pearlie shells at ease, attend
   Moist nutriment, or under Rocks thir food
   In jointed Armour watch: on smooth the Seale,
   And bended Dolphins play: part huge of bulk
   Wallowing unweildie, enormous in thir Gate
   Tempest the Ocean: there Leviathan
   Hugest of living Creatures, on the Deep
   Stretcht like a Promontorie sleeps or swimmes,
   And seems a moving Land, and at his Gilles
   Draws in, and at his Trunck spouts out a Sea.
   Mean while the tepid Caves, and Fens and shoares
   Thir Brood as numerous hatch, from the Egg that soon
   Bursting with kindly rupture forth disclos'd
   Thir callow young, but featherd soon and fledge
   They summ'd thir Penns, and soaring th' air sublime
   With clang despis'd the ground, under a cloud
   In prospect; there the Eagle and the Stork
   On Cliffs and Cedar tops thir Eyries build:
   Part loosly wing the Region, part more wise
   In common, rang'd in figure wedge thir way,
   Intelligent of seasons, and set forth
   Thir Aierie Caravan high over Sea's
   Flying, and over Lands with mutual wing
   Easing thir flight; so stears the prudent Crane
   Her annual Voiage, born on Windes; the Aire
   Floats, as they pass, fann'd with unnumber'd plumes:
   From Branch to Branch the smaller Birds with song
   Solac'd the Woods, and spred thir painted wings
   Till Ev'n, nor then the solemn Nightingal
   Ceas'd warbling, but all night tun'd her soft layes:
   Others on Silver Lakes and Rivers Bath'd
   Thir downie Brest; the Swan with Arched neck
   Between her white wings mantling proudly, Rowes
   Her state with Oarie feet: yet oft they quit
   The Dank, and rising on stiff Pennons, towre
   The mid Aereal Skie: Others on ground
   Walk'd firm; the crested Cock whose clarion sounds
   The silent hours, and th' other whose gay Traine
   Adorns him, colour'd with the Florid hue
   Of Rainbows and Starrie Eyes. The Waters thus
   With Fish replenisht, and the Aire with Fowle,
   Ev'ning and Morn solemniz'd the Fift day.
   The Sixt, and of Creation last arose
   With Eevning Harps and Mattin, when God said,
   Let th' Earth bring forth Fowle living in her kinde,
   Cattel and Creeping things, and Beast of the Earth,
   Each in their kinde. The Earth obey'd, and strait
   Op'ning her fertil Woomb teem'd at a Birth
   Innumerous living Creatures, perfet formes,
   Limb'd and full grown: out of the ground up-rose
   As from his Laire the wilde Beast where he wonns
   In Forrest wilde, in Thicket, Brake, or Den;
   Among the Trees in Pairs they rose, they walk'd:
   The Cattel in the Fields and Meddowes green:
   Those rare and solitarie, these in flocks
   Pasturing at once, and in broad Herds upsprung:
   The grassie Clods now Calv'd, now half appeer'd
   The Tawnie Lion, pawing to get free
   His hinder parts, then springs as broke from Bonds,
   And Rampant shakes his Brinded main; the Ounce,
   The Libbard, and the Tyger, as the Moale
   Rising, the crumbl'd Earth above them threw
   In Hillocks; the swift Stag from under ground
   Bore up his branching head: scarse from his mould
   BEHEMOTH biggest born of Earth upheav'd
   His vastness: Fleec't the Flocks and bleating rose,
   As Plants: ambiguous between Sea and Land
   The River Horse and scalie Crocodile.
   At once came forth whatever creeps the ground,
   Insect or Worme; those wav'd thir limber fans
   For wings, and smallest Lineaments exact
   In all the Liveries dect of Summers pride
   With spots of Gold and Purple, azure and green:
   These as a line thir long dimension drew,
   Streaking the ground with sinuous trace; not all
   Minims of Nature; some of Serpent kinde
   Wondrous in length and corpulence involv'd
   Thir Snakie foulds, and added wings. First crept
   The Parsimonious Emmet, provident
   Of future, in small room large heart enclos'd,
   Pattern of just equalitie perhaps
   Hereafter, join'd in her popular Tribes
   Of Commonaltie: swarming next appeer'd
   The Femal Bee that feeds her Husband Drone
   Deliciously, and builds her waxen Cells
   With Honey stor'd: the rest are numberless,
   And thou thir Natures know'st, and gav'st them Names,
   Needlest to thee repeaed; nor unknown
   The Serpent suttl'st Beast of all the field,
   Of huge extent somtimes, with brazen Eyes
   And hairie Main terrific, though to thee
   Not noxious, but obedient at thy call.
   Now Heav'n in all her Glorie shon, and rowld
   Her motions, as the great first-Movers hand
   First wheeld thir course; Earth in her rich attire
   Consummate lovly smil'd; Aire, Water, Earth,
   By Fowl, Fish, Beast, was flown, was swum, was walkt
   Frequent; and of the Sixt day yet remain'd;
   There wanted yet the Master work, the end
   Of all yet don; a Creature who not prone
   And Brute as other Creatures, but endu'd
   With Sanctitie of Reason, might erect
   His Stature, and upright with Front serene
   Govern the rest, self-knowing, and from thence
   Magnanimous to correspond with Heav'n,
   But grateful to acknowledge whence his good
   Descends, thither with heart and voice and eyes
   Directed in Devotion, to adore
   And worship God Supream, who made him chief
   Of all his works: therefore the Omnipotent
   Eternal Father (For where is not hee
   Present) thus to his Son audibly spake.
   Let us make now Man in our image, Man
   In our similitude, and let them rule
   Over the Fish and Fowle of Sea and Aire,
   Beast of the Field, and over all the Earth,
   And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.
   This said, he formd thee, ADAM, thee O Man
   Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breath'd
   The breath of Life; in his own Image hee
   Created thee, in the Image of God
   Express, and thou becam'st a living Soul.
   Male he created thee, but thy consort
   Femal for Race; then bless'd Mankinde, and said,
   Be fruitful, multiplie, and fill the Earth,
   Subdue it, and throughout Dominion hold
   Over Fish of the Sea, and Fowle of the Aire,
   And every living thing that moves on the Earth.
   Wherever thus created, for no place
   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 thir pleasant fruit for food
   Gave thee, all sorts are here that all th' Earth yeelds,
   Varietie without end; but of the Tree
   Which tasted works knowledge of Good and Evil,
   Thou mai'st not; in the day thou eat'st, thou di'st;
   Death is the penaltie impos'd, beware,
   And govern well thy appetite, least sin
   Surprise thee, and her black attendant Death.
   Here finish'd hee, and all that he had made
   View'd, and behold all was entirely good;
   So Ev'n and Morn accomplish'd the Sixt day:
   Yet not till the Creator from his work
   Desisting, though unwearied, up returnd
   Up to the Heav'n of Heav'ns his high abode,
   Thence to behold this new created World
   Th' addition of his Empire, how it shew'd
   In prospect from his Throne, how good, how faire,
   Answering his great Idea. Up he rode
   Followd with acclamation and the sound
   Symphonious of ten thousand Harpes that tun'd
   Angelic harmonies: the Earth, the Aire
   Resounded, (thou remember'st, for thou heardst)
   The Heav'ns and all the Constellations rung,
   The Planets in thir stations list'ning stood,
   While the bright Pomp ascended jubilant.
   Open, ye everlasting Gates, they sung,
   Open, ye Heav'ns, your living dores; let in
   The great Creator from his work returnd
   Magnificent, his Six days work, a World;
   Open, and henceforth oft; for God will deigne
   To visit oft the dwellings of just Men
   Delighted, and with frequent intercourse
   Thither will send his winged Messengers
   On errands of supernal Grace. So sung
   The glorious Train ascending: He through Heav'n,
   That open'd wide her blazing Portals, led
   To Gods Eternal house direct the way,
   A broad and ample rode, whose dust is Gold
   And pavement Starrs, as Starrs to thee appeer,
   Seen in the Galaxie, that Milkie way
   Which nightly as a circling Zone thou seest
   Pouderd with Starrs. And now on Earth the Seaventh
   Eev'ning arose in EDEN, for the Sun
   Was set, and twilight from the East came on,
   Forerunning Night; when at the holy mount
   Of Heav'ns high-seated top, th' Impereal Throne
   Of Godhead, fixt for ever firm and sure,
   The Filial Power arriv'd, and sate him down
   With his great Father (for he also went
   Invisible, yet staid (such priviledge
   Hath Omnipresence) and the work ordain'd,
   Author and end of all things, and from work
   Now resting, bless'd and hallowd the Seav'nth 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,
   And Dulcimer, all Organs of sweet stop,
   All sounds on Fret by String or Golden Wire
   Temper'd soft Tunings, intermixt with Voice
   Choral or Unison: of incense Clouds
   Fuming from Golden Censers hid the Mount.
   Creation and the Six dayes 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
   Then from the Giant Angels; thee that day
   Thy Thunders magnifi'd; but to create
   Is greater then created to destroy.
   Who can impair thee, mighty King, or bound
   Thy Empire? easily the proud attempt
   Of Spirits apostat and thir Counsels vaine
   Thou hast repeld, while impiously they thought
   Thee to diminish, and from thee withdraw
   The number of thy worshippers. Who seekes
   To lessen thee, against his purpose serves
   To manifest the more thy might: his evil
   Thou usest, and from thence creat'st more good.
   Witness this new-made World, another Heav'n
   From Heaven Gate not farr, founded in view
   On the cleer HYALINE, the Glassie Sea;
   Of amplitude almost immense, with Starr's
   Numerous, and every Starr perhaps a World
   Of destind habitation; but thou know'st
   Thir seasons: among these the seat of men,
   Earth with her nether Ocean circumfus'd,
   Thir pleasant dwelling place. Thrice happie men,
   And sons of men, whom God hath thus advanc't,
   Created in his Image, there to dwell
   And worship him, and in reward to rule
   Over his Works, on Earth, in Sea, or Air,
   And multiply a Race of Worshippers
   Holy and just: thrice happie if they know
   Thir happiness, and persevere upright.
   So sung they, and the Empyrean rung,
   With HALLELUIAHS: Thus was Sabbath kept.
   And thy request think now fulfill'd, that ask'd
   How first this World and face of things began,
   And what before thy memorie was don
   From the beginning, that posteritie
   Informd by thee might know; if else thou seekst
   Aught, not surpassing human measure, say.
   To whom thus ADAM gratefully repli'd.
   What thanks sufficient, or what recompence
   Equal have I to render thee, Divine
   Hystorian, who thus largely hast allayd
   The thirst I had of knowledge, and voutsaf't
   This friendly condescention to relate
   Things else by me unsearchable, now heard
   VVith wonder, but delight, and, as is due,
   With glorie attributed to the high
   Creator; some thing yet of doubt remaines,
   VVhich onely thy solution can resolve.
   VVhen I behold this goodly Frame, this VVorld
   Of Heav'n and Earth consisting, and compute,
   Thir magnitudes, this Earth a spot, a graine,
   An Atom, with the Firmament compar'd
   And all her numberd Starrs, that seem to rowle
   Spaces incomprehensible (for such
   Thir distance argues and thir swift return
   Diurnal) meerly to officiate light
   Round this opacous Earth, this punctual spot,
   One day and night; in all thir vast survey
   Useless besides, reasoning I oft admire,
   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 appeers, and on thir Orbs impose
   Such restless revolution day by day
   Repeated, while the sedentarie Earth,
   That better might with farr less compass move,
   Serv'd by more noble then her self, attaines
   Her end without least motion, and receaves,
   As Tribute such a sumless journey brought
   Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light;
   Speed, to describe whose swiftness Number failes.
   So spake our Sire, and by his count'nance seemd
   Entring on studious thoughts abstruse, which EVE
   Perceaving where she sat retir'd in sight,
   With lowliness Majestic from her seat,
   And Grace that won who saw to wish her stay,
   Rose, and went forth among her Fruits and Flours,
   To visit how they prosper'd, bud and bloom,
   Her Nurserie; they at her coming sprung
   And toucht by her fair tendance gladlier grew.
   Yet went she not, as not with such discourse
   Delighted, or not capable her eare
   Of what was high: such pleasure she reserv'd,
   ADAM relating, she sole Auditress;
   Her Husband the Relater she preferr'd
   Before the Angel, and of him to ask
   Chose rather; hee, she knew would intermix
   Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute
   With conjugal Caresses, from his Lip
   Not Words alone pleas'd her. O when meet now
   Such pairs, in Love and mutual Honour joyn'd?
   With Goddess-like demeanour forth she went;
   Not unattended, for on her as Queen
   A pomp of winning Graces waited still,
   And from about her shot Darts of desire
   Into all Eyes to wish her still in sight.
   And RAPHAEL now to ADAM's doubt propos'd
   Benevolent and facil thus repli'd.
   To ask or search I blame thee not, for Heav'n
   Is as the Book of God before thee set,
   Wherein to read his wondrous Works, and learne
   His Seasons, Hours, or Days, or Months, or Yeares:
   This to attain, whether Heav'n move or Earth,
   Imports not, if thou reck'n right, the rest
   From 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
   Conjecture, he his Fabric of the Heav'ns
   Hath left to thir disputes, perhaps to move
   His laughter at thir quaint Opinions wide
   Hereafter, when they come to model Heav'n
   And calculate the Starrs, how they will weild
   The mightie frame, how build, unbuild, contrive
   To save appeerances, how gird the Sphear
   With Centric and Eccentric scribl'd o're,
   Cycle and Epicycle, Orb in Orb:
   Alreadie by thy reasoning this I guess,
   Who art to lead thy ofspring, and supposest
   That Bodies bright and greater should not serve
   The less not bright, nor Heav'n such journies run,
   Earth sitting still, when she alone receaves
   The benefit: consider first, that Great
   Or Bright inferrs not Excellence: the Earth
   Though, in comparison of Heav'n, so small,
   Nor glistering, may of solid good containe
   More plenty then the Sun that barren shines,
   Whose vertue on it self workes no effect,
   But in the fruitful Earth; there first receavd
   His beams, unactive else, thir vigor find.
   Yet not to Earth are those bright Luminaries
   Officious, but to thee Earths habitant.
   And for the Heav'ns wide Circuit, let it speak
   The Makers high magnificence, who built
   So spacious, and his Line stretcht out so farr;
   That Man may know he dwells not in his own;
   An Edifice too large for him to fill,
   Lodg'd in a small partition, and the rest
   Ordain'd for uses to his Lord best known.
   The swiftness of those Circles attribute,
   Though numberless, to his Omnipotence,
   That to corporeal substances could adde
   Speed almost Spiritual; mee thou thinkst not slow,
   Who since the Morning hour set out from Heav'n
   Where God resides, and ere mid-day arriv'd
   In EDEN, distance inexpressible
   By Numbers that have name. But this I urge,
   Admitting Motion in the Heav'ns, to shew
   Invalid that which thee to doubt it mov'd;
   Not that I so affirm, though so it seem
   To thee who hast thy dwelling here on Earth.
   God to remove his wayes from human sense,
   Plac'd Heav'n from Earth so farr, that earthly sight,
   If it presume, might erre in things too high,
   And no advantage gaine. What if the Sun
   Be Center to the World, and other Starrs
   By his attractive vertue and thir own
   Incited, dance about him various rounds?
   Thir wandring course now high, now low, then hid,
   Progressive, retrograde, or standing still,
   In six thou seest, and what if sev'nth to these
   The Planet Earth, so stedfast though she seem,
   Insensibly three different Motions move?
   Which else to several Sphears thou must ascribe,
   Mov'd contrarie with thwart obliquities,
   Or save the Sun his labour, and that swift
   Nocturnal and Diurnal rhomb suppos'd,
   Invisible else above all Starrs, the Wheele
   Of Day and Night; which needs not thy beleefe,
   If Earth industrious of her self fetch Day
   Travelling East, and with her part averse
   From the Suns beam meet Night, her other part
   Still luminous by his ray. What if that light
   Sent from her through the wide transpicuous aire,
   To the terrestrial Moon be as a Starr
   Enlightning her by Day, as she by Night
   This Earth? reciprocal, if Land be there,
   Feilds and Inhabitants: Her spots thou seest
   As Clouds, and Clouds may rain, and Rain produce
   Fruits in her soft'nd Soile, for some to eate
   Allotted there; and other Suns perhaps
   With thir attendant Moons thou wilt descrie
   Communicating Male and Femal Light,
   Which two great Sexes animate the World,
   Stor'd in each Orb perhaps with some that live.
   For such vast room in Nature unpossest
   By living Soule, desert and desolate,
   Onely to shine, yet scarce to contribute
   Each Orb a glimps of Light, conveyd so farr
   Down to this habitable, which returnes
   Light back to them, is obvious to dispute.
   But whether thus these things, or whether not,
   Whether the Sun predominant in Heav'n
   Rise on the Earth, or Earth rise on the Sun,
   Hee from the East his flaming rode begin,
   Or Shee from West her silent course advance
   With inoffensive pace that spinning sleeps
   On her soft Axle, while she paces Eev'n,
   And bears thee soft with the smooth Air along,
   Sollicit not thy thoughts with matters hid,
   Leave them to God above, him serve and feare;
   Of other Creatures, as him pleases best,
   Wherever plac't, let him dispose: joy thou
   In what he gives to thee, this Paradise
   And thy faire EVE; Heav'n is for thee too high
   To know what passes there; be lowlie wise:
   Think onely what concernes thee and thy being;
   Dream not of other Worlds, what Creatures there
   Live, in what state, condition or degree,
   Contented that thus farr hath been reveal'd
   Not of Earth onely but of highest Heav'n.
   To whom thus ADAM cleerd of doubt, repli'd.
   How fully hast thou satisfi'd mee, pure
   Intelligence of Heav'n, 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 farr off all anxious cares,
   And not molest us, unless we our selves
   Seek them with wandring thoughts, and notions vaine.
   But apt the Mind or Fancie is to roave
   Uncheckt, and of her roaving is no end;
   Till warn'd, or by experience taught, she learne,
   That not to know at large of things remote
   From use, obscure and suttle, 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,
   And renders us in things that most concerne
   Unpractis'd, unprepar'd, and still to seek.
   Therefore from this high pitch let us descend
   A lower flight, and speak of things at hand
   Useful, whence haply mention may arise
   Of somthing not unseasonable to ask
   By sufferance, and thy wonted favour deign'd.
   Thee I have heard relating what was don
   Ere my remembrance: now hear mee relate
   My Storie, which perhaps thou hast not heard;
   And Day is yet not spent; till then thou seest
   How suttly to detaine 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 Heav'n,
   And sweeter thy discourse is to my eare
   Then Fruits of Palm-tree pleasantest to thirst
   And hunger both, from labour, at the houre
   Of sweet repast; they satiate, and soon fill,
   Though pleasant, but thy words with Grace Divine
   Imbu'd, bring to thir sweetness no satietie.
   To whom thus RAPHAEL answer'd heav'nly meek.
   Nor are thy lips ungraceful, Sire of men,
   Nor tongue ineloquent; for God on thee
   Abundantly his gifts hath also pour'd,
   Inward and outward both, his image faire:
   Speaking or mute all comliness and grace
   Attends thee, and each word, each motion formes.
   Nor less think wee in Heav'n of thee on Earth
   Then of our fellow servant, and inquire
   Gladly into the wayes 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 befell,
   Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure,
   Farr on excursion toward the Gates of Hell;
   Squar'd in full Legion (such command we had)
   To see that none thence issu'd forth a spie,
   Or enemie, while God was in his work,
   Least hee incenst at such eruption bold,
   Destruction with Creation might have mixt.
   Not that they durst without his leave attempt,
   But us he sends upon his high behests
   For state, as Sovran King, and to enure
   Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut
   The dismal Gates, and barricado'd strong;
   But long ere our approaching heard within
   Noise, other then the sound of Dance or Song,
   Torment, and lowd lament, and furious rage.
   Glad we return'd up to the coasts of Light
   Ere Sabbath Eev'ning: so we had in charge.
   But thy relation now; for I attend,
   Pleas'd with thy words no less then thou with mine.
   So spake the Godlike Power, and thus our Sire.
   For Man to tell how human Life began
   Is hard; for who himself beginning knew?
   Desire with thee still longer to converse
   Induc'd me. As new wak't from soundest sleep
   Soft on the flourie herb I found me laid
   In Balmie Sweat, which with his Beames the Sun
   Soon dri'd, and on the reaking moisture fed.
   Strait toward Heav'n my wondring Eyes I turnd,
   And gaz'd a while the ample Skie, till rais'd
   By quick instinctive motion up I sprung,
   As thitherward endevoring, and upright
   Stood on my feet; about me round I saw
   Hill, Dale, and shadie Woods, and sunnie Plaines,
   And liquid Lapse of murmuring Streams; by these,
   Creatures that livd, and movd, and walk'd, or flew,
   Birds on the branches warbling; all things smil'd,
   With fragrance and with joy my heart oreflow'd.
   My self I then perus'd, 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,
   Knew not; to speak I tri'd, and forthwith spake,
   My Tongue obey'd and readily could name
   What e're I saw. Thou Sun, said I, faire Light,
   And thou enlight'nd Earth, so fresh and gay,
   Ye Hills and Dales, ye Rivers, Woods, and Plaines,
   And ye that live and move, fair Creatures, tell,
   Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, how here?
   Not of my self; by some great Maker then,
   In goodness and in power praeeminent;
   Tell me, how may I know him, how adore,
   From whom I have that thus I move and live,
   And feel that I am happier then I know.
   While thus I call'd, and stray'd I knew not whither,
   From where I first drew Aire, and first beheld
   This happie Light, when answer none return'd,
   On a green shadie Bank profuse of Flours
   Pensive I sate me down; there gentle sleep
   First found me, and with soft oppression seis'd
   My droused sense, untroubl'd, though I thought
   I then was passing to my former state
   Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve:
   When suddenly stood at my Head a dream,
   Whose inward apparition gently mov'd
   My Fancy to believe I yet had being,
   And livd: One came, methought, of shape Divine,
   And said, thy Mansion wants thee, ADAM, rise,
   First Man, of Men innumerable ordain'd
   First Father, call'd by thee I come thy Guide
   To the Garden of bliss, thy seat prepar'd.
   So saying, by the hand he took me rais'd,
   And over Fields and Waters, as in Aire
   Smooth sliding without step, last led me up
   A woodie Mountain; whose high top was plaine,
   A Circuit wide, enclos'd, with goodliest Trees
   Planted, with Walks, and Bowers, that what I saw
   Of Earth before scarse pleasant seemd. Each Tree
   Load'n with fairest Fruit, that hung to the Eye
   Tempting, stirr'd in me sudden appetite
   To pluck and eate; whereat I wak'd, and found
   Before mine Eyes all real, as the dream
   Had lively shadowd: Here had new begun
   My wandring, had not hee who was my Guide
   Up hither, from among the Trees appeer'd,
   Presence Divine. Rejoycing, but with aw
   In adoration at his feet I fell
   Submiss: he rear'd me, & Whom thou soughtst I am,
   Said mildely, 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 eate:
   Of every Tree that in the Garden growes
   Eate freely with glad heart; fear here no dearth:
   But of the Tree whose operation brings
   Knowledg of good and ill, which I have set
   The Pledge of thy Obedience and thy Faith,
   Amid the Garden by the Tree of Life,
   Remember what I warne thee, shun to taste,
   And shun the bitter consequence: for know,
   The day thou eat'st thereof, my sole command
   Transgrest, inevitably thou shalt dye;
   From that day mortal, and this happie State
   Shalt loose, expell'd from hence into a World
   Of woe and sorrow. Sternly he pronounc'd
   The rigid interdiction, which resounds
   Yet dreadful in mine eare, though in my choice
   Not to incur; but soon his cleer aspect
   Return'd and gratious purpose thus renew'd.
   Not onely 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,
   Or live in Sea, or Aire, Beast, Fish, and Fowle.
   In signe whereof each Bird and Beast behold
   After thir kindes; I bring them to receave
   From thee thir Names, and pay thee fealtie
   With low subjection; understand the same
   Of Fish within thir watry residence,
   Not hither summond, since they cannot change
   Thir Element to draw the thinner Aire.
   As thus he spake, each Bird and Beast behold
   Approaching two and two, These cowring low
   With blandishment, each Bird stoop'd on his wing.
   I nam'd them, as they pass'd, and understood
   Thir Nature, with such knowledg God endu'd
   My sudden apprehension: but in these
   I found not what me thought I wanted still;
   And to the Heav'nly vision thus presum'd.
   O by what Name, for thou above all these,
   Above mankinde, or aught then mankinde higher,
   Surpassest farr my naming, how may I
   Adore thee, Author of this Universe,
   And all this good to man, for whose well being
   So amply, and with hands so liberal
   Thou hast provided all things: but with mee
   I see not who partakes. In solitude
   What happiness, who can enjoy alone,
   Or all enjoying, what contentment find?
   Thus I presumptuous; and the vision bright,
   As with a smile more bright'nd, thus repli'd.
   What call'st thou solitude, is not the Earth
   With various living creatures, and the Aire
   Replenisht, and all these at thy command
   To come and play before thee, know'st thou not
   Thir language and thir wayes, they also know,
   And reason not contemptibly; with these
   Find pastime, and beare rule; thy Realm is large.
   So spake the Universal Lord, and seem'd
   So ordering. I with leave of speech implor'd,
   And humble deprecation thus repli'd.
   Let not my words offend thee, Heav'nly Power,
   My Maker, be propitious while I speak.
   Hast thou not made me here thy substitute,
   And these inferiour farr beneath me set?
   Among unequals what societie
   Can sort, what harmonie or true delight?
   Which must be mutual, in proportion due
   Giv'n and receiv'd; but in disparitie
   The one intense, the other still remiss
   Cannot well suite with either, but soon prove
   Tedious alike: Of fellowship I speak
   Such as I seek, fit to participate
   All rational delight, wherein the brute
   Cannot be human consort; they rejoyce
   Each with thir kinde, Lion with Lioness;
   So fitly them in pairs thou hast combin'd;
   Much less can Bird with Beast, or Fish with Fowle
   So well converse, nor with the Ox the Ape;
   Wors then can Man with Beast, and least of all.
   Whereto th' Almighty answer'd, not displeas'd.
   A nice and suttle happiness I see
   Thou to thy self proposest, in the choice
   Of thy Associates, ADAM, and wilt taste
   No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitarie.
   What thinkst thou then of mee, and this my State,
   Seem I to thee sufficiently possest
   Of happiness, or not? who am alone
   From all Eternitie, for none I know
   Second to mee 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 inferiour, infinite descents
   Beneath what other Creatures are to thee?
   He ceas'd, I lowly answer'd. To attaine
   The highth and depth of thy Eternal wayes
   All human thoughts come short, Supream of things;
   Thou in thy self art perfet, and in thee
   Is no deficience 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 propagat, already infinite;
   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 multipli'd,
   In unitie defective, which requires
   Collateral love, and deerest amitie.
   Thou in thy secresie although alone,
   Best with thy self accompanied, seek'st not
   Social communication, yet so pleas'd,
   Canst raise thy Creature to what highth thou wilt
   Of Union or Communion, deifi'd;
   I by conversing cannot these erect
   From prone, nor in thir wayes complacence find.
   Thus I embold'nd spake, and freedom us'd
   Permissive, and acceptance found, which gain'd
   This answer from the gratious voice Divine.
   Thus farr to try thee, ADAM, I was pleas'd,
   And finde thee knowing not of Beasts alone,
   Which thou hast rightly nam'd, but of thy self,
   Expressing well the spirit within thee free,
   My Image, not imparted to the Brute,
   Whose fellowship therefore unmeet for thee
   Good reason was thou freely shouldst dislike,
   And be so minded still; I, ere thou spak'st,
   Knew it not good for Man to be alone,
   And no such companie as then thou saw'st
   Intended thee, for trial onely brought,
   To see how thou could'st judge of fit and meet:
   What next I bring shall please thee, be assur'd,
   Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self,
   Thy wish, exactly to thy hearts desire.
   Hee ended, or I heard no more, for now
   My earthly by his Heav'nly overpowerd,
   Which it had long stood under, streind to the highth
   In that celestial Colloquie sublime,
   As with an object that excels the sense,
   Dazl'd and spent, sunk down, and sought repair
   Of sleep, which instantly fell on me, call'd
   By Nature as in aide, and clos'd mine eyes.
   Mine eyes he clos'd, but op'n left the Cell
   Of Fancie my internal sight, by which
   Abstract as in a transe methought I saw,
   Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape
   Still glorious before whom awake I stood;
   Who stooping op'nd my left side, and took
   From thence a Rib, with cordial spirits warme,
   And Life-blood streaming fresh; wide was the wound,
   But suddenly with flesh fill'd up & heal'd:
   The Rib he formd and fashond with his hands;
   Under his forming hands a Creature grew,
   Manlike, but different sex, so lovly faire,
   That what seemd fair in all the World, seemd now
   Mean, or in her summd up, in her containd
   And in her looks, which from that time infus'd
   Sweetness into my heart, unfelt before,
   And into all things from her Aire inspir'd
   The spirit of love and amorous delight.
   She disappeerd, and left me dark, I wak'd
   To find her, or for ever to deplore
   Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure:
   When out of hope, behold her, not farr off,
   Such as I saw her in my dream, adornd
   With what all Earth or Heaven could bestow
   To make her amiable: On she came,
   Led by her Heav'nly Maker, though unseen,
   And guided by his voice, nor uninformd
   Of nuptial Sanctitie and marriage Rites:
   Grace was in all her steps, Heav'n in her Eye,
   In every gesture dignitie and love.
   I overjoyd could not forbear aloud.
   This turn hath made amends; thou hast fulfill'd
   Thy words, Creator bounteous and benigne,
   Giver of all things faire, but fairest this
   Of all thy gifts, nor enviest. I now see
   Bone of my Bone, Flesh of my Flesh, my Self
   Before me; Woman is her Name, of Man
   Extracted; for this cause he shall forgoe
   Father and Mother, and to his Wife adhere;
   And they shall be one Flesh, one Heart, one Soule.
   She heard me thus, and though divinely brought,
   Yet Innocence and Virgin Modestie,
   Her vertue and the conscience of her worth,
   That would be woo'd, and not unsought be won,
   Not obvious, not obtrusive, but retir'd,
   The more desirable, or to say all,
   Nature her self, 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 Majestie approv'd
   My pleaded reason. To the Nuptial Bowre
   I led her blushing like the Morn: all Heav'n,
   And happie Constellations on that houre
   Shed thir selectest influence; the Earth
   Gave sign of gratulation, and each Hill;
   Joyous the Birds; fresh Gales and gentle Aires
   Whisper'd it to the Woods, and from thir wings
   Flung Rose, flung Odours from the spicie Shrub,
   Disporting, till the amorous Bird of Night
   Sung Spousal, and bid haste the Eevning Starr
   On his Hill top, to light the bridal Lamp.
   Thus I have told thee all my State, and brought
   My Storie to the sum of earthly bliss
   Which I enjoy, and must confess to find
   In all things else delight indeed, but such
   As us'd or not, works in the mind no change,
   Nor vehement desire, these delicacies
   I mean of Taste, Sight, Smell, Herbs, Fruits, & Flours,
   Walks, and the melodie of Birds; but here
   Farr otherwise, transported I behold,
   Transported touch; here passion first I felt,
   Commotion strange, in all enjoyments else
   Superiour and unmov'd, here onely weake
   Against the charm of Beauties powerful glance.
   Or Nature faild in mee, and left some part
   Not proof enough such Object to sustain,
   Or from my side subducting, took perhaps
   More then enough; at least on her bestow'd
   Too much of Ornament, in outward shew
   Elaborate, of inward less exact.
   For well I understand in the prime end
   Of Nature her th' inferiour, in the mind
   And inward Faculties, which most excell,
   In outward also her resembling less
   His Image who made both, and less expressing
   The character of that Dominion giv'n
   O're other Creatures; yet when I approach
   Her loveliness, so absolute she seems
   And in her self compleat, so well to know
   Her own, that what she wills to do or say,
   Seems wisest, vertuousest, discreetest, best;
   All higher knowledge in her presence falls
   Degraded, Wisdom in discourse with her
   Looses discount'nanc't, and like folly shewes;
   Authoritie and Reason on her waite,
   As one intended first, not after made
   Occasionally; and to consummate all,
   Greatness of mind and nobleness thir seat
   Build in her loveliest, and create an awe
   About her, as a guard Angelic plac't.
   To whom the Angel with contracted brow.
   Accuse not Nature, she hath don her part;
   Do thou but thine, and be not diffident
   Of Wisdom, she deserts thee not, if thou
   Dismiss not her, when most thou needst her nigh,
   By attributing overmuch to things
   Less excellent, as thou thy self perceav'st.
   For what admir'st thou, what transports thee so,
   An outside? fair no doubt, and worthy well
   Thy cherishing, thy honouring, and thy love,
   Not thy subjection: weigh with her thy self;
   Then value: Oft times nothing profits more
   Then self-esteem, grounded on just and right
   Well manag'd; of that skill the more thou know'st,
   The more she will acknowledge thee her Head,
   And to realities yeild all her shows;
   Made so adorn for thy delight the more,
   So awful, that with honour thou maist 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
   Beyond all other, think the same voutsaf't
   To Cattel and each Beast; which would not be
   To them made common & divulg'd, if aught
   Therein enjoy'd were worthy to subdue
   The Soule of Man, or passion in him move.
   What higher in her societie thou findst
   Attractive, human, rational, love still;
   In loving thou dost well, in passion not,
   Wherein true Love consists not; love refines
   The thoughts, and heart enlarges, hath his seat
   In Reason, and is judicious, is the scale
   By which to heav'nly Love thou maist ascend,
   Not sunk in carnal pleasure, for which cause
   Among the Beasts no Mate for thee was found.
   To whom thus half abash't ADAM repli'd.
   Neither her out-side formd so fair, nor aught
   In procreation common to all kindes
   (Though higher of the genial Bed by far,
   And with mysterious reverence I deem)
   So much delights me, as those graceful acts,
   Those thousand decencies that daily flow
   From all her words and actions, mixt with Love
   And sweet compliance, which declare unfeign'd
   Union of Mind, or in us both one Soule;
   Harmonie to behold in wedded pair
   More grateful then harmonious sound to the eare.
   Yet these subject not; I to thee disclose
   What inward thence I feel, not therefore foild,
   Who meet with various objects, from the sense
   Variously representing; yet still free
   Approve the best, and follow what I approve.
   To love thou blam'st me not, for love thou saist
   Leads up to Heav'n, is both the way and guide;
   Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask;
   Love not the heav'nly Spirits, and how thir Love
   Express they, by looks onely, or do they mix
   Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch?
   To whom the Angel with a smile that glow'd
   Celestial rosie red, Loves proper hue,
   Answer'd. Let it suffice thee that thou know'st
   Us happie, and without Love no happiness.
   Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st
   (And pure thou wert created) we enjoy
   In eminence, and obstacle find none
   Of membrane, joynt, or limb, exclusive barrs:
   Easier then 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 Soul.
   But I can now no more; the parting Sun
   Beyond the Earths green Cape and verdant Isles
   HESPEREAN sets, my Signal to depart.
   Be strong, live happie, and love, but first of all
   Him whom to love is to obey, and keep
   His great command; take heed least Passion sway
   Thy Judgement to do aught, which else free Will
   Would not admit; thine and of all thy Sons
   The weal or woe in thee is plac't; beware.
   I in thy persevering shall rejoyce,
   And all the Blest: stand fast; to stand or fall
   Free in thine own Arbitrement it lies.
   Perfet within, no outward aid require;
   And all temptation to transgress repel.
   So saying, he arose; whom ADAM thus
   Follow'd with benediction. Since to part,
   Go heavenly Guest, Ethereal Messenger,
   Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore.
   Gentle to me and affable hath been
   Thy condescension, and shall be honour'd ever
   With grateful Memorie: thou to mankind
   Be good and friendly still, and oft return.
   So parted they, the Angel up to Heav'n
   From the thick shade, and ADAM to his Bowre.

BOOK VIII.

   No more of talk where God or Angel Guest
   With Man, as with his Friend, familiar us'd
   To sit indulgent, and with him partake
   Rural repast, permitting him the while
   Venial discourse unblam'd: I now must change
   Those Notes to Tragic; foul distrust, and breach
   Disloyal on the part of Man, revolt
   And disobedience: On the part of Heav'n
   Now alienated, distance and distaste,
   Anger and just rebuke, and judgement giv'n,
   That brought into this World a world of woe,
   Sinne and her shadow Death, and Miserie
   Deaths Harbinger: Sad task, yet argument
   Not less but more Heroic then the wrauth
   Of stern ACHILLES on his Foe pursu'd
   Thrice Fugitive about TROY Wall; or rage
   Of TURNUS for LAVINIA disespous'd,
   Or NEPTUN'S ire or JUNO'S, that so long
   Perplex'd the GREEK and CYTHEREA'S Son;
   If answerable style I can obtaine
   Of my Celestial Patroness, who deignes
   Her nightly visitation unimplor'd,
   And dictates to me slumbring, or inspires
   Easie my unpremeditated Verse:
   Since first this subject for Heroic Song
   Pleas'd me long choosing, and beginning late;
   Not sedulous by Nature to indite
   Warrs, hitherto the onely Argument
   Heroic deem'd, chief maistrie to dissect
   With long and tedious havoc fabl'd Knights
   In Battels feign'd; the better fortitude
   Of Patience and Heroic Martyrdom
   Unsung; or to describe Races and Games,
   Or tilting Furniture, emblazon'd Shields,
   Impreses quaint, Caparisons and Steeds;
   Bases and tinsel Trappings, gorgious Knights
   At Joust and Torneament; then marshal'd Feast
   Serv'd up in Hall with Sewers, and Seneshals;
   The skill of Artifice or Office mean,
   Not that which justly gives Heroic name
   To Person or to Poem. Mee of these
   Nor skilld nor studious, higher Argument
   Remaines, sufficient of it self to raise
   That name, unless an age too late, or cold
   Climat, or Years damp my intended wing
   Deprest, and much they may, if all be mine,
   Not Hers who brings it nightly to my Ear.
   The Sun was sunk, and after him the Starr
   Of HESPERUS, whose Office is to bring
   Twilight upon the Earth, short Arbiter
   Twixt Day and Night, and now from end to end
   Nights Hemisphere had veild the Horizon round:
   When SATAN who late fled before the threats
   Of GABRIEL out of EDEN, now improv'd
   In meditated fraud and malice, bent
   On mans 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 descri'd
   His entrance, and forewarnd the Cherubim
   That kept thir watch; thence full of anguish driv'n,
   The space of seven continu'd Nights he rode
   With darkness, thrice the Equinoctial Line
   He circl'd, four times cross'd the Carr of Night
   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 wraught the change,
   Where TIGRIS at the foot of Paradise
   Into a Gulf shot under ground, till part
   Rose up a Fountain by the Tree of Life;
   In with the River sunk, and with it rose
   Satan involv'd in rising Mist, then sought
   Where to lie hid; Sea he had searcht and Land
   From EDEN over PONTUS, and the Poole
   MAEOTIS, up beyond the River OB;
   Downward as farr Antartic; and in length
   West from ORANTES to the Ocean barr'd
   At DARIEN, thence to the Land where flowes
   GANGES and INDUS: thus the Orb he roam'd
   With narrow search; and with inspection deep
   Consider'd every Creature, which of all
   Most opportune might serve his Wiles, and found
   The Serpent suttlest Beast of all the Field.
   Him after long debate, irresolute
   Of thoughts revolv'd, his final sentence chose
   Fit Vessel, fittest Imp of fraud, in whom
   To enter, and his dark suggestions hide
   From sharpest sight: for in the wilie Snake,
   Whatever sleights none would suspicious mark,
   As from his wit and native suttletie
   Proceeding, which in other Beasts observ'd
   Doubt might beget of Diabolic pow'r
   Active within beyond the sense of brute.
   Thus he resolv'd, but first from inward griefe
   His bursting passion into plaints thus pour'd:
   O Earth, how like to Heav'n, if not preferrd
   More justly, Seat worthier of Gods, as built
   With second thoughts, reforming what was old!
   For what God after better worse would build?
   Terrestrial Heav'n, danc't round by other Heav'ns
   That shine, yet bear thir bright officious Lamps,
   Light above Light, for thee alone, as seems,
   In thee concentring all thir precious beams
   Of sacred influence: As God in Heav'n
   Is Center, yet extends to all, so thou
   Centring receav'st from all those Orbs; in thee,
   Not in themselves, all thir known vertue appeers
   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 walkt thee round
   If I could joy in aught, sweet interchange
   Of Hill and Vallie, Rivers, Woods and Plaines,
   Now Land, now Sea, & Shores with Forrest crownd,
   Rocks, Dens, and Caves; but I in none of these
   Find place or refuge; and the more I see
   Pleasures about me, so much more I feel
   Torment within me, as from the hateful siege
   Of contraries; all good to me becomes
   Bane, and in Heav'n much worse would be my state.
   But neither here seek I, no nor in Heav'n
   To dwell, unless by maistring Heav'ns Supreame;
   Nor hope to be my self less miserable
   By what I seek, but others to make such
   As I though thereby worse to me redound:
   For onely in destroying I finde ease
   To my relentless thoughts; and him destroyd,
   Or won to what may work his utter loss,
   For whom all this was made, all this will soon
   Follow, as to him linkt in weal or woe,
   In wo then; that destruction wide may range:
   To mee shall be the glorie sole among
   The infernal Powers, in one day to have marr'd
   What he ALMIGHTIE styl'd, six Nights and Days
   Continu'd making, and who knows how long
   Before had bin contriving, though perhaps
   Not longer then since I in one Night freed
   From servitude inglorious welnigh half
   Th' Angelic Name, and thinner left the throng
   Of his adorers: hee to be aveng'd,
   And to repaire his numbers thus impair'd,
   Whether such vertue spent of old now faild
   More Angels to Create, if they at least
   Are his Created or to spite us more,
   Determin'd to advance into our room
   A Creature form'd of Earth, and him endow,
   Exalted from so base original,
   With Heav'nly spoils, our spoils: What he decreed
   He effected; Man he made, and for him built
   Magnificent this World, and Earth his seat,
   Him Lord pronounc'd, and, O indignitie!
   Subjected to his service Angel wings,
   And flaming Ministers to watch and tend
   Thir earthlie Charge: Of these the vigilance
   I dread, and to elude, thus wrapt in mist
   Of midnight vapor glide obscure, and prie
   In every Bush and Brake, where hap may finde
   The Serpent sleeping, in whose mazie foulds
   To hide me, and the dark intent I bring.
   O foul descent! that I who erst contended
   With Gods to sit the highest, am now constraind
   Into a Beast, and mixt with bestial slime,
   This essence to incarnate and imbrute,
   That to the hight of Deitie aspir'd;
   But what will not Ambition and Revenge
   Descend to? who aspires must down as low
   As high he soard, obnoxious first or last
   To basest things. Revenge, at first though sweet,
   Bitter ere long back on it self recoiles;
   Let it; I reck not, so it light well aim'd,
   Since higher I fall short, on him who next
   Provokes my envie, this new Favorite
   Of Heav'n, this Man of Clay, Son of despite,
   Whom us the more to spite his Maker rais'd
   From dust: spite then with spite is best repaid.
   So saying, through each Thicket Danck or Drie,
   Like a black mist low creeping, he held on
   His midnight search, where soonest he might finde
   The Serpent: him fast sleeping soon he found
   In Labyrinth of many a round self-rowl'd,
   His head the midst, well stor'd with suttle wiles:
   Not yet in horrid Shade or dismal Den,
   Not nocent yet, but on the grassie Herbe
   Fearless unfeard he slept: in at his Mouth
   The Devil enterd, and his brutal sense,
   In heart or head, possessing soon inspir'd
   With act intelligential; but his sleep
   Disturbd not, waiting close th' approach of Morn.
   Now whenas sacred Light began to dawne
   In EDEN on the humid Flours, that breathd
   Thir morning Incense, when all things that breath,
   From th' Earths great Altar send up silent praise
   To the Creator, and his Nostrils fill
   With gratefull Smell, forth came the human pair
   And joynd thir vocal Worship to the Quire
   Of Creatures wanting voice, that done, partake
   The season, prime for sweetest Sents and Aires:
   Then commune how that day they best may ply
   Thir growing work: for much thir work outgrew
   The hands dispatch of two Gardning so wide.
   And EVE first to her Husband thus began.
   ADAM, well may we labour still to dress
   This Garden, still to tend Plant, Herb and Flour.
   Our pleasant task enjoyn'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,
   One night or two with wanton growth derides
   Tending to wilde. Thou therefore now advise
   Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present,
   Let us divide our labours, thou where choice
   Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind
   The Woodbine round this Arbour, or direct
   The clasping Ivie where to climb, while I
   In yonder Spring of Roses intermixt
   With Myrtle, find what to redress till Noon:
   For while so near each other thus all day
   Our task we choose, what wonder if no near
   Looks intervene and smiles, or object new
   Casual discourse draw on, which intermits
   Our dayes work brought to little, though begun
   Early, and th' hour of Supper comes unearn'd.
   To whom mild answer ADAM thus return'd.
   Sole EVE, Associate sole, to me beyond
   Compare above all living Creatures deare,
   Well hast thou motion'd, wel thy thoughts imployd
   How we might best fulfill the work which here
   God hath assign'd us, nor of me shalt pass
   Unprais'd: for nothing lovelier can be found
   In woman, then to studie houshold good,
   And good workes in her Husband to promote.
   Yet not so strictly hath our Lord impos'd
   Labour, as to debarr 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 deni'd, and are of Love the food,
   Love not the lowest end of human life.
   For not to irksom toile, but to delight
   He made us, and delight to Reason joyn'd.
   These paths and Bowers doubt not but our joynt
   Will keep from Wilderness with ease, as wide
   As we need walk, till younger hands ere long
   Assist us: But if much converse perhaps
   Thee satiate, to short absence I could yeild.
   For solitude somtimes is best societie,
   And short retirement urges sweet returne.
   But other doubt possesses me, least harm
   Befall thee sever'd from me; for thou knowst
   What hath bin warn'd us, what malicious Foe
   Envying our happiness, and of his own
   Despairing, seeks to work us woe and shame
   By sly assault; and somwhere nigh at hand
   Watches, no doubt, with greedy hope to find
   His wish and best advantage, us asunder,
   Hopeless to circumvent us joynd, where each
   To other speedie aide might lend at need;
   Whether his first design be to withdraw
   Our fealtie from God, or to disturb
   Conjugal Love, then which perhaps no bliss
   Enjoy'd by us excites his envie more;
   Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side
   That gave thee being, stil shades thee and protects.
   The Wife, where danger or dishonour lurks,
   Safest and seemliest by her Husband staies,
   Who guards her, or with her the worst endures.
   To whom the Virgin Majestie of EVE,
   As one who loves, and some unkindness meets,
   With sweet austeer composure thus reply'd.
   Ofspring of Heav'n and Earth, and all Earths Lord,
   That such an enemie we have, who seeks
   Our ruin, both by thee informd I learne,
   And from the parting Angel over-heard
   As in a shadie nook I stood behind,
   Just then returnd at shut of Evening Flours.
   But that thou shouldst my firmness therefore doubt
   To God or thee, because we have a foe
   May tempt it, I expected not to hear.
   His violence thou fearst not, being such,
   As wee, not capable of death or paine,
   Can either not receave, or can repell.
   His fraud is then thy fear, which plain inferrs
   Thy equal fear that my firm Faith and Love
   Can by his fraud be shak'n or seduc't;
   Thoughts, which how found they harbour in thy Brest,
   ADAM, misthought of her to thee so dear?
   To whom with healing words ADAM reply'd.
   Daughter of God and Man, immortal EVE,
   For such thou art, from sin and blame entire:
   Not diffident of thee do I dissuade
   Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid
   Th' attempt it self, intended by our Foe.
   For hee who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses
   The tempted with dishonour foul, suppos'd
   Not incorruptible of Faith, not prooff
   Against temptation: thou thy self with scorne
   And anger wouldst resent the offer'd wrong,
   Though ineffectual found: misdeem not then,
   If such affront I labour to avert
   From thee alone, which on us both at once
   The Enemie, though bold, will hardly dare,
   Or daring, first on mee th' assault shall light.
   Nor thou his malice and false guile contemn;
   Suttle he needs must be, who could seduce
   Angels, nor think superfluous others aid.
   I from the influence of thy looks receave
   Access in every Vertue, in thy sight
   More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were
   Of outward strength; while shame, thou looking on,
   Shame to be overcome or over-reacht
   Would utmost vigor raise, and rais'd unite.
   Why shouldst not thou like sense within thee feel
   When I am present, and thy trial choose
   With me, best witness of thy Vertue tri'd.
   So spake domestick ADAM in his care
   And Matrimonial Love, but EVE, who thought
   Less attributed to her Faith sincere,
   Thus her reply with accent sweet renewd.
   If this be our condition, thus to dwell
   In narrow circuit strait'nd by a Foe,
   Suttle or violent, we not endu'd
   Single with like defence, wherever met,
   How are we happie, still in fear of harm?
   But harm precedes not sin: onely our Foe
   Tempting affronts us with his foul esteem
   Of our integritie: his foul esteeme
   Sticks no dishonor on our Front, but turns
   Foul on himself; then wherfore shund or feard
   By us? who rather double honour gaine
   From his surmise prov'd false, finde peace within,
   Favour from Heav'n, our witness from th' event.
   And what is Faith, Love, Vertue unassaid
   Alone, without exterior help sustaind?
   Let us not then suspect our happie State
   Left so imperfet by the Maker wise,
   As not secure to single or combin'd.
   Fraile is our happiness, if this be so,
   And EDEN were no EDEN thus expos'd.
   To whom thus ADAM fervently repli'd.
   O Woman, best are all things as the will
   Of God ordaind them, his creating hand
   Nothing imperfet or deficient left
   Of all that he Created, much less Man,
   Or ought that might his happie State secure,
   Secure from outward force; within himself
   The danger lies, yet lies within his power:
   Against his will he can receave no harme.
   But God left free the Will, for what obeyes
   Reason, is free, and Reason he made right,
   But bid her well beware, and still erect,
   Least by some faire appeering good surpris'd
   She dictate false, and missinforme the Will
   To do what God expresly hath forbid.
   Not then mistrust, but tender love enjoynes,
   That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me.
   Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve,
   Since Reason not impossibly may meet
   Some specious object by the Foe subornd,
   And fall into deception unaware,
   Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warnd.
   Seek not temptation then, which to avoide
   Were better, and most likelie if from mee
   Thou sever not; Trial will come unsought.
   Wouldst thou approve thy constancie, approve
   First thy obedience; th' other who can know,
   Not seeing thee attempted, who attest?
   But if thou think, trial unsought may finde
   Us both securer then thus warnd thou seemst,
   Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more;
   Go in thy native innocence, relie
   On what thou hast of vertue, summon all,
   For God towards thee hath done his part, do thine.
   So spake the Patriarch of Mankinde, but EVE
   Persisted, yet submiss, though last, repli'd.
   With thy permission then, and thus forewarnd
   Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words
   Touchd onely, that our trial, when least sought,
   May finde us both perhaps farr less prepar'd,
   The willinger I goe, nor much expect
   A Foe so proud will first the weaker seek;
   So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse.
   Thus saying, from her Husbands hand her hand
   Soft she withdrew, and like a Wood-Nymph light
   OREAD or DRYAD, or of DELIA's Traine,
   Betook her to the Groves, but DELIA's self
   In gate surpass'd and Goddess-like deport,
   Though not as shee with Bow and Quiver armd,
   But with such Gardning Tools as Are yet rude,
   Guiltless of fire had formd, or Angels brought,
   To PALES, or POMONA, thus adornd,
   Likest she seemd, POMONA when she fled
   VERTUMNUS, or to CERES in her Prime,
   Yet Virgin of PROSERPINA from JOVE.
   Her long with ardent look his EYE pursu'd
   Delighted, but desiring more her stay.
   Oft he to her his charge of quick returne,
   Repeated, shee to him as oft engag'd
   To be returnd by Noon amid the Bowre,
   And all things in best order to invite
   Noontide repast, or Afternoons repose.
   O much deceav'd, much failing, hapless EVE,
   Of thy presum'd return! event perverse!
   Thou never from that houre in Paradise
   Foundst either sweet repast, or found repose;
   Such ambush hid among sweet Flours and Shades
   Waited with hellish rancor imminent
   To intercept thy way, or send thee back
   Despoild of Innocence, of Faith, of Bliss.
   For now, and since first break of dawne the Fiend,
   Meer Serpent in appearance, forth was come,
   And on his Quest, where likeliest he might finde
   The onely two of Mankinde, but in them
   The whole included Race, his purposd prey.
   In Bowre and Field he sought, where any tuft
   Of Grove or Garden-Plot more pleasant lay,
   Thir tendance or Plantation for delight,
   By Fountain or by shadie Rivulet
   He sought them both, but wish'd his hap might find
   EVE separate, he wish'd, but not with hope
   Of what so seldom chanc'd, when to his wish,
   Beyond his hope, EVE separate he spies,
   Veild in a Cloud of Fragrance, where she stood,
   Half spi'd, so thick the Roses bushing round
   About her glowd, oft stooping to support
   Each Flour of slender stalk, whose head though gay
   Carnation, Purple, Azure, or spect with Gold,
   Hung drooping unsustaind, them she upstaies
   Gently with Mirtle band, mindless the while,
   Her self, though fairest unsupported Flour,
   From her best prop so farr, and storn so nigh.
   Neererhe drew, and many a walk travers'd
   Of stateliest Covert, Cedar, Pine, or Palme,
   Then voluble and bold, now hid, now seen
   Among thick-wov'n Arborets and Flours
   Imborderd on each Bank, the hand of EVE:
   Spot more delicious then those Gardens feign'd
   Or of reviv'd ADONIS, or renownd
   ALCINOUS, host of old LAERTES Son,
   Or that, not Mystic, where the Sapient King
   Held dalliance with his faire EGYPTIAN Spouse.
   Much hee the Place admir'd, the Person more.
   As one who long in populous City pent,
   Where Houses thick and Sewers annoy the Aire,
   Forth issuing on a Summers Morn, to breathe
   Among the pleasant Villages and Farmes
   Adjoynd, from each thing met conceaves delight,
   The smell of Grain, or tedded Grass, or Kine,
   Or Dairie, each rural sight, each rural sound;
   If chance with Nymphlike step fair Virgin pass,
   What pleasing seemd, for her now pleases more,
   She most, and in her look summs all Delight.
   Such Pleasure took the Serpent to behold
   This Flourie Plat, the sweet recess of EVE
   Thus earlie, thus alone; her Heav'nly forme
   Angelic, but more soft, and Feminine,
   Her graceful Innocence, her every Aire
   Of gesture or lest action overawd
   His Malice, and with rapine sweet bereav'd
   His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought:
   That space the Evil one abstracted stood
   From his own evil, and for the time remaind
   Stupidly good, of enmitie disarm'd,
   Of guile, of hate, of envie, of revenge;
   But the hot Hell that alwayes in him burnes,
   Though in mid Heav'n, soon ended his delight,
   And tortures him now more, the more he sees
   Of pleasure not for him ordain'd: then soon
   Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts
   Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites.
   Thoughts, whither have he led me, with what sweet
   Compulsion thus transported to forget
   What hither brought us, hate, not love, nor hope
   Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste
   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,
   Her Husband, for I view far round, not nigh,
   Whose higher intellectual more I shun,
   And strength, of courage hautie, and of limb
   Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould,
   Foe not informidable, exempt from wound,
   I not; so much hath Hell debas'd, and paine
   Infeebl'd me, to what I was in Heav'n.
   Shee fair, divinely fair, fit Love for Gods,
   Not terrible, though terrour be in Love
   And beautie, not approacht by stronger hate,
   Hate stronger, under shew of Love well feign'd,
   The way which to her ruin now I tend.
   So spake the Enemie of Mankind, enclos'd
   In Serpent, Inmate bad, and toward EVE
   Address'd his way, not with indented wave,
   Prone on the ground, as since, but on his reare,
   Circular base of rising foulds, that tour'd
   Fould above fould a surging Maze, his Head
   Crested aloft, and Carbuncle his Eyes;
   With burnisht Neck of verdant Gold, erect
   Amidst his circling Spires, that on the grass
   Floted redundant: pleasing was his shape,
   And lovely, never since of Serpent kind
   Lovelier, not those that in ILLYRIA chang'd
   HERMIONE and CADMUS, or the God
   In EPIDAURUS; nor to which transformd
   AMMONIAN JOVE, or CAPITOLINE was seen,
   Hee with OLYMPIAS, this with her who bore
   SCIPIO the highth of ROME. With tract oblique
   At first, as one who sought access, but feard
   To interrupt, side-long he works his way.
   As when a Ship by skilful Stearsman wrought
   Nigh Rivers mouth or Foreland, where the Wind
   Veres oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her Saile;
   So varied hee, and of his tortuous Traine
   Curld many a wanton wreath in sight of EVE,
   To lure her Eye; shee busied heard the sound
   Of rusling Leaves, but minded not, as us'd
   To such disport before her through the Field,
   From every Beast, more duteous at her call,
   Then at CIRCEAN call the Herd disguis'd.
   Hee boulder now, uncall'd before her stood;
   But as in gaze admiring: Oft he bowd
   His turret Crest, and sleek enamel'd Neck,
   Fawning, and lick'd the ground whereon she trod.
   His gentle dumb expression turnd at length
   The Eye of EVE to mark his play; he glad
   Of her attention gaind, with Serpent Tongue
   Organic, or impulse of vocal Air,
   His fraudulent temptation thus began.
   Wonder not, sovran Mistress, if perhaps
   Thou canst, who art sole Wonder, much less arm
   Thy looks, the Heav'n of mildness, with disdain,
   Displeas'd that I approach thee thus, and gaze
   Insatiate, I thus single; nor have feard
   Thy awful brow, more awful thus retir'd.
   Fairest resemblance of thy Maker faire,
   Thee all living things gaze on, all things thine
   By gift, and thy Celestial Beautie adore
   With ravishment beheld, there best beheld
   Where universally admir'd; but here
   In this enclosure wild, these Beasts among,
   Beholders rude, and shallow to discerne
   Half what in thee is fair, one man except,
   Who sees thee? (and what is one?) who shouldst be seen
   A Goddess among Gods, ador'd and serv'd
   By Angels numberless, thy daily Train.
   So gloz'd the Tempter, and his Proem tun'd;
   Into the Heart of EVE his words made way,
   Though at the voice much marveling; at length
   Not unamaz'd she thus in answer spake.
   What may this mean? Language of Man pronounc't
   By Tongue of Brute, and human sense exprest?
   The first at lest of these I thought deni'd
   To Beasts, whom God on their Creation-Day
   Created mute to all articulat sound;
   The latter I demurre, for in thir looks
   Much reason, and in thir actions oft appeers.
   Thee, Serpent, suttlest beast of all the field
   I knew, but not with human voice endu'd;
   Redouble then this miracle, and say,
   How cam'st 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.
   To whom the guileful Tempter thus reply'd.
   Empress of this fair World, resplendent EVE,
   Easie to mee it is to tell thee all
   What thou commandst, and right thou shouldst be obeyd:
   I was at first as other Beasts that graze
   The trodden Herb, of abject thoughts and low,
   As was my food, nor aught but food discern'd
   Or Sex, and apprehended nothing high:
   Till on a day roaving the field, I chanc'd
   A goodly Tree farr distant to behold
   Loaden with fruit of fairest colours mixt,
   Ruddie and Gold: I nearer drew to gaze;
   When from the boughes a savorie odour blow'n,
   Grateful to appetite, more pleas'd my sense
   Then smell of sweetest Fenel, or the Teats
   Of Ewe or Goat dropping with Milk at Eevn,
   Unsuckt of Lamb or Kid, that tend thir play.
   To satisfie the sharp desire I had
   Of tasting those fair Apples, I resolv'd
   Not to deferr; hunger and thirst at once,
   Powerful perswaders, quick'nd at the scent
   Of that alluring fruit, urg'd me so keene.
   About the Mossie Trunk I wound me soon,
   For high from ground the branches would require
   Thy utmost reach or ADAMS: Round the Tree
   All other Beasts that saw, with like desire
   Longing and envying stood, but could not reach.
   Amid the Tree now got, where plentie hung
   Tempting so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill
   I spar'd not, for such pleasure till that hour
   At Feed or Fountain never had I found.
   Sated at length, ere long I might perceave
   Strange alteration in me, to degree
   Of Reason in my inward Powers, and Speech
   Wanted not long, though to this shape retaind.
   Thenceforth to Speculations high or deep
   I turnd my thoughts, and with capacious mind
   Considerd all things visible in Heav'n,
   Or Earth, or Middle, all things fair and good;
   But all that fair and good in thy Divine
   Semblance, and in thy Beauties heav'nly Ray
   United I beheld; no Fair to thine
   Equivalent or second, which compel'd
   Mee thus, though importune perhaps, to come
   And gaze, and worship thee of right declar'd
   Sovran of Creatures, universal Dame.
   So talk'd the spirited sly Snake; and EVE
   Yet more amaz'd unwarie thus reply'd.
   Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt
   The vertue of that Fruit, in thee first prov'd:
   But say, where grows the Tree, from hence how far?
   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 untoucht,
   Still hanging incorruptible, till men
   Grow up to thir provision, and more hands
   Help to disburden Nature of her Bearth.
   To whom the wilie Adder, blithe and glad.
   Empress, the way is readie, and not long,
   Beyond a row of Myrtles, on a Flat,
   Fast by a Fountain, one small Thicket past
   Of blowing Myrrh and Balme; if thou accept
   My conduct, I can bring thee thither soon.
   Lead then, said EVE. Hee leading swiftly rowld
   In tangles, and make intricate seem strait,
   To mischief swift. Hope elevates, and joy
   Bright'ns his Crest, as when a wandring Fire
   Compact of unctuous vapor, which the Night
   Condenses, and the cold invirons round,
   Kindl'd through agitation to a Flame,
   Which oft, they say, some evil Spirit attends,
   Hovering and blazing with delusive Light,
   Misleads th' amaz'd Night-wanderer from his way
   To Boggs and Mires, & oft through Pond or Poole,
   There swallow'd up and lost, from succour farr.
   So glister'd the dire Snake and into fraud
   Led EVE our credulous Mother, to the Tree
   Of prohibition, root of all our woe;
   Which when she saw, thus to her guide she spake.
   Serpent, we might have spar'd our coming hither,
   Fruitless to me, though Fruit be here to excess,
   The credit of whose vertue rest with thee,
   Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects.
   But of this Tree we may not taste nor touch;
   God so commanded, and left that Command
   Sole Daughter of his voice; the rest, we live
   Law to our selves, our Reason is our Law.
   To whom the Tempter guilefully repli'd.
   Indeed? hath God then said that of the Fruit
   Of all these Garden Trees ye shall not eate,
   Yet Lords declar'd of all in Earth or Aire?
   To whom thus EVE yet sinless. Of the Fruit
   Of each Tree in the Garden we may eate,
   But of the Fruit of this fair Tree amidst
   The Garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eate
   Thereof, nor shall ye touch it, least ye die.
   She scarse had said, though brief, when now more bold
   The Tempter, but with shew of Zeale and Love
   To Man, and indignation at his wrong,
   New part puts on, and as to passion mov'd,
   Fluctuats disturbd, yet comely, and in act
   Rais'd, as of som great matter to begin.
   As when of old som Orator renound
   In ATHENS or free ROME, where Eloquence
   Flourishd, since mute, to som great cause addrest,
   Stood in himself collected, while each part,
   Motion, each act won audience ere the tongue,
   Somtimes in highth began, as no delay
   Of Preface brooking through his Zeal of Right.
   So standing, moving, or to highth upgrown
   The Tempter all impassiond thus began.
   O Sacred, Wise, and Wisdom-giving Plant,
   Mother of Science, Now I feel thy Power
   Within me cleere, not onely to discerne
   Things in thir Causes, but to trace the wayes
   Of highest Agents, deemd however wise.
   Queen of this Universe, doe not believe
   Those rigid threats of Death; ye shall not Die:
   How should ye? by the Fruit? it gives you Life
   To Knowledge? By the Threatner, look on mee,
   Mee who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live,
   And life more perfet have attaind then Fate
   Meant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot.
   Shall that be shut to Man, which to the Beast
   Is open? or will God incense his ire
   For such a pretty Trespass, and not praise
   Rather your dauntless vertue, whom the pain
   Of Death denounc't, whatever thing Death be,
   Deterrd not from atchieving what might leade
   To happier life, knowledge of Good and Evil;
   Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil
   Be real, why not known, since easier shunnd?
   God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just;
   Not just, not God; not feard then, nor obeid:
   Your feare it self of Death removes the feare.
   Why then was this forbid? Why but to awe,
   Why but to keep ye low and ignorant,
   His worshippers; he knows that in the day
   Ye Eate thereof, your Eyes that seem so cleere,
   Yet are but dim, shall perfetly be then
   Op'nd and cleerd, and ye shall be as Gods,
   Knowing both Good and Evil as they know.
   That ye should be as Gods, since I as Man,
   Internal Man, is but proportion meet,
   I of brute human, yee of human Gods.
   So ye shalt die perhaps, by putting off
   Human, to put on Gods, death to be wisht,
   Though threat'nd, which no worse then this can bring
   And what are Gods that Man may not become
   As they, participating God-like food?
   The Gods are first, and that advantage use
   On our belief, that all from them proceeds,
   I question it, for this fair Earth I see,
   Warm'd by the Sun, producing every kind,
   Them nothing: If they all things, who enclos'd
   Knowledge of Good and Evil in this Tree,
   That whoso eats thereof, forthwith attains
   Wisdom without their leave? and wherein lies
   Th' offence, that Man should thus attain to know?
   What can your knowledge hurt him, or this Tree
   Impart against his will if all be his?
   Or is it envie, and can envie dwell
   In heav'nly brests? these, these and many more
   Causes import your need of this fair Fruit.
   Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste.
   He ended, and his words replete with guile
   Into her heart too easie entrance won:
   Fixt on the Fruit she gaz'd, which to behold
   Might tempt alone, and in her ears the sound
   Yet rung of his perswasive words, impregn'd
   With Reason, to her seeming, and with Truth;
   Meanwhile the hour of Noon drew on, and wak'd
   An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell
   So savorie of that Fruit, which with desire,
   Inclinable now grown to touch or taste,
   Sollicited her longing eye; yet first
   Pausing a while, thus to her self she mus'd.
   Great are thy Vertues, doubtless, best of Fruits,
   Though kept from Man, & worthy to be admir'd,
   Whose taste, too long forborn, at first assay
   Gave elocution to the mute, and taught
   The Tongue not made for Speech to speak thy praise:
   Thy praise hee also who forbids thy use,
   Conceales not from us, naming thee the Tree
   Of Knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil;
   Forbids us then to taste, but his forbidding
   Commends thee more, while it inferrs the good
   By thee communicated, and our want:
   For good unknown, sure is not had, or had
   And yet unknown, is as not had at all.
   In plain then, what forbids he but to know,
   Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise?
   Such prohibitions binde not. But if Death
   Bind us with after-bands, what profits then
   Our inward freedom? In the day we eate
   Of this fair Fruit, our doom is, we shall die.
   How dies the Serpent? hee hath eat'n and lives,
   And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discernes,
   Irrational till then. For us alone
   Was death invented? or to us deni'd
   This intellectual food, for beasts reserv'd?
   For Beasts it seems: yet that one Beast which first
   Hath tasted, envies not, but brings with joy
   The good befall'n him, Author unsuspect,
   Friendly to man, farr from deceit or guile.
   What fear I then, rather what know to feare
   Under this ignorance of Good and Evil,
   Of God or Death, of Law or Penaltie?
   Here grows the Cure of all, this Fruit Divine,
   Fair to the Eye, inviting to the Taste,
   Of vertue to make wise: what hinders then
   To reach, and feed at once both Bodie and Mind?
   So saying, her rash hand in evil hour
   Forth reaching to the Fruit, she pluck'd, she eat:
   Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat
   Sighing through all her Works gave signs of woe,
   That all was lost. Back to the Thicket slunk
   The guiltie Serpent, and well might, for EVE
   Intent now wholly on her taste, naught else
   Regarded, such delight till then, as seemd,
   In Fruit she never tasted, whether true
   Or fansied so, through expectation high
   Of knowledg, nor was God-head from her thought.
   Greedily she ingorg'd without restraint,
   And knew not eating Death: Satiate at length,
   And hight'nd as with Wine, jocond and boon,
   Thus to her self she pleasingly began.
   O Sovran, vertuous, precious of all Trees
   In Paradise, of operation blest
   To Sapience, hitherto obscur'd, infam'd,
   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 fertil burden ease
   Of thy full branches offer'd free to all;
   Till dieted by thee I grow mature
   In knowledge, as the Gods who all things know;
   Though others envie what they cannot give;
   For had the gift bin theirs, it had not here
   Thus grown. Experience, next to thee I owe,
   Best guide; not following thee, I had remaind
   In ignorance, thou op'nst Wisdoms way,
   And giv'st access, though secret she retire.
   And I perhaps am secret; Heav'n is high,
   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
   Shall I appeer? shall I to him make known
   As yet my change, and give him to partake
   Full happiness with mee, or rather not,
   But keep the odds of Knowledge in my power
   Without Copartner? so to add what wants
   In Femal Sex, the more to draw his Love,
   And render me more equal, and perhaps
   A thing not undesireable, somtime
   Superior; for inferior who is free?
   This may be well: but what if God have seen,
   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 woe:
   So dear I love him, that with him all deaths
   I could endure; without him live no life.
   So saying, from the Tree her step she turnd,
   But first low Reverence don, as to the power
   That dwelt within, whose presence had infus'd
   Into the plant sciential sap, deriv'd
   From Nectar, drink of Gods. ADAM the while
   Waiting desirous her return, had wove
   Of choicest Flours a Garland to adorne
   Her Tresses, and her rural labours crown
   As Reapers oft are wont thir Harvest Queen.
   Great joy he promis'd to his thoughts, and new
   Solace in her return, so long delay'd;
   Yet oft his heart, divine of somthing ill,
   Misgave him; hee the faultring measure felt;
   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,
   Scarse from the Tree returning; in her hand
   A bough of fairest fruit that downie smil'd,
   New gatherd, and ambrosial smell diffus'd.
   To him she hasted, in her face excuse
   Came Prologue, and Apologie to prompt,
   Which with bland words at will she thus addrest.
   Hast thou not wonderd, ADAM, at my stay?
   Thee I have misst, and thought it long, depriv'd
   Thy presence, agonie of love till now
   Not felt, nor shall be twice, for never more
   Mean I to trie, what rash untri'd I sought,
   The paine of absence from thy sight. But strange
   Hath bin the cause, and wonderful to heare:
   This Tree is not as we are told, a Tree
   Of danger tasted, nor to evil unknown
   Op'ning the way, but of Divine effect
   To open Eyes, and make them Gods who taste;
   And hath bin tasted such; the Serpent wise,
   Or not restraind as wee, or not obeying,
   Hath eat'n of the fruit, and is become,
   Not dead, as we are threatn'd, but thenceforth
   Endu'd with human voice and human sense,
   Reasoning to admiration, and with mee
   Perswasively hath so prevaild, that I
   Have also tasted, and have also found
   Th' effects to correspond, opener mine Eyes,
   Dimm erst, dilated Spirits, ampler Heart,
   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, unshar'd with thee, and odious soon.
   Thou therefore also taste, that equal Lot
   May joyne us, equal Joy, as equal Love;
   Least thou not tasting, different degree
   Disjoyne us, and I then too late renounce
   Deitie for thee, when Fate will not permit.
   Thus EVE with Countnance blithe her storie told;
   But in her Cheek distemper flushing glowd.
   On th' other side, ADAM, soon as he heard
   The fatal Trespass don by EVE, amaz'd,
   Astonied stood and Blank, while horror chill
   Ran through his veins, and all his joynts relax'd;
   From his slack hand the Garland wreath'd for EVE
   Down drop'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
   Of all Gods Works, Creature in whom excell'd
   Whatever can to fight or thought be found,
   Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet!
   How art thou lost, how on a sudden lost,
   Defac't, deflourd, and now to Death devote?
   Rather how hast thou yeelded to transgress
   The strict forbiddance, how to violate
   The sacred Fruit forbidd'n! som cursed fraud
   Of Enemie hath beguil'd thee, yet unknown,
   And mee with thee hath ruind, for with thee
   Certain my resolution is to Die;
   How can I live without thee, how forgoe
   Thy sweet Converse and Love so dearly joyn'd,
   To live again in these wilde Woods forlorn?
   Should God create another EVE, and I
   Another Rib afford, yet loss of thee
   Would never from my heart; no no, I feel
   The Link of Nature draw me: Flesh of Flesh,
   Bone of my Bone thou art, and from thy State
   Mine never shall be parted, bliss or woe.
   So having said, as one from sad dismay
   Recomforted, and after thoughts disturbd
   Submitting to what seemd remediless,
   Thus in calme mood his Words to EVE he turnd.
   Bold deed thou hast presum'd, adventrous EVE,
   And peril great provok't, who thus hast dar'd
   Had it bin onely coveting to Eye
   That sacred Fruit, sacred to abstinence,
   Much more to taste it under banne to touch.
   But past who can recall, or don undoe?
   Not God omnipotent, for Fate, yet so
   Perhaps thou shalt not Die, perhaps the Fact
   Is not so hainous now, foretasted Fruit,
   Profan'd first by the Serpent, by him first
   Made common and unhallowd: ere one tastes;
   Nor yet on him found deadly; he yet lives,
   Lives, as thou saidst, and gaines to live as Man
   Higher degree of Life, inducement strong
   To us, as likely tasting to attaine
   Proportional ascent, which cannot be
   But to be Gods, or Angels Demi-gods.
   Nor can I think that God, Creator wise,
   Though threatning, will in earnest so destroy
   Us his prime Creatures, dignifi'd so high,
   Set over all his Works, which in our Fall,
   For us created, needs with us must faile,
   Dependent made; so God shall uncreate,
   Be frustrate, do, undo, and labour loose,
   Not well conceav'd of God, who though his Power
   Creation could repeate, yet would be loath
   Us to abolish, least the Adversary
   Triumph and say; Fickle their State whom God
   Most Favors, who can please him long? Mee first
   He ruind, now Mankind; whom will he next?
   Matter of scorne, not to be given the Foe.
   However I with thee have fixt my Lot,
   Certain to undergoe like doom, if Death
   Consort with thee, Death is to mee as Life;
   So forcible within my heart I feel
   The Bond of Nature draw me to my owne,
   My own in thee, for what thou art is mine;
   Our State cannot be severd, we are one,
   One Flesh; to loose thee were to loose my self.
   So ADAM, and thus EVE to him repli'd.
   O glorious trial of exceeding Love,
   Illustrious evidence, example high!
   Ingaging me to emulate, but short
   Of thy perfection, how shall I attaine,
   ADAM, from whose deare side I boast me sprung,
   And gladly of our Union heare thee speak,
   One Heart, one Soul in both; whereof good prooff
   This day affords, declaring thee resolvd,
   Rather then Death or aught then Death more dread
   Shall separate us, linkt in Love so deare,
   To undergoe with mee one Guilt, one Crime,
   If any be, of tasting this fair Fruit,
   Whose vertue, for of good still good proceeds,
   Direct, or by occasion hath presented
   This happie trial of thy Love, which else
   So eminently never had bin known.
   Were it I thought Death menac't would ensue
   This my attempt, I would sustain alone
   The worst, and not perswade thee, rather die
   Deserted, then oblige thee with a fact
   Pernicious to thy Peace, chiefly assur'd
   Remarkably so late of thy so true,
   So faithful Love unequald; but I feel
   Farr otherwise th' event, not Death, but Life
   Augmented, op'nd Eyes, new Hopes, new Joyes,
   Taste so Divine, that what of sweet before
   Hath toucht my sense, flat seems to this, and harsh.
   On my experience, ADAM, freely taste,
   And fear of Death deliver to the Windes.
   So saying, she embrac'd him, and for joy
   Tenderly wept, much won that he his Love
   Had so enobl'd, as of choice to incurr
   Divine displeasure for her sake, or Death.
   In recompence (for such compliance bad
   Such recompence best merits) from the bough
   She gave him of that fair enticing Fruit
   With liberal hand: he scrupl'd not to eat
   Against his better knowledge, not deceav'd,
   But fondly overcome with Femal charm.
   Earth trembl'd from her entrails, as again
   In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan,
   Skie lowr'd, and muttering Thunder, som sad drops
   Wept at compleating of the mortal Sin
   Original; while ADAM took no thought,
   Eating his fill, nor EVE to iterate
   Her former trespass fear'd, the more to soothe
   Him with her lov'd societie, that now
   As with new Wine intoxicated both
   They swim in mirth, and fansie that they feel
   Divinitie within them breeding wings
   Wherewith to scorn the Earth: but that false Fruit
   Farr other operation first displaid,
   Carnal desire enflaming, hee on EVE
   Began to cast lascivious Eyes, she him
   As wantonly repaid; in Lust they burne:
   Till ADAM thus 'gan EVE to dalliance move.
   EVE, now 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
   Yeild thee, so well this day thou hast purvey'd.
   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 had bin forbidden ten.
   But come, so well refresh't, now let us play,
   As meet is, after such delicious Fare;
   For never did thy Beautie since the day
   I saw thee first and wedded thee, adorn'd
   With all perfections, so enflame my sense
   With ardor to enjoy thee, fairer now
   Then ever, bountie of this vertuous Tree.
   So said he, and forbore not glance or toy
   Of amorous intent, well understood
   Of EVE, whose Eye darted contagious Fire.
   Her hand he seis'd, and to a shadie bank,
   Thick overhead with verdant roof imbowr'd
   He led her nothing loath; Flours were the Couch,
   Pansies, and Violets, and Asphodel,
   And Hyacinth, Earths freshest softest lap.
   There they thir fill of Love and Loves disport
   Took largely, of thir mutual guilt the Seale,
   The solace of thir sin, till dewie sleep
   Oppress'd them, wearied with thir amorous play.
   Soon as the force of that fallacious Fruit,
   That with exhilerating vapour bland
   About thir spirits had plaid, and inmost powers
   Made erre, was now exhal'd, and grosser sleep
   Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams
   Encumberd, now had left them, up they rose
   As from unrest, and each the other viewing,
   Soon found thir Eyes how op'nd, and thir minds
   How dark'nd; innocence, that as a veile
   Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gon,
   Just confidence, and native righteousness,
   And honour from about them, naked left
   To guiltie shame hee cover'd, but his Robe
   Uncover'd more. So rose the DANITE strong
   HERCULEAN SAMSON from the Harlot-lap
   Of PHILISTEAN DALILAH, and wak'd
   Shorn of his strength, They destitute and bare
   Of all thir vertue: silent, and in face
   Confounded long they sate, as struck'n mute,
   Till ADAM, though not less then EVE abasht,
   At length gave utterance to these words constraind.
   O EVE, in evil hour thou didst give care
   To that false Worm, of whomsoever taught
   To counterfet Mans voice, true in our Fall,
   False in our promis'd Rising; since our Eyes
   Op'nd we find indeed, and find we know
   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 Puritie,
   Our wonted Ornaments now soild and staind,
   And in our Faces evident the signes
   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, earst with joy
   And rapture so oft beheld? those heav'nly shapes
   Will dazle now this earthly, with thir blaze
   Insufferably bright. O might I here
   In solitude live savage, in some glad
   Obscur'd, where highest Woods impenetrable
   To Starr or Sun-light, spread thir umbrage broad,
   And brown as Evening: Cover me ye Pines,
   Ye Cedars, with innumerable boughs
   Hide me, where I may never see them more.
   But let us now, as in bad plight, devise
   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 whose broad smooth Leaves together sowd,
   And girded on our loyns, may cover round
   Those middle parts, that this new commer, Shame,
   There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.
   So counsel'd hee, and both together went
   Into the thickest Wood, there soon they chose
   The Figtree, not that kind for Fruit renown'd,
   But such as at this day to INDIANS known
   In MALABAR or DECAN spreds her Armes
   Braunching so broad and long, that in the ground
   The bended Twigs take root, and Daughters grow
   About the Mother Tree, a Pillard shade
   High overarch't, and echoing Walks between;
   There oft the INDIAN Herdsman shunning heate
   Shelters in coole, and tends his pasturing Herds
   At Loopholes cut through thickest shade: Those Leaves
   They gatherd, broad as AMAZONIAN Targe,
   And with what skill they had, together sowd,
   To gird thir waste, vain Covering if to hide
   Thir guilt and dreaded shame; O how unlike
   To that first naked Glorie. Such of late
   COLUMBUS found th' AMERICAN to girt
   With featherd Cincture, naked else and wilde
   Among the Trees on Iles and woodie Shores.
   Thus fenc't, and as they thought, thir shame in part
   Coverd, but not at rest or ease of Mind,
   They sate them down to weep, nor onely Teares
   Raind at thir Eyes, but high Winds worse within
   Began to rise, high Passions, Anger, Hate,
   Mistrust, Suspicion, Discord, and shook sore
   Thir inward State of Mind, calme Region once
   And full of Peace, now tost and turbulent:
   For Understanding rul'd not, and the Will
   Heard not her lore, both in subjection now
   To sensual Appetite, who from beneathe
   Usurping over sovran Reason claimd
   Superior sway: From thus distemperd brest,
   ADAM, estrang'd in look and alterd stile,
   Speech intermitted thus to EVE renewd.
   Would thou hadst heark'nd to my words, & stai'd
   With me, as I besought thee, when that strange
   Desire of wandring this unhappie Morn,
   I know not whence possessd thee; we had then
   Remaind still happie, not as now, despoild
   Of all our good, sham'd, naked, miserable.
   Let none henceforth seek needless cause to approve
   The Faith they owe; when earnestly they seek
   Such proof, conclude, they then begin to faile.
   To whom soon mov'd with touch of blame thus EVE.
   What words have past thy Lips, ADAM severe,
   Imput'st thou that to my default, or will
   Of wandering, as thou call'st it, which who knows
   But might as ill have happ'nd thou being by,
   Or to thy self perhaps: hadst thou bin there,
   Or bere th' attempt, thou couldst not have discernd
   Fraud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake;
   No ground of enmitie between us known,
   Why hee should mean me ill, or seek to harme.
   Was I to have never parted from thy side?
   As good have grown there still a liveless Rib.
   Being as I am, why didst not thou the Head
   Command me absolutely not to go,
   Going into such danger as thou saidst?
   Too facil then thou didst not much gainsay,
   Nay, didst permit, approve, and fair dismiss.
   Hadst thou bin firm and fixt in thy dissent,
   Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with mee.
   To whom then first incenst ADAM repli'd.
   Is this the Love, is the recompence
   Of mine to thee, ingrateful EVE, exprest
   Immutable when thou wert lost, not I,
   Who might have liv'd and joyd immortal bliss,
   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 Enemie
   That lay in wait; beyond this had bin force,
   And force upon free Will hath here no place.
   But confidence then bore thee on, secure
   Either to meet no danger, or to finde
   Matter of glorious trial; and perhaps
   I also err'd in overmuch admiring
   What seemd in thee so perfet, that I thought
   No evil durst attempt thee, but I rue
   That errour now, which is become my crime,
   And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall
   Him who to worth in Women overtrusting
   Lets her Will rule; restraint she will not brook,
   And left to her self, if evil thence ensue,
   Shee first his weak indulgence will accuse.
   Thus they in mutual accusation spent
   The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning
   And of thir vain contest appeer'd no end.

BOOK IX.

   Meanwhile the hainous and despightfull act
   Of SATAN done in Paradise, and how
   Hee in the Serpent had perverted EVE,
   Her Husband shee, to taste the fatall fruit,
   Was known in Heav'n; for what can scape the Eye
   Of God All-seeing, or deceave his Heart
   Omniscient, who in all things wise and just,
   Hinder'd not SATAN to attempt the minde
   Of Man, with strength entire, and free Will arm'd,
   Complete to have discover'd and repulst
   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 penaltie,
   And manifold in sin, deserv'd to fall.
   Up into Heav'n from Paradise in hast
   Th' Angelic Guards ascended, mute and sad
   For Man, for of his state by this they knew,
   Much wondring how the suttle Fiend had stoln
   Entrance unseen. Soon as th' unwelcome news
   From Earth arriv'd at Heaven Gate, displeas'd
   All were who heard, dim sadness did not spare
   That time Celestial visages, yet mixt
   With pitie, violated not thir bliss.
   About the new-arriv'd, in multitudes
   Th' ethereal People ran, to hear and know
   How all befell: they towards the Throne Supream
   Accountable made haste to make appear
   With righteous plea, thir utmost vigilance,
   And easily approv'd; when the most High
   Eternal Father from his secret Cloud,
   Amidst in Thunder utter'd thus his voice.
   Assembl'd Angels, and ye Powers return'd
   From unsuccessful charge, be not dismaid,
   Nor troubl'd 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
   On his bad Errand, Man should be seduc't
   And flatter'd out of all, believing lies
   Against his Maker; no Decree of mine
   Concurring to necessitate his Fall,
   Or touch with lightest moment of impulse
   His free Will, to her own inclining left
   In eevn scale. But fall'n he is, and now
   What rests, but that the mortal Sentence pass
   On his transgression, Death denounc't that day,
   Which he presumes already vain and void,
   Because not yet inflicted, as he fear'd,
   By some immediate stroak; but soon shall find
   Forbearance no acquittance ere day end.
   Justice shall not return as bountie scorn'd.
   But whom send I to judge them? whom but thee
   Vicegerent Son, to thee I have transferr'd
   All Judgement, whether in Heav'n, or Earth; or Hell.
   Easie it may be seen that I intend
   Mercie collegue with Justice, sending thee
   Mans Friend, his Mediator, his design'd
   Both Ransom and Redeemer voluntarie,
   And destin'd Man himself to judge Man fall'n.
   So spake the Father, and unfoulding bright
   Toward the right hand his Glorie, on the Son
   Blaz'd forth unclouded Deitie; he full
   Resplendent all his Father manifest
   Express'd, and thus divinely answer'd milde.
   Father Eternal, thine is to decree,
   Mine both in Heav'n and Earth to do thy will
   Supream, that thou in mee thy Son belov'd
   Mayst ever rest well pleas'd. I go to judge
   On Earth these thy transgressors, but thou knowst,
   Whoever judg'd, the worst on mee must light,
   When time shall be, for so I undertook
   Before thee; and not repenting, this obtaine
   Of right, that I may mitigate thir doom
   On me deriv'd, yet I shall temper so
   Justice with Mercie, as may illustrate most
   Them fully satisfied, and thee appease.
   Attendance none shall need, nor Train, where none
   Are to behold the Judgement, but the judg'd,
   Those two; the third best absent is condemn'd,
   Convict by flight, and Rebel to all Law
   Conviction to the Serpent none belongs.
   Thus saying, from his radiant Seat he rose
   Of high collateral glorie: him Thrones and Powers,
   Princedoms, and Dominations ministrant
   Accompanied to Heaven Gate, from whence
   EDEN and all the Coast in prospect lay.
   Down he descended strait; the speed of Gods
   Time counts not, though with swiftest minutes wing'd.
   Now was the Sun in Western cadence low
   From Noon, and gentle Aires due at thir hour
   To fan the Earth now wak'd, and usher in
   The Eevning coole when he from wrauth more coole
   Came the mild Judge and Intercessor both
   To sentence Man: the voice of God they heard
   Now walking in the Garden, by soft windes
   Brought to thir Ears, while day declin'd, they heard
   And from his presence hid themselves among
   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? I miss thee here,
   Not pleas'd, thus entertaind with solitude,
   Where obvious dutie erewhile appear'd unsaught:
   Or come I less conspicuous, or what change
   Absents thee, or what chance detains? Come forth.
   He came, and with him EVE, more loth, though first
   To offend, discount'nanc't both, and discompos'd;
   Love was not in thir looks, either to God
   Or to each other, but apparent guilt,
   And shame, and perturbation, and despaire,
   Anger, and obstinacie, and hate, and guile.
   Whence ADAM faultring long, thus answer'd brief.
   I heard thee in the Garden, and of thy voice
   Affraid, being naked, hid my self. To whom
   The gracious Judge without revile repli'd.
   My voice thou oft hast heard, and hast not fear'd,
   But still rejoyc't, how is it now become
   So dreadful to thee? that thou art naked, who
   Hath told thee? hast thou eaten of the Tree
   Whereof I gave thee charge thou shouldst not eat?
   To whom thus ADAM sore beset repli'd.
   O Heav'n! in evil strait this day I stand
   Before my Judge, either to undergoe
   My self the total Crime, or to accuse
   My other self, the partner of my life;
   Whose failing, while her Faith to me remaines,
   I should conceal, and not expose to blame
   By my complaint; but strict necessitie
   Subdues me, and calamitous constraint,
   Least on my head both sin and punishment,
   However insupportable, be all
   Devolv'd; though should I hold my peace, yet thou
   Wouldst easily detect what I conceale.
   This Woman whom thou mad'st to be my help,
   And gav'st me as thy perfet gift, so good,
   So fit, so acceptable, so Divine,
   That from her hand I could suspect no ill,
   And what she did, whatever in it self,
   Her doing seem'd to justifie the deed;
   Shee gave me of the Tree, and I did eate.
   To whom the sovran Presence thus repli'd.
   Was shee thy God, that her thou didst obey
   Before his voice, or was shee made thy guide,
   Superior, or but equal, that to her
   Thou did'st resigne thy Manhood, and the Place
   Wherein God set thee above her made of thee,
   And for thee, whose perfection farr excell'd
   Hers in all real dignitie: Adornd
   She was indeed, and lovely to attract
   Thy Love, not thy Subjection, and her Gifts
   Were such as under Government well seem'd,
   Unseemly to beare rule, which was thy part
   And person, had'st thou known thy self aright.
   So having said, he thus to EVE in few:
   Say Woman, what is this which thou hast done?
   To whom sad EVE with shame nigh overwhelm'd,
   Confessing soon, yet not before her Judge
   Bold or loquacious, thus abasht repli'd.
   The Serpent me beguil'd and I did eate.
   Which when the Lord God heard, without delay
   To Judgement he proceeded on th' accus'd
   Serpent though brute, unable to transferre
   The Guilt on him who made him instrument
   Of mischief, and polluted from the end
   Of his Creation; justly then accurst,
   As vitiated in Nature: more to know
   Concern'd not Man (since he no further knew)
   Nor alter'd his offence; yet God at last
   To Satan first in sin his doom apply'd,
   Though in mysterious terms, judg'd as then best:
   And on the Serpent thus his curse let fall.
   Because thou hast done this, thou art accurst
   Above all Cattel, each Beast of the Field;
   Upon thy Belly groveling thou shalt goe,
   And dust shalt eat all the days of thy Life.
   Between Thee and the Woman I will put
   Enmitie, and between thine and her Seed;
   Her Seed shall bruise thy head, thou bruise his heel.
   So spake this Oracle, then verifi'd
   When JESUS son of MARY second EVE,
   Saw Satan fall like Lightning down from Heav'n,
   Prince of the Aire; then rising from his Grave
   Spoild Principalities and Powers, triumpht
   In open shew, and with ascention bright
   Captivity led captive through the Aire,
   The Realme it self of Satan long usurpt,
   Whom he shall tread at last under our feet;
   Eevn hee who now foretold his fatal bruise,
   And to the Woman thus his Sentence turn'd.
   Thy sorrow I will greatly multiplie
   By thy Conception; Children thou shalt bring
   In sorrow forth, and to thy Husbands will
   Thine shall submit, hee over thee shall rule.
   On ADAM last thus judgement he pronounc'd.
   Because thou hast heark'nd to the voice of thy Wife,
   And eaten of the Tree concerning which
   I charg'd thee, saying: Thou shalt not eate thereof,
   Curs'd is the ground for thy sake, thou in sorrow
   Shalt eate thereof all the days of thy Life;
   Thornes also and Thistles it shall bring thee forth
   Unbid, and thou shalt eate th' Herb of th' Field,
   In the sweat of thy Face shalt thou eate Bread,
   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 returne.
   So judg'd he Man, both Judge and Saviour sent,
   And th' instant stroke of Death denounc't that day
   Remov'd farr off; then pittying how they stood
   Before him naked to the aire, that now
   Must suffer change, disdain'd not to begin
   Thenceforth the forme of servant to assume,
   As when he wash'd his servants feet, so now
   As Father of his Familie he clad
   Thir nakedness with Skins of Beasts, or slain,
   Or as the Snake with youthful Coate repaid;
   And thought not much to cloath his Enemies:
   Nor hee thir outward onely with the Skins
   Of Beasts, but inward nakedness, much more
   Opprobrious, with his Robe of righteousness,
   Araying cover'd from his Fathers sight.
   To him with swift ascent he up returnd,
   Into his blissful bosom reassum'd
   In glory as of old, to him appeas'd
   All, though all-knowing, what had past with Man
   Recounted, mixing intercession sweet.
   Meanwhile ere thus was sin'd and judg'd on Earth,
   Within the Gates of Hell sate Sin and Death,
   In counterview within the Gates, that now
   Stood open wide, belching outrageous flame
   Farr into CHAOS, since the Fiend pass'd through,
   Sin opening, who thus now to Death began.
   O Son, why sit we here each other viewing
   Idlely, while Satan our great Author thrives
   In other Worlds, and happier Seat provides
   For us his ofspring deare? It cannot be
   But that success attends him; if mishap,
   Ere this he had return'd, with fury driv'n
   By his Avenger, since no place like this
   Can fit his punishment, or their revenge.
   Methinks I feel new strength within me rise,
   Wings growing, and Dominion giv'n me large
   Beyond this Deep; whatever drawes me on,
   Or sympathie, or som connatural force
   Powerful at greatest distance to unite
   With secret amity things of like kinde
   By secretest conveyance. Thou my Shade
   Inseparable must with mee along:
   For Death from Sin no power can separate.
   But least the difficultie of passing back
   Stay his returne perhaps over this Gulfe
   Impassable, impervious, let us try
   Adventrous work, yet to thy power and mine
   Not unagreeable, to found a path
   Over this Maine from Hell to that new World
   Where Satan now prevailes, a Monument
   Of merit high to all th' infernal Host,
   Easing thir passage hence, for intercourse,
   Or transmigration, as thir lot shall lead.
   Nor can I miss the way, so strongly drawn
   By this new felt attraction and instinct.
   Whom thus the meager Shadow answerd soon.
   Goe whither Fate and inclination strong
   Leads thee, I shall not lag behinde, nor erre
   The way, thou leading, such a sent I draw
   Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste
   The savour of Death from all things there that live:
   Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest
   Be wanting, but afford thee equal aid.
   So saying, with delight he snuff'd the smell
   Of mortal change on Earth. As when a flock
   Of ravenous Fowl, though many a League remote,
   Against the day of Battel, to a Field,
   Where Armies lie encampt, come flying, lur'd
   With sent of living Carcasses design'd
   For death, the following day, in bloodie fight.
   So sented the grim Feature, and upturn'd
   His Nostril wide into the murkie Air,
   Sagacious of his Quarrey from so farr.
   Then Both from out Hell Gates into the waste
   Wide Anarchie of CHAOS damp and dark
   Flew divers, & with Power (thir Power was great)
   Hovering upon the Waters; what they met
   Solid or slimie, as in raging Sea
   Tost up and down, together crowded drove
   From each side shoaling towards the mouth of Hell.
   As when two Polar Winds blowing adverse
   Upon the CRONIAN Sea, together drive
   Mountains of Ice, that stop th' imagin'd way
   Beyond PETSORA Eastward, to the rich
   CATHAIAN Coast. The aggregated Soyle
   Death with his Mace petrific, cold and dry,
   As with a Trident smote, and fix't as firm
   As DELOS floating once; the rest his look
   Bound with GORGONIAN rigor not to move,
   And with ASPHALTIC slime; broad as the Gate,
   Deep to the Roots of Hell the gather'd beach
   They fasten'd, and the Mole immense wraught on
   Over the foaming deep high Archt, a Bridge
   Of length prodigious joyning to the Wall
   Immoveable of this now fenceless world
   Forfeit to Death; from hence a passage broad,
   Smooth, easie, inoffensive down to Hell.
   So, if great things to small may be compar'd,
   XERXES, the Libertie of GREECE to yoke,
   From SUSA his MEMNONIAN Palace high
   Came to the Sea, and over HELLESPONT
   Bridging his way, EUROPE with ASIA joyn'd,
   And scourg'd with many a stroak th' indignant waves.
   Now had they brought the work by wondrous Art
   Pontifical, a ridge of pendent Rock
   Over the vext Abyss, following the track
   Of SATAN, to the selfsame place where hee
   First lighted from his Wing, and landed safe
   From out of CHAOS to the outside bare
   Of this round World: with Pinns of Adamant
   And Chains they made all fast, too fast they made
   And durable; and now in little space
   The Confines met of Empyrean Heav'n
   And of this World, and on the left hand Hell
   With long reach interpos'd; three sev'ral wayes
   In sight, to each of these three places led.
   And now thir way to Earth they had descri'd,
   To Paradise first tending, when behold
   SATAN in likeness of an Angel bright
   Betwixt the CENTAURE and the SCORPION stearing
   His ZENITH, while the Sun in ARIES rose:
   Disguis'd he came, but those his Children dear
   Thir Parent soon discern'd, though in disguise.
   Hee, after EVE seduc't, unminded slunk
   Into the Wood fast by, and changing shape
   To observe the sequel, saw his guileful act
   By EVE, though all unweeting, seconded
   Upon her Husband, saw thir shame that sought
   Vain covertures; but when he saw descend
   The Son of God to judge them, terrifi'd
   Hee fled, not hoping to escape, but shun
   The present, fearing guiltie what his wrauth
   Might suddenly inflict; that past, return'd
   By Night, and listning where the hapless Paire
   Sate in thir sad discourse, and various plaint,
   Thence gatherd his own doom, which understood
   Not instant, but of future time. With joy
   And tidings fraught, to Hell he now return'd,
   And at the brink of CHAOS, neer the foot
   Of this new wondrous Pontifice, unhop't
   Met who to meet him came, his Ofspring dear.
   Great joy was at thir meeting, and at sight
   Of that stupendious Bridge his joy encreas'd.
   Long hee admiring stood, till Sin, his faire
   Inchanting Daughter, thus the silence broke.
   O Parent, these are thy magnific deeds,
   Thy Trophies, which thou view'st as not thine own,
   Thou art thir Author and prime Architect:
   For I no sooner in my Heart divin'd,
   My Heart, which by a secret harmonie
   Still moves with thine, joyn'd in connexion sweet,
   That thou on Earth hadst prosper'd, which thy looks
   Now also evidence, but straight I felt
   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 her bounds,
   Nor this unvoyageable Gulf obscure
   Detain from following thy illustrious track.
   Thou hast atchiev'd our libertie, confin'd
   Within Hell Gates till now, thou us impow'rd
   To fortifie thus farr, and overlay
   With this portentous Bridge the dark Abyss.
   Thine now is all this World, thy vertue hath won
   What thy hands builded not, thy Wisdom gain'd
   With odds what Warr hath lost, and fully aveng'd
   Our foile in Heav'n; here thou shalt Monarch reign,
   There didst not; there let him still Victor sway,
   As Battel hath adjudg'd, from this new World
   Retiring, by his own doom alienated,
   And henceforth Monarchie with thee divide
   Of all things, parted by th' Empyreal bounds,
   His Quadrature, from thy Orbicular World,
   Or trie thee now more dang'rous to his Throne.
   Whom thus the Prince of Darkness answerd glad.
   Fair Daughter, and thou Son and Grandchild both,
   High proof ye now have giv'n to be the Race
   Of SATAN (for I glorie in the name,
   Antagonist of Heav'ns Almightie King)
   Amply have merited of me, of all
   Th' Infernal Empire, that so neer Heav'ns dore
   Triumphal with triumphal act have met,
   Mine with this glorious Work, & made one Realm
   Hell and this World, one Realm, one Continent
   Of easie thorough-fare. Therefore while I
   Descend through Darkness, on your Rode with ease
   To my associate Powers, them to acquaint
   With these successes, and with them rejoyce,
   You two this way, among those numerous Orbs
   All yours, right down to Paradise descend;
   There dwell & Reign in bliss, thence on the Earth
   Dominion exercise and in the Aire,
   Chiefly on Man, sole Lord of all declar'd,
   Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill.
   My Substitutes I send ye, and Create
   Plenipotent on Earth, of matchless might
   Issuing from mee: on your joynt vigor now
   My hold of this new Kingdom all depends,
   Through Sin to Death expos'd by my exploit.
   If your joynt power prevaile, th' affaires of Hell
   No detriment need feare, goe and be strong.
   So saying he dismiss'd them, they with speed
   Thir course through thickest Constellations held
   Spreading thir bane; the blasted Starrs lookt wan,
   And Planets, Planet-strook, real Eclips
   Then sufferd. Th' other way SATAN went down
   The Causey to Hell Gate; on either side
   Disparted CHAOS over built exclaimd,
   And with rebounding surge the barrs assaild,
   That scorn'd his indignation: through the Gate,
   Wide open and unguarded, SATAN pass'd,
   And all about found desolate; for those
   Appointed to sit there, had left thir charge,
   Flown to the upper World; the rest were all
   Farr to the inland retir'd, about the walls
   Of PANDEMONIUM, Citie and proud seate
   Of LUCIFER, so by allusion calld,
   Of that bright Starr to SATAN paragond.
   There kept thir Watch the Legions, while the Grand
   In Council sate, sollicitous what chance
   Might intercept thir Emperour sent, so hee
   Departing gave command, and they observ'd.
   As when the TARTAR from his RUSSIAN Foe
   By ASTRACAN over the Snowie Plaines
   Retires, or BACTRIAN Sophi from the hornes
   Of TURKISH Crescent, leaves all waste beyond
   The Realme of ALADULE, in his retreate
   To TAURIS or CASBEEN. So these the late
   Heav'n-banisht Host, left desert utmost Hell
   Many a dark League, reduc't in careful Watch
   Round thir Metropolis, and now expecting
   Each hour their great adventurer from the search
   Of Forrein Worlds: he through the midst unmarkt,
   In shew plebeian Angel militant
   Of lowest order, past; and from the dore
   Of that PLUTONIAN Hall, invisible
   Ascended his high Throne, which under state
   Of richest texture spred, at th' upper end
   Was plac't in regal lustre. Down a while
   He sate, and round about him saw unseen:
   At last as from a Cloud his fulgent head
   And shape Starr bright appeer'd, or brighter, clad
   With what permissive glory since his fall
   Was left him, or false glitter: All amaz'd
   At that so sudden blaze the STYGIAN throng
   Bent thir aspect, and whom they wish'd beheld,
   Thir mighty Chief returnd: loud was th' acclaime:
   Forth rush'd in haste the great consulting Peers,
   Rais'd from thir dark DIVAN, and with like joy
   Congratulant approach'd him, who with hand
   Silence, and with these words attention won.
   Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers,
   For in possession such, not onely of right,
   I call ye and declare ye now, returnd
   Successful beyond hope, to lead ye forth
   Triumphant out of this infernal Pit
   Abominable, accurst, the house of woe,
   And Dungeon of our Tyrant: Now possess,
   As Lords, a spacious World, to our native Heaven
   Little inferiour, by my adventure hard
   With peril great atchiev'd. Long were to tell
   What I have don, what sufferd, with what paine
   Voyag'd the unreal, vast, unbounded deep
   Of horrible confusion, over which
   By Sin and Death a broad way now is pav'd
   To expedite your glorious march; but I
   Toild out my uncouth passage, forc't to ride
   Th' untractable Abysse, plung'd in the womb
   Of unoriginal NIGHT and CHAOS wilde,
   That jealous of thir secrets fiercely oppos'd
   My journey strange, with clamorous uproare
   Protesting Fate supreame; thence how I found
   The new created World, which fame in Heav'n
   Long had foretold, a Fabrick wonderful
   Of absolute perfection, therein Man
   Plac't in a Paradise, by our exile
   Made happie: Him by fraud I have seduc'd
   From his Creator, and the more to increase
   Your wonder, with an Apple; he thereat
   Offended, worth your laughter, hath giv'n up
   Both his beloved Man and all his World,
   To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us,
   Without our hazard, labour or allarme,
   To range in, and to dwell, and over Man
   To rule, as over all he should have rul'd.
   True is, mee also he hath judg'd, or rather
   Mee not, but the brute Serpent in whose shape
   Man I deceav'd: that which to mee belongs,
   Is enmity, which he will put between
   Mee and Mankinde; I am to bruise his heel;
   His Seed, when is not set, shall bruise my head:
   A World who would not purchase with a bruise,
   Or much more grievous pain? Ye have th' account
   Of my performance: What remaines, ye Gods,
   But up and enter now into full bliss.
   So having said, a while he stood, expecting
   Thir universal shout and high applause
   To fill his eare, when contrary he hears
   On all sides, from innumerable tongues
   A dismal universal hiss, the sound
   Of public scorn; he wonderd, but not long
   Had leasure, wondring at himself now more;
   His Visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare,
   His Armes clung to his Ribs, his Leggs entwining
   Each other, till supplanted down he fell
   A monstrous Serpent on his Belly prone,
   Reluctant, but in vaine, a greater power
   Now rul'd him, punisht in the shape he sin'd,
   According to his doom: he would have spoke,
   But hiss for hiss returnd with forked tongue
   To forked tongue, for now were all transform'd
   Alike, to Serpents all as accessories
   To his bold Riot: dreadful was the din
   Of hissing through the Hall, thick swarming now
   With complicated monsters, head and taile,
   Scorpion and Asp, and AMPHISBAENA dire,
   CERASTES hornd, HYDRUS, and ELLOPS drear,
   And DIPSAS (Not so thick swarm'd once the Soil
   Bedropt with blood of Gorgon, or the Isle
   OPHIUSA) but still greatest hee the midst,
   Now Dragon grown, larger then whom the Sun
   Ingenderd in the PYTHIAN Vale on slime,
   Huge PYTHON, and his Power no less he seem'd
   Above the rest still to retain; they all
   Him follow'd issuing forth to th' open Field,
   Where all yet left of that revolted Rout
   Heav'n-fall'n, in station stood or just array,
   Sublime with expectation when to see
   In Triumph issuing forth thir glorious Chief;
   They saw, but other sight instead, a crowd
   Of ugly Serpents; horror on them fell,
   And horrid sympathie; for what they saw,
   They felt themselvs now changing; down thir arms,
   Down fell both Spear and Shield, down they as fast,
   And the dire hiss renew'd, and the dire form
   Catcht by Contagion, like in punishment,
   As in thir crime. Thus was th' applause they meant,
   Turnd to exploding hiss, triumph to shame
   Cast on themselves from thir own mouths. There stood
   A Grove hard by, sprung up with this thir change,
   His will who reigns above, to aggravate
   Thir penance, laden with fair Fruit, like that
   VVhich grew in Paradise, the bait of EVE
   Us'd by the Tempter: on that prospect strange
   Thir earnest eyes they fix'd, imagining
   For one forbidden Tree a multitude
   Now ris'n, to work them furder woe or shame;
   Yet parcht with scalding thurst and hunger fierce,
   Though to delude them sent, could not abstain,
   But on they rould in heaps, and up the Trees
   Climbing, sat thicker then the snakie locks
   That curld MEGAERA: greedily they pluck'd
   The Frutage fair to sight, like that which grew
   Neer that bituminous Lake where SODOM flam'd;
   This more delusive, not the touch, but taste
   Deceav'd; they fondly thinking to allay
   Thir appetite with gust, instead of Fruit
   Chewd bitter Ashes, which th' offended taste
   VVith spattering noise rejected: oft they assayd,
   Hunger and thirst constraining, drugd as oft,
   VVith hatefullest disrelish writh'd thir jaws
   VVith foot and cinders fill'd; so oft they fell
   Into the same illusion, not as Man
   Whom they triumph'd once lapst. Thus were they plagu'd
   And worn with Famin, long and ceasless hiss,
   Till thir lost shape, permitted, they resum'd,
   Yearly enjoynd, some say, to undergo
   This annual humbling certain number'd days,
   To dash thir pride, and joy for Man seduc't.
   However some tradition they dispers'd
   Among the Heathen of thir purchase got,
   And Fabl'd how the Serpent, whom they calld
   OPHION with EURYNOME, the wide-
   Encroaching EVE perhaps, had first the rule
   Of high OLYMPUS, thence by SATURN driv'n
   And OPS, ere yet DICTAEAN JOVE was born.
   Mean while in Paradise the hellish pair
   Too soon arriv'd, 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.
   Second of SATAN sprung, all conquering Death,
   What thinkst thou of our Empire now, though earnd
   With travail difficult, not better farr
   Then stil at Hels dark threshold to have sate watch,
   Unnam'd, undreaded, and thy self half starv'd?
   Whom thus the Sin-born Monster answerd soon.
   To mee, who with eternal Famin pine,
   Alike is Hell, or Paradise, or Heaven,
   There best, where most with ravin I may meet;
   Which here, though plenteous, all too little seems
   To stuff this Maw, this vast unhide-bound Corps.
   To whom th' incestuous Mother thus repli'd.
   Thou therefore on these Herbs, and Fruits, & Flours
   Feed first, on each Beast next, and Fish, and Fowle,
   No homely morsels, and whatever thing
   The Sithe of Time mowes down, devour unspar'd,
   Till I in Man residing through the Race,
   His thoughts, his looks, words, actions all infect,
   And season him thy last and sweetest prey.
   This said, they both betook them several wayes,
   Both to destroy, or unimmortal make
   All kinds, and for destruction to mature
   Sooner or later; which th' Almightie seeing,
   From his transcendent Seat the Saints among,
   To those bright Orders utterd thus his voice.
   See with what heat these Dogs of Hell advance
   To waste and havoc yonder VVorld, which I
   So fair and good created, and had still
   Kept in that state, had not the folly of Man
   Let in these wastful Furies, who impute
   Folly to mee, so doth the Prince of Hell
   And his Adherents, that with so much ease
   I suffer them to enter and possess
   A place so heav'nly, and conniving seem
   To gratifie my scornful Enemies,
   That laugh, as if transported with some fit
   Of Passion, I to them had quitted all,
   At random yeilded 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
   Which mans polluting Sin with taint hath shed
   On what was pure, till cramm'd and gorg'd, nigh burst
   With suckt and glutted offal, at one fling
   Of thy victorious Arm, well-pleasing Son,
   Both SIN, and DEATH, and yawning GRAVE at last
   Through CHAOS hurld, obstruct the mouth of Hell
   For ever, and seal up his ravenous Jawes.
   Then Heav'n and Earth renewd shall be made pure
   To sanctitie that shall receive no staine:
   Till then the Curse pronounc't on both precedes.
   Hee ended, and the heav'nly Audience loud
   Sung HALLELUIA, 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,
   Destin'd restorer of Mankind, by whom
   New Heav'n and Earth shall to the Ages rise,
   Or down from Heav'n descend. Such was thir song,
   While the Creator calling forth by name
   His mightie Angels gave them several charge,
   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 tollerable, and from the North to call
   Decrepit Winter, from the South to bring
   Solstitial summers heat. To the blanc Moone
   Her office they prescrib'd, to th' other five
   Thir planetarie motions and aspects
   In SEXTILE, SQUARE, and TRINE, and OPPOSITE,
   Of noxious efficacie, and when to joyne
   In Synod unbenigne, and taught the fixt
   Thir influence malignant when to showre,
   Which of them rising with the Sun, or falling,
   Should prove tempestuous: To the Winds they set
   Thir corners, when with bluster to confound
   Sea, Aire, and Shoar, the Thunder when to rowle
   With terror through the dark Aereal Hall.
   Some say he bid his Angels turne ascanse
   The Poles of Earth twice ten degrees and more
   From the Suns Axle; they with labour push'd
   Oblique the Centric Globe: Som say the Sun
   Was bid turn Reines from th' Equinoctial Rode
   Like distant breadth to TAURUS with the Seav'n
   ATLANTICK Sisters, and the SPARTAN Twins
   Up to the TROPIC Crab; thence down amaine
   By LEO and the VIRGIN and the SCALES,
   As deep as CAPRICORNE, to bring in change
   Of Seasons to each Clime; else had the Spring
   Perpetual smil'd on Earth with vernant Flours,
   Equal in Days and Nights, except to those
   Beyond the Polar Circles; to them Day
   Had unbenighted shon, while the low Sun
   To recompence his distance, in thir sight
   Had rounded still th' HORIZON, and not known
   Or East or West, which had forbid the Snow
   From cold ESTOTILAND, and South as farr
   Beneath MAGELLAN. At that tasted Fruit
   The Sun, as from THYESTEAN Banquet, turn'd
   His course intended; else how had the World
   Inhabited, though sinless, more then now,
   Avoided pinching cold and scorching heate?
   These changes in the Heav'ns, though slow, produc'd
   Like change on Sea and Land, sideral blast,
   Vapour, and Mist, and Exhalation hot,
   Corrupt and Pestilent: Now from the North
   Of NORUMBEGA, and the SAMOED shoar
   Bursting thir brazen Dungeon, armd with ice
   And snow and haile and stormie gust and flaw,
   BOREAS and CAECIAS and ARGESTES loud
   And THRASCIAS rend the Woods and Seas upturn;
   With adverse blast up-turns them from the South
   NOTUS and AFER black with thundrous Clouds
   From SERRALIONA; thwart of these as fierce
   Forth rush the LEVANT and the PONENT VVindes
   EURUS and ZEPHIR with thir lateral noise,
   SIROCCO, and LIBECCHIO. Thus began
   Outrage from liveless things; but Discord first
   Daughter of Sin, among th' irrational,
   Death introduc'd through fierce antipathie:
   Beast now with Beast gan war, & Fowle with Fowle,
   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 count'nance grim
   Glar'd on him passing: these were from without
   The growing miseries, which ADAM saw
   Alreadie in part, though hid in gloomiest shade,
   To sorrow abandond, but worse felt within,
   And in a troubl'd Sea of passion tost,
   Thus to disburd'n sought with sad complaint.
   O miserable of happie! is this the end
   Of this new glorious World, and mee so late
   The Glory of that Glory, who now becom
   Accurst of blessed, hide me from the face
   Of God, whom to behold was then my highth
   Of happiness: yet well, if here would end
   The miserie, I deserv'd it, and would beare
   My own deservings; but this will not serve;
   All that I eate or drink, or shall beget,
   Is propagated curse. O voice once heard
   Delightfully, ENCREASE AND MULTIPLY,
   Now death to heare! for what can I encrease
   Or multiplie, 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,
   For this we may thank ADAM; but his thanks
   Shall be the execration; so besides
   Mine own that bide upon me, all from mee
   Shall with a fierce reflux on mee redound,
   On mee as on thir natural center light
   Heavie, though in thir place. O fleeting joyes
   Of Paradise, deare bought with lasting woes!
   Did I request thee, Maker, from my Clay
   To mould me Man, did I sollicite thee
   From darkness to promote me, or here place
   In this delicious Garden? as my Will
   Concurd not to my being, it were but right
   And equal to reduce me to my dust,
   Desirous to resigne, and render back
   All I receav'd, unable to performe
   Thy terms too hard, by which I was to hold
   The good I sought not. To the loss of that,
   Sufficient penaltie, why hast thou added
   The sense of endless woes? inexplicable
   Thy Justice seems; yet to say truth, too late,
   I thus contest; then should have been refusd
   Those terms whatever, when they were propos'd:
   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
   Prove disobedient, and reprov'd, retort,
   Wherefore 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.
   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 returne:
   O welcom hour whenever! why delayes
   His hand to execute what his Decree
   Fixd on this day? why do I overlive,
   Why am I mockt with death, and length'nd out
   To deathless pain? how gladly would I meet
   Mortalitie my sentence, and be Earth
   Insensible, how glad would lay me down
   As in my Mothers lap? there I should rest
   And sleep secure; his dreadful voice no more
   Would Thunder in my ears, no fear of worse
   To mee and to my ofspring would torment me
   With cruel expectation. Yet one doubt
   Pursues me still, least all I cannot die,
   Least that pure breath of Life, the Spirit of Man
   Which God inspir'd, cannot together perish
   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
   And sin? the Bodie properly hath neither.
   All of me then shall die: let this appease
   The doubt, since humane reach no further knows.
   For though the Lord of all be infinite,
   Is his wrauth also? be it, man is not so,
   But mortal doom'd. How can he exercise
   Wrath without end on Man whom Death must end?
   Can he make deathless Death? that were to make
   Strange contradiction, which to God himself
   Impossible is held, as Argument
   Of weakness, not of Power. Will he, draw out,
   For angers sake, finite to infinite
   In punisht man, to satisfie his rigour
   Satisfi'd never; that were to extend
   His Sentence beyond dust and Natures Law,
   By which all Causes else according still
   To the reception of thir matter act,
   Not to th' extent of thir own Spheare. But say
   That Death be not one stroak, as I suppos'd,
   Bereaving sense, but endless miserie
   From this day onward, which I feel begun
   Both in me, and without me, and so last
   To perpetuitie; Ay me, that fear
   Comes thundring back with dreadful revolution
   On my defensless head; both Death and I
   Am found Eternal, and incorporate both,
   Nor I on my part single, in mee all
   Posteritie stands curst: Fair Patrimonie
   That I must leave ye, Sons; O were I able
   To waste it all my self, and leave ye none!
   So disinherited how would ye bless
   Me now your Curse! Ah, why should all mankind
   For one mans fault thus guiltless be condemn'd,
   If guiltless? But from mee what can proceed,
   But all corrupt, both Mind and Will deprav'd,
   Not to do onely, but to will the same
   With me? how can they acquitted stand
   In sight of God? Him after all Disputes
   Forc't I absolve: all my evasions vain
   And reasonings, though through Mazes, lead me still
   But to my own conviction: first and last
   On mee, mee onely, as the sourse and spring
   Of all corruption, all the blame lights due;
   So might the wrauth, Fond wish! couldst thou support
   That burden heavier then the Earth to bear,
   Then all the world much heavier, though divided
   With that bad Woman? Thus what thou desir'st,
   And what thou fearst, alike destroyes all hope
   Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable
   Beyond all past example and future,
   To SATAN onely like both crime and doom.
   O Conscience, into what Abyss of fears
   And horrors hast thou driv'n me; out of which
   I find no way, from deep to deeper plung'd!
   Thus ADAM to himself lamented loud
   Through the still Night, now now, as ere man fell,
   Wholsom and cool, and mild, but with black Air
   Accompanied, with damps and dreadful gloom,
   Which to his evil Conscience represented
   All things with double terror: On the ground
   Outstretcht he lay, on the cold ground, and oft
   Curs'd his Creation, Death as oft accus'd
   Of tardie execution, since denounc't
   The day of his offence. Why comes not Death,
   Said hee, with one thrice acceptable stroke
   To end me? Shall Truth fail to keep her word,
   Justice Divine not hast'n to be just?
   But Death comes not at call, Justice Divine
   Mends not her slowest pace for prayers or cries.
   O Woods, O Fountains, Hillocks, Dales and Bowrs,
   VVith other echo farr I taught your Shades
   To answer, and resound farr other Song.
   VVhom thus afflicted when sad EVE beheld,
   Desolate where she sate, approaching nigh,
   Soft words to his fierce passion she assay'd:
   But her with stern regard he thus repell'd.
   Out of my sight, thou Serpent, that name best
   Befits thee with him leagu'd, thy self as false
   And hateful; nothing wants, but that thy shape,
   Like his, and colour Serpentine may shew
   Thy inward fraud, to warn all Creatures from thee
   Henceforth; least that too heav'nly form, pretended
   To hellish falshood, snare them. But for thee
   I had persisted happie, had not thy pride
   And wandring vanitie, when lest was safe,
   Rejected my forewarning, and disdain'd
   Not to be trusted, longing to be seen
   Though by the Devil himself, him overweening
   To over-reach, but with the Serpent meeting
   Fool'd and beguil'd, by him thou, I by thee,
   To trust thee from my side, imagin'd wise,
   Constant, mature, proof against all assaults,
   And understood not all was but a shew
   Rather then solid vertu, all but a Rib
   Crooked by nature, bent, as now appears,
   More to the part sinister from me drawn,
   Well if thrown out, as supernumerarie
   To my just number found. O why did God,
   Creator wise, that peopl'd highest Heav'n
   With Spirits Masculine, create at last
   This noveltie 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 befall'n,
   And more that shall befall, innumerable
   Disturbances on Earth through Femal snares,
   And straight conjunction with this Sex: for either
   He never shall find out fit Mate, but such
   As some misfortune brings him, or mistake,
   Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain
   Through her perverseness, but shall see her gaind
   By a farr worse, or if she love, withheld
   By Parents, or his happiest choice too late
   Shall meet, alreadie linkt and Wedlock-bound
   To a fell Adversarie, his hate or shame:
   Which infinite calamitie shall cause
   To humane life, and houshold peace confound.
   He added not, and from her turn'd, but EVE
   Not so repulst, with Tears that ceas'd not flowing,
   And tresses all disorderd, at his feet
   Fell humble, and imbracing them, besaught
   His peace, and thus proceeded in her plaint.
   Forsake me not thus, ADAM, witness Heav'n
   What love sincere, and reverence in my heart
   I beare thee, and unweeting have offended,
   Unhappilie deceav'd; 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,
   My onely strength and stay: forlorn of thee,
   Whither shall I betake me, where subsist?
   While yet we live, scarse one short hour perhaps,
   Between us two let there be peace, both joyning,
   As joyn'd in injuries, one enmitie
   Against a Foe by doom express assign'd us,
   That cruel Serpent: On me exercise not
   Thy hatred for this miserie befall'n,
   On me already lost, mee then thy self
   More miserable; both have sin'd, but thou
   Against God onely, I against God and thee,
   And to the place of judgement will return,
   There with my cries importune Heaven, that all
   The sentence from thy head remov'd may light
   On me, sole cause to thee of all this woe,
   Mee mee onely just object of his ire.
   She ended weeping, and her lowlie plight,
   Immoveable till peace obtain'd from fault
   Acknowledg'd and deplor'd, in ADAM wraught
   Commiseration; soon his heart relented
   Towards her, his life so late and sole delight,
   Now at his feet submissive in distress,
   Creature so faire his reconcilement seeking,
   His counsel whom she had displeas'd, his aide;
   As one disarm'd, his anger all he lost,
   And thus with peaceful words uprais'd her soon.
   Unwarie, and too desirous, as before,
   So now of what thou knowst not, who desir'st
   The punishment all on thy self; alas,
   Beare thine own first, ill able to sustaine
   His full wrauth whose thou feelst as yet lest part,
   And my displeasure bearst 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,
   Thy frailtie and infirmer Sex forgiv'n,
   To me committed and by me expos'd.
   But rise, let us no more contend, nor blame
   Each other, blam'd enough elsewhere, but strive
   In offices of Love, how we may light'n
   Each others burden in our share of woe;
   Since this days Death denounc't, if ought I see,
   Will prove no sudden, but a slow-pac't evill,
   A long days dying to augment our paine,
   And to our Seed (O hapless Seed!) deriv'd.
   To whom thus EVE, recovering heart, repli'd.
   ADAM, by sad experiment I know
   How little weight my words with thee can finde,
   Found so erroneous, thence by just event
   Found so unfortunate; nevertheless,
   Restor'd by thee, vile as I am, to place
   Of new acceptance, hopeful to regaine
   Thy Love, the sole contentment of my heart,
   Living or dying from thee I will not hide
   What thoughts in my unquiet brest are ris'n,
   Tending to som 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, devourd
   By Death at last, and miserable it is
   To be to others cause of misery,
   Our own begotten, and of our Loines to bring
   Into this cursed World a woful Race,
   That after wretched Life must be at last
   Food for so foule a Monster, in thy power
   It lies, yet ere Conception to prevent
   The Race unblest, to being yet unbegot.
   Childless thou art, Childless remaine:
   So Death shall be deceav'd his glut, and with us two
   Be forc'd to satisfie his Rav'nous Maw.
   But if thou judge it hard and difficult,
   Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain
   From Loves due Rites, Nuptial embraces sweet,
   And with desire to languish without hope,
   Before the present object languishing
   With like desire, which would be miserie
   And torment less then none of what we dread,
   Then both our selves and Seed at once to free
   From what we fear for both, let us make short,
   Let us seek Death, or hee not found, supply
   With our own hands his Office on our selves;
   Why stand we longer shivering under feares,
   That shew no end but Death, and have the power,
   Of many wayes to die the shortest choosing,
   Destruction with destruction to destroy.
   She ended heer, or vehement despaire
   Broke off the rest; so much of Death her thoughts
   Had entertaind, as di'd her Cheeks with pale.
   But ADAM with such counsel nothing sway'd,
   To better hopes his more attentive minde
   Labouring had rais'd, and thus to EVE repli'd.
   EVE, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems
   To argue in thee somthing more sublime
   And excellent then what thy minde contemnes;
   But self-destruction therefore saught, refutes
   That excellence thought in thee, and implies,
   Not thy contempt, but anguish and regret
   For loss of life and pleasure overlov'd.
   Or if thou covet death, as utmost end
   Of miserie, so thinking to evade
   The penaltie pronounc't, doubt not but God
   Hath wiselier arm'd his vengeful ire then so
   To be forestall'd; much more I fear least Death
   So snatcht will not exempt us from the paine
   We are by doom to pay; rather such acts
   Of contumacie will provoke the highest
   To make death in us live: Then let us seek
   Som safer resolution, which methinks
   I have in view, calling to minde with heed
   Part of our Sentence, that thy Seed shall bruise
   The Serpents head; piteous amends, unless
   Be meant, whom I conjecture, our grand Foe
   SATAN, who in the Serpent hath contriv'd
   Against us this deceit: to crush his head
   Would be revenge indeed; which will be lost
   By death brought on our selves, or childless days
   Resolv'd, as thou proposest; so our Foe
   Shall scape his punishment ordain'd, and wee
   Instead shall double ours upon our heads.
   No more be mention'd then of violence
   Against our selves, and wilful barrenness,
   That cuts us off from hope, and savours onely
   Rancor and pride, impatience and despite,
   Reluctance against God and his just yoke
   Laid on our Necks. Remember with what mild
   And gracious temper he both heard and judg'd
   Without wrauth or reviling; wee expected
   Immediate dissolution, which we thought
   Was meant by Death that day, when lo, to thee
   Pains onely in Child-bearing were foretold,
   And bringing forth, soon recompenc't with joy,
   Fruit of thy Womb: On mee the Curse aslope
   Glanc'd on the ground, with labour I must earne
   My bread; what harm? Idleness had bin worse;
   My labour will sustain me; and least Cold
   Or Heat should injure us, his timely care
   Hath unbesaught provided, and his hands
   Cloath'd us unworthie, pitying while he judg'd;
   How much more, if we pray him, will his ear
   Be open, and his heart to pitie incline,
   And teach us further by what means to shun
   Th' inclement Seasons, Rain, Ice, Hail and Snow,
   Which now the Skie with various Face begins
   To shew us in this Mountain, while the Winds
   Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks
   Of these fair spreading Trees; which bids us seek
   Som better shroud, som better warmth to cherish
   Our Limbs benumm'd, ere this diurnal Starr
   Leave cold the Night, how we his gather'd beams
   Reflected, may with matter sere foment,
   Or by collision of two bodies grinde
   The Air attrite to Fire, as late the Clouds
   Justling or pusht with Winds rude in thir shock
   Tine the slant Lightning, whose thwart flame driv'n down
   Kindles the gummie bark of Firr or Pine,
   And sends a comfortable heat from farr,
   Which might supplie the Sun: such Fire to use,
   And what may else be remedie or cure
   To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought,
   Hee 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.
   What better can we do, then to the place
   Repairing where he judg'd us, prostrate fall
   Before him reverent, and there confess
   Humbly our faults, and pardon beg, with tears
   VVatering the ground, and with our sighs the Air
   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,
   VVhen angry most he seem'd and most severe,
   VVhat else but favor, grace, and mercie shon?
   So spake our Father penitent, nor EVE
   Felt less remorse: they forthwith to the place
   Repairing where he judg'd them prostrate fell
   Before him reverent, and both confess'd
   Humbly thir faults, and pardon beg'd, with tears
   VVatering the ground, and with thir sighs the Air
   Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign
   Of sorrow unfeign'd, and humiliation meek.

BOOK X.

   Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood
   Praying, for from the Mercie-seat above
   Prevenient Grace descending had remov'd
   The stonie from thir hearts, and made new flesh
   Regenerat grow instead, that sighs now breath'd
   Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer
   Inspir'd, and wing'd for Heav'n with speedier flight
   Then loudest Oratorie: yet thir port
   Not of mean suiters, nor important less
   Seem'd thir Petition, then when th' ancient Pair
   In Fables old, less ancient yet then these,
   DEUCALION and chaste PYRRHA to restore
   The Race of Mankind drownd, before the Shrine
   Of THEMIS stood devout. To Heav'n thir prayers
   Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious windes
   Blow'n vagabond or frustrate: in they passd
   Dimentionless through Heav'nly dores; then clad
   With incense, where the Golden Altar fum'd,
   By thir great Intercessor, came in sight
   Before the Fathers Throne: Them the glad Son
   Presenting, thus to intercede began.
   See Father, what first fruits on Earth are sprung
   From thy implanted Grace in Man, these Sighs
   And Prayers, which in this Golden Censer, mixt
   With Incense, I thy Priest before thee bring,
   Fruits of more pleasing savour from thy seed
   Sow'n with contrition in his heart, then those
   Which his own hand manuring all the Trees
   Of Paradise could have produc't, ere fall'n
   From innocence. Now therefore bend thine eare
   To supplication, heare his sighs though mute;
   Unskilful with what words to pray, let mee
   Interpret for him, mee his Advocate
   And propitiation, all his works on mee
   Good or not good ingraft, my Merit those
   Shall perfet, and for these my Death shall pay.
   Accept me, and in mee from these receave
   The smell of peace toward Mankinde, let him live
   Before thee reconcil'd, at least his days
   Numberd, though sad, till Death, his doom (which I
   To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse)
   To better life shall yeeld him, where with mee
   All my redeemd may dwell in joy and bliss,
   Made one with me as I with thee am one.
   To whom the Father, without Cloud, serene.
   All thy 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
   No gross, no unharmoneous mixture foule,
   Eject him tainted now, and purge him off
   As a distemper, gross to aire as gross,
   And mortal food, as may dispose him best
   For dissolution wrought by Sin, that first
   Distemperd all things, and of incorrupt
   Corrupted. I at first with two fair gifts
   Created him endowd, with Happiness
   And Immortalitie: that fondly lost,
   This other serv'd but to eternize woe;
   Till I provided Death; so Death becomes
   His final remedie, and after Life
   Tri'd in sharp tribulation, and refin'd
   By Faith and faithful works, to second Life,
   Wak't in the renovation of the just,
   Resignes him up with Heav'n and Earth renewd.
   But let us call to Synod all the Blest
   Through Heav'ns wide bounds; from them I will not hide
   My judgments, how with Mankind I proceed,
   As how with peccant Angels late they saw;
   And in thir state, though firm, stood more confirmd.
   He ended, and the Son gave signal high
   To the bright Minister that watchd, hee blew
   His Trumpet, heard in OREB since perhaps
   When God descended, and perhaps once more
   To sound at general Doom. Th' Angelic blast
   Filld all the Regions: from thir blissful Bowrs
   Of AMARANTIN Shade, Fountain or Spring,
   By the waters of Life, where ere they sate
   In fellowships of joy: the Sons of Light
   Hasted, resorting to the Summons high,
   And took thir Seats; till from his Throne supream
   Th' Almighty thus pronounced his sovran Will.
   O Sons, like one of us Man is become
   To know both Good and Evil, since his taste
   Of that defended Fruit; but let him boast
   His knowledge of Good lost, and Evil got,
   Happier, had it suffic'd him to have known
   Good by it self, and Evil not at all.
   He sorrows now, repents, and prayes contrite,
   My motions in him, longer then they move,
   His heart I know, how variable and vain
   Self-left. Least therefore his now bolder hand
   Reach also of the Tree of Life, and eat,
   And live for ever, dream at least to live
   Forever, to remove him I decree,
   And send him from the Garden forth to Till
   The Ground whence he was taken, fitter soile.
   MICHAEL, this my behest have thou in charge,
   Take to thee from among the Cherubim
   Thy choice of flaming Warriours, least the Fiend
   Or in behalf of Man, or to invade
   Vacant possession som new trouble raise:
   Hast thee, and from the Paradise of God
   Without remorse drive out the sinful Pair,
   From hallowd ground th' unholie, and denounce
   To them and to thir Progenie from thence
   Perpetual banishment. Yet least they faint
   At the sad Sentence rigorously urg'd,
   For I behold them soft'nd and with tears
   Bewailing thir excess, all terror hide.
   If patiently thy bidding they obey,
   Dismiss them not disconsolate; reveale
   To ADAM what shall come in future dayes,
   As I shall thee enlighten, intermix
   My Cov'nant in the Womans seed renewd;
   So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace:
   And on the East side of the Garden place,
   Where entrance up from EDEN easiest climbes,
   Cherubic watch, and of a Sword the flame
   Wide waving, all approach farr off to fright,
   And guard all passage to the Tree of Life:
   Least Paradise a receptacle prove
   To Spirits foule, and all my Trees thir prey,
   With whose stol'n Fruit Man once more to delude.
   He ceas'd; and th' Archangelic Power prepar'd
   For swift descent, with him the Cohort bright
   Of watchful Cherubim; four faces each
   Had, like a double JANUS, all thir shape
   Spangl'd with eyes more numerous then those
   Of ARGUS, and more wakeful then to drouze,
   Charm'd with ARCADIAN Pipe, the Pastoral Reed
   Of HERMES, or his opiate Rod. Meanwhile
   To resalute the World with sacred Light
   LEUCOTHEA wak'd, and with fresh dews imbalmd
   The Earth, when ADAM and first Matron EVE
   Had ended now thir Orisons, and found,
   Strength added from above, new hope to spring
   Out of despaire, joy, but with fear yet linkt;
   Which thus to EVE his welcome words renewd.
   EVE, easily may Faith admit, that all
   The good which we enjoy, from Heav'n descends
   But that from us ought should ascend to Heav'n
   So prevalent as to concerne the mind
   Of God high blest, or to incline his will,
   Hard to belief may seem; yet this will Prayer,
   Or one short sigh of humane breath, up-borne
   Ev'n to the Seat of God. For since I saught
   By Prayer th' offended Deitie to appease,
   Kneel'd and before him humbl'd all my heart,
   Methought I saw him placable and mild,
   Bending his eare; perswasion in me grew
   That I was heard with favour; peace returnd
   Home to my brest, and to my memorie
   His promise, that thy Seed shall bruise our Foe;
   Which then not minded in dismay, yet now
   Assures me that the bitterness of death
   Is past, and we shall live. Whence Haile to thee,
   EVE rightly call'd, Mother of all Mankind,
   Mother of all things living, since by thee
   Man is to live, and all things live for Man.
   To whom thus EVE with sad demeanour meek.
   Ill worthie I such title should belong
   To me transgressour, who for thee ordaind
   A help, became thy snare; to mee reproach
   Rather belongs, distrust and all dispraise:
   But infinite in pardon was my Judge,
   That I who first brought Death on all, am grac't
   The sourse of life; next favourable thou,
   Who highly thus to entitle me voutsaf't,
   Farr other name deserving. But the Field
   To labour calls us now with sweat impos'd,
   Though after sleepless Night; for see the Morn,
   All unconcern'd with our unrest, begins
   Her rosie progress smiling; let us forth,
   I never from thy side henceforth to stray,
   Wherere our days work lies, though now enjoind
   Laborious, till day droop; while here we dwell,
   What can be toilsom in these pleasant Walkes?
   Here let us live, though in fall'n state, content.
   So spake, so wish'd much-humbl'd EVE, but Fate
   Subscrib'd not; Nature first gave Signs, imprest
   On Bird, Beast, Aire, Aire suddenly eclips'd
   After short blush of Morn; nigh in her sight
   The Bird of JOVE, stoopt from his aerie tour,
   Two Birds of gayest plume before him drove:
   Down from a Hill the Beast that reigns in Woods,
   First Hunter then, pursu'd a gentle brace,
   Goodliest of all the Forrest, Hart and Hinde;
   Direct to th' Eastern Gate was bent thir flight.
   ADAM observ'd, and with his Eye the chase
   Pursuing, not unmov'd to EVE thus spake.
   O EVE, some furder change awaits us nigh,
   Which Heav'n by these mute signs in Nature shews
   Forerunners of his purpose, or to warn
   Us haply too secure of our discharge
   From penaltie, because from death releast
   Some days; how long, and what till then our life,
   Who knows, or more then this, that we are dust,
   And thither must return and be no more.
   VVhy else this double object in our sight
   Of flight pursu'd in th' Air and ore the ground
   One way the self-same hour? why in the East
   Darkness ere Dayes mid-course, and Morning light
   More orient in yon VVestern Cloud that draws
   O're the blew Firmament a radiant white,
   And slow descends, with somthing heav'nly fraught.
   He err'd not, for by this the heav'nly Bands
   Down from a Skie of Jasper lighted now
   In Paradise, and on a Hill made alt,
   A glorious Apparition, had not doubt
   And carnal fear that day dimm'd ADAMS eye.
   Not that more glorious, when the Angels met
   JACOB in MAHANAIM, where he saw
   The field Pavilion'd with his Guardians bright;
   Nor that which on the flaming Mount appeerd
   In DOTHAN, cover'd with a Camp of Fire,
   Against the SYRIAN King, who to surprize
   One man, Assassin-like had levied Warr,
   Warr unproclam'd. The Princely Hierarch
   In thir bright stand, there left his Powers to seise
   Possession of the Garden; hee alone,
   To finde where ADAM shelterd, took his way,
   Not unperceav'd of ADAM, who to EVE,
   While the great Visitant approachd, thus spake.
   EVE, now expect great tidings, which perhaps
   Of us will soon determin, or impose
   New Laws to be observ'd; for I descrie
   From yonder blazing Cloud that veils the Hill
   One of the heav'nly Host, and by his Gate
   None of the meanest, some great Potentate
   Or of the Thrones above, such Majestie
   Invests him coming; yet not terrible,
   That I should fear, nor sociably mild,
   As RAPHAEL, that I should much confide,
   But solemn and sublime, whom not to offend,
   With reverence I must meet, and thou retire.
   He ended; and th' Arch-Angel soon drew nigh,
   Not in his shape Celestial, but as Man
   Clad to meet Man; over his lucid Armes
   A militarie Vest of purple flowd
   Livelier then MELIBOEAN, or the graine
   Of SARRA, worn by Kings and Hero's old
   In time of Truce; IRIS had dipt the wooff;
   His starrie Helme unbuckl'd shew'd him prime
   In Manhood where Youth ended; by his side
   As in a glistering ZODIAC hung the Sword,
   Satans dire dread, and in his hand the Spear.
   ADAM bowd low, hee Kingly from his State
   Inclin'd not, but his coming thus declar'd.
   ADAM, Heav'ns high behest no Preface needs:
   Sufficient that thy Prayers are heard, and Death,
   Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress,
   Defeated of his seisure many dayes
   Giv'n thee of Grace, wherein thou may'st repent,
   And one bad act with many deeds well done
   Mayst cover: well may then thy Lord appeas'd
   Redeem thee quite from Deaths rapacious claimes;
   But longer in this Paradise to dwell
   Permits not; to remove thee I am come,
   And send thee from the Garden forth to till
   The ground whence thou wast tak'n, fitter Soile.
   He added not, for ADAM at the newes
   Heart-strook with chilling gripe of sorrow stood,
   That all his senses bound; EVE, who unseen
   Yet all had heard, with audible lament
   Discover'd soon the place of her retire.
   O unexpected stroke, worse then of Death!
   Must I thus leave thee Paradise? thus leave
   Thee Native Soile, these happie Walks and Shades,
   Fit haunt of Gods? where I had hope to spend,
   Quiet though sad, the respit of that day
   That must be mortal to us both. O flours,
   That never will in other Climate grow,
   My early visitation, and my last
   At Eev'n, which I bred up with tender hand
   From the first op'ning bud, and gave ye Names,
   Who now shall reare ye to the Sun, or ranke
   Your Tribes, and water from th' ambrosial Fount?
   Thee lastly nuptial Bowre, by mee adornd
   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 wilde, how shall we breath in other Aire
   Less pure, accustomd to immortal Fruits?
   Whom thus the Angel interrupted milde.
   Lament not EVE, but patiently resigne
   What justly thou hast lost; nor set thy heart,
   Thus over fond, on that which is not thine;
   Thy going is not lonely, with thee goes
   Thy Husband, him to follow thou art bound;
   Where he abides, think there thy native soile.
   ADAM by this from the cold sudden damp
   Recovering, and his scatterd spirits returnd,
   To MICHAEL thus his humble words addressd.
   Celestial, whether among the Thrones, or nam'd
   Of them the Highest, for such of shape may seem
   Prince above Princes, gently hast thou tould
   Thy message, which might else in telling wound,
   And in performing end us; what besides
   Of sorrow and dejection and despair
   Our frailtie can sustain, thy tidings bring,
   Departure from this happy place, our sweet
   Recess, and onely consolation left
   Familiar to our eyes, all places else
   Inhospitable appeer 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 wearie him with my assiduous cries:
   But prayer against his absolute Decree
   No more availes then breath against the winde,
   Blown stifling back on him that breaths it forth:
   Therefore to his great bidding I submit.
   This most afflicts me, that departing hence,
   As from his face I shall be hid, deprivd
   His blessed count'nance; here I could frequent,
   With worship, place by place where he voutsaf'd
   Presence Divine, and to my Sons relate;
   On this Mount he appeerd, under this Tree
   Stood visible, among these Pines his voice
   I heard, here with him at this Fountain talk'd:
   So many grateful Altars I would reare
   Of grassie Terfe, and pile up every Stone
   Of lustre from the brook, in memorie,
   Or monument to Ages, and thereon
   Offer sweet smelling Gumms & Fruits and Flours:
   In yonder nether World where shall I seek
   His bright appearances, or footstep trace?
   For though I fled him angrie, yet recall'd
   To life prolongd and promisd Race, I now
   Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts
   Of glory, and farr off his steps adore.
   To whom thus MICHAEL with regard benigne.
   ADAM, thou know'st Heav'n his, and all the Earth
   Not this Rock onely; his Omnipresence fills
   Land, Sea, and Aire, and every kinde that lives,
   Fomented by his virtual power and warmd:
   All th' Earth he gave thee to possess and rule,
   No despicable gift; surmise not then
   His presence to these narrow bounds confin'd
   Of Paradise or EDEN: this had been
   Perhaps thy Capital Seate, from whence had spred
   All generations, and had hither come
   From all the ends of th' Earth, to celebrate
   And reverence thee thir great Progenitor.
   But this praeeminence thou hast lost, brought down
   To dwell on eeven ground now with thy Sons:
   Yet doubt not but in Vallie and in Plaine
   God is as here, and will be found alike
   Present, and of his presence many a signe
   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 beleeve, and be confirmd,
   Ere thou from hence depart, know I am sent
   To shew thee what shall come in future dayes
   To thee and to thy Ofspring; good with bad
   Expect to hear, supernal Grace contending
   With sinfulness of Men; thereby to learn
   True patience, and to temper joy with fear
   And pious sorrow, equally enur'd
   By moderation either state to beare,
   Prosperous or adverse: so shalt thou lead
   Safest thy life, and best prepar'd endure
   Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend
   This Hill; let EVE (for I have drencht her eyes)
   Here sleep below while thou to foresight wak'st,
   As once thou slepst, while Shee to life was formd.
   To whom thus ADAM gratefully repli'd.
   Ascend, I follow thee, safe Guide, the path
   Thou lead'st me, and to the hand of Heav'n submit,
   However chast'ning, to the evil turne
   My obvious breast, arming to overcom
   By suffering, and earne rest from labour won,
   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 cleerest Ken
   Stretcht out to amplest reach of prospect lay.
   Not higher that Hill nor wider looking round,
   Whereon for different cause the Tempter set
   Our second ADAM in the Wilderness,
   To shew him all Earths Kingdomes and thir Glory.
   His Eye might there command wherever stood
   City of old or modern Fame, the Seat
   Of mightiest Empire, from the destind Walls
   Of CAMBALU, seat of CATHAIAN CAN
   And SAMARCHAND by OXUS, TEMIRS Throne,
   To PAQUIN of SINAEAN Kings, and thence
   To AGRA and LAHOR of great MOGUL
   Down to the golden CHERSONESE, or where
   The PERSIAN in ECBATAN sate, or since
   In HISPAHAN, or where the RUSSIAN KSAR
   In MOSCO, or the Sultan in BIZANCE,
   TURCHESTAN-born; nor could his eye not ken
   Th' Empire of NEGUS to his utmost Port
   ERCOCO and the less Maritine Kings
   MOMBAZA, and QUILOA, and MELIND,
   And SOFALA thought OPHIR, to the Realme
   Of CONGO, and ANGOLA fardest South;
   Or thence from NIGER Flood to ATLAS Mount
   The Kingdoms of ALMANSOR, FEZ, and SUS,
   MAROCCO and ALGIERS, and TREMISEN;
   On EUROPE thence, and where ROME was to sway
   The VVorld: in Spirit perhaps he also saw
   Rich MEXICO the seat of MOTEZUME,
   And CUSCO in PERU, the richer seat
   Of ATABALIPA, and yet unspoil'd
   GUIANA, whose great Citie GERYONS Sons
   Call EL DORADO: but to nobler sights
   MICHAEL from ADAMS eyes the Filme remov'd
   VVhich that false Fruit that promis'd clearer sight
   Had bred; then purg'd with Euphrasie and Rue
   The visual Nerve, for he had much to see;
   And from the VVell of Life three drops instill'd.
   So deep the power of these Ingredients pierc'd,
   Eevn to the inmost seat of mental sight,
   That ADAM now enforc't to close his eyes,
   Sunk down and all his Spirits became intranst:
   But him the gentle Angel by the hand
   Soon rais'd, and his attention thus recall'd.
   ADAM, now ope thine eyes, and first behold
   Th' effects which thy original crime hath wrought
   In some to spring from thee, who never touch'd
   Th' excepted Tree, nor with the Snake conspir'd,
   Nor sinn'd thy sin, yet from that sin derive
   Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds.
   His eyes he op'nd, and beheld a field,
   Part arable and tilth, whereon were Sheaves
   New reapt, the other part sheep-walks and foulds;
   Ith' midst an Altar as the Land-mark stood
   Rustic, of grassie sord; thither anon
   A sweatie Reaper from his Tillage brought
   First Fruits, the green Eare, and the yellow Sheaf,
   Uncull'd, as came to hand; a Shepherd next
   More meek came with the Firstlings of his Flock
   Choicest and best; then sacrificing, laid
   The Inwards and thir Fat, with Incense strew'd,
   On the cleft Wood, and all due Rites perform'd.
   His Offring soon propitious Fire from Heav'n
   Consum'd with nimble glance, and grateful steame;
   The others not, for his was not sincere;
   Whereat hee inlie rag'd, and as they talk'd,
   Smote him into the Midriff with a stone
   That beat out life; he fell, and deadly pale
   Groand out his Soul with gushing bloud effus'd.
   Much at that sight was ADAM in his heart
   Dismai'd, and thus in haste to th' Angel cri'd.
   O Teacher, some great mischief hath befall'n
   To that meek man, who well had sacrific'd;
   Is Pietie thus and pure Devotion paid?
   T' whom MICHAEL thus, hee also mov'd, repli'd.
   These two are Brethren, ADAM, and to come
   Out of thy loyns; th' unjust the just hath slain,
   For envie that his Brothers Offering found
   From Heav'n acceptance; but the bloodie Fact
   Will be aveng'd, and th' others Faith approv'd
   Loose no reward, though here thou see him die,
   Rowling in dust and gore. To which our Sire.
   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 terrour, foul and ugly to behold,
   Horrid to think, how horrible to feel!
   To whom thus MICHAEL. Death thou hast seen
   In his first shape on man; but many shapes
   Of Death, and many are the wayes that lead
   To his grim Cave, all dismal; yet to sense
   More terrible at th' entrance then within.
   Some, as thou saw'st, by violent stroke shall die,
   By Fire, Flood, Famin, by Intemperance more
   In Meats and Drinks, which on the Earth shal bring
   Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew
   Before thee shall appear; that thou mayst know
   What miserie th' inabstinence of EVE
   Shall bring on men. Immediately a place
   Before his eyes appeard, sad, noysom, dark,
   A Lazar-house it seemd, wherein were laid
   Numbers of all diseas'd, all maladies
   Of gastly Spasm, or racking torture, qualmes
   Of heart-sick Agonie, all feavorous kinds,
   Convulsions, Epilepsies, fierce Catarrhs,
   Intestin Stone and Ulcer, Colic pangs,
   Dropsies, and Asthma's, and Joint-racking Rheums.
   Dire was the tossing, deep the groans, despair
   Tended the sick busiest from Couch to Couch;
   And over them triumphant Death his Dart
   Shook, but delaid to strike, though oft invok't
   With vows, as thir chief good, and final hope.
   Sight so deform what heart of Rock could long
   Drie-ey'd behold? ADAM could not, but wept,
   Though not of Woman born; compassion quell'd
   His best of Man, and gave him up to tears
   A space, till firmer thoughts restraind excess,
   And scarce recovering words his plaint renew'd.
   O miserable Mankind, to what fall
   Degraded, to what wretched state reserv'd?
   Better end heer unborn. Why is life giv'n
   To be thus wrested from us? rather why
   Obtruded on us thus? who if we knew
   What we receive, would either not accept
   Life offer'd, or soon beg to lay it down,
   Glad to be so dismist in peace. Can thus
   Th' Image of God in man created once
   So goodly and erect, though faultie since,
   To such unsightly sufferings be debas't
   Under inhuman pains? Why should not Man,
   Retaining still Divine similitude
   In part, from such deformities be free,
   And for his Makers Image sake exempt?
   Thir Makers Image, answerd MICHAEL, then
   Forsook them, when themselves they villifi'd
   To serve ungovern'd appetite, and took
   His Image whom they serv'd, a brutish vice,
   Inductive mainly to the sin of EVE.
   Therefore so abject is thir punishment,
   Disfiguring not Gods likeness, but thir own,
   Or if his likeness, by themselves defac't
   While they pervert pure Natures healthful rules
   To loathsom sickness, worthily, since they
   Gods Image did not reverence in themselves.
   I yeild it just, said ADAM, and submit.
   But is there yet no other way, besides
   These painful passages, how we may come
   To Death, and mix with our connatural dust?
   There is, said MICHAEL, if thou well observe
   The rule of not too much, by temperance taught
   In what thou eatst and drinkst, seeking from thence
   Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,
   Till many years over thy head return:
   So maist thou live, till like ripe Fruit thou drop
   Into thy Mothers lap, or be with ease
   Gatherd, not harshly pluckt, for death mature:
   This is old age; but then thou must outlive
   Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will change
   To witherd weak & gray; thy Senses then
   Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forgoe,
   To what thou hast, and for the Aire of youth
   Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reigne
   A melancholly damp of cold and dry
   To waigh thy spirits down, and last consume
   The Balme of Life. To whom our Ancestor.
   Henceforth I flie not Death, nor would prolong
   Life much, bent rather how I may be quit
   Fairest and easiest of this combrous charge,
   Which I must keep till my appointed day
   Of rendring up. MICHAEL to him repli'd.
   Nor love thy Life, nor hate; but what thou livst
   Live well, how long or short permit to Heav'n:
   And now prepare thee for another sight.
   He lookd and saw a spacious Plaine, whereon
   Were Tents of various hue; by some were herds
   Of Cattel grazing: others, whence the sound
   Of Instruments that made melodious chime
   Was heard, of Harp and Organ; and who moovd
   Thir stops and chords was seen: his volant touch
   Instinct through all proportions low and high
   Fled and pursu'd transverse the resonant fugue.
   In other part stood one who at the Forge
   Labouring, two massie clods of Iron and Brass
   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 som Caves mouth, or whether washt by stream
   From underground) the liquid Ore he dreind
   Into fit moulds prepar'd; from which he formd
   First his own Tooles; then, what might else be wrought
   Fulfil or grav'n in mettle. After these,
   But on the hether side a different sort
   From the high neighbouring Hills, which was thir Seat,
   Down to the Plain descended: by thir guise
   Just men they seemd, and all thir study bent
   To worship God aright, and know his works
   Not hid, nor those things lost which might preserve
   Freedom and Peace to men: they on the Plain
   Long had not walkt, when from the Tents behold
   A Beavie 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, ey'd them, and let thir eyes
   Rove without rein, till in the amorous Net
   Fast caught, they lik'd, and each his liking chose;
   And now of love they treat till th' Eevning Star
   Loves Harbinger appeerd; then all in heat
   They light the Nuptial Torch, and bid invoke
   Hymen, then first to marriage Rites invok't;
   With Feast and Musick all the Tents resound.
   Such happy interview and fair event
   Of love & youth not lost, Songs, Garlands, Flours,
   And charming Symphonies attach'd the heart
   Of ADAM, soon enclin'd to admit delight,
   The bent of Nature; which he thus express'd.
   True opener of mine eyes, prime Angel blest,
   Much better seems this Vision, and more hope
   Of peaceful dayes portends, then those two past;
   Those were of hate and death, or pain much worse,
   Here Nature seems fulfilld in all her ends.
   To whom thus MICHAEL. Judg not what is best
   By pleasure, though to Nature seeming meet,
   Created, as thou art, to nobler end
   Holie and pure, conformitie divine.
   Those Tents thou sawst so pleasant, were the Tents
   Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his Race
   Who slew his Brother; studious they appere
   Of Arts that polish Life, Inventers rare,
   Unmindful of thir Maker, though his Spirit
   Taught them, but they his gifts acknowledg'd none.
   Yet they a beauteous ofspring shall beget;
   For that fair femal Troop thou sawst, that seemd
   Of Goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay,
   Yet empty of all good wherein consists
   Womans domestic honour and chief praise;
   Bred onely and completed to the taste
   Of lustful apperence, to sing, to dance,
   To dress, and troule the Tongue, and roule the Eye.
   To these that sober Race of Men, whose lives
   Religious titl'd them the Sons of God,
   Shall yeild up all thir vertue, all thir fame
   Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles
   Of these fair Atheists, and now swim in joy,
   (Erelong to swim at larg) and laugh; for which
   The world erelong a world of tears must weepe.
   To whom thus ADAM of short joy bereft.
   O pittie and shame, that they who to live well
   Enterd so faire, should turn aside to tread
   Paths indirect, or in the mid way faint!
   But still I see the tenor of Mans woe
   Holds on the same, from Woman to begin.
   From Mans effeminate slackness it begins,
   Said th' Angel, who should better hold his place
   By wisdome, and superiour gifts receavd.
   But now prepare thee for another Scene.
   He lookd and saw wide Territorie spred
   Before him, Towns, and rural works between,
   Cities of Men with lofty Gates and Towrs,
   Concours in Arms, fierce Faces threatning Warr,
   Giants of mightie Bone, and bould emprise;
   Part wield thir Arms, part courb the foaming Steed,
   Single or in Array of Battel rang'd
   Both Horse and Foot, nor idely mustring stood;
   One way a Band select from forage drives
   A herd of Beeves, faire Oxen and faire Kine
   From a fat Meddow ground; or fleecy Flock,
   Ewes and thir bleating Lambs over the Plaine,
   Thir Bootie; scarce with Life the Shepherds flye,
   But call in aide, which tacks a bloody Fray;
   With cruel Tournament the Squadrons joine;
   Where Cattel pastur'd late, now scatterd lies
   With Carcasses and Arms th' ensanguind Field
   Deserted: Others to a Citie strong
   Lay Siege, encampt; by Batterie, Scale, and Mine,
   Assaulting; others from the Wall defend
   With Dart and Jav'lin, Stones and sulfurous Fire;
   On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds.
   In other part the scepter'd Haralds call
   To Council in the Citie Gates: anon
   Grey-headed men and grave, with Warriours mixt,
   Assemble, and Harangues are heard, but soon
   In factious opposition, till at last
   Of middle Age one rising, eminent
   In wise deport, spake much of Right and Wrong,
   Of Justice, of Religion, Truth and Peace,
   And Judgement from above: him old and young
   Exploded, and had seiz'd with violent hands,
   Had not a Cloud descending snatch'd him thence
   Unseen amid the throng: so violence
   Proceeded, and Oppression, and Sword-Law
   Through all the Plain, and refuge none was found.
   ADAM was all in tears, and to his guide
   Lamenting turnd full sad; O what are these,
   Deaths Ministers, not Men, who thus deal Death
   Inhumanly to men, and multiply
   Ten thousand fould the sin of him who slew
   His Brother; for of whom such massacher
   Make they but of thir Brethren, men of men?
   But who was that Just Man, whom had not Heav'n
   Rescu'd, had in his Righteousness bin lost?
   To whom thus MICHAEL; These are the product
   Of those ill-mated Marriages thou saw'st;
   Where good with bad were matcht, who of themselves
   Abhor to joyn; and by imprudence mixt,
   Produce prodigious Births of bodie or mind.
   Such were these Giants, men of high renown;
   For in those dayes Might onely shall be admir'd,
   And Valour and Heroic Vertu call'd;
   To overcome in Battel, and subdue
   Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite
   Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch
   Of human Glorie, and for Glorie done
   Of triumph, to be styl'd great Conquerours,
   Patrons of Mankind, Gods, and Sons of Gods,
   Destroyers rightlier call'd and Plagues of men.
   Thus Fame shall be achiev'd, renown on Earth,
   And what most merits fame in silence hid.
   But hee the seventh from thee, whom thou beheldst
   The onely righteous in a World perverse,
   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
   Rapt in a balmie Cloud with winged Steeds
   Did, as thou sawst, receave, to walk with God
   High in Salvation and the Climes of bliss,
   Exempt from Death; to shew thee what reward
   Awaits the good, the rest what punishment;
   Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold.
   He look'd, & saw the face of things quite chang'd;
   The brazen Throat of Warr had ceast to roar,
   All now was turn'd to jollitie and game,
   To luxurie and riot, feast and dance,
   Marrying or prostituting, as befell,
   Rape or Adulterie, where passing faire
   Allurd them; thence from Cups to civil Broiles.
   At length a Reverend Sire among them came,
   And of thir doings great dislike declar'd,
   And testifi'd against thir wayes; hee oft
   Frequented thir Assemblies, whereso met,
   Triumphs or Festivals, and to them preachd
   Conversion and Repentance, as to Souls
   In prison under Judgements imminent:
   But all in vain: which when he saw, he ceas'd
   Contending, and remov'd his Tents farr off;
   Then from the Mountain hewing Timber tall,
   Began to build a Vessel of huge bulk,
   Measur'd by Cubit, length, & breadth, and highth,
   Smeard round with Pitch, and in the side a dore
   Contriv'd, and of provisions laid in large
   For Man and Beast: when loe a wonder strange!
   Of everie Beast, and Bird, and Insect small
   Came seavens, and pairs, and enterd in, as taught
   Thir order; last the Sire, and his three Sons
   With thir four Wives, and God made fast the dore.
   Meanwhile the Southwind rose, & with black wings
   Wide hovering, all the Clouds together drove
   From under Heav'n; the Hills to their supplie
   Vapour, and Exhalation dusk and moist,
   Sent up amain; and now the thick'nd Skie
   Like a dark Ceeling stood; down rush'd the Rain
   Impetuous, and continu'd till the Earth
   No more was seen; the floating Vessel swum
   Uplifted; and secure with beaked prow
   Rode tilting o're the Waves, all dwellings else
   Flood overwhelmd, and them with all thir pomp
   Deep under water rould; Sea cover'd Sea,
   Sea without shoar; and in thir Palaces
   Where luxurie late reign'd, Sea-monsters whelp'd
   And stabl'd; of Mankind, so numerous late,
   All left, in one small bottom swum imbark't.
   How didst thou grieve then, ADAM, to behold
   The end of all thy Ofspring, end so sad,
   Depopulation; thee another Floud,
   Of tears and sorrow a Floud thee also drown'd,
   And sunk thee as thy Sons; till gently reard
   By th' Angel, on thy feet thou stoodst at last,
   Though comfortless, as when a Father mourns
   His Childern, all in view destroyd at once;
   And scarce to th' Angel utterdst thus thy plaint.
   O Visions ill foreseen! better had I
   Liv'd ignorant of future, so had borne
   My part of evil onely, each dayes lot
   Anough to bear; those now, that were dispenst
   The burd'n of many Ages, on me light
   At once, by my foreknowledge gaining Birth
   Abortive, to torment me ere thir being,
   With thought that they must be. Let no man seek
   Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall
   Him or his Childern, evil he may be sure,
   Which neither his foreknowing can prevent,
   And hee the future evil shall no less
   In apprehension then in substance feel
   Grievous to bear: but that care now is past,
   Man is not whom to warne: those few escap't
   Famin and anguish will at last consume
   Wandring that watrie Desert: I had hope
   When violence was ceas't, and Warr on Earth,
   All would have then gon well, peace would have crownd
   With length of happy days the race of man;
   But I was farr deceav'd; for now I see
   Peace to corrupt no less then Warr to waste.
   How comes it thus? unfould, Celestial Guide,
   And whether here the Race of man will end.
   To whom thus MICHAEL. Those whom last thou sawst
   In triumph and luxurious wealth, are they
   First seen in acts of prowess eminent
   And great exploits, but of true vertu void;
   Who having spilt much blood, and don much waste
   Subduing Nations, and achievd thereby
   Fame in the World, high titles, and rich prey,
   Shall change thir course to pleasure, ease, and sloth,
   Surfet, and lust, till wantonness and pride
   Raise out of friendship hostil deeds in Peace.
   The conquerd also, and enslav'd by Warr
   Shall with thir freedom lost all vertu loose
   And feare of God, from whom thir pietie feign'd
   In sharp contest of Battel found no aide
   Against invaders; therefore coold in zeale
   Thenceforth shall practice how to live secure,
   Worldlie or dissolute, on what thir Lords
   Shall leave them to enjoy; for th' Earth shall bear
   More then anough, that temperance may be tri'd:
   So all shall turn degenerate, all deprav'd,
   Justice and Temperance, Truth and Faith forgot;
   One Man except, the onely Son of light
   In a dark Age, against example good,
   Against allurement, custom, and a World
   Offended; fearless of reproach and scorn,
   Or violence, hee of thir wicked wayes
   Shall them admonish, and before them set
   The paths of righteousness, how much more safe,
   And full of peace, denouncing wrauth to come
   On thir impenitence; and shall returne
   Of them derided, but of God observd
   The one just Man alive; by his command
   Shall build a wondrous Ark, as thou beheldst,
   To save himself and houshold from amidst
   A World devote to universal rack.
   No sooner hee with them of Man and Beast
   Select for life shall in the Ark be lodg'd,
   And shelterd round, but all the Cataracts
   Of Heav'n set open on the Earth shall powre
   Raine day and night, all fountaines 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 moovd
   Out of his place, pushd by the horned floud,
   With all his verdure spoil'd, and Trees adrift
   Down the great River to the op'ning Gulf,
   And there take root an Iland salt and bare,
   The haunt of Seales and Orcs, and Sea-mews clang.
   To teach thee that God attributes to place
   No sanctitie, if none be thither brought
   By Men who there frequent, or therein dwell.
   And now what further shall ensue, behold.
   He lookd, and saw the Ark hull on the floud,
   Which now abated, for the Clouds were fled,
   Drivn by a keen North-winde, that blowing drie
   Wrinkl'd the face of Deluge, as decai'd;
   And the cleer Sun on his wide watrie Glass
   Gaz'd hot, and of the fresh Wave largely drew,
   As after thirst, which made thir flowing shrink
   From standing lake to tripping ebbe, that stole
   With soft foot towards the deep, who now had stopt
   His Sluces, as the Heav'n his windows shut.
   The Ark no more now flotes, but seems on ground
   Fast on the top of som high mountain fixt.
   And now the tops of Hills as Rocks appeer;
   With clamor thence the rapid Currents drive
   Towards the retreating Sea thir furious tyde.
   Forthwith from out the Arke a Raven flies,
   And after him, the surer messenger,
   A Dove sent forth once and agen to spie
   Green Tree or ground whereon his foot may light;
   The second time returning, in his Bill
   An Olive leafe he brings, pacific signe:
   Anon drie ground appeers, and from his Arke
   The ancient Sire descends with all his Train;
   Then with uplifted hands, and eyes devout,
   Grateful to Heav'n, over his head beholds
   A dewie Cloud, and in the Cloud a Bow
   Conspicuous with three lifted colours gay,
   Betok'ning peace from God, and Cov'nant new.
   Whereat the heart of ADAM erst so sad
   Greatly rejoyc'd, and thus his joy broke forth.
   O thou that future things canst represent
   As present, Heav'nly instructer, I revive
   At this last sight, assur'd that Man shall live
   With all the Creatures, and thir seed preserve.
   Farr less I now lament for one whole World
   Of wicked Sons destroyd, then I rejoyce
   For one Man found so perfet and so just,
   That God voutsafes to raise another World
   From him, and all his anger to forget.
   But say, what mean those colourd streaks in Heavn,
   Distended as the Brow of God appeas'd,
   Or serve they as a flourie verge to binde
   The fluid skirts of that same watrie Cloud,
   Least it again dissolve and showr the Earth?
   To whom th' Archangel. Dextrously thou aim'st;
   So willingly doth God remit his Ire,
   Though late repenting him of Man deprav'd,
   Griev'd at his heart, when looking down he saw
   The whole Earth fill'd with violence, and all flesh
   Corrupting each thir way; yet those remoov'd,
   Such grace shall one just Man find in his sight,
   That he relents, not to blot out mankind,
   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
   Over the Earth a Cloud, will therein set
   His triple-colour'd Bow, whereon to look
   And call to mind his Cov'nant: Day and Night,
   Seed time and Harvest, Heat and hoary Frost
   Shall hold thir course, till fire purge all things new,
   Both Heav'n and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell.
   Thus thou hast seen one World begin and end;
   And Man as from a second stock proceed.
   Much thou hast yet to see, but I perceave
   Thy mortal sight to faile; objects divine
   Must needs impaire and wearie human sense:
   Henceforth what is to com I will relate,
   Thou therefore give due audience, and attend.
   This second sours of Men, while yet but few,
   And while the dread of judgement past remains
   Fresh in thir mindes, fearing the Deitie,
   With some regard to what is just and right
   Shall lead thir lives, and multiplie apace,
   Labouring the soile, and reaping plenteous crop,
   Corn wine and oyle; and from the herd or flock,
   Oft sacrificing Bullock, Lamb, or Kid,
   With large Wine-offerings pour'd, and sacred Feast
   Shal spend thir dayes in joy unblam'd, and dwell
   Long time in peace by Families and Tribes
   Under paternal rule; till one shall rise
   Of proud ambitious heart, who not content
   With fair equalitie, fraternal state,
   Will arrogate Dominion undeserv'd
   Over his brethren, and quite dispossess
   Concord and law of Nature from the Earth;
   Hunting (and Men not Beasts shall be his game)
   With Warr and hostile snare such as refuse
   Subjection to his Empire tyrannous:
   A mightie Hunter thence he shall be styl'd
   Before the Lord, as in despite of Heav'n,
   Or from Heav'n claming second Sovrantie;
   And from Rebellion shall derive his name,
   Though of Rebellion others he accuse.
   Hee with a crew, whom like Ambition joyns
   With him or under him to tyrannize,
   Marching from EDEN towards the West, shall finde
   The Plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge
   Boiles out from under ground, the mouth of Hell;
   Of Brick, and of that stuff they cast to build
   A Citie & Towre, whose top may reach to Heav'n;
   And get themselves a name, least far disperst
   In foraign Lands thir memorie be lost,
   Regardless whether good or evil fame.
   But God who oft descends to visit men
   Unseen, and through thir habitations walks
   To mark thir doings, them beholding soon,
   Comes down to see thir Citie, ere the Tower
   Obstruct Heav'n Towrs, and in derision sets
   Upon thir Tongues a various Spirit to rase
   Quite out thir Native Language, and instead
   To sow a jangling noise of words unknown:
   Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud
   Among the Builders; each to other calls
   Not understood, till hoarse, and all in rage,
   As mockt they storm; great laughter was in Heav'n
   And looking down, to see the hubbub strange
   And hear the din; thus was the building left
   Ridiculous, and the work Confusion nam'd.
   Whereto thus ADAM fatherly displeas'd.
   O execrable Son so to aspire
   Above his Brethren, to himself affirming
   Authoritie usurpt, from God not giv'n:
   He gave us onely 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
   Reserving, human left from human free.
   But this Usurper his encroachment proud
   Stayes not on Man; to God his Tower intends
   Siege and defiance: Wretched man! what food
   Will he convey up thither to sustain
   Himself and his rash Armie, where thin Aire
   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
   Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue
   Rational Libertie; yet know withall,
   Since thy original lapse, true Libertie
   Is lost, which alwayes with right Reason dwells
   Twinn'd, and from her hath no dividual being:
   Reason in man obscur'd, or not obeyd,
   Immediately inordinate desires
   And upstart Passions catch the Government
   From Reason, and to servitude reduce
   Man till then free. Therefore since hee permits
   Within himself unworthie Powers to reign
   Over free Reason, God in Judgement just
   Subjects him from without to violent Lords;
   Who oft as undeservedly enthrall
   His outward freedom: Tyrannie must be,
   Though to the Tyrant thereby no excuse.
   Yet somtimes Nations will decline so low
   From vertue, which is reason, that no wrong,
   But Justice, and some fatal curse annext
   Deprives them of thir outward libertie,
   Thir inward lost: Witness th' irreverent Son
   Of him who built the Ark, who for the shame
   Don to his Father, heard this heavie curse,
   SERVANT OF SERVANTS, on his vitious Race.
   Thus will this latter, as the former World,
   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 thir own polluted wayes;
   And one peculiar Nation to select
   From all the rest, of whom to be invok'd,
   A Nation from one faithful man to spring:
   Him on this side EUPHRATES yet residing,
   Bred up in Idol-worship; O that men
   (Canst thou believe?) should be so stupid grown,
   While yet the Patriark liv'd, who scap'd the Flood,
   As to forsake the living God, and fall
   To-worship thir own work in Wood and Stone
   For Gods! yet him God the most High voutsafes
   To call by Vision from his Fathers house,
   His kindred and false Gods, into a Land
   Which he will shew him, and from him will raise
   A mightie Nation, and upon him showre
   His benediction so, that in his Seed
   All Nations shall be blest; hee 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 Soile
   UR of CHALDAEA, passing now the Ford
   To HARAN, after him a cumbrous Train
   Of Herds and Flocks, and numerous servitude;
   Not wandring poor, but trusting all his wealth
   With God, who call'd him, in a land unknown.
   CANAAN he now attains, I see his Tents
   Pitcht about SECHEM, and the neighbouring Plaine
   Of MOREB; there by promise he receaves
   Gift to his Progenie of all that Land;
   From HAMATH Northward to the Desert South
   (Things by thir names I call, though yet unnam'd)
   From HERMON East to the great Western Sea,
   Mount HERMON, yonder Sea, each place behold
   In prospect, as I point them; on the shoare
   Mount CARMEL; here the double-founted stream
   JORDAN, true limit Eastward; but his Sons
   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 Serpents head; whereof to thee anon
   Plainlier shall be reveald. This Patriarch blest,
   Whom FAITHFUL ABRAHAM due time shall call,
   A Son, and of his Son a Grand-childe leaves,
   Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown;
   The Grandchilde with twelve Sons increast, departs
   From CANAAN, to a Land hereafter call'd
   EGYPT, divided by the River NILE;
   See where it flows, disgorging at seaven mouthes
   Into the Sea: to sojourn in that Land
   He comes invited by a yonger Son
   In time of dearth, a Son whose worthy deeds
   Raise him to be the second in that Realme
   Of PHARAO: there he dies, and leaves his Race
   Growing into a Nation, and now grown
   Suspected to a sequent King, who seeks
   To stop thir overgrowth, as inmate guests
   Too numerous; whence of guests he makes them slaves
   Inhospitably, and kills thir infant Males:
   Till by two brethren (those two brethren call
   MOSES and AARON) sent from God to claime
   His people from enthralment, they return
   With glory and spoile back to thir promis'd Land.
   But first the lawless Tyrant, who denies
   To know thir God, or message to regard,
   Must be compelld by Signes and Judgements dire;
   To blood unshed the Rivers must be turnd,
   Frogs, Lice and Flies must all his Palace fill
   With loath'd intrusion, and fill all the land;
   His Cattel must of Rot and Murren die,
   Botches and blaines must all his flesh imboss,
   And all his people; Thunder mixt with Haile,
   Haile mixt with fire must rend th' EGYPTIAN Skie
   And wheel on th' Earth, devouring where it rouls;
   What it devours not, Herb, or Fruit, or Graine,
   A darksom Cloud of Locusts swarming down
   Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green:
   Darkness must overshadow all his bounds,
   Palpable darkness, and blot out three dayes;
   Last with one midnight stroke all the first-born
   Of EGYPT must lie dead. Thus with ten wounds
   This River-dragon tam'd at length submits
   To let his sojourners depart, and oft
   Humbles his stubborn heart, but still as Ice
   More hard'nd after thaw, till in his rage
   Pursuing whom he late dismissd, the Sea
   Swallows him with his Host, but them lets pass
   As on drie land between two christal walls,
   Aw'd by the rod of MOSES so to stand
   Divided, till his rescu'd gain thir shoar:
   Such wondrous power God to his Saint will lend,
   Though present in his Angel, who shall goe
   Before them in a Cloud, and Pillar of Fire,
   To guide them in thir journey, and remove
   Behinde them, while th' obdurat King pursues:
   All night he will pursue, but his approach
   Darkness defends between till morning Watch;
   Then through the Firey Pillar and the Cloud
   God looking forth will trouble all his Host
   And craze thir Chariot wheels: when by command
   MOSES once more his potent Rod extends
   Over the Sea; the Sea his Rod obeys;
   On thir imbattelld ranks the Waves return,
   And overwhelm thir Warr: the Race elect
   Safe towards CANAAN from the shoar advance
   Through the wilde Desert, not the readiest way,
   Least entring on the CANAANITE allarmd
   Warr terrifie them inexpert, and feare
   Return them back to EGYPT, choosing rather
   Inglorious life with servitude; for life
   To noble and ignoble is more sweet
   Untraind in Armes, where rashness leads not on.
   This also shall they gain by thir delay
   In the wide Wilderness, there they shall found
   Thir government, and thir great Senate choose
   Through the twelve Tribes, to rule by Laws ordaind:
   God from the Mount of SINAI, whose gray top
   Shall tremble, he descending, will himself
   In Thunder Lightning and loud Trumpets sound
   Ordaine them Lawes; part such as appertaine
   To civil Justice, part religious Rites
   Of sacrifice, informing them, by types
   And shadowes, of that destind Seed to bruise
   The Serpent, by what meanes he shall achieve
   Mankinds deliverance. But the voice of God
   To mortal eare is dreadful; they beseech
   That MOSES might report to them his will,
   And terror cease; he grants them thir desire,
   Instructed that to God is no access
   Without Mediator, whose high Office now
   MOSES in figure beares, to introduce
   One greater, of whose day he shall foretell,
   And all the Prophets in thir Age the times
   Of great MESSIAH shall sing. Thus Laws and Rites
   Establisht, such delight hath God in Men
   Obedient to his will, that he voutsafes
   Among them to set up his Tabernacle,
   The holy One with mortal Men to dwell:
   By his prescript a Sanctuary is fram'd
   Of Cedar, overlaid with Gold, therein
   An Ark, and in the Ark his Testimony,
   The Records of his Cov'nant, over these
   A Mercie-seat of Gold between the wings
   Of two bright Cherubim, before him burn
   Seaven Lamps as in a Zodiac representing
   The Heav'nly fires; over the Tent a Cloud
   Shall rest by Day, a fierie gleame by Night,
   Save when they journie, and at length they come,
   Conducted by his Angel to the Land
   Promisd to ABRAHAM and his Seed: the rest
   Were long to tell, how many Battels fought,
   How many Kings destroyd, and Kingdoms won,
   Or how the Sun shall in mid Heav'n stand still
   A day entire, and Nights due course adjourne,
   Mans voice commanding, Sun in GIBEON stand,
   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 interpos'd. O sent from Heav'n,
   Enlightner of my darkness, gracious things
   Thou hast reveald, those chiefly which concerne
   Just ABRAHAM and his Seed: now first I finde
   Mine eyes true op'ning, and my heart much eas'd,
   Erwhile perplext with thoughts what would becom
   Of mee and all Mankind; but now I see
   His day, in whom all Nations shall be blest,
   Favour unmerited by me, who sought
   Forbidd'n knowledge by forbidd'n means.
   This yet I apprehend not, why to those
   Among whom God will deigne to dwell on Earth
   So many and so various Laws are giv'n;
   So many Laws argue so many sins
   Among them; how can God with such reside?
   To whom thus MICHAEL. Doubt not but that sin
   Will reign among them, as of thee begot;
   And therefore was Law given them to evince
   Thir natural pravitie, by stirring up
   Sin against Law to fight; that when they see
   Law can discover sin, but not remove,
   Save by those shadowie expiations weak,
   The bloud of Bulls and Goats, they may conclude
   Some bloud more precious must be paid for Man,
   Just for unjust, that in such righteousness
   To them by Faith imputed, they may finde
   Justification towards God, and peace
   Of Conscience, which the Law by Ceremonies
   Cannot appease, nor Man the moral part
   Perform, and not performing cannot live.
   So Law appears imperfet, and but giv'n
   With purpose to resign them in full time
   Up to a better Cov'nant, disciplin'd
   From shadowie Types to Truth, from Flesh to Spirit,
   From imposition of strict Laws, to free
   Acceptance of large Grace, from servil fear
   To filial, works of Law to works of Faith.
   And therefore shall not MOSES, though of God
   Highly belov'd, being but the Minister
   Of Law, his people into CANAAN lead;
   But JOSHUA whom the Gentiles JESUS call,
   His Name and Office bearing, who shall quell
   The adversarie Serpent, and bring back
   Through the worlds wilderness long wanderd man
   Safe to eternal Paradise of rest.
   Meanwhile they in thir earthly CANAAN plac't
   Long time shall dwell and prosper, but when sins
   National interrupt thir public peace,
   Provoking God to raise them enemies:
   From whom as oft he saves them penitent
   By Judges first, then under Kings; of whom
   The second, both for pietie renownd
   And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive
   Irrevocable, that his Regal Throne
   For ever shall endure; the like shall sing
   All Prophecie, That of the Royal Stock
   Of DAVID (so I name this King) shall rise
   A Son, the Womans 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.
   But first a long succession must ensue,
   And his next Son for Wealth and Wisdom fam'd,
   The clouded Ark of God till then in Tents
   Wandring, shall in a glorious Temple enshrine.
   Such follow him, as shall be registerd
   Part good, part bad, of bad the longer scrowle,
   Whose foul Idolatries, and other faults
   Heapt to the popular summe, will so incense
   God, as to leave them, and expose thir Land,
   Thir Citie, his Temple, and his holy Ark
   With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey
   To that proud Citie, whose high Walls thou saw'st
   Left in confusion, BABYLON thence call'd.
   There in captivitie he lets them dwell
   The space of seventie years, then brings them back,
   Remembring mercie, and his Cov'nant sworn
   To DAVID, stablisht as the dayes of Heav'n.
   Returnd from BABYLON by leave of Kings
   Thir Lords, whom God dispos'd, the house of God
   They first re-edifie, and for a while
   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: thir strife pollution brings
   Upon the Temple it self: at last they seise
   The Scepter, and regard not DAVIDS Sons,
   Then loose it to a stranger, that the true
   Anointed King MESSIAH might be born
   Barr'd of his right; yet at his Birth a Starr
   Unseen before in Heav'n proclaims him com,
   And guides the Eastern Sages, who enquire
   His place, to offer Incense, Myrrh, and Gold;
   His place of birth a solemn Angel tells
   To simple Shepherds, keeping watch by night;
   They gladly thither haste, and by a Quire
   Of squadrond Angels hear his Carol sung.
   A Virgin is his Mother, but his Sire
   The Power of the most High; he shall ascend
   The Throne hereditarie, and bound his Reign
   With earths wide bounds, his glory with the Heav'ns.
   He ceas'd, discerning ADAM with such joy
   Surcharg'd, as had like grief bin dew'd in tears,
   Without the vent of words, which these he breathd.
   O Prophet of glad tidings, finisher
   Of utmost hope! now clear I understand
   What oft my steddiest thoughts have searcht in vain,
   Why our great expectation should be call'd
   The seed of Woman: Virgin Mother, Haile,
   High in the love of Heav'n, yet from my Loynes
   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 paine: say where and when
   Thir fight, what stroke shall bruise the Victors heel.
   To whom thus MICHAEL. Dream not of thir fight,
   As of a Duel, or the local wounds
   Of head or heel: not therefore joynes the Son
   Manhood to God-head, with more strength to foil
   Thy enemie; nor so is overcome
   SATAN, whose fall from Heav'n, a deadlier bruise,
   Disabl'd not to give thee thy deaths wound:
   Which hee, who comes thy Saviour, shall recure,
   Not by destroying SATAN, but his works
   In thee and in thy Seed: nor can this be,
   But by fulfilling that which thou didst want,
   Obedience to the Law of God, impos'd
   On penaltie of death, and suffering death,
   The penaltie to thy transgression due,
   And due to theirs which out of thine will grow:
   So onely can high Justice rest appaid.
   The Law of God exact he shall fulfill
   Both by obedience and by love, though love
   Alone fulfill the Law; thy punishment
   He shall endure by coming in the Flesh
   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 thir own, though legal works.
   For this he shall live hated, be blasphem'd,
   Seis'd on by force, judg'd, and to death condemnd
   A shameful and accurst, naild to the Cross
   By his own Nation, slaine for bringing Life;
   But to the Cross he nailes thy Enemies,
   The Law that is against thee, and the sins
   Of all mankinde, with him there crucifi'd,
   Never to hurt them more who rightly trust
   In this his satisfaction; so he dies,
   But soon revives, Death over him no power
   Shall long usurp; ere the third dawning light
   Returne, the Starres 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 offerd Life
   Neglect not, and the benefit imbrace
   By Faith not void of works: this God-like act
   Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have dy'd,
   In sin for ever lost from life; this act
   Shall bruise the head of SATAN, crush his strength
   Defeating Sin and Death, his two maine armes,
   And fix farr deeper in his head thir stings
   Then temporal death shall bruise the Victors heel,
   Or theirs whom he redeems, a death like sleep,
   A gentle wafting to immortal Life.
   Nor after resurrection shall he stay
   Longer on Earth then certaine times to appeer
   To his Disciples, Men who in his Life
   Still follow'd him; to them shall leave in charge
   To teach all nations what of him they learn'd
   And his Salvation, them who shall beleeve
   Baptizing in the profluent streame, the signe
   Of washing them from guilt of sin to Life
   Pure, and in mind prepar'd, if so befall,
   For death, like that which the redeemer dy'd.
   All Nations they shall teach; for from that day
   Not onely to the Sons of ABRAHAMS Loines
   Salvation shall be Preacht, but to the Sons
   Of ABRAHAMS Faith wherever through the world;
   So in his seed all Nations shall be blest.
   Then to the Heav'n of Heav'ns he shall ascend
   With victory, triumphing through the aire
   Over his foes and thine; there shall surprise
   The Serpent, Prince of aire, and drag in Chaines
   Through all his realme, & there confounded leave;
   Then enter into glory, and resume
   His Seat at Gods right hand, exalted high
   Above all names in Heav'n; and thence shall come,
   When this worlds dissolution shall be ripe,
   With glory and power to judge both quick & dead,
   To judge th' unfaithful dead, but to reward
   His faithful, and receave them into bliss,
   Whether in Heav'n or Earth, for then the Earth
   Shall all be Paradise, far happier place
   Then this of EDEN, and far happier daies.
   So spake th' Archangel MICHAEL, then paus'd,
   As at the Worlds great period; and our Sire
   Replete with joy and wonder thus repli'd.
   O goodness infinite, goodness immense!
   That all this good of evil shall produce,
   And evil turn to good; more wonderful
   Then that which by creation first brought forth
   Light out of darkness! full of doubt I stand,
   Whether I should repent me now of sin
   By mee done and occasiond, or rejoyce
   Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring,
   To God more glory, more good will to Men
   From God, and over wrauth grace shall abound.
   But say, if our deliverer up to Heav'n
   Must reascend, what will betide the few
   His faithful, left among th' unfaithful herd,
   The enemies of truth; who then shall guide
   His people, who defend? will they not deale
   Wors with his followers then with him they dealt?
   Be sure they will, said th' Angel; but from Heav'n
   Hee to his own a Comforter will send,
   The promise of the Father, who shall dwell
   His Spirit within them, and the Law of Faith
   Working through love, upon thir hearts shall write,
   To guide them in all truth, and also arme
   With spiritual Armour, able to resist
   SATANS assaults, and quench his fierie darts
   What Man can do against them, not affraid,
   Though to the death, against such cruelties
   With inward consolations recompenc't,
   And oft supported so as shall amaze
   Thir proudest persecuters: for the Spirit
   Powrd first on his Apostles, whom he sends
   To evangelize the Nations, then on all
   Baptiz'd, shall them with wondrous gifts endue
   To speak all Tongues, and do all Miracles,
   As did thir Lord before them. Thus they win
   Great numbers of each Nation to receave
   With joy the tidings brought from Heav'n: at length
   Thir Ministry perform'd, and race well run,
   Thir doctrine and thir story written left,
   They die; but in thir room, as they forewarne,
   Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous Wolves,
   Who all the sacred mysteries of Heav'n
   To thir own vile advantages shall turne
   Of lucre and ambition, and the truth
   With superstitions and traditions taint,
   Left onely in those written Records pure,
   Though not but by the Spirit understood.
   Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names,
   Places and titles, and with these to joine
   Secular power, though feigning still to act
   By spiritual, to themselves appropriating
   The Spirit of God, promisd alike and giv'n
   To all Beleevers; and from that pretense,
   Spiritual Lawes by carnal power shall force
   On every conscience; Laws which none shall finde
   Left them inrould, or what the Spirit within
   Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then
   But force the Spirit of Grace it self, and binde
   His consort Libertie; what, but unbuild
   His living Temples, built by Faith to stand,
   Thir own Faith not anothers: for on Earth
   Who against Faith and Conscience can be heard
   Infallible? yet many will presume:
   Whence heavie persecution shall arise
   On all who in the worship persevere
   Of Spirit and Truth; the rest, farr greater part,
   Will deem in outward Rites and specious formes
   Religion satisfi'd; Truth shall retire
   Bestuck with slandrous darts, and works of Faith
   Rarely be found: so shall the World goe on,
   To good malignant, to bad men benigne,
   Under her own waight groaning, till the day
   Appeer of respiration to the just,
   And vengeance to the wicked, at return
   Of him so lately promis'd to thy aid,
   The Womans seed, obscurely then foretold,
   Now amplier known thy Saviour and thy Lord,
   Last in the Clouds from Heav'n to be reveald
   In glory of the Father, to dissolve
   SATAN with his perverted World, then raise
   From the conflagrant mass, purg'd and refin'd,
   New Heav'ns, new Earth, Ages of endless date
   Founded in righteousness and peace and love,
   To bring forth fruits Joy and eternal Bliss.
   He ended; and thus ADAM last reply'd.
   How soon hath thy prediction, Seer blest,
   Measur'd this transient World, the Race of time,
   Till time stand fixt: beyond is all abyss,
   Eternitie, 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 containe;
   Beyond which was my folly to aspire.
   Henceforth I learne, that to obey is best,
   And love with feare the onely God, to walk
   As in his presence, ever to observe
   His providence, and on him sole depend,
   Merciful over all his works, with good
   Still overcoming evil, and by small
   Accomplishing great things, by things deemd weak
   Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise
   By simply meek; that suffering for Truths sake
   Is fortitude to highest victorie,
   And to the faithful Death the Gate of Life;
   Taught this by his example whom I now
   Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest.
   To whom thus also th' Angel last repli'd:
   This having learnt, thou hast attaind the summe
   Of wisdom; hope no higher, though all the Starrs
   Thou knewst by name, and all th' ethereal Powers,
   All secrets of the deep, all Natures works,
   Or works of God in Heav'n, Air, Earth, or Sea,
   And all the riches of this World enjoydst,
   And all the rule, one Empire; onely add
   Deeds to thy knowledge answerable, add Faith,
   Add Vertue, Patience, Temperance, add Love,
   By name to come call'd Charitie, the soul
   Of all the rest: then wilt thou not be loath
   To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
   A Paradise within thee, happier farr.
   Let us descend now therefore from this top
   Of Speculation; for the hour precise
   Exacts our parting hence; and see the Guards,
   By mee encampt on yonder Hill, expect
   Thir 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 Dreams have calm'd
   Portending good, and all her spirits compos'd
   To meek submission: thou at season fit
   Let her with thee partake what thou hast heard,
   Chiefly what may concern her Faith to know,
   The great deliverance by her Seed to come
   (For by the Womans Seed) on all Mankind.
   That ye may live, which will be many dayes,
   Both in one Faith unanimous though sad,
   With cause for evils past, yet much more cheer'd
   With meditation on the happie end.
   He ended, and they both descend the Hill;
   Descended, ADAM to the Bowre where EVE
   Lay sleeping ran before, but found her wak't;
   And thus with words not sad she him receav'd.
   Whence thou returnst, & whither wentst, I know;
   For God is also in sleep, and Dreams advise,
   Which he hath sent propitious, some great good
   Presaging, since with sorrow and hearts distress
   VVearied I fell asleep: but now lead on;
   In mee is no delay; with thee to goe,
   Is to stay here; without thee here to stay,
   Is to go hence unwilling; thou to mee
   Art all things under Heav'n, all places thou,
   VVho for my wilful crime art banisht hence.
   This further consolation yet secure
   I carry hence; though all by mee is lost,
   Such favour I unworthie am voutsaft,
   By mee the Promis'd Seed shall all restore.
   So spake our Mother EVE, and ADAM heard
   VVell pleas'd, but answer'd not; for now too nigh
   Th' Archangel stood, and from the other Hill
   To thir fixt Station, all in bright array
   The Cherubim descended; on the ground
   Gliding meteorous, as Ev'ning Mist
   Ris'n from a River o're the marish glides,
   And gathers ground fast at the Labourers heel
   Homeward returning. High in Front advanc't,
   The brandisht Sword of God before them blaz'd
   Fierce as a Comet; which with torrid heat,
   And vapour as the LIBYAN Air adust,
   Began to parch that temperate Clime; whereat
   In either hand the hastning Angel caught
   Our lingring Parents, and to th' Eastern Gate
   Let them direct, and down the Cliff as fast
   To the subjected Plaine; then disappeer'd.
   They looking back, all th' Eastern side beheld
   Of Paradise, so late thir happie seat,
   Wav'd over by that flaming Brand, the Gate
   With dreadful Faces throng'd and fierie Armes:
   Som natural tears they drop'd, but wip'd them soon;
   The World was all before them, where to choose
   Thir place of rest, and Providence thir guide:
   They hand in hand with wandring steps and slow,
   Through EDEN took thir solitarie way.

John Milton Paradise Lost