Qui legis Amiſſam Paradiſum, grandia magni  Carmina Miltoni, quid niſi cuncta legis? Res cunctas, & cunctarum primordia rerum,  Et fata, & fines continet iſte liber. Intima panduntur magni penetralia mundi,  Scribitur & toto quicquid in Orbe latet. Terræque, tractuſque maris, cœlumque profundum  Sulphureumque Erebi, flammivomumque ſpecus. Quæque colunt terras, Portumque & Tartara cæca,  Quæque colunt ſummi lucida regna Poli. Et quodcunque ullis concluſum est finibus uſquam,  Et ſine fine Chaos, & ſine fine Deus; Et ſine fine magis, ſi quid magis est ſine fine,  In Chriſto erga homines conciliatus amor. Hæc qui ſperaret quis crederet eſſe futurum?  Et tamen hæc hodie terra Britanna legit. O quantos in bella Duces! quæ protulit arma!  Quæ canit, & quanta prælia dira tuba. Cœleſtes acies! atque in certamine Cœlum!  Et quae Cœleſtes pugna deceret agros! Quantus in ætheriis tollit ſe Lucifer armis!  Atque ipſo graditur vix Michaele minor! Quantis, & quam funeſtis concurritur iris  Dum ferus hic ſtellas protegit, ille rapit! Dum vulſos Montes ceu Tela reciproca torquent,  Et non mortali deſuper igne pluunt: Stat dubius cui ſe parti concedat Olympus,  Et metuit pugnæ non ſupereſſe ſuæ. At ſimul in cœlis Meſſiæ inſignia fulgent,  Et currus animes, armaque digna Deo, Horrendumque rotæ ſtrident, & sæva rotarum  Erumpunt torvis fulgura luminibus, Et flammæ vibrant, & vera tonitrua rauсo  Admiſtis flammis inſonuere Polo: Excidit attonitis mens omnis, & impetus omnis  Et caſſis dextris irrita Tela cadunt. Ad pœnas fugiunt, & ceu foret Orcus aſylum  Infernis certant condere ſe tenebris. Cedite Romani Scriptores, cedite Graii  Et quos fama recens vel celebravit anus. Hæc quicunque leget tantum ceciniſſe putabit  Mæonidem ranas, Virgilium culices.

When I beheld the Poet blind, yet bold, In ſlender Book his vaſt Deſign unfold, Meſſiah Crown’d, Gods Reconcil’d Decree, Rebelling Angels, the Forbidden Tree, Heav’n, Hell, Earth, Chaos, All; the Argument Held me a while miſdoubting his Intent, That he would ruine (for I ſaw him ſtrong) The ſacred Truths to Fable and old Song (So Sampſon groap’d the Temples Poſts in ſpight) The World o’rewhelming to revenge his ſight.

Yet as I read, soon growing leſs ſevere, I lik’d his Project, the ſucceſs did fear; Through that wide Field how he his way ſhould find O’re which lame Faith leads Underſtanding blind; Leſt he perplex’d the things he would explain, And what was eaſie he ſhould render vain.

Or if a Work ſo infinite he ſpann’d, Jealous I was that ſome leſs skilful hand (Such as diſquiet always what is well, And by ill imitating would excell) Might hence preſume the whole Creations day To change in Scenes, and ſhow it in a Play.

Pardon me, Mighty Poet, nor deſpiſe My cauſeleſs, yet not impious, ſurmiſe. But I am now convinc’d, and none will dare Within thy Labours to pretend a ſhare. Thou haſt not miſs’d one thought that could be fit, And all that was improper doſt omit: So that no room is here for Writers left, But to detect their Ignorance or Theft.

That Majesty which through thy Work doth Reign Draws the Devout, deterring the Profane. And things divine thou treatſt of in ſuch ſtate As them preſerves, and thee, inviolate. At once delight and horrour on us ſeiſe, Thou ſingſt with ſo much gravity and eaſe; And above humane flight doſt ſoar aloft With Plume ſo ſtrong, ſo equal, and ſo ſoft, The Bird nam’d from that Paradiſe you ſing So never flaggs, but always keeps on Wing.

Where couldſt thou words of ſuch a compaſs find? Whence furniſh ſuch a vaſt expence of mind? Just Heav’n thee like Tireſias to requite Rewards with Propheſie thy loſs of ſight.

Well mightſt thou ſcorn thy Readers to allure With tinkling Rhime, of thy own ſenſe ſecure; While the Town-Bayes writes all the while and ſpells, And like a Pack-horſe tires without his Bells: Their Fancies like our Buſhy-points appear, The Poets tag them, we for faſhion wear. I too tranſported by the Mode offend, And while I meant to Praiſe thee must Commend. Thy Verſe created like thy Theme ſublime, In Number, Weight, and Meaſure, needs not Rhime.

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 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 foul 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 onely 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 Bëëlzebub. 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 brightneſs didſt out-ſhine 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 fall’n, ſo much the ſtronger prov’d 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 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 Briareos 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, & and 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 Ætna, 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 Bëëlzebub 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 Chivalry, While 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 Pharaoh hung Like Night, and darken’d all the Land of Nile: So numberleſs were thoſe bad Angels ſeen Hovering on wing under the Cope of Hell ’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 Aroar to Nebo, and the wild Of Southmoſt Abarim; in Heſebon And Horonaim, 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 Phœnicians 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 their 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 door Yielded thir Matrons Expos’d a Matron to prevent avoid 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 ſome 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 fanting 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 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 mee, 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 Cæleſtial Spirits in Bondage, nor th’ Abyſſe Abyſs 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 Arms Claſh’d on their ſounding ſhields Shields the din of war, Hurling defiance toward the vault 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 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 & and 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 precious bane. And here let thoſe Who boaſt in mortal things, and wond’ring tell Of Babel, and the works of Memphian Kings, Learn how thir greateſt Monuments of Fame, And Strength and Art are eaſily out-done 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 found out 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 Ægypt 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 Hierarchie, 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’ Ægæan 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 Pandæmonium, the high Capital Of Satan and his Peers: thir ſummons call’d From every Band and ſquared Regiment By place or choice the worthieſt; they anon With hunderds 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 & and 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.

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 & and 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 Yielded 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 reck’d 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 Enemy 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 flames? or from above Should intermitted vengeance Arme arm again His red right hand to plague us? what if all Her ſtores were op’n’d open’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 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 Race of Heav’n Thus trampl’d, thus expell’d to ſuffer here Chains & and 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 appeer 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 indurance. 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 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 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 Bëëlzebub 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 heighth 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 if ancient and prophetic fame in Heav’n Err not) another World, the happy ſeat Of ſome 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 Bëëlzebub 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 wee 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; & and 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 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 whatever 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 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 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 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 enmity, 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 this great Chief return. Part on the Plain, or in the Air ſublime Upon the wing, or in ſwift race 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 Typhœan 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 Oechalia 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 yield 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 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 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 towards 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 Concave touring high. As when farr off at Sea a Fleet deſcri’d Hangs in the Clouds, by Æquinoctial Winds Cloſe ſailing from Bengala, or the Iles Of Ternate and Tidore, whence Merchants bring Thir ſpicie Drugs: they on the trading 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 Impenetrable, 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 Cerberian 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 than 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 dayes 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 tenfold More dreadful, and deform: on th’ other ſide Incenc’t Incenſt 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, & and 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 grate 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 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 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 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 Spy, 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 Standard 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 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 brok’d 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.

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 Mæonides, 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 heards, or human face divine; But cloud in ſtead, and ever-during dark Surrounds me, from the chearful waies wayes 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 deſperate 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 & and 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 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 dye, Die Dye hee or Juſtice muſt; unleſs for him Som other able, and as willing, pay The rigid ſatisfaction, death for death. Say Heav’nly Powers 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 yield, 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 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, & and 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, & and 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 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 Præamble 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 extoll’d, 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 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 Ætna 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 alwayes, 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 Bëërſaba, where the Holy Land Borders on Ægypt 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 Starry 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 With 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’ Æquator, 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 Gods 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 onely 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 the 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 in many an Aerie wheele, Nor ſtaid, till on Niphates top he lights.

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’t advanc’d The lower ſtill I fall, onely ſupream 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 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 Chear’d 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 Ægypt, 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 over leap’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 immortality. 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 Heav’n 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 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 gathering 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 Lybian 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 yielded, by him beſt receivd, Yeilded Yielded 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 Yielded 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, & and 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 poſſeſs 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, & and 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 Præeminent 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 pleas’d 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 yielded, 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 hill, 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. To morrow 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 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 Eevning 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 Hymenæan 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 & and 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 ofsſpring, 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 chaſte 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, leave 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 mee? 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, beſure, 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, & and 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, & and 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, & and 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.

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, & and 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 & and 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 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 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 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, Breathe 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 & and 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 Phœnix, gaz’d by all, as that ſole Bird When to enſhrine his reliques in the Sun’s Bright Temple, to Ægyptian 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 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 needs; 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 & and 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 yields 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 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 yield; 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 Earth the ſea 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 Yield 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 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 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, whoſe top 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 ſolemn 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 now approach’d (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. On flours repos’d, and with freſh flourets crownd,* They eate, they drink, and with refection in communion ſweet Quaff immortalitie and joy, ſecure Of ſurfet where full meaſure onely bounds Are fill’d Exceſs, 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 out ſpred, (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 in Heav’n; he of the firſt, If not the firſt Arch-Angel, great in Power, In favour and præeminence, 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 & and diſdain, Soon as midnight brought on the duſkie 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, & and 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, & and 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 & and 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, & and 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? & and 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.

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 intervall, 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 & and 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 bleſt, 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 Heaven 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. So under 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, & and 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 Almighty 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 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 yield 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 Zophiel, 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.

Vanguard, 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 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, & and 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 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 whelm’d, 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 bruis’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 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 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 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 wiſht 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 themſelves 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.

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 rouund, 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 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 taſtes 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 conſpicious 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 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 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 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, & and 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 yielding Seed, And Fruit Tree yeilding yielding 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 and 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 bloſſoms: with high Woods woods the Hills hills were crownd, With tufts the vallies & and 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 every 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 & and 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 & and 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, & and 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 Foul 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 Female 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 repeated; 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 Female 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 yields, 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*

The Angel ended, and in Adams Eare So Charming left his voice, that he a while Thought him ſtill ſpeaking, ſtill ſtood fixt to hear; Then as new wak’t thus 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 With wonder, but delight, and, as is due, With glorie attributed to the high Creator; ſome thing ſomething yet of doubt remaines, Which onely thy ſolution can reſolve. When I behold this goodly Frame, this World 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 Dayes, 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 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 vigour 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 beares 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 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 loud 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 and 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 præeminent; 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 ſcarce 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, & and 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 gracious 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 & and heal’d: The Rib he formd and faſhond with his hands; Under his forming hands a Creature grew, Manlike, but different ſex 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, & and 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 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 yield 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 & and 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 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.

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 Mæotis, up beyond the River Ob; Downward as farr Antartic; and in length Weſt from Orontes 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 preferr’d 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, & and 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 earthie earthy 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-rowld, 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 when as ſacred Light began to dawne In Eden on the humid Flours, that breathd Thir morning Incenſe 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 bear what to my minde 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 ſo 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 hands 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, ſtill 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 therfore 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 ordain’d 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 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 Art 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 ſtorm ſo nigh. Neerer he 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 ye 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 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 plenty 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, & and 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 mee, 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 obeyd: 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 ſhall 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 Mean while 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, & and 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 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 works, Creature in whom excell’d Whatever can to ſight or thought be formd, 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, nor 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 our taſte; 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 ſcorne 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 me 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, 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 eare 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 glade 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 for 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, & and 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 been there, Or here 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 this 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 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 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.

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 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 haſte 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 Cattle, 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 Avengers, 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 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, & and 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 ſelf ſame place where hee Firſt lighted from his Wing, and landed ſafe From out of Chaos to the outſide out ſide 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 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 liſtening 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 infernal Empire, that ſo neer Heav’ns dore Triumphal with triumphal act have met, Mine with this glorious Work, & and 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 & and 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 prevailes, 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 in land inland retir’d, about the walls Of Pandæmonium, 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 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 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 Amphisbæna dire, Ceraſtes hornd, Hydrus, and Ellops drear, And Dipſas (Not 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* Which 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 Megæra: 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 With ſpattering noiſe rejected: oft they aſſayd, Hunger and thirſt conſtraining, drugd as oft, With hatefulleſt diſreliſh writh’d thir jaws With ſoot 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 Dictæan 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, & and 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 World, 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 yielded up to their miſrule; And know not that I call’d and drew them thither My Hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filth 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 ſling 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 Cæcias 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 Windes 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, & and 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 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 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, With other echo late I taught your Shades To anſwer, and reſound farr other Song. Whom 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 ſome relief of our extremes, Or end, though ſharp and ſad, yet tolerable, As in our evils, and of eaſier choice. If care of our deſcent perplex us moſt, Which muſt be born to certain woe, 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 meſerie 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 Watering 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, When angry moſt he ſeem’d and moſt ſevere, What 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 Watering the ground, and with thir ſighs the Air Frequenting, ſent from hearts contrite, in ſign Of ſorrow unfeign’d, and humiliation meek.

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 Regenerate 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 miſsd 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 pronouncd 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 For ever, 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 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. Mean while 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 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. Why 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 Weſtern 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 Melibœan, 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 claime; 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 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 & and Fruits and Flours: In yonder nether World where ſhall I ſeek His bright appearances, or footſtep trace foot ſtep-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 præeminence thou haſt loſt, brought down To dwell on eeven ground now with thy Sons: Yet doubt not but in Vallie and in Plaine 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 the 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 Sinæan 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 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 Maritim 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 World: 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 Which 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 Well 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, Dæmoniac Phrenzie, moaping Melancholie* And Moon-ſtruck madneſs, pining Atrophie, Maraſmus and wide-wafting Peſtilence, 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 yield 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 & and 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 weigh 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, and patiently attend* My diſſolution. 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 Fuſil 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 laſt 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 & and 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 appetence, 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 yield up all thir vertue, all thir fame Ignobly, to the traines and to the ſmiles Of theſe fair Atheiſts, and now ſwim in joy, (Erelong to ſwim at large) 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 callin aide, which tacks makes a bloody Fray;* With cruel Tournament the Squadrons joine; Where Cattel Cattle paſtur’d late, now ſcatterd lies With Carcaſſes and Arms th’ enſanguind Field Deſerted: Others to a Citie ſtrong Lay Siege Seige, 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 thouſandfould 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 Battle, 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 atchiev’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, & and 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 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, & and 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, & and 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 Children, 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 dayes 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 who 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.

As one who in his journey bates at Noone,* Though bent on ſpeed, ſo heer the Arch-angel paus’d Betwixt the world deſtroy’d and world reſtor’d, If Adam aught perhaps might interpoſe; Then with tranſition ſweet new Speech reſumes. ¶ 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 & and 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 aſſuming 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 Chaldæa, 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 Moreh; 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, By day a Cloud, by night a pillar 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, what they beſaught* 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 fiery 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 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 workes: 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, & and 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 & and 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 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, Mercifull 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 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 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, & and 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 Wearied 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, Who 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 Well 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 Led 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.