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+Project Gutenberg's The Poetical Works of John Milton, by John Milton
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Poetical Works of John Milton
+
+Author: John Milton
+
+Release Date: May, 1999  [Etext #1745]
+Posting Date: November 10, 2014
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POETICAL WORKS OF JOHN MILTON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Donal O'Danachair
+
+
+
+
+
+THE POETICAL WORKS OF JOHN MILTON
+
+By John Milton
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+This e-text contains all of Milton's poems in English and Italian. Poems
+in Latin have been omitted.
+
+The original spelling, capitalisation and punctuation have been retained
+as far as possible. Characters not in the ANSI standard set have been
+replaced by their nearest equivalent.  The AE & OE digraphs have been
+transcribed as two letters.  Accented letters in the Italian poems have
+been replaced by the unaccented letter.
+
+No italics have been retained.
+
+Footnotes have been moved to the end of the poem to which they refer; in
+Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained they have been moved to the end of
+the book.
+
+
+
+
+Contents:
+
+PREFACE by the Rev. H. C. Beeching, M. A.
+
+THE STATIONER TO THE READER.
+
+MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.
+
+THE PASSION.
+
+ON TIME.
+
+UPON THE CIRCUMCISION.
+
+AT A SOLEMN MUSICK.
+
+AN EPITAPH ON THE MARCHIONESS OF WINCHESTER.
+
+SONG ON MAY MORNING.
+
+ON SHAKESPEAR. 1630.
+
+ANOTHER ON THE SAME.
+
+L'ALLEGRO.
+
+IL PENSEROSO.
+
+SONNETS.
+
+ARCADES.
+
+LYCIDAS.
+
+A MASK PRESENTED At LUDLOW-Castle, 1634. &c.
+
+POEMS ADDED IN THE 1673 EDITION.
+
+ANNO AETATIS 17. ON THE DEATH OF A FAIR INFANT DYING OF A COUGH.
+
+THE FIFTH ODE OF HORACE. LIB. I.
+
+SONNETS.
+
+ON THE NEW FORCERS OF CONSCIENCE UNDER THE LONG PARLIAMENT.
+
+ON THE LORD GEN. FAIRFAX AT THE SEIGE OF COLCHESTER.
+
+TO THE LORD GENERALL CROMWELL MAY 1652.
+
+TO SR HENRY VANE THE YOUNGER.
+
+TO MR. CYRIACK SKINNER UPON HIS BLINDNESS.
+
+PSAL. I. Done into Verse, 1653.
+
+PSAL. II Done Aug. 8. 1653. Terzetti.
+
+PSAL. III. Aug. 9. 1653
+
+PSAL. IV. Aug. 10.1653.
+
+PSAL. V. Aug. 12.1653.
+
+PSAL. VI Aug. 13. 1653.
+
+PSAL. VII. Aug. 14. 1653.
+
+PSAL. VIII. Aug. 14. 1653.
+
+APRIL, 1648. J. M. NINE OF THE PSALMS DONE INTO METRE,
+
+PSAL. LXXX.
+
+PSAL. LXXXI.
+
+PSAL. LXXXII.
+
+PSAL. LXXXIV.
+
+PSAL LXXXV.
+
+PSAL. LXXXVI.
+
+PSAL. LXXXVII
+
+PSAL. LXXXVIII
+
+COLLECTION OF PASSAGES TRANSLATED IN THE PROSE WRITINGS.
+
+[From Of Reformation in England, 1641.]
+
+[From Reason of Church Government, 1641.]
+
+[From Apology for Smectymnuus, 1642.]
+
+[From Areopagitica, 1644.]
+
+[From Tetrachordon, 1645.]
+
+[From The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates, 1649.]
+
+[From History of Britain, 1670.]
+
+
+PARADISE LOST.
+
+ON Paradise Lost.
+
+THE VERSE.
+
+BOOK I.
+
+BOOK II.
+
+BOOK III.
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+BOOK V.
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+BOOK X.
+
+BOOK XI.
+
+BOOK XII.
+
+
+PARADISE REGAIN'D.
+
+The First Book.
+
+The Second Book.
+
+The Third Book.
+
+The Fourth Book.
+
+
+SAMSON AGONISTES
+
+Of that sort of Dramatic Poem which is call'd Tragedy.
+
+The Argument.
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+ON TIME
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE by the Rev. H. C. Beeching, M. A.
+
+
+This edition of Milton's Poetry is a reprint, as careful as Editor and
+Printers have been able to make it, from the earliest printed copies of
+the several poems.  First the 1645 volume of the Minor Poems has been
+printed entire; then follow in order the poems added in the reissue of
+1673; the Paradise Lost, from the edition of 1667; and the Paradise
+Regain'd and Samson Agonistes from the edition of 1671.
+
+The most interesting portion of the book must be reckoned the first
+section of it, which reproduces for the first time the scarce small
+octavo of 1645.  The only reprint of the Minor Poems in the old
+spelling, so far as I know, is the one edited by Mitford, but that
+followed the edition of 1673, which is comparatively uninteresting since
+it could not have had Milton's oversight as it passed through the press.
+We know that it was set up from a copy of the 1645 edition, because it
+reproduces some pointless eccentricities such as the varying form of the
+chorus to Psalm cxxxvi; but while it corrects the errata tabulated in
+that edition it commits many more blunders of its own.  It is valuable,
+however, as the editio princeps of ten of the sonnets and it contains
+one important alteration in the Ode on the Nativity. This and all other
+alterations will be found noted where they occur.  I have not thought it
+necessary to note mere differences of spelling between the two editions
+but a word may find place here upon their general character.  Generally
+it may be said that, where the two editions differ, the later spelling
+is that now in use.  Thus words like goddess, darkness, usually written
+in the first edition with one final s, have two, while on the  other
+hand words like vernall, youthfull, and monosyllables like hugg, farr,
+lose their double letter.  Many monosyllables, e.g. som, cours, glimps,
+wher, vers, aw, els, don, ey, ly, so written in 1645, take on in 1673 an
+e mute, while words like harpe, windes, onely, lose it. By a reciprocal
+change ayr and cipress become air and cypress; and the vowels in daign,
+vail, neer, beleeve, sheild, boosom, eeven, battail, travailer, and many
+other words are similarly modernized.  On the other hand there are a few
+cases where the 1645 edition exhibits the spelling which has succeeded
+in fixing itself, as travail (1673, travel) in the sense of labour; and
+rob'd, profane, human, flood and bloody, forest, triple, alas, huddling,
+are found where the 1673 edition has roab'd, prophane, humane, floud and
+bloudy, forrest, tripple, alass and hudling.  Indeed the spelling in
+this later edition is not untouched by seventeenth century
+inconsistency.  It retains here and there forms like shameles, cateres,
+(where 1645 reads cateress), and occasionally reverts to the
+older-fashioned spelling of monosyllables without the mute e.  In the
+Epitaph on the Marchioness of Winchester, it reads--' And som flowers
+and some bays.'  But undoubtedly the impression on the whole is of a
+much more modern text.
+
+In the matter of small or capital letters I have followed the old copy,
+except in one or two places where a personification seemed not plainly
+enough marked to a modern reader without a capital. Thus in Il
+Penseroso, l. 49, I print Leasure, although both editions read leasure;
+and in the Vacation Exercise, l. 71, Times for times. Also where the
+employment or omission of a capital is plainly due to misprinting, as
+too frequently in the 1673 edition, I silently make the correction.
+Examples are, notes for Notes in Sonnet xvii. l. 13; Anointed for
+anointed in Psalm  ii. l.12.
+
+In regard to punctuation I have followed the old printers except in
+obvious misprints, and followed them also, as far as possible, in their
+distribution of roman and italic type and in the grouping of words and
+lines in the various titles. To follow them exactly was impossible, as
+the  books are so very different in size.
+
+At this point the candid reader may perhaps ask what advantage is gained
+by presenting these poems to modern readers in the dress of a bygone
+age.  If the question were put to me I should probably evade it by
+pointing out that Mr. Frowde is issuing an edition based upon this, in
+which the spelling is frankly that of to-day.  But if the question were
+pressed, I think a sufficient answer might be found.  To begin with, I
+should point out that even Prof. Masson, who in his excellent edition
+argues the point and decides in favour of modern spelling, allows that
+there are peculiarities of Milton's spelling which are really
+significant, and ought therefore to be noted or preserved.  But who is
+to determine exactly which words are spelt according to the poet's own
+instructions, and which according to the printer's whim?  It is
+notorious that in Paradise Lost some words were spelt upon a deliberate
+system, and it may very well happen that in the volume of minor poems
+which the poet saw through the press in 1645, there were spellings no
+less systematic.  Prof. Masson makes a great point of the fact that
+Milton's own spelling, exhibited in the autograph manuscript of some of
+the minor poems preserved in Trinity College, Cambridge, does not
+correspond with that of the printed copy. [Note: This manuscript,
+invaluable to all students of Milton, has lately been facsimiled under
+the superintendence of Dr. Aldis Wright, and published at the Cambridge
+University press].  This is certainly true, as the reader may see for
+himself by comparing the passage from the manuscript given in the
+appendix with the corresponding place in the text.  Milton's own
+spelling revels in redundant e's, while the printer of the 1645 book is
+very sparing of them.  But in cases where the spelling affects the
+metre, we find that the printed text and Milton's manuscript closely
+correspond; and it is upon its value in determining the metre, quite as
+much as its antiquarian interest, that I should base a justification of
+this reprint.  Take, for instance, such a line as the eleventh of Comus,
+which Prof. Masson gives as:--
+
+        Amongst the enthroned gods on sainted seats.
+
+A reader not learned in Miltonic rhythms will certainly read this
+
+        Amongst th' enthroned gods
+
+But the 1645 edition reads:
+
+        Amongst the enthron'd gods
+
+and so does Milton's manuscript.  Again, in line 597, Prof.
+Masson reads:
+
+        It shall be in eternal restless change
+        Self-fed and self-consumed.  If this fail,
+        The pillared firmament is rottenness,  &c.
+
+But the 1645 text and Milton's manuscript read self-consum'd; after
+which word there is to be understood a metrical pause to mark the
+violent transition of the thought.
+
+Again in the second line of the Sonnet to a Nightingale Prof. Masson
+has:
+
+        Warblest at eve when all the woods are still
+
+but the early edition, which probably follows Milton's spelling though
+in this case we have no manuscript to compare, reads 'Warbl'st.' So the
+original text of Samson, l. 670, has 'temper'st.'
+
+The retention of the old system of punctuation may be less defensible,
+but I have retained it because it may now and then be of use in
+determining a point of syntax.  The absence of a comma, for example,
+after the word hearse in the 58th line of the Epitaph on the Marchioness
+of Winchester, printed by Prof. Masson thus:--
+
+        And some flowers, and some bays
+        For thy hearse to strew thy ways,
+
+but in the 1645 edition:--
+
+        And som Flowers, and som Bays,
+        For thy Hears to strew the ways,
+
+goes to prove that for here must be taken as 'fore.
+
+Of the Paradise Lost there were two editions issued during Milton's
+lifetime, and while the first has been taken as our text, all the
+variants in the second, not being simple misprints, have been recorded
+in the notes.  In one respect, however, in the distribution of the poem
+into twelve books instead of ten, it has seemed best, for the sake of
+practical convenience, to follow the second edition.  A word may be
+allowed here on the famous correction among the Errata prefixed to the
+first edition:  'Lib. 2. v. 414, for we read wee.'  This correction
+shows not only that Milton had theories about spelling, but also that he
+found means, though his sight was gone, to ascertain whether his rules
+had been carried out by his printer; and in itself this fact justifies a
+facsimile reprint.  What the principle in the use of the double vowel
+exactly was (and it is found to affect the other monosyllabic pronouns)
+it is not so easy to discover, though roughly it is clear the
+reduplication was intended to mark emphasis.  For example, in the speech
+of the Divine Son after the battle in heaven (vi. 810-817) the pronouns
+which the voice would naturally emphasize are spelt with the double
+vowel:
+
+                                 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 assign'd.
+
+In the Son's speech offering himself as Redeemer (iii. 227-249) where
+the pronoun all through is markedly emphasized, it is printed mee the
+first four times, and afterwards me; but it is noticeable that these
+first four times the emphatic word does not stand in the stressed place
+of the verse, so that a careless reader might not emphasize it, unless
+his attention were specially led by some such sign:
+
+        Behold mee then, mee for him, life for life
+        I offer, on mee let thine anger fall;
+        Account mee man.
+
+In the Hymn of Creation (v.160-209) where ye occurs fourteen times, the
+emphasis and the metric stress six times out of seven coincide, and the
+pronoun is spelt yee; where it is unemphatic, and in an unstressed
+place, it is spelt ye. Two lines are especially instructive:
+
+Speak yee who best can tell, ye Sons of light (l. 160);
+
+and
+
+        Fountains and yee, that warble, as ye flow,
+        Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise (l. 195).
+
+In v. 694 it marks, as the voice by its emphasis would mark in
+reading, a change of subject:
+
+        So spake the false Arch-Angel, and infus'd
+        Bad influence into th' unwarie brest
+        Of his Associate; hee (i. e. the associate) together calls,
+&c.
+
+An examination of other passages, where there is no antithesis, goes to
+show that the lengthened form of the pronoun is most frequent before a
+pause (as vii. 95); or at the end of a line (i. 245, 257); or when a
+foot is inverted (v. 133); or when as object it  precedes its verb (v.
+612; vii. 747), or as subject follows it (ix. 1109; x. 4).  But as we
+might expect under circumstances where a purist could not correct his
+own proofs, there are not a few inconsistencies.  There does not seem,
+for example, any special emphasis in the second wee of the following
+passage:
+
+                                        Freely we serve.
+        Because wee freely love, as in our will
+        To love or not; in this we stand or fall  (v. 538).
+
+
+On the other hand, in the passage (iii. 41) in which the poet
+speaks of his own blindness:
+
+                                Thus with the Year
+        Seasons return, but not to me returns
+        Day, &c.
+
+where, if anywhere, we should expect mee, we do not find it, though it
+occurs in the speech eight lines below.  It should be added that this
+differentiation of the pronouns is not found in any printed poem of
+Milton's before Paradise Lost, nor is it found in the Cambridge
+autograph. In that manuscript the constant forms are me, wee, yee.
+There is one place where there is a difference in the spelling of she,
+and it is just possible that this may not be due to accident.  In the
+first verse of the song in Arcades, the MS. reads:
+
+        This, this is shee;
+
+and in the third verse:
+
+        This, this is she alone.
+
+This use of the double vowel is found a few times in Paradise Regain'd:
+in ii. 259 and iv. 486, 497 where mee begins a line, and in iv. 638
+where hee is specially emphatic in the concluding lines of the poem.  In
+Samson Agonistes it is more frequent (e.g. lines 124, 178, 193, 220,
+252, 290, 1125).  Another word the spelling of which in Paradise Lost
+will be observed to vary is the pronoun their, which is spelt sometimes
+thir.  The spelling in the Cambridge manuscript is uniformly thire,
+except once when it is thir; and where their once occurs in the writing
+of an amanuensis the e is struck through.  That the difference is not
+merely a printer's device to accommodate his line may be seen by a
+comparison of lines 358 and 363 in the First Book, where the shorter
+word  comes in the shorter line.  It is probable that the lighter form
+of the word was intended to be used when it was quite unemphatic.
+Contrast, for example, in Book iii. l.59: His own works and their works
+at once to view with line 113: Thir maker and thir making and thir Fate.
+But the use is not consistent, and the form thir is not found at all
+till the 349th line of the First Book.  The distinction is kept up in
+the Paradise Regain'd and Samson Agonistes, but, if possible, with even
+less consistency.  Such passages, however, as Paradise Regain'd, iii.
+414-440; Samson Agonistes, 880-890, are certainly spelt upon a method,
+and it is noticeable that in the choruses the lighter form is universal.
+
+Paradise Regain'd and Samson Agonistes were published in 1671, and no
+further edition was called for in the remaining three years of the
+poet's lifetime, so that in the case of these poems there are no new
+readings to record; and the texts were so carefully revised, that only
+one fault (Paradise Regain'd, ii. 309) was left for correction later.
+In these and the other poems I have corrected the misprints catalogued
+in the tables of Errata, and I have silently corrected any other unless
+it might be mistaken for a various reading, when I have called attention
+to it in a note.  Thus I have not recorded such blunders as Lethian for
+Lesbian in the 1645 text of Lycidas, line 63; or hallow for hollow in
+Paradise Lost, vi. 484; but I have noted content for concent, in At a
+Solemn Musick, line 6.
+
+In conclusion I have to offer my sincere thanks to all who have
+collaborated with me in preparing this Edition; to the Delegates of the
+Oxford Press for allowing me to undertake it and decorate it with so
+many facsimiles; to the Controller of the Press for his unfailing
+courtesy; to the printers and printer's reader for their care and pains.
+Coming nearer home I cannot but acknowledge the help I have received in
+looking over proof-sheets from my sister, Mrs. P. A. Barnett, who has
+ungrudgingly put at the service of this book both time and eyesight.  In
+taking leave of it, I may be permitted to say that it has cost more of
+both these inestimable treasures than I had anticipated.  The last proof
+reaches me just a year after the first, and the progress of the work has
+not in the interval been interrupted. In tenui labor et tenuis gloria.
+Nevertheless I cannot be sorry it was undertaken.
+
+H. C. B.
+
+YATTENDON RECTORY,
+November 8, 1899.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note: Facsimile of Title page of 1645 edition
+follows:
+
+
+                           POEMS
+                            OF
+                      Mr John Milton,
+                           BOTH
+                     ENGLISH and LATIN
+                  Compos'd at several times.
+               ------------------------------
+                Printed by his true copies.
+               ------------------------------
+               The SONGS were set in Musick by
+                Mr. HENRY LAWES Gentleman of
+                 the KINGS Chappel, and one
+                      of His MAIESTIES
+                       Private Musick.
+
+                 --------Baccare frontem
+         Cingite, ne vace noceat mala lingua futuro,
+              Virgil, Eclog. 7.
+         -----------------------------------------
+            Printed, and Publish'd according to
+                           ORDER.
+         -----------------------------------------
+                          LONDON,
+        Printed by Ruth Raworth for Humphrey Moseley,
+        and are to be sold at the signe of the Princes
+            Arms in S. Pauls Church-yard. 1645.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note: Facsimile of Title page of 1673 edition
+follows:
+
+
+                          POEMS, &c.
+                            UPON
+                      Several Occasions.
+                  --------------------------
+                             BY
+                       Mr. John Milton:
+                  --------------------------
+                  Both ENGLISH and LATIN &c.
+                  Composed at several times.
+                  --------------------------
+                   With a small tractate of
+                         EDUCATION
+                       To Mr. HARTLIB
+                  --------------------------
+                  --------------------------
+                          LONDON.
+         Printed for Tho. Dring at the Blew Anchor
+           next Mitre Court over against Fetter
+               Lane in Fleet-street.  1673.
+
+
+
+
+THE STATIONER TO THE READER.
+
+
+It is not any Private respect of gain, Gentle Reader, for the slightest
+Pamphlet is now adayes more vendible then the Works of learnedest men;
+but it is the love I have to our own Language that hath made me diligent
+to collect, and set forth such Peeces in Prose and Vers as may renew the
+wonted honour and esteem of our tongue: and it's the worth of these both
+English and Latin poems, not the flourish of any prefixed encomions that
+can invite thee to buy them, though these are not without the highest
+Commendations and Applause of the learnedst Academicks, both domestic
+and forrein: And amongst those of our own Countrey, the unparalleled
+attestation of that renowned Provost of Eaton, Sir Henry Wootton: I know
+not thy palat how it relishes such dainties, nor  how harmonious thy
+soul is; perhaps more trivial Airs may please thee better.  But
+howsoever thy opinion is spent upon these, that incouragement I have
+already received from the most ingenious men in their clear and
+courteous entertainment of Mr. Wallers late choice Peeces, hath once
+more made me adventure into the World, presenting it with these
+ever-green, and not to be blasted Laurels. The Authors more peculiar
+excellency in these studies, was too well known to conceal his Papers,
+or to keep me from attempting to sollicit them from him. Let the event
+guide it self which way it will, I shall deserve of the age, by bringing
+into the Light as true a Birth, as the Muses have brought forth since
+our famous Spencer wrote; whose Poems in these English ones are as
+rarely imitated, as sweetly excell'd.  Reader, if thou art Eagle-eied to
+censure their worth, I am not fearful to expose them to thy exactest
+perusal.
+
+Thine to Command
+
+HUMPH. MOSELEY.
+
+
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.
+
+
+
+
+ON THE MORNING OF CHRISTS NATIVITY.
+  Compos'd 1629.
+
+  I
+
+  This is the Month, and this the happy morn
+  Wherin the Son of Heav'ns eternal King,
+  Of wedded Maid, and Virgin Mother born,
+  Our great redemption from above did bring;
+  For so the holy sages once did sing,
+  That he our deadly forfeit should release,
+  And with his Father work us a perpetual peace.
+
+  II
+
+  That glorious Form, that Light unsufferable,
+  And that far-beaming blaze of Majesty,
+  Wherwith he wont at Heav'ns high Councel-Table,                      10
+  To sit the midst of Trinal Unity,
+  He laid aside; and here with us to be,
+  Forsook the Courts of everlasting Day,
+  And chose with us a darksom House of mortal Clay.
+
+  III
+
+  Say Heav'nly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein
+  Afford a present to the Infant God?
+  Hast thou no vers, no hymn, or solemn strein,
+  To welcom him to this his new abode,
+  Now while the Heav'n by the Suns team untrod,
+  Hath took no print of the approching light,                          20
+  And all the spangled host keep watch in squadrons bright?
+
+  IV
+
+  See how from far upon the Eastern rode
+  The Star-led Wisards haste with odours sweet,
+  O run,  prevent them with thy humble ode,
+  And lay it lowly at his blessed feet;
+  Have thou the honour first, thy Lord to greet,
+  And joyn thy voice unto the Angel Quire,
+  From out his secret Altar toucht with hallow'd fire.
+
+
+  The Hymn.
+
+  I
+
+  IT was the Winter wilde,
+  While the Heav'n-born-childe,                                        30
+  All meanly wrapt in the rude manger lies;
+  Nature in aw to him
+  Had doff't her gawdy trim,
+  With her great Master so to sympathize:
+  It was no season then for her
+  To wanton with the Sun her lusty Paramour.
+
+  II
+
+  Only with speeches fair
+  She woo'd the gentle Air
+  To hide her guilty front with innocent Snow,
+  And on her naked shame,                                              40
+  Pollute with sinfull blame,
+  The Saintly Vail of Maiden white to throw,
+  Confounded, that her Makers eyes
+  Should look so near upon her foul deformities.
+
+  III
+
+  But he her fears to cease,
+  Sent down the meek-eyd Peace,
+  She crown'd with Olive green, came softly sliding
+  Down through the turning sphear
+  His ready Harbinger,
+  With Turtle wing the amorous clouds dividing,                        50
+  And waving wide her mirtle wand,
+  She strikes a universall Peace through Sea and Land.
+
+  IV
+
+  No War, or Battails sound
+  Was heard the World around,
+  The idle spear and shield were high up hung;
+  The hooked Chariot stood
+  Unstain'd with hostile blood,
+  The Trumpet spake not to the armed throng,
+  And Kings sate still with awfull eye,
+  As if they surely knew their sovran Lord was by.                     60
+
+  V
+
+  But peacefull was the night
+  Wherin the Prince of light
+  His raign of peace upon the earth began:
+  The Windes with wonder whist,
+  Smoothly the waters kist,
+  Whispering new joyes to the milde Ocean,
+  Who now hath quite forgot to rave,
+  While Birds of Calm sit brooding on the charmed wave.
+
+  VI
+
+  The Stars with deep amaze
+  Stand fit in steadfast gaze,                                         70
+  Bending one way their pretious influence,
+  And will not take their flight,
+  For all the morning light,
+  Or Lucifer that often warned them thence;
+  But in their glimmering Orbs did glow,
+  Until their Lord himself bespake, and bid them go.
+
+  VII
+
+  And though the shady gloom
+  Had given day her room,
+  The Sun himself with-held his wonted speed,
+  And hid his head for shame,                                          80
+  As his inferior flame,
+  The new enlightened world no more should need;
+  He saw a greater Sun appear
+  Then his bright Throne, or burning Axletree could bear.
+
+  VIII
+
+  The Shepherds on the Lawn,
+  Or ere the point of dawn,
+  Sate simply chatting in a rustic row;
+  Full little thought they than,
+  That the mighty Pan
+  Was kindly com to live with them below;                              90
+  Perhaps their loves, or els their sheep,
+  Was all that did their silly thoughts so busie keep.
+
+  IX
+
+  When such Musick sweet
+  Their hearts and ears did greet,
+  As never was by mortal finger strook,
+  Divinely-warbled voice
+  Answering the stringed noise,
+  As all their souls in blisfull rapture took:
+  The Air such pleasure loth to lose,
+  With  thousand echo's still prolongs each heav'nly close.           100
+
+  X
+
+  Nature that heard such  sound
+  Beneath  the hollow round
+  of Cynthia's seat the Airy region thrilling,
+  Now was almost won
+  To think her part was don
+  And that her raign had here its last fulfilling;
+  She knew such harmony alone
+  Could hold all Heav'n and Earth in happier union.
+
+  XI
+
+  At last surrounds their sight
+  A globe of circular light,                                          110
+  That with long beams the shame faced night arrayed
+  The helmed Cherubim
+  And sworded Seraphim,
+  Are seen in glittering ranks with wings displaid,
+  Harping in loud and solemn quire,
+  With unexpressive notes to Heav'ns new-born Heir.
+
+  XII
+
+  Such Musick (as 'tis said)
+  Before was never made,
+  But when of old the sons of morning sung,
+  While the Creator Great
+  His constellations set,                                             120
+  And the well-ballanc't world on hinges hung,
+  And cast the dark foundations deep,
+  And bid the weltring waves their oozy channel keep.
+
+  XIII
+
+  Ring out ye Crystall sphears,
+  Once bless our human ears,
+  (If ye have power to touch our senses so)
+  And let your silver chime
+  Move in melodious time;
+  And let the Base of Heav'ns deep Organ blow,                        130
+  And with your ninefold harmony
+  Make up full consort to th'Angelike symphony.
+
+  XIV
+
+  For if such holy Song
+  Enwrap our fancy long,
+  Time will run back, and fetch the age of gold,
+  And speckl'd vanity
+  Will sicken soon and die,
+  And leprous sin will melt from earthly mould,
+  And Hell it self will pass away
+  And leave her dolorous mansions to the peering day.                 140
+
+  XV
+
+  Yea Truth, and Justice then
+  Will down return to men,
+  Th'enameld Arras of the Rain-bow wearing,
+  And Mercy set between
+  Thron'd in Celestiall sheen,
+  With radiant feet the tissued clouds down stearing,
+  And Heav'n as at som festivall,
+  Will open wide the gates of her high Palace Hall.
+
+  XVI
+
+  But wisest Fate sayes  no,
+  This must not yet be so,                                            150
+  The Babe lies yet in smiling Infancy,
+  That on the bitter cross
+  Must redeem our loss;
+  So both himself and us to glorifie:
+  Yet first to those ychain'd in sleep,
+  The Wakeful trump of doom must thunder through the deep,
+
+  XVII
+
+  With such a horrid clang
+  As on Mount Sinai rang
+  While the red fire, and smouldring clouds out brake:
+  The aged Earth agast                                                160
+  With terrour of that blast,
+  Shall from the surface to the center shake;
+  When at the worlds last session,
+  The dreadfull Judge in middle Air shall spread his throne.
+
+  XVIII
+
+  And then at last  our bliss
+  Full and perfect is,
+  But now begins; for from this happy day
+  Th'old Dragon under ground
+  In straiter limits bound,
+  Not half so far casts his usurped sway,                             170
+  And wrath to see his Kingdom fail,
+  Swindges the scaly Horrour of his foulded tail.
+
+  XIX
+
+  The Oracles are dumm,
+  No voice or hideous humm
+  Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving.
+  Apollo from his shrine
+  Can no more divine,
+  With hollow shreik the steep of Delphos leaving.
+  No nightly trance, or breathed spell,
+  Inspire's the pale-ey'd Priest from the prophetic cell.             180
+
+  XX
+
+  The lonely mountains o're,
+  And the resounding shore,
+  A voice of weeping heard, and loud lament;
+  From haunted spring, and dale
+  Edg'd with poplar pale
+  The parting Genius is with sighing sent,
+  With flowre-inwov'n tresses torn
+  The Nimphs in twilight shade of tangled thickets mourn.
+
+  XXI
+
+  In consecrated Earth,
+  And on the holy Hearth,                                             190
+  The Lars, and Lemures moan with midnight plaint,
+  In Urns, and Altars round,
+  A drear, and dying sound
+  Affrights the Flamins at their service quaint;
+  And the chill Marble seems to sweat,
+  While each peculiar power forgoes his wonted seat.
+
+  XXII
+
+  Peor, and Baalim,
+  Forsake their Temples dim,
+  With that twise-batter'd god of Palestine,
+  And mooned Ashtaroth,                                               200
+  Heav'ns Queen and Mother both,
+  Now sits not girt with Tapers holy shine,
+  The Libyc Hammon shrinks his horn,
+  In vain the Tyrian Maids their wounded Thamuz mourn.
+
+  XXIII
+
+  And sullen Moloch fled,
+  Hath left in shadows dred,
+  His burning Idol all of blackest hue,
+  In vain with Cymbals ring,
+  They call the grisly king,
+  In dismall dance about the furnace Blue;                            210
+  And Brutish gods of Nile as fast,
+  Isis and Orus, and the Dog Anubis hast.
+
+  XXIV
+
+  Nor is Osiris seen
+  In Memphian grove or green,
+           Trampling the unshower'd grass with lowings loud;
+  Nor can he be at rest
+  Within his sacred chest,
+           Naught but profoundest Hell can be his shroud:
+  In vain with timbrel'd anthems dark
+  The sable-stoled sorcerers bear his worshipp'd ark.
+
+  XXV
+
+  He feels from Juda's land
+  The dreaded Infant's hand,
+           The rays of Bethlehem blind his dusky eyn;
+  Nor all the gods beside
+  Longer dare abide,
+           Not Typhon huge ending in snaky twine:
+  Our Babe, to show his Godhead true,
+  Can in his swaddling bands control the damned crew.
+
+  XXVI
+
+  So when the Sun in bed,
+  Curtain'd with cloudy red,
+           Pillows his chin upon an orient wave,
+  The flocking shadows pale
+  Troop to th'infernal jail,
+           Each fetter'd ghost slips to his several grave,
+  And the yellow-skirted fays
+  Fly after the night-steeds, leaving their moon-lov'd maze.
+
+  XXVII
+
+  But see, the Virgin blest
+  Hath laid her Babe to rest:
+           Time is our tedious song should here have ending.
+  Heav'n's youngest-teemed star,
+  Hath fix'd her polish'd car,
+           Her sleeping Lord with handmaid lamp attending;
+  And all about the courtly stable,
+  Bright-harness'd Angels sit in order serviceable.
+
+
+
+
+THE PASSION.
+
+
+  I
+
+  ERE-while of Musick, and Ethereal mirth,
+  Wherwith the stage of Ayr and Earth did ring,
+  And joyous news of heav'nly Infants birth,
+  My muse with Angels did divide to sing;
+  But headlong joy is ever on the wing,
+  In Wintry solstice like the shortn'd light
+  Soon swallow'd up in dark and long out-living night.
+
+  II
+
+  For now to sorrow must I tune my song,
+  And set my Harpe to notes of saddest wo,
+  Which on our dearest Lord did sease er'e long,
+  Dangers, and snares, and wrongs, and worse then so,                  10
+  Which he for us did freely undergo.
+  Most perfect Heroe, try'd in heaviest plight
+  Of labours huge and hard, too hard for human wight.
+
+  III
+
+  He sov'ran Priest stooping his regall head
+  That dropt with odorous oil down his fair eyes,
+  Poor fleshly Tabernacle entered,
+  His starry front low-rooft beneath the skies;
+  O what a Mask was there, what a disguise!
+  Yet more; the stroke of death he must abide,                         20
+  Then lies him meekly down fast by his Brethrens side.
+
+  IV
+
+  These latter scenes confine my roving vers,
+  To this Horizon is my Phoebus bound,
+  His Godlike acts, and his temptations fierce,
+  And former sufferings other where are found;
+  Loud o're the rest Cremona's Trump doth sound;
+  Me softer airs befit, and softer strings
+  Of Lute, or Viol still, more apt for mournful things.
+
+  Note: 22 latter] latest 1673.
+
+  V
+
+  Befriend me night best Patroness of grief,
+  Over the Pole thy thickest mantle throw,                             30
+  And work my flatterd fancy to belief,
+  That Heav'n and Earth are colour'd with my wo;
+  My sorrows are too dark for day to know:
+  The leaves should all be black wheron I write,
+  And letters where my tears have washt a wannish white.
+
+  VI
+
+  See see the Chariot, and those rushing wheels,
+  That whirl'd the Prophet up at Chebar flood,
+  My spirit som transporting Cherub feels,
+  To bear me where the Towers of Salem stood,
+  Once glorious Towers, now sunk in guiltles blood;                    40
+  There doth my soul in holy vision sit
+  In pensive trance, and anguish, and ecstatick fit.
+
+  VII
+
+  Mine eye hath found that sad Sepulchral rock
+  That was the Casket of Heav'ns richest store,
+  And here though grief my feeble hands up-lock,
+  Yet on the softned Quarry would I score
+  My plaining vers as lively as before;
+  For sure so well instructed are my tears,
+  They would fitly fall in order'd Characters.
+
+  VIII
+
+  I thence hurried on viewles wing,                                    50
+  Take up a weeping on the Mountains wilde,
+  The gentle neighbourhood of grove and spring
+  Would soon unboosom all their Echoes milde,
+  And I (for grief is easily beguild)
+  Might think th'infection of my sorrows bound,
+  Had got a race of mourners on som pregnant cloud.
+
+  Note: This subject the Author finding to be above the yeers he had,
+  when he wrote it, and nothing satisfi'd with what was begun,
+  left it unfinish'd.
+
+
+
+
+ON TIME.
+
+
+  FLY envious Time, till thou run out thy race,
+  Call on the lazy leaden-stepping hours,
+  Whose speed is but the heavy Plummets pace;
+  And glut thy self with what thy womb devours,
+  Which is no more then what is false and vain,
+  And meerly mortal dross;
+  So little is our loss,
+  So little is thy gain.
+  For when as each thing bad thou hast entomb'd,
+  And last of all, thy greedy self consum'd,                           10
+  Then long Eternity shall greet our bliss
+  With an individual kiss;
+  And Joy shall overtake us as a flood,
+  When every thing that is sincerely good
+  And perfectly divine,
+  With Truth, and Peace, and Love shall ever shine
+  About the supreme Throne
+  Of him, t'whose happy-making sight alone,
+  When once our heav'nly-guided soul shall clime,
+  Then all this Earthy grosnes quit,                                   20
+  Attir'd with Stars, we shall for ever sit,
+  Triumphing over Death, and Chance, and thee O Time.
+
+  Note: See the appendix for the manuscript version.
+
+
+
+
+UPON THE CIRCUMCISION.
+
+
+  YE flaming Powers, and winged Warriours bright,
+  That erst with Musick, and triumphant song
+  First heard by happy watchful Shepherds ear,
+  So sweetly sung your Joy the Clouds along
+  Through the soft silence of the list'ning night;
+  Now mourn, and if sad share with us to bear
+  Your fiery essence can distill no tear,
+  Burn in your sighs, and borrow
+  Seas wept from our deep sorrow,
+  He who with all Heav'ns heraldry whileare                            10
+  Enter'd the world, now bleeds to give us ease;
+  Alas, how soon our sin
+  Sore doth begin
+  His Infancy to sease!
+
+  O more exceeding love or law more just?
+  Just law indeed, but more exceeding love!
+  For we by rightfull doom remediles
+  Were lost in death, till he that dwelt above
+  High thron'd in secret bliss, for us frail dust
+  Emptied his glory, ev'n to nakednes;                                 20
+  And that great Cov'nant which we still transgress
+  Intirely satisfi'd,
+  And the full wrath beside
+  Of vengeful Justice bore for our excess,
+  And seals obedience first with wounding smart
+  This day, but O ere long
+  Huge pangs and strong
+  Will pierce more neer his heart.
+
+
+
+
+AT A SOLEMN MUSICK.
+
+
+  BLEST pair of Sirens, pledges of Heav'ns joy,
+  Sphear-born harmonious Sisters, Voice, and Vers,
+  Wed your divine sounds, and mixt power employ
+  Dead things with inbreath'd sense able to pierce,
+  And to our high-rais'd phantasie present,
+  That undisturbed Song of pure content,
+  Ay sung before the saphire-colour'd throne
+  To him that sits theron
+  With Saintly shout, and solemn Jubily,
+  Where the bright Seraphim in burning row                             10
+  Their loud up-lifted Angel trumpets blow,
+  And the Cherubick host in thousand quires
+  Touch their immortal Harps of golden wires,
+  With those just Spirits that wear victorious Palms,
+  Hymns devout and holy Psalms
+  Singing everlastingly;
+  That we on Earth with undiscording voice
+  May rightly answer that melodious noise;
+  As  once we did, till disproportion'd sin
+  Jarr'd against natures chime, and with harsh din                     20
+  The fair musick that all creatures made
+  To their great Lord, whose love their motion sway'd
+  In perfect Diapason, whilst they stood
+  In first obedience, and their state of good.
+  O may we soon again renew that Song,
+  And keep in tune with Heav'n, till God ere long
+  To his celestial consort us unite,
+  To live with him, and sing in endles morn of light.
+
+  Note: 6 content]  Manuscript reads concent as does the Second
+  Edition; so that content is probably a misprint.
+
+
+
+
+AN EPITAPH ON THE MARCHIONESS OF WINCHESTER.
+
+
+  THIS rich Marble doth enterr
+  The honour'd Wife of Winchester,
+  A Vicounts daughter, an Earls heir,
+  Besides what her vertues fair
+  Added to her noble birth,
+  More then she could own from Earth.
+  Summers three times eight save one
+  She had told, alas too soon,
+  After so short time of breath,
+  To house with darknes, and with death.                               10
+  Yet had the number of her days
+  Bin as compleat as was her praise,
+  Nature and fate had had no strife
+  In giving limit to her life.
+  Her high birth, and her graces sweet,
+  Quickly found a lover meet;
+  The Virgin quire for her request
+  The God that sits at marriage feast;
+  He at their invoking came
+  But with a scarce-wel-lighted flame;                                 20
+  And in his Garland as he stood,
+  Ye might discern a Cipress bud.
+  Once had the early Matrons run
+  To greet her of a lovely son,
+  And now with second hope she goes,
+  And calls Lucina to her throws;
+  But whether by mischance or blame
+  Atropos for Lucina came;
+  And with remorsles cruelty,
+  Spoil'd at once both fruit and tree:                                 30
+  The haples Babe before his birth
+  Had burial, yet not laid in earth,
+  And the languisht Mothers Womb
+  Was not long a living Tomb.
+  So have I seen som tender slip
+  Sav'd with care from Winters nip,
+  The pride of her carnation train,
+  Pluck't up by som unheedy swain,
+  Who onely thought to crop the flowr
+  New shot up from vernall showr;                                      40
+  But the fair blossom hangs the head
+  Side-ways as on a dying bed,
+  And those Pearls of dew she wears,
+  Prove to be presaging tears
+  Which the sad morn had let fall
+  On her hast'ning funerall.
+  Gentle Lady may thy grave
+  Peace and quiet ever have;
+  After this thy travail sore
+  Sweet rest sease thee evermore,                                      50
+  That to give the world encrease,
+  Shortned hast thy own lives lease;
+  Here besides the sorrowing
+  That thy noble House doth bring,
+  Here be tears of perfect moan
+  Weept for thee in Helicon,
+  And som Flowers, and som Bays,
+  For thy Hears to strew the ways,
+  Sent thee from the banks of Came,
+  Devoted to thy vertuous name;                                        60
+  Whilst thou bright Saint high sit'st in glory,
+  Next her much like to thee in story,
+  That fair Syrian Shepherdess,
+  Who after yeers of barrennes,
+  The highly favour'd Joseph bore
+  To him that serv'd for her before,
+  And at her next birth much like thee,
+  Through pangs fled to felicity,
+  Far within the boosom bright
+  of blazing Majesty and Light,                                        70
+  There with thee, new welcom Saint,
+  Like fortunes may her soul acquaint,
+  With thee there clad in radiant sheen,
+  No Marchioness, but now a Queen.
+
+
+
+
+SONG ON MAY MORNING.
+
+
+  Now the bright morning Star, Dayes harbinger,
+  Comes dancing from the East, and leads with her
+  The Flowry May, who from her green lap throws
+  The yellow Cowslip, and the pale Primrose.
+  Hail bounteous May that dost inspire
+  Mirth and youth, and warm desire,
+  Woods and Groves, are of thy dressing,
+  Hill and Dale, doth boast thy blessing.
+  Thus we salute thee with our early Song,
+  And welcom thee, and wish thee long.                                 10
+
+
+
+
+ON SHAKESPEAR.  1630.
+
+
+  WHAT needs my Shakespear for his honour'd Bones,
+  The labour of an age in piled Stones,
+  Or that his hallow'd reliques should be hid
+  Under a Star-ypointing Pyramid?
+  Dear son of memory, great heir of Fame,
+  What need'st thou such weak witnes of thy name?
+  Thou in our wonder and astonishment
+  Hast built thy self a live-long Monument.
+  For whilst to th'shame of slow-endeavouring art,
+  Thy easie numbers flow, and that each heart                          10
+  Hath from the Leaves of thy unvalu'd Book,
+  Those Delphick lines with deep impression took,
+  Then thou our fancy of it self bereaving,
+  Dost make us Marble with too much conceaving;
+  And so Sepulcher'd in such pomp dost lie,
+  That Kings for such a Tomb would wish to die.
+
+  Notes: On Shakespear.  Reprinted 1632 in the second folio
+  Shakespeare:
+  Title] An epitaph on the admirable dramaticke poet W.
+  Shakespeare
+  1 needs] neede
+  6 weak] dull
+  8 live-long] lasting
+  10 heart] part
+  13 it] her
+
+
+
+
+ON THE UNIVERSITY CARRIER WHO SICKN'D IN THE TIME OF HIS
+  VACANCY, BEING FORBID TO GO TO LONDON, BY REASON OF THE
+  PLAGUE.
+
+
+  HERE lies old Hobson, Death hath broke his girt,
+  And here alas, hath laid him in the dirt,
+  Or els the ways being foul, twenty to one,
+  He's here stuck in a slough, and overthrown.
+  'Twas such a shifter, that if truth were known,
+  Death was half glad when he had got him down;
+  For he had any time this ten yeers full,
+  Dodg'd with him, betwixt Cambridge and the Bull.
+  And surely, Death could never have prevail'd,
+  Had not his weekly cours of carriage fail'd;                         10
+  But lately finding him so long at home,
+  And thinking now his journeys end was come,
+  And that he had tane up his latest Inne,
+  In the kind office of a Chamberlin
+  Shew'd him his room where he must lodge that night,
+  Pull'd off his Boots, and took away the light:
+  If any ask for him, it shall be sed,
+  Hobson has supt, and 's newly gon to bed.
+
+
+
+
+ANOTHER ON THE SAME.
+
+
+  HERE lieth one who did most truly prove,
+  That he could never die while he could move,
+  So hung his destiny never to rot
+  While he might still jogg on, and keep his trot,
+  Made of sphear-metal, never to decay
+  Untill his revolution was at stay.
+  Time numbers motion, yet (without a crime
+  'Gainst old truth) motion number'd out his time:
+  And like an Engin mov'd with wheel and waight,
+  His principles being ceast, he ended strait.                         10
+  Rest that gives all men life, gave him his death,
+  And too much breathing put him out of breath;
+  Nor were it contradiction to affirm
+  Too long vacation hastned on his term.
+  Meerly to drive the time away he sickn'd,
+  Fainted, and died, nor would with Ale be quickn'd;
+  Nay, quoth he, on his swooning bed out-stretch'd,
+  If I may not carry, sure Ile ne're be fetch'd,
+  But vow though the cross Doctors all stood hearers,
+  For one Carrier put down to make six bearers.                        20
+  Ease was his chief disease, and to judge right,
+  He di'd for heavines that his Cart went light,
+  His leasure told him that his time was com,
+  And lack of load, made his life burdensom
+  That even to his last breath (ther be that say't)
+  As he were prest to death, he cry'd more waight;
+  But had his doings lasted as they were,
+  He had bin an immortall Carrier.
+  Obedient to the Moon he spent his date
+  In cours reciprocal, and had his fate                                30
+  Linkt to the mutual flowing of the Seas,
+  Yet (strange to think) his wain was his increase:
+  His Letters are deliver'd all and gon,
+  Onely remains this superscription.
+
+
+
+
+L'ALLEGRO.
+
+
+  HENCE loathed Melancholy
+  Of Cerberus, and blackest midnight born,
+  In Stygian Cave forlorn
+  'Mongst horrid shapes, and shreiks, and sights unholy,
+  Find out som uncouth cell,
+  Where brooding darknes spreads his jealous wings,
+  And the night-Raven sings;
+  There under Ebon shades and low-brow'd Rocks,
+  As ragged as thy Locks,
+  In dark Cimmerian desert ever dwell.                                 10
+  But com thou Goddes fair and free,
+  In Heav'n ycleap'd Euphrosyne,
+  And by men, heart-easing Mirth,
+  Whom lovely Venus at a birth
+  With two sister Graces more
+  To Ivy-crowned Bacchus bore;
+  Or whether (as som Sager sing)
+  The frolick Wind that breathes the Spring,
+  Zephir with Aurora playing,
+  As he met her once a Maying,                                         20
+  There on Beds of Violets blew,
+  And fresh-blown Roses washt in dew,
+  Fill'd her with thee a daughter fair,
+  So bucksom, blith, and debonair.
+  Haste thee nymph, and bring with thee
+  Jest and youthful Jollity,
+  Quips and Cranks, and wanton Wiles,
+  Nods, and Becks, and Wreathed Smiles,
+  Such as hang on Hebe's cheek,
+  And love to live in dimple sleek;                                    30
+  Sport that wrincled Care derides,
+  And Laughter holding both his sides.
+  Com, and trip it as ye go
+  On the light fantastick toe,
+  And in thy right hand lead with thee,
+  The Mountain Nymph, sweet Liberty;
+  And if I give thee honour due,
+  Mirth, admit me of thy crue
+  To live with her, and live with thee,
+  In unreproved pleasures free;                                        40
+  To hear the Lark begin his flight,
+  And singing startle the dull night,
+  From his watch-towre in the skies,
+  Till the dappled dawn doth rise;
+  Then to com in spight of sorrow,
+  And at my window bid good morrow,
+  Through the Sweet-Briar, or the Vine,
+  Or the twisted Eglantine.
+  While the Cock with lively din,
+  Scatters the rear of darknes thin,                                   50
+  And to the stack, or the Barn dore,
+  Stoutly struts his Dames before,
+  Oft list'ning how the Hounds and horn
+  Chearly rouse the slumbring morn,
+  From the side of som Hoar Hill,
+  Through the high wood echoing shrill.
+  Som time walking not unseen
+  By Hedge-row Elms, on Hillocks green,
+  Right against the Eastern gate,
+  Wher the great Sun begins his state,                                 60
+  Rob'd in flames, and Amber light,
+  The clouds in thousand Liveries dight.
+  While the Plowman neer at hand,
+  Whistles ore the Furrow'd Land,
+  And the Milkmaid singeth blithe,
+  And the Mower whets his sithe,
+  And every Shepherd tells his tale
+  Under the Hawthorn in the dale.
+  Streit mine eye hath caught new pleasures
+  Whilst the Lantskip round it measures,                               70
+  Russet Lawns, and Fallows Gray,
+  Where the nibling flocks do stray,
+  Mountains on whose barren brest
+  The labouring clouds do often rest:
+  Meadows trim with Daisies pide,
+  Shallow Brooks, and Rivers wide.
+  Towers, and Battlements it sees
+  Boosom'd high in tufted Trees,
+  Wher perhaps som beauty lies,
+  The Cynosure of neighbouring eyes.                                   80
+  Hard by, a Cottage chimney smokes,
+  From betwixt two aged Okes,
+  Where Corydon and Thyrsis met,
+  Are at their savory dinner set
+  Of Hearbs, and other Country Messes,
+  Which the neat-handed Phillis dresses;
+  And then in haste her Bowre she leaves,
+  With Thestylis to bind the Sheaves;
+  Or if the earlier season lead
+  To the tann'd Haycock in the Mead,                                   90
+  Som times with secure delight
+  The up-land Hamlets will invite,
+  When the merry Bells ring round,
+  And the jocond rebecks sound
+  To many a youth, and many a maid,
+  Dancing in the Chequer'd shade;
+  And young and old com forth to play
+  On a Sunshine Holyday,
+  Till the live-long day-light fail,
+  Then to the Spicy Nut-brown Ale,                                    100
+  With stories told of many a feat,
+  How Faery Mab the junkets eat,
+  She was pincht, and pull'd she sed,
+  And he by Friars Lanthorn led
+  Tells how the drudging Goblin swet,
+  To ern his Cream-bowle duly set,
+  When in one night, ere glimps of morn,
+  His shadowy Flale hath thresh'd the Corn
+  That ten day-labourers could not end,
+  Then lies him down the Lubbar Fend.                                 110
+  And stretch'd out all the Chimney's length,
+  Basks at the fire his hairy strength;
+  And Crop-full out of dores he flings,
+  Ere the first Cock his Mattin rings.
+  Thus don the Tales, to bed they creep,
+  By whispering Windes soon lull'd asleep.
+  Towred Cities please us then,
+  And the busie humm of men,
+  Where throngs of Knights and Barons bold,
+  In weeds of Peace high triumphs hold,                               120
+  With store of Ladies, whose bright eies
+  Rain influence, and judge the prise
+  Of Wit, or Arms, while both contend
+  To win her Grace, whom all commend.
+  There let Hymen oft appear
+  In Saffron robe, with Taper clear,
+  And pomp, and feast, and revelry,
+  With mask, and antique Pageantry,
+  Such sights as youthfull Poets dream
+  On Summer eeves by haunted stream.                                  130
+  Then to the well-trod stage anon,
+  If Jonsons learned Sock be on,
+  Or sweetest Shakespear fancies childe,
+  Warble his native Wood-notes wilde,
+  And ever against eating Cares,
+  Lap me in soft Lydian Aires,
+  Married to immortal verse
+  Such as the meeting soul may pierce
+  In notes, with many a winding bout
+  Of lincked sweetnes long drawn out,                                 140
+  With wanton heed, and giddy cunning,
+  The melting voice through mazes running;
+  Untwisting all the chains that ty
+  The hidden soul of harmony.
+  That Orpheus self may heave his head
+  From golden slumber on a bed
+  Of heapt Elysian flowres, and hear
+  Such streins as would have won the ear
+  Of Pluto, to have quite set free
+  His half regain'd Eurydice.                                         150
+  These delights, if thou canst give,
+  Mirth with thee, I mean to live.
+
+  Notes:
+  33 Ye] You 1673
+  104 And he by] And by the 1673
+
+
+
+
+IL PENSEROSO.
+
+
+  Hence vain deluding joyes,
+  The brood of folly without father bred,
+  How little you bested,
+  Or fill the fixed mind with all your toyes;
+  Dwell in som idle brain
+  And fancies fond with gaudy shapes possess,
+  As thick and numberless
+  As the gay motes that people the Sun Beams,
+  Or likest hovering dreams
+  The fickle Pensioners of Morpheus train.                             10
+  But hail thou Goddess, sage and holy,
+  Hail divinest Melancholy
+  Whose Saintly visage is too bright
+  To hit the Sense of human sight;
+  And therefore to our weaker view,
+  Ore laid with black staid Wisdoms hue.
+  Black, but such as in esteem,
+  Prince Memnons sister might beseem,
+  Or that Starr'd Ethiope Queen that strove
+  To set her beauties praise above                                     20
+  The Sea Nymphs, and their powers offended.
+  Yet thou art higher far descended,
+  Thee bright-hair'd Vesta long of yore,
+  To solitary Saturn bore;
+  His daughter she (in Saturns raign,
+  Such mixture was not held a stain)
+  Oft in glimmering Bowres, and glades
+  He met her, and in secret shades
+  Of woody Ida's inmost grove,
+  While yet there was no fear of Jove.                                 30
+  Com pensive Nun, devout and pure,
+  Sober, stedfast, and demure,
+  All in a robe of darkest grain,
+  Flowing with majestick train,
+  And sable stole of Cipres Lawn,
+  Over thy decent shoulders drawn.
+  Com, but keep thy wonted state,
+  With eev'n step, and musing gate,
+  And looks commercing with the skies,
+  Thy rapt soul sitting in thine eyes:                                 40
+  There held in holy passion still,
+  Forget thy self to Marble, till
+  With a sad Leaden downward cast,
+  Thou fix them on the earth as fast.
+  And joyn with thee calm Peace, and Quiet,
+  Spare Fast, that oft with gods doth diet,
+  And hears the Muses in a ring,
+  Ay round about Joves Altar sing.
+  And adde to these retired Leasure,
+  That in trim Gardens takes his pleasure;                             50
+  But first, and chiefest, with thee bring,
+  Him that yon soars on golden wing,
+  Guiding the fiery-wheeled throne,
+  The Cherub Contemplation,
+  And the mute Silence hist along,
+  'Less Philomel will daign a Song,
+  In her sweetest, saddest plight,
+  Smoothing the rugged brow of night,
+  While Cynthia checks her Dragon yoke,
+  Gently o're th'accustom'd Oke;                                       60
+  Sweet Bird that shunn'st the noise of folly
+  Most musical!, most melancholy!
+  Thee Chauntress oft the Woods among
+  I woo to hear thy eeven-Song;
+  And missing thee, I walk unseen
+  On the dry smooth-shaven Green,
+  To behold the wandring Moon,
+  Riding neer her highest noon,
+  Like one that had bin led astray
+  Through the Heav'ns wide pathles way;                                70
+  And oft, as if her head she bow'd,
+  Stooping through a fleecy cloud.
+  Oft on a Plat of rising ground,
+  I hear the far-off Curfeu sound,
+  Over som wide-water'd shoar,
+  Swinging slow with sullen roar;
+  Or if the Ayr will not permit,
+  Som still removed place will fit,
+  Where glowing Embers through the room
+  Teach light to counterfeit a gloom                                   80
+  Far from all resort of mirth,
+  Save the Cricket on the hearth,
+  Or the Belmans drowsie charm,
+  To bless the dores from nightly harm:
+  Or let my Lamp at midnight hour,
+  Be seen in som high lonely Towr,
+  Where I may oft out-watch the Bear,
+  With thrice great Hermes, or unsphear
+  The spirit of Plato to unfold
+  What Worlds, or what vast Regions hold                               90
+  The immortal mind that hath forsook
+  Her mansion in this fleshly nook:
+  And of those Daemons that are found
+  In fire, air, flood, or under ground,
+  Whose power hath a true consent
+  With planet or with Element.
+  Som time let Gorgeous Tragedy
+  In Scepter'd Pall com sweeping by,
+  Presenting Thebs, or Pelops line,
+  Or the tale of Troy divine.                                         100
+  Or what (though rare) of later age,
+  Ennobled hath the Buskind stage.
+  But, O sad Virgin, that thy power
+  Might raise Musaeus from his bower,
+  Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing
+  Such notes as warbled to the string,
+  Drew Iron tears down Pluto's cheek,
+  And made Hell grant what Love did seek.
+  Or call up him that left half told
+  The story of Cambuscan bold,                                        110
+  Of Camball, and of Algarsife,
+  And who had Canace to wife,
+  That own'd the vertuous Ring and Glass,
+  And of the wondrous Hors of Brass,
+  On which the Tartar King did ride;
+  And if ought els, great Bards beside,
+  In sage and solemn tunes have sung,
+  Of Turneys and of Trophies hung;
+  Of Forests, and inchantments drear,
+  Where more is meant then meets the ear.                             120
+  Thus night oft see me in thy pale career,
+  Till civil-suited Morn appeer,
+  Not trickt and frounc't as she was wont,
+  With the Attick Boy to hunt,
+  But Cherchef't in a comly Cloud,
+  While rocking Winds are Piping loud,
+  Or usher'd with a shower still,
+  When the gust hath blown his fill,
+  Ending on the russling Leaves,
+  With minute drops from off the Eaves.                               130
+  And when the Sun begins to fling
+  His flaring beams, me Goddes bring
+  To arched walks of twilight groves,
+  And shadows brown that Sylvan loves
+  Of Pine, or monumental Oake,
+  Where the rude Ax with heaved stroke,
+  Was never heard the Nymphs to daunt,
+  Or fright them from their hallow'd haunt.
+  There in close covert by som Brook,
+  Where no profaner eye may look,                                     140
+  Hide me from Day's garish eie,
+  While the Bee with Honied thie,
+  That at her flowry work doth sing,
+  And the Waters murmuring
+  With such consort as they keep,
+  Entice the dewy-feather'd Sleep;
+  And let som strange mysterious dream,
+  Wave at his Wings in Airy stream,
+  Of lively portrature display'd,
+  Softly on my eye-lids laid.                                         150
+  And as I wake, sweet musick breath
+  Above, about, or underneath,
+  Sent by som spirit to mortals good,
+  Or th'unseen Genius of the Wood.
+  But let my due feet never fail,
+  To walk the studious Cloysters pale,
+  And love the high embowed Roof
+  With antick Pillars massy proof,
+  And storied Windows richly dight,
+  Casting a dimm religious light.                                     160
+  There let the pealing Organ blow,
+  To the full voic'd Quire below,
+  In Service high, and Anthems cleer,
+  As may with sweetnes, through mine ear,
+  Dissolve me into extasies,
+  And bring all Heav'n before mine eyes.
+  And may at last my weary age
+  Find out the peacefull hermitage,
+  The Hairy Gown and Mossy Cell,
+  Where I may sit and rightly spell                                   170
+  Of every Star that Heav'n doth shew,
+  And every Herb that sips the dew;
+  Till old  experience do attain
+  To somthing like prophetic strain.
+  These pleasures Melancholy give,
+  And I with thee will choose to live.
+
+
+
+
+SONNETS.
+
+
+  I
+
+  O Nightingale, that on yon bloomy Spray
+  Warbl'st at eeve, when all the Woods are still,
+  Thou with fresh hope the Lovers heart dost fill,
+  While the jolly hours lead on propitious May,
+  Thy liquid notes that close the eye of Day,
+  First heard before the shallow Cuccoo's bill
+  Portend success in love; O if Jove's will
+  Have linkt that amorous power to thy soft lay,
+  Now timely sing, ere the rude Bird of Hate
+  Foretell my hopeles doom in som Grove ny:                            10
+  As thou from yeer to yeer hast sung too late
+  For my relief; yet hadst no reason why,
+  Whether the Muse, or Love call thee his mate,
+  Both them I serve, and of their train am I.
+
+  II
+
+  Donna leggiadra il cui bel nome honora
+  L'herbosa val di Rheno, e il nobil varco,
+  Ben e colui d'ogni valore scarco
+  Qual tuo spirto gentil non innamora,
+  Che dolcemente mostra si di fuora
+  De suoi atti soavi giamai parco,
+  E i don', che son d'amor saette ed arco,
+  La onde l' alta tua virtu s'infiora.
+  Quando tu vaga parli, O lieta canti
+  Che mover possa duro alpestre legno,                                 10
+  Guardi ciascun a gli occhi ed a gli orecchi
+  L'entrata, chi di te si truova indegno;
+  Gratia sola di su gli vaglia, inanti
+  Che'l disio amoroso al cuor s'invecchi.
+
+  III
+
+  Qual in colle aspro, al imbrunir di sera
+  L'avezza giovinetta pastorella
+  Va bagnando l'herbetta strana e bella
+  Che mal si spande a disusata spera
+  Fuor di sua natia alma primavera,
+  Cosi Amor meco insu la lingua snella
+  Desta il fior novo di strania favella,
+  Mentre io di te, vezzosamente altera,
+  Canto, dal mio buon popol non inteso
+  E'l bel Tamigi cangio col bel Arno                                   10
+  Amor lo volse, ed io a l'altrui peso
+  Seppi ch' Amor cosa mai volse indarno.
+  Deh!  foss' il mio cuor lento e'l duro seno
+  A chi pianta dal ciel si buon terreno.
+
+  Canzone.
+
+  Ridonsi donne e giovani amorosi
+  M' occostandosi attorno, e perche scrivi,
+  Perche tu scrivi in lingua ignota e strana
+  Verseggiando d'amor, e come t'osi?
+  Dinne, se la tua speme sia mai vana
+  E de pensieri lo miglior t' arrivi;
+  Cosi mi van burlando, altri rivi
+  Altri lidi t' aspettan, & altre onde
+  Nelle cui verdi sponde
+  Spuntati ad hor, ad hor a la tua chioma                              10
+  L'immortal guiderdon d 'eterne frondi
+  Perche alle spalle tue soverchia soma?
+  Canzon dirotti, e tu per me rispondi
+  Dice mia Donna, e'l suo dir, e il mio cuore
+  Questa e lingua di cui si vanta Amore.
+
+  IV
+
+  Diodati, e te'l diro con maraviglia,
+  Quel ritroso io ch'amor spreggiar solea
+  E de suoi lacci spesso mi ridea
+  Gia caddi, ov'huom dabben talhor s'impiglia.
+  Ne treccie d'oro, ne guancia vermiglia
+  M' abbaglian si, ma sotto nova idea
+  Pellegrina bellezza che'l cuor bea,
+  Portamenti alti honesti, e nelle ciglia
+  Quel sereno fulgor d' amabil nero,
+  Parole adorne di lingua piu d'una,                                   10
+  E'l cantar che di mezzo l'hemispero
+  Traviar ben puo la faticosa Luna,
+  E degil occhi suoi auventa si gran fuoco
+  Che l 'incerar gli oreechi mi fia poco.
+
+  V
+
+  Per certo i bei vostr'occhi Donna mia
+  Esser non puo che non fian lo mio sole
+  Si mi percuoton forte, come ci suole
+  Per l'arene di Libia chi s'invia,
+  Mentre un caldo vapor (ne senti pria)
+  Da quel lato si spinge ove mi duole,
+  Che forsi amanti nelle lor parole
+  Chiaman sospir; io non so che si sia:
+  Parte rinchiusa, e turbida si cela
+  Scosso mi il petto, e poi n'uscendo poco                             10
+  Quivi d' attorno o s'agghiaccia, o s'ingiela;
+  Ma quanto a gli occhi giunge a trovar loco
+  Tutte le notti a me suol far piovose
+  Finche mia Alba rivien colma di rose.
+
+  VI
+
+  Giovane piano, e semplicetto amante
+  Poi che fuggir me stesso in dubbio sono,
+  Madonna a voi del mio cuor l'humil dono
+  Faro divoto; io certo a prove tante
+  L'hebbi fedele, intrepido, costante,
+  De pensieri leggiadro, accorto, e buono;
+  Quando rugge il gran mondo, e scocca il tuono,
+  S 'arma di se, e d' intero diamante,
+  Tanto del forse, e d' invidia sicuro,
+  Di timori, e speranze al popol use                                   10
+  Quanto d'ingegno, e d' alto valor vago,
+  E di cetra sonora, e delle muse:
+  Sol troverete in tal parte men duro
+  Ove amor mise l 'insanabil ago.
+
+  VII
+  How soon hath Time the suttle theef of youth,
+  Stoln on his wing my three and twentith yeer!
+  My hasting dayes flie on with full career,
+  But my late spring no bud or blossom shew'th,
+  Perhaps my semblance might deceive the truth,
+  That I to manhood am arriv'd so near,
+  And inward ripenes doth much less appear,
+  That som more timely-happy spirits indu'th.
+  Yet be it less or more, or soon or slow.
+  It shall be still in strictest measure eev'n,                        10
+  To that same lot, however mean, or high,
+  Toward which Time leads me, and the will of Heav'n;
+  All is, if I have grace to use it so,
+  As ever in my great task Masters eye.
+
+
+  VIII
+
+  Captain or Colonel, or Knight in Arms,
+  Whose chance on these defenceless dores may sease,
+  If ever deed of honour did thee please,
+  Guard them, and him within protect from harms,
+  He can requite thee, for he knows the charms
+  That call Fame on such gentle acts as these,
+  And he can spred thy Name o're Lands and Seas,
+  What ever clime the Suns bright circle warms.
+  Lift not thy spear against the Muses Bowre,
+  The great Emathian Conqueror bid spare                               10
+  The house of Pindarus, when Temple and Towre
+  Went to the ground: And the repeated air
+  Of sad Electra's Poet had the power
+  To save th' Athenian Walls from ruine bare.
+
+  Notes:
+  Camb. autograph supplies title, When the assault was intended
+  to the city.
+  3 If deed of honour did thee ever please,  1673.
+
+  IX
+
+  Lady that in the prime of earliest youth,
+  Wisely hath shun'd the broad way and the green,
+  And with those few art eminently seen,
+  That labour up the Hill of heav'nly Truth,
+  The better part with Mary and with Ruth,
+  Chosen thou hast, and they that overween,
+  And at thy growing vertues fret their spleen,
+  No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth.
+  Thy care is fixt and zealously attends
+  To fill thy odorous Lamp with deeds of light,
+  And Hope that reaps not shame.  Therefore be sure
+  Thou, when the Bridegroom with his feastfull friends
+  Passes to bliss at the mid hour of night,
+  Hast gain'd thy entrance, Virgin wise and pure.
+
+  Note: 5 with Ruth] the Ruth  1645.
+
+  X
+
+  Daughter to that good Earl, once President
+  Of Englands Counsel, and her Treasury,
+  Who liv'd in both, unstain'd with gold or fee,
+  And left them both, more in himself content,
+  Till the sad breaking of that Parlament
+  Broke him, as that dishonest victory
+  At Chaeronea, fatal to liberty
+  Kil'd with report that Old man eloquent,
+  Though later born, then to have known the dayes
+  Wherin your Father flourisht, yet by you                             10
+  Madam, me thinks I see him living yet;
+  So well your words his noble vertues praise,
+  That all both judge you to relate them true,
+  And to possess them, Honour'd Margaret.
+
+  Note: Camb. autograph supplies title, To the Lady Margaret
+  Ley.
+
+
+
+
+ARCADES.
+
+
+  Part of an entertainment presented to the Countess Dowager of
+  Darby at Harefield, by som Noble persons of her Family, who
+  appear on the Scene in pastoral habit, moving toward the seat
+  of State with this Song.
+
+  I. SONG.
+
+  LOOK Nymphs, and Shepherds look,
+  What sudden blaze of majesty
+  Is that which we from hence descry
+  Too divine to be mistook:
+  This this is she
+  To whom our vows and wishes bend,
+  Heer our solemn search hath end.
+
+  Fame that her high worth to raise,
+  Seem'd erst so lavish and profuse,
+  We may justly now accuse                                             10
+  Of detraction from her praise,
+  Less then half we find exprest,
+  Envy bid conceal the rest.
+
+  Mark what radiant state she spreds,
+  In circle round her shining throne,
+  Shooting her beams like silver threds,
+  This this is she alone,
+  Sitting like a Goddes bright,
+  In the center of her light.
+  Might she the wise Latona be,                                        20
+  Or the towred Cybele,
+  Mother of a hunderd gods;
+  Juno dare's not give her odds;
+  Who had thought this clime had held
+  A deity so unparalel'd?
+
+  As they com forward, the genius of the Wood appears, and
+  turning toward them, speaks.
+
+  GEN. Stay gentle Swains, for though in this disguise,
+  I see bright honour sparkle through your eyes,
+  Of famous Arcady ye are, and sprung
+  Of that renowned flood, so often sung,
+  Divine Alpheus, who by secret sluse,                                 30
+  Stole under Seas to meet his Arethuse;
+  And ye the breathing Roses of the Wood,
+  Fair silver-buskind Nymphs as great and good,
+  I know this quest of yours, and free intent
+  Was all in honour and devotion ment
+  To the great Mistres of yon princely shrine,
+  Whom with low reverence I adore as mine,
+  And with all helpful service will comply
+  To further this nights glad solemnity;
+  And lead ye where ye may more neer behold                            40
+  What shallow-searching Fame hath left untold;
+  Which I full oft amidst these shades alone
+  Have sate to wonder at, and gaze upon:
+  For know by lot from Jove I am the powr
+  Of this fair wood, and live in Oak'n bowr,
+  To nurse the Saplings tall, and curl the grove
+  With Ringlets quaint, and wanton windings wove.
+  And all my Plants I save from nightly ill,
+  Of noisom winds, and blasting vapours chill.
+  And from the Boughs brush off the evil dew,                          50
+  And heal the harms of thwarting thunder blew,
+  Or what the cross dire-looking Planet smites,
+  Or hurtfull Worm with canker'd venom bites.
+  When Eev'ning gray doth rise, I fetch my round
+  Over the mount, and all this hallow'd ground,
+  And early ere the odorous breath of morn
+  Awakes the slumbring leaves, or tasseld horn
+  Shakes the high thicket, haste I all about,
+  Number my ranks, and visit every sprout
+  With puissant words, and murmurs made to bless,                      60
+  But els in deep of night when drowsines
+  Hath lockt up mortal sense, then listen I
+  To the celestial Sirens harmony,
+  That sit upon the nine enfolded Sphears,
+  And sing to those that hold the vital shears,
+  And turn the Adamantine spindle round,
+  On which the fate of gods and men is wound.
+  Such sweet compulsion doth in musick ly,
+  To lull the daughters of Necessity,
+  And keep unsteddy Nature to her law,                                 70
+  And the low world in measur'd motion draw
+  After the heavenly tune, which none can hear
+  Of human mould with grosse unpurged ear;
+  And yet such musick worthiest were to blaze
+  The peerles height of her immortal praise,
+  Whose lustre leads us, and for her most fit,
+  If my inferior hand or voice could hit
+  Inimitable sounds, yet as we go,
+  What ere the skill of lesser gods can show,
+  I will assay, her worth to celebrate,                                80
+  And so attend ye toward her glittering state;
+  Where ye may all that are of noble stemm
+  Approach, and kiss her sacred vestures hemm.
+
+
+  2. SONG.
+
+  O're the smooth enameld green
+  Where no print of step hath been,
+  Follow me as I sing,
+  And touch the warbled string.
+  Under the shady roof
+  Of branching Elm Star-proof,
+  Follow me,                                                           90
+  I will bring you where she sits
+  Clad in splendor as befits
+  Her deity.
+  Such a rural Queen
+  All Arcadia hath not seen.
+
+
+  3. SONG.
+
+  Nymphs and Shepherds dance no more
+  By sandy Ladons Lillied banks.
+  On old Lycaeus or Cyllene hoar,
+  Trip no more in twilight ranks,
+  Though Erynanth your loss deplore,                                  100
+  A better soyl shall give ye thanks.
+  From the stony Maenalus,
+  Bring your Flocks, and live with us,
+  Here ye shall have greater grace,
+  To serve the Lady of this place.
+  Though Syrinx your Pans Mistres were,
+  Yet Syrinx well might wait on her.
+  Such a rural Queen
+  All Arcadia hath not seen.
+
+  Note: 22 hunderd]  Milton's own spelling here is hundred.  But in
+  the Errata to Paradise Lost (i. 760) he corrects hundred to hunderd.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note: Facsimile of Title page of Lycidas follows:
+
+
+                             JUSTA
+                         EDOVARDO KING
+                           naufrago,
+                               ab
+                      Amicis Moerentibus,
+                             amoris
+                               &
+                         mneias chaein
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+         Sirecte calculam ponas, ubique naufragium est.
+                           Pet. Arb.
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                         CANTABRIGIAE:
+        Apud Thomam Buck, & Rogerum Daniel, celeberrimae
+                 Academiae typographos.  1638.
+
+
+
+
+LYCIDAS.
+
+
+  In this Monody the Author bewails a learned Friend,
+  unfortunatly drown'd in his Passage from Chester on the Irish
+  Seas, 1637.  And by occasion foretels the ruine of our
+  corrupted Clergy then in their height.
+
+  YET once more, O ye Laurels, and once more
+  Ye Myrtles brown, with Ivy never-sear,
+  I com to pluck your Berries harsh and crude,
+  And with forc'd fingers rude,
+  Shatter your leaves before the mellowing year.
+  Bitter constraint, and sad occasion dear,
+  Compels me to disturb your season due:
+  For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime
+  Young Lycidas, and hath not left his peer:
+  Who would not sing for Lycidas? he knew
+  Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme.                          10
+  He must not flote upon his watry bear
+  Unwept, and welter to the parching wind,
+  Without the meed of som melodious tear.
+
+  Begin then, Sisters of the sacred well,
+  That from beneath the seat of Jove doth spring,
+  Begin, and somwhat loudly sweep the string.
+  Hence with denial vain, and coy excuse,
+  So may som gentle Muse
+  With lucky words favour my destin'd Urn,                             20
+  And as he passes turn,
+  And bid fair peace be to my sable shrowd.
+  For we were nurst upon the self-same hill,
+  Fed the same flock by fountain, shade, and rill.
+
+  Together both, ere the high Lawns appear'd
+  Under the opening eye-lids of the morn,
+  We drove a field and both together heard
+  What time the Gray-fly winds her sultry horn,
+  Batt'ning our flocks with the fresh dews of night,
+  Oft till the Star that rose, at Ev'ning, bright                      30
+  Toward Heav'ns descent had slop'd his westering wheel.
+  Mean while the Rural ditties were not mute,
+  Temper'd to th'Oaten Flute;
+  Rough Satyrs danc'd, and Fauns with clov'n heel,
+  From the glad sound would not be absent long,
+  And old Damoetas lov'd to hear our song.
+
+  But O the heavy change, now thou art gon,
+  Now thou art gon, and never must return!
+  Thee Shepherd, thee the Woods, and desert Caves,
+  With wilde Thyme and the gadding Vine o'regrown,                     40
+  And all their echoes mourn.
+  The Willows, and the Hazle Copses green,
+  Shall now no more be seen,
+  Fanning their joyous Leaves to thy soft layes.
+  As killing as the Canker to the Rose,
+  Or Taint-worm to the weanling Herds that graze,
+  Or Frost to Flowers, that their gay wardrop wear,
+  When first the White thorn blows;
+  Such, Lycidas, thy loss to Shepherds ear.
+
+  Where were ye Nymphs when the remorseless deep                       50
+  Clos'd o're the head of your lov'd Lycidas?
+  For neither were ye playing on the steep,
+  Where your old Bards, the famous Druids ly,
+  Nor on the shaggy top of Mona high,
+  Nor yet where Deva spreads her wisard stream:
+  Ay me, I fondly dream!
+  Had ye bin there--for what could that have don?
+  What could the Muse her self that Orpheus bore,
+  The Muse her self, for her inchanting son
+  Whom Universal nature did lament,                                    60
+  When by the rout that made the hideous roar,
+  His goary visage down the stream was sent,
+  Down the swift Hebrus to the Lesbian shore.
+
+  Alas! What boots it with uncessant care
+  To tend the homely slighted Shepherds trade,
+  And strictly meditate the thankles Muse,
+  Were it not better don as others use,
+  To sport with Amaryllis in the shade,
+  Or with the tangles of Neaera's hair?
+  Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise                    70
+  (That last infirmity of Noble mind)
+  To scorn delights, and live laborious dayes:
+  But the fair Guerdon when we hope to find,
+  And think to burst out into sudden blaze.
+  Comes the blind Fury with th'abhorred shears,
+  And slits the thin spun life.  But not the praise,
+  Phoebus repli'd, and touch'd my trembling ears;
+  Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil,
+  Nor in the glistering foil
+  Set off to th'world, nor in broad rumour lies,                       80
+  But lives and spreds aloft by those pure eyes,
+  And perfet witnes of all judging Jove;
+  As he pronounces lastly on each deed,
+  Of so much fame in Heav'n expect thy meed.
+
+  O Fountain Arethuse, and thou honour'd floud,
+  Smooth-sliding Mincius, crown'd with vocall reeds,
+  That strain I heard was of a higher mood:
+  But now my Oate proceeds,
+  And listens to the Herald of the Sea
+  That came in Neptune's plea,                                         90
+  He ask'd the Waves, and ask'd the Fellon winds,
+  What hard mishap hath doom'd this gentle swain?
+  And question'd every gust of rugged wings
+  That blows from off each beaked Promontory,
+  They knew not of his story,
+  And sage Hippotades their answer brings,
+  That not a blast was from his dungeon stray'd,
+  The Ayr was calm, and on the level brine,
+  Sleek Panope with all her sisters play'd.
+  It was that fatall and perfidious Bark                              100
+  Built in th'eclipse, and rigg'd with curses dark,
+  That sunk so low that sacred head of thine.
+
+  Next Camus, reverend Sire, went footing slow,
+  His Mantle hairy, and his Bonnet sedge,
+  Inwrought with figures dim, and on the edge
+  Like to that sanguine flower inscrib'd with woe.
+  Ah; Who hath reft (quoth he) my dearest pledge?
+  Last came, and last did go,
+  The Pilot of the Galilean lake,
+  Two massy Keyes he bore of metals twain,                            110
+  (The Golden opes, the Iron shuts amain)
+  He shook his Miter'd locks, and stern bespake,
+  How well could I have spar'd for thee, young swain,
+  Anow of such as for their bellies sake,
+  Creep and intrude, and climb into the fold?
+  Of other care they little reck'ning make,
+  Then how to scramble at the shearers feast,
+  And shove away the worthy bidden guest.
+  Blind mouthes! that scarce themselves know how to hold
+  A Sheep-hook, or have learn'd ought els the least                   120
+  That to the faithfull Herdmans art belongs!
+  What recks it them? What need they? They are sped;
+  And when they list, their lean and flashy songs
+  Grate on their scrannel Pipes of wretched straw,
+  The hungry Sheep look up, and are not fed,
+  But swoln with wind, and the rank mist they draw,
+  Rot inwardly, and foul contagion spread:
+  Besides what the grim Woolf with privy paw
+  Daily devours apace, and nothing sed,
+  But that two-handed engine at the door,                             130
+  Stands ready to smite once, and smite no more.
+
+  Return Alpheus, the dread voice is past,
+  That shrunk thy streams; Return Sicilian Muse,
+  And call the Vales, and bid them hither cast
+  Their Bels, and Flourets of a thousand hues.
+  Ye valleys low where the milde whispers use,
+  Of shades and wanton winds, and gushing brooks,
+  On whose fresh lap the swart Star sparely looks,
+  Throw hither all your quaint enameld eyes,
+  That on the green terf suck the honied showres,                     140
+  And purple all the ground with vernal flowres.
+  Bring the rathe Primrose that forsaken dies.
+  The tufted Crow-toe, and pale Gessamine,
+  The white Pink, and the Pansie freakt with jeat,
+  The glowing Violet.
+  The Musk-rose, and the well attir'd Woodbine.
+  With Cowslips wan that hang the pensive hed,
+  And every flower that sad embroidery wears:
+  Bid Amaranthus all his beauty shed,
+  And daffadillies fill their cups with tears,                            150
+  And strew the Laureat Herse where Lycid lies.
+  For so to interpose a little ease,
+  Let our frail thoughts dally with false surmise.
+  Ah me! Whilst thee the shores, and sounding Seas
+  Wash far away, where ere thy bones are hurl'd
+  Whether beyond the stormy Hebrides.
+  Where thou perhaps under the whelming tide
+  Visit'st the bottom of the monstrous world;
+  Or whether thou to our moist vows deny'd,
+  Sleep'st by the fable of Bellerus old,                              160
+  Where the great vision of the guarded Mount
+  Looks toward Namancos and Bayona's hold;
+  Look homeward Angel now, and melt with ruth.
+  And, O ye Dolphins, waft the haples youth.
+
+  Weep no more, woful Shepherds weep no more,
+  For Lycidas your sorrow is not dead,
+  Sunk though he be beneath the watry floar,
+  So sinks the day-star in the Ocean bed,
+  And yet anon repairs his drooping head,
+  And tricks his beams, and with new spangled Ore,                    170
+  Flames in the forehead of the morning sky:
+  So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high,
+  Through the dear might of him that walk'd the waves
+  Where other groves, and other streams along,
+  With Nectar pure his oozy Lock's he laves,
+  And hears the unexpressive nuptiall Song,
+  In the blest Kingdoms meek of joy and love.
+  There entertain him all the Saints above,
+  In solemn troops, and sweet Societies
+  That sing, and singing in their glory move,                         180
+  And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes.
+  Now Lycidas the Shepherds weep no more;
+  Hence forth thou art the Genius of the shore,
+  In thy large recompense and shalt be good
+  To all that wander in that perilous flood.
+
+  Thus sang the uncouth Swain to th'Okes and rills,
+  While the still morn went out with Sandals gray,
+  He touch'd the tender stops of various Quills,
+  With eager thought warbling his Dorick lay:
+  And now the Sun had stretch'd out all the hills,                    190
+  And now was dropt into the Western bay;
+  At last he rose, and twitch'd his Mantle blew:
+  To morrow to fresh Woods, and Pastures new.
+
+  Notes:
+   64  uncessant] Manuscript reads incessant, so that uncessant
+  is probably a misprint; though that spelling is retained in the Second
+  Edition.
+   82  perfet] So in Comus, line 203. In both these places
+  the manuscript has perfect, as elsewhere where the word occurs. In
+  the Solemn Music, line 23, where the First Edition reads perfect,
+  the second reads perfet.
+  149 Amaranthus] Amarantus
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note: Facsimile of Title page of Comus follows:
+
+                            A MASKE
+                           PRESENTED
+                       At Ludlow Castle,
+                             1634:
+
+                On Michalemasse night, before the
+                        RIGHT HONORABLE,
+          IOHN Earle of Bridgewater, Viscount Brackly,
+              Lord President of WALES, and one of
+                 His MAIESTIES most honorable
+                        Privie Counsell.
+
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+     Eheu quid volui misero mihi! floribus austrum
+     Perditus ------------------
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+
+                            LONDON
+                 Printed for HYMPHREY ROBINSON
+             at the signe of the Three Pidgeons in
+                   Pauls Church-yard.  1637.
+
+
+
+
+To the Right Honourable, John Lord Vicount Bracly, Son and
+  Heir apparent to the Earl of Bridgewater, &c.
+
+
+  My LORD,
+
+  This Poem, which receiv'd its first occasion of Birth from your
+  Self, and others of your Noble Family, and much honour from
+  your own Person in the performance, now returns again to
+  make a finall Dedication of it self to you.  Although not openly
+  acknowledg'd by the Author, yet it is a legitimate off-spring, so
+  lovely, and so much desired, that the often Copying of it hath
+  tired my Pen to give my several friends satisfaction, and brought
+  me to a necessity of producing it to the publike view; and now
+  to offer it up in all rightfull devotion to those fair Hopes, and
+  rare endowments of your much-promising Youth, which give a
+  full assurance, to all that know you, of a future excellence.  Live
+  sweet Lord to be the honour of your Name, and receive this as
+  your own, from the hands of him, who hath by many favours
+  been long oblig'd to your most honour'd Parents, and as in this
+  representation your attendant Thyrsis, so now in all reall
+  expression
+
+  Your faithfull, and most humble Servant
+
+  H. LAWES.
+
+
+  Note: Dedication to Vicount Bracly: Omitted in 1673.
+
+
+
+
+The Copy of a Letter writt'n by Sir HENRY WOOTTON, to
+  the Author, upon the following Poem.
+
+
+  From the Colledge, this 13. of April, 1638.
+
+  SIR,
+  It was a special favour, when you lately bestowed upon me
+  here, the first taste of your acquaintance, though no longer then
+  to make me know that I wanted more time to value it, and  to
+  enjoy it rightly; and in truth, if  I could then have imagined your
+  farther stay in these parts, which I understood afterwards by
+  Mr. H. I would have been bold in our vulgar phrase to mend my
+  draught (for you left me with an extreme thirst) and to have
+  begged your conversation again, joyntly with your said learned
+  Friend, at a poor meal or two, that we might have banded
+  together som good Authors of the antient time: Among which, I
+  observed you to have been familiar.
+
+  Since your going, you have charg'd me with new Obligations,
+  both for a very kinde Letter from you dated the sixth of this
+  Month, and for a dainty peece of entertainment which came
+  therwith.  Wherin I should much commend the Tragical part, if
+  the Lyrical did not ravish me with a certain Dorique delicacy in
+  your Songs and Odes, wherunto I must plainly confess to have
+  seen yet nothing parallel in our Language: Ipsa mollities.
+  But I must not omit to tell you, that I now onely owe you
+  thanks for intimating unto me (how modestly soever) the true
+  Artificer. For the work it self I had view'd som good while
+  before, with singular delight, having receiv'd it from our
+  common Friend Mr. R. in the very close of the late R's Poems,
+  Printed at Oxford, wherunto it was added (as I now suppose)
+  that the Accessory might help out the Principal, according to
+  the Art of Stationers, and to leave the Reader Con la bocca
+  dolce.
+
+  Now Sir, concerning your travels, wherin I may challenge a
+  little more priviledge of Discours with you; I suppose you will
+  not blanch Paris in your way; therfore I have been bold to
+  trouble you with a few lines to Mr. M. B. whom you shall easily
+  find attending the young Lord S. as his Governour, and you
+  may surely receive from him good directions for the shaping of
+  your farther journey into Italy, where he did reside by my choice
+  som time for the King, after mine own recess from Venice.
+
+  I should think that your best Line will be thorow the whole
+  length of France to Marseilles, and thence by Sea to Genoa,
+  whence the passage into Tuscany is as Diurnal as a Gravesend
+  Barge: I hasten as you do to Florence, or Siena, the rather to tell
+  you a short story from the interest you have given me in your
+  safety.
+
+  At Siena I was tabled in the House of one Alberto Scipioni, an
+  old Roman Courtier in dangerous times, having bin Steward to
+  the Duca di Pagliano, who with all his Family were strangled
+  save this onely man that escap'd by foresight of the Tempest:
+  With him I  had often much chat of those affairs; Into which he
+  took pleasure to look back from his Native Harbour: and at my
+  departure toward Rome (which had been the center of    his
+  experience) I had wonn confidence enough to beg his advice,
+  how I might carry my self securely there, without offence of
+  mine own conscience.  Signor Arrigo mio (sayes he) I pensieri
+  stretti, & il viso sciolto, will go safely over the whole World: Of
+  which Delphian Oracle (for so I have found it) your judgement
+  doth need no commentary; and therfore (Sir) I will commit you
+  with it to the best of all securities, Gods dear love, remaining
+
+  Your Friend as much at command as any of longer date,
+
+  Henry Wootton.
+
+  Postscript.
+
+  SIR, I have expressly sent this my Foot-boy to prevent your
+  departure without som acknowledgement from me of the
+  receipt of your obliging Letter, having myself through som
+  busines, I know not how, neglected the ordinary conveyance.
+  In any part where I shall understand you fixed, I shall be glad,
+  and diligent to entertain you with Home-Novelties; even for
+  som fomentation of our friendship, too soon interrupted in the
+  Cradle.
+
+  Note: Letter from Sir Henry Wootton: Omitted in 1673
+
+
+
+
+A MASK PRESENTED At LUDLOW-Castle, 1634. &c.
+
+
+  The Persons.
+
+  The attendant Spirit afterwards in the habit of Thyrsis.
+  Comus with his crew.
+  The Lady.
+  1. Brother.
+  2. Brother.
+  Sabrina the Nymph.
+
+  The cheif persons which presented, were
+  The Lord Bracly.
+  Mr. Thomas Egerton his Brother,
+  The Lady Alice Egerton.
+
+
+  The first Scene discovers a wilde Wood.
+
+  The attendant Spirit descends or enters.
+
+  Spir: Before the starry threshold of Joves Court
+  My mansion is, where those immortal shapes
+  Of bright aereal Spirits live insphear'd
+  In Regions milde of calm and serene Ayr,
+  Above the smoak and stirr of this dim spot,
+  Which men call Earth, and with low-thoughted care
+  Confin'd, and pester'd in this pin-fold here,
+  Strive to keep up a frail, and Feaverish being
+  Unmindfull of the crown that Vertue gives
+  After this mortal change, to her true Servants                       10
+  Amongst the enthron'd gods on Sainted seats.
+  Yet some there be that by due steps aspire
+  To lay their just hands on that Golden Key
+  That ope's the Palace of Eternity:
+  To such my errand is, and but for such,
+  I would not soil these pure Ambrosial weeds,
+  With the rank vapours of this Sin-worn mould.
+  But to my task.  Neptune besides the sway
+  Of every salt Flood, and each ebbing Stream,
+  Took in by lot 'twixt high, and neather Jove,                        20
+  Imperial rule of all the Sea-girt Iles
+  That like to rich, and various gemms inlay
+  The unadorned boosom of the Deep,
+  Which he to grace his tributary gods
+  By course commits to severall government,
+  And gives them leave to wear their Saphire crowns,
+  And weild their little tridents, but this Ile
+  The greatest, and the best of all the main
+  He quarters to his blu-hair'd deities,
+  And all this tract that fronts the falling Sun                       30
+  A noble Peer of mickle trust, and power
+  Has in his charge, with temper'd awe to guide
+  An old, and haughty Nation proud in Arms:
+  Where his fair off-spring nurs't in Princely lore,
+  Are coming to attend their Fathers state,
+  And new-entrusted Scepter, but their way
+  Lies through the perplex't paths of this drear Wood,
+  The nodding horror of whose shady brows
+  Threats the forlorn and wandring Passinger.
+  And here their tender age might suffer perill,                       40
+  But that by quick command from Soveran Jove
+  I was dispatcht for their defence, and guard;
+  And listen why, for I will tell ye now
+  What never yet was heard in Tale or Song
+  From old, or modern Bard in Hall, or Bowr.
+  Bacchus that first from out the purple Grape,
+  Crush't the sweet poyson of mis-used Wine
+  After the Tuscan Mariners transform'd
+  Coasting the Tyrrhene shore, as the winds listed,
+  On Circes Iland fell (who knows not Circe                             50
+  The daughter of the Sun?  Whose charmed Cup
+  Whoever tasted, lost his upright shape,
+  And downward fell into a groveling Swine)
+  This Nymph that gaz'd upon his clustring locks,
+  With Ivy berries wreath'd, and his blithe youth,
+  Had by him, ere he parted thence, a Son
+  Much like his Father, but his Mother more,
+  Whom therfore she brought up and Comus named,
+  Who ripe, and frolick of his full grown age,
+  Roving the Celtic, and Iberian fields,                               60
+  At last betakes him to this ominous Wood,
+  And in thick shelter of black shades imbowr'd,
+  Excells his Mother at her mighty Art,
+  Offring to every weary Travailer,
+  His orient liquor in a Crystal Glasse,
+  To quench the drouth of Phoebus, which as they taste
+  (For most do taste through fond intemperate thirst )
+  Soon as the Potion works,  their human count'nance,
+  Th' express resemblance of the gods, is chang'd
+  Into som brutish form of Woolf, or Bear,                             70
+  Or Ounce, or Tiger, Hog, or bearded Goat,
+  All other parts remaining as they were,
+  And they, so perfect is their misery,
+  Not once perceive their foul disfigurement,
+  But boast themselves more comely then before
+  And all their friends, and native home forget
+  To roule with pleasure in a sensual stie.
+  Therfore when any favour'd of high Jove,
+  Chances to pass through this adventrous glade,
+  Swift as the Sparkle of a glancing Star,                             80
+  I shoot from Heav'n to give him safe convoy,
+  As now I do: But first I must put off
+  These my skie robes spun out of Iris Wooff,
+  And take the Weeds and likenes of a Swain,
+  That to the service of this house belongs,
+  Who with his soft Pipe, and smooth-dittied Song,
+  Well knows to still the wilde winds when they roar,
+  And hush the waving Woods, nor of lesse faith,
+  And in this office of his Mountain watch,
+  Likeliest, and neerest to the present ayd                            90
+  Of this occasion.  But I hear the tread
+  Of hatefull steps, I must be viewles now.
+
+  Comus enters with a Charming Rod in one hand, his Glass in
+  the other, with him a rout of monsters, headed like sundry sorts
+  of wilde Beasts, but otherwise like Men and Women, their
+  Apparel glistring, they come in making a riotous and unruly
+  noise, with Torches in their hands.
+
+  Co: The Star that bids the Shepherd fold,
+  Now the top of Heav'n doth hold,
+  And the gilded Car of Day,
+  His glowing Axle doth allay
+  In the steep Atlantick stream,
+  And the slope Sun his upward beam
+  Shoots against the dusky Pole,
+  Pacing toward the other gole                                        100
+  Of his Chamber in the East.
+  Meanwhile welcom Joy, and Feast,
+  Midnight shout, and revelry,
+  Tipsie dance, and Jollity.
+  Braid your Locks with rosie Twine
+  Dropping odours, dropping Wine.
+  Rigor now is gon to bed,
+  And Advice with scrupulous head,
+  Strict Age, and sowre Severity,
+  With their grave Saws in slumber ly.                               110
+  We that are of purer fire
+  Imitate the Starry Quire,
+  Who in their nightly watchfull Sphears,
+  Lead in swift round the Months and Years.
+  The Sounds, and Seas with all their finny drove
+  Now to the Moon in wavering Morrice move,
+  And on the Tawny Sands and Shelves,
+  Trip the pert Fairies and the dapper Elves;
+  By dimpled Brook, and Fountain brim,
+  The Wood-Nymphs deckt with Daisies trim,                            120
+  Their merry wakes and pastimes keep:
+  What hath night to do with sleep?
+  Night hath better sweets to prove,
+  Venus now wakes, and wak'ns Love.
+  Com let us our rights begin,
+  'Tis onely day-light that makes Sin
+  Which these dun shades will ne're report.
+  Hail Goddesse of Nocturnal sport
+  Dark vaild Cotytto, t' whom the secret flame
+  Of mid-night Torches burns; mysterious Dame                        130
+  That ne're art call'd, but when the Dragon woom
+  Of Stygian darknes spets her thickest gloom,
+  And makes one blot of all the ayr,
+  Stay thy cloudy Ebon chair,
+  Wherin thou rid'st with Hecat', and befriend
+  Us thy vow'd Priests, til utmost end
+  Of all thy dues be done, and none left out,
+  Ere the blabbing Eastern scout,
+  The nice Morn on th' Indian steep
+  From her cabin'd loop hole peep,                                    140
+  And to the tel-tale Sun discry
+  Our conceal'd Solemnity.
+  Com, knit hands, and beat the ground,
+  In a light fantastick round.
+
+  The Measure.
+
+  Break off; break off, I feel the different pace,
+  Of som chast footing neer about this ground.
+  Run to your shrouds, within these Brakes and Trees,
+  Our number may affright: Som Virgin sure
+  (For so I can distinguish by mine Art)
+  Benighted in these Woods.  Now to my charms,                        150
+  And to my wily trains, I shall e're long
+  Be well stock't with as fair a herd as graz'd
+  About my Mother Circe.  Thus I hurl
+  My dazling Spells into the spungy ayr,
+  Of power to cheat the eye with blear illusion,
+  And give it false presentments, lest the place
+  And my quaint habits breed astonishment,
+  And put the Damsel to suspicious flight,
+  Which must not be, for that's against my course;
+  I under fair pretence of friendly ends,                             160
+  And well plac't words of glozing courtesie
+  Baited with reasons not unplausible
+  Wind me into the easie-hearted man,
+  And hugg him into snares.  When once her eye
+  Hath met the vertue of this Magick dust,
+  I shall appear som harmles Villager
+  Whom thrift keeps up about his Country gear,
+  But here she comes, I fairly step aside,
+  And hearken, if I may, her busines here.
+
+  The Lady enters.
+
+  La: This way the noise was, if mine ear be true,                    170
+  My best guide now, me thought it was the sound
+  Of Riot, and ill manag'd Merriment,
+  Such as the jocond Flute, or gamesom Pipe
+  Stirs up among the loose unleter'd Hinds,
+  When for their teeming Flocks, and granges full
+  In wanton dance they praise the bounteous Pan,
+  And thank the gods amiss.  I should be loath
+  To meet the rudenesse, and swill'd insolence
+  of such late Wassailers; yet O where els
+  Shall I inform my unacquainted feet                                 180
+  In the blind mazes of this tangl'd Wood?
+  My Brothers when they saw me wearied out
+  With this long way, resolving here to lodge
+  Under the spreading favour of these Pines,
+  Stept as they se'd to the next Thicket side
+  To bring me Berries, or such cooling fruit
+  As the kind hospitable Woods provide.
+  They left me then, when the gray-hooded Eev'n
+  Like a sad Votarist in Palmers weed
+  Rose from the hindmost wheels of Phoebus wain.                      190
+  But where they are, and why they came not back,
+  Is now the labour of my thoughts, 'tis likeliest
+  They had ingag'd their wandring steps too far,
+  And envious darknes, e're they could return,
+  Had stole them from me, els O theevish Night
+  Why shouldst thou, but for som fellonious end,
+  In thy dark lantern thus close up the Stars,
+  That nature hung in Heav'n, and fill'd their Lamps
+  With everlasting oil, to give due light
+  To the misled and lonely Travailer?                                 200
+  This is the place as well as I may guess,
+  Whence eev'n now the tumult of loud Mirth
+  Was rife and perfect in my list'ning ear,
+  Yet nought but single darknes do I find.
+  What might this be? A thousand fantasies
+  Begin to throng into my memory
+  Of calling shapes, and beckning shadows dire,
+  And airy tongues, that syllable mens names
+  On Sands and Shoars and desert Wildernesses.
+  These thoughts may startle well, but not astound                    210
+  The vertuous mind that ever walks attended
+  By a strong siding champion Conscience.--
+  O welcom pure-ey'd Faith, white-handed Hope,
+  Thou hovering Angel girt with golden wings.
+  And thou unblemish't form of Chastity,
+  I see ye visibly and now beleeve
+  That he, the Supreme good t'whom all things ill
+  Are but as slavish  officers of vengeance,
+  Would send a glistring Guardian if need were
+  To keep my life and honour unassail'd.                              220
+  Was I deceiv'd, or did a sable cloud
+  Turn forth her silver lining on the night?
+  I did not err, there does a sable cloud
+  Turn forth her silver lining on the night,
+  And casts a gleam over this tufted Grove.
+  I cannot hallow to my Brothers, but
+  Such noise as I can make to be heard farthest
+  Ile venter, for my new enliv'nd spirits
+  Prompt me; and they perhaps are not far off.
+
+  SONG.
+
+  Sweet Echo, sweetest Nymph that liv'st unseen                       230
+  Within thy airy shell
+  By slow Meander's margent green,
+  And in the violet imbroider'd vale
+  Where the love-lorn Nightingale
+  Nightly to thee her sad Song mourneth well.
+  Canst thou not tell me of a gentle Pair
+  That likest thy Narcissus are?
+  O if thou have
+  Hid them in som flowry Cave,
+  Tell me but where                                                   240
+  Sweet Queen of  Parly, Daughter of the Sphear,
+  So maist thou be translated to the skies,
+  And give resounding grace to all Heav'ns Harmonies.
+
+  Co: Can any mortal mixture of Earths mould
+  Breath such Divine inchanting ravishment?
+  Sure somthing holy lodges in that brest,
+  And with these raptures moves the vocal air
+  To testifie his hidd'n residence;
+  How sweetly did they float upon the wings
+  Of silence, through the empty-vaulted night                         250
+  At every fall smoothing the Raven doune
+  Of darknes till it smil'd: I have oft heard
+  My mother Circe with the Sirens three,
+  Amid'st the flowry-kirtl'd Naiades
+  Culling their Potent hearbs, and balefull drugs.
+  Who as they sung, would take the prison'd soul,
+  And lap it in Elysium, Scylla wept,
+  And chid her barking waves into attention.
+  And fell Charybdis murmur'd soft applause:
+  Yet they in pleasing slumber lull'd the sense,                      260
+  And in sweet madnes rob'd it of it self,
+  But such a sacred, and home-felt delight,
+  Such sober certainty of waking bliss
+  I never heard till now.  Ile speak to her
+  And she shall be my Queen.  Hail forren wonder
+  Whom certain these rough shades did never breed
+  Unlesse the Goddes that in rurall shrine
+  Dwell'st here with Pan, or Silvan, by blest Song
+  Forbidding every bleak unkindly Fog
+  To touch the prosperous growth of this tall Wood.                   270
+
+  La: Nay gentle Shepherd ill is lost that praise
+  That is addrest to unattending Ears,
+  Not any boast of skill, but extreme shift
+  How to regain my sever'd company
+  Compell'd me to awake the courteous Echo
+  To give me answer from her mossie Couch.
+
+  Co: What chance good Lady hath bereft you thus?
+
+  La: Dim darknes, and this heavy Labyrinth.
+
+  Co: Could that divide you from neer-ushering guides?
+
+  La: They left me weary on a grassie terf.                           280
+
+  Co: By falshood, or discourtesie, or why?
+
+  La: To seek in vally som cool friendly Spring.
+
+  Co: And left your fair side all unguarded Lady?
+
+  La: They were but twain, and purpos'd quick return.
+
+  Co: Perhaps fore-stalling night prevented them.
+
+  La: How easie my misfortune is to hit!
+
+  Co:  Imports their loss, beside the present need?
+
+  La:  No less then if I should my brothers loose.
+
+  Co: Were they of manly prime, or youthful bloom?
+
+  La:  As smooth as Hebe's their unrazor'd lips.                      290
+
+  Co: Two such I saw, what time the labour'd Oxe
+  In his loose traces from the furrow came,
+  And the swink't hedger at his Supper sate;
+  I saw them under a green mantling vine
+  That crawls along the side of yon small hill,
+  Plucking ripe clusters from the tender shoots,
+  Their port was more then human, as they stood;
+  I took it for a faery vision
+  Of som gay creatures of the element
+  That in the colours of the Rainbow live                             300
+  And play i'th plighted clouds.  I was aw-strook,
+  And as I past, I worshipt: if those you seek
+  It were a journey like the path to Heav'n,
+  To help you find them.  La:  Gentle villager
+  What readiest way would bring me to that place?
+
+  Co:  Due west it rises from this shrubby point.
+
+  La: To find out that, good Shepherd, I suppose,
+  In such a scant allowance of Star-light,
+  Would overtask the best Land-Pilots art,
+  Without the sure guess of well-practiz'd feet,                      310
+
+  Co: I know each lane, and every alley green
+  Dingle, or bushy dell of this wilde Wood,
+  And every bosky bourn from side to side
+  My daily walks and ancient neighbourhood,
+  And if your stray attendance be yet lodg'd,
+  Or shroud within these limits, I shall know
+  Ere morrow wake, or the low roosted lark
+  From her thatch't pallat rowse, if otherwise
+  I can conduct you Lady to a low
+  But loyal cottage, where you may be safe                            320
+  Till further quest.
+                      La: Shepherd I take thy word,
+  And trust thy honest offer'd courtesie,
+  Which oft is sooner found in lowly sheds
+  With smoaky rafters, then in tapstry Halls
+  And Courts of Princes, where it first was nam'd,
+  And yet is most pretended: In a place
+  Less warranted then this, or less secure
+  I cannot be, that I should fear to change it.
+  Eie me blest Providence, and square my triall
+  To my proportion'd strength.  Shepherd lead on.--                   330
+
+  The Two Brothers.
+
+  Eld. Bro: Unmuffle ye faint stars, and thou fair Moon
+  That wontst to love the travailers benizon,
+  Stoop thy pale visage through an amber cloud,
+  And disinherit Chaos, that raigns here
+  In double night of darknes, and of shades;
+  Or if your influence be quite damm'd up
+  With black usurping mists, som gentle taper
+  Though a rush Candle from the wicker hole
+  Of som clay habitation visit us
+  With thy long levell'd rule of streaming light.                     340
+  And thou shalt be our star of Arcady,
+  Or Tyrian Cynosure.
+                      2. Bro: Or if our eyes
+  Be barr'd that happines, might we but hear
+  The folded flocks pen'd in their watled cotes,
+  Or sound of pastoral reed with oaten stops,
+  Or whistle from the Lodge, or village cock
+  Count the night watches to his feathery Dames,
+  'Twould be som solace yet, som little chearing
+  In this close dungeon of innumerous bowes.
+  But O that haples virgin our lost sister                            350
+  Where may she wander now, whether betake her
+  From the chill dew, amongst rude burrs and thistles?
+  Perhaps som cold bank is her boulster now
+  Or 'gainst the rugged bark of som broad Elm
+  Leans her unpillow'd head fraught with sad fears.
+  What if in wild amazement, and affright,
+  Or while we speak within the direfull grasp
+  Of Savage hunger, or of Savage heat?
+
+  Eld. Bro: Peace brother, be not over-exquisite
+  To cast the fashion of uncertain evils;                             360
+  For grant they be so, while they rest unknown,
+  What need a man forestall his date of grief
+  And run to meet what he would most avoid?
+  Or if they be but false alarms of Fear,
+  How bitter is such self delusion?
+  I do not think my sister so to seek,
+  Or so unprincipl'd in vertues book,
+  And the sweet peace that goodnes boosoms ever,
+  As that the single want of light and noise
+  (Not being in danger, as I trust she is not)                        370
+  Could stir the constant mood of her calm thoughts,
+  And put them into mis-becoming plight.
+  Vertue could see to do what vertue would
+  By her own radiant light, though Sun and Moon
+  Were in the salt sea sunk.  And Wisdoms self
+  Oft seeks to sweet retired Solitude,
+  Where with her best nurse Contemplation
+  She plumes her feathers and lets grow her wings
+  That in the various bustle of resort
+  Were all too ruffled and sometimes impaired.                        380
+  He that has light within his own deer brest
+  May sit i'th center, and enjoy bright day,
+  But he that hides a dark soul, and foul thoughts
+  Benighted walks under the mid-day Sun;
+  Himself is his own dungeon.
+
+  2. Bro: Tis most true
+  That musing meditation most affects
+  The pensive secrecy of desert cell,
+  Far from the cheerfull haunt of men, and herds,
+  And sits as safe as in a Senat house,
+  For who would rob a Hermit of his Weeds,                            390
+  His few Books, or his Beads, or Maple Dish,
+  Or do his gray hairs any violence?
+  But beauty like the fair Hesperian Tree
+  Laden with blooming gold, had need the guard
+  Of dragon watch with uninchanted eye,
+  To save her blossoms, and defend her fruit
+  From the rash hand of bold Incontinence.
+  You may as well spred out the unsun'd heaps
+  Of Misers treasure by an out-laws den,
+  And tell me it is safe, as bid me hope                              400
+  Danger will wink on Opportunity,
+  And let a single helpless maiden pass
+  Uninjur'd in this wilde surrounding wast.
+  Of night, or lonelines it recks me not,
+  I fear the dred events that dog them both,
+  Lest som ill greeting touch attempt the person
+  Of our unowned sister.
+
+  Eld. Bro: I do not, brother,
+  Inferr, as if I thought my sisters state
+  Secure without all doubt, or controversie:
+  Yet where an equall poise of hope and fear                          410
+  Does arbitrate th'event, my nature is
+  That I encline to hope, rather then fear,
+  And gladly banish squint suspicion.
+  My sister is not so defenceless left
+  As you imagine, she has a hidden strength
+  Which you remember not.
+
+  2. Bro: What hidden strength,
+  Unless the strength of Heav'n, if you mean that?
+
+  ELD Bro: I mean that too, but yet a hidden strength
+  Which if Heav'n gave it, may be term'd her own:
+  'Tis chastity, my brother, chastity:                               420
+  She that has that, is clad in compleat steel,
+  And like a quiver'd Nymph with Arrows keen
+  May trace huge Forests, and unharbour'd Heaths,
+  Infamous Hills, and sandy perilous wildes,
+  Where through the sacred rayes of Chastity,
+  No savage fierce, Bandite, or mountaneer
+  Will dare to soyl her Virgin purity,
+  Yea there, where very desolation dwels
+  By grots, and caverns shag'd with horrid shades,
+  She may pass on with unblench't majesty,                            430
+  Be it not don in pride, or in presumption.
+  Som say no evil thing that walks by night
+  In fog, or fire, by lake, or moorish fen,
+  Blew meager Hag, or stubborn unlaid ghost,
+  That breaks his magick chains at curfeu time,
+  No goblin, or swart faery of the mine,
+  Hath hurtfull power o're true virginity.
+  Do ye beleeve me yet, or shall I call
+  Antiquity from the old Schools of Greece
+  To testifie the arms of Chastity?                                   440
+  Hence had the huntress Dian her dred bow
+  Fair silver-shafted Queen for ever chaste,
+  Wherwith she tam'd the brinded lioness
+  And spotted mountain pard, but set at nought
+  The frivolous bolt of Cupid, gods and men
+  Fear'd her stern frown, and she was queen oth' Woods.
+  What was that snaky-headed Gorgon sheild
+  That wise Minerva wore, unconquer'd Virgin,
+  Wherwith she freez'd her foes to congeal'd stone?
+  But rigid looks of Chast austerity,                                 450
+  And noble grace that dash't brute violence
+  With sudden adoration, and blank aw.
+  So dear to Heav'n is Saintly chastity,
+  That when a soul is found sincerely so,
+  A thousand liveried Angels lacky her,
+  Driving far off each thing of sin and guilt,
+  And in cleer dream, and solemn vision
+  Tell her of things that no gross ear can hear,
+  Till oft convers with heav'nly habitants
+  Begin to cast a beam on th'outward shape,                           460
+  The unpolluted temple of the mind.
+  And turns it by degrees to the souls essence,
+  Till all be made immortal: but when lust
+  By unchaste looks, loose gestures, and foul talk,
+  But most by leud and lavish act of sin,
+  Lets in defilement to the inward parts,
+  The soul grows clotted by contagion,
+  Imbodies, and imbrutes, till she quite loose
+  The divine property of her first being.
+  Such are those thick and gloomy shadows damp                        470
+  Oft seen in Charnell vaults, and Sepulchers
+  Lingering, and sitting by a new made grave,
+  As loath to leave the body that it lov'd,
+  And link't it self by carnal sensualty
+  To a degenerate and degraded state.
+
+  2. Bro: How charming is divine Philosophy!
+  Not harsh, and crabbed as dull fools suppose,
+  But musical as is Apollo's lute,
+  And a perpetual feast of nectar'd sweets,
+  Where no crude surfet raigns.
+                                Eld. Bro: List, list, I hear          480
+  Som far off hallow break the silent Air.
+
+  2.  Bro: Me thought so too; what should it be?
+
+  Eld. Bro: For certain
+  Either som one like us night-founder'd here,
+  Or els som neighbour Wood-man, or at worst,
+  Som roaving robber calling to his fellows.
+
+  2. Bro: Heav'n keep my sister, agen agen and neer,
+  Best draw, and stand upon our guard.
+
+  Eld. Bro: Ile hallow,
+  If he be friendly he comes well, if not,
+  Defence is a good cause, and Heav'n be for us.
+
+  [Enter] The attendant Spirit habited like a Shepherd.
+
+  That hallow I should know, what are you? speak;                     490
+  Com not too neer, you fall on iron stakes else.
+
+  Spir: What voice is that, my young Lord? speak agen.
+
+  2. Bro: O brother, 'tis my father Shepherd sure.
+
+  Eld. Bro: Thyrsis? Whose artful strains have oft delaid
+  The huddling brook to hear his madrigal,
+  And sweeten'd every muskrose of the dale,
+  How cam'st thou here good Swain? hath any ram
+  Slip't from the fold, or young Kid lost his dam,
+  Or straggling weather the pen't flock forsook?
+  How couldst thou find this dark sequester'd nook?                   500
+
+  Spir: O my lov'd masters heir, and his next joy,
+  I came not here on such a trivial toy
+  As a stray'd Ewe, or to pursue the stealth
+  Of pilfering Woolf, not all the fleecy wealth
+  That doth enrich these Downs, is worth a thought
+  To this my errand, and the care it brought.
+  But O my Virgin Lady, where is she?
+  How chance she is not in your company?
+
+  Eld. Bro: To tell thee sadly Shepherd, without blame
+  Or our neglect, we lost her as we came.                             510
+
+  Spir: Ay me unhappy then my fears are true.
+
+  Eld. Bro: What fears good Thyrsis? Prethee briefly shew.
+
+  Spir: Ile tell ye, 'tis not vain or fabulous,
+  (Though so esteem'd by shallow ignorance)
+  What the sage Poets taught by th' heav'nly Muse,
+  Storied of old in high immortal vers
+  Of dire Chimera's and inchanted Iles,
+  And rifted Rocks whose entrance leads to hell,
+  For such there be, but unbelief is blind.
+  Within the navil of this hideous Wood,                              520
+  Immur'd in cypress shades a Sorcerer dwels
+  Of Bacchus, and of Circe born, great Comus,
+  Deep skill'd in all his mothers witcheries,
+  And here to every thirsty wanderer,
+  By sly enticement gives his banefull cup,
+  With many murmurs mixt, whose pleasing poison
+  The visage quite transforms of him that drinks,
+  And the inglorious likenes of a beast
+  Fixes instead, unmoulding reasons mintage
+  Character'd in the Face; this have I learn't                        530
+  Tending my flocks hard by i'th hilly crofts,
+  That brow this bottom glade, whence night by night
+  He and his monstrous rout are heard to howl
+  Like stabl'd wolves, or tigers at their prey,
+  Doing abhorred rites to Hecate
+  In their obscured haunts of inmost bowres.
+  Yet have they many baits, and guilefull spells
+  To inveigle and invite th' unwary sense
+  Of them that pass unweeting by the way.
+  This evening late by then the chewing flocks                        540
+  Had ta'n their supper on the savoury Herb
+  Of Knot-grass dew-besprent, and were in fold,
+  I sate me down to watch upon a bank
+  With Ivy canopied, and interwove
+  With flaunting Hony-suckle, and began
+  Wrapt in a pleasing fit of melancholy
+  To meditate my rural minstrelsie,
+  Till fancy had her fill, but ere a close
+  The wonted roar was up amidst the Woods,
+  And fill'd the Air with barbarous dissonance,                       550
+  At which I ceas' t, and listen'd them a while,
+  Till an unusuall stop of sudden silence
+  Gave respit to the drowsie frighted steeds
+  That draw the litter of close-curtain'd sleep.
+  At last a soft and solemn breathing sound
+  Rose like a steam of rich distill'd Perfumes,
+  And stole upon the Air, that even Silence
+  Was took e're she was ware, and wish't she might
+  Deny her nature, and be never more
+  Still to be so displac't.  I was all eare,                          560
+  And took in strains that might create a soul
+  Under the ribs of Death, but O ere long
+  Too well I did perceive it was the voice
+  Of my most honour'd Lady, your dear sister.
+  Amaz'd I stood, harrow'd with grief and fear,
+  And O poor hapless Nightingale thought I,
+  How sweet thou sing'st, how neer the deadly snare!
+  Then down the Lawns I ran with headlong hast
+  Through paths, and turnings oft'n trod by day,
+  Till guided by mine ear I found the place                           570
+  Where that damn'd wisard hid in sly disguise
+  (For so by certain signes I knew) had met
+  Already, ere my best speed could praevent,
+  The aidless innocent Lady his wish't prey,
+  Who gently ask't if he had seen such two,
+  Supposing him som neighbour villager;
+  Longer I durst not stay, but soon I guess't
+  Ye were the two she mean't, with that I sprung
+  Into swift flight, till I had found you here,
+  But furder know I not.
+                        2. Bro: O night and shades,                   580
+  How are ye joyn'd with hell in triple knot
+  Against th'unarmed weakness of one Virgin
+  Alone, and helpless!  Is this the confidence
+  You gave me Brother?
+                       Eld. Bro: Yes, and keep it still,
+  Lean on it safely, not a period
+  Shall be unsaid for me: against the threats
+  Of malice or of sorcery, or that power
+  Which erring men call Chance, this I hold firm,
+  Vertue may be assail'd, but never hurt,
+  Surpriz'd by unjust force, but not enthrall'd,                      590
+  Yea even that which mischief meant most harm,
+  Shall in the happy trial prove most glory.
+  But evil on it self shall back recoyl,
+  And mix no more with goodness, when at last
+  Gather'd like scum, and setl'd to it self
+  It shall be in eternal restless change
+  Self-fed, and self-consum'd, if this fail,
+  The pillar'd firmament is rott'nness,
+  And earths base built on stubble.  But com let's on.
+  Against th' opposing will and arm of Heav'n                         600
+  May never this just sword be lifted up,
+  But for that damn'd magician, let him be girt
+  With all the greisly legions that troop
+  Under the sooty flag of Acheron,
+  Harpyies and Hydra's, or all the monstrous forms
+  'Twixt Africa and Inde, Ile find him out,
+  And force him to restore his purchase back,
+  Or drag him by the curls, to a foul death,
+  Curs'd as his life.
+
+  Spir: Alas good ventrous youth,
+  I love thy courage yet, and bold Emprise,                           610
+  But here thy sword can do thee little stead,
+  Farr other arms, and other weapons must
+  Be those that quell the might of hellish charms,
+  He with his bare wand can unthred thy joynts,
+  And crumble all thy sinews.
+
+  Eld. Bro: Why prethee Shepherd
+  How durst thou then thy self approach so neer
+  As to make this relation?
+
+  Spir: Care and utmost shifts
+  How to secure the lady from surprisal,
+  Brought to my mind a certain Shepherd Lad
+  Of small regard to see to, yet well skill'd                         620
+  In every vertuous plant and healing herb
+  That spreds her verdant leaf to th'morning ray,
+  He lov'd me well, and oft would beg me sing,
+  Which when I did, he on the tender grass
+  Would sit, and hearken even to extasie,
+  And in requitall ope his leather'n scrip,
+  And shew me simples of a thousand names
+  Telling their strange and vigorous faculties;
+  Amongst the rest a small unsightly root,
+  But of divine effect, he cull'd me out;                             630
+  The leaf was darkish, and had prickles on it,
+  But in another Countrey, as he said,
+  Bore a bright golden flowre, but not in this soyl:
+  Unknown, and like esteem'd, and the dull swayn
+  Treads on it daily with his clouted shoon,
+  And yet more med'cinal is it then that Moly
+  That Hermes once to wise Ulysses gave;
+  He call'd it Haemony, and gave it me,
+  And bad me keep it as of sov'ran use
+  'Gainst all inchantments, mildew blast, or damp                     640
+  Or gastly furies apparition;
+  I purs't it up, but little reck'ning made,
+  Till now that this extremity compell'd,
+  But now I find it true; for by this means
+  I knew the foul inchanter though disguis'd,
+  Enter'd the very lime-twigs of his spells,
+  And yet came off: if you have this about you
+  (As I will give you when we go) you may
+  Boldly assault the necromancers hall;
+  Where if he be, with dauntless hardihood,                           650
+  And brandish't blade rush on him, break his glass,
+  And shed the lushious liquor on the ground,
+  But sease his wand, though he and his curst crew
+  Feirce signe of battail make, and menace high,
+  Or like the sons of Vulcan vomit smoak,
+  Yet will they soon retire, if he but shrink.
+
+  Eld. Bro: Thyrsis lead on apace, Ile follow thee,
+  And som good angel bear a sheild before us.
+
+  The scene changes to a stately Palace, set out with all manner of
+  deliciousness; Soft Musick, Tables spred with all dainties.
+  Comus appears with his rabble, and the Lady set in an inchanted
+  Chair, to whom he offers his Glass, which she puts by, and goes
+  about to rise.
+
+  COMUS: Nay Lady sit; if I but wave this wand
+  Your nerves are all chain'd up in Alablaster,                       660
+  And you a statue; or as Daphne was
+  Root-bound, that fled Apollo.
+
+  La:  Fool do not boast,
+  Thou canst not touch the freedom of my minde
+  With all thy charms, although this corporal rinde
+  Thou haste immanacl'd, while Heav'n sees good.
+
+  Co: Why are you vext Lady? why do you frown
+  Here dwell no frowns, nor anger, from these gates
+  Sorrow flies farr: See here be all the pleasures
+  That fancy can beget on youthfull thoughts,
+  When the fresh blood grows lively, and returns                      670
+  Brisk as the April buds in Primrose-season.
+  And first behold this cordial Julep here
+  That flames, and dances in his crystal bounds
+  With spirits of balm, and fragrant Syrops mixt.
+  Not that Nepenthes which the wife of Thone,
+  In Egypt gave to Jove-born Helena
+  Is of such power to stir up joy as this,
+  To life so friendly, or so cool to thirst.
+  Why should you be so cruel to your self,
+  And to those dainty limms which nature lent                         680
+  For gentle usage, and soft delicacy?
+  But you invert the cov'nants of her trust,
+  And harshly deal like an ill borrower
+  With that which you receiv'd on other terms,
+  Scorning the unexempt condition
+  By which all mortal frailty must subsist,
+  Refreshment after toil, ease after pain,
+  That have been tir'd all day without repast,
+  And timely rest have wanted, but fair Virgin
+  This will restore all soon.
+
+  La: 'Twill not false traitor,                                       690
+  'Twill not restore the truth and honesty
+  That thou hast banish't from thy tongue with lies
+  Was this the cottage, and the safe abode
+  Thou told'st me of? What grim aspects are these
+  These oughly-headed Monsters? Mercy guard me!
+  Hence with thy brew'd inchantments, foul deceit
+  Hast thou betrai'd my credulous innocence
+  With visor'd falshood, and base forgery,
+  And wouldst thou seek again to trap me here
+  With lickerish baits fit to ensnare a brute?                        700
+  Were it a draft for Juno when she banquets,
+  I would not taste thy treasonous offer; none
+  But such as are good men can give good things,
+  And that which is not good, is not delicious
+  To a well-govern'd and wise appetite.
+
+  Co: O foolishnes of men! that lend their ears
+  To those budge doctors of the Stoick Furr,
+  And fetch their precepts from the Cynick Tub,
+  Praising the lean and sallow Abstinence.
+  Wherefore did Nature powre her bounties forth,                      710
+  With such a full and unwithdrawing hand,
+  Covering the earth with odours, fruits, and flocks,
+  Thronging the Seas with spawn innumerable,
+  But all to please, and sate the curious taste?
+  And set to work millions of spinning Worms,
+  That in their green shops weave the smooth-hair'd silk
+  To deck her Sons, and that no corner might
+  Be vacant of her plenty, in her own loyns
+  She hutch't th'all-worshipt ore, and precious gems
+  To store her children with; if all the world                       720
+  Should in a pet of temperance feed on Pulse,
+  Drink the clear stream, and nothing wear but Freize,
+  Th'all-giver would be unthank't, would be unprais'd,
+  Not half his riches known, and yet despis'd,
+  And we should serve him as a grudging master,
+  As a penurious niggard of his wealth,
+  And live like Natures bastards, not her sons,
+  Who would be quite surcharged with her own weight,
+  And strangl'd with her waste fertility;
+  Th'earth cumber'd, and the wing'd air dark't with plumes.           730
+  The herds would over-multitude their Lords,
+  The Sea o'refraught would swell, and th'unsought diamonds
+  Would so emblaze the forhead of the Deep,
+  And so bested with Stars, that they below
+  Would grow inur'd to light, and com at last
+  To gaze upon the Sun with shameless brows.
+  List Lady be not coy, and be not cosen'd
+  With that same vaunted name Virginity,
+  Beauty is natures coyn, must not be hoorded,
+  But must be currant, and the good thereof                           740
+  Consists in mutual and partak'n bliss,
+  Unsavoury in th'injoyment of it self
+  If you let slip time, like a neglected rose
+  It withers on the stalk with languish't head.
+  Beauty is natures brag, and must be shown
+  In courts, at feasts, and high solemnities
+  Where most may wonder at the workmanship;
+  It is for homely features to keep home,
+  They had their name thence; course complexions
+  And cheeks of sorry grain will serve to ply                         750
+  The sampler, and to teize the huswifes wooll.
+  What need a vermeil-tinctured lip for that
+  Love-darting eyes, or tresses like the Morn?
+  There was another meaning in these gifts,
+  Think what, and be adviz'd, you are but young yet.
+
+  La: I had not thought to have unlockt my lips
+  In this unhallow'd air, but that this Jugler
+  Would think to charm my judgement, as mine eyes,
+  Obtruding false rules pranckt in reasons garb.
+  I hate when vice can bolt her arguments,                            760
+  And vertue has no tongue to check her pride:
+  Impostor do not charge most innocent nature,
+  As if she would her children should be riotous
+  With her abundance, she good cateress
+  Means her provision onely to the good
+  That live according to her sober laws,
+  And holy dictate of spare Temperance:
+  If every just man that now pines with want
+  Had but a moderate and beseeming share
+  Of that which lewdly-pamper'd Luxury                                770
+  Now heaps upon som few with vast excess,
+  Natures full blessings would be well dispenc't
+  In unsuperfluous eeven proportion,
+  And she no whit encomber'd with her store,
+  And then the giver would be better thank't,
+  His praise due paid, for swinish gluttony
+  Ne're looks to Heav'n amidst his gorgeous feast,
+  But with besotted base ingratitude
+  Cramms, and blasphemes his feeder. Shall I go on?
+  Or have I said anough? To him that dares                            780
+  Arm his profane tongue with contemptuous words
+  Against the Sun-clad power of Chastity,
+  Fain would I somthing say, yet to what end?
+  Thou hast nor Eare, nor Soul to apprehend
+  The sublime notion, and high mystery
+  That must be utter'd to unfold the sage
+  And serious doctrine of Virginity,
+  And thou art worthy that thou shouldst not know
+  More happiness then this thy present lot.
+  Enjoy your deer Wit, and gay Rhetorick                              790
+  That hath so well been taught her dazling fence,
+  Thou art not fit to hear thy self convinc't;
+  Yet should I try, the uncontrouled worth
+  Of this pure cause would kindle my rap't spirits
+  To such a flame of sacred vehemence
+  That dumb things would be mov'd to sympathize,
+  And the brute Earth would lend her nerves, and shake,
+  Till all thy magick structures rear'd so high,
+  Were shatter'd into heaps o're thy false head.
+
+  Co:  She fables not, I feel that I do fear                          800
+  Her words set off by som superior power;
+  And though not mortal, yet a cold shuddring dew
+  Dips me all o're, as when the wrath of Jove
+  Speaks thunder, and the chains of Erebus
+  To som of Saturns crew.  I must dissemble,
+  And try her yet more strongly.  Com, no more,
+  This is meer moral babble, and direct
+  Against the canon laws of our foundation;
+  I must not suffer this, yet 'tis but the lees
+  And setlings of a melancholy blood;                                 810
+  But this will cure all streight, one sip of this
+  Will bathe the drooping spirits in delight
+  Beyond the bliss of dreams.  Be wise, and taste.--
+
+  The brothers rush in with Swords drawn, wrest his Glass out of
+  his hand, and break it against the ground; his rout make signe of
+  resistance, but are all driven in; The attendant Spirit comes in.
+
+  Spir: What, have you let the false enchanter scape?
+  O ye mistook, ye should have snatcht his wand
+  And bound him fast; without his rod revers't,
+  And backward mutters of dissevering power,
+  We cannot free the Lady that sits here
+  In stony fetters fixt, and motionless;
+  Yet stay, be not disturb'd, now I bethink me                        820
+  Som other means I have which may he us'd
+  Which once of Meliboeus old I learnt
+  The soothest Shepherd that ere pip't on plains.
+  There is a gentle Nymph not farr from hence,
+  That with moist curb sways the smooth Severn stream,
+  Sabrina is her name, a Virgin pure,
+  Whilom she was the daughter of Locrine,
+  That had the Scepter from his father Brute.
+  The guiltless damsel flying the mad pursuit
+  Of her enraged stepdam Guendolen,                                   830
+  Commended her fair innocence to the flood
+  That stay'd her flight with his cross-flowing course,
+  The water Nymphs that in the bottom plaid,
+  Held up their pearled wrists and took her in,
+  Bearing her straight to aged Nereus Hall,
+  Who piteous of her woes, rear'd her lank head,
+  And gave her to his daughters to imbathe
+  In nectar'd lavers strew'd with Asphodil,
+  And through the porch and inlet of each sense
+  Dropt in Ambrosial Oils till she reviv'd,                           840
+  And underwent a quick immortal change
+  Made Goddess of the River; still she retains
+  Her maid'n gentlenes, and oft at Eeve
+  Visits the herds along the twilight meadows,
+  Helping all urchin blasts, and ill luck signes
+  That the shrewd medling Elfe delights to make,
+  Which she with pretious viold liquors heals.
+  For which the Shepherds at their festivals
+  Carrol her goodnes lowd in rustick layes,
+  And throw sweet garland wreaths into her stream                     850
+  Of pancies, pinks, and gaudy Daffadils.
+  And, as the old Swain said, she can unlock
+  The clasping charms, and thaw the numming spell,
+  If she be right invok't in warbled Song,
+  For maid'nhood she loves, and will be swift
+  To aid a Virgin, such as was her self
+  In hard besetting need, this will I try
+  And adde the power of som adjuring verse.
+
+  SONG.
+
+  Sabrina fair
+  Listen when thou art sitting                                        860
+  Under the glassie, cool, translucent wave,
+  In twisted braids of Lillies knitting
+  The loose train of thy amber-dropping hair,
+  Listen for dear honour's sake,
+  Goddess of the silver lake,
+  Listen and save.
+
+  Listen and appear to us
+  In name of great Oceanus,
+  By the earth-shaking Neptune's mace,
+  And Tethys grave majestick pace,                                    870
+  By hoary Nereus wrincled look,
+  And the Carpathian wisards hook,
+  By scaly Tritons winding shell,
+  And old sooth-saying Glaucus spell,
+  By Leucothea's lovely hands,
+  And her son that rules the strands,
+  By Thetis tinsel-slipper'd feet,
+  And the Songs of Sirens sweet,
+  By dead Parthenope's dear tomb,
+  And fair Ligea's golden comb,                                       880
+  Wherwith she sits on diamond rocks
+  Sleeking her soft alluring locks,
+  By all the Nymphs that nightly dance
+  Upon thy streams with wily glance,
+  Rise, rise, and heave thy rosie head
+  From thy coral-pav'n bed,
+  And bridle in thy headlong wave,
+  Till thou our summons answered have.
+  Listen and save.
+
+  Sabrina rises, attended by water-Nymphes, and sings.
+
+  Sab: By the rushy-fringed bank,                                     890
+  Where grows the Willow and the Osier dank,
+  My sliding Chariot stayes,
+  Thick set with Agat, and the azurn sheen
+  Of Turkis blew, and Emrauld green
+  That in the channell strayes,
+  Whilst from off the waters fleet
+  Thus I set my printless feet
+  O're the Cowslips Velvet head,
+  That bends not as I tread,
+  Gentle swain at thy request                                         900
+  I am here.
+
+  Spir: Goddess dear
+  We implore thy powerful hand
+  To undo the charmed band
+  Of true Virgin here distrest,
+  Through the force, and through the wile
+  Of unblest inchanter vile.
+
+  Sab: Shepherd 'tis my office best
+  To help insnared chastity;
+  Brightest Lady look on me,                                          910
+  Thus I sprinkle on thy brest
+  Drops that from my fountain pure,
+  I have kept of pretious cure,
+  Thrice upon thy fingers tip,
+  Thrice upon thy rubied lip,
+  Next this marble venom'd seat
+  Smear'd with gumms of glutenous heat
+  I touch with chaste palms moist and cold,
+  Now the spell hath lost his hold;
+  And I must haste ere morning hour                                   920
+  To wait in Amphitrite's bowr.
+
+  Sabrina descends, and the Lady rises out of her seat.
+
+  Spir: Virgin, daughter of Locrine
+  Sprung of old Anchises line,
+  May thy brimmed waves for this
+  Their full tribute never miss
+  From a thousand petty rills,
+  That tumble down the snowy hills:
+  Summer drouth, or singed air
+  Never scorch thy tresses fair,
+  Nor wet Octobers torrent flood                                      930
+  Thy molten crystal fill with mudd,
+  May thy billows rowl ashoar
+  The beryl, and the golden ore,
+  May thy lofty head be crown'd
+  With many a tower and terrass round,
+  And here and there thy banks upon
+  With Groves of myrrhe, and cinnamon.
+
+  Com Lady while Heaven lends us grace,
+  Let us fly this cursed place,
+  Lest the Sorcerer us intice                                         940
+  With som other new device.
+  Not a waste, or needless sound
+  Till we com to holier ground,
+  I shall be your faithfull guide
+  Through this gloomy covert wide,
+  And not many furlongs thence
+  Is your Fathers residence,
+  Where this night are met in state
+  Many a friend to gratulate
+  His wish't presence, and beside                                     950
+  All the Swains that there abide,
+  With Jiggs, and rural dance resort,
+  We shall catch them at their sport,
+  And our sudden coming there
+  Will double all their mirth and chere;
+  Com let us haste, the Stars grow high,
+  But night sits monarch yet in the mid sky.
+
+  The Scene changes, presenting Ludlow Town and the President
+  Castle, then com in Countrey-Dancers, after them the attendant
+  Spirit, with the two Brothers and the Lady.
+
+  SONG.
+
+  Spir: Back Shepherds, back, anough your play,
+  Till next Sun-shine holiday,
+  Here be without duck or nod                                         960
+  Other trippings to be trod
+  Of lighter toes, and such Court guise
+  As Mercury did first devise
+  With the mincing Dryades
+  On the Lawns, and on the Leas.
+
+  This second Song presents them to their father and mother.
+
+  Noble Lord, and Lady bright,
+  I have brought ye new delight,
+  Here behold so goodly grown
+  Three fair branches of your own,
+  Heav'n hath timely tri'd their youth.                               970
+  Their faith, their patience, and their truth
+  And sent them here through hard assays
+  With a crown of deathless Praise,
+  To triumph in victorious dance
+  O're sensual folly, and Intemperance.
+
+  The dances ended, the Spirit Epiloguizes.
+
+  Spir: To the Ocean now I fly,
+  And those happy climes that ly
+  Where day never shuts his eye,
+  Up in the broad fields of the sky:
+  There I suck the liquid ayr                                         980
+  All amidst the Gardens fair
+  Of Hesperus, and his daughters three
+  That sing about the golden tree:
+  Along the crisped shades and bowres
+  Revels the spruce and jocond Spring,
+  The Graces, and the rosie-boosom'd Howres,
+  Thither all their bounties bring,
+  That there eternal Summer dwels,
+  And West winds, with musky wing
+  About the cedar'n alleys fling                                      990
+  Nard, and Cassia's balmy smels.
+  Iris there with humid bow,
+  Waters the odorous banks that blow
+  Flowers of more mingled hew
+  Then her purfl'd scarf can shew,
+  And drenches with Elysian dew
+  (List mortals, if your ears be true)
+  Beds of Hyacinth, and roses
+  Where young Adonis oft reposes,
+  Waxing well of his deep wound                                      1000
+  In slumber soft, and on the ground
+  Sadly sits th' Assyrian Queen;
+  But far above in spangled sheen
+  Celestial Cupid her fam'd son advanc't,
+  Holds his dear Psyche sweet intranc't
+  After her wandring labours long,
+  Till free consent the gods among
+  Make her his eternal Bride,
+  And from her fair unspotted side
+  Two blissful twins are to be born,
+  Youth and Joy; so Jove hath sworn.                                 1010
+  But now my task is smoothly don,
+  I can fly, or I can run
+  Quickly to the green earths end,
+  Where the bow'd welkin slow doth bend,
+  And from thence can soar as soon
+  To the corners of the Moon.
+  Mortals that would follow me,
+  Love vertue, she alone is free,
+  She can teach ye how to clime                                      1020
+  Higher then the Spheary chime;
+  Or if Vertue feeble were,
+  Heav'n it self would stoop to her.
+
+  Notes:
+  43 ye] you  1673
+  167 omitted 1673
+  168, 9 Thus 1637. Manuscript reads--
+  but heere she comes I fairly step aside
+  & hearken, if I may, her buisnesse heere.
+  1673 reads--
+  And hearken, if I may her business hear.
+  But here she comes, I fairly step aside.
+  474 sensualty] sensuality 1673. Manuscript also reads sensualtie,
+  as the metre requires.
+  493 father] So also 1673. Manuscript reads father's
+  547 meditate] meditate upon 1673
+  553 drowsie frighted] Manuscript reads drowsie flighted.
+  556 steam] stream 1673
+  580 furder] further 1673
+  743 In the manuscript, which reads--
+  If you let slip time like an neglected rose
+  a circle has been drawn round the an, but probably not by Milton.
+  780 anough] anow 1673
+
+
+
+
+POEMS ADDED IN THE 1673 EDITION.
+
+
+
+
+ANNO AETATIS 17. ON THE DEATH OF A FAIR INFANT DYING OF A COUGH.
+
+
+  I
+
+  O FAIREST flower no sooner blown but blasted,
+  Soft silken Primrose fading timelesslie,
+  Summers chief honour if thou hadst outlasted
+  Bleak winters force that made thy blossome drie;
+  For he being amorous on that lovely die
+  That did thy cheek envermeil, thought to kiss
+  But kill'd alas, and then bewayl'd his fatal bliss.
+
+  II
+
+  For since grim Aquilo his charioter
+  By boistrous rape th' Athenian damsel got,
+  He thought it toucht his Deitie full neer,                           10
+  If likewise he some fair one wedded not,
+  Thereby to wipe away th' infamous blot,
+  Of long-uncoupled bed, and childless eld,
+  Which 'mongst the wanton gods a foul reproach was held.
+
+  III
+
+  So mounting up in ycie-pearled carr,
+  Through middle empire of the freezing aire
+  He wanderd long, till thee he spy'd from farr,
+  There ended was his quest, there ceast his care
+  Down he descended from his Snow-soft chaire,
+  But all unwares with his cold-kind embrace                           20
+  Unhous'd thy Virgin Soul from her fair biding place.
+
+  IV
+
+  Yet art thou not inglorious in thy fate;
+  For so Apollo, with unweeting hand
+  Whilome did slay his dearly-loved mate
+  Young Hyacinth born on Eurotas' strand,
+  Young Hyacinth the pride of Spartan land;
+  But then transform'd him to a purple flower
+  Alack that so to change thee winter had no power.
+
+  V
+
+  Yet can I not perswade me thou art dead
+  Or that thy coarse corrupts in earths dark wombe,                    30
+  Or that thy beauties lie in wormie bed,
+  Hid from the world in a low delved tombe;
+  Could Heav'n for pittie thee so strictly doom?
+  O no! for something in thy face did shine
+  Above mortalitie that shew'd thou wast divine.
+
+  VI
+
+  Resolve me then oh Soul most surely blest
+  (If so it be that thou these plaints dost hear)
+  Tell me bright Spirit where e're thou hoverest
+  Whether above that high first-moving Spheare
+  Or in the Elisian fields (if such there were.)                       40
+  Oh say me true if thou wert mortal wight
+  And why from us so quickly thou didst take thy flight.
+
+  VII
+
+  Wert thou some Starr which from the ruin'd roofe
+  Of shak't Olympus by mischance didst fall;
+  Which carefull Jove in natures true behoofe
+  Took up, and in fit place did reinstall?
+  Or did of late earths Sonnes besiege the wall
+  Of sheenie Heav'n, and thou some goddess fled
+  Amongst us here below to hide thy nectar'd head
+
+  VIII
+
+  Or wert thou that just Maid who once before                          50
+  Forsook the hated earth, O tell me sooth
+  And cam'st again to visit us once more?
+  Or wert thou that sweet smiling Youth!
+  Or that c[r]own'd Matron sage white-robed Truth?
+  Or any other of that heav'nly brood
+  Let down in clowdie throne to do the world some good.
+
+  Note: 53 Or wert thou] Or wert thou Mercy--conjectured by
+  John Heskin Ch. Ch. Oxon. from Ode on Nativity, st. 15.
+
+  IX
+
+  Or wert thou of the golden-winged hoast,
+  Who having clad thy self in humane weed,
+  To earth from thy praefixed seat didst poast,
+  And after short abode flie back with speed,                          60
+  As if to shew what creatures Heav'n doth breed,
+  Thereby to set the hearts of men on fire
+  To scorn the sordid world, and unto Heav'n aspire.
+
+  X
+
+  But oh why didst thou not stay here below
+  To bless us with thy heav'n-lov'd innocence,
+  To slake his wrath whom sin hath made our foe
+  To turn Swift-rushing black perdition hence,
+  Or drive away the slaughtering  pestilence,
+  To stand 'twixt us and our deserved smart
+  But thou canst best perform that office where thou art.              70
+
+  XI
+
+  Then thou the mother of so sweet a child
+  Her false imagin'd loss cease to lament,
+  And wisely learn to curb thy sorrows wild;
+  Think what a present thou to God hast sent,
+  And render him with patience what he lent;
+  This if thou do he will an off-spring give,
+  That till the worlds last-end shall make thy name to live.
+
+
+
+
+Anno Aetatis 19.  At a Vacation Exercise in the Colledge, part
+  Latin, part English. The Latin  speeches ended, the English thus
+  began.
+
+
+  HAIL native Language, that by sinews weak
+  Didst move my first endeavouring tongue to speak,
+  And mad'st imperfect words with childish tripps,
+  Half unpronounc't, slide through my infant-lipps,
+  Driving dum silence from the portal dore,
+  Where he had mutely sate two years before:
+  Here I salute thee and thy pardon ask,
+  That now I use thee in my latter task:
+  Small loss it is that thence can come unto thee,
+  I know my tongue but little Grace can do thee:                       10
+  Thou needst not be ambitious to be first,
+  Believe me I have thither packt the worst:
+  And, if it happen as I did forecast,
+  The daintiest dishes shall be serv'd up last.
+  I pray thee then deny me not thy aide
+  For this same small neglect that I have made:
+  But haste thee strait to do me once a Pleasure,
+  And from thy wardrope bring thy chiefest treasure;
+  Not those new fangled toys, and triming slight
+  Which takes our late fantasticks with delight,                       20
+  But cull those richest Robes, and gay'st attire
+  Which deepest Spirits, and choicest Wits desire:
+  I have some naked thoughts that rove about
+  And loudly knock to have their passage out;
+  And wearie of their place do only stay
+  Till thou hast deck't them in thy best aray;
+  That so they may without suspect or fears
+  Fly swiftly to this fair Assembly's ears;
+  Yet I had rather if I were to chuse,
+  Thy service in some graver subject use,                              30
+  Such as may make thee search thy coffers round
+  Before thou cloath my fancy in fit sound:
+  Such where the deep transported mind may soare
+  Above the wheeling poles, and at Heav'ns dore
+  Look in, and see each blissful Deitie
+  How he before the thunderous throne doth lie,
+  Listening to what unshorn Apollo sings
+  To th'touch of golden wires, while Hebe brings
+  Immortal Nectar to her Kingly Sire:
+  Then passing through the Spherse of watchful fire,                   40
+  And mistie Regions of wide air next under,
+  And hills of Snow and lofts of piled Thunder,
+  May tell at length how green-ey'd Neptune raves,
+  In Heav'ns defiance mustering all his waves;
+  Then sing of secret things that came to pass
+  When Beldam Nature in her cradle was;
+  And last of Kings and Queens and Hero's old,
+  Such as the wise Demodocus once told
+  In solemn Songs at King Alcinous feast,
+  While sad Ulisses soul and all the rest                              50
+  Are held with his melodious harmonie
+  In willing chains and sweet captivitie.
+  But fie my wandring Muse how thou dost stray!
+  Expectance calls thee now another way,
+  Thou know'st it must be now thy only bent
+  To keep in compass of thy Predicament:
+  Then quick about thy purpos'd business come,
+  That to the next I may resign my Roome
+
+  Then Ens is represented as Father of the Predicaments his ten
+  Sons, whereof the Eldest stood for Substance with his Canons,
+  which Ens thus speaking, explains.
+
+  Good luck befriend thee Son; for at thy birth
+  The Faiery Ladies daunc't upon the hearth;                           60
+  Thy drowsie Nurse hath sworn she did them spie
+  Come tripping to the Room where thou didst lie;
+  And sweetly singing round about thy Bed
+  Strew all their blessings on thy sleeping Head.
+  She heard them give thee this, that thou should'st still
+  From eyes of mortals walk invisible,
+  Yet there is something that doth force my fear,
+  For once it was my dismal hap to hear
+  A Sybil old, bow-bent with crooked age,
+  That far events full wisely could presage,
+  And in Times long and dark Prospective Glass
+  Fore-saw what future dayes should bring to pass,
+  Your Son, said she, (nor can you it prevent)
+  Shall subject be to many an Accident.
+  O're all his Brethren he shall Reign as King,
+  Yet every one shall make him underling,
+  And those that cannot live from him asunder
+  Ungratefully shall strive to keep him under,
+  In worth and excellence he shall out-go them,
+  Yet being above them, he shall be below them;                        80
+  From others he shall stand in need of nothing,
+  Yet on his Brothers shall depend for Cloathing.
+  To find a Foe it shall not be his hap,
+  And peace shall lull him in her flowry lap;
+  Yet shall he live in strife, and at his dore
+  Devouring war shall never cease to roare;
+  Yea it shall be his natural property
+  To harbour those that are at enmity.
+  What power, what force, what mighty spell, if not
+  Your learned hands, can loose this Gordian knot?                     90
+
+  The next Quantity and Quality, spake in Prose, then Relation
+  was call'd by his Name.
+
+  Rivers arise; whether thou be the Son,
+  Of utmost Tweed, or Oose, or gulphie Dun,
+  Or Trent, who like some earth-born Giant spreads
+  His thirty Armes along the indented Meads,
+  Or sullen Mole that runneth underneath,
+  Or Severn swift, guilty of Maidens death,
+  Or Rockie Avon, or of Sedgie Lee,
+  Or Coaly Tine, or antient hallowed Dee,
+  Or Humber loud that keeps the Scythians Name,
+  Or Medway smooth, or Royal Towred Thame.                           100
+
+  The rest was Prose.
+
+
+
+
+THE FIFTH ODE OF HORACE. LIB. I.
+
+  Quis multa gracilis te puer in Rosa
+  Rendred almost word for word without Rhyme according to the
+  Latin Measure, as near as the Language permit.
+
+  WHAT slender Youth bedew'd with liquid odours
+  Courts thee on Roses in some pleasant Cave,
+  Pyrrha for whom bind'st thou
+  In wreaths thy golden Hair,
+  Plain in thy neatness; O how oft shall he
+  On Faith and changed Gods complain: and Seas
+  Rough with black winds and storms
+  Unwonted shall admire:
+  Who now enjoyes thee credulous, all Gold,
+  Who alwayes vacant, alwayes amiable                                  10
+  Hopes thee; of flattering gales
+  Unmindfull.  Hapless they
+  To whom thou untry'd seem'st fair.  Me in my vow'd
+  Picture the sacred wall declares t' have hung
+  My dank and dropping weeds
+  To the stern God of Sea.
+  [The Latin text follows.]
+
+
+
+
+SONNETS.
+
+
+  XI
+
+  A Book was writ of late call'd Tetrachordon;
+  And wov'n close, both matter, form and stile;
+  The Subject new: it walk'd the Town a while,
+  Numbring good intellects; now seldom por'd on.
+  Cries the stall-reader, bless us! what a word on
+  A title page is this! and some in file
+  Stand spelling fals, while one might walk to Mile-
+  End Green.  Why is it harder Sirs then Gordon,
+  Colkitto, or Macdonnel, or Galasp?
+  Those rugged names to our like mouths grow sleek                     10
+  That would have made Quintilian stare and gasp.
+  Thy age, like ours, O Soul of Sir John Cheek,
+  Hated not Learning wors then Toad or Asp;
+  When thou taught'st Cambridge, and King Edward Greek.
+
+  Note: Camb. Autograph supplies title, On the Detraction which
+  followed my writing certain Treatises.
+
+
+  XII. On the same.
+
+  I did but prompt the age to quit their cloggs
+  By the known rules of antient libertie,
+  When strait a barbarous noise environs me
+  Of Owles and Cuckoes, Asses, Apes and Doggs.
+  As when those Hinds that were transform'd to Froggs
+  Raild at Latona's twin-born progenie
+  Which after held the Sun and Moon in fee.
+  But this is got by casting Pearl to Hoggs;
+  That bawle for freedom in their senceless mood,
+  And still revolt when truth would set them free.                     10
+  Licence they mean when they cry libertie;
+  For who loves that, must first be wise and good;
+  But from that mark how far they roave we see
+  For all this wast of wealth, and loss of blood.
+
+
+  XIII
+
+  To Mr. H. Lawes, on his Aires.
+
+  Harry whose tuneful and well measur'd Song
+  First taught our English Musick how to span
+  Words with just note and accent, not to scan
+  With Midas Ears, committing short and long;
+  Thy worth and skill exempts thee from the throng,
+  With praise enough for Envy to look wan;
+  To after age thou shalt be writ the man,
+  That with smooth aire couldst humor best our tongue
+  Thou honour'st Verse, and Verse must send her wing
+  To honour thee, the Priest of Phoebus Quire                          10
+  That tun'st their happiest lines in Hymn or Story
+  Dante shall give Fame leave to set thee higher
+  Then his Casella, whom he woo'd to sing
+  Met in the milder shades of Purgatory.
+
+  Note: 9 send] lend  Cambridge Autograph MS.
+
+
+  XIV
+
+  When Faith and Love which parted from thee never,
+  Had ripen'd thy just soul to dwell with God,
+  Meekly thou didst resign this earthy load
+  Of Death, call'd Life; which us from Life doth sever
+  Thy Works and Alms and all thy good Endeavour
+  Staid not behind, nor in the grave were trod;
+  But as Faith pointed with her golden rod,
+  Follow'd thee up to joy and bliss for ever.
+  Love led them on, and Faith who knew them best
+  Thy hand-maids, clad them o're with purple beams                     10
+  And azure wings, that up they flew so drest,
+  And speak the truth of thee on glorious Theams
+  Before the Judge, who thenceforth bid thee rest
+  And drink thy fill of pure immortal streams.
+
+  Note: Camb. Autograph supplies title, On the Religious
+  Memory of Catherine Thomson, my Christian Friend, deceased
+  16 Decemb., 1646.
+
+
+  XV
+
+  ON THE LATE MASSACHER IN PIEMONT.
+
+  Avenge O lord thy slaughter'd Saints, whose bones
+  Lie scatter'd on the Alpine mountains cold,
+  Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old
+  When all our Fathers worship't Stocks and Stones,
+  Forget not: in thy book record their groanes
+  Who were thy Sheep and in their antient Fold
+  Slayn by the bloody Piemontese that roll'd
+  Mother with Infant down the Rocks.  Their moans
+  The Vales redoubl'd to the Hills, and they
+  To Heav'n.  Their martyr'd blood and ashes sow                       10
+  O're all th'Italian fields where still doth sway
+  The triple Tyrant: that from these may grow
+  A hunder'd-fold, who having learnt thy way
+  Early may fly the Babylonian wo.
+
+
+  XVI
+
+
+  When I consider how my light is spent,
+  E're half my days, in this dark world and wide,
+  And that one Talent which is death to hide,
+  Lodg'd with me useless, though my Soul more bent
+  To serve therewith my Maker, and present
+  My true account, least he returning chide,
+  Doth God exact day-labour, light deny'd,
+  I fondly ask; But patience to prevent
+  That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
+  Either man's work or his own gifts, who best                         10
+  Bear his milde yoak, they serve him best, his State
+  Is Kingly.  Thousands at his bidding speed
+  And post o're Land and Ocean without rest:
+  They also serve who only stand and waite.
+
+
+  XVII
+
+
+  Lawrence of vertuous Father vertuous Son,
+  Now that the Fields are dank, and ways are mire,
+  Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire
+  Help wast a sullen day; what may be Won
+  From the hard Season gaining: time will run
+  On smoother, till Favonius re-inspire
+  The frozen earth; and cloth in fresh attire
+  The Lillie and Rose, that neither sow'd nor spun.
+  What neat repast shall feast us, light and choice,
+  Of Attick tast, with Wine, whence we may rise                        10
+  To hear the Lute well toucht, or artfull voice
+  Warble immortal Notes and Tuskan Ayre?
+  He who of those delights can judge, and spare
+  To interpose them oft, is not unwise.
+
+
+  XVIII
+
+
+  Cyriack, whose Grandsire on the Royal Bench
+  Of Brittish Themis, with no mean applause
+  Pronounc't and in his volumes taught our Lawes,
+  Which others at their Barr so often wrench:
+  To day deep thoughts resolve with me to drench
+  In mirth, that after no repenting drawes;
+  Let Euclid rest and Archimedes pause,
+  And what the Swede intend, and what the French.
+  To measure life, learn thou betimes, and know
+  Toward solid good what leads the nearest way;                        10
+  For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains,
+  And disapproves that care, though wise in show,
+  That with superfluous burden loads the day,
+  And when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains.
+
+
+  XIX
+
+
+  Methought I saw my late espoused Saint
+  Brought to me like Alcestis from the grave,
+  Whom Joves great Son to her glad Husband gave,
+  Rescu'd from death by force though pale and faint.
+  Mine as whom washt from spot of child-bed taint,
+  Purification in the old Law did save,
+  And such, as yet once more I trust to have
+  Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,
+  Came vested all in white, pure as her mind:
+  Her face was vail'd, yet to my fancied sight,                        10
+  Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shin'd
+  So clear, as in no face with more delight.
+  But O as to embrace me she enclin'd
+  I wak'd, she fled, and day brought back my night.
+
+
+
+
+ON THE NEW FORCERS OF CONSCIENCE UNDER THE LONG PARLIAMENT.
+
+
+  Because you have thrown of your Prelate Lord,
+  And with stiff Vowes renounc'd his Liturgie
+  To seise the widdow'd whore Pluralitie
+  From them whose sin ye envi'd, not abhor'd,
+  Dare ye for this adjure the Civill Sword
+  To force our Consciences that Christ set free,
+  And ride us with a classic Hierarchy
+  Taught ye by meer A. S. and Rotherford?
+  Men whose Life, Learning, Faith and pure intent
+  Would have been held in high esteem with Paul                        10
+  Must now be nam'd and printed Hereticks
+  By shallow Edwards and Scotch what d'ye call:
+  But we do hope to find out all your tricks,
+  Your plots and packing wors then those of Trent,
+  That so the Parliament
+  May with their wholsom and preventive Shears
+  Clip your Phylacteries, though bauk your Ears,
+  And succour our just Fears
+  When they shall read this clearly in your charge
+  New Presbyter is but Old Priest Writ Large.                          20
+
+
+  The four following sonnets were not published until 1694, and
+  then in a mangled form by Phillips, in his Life of Milton; they
+  are here printed from the Cambridge MS., where that to Fairfax
+  is in Milton's autograph.
+
+
+
+
+ON THE LORD GEN. FAIRFAX AT THE SEIGE OF COLCHESTER.
+
+
+  Fairfax, whose name in armes through Europe rings
+  Filling each mouth with envy, or with praise,
+  And all her jealous monarchs with amaze,
+  And rumors loud, that daunt remotest kings,
+  Thy firm unshak'n vertue ever brings
+  Victory home, though new rebellions raise
+  Their Hydra heads, & the fals North displaies
+  Her brok'n league, to impe their serpent wings,
+  O yet a nobler task awaites thy hand;
+  Yet what can Warr, but endless warr still breed,                     10
+  Till Truth, & Right from Violence be freed,
+  And Public Faith cleard from the shamefull brand
+  Of Public Fraud.  In vain doth Valour bleed
+  While Avarice, & Rapine share the land.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE LORD GENERALL CROMWELL MAY 1652.
+
+  ON THE PROPOSALLS OF CERTAINE MINISTERS AT THE COMMITTEE FOR
+  PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPELL.
+
+
+  Cromwell, our cheif of men, who through a cloud
+  Not of warr onely, but detractions rude,
+  Guided by faith & matchless Fortitude
+  To peace & truth thy glorious way hast plough'd,
+  And on the neck of crowned Fortune proud
+  Hast reard Gods Trophies, & his work pursu'd,
+  While Darwen stream with blood of Scotts imbru'd,
+  And Dunbarr field resounds thy praises loud,
+  And Worsters laureat wreath; yet much remaines
+  To conquer still; peace hath her victories                           10
+  No less renownd then warr, new foes aries
+  Threatning to bind our soules with secular chaines:
+  Helpe us to save free Conscience from the paw
+  Of hireling wolves whose Gospell is their maw.
+
+
+
+
+TO SR HENRY VANE THE YOUNGER.
+
+
+  Vane, young in yeares, but in sage counsell old,
+  Then whome a better Senatour nere held
+  The helme of Rome, when gownes not armes repelld
+  The feirce Epeirot & the African bold,
+  Whether to settle peace, or to unfold
+  The drift of hollow states, hard to be spelld,
+  Then to advise how warr may best, upheld,
+  Move by her two maine nerves, Iron & Gold
+  In all her equipage: besides to know
+  Both spirituall powre & civill, what each meanes                     10
+  What severs each thou hast learnt, which few have don
+  The bounds of either sword to thee wee ow.
+  Therfore on thy firme hand religion leanes
+  In peace, & reck'ns thee her eldest son.
+
+
+
+
+TO MR. CYRIACK SKINNER UPON HIS BLINDNESS.
+
+
+  Cyriack, this three years day these eys, though clear
+  To outward view, of blemish or of spot;
+  Bereft of light thir seeing have forgot,
+  Nor to thir idle orbs doth sight appear
+  Of Sun or Moon or Starre throughout the year,
+  Or man or woman.  Yet I argue not
+  Against heavns hand or will, nor bate a jot
+  Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer
+  Right onward.  What supports me, dost thou ask?
+  The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd                  10
+  In libertyes defence, my noble task,
+  Of which all Europe talks from side to side.
+  This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask
+  Content though blind, had I no better guide.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. I.  Done into Verse,  1653.
+
+
+  BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray
+  In counsel of the wicked, and ith'way
+  Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat
+  Of scorners hath not sate.  But in the great
+  Jehovahs Law is ever his delight,
+  And in his law he studies day and night.
+  He shall be as a tree which planted grows
+  By watry streams, and in his season knows
+  To yield his fruit, and his leaf shall not fall.
+  And what he takes in hand shall prosper all.                         10
+  Not so the wicked, but as chaff which fann'd
+  The wind drives, so the wicked shall not stand
+  In judgment, or abide their tryal then
+  Nor sinners in th'assembly of just men.
+  For the Lord knows th'upright way of the just
+  And the way of bad men to ruine must.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. II   Done Aug. 8. 1653. Terzetti.
+
+
+  WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the Nations
+  Muse a vain thing, the Kings of th'earth upstand
+  With power, and Princes in their Congregations
+  Lay deep their plots together through each Land,
+  Against the Lord and his Messiah dear.
+  Let us break off; say they, by strength of hand
+  Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear,
+  Their twisted cords: he who in Heaven doth dwell
+  Shall laugh, the Lord shall scoff them, then severe
+  Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell                          10
+  And fierce ire trouble them; but I saith hee
+  Anointed have my King (though ye rebell)
+  On Sion my holi' hill.  A firm decree
+  I will declare; the Lord to me hath say'd
+  Thou art my Son I have begotten thee
+  This day, ask of me, and the grant is made;
+  As thy possession I on thee bestow
+  Th'Heathen, and as thy conquest to be sway'd
+  Earths utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low
+  With Iron Sceptir bruis'd, and them disperse                         20
+  Like to a potters vessel shiver'd so.
+  And now be wise at length ye Kings averse
+  Be taught ye Judges of the earth; with fear
+  Jehovah serve and let your joy converse
+  With trembling;  Kiss the Son least he appear
+  In anger and ye perish in the way
+  If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere.
+  Happy all those who have in him their stay.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. III. Aug. 9. 1653
+
+  WHEN HE FLED FROM ABSALOM.
+
+
+  LORD how many are my foes
+  How many those
+  That in arms against me rise
+  Many are they
+  That of my life distrustfully thus say,
+  No help for him in God there lies.
+  But thou Lord art my shield my glory,
+  Thee through my story
+  Th' exalter of my head I count
+  Aloud I cry'd                                                        10
+  Unto Jehovah, he full soon reply'd
+  And heard me from his holy mount.
+  I lay and slept, I wak'd again,
+  For my sustain
+  Was the Lord.  Of many millions
+  The populous rout
+  I fear not though incamping round about
+  They pitch against me their Pavillions.
+  Rise Lord, save me my God for thou
+  Hast smote ere now                                                   20
+  On the cheek-bone all my foes,
+  Of men abhor'd
+  Hast broke the teeth.  This help was from the Lord;
+  Thy blessing on thy people flows.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. IV. Aug. 10.1653.
+
+
+  ANSWER me when I call
+  God of my righteousness;
+  In straights and in distress
+  Thou didst me disinthrall
+  And set at large; now spare,
+  Now pity me, and hear my earnest prai'r.
+
+  Great ones how long will ye
+  My glory have in scorn
+  How long be thus forlorn
+  Still to love vanity,                                                10
+  To love, to seek, to prize
+  Things false and vain and nothing else but lies?
+
+  Yet know the Lord hath chose
+  Chose to himself apart
+  The good and meek of heart
+  (For whom to chuse he knows)
+  Jehovah from on high
+  Will hear my voyce what time to him I crie.
+
+  Be aw'd, and do not sin,
+  Speak to your hearts alone,                                          20
+  Upon your beds, each one,
+  And be at peace within.
+  Offer the offerings just
+  Of righteousness and in Jehovah trust.
+
+  Many there be that say
+  Who yet will shew us good?
+  Talking like this worlds brood;
+  But Lord, thus let me pray,
+  On us lift up the light
+  Lift up the favour of thy count'nance bright.                        30
+
+  Into my heart more joy
+  And gladness thou hast put
+  Then when a year of glut
+  Their stores doth over-cloy
+  And from their plenteous grounds
+  With vast increase their corn and wine abounds.
+
+  In peace at once will I
+  Both lay me down and sleep
+  For thou alone dost keep
+  Me safe where ere I lie                                              40
+  As in a rocky Cell
+  Thou Lord alone in safety mak'st me dwell.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. V. Aug. 12.1653.
+
+
+  JEHOVAH to my words give ear
+  My meditation waigh
+  The voyce of my complaining hear
+  My King and God for unto thee I pray.
+  Jehovah thou my early voyce
+  Shalt in the morning hear
+  Ith'morning I to thee with choyce
+  Will rank my Prayers, and watch till thou appear.
+  For thou art not a God that takes
+  In wickedness delight                                                10
+  Evil with thee no biding makes
+  Fools or mad men stand not within thy sight.
+  All workers of iniquity
+  Thou wilt destroy that speak a ly
+  The bloodi' and guileful man God doth detest.
+  But I will in thy mercies dear
+  Thy numerous mercies go
+  Into thy house; I in thy fear
+  Will towards thy holy temple worship low.                            20
+  Lord lead me in thy righteousness
+  Lead me because of those
+  That do observe if I transgress,
+  Set thy wayes right before, where my step goes.
+  For in his faltring mouth unstable
+  No word is firm or sooth
+  Their inside, troubles miserable;
+  An open grave their throat, their tongue they smooth.
+  God, find them guilty, let them fall
+  By their own counsels quell'd;                                       30
+  Push them in their rebellions all
+  Still on; for against thee they have rebell'd;
+  Then all who trust in thee shall bring
+  Their joy, while thou from blame
+  Defend'st them, they shall ever sing
+  And shall triumph in thee, who love thy name.
+  For thou Jehovah wilt be found
+  To bless the just man still,
+  As with a shield thou wilt surround
+  Him with thy lasting favour and good will.                           40
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. VI  Aug. 13. 1653.
+
+
+  LORD in thine anger do not reprehend me
+  Nor in thy hot displeasure me correct;
+  Pity me Lord for I am much deject
+  Am very weak and faint; heal and amend me,
+  For all my bones, that even with anguish ake,
+  Are troubled, yea my soul is troubled sore
+  And thou O Lord how long? turn Lord, restore
+  My soul, O save me for thy goodness sake
+  For in death no remembrance is of thee;
+  Who in the grave can celebrate thy praise?                           10
+  Wearied I am with sighing out my dayes.
+  Nightly my Couch I make a kind of Sea;
+  My Bed I water with my tears; mine Eie
+  Through grief consumes, is waxen old and dark
+  Ith' mid'st of all mine enemies that mark.
+  Depart all ye that work iniquitie.
+  Depart from me, for the voice of my weeping
+  The Lord hath heard, the Lord hath heard my prai'r
+  My supplication with acceptance fair
+  The Lord will own, and have me in his keeping.                       20
+  Mine enemies shall all be blank and dash't
+  With much confusion; then grow red with shame,
+  They shall return in hast the way they came
+  And in a moment shall be quite abash't.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. VII. Aug.  14. 1653.
+
+  UPON THE WORDS OF CHUSH THE BENJAMITE AGAINST HIM.
+
+
+  Lord my God to thee I flie
+  Save me and secure me under
+  Thy protection while I crie
+  Least as a Lion (and no wonder)
+  He hast to tear my Soul asunder
+  Tearing and no rescue nigh.
+
+  Lord my God if I have thought
+  Or done this, if wickedness
+  Be in my hands, if I have wrought
+  Ill to him that meant me peace,                                      10
+  Or to him have render'd less,
+  And not fre'd my foe for naught;
+
+  Let th'enemy pursue my soul
+  And overtake it, let him tread
+  My life down to the earth and roul
+  In the dust my glory dead,
+  In the dust and there out spread
+  Lodge it with dishonour foul.
+
+  Rise Jehovah in thine ire
+  Rouze thy self amidst the rage                                       20
+  Of my foes that urge like fire;
+  And wake for me, their furi' asswage;
+  Judgment here thou didst ingage
+  And command which I desire.
+
+  So th' assemblies of each Nation
+  Will surround thee, seeking right,
+  Thence to thy glorious habitation
+  Return on high and in their sight.
+  Jehovah judgeth most upright
+  All people from the worlds foundation.                               30
+
+  Judge me Lord, be judge in this
+  According to my righteousness
+  And the innocence which is
+  Upon me: cause at length to cease
+  Of evil men the wickedness
+  And their power that do amiss.
+
+  But the just establish fast,
+  Since thou art the just God that tries
+  Hearts and reins.  On God is cast
+  My defence, and in him lies                                          40
+  In him who both just and wise
+  Saves th' upright of Heart at last.
+
+  God is a just Judge and severe,
+  And God is every day offended;
+  If th' unjust will not forbear,
+  His Sword he whets, his Bow hath bended
+  Already, and for him intended
+  The tools of death, that waits him near.
+
+  (His arrows purposely made he
+  For them that persecute.)  Behold                                    50
+  He travels big with vanitie,
+  Trouble he hath conceav'd of old
+  As in a womb, and from that mould
+  Hath at length brought forth a Lie.
+
+  He dig'd a pit, and delv'd it deep,
+  And fell into the pit he made,
+  His mischief that due course doth keep,
+  Turns on his head, and his ill trade
+  Of violence will undelay'd
+  Fall on his crown with ruine steep.                                  60
+
+  Then will I Jehovah's praise
+  According to his justice raise
+  And sing the Name and Deitie
+  Of Jehovah the most high.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. VIII. Aug. 14. 1653.
+
+
+  O JEHOVAH our Lord how wondrous great
+  And glorious is thy name through all the earth?
+  So as above the Heavens thy praise to set
+  Out of the tender mouths of latest bearth,
+
+  Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou
+  Hast founded strength because of all thy foes
+  To stint th'enemy, and slack th'avengers brow
+  That bends his rage thy providence to oppose.
+
+  When I behold thy Heavens, thy Fingers art,
+  The Moon and Starrs which thou so bright hast set,                   10
+  In the pure firmament, then saith my heart,
+  O What is man that thou remembrest yet,
+
+  And think'st upon him; or of man begot
+  That him thou visit'st and of him art found;
+  Scarce to be less then Gods, thou mad'st his lot,
+  With honour and with state thou hast him crown'd.
+
+  O're the works of thy hand thou mad'st him Lord,
+  Thou hast put all under his lordly feet,
+  All Flocks, and Herds, by thy commanding word,
+  All beasts that in the field or forrest meet.                        20
+
+  Fowl of the Heavens, and Fish that through the wet
+  Sea-paths in shoals do slide. And know no dearth.
+  O Jehovah our Lord how wondrous great
+  And glorious is thy name through all the earth.
+
+
+
+
+APRIL, 1648.  J. M. NINE OF THE PSALMS DONE INTO METRE,
+
+Wherein all but what is in a different Character, are the very words of
+the Text, translated from the Original.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. LXXX.
+
+
+  1   THOU Shepherd that dost Israel keep
+      Give ear in time of need,
+      Who leadest like a flock of sheep
+      Thy loved Josephs seed,
+      That sitt'st between the Cherubs bright
+      Between their wings out-spread
+      Shine forth, and from thy cloud give light,
+      And on our foes thy dread.
+  2   In Ephraims view and Benjamins,
+      And in Manasse's sight                                           10
+      Awake* thy strength, come, and be seen                    *Gnorera.
+      To save us by thy might.
+  3   Turn us again, thy grace divine
+      To us O God vouchsafe;
+      Cause thou thy face on us to shine
+      And then we shall be safe.
+  4   Lord God of Hosts, how long wilt thou,
+      How long wilt thou declare
+      Thy *smoaking wrath, and angry brow                     *Gnashanta.
+      Against thy peoples praire.                                      20
+  5   Thou feed'st them with the bread of tears,
+      Their bread with tears they eat,
+      And mak'st them* largely drink the tears                  *Shalish.
+      Wherewith their cheeks are wet.
+  6   A strife thou mak'st us and a prey
+      To every neighbour foe,
+      Among themselves they *laugh, they *play,                *Jilgnagu.
+      And *flouts at us they throw.
+  7   Return us, and thy grace divine,
+      O God of Hosts vouchsafe                                         30
+      Cause thou thy face on us to shine,
+      And then we shall be safe.
+  8   A Vine from Aegypt thou hast brought,
+      Thy free love made it thine,
+      And drov'st out Nations proud and haut
+      To plant this lovely Vine.
+  9   Thou did'st prepare for it a place
+      And root it deep and fast
+      That it began to grow apace,
+      And fill'd the land at last.                                     40
+  10  With her green shade that cover'd all,
+      The Hills were over-spread
+      Her Bows as high as Cedars tall
+      Advanc'd their lofty head.
+  11  Her branches on the western side
+      Down to the Sea she sent,
+      And upward to that river wide
+      Her other branches went.
+  12  Why hast thou laid her Hedges low
+      And brok'n down her Fence,                                       50
+      That all may pluck her, as they go,
+      With rudest violence?
+  13  The tusked Boar out of the wood
+      Up turns it by the roots,
+      Wild Beasts there brouze, and make their food
+      Her Grapes and tender Shoots.
+  14  Return now, God of Hosts, look down
+      From Heav'n, thy Seat divine,
+      Behold us, but without a frown,
+      And visit this thy Vine.                                         60
+  15  Visit this Vine, which thy right hand
+      Hath set, and planted long,
+      And the young branch, that for thy self
+      Thou hast made firm and strong.
+  16  But now it is consum'd with fire,
+      And cut with Axes down,
+      They perish at thy dreadfull ire,
+      At thy rebuke and frown.
+  17  Upon the man of thy right hand
+      Let thy good hand be laid,                                       70
+      Upon the Son of Man, whom thou
+      Strong for thyself hast made.
+  18  So shall we not go back from thee
+      To wayes of sin and shame,
+      Quick'n us thou, then gladly wee
+      Shall call upon thy Name.
+      Return us, and thy grace divine
+      Lord God of Hosts voutsafe,
+      Cause thou thy face on us to shine,
+      And then we shall be safe.                                       80
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. LXXXI.
+
+
+  1   To God our strength sing loud, and clear,
+      Sing loud to God our King,
+      To Jacobs God, that all may hear
+      Loud acclamations ring.
+  2   Prepare a Hymn, prepare a Song
+      The Timbrel hither bring
+      The cheerfull Psaltry bring along
+      And Harp with pleasant string.
+  3   Blow, as is wont, in the new Moon
+      With Trumpets lofty sound,                                       10
+      Th'appointed time, the day wheron
+      Our solemn Feast comes round.
+  4   This was a Statute giv'n of old
+      For Israel to observe
+      A Law of Jacobs God, to hold
+      From whence they might not swerve.
+  5   This he a Testimony ordain'd
+      In Joseph, not to change,
+      When as he pass'd through Aegypt land;
+      The Tongue I heard, was strange.                                 20
+  6   From burden, and from slavish toyle
+      I set his shoulder free;
+      His hands from pots, and mirie soyle
+      Deliver'd were by me.
+  7   When trouble did thee sore assaile,
+      On me then didst thou call,
+      And I to free thee did not faile,
+      And led thee out of thrall.
+      I answer'd thee in *thunder deep                 *Be Sether ragnam.
+      With clouds encompass'd round;                                   30
+      I tri'd thee at the water steep
+      Of Meriba renown'd.
+  8   Hear O my people, heark'n well,
+      I testifie to thee
+      Thou antient flock of Israel,
+      If thou wilt list to mee,
+  9   Through out the land of thy abode
+      No alien God shall be
+      Nor shalt thou to a forein God
+      In honour bend thy knee.                                         40
+  10  I am the Lord thy God which brought
+      Thee out of Aegypt land
+      Ask large enough, and I, besought,
+      Will grant thy full demand.
+  11  And yet my people would not hear,
+      Nor hearken to my voice;
+      And Israel whom I lov'd so dear
+      Mislik'd me for his choice.
+  12  Then did I leave them to their will
+      And to their wandring mind;                                      50
+      Their own conceits they follow'd still
+      Their own devises blind
+  13  O that my people would be wise
+      To serve me all their daies,
+      And O that Israel would advise
+      To walk my righteous waies.
+  14  Then would I soon bring down their foes
+      That now so proudly rise,
+      And turn my hand against all those
+      That are their enemies.                                          60
+  15  Who hate the Lord should then be fain
+      To bow to him and bend,
+      But they, His should remain,
+      Their time should have no end.
+  16  And he would free them from the shock
+      With flower of finest wheat,
+      And satisfie them from the rock
+      With Honey for their Meat.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. LXXXII.
+
+
+  1   GOD in the *great *assembly stands                    *Bagnadath-el
+      Of Kings and lordly States,
+      Among the gods* on both his hands.                        *Bekerev.
+      He judges and debates.
+  2   How long will ye *pervert the right                      *Tishphetu
+      With *judgment false and wrong                              gnavel.
+      Favouring the wicked by your might,
+      Who thence grow bold and strong?
+  3  *Regard the *weak and fatherless                       *Shiphtu-dal.
+     *Dispatch the *poor mans cause,                                   10
+      And **raise the man in deep distress
+      By **just and equal Lawes.                              **Hatzdiku.
+  4   Defend the poor and desolate,
+      And rescue from the hands
+      Of wicked men the low estate
+      Of him that help demands.
+  5   They know not nor will understand,
+      In darkness they walk on,
+      The Earths foundations all are *mov'd                     *Jimmotu.
+      And *out of order gon.                                           20
+  6   I said that ye were Gods, yea all
+      The Sons of God most high
+  7   But ye shall die like men, and fall
+      As other Princes die.
+  8   Rise God, *judge thou the earth in might,
+      This wicked earth *redress,                               *Shiphta.
+      For thou art he who shalt by right
+      The Nations all possess.
+
+
+
+
+  PSAL. LXXXIII.
+
+  1   BE not thou silent now at length
+      O God hold not thy peace,
+      Sit not thou still O God of strength
+      We cry and do not cease.
+  2   For lo thy furious foes now *swell
+      And *storm outrageously,                                *Jehemajun.
+      And they that hate thee proud and fell
+      Exalt their heads full hie.
+  3   Against thy people they *contrive                       *Jagnarimu.
+     *Their Plots and Counsels deep,                             *Sod. 10
+     *Them to ensnare they chiefly strive             *Jithjagnatsu gnal.
+     *Whom thou dost hide and keep.                          *Tsephuneca.
+  4   Come let us cut them off say they,
+      Till they no Nation be
+      That Israels name for ever may
+      Be lost in memory.
+  5   For they consult *with all their might,               *Lev jachdau.
+      And all as one in mind
+      Themselves against thee they unite
+      And in firm union bind.                                          20
+  6   The tents of Edom, and the brood
+      Of scornful Ishmael,
+      Moab, with them of Hagars blood
+      That in the Desart dwell,
+  7   Gebal and Ammon there conspire,
+      And hateful Amalec,
+      The Philistines, and they of Tyre
+      Whose bounds the sea doth check.
+  8   With them great Asshur also bands
+      And doth confirm the knot,                                       30
+      All these have lent their armed hands
+      To aid the Sons of Lot.
+  9   Do to them as to Midian bold
+      That wasted all the Coast.
+      To Sisera, and as is told
+      Thou didst to Jabins hoast,
+      When at the brook of Kishon old
+      They were repulst and slain,
+  10  At Endor quite cut off, and rowl'd
+      As dung upon the plain.                                          40
+  11  As Zeb and Oreb evil sped
+      So let their Princes speed
+      As Zeba, and Zalmunna bled
+      So let their Princes bleed.
+  12  For they amidst their pride have said
+      By right now shall we seize
+      Gods houses, and will now invade
+     *Their stately Palaces.                    *Neoth Elohim bears both.
+  13  My God, oh make them as a wheel
+      No quiet let them find,                                          50
+      Giddy and restless let them reel
+      Like stubble from the wind.
+  14  As when an aged wood takes fire
+      Which on a sudden straies,
+      The greedy flame runs hier and hier
+      Till all the mountains blaze,
+  15  So with thy whirlwind them pursue,
+      And with thy tempest chase;
+  16 *And till they *yield thee honour due,                *They seek thy
+      Lord fill with shame their face.                         Name. Heb.
+  17  Asham'd and troubl'd let them be,                                60
+      Troubl'd and sham'd for ever,
+      Ever confounded, and so die
+      With shame, and scape it never.
+  18  Then shall they know that thou whose name
+      Jehova is alone,
+      Art the most high, and thou the same
+      O're all the earth art one.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. LXXXIV.
+
+
+  1   How lovely are thy dwellings fair!
+      O Lord of Hoasts, how dear
+      The pleasant Tabernacles are!
+      Where thou do'st dwell so near.
+  2   My Soul doth long and almost die
+      Thy Courts O Lord to see,
+      My heart and flesh aloud do crie,
+      O living God, for thee.
+  3   There ev'n the Sparrow freed from wrong
+      Hath found a house of rest,                                      10
+      The Swallow there, to lay her young
+      Hath built her brooding nest,
+      Ev'n by thy Altars Lord of Hoasts
+      They find their safe abode,
+      And home they fly from round the Coasts
+      Toward thee, My King, my God
+  4   Happy, who in thy house reside
+      Where thee they ever praise,
+  5   Happy, whose strength in thee doth bide,
+      And in their hearts thy waies.                                   20
+  6   They pass through Baca's thirstie Vale,
+      That dry and barren ground
+      As through a fruitfull watry Dale
+      Where Springs and Showrs abound.
+  7   They journey on from strength to strength
+      With joy and gladsom cheer
+      Till all before our God at length
+      In Sion do appear.
+  8   Lord God of Hoasts hear now my praier
+      O Jacobs God give ear,                                           30
+  9   Thou God our shield look on the face
+      Of thy anointed dear.
+  10  For one day in thy Courts to be
+      Is better, and more blest
+      Then in the joyes of Vanity,
+      A thousand daies at best.
+      I in the temple of my God
+      Had rather keep a dore,
+      Then dwell in Tents, and rich abode
+      With Sin for evermore                                            40
+  11  For God the Lord both Sun and Shield
+      Gives grace and glory bright,
+      No good from him shall be with-held
+      Whose waies are just and right.
+  12  Lord God of Hoasts that raign 'st on high,
+      That man is truly blest
+      Who only on thee doth relie.
+      And in thee only rest.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL LXXXV.
+
+
+  1   THY Land to favour graciously
+      Thou hast not Lord been slack,
+      Thou hast from hard Captivity
+      Returned Jacob back.
+  2   Th' iniquity thou didst forgive
+      That wrought thy people woe,
+      And all their Sin, that did thee grieve
+      Hast hid where none shall know.
+  3   Thine anger all thou hadst remov'd,
+      And calmly didst return                                          10
+      From thy *fierce wrath which we had prov'd        *Heb. The burning
+      Far worse then fire to burn.                            heat of thy
+  4   God of our saving health and peace,                          wrath.
+      Turn us, and us restore,
+      Thine indignation cause to cease
+      Toward us, and chide no more.
+  5   Wilt thou be angry without end,
+      For ever angry thus
+      Wilt thou thy frowning ire extend
+      From age to age on us?                                           20
+  6   Wilt thou not * turn, and hear our voice             * Heb. Turn to
+      And us again * revive,                                 quicken us.
+      That so thy people may rejoyce
+      By thee preserv'd alive.
+  7   Cause us to see thy goodness Lord,
+      To us thy mercy shew
+      Thy saving health to us afford
+      And life in us renew.
+  8   And now what God the Lord will speak
+      I will go strait and hear,                                       30
+      For to his people he speaks peace
+      And to his Saints full dear,
+      To his dear Saints he will speak peace,
+      But let them never more
+      Return to folly, but surcease
+      To trespass as before.
+  9   Surely to such as do him fear
+      Salvation is at hand
+      And glory shall ere long appear
+      To dwell within our Land.                                        40
+  10  Mercy and Truth that long were miss'd
+      Now joyfully are met
+      Sweet Peace and Righteousness have kiss'd
+      And hand in hand are set.
+  11  Truth from the earth like to a flowr
+      Shall bud and blossom then,
+      And Justice from her heavenly bowr
+      Look down on mortal men.
+  12  The Lord will also then bestow
+      Whatever thing is good                                           50
+      Our Land shall forth in plenty throw
+      Her fruits to be our food.
+  13  Before him Righteousness shall go
+      His Royal Harbinger,
+      Then * will he come, and not be slow          *Heb. He will set his
+      His footsteps cannot err.                         steps to the way.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. LXXXVI.
+
+
+  1   THY gracious ear, O Lord, encline,
+      O hear me I thee pray,
+      For I am poor, and almost pine
+      With need, and sad decay.
+  2   Preserve my soul, for *I have trod           Heb. I am good, loving,
+      Thy waies, and love the just,                    a doer of good and
+      Save thou thy servant O my God                          holy things
+      Who still in thee doth trust.
+  3   Pity me Lord for daily thee
+      I call; 4 O make rejoyce                                         10
+      Thy Servants Soul; for Lord to thee
+      I lift my soul and voice,
+  5   For thou art good, thou Lord art prone
+      To pardon, thou to all
+      Art full of mercy, thou alone
+      To them that on thee call.
+  6   Unto my supplication Lord
+      Give ear, and to the crie
+      Of my incessant praiers afford
+      Thy hearing graciously.                                          20
+  7   I in the day of my distress
+      Will call on thee for aid;
+      For thou wilt grant me free access
+      And answer, what I pray'd.
+  8   Like thee among the gods is none
+      O Lord, nor any works
+      Of all that other Gods have done
+      Like to thy glorious works.
+  9   The Nations all whom thou hast made
+      Shall come, and all shall frame                                  30
+      To bow them low before thee Lord,
+      And glorifie thy name.
+  10  For great thou art, and wonders great
+      By thy strong hand are done,
+      Thou in thy everlasting Seat
+      Remainest God alone.
+  11  Teach me O Lord thy way most right,
+      I in thy truth will bide,
+      To fear thy name my heart unite
+      So shall it never slide.                                         40
+  12  Thee will I praise O Lord my God
+      Thee honour, and adore
+      With my whole heart, and blaze abroad
+      Thy name for ever more.
+  13  For great thy mercy is toward me,
+      And thou hast free'd my Soul
+      Eev'n from the lowest Hell set free
+      From deepest darkness foul.
+  14  O God the proud against me rise
+      And violent men are met                                          50
+      To seek my life, and in their eyes
+      No fear of thee have set.
+  15  But thou Lord art the God most mild
+      Readiest thy grace to shew,
+      Slow to be angry, and art stil'd
+      Most mercifull, most true.
+  16  O turn to me thy face at length,
+      And me have mercy on,
+      Unto thy servant give thy strength,
+      And save thy hand-maids Son.                                     60
+  17  Some sign of good to me afford,
+      And let my foes then see
+      And be asham'd, because thou Lord
+      Do'st help and comfort me.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. LXXXVII
+
+
+  1   AMONG the holy Mountains high
+      Is his foundation fast,
+      There Seated in his Sanctuary,
+      His Temple there is plac't.
+  2   Sions fair Gates the Lord loves more
+      Then all the dwellings faire
+      Of Jacobs Land, though there be store,
+      And all within his care.
+  3   City of God, most glorious things
+      Of thee abroad are spoke;                                        10
+  4   I mention Egypt, where proud Kings
+      Did our forefathers yoke,
+      I mention Babel to my friends,
+      Philistia full of scorn,
+      And Tyre with Ethiops utmost ends,
+      Lo this man there was born:
+  5   But twise that praise shall in our ear
+      Be said of Sion last
+      This and this man was born in her,
+      High God shall fix her fast.                                     20
+  6   The Lord shall write it in a Scrowle
+      That ne're shall be out-worn
+      When he the Nations doth enrowle
+      That this man there was born.
+  7   Both they who sing, and they who dance
+      With sacred Songs are there,
+      In thee fresh brooks, and soft streams glance
+      And all my fountains clear.
+
+
+
+
+PSAL. LXXXVIII
+
+
+  1   LORD God that dost me save and keep,
+      All day to thee I cry;
+      And all night long, before thee weep
+      Before thee prostrate lie.
+  2   Into thy presence let my praier
+      With sighs devout ascend
+      And to my cries, that ceaseless are,
+      Thine ear with favour bend.
+  3   For cloy'd with woes and trouble store
+      Surcharg'd my Soul doth lie,                                     10
+      My life at death's uncherful dore
+      Unto the grave draws nigh.
+  4   Reck'n'd I am with them that pass
+      Down to the dismal pit
+      I am a *man, but weak alas               * Heb. A man without manly
+      And for that name unfit.                                  strength.
+  5   From life discharg'd and parted quite
+      Among the dead to sleep
+      And like the slain in bloody fight
+      That in the grave lie deep.                                      20
+      Whom thou rememberest no more,
+      Dost never more regard,
+      Them from thy hand deliver'd o're
+      Deaths hideous house hath barr'd.
+  6   Thou in the lowest pit profound
+      Hast set me all forlorn,
+      Where thickest darkness hovers round,
+      In horrid deeps to mourn.
+  7   Thy wrath from which no shelter saves
+      Full sore doth press on me;                                      30
+     *Thou break'st upon me all thy waves,                      *The Heb.
+     *And all thy waves break me                              bears both.
+  8   Thou dost my friends from me estrange,
+      And mak'st me odious,
+      Me to them odious, for they change,
+      And I here pent up thus.
+  9   Through sorrow, and affliction great
+      Mine eye grows dim and dead,
+      Lord all the day I thee entreat,
+      My hands to thee I spread.                                       40
+  10  Wilt thou do wonders on the dead,
+      Shall the deceas'd arise
+      And praise thee from their loathsom bed
+      With pale and hollow eyes?
+  11  Shall they thy loving kindness tell
+      On whom the grave hath hold,
+      Or they who in perdition dwell
+      Thy faithfulness unfold?
+  12  In darkness can thy mighty hand
+      Or wondrous acts be known,                                       50
+      Thy justice in the gloomy land
+      Of dark oblivion?
+  13  But I to thee O Lord do cry
+      E're yet my life be spent,
+      And up to thee my praier doth hie
+      Each morn, and thee prevent.
+  14  Why wilt thou Lord my soul forsake,
+      And hide thy face from me,
+  15  That am already bruis'd, and *shake          *Heb. Prae Concussione.
+      With terror sent from thee;                                      60
+      Bruz'd, and afflicted and so low
+      As ready to expire,
+      While I thy terrors undergo
+      Astonish'd with thine ire.
+  16  Thy fierce wrath over me doth flow
+      Thy threatnings cut me through.
+  17  All day they round about me go,
+      Like waves they me persue.
+  18  Lover and friend thou hast remov'd
+      And sever'd from me far.                                         70
+      They fly me now whom I have lov'd,
+      And as in darkness are.
+
+
+  Finis.
+
+
+
+
+COLLECTION OF PASSAGES TRANSLATED IN THE PROSE WRITINGS.
+
+
+
+
+[From Of Reformation in England, 1641.]
+
+
+  Ah Constantine, of how much ill was cause
+  Not thy Conversion, but those rich demains
+  That the first wealthy Pope receiv'd of thee.
+  DANTE, Inf. xix. 115.
+
+  Founded in chast and humble Poverty,
+  'Gainst them that rais'd thee dost thou lift thy horn,
+  Impudent whoore, where hast thou plac'd thy hope?
+  In thy Adulterers, or thy ill got wealth?
+  Another Constantine comes not in hast.
+  PETRARCA, Son. 108.
+
+  And to be short, at last his guid him brings
+  Into a goodly valley, where he sees
+  A mighty mass of things strangely confus'd
+  Things that on earth were lost or were abus'd.
+  .   .   .   .   .
+  Then past he to a flowry Mountain green,
+  Which once smelt sweet, now stinks as odiously;
+  This was that gift (if you the truth will have)
+  That Constantine to good Sylvestro gave.
+  ARIOSTO, Orl. Fur. xxxiv. 80.
+
+
+
+
+[From Reason of Church Government,  1641.]
+
+
+  When I die, let the Earth be roul'd in flames.
+
+
+
+
+[From Apology for Smectymnuus, 1642.]
+
+
+  Laughing to teach the truth
+  What hinders? as some teachers give to Boys
+  Junkets and knacks, that they may learne apace.
+  HORACE, Sat. 1. 24.
+
+  Jesting decides great things
+  Stronglier, and better oft than earnest can.
+  IBID. i. 10. 14.
+
+  'Tis you that say it, not I: you do the deeds
+  And your ungodly deeds find me the words.
+  SOPHOCLES, Elec. 624.
+
+
+
+
+[From Areopagitica, 1644.]
+
+
+  This is true Liberty, when free-born Men,
+  Having to advise the Public, may speak free,
+  Which he who can, and will, deserv's high praise;
+  Who neither can nor will, may hold his peace,
+  What can be juster in a state then this?
+  EURIPIDES, Supp. 438
+
+
+
+
+[From Tetrachordon, 1645.]
+
+
+  Whom do we count a good man, whom but he
+  Who keeps the laws and statutes of the Senate,
+  Who judges in great suits and controversies,
+  Whose witness and opinion wins the cause?
+  But his own house, and the whole neighbourhood
+  See his foul inside through his whited skin.
+  HORACE, Ep. i. 16. 40.
+
+
+
+
+[From The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates, 1649.]
+
+
+                         There can be slaine
+  No sacrifice to God more acceptable
+  Than an unjust and wicked king.
+  SENECA, Herc. Fur. 922.
+
+
+
+
+[From History of Britain, 1670.]
+
+
+  Brutus thus addresses Diana in the country of Leogecia.
+
+  Goddess of Shades, and Huntress, who at will
+  Walk'st on the rowling Sphear, and through the deep,
+  On thy third Reign the Earth look now, and tell
+  What Land, what Seat of rest thou bidst me seek,
+  What certain Seat, where I may worship thee
+  For aye, with Temples vow'd, and Virgin quires.
+
+  To whom sleeping before the altar, Diana in a Vision that night
+  thus answer'd.
+
+  Brutus far to the West, in th' Ocean wide
+  Beyond the Realm of Gaul, a Land there lies,
+  Sea-girt it lies, where Giants dwelt of old,
+  Now void, it fits thy People; thether bend
+  Thy course, there shalt thou find a lasting seat,
+  There to thy Sons another Troy shall rise,
+  And Kings be born of thee, whose dredded might
+  Shall aw the World, and conquer Nations bold.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Title page of first (1667) edition of
+Paradise Lost follows:
+
+
+                         Paradise lost.
+                               A
+                              POEM
+                           Written in
+                           TEN BOOKS
+                         By John Milton
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                 Licensed and Entred according
+                           to Order
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                            LONDON.
+          Printed, and are to be sold by Peter Parker
+            under Creed Church neer Aldgate; And by
+    Robert Boulter at the Turk's head in Bishopsgate-street
+       And Matthias Walker, under St. Dunstan's Church
+                    in Fleet-street, 1667.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Title page of second (1674) edition of
+Paradise Lost follows:
+
+
+                         Paradise Lost.
+                               A
+                             POEM
+                              IN
+                         TWELVE BOOKS.
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                          The Author
+                         JOHN MILTON.
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                       The Second Edition
+                  Revised and Augmented by the
+                          Same Author.
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                            LONDON.
+             Printed by S. Simmons next door to the
+             Golden Lion in Aldergate-street, 1674.
+
+
+
+
+PARADISE LOST.
+
+
+
+
+ON Paradise Lost.
+
+
+  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.
+
+                                         A.M.
+
+  Note: On Paradise Lost] Added in the second edition 1674.
+
+
+
+
+The Printer to the Reader.
+
+
+Courteous Reader, there was no Argument at first intended to the Book,
+but for the satisfaction of many that have desired it, I have procur'd
+it, and withall a reason of that which stumbled many others, why the
+Poem Rimes not. S. Simmons.
+
+Notes: The Printer to the Reader] Added in 1668 to the copies then
+remaining of the first edition, amended in 1669, and omitted in 1670. I
+have procur'd it, and.... not. 1669]  is procured. 1668.
+
+
+
+
+THE VERSE.
+
+
+THE measure is English Heroic Verse without Rime as that of Homer in
+Greek, and of Virgil in Latin; Rime being no necessary Adjunct or true
+Ornament of Poem or good Verse, in longer Works especially, but the
+Invention of a barbarous Age, to set off wretched matter and lame
+Meeter; grac't indeed since by the use of some famous modern Poets,
+carried away by Custom, but much to thir own vexation, hindrance, and
+constraint to express many things otherwise, and for the most part worse
+then else they would have exprest them.  Not without cause therefore
+some both Italian and Spanish Poets of prime note have rejected Rime
+both in longer and shorter Works, as have also long since our best
+English Tragedies, as a thing of it self, to all judicious eares,
+triveal and of no true musical delight: which consists only in apt
+Numbers, fit quantity of Syllables, and the sense variously drawn out
+from one Verse into another, not in the jingling sound of like endings,
+a fault avoyded by the learned Ancients both in Poetry and all good
+Oratory  This neglect then of Rime so little is to be taken for a defect
+though it may seem so perhaps to vulgar Readers, that it rather is to be
+esteem'd an example set, the first in English, of ancient liberty
+recover'd to Heroic Poem from the troublesom and modern bondage of
+Rimeing.
+
+Note: The Verse] Added in 1668 to the copies then remaining of the first
+edition; together with the Argument. In the second edition (1674) the
+Argument, with the necessary adjustment to the division made in Books
+vii and x, was distributed through the several books of the poem, as it
+is here printed.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK I.
+
+
+
+THE ARGUMENT.
+
+THIS first Book proposes first in brief the whole Subject, Mans
+disobedience, and the loss thereupon of Paradise wherein he was plac't:
+Then touches the prime cause of his fall, the Serpent, or rather Satan
+in the Serpent; who revolting from God, and drawing to his side many
+Legions of Angels, was by the command of God driven out of Heaven with
+all his Crew into the great Deep. Which action past over, the Poem hasts
+into the midst of things, presenting Satan with his Angels now fallen
+into Hell describ'd here, not in the Center (for Heaven and Earth may be
+suppos'd as yet not made, certainly not yet accurst) but in a place of
+utter darknesse, fitliest call'd Chaos: Here Satan with his Angels lying
+on the burning Lake, thunder-struck and astonisht, after a certain space
+recovers, as from confusion, calls up him who next in Order and Dignity
+lay by him; they confer of thir miserable fall.  Satan awakens all his
+Legions, who lay till then in the same manner confounded; They rise,
+thir Numbers, array of Battel, thir chief Leaders nam'd according to the
+Idols known afterwards in Canaan and the Countries adjoyning. To these
+Satan directs his Speech, comforts them with hope yet of gaining Heaven,
+but tells them lastly of a new World and new kind of Creature to be
+created, according to an ancient Prophesie or report in Heaven; for that
+Angels were long before this visible Creation, was the opinion of many
+ancient Fathers.  To find out the truth of this Prophesie, and what to
+determin thereon he refers to a full councell.  What his Associates
+thence attempt.  Pandemonium the palace of Satan rises, suddenly built
+out of the Deep: The infernal Peers there sit in Counsel.
+
+  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                                   10
+  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                        20
+  Dove-like satst brooding on the vast Abyss
+  And mad'st it pregnant: What in me is dark
+  Illumine, what is low raise and support;
+  That to the highth of this great Argument
+  I may assert th' Eternal Providence,
+  And justifie the wayes of God to men.
+  Say first, for Heav'n hides nothing from thy view
+  Nor the deep Tract of Hell, say first what cause
+  Mov'd our Grand Parents in that happy State,
+  Favour'd of Heav'n so highly, to fall off                            30
+  From their Creator, and transgress his Will
+  For one restraint, Lords of the World besides?
+  Who first seduc'd them to that fowl revolt?
+  Th' infernal Serpent; he it was, whose guile
+  Stird up with Envy and Revenge, deceiv'd
+  The Mother of Mankinde, what time his Pride
+  Had cast him out from Heav'n, with all his Host
+  Of Rebel Angels, by whose aid aspiring
+  To set himself in Glory above his Peers,
+  He trusted to have equal'd the most High,                            40
+  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                     50
+  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,                                60
+  A Dungeon horrible, on all sides round
+  As one great Furnace flam'd, yet from those flames
+  No light, but rather darkness visible
+  Serv'd only to discover sights of woe,
+  Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace
+  And rest can never dwell, hope never comes
+  That comes to all; but torture without end
+  Still urges, and a fiery Deluge, fed
+  With ever-burning Sulphur unconsum'd:
+  Such place Eternal Justice had prepar'd                              70
+  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                             80
+  Beelzebub. To whom th' Arch-Enemy,
+  And thence in Heav'n call'd Satan, with bold words
+  Breaking the horrid silence thus began.
+  If thou beest he; But O how fall'n! how chang'd
+  From him, who in the happy Realms of Light
+  Cloth'd with transcendent brightnes didst outshine
+  Myriads though bright: If he whom mutual league,
+  United thoughts and counsels, equal hope,
+  And hazard in the Glorious Enterprize,
+  Joynd with me once, now misery hath joynd                            90
+  In equal ruin: into what Pit thou seest
+  From what highth fal'n, so much the stronger provd
+  He with his Thunder: and till then who knew
+  The force of those dire Arms? yet not for those
+  Nor what the Potent Victor in his rage
+  Can else inflict do I repent or change,
+  Though chang'd in outward lustre; that fixt mind
+  And high disdain, from sence of injur'd merit,
+  That with the mightiest rais'd me to contend,
+  And to the fierce contention brought along                          100
+  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                           110
+  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                            120
+  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                            130
+  Fearless, endanger'd Heav'ns perpetual King;
+  And put to proof his high Supremacy,
+  Whether upheld by strength, or Chance, or Fate,
+  Too well I see and rue the dire event,
+  That with sad overthrow and foul defeat
+  Hath lost us Heav'n, and all this mighty Host
+  In horrible destruction laid thus low,
+  As far as Gods and Heav'nly Essences
+  Can Perish: for the mind and spirit remains
+  Invincible, and vigour soon returns,                                140
+  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                         150
+  Here in the heart of Hell to work in Fire,
+  Or do his Errands in the gloomy Deep;
+  What can it then avail though yet we feel
+  Strength 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,                                160
+  As being the contrary to his high will
+  Whom we resist. If then his Providence
+  Out of our evil seek to bring forth good,
+  Our labour must be to pervert that end,
+  And out of good 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                              170
+  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,                     180
+  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,                           190
+  If not what resolution from despare.
+  Thus Satan talking to his neerest Mate
+  With Head up-lift above the wave, and Eyes
+  That sparkling blaz'd, his other Parts besides
+  Prone on the Flood, extended long and large
+  Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge
+  As whom the Fables name of monstrous size,
+  Titanian, or Earth-born, that warr'd on Jove,
+  Briarios or Typhon, whom the Den
+  By ancient Tarsus held, or that Sea-beast                           200
+  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                        210
+  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.                       220
+  Forthwith upright he rears from off the Pool
+  His mighty Stature; on each hand the flames
+  Drivn backward slope their pointing spires, & rowld
+  In billows, leave i'th' midst a horrid Vale.
+  Then with expanded wings he stears his flight
+  Aloft, incumbent on the dusky Air
+  That felt unusual weight, till on dry Land
+  He lights, if it were Land that ever burn'd
+  With solid, as the Lake with liquid fire;
+  And such appear'd in hue, as when the force                         230
+  Of subterranean wind transports a Hill
+  Torn from Pelorus, or the shatter'd side
+  Of thundring Aetna, whose combustible
+  And fewel'd entrals thence conceiving Fire,
+  Sublim'd with Mineral fury, aid the Winds,
+  And leave a singed bottom all involv'd
+  With stench and smoak: Such resting found the sole
+  Of unblest feet. Him followed his next Mate,
+  Both glorying to have scap't the Stygian flood
+  As Gods, and by their own recover'd strength,                       240
+  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                      250
+  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:                         260
+  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?                       270
+  So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub
+  Thus answer'd. Leader of those Armies bright,
+  Which but th' Omnipotent none could have foyld,
+  If once they hear that voyce, their liveliest pledge
+  Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft
+  In worst extreams, and on the perilous edge
+  Of battel when it rag'd, in all assaults
+  Their surest signal, they will soon resume
+  New courage and revive, though now they lye
+  Groveling and prostrate on yon Lake of Fire,                        280
+  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,                                290
+  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                           300
+  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,
+  While with perfidious hatred they pursu'd
+  The Sojourners of Goshen, who beheld
+  From the safe shore their floating Carkases                         310
+  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                          320
+  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.                                330
+  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                     340
+  Of Locusts, warping on the Eastern Wind,
+  That ore the Realm of impious Pharoah hung
+  Like Night, and darken'd all the Land of Nile:
+  So numberless were those bad Angels seen
+  Hovering on wing under the Cope of Hell
+  'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding Fires;
+  Till, as a signal giv'n, th' uplifted Spear
+  Of their great Sultan waving to direct
+  Thir course, in even ballance down they light
+  On the firm brimstone, and fill all the Plain;                      350
+  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;                     360
+  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                          370
+  Oft to the Image of a Brute, adorn'd
+  With gay Religions full of Pomp and Gold,
+  And Devils to adore for Deities:
+  Then were they known to men by various Names,
+  And various Idols through the Heathen World.
+  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?                        380
+  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,                         390
+  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                           400
+  Of Solomon he led by fraud to build
+  His Temple right against the Temple of God
+  On that opprobrious Hill, and made his Grove
+  The pleasant Vally of Hinnom, Tophet thence
+  And black Gehenna call'd, the Type of Hell.
+  Next Chemos, th' obscene dread of Moabs Sons,
+  From Aroer to Nebo, and the wild
+  Of Southmost Abarim; in Hesebon
+  And Heronaim, Seons Realm, beyond
+  The flowry Dale of Sibma clad with Vines,                           410
+  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                            420
+  Egypt from Syrian ground, had general Names
+  Of Baalim and Ashtaroth, those male,
+  These Feminine. For Spirits when they please
+  Can either Sex assume, or both; so soft
+  And uncompounded is their Essence pure,
+  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,                                   430
+  And works of love or enmity fulfill.
+  For those the Race of Israel oft forsook
+  Their living strength, and unfrequented left
+  His righteous Altar, bowing lowly down
+  To bestial Gods; for which their heads as low
+  Bow'd down in Battel, sunk before the Spear
+  Of despicable foes. With these in troop
+  Came Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians call'd
+  Astarte, Queen of Heav'n, with crescent Horns;
+  To whose bright Image nightly by the Moon                           440
+  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                            450
+  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,                             460
+  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:                          470
+  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                              480
+  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                      490
+  Fell not from Heaven, or more gross to love
+  Vice for it self: To him no Temple stood
+  Or Altar smoak'd; yet who more oft then hee
+  In Temples and at Altars, when the Priest
+  Turns Atheist, as did Ely's Sons, who fill'd
+  With lust and violence the house of God.
+  In Courts and Palaces he also Reigns
+  And in luxurious Cities, where the noyse
+  Of riot ascends above thir loftiest Towrs,
+  And injury and outrage: And when Night                              500
+  Darkens the Streets, then wander forth the Sons
+  Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine.
+  Witness the Streets of Sodom, and that night
+  In Gibeah, when hospitable Dores
+  Yielded thir Matrons to prevent worse rape.
+  These were the prime in order and in might;
+  The rest were long to tell, though far renown'd,
+  Th' Ionian Gods, of Javans Issue held
+  Gods, yet confest later then Heav'n and Earth
+  Thir boasted Parents; Titan Heav'ns first born                      510
+  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,                            520
+  And ore the Celtic roam'd the utmost Isles.
+  All these and more came flocking; but with looks
+  Down cast and damp, yet such wherein appear'd
+  Obscure som glimps of joy, to have found thir chief
+  Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost
+  In loss it self; which on his count'nance cast
+  Like doubtful hue: but he his wonted pride
+  Soon recollecting, with high words, that bore
+  Semblance of worth not substance, gently rais'd
+  Their fainted courage, and dispel'd their fears.                    530
+  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:                             540
+  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                               550
+  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                           560
+  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,                                570
+  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                                   580
+  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                                590
+  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                         600
+  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                         610
+  For his revolt, yet faithfull how they stood,
+  Thir Glory witherd. As when Heavens Fire
+  Hath scath'd the Forrest Oaks, or Mountain Pines,
+  With singed top their stately growth though bare
+  Stands on the blasted Heath. He now prepar'd
+  To speak; whereat their doubl'd Ranks they bend
+  From Wing to Wing, and half enclose him round
+  With all his Peers: attention held them mute.
+  Thrice he assayd, and thrice in spite of scorn,
+  Tears such as Angels weep, burst forth: at last                     620
+  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?                       630
+  For who can yet beleeve, though after loss,
+  That all these puissant Legions, whose exile
+  Hath emptied Heav'n, shall faile to re-ascend
+  Self-rais'd, and repossess their native seat.
+  For me, be witness all the Host of Heav'n,
+  If counsels different, or danger shun'd
+  By me, have lost our hopes. But he who reigns
+  Monarch in Heav'n, till then as one secure
+  Sat on his Throne, upheld by old repute,
+  Consent or custome, and his Regal State                             640
+  Put forth at full, but still his strength conceal'd,
+  Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fall.
+  Henceforth his might we know, and know our own
+  So as not either to provoke, or dread
+  New 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                       650
+  There went a fame in Heav'n that he ere long
+  Intended to create, and therein plant
+  A generation, whom his choice regard
+  Should favour equal to the Sons of Heaven:
+  Thither, if but to prie, shall be perhaps
+  Our first eruption, thither or elsewhere:
+  For this Infernal Pit shall never hold
+  Caelestial Spirits in Bondage, nor th' Abysse
+  Long under darkness cover. But these thoughts
+  Full Counsel must mature: Peace is despaird,                        660
+  For who can think Submission? Warr then, Warr
+  Open or understood must be resolv'd.
+  He spake: and to confirm his words, out-flew
+  Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs
+  Of mighty Cherubim; the sudden blaze
+  Far round illumin'd hell: highly they rag'd
+  Against the Highest, and fierce with grasped arm's
+  Clash'd on their sounding shields the din of war,
+  Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heav'n.
+  There stood a Hill not far whose griesly top                        670
+  Belch'd fire and rowling smoak; the rest entire
+  Shon with a glossie scurff, undoubted sign
+  That in his womb was hid metallic Ore,
+  The work of Sulphur. Thither wing'd with speed
+  A numerous Brigad hasten'd. As when bands
+  Of Pioners with Spade and Pickaxe arm'd
+  Forerun the Royal Camp, to trench a Field,
+  Or cast a Rampart. Mammon led them on,
+  Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fell
+  From heav'n, for ev'n in heav'n his looks and thoughts              680
+  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                         690
+  That riches grow in Hell; that soyle may best
+  Deserve the pretious bane. And here let those
+  Who boast in mortal things, and wondring tell
+  Of Babel, and the works of Memphian Kings,
+  Learn how thir greatest Monuments of Fame,
+  And Strength and Art are easily outdone
+  By Spirits reprobate, and in an hour
+  What in an age they with incessant toyle
+  And hands innumerable scarce perform.
+  Nigh on the Plain in many cells prepar'd,                           700
+  That underneath had veins of liquid fire
+  Sluc'd from the Lake, a second multitude
+  With wondrous Art founded the massie Ore,
+  Severing each kinde, and scum'd the Bullion dross:
+  A third as soon had form'd within the ground
+  A various mould, and from the boyling cells
+  By strange conveyance fill'd each hollow nook,
+  As in an Organ from one blast of wind
+  To many a row of Pipes the sound-board breaths.
+  Anon out of the earth a Fabrick huge                                710
+  Rose like an Exhalation, with the sound
+  Of Dulcet Symphonies and voices sweet,
+  Built like a Temple, where Pilasters round
+  Were set, and Doric pillars overlaid
+  With Golden Architrave; nor did there want
+  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                                 720
+  Thir Kings, when Aegypt with Assyria strove
+  In wealth and luxurie. Th' ascending pile
+  Stood fixt her stately highth, and strait the dores
+  Op'ning thir brazen foulds discover wide
+  Within, her ample spaces, o're the smooth
+  And level pavement: from the arched roof
+  Pendant by suttle Magic many a row
+  Of Starry Lamps and blazing Cressets fed
+  With Naphtha and Asphaltus yeilded light
+  As from a sky. The hasty multitude                                  730
+  Admiring enter'd, and the work some praise
+  And some the Architect: his hand was known
+  In Heav'n by many a Towred structure high,
+  Where Scepter'd Angels held thir residence,
+  And sat as Princes, whom the supreme King
+  Exalted to such power, and gave to rule,
+  Each in his Herarchie, the Orders bright.
+  Nor was his name unheard or unador'd
+  In ancient Greece; and in Ausonian land
+  Men call'd him Mulciber; and how he fell                            740
+  From Heav'n, they fabl'd, thrown by angry Jove
+  Sheer o're the Chrystal Battlements: from Morn
+  To Noon he fell, from Noon to dewy Eve,
+  A Summers day; and with the setting Sun
+  Dropt from the Zenith like a falling Star,
+  On Lemnos th' Aegaean Ile: thus they relate,
+  Erring; for he with this rebellious rout
+  Fell long before; nor aught avail'd him now
+  To have built in Heav'n high Towrs; nor did he scape
+  By all his Engins, but was headlong sent                            750
+  With his industrious crew to build in hell.
+  Mean while the winged Haralds by command
+  Of Sovran power, with awful Ceremony
+  And Trumpets sound throughout the Host proclaim
+  A solemn Councel forthwith to be held
+  At Pandaemonium, the high Capital
+  Of Satan and his Peers: thir summons call'd
+  From Band and squared Regiment
+  By place or choice the worthiest; they anon
+  With hundreds and with thousands trooping came                      760
+  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                      770
+  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                           780
+  Beyond the Indian Mount, or Faerie Elves,
+  Whose midnight Revels, by a Forrest side
+  Or Fountain some belated Peasant sees,
+  Or dreams he sees, while over head the Moon
+  Sits Arbitress, and neerer to the Earth
+  Wheels her pale course, they on thir mirth & dance
+  Intent, with jocond Music charm his ear;
+  At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds.
+  Thus incorporeal Spirits to smallest forms
+  Reduc'd thir shapes immense, and were at large,                     790
+  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.
+
+  Notes:
+  504, 505 hospitable Dores Yielded thir Matrons] the hospitable
+  door Expos'd a Matron 1674.
+  530 fainted] fa(i)nting 1674.
+  703 founded] found out 1674.
+  737 Herarchie] Hierarchie 1674.
+
+  The End Of The First Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK II.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+The Consultation begun, Satan debates whether another Battel be to be
+hazarded for the recovery of Heaven: some advise it, others dissuade: A
+third proposal is prefer'd, mention'd before by Satan, to search the
+truth of that Prophesie or Tradition in Heaven concerning another world,
+and another kind of creature equal or much inferiour to themselves,
+about this time to be created:  Thir doubt who shall be sent on this
+difficult search: Satan thir cheif undertakes alone the voyage, is
+honourd and applauded.   The Councel thus ended, the rest betake them
+several wayes and to several imployments, as thir inclinations lead
+them, to entertain the time till Satan return. He passes on his Journey
+to Hell Gates, finds them shut, and who sat there to guard them, by whom
+at length they are op'nd, and discover to him the great Gulf between
+Hell and Heaven; with what difficulty he passes through, directed by
+Chaos the Power of that place, to the sight of this new World which he
+sought.
+
+Note: who shall be sent] who should be sent 1669.
+
+
+  High on a Throne of Royal State, which far
+  Outshon the wealth of Ormus and of Ind,
+  Or where the gorgeous East with richest hand
+  Showrs on her Kings Barbaric Pearl & Gold,
+  Satan exalted sat, by merit rais'd
+  To that bad eminence; and from despair
+  Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires
+  Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue
+  Vain Warr with Heav'n, and by success untaught
+  His proud imaginations thus displaid.                                10
+  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,                           20
+  Hath bin achievd of merit, yet this loss
+  Thus farr at least recover'd, hath much more
+  Establisht in a safe unenvied Throne
+  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                         30
+  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,                         40
+  Whether of open Warr or covert guile,
+  We now debate; who can advise, may speak.
+  He ceas'd, and next him Moloc, Scepter'd King
+  Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest Spirit
+  That fought in Heav'n; now fiercer by despair:
+  His trust was with th' Eternal to be deem'd
+  Equal in strength, and rather then be less
+  Car'd not to be at all; with that care lost
+  Went all his fear: of God, or Hell, or worse
+  He reckd not, and these words thereafter spake.                      50
+  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                               60
+  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                               70
+  The way seems difficult and steep to scale
+  With upright wing against a higher foe.
+  Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench
+  Of that forgetful Lake 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                            80
+  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                           90
+  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                             100
+  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                           110
+  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                            120
+  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                            130
+  Impregnable; oft on the bordering Deep
+  Encamp thir Legions, or with obscure wing
+  Scout farr and wide into the Realm of night,
+  Scorning surprize. Or could we break our way
+  By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise
+  With blackest Insurrection, to confound
+  Heav'ns purest Light, yet our great Enemie
+  All incorruptible would on his Throne
+  Sit unpolluted, and th' Ethereal mould
+  Incapable of stain would soon expel                                 140
+  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,                                150
+  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,                          160
+  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                    170
+  Awak'd should blow them into sevenfold rage
+  And plunge us in the Flames? or from above
+  Should intermitted vengeance Arme again
+  His red right hand to plague us? what if all
+  Her stores were op'n'd, and this Firmament
+  Of Hell should spout her Cataracts of Fire,
+  Impendent horrors, threatning hideous fall
+  One day upon our heads; while we perhaps
+  Designing or exhorting glorious Warr,
+  Caught in a fierie Tempest shall be hurl'd                          180
+  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                190
+  All these our motions vain, sees and derides;
+  Not more Almighty to resist our might
+  Then wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles.
+  Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heav'n
+  Thus trampl'd, thus expell'd to suffer here
+  Chains 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                           200
+  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                              210
+  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,                   220
+  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                              230
+  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                           240
+  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                              250
+  Unacceptable, though in Heav'n, our state
+  Of splendid vassalage, but rather seek
+  Our own good from our selves, and from our own
+  Live to our selves, though in this vast recess,
+  Free, and to none accountable, preferring
+  Hard liberty before the easie yoke
+  Of servile Pomp. Our greatness will appear
+  Then most conspicuous, when great things of small,
+  Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse
+  We can create, and in what place so e're                            260
+  Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain
+  Through labour and endurance. This deep world
+  Of darkness do we dread? How oft amidst
+  Thick clouds and dark doth Heav'ns all-ruling Sire
+  Choose to reside, his Glory unobscur'd,
+  And with the Majesty of darkness round
+  Covers his Throne; from whence deep thunders roar
+  Must'ring thir rage, and Heav'n resembles Hell?
+  As he our Darkness, cannot we his Light
+  Imitate when we please? This Desart soile                           270
+  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                                 280
+  Compose our present evils, with regard
+  Of what we are and where, dismissing quite
+  All thoughts of Warr: ye have what I advise.
+  He scarce had finisht, when such murmur filld
+  Th' Assembly, as when hollow Rocks retain
+  The sound of blustring winds, which all night long
+  Had rous'd the Sea, now with hoarse cadence lull
+  Sea-faring men orewatcht, whose Bark by chance
+  Or Pinnace anchors in a craggy Bay
+  After the Tempest: Such applause was heard                          290
+  As Mammon ended, and his Sentence pleas'd,
+  Advising peace: for such another Field
+  They dreaded worse then Hell: so much the fear
+  Of Thunder and the Sword of Michael
+  Wrought still within them; and no less desire
+  To found this nether Empire, which might rise
+  By pollicy, and long process of time,
+  In emulation opposite to Heav'n.
+  Which when Beelzebub perceiv'd, then whom,
+  Satan except, none higher sat, with grave                           300
+  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,                  310
+  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                           320
+  In strictest bondage, though thus far remov'd,
+  Under th' inevitable curb, reserv'd
+  His captive multitude: For he, be sure,
+  In highth or depth, still first and last will Reign
+  Sole King, and of his Kingdom loose no part
+  By our revolt, but over Hell extend
+  His Empire, and with Iron Scepter rule
+  Us here, as with his Golden those in Heav'n.
+  What sit we then projecting Peace and Warr?
+  Warr hath determin'd us, and foild with loss                        330
+  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?                            340
+  Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need
+  With dangerous expedition to invade
+  Heav'n, whose high walls fear no assault or Siege,
+  Or ambush from the Deep. What if we find
+  Some easier enterprize? There is a place
+  (If ancient and prophetic fame in Heav'n
+  Err not) another World, the happy seat
+  Of som new Race call'd Man, about this time
+  To be created like to us, though less
+  In power and excellence, but favour'd more                          350
+  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                     360
+  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                           370
+  Common revenge, and interrupt his joy
+  In our Confusion, and our Joy upraise
+  In his disturbance; when his darling Sons
+  Hurl'd headlong to partake with us, shall curse
+  Thir frail Originals, and faded bliss,
+  Faded so soon. Advise if this be worth
+  Attempting, or to sit in darkness here
+  Hatching vain Empires. Thus Beelzebub
+  Pleaded his devilish Counsel, first devis'd
+  By Satan, and in part propos'd: for whence,                         380
+  But from the Author of all ill could Spring
+  So deep a malice, to confound the race
+  Of mankind in one root, and Earth with Hell
+  To mingle and involve, done all to spite
+  The great 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,                        390
+  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,                       400
+  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                     410
+  Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe
+  Through the strict Senteries and Stations thick
+  Of Angels watching round? Here he had need
+  All circumspection, and we now no less
+  Choice in our suffrage; for on whom we send,
+  The weight of all and our last hope relies.
+  This said, he sat; and expectation held
+  His look suspence, awaiting who appeer'd
+  To second, or oppose, or undertake
+  The perilous attempt: but all sat mute,                             420
+  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,                              430
+  With reason hath deep silence and demurr
+  Seis'd us, though undismaid: long is the way
+  And hard, that out of Hell leads up to Light;
+  Our prison strong, this huge convex of Fire,
+  Outrageous to devour, immures us round
+  Ninefold, and gates of burning Adamant
+  Barr'd over us prohibit all egress.
+  These past, if any pass, the void profound
+  Of unessential Night receives him next
+  Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being                           440
+  Threatens him, plung'd in that abortive gulf.
+  If thence he scape into what ever world,
+  Or unknown Region, what remains him less
+  Then unknown dangers and as hard escape.
+  But I should ill become this Throne, O Peers,
+  And this Imperial Sov'ranty, adorn'd
+  With splendor, arm'd with power, if aught propos'd
+  And judg'd of public moment, in the shape
+  Of difficulty or danger could deterre
+  Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume                           450
+  These Royalties, and not refuse to Reign,
+  Refusing to accept as great a share
+  Of hazard as of honour, due alike
+  To him who Reigns, and so much to him due
+  Of hazard more, as he above the rest
+  High honourd sits? Go therfore mighty powers,
+  Terror of Heav'n, though fall'n; intend at home,
+  While here shall be our home, what best may ease
+  The present misery, and render Hell
+  More tollerable; if there be cure or charm                          460
+  To respite or deceive, or slack the pain
+  Of this ill Mansion: intermit no watch
+  Against a wakeful Foe, while I abroad
+  Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek
+  Deliverance for us all: this enterprize
+  None shall partake with me. Thus saying rose
+  The Monarch, and prevented all reply,
+  Prudent, least from his resolution rais'd
+  Others among the chief might offer now
+  (Certain to be refus'd) what erst they feard;                       470
+  And so refus'd might in opinion stand
+  His rivals, winning cheap the high repute
+  Which he through hazard huge must earn. But they
+  Dreaded not more th' adventure then his voice
+  Forbidding; and at once with him they rose;
+  Thir rising all at once was as the sound
+  Of Thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend
+  With awful reverence prone; and as a God
+  Extoll him equal to the highest in Heav'n:
+  Nor fail'd they to express how much they prais'd,                   480
+  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                          490
+  Scowls ore the dark'nd lantskip Snow, or showre;
+  If chance the radiant Sun with farewell sweet
+  Extend his ev'ning beam, the fields revive,
+  The birds thir notes renew, and bleating herds
+  Attest thir joy, that hill and valley rings.
+  O shame to men! Devil with Devil damn'd
+  Firm concord holds, men onely disagree
+  Of Creatures rational, though under hope
+  Of heavenly Grace: and God proclaiming peace,
+  Yet live in hatred, enmitie, and strife                             500
+  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,                        510
+  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.                    520
+  Thence more at ease thir minds and somwhat rais'd
+  By false presumptuous hope, the ranged powers
+  Disband, and wandring, each his several way
+  Pursues, as inclination or sad choice
+  Leads him perplext, where he may likeliest find
+  Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain
+  The irksome hours, till his great Chief return.
+  Part on the Plain, or in the Air sublime
+  Upon the wing, or in swift race contend,
+  As at th' Olympian Games or Pythian fields;                         530
+  Part curb thir fierie Steeds, or shun the Goal
+  With rapid wheels, or fronted Brigads form.
+  As when to warn proud Cities warr appears
+  Wag'd in the troubl'd Skie, and Armies rush
+  To Battel in the Clouds, before each Van
+  Pric forth the Aerie Knights, and couch thir spears
+  Till thickest Legions close; with feats of Arms
+  From either end of Heav'n the welkin burns.
+  Others with vast Typhoean rage more fell
+  Rend up both Rocks and Hills, and ride the Air                      540
+  In whirlwind; Hell scarce holds the wilde uproar.
+  As when Alcides from Oealia Crown'd
+  With conquest, felt th' envenom'd robe, and tore
+  Through pain up by the roots Thessalian Pines,
+  And Lichas from the top of Oeta threw
+  Into th' Euboic Sea. Others more milde,
+  Retreated in a silent valley, sing
+  With notes Angelical to many a Harp
+  Thir own Heroic deeds and hapless fall
+  By doom of Battel; and complain that Fate                           550
+  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,                       560
+  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,                          570
+  On bold adventure to discover wide
+  That dismal world, if any Clime perhaps
+  Might yeild them easier habitation, bend
+  Four ways thir flying March, along the Banks
+  Of four infernal Rivers that disgorge
+  Into the burning Lake thir baleful streams;
+  Abhorred Styx the flood of deadly hate,
+  Sad Acheron of sorrow, black and deep;
+  Cocytus, nam'd of lamentation loud
+  Heard on the ruful stream; fierce Phlegeton                         580
+  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                         590
+  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                           600
+  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                      610
+  Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards
+  The Ford, and of it self the water flies
+  All taste of living wight, as once it fled
+  The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on
+  In confus'd march forlorn, th' adventrous Bands
+  With shuddring horror pale, and eyes agast
+  View'd first thir lamentable lot, and found
+  No rest: through many a dark and drearie Vaile
+  They pass'd, and many a Region dolorous,
+  O're many a Frozen, many a Fierie Alpe,                             620
+  Rocks, Caves, Lakes, Fens, Bogs, Dens, and shades of death,
+  A Universe of death, which God by curse
+  Created evil, for evil only good,
+  Where all life dies, death lives, and nature breeds,
+  Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things,
+  Abominable, inutterable, and worse
+  Then Fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceiv'd,
+  Gorgons and Hydra's, and Chimera's dire.
+  Mean while the Adversary of God and Man,
+  Satan with thoughts inflam'd of highest design,                     630
+  Puts on swift wings, and toward the Gates of Hell
+  Explores his solitary flight; som times
+  He scours the right hand coast, som times the left,
+  Now shaves with level wing the Deep, then soares
+  Up to the fiery concave touring high.
+  As when farr off at Sea a Fleet descri'd
+  Hangs in the Clouds, by Aequinoctial Winds
+  Close sailing from Bengala, or the Iles
+  Of Ternate and Tidore, whence Merchants bring
+  Thir spicie Drugs: they on the trading Flood                        640
+  Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape
+  Ply stemming nightly toward the Pole. So seem'd
+  Farr off the flying Fiend: at last appeer
+  Hell bounds high reaching to the horrid Roof,
+  And thrice threefold the Gates; three folds were Brass
+  Three Iron, three of Adamantine Rock,
+  Impenitrable, impal'd with circling fire,
+  Yet unconsum'd. Before the Gates there sat
+  On either side a formidable shape;
+  The one seem'd Woman to the waste, and fair,                        650
+  But ended foul in many a scaly fould
+  Voluminous and vast, a Serpent arm'd
+  With mortal sting: about her middle round
+  A cry of Hell Hounds never ceasing bark'd
+  With wide Cerberean mouths full loud, and rung
+  A hideous Peal: yet, when they list, would creep,
+  If aught disturb'd thir noyse, into her woomb,
+  And kennel there, yet there still bark'd and howl'd
+  Within unseen. Farr less abhorrd then these
+  Vex'd Scylla bathing in the Sea that parts                          660
+  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,                    670
+  Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell,
+  And shook a dreadful Dart; what seem'd his head
+  The likeness of a Kingly Crown had on.
+  Satan was now at hand, and from his seat
+  The Monster moving onward came as fast,
+  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.                          680
+  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                690
+  Unbrok'n, and in proud rebellious Arms
+  Drew after him the third part of Heav'ns Sons
+  Conjur'd against the highest, for which both Thou
+  And they outcast from God, are here condemn'd
+  To waste Eternal daies in woe and pain?
+  And reck'n'st thou thy self with Spirits of Heav'n,
+  Hell-doomd, and breath'st defiance here and scorn,
+  Where I reign King, and to enrage thee more,
+  Thy King and Lord? Back to thy punishment,
+  False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings,                         700
+  Least with a whip of Scorpions I pursue
+  Thy lingring, or with one stroke of this Dart
+  Strange horror seise thee, and pangs unfelt before.
+  So spake the grieslie terrour, and in shape,
+  So speaking and so threatning, grew ten fold
+  More dreadful and deform: on th' other side
+  Incenc't with indignation Satan stood
+  Unterrifi'd, and like a Comet burn'd,
+  That fires the length of Ophiucus huge
+  In th' Artick Sky, and from his horrid hair                         710
+  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;                    720
+  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;                     730
+  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,                         740
+  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                              750
+  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                         760
+  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                            770
+  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.                           780
+  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,                      790
+  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                        800
+  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                            810
+  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                 820
+  Befalln us unforeseen, unthought of, know
+  I come no enemie, but to set free
+  From out this dark and dismal house of pain,
+  Both him and thee, and all the heav'nly Host
+  Of Spirits that in our just pretenses arm'd
+  Fell with us from on high: from them I go
+  This uncouth errand sole, and one for all
+  My self expose, with lonely steps to tread
+  Th' unfounded deep, & through the void immense
+  To search with wandring quest a place foretold                      830
+  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                      840
+  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,                                850
+  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,                           860
+  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.                          870
+  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 Portcullis 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                            880
+  Th' infernal dores, and on thir hinges great
+  Harsh Thunder, that the lowest bottom shook
+  Of Erebus. She op'nd, but to shut
+  Excel'd her power; the Gates wide op'n stood,
+  That with extended wings a Bannerd Host
+  Under spread Ensigns marching might pass through
+  With Horse and Chariots rankt in loose array;
+  So wide they stood, and like a Furnace mouth
+  Cast forth redounding smoak and ruddy flame.
+  Before thir eyes in sudden view appear                              890
+  The secrets of the hoarie deep, a dark
+  Illimitable Ocean without bound,
+  Without dimension, where length, breadth, and highth,
+  And time and place are lost; where eldest Night
+  And Chaos, Ancestors of Nature, hold
+  Eternal Anarchie, amidst the noise
+  Of endless warrs and by confusion stand.
+  For hot, cold, moist, and dry, four Champions fierce
+  Strive here for Maistrie, and to Battel bring
+  Thir embryon Atoms; they around the flag                            900
+  Of each his faction, in thir several Clanns,
+  Light-arm'd or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift or slow,
+  Swarm populous, unnumber'd as the Sands
+  Of Barca or Cyrene's torrid soil,
+  Levied to side with warring Winds, and poise
+  Thir lighter wings. To whom these most adhere,
+  Hee rules a moment; Chaos Umpire sits,
+  And by decision more imbroiles the fray
+  By which he Reigns: next him high Arbiter
+  Chance governs all. Into this wilde Abyss,                          910
+  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                       920
+  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                                930
+  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,                       940
+  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:                  950
+  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                              960
+  Wide on the wasteful Deep; with him Enthron'd
+  Sat Sable-vested Night, eldest of things,
+  The consort of his Reign; and by them stood
+  Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name
+  Of Demogorgon; Rumor next and Chance,
+  And Tumult and Confusion all imbroild,
+  And Discord with a thousand various mouths.
+  T' whom Satan turning boldly, thus. Ye Powers
+  And Spirits of this nethermost Abyss,
+  Chaos and Ancient Night, I come no Spie,                            970
+  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;                           980
+  Directed, no mean recompence it brings
+  To your behoof, if I that Region lost,
+  All usurpation thence expell'd, reduce
+  To her original darkness and your sway
+  (Which is my present journey) and once more
+  Erect the Standerd there of Ancient Night;
+  Yours be th' advantage all, mine the revenge.
+  Thus Satan; and him thus the Anarch old
+  With faultring speech and visage incompos'd
+  Answer'd. I know thee, stranger, who thou art,                      990
+  That mighty leading Angel, who of late
+  Made head against Heav'ns King, though overthrown.
+  I saw and heard, for such a numerous host
+  Fled not in silence through the frighted deep
+  With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout,
+  Confusion worse confounded; and Heav'n Gates
+  Pourd out by millions her victorious Bands
+  Pursuing. I upon my Frontieres here
+  Keep residence; if all I can will serve,
+  That little which is left so to defend                             1000
+  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,                           1010
+  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.                      1020
+  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                 1030
+  With easie intercourse pass to and fro
+  To tempt or punish mortals, except whom
+  God and good Angels guard by special grace.
+  But now at last the sacred influence
+  Of light appears, and from the walls of Heav'n
+  Shoots farr into the bosom of dim Night
+  A glimmering dawn; here Nature first begins
+  Her fardest verge, and Chaos to retire
+  As from her outmost works a brok'n foe
+  With tumult less and with less hostile din,                        1040
+  That Satan with less toil, and now with ease
+  Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light
+  And like a weather-beaten Vessel holds
+  Gladly the Port, though Shrouds and Tackle torn;
+  Or in the emptier waste, resembling Air,
+  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;                           1050
+  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.
+
+  Notes:
+  282 where] were 1674.
+  402 breath] misprint for breathe.
+  483 thir] her 1674.
+  527 his] this 1674.
+  542 Oealia] Oechalia 1674.
+  631 toward] towards 1674.
+
+  The End Of The Second Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK III.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+God sitting on his Throne sees Satan flying towards this world, then
+newly created; shews him to the Son who sat at his right hand;
+foretells the success of Satan in perverting mankind; clears his own
+Justice and Wisdom from all imputation, having created Man free and able
+enough to have withstood his Tempter; yet declares his purpose of grace
+towards him, in regard he fell not of his own malice, as did Satan, but
+by him seduc't.  The Son of God renders praises to his father for the
+manifestation of his gracious purpose towards Man; God again declares,
+that Grace cannot be extended towards Man without the satisfaction of
+divine Justice; Man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to
+Godhead, and therefore with all his progeny devoted to death must dye,
+unless some one can be found sufficient to answer for his offence, and
+undergoe his Punishment. The Son of God freely offers himself a Ransome
+for Man: the Father accepts him, ordains his incarnation, pronounces his
+exaltation above all in Heaven and Earth, commands all the Angels to
+adore him; they obey, amid hymning to their Harps in full Quire,
+celebrate the Father and the Son.. Mean while Satan alights upon the
+bare convex of this Worlds outermost Orb; where wandring he first finds
+a place since call'd The Lymbo of Vanity, what persons and things fly up
+thither; thence comes to the Gate of Heaven, describ'd ascending by
+stairs and the waters above the Firmament that flow about it: His
+passage thence to the Orb of the Sun; he finds there Uriel the Regent of
+that Orb, but first changes himself into the shape of a meaner Angel;
+and pretending a zealous desire to behold the new Creation and Man whom
+God had plac't here, inquires of him the place of his habitation, and is
+directed; alights first on Mount Niphates.
+
+  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                                10
+  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,                                20
+  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                             30
+  That wash thy hallowd feet, and warbling flow,
+  Nightly I visit: nor somtimes forget
+  Those other two equal'd with me in Fate,
+  So were I equal'd with them in renown,
+  Blind Thamyris and blind Maeonides,
+  And Tiresias and Phineus Prophets old.
+  Then feed on thoughts, that voluntarie move
+  Harmonious numbers; as the wakeful Bird
+  Sings darkling, and in shadiest Covert hid
+  Tunes her nocturnal Note. Thus with the Year                         40
+  Seasons return, but not to me returns
+  Day, or the sweet approach of Ev'n or Morn,
+  Or sight of vernal bloom, or Summers Rose,
+  Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine;
+  But cloud in stead, and ever-during dark
+  Surrounds me, from the chearful waies of men
+  Cut off, and for the book of knowledg fair
+  Presented with a Universal blanc
+  Of Natures works to mee expung'd and ras'd,
+  And wisdome at one entrance quite shut out.                          50
+  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                               60
+  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                           70
+  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                             80
+  Transports our adversarie, whom no bounds
+  Prescrib'd, no barrs of Hell, nor all the chains
+  Heapt on him there, nor yet the main Abyss
+  Wide interrupt can hold; so bent he seems
+  On desperat revenge, that shall redound
+  Upon his own rebellious head. And now
+  Through all restraint broke loose he wings his way
+  Not farr off Heav'n, in the Precincts of light,
+  Directly towards the new created World,
+  And Man there plac't, with purpose to assay                          90
+  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                              100
+  And Spirits, both them who stood & them who faild;
+  Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell.
+  Not free, what proof could they have givn sincere
+  Of true allegiance, constant Faith or Love,
+  Where onely what they needs must do, appeard,
+  Not what they would? what praise could they receive?
+  What pleasure I from such obedience paid,
+  When Will and Reason (Reason also is choice)
+  Useless and vain, of freedom both despoild,
+  Made passive both, had servd necessitie,                            110
+  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,                         120
+  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                     130
+  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                            140
+  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                          150
+  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                           160
+  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,                            170
+  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                            180
+  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.                           190
+  To prayer, repentance, and obedience due,
+  Though but endevord with sincere intent,
+  Mine eare shall not be slow, mine eye not shut.
+  And I will place within them as a guide
+  My Umpire Conscience, whom if they will hear,
+  Light after light well us'd they shall attain,
+  And to the end persisting, safe arrive.
+  This my long sufferance and my day of grace
+  They who neglect and scorn, shall never taste;
+  But hard be hard'nd, blind be blinded more,                         200
+  That they may stumble on, and deeper fall;
+  And none but such from mercy I exclude.
+  But yet all is not don; Man disobeying,
+  Disloyal breaks his fealtie, and sinns
+  Against the high Supremacie of Heav'n,
+  Affecting God-head, and so loosing all,
+  To expiate his Treason hath naught left,
+  But to destruction sacred and devote,
+  He with his whole posteritie must die,
+  Die hee or Justice must; unless for him                             210
+  Som other able, and as willing, pay
+  The rigid satisfaction, death for death.
+  Say Heav'nly Powers, where shall we find such love,
+  Which of ye will be mortal to redeem
+  Mans mortal crime, and just th' unjust to save,
+  Dwels in all Heaven charitie so deare?
+  He ask'd, but all the Heav'nly Quire stood mute,
+  And silence was in Heav'n: on mans behalf
+  Patron or Intercessor none appeerd,
+  Much less that durst upon his own head draw                         220
+  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                              230
+  Comes unprevented, unimplor'd, unsought,
+  Happie for man, so coming; be 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                              240
+  Well pleas'd, on me let Death wreck all his rage;
+  Under his gloomie power I shall not long
+  Lie vanquisht; thou hast givn me to possess
+  Life in my self for ever, by thee I live,
+  Though now to Death I yeild, and am his due
+  All that of me can die, yet that debt paid,
+  Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsom grave
+  His prey, nor suffer my unspotted Soule
+  For ever with corruption there to dwell;
+  But I shall rise Victorious, and subdue                             250
+  My Vanquisher, spoild of his vanted spoile;
+  Death his deaths wound shall then receive, & stoop
+  Inglorious, of his mortall sting disarm'd.
+  I through the ample Air in Triumph high
+  Shall lead Hell Captive maugre Hell, and show
+  The powers of darkness bound. Thou at the sight
+  Pleas'd, out of Heaven shalt look down and smile,
+  While by thee rais'd I ruin all my Foes,
+  Death last, and with his Carcass glut the Grave:
+  Then with the multitude of my redeemd                               260
+  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                             270
+  Of his great Father. Admiration seis'd
+  All Heav'n, what this might mean, & whither tend
+  Wondring; but soon th' Almighty thus reply'd:
+  O thou in Heav'n and Earth the only peace
+  Found out for mankind under wrauth, O thou
+  My sole complacence! well thou know'st how dear,
+  To me are all my works, nor Man the least
+  Though last created, that for him I spare
+  Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save,
+  By loosing thee a while, the whole Race lost.                       280
+  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                     290
+  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                               300
+  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,                             310
+  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:                    320
+  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                     330
+  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,                          340
+  God shall be All in All. But all ye Gods,
+  Adore him, who to compass all this dies,
+  Adore the Son, and honour him as mee.
+  No sooner had th' Almighty ceas't, but all
+  The multitude of Angels with a shout
+  Loud as from numbers without number, sweet
+  As from blest voices, uttering joy, Heav'n rung
+  With Jubilee, and loud Hosanna's fill'd
+  Th' eternal Regions: lowly reverent
+  Towards either Throne they bow, & to the ground                     350
+  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                        360
+  Bind thir resplendent locks inwreath'd with beams,
+  Now in loose Garlands thick thrown off, the bright
+  Pavement that like a Sea of Jasper shon
+  Impurpl'd with Celestial Roses smil'd.
+  Then Crown'd again thir gold'n Harps they took,
+  Harps ever tun'd, that glittering by their side
+  Like Quivers hung, and with Praeamble sweet
+  Of charming symphonie they introduce
+  Thir sacred Song, and waken raptures high;
+  No voice exempt, no voice but well could joine                      370
+  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,                       380
+  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                    390
+  By thee created, and by thee threw down
+  Th' aspiring Dominations: thou that day
+  Thy Fathers dreadful Thunder didst not spare,
+  Nor stop thy flaming Chariot wheels, that shook
+  Heav'ns everlasting Frame, while o're the necks
+  Thou drov'st of warring Angels disarraid.
+  Back from pursuit thy Powers with loud acclaime
+  Thee only extold, Son of thy Fathers might,
+  To execute fierce vengeance on his foes,
+  Not so on Man; him through their malice fall'n,                     400
+  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,                                410
+  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                                420
+  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.                   430
+  As when a Vultur on Imaus bred,
+  Whose snowie ridge the roving Tartar bounds,
+  Dislodging from a Region scarce of prey
+  To gorge the flesh of Lambs or yeanling Kids
+  On Hills where Flocks are fed, flies toward the Springs
+  Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams;
+  But in his way lights on the barren plaines
+  Of Sericana, where Chineses drive
+  With Sails and Wind thir canie Waggons light:
+  So on this windie Sea of Land, the Fiend                            440
+  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;                             450
+  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,                          460
+  Translated Saints, or middle Spirits hold
+  Betwixt th' Angelical and Human kinde:
+  Hither of ill-joynd Sons and Daughters born
+  First from the ancient World those Giants came
+  With many a vain exploit, though then renownd:
+  The builders next of Babel on the Plain
+  Of Sennaar, and still with vain designe
+  New Babels, had they wherewithall, would build:
+  Others came single; hee who to be deemd
+  A God, leap'd fondly into Aetna flames,                             470
+  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;                           480
+  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                     490
+  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                        500
+  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                           510
+  Angels ascending and descending, bands
+  Of Guardians bright, when he from Esau fled
+  To Padan-aram in the field of Luz,
+  Dreaming by night under the open Skie,
+  And waking cri'd, This is the Gate of Heav'n.
+  Each Stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood
+  There alwaies, but drawn up to Heav'n somtimes
+  Viewless, and underneath a bright Sea flow'd
+  Of Jasper, or of liquid Pearle, whereon
+  Who after came from Earth, sayling arriv'd,                         520
+  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,                       530
+  Over the Promis'd Land to God so dear,
+  By which, to visit oft those happy Tribes,
+  On high behests his Angels to and fro
+  Pass'd frequent, and his eye with choice regard
+  From Paneas the fount of Jordans flood
+  To Beersaba, where the Holy Land
+  Borders on Aegypt and the Arabian shoare;
+  So wide the op'ning seemd, where bounds were set
+  To darkness, such as bound the Ocean wave.
+  Satan from hence now on the lower stair                             540
+  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,                        550
+  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                          560
+  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                        570
+  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                           580
+  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.                        590
+  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                        600
+  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                                610
+  Here in the dark so many precious things
+  Of colour glorious and effect so rare?
+  Here matter new to gaze the Devil met
+  Undazl'd, farr and wide his eye commands,
+  For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade,
+  But all Sun-shine, as when his Beams at Noon
+  Culminate from th' Aequator, as they now
+  Shot upward still direct, whence no way round
+  Shadow from body opaque can fall, and the Aire,
+  No where so cleer, sharp'nd his visual ray                          620
+  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                           630
+  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                                   640
+  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                            650
+  That run through all the Heav'ns, or down to th' Earth
+  Bear his swift errands over moist and dry,
+  O're Sea and Land: him Satan thus accostes;
+  Uriel, for thou of those seav'n Spirits that stand
+  In sight of God's high Throne, gloriously bright,
+  The first art wont his great authentic will
+  Interpreter through highest Heav'n to bring,
+  Where all his Sons thy Embassie attend;
+  And here art likeliest by supream decree
+  Like honour to obtain, and as his Eye                               660
+  To visit oft this new Creation round;
+  Unspeakable desire to see, and know
+  All these his wondrous works, but chiefly Man,
+  His chief delight and favour, him for whom
+  All these his works so wondrous he 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;                    670
+  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.                        680
+  So spake the false dissembler unperceivd;
+  For neither Man nor Angel can discern
+  Hypocrisie, the only evil that walks
+  Invisible, except to God alone,
+  By his permissive will, through Heav'n and Earth:
+  And oft though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps
+  At wisdoms Gate, and to simplicitie
+  Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill
+  Where no ill seems: Which now for once beguil'd
+  Uriel, though Regent of the Sun, and held                           690
+  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                        700
+  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                         710
+  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,                      720
+  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                          730
+  Hence fills and empties to enlighten th' Earth,
+  And in her pale dominion checks the night.
+  That spot to which I point is Paradise,
+  Adams abode, those loftie shades his Bowre.
+  Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires.
+  Thus said, he turnd, and Satan bowing low,
+  As to superior Spirits is wont in Heaven,
+  Where honour due and reverence none neglects,
+  Took leave, and toward the coast of Earth beneath,
+  Down from th' Ecliptic, sped with hop'd success,                    740
+  Throws his steep flight with many an Aerie wheele,
+  Nor staid, till on Niphates top he lights.
+
+  The End Of The Third Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IV.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+Satan now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the place where he must now
+attempt the bold enterprize which he undertook alone against God and
+Man, falls into many doubts with himself, and many passions, fear, envy,
+and despare; but at length confirms himself in evil,  journeys on to
+Paradise, whose outward prospect and scituation is described, overleaps
+the bounds, sits in the shape of a Cormorant on the tree of life, as
+highest in the Garden to look about him.  The Garden describ'd; Satans
+first sight of Adam and Eve; his wonder at thir excellent form and happy
+state but with resolution to work thir fall; overhears thir discourse,
+thence gathers that the Tree of knowledge was forbidden them to eat of,
+under penalty of death; and thereon intends to found his temptation, by
+seducing them to transgress: then leaves them a while to know further
+of thir state by some other means. Mean while Uriel descending on a
+Sunbeam warns Gabriel, who had in charge the Gate of Paradise, that some
+evil spirit had escap'd the Deep, and past at Noon by his Sphere in the
+shape of a good Angel down to Paradise, discovered after by his furious
+gestures in the Mount. Gabriel promises to find him out ere morning.
+Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse of going to thir rest: thir
+Bower describ'd; thir Evening worship. Gabriel drawing forth his Bands
+of Night-watch to walk the round of Paradise, appoints two strong Angels
+to Adams Bower, least the evill spirit should be there doing some harm
+to Adam or Eve sleeping; there they find him at the ear of Eve, tempting
+her in a dream, and bring him, though unwilling, to Gabriel; by whom
+question'd he scornfully answers, prepares resistance, but hinder'd by
+a Sign from Heaven, flies out of Paradise.
+
+  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,                             10
+  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                             20
+  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:                            30
+  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                          40
+  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                     50
+  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                            60
+  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.                                   70
+  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?                           80
+  None left but by submission; and that word
+  Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame
+  Among the spirits beneath, whom I seduc'd
+  With other promises and other vaunts
+  Then to submit, boasting I could subdue
+  Th' Omnipotent. Ay me, they little know
+  How dearly I abide that boast so vaine,
+  Under what torments inwardly I groane;
+  While they adore me on the Throne of Hell,
+  With Diadem and Scepter high advanc'd                                90
+  The lower still I fall, onely Supream
+  In miserie; such joy Ambition findes.
+  But say I could repent and could obtaine
+  By Act of Grace my former state; how soon
+  Would highth recal high thoughts, how soon unsay
+  What feign'd submission swore: ease would recant
+  Vows made in pain, as violent and void.
+  For never can true reconcilement grow
+  Where wounds of deadly hate have peirc'd so deep:
+  Which would but lead me to a worse relapse                          100
+  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                              110
+  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,                      120
+  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.                             130
+  So on he fares, and to the border comes
+  Of Eden, where delicious Paradise,
+  Now nearer, Crowns with her enclosure green,
+  As with a rural mound the 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                             140
+  Shade above shade, a woodie Theatre
+  Of stateliest view. Yet higher then thir tops
+  The verdurous wall of Paradise up sprung:
+  Which to our general Sire gave prospect large
+  Into his neather Empire neighbouring round.
+  And higher then that Wall a circling row
+  Of goodliest Trees loaden with fairest Fruit,
+  Blossoms and Fruits at once of golden hue
+  Appeerd, with gay enameld colours mixt:
+  On which the Sun more glad impress'd his beams                      150
+  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                           160
+  Mozambic, off at Sea North-East windes blow
+  Sabean Odours from the spicie shoare
+  Of Arabie the blest, with such delay
+  Well pleas'd they slack thir course, and many a League
+  Cheard with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles.
+  So entertaind those odorous sweets the Fiend
+  Who came thir bane, though with them better pleas'd
+  Then Asmodeus with the fishie fume,
+  That drove him, though enamourd, from the Spouse
+  Of Tobits Son, and with a vengeance sent                            170
+  From Media post to Aegypt, there fast bound.
+  Now to th' ascent of that steep savage Hill
+  Satan had journied on, pensive and slow;
+  But further way found none, so thick entwin'd,
+  As one continu'd brake, the undergrowth
+  Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplext
+  All path of Man or Beast that past that way:
+  One Gate there onely was, and that look'd East
+  On th' other side: which when th' arch-fellon saw
+  Due entrance he disdaind, and in contempt,                          180
+  At one slight bound high overleap'd all bound
+  Of Hill or highest Wall, and sheer within
+  Lights on his feet. As when a prowling 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,                       190
+  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                     200
+  Of immortalitie. So little knows
+  Any, but God alone, to value right
+  The good before him, but perverts best things
+  To worst abuse, or to thir meanest use.
+  Beneath him with new wonder now he views
+  To all delight of human sense expos'd
+  In narrow room Natures whole wealth, yea more,
+  A Heaven on Earth, for blissful Paradise
+  Of God the Garden was, by him in the East
+  Of Eden planted; Eden stretchd her Line                             210
+  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                                 220
+  Our Death the Tree of Knowledge grew fast by,
+  Knowledge of Good bought dear by knowing ill.
+  Southward through Eden went a River large,
+  Nor 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                               230
+  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                            240
+  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,                                250
+  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                         260
+  Down the slope hills, disperst, or in a Lake,
+  That to the fringed Bank with Myrtle crownd,
+  Her chrystall mirror holds, unite thir streams.
+  The Birds thir quire apply; aires, vernal aires,
+  Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune
+  The trembling leaves, while Universal Pan
+  Knit with the Graces and the Hours in dance
+  Led on th' Eternal Spring. Not that faire field
+  Of Enna, where Proserpin gathring flours
+  Her self a fairer Floure by gloomie Dis                             270
+  Was gatherd, which cost Ceres all that pain
+  To seek her through the world; nor that sweet Grove
+  Of Daphne by Orontes, and th' inspir'd
+  Castalian Spring might with this Paradise
+  Of Eden strive; nor that Nyseian Ile
+  Girt with the River Triton, where old Cham,
+  Whom Gentiles Ammon call and Libyan Jove,
+  Hid Amalthea and her Florid Son
+  Young Bacchus from his Stepdame Rhea's eye;
+  Nor where Abassin Kings thir issue Guard,                           280
+  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,                               290
+  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                       300
+  Absolute rule; and Hyacinthin Locks
+  Round from his parted forelock manly hung
+  Clustring, but not beneath his shoulders broad:
+  Shee as a vail down to the slender waste
+  Her unadorned golden tresses wore
+  Dissheveld, but in wanton ringlets wav'd
+  As the Vine curles her tendrils, which impli'd
+  Subjection, but requir'd with gentle sway,
+  And by her yeilded, by him best receivd,
+  Yeilded with coy submission, modest pride,                          310
+  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:                           320
+  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                             330
+  More grateful, to thir Supper Fruits they fell,
+  Nectarine Fruits which the compliant boughes
+  Yeilded them, side-long as they sat recline
+  On the soft downie Bank damaskt with flours:
+  The savourie pulp they chew, and in the rinde
+  Still as they thirsted scoop the brimming stream;
+  Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles
+  Wanted, nor youthful dalliance as beseems
+  Fair couple, linkt in happie nuptial League,
+  Alone as they. About them frisking playd                            340
+  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                            350
+  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,                       360
+  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                               370
+  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,                             380
+  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,                            390
+  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                      400
+  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.                     410
+  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                               420
+  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                                430
+  Over all other Creatures that possesse
+  Earth, Aire, and Sea. Then let us not think hard
+  One easie prohibition, who enjoy
+  Free leave so large to all things else, and choice
+  Unlimited of manifold delights:
+  But let us ever praise him, and extoll
+  His bountie, following our delightful task
+  To prune these growing Plants, & tend these Flours,
+  Which were it toilsom, yet with thee were sweet.
+  To whom thus Eve repli'd. O thou for whom                           440
+  And from whom I was formd flesh of thy flesh,
+  And without whom am to no end, my Guide
+  And Head, what thou hast said is just and right.
+  For wee to him indeed all praises owe,
+  And daily thanks, I chiefly who enjoy
+  So farr the happier Lot, enjoying thee
+  Preeminent by so much odds, while thou
+  Like consort to thy self canst no where find.
+  That day I oft remember, when from sleep
+  I first awak't, and found my self repos'd                           450
+  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,                              460
+  A Shape within the watry gleam appeerd
+  Bending to look on me, I started back,
+  It started back, but pleasd I soon returnd,
+  Pleas'd it returnd as soon with answering looks
+  Of sympathie and love, there I had fixt
+  Mine eyes till now, and pin'd with vain desire,
+  Had not a voice thus warnd me, What thou seest,
+  What there thou seest fair Creature is thy self,
+  With thee it came and goes: but follow me,
+  And I will bring thee where no shadow staies                        470
+  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,                         480
+  Thou following cryd'st aloud, Return fair Eve,
+  Whom fli'st thou? whom thou fli'st, of him thou art,
+  His flesh, his bone; to give thee being I lent
+  Out of my side to thee, neerest my heart
+  Substantial Life, to have thee by my side
+  Henceforth an individual solace dear;
+  Part of my Soul I seek thee, and thee claim
+  My other half: with that thy gentle hand
+  Seisd mine, I yeilded, and from that time see
+  How beauty is excelld by manly grace                                490
+  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                         500
+  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,                             510
+  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?                         520
+  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                       530
+  Some wandring Spirit of Heav'n, by Fountain side,
+  Or in thick shade retir'd, from him to draw
+  What further would be learnt. Live while ye may,
+  Yet happie pair; enjoy, till I return,
+  Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed.
+  So saying, his proud step he scornful turn'd,
+  But with sly circumspection, and began
+  Through wood, through waste, o're hil, o're dale his roam.
+  Mean while in utmost Longitude, where Heav'n
+  With Earth and Ocean meets, the setting Sun                         540
+  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;                        550
+  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.                            560
+  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                     570
+  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                         580
+  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                  590
+  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,                            600
+  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                       610
+  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;                          620
+  While other Animals unactive range,
+  And of thir doings God takes no account.
+  Tomorrow ere fresh Morning streak the East
+  With first approach of light, we must be ris'n,
+  And at our pleasant labour, to reform
+  Yon flourie Arbors, yonder Allies green,
+  Our walks at noon, with branches overgrown,
+  That mock our scant manuring, and require
+  More hands then ours to lop thir wanton growth:
+  Those Blossoms also, and those dropping Gumms,                      630
+  That lie bestrowne unsightly and unsmooth,
+  Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease;
+  Mean while, as Nature wills, Night bids us rest.
+  To whom thus Eve with perfet beauty adornd.
+  My Author and Disposer, what thou bidst
+  Unargu'd I obey; so God ordains,
+  God is thy Law, thou mine: to know no more
+  Is womans happiest knowledge and her praise.
+  With thee conversing I forget all time,
+  All seasons and thir change, all please alike.                      640
+  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                         650
+  With charm of earliest Birds, nor rising Sun
+  On this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, floure,
+  Glistring with dew, nor fragrance after showers,
+  Nor grateful Evening mild, nor silent Night
+  With this her solemn Bird, nor walk by Moon,
+  Or glittering Starr-light without thee is sweet.
+  But wherfore all night long shine these, for whom
+  This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes?
+  To whom our general Ancestor repli'd.
+  Daughter of God and Man, accomplisht Eve,                           660
+  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                             670
+  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                        680
+  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                           690
+  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,                                       700
+  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,                           710
+  And heav'nly Quires the Hymenaean sung,
+  What day the genial Angel to our Sire
+  Brought her in naked beauty more adorn'd,
+  More lovely then Pandora, whom the Gods
+  Endowd with all thir gifts, and O too like
+  In sad event, when to the unwiser Son
+  Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnar'd
+  Mankind with her faire looks, to be aveng'd
+  On him who had stole Joves authentic fire.
+  Thus at thir shadie Lodge arriv'd, both stood,                      720
+  Both turnd, and under op'n Skie ador'd
+  The God that made both Skie, Air, Earth & Heav'n
+  Which they beheld, the Moons resplendent Globe
+  And starrie Pole: Thou also mad'st the Night,
+  Maker Omnipotent, and thou the Day,
+  Which we in our appointed work imployd
+  Have finisht happie in our mutual help
+  And mutual love, the Crown of all our bliss
+  Ordain'd by thee, and this delicious place
+  For us too large, where thy abundance wants                         730
+  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,                          740
+  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                      750
+  Of human ofspring, sole proprietie,
+  In Paradise of all things common else.
+  By thee adulterous lust was driv'n from men
+  Among the bestial herds to raunge, by thee
+  Founded in Reason, Loyal, Just, and Pure,
+  Relations dear, and all the Charities
+  Of Father, Son, and Brother first were known.
+  Farr be it, that I should write thee sin or blame,
+  Or think thee unbefitting holiest place,
+  Perpetual Fountain of Domestic sweets,                              760
+  Whose Bed is undefil'd and chast pronounc't,
+  Present, or past, as Saints and Patriarchs us'd.
+  Here Love his golden shafts imploies, here lights
+  His constant Lamp, and waves his purple wings,
+  Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile
+  Of Harlots, loveless, joyless, unindeard,
+  Casual fruition, nor in Court Amours
+  Mixt Dance, or wanton Mask, or Midnight Bal,
+  Or Serenate, which the starv'd Lover sings
+  To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.                       770
+  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,                            780
+  When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake.
+  Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the South
+  With strictest watch; these other wheel the North,
+  Our circuit meets full West. As flame they part
+  Half wheeling to the Shield, half to the Spear.
+  From these, two strong and suttle Spirits he calld
+  That neer him stood, and gave them thus in charge.
+  Ithuriel and Zephon, with wingd speed
+  Search through this Garden, leav unsearcht no nook,
+  But chiefly where those two fair Creatures Lodge,                   790
+  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;                        800
+  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                             810
+  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                        820
+  So sudden to behold the grieslie King;
+  Yet thus, unmovd with fear, accost him soon.
+  Which of those rebell Spirits adjudg'd to Hell
+  Com'st thou, escap'd thy prison, and transform'd,
+  Why satst thou like an enemie in waite
+  Here watching at the head of these that sleep?
+  Know ye not then said Satan, filld with scorn,
+  Know ye not me? ye knew me once no mate
+  For you, there sitting where ye durst not soare;
+  Not to know mee argues your selves unknown,                         830
+  The lowest of your throng; or if ye know,
+  Why ask ye, and superfluous begin
+  Your message, like to end as much in vain?
+  To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn.
+  Think not, revolted Spirit, thy shape the same,
+  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.                        840
+  But come, for thou, be sure, shalt give account
+  To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep
+  This place inviolable, and these from harm.
+  So spake the 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                               850
+  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                          860
+  His heart, not else dismai'd. Now drew they nigh
+  The western point, where those half-rounding guards
+  Just met, & closing stood in squadron joind
+  Awaiting next command. To whom thir Chief
+  Gabriel from the Front thus calld aloud.
+  O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet
+  Hasting this way, and now by glimps discerne
+  Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade,
+  And with them comes a third of Regal port,
+  But faded splendor wan; who by his gate                             870
+  And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell,
+  Not likely to part hence without contest;
+  Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours.
+  He scarce had ended, when those two 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                            880
+  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,              890
+  And boldly venture to whatever place
+  Farthest from pain, where thou mightst hope to change
+  Torment with ease, & soonest recompence
+  Dole with delight, which in this place I sought;
+  To thee no reason; who knowst only good,
+  But evil hast not tri'd: and wilt object
+  His will who bound us? let him surer barr
+  His Iron Gates, if he intends our stay
+  In that dark durance: thus much what was askt.
+  The rest is true, they found me where they say;                     900
+  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                               910
+  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,                            920
+  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,                           930
+  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;                            940
+  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,                       950
+  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                        960
+  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,                         970
+  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                        980
+  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                990
+  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                      1000
+  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,                        1010
+  And read thy Lot in yon celestial Sign
+  Where thou art weigh'd, & shown how light, how weak,
+  If thou resist. The Fiend lookt up and knew
+  His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled
+  Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night.
+
+  Notes:
+  Argument: promises to find him out]  promises to find him 1674
+  627 walks] walk 1674.
+  928 The] Thy 1674.
+
+  The End Of The Fourth Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK V.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+Morning approach't, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream: he likes
+it not, yet comforts her: They come forth to thir day labours: Their
+Morning Hymn  at the Door of their Bower. God to render Man inexcusable
+sends Raphael to admonish him of his obedience, of his free estate, of
+his enemy near at hand; who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever else
+may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise; his appearance
+describ'd, his coming discern'd by Adam afar off sitting at the door of
+his Bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, entertains
+him with the choycest fruits of Paradise got together by Eve;  their
+discourse at Table: Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his
+state and of his enemy; relates at Adams request who that enemy is, and
+how he came to be so, beginning with his first revolt in Heaven and the
+occasion thereof; how he drew his Legions after him to the parts of the
+North, and there incited them to rebel with him, perswading all but only
+Abdiel a Seraph, who in Argument diswades and opposes him, then forsakes
+him.
+
+  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,                         10
+  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                       20
+  Calls us, we lose the prime, to mark how spring
+  Our tended Plants, how blows the Citron Grove,
+  What drops the Myrrhe, & what the balmie Reed,
+  How Nature paints her colours, how the Bee
+  Sits on the Bloom extracting liquid sweet.
+  Such whispering wak'd her, but with startl'd eye
+  On Adam, whom imbracing, thus she spake.
+  O Sole in whom my thoughts find all repose,
+  My Glorie, my Perfection, glad I see
+  Thy face, and Morn return'd, for I this Night,                       30
+  Such night till this I never pass'd, have dream'd,
+  If dream'd, not as I oft am wont, of thee,
+  Works of day 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                           40
+  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                       50
+  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?                          60
+  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:                              70
+  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                            80
+  What life the Gods live there, and such live thou.
+  So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held,
+  Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part
+  Which he had 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                                    90
+  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                            100
+  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                               110
+  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,                      120
+  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                                 130
+  From either eye, and wip'd them with her haire;
+  Two other precious drops that ready stood,
+  Each in thir chrystal sluce, hee ere they fell
+  Kiss'd as the gracious signs of sweet remorse
+  And pious awe, that feard to have offended.
+  So all was cleard, and to the Field they haste.
+  But first from under shadie arborous roof,
+  Soon as they forth were come to open sight
+  Of day-spring, and the Sun, who scarce up risen
+  With wheels yet hov'ring o're the Ocean brim,                       140
+  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,                   150
+  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,                      160
+  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.                         170
+  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                              180
+  Of Natures Womb, that in quaternion run
+  Perpetual Circle, multiform; and mix
+  And nourish all things, let your ceasless change
+  Varie to our great Maker still new praise.
+  Ye Mists and Exhalations that now rise
+  From Hill or steaming Lake, duskie or grey,
+  Till the Sun paint your fleecie skirts with Gold,
+  In honour to the Worlds great Author rise,
+  Whether to deck with Clouds the uncolourd skie,
+  Or wet the thirstie Earth with falling showers,                     190
+  Rising or falling still advance his praise.
+  His praise ye Winds, that from four Quarters blow,
+  Breath soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye Pines,
+  With every Plant, in sign of Worship wave.
+  Fountains and yee, that warble, as ye flow,
+  Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise.
+  Joyn voices all ye living Souls, ye Birds,
+  That singing up to Heaven Gate ascend,
+  Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise;
+  Yee that in Waters glide, and yee that walk                         200
+  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.                           210
+  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                    220
+  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                          230
+  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                     240
+  The fall of others from like state of bliss;
+  By violence, no, for that shall be withstood,
+  But by deceit and lies; this let him 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                   250
+  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                     260
+  Above all Hills. As when by night the Glass
+  Of Galileo, less assur'd, observes
+  Imagind Lands and Regions in the Moon:
+  Or Pilot from amidst the Cyclades
+  Delos or Samos first appeering kenns
+  A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight
+  He speeds, and through the vast Ethereal Skie
+  Sailes between worlds & worlds, with steddie wing
+  Now on the polar windes, then with quick Fann
+  Winnows the buxom Air; till within soare                            270
+  Of Towring Eagles, to all the Fowles he seems
+  A Phoenix, gaz'd by all, as that sole Bird
+  When to enshrine his reliques in the Sun's
+  Bright Temple, to Aegyptian Theb's he flies.
+  At once on th' Eastern cliff of Paradise
+  He lights, and to his proper shape returns
+  A Seraph wingd; six wings he wore, to shade
+  His lineaments Divine; the pair that clad
+  Each shoulder broad, came mantling o're his brest
+  With regal Ornament; the middle pair                                280
+  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.                      290
+  Thir glittering Tents he passd, and now is come
+  Into the blissful field, through Groves of Myrrhe,
+  And flouring Odours, Cassia, Nard, and Balme;
+  A Wilderness of sweets; for Nature here
+  Wantond as in her prime, and plaid at will
+  Her Virgin Fancies, pouring forth more sweet,
+  Wilde above rule or art; enormous bliss.
+  Him through the spicie Forrest onward com
+  Adam discernd, as in the dore he sat
+  Of his coole Bowre, while now the mounted Sun                       300
+  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                           310
+  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.                     320
+  To whom thus Eve. Adam, earths hallowd mould,
+  Of God inspir'd, small store will serve, where store,
+  All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk;
+  Save what by frugal storing firmness gains
+  To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes:
+  But I will haste and from each bough and break,
+  Each Plant & juciest Gourd will pluck such choice
+  To entertain our Angel guest, as hee
+  Beholding shall confess that here on Earth
+  God hath dispenst his bounties as in Heav'n.                        330
+  So saying, with dispatchful looks in haste
+  She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent
+  What choice to chuse for delicacie best,
+  What order, so contriv'd as not to mix
+  Tastes, not well joynd, inelegant, but bring
+  Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change,
+  Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk
+  Whatever Earth all-bearing Mother yeilds
+  In India East or West, or middle shoare
+  In Pontus or the Punic Coast, or where                              340
+  Alcinous reign'd, fruit of all kindes, in coate,
+  Rough, or smooth rin'd, or bearded husk, or shell
+  She gathers, Tribute large, and on the board
+  Heaps with unsparing hand; for drink the Grape
+  She crushes, inoffensive moust, and meathes
+  From many a berrie, and from sweet kernels prest
+  She tempers dulcet creams, nor these to hold
+  Wants her fit vessels pure, then strews the ground
+  With Rose and Odours from the shrub unfum'd.
+  Mean while our Primitive great Sire, to meet                        350
+  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,                                360
+  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.                            370
+  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                        380
+  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                     390
+  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                          400
+  The Earth to yeild; unsavourie food perhaps
+  To spiritual Natures; only this I know,
+  That one Celestial Father gives to all.
+  To whom the Angel. Therefore what he gives
+  (Whose praise be ever sung) to man in part
+  Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found
+  No ingrateful food: and food alike those pure
+  Intelligential substances require
+  As doth your Rational; and both contain
+  Within them every lower facultie                                    410
+  Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste,
+  Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate,
+  And corporeal to incorporeal turn.
+  For know, whatever was created, needs
+  To be sustaind and fed; of Elements
+  The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea,
+  Earth and the Sea feed Air, the Air those Fires
+  Ethereal, and as lowest first the Moon;
+  Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurg'd
+  Vapours not yet into her substance turnd.                           420
+  Nor doth the Moon no nourishment exhale
+  From her moist Continent to higher Orbes.
+  The Sun that light imparts to all, receives
+  From all his alimental recompence
+  In humid exhalations, and at Even
+  Sups with the Ocean: though in Heav'n the Trees
+  Of life ambrosial frutage bear, and vines
+  Yeild Nectar, though from off the boughs each Morn
+  We brush mellifluous Dewes, and find the ground
+  Cover'd with pearly grain: yet God hath here                        430
+  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                                 440
+  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.                            450
+  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.                            460
+  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,                           470
+  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             480
+  More aerie, last the bright consummate floure
+  Spirits odorous breathes: flours and thir fruit
+  Mans nourishment, by gradual scale sublim'd
+  To vital Spirits aspire, to animal,
+  To intellectual, give both life and sense,
+  Fansie and understanding, whence the soule
+  Reason receives, and reason is her being,
+  Discursive, or Intuitive; discourse
+  Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours,
+  Differing but in degree, of kind the same.                          490
+  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;                                500
+  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                               510
+  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;                           520
+  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                                 530
+  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:                           540
+  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                              550
+  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.                         560
+  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                              570
+  This is dispenc't, and what surmounts the reach
+  Of human sense, I shall delineate so,
+  By lik'ning spiritual to corporal forms,
+  As may express them best, though what if Earth
+  Be but the shaddow of Heav'n, and things therein
+  Each to other like, more then on earth is thought?
+  As yet this world was not, and Chaos wilde
+  Reignd where these Heav'ns now rowl, where Earth now rests
+  Upon her Center pois'd, when on a day
+  (For Time, though in Eternitie, appli'd                             580
+  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                      590
+  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,                              600
+  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                                      610
+  For ever happie: him who disobeyes
+  Mee disobeyes, breaks union, and that day
+  Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls
+  Into utter darkness, deep ingulft, his place
+  Ordaind without redemption, without end.
+  So spake th' Omnipotent, and with his words
+  All seemd well pleas'd, all seem'd, but were not all.
+  That day, as other solem dayes, they spent
+  In song and dance about the sacred Hill,
+  Mystical dance, which yonder starrie Spheare                        620
+  Of Planets and of fixt in all her Wheeles
+  Resembles nearest, mazes intricate,
+  Eccentric, intervolv'd, yet regular
+  Then most, when most irregular they seem:
+  And in thir motions harmonie Divine
+  So smooths her charming tones, that Gods own ear
+  Listens delighted. Eevning approachd
+  (For we have also our Eevning and our Morn,
+  We ours for change delectable, not need)
+  Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn                      630
+  Desirous, all in Circles as they stood,
+  Tables are set, and on a sudden pil'd
+  With Angels Food, and rubied Nectar flows:
+  In Pearl, in Diamond, and massie Gold,
+  Fruit of delicious Vines, the growth of Heav'n.
+  They eat, they drink, and with refection sweet
+  Are fill'd, before th' all bounteous King, who showrd
+  With copious hand, rejoycing in thir joy.
+  Now when ambrosial Night with Clouds exhal'd
+  From that high mount of God, whence light & shade                   640
+  Spring both, the face of brightest Heav'n had changd
+  To grateful Twilight (for Night comes not there
+  In darker veile) and roseat Dews dispos'd
+  All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest,
+  Wide over all the Plain, and wider farr
+  Then all this globous Earth in Plain outspred,
+  (Such are the Courts of God) Th' Angelic throng
+  Disperst in Bands and Files thir Camp extend
+  By living Streams among the Trees of Life,
+  Pavilions numberless, and sudden reard,                             650
+  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 praeeminence, yet fraught
+  With envie against the Son of God, that day
+  Honourd by his great Father, and proclaimd                          660
+  Messiah King anointed, could not beare
+  Through pride that sight, and thought himself impaird.
+  Deep malice thence conceiving & disdain,
+  Soon as midnight brought on the duskie houre
+  Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolv'd
+  With all his Legions to dislodge, and leave
+  Unworshipt, unobey'd the Throne supream
+  Contemptuous, and his next subordinate
+  Awak'ning, thus to him in secret spake.
+  Sleepst thou Companion dear, what sleep can close                   670
+  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                                 680
+  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.                          690
+  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                            700
+  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                         710
+  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                             720
+  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                          730
+  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                         740
+  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                            750
+  Stretcht into Longitude; which having pass'd
+  At length into the limits of the North
+  They came, and Satan to his Royal seat
+  High on a Hill, far blazing, as a Mount
+  Rais'd on a Mount, with Pyramids and Towrs
+  From Diamond Quarries hew'n, & Rocks of Gold,
+  The Palace of great Lucifer, (so call
+  That Structure in the Dialect of men
+  Interpreted) which not long after, hee
+  Affecting all equality with God,                                    760
+  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                                 770
+  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,                            780
+  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.                            790
+  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                      800
+  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                           810
+  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                           820
+  Thee what thou art, & formd the Pow'rs of Heav'n
+  Such as he pleasd, and circumscrib'd thir being?
+  Yet by experience taught we know how good,
+  And of our good, and of our dignitie
+  How provident he is, how farr from thought
+  To make us less, bent rather to exalt
+  Our happie state under one Head more neer
+  United. But to grant it thee unjust,
+  That equal over equals Monarch Reigne:
+  Thy self though great & glorious dost thou count,                   830
+  Or all Angelic Nature joind in one,
+  Equal to him begotten Son, by whom
+  As by his Word the mighty Father made
+  All things, ev'n thee, and all the Spirits of Heav'n
+  By him created in thir bright degrees,
+  Crownd them with Glory, & to thir Glory nam'd
+  Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers
+  Essential Powers, nor by his Reign obscur'd,
+  But more illustrious made, since he the Head
+  One of our number thus reduc't becomes,                             840
+  His Laws our Laws, all honour to him done
+  Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage,
+  And tempt not these; but hast'n to appease
+  Th' incensed Father, and th' incensed Son,
+  While Pardon may be found in time besought.
+  So spake the fervent Angel, but his zeale
+  None seconded, as out of season judg'd,
+  Or singular and rash, whereat rejoic'd
+  Th' Apostat, and more haughty thus repli'd.
+  That we were formd then saist thou? & the work                      850
+  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.                           860
+  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                          870
+  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                               880
+  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.                            890
+  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,                     900
+  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.
+
+  Notes:
+  627: Eevning approachd] Eevning now approachd 1674
+  636-639: On flours repos'd, and with fresh flourets crown'd
+           They eate, they drink, and in communion sweet
+           Quaff immortalitie and joy, secure
+           Of surfet where full measure onely bounds
+           Excess, before th'all bounteous King, who showrd 1674.
+
+  The End Of The Fifth Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VI.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+Raphael continues to relate how Michael and Gabriel were sent forth to
+Battel against Satan and his Angels. The first Fight describ'd: Satan
+and his Powers retire under Night: he calls a Councel, invents devilish
+Engines, which in the second dayes Fight put Michael and his Angels to
+some disorder; But they at length pulling up Mountains overwhelm'd both
+the force and Machins of Satan: Yet the Tumult not so ending, God on the
+third day sends Messiah his Son, for whom he had reserv'd the glory of
+that Victory.  Hee in the Power of his Father coming to the place, and
+causing all his Legions to stand still on either side, with his Chariot
+and Thunder driving into the midst of his Enemies, pursues them unable
+to resist towards the wall of Heaven; which opening, they leap down with
+horror and confusion into the place of punishment prepar'd for them in
+the Deep: Messiah returns with triumph to his Father.
+
+  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                           10
+  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                           20
+  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                          30
+  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                         40
+  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                          50
+  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:                              60
+  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                   70
+  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                        80
+  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                      90
+  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                          100
+  Idol of Majestie Divine, enclos'd
+  With Flaming Cherubim, and golden Shields;
+  Then lighted from his gorgeous Throne, for now
+  'Twixt Host and Host but narrow space was left,
+  A dreadful interval, and Front to Front
+  Presented stood in terrible array
+  Of hideous length: before the cloudie Van,
+  On the rough edge of battel ere it joyn'd,
+  Satan with vast and haughtie strides advanc't,
+  Came towring, armd in Adamant and Gold;                             110
+  Abdiel that sight endur'd not, where he stood
+  Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds,
+  And thus his own undaunted heart explores.
+  O Heav'n! that such resemblance of the Highest
+  Should yet remain, where faith and realtie
+  Remain not; wherfore should not strength & might
+  There fail where Vertue fails, or weakest prove
+  Where boldest; though to sight unconquerable?
+  His puissance, trusting in th' Almightie's aide,
+  I mean to try, whose Reason I have tri'd                            120
+  Unsound and false; nor is it aught but just,
+  That he who in debate of Truth hath won,
+  Should win in Arms, in both disputes alike
+  Victor; though brutish that contest and 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.                             130
+  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                              140
+  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                      150
+  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                                160
+  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.                   170
+  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,                      180
+  Thy self not free, but to thy self enthrall'd;
+  Yet leudly dar'st our ministring upbraid.
+  Reign thou in Hell thy Kingdom, let mee serve
+  In Heav'n God ever blessed, and his Divine
+  Behests obey, worthiest to be obey'd,
+  Yet Chains in Hell, not Realms expect: mean while
+  From mee returnd, as erst thou saidst, from flight,
+  This greeting on thy impious Crest receive.
+  So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high,
+  Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fell                      190
+  On the proud Crest of Satan, that no sight,
+  Nor motion of swift thought, less could his Shield
+  Such ruin intercept: ten paces huge
+  He back 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,              200
+  Presage of Victorie and fierce desire
+  Of Battel: whereat Michael bid sound
+  Th' Arch-Angel trumpet; through the vast of Heav'n
+  It sounded, and the faithful Armies rung
+  Hosanna to the Highest: nor stood at gaze
+  The adverse Legions, nor less hideous joyn'd
+  The horrid shock: now storming furie rose,
+  And clamour such as heard in Heav'n till now
+  Was never, Arms on Armour clashing bray'd
+  Horrible discord, and the madding Wheeles                           210
+  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                        220
+  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                             230
+  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                                  240
+  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                    250
+  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                     260
+  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                             270
+  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.                              280
+  So spake the Prince of Angels; to whom thus
+  The Adversarie. Nor think thou with wind
+  Of airie threats to aw whom yet with deeds
+  Thou canst not. Hast thou turnd the least of these
+  To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise
+  Unvanquisht, easier to transact with mee
+  That thou shouldst hope, imperious, & with threats
+  To chase me hence? erre not that so shall end
+  The strife which thou call'st evil, but wee style
+  The strife of Glorie: which we mean to win,                         290
+  Or turn this Heav'n it self into the Hell
+  Thou fablest, here however to dwell free,
+  If not to reign: mean while thy utmost force,
+  And join him nam'd Almightie to thy aid,
+  I flie not, but have sought thee farr and nigh.
+  They ended parle, and both addrest for fight
+  Unspeakable; for who, though with the tongue
+  Of Angels, can relate, or to what things
+  Liken on Earth conspicuous, that may lift
+  Human imagination to such highth                                    300
+  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                             310
+  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                         320
+  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               330
+  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                          340
+  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,                   350
+  All Intellect, all Sense, and as they please,
+  They Limb themselves, and colour, shape or size
+  Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare.
+  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                          360
+  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                           370
+  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.                           380
+  For strength from Truth divided and from Just,
+  Illaudable, naught merits but dispraise
+  And ignominie, yet to glorie aspires
+  Vain glorious, and through infamie seeks fame:
+  Therfore Eternal silence be thir doome.
+  And now thir mightiest quelld, the battel swerv'd,
+  With many an inrode gor'd; deformed rout
+  Enter'd, and foul disorder; all the ground
+  With shiverd armour strow'n, and on a heap
+  Chariot and Charioter lay overturnd                                 390
+  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:                                   400
+  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                         410
+  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,                                 420
+  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,                     430
+  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,                         440
+  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.                         450
+  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,                          460
+  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                              470
+  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                      480
+  So beauteous, op'ning to the ambient light.
+  These in thir dark Nativitie the Deep
+  Shall yeild us, pregnant with infernal flame,
+  Which into hallow Engins long and round
+  Thick-rammd, at th' other bore with touch of fire
+  Dilated and infuriate shall send forth
+  From far with thundring noise among our foes
+  Such implements of mischief as shall dash
+  To pieces, and orewhelm whatever stands
+  Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarmd                       490
+  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               500
+  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                           510
+  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.                         520
+  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,                           530
+  Where lodg'd, or whither fled, or if for fight,
+  In motion or in alt: him soon they met
+  Under spred Ensignes moving nigh, in slow
+  But firm Battalion; back with speediest Sail
+  Zephiel, of Cherubim the swiftest wing,
+  Came flying, and in mid Aire aloud thus cri'd.
+  Arme, Warriours, Arme for fight, the foe at hand,
+  Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit
+  This day, fear not his flight; so thick a Cloud
+  He comes, and settl'd in his face I see                             540
+  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                             550
+  Not distant far with heavie pace the Foe
+  Approaching gross and huge; in hollow Cube
+  Training his devilish Enginrie, impal'd
+  On every side with shaddowing Squadrons Deep,
+  To hide the fraud. At interview both stood
+  A while, but suddenly at head appeerd
+  Satan: And thus was heard Commanding loud.
+  Vangard, to Right and Left the Front unfould;
+  That all may see who hate us, how we seek
+  Peace and composure, and with open brest                            560
+  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.                               570
+  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,                     580
+  Collected stood within our thoughts amus'd,
+  Not long, for sudden all at once thir Reeds
+  Put forth, and to a narrow vent appli'd
+  With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame,
+  But soon obscur'd with smoak, all Heav'n appeerd,
+  From those deep-throated Engins belcht, whose roar
+  Emboweld with outragious noise the Air,
+  And all her entrails tore, disgorging foule
+  Thir devillish glut, chaind Thunderbolts and Hail
+  Of Iron Globes, which on the Victor Host                            590
+  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                      600
+  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,                    610
+  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.                           620
+  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                                630
+  To match with thir inventions they presum'd
+  So easie, and of his Thunder made a scorn,
+  And all his Host derided, while they stood
+  A while in trouble; but they stood not long,
+  Rage prompted them at length, & found them arms
+  Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose.
+  Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power
+  Which God hath in his mighty Angels plac'd)
+  Thir Arms away they threw, and to the Hills
+  (For Earth hath this variety from Heav'n                            640
+  Of pleasure situate in Hill and Dale)
+  Light as the Lightning glimps they ran, they flew,
+  From thir foundations loosning to and fro
+  They pluckt the seated Hills with all thir load,
+  Rocks, Waters, Woods, and by the shaggie tops
+  Up lifting bore them in thir hands: Amaze,
+  Be sure, and terrour seis'd the rebel Host,
+  When coming towards them so dread they saw
+  The bottom of the Mountains upward turn'd,
+  Till on those cursed Engins triple-row                              650
+  They saw them whelmd, and all thir confidence
+  Under the weight of Mountains buried deep,
+  Themselves invaded next, and on thir heads
+  Main Promontories flung, which in the Air
+  Came shadowing, and opprest whole Legions arm'd,
+  Thir armor help'd thir harm, crush't in and brus'd
+  Into thir substance pent, which wrought them pain
+  Implacable, and many a dolorous groan,
+  Long strugling underneath, ere they could wind
+  Out of such prison, though Spirits of purest light,                 660
+  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,                             670
+  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,                               680
+  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,                           690
+  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                          700
+  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,                        710
+  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                           720
+  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,                            730
+  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,                          740
+  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,                                     750
+  Flashing thick flames, Wheele within Wheele undrawn,
+  It self instinct with Spirit, but convoyd
+  By four Cherubic shapes, four Faces each
+  Had wondrous, as with Starrs thir bodies all
+  And Wings were set with Eyes, with Eyes the Wheels
+  Of Beril, and careering Fires between;
+  Over thir heads a chrystal Firmament,
+  Whereon a Saphir Throne, inlaid with pure
+  Amber, and colours of the showrie Arch.
+  Hee in Celestial Panoplie all armd                                  760
+  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:                       770
+  Hee on the wings of Cherub rode sublime
+  On the Crystallin Skie, in Saphir Thron'd.
+  Illustrious farr and wide, but by his own
+  First seen, them unexpected joy surpriz'd,
+  When the great Ensign of Messiah blaz'd
+  Aloft by Angels born, his Sign in Heav'n:
+  Under whose Conduct Michael soon reduc'd
+  His Armie, circumfus'd on either Wing,
+  Under thir Head imbodied all in one.
+  Before him Power Divine his way prepar'd;                           780
+  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?                             790
+  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.                          800
+  Stand still in bright array ye Saints, here stand
+  Ye Angels arm'd, this day from Battel rest;
+  Faithful hath been your Warfare, and of God
+  Accepted, fearless in his righteous Cause,
+  And as ye have receivd, so have ye don
+  Invincibly; but of this cursed crew
+  The punishment to other hand belongs,
+  Vengeance is his, or whose he sole appoints;
+  Number to this dayes work is not ordain'd
+  Nor multitude, stand onely and behold                               810
+  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                          820
+  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.                           830
+  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                   840
+  Of Thrones and mighty Seraphim prostrate,
+  That wish'd the Mountains now might be again
+  Thrown on them as a shelter from his ire.
+  Nor less on either side tempestuous fell
+  His arrows, from the fourfold-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,                  850
+  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,                   860
+  Rowld inward, and a spacious Gap disclos'd
+  Into the wastful Deep; the monstrous sight
+  Strook them with horror backward, but far worse
+  Urg'd them behind; headlong themselvs they threw
+  Down from the verge of Heav'n, Eternal wrauth
+  Burnt after them to the bottomless pit.
+  Hell heard th' unsufferable noise, Hell saw
+  Heav'n ruining from Heav'n and would have fled
+  Affrighted; but strict Fate had cast too deep
+  Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound.                       870
+  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                          880
+  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                            890
+  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,                           900
+  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                                      910
+  Of disobedience; firm they might have stood,
+  Yet fell; remember, and fear to transgress.
+
+  The End Of The Sixth Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VII.
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+Raphael at the request of Adam relates how and wherefore this world was
+first created; that God, after the expelling of Satan and his Angels out
+of Heaven, declar'd his pleasure to create another World and other
+Creatures to dwell therein; sends his Son with Glory and attendance of
+Angels to perform the work of Creation in six dayes: the Angels
+celebrate with Hymns the performance thereof, and his reascention into
+Heaven.
+
+  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                           10
+  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.                             20
+  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 round,
+  And solitude; yet not alone, while thou
+  Visit'st my slumbers Nightly, or when Morn
+  Purples the East: still govern thou my Song,                         30
+  Urania, and fit audience find, though few.
+  But drive 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,                               40
+  The affable Arch-angel, had forewarn'd
+  Adam by dire example to beware
+  Apostasie, by what befell in Heaven
+  To those Apostates, least the like befall
+  In Paradise to Adam or his Race,
+  Charg'd not to touch the interdicted Tree,
+  If they transgress, and slight that sole command,
+  So easily obeyd amid the choice
+  Of all tasts else to please thir appetite,
+  Though wandring. He with his consorted Eve                           50
+  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                          60
+  Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know
+  What neerer might concern him, how this World
+  Of Heav'n and Earth conspicuous first began,
+  When, and whereof created, for what cause,
+  What within Eden or without was done
+  Before his memorie, as one whose drouth
+  Yet scarce allay'd still eyes the current streame,
+  Whose liquid murmur heard new thirst excites,
+  Proceeded thus to ask his Heav'nly Guest.
+  Great things, and full of wonder in our eares,                       70
+  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                        80
+  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                        90
+  Mov'd the Creator in his holy Rest
+  Through all Eternitie so late to build
+  In Chaos, and the work begun, how soon
+  Absolv'd, if unforbid thou maist unfould
+  What wee, not to explore the secrets aske
+  Of his Eternal Empire, but the more
+  To magnifie his works, the more we know.
+  And the great Light of Day yet wants to run
+  Much of his Race though steep, suspens in Heav'n
+  Held by thy voice, thy potent voice he heares,                      100
+  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.                           110
+  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                          120
+  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.                           130
+  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                           140
+  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                          150
+  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,                   160
+  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,                            170
+  And put not forth my goodness, which is free
+  To act or not, Necessitie and Chance
+  Approach not mee, and what I will is Fate.
+  So spake th' Almightie, and to what he spake
+  His Word, the Filial Godhead, gave effect.
+  Immediate are the Acts of God, more swift
+  Then time or motion, but to human ears
+  Cannot without process of speech be told,
+  So told as earthly notion can receave.
+  Great triumph and rejoycing was in Heav'n                           180
+  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                           190
+  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                         200
+  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                   210
+  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;                              220
+  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,                   230
+  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                      240
+  Disparted, and between spun out the Air,
+  And Earth self-ballanc't on her Center hung.
+  Let ther be Light, said God, and forthwith Light
+  Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure
+  Sprung from the Deep, and from her Native East
+  To journie through the airie gloom began,
+  Sphear'd in a radiant Cloud, for yet the Sun
+  Was not; shee in a cloudie Tabernacle
+  Sojourn'd the while. God saw the Light was good;
+  And light from darkness by the Hemisphere                           250
+  Divided: Light the Day, and Darkness Night
+  He nam'd. Thus was the first Day Eev'n and Morn:
+  Nor past uncelebrated, nor unsung
+  By the Celestial Quires, when Orient Light
+  Exhaling first from Darkness they beheld;
+  Birth-day of Heav'n and Earth; with joy and shout
+  The hollow Universal Orb they fill'd,
+  And touch't thir Golden Harps, & hymning prais'd
+  God and his works, Creatour him they sung,
+  Both when first Eevning was, and when first Morn.                   260
+  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                         270
+  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,                            280
+  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                               290
+  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,                       300
+  But they, or under ground, or circuit wide
+  With Serpent errour wandring, found thir way,
+  And on the washie Oose deep Channels wore;
+  Easie, e're God had bid the ground be drie,
+  All but within those banks, where Rivers now
+  Stream, and perpetual draw thir humid traine.
+  The dry Land, Earth, and the great receptacle
+  Of congregated Waters he call'd Seas:
+  And saw that it was good, and said, Let th' Earth
+  Put forth the verdant Grass, Herb yeilding Seed,                    310
+  And Fruit Tree yeilding Fruit after her kind;
+  Whose Seed is in her self upon the Earth.
+  He scarce had said, when the bare Earth, till then
+  Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorn'd,
+  Brought forth the tender Grass, whose verdure clad
+  Her Universal Face with pleasant green,
+  Then Herbs of every leaf, that sudden flour'd
+  Op'ning thir various colours, and made gay
+  Her bosom smelling sweet: and these scarce blown,
+  Forth flourish't thick the clustring Vine, forth crept              320
+  The smelling Gourd, up stood the cornie Reed
+  Embattell'd in her field: add the humble Shrub,
+  And Bush with frizl'd hair implicit: last
+  Rose as in Dance the stately Trees, and spred
+  Thir branches hung with copious Fruit; or gemm'd
+  Thir Blossoms: with high Woods the Hills were crownd,
+  With tufts the vallies & each fountain side,
+  With borders long the Rivers. That Earth now
+  Seemd like to Heav'n, a seat where Gods might dwell,
+  Or wander with delight, and love to haunt                           330
+  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                             340
+  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                           350
+  In thir vicissitude, and rule the Night,
+  And Light from Darkness to divide. God saw,
+  Surveying his great Work, that it was good:
+  For of Celestial Bodies first the Sun
+  A mightie Spheare he fram'd, unlightsom first,
+  Though of Ethereal Mould: then form'd the Moon
+  Globose, and everie magnitude of Starrs,
+  And sowd with Starrs the Heav'n thick as a field:
+  Of Light by farr the greater part he took,
+  Transplanted from her cloudie Shrine, and plac'd                    360
+  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,                       370
+  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,                   380
+  Revolvd on Heav'ns great Axle, and her Reign
+  With thousand lesser Lights dividual holds,
+  With thousand thousand Starres, that then appeer'd
+  Spangling the Hemisphere: then first adornd
+  With thir bright Luminaries that Set and Rose,
+  Glad Eevning & glad Morn crownd the fourth day.
+  And God said, let the Waters generate
+  Reptil with Spawn abundant, living Soule:
+  And let Fowle flie above the Earth, with wings
+  Displayd on the op'n Firmament of Heav'n.                           390
+  And God created the great Whales, and each
+  Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously
+  The waters generated by thir kindes,
+  And every Bird of wing after his kinde;
+  And saw that it was good, and bless'd them, saying,
+  Be fruitful, multiply, and in the Seas
+  And Lakes and running Streams the waters fill;
+  And let the Fowle be multiply'd on the Earth.
+  Forthwith the Sounds and Seas, each Creek & Bay
+  With Frie innumerable swarme, and Shoales                           400
+  Of Fish that with thir Finns & shining Scales
+  Glide under the green Wave, in Sculles that oft
+  Bank the mid Sea: part single or with mate
+  Graze the Sea weed thir pasture, & through Groves
+  Of Coral stray, or sporting with quick glance
+  Show to the Sun thir wav'd coats dropt with Gold,
+  Or in thir Pearlie shells at ease, attend
+  Moist nutriment, or under Rocks thir food
+  In jointed Armour watch: on smooth the Seale,
+  And bended Dolphins play: part huge of bulk                         410
+  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                     420
+  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                     430
+  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                        440
+  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,                       450
+  Let th' Earth bring forth Fowle living in her kinde,
+  Cattel and Creeping things, and Beast of the Earth,
+  Each in their kinde. The Earth obey'd, and strait
+  Op'ning her fertil Woomb teem'd at a Birth
+  Innumerous living Creatures, perfet formes,
+  Limb'd and full grown: out of the ground up-rose
+  As from his Laire the wilde Beast where he wonns
+  In Forrest wilde, in Thicket, Brake, or Den;
+  Among the Trees in Pairs they rose, they walk'd:
+  The Cattel in the Fields and Meddowes green:                        460
+  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                   470
+  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,                           480
+  Streaking the ground with sinuous trace; not all
+  Minims of Nature; some of Serpent kinde
+  Wondrous in length and corpulence involv'd
+  Thir Snakie foulds, and added wings. First crept
+  The Parsimonious Emmet, provident
+  Of future, in small room large heart enclos'd,
+  Pattern of just equalitie perhaps
+  Hereafter, join'd in her popular Tribes
+  Of Commonaltie: swarming next appeer'd
+  The Femal Bee that feeds her Husband Drone                          490
+  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                         500
+  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                      510
+  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                                520
+  Over the Fish and Fowle of Sea and Aire,
+  Beast of the Field, and over all the Earth,
+  And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.
+  This said, he formd thee, Adam, thee O Man
+  Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breath'd
+  The breath of Life; in his own Image hee
+  Created thee, in the Image of God
+  Express, and thou becam'st a living Soul.
+  Male he created thee, but thy consort
+  Femal for Race; then bless'd Mankinde, and said,                    530
+  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                         540
+  Gave thee, all sorts are here that all th' Earth yeelds,
+  Varietie without end; but of the Tree
+  Which tasted works knowledge of Good and Evil,
+  Thou mai'st not; in the day thou eat'st, thou di'st;
+  Death is the penaltie impos'd, beware,
+  And govern well thy appetite, least sin
+  Surprise thee, and her black attendant Death.
+  Here finish'd hee, and all that he had made
+  View'd, and behold all was entirely good;
+  So Ev'n and Morn accomplish'd the Sixt day:                         550
+  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                              560
+  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                              570
+  Delighted, and with frequent intercourse
+  Thither will send his winged Messengers
+  On errands of supernal Grace. So sung
+  The glorious Train ascending: He through 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                         580
+  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,                           590
+  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.                           600
+  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                          610
+  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                           620
+  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                                  630
+  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.                           640
+
+  Notes:
+  451. Bentley's emendation of soul for fowl should be noted.
+  See Genesis i. 30 A. V. margin.
+  563 stations] station 1674
+
+  The End of the Seventh Book
+
+
+
+
+BOOK VIII.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+Adam inquires concerning celestial Motions, is doubtfully answer'd and
+exhorted to search rather things more worthy of knowledg: Adam assents,
+and still desirous to detain Raphael, relates to him what he remember'd
+since his own Creation, his placing in Paradise, his talk with God
+concerning solitude and fit society, his first meeting and Nuptials with
+Eve, his discourse with the Angel thereupon; who after admonitions
+repeated departs.
+
+  [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                            10
+  With wonder, but delight, and, as is due,
+  With glorie attributed to the high
+  Creator; some thing 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                                    20
+  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                           30
+  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                     40
+  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,                        50
+  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                                  60
+  A pomp of winning Graces waited still,
+  And from about her shot Darts of desire
+  Into all Eyes to wish her still in sight.
+  And Raphael now to Adam's doubt propos'd
+  Benevolent and facil thus repli'd.
+  To ask or search I blame thee not, for Heav'n
+  Is as the Book of God before thee set,
+  Wherein to read his wondrous Works, and learne
+  His Seasons, Hours, or Days, or Months, or Yeares:
+  This to attain, whether Heav'n move or Earth,                        70
+  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                        80
+  The mightie frame, how build, unbuild, contrive
+  To save appeerances, how gird the Sphear
+  With Centric and Eccentric scribl'd o're,
+  Cycle and Epicycle, Orb in Orb:
+  Alreadie by thy reasoning this I guess,
+  Who art to lead thy ofspring, and supposest
+  That Bodies bright and greater should not serve
+  The less not bright, nor Heav'n such journies run,
+  Earth sitting still, when she alone receaves
+  The benefit: consider first, that Great                              90
+  Or Bright inferrs not Excellence: the Earth
+  Though, in comparison of Heav'n, so small,
+  Nor glistering, may of solid good containe
+  More plenty then the Sun that barren shines,
+  Whose vertue on it self workes no effect,
+  But in the fruitful Earth; there first receavd
+  His beams, unactive else, thir vigor find.
+  Yet not to Earth are those bright Luminaries
+  Officious, but to thee Earths habitant.
+  And for the Heav'ns wide Circuit, let it speak                      100
+  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,                  110
+  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,               120
+  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?                            130
+  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                       140
+  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,                                 150
+  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                               160
+  Rise on the Earth, or Earth rise on the Sun,
+  Hee from the East his flaming rode begin,
+  Or Shee from West her silent course advance
+  With inoffensive pace that spinning sleeps
+  On her soft Axle, while she paces Eev'n,
+  And bears thee soft with the smooth Air along,
+  Sollicit not thy thoughts with matters hid,
+  Leave them to God above, him serve and feare;
+  Of other Creatures, as him pleases best,
+  Wherever plac't, let him dispose: joy thou                          170
+  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                             180
+  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,                   190
+  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                              200
+  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,                        210
+  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,                              220
+  Inward and outward both, his image faire:
+  Speaking or mute all comliness and grace
+  Attends thee, and each word, each motion formes.
+  Nor less think wee in Heav'n of thee on Earth
+  Then of our fellow servant, and inquire
+  Gladly into the wayes of God with Man:
+  For God we see hath honour'd thee, and set
+  On Man his equal Love: say therefore on;
+  For I that Day was absent, as befell,
+  Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure,                              230
+  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                      240
+  The dismal Gates, and barricado'd strong;
+  But long ere our approaching heard within
+  Noise, other then the sound of Dance or Song,
+  Torment, and lowd lament, and furious rage.
+  Glad we return'd up to the coasts of Light
+  Ere Sabbath Eev'ning: so we had in charge.
+  But thy relation now; for I attend,
+  Pleas'd with thy words no less then thou with mine.
+  So spake the Godlike Power, and thus our Sire.
+  For Man to tell how human Life began                                250
+  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                              260
+  Stood on my feet; about me round I saw
+  Hill, Dale, and shadie Woods, and sunnie Plaines,
+  And liquid Lapse of murmuring Streams; by these,
+  Creatures that livd, and movd, and walk'd, or flew,
+  Birds on the branches warbling; all things smil'd,
+  With fragrance and with joy my heart oreflow'd.
+  My self I then perus'd, and Limb by Limb
+  Survey'd, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran
+  With supple joints, as lively vigour led:
+  But who I was, or where, or from what cause,                        270
+  Knew not; to speak I tri'd, and forthwith spake,
+  My Tongue obey'd and readily could name
+  What e're I saw. Thou Sun, said I, faire Light,
+  And thou enlight'nd Earth, so fresh and gay,
+  Ye Hills and Dales, ye Rivers, Woods, and Plaines,
+  And ye that live and move, fair Creatures, tell,
+  Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, how here?
+  Not of my self; by some great Maker then,
+  In goodness and in power praeeminent;
+  Tell me, how may I know him, how adore,                             280
+  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                               290
+  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,                           300
+  And over Fields and Waters, as in Aire
+  Smooth sliding without step, last led me up
+  A woodie Mountain; whose high top was plaine,
+  A Circuit wide, enclos'd, with goodliest Trees
+  Planted, with Walks, and Bowers, that what I saw
+  Of Earth before scarse pleasant seemd. Each Tree
+  Load'n with fairest Fruit, that hung to the Eye
+  Tempting, stirr'd in me sudden appetite
+  To pluck and eate; whereat I wak'd, and found
+  Before mine Eyes all real, as the dream                             310
+  Had lively shadowd: Here had new begun
+  My wandring, had not hee who was my Guide
+  Up hither, from among the Trees appeer'd,
+  Presence Divine. Rejoycing, but with aw
+  In adoration at his feet I fell
+  Submiss: he rear'd me, & Whom thou soughtst I am,
+  Said mildely, Author of all this thou seest
+  Above, or round about thee or beneath.
+  This Paradise I give thee, count it thine
+  To Till and keep, and of the Fruit to eate:                         320
+  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;                              330
+  From that day mortal, and this happie State
+  Shalt loose, expell'd from hence into a World
+  Of woe and sorrow. Sternly he pronounc'd
+  The rigid interdiction, which resounds
+  Yet dreadful in mine eare, though in my choice
+  Not to incur; but soon his cleer aspect
+  Return'd and gratious purpose thus renew'd.
+  Not onely these fair bounds, but all the Earth
+  To thee and to thy Race I give; as Lords
+  Possess it, and all things that therein live,                       340
+  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                          350
+  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,                                360
+  And all this good to man, for whose well being
+  So amply, and with hands so liberal
+  Thou hast provided all things: but with 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                         370
+  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.                              380
+  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                                  390
+  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                           400
+  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                                  410
+  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;                                420
+  And through all numbers absolute, though One;
+  But Man by number is to manifest
+  His single imperfection, and beget
+  Like of his like, his Image 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                   430
+  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,                        440
+  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,                         450
+  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                         460
+  Of Fancie my internal sight, by which
+  Abstract as in a transe methought I saw,
+  Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape
+  Still glorious before whom awake I stood;
+  Who stooping op'nd my left side, and took
+  From thence a Rib, with cordial spirits warme,
+  And Life-blood streaming fresh; wide was the wound,
+  But suddenly with flesh fill'd up & heal'd:
+  The Rib he formd and fashond with his hands;
+  Under his forming hands a Creature grew,                            470
+  Manlike, but different sex, so lovly faire,
+  That what seemd fair in all the World, seemd now
+  Mean, or in her summd up, in her containd
+  And in her looks, which from that time infus'd
+  Sweetness into my heart, unfelt before,
+  And into all things from her Aire inspir'd
+  The spirit of love and amorous delight.
+  She disappeerd, and left me dark, I wak'd
+  To find her, or for ever to deplore
+  Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure:                           480
+  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.                                 490
+  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,                     500
+  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                             510
+  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.                          520
+  Thus I have told thee all my State, and brought
+  My Storie to the sum of earthly bliss
+  Which I enjoy, and must confess to find
+  In all things else delight indeed, but such
+  As us'd or not, works in the mind no change,
+  Nor vehement desire, these delicacies
+  I mean of Taste, Sight, Smell, Herbs, Fruits, & Flours,
+  Walks, and the melodie of Birds; but here
+  Farr otherwise, transported I behold,
+  Transported touch; here passion first I felt,                       530
+  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                              540
+  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;                       550
+  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.                             560
+  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;                        570
+  Then value: Oft times nothing profits more
+  Then self-esteem, grounded on just and right
+  Well manag'd; of that skill the more thou know'st,
+  The more she will acknowledge thee her Head,
+  And to realities yeild all her shows;
+  Made so adorn for thy delight the more,
+  So awful, that with honour thou maist love
+  Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise.
+  But if the sense of touch whereby mankind
+  Is propagated seem such dear delight                                580
+  Beyond all other, think the same voutsaf't
+  To Cattel and each Beast; which would not be
+  To them made common & divulg'd, if aught
+  Therein enjoy'd were worthy to subdue
+  The Soule of Man, or passion in him move.
+  What higher in her societie thou findst
+  Attractive, human, rational, love still;
+  In loving thou dost well, in passion not,
+  Wherein true Love consists not; love refines
+  The thoughts, and heart enlarges, hath his seat                     590
+  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,                        600
+  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                              610
+  Approve the best, and follow what I approve.
+  To love thou blam'st me not, for love thou saist
+  Leads up to Heav'n, is both the way and guide;
+  Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask;
+  Love not the heav'nly Spirits, and how thir Love
+  Express they, by looks onely, or do they mix
+  Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch?
+  To whom the Angel with a smile that glow'd
+  Celestial rosie red, Loves proper hue,
+  Answer'd. Let it suffice thee that thou know'st                     620
+  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                              630
+  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                     640
+  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                              650
+  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.
+
+  Notes:
+  1-4  These lines were added in the second edition (1674) when
+  Book VII was divided into two at line 640.  Line 641 had read
+  'To whom thus Adam gratefully repli'd'.
+  269 as] and 1674.
+
+  The End Of The Eighth Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK IX.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+Satan having compast the Earth, with meditated guile returns as a mist
+by Night into Paradise, enters into the Serpent sleeping. Adam and Eve
+in the Morning go forth to thir labours, which Eve proposes to divide in
+several places, each labouring apart: Adam consents not, alledging the
+danger, lest that Enemy, of whom they were forewarn'd, should attempt
+her found alone: Eve loath to be thought not circumspect or firm enough,
+urges her going apart, the rather desirous to make tryal of her
+strength; Adam at last yields: The Serpent finds her alone; his subtle
+approach, first gazing, then speaking with much flattery extolling Eve
+above all other Creatures. Eve wondring to hear the Serpent speak, asks
+how he attain'd to human speech and such understanding not till now; the
+Serpent answers, that by tasting of a certain Tree in the Garden he
+attain'd both to Speech and Reason, till then void of both: Eve requires
+him to bring her to that Tree, and finds it to be the Tree of Knowledge
+forbidden: The Serpent now grown bolder, with many wiles and arguments
+induces her at length to eat; she pleas'd with the taste deliberates
+awhile whether to impart thereof to Adam or not, at last brings him of
+the Fruit, relates what persuaded her to eat thereof: Adam at first
+amaz'd, but perceiving her lost, resolves through vehemence of love to
+perish with her; and extenuating the trespass, eats also of the Fruit:
+The effects thereof in them both; they seek to cover thir nakedness;
+then fall to variance and accusation of one another.
+
+  No more of talk where God or Angel Guest
+  With Man, as with his Friend, familiar 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,                          10
+  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                                    20
+  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                           30
+  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                              40
+  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                               50
+  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                               60
+  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,             70
+  Where Tigris at the foot of Paradise
+  Into a Gulf shot under ground, till part
+  Rose up a Fountain by the Tree of Life;
+  In with the River sunk, and with it rose
+  Satan involv'd in rising Mist, then sought
+  Where to lie hid; Sea he had searcht and Land
+  From Eden over Pontus, and the Poole
+  Maeotis, up beyond the River Ob;
+  Downward as farr Antartic; and in length
+  West from Orantes to the Ocean barr'd                                80
+  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                              90
+  From sharpest sight: for in the wilie Snake,
+  Whatever sleights none would suspicious mark,
+  As from his wit and native suttletie
+  Proceeding, which in other Beasts observ'd
+  Doubt might beget of Diabolic pow'r
+  Active within beyond the sense of brute.
+  Thus he resolv'd, but first from inward griefe
+  His bursting passion into plaints thus pour'd:
+  O Earth, how like to Heav'n, if not preferrd
+  More justly, Seat worthier of Gods, as built                        100
+  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                    110
+  Productive in Herb, Plant, and nobler birth
+  Of Creatures animate with gradual life
+  Of Growth, Sense, Reason, all summ'd up in Man.
+  With what delight could I have walkt thee round
+  If I could joy in aught, sweet interchange
+  Of Hill and Vallie, Rivers, Woods and Plaines,
+  Now Land, now Sea, & Shores with Forrest crownd,
+  Rocks, Dens, and Caves; but I in none of these
+  Find place or refuge; and the more I see
+  Pleasures about me, so much more I feel                             120
+  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,                        130
+  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                          140
+  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,                                      150
+  With Heav'nly spoils, our spoils: What he decreed
+  He effected; Man he made, and for him built
+  Magnificent this World, and Earth his seat,
+  Him Lord pronounc'd, and, O indignitie!
+  Subjected to his service Angel wings,
+  And flaming Ministers to watch and tend
+  Thir earthlie Charge: Of these the vigilance
+  I dread, and to elude, thus wrapt in mist
+  Of midnight vapor glide obscure, and prie
+  In every Bush and Brake, where hap may finde                        160
+  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                           170
+  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                          180
+  His midnight search, where soonest he might finde
+  The Serpent: him fast sleeping soon he found
+  In Labyrinth of many a round self-rowl'd,
+  His head the midst, well stor'd with suttle wiles:
+  Not yet in horrid Shade or dismal Den,
+  Nor 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                              190
+  Disturbd not, waiting close th' approach of Morn.
+  Now whenas sacred Light began to dawne
+  In Eden on the humid Flours, that breathd
+  Thir morning Incense, when all things that breath,
+  From th' Earths great Altar send up silent praise
+  To the Creator, and his Nostrils fill
+  With gratefull Smell, forth came the human pair
+  And joynd thir vocal Worship to the Quire
+  Of Creatures wanting voice, that done, partake
+  The season, prime for sweetest Sents and Aires:                     200
+  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,                          210
+  One night or two with wanton growth derides
+  Tending to wilde. Thou therefore now advise
+  Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present,
+  Let us divide our labours, thou where choice
+  Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind
+  The Woodbine round this Arbour, or direct
+  The clasping Ivie where to climb, while I
+  In yonder Spring of Roses intermixt
+  With Myrtle, find what to redress till Noon:
+  For while so near each other thus all day                           220
+  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                       230
+  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,                          240
+  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.                           250
+  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;                           260
+  Whether his first design be to withdraw
+  Our fealtie from God, or to disturb
+  Conjugal Love, then which perhaps no bliss
+  Enjoy'd by us excites his envie more;
+  Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side
+  That gave thee being, stil shades thee and protects.
+  The Wife, where danger or dishonour lurks,
+  Safest and seemliest by her Husband staies,
+  Who guards her, or with her the worst endures.
+  To whom the Virgin Majestie of Eve,                                 270
+  As one who loves, and some unkindness meets,
+  With sweet austeer composure thus reply'd.
+  Ofspring of Heav'n and Earth, and all Earths Lord,
+  That such an enemie we have, who seeks
+  Our ruin, both by thee informd I learne,
+  And from the parting Angel over-heard
+  As in a shadie nook I stood behind,
+  Just then returnd at shut of Evening Flours.
+  But that thou shouldst my firmness therefore doubt
+  To God or thee, because we have a foe                               280
+  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.                            290
+  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,                         300
+  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                                310
+  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,                               320
+  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                          330
+  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,                             340
+  And Eden were no Eden thus expos'd.
+  To whom thus Adam fervently repli'd.
+  O Woman, best are all things as the will
+  Of God ordaind them, his creating hand
+  Nothing imperfet or deficient left
+  Of all that he Created, much less Man,
+  Or ought that might his happie State secure,
+  Secure from outward force; within himself
+  The danger lies, yet lies within his power:
+  Against his will he can receave no harme.                           350
+  But God left free the Will, for what obeyes
+  Reason, is free, and Reason he made right,
+  But bid her well beware, and still erect,
+  Least by some faire appeering good surpris'd
+  She dictate false, and missinforme the Will
+  To do what God expresly hath forbid.
+  Not then mistrust, but tender love enjoynes,
+  That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me.
+  Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve,
+  Since Reason not impossibly may meet                                360
+  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                         370
+  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,                    380
+  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,                        390
+  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                                400
+  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 sound repose;
+  Such ambush hid among sweet Flours and Shades
+  Waited with hellish rancor imminent
+  To intercept thy way, or send thee back                             410
+  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                                    420
+  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                         430
+  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                                    440
+  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,                       450
+  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                                   460
+  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                         470
+  Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts
+  Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites.
+  Thoughts, whither have he led me, with what sweet
+  Compulsion thus transported to forget
+  What hither brought us, hate, not love, nor hope
+  Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste
+  Of pleasure, but all pleasure to destroy,
+  Save what is in destroying, other joy
+  To me is lost. Then let me not let pass
+  Occasion which now smiles, behold alone                             480
+  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                             490
+  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;                              500
+  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                       510
+  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,                       520
+  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,                                   530
+  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 things living gaze on, all things thine
+  By gift, and thy Celestial Beautie adore                            540
+  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,                           550
+  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                      560
+  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:              570
+  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                         580
+  Then smell of sweetest Fenel, or the Teats
+  Of Ewe or Goat dropping with Milk at Eevn,
+  Unsuckt of Lamb or Kid, that tend thir play.
+  To satisfie the sharp desire I had
+  Of tasting those fair Apples, I resolv'd
+  Not to deferr; hunger and thirst at once,
+  Powerful perswaders, quick'nd at the scent
+  Of that alluring fruit, urg'd me so keene.
+  About the Mossie Trunk I wound me soon,
+  For high from ground the branches would require                     590
+  Thy utmost reach or Adams: Round the Tree
+  All other Beasts that saw, with like desire
+  Longing and envying stood, but could not reach.
+  Amid the Tree now got, where plentie hung
+  Tempting so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill
+  I spar'd not, for such pleasure till that hour
+  At Feed or Fountain never had I found.
+  Sated at length, ere long I might perceave
+  Strange alteration in me, to degree
+  Of Reason in my inward Powers, and Speech                           600
+  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                         610
+  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,                           620
+  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.                          630
+  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                     640
+  To Boggs and Mires, & oft through Pond or Poole,
+  There swallow'd up and lost, from succour farr.
+  So glister'd the dire Snake and into fraud
+  Led Eve our credulous Mother, to the Tree
+  Of prohibition, root of all our woe;
+  Which when she saw, thus to her guide she spake.
+  Serpent, we might have spar'd our coming hither,
+  Fruitless to me, though Fruit be here to excess,
+  The credit of whose vertue rest with thee,
+  Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects.                          650
+  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,                             660
+  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                                   670
+  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                             680
+  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.                          690
+  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;                          700
+  Not just, not God; not feard then, nor obeid:
+  Your feare it self of Death removes the feare.
+  Why then was this forbid? Why but to awe,
+  Why but to keep ye low and ignorant,
+  His worshippers; he knows that in the day
+  Ye Eate thereof, your Eyes that seem so cleere,
+  Yet are but dim, shall perfetly be then
+  Op'nd and cleerd, and ye shall be as Gods,
+  Knowing both Good and Evil as they know.
+  That ye should be as Gods, since I as Man,                          710
+  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,                           720
+  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                      730
+  Causes import your need of this fair Fruit.
+  Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste.
+  He ended, and his words replete with guile
+  Into her heart too easie entrance won:
+  Fixt on the Fruit she gaz'd, which to behold
+  Might tempt alone, and in her ears the sound
+  Yet rung of his perswasive words, impregn'd
+  With Reason, to her seeming, and with Truth;
+  Meanwhile the hour of Noon drew on, and wak'd
+  An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell                              740
+  So savorie of that Fruit, which with desire,
+  Inclinable now grown to touch or taste,
+  Sollicited her longing eye; yet first
+  Pausing a while, thus to her self she mus'd.
+  Great are thy Vertues, doubtless, best of Fruits,
+  Though kept from Man, & worthy to be admir'd,
+  Whose taste, too long forborn, at first assay
+  Gave elocution to the mute, and taught
+  The Tongue not made for Speech to speak thy praise:
+  Thy praise hee also who forbids thy use,                            750
+  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                           760
+  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                        770
+  The good befall'n him, Author unsuspect,
+  Friendly to man, farr from deceit or guile.
+  What fear I then, rather what know to feare
+  Under this ignorance of Good and Evil,
+  Of God or Death, of Law or Penaltie?
+  Here grows the Cure of all, this Fruit Divine,
+  Fair to the Eye, inviting to the Taste,
+  Of vertue to make wise: what hinders then
+  To reach, and feed at once both Bodie and Mind?
+  So saying, her rash hand in evil hour                               780
+  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.                     790
+  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                      800
+  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.                        810
+  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                          820
+  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,                         830
+  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                              840
+  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                         850
+  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,                         860
+  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                      870
+  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.                       880
+  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                        890
+  Ran through his veins, and all his joynts relax'd;
+  From his slack hand the Garland wreath'd for Eve
+  Down drop'd, and all the faded Roses shed:
+  Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length
+  First to himself he inward silence broke.
+  O fairest of Creation, last and best
+  Of all Gods Works, Creature in whom excell'd
+  Whatever can to sight or thought be found,
+  Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet!
+  How art thou lost, how on a sudden lost,                            900
+  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?                         910
+  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.                       920
+  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                         930
+  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,                          940
+  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?                           950
+  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.                               960
+  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,                          970
+  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                              980
+  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                            990
+  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                         1000
+  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                               1010
+  Wherewith to scorn the Earth: but that false Fruit
+  Farr other operation first displaid,
+  Carnal desire enflaming, hee on Eve
+  Began to cast lascivious Eyes, she him
+  As wantonly repaid; in Lust they burne:
+  Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance move.
+  Eve, now I see thou art exact of taste,
+  And elegant, of Sapience no small part,
+  Since to each meaning savour we apply,
+  And Palate call judicious; I the praise                            1020
+  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                          1030
+  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,                                1040
+  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                      1050
+  Encumberd, now had left them, up they rose
+  As from unrest, and each the other viewing,
+  Soon found thir Eyes how op'nd, and thir minds
+  How dark'nd; innocence, that as a veile
+  Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gon,
+  Just confidence, and native righteousness,
+  And honour from about them, naked left
+  To guiltie shame: hee cover'd, but his Robe
+  Uncover'd more. So rose the Danite strong
+  Herculean Samson from the Harlot-lap                               1060
+  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                       1070
+  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                          1080
+  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.                          1090
+  But let us now, as in bad plight, devise
+  What best may for the present serve to hide
+  The Parts of each from other, that seem most
+  To shame obnoxious, and unseemliest seen,
+  Some Tree whose broad smooth Leaves together sowd,
+  And girded on our loyns, may cover round
+  Those middle parts, that this new commer, Shame,
+  There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.
+  So counsel'd hee, and both together went
+  Into the thickest Wood, there soon they chose                      1100
+  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              1110
+  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 so 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,                           1120
+  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                                 1130
+  Superior sway: From thus distemperd brest,
+  Adam, estrang'd in look and alterd stile,
+  Speech intermitted thus to Eve renewd.
+  Would thou hadst heark'nd to my words, & stai'd
+  With me, as I besought thee, when that strange
+  Desire of wandring this unhappie Morn,
+  I know not whence possessd thee; we had then
+  Remaind still happie, not as now, despoild
+  Of all our good, sham'd, naked, miserable.
+  Let none henceforth seek needless cause to approve                 1140
+  The Faith they owe; when earnestly they seek
+  Such proof, conclude, they then begin to faile.
+  To whom soon mov'd with touch of blame thus Eve.
+  What words have past thy Lips, Adam severe,
+  Imput'st thou that to my default, or will
+  Of wandering, as thou call'st it, which who knows
+  But might as ill have happ'nd thou being by,
+  Or to thy self perhaps: hadst thou bin there,
+  Or here th' attempt, thou couldst not have discernd
+  Fraud in the Serpent, speaking as he spake;                        1150
+  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,                       1160
+  Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with mee.
+  To whom then first incenst Adam repli'd.
+  Is this the Love, is the recompence
+  Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, exprest
+  Immutable when thou wert lost, not I,
+  Who might have liv'd and joyd immortal bliss,
+  Yet willingly chose rather Death with thee:
+  And am I now upbraided, as the cause
+  Of thy transgressing? not enough severe,
+  It seems, in thy restraint: what could I more?                     1170
+  I warn'd thee, I admonish'd thee, foretold
+  The danger, and the lurking Enemie
+  That lay in wait; beyond this had bin force,
+  And force upon free Will hath here no place.
+  But confidence then bore thee on, secure
+  Either to meet no danger, or to finde
+  Matter of glorious trial; and perhaps
+  I also err'd in overmuch admiring
+  What seemd in thee so perfet, that I thought
+  No evil durst attempt thee, but I rue                              1180
+  That errour now, which is become my crime,
+  And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall
+  Him who to worth in Women overtrusting
+  Lets her Will rule; restraint she will not brook,
+  And left to her self, if evil thence ensue,
+  Shee first his weak indulgence will accuse.
+  Thus they in mutual accusation spent
+  The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning
+  And of thir vain contest appeer'd no end.
+
+  Notes:
+  186 not] nor 1674.
+  213 hear] bear 1674.
+  394 Likest] likeliest 1674.
+  922 hast] hath 1674.
+
+  The End Of The Ninth Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK X.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+Mans transgression known, the Guardian Angels forsake Paradise, and
+return up to Heaven to approve thir vigilance, and are approv'd, God
+declaring that The entrance of Satan could not be by them prevented. He
+sends his Son to judge the Transgressors, who descends and gives
+Sentence accordingly; then in pity cloaths them both, and reascends. Sin
+and Death sitting till then at the Gates of Hell by wondrous sympathie
+feeling the success of Satan in this new World, and the sin by Man there
+committed, resolve to sit no longer confin'd in Hell, but to follow
+Satan thir Sire up to the place of Man:  To make the way easier from
+Hell to this World to and fro, they pave a broad Highway or Bridge over
+Chaos, according to the Track that Satan first made; then preparing for
+Earth, they meet him proud of his success returning to Hell; thir mutual
+gratulation. Satan arrives at Pandemonium, in full assembly relates with
+boasting his success against Man; instead of applause is entertained
+with a general hiss by all his audience, transform'd with himself also
+suddenly into Serpents, according to his doom giv'n in Paradise; then
+deluded with a shew of the forbidden Tree springing up before them, they
+greedily reaching to take of the Fruit, chew dust and bitter ashes.The
+proceedings of Sin and Death; God foretels the final Victory of his Son
+over them, and the renewing of all things; but for the present commands
+his Angels to make several alterations in the Heavens and Elements. Adam
+more and more perceiving his fall'n condition heavily bewailes, rejects
+the condolement of Eve; she persists and at length appeases him: then to
+evade the Curse likely to fall on thir Ofspring, proposes to Adam
+violent wayes, which he approves not, but conceiving better hope, puts
+her in mind of the late Promise made them, that her Seed should be
+reveng'd on the Serpent, and exhorts her with him to seek Peace of the
+offended Deity, by repentance and supplication.
+
+  Meanwhile the hainous and despightfull act
+  Of Satan done in Paradise, and how
+  Hee in the Serpent had perverted Eve,
+  Her Husband shee, to taste the fatall fruit,
+  Was known in Heav'n; for what can scape the Eye
+  Of God All-seeing, or deceave his Heart
+  Omniscient, who in all things wise and just,
+  Hinder'd not Satan to attempt the minde
+  Of Man, with strength entire, and free Will arm'd,
+  Complete to have discover'd and repulst                              10
+  Whatever wiles of Foe or seeming Friend.
+  For still they knew, and ought to have still remember'd
+  The high Injunction not to taste that Fruit,
+  Whoever tempted; which they not obeying,
+  Incurr'd, what could they less, the penaltie,
+  And manifold in sin, deserv'd to fall.
+  Up into Heav'n from Paradise in hast
+  Th' Angelic Guards ascended, mute and sad
+  For Man, for of his state by this they knew,
+  Much wondring how the suttle Fiend had stoln                         20
+  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,                          30
+  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                           40
+  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,                             50
+  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                              60
+  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                            70
+  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                    80
+  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                          90
+  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                          100
+  The thickest Trees, both Man and Wife, till God
+  Approaching, thus to Adam call'd aloud.
+  Where art thou Adam, wont with joy to meet
+  My coming seen far off? 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;                   110
+  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                            120
+  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                           130
+  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,                          140
+  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                        150
+  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                           160
+  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)                        170
+  Nor alter'd his offence; yet God at last
+  To Satan first in sin his doom apply'd,
+  Though in mysterious terms, judg'd as then best:
+  And on the Serpent thus his curse let fall.
+  Because thou hast done this, thou art accurst
+  Above all Cattel, each Beast of the Field;
+  Upon thy Belly groveling thou shalt goe,
+  And dust shalt eat all the days of thy Life.
+  Between Thee and the Woman I will put
+  Enmitie, and between thine and her Seed;                            180
+  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;                         190
+  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,                200
+  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                  210
+  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                           220
+  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,                        230
+  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                          240
+  By his Avenger, since no place like this
+  Can fit his punishment, or their revenge.
+  Methinks I feel new strength within me rise,
+  Wings growing, and Dominion giv'n me large
+  Beyond this Deep; whatever drawes me on,
+  Or sympathie, or som connatural force
+  Powerful at greatest distance to unite
+  With secret amity things of like kinde
+  By secretest conveyance. Thou my Shade
+  Inseparable must with mee along:                                    250
+  For Death from Sin no power can separate.
+  But least the difficultie of passing back
+  Stay his returne perhaps over this Gulfe
+  Impassable, impervious, let us try
+  Adventrous work, yet to thy power and mine
+  Not unagreeable, to found a path
+  Over this Maine from Hell to that new World
+  Where Satan now prevailes, a Monument
+  Of merit high to all th' infernal Host,
+  Easing thir passage hence, for intercourse,                         260
+  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                           270
+  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,                               280
+  Sagacious of his Quarrey from so farr.
+  Then Both from out Hell Gates into the waste
+  Wide Anarchie of Chaos damp and dark
+  Flew divers, & with Power (thir Power was great)
+  Hovering upon the Waters; what they met
+  Solid or slimie, as in raging Sea
+  Tost up and down, together crowded drove
+  From each side shoaling towards the mouth of Hell.
+  As when two Polar Winds blowing adverse
+  Upon the Cronian Sea, together drive                                290
+  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                      300
+  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,                          310
+  And scourg'd with many a stroak th' indignant waves.
+  Now had they brought the work by wondrous Art
+  Pontifical, a ridge of pendent Rock
+  Over the vext Abyss, following the track
+  Of Satan, to the selfsame place where hee
+  First lighted from his Wing, and landed safe
+  From out of Chaos to the outside bare
+  Of this round World: with Pinns of Adamant
+  And Chains they made all fast, too fast they made
+  And durable; and now in little space                                320
+  The Confines met of Empyrean Heav'n
+  And of this World, and on the left hand Hell
+  With long reach interpos'd; three sev'ral wayes
+  In sight, to each of these three places led.
+  And now thir way to Earth they had descri'd,
+  To Paradise first tending, when behold
+  Satan in likeness of an Angel bright
+  Betwixt the Centaure and the Scorpion stearing
+  His Zenith, while the Sun in Aries rose:
+  Disguis'd he came, but those his Children dear                      330
+  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                        340
+  Might suddenly inflict; that past, return'd
+  By Night, and listning where the hapless Paire
+  Sate in thir sad discourse, and various plaint,
+  Thence gatherd his own doom, which understood
+  Not instant, but of future time. With joy
+  And tidings fraught, to Hell he now return'd,
+  And at the brink of Chaos, neer the foot
+  Of this new wondrous Pontifice, unhop't
+  Met who to meet him came, his Ofspring dear.
+  Great joy was at thir meeting, and at sight                         350
+  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                 360
+  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                                  370
+  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,                       380
+  His Quadrature, from thy Orbicular World,
+  Or trie thee now more dang'rous to his Throne.
+  Whom thus the Prince of Darkness answerd glad.
+  Fair Daughter, and thou Son and Grandchild both,
+  High proof ye now have giv'n to be the Race
+  Of Satan (for I glorie in the name,
+  Antagonist of Heav'ns Almightie King)
+  Amply have merited of me, of all
+  Th' Infernal Empire, that so neer Heav'ns dore
+  Triumphal with triumphal act have met,                              390
+  Mine with this glorious Work, & made one Realm
+  Hell and this World, one Realm, one Continent
+  Of easie thorough-fare. Therefore while I
+  Descend through Darkness, on your Rode with ease
+  To my associate Powers, them to acquaint
+  With these successes, and with them rejoyce,
+  You two this way, among those numerous Orbs
+  All yours, right down to Paradise descend;
+  There dwell & Reign in bliss, thence on the Earth
+  Dominion exercise and in the Aire,                                  400
+  Chiefly on Man, sole Lord of all declar'd,
+  Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill.
+  My Substitutes I send ye, and Create
+  Plenipotent on Earth, of matchless might
+  Issuing from mee: on your joynt vigor now
+  My hold of this new Kingdom all depends,
+  Through Sin to Death expos'd by my exploit.
+  If your joynt power prevaile, th' affaires of Hell
+  No detriment need feare, goe and be strong.
+  So saying he dismiss'd them, they with speed                        410
+  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                             420
+  Appointed to sit there, had left thir charge,
+  Flown to the upper World; the rest were all
+  Farr to the inland retir'd, about the walls
+  Of Pandemonium, Citie and proud seate
+  Of Lucifer, so by allusion calld,
+  Of that bright Starr to Satan paragond.
+  There kept thir Watch the Legions, while the Grand
+  In Council sate, sollicitous what chance
+  Might intercept thir Emperour sent, so hee
+  Departing gave command, and they observ'd.                          430
+  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                    440
+  Of Forrein Worlds: he through the midst unmarkt,
+  In shew plebeian Angel militant
+  Of lowest order, past; and from the dore
+  Of that Plutonian Hall, invisible
+  Ascended his high Throne, which under state
+  Of richest texture spred, at th' upper end
+  Was plac't in regal lustre. Down a while
+  He sate, and round about him saw unseen:
+  At last as from a Cloud his fulgent head
+  And shape Starr bright appeer'd, or brighter, clad                  450
+  With what permissive glory since his fall
+  Was left him, or false glitter: All amaz'd
+  At that so sudden blaze the Stygian throng
+  Bent thir aspect, and whom they wish'd beheld,
+  Thir mighty Chief returnd: loud was th' acclaime:
+  Forth rush'd in haste the great consulting Peers,
+  Rais'd from thir dark Divan, and with like joy
+  Congratulant approach'd him, who with hand
+  Silence, and with these words attention won.
+  Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers,                  460
+  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                      470
+  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                        480
+  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,                              490
+  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,                       500
+  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;                          510
+  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                               520
+  To his bold Riot: dreadful was the din
+  Of hissing through the Hall, thick swarming now
+  With complicated monsters, head and taile,
+  Scorpion and Asp, and Amphisbaena dire,
+  Cerastes hornd, Hydrus, and Ellops drear,
+  And Dipsas (Not so thick swarm'd once the Soil
+  Bedropt with blood of Gorgon, or the Isle
+  Ophiusa) but still greatest hee the midst,
+  Now Dragon grown, larger then whom the Sun
+  Ingenderd in the Pythian Vale on slime,                             530
+  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,                            540
+  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                      550
+  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 Megaera: greedily they pluck'd                           560
+  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                      570
+  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                         580
+  Ophion with Eurynome, the wide-
+  Encroaching Eve perhaps, had first the rule
+  Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driv'n
+  And Ops, ere yet Dictaean Jove was born.
+  Mean while in Paradise the hellish pair
+  Too soon arriv'd, Sin there in power before,
+  Once actual, now in body, and to dwell
+  Habitual habitant; behind her Death
+  Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet
+  On his pale Horse: to whom Sin thus began.                          590
+  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                  600
+  To stuff this Maw, this vast unhide-bound Corps.
+  To whom th' incestuous Mother thus repli'd.
+  Thou therefore on these Herbs, and Fruits, & Flours
+  Feed first, on each Beast next, and Fish, and Fowle,
+  No homely morsels, and whatever thing
+  The Sithe of Time mowes down, devour unspar'd,
+  Till I in Man residing through the Race,
+  His thoughts, his looks, words, actions all infect,
+  And season him thy last and sweetest prey.
+  This said, they both betook them several wayes,                     610
+  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                             620
+  Folly to mee, so doth the Prince of Hell
+  And his Adherents, that with so much ease
+  I suffer them to enter and possess
+  A place so heav'nly, and conniving seem
+  To gratifie my scornful Enemies,
+  That laugh, as if transported with some fit
+  Of Passion, I to them had quitted all,
+  At random yeilded up to their misrule;
+  And know not that I call'd and drew them thither
+  My Hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filth                      630
+  Which mans polluting Sin with taint hath shed
+  On what was pure, till cramm'd and gorg'd, nigh burst
+  With suckt and glutted offal, at one fling
+  Of thy victorious Arm, well-pleasing Son,
+  Both Sin, and Death, and yawning Grave at last
+  Through Chaos hurld, obstruct the mouth of Hell
+  For ever, and seal up his ravenous Jawes.
+  Then Heav'n and Earth renewd shall be made pure
+  To sanctitie that shall receive no staine:
+  Till then the Curse pronounc't on both precedes.                    640
+  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,                        650
+  As sorted best with present things. The Sun
+  Had first his precept so to move, so shine,
+  As might affect the Earth with cold and heat
+  Scarce 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                             660
+  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                         670
+  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                           680
+  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,                           690
+  Avoided pinching cold and scorching heate?
+  These changes in the Heav'ns, though slow, produc'd
+  Like change on Sea and Land, sideral blast,
+  Vapour, and Mist, and Exhalation hot,
+  Corrupt and Pestilent: Now from the North
+  Of Norumbega, and the Samoed shoar
+  Bursting thir brazen Dungeon, armd with ice
+  And snow and haile and stormie gust and flaw,
+  Boreas and Caecias and Argestes loud
+  And Thrascias rend the Woods and Seas upturn;                       700
+  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, & Fowle with Fowle,                   710
+  And Fish with Fish; to graze the Herb all leaving,
+  Devourd each other; nor stood much in awe
+  Of Man, but fled him, or with 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                              720
+  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,                                730
+  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                              740
+  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                                  750
+  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                        760
+  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:                          770
+  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                          780
+  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                    790
+  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                                     800
+  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                                810
+  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!                         820
+  So disinherited how would ye bless
+  Me now your Curse! Ah, why should all mankind
+  For one mans fault thus guiltless be condemn'd,
+  If guiltless? But from mee what can proceed,
+  But all corrupt, both Mind and Will deprav'd,
+  Not to do onely, but to will the same
+  With me? how can they acquitted stand
+  In sight of God? Him after all Disputes
+  Forc't I absolve: all my evasions vain
+  And reasonings, though through Mazes, lead me still                 830
+  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,                                 840
+  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, not 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                        850
+  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,                    860
+  With other echo farr 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                            870
+  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,                        880
+  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                              890
+  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,                          900
+  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,                 910
+  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,                             920
+  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                           930
+  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                              940
+  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                         950
+  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                              960
+  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,                                 970
+  Restor'd by thee, vile as I am, to place
+  Of new acceptance, hopeful to regaine
+  Thy Love, the sole contentment of my heart,
+  Living or dying from thee I will not hide
+  What thoughts in my unquiet brest are ris'n,
+  Tending to som relief of our extremes,
+  Or end, though sharp and sad, yet tolerable,
+  As in our evils, and of easier choice.
+  If care of our descent perplex us most,
+  Which must be born to certain woe, devourd                          980
+  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                990
+  Be forc'd to satisfie his Rav'nous Maw.
+  But if thou judge it hard and difficult,
+  Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain
+  From Loves due Rites, Nuptial embraces sweet,
+  And with desire to languish without hope,
+  Before the present object languishing
+  With like desire, which would be miserie
+  And torment less then none of what we dread,
+  Then both our selves and Seed at once to free
+  From what we fear for both, let us make short,                     1000
+  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,                         1010
+  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                              1020
+  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                         1030
+  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.                          1040
+  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                      1050
+  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                        1060
+  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                    1070
+  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,                      1080
+  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                    1090
+  Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign
+  Of sorrow unfeign'd, and humiliation meek.
+  Undoubtedly he will relent and turn
+  From his displeasure; in whose look serene,
+  When angry most he seem'd and most severe,
+  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                            1100
+  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.
+
+  Notes:
+  58 may] might 1674.
+  241 Avenger] Avengers 1674.
+  397 those] these 1674.
+  827 they acquitted] they then acquitted 1674.
+
+  The End Of The Tenth Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XI.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+The Son of God presents to his Father the Prayers of our first Parents
+now repenting, and intercedes for them: God accepts them, but declares
+that they must no longer abide in Paradise; sends Michael with a Band of
+Cherubim to dispossess them; but first to reveal to Adam future things:
+Michaels coming down, Adam shews to Eve certain ominous signs; he
+discerns Michaels approach, goes out to meet him: the Angel denounces
+thir departure.  Eve's Lamentation. Adam pleads, but submits: The Angel
+leads him up to a high Hill, sets before him in a vision what shall
+happ'n till the Flood.
+
+  Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood
+  Praying, for from the Mercie-seat above
+  Prevenient Grace descending had remov'd
+  The stonie from thir hearts, and made new flesh
+  Regenerat grow instead, that sighs now breath'd
+  Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer
+  Inspir'd, and wing'd for Heav'n with speedier flight
+  Then loudest Oratorie: yet thir port
+  Not of mean suiters, nor important less
+  Seem'd thir Petition, then when th' ancient Pair                     10
+  In Fables old, less ancient yet then these,
+  Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha to restore
+  The Race of Mankind drownd, before the Shrine
+  Of Themis stood devout. To Heav'n thir prayers
+  Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious windes
+  Blow'n vagabond or frustrate: in they passd
+  Dimentionless through Heav'nly dores; then clad
+  With incense, where the Golden Altar fum'd,
+  By thir great Intercessor, came in sight
+  Before the Fathers Throne: Them the glad Son                         20
+  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                        30
+  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                   40
+  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                               50
+  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;                               60
+  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;                            70
+  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                             80
+  Hasted, resorting to the Summons high,
+  And took thir Seats; till from his Throne supream
+  Th' Almighty thus pronounced his sovran Will.
+  O Sons, like one of us Man is become
+  To know both Good and Evil, since his taste
+  Of that defended Fruit; but let him boast
+  His knowledge of Good lost, and Evil got,
+  Happier, had it suffic'd him to have known
+  Good by it self, and Evil not at all.
+  He sorrows now, repents, and prayes contrite,                        90
+  My motions in him, longer then they move,
+  His heart I know, how variable and vain
+  Self-left. Least therefore his now bolder hand
+  Reach also of the Tree of Life, and eat,
+  And live for ever, dream at least to live
+  Forever, to remove him I decree,
+  And send him from the Garden forth to Till
+  The Ground whence he was taken, fitter soile.
+  Michael, this my behest have thou in charge,
+  Take to thee from among the Cherubim                                100
+  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                            110
+  Bewailing thir excess, all terror hide.
+  If patiently thy bidding they obey,
+  Dismiss them not disconsolate; reveale
+  To Adam what shall come in future dayes,
+  As I shall thee enlighten, intermix
+  My Cov'nant in the Womans seed renewd;
+  So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace:
+  And on the East side of the Garden place,
+  Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbes,
+  Cherubic watch, and of a Sword the flame                            120
+  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                         130
+  Of Argus, and more wakeful then to drouze,
+  Charm'd with Arcadian Pipe, the Pastoral Reed
+  Of Hermes, or his opiate Rod. Meanwhile
+  To resalute the World with sacred Light
+  Leucothea wak'd, and with fresh dews imbalmd
+  The Earth, when Adam and first Matron Eve
+  Had ended now thir Orisons, and found,
+  Strength added from above, new hope to spring
+  Out of despaire, joy, but with fear yet linkt;
+  Which thus to Eve his welcome words renewd.                         140
+  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,                        150
+  Methought I saw him placable and mild,
+  Bending his eare; perswasion in me grew
+  That I was heard with favour; peace returnd
+  Home to my brest, and to my memorie
+  His promise, that thy Seed shall bruise our Foe;
+  Which then not minded in dismay, yet now
+  Assures me that the bitterness of death
+  Is past, and we shall live. Whence Haile to thee,
+  Eve rightly call'd, Mother of all Mankind,
+  Mother of all things living, since by thee                          160
+  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,                            170
+  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.                  180
+  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.                    190
+  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.                             200
+  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,                                210
+  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                             220
+  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                           230
+  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                              240
+  A militarie Vest of purple flowd
+  Livelier then Meliboean, or the graine
+  Of Sarra, worn by Kings and Hero's old
+  In time of Truce; Iris had dipt the wooff;
+  His starrie Helme unbuckl'd shew'd him prime
+  In Manhood where Youth ended; by his side
+  As in a glistering Zodiac hung the Sword,
+  Satans dire dread, and in his hand the Spear.
+  Adam bowd low, hee Kingly from his State
+  Inclin'd not, but his coming thus declar'd.                         250
+  Adam, Heav'ns high behest no Preface needs:
+  Sufficient that thy Prayers are heard, and Death,
+  Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress,
+  Defeated of his seisure many dayes
+  Giv'n thee of Grace, wherein thou may'st repent,
+  And one bad act with many deeds well done
+  Mayst cover: well may then thy Lord appeas'd
+  Redeem thee quite from Deaths rapacious claimes;
+  But longer in this Paradise to dwell
+  Permits not; to remove thee I am come,                              260
+  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,                   270
+  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                            280
+  With what to sight or smell was sweet; from thee
+  How shall I part, and whither wander down
+  Into a lower World, to this obscure
+  And wilde, how shall we breath in other Aire
+  Less pure, accustomd to immortal Fruits?
+  Whom thus the Angel interrupted milde.
+  Lament not Eve, but patiently resigne
+  What justly thou hast lost; nor set thy heart,
+  Thus over fond, on that which is not thine;
+  Thy going is not lonely, with thee goes                             290
+  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                              300
+  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:                              310
+  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                           320
+  Stood visible, among these Pines his voice
+  I heard, here with him at this Fountain talk'd:
+  So many grateful Altars I would reare
+  Of grassie Terfe, and pile up every Stone
+  Of lustre from the brook, in memorie,
+  Or monument to Ages, and thereon
+  Offer sweet smelling Gumms & Fruits and Flours:
+  In yonder nether World where shall I seek
+  His bright appearances, or footstep trace?
+  For though I fled him angrie, yet recall'd                          330
+  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                                340
+  His presence to these narrow bounds confin'd
+  Of Paradise or Eden: this had been
+  Perhaps thy Capital Seate, from whence had spred
+  All generations, and had hither come
+  From all the ends of th' Earth, to celebrate
+  And reverence thee thir great Progenitor.
+  But this praeeminence thou hast lost, brought down
+  To dwell on eeven ground now with thy Sons:
+  Yet doubt not but in Vallie and in Plaine
+  God is as here, and will be found alike                             350
+  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                            360
+  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.                               370
+  Ascend, I follow thee, safe Guide, the path
+  Thou lead'st me, and to the hand of Heav'n submit,
+  However chast'ning, to the evil turne
+  My obvious breast, arming to overcom
+  By suffering, and earne rest from labour won,
+  If so I may attain. So both ascend
+  In the Visions of God: It was a Hill
+  Of Paradise the highest, from whose top
+  The Hemisphere of Earth in cleerest Ken
+  Stretcht out to amplest reach of prospect lay.                      380
+  Not higher that Hill nor wider looking round,
+  Whereon for different cause the Tempter set
+  Our second Adam in the Wilderness,
+  To shew him all Earths Kingdomes and thir Glory.
+  His Eye might there command wherever stood
+  City of old or modern Fame, the Seat
+  Of mightiest Empire, from the destind Walls
+  Of Cambalu, seat of Cathaian Can
+  And Samarchand by Oxus, Temirs Throne,
+  To Paquin of Sinaean Kings, and thence                              390
+  To Agra and Lahor of great Mogul
+  Down to the golden Chersonese, or where
+  The Persian in Ecbatan sate, or since
+  In Hispahan, or where the Russian Ksar
+  In Mosco, or the Sultan in Bizance,
+  Turchestan-born; nor could his eye not ken
+  Th' Empire of Negus to his utmost Port
+  Ercoco and the less Maritine Kings
+  Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind,
+  And Sofala thought Ophir, to the Realme                             400
+  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                              410
+  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:                      420
+  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                         430
+  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.                     440
+  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                        450
+  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.                        460
+  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.                          470
+  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                               480
+  Of gastly Spasm, or racking torture, qualmes
+  Of heart-sick Agonie, all feavorous kinds,
+  Convulsions, Epilepsies, fierce Catarrhs,
+  Intestin Stone and Ulcer, Colic pangs,
+  Dropsies, and Asthma's, and Joint-racking Rheums.
+  Dire was the tossing, deep the groans, despair
+  Tended the sick busiest from Couch to Couch;
+  And over them triumphant Death his Dart
+  Shook, but delaid to strike, though oft invok't
+  With vows, as thir chief good, and final hope.                      490
+  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                              500
+  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,                             510
+  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                     520
+  To loathsom sickness, worthily, since they
+  Gods Image did not reverence in themselves.
+  I yeild it just, said Adam, and submit.
+  But is there yet no other way, besides
+  These painful passages, how we may come
+  To Death, and mix with our connatural dust?
+  There is, said Michael, if thou well observe
+  The rule of not too much, by temperance taught
+  In what thou eatst and drinkst, seeking from thence
+  Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,                            530
+  Till many years over thy head return:
+  So maist thou live, till like ripe Fruit thou drop
+  Into thy Mothers lap, or be with ease
+  Gatherd, not harshly pluckt, for death mature:
+  This is old age; but then thou must outlive
+  Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will change
+  To witherd weak & gray; thy Senses then
+  Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forgoe,
+  To what thou hast, and for the Aire of youth
+  Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reigne                      540
+  A melancholly damp of cold and dry
+  To waigh thy spirits down, and last consume
+  The Balme of Life. To whom our Ancestor.
+  Henceforth I flie not Death, nor would prolong
+  Life much, bent rather how I may be quit
+  Fairest and easiest of this combrous charge,
+  Which I must keep till my appointed day
+  Of rendring up, Michael to him repli'd.
+  Nor love thy Life, nor hate; but what thou livst
+  Live well, how long or short permit to Heav'n:                      550
+  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                            560
+  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
+  Fusile or grav'n in mettle. After these,
+  But on the hether side a different sort                             570
+  From the high neighbouring Hills, which was thir Seat,
+  Down to the Plain descended: by thir guise
+  Just men they seemd, and all thir study bent
+  To worship God aright, and know his works
+  Not hid, nor those things lost which might preserve
+  Freedom and Peace to men: they on the Plain
+  Long had not walkt, when from the Tents behold
+  A Beavie of fair Women, richly gay
+  In Gems and wanton dress; to the Harp they sung
+  Soft amorous Ditties, and in dance came on:                         580
+  The Men though grave, ey'd them, and let thir eyes
+  Rove without rein, till in the amorous Net
+  Fast caught, they lik'd, and each his liking chose;
+  And now of love they treat till th' Eevning Star
+  Loves Harbinger appeerd; then all in heat
+  They light the Nuptial Torch, and bid invoke
+  Hymen, then first to marriage Rites invok't;
+  With Feast and Musick all the Tents resound.
+  Such happy interview and fair event
+  Of love & youth not lost, Songs, Garlands, Flours,                  590
+  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,                         600
+  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                    610
+  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 up all thir vertue, all thir fame
+  Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles                            620
+  Of these fair Atheists, and now swim in joy,
+  (Erelong to swim at larg) and laugh; for which
+  The world erelong a world of tears must weepe.
+  To whom thus Adam of short joy bereft.
+  O pittie and shame, that they who to live well
+  Enterd so faire, should turn aside to tread
+  Paths indirect, or in the mid way faint!
+  But still I see the tenor of Mans woe
+  Holds on the same, from Woman to begin.
+  From Mans effeminate slackness it begins,                           630
+  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                                 640
+  Both Horse and Foot, nor idely mustring stood;
+  One way a Band select from forage drives
+  A herd of Beeves, faire Oxen and faire Kine
+  From a fat Meddow ground; or fleecy Flock,
+  Ewes and thir bleating Lambs over the Plaine,
+  Thir Bootie; scarce with Life the Shepherds flye,
+  But call in aide, which tacks a bloody Fray;
+  With cruel Tournament the Squadrons joine;
+  Where Cattel pastur'd late, now scatterd lies
+  With Carcasses and Arms th' ensanguind Field                        650
+  Deserted: Others to a Citie strong
+  Lay Siege, encampt; by Batterie, Scale, and Mine,
+  Assaulting; others from the Wall defend
+  With Dart and Jav'lin, Stones and sulfurous Fire;
+  On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds.
+  In other part the scepter'd Haralds call
+  To Council in the Citie Gates: anon
+  Grey-headed men and grave, with Warriours mixt,
+  Assemble, and Harangues are heard, but soon
+  In factious opposition, till at last                                660
+  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                             670
+  Lamenting turnd full sad; O what are these,
+  Deaths Ministers, not Men, who thus deal Death
+  Inhumanly to men, and multiply
+  Ten thousand fould the sin of him who slew
+  His Brother; for of whom such massacher
+  Make they but of thir Brethren, men of men?
+  But who was that Just Man, whom had not Heav'n
+  Rescu'd, had in his Righteousness bin lost?
+  To whom thus Michael; These are the product
+  Of those ill-mated Marriages thou saw'st;                           680
+  Where good with bad were matcht, who of themselves
+  Abhor to joyn; and by imprudence mixt,
+  Produce prodigious Births of bodie or mind.
+  Such were these Giants, men of high renown;
+  For in those dayes Might onely shall be admir'd,
+  And Valour and Heroic Vertu call'd;
+  To overcome in Battel, and subdue
+  Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite
+  Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch
+  Of human Glorie, and for Glorie done                                690
+  Of triumph, to be styl'd great Conquerours,
+  Patrons of Mankind, Gods, and Sons of Gods,
+  Destroyers rightlier call'd and Plagues of men.
+  Thus Fame shall be achiev'd, renown on Earth,
+  And what most merits fame in silence hid.
+  But hee the seventh from thee, whom thou beheldst
+  The onely righteous in a World perverse,
+  And therefore hated, therefore so beset
+  With Foes for daring single to be just,
+  And utter odious Truth, that God would come                         700
+  To judge them with his Saints: Him the most High
+  Rapt in a balmie Cloud with winged Steeds
+  Did, as thou sawst, receave, to walk with God
+  High in Salvation and the Climes of bliss,
+  Exempt from Death; to shew thee what reward
+  Awaits the good, the rest what punishment;
+  Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold.
+  He look'd, & saw the face of things quite chang'd;
+  The brazen Throat of Warr had ceast to roar,
+  All now was turn'd to jollitie and game,                            710
+  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                              720
+  In prison under Judgements imminent:
+  But all in vain: which when he saw, he ceas'd
+  Contending, and remov'd his Tents farr off;
+  Then from the Mountain hewing Timber tall,
+  Began to build a Vessel of huge bulk,
+  Measur'd by Cubit, length, & breadth, and highth,
+  Smeard round with Pitch, and in the side a dore
+  Contriv'd, and of provisions laid in large
+  For Man and Beast: when loe a wonder strange!
+  Of everie Beast, and Bird, and Insect small                         730
+  Came seavens, and pairs, and enterd in, as taught
+  Thir order; last the Sire, and his three Sons
+  With thir four Wives, and God made fast the dore.
+  Meanwhile the Southwind rose, & with black wings
+  Wide hovering, all the Clouds together drove
+  From under Heav'n; the Hills to their supplie
+  Vapour, and Exhalation dusk and moist,
+  Sent up amain; and now the thick'nd Skie
+  Like a dark Ceeling stood; down rush'd the Rain
+  Impetuous, and continu'd till the Earth                             740
+  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                         750
+  The end of all thy Ofspring, end so sad,
+  Depopulation; thee another Floud,
+  Of tears and sorrow a Floud thee also drown'd,
+  And sunk thee as thy Sons; till gently reard
+  By th' Angel, on thy feet thou stoodst at last,
+  Though comfortless, as when a Father mourns
+  His Childern, all in view destroyd at once;
+  And scarce to th' Angel utterdst thus thy plaint.
+  O Visions ill foreseen! better had I
+  Liv'd ignorant of future, so had borne                              760
+  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                               770
+  In apprehension then in substance feel
+  Grievous to bear: but that care now is past,
+  Man is not whom to warne: those few escap't
+  Famin and anguish will at last consume
+  Wandring that watrie Desert: I had hope
+  When violence was ceas't, and Warr on Earth,
+  All would have then gon well, peace would have crownd
+  With length of happy days the race of man;
+  But I was farr deceav'd; for now I see
+  Peace to corrupt no less then Warr to waste.                        780
+  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,              790
+  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                 800
+  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,                     810
+  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                           820
+  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,                         830
+  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                          840
+  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.                       850
+  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                           860
+  A dewie Cloud, and in the Cloud a Bow
+  Conspicuous with three lifted colours gay,
+  Betok'ning peace from God, and Cov'nant new.
+  Whereat the heart of Adam erst so sad
+  Greatly rejoyc'd, and thus his joy broke forth.
+  O thou that future things canst represent
+  As present, Heav'nly instructer, I revive
+  At this last sight, assur'd that Man shall live
+  With all the Creatures, and thir seed preserve.
+  Farr less I now lament for one whole World                          870
+  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;                      880
+  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                     890
+  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.
+
+  Notes:
+  484 After this line, 1674 adds:
+      Daemoniac Phrenzie, moaping Melancholie
+      And Moon struck madness, pining Atrophie,
+      Marasmus, and wide wasting Pestilence,
+  548 Of rendring up, and patiently attend
+      My dissolution.  Michael repli'd 1674.
+  647 tacks] makes 1674.
+  866 that] who 1674.
+
+  The end of the Eleventh Book.
+
+
+
+
+BOOK XII.
+
+
+  THE ARGUMENT.
+
+The Angel Michael continues from the Flood to relate what shall succeed;
+then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that
+Seed of the Woman shall be, which was promised Adam and Eve in the Fall;
+his Incarnation, Death, Resurrection, and Ascention; the state of the
+Church till his second Coming. Adam greatly satisfied and recomforted by
+these Relations and Promises descends the Hill with Michael; wakens Eve,
+who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams compos'd to
+quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand leads them out
+of Paradise, the fiery Sword waving behind them, and the Cherubim taking
+thir Stations to guard the Place.
+
+  [As one who in his journey bates at Noone
+  Though bent on speed, so heer the Archangel' 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:                           10
+  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,                               20
+  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)                       30
+  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                     40
+  The Plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge
+  Boiles out from under ground, the mouth of Hell;
+  Of Brick, and of that stuff they cast to build
+  A Citie & Towre, whose top may reach to Heav'n;
+  And get themselves a name, least far disperst
+  In foraign Lands thir memorie be lost,
+  Regardless whether good or evil fame.
+  But God who oft descends to visit men
+  Unseen, and through thir habitations walks
+  To mark thir doings, them beholding soon,                            50
+  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                          60
+  And hear the din; thus was the building left
+  Ridiculous, and the work Confusion nam'd.
+  Whereto thus Adam fatherly displeas'd.
+  O execrable Son so to aspire
+  Above his Brethren, to himself affirming
+  Authoritie usurpt, from God not giv'n:
+  He gave us onely over Beast, Fish, Fowl
+  Dominion absolute; that right we hold
+  By his donation; but Man over men
+  He made not Lord; such title to himself                              70
+  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                              80
+  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                      90
+  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,                             100
+  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;                           110
+  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                       120
+  To call by Vision from his Fathers house,
+  His kindred and false Gods, into a Land
+  Which he will shew him, and from him will raise
+  A mightie Nation, and upon him showre
+  His benediction so, that in his Seed
+  All Nations shall be blest; hee straight obeys,
+  Not knowing to what Land, yet firm believes:
+  I see him, but thou canst not, with what Faith
+  He leaves his Gods, his Friends, and native Soile
+  Ur of Chaldaea, passing now the Ford                                130
+  To Haran, after him a cumbrous Train
+  Of Herds and Flocks, and numerous servitude;
+  Not wandring poor, but trusting all his wealth
+  With God, who call'd him, in a land unknown.
+  Canaan he now attains, I see his Tents
+  Pitcht about Sechem, and the neighbouring Plaine
+  Of Moreb; there by promise he receaves
+  Gift to his Progenie of all that Land;
+  From Hamath Northward to the Desert South
+  (Things by thir names I call, though yet unnam'd)                   140
+  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                             150
+  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                                    160
+  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                            170
+  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,                      180
+  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                        190
+  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,                     200
+  Though present in his Angel, who shall goe
+  Before them in a Cloud, and Pillar of Fire,
+  To guide them in thir journey, and remove
+  Behinde them, while th' obdurat King pursues:
+  All night he will pursue, but his approach
+  Darkness defends between till morning Watch;
+  Then through the Firey Pillar and the Cloud
+  God looking forth will trouble all his Host
+  And craze thir Chariot wheels: when by command
+  Moses once more his potent Rod extends                              210
+  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                                  220
+  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                              230
+  Of sacrifice, informing them, by types
+  And shadowes, of that destind Seed to bruise
+  The Serpent, by what meanes he shall achieve
+  Mankinds deliverance. But the voice of God
+  To mortal eare is dreadful; they beseech
+  That Moses might report to them his will,
+  And terror cease; he grants them thir desire,
+  Instructed that to God is no access
+  Without Mediator, whose high Office now
+  Moses in figure beares, to introduce                                240
+  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,                               250
+  The Records of his Cov'nant, over these
+  A Mercie-seat of Gold between the wings
+  Of two bright Cherubim, before him burn
+  Seaven Lamps as in a Zodiac representing
+  The Heav'nly fires; over the Tent a Cloud
+  Shall rest by Day, a fierie gleame by Night,
+  Save when they journie, and at length they come,
+  Conducted by his Angel to the Land
+  Promisd to Abraham and his Seed: the rest
+  Were long to tell, how many Battels fought,                         260
+  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                          270
+  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                        280
+  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,                             290
+  The bloud of Bulls and Goats, they may conclude
+  Some bloud more precious must be paid for Man,
+  Just for unjust, that in such righteousness
+  To them by Faith imputed, they may finde
+  Justification towards God, and peace
+  Of Conscience, which the Law by Ceremonies
+  Cannot appease, nor Man the moral part
+  Perform, and not performing cannot live.
+  So Law appears imperfet, and but giv'n
+  With purpose to resign them in full time                            300
+  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                        310
+  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                                 320
+  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,                             330
+  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                        340
+  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                            350
+  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,                          360
+  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.                370
+  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                       380
+  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,                   390
+  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.                              400
+  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,                        410
+  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                       420
+  Returne, the Starres of Morn shall see him rise
+  Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light,
+  Thy ransom paid, which Man from death redeems,
+  His death for Man, as many as offerd Life
+  Neglect not, and the benefit imbrace
+  By Faith not void of works: this God-like act
+  Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have dy'd,
+  In sin for ever lost from life; this act
+  Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength
+  Defeating Sin and Death, his two maine armes,                       430
+  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                           440
+  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                       450
+  With victory, triumphing through the aire
+  Over his foes and thine; there shall surprise
+  The Serpent, Prince of aire, and drag in Chaines
+  Through all his realme, & there confounded leave;
+  Then enter into glory, and resume
+  His Seat at Gods right hand, exalted high
+  Above all names in Heav'n; and thence shall come,
+  When this worlds dissolution shall be ripe,
+  With glory and power to judge both quick & dead,
+  To judge th' unfaithful dead, but to reward                         460
+  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                               470
+  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,                       480
+  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                               490
+  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,                          500
+  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                                510
+  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                         520
+  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                               530
+  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                              540
+  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.                        550
+  He ended; and thus Adam last reply'd.
+  How soon hath thy prediction, Seer blest,
+  Measur'd this transient World, the Race of time,
+  Till time stand fixt: beyond is all abyss,
+  Eternitie, whose end no eye can reach.
+  Greatly instructed I shall hence depart,
+  Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill
+  Of knowledge, what this vessel can containe;
+  Beyond which was my folly to aspire.
+  Henceforth I learne, that to obey is best,                          560
+  And love with feare the onely God, to walk
+  As in his presence, ever to observe
+  His providence, and on him sole depend,
+  Merciful over all his works, with good
+  Still overcoming evil, and by small
+  Accomplishing great things, by things deemd weak
+  Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise
+  By simply meek; that suffering for Truths sake
+  Is fortitude to highest victorie,
+  And to the faithful Death the Gate of Life;                         570
+  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                             580
+  Deeds to thy knowledge answerable, add Faith,
+  Add Vertue, Patience, Temperance, add Love,
+  By name to come call'd Charitie, the soul
+  Of all the rest: then wilt thou not be loath
+  To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
+  A Paradise within thee, happier farr.
+  Let us descend now therefore from this top
+  Of Speculation; for the hour precise
+  Exacts our parting hence; and see the Guards,
+  By mee encampt on yonder Hill, expect                               590
+  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.                            600
+  That ye may live, which will be many dayes,
+  Both in one Faith unanimous though sad,
+  With cause for evils past, yet much more cheer'd
+  With meditation on the happie end.
+  He ended, and they both descend the Hill;
+  Descended, Adam to the Bowre where Eve
+  Lay sleeping ran before, but found her wak't;
+  And thus with words not sad she him receav'd.
+  Whence thou returnst, & whither wentst, I know;
+  For God is also in sleep, and Dreams advise,                        610
+  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,                           620
+  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                       630
+  Homeward returning. High in Front advanc't,
+  The brandisht Sword of God before them blaz'd
+  Fierce as a Comet; which with torrid heat,
+  And vapour as the Libyan Air adust,
+  Began to parch that temperate Clime; whereat
+  In either hand the hastning Angel caught
+  Our lingring Parents, and to th' Eastern Gate
+  Let them direct, and down the Cliff as fast
+  To the subjected Plaine; then disappeer'd.
+  They looking back, all th' Eastern side beheld                      640
+  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.
+
+  Notes:
+  Argument:  The Angel.... seed] Thence from the Flood relates,
+  and by degrees explains who that seed 1667.
+  1-5 These five lines were added in the Second Edition (1674) when
+  the original tenth book was divided into an eleventh and twelfth.
+
+  The End.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Title page of first edition of Paradise
+Regained follows:
+
+
+                           PARADISE
+                           REGAIND.
+                              A
+                             POEM.
+                          In IV BOOKS
+                       To which is added
+                       SAMSON AGONISTES
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                          The Author
+                          JOHN MILTON
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                            LONDON.
+             Printed by J.M. for John Starkey at the
+              Mitre in Fleetstreet, near Temple-Bar.
+                            MDCLXXI
+
+
+
+
+PARADISE REGAIN'D.
+
+
+
+
+The First Book.
+
+
+  I WHO e're while the happy Garden sung,
+  By one mans disobedience lost, now sing
+  Recover'd Paradise to all mankind,
+  By one mans firm obedience fully tri'd
+  Through all temptation, and the Tempter foil'd
+  In all his wiles, defeated and repuls't,
+  And Eden rais'd in the wast Wilderness.
+  Thou Spirit who ledst this glorious Eremite
+  Into the Desert, his Victorious Field
+  Against the Spiritual Foe, and broughtst him thence                  10
+  By proof the undoubted Son of God, inspire,
+  As thou art wont, my prompted Song else mute,
+  And bear through highth or depth of natures bounds
+  With prosperous wing full summ'd to tell of deeds
+  Above Heroic, though in secret done,
+  And unrecorded left through many an Age,
+  Worthy t' have not remain'd so long unsung.
+  Now had the great Proclaimer with a voice
+  More awful then the sound of Trumpet, cri'd
+  Repentance, and Heavens Kingdom nigh at hand                         20
+  To all Baptiz'd: to his great Baptism flock'd
+  With aw the Regions round, and with them came
+  From Nazareth the Son of Joseph deem'd
+  To the flood Jordan, came as then obscure,
+  Unmarkt, unknown; but him the Baptist soon
+  Descri'd, divinely warn'd, and witness bore
+  As to his worthier, and would have resign'd
+  To him his Heavenly Office, nor was long
+  His witness unconfirm'd: on him baptiz'd
+  Heaven open'd, and in likeness of a Dove                             30
+  The Spirit descended, while the Fathers voice
+  From Heav'n pronounc'd him his beloved Son
+  That heard the Adversary, who roving still
+  About the world, at that assembly fam'd
+  Would not be last, and with the voice divine
+  Nigh Thunder-struck, th' exalted man, to whom
+  Such high attest was giv'n, a while survey'd
+  With wonder, then with envy fraught and rage
+  Flies to his place, nor rests, but in mid air
+  To Councel summons all his mighty Peers,                             40
+  Within thick Clouds and dark ten-fold involv'd,
+  A gloomy Consistory; and them amidst
+  With looks agast and sad he thus bespake.
+  O ancient Powers of Air and this wide world,
+  For much more willingly I mention Air,
+  This our old Conquest, then remember Hell
+  Our hated habitation; well ye know
+  How many Ages, as the years of men,
+  This Universe we have possest, and rul'd
+  In manner at our will th' affairs of Earth,                          50
+  Since Adam and his facil consort Eve
+  Lost Paradise deceiv'd by me, though since
+  With dread attending when that fatal wound
+  Shall be inflicted by the Seed of Eve
+  Upon my head, long the decrees of Heav'n
+  Delay, for longest time to him is short;
+  And now too soon for us the circling hours
+  This dreaded time have compast, wherein we
+  Must bide the stroak of that long threatn'd wound,
+  At least if so we can, and by the head                               60
+  Broken be not intended all our power
+  To be infring'd, our freedom and our being
+  In this fair Empire won of Earth and Air;
+  For this ill news I bring, the Womans seed
+  Destin'd to this, is late of woman born,
+  His birth to our just fear gave no small cause,
+  But his growth now to youths full flowr, displaying
+  All vertue, grace and wisdom to atchieve
+  Things highest, greatest, multiplies my fear.
+  Before him a great Prophet, to proclaim                              70
+  His coming is sent Harbinger, who all
+  Invites, and in the Consecrated stream
+  Pretends to wash off sin and fit them so
+  Purified to receive him pure, or rather
+  To do him honour as their King; all come,
+  And he himself among them was baptiz'd,
+  Not thence to be more pure, but to receive
+  The testimony of Heaven, that who he is
+  Thenceforth the Nations may not doubt; I saw
+  The Prophet do him reverence, on him rising                          80
+  Out of the water, Heav'n above the Clouds
+  Unfold her Crystal Dores, thence on his head
+  A perfect Dove descend, what e're it meant
+  And out of Heav'n the Sov'raign voice I heard,
+  This is my Son belov'd, in him am pleas'd.
+  His Mother then is mortal, but his Sire,
+  He who obtains the Monarchy of Heav'n,
+  And what will he not do to advance his Son?
+  His first-begot we know, and sore have felt,
+  When his fierce thunder drove us to the deep;                        90
+  Who this is we must learn, for man he seems
+  In all his lineaments, though in his face
+  The glimpses of his Fathers glory shine.
+  Ye see our danger on the utmost edge
+  Of hazard, which admits no long debate,
+  But must with something sudden be oppos'd,
+  Not force, but well couch't fraud, well woven snares,
+  E're in the head of Nations he appear
+  Their King, their Leader, and Supream on Earth.
+  I, when no other durst, sole undertook                              100
+  The dismal expedition to find out
+  And ruine Adam, and the exploit perform'd
+  Successfully; a calmer voyage now
+  Will waft me; and the way found prosperous once
+  Induces best to hope of like success.
+  He ended, and his words impression left
+  Of much amazement to th' infernal Crew,
+  Distracted and surpriz'd with deep dismay
+  At these sad tidings; but no time was then
+  For long indulgence to their fears or grief:                        110
+  Unanimous they all commit the care
+  And management of this main enterprize
+  To him their great Dictator, whose attempt
+  At first against mankind so well had thriv'd
+  In Adam's overthrow, and led thir march
+  From Hell's deep-vaulted Den to dwell in light,
+  Regents and Potentates, and Kings, yea gods
+  Of many a pleasant Realm and Province wide.
+  So to the Coast of Jordan he directs
+  His easie steps; girded with snaky wiles,                           120
+  Where he might likeliest find this new-declar'd,
+  This man of men, attested Son of God,
+  Temptation and all guile on him to try;
+  So to subvert whom he suspected rais'd
+  To end his Raign on Earth so long enjoy'd:
+  But contrary unweeting he fulfill'd
+  The purpos'd Counsel pre-ordain'd and fixt
+  Of the most High, who in full frequence bright
+  Of Angels, thus to Gabriel smiling spake.
+  Gabriel this day by proof thou shalt behold,                        130
+  Thou and all Angels conversant on Earth
+  With man or mens affairs, how I begin
+  To verifie that solemn message late,
+  On which I sent thee to the Virgin pure
+  In Galilee, that she should bear a Son
+  Great in Renown, and call'd the Son of God;
+  Then toldst her doubting how these things could be
+  To her a Virgin, that on her should come
+  The Holy Ghost, and the power of the highest
+  O're-shadow her: this man born and now up-grown,                    140
+  To shew him worthy of his birth divine
+  And high prediction, henceforth I expose
+  To Satan; let him tempt and now assay
+  His utmost subtilty, because he boasts
+  And vaunts of his great cunning to the throng
+  Of his Apostasie; he might have learnt
+  Less over-weening, since he fail'd in Job,
+  Whose constant perseverance overcame
+  Whate're his cruel malice could invent.
+  He now shall know I can produce a man                               150
+  Of female Seed, far abler to resist
+  All his sollicitations, and at length
+  All his vast force, and drive him back to Hell,
+  Winning by Conquest what the first man lost
+  By fallacy surpriz'd.  But first I mean
+  To exercise him in the Wilderness,
+  There he shall first lay down the rudiments
+  Of his great warfare, e're I send him forth
+  To conquer Sin and Death the two grand foes,
+  By Humiliation and strong Sufferance:                               160
+  His weakness shall o'recome Satanic strength
+  And all the world, and mass of sinful flesh;
+  That all the Angels and Aetherial Powers,
+  They now, and men hereafter may discern,
+  From what consummate vertue I have chose
+  This perfect Man, by merit call'd my Son,
+  To earn Salvation for the Sons of men.
+  So spake the Eternal Father, and all Heaven
+  Admiring stood a space, then into Hymns
+  Burst forth, and in Celestial measures mov'd,                       170
+  Circling the Throne and Singing, while the hand
+  Sung with the voice, and this the argument.
+  Victory and Triumph to the Son of God
+  Now entring his great duel, not of arms,
+  But to vanquish by wisdom hellish wiles.
+  The Father knows the Son; therefore secure
+  Ventures his filial Vertue, though untri'd,
+  Against whate're may tempt, whate're seduce,
+  Allure, or terrifie, or undermine.
+  Be frustrate all ye stratagems of Hell,                             180
+  And devilish machinations come to nought.
+  So they in Heav'n their Odes and Vigils tun'd:
+  Mean while the Son of God, who yet some days
+  Lodg'd in Bethabara where John baptiz'd,
+  Musing and much revolving in his brest,
+  How best the mighty work he might begin
+  Of Saviour to mankind, and which way first
+  Publish his God-like office now mature,
+  One day forth walk'd alone, the Spirit leading;
+  And his deep thoughts, the better to converse                       190
+  With solitude, till far from track of men,
+  Thought following thought, and step by step led on,
+  He entred now the bordering Desert wild,
+  And with dark shades and rocks environ'd round,
+  His holy Meditations thus persu'd.
+  O what a multitude of thoughts at once
+  Awakn'd in me swarm, while I consider
+  What from within I feel my self and hear
+  What from without comes often to my ears,
+  Ill sorting with my present state compar'd.                         200
+  When I was yet a child, no childish play
+  To me was pleasing, all my mind was set
+  Serious to learn and know, and thence to do
+  What might be publick good; my self I thought
+  Born to that end, born to promote all truth,
+  All righteous things: therefore above my years,
+  The Law of God I read, and found it sweet,
+  Made it my whole delight, and in it grew
+  To such perfection, that e're yet my age
+  Had measur'd twice six years, at our great Feast                    210
+  I went into the Temple, there to hear
+  The Teachers of our Law, and to propose
+  What might improve my knowledge or their own;
+  And was admir'd by all, yet this not all
+  To which my Spirit aspir'd, victorious deeds
+  Flam'd in my heart, heroic acts, one while
+  To rescue Israel from the Roman yoke,
+  Thence to subdue and quell o're all the earth
+  Brute violence and proud Tyrannick pow'r,
+  Till truth were freed, and equity restor'd:                        220
+  Yet held it more humane, more heavenly first
+  By winning words to conquer willing hearts,
+  And make perswasion do the work of fear;
+  At least to try, and teach the erring Soul
+  Not wilfully mis-doing, but unware
+  Misled: the stubborn only to subdue.
+  These growing thoughts my Mother soon perceiving
+  By words at times cast forth inly rejoyc'd,
+  And said to me apart, high are thy thoughts
+  O Son, but nourish them and let them soar                           230
+  To what highth sacred vertue and true worth
+  Can raise them, though above example high;
+  By matchless Deeds express thy matchless Sire.
+  For know, thou art no Son of mortal man,
+  Though men esteem thee low of Parentage,
+  Thy Father is the Eternal King, who rules
+  All Heaven and Earth, Angels and Sons of men,
+  A messenger from God fore-told thy birth
+  Conceiv'd in me a Virgin, he fore-told
+  Thou shouldst be great and sit on David's Throne.                   240
+  And of thy Kingdom there should be no end.
+  At thy Nativity a glorious Quire
+  Of Angels in the fields of Bethlehem sung
+  To Shepherds watching at their folds by night,
+  And told them the Messiah now was born,
+  Where they might see him, and to thee they came;
+  Directed to the Manger where thou lais't,
+  For in the Inn was left no better room:
+  A Star, not seen before in Heaven appearing
+  Guided the Wise Men thither from the East,                          250
+  To honour thee with Incense, Myrrh, and Gold,
+  By whose bright course led on they found the place,
+  Affirming it thy Star new grav'n in Heaven,
+  By which they knew thee King of Israel born.
+  Just Simeon and Prophetic Anna, warn'd
+  By Vision, found thee in the Temple, and spake
+  Before the Altar and the vested Priest,
+  Like things of thee to all that present stood.
+  This having heard, strait I again revolv'd
+  The Law and Prophets, searching what was writ                       260
+  Concerning the Messiah, to our Scribes
+  Known partly, and soon found of whom they spake
+  I am; this chiefly, that my way must lie
+  Through many a hard assay even to the death,
+  E're I the promis'd Kingdom can attain,
+  Or work redemption for mankind, whose sins
+  Full weight must be transferr'd upon my head.
+  Yet neither thus disheartn'd or dismay'd,
+  The time prefixt I waited, when behold
+  The Baptist, (of whose birth I oft had heard,                       270
+  Not knew by sight) now come, who was to come
+  Before Messiah and his way prepare.
+  I as all others to his Baptism came,
+  Which I believ'd was from above; but he
+  Strait knew me, and with loudest voice proclaim'd
+  Me him (for it was shew'n him so from Heaven)
+  Me him whose Harbinger he was; and first
+  Refus'd on me his Baptism to confer,
+  As much his greater, and was hardly won;
+  But as I rose out of the laving stream,                             280
+  Heaven open'd her eternal doors, from whence
+  The Spirit descended on me like a Dove,
+  And last the sum of all, my Father's voice,
+  Audibly heard from Heav'n, pronounc'd me his,
+  Me his beloved Son, in whom alone
+  He was well pleas'd; by which I knew the time
+  Now full, that I no more should live obscure,
+  But openly begin, as best becomes
+  The Authority which I deriv'd from Heaven.
+  And now by some strong motion I am led                              290
+  Into this wilderness, to what intent
+  I learn not yet, perhaps I need not know;
+  For what concerns my knowledge God reveals.
+  So spake our Morning Star then in his rise,
+  And looking round on every side beheld
+  A pathless Desert, dusk with horrid shades;
+  The way he came not having mark'd, return
+  Was difficult, by humane steps untrod;
+  And he still on was led, but with such thoughts
+  Accompanied of things past and to come                              300
+  Lodg'd in his brest, as well might recommend
+  Such Solitude before choicest Society.
+  Full forty days he pass'd, whether on hill
+  Sometimes, anon in shady vale, each night
+  Under the covert of some ancient Oak,
+  Or Cedar, to defend him from the dew,
+  Or harbour'd in one Cave, is not reveal'd;
+  Nor tasted humane food, nor hunger felt
+  Till those days ended, hunger'd then at last
+  Among wild Beasts: they at his sight grew mild,                    310
+  Nor sleeping him nor waking harm'd, his walk
+  The fiery Serpent fled, and noxious Worm,
+  The Lion and fierce Tiger glar'd aloof.
+  But now an aged man in Rural weeds,
+  Following, as seem'd, the quest of some stray Ewe,
+  Or wither'd sticks to gather; which might serve
+  Against a Winters day when winds blow keen,
+  To warm him wet return'd from field at Eve,
+  He saw approach, who first with curious eye
+  Perus'd him, then with words thus utt'red spake.                    320
+  Sir, what ill chance hath brought thee to this place
+  So far from path or road of men, who pass
+  In Troop or Caravan, for single  none
+  Durst ever, who return'd, and dropt not here
+  His Carcass,  pin'd with hunger and with droughth?
+  I ask the rather and the more admire,
+  For that to me thou seem'st the man, whom late
+  Our new baptizing Prophet at the Ford
+  Of Jordan honour'd so, and call'd thee Son
+  Of God: I saw and heard, for we sometimes                           330
+  Who dwell this wild, constrain'd by want, come forth
+  To Town or Village nigh (nighest is far)
+  Where ought we hear, and curious are to hear,
+  What happ'ns new; Fame also finds us out.
+  To whom the Son of God.  Who brought me hither
+  Will bring me hence, no other Guide I seek,
+  By Miracle he may, reply'd the Swain,
+  What other way I see not, for we here
+  Live on tough roots and stubs, to thirst inur'd
+  More then the Camel, and to drink go far,                           340
+  Men to much misery and hardship born;
+  But if thou be the Son of God, Command
+  That out of these hard stones be made thee bread;
+  So shalt thou save thy self and us relieve
+  With Food, whereof we wretched seldom taste.
+  He ended, and the Son of God reply'd.
+  Think'st thou such force in Bread? is it not written
+  (For I discern thee other then thou seem'st)
+  Man lives not by Bread only, but each Word
+  Proceeding from the mouth of God; who fed                           350
+  Our Fathers here with Manna; in the Mount
+  Moses was forty days, nor eat nor drank,
+  And forty days Eliah without food
+  Wandred this barren waste, the same I now:
+  Why dost thou then suggest to me distrust,
+  Knowing who I am, as I know who thou art?
+  Whom thus answer'd th' Arch Fiend now undisguis'd.
+  'Tis true, I am that Spirit unfortunate,
+  Who leagu'd with millions more in rash revolt
+  Kept not my happy Station, but was driv'n                           360
+  With them from bliss to the bottomless deep,
+  Vet to that hideous place not so confin'd
+  By rigour unconniving, but that oft
+  Leaving my dolorous Prison I enjoy
+  Large liberty to round this Globe of Earth,
+  Or range in th' Air, nor from the Heav'n of Heav'ns
+  Hath he excluded my resort sometimes.
+  I came among the Sons of God, when he
+  Gave up into my hands Uzzean Job
+  To prove him, and illustrate his high worth;                        370
+  And when to all his Angels he propos'd
+  To draw the proud King Ahab into fraud
+  That he might fall in Ramoth, they demurring,
+  I undertook that office, and the tongues
+  Of all his flattering Prophets glibb'd with lyes
+  To his destruction, as I had in charge.
+  For what he bids I do; though I have lost
+  Much lustre of my native brightness, lost
+  To be belov'd of God, I have not lost
+  To love, at least contemplate and admire                            380
+  What I see excellent in good, or fair,
+  Or vertuous, I should so have lost all sense.
+  What can be then less in me then desire
+  To see thee and approach thee, whom I know
+  Declar'd the Son of God, to hear attent
+  Thy wisdom, and behold thy God-like deeds?
+  Men generally think me much a foe
+  To all mankind: why should I? they to me
+  Never did wrong or violence, by them
+  I lost not what I lost, rather by them                              390
+  I gain'd what I have gain'd, and with them dwell
+  Copartner in these Regions of the World,
+  If not disposer; lend them oft my aid,
+  Oft my advice by presages and signs,
+  And answers, oracles, portents and dreams,
+  Whereby they may direct their future life.
+  Envy they say excites me, thus to gain
+  Companions of my misery and wo.
+  At first it may be; but long since with wo
+  Nearer acquainted, now I feel by proof,                             400
+  That fellowship in pain divides not smart,
+  Nor lightens aught each mans peculiar load.
+  Small consolation then, were Man adjoyn'd:
+  This wounds me most (what can it less) that Man,
+  Man fall'n shall be restor'd, I never more.
+  To whom our Saviour sternly thus reply'd.
+  Deservedly thou griev'st, compos'd of lyes
+  From the beginning, and in lies wilt end;
+  Who boast'st release from Hell, and leave to come
+  Into the Heav'n of Heavens; thou com'st indeed,                     410
+  As a poor miserable captive thrall,
+  Comes to the place where he before had sat
+  Among the Prime in Splendour, now depos'd,
+  Ejected, emptyed, gaz'd, unpityed, shun'd,
+  A spectacle of ruin or of scorn
+  To all the Host of Heaven; the happy place
+  Imparts to thee no happiness, no joy,
+  Rather inflames thy torment, representing
+  Lost bliss, to thee no more communicable,
+  So never more in Hell then when in Heaven.                          420
+  But thou art serviceable to Heaven's King.
+  Wilt thou impute to obedience what thy fear
+  Extorts, or pleasure to do ill excites?
+  What but thy malice mov'd thee to misdeem
+  Of righteous Job, then cruelly to afflict him
+  With all inflictions, but his patience won?
+  The other service was thy chosen task,
+  To be a lyer in four hundred mouths;
+  For lying is thy sustenance, thy food.
+  Yet thou pretend'st to truth; all Oracles                           430
+  By thee are giv'n, and what confest more true
+  Among the Nations? that hath been thy craft,
+  By mixing somewhat true to vent more lyes.
+  But what have been thy answers, what but dark
+  Ambiguous and with double sense deluding,
+  Which they who ask'd have seldom understood,
+  And not well understood as good not known?
+  Who ever by consulting at thy shrine
+  Return'd the wiser, or the more instruct
+  To flye or follow what concern'd him most,                          440
+  And run not sooner to his fatal snare?
+  For God hath justly giv'n the Nations up
+  To thy Delusions; justly, since they fell
+  Idolatrous, but when his purpose is
+  Among them to declare his Providence
+  To thee not known, whence hast thou then thy truth,
+  But from him or his Angels President
+  In every Province, who themselves disdaining
+  To approach thy Temples, give thee in command
+  What to the smallest tittle thou shalt say                          450
+  To thy Adorers; thou with trembling fear,
+  Or like a Fawning Parasite obey'st;
+  Then to thy self ascrib'st the truth fore-told.
+  But this thy glory shall be soon retrench'd;
+  No more shalt thou by oracling abuse
+  The Gentiles; henceforth Oracles are ceast,
+  And thou no more with Pomp and Sacrifice
+  Shalt be enquir'd at Delphos or elsewhere,
+  At least in vain, for they shall find thee mute.
+  God hath now sent his living Oracle                                 460
+  Into the World, to teach his final will,
+  And sends his Spirit of Truth henceforth to dwell
+  In pious Hearts, an inward Oracle
+  To all truth requisite for men to know.
+  So spake our Saviour; but the subtle Fiend,
+  Though inly stung with anger and disdain,
+  Dissembl'd, and this answer smooth return'd.
+  Sharply thou hast insisted on rebuke,
+  And urg'd me hard with doings, which not will
+  But misery hath rested from me; where                               470
+  Easily canst thou find one miserable,
+  And not inforc'd oft-times to part from truth;
+  If it may stand him more in stead to lye,
+  Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or abjure?
+  But thou art plac't above me, thou art Lord;
+  From thee I can and must submiss endure
+  Check or reproof, and glad to scape so quit.
+  Hard are the ways of truth, and rough to walk,
+  Smooth on the tongue discourst, pleasing to th' ear,
+  And tuneable as Silvan Pipe or Song;                               480
+  What wonder then if I delight to hear
+  Her dictates from thy mouth? most men admire
+  Vertue, who follow not her lore: permit me
+  To hear thee when I come (since no man comes)
+  And talk at least, though I despair to attain.
+  Thy Father, who is holy, wise and pure,
+  Suffers the Hypocrite or Atheous Priest
+  To tread his Sacred Courts, and minister
+  About his Altar, handling holy things,
+  Praying or vowing, and vouchsaf'd his voice                         490
+  To Balaam reprobate, a Prophet yet
+  Inspir'd; disdain not such access to me.
+  To whom our Saviour with unalter'd brow
+  Thy coming hither, though I know thy scope,
+  I bid not or forbid; do as thou find'st
+  Permission from above; thou canst not more.
+  He added not; and Satan bowing low
+  His gray dissimulation, disappear'd
+  Into thin Air diffus'd: for now began
+  Night with her sullen wing to double-shade                          500
+  The Desert Fowls in thir clay nests were couch't;
+  And now wild Beasts came forth the woods to roam.
+
+  The End of the First Book.
+
+
+
+
+The Second Book.
+
+
+  MEAN while the new-baptiz'd, who yet remain'd
+  At Jordan with the Baptist, and had seen
+  Him whom they heard so late expresly call'd
+  Jesus Messiah Son of God declar'd,
+  And on that high Authority had believ'd,
+  And with him talkt, and with him lodg'd, I mean
+  Andrew and Simon, famous after known
+  With others though in Holy Writ not nam'd,
+  Now missing him thir joy so lately found,
+  So lately found, and so abruptly gone,                               10
+  Began to doubt, and doubted many days,
+  And as the days increas'd, increas'd thir doubt:
+  Sometimes they thought he might be only shewn,
+  And for a time caught up to God, as once
+  Moses was in the Mount, and missing long;
+  And the great Thisbite who on fiery wheels
+  Rode up to Heaven, yet once again to come.
+  Therefore as those young Prophets then with care
+  Sought lost Eliah, so in each place these
+  Nigh to Bethabara; in Jerico                                         20
+  The City of Palms, Aenon, and Salem Old,
+  Machaerus and each Town or City wall'd
+  On this side the broad lake Genezaret
+  Or in Perea, but return'd in vain.
+  Then on the bank of Jordan, by a Creek:
+  Where winds with Reeds, and Osiers whisp'ring play
+  Plain Fishermen, no greater men them call,
+  Close in a Cottage low together got
+  Thir unexpected loss and plaints out breath'd.
+  Alas from what high hope to what relapse                             30
+  Unlook'd for are we fall'n, our eyes beheld
+  Messiah certainly now come, so long
+  Expected of our Fathers; we have heard
+  His words, his wisdom full of grace and truth,
+  Now, now, for sure, deliverance is at hand,
+  The Kingdom shall to Israel be restor'd:
+  Thus we rejoyc'd, but soon our joy is turn'd
+  Into perplexity and new amaze:
+  For whither is he gone, what accident
+  Hath rapt him from us? will he now retire                            40
+  After appearance, and again prolong
+  Our expectation?  God of Israel,
+  Send thy Messiah forth, the time is come;
+  Behold the Kings of the Earth how they oppress
+  Thy chosen, to what highth thir pow'r unjust
+  They have exalted, and behind them cast
+  All fear of thee, arise and vindicate
+  Thy Glory, free thy people from thir yoke,
+  But let us wait; thus far he hath perform'd,
+  Sent his Anointed, and to us reveal'd him,                           50
+  By his great Prophet, pointed at and shown,
+  In publick, and  with him we have convers'd;
+  Let us be glad of this, and all our fears
+  Lay on his Providence; he will not fail
+  Nor will withdraw him now, nor will recall,
+  Mock us with his blest sight, then snatch him hence,
+  Soon we shall see our hope, our joy return.
+  Thus they out of their plaints new hope resume
+  To find whom at the first they found unsought:
+  But to his Mother Mary, when she saw                                 60
+  Others return'd from Baptism, not her Son,
+  Nor left at Jordan, tydings of him none;
+  Within her brest, though calm; her brest though pure,
+  Motherly cares and fears got head, and rais'd
+  Some troubl'd thoughts, which she in sighs thus clad.
+  O what avails me now that honour high
+  To have conceiv'd of God, or that salute
+  Hale highly favour'd, among women blest;
+  While I to sorrows am no less advanc't,
+  And fears as eminent, above the lot                                  70
+  Of other women, by the birth I bore,
+  In such a season born when scarce a Shed
+  Could be obtain'd to shelter him or me
+  From the bleak air; a Stable was our warmth,
+  A Manger his, yet soon enforc't to flye
+  Thence into Egypt, till the Murd'rous King
+  Were dead, who sought his life, and missing fill'd
+  With Infant blood the streets of Bethlehem;
+  From Egypt home return'd, in Nazareth
+  Hath been our dwelling many years, his life                          80
+  Private, unactive, calm, contemplative,
+  Little suspicious to any King; but now
+  Full grown to Man, acknowledg'd, as I hear,
+  By John the Baptist, and in publick shown,
+  Son own'd from Heaven by his Father's voice;
+  I  look't for some great change; to Honour? no,
+  But trouble, as old Simeon plain foretold,
+  That to the fall and rising he should be
+  Of  Many in Israel, and to a sign
+  Spoken against, that through my very Soul                            90
+  A sword shall pierce, this is my favour'd lot,
+  My Exaltation to Afflictions high;
+  Afflicted I may be, it seems, and blest;
+  I will not argue that, nor will repine.
+  But where delays he now? some great intent
+  Conceals him: when twelve years he scarce had seen,
+  I lost him, but so found, as well I saw
+  He could not lose himself; but went about
+  His Father's business; what he meant I mus'd,
+  Since understand; much more his absence now                         100
+  Thus long to some great purpose he obscures.
+  But I to wait with patience am inur'd;
+  My heart hath been a store-house long of things
+  And sayings laid up, portending strange events.
+  Thus Mary pondering oft, and oft to mind
+  Recalling what remarkably had pass'd
+  Since first her Salutation heard, with thoughts
+  Meekly compos'd awaited the fulfilling:
+  The while her Son tracing the Desert wild,
+  Sole but with holiest Meditations fed,                              110
+  Into himself descended, and at once
+  All his great work to come before him set;
+  How to begin, how to accomplish best
+  His end of being on Earth, and mission high:
+  For Satan with slye preface to return
+  Had left him vacant, and with speed was gon
+  Up to the middle Region of thick Air,
+  Where all his Potentates in Council sate;
+  There without sign of boast, or sign of joy,
+  Sollicitous and blank he thus began.                                120
+  Princes, Heavens antient Sons, Aethereal Thrones,
+  Demonian Spirits now, from the Element
+  Each of his reign allotted, rightlier call'd,
+  Powers of Fire, Air, Water, and Earth beneath,
+  So may we hold our place and these mild seats
+  Without new trouble; such an Enemy
+  Is ris'n to invade us, who no less
+  Threat'ns then our expulsion down to Hell;
+  I, as I undertook, and with the vote
+  Consenting in full frequence was impowr'd,                          130
+  Have found him, view'd him, tasted him, but find
+  Far other labour to be undergon
+  Then when I dealt with Adam first of Men,
+  Though Adam by his Wives allurement fell,
+  However to this Man inferior far,
+  If he be Man by Mothers side at least,
+  With more then humane gifts from Heav'n adorn'd,
+  Perfections absolute, Graces divine,
+  And amplitude of mind to greatest Deeds.
+  Therefore I am return'd, lest confidence                            140
+  Of my success with Eve in Paradise
+  Deceive ye to perswasion over-sure
+  Of like succeeding here; I summon all
+  Rather to be in readiness, with hand
+  Or counsel to assist; lest I who erst
+  Thought none my equal, now be over-match'd.
+  So spake the old Serpent doubting, and from all
+  With clamour was assur'd thir utmost aid
+  At his command; when from amidst them rose
+  Belial the dissolutest Spirit that fell                             150
+  The sensuallest, and after Asmodai
+  The fleshliest Incubus, and thus advis'd.
+  Set women in his eye and in his walk,
+  Among daughters of men the fairest found;
+  Many are in each Region passing fair
+  As the noon Skie; more like to Goddesses
+  Then Mortal Creatures, graceful and discreet,
+  Expert in amorous Arts, enchanting tongues
+  Perswasive, Virgin majesty with mild
+  And sweet allay'd, yet terrible to approach,                        160
+  Skill'd to retire, and in retiring draw
+  Hearts after them tangl'd in Amorous Nets.
+  Such object hath the power to soft'n and tame
+  Severest temper, smooth the rugged'st brow,
+  Enerve, and with voluptuous hope dissolve,
+  Draw out with credulous desire, and lead
+  At will the manliest, resolutest brest,
+  As the Magnetic hardest Iron draws.
+  Women, when nothing else, beguil'd the heart
+  Of wisest Solomon, and made him build,                              170
+  And made him bow to the Gods of his Wives.
+  To whom quick answer Satan thus return'd
+  Belial in much uneven scale thou weigh'st
+  All others by thy self; because of old
+  Thou thy self doat'st on womankind, admiring
+  Thir shape, thir colour, and attractive grace,
+  None are, thou think'st, but taken with such toys.
+  Before the Flood thou with thy lusty Crew,
+  False titl'd Sons of God, roaming the Earth
+  Cast wanton eyes on the daughters of men,                           180
+  And coupl'd with them, and begot a race.
+  Have we not seen, or by relation heard,
+  In Courts and Regal Chambers how thou lurk'st,
+  In Wood or Grove by mossie Fountain side,
+  In Valley or Green Meadow to way-lay
+  Some beauty rare, Calisto, Clymene,
+  Daphne, or Semele, Antiopa,
+  Or Amymone, Syrinx, many more
+  Too long, then lay'st thy scapes on names ador'd,
+  Apollo, Neptune, Jupiter, or Pan,                                   190
+  Satyr, or Fawn, or Silvan? But these haunts
+  Delight not all; among the Sons of Men,
+  How many have with a smile made small account
+  Of beauty and her lures, easily scorn'd
+  All her assaults, on worthier things intent?
+  Remember that Pellean Conquerour,
+  A youth, how all the Beauties of the East
+  He slightly view'd, and slightly over-pass'd;
+  How hee sirnam'd of Africa dismiss'd
+  In his prime youth the fair Iberian maid.                           200
+  For Solomon he liv'd at ease, and full
+  Of honour, wealth, high fare, aim'd not beyond
+  Higher design then to enjoy his State;
+  Thence to the bait of Women lay expos'd;
+  But he whom we attempt is wiser far
+  Then Solomon, of more exalted mind,
+  Made and set wholly on the accomplishment
+  Of greatest things; what woman will you find,
+  Though of this Age the wonder and the fame,
+  On whom his leisure will vouchsafe an eye                           210
+  Of fond desire? or should she confident,
+  As sitting Queen ador'd on Beauties Throne,
+  Descend with all her winning charms begirt
+  To enamour, as the Zone of Venus once
+  Wrought that effect on Jove, so Fables tell;
+  How would one look from his Majestick brow
+  Seated as on the top of Vertues hill,
+  Discount'nance her despis'd, and put to rout
+  All her array; her female pride deject,
+  Or turn to reverent awe? for Beauty stands                          220
+  In the admiration only of weak minds
+  Led captive; cease to admire, and all her Plumes
+  Fall flat and shrink into a trivial toy,
+  At every sudden slighting quite abasht:
+  Therefore with manlier objects we must try
+  His constancy, with such as have more shew
+  Of worth, of honour, glory, and popular praise;
+  Rocks whereon greatest men have oftest wreck'd;
+  Or that which only seems to satisfie
+  Lawful desires of Nature, not beyond;                               230
+  And now I know he hungers where no food
+  Is to be found, in the wide Wilderness;
+  The rest commit to me, I shall let pass
+  No advantage, and his strength as oft assay.
+  He ceas'd, and heard thir grant in loud acclaim;
+  Then forthwith to him takes a chosen band
+  Of Spirits likest to himself in guile
+  To be at hand, and at his beck appear,
+  If cause were to unfold some active Scene
+  Of various persons each to know his part;                           240
+  Then to the Desert takes with these his flight;
+  Where still from shade to shade the Son of God
+  After forty days fasting had remain'd,
+  Now hungring first, and to himself thus said.
+  Where will this end? four times ten days I have pass'd
+  Wandring this woody maze, and humane food
+  Nor tasted, nor had appetite: that Fast
+  To Vertue I impute not, or count part
+  Of what I suffer here; if Nature need not,
+  Or God support Nature without repast                                250
+  Though needing, what praise is it to endure?
+  But now I feel I hunger, which declares,
+  Nature hath need of what she asks; yet God
+  Can satisfie that need some other way,
+  Though hunger still remain: so it remain
+  Without this bodies wasting, I content me,
+  And from the sting of Famine fear no harm,
+  Nor mind it, fed with better thoughts that feed
+  Mee hungring more to do my Fathers will.
+  It was the hour of night, when thus the Son                         260
+  Commun'd in silent walk, then laid him down
+  Under the hospitable covert nigh
+  Of Trees thick interwoven; there he slept,
+  And dream'd, as appetite is wont to dream,
+  Of meats and drinks, Natures refreshment sweet;
+  Him thought, he by the Brook of Cherith stood
+  And saw the Ravens with thir horny beaks
+  Food to Elijah bringing Even and Morn,
+  Though ravenous, taught to abstain from what they brought:
+  He saw the Prophet also how he fled                                 270
+  Into the Desert, and how there he slept
+  Under a Juniper; then how awakt,
+  He found his Supper on the coals prepar'd,
+  And by the Angel was bid rise and eat,
+  And eat the second time after repose,
+  The strength whereof suffic'd him forty days;
+  Sometimes that with Elijah he partook,
+  Or as a guest with Daniel at his pulse.
+  Thus wore out night, and now the Herald Lark
+  Left his ground-nest, high towring to descry                        280
+  The morns approach, and greet her with his Song:
+  As lightly from his grassy Couch up rose
+  Our Saviour, and found all was but a dream,
+  Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting wak'd.
+  Up to a hill anon his steps he rear'd,
+  From whose high top to ken the prospect round,
+  If Cottage were in view, Sheep-cote or Herd;
+  But Cottage, Herd or Sheep-cote none he saw,
+  Only in a bottom saw a pleasant Grove,
+  With chaunt of tuneful Birds resounding loud;                       290
+  Thither he bent his way, determin'd there
+  To rest at noon, and entr'd soon the shade
+  High rooft and walks beneath, and alleys brown
+  That open'd in the midst a woody Scene,
+  Natures own work it seem'd (Nature taught Art)
+  And to a Superstitious eye the haunt
+  Of Wood-Gods and Wood-Nymphs; he view'd it round,
+  When suddenly a man before him stood,
+  Not rustic as before, but seemlier clad,
+  As one in City, or Court, or Palace bred,                           300
+  And with fair speech these words to him address'd.
+  With granted leave officious I return,
+  But much more wonder that the Son of God
+  In this wild solitude so long should bide
+  Of all things destitute, and well I know,
+  Not without hunger.  Others of some note,
+  As story tells, have trod this Wilderness;
+  The Fugitive Bond-woman with her Son
+  Out cast Nebaioth, yet found he relief
+  By a providing Angel; all the race                                  310
+  Of Israel here had famish'd, had not God
+  Rain'd from Heaven Manna, and that Prophet bold
+  Native of Thebes wandring here was fed
+  Twice by a voice inviting him to eat.
+  Of thee these forty days none hath regard,
+  Forty and more deserted here indeed.
+  To whom thus Jesus; what conclud'st thou hence?
+  They all had need, I as thou seest have none.
+  How hast thou hunger then?  Satan reply'd,
+  Tell me if Food were now before thee set,                           320
+  Would'st thou not eat?  Thereafter as I like
+  The giver, answer'd Jesus. Why should that
+  Cause thy refusal, said the subtle Fiend,
+  Hast thou not right to all Created things,
+  Owe not all Creatures by just right to thee
+  Duty and Service, nor to stay till bid,
+  But tender all their power? nor mention I
+  Meats by the Law unclean, or offer'd first
+  To Idols, those young Daniel could refuse;
+  Nor proffer'd by an Enemy, though who                               330
+  Would scruple that, with want opprest? behold
+  Nature asham'd, or better to express,
+  Troubl'd that thou should'st hunger, hath purvey'd
+  From all the Elements her choicest store
+  To treat thee as beseems, and as her Lord
+  With honour, only deign to sit and eat.
+  He spake no dream, for as his words had end,
+  Our Saviour lifting up his eyes beheld
+  In ample space under the broadest shade
+  A Table richly spred, in regal mode,                                340
+  With dishes pil'd, and meats of noblest sort
+  And savour, Beasts of chase, or Fowl of game,
+  In pastry built, or from the spit, or boyl'd,
+  Gris-amber-steam'd; all Fish from Sea or Shore,
+  Freshet, or purling Brook, of shell or fin,
+  And exquisitest name, for which was drain'd
+  Pontus and Lucrine Bay, and Afric Coast.
+  Alas how simple, to these Cates compar'd,
+  Was that crude Apple that diverted Eve!
+  And at a stately side-board by the wine                             350
+  That fragrant smell diffus'd, in order stood
+  Tall stripling youths rich clad, of fairer hew
+  Then Ganymed or Hylas, distant more
+  Under the Trees now trip'd, now solemn stood
+  Nymphs of Diana's train, and Naiades
+  With fruits and flowers from Amalthea's horn,
+  And Ladies of th' Hesperides, that seem'd
+  Fairer then feign'd of old, or fabl'd since
+  Of Fairy Damsels met in Forest wide
+  By Knights of Logres, or of Lyones,                                 360
+  Lancelot or Pelleas, or Pellenore,
+  And all the while Harmonious Airs were heard
+  Of chiming strings, or charming pipes and winds
+  Of gentlest gale Arabian odors fann'd
+  From their soft wings, and flora's earliest smells.
+  Such was the Splendour, and the Tempter now
+  His invitation earnestly renew'd.
+  What doubts the Son of God to sit and eat?
+  These are not Fruits forbidden, no interdict
+  Defends the touching of these viands pure,                          370
+  Thir taste no knowledge works, at least of evil,
+  But life preserves, destroys life's enemy,
+  Hunger, with sweet restorative delight.
+  All these are Spirits of Air, and Woods, and Springs,
+  Thy gentle Ministers, who come to pay
+  Thee homage, and acknowledge thee thir Lord:
+  What doubt'st thou Son of God? sit down and eat.
+  To whom thus Jesus temperately reply'd:
+  Said'st thou not that to all things I had right?
+  And who withholds my pow'r that right to use?                       380
+  Shall I receive by gift what of my own,
+  When and where likes me best, I can command?
+  I can at will, doubt not, as soon as thou,
+  Command a Table in this Wilderness,
+  And call swift flights of Angels ministrant
+  Array'd in Glory on my cup to attend:
+  Why shouldst thou then obtrude this diligence,
+  In vain, where no acceptance it can find,
+  And with my hunger what hast thou to do?
+  Thy pompous Delicacies I contemn,                                   390
+  And count thy specious gifts no gifts but guiles.
+  To whom thus answer'd Satan malecontent:
+  That I have also power to give thou seest,
+  If of that pow'r I bring thee voluntary
+  What I might have bestow'd on whom I pleas'd.
+  And rather opportunely in this place
+  Chose to impart to thy apparent need,
+  Why shouldst thou not accept it? but I see
+  What I can do or offer is suspect;
+  Of these things others quickly will dispose                         400
+  Whose pains have earn'd the far fet spoil.  With that
+  Both Table and Provision vanish'd quite
+  With sound of Harpies wings, and Talons heard;
+  Only the importune Tempter still remain'd,
+  And with these words his temptation pursu'd.
+  By hunger, that each other Creature tames,
+  Thou art not to be harm'd, therefore not mov'd;
+  Thy temperance invincible besides,
+  For no allurement yields to appetite,
+  And all thy heart is set on high designs,                           410
+  High actions: but wherewith to be atchiev'd?
+  Great acts require great means of enterprise,
+  Thou art unknown, unfriended, low of birth,
+  A Carpenter thy Father known, thy self
+  Bred up in poverty and streights at home;
+  Lost in a Desert here and hunger-bit:
+  Which way or from what hope dost thou aspire
+  To greatness? whence Authority deriv'st,
+  What Followers, what Retinue canst thou gain,
+  Or at thy heels the dizzy Multitude,                                420
+  Longer then thou canst feed them on thy cost?
+  Money brings Honour, Friends, Conquest, and Realms;
+  What rais'd Antipater the Edomite,
+  And his Son Herod plac'd on Juda's Throne;
+  (Thy throne) but gold that got him puissant friends?
+  Therefore, if at great things thou wouldst arrive,
+  Get Riches first, get Wealth, and Treasure heap,
+  Not difficult, if thou hearken to me,
+  Riches are mine, Fortune is in my hand;
+  They whom I favour thrive in wealth amain,                          430
+  While Virtue, Valour, Wisdom sit in want.
+  To whom thus Jesus patiently reply'd;
+  Yet Wealth without these three is impotent,
+  To gain dominion or to keep it gain'd.
+  Witness those antient Empires of the Earth,
+  In highth of all thir flowing wealth dissolv'd:
+  But men endu'd with these have oft attain'd
+  In lowest poverty to highest deeds;
+  Gideon and Jephtha, and the Shepherd lad,
+  Whose off-spring on the Throne of Juda sat                          440
+  So many Ages, and shall yet regain
+  That seat, and reign in Israel without end.
+  Among the Heathen, (for throughout the World
+  To me is not unknown what hath been done
+  Worthy of Memorial) canst thou not remember
+  Quintius, Fabricius, Curius, Regulus?
+  For I esteem those names of men so poor
+  Who could do mighty things, and could contemn
+  Riches though offer'd from the hand of Kings.
+  And what in me seems wanting, but that I                            450
+  May also in this poverty as soon
+  Accomplish what they did, perhaps and more?
+  Extol not Riches then, the toyl of Fools
+  The wise mans cumbrance if not snare, more apt
+  To slacken Virtue, and abate her edge,
+  Then prompt her to do aught may merit praise.
+  What if with like aversion I reject
+  Riches and Realms; yet not for that a Crown,
+  Golden in shew, is but a wreath of thorns,
+  Brings dangers, troubles, cares, and sleepless nights               460
+  To him who wears the Regal Diadem,
+  When on his shoulders each mans burden lies;
+  For therein stands the office of a King,
+  His Honour, Vertue, Merit and chief Praise,
+  That for the Publick all this weight he bears.
+  Yet he who reigns within himself, and rules
+  Passions, Desires, and Fears, is more a King;
+  Which every wise and vertuous man attains:
+  And who attains not, ill aspires to rule
+  Cities of men, or head-strong Multitudes,                           470
+  Subject himself to Anarchy within,
+  Or lawless passions in him which he serves.
+  But to guide Nations in the way of truth
+  By saving Doctrine, and from errour lead
+  To know, and knowing worship God aright,
+  Is yet more Kingly, this attracts the Soul,
+  Governs the inner man, the nobler part,
+  That other o're the body only reigns,
+  And oft by force, which to a generous mind
+  So reigning can be no sincere delight.                              480
+  Besides to give a Kingdom hath been thought
+  Greater and nobler done, and to lay down
+  Far more magnanimous, then to assume.
+  Riches are needless then, both for themselves,
+  And for thy reason why they should be sought,
+  To gain a Scepter, oftest better miss't.
+
+  Note: 309 he] here 1695.
+
+  The End of the Second Book.
+
+
+
+
+The Third Book.
+
+
+  So spake the Son of God, and Satan stood
+  A while as mute confounded what to say,
+  What to reply, confuted and convinc't
+  Of his weak arguing, and fallacious drift;
+  At length collecting all his Serpent wiles,
+  With soothing words renew'd, him thus accosts.
+  I see thou know'st what is of use to know,
+  What best to say canst say, to do canst do;
+  Thy actions to thy words accord, thy words
+  To thy large heart give utterance due, thy heart                     10
+  Conteins of good, wise, just, the perfect shape.
+  Should Kings and Nations from thy mouth consult,
+  Thy Counsel would be as the Oracle
+  Urim and Thummin, those oraculous gems
+  On Aaron's breast: or tongue of Seers old
+  Infallible; or wert thou sought to deeds
+  That might require th' array of war, thy skill
+  Of conduct would be such, that all the world
+  Could not sustain thy Prowess, or subsist
+  In battel, though against thy few in arms.                           20
+  These God-like Vertues wherefore dost thou hide?
+  Affecting private life, or more obscure
+  In savage Wilderness, wherefore deprive
+  All Earth her wonder at thy acts, thy self
+  The fame and glory, glory the reward
+  That sole excites to high attempts the flame
+  Of most erected Spirits, most temper'd pure
+  Aetherial, who all pleasures else despise,
+  All treasures and all gain esteem as dross,
+  And dignities and powers all but the highest?                        30
+  Thy years are ripe, and over-ripe, the Son
+  Of Macedonian Philip had e're these
+  Won Asia and the Throne of Cyrus held
+  At his dispose, young Scipio had brought down
+  The Carthaginian pride, young Pompey quell'd
+  The Pontic King and in triumph had rode.
+  Yet years, and to ripe years judgment mature,
+  Quench not the thirst of glory, but augment.
+  Great Julius, whom now all the world admires,
+  The more he grew in years, the more inflam'd                         40
+  With glory, wept that he had liv'd so long
+  Inglorious: but thou yet art not too late.
+  To whom our Saviour calmly thus reply'd.
+  Thou neither dost perswade me to seek wealth
+  For Empires sake, nor Empire to affect
+  For glories sake by all thy argument.
+  For what is glory but the blaze of fame,
+  The peoples praise, if always praise unmixt?
+  And what the people but a herd confus'd,
+  A miscellaneous rabble, who extol                                    50
+  Things vulgar, & well weigh'd, scarce worth the praise,
+  They praise and they admire they know not what;
+  And know not whom, but as one leads the other;
+  And what delight to be by such extoll'd,
+  To live upon thir tongues and be thir talk,
+  Of whom to be disprais'd were no small praise?
+  His lot who dares be singularly good.
+  Th' intelligent among them and the wise
+  Are few; and glory scarce of few is rais'd.
+  This is true glory and renown, when God                              60
+  Looking on the Earth, with approbation marks
+  The just man, and divulges him through Heaven
+  To all his Angels, who with true applause
+  Recount his praises; thus he did to Job,
+  When to extend his fame through Heaven & Earth,
+  As thou to thy reproach mayst well remember,
+  He ask'd thee, hast thou seen my servant Job?
+  Famous he was in Heaven, on Earth less known;
+  Where glory is false glory, attributed
+  To things not glorious, men not worthy of fame.                      70
+  They err who count it glorious to subdue
+  By Conquest far and wide, to over-run
+  Large Countries, and in field great Battels win,
+  Great Cities by assault: what do these Worthies,
+  But rob and spoil, burn, slaughter, and enslave
+  Peaceable Nations, neighbouring, or remote,
+  Made Captive, yet deserving freedom more
+  Then those thir Conquerours, who leave behind
+  Nothing but ruin wheresoe're they rove,
+  And all the flourishing works of peace destroy,                      80
+  Then swell with pride, and must be titl'd Gods,
+  Great Benefactors of mankind, Deliverers,
+  Worship't with Temple, Priest and Sacrifice;
+  One is the Son of Jove, of Mars the other,
+  Till Conquerour Death discover them scarce men,
+  Rowling in brutish vices, and deform'd,
+  Violent or shameful death thir due reward.
+  But if there be in glory aught of good,
+  It may by means far different be attain'd
+  Without ambition, war, or violence;                                  90
+  By deeds of peace, by wisdom eminent,
+  By patience, temperance; I mention still
+  Him whom thy wrongs with Saintly patience born,
+  Made famous in a Land and times obscure;
+  Who names not now with honour patient Job?
+  Poor Socrates (who next more memorable?)
+  By what he taught and suffer'd for so doing,
+  For truths sake suffering death unjust, lives now
+  Equal in fame to proudest Conquerours.
+  Yet if for fame and glory aught be done,                            100
+  Aught suffer'd; if young African for fame
+  His wasted Country freed from Punic rage,
+  The deed becomes unprais'd, the man at least,
+  And loses, though but verbal, his reward.
+  Shall I seek glory then, as vain men seek
+  Oft not deserv'd?  I seek not mine, but his
+  Who sent me, and thereby witness whence I am.
+  To whom the Tempter murmuring thus reply'd.
+  Think not so slight of glory; therein least,
+  Resembling thy great Father: he seeks glory,                        110
+  And for his glory all things made, all things
+  Orders and governs, nor content in Heaven
+  By all his Angels glorifi'd, requires
+  Glory from men, from all men good or bad,
+  Wise or unwise, no difference, no exemption;
+  Above all Sacrifice, or hallow'd gift
+  Glory he requires, and glory he receives
+  Promiscuous from all Nations, Jew, or Greek,
+  Or Barbarous, nor exception hath declar'd;
+  From us his foes pronounc't glory he exacts.                        120
+  To whom our Saviour fervently reply'd.
+  And reason; since his word all things produc'd,
+  Though chiefly not for glory as prime end,
+  But to shew forth his goodness, and impart
+  His good communicable to every soul
+  Freely; of whom what could he less expect
+  Then glory and benediction, that is thanks,
+  The slightest, easiest, readiest recompence
+  From them who could return him nothing else,
+  And not returning that would likeliest render                       130
+  Contempt instead, dishonour, obloquy?
+  Hard recompence, unsutable return
+  For so much good, so much beneficence.
+  But why should man seek glory? who of his own
+  Hath nothing, and to whom nothing belongs
+  But condemnation, ignominy, and shame?
+  Who for so many benefits receiv'd
+  Turn'd recreant to God, ingrate and false,
+  And so of all true good himself despoil'd,
+  Yet, sacrilegious, to himself would take                            140
+  That which to God alone of right belongs;
+  Yet so much bounty is in God, such grace,
+  That who advance his glory, not thir own,
+  Them he himself to glory will advance.
+  So spake the Son of God; and here again
+  Satan had not to answer, but stood struck
+  With guilt of his own sin, for he himself
+  Insatiable of glory had lost all,
+  Yet of another Plea bethought him soon.
+  Of glory as thou wilt, said he, so deem,                            150
+  Worth or not worth the seeking, let it pass:
+  But to a Kingdom thou art born, ordain'd
+  To sit upon thy Father David's Throne;
+  By Mother's side thy Father, though thy right
+  Be now in powerful hands, that will not part
+  Easily from possession won with arms;
+  Judaea now and all the promis'd land
+  Reduc't a Province under Roman yoke,
+  Obeys Tiberius; nor is always rul'd
+  With temperate sway; oft have they violated                         160
+  The Temple, oft the Law with foul affronts,
+  Abominations rather, as did once
+  Antiochus: and think'st thou to regain
+  Thy right by sitting still or thus retiring?
+  So did not Machabeus: he indeed
+  Retir'd unto the Desert, but with arms;
+  And o're a mighty King so oft prevail'd,
+  That by strong hand his Family obtain'd,
+  Though Priests, the Crown, and David's Throne usurp'd,
+  With Modin and her Suburbs once content.                            170
+  If Kingdom move thee not, let move thee Zeal,
+  And Duty; Zeal and Duty are not slow;
+  But on Occasions forelock watchful wait.
+  They themselves rather are occasion best,
+  Zeal of thy Fathers house, Duty to free
+  Thy Country from her Heathen servitude;
+  So shalt thou best fullfil, best verifie
+  The Prophets old, who sung thy endless raign,
+  The happier raign the sooner it begins,
+  Raign then; what canst thou better do the while?                    180
+  To whom our saviour answer thus return'd.
+  All things are best fullfil'd in thir due time,
+  And time there is for all things, Truth hath said:
+  If of my raign Prophetic Writ hath told
+  That it shall never end, so when begin
+  The Father in his purpose hath decreed,
+  He in whose hand all times and seasons roul.
+  What if he hath decreed that I shall first
+  Be try'd in humble state, and things adverse,
+  By tribulations, injuries, insults,                                 190
+  Contempts, and scorns, and snares, and violence,
+  Suffering, abstaining, quietly expecting
+  Without distrust or doubt, that he may know
+  What I can suffer, how obey? who best
+  Can suffer, best can do; best reign, who first
+  Well hath obey'd; just tryal e're I merit
+  My exaltation without change or end.
+  But what concerns it thee when I begin
+  My everlasting Kingdom, why art thou
+  Sollicitous, what moves thy inquisition?                            200
+  Know'st thou not that my rising is thy fall,
+  And my promotion will be thy destruction?
+  To whom the Tempter inly rackt reply'd.
+  Let that come when it comes; all hope is lost
+  Of my reception into grace; what worse?
+  For where no hope is left, is left no fear;
+  If there be worse, the expectation more
+  Of worse torments me then the feeling can.
+  I would be at the worst; worst is my Port.
+  My harbour and my ultimate repose,                                  210
+  The end I would attain, my final good.
+  My error was my error, and my crime
+  My crime; whatever for it self condemn'd
+  And will alike be punish'd; whether thou
+  Raign or raign not; though to that gentle brow
+  Willingly I could flye, and hope thy raign,
+  From that placid aspect and meek regard,
+  Rather then aggravate my evil state,
+  Would stand between me and thy Fathers ire,
+  (Whose ire I dread more then the fire of Hell,)                     220
+  A shelter and a kind of shading cool
+  Interposition, as a summers cloud.
+  If I then to the worst that can be hast,
+  Why move thy feet so slow to what is best,
+  Happiest both to thy self and all the world,
+  That thou who worthiest art should'st be thir King?
+  Perhaps thou linger'st in deep thoughts detain d
+  Of the enterprize so hazardous and high;
+  No wonder, for though in thee be united
+  What of perfection can in man be found,                             230
+  Or human nature can receive, consider
+  Thy life hath yet been private, most part spent
+  At home, scarce view'd the Gallilean Towns
+  And once a year Jerusalem, few days
+  Short sojourn; and what thence could'st thou observe?
+  The world thou hast not seen, much less her glory,
+  Empires, and Monarchs, and thir radiant Courts
+  Best school of best experience, quickest in sight
+  In all things that to greatest actions lead.
+  The wisest, unexperienc't, will be ever                             240
+  Timorous and loth, with novice modesty,
+  (As he who seeking Asses found a Kingdom)
+  Irresolute, unhardy, unadventrous:
+  But I will bring thee where thou soon shalt quit
+  Those rudiments, and see before thine eyes
+  The Monarchies of the Earth, thir pomp and state,
+  Sufficient introduction to inform
+  Thee, of thy self so apt, in regal Arts,
+  And regal Mysteries; that thou may'st know
+  How best their opposition to withstand.                             250
+  With that (such power was giv'n him then) he took
+  The Son of God up to a Mountain high.
+  It was a Mountain at whose verdant feet
+  A spatious plain out strech't in circuit wide
+  Lay pleasant; from his side two rivers flow'd,
+  Th' one winding, the other strait and left between
+  Fair Champain with less rivers interveind,
+  Then meeting joyn'd thir tribute to the Sea:
+  Fertil of corn the glebe, of oyl and wine,
+  With herds the pastures throng'd, with flocks the hills,            260
+  Huge Cities and high towr'd, that well might seem
+  The seats of mightiest Monarchs, and so large
+  The Prospect was, that here and there was room
+  For barren desert fountainless and dry.
+  To this high mountain top the Tempter brought
+  Our Saviour, and new train of words began.
+  Well have we speeded, and o're hill and dale,
+  Forest and field, and flood, Temples and Towers
+  Cut shorter many a league; here thou behold'st
+  Assyria and her Empires antient bounds,                             270
+  Araxes and the Caspian lake, thence on
+  As far as Indus East, Euphrates West,
+  And oft beyond; to South the Persian Bay,
+  And inaccessible the Arabian drouth:
+  Here Ninevee, of length within her wall
+  Several days journey, built by Ninus old,
+  Of that first golden Monarchy the seat,
+  And seat of Salmanassar, whose success
+  Israel in long captivity still mourns;
+  There Babylon the wonder of all tongues,                            280
+  As antient, but rebuilt by him who twice
+  Judah and all thy Father David's house
+  Led captive, and Jerusalem laid waste,
+  Till Cyrus set them free; Persepolis
+  His City there thou seest, and Bactra there;
+  Ecbatana her structure vast there shews,
+  And Hecatompylos her hunderd gates,
+  There Susa by Choaspes, amber stream,
+  The drink of none but Kings; of later fame
+  Built by Emathian, or by Parthian hands,                            290
+  The great Seleucia, Nisibis, and there
+  Artaxata, Teredon, Tesiphon,
+  Turning with easie eye thou may'st behold.
+  All these the Parthian, now some Ages past,
+  By great Arsaces led, who founded first
+  That Empire, under his dominion holds
+  From the luxurious Kings of Antioch won.
+  And just in time thou com'st to have a view
+  Of his great power; for now the Parthian King
+  In Ctesiphon hath gather'd all his Host                             300
+  Against the Scythian, whose incursions wild
+  Have wasted Sogdiana; to her aid
+  He marches now in hast; see, though from far,
+  His thousands, in what martial equipage
+  They issue forth, Steel Bows, and Shafts their arms
+  Of equal dread in flight, or in pursuit;
+  All Horsemen, in which fight they most excel;
+  See how in warlike muster they appear,
+  In Rhombs and wedges, and half moons, and wings.
+  He look't and saw what numbers numberless                           310
+  The City gates out powr'd, light armed Troops
+  In coats of Mail and military pride;
+  In Mail thir horses clad, yet fleet and strong,
+  Prauncing their riders bore, the flower and choice
+  Of many Provinces from bound to bound;
+  From Arachosia, from Candaor East,
+  And Margiana to the Hyrcanian cliffs
+  Of Caucasus, and dark Iberian dales,
+  From Atropatia and the neighbouring plains
+  Of Adiabene, Media, and the South                                   320
+  Of Susiana to Balsara's hav'n.
+  He saw them in thir forms of battell rang'd,
+  How quick they wheel'd, and flying behind them shot
+  Sharp sleet of arrowie showers against the face
+  Of thir pursuers, and overcame by flight;
+  The field all iron cast a gleaming brown,
+  Nor wanted clouds of foot, nor on each horn,
+  Cuirassiers all in steel for standing fight;
+  Chariots or Elephants endorst with Towers
+  Of Archers, nor of labouring Pioners                                330
+  A multitude with Spades and Axes arm'd
+  To lay hills plain, fell woods, or valleys fill,
+  Or where plain was raise hill, or over-lay
+  With bridges rivers proud, as with a yoke;
+  Mules after these, Camels and Dromedaries,
+  And Waggons fraught with Utensils of war.
+  Such forces met not, nor so wide a camp,
+  When Agrican with all his Northern powers
+  Besieg'd Albracca, as Romances tell;
+  The City of Gallaphrone, from thence to win                         340
+  The fairest of her Sex Angelica
+  His daughter, sought by many Prowest Knights,
+  Both Paynim, and the Peers of Charlemane.
+  Such and so numerous was thir Chivalrie;
+  At sight whereof the Fiend yet more presum'd,
+  And to our Saviour thus his words renew'd.
+  That thou may'st know I seek not to engage
+  Thy Vertue, and not every way secure
+  On no slight grounds thy safety; hear, and mark
+  To what end I have brought thee hither and shewn                    350
+  All this fair sight; thy Kingdom though foretold
+  By Prophet or by Angel, unless thou
+  Endeavour, as thy Father David did,
+  Thou never shalt obtain; prediction still
+  In all things, and all men, supposes means,
+  Without means us'd, what it predicts revokes.
+  But say thou wer't possess'd of David's Throne
+  By free consent of all, none opposite,
+  Samaritan or Jew; how could'st thou hope
+  Long to enjoy it quiet and secure,                                  360
+  Between two such enclosing enemies
+  Roman and Parthian? therefore one of these
+  Thou must make sure thy own, the Parthian first
+  By my advice, as nearer and of late
+  Found able by invasion to annoy
+  Thy country, and captive lead away her Kings
+  Antigonus, and old Hyrcanus bound,
+  Maugre the Roman: it shall be my task
+  To render thee the Parthian at dispose;
+  Chuse which thou wilt by conquest or by league                      370
+  By him thou shalt regain, without him not,
+  That which alone can truly reinstall thee
+  In David's royal seat, his true Successour,
+  Deliverance of thy brethren, those ten Tribes
+  Whose off-spring in his Territory yet serve
+  In Habor, and among the Medes dispers't,
+  Ten Sons of Jacob, two of Joseph lost
+  Thus long from Israel; serving as of old
+  Thir Fathers in the land of Egypt serv'd,
+  This offer sets before thee to deliver.                             380
+  These if from servitude thou shalt restore
+  To thir inheritance, then, nor till then,
+  Thou on the Throne of David in full glory,
+  From Egypt to Euphrates and beyond
+  Shalt raign, and Rome or Caesar not need fear.
+  To whom our Saviour answer'd thus unmov'd.
+  Much ostentation vain of fleshly arm,
+  And fragile arms, much instrument of war
+  Long in preparing, soon to nothing brought,
+  Before mine eyes thou hast set; and in my ear                       390
+  Vented much policy, and projects deep
+  Of enemies, of aids, battels and leagues,
+  Plausible to the world, to me worth naught.
+  Means I must use thou say'st, prediction else
+  Will unpredict and fail me of the Throne:
+  My time I told thee, (and that time for thee
+  Were better farthest off) is not yet come;
+  When that comes think not thou to find me slack
+  On my part aught endeavouring, or to need
+  Thy politic maxims, or that cumbersome                              400
+  Luggage of war there shewn me, argument
+  Of human weakness rather then of strength.
+  My brethren, as thou call'st them; those Ten Tribes
+  I must deliver, if I mean to raign
+  David's true heir, and his full Scepter sway
+  To just extent over all Israel's Sons;
+  But whence to thee this zeal, where was it then
+  For Israel or for David, or his Throne,
+  When thou stood'st up his Tempter to the pride
+  Of numbring Israel which cost the lives                             410
+  Of threescore and ten thousand Israelites
+  By three days Pestilence? such was thy zeal
+  To Israel then, the same that now to me.
+  As for those captive Tribes, themselves were they
+  Who wrought their own captivity, fell off
+  From God to worship Calves, the Deities
+  Of Egypt, Baal next and Ashtaroth,
+  And all the Idolatries of Heathen round,
+  Besides thir other worse then heathenish crimes;
+  Nor in the land of their captivity                                  420
+  Humbled themselves, or penitent besought
+  The God of their fore-fathers; but so dy'd
+  Impenitent, and left a race behind
+  Like to themselves, distinguishable scarce
+  From Gentils, but by Circumcision vain,
+  And God with Idols in their worship joyn'd.
+  Should I of these the liberty regard,
+  Who freed, as to their antient Patrimony,
+  Unhumbl'd, unrepentant, unreform'd,
+  Headlong would follow; and to thir Gods perhaps                     430
+  Of Bethel and of Dan? no, let them serve
+  Thir enemies, who serve Idols with God.
+  Yet he at length, time to himself best known,
+  Remembring Abraham by some wond'rous call
+  May bring them back repentant and sincere,
+  And at their passing cleave the Assyrian flood,
+  While to their native land with joy they hast,
+  As the Red Sea and Jordan once he cleft,
+  When to the promis'd land thir Fathers pass'd;
+  To his due time and providence I leave them.                        440
+  So spake Israel's true King, and to the Fiend
+  Made answer meet, that made void all his wiles.
+  So fares it when with truth falshood contends.
+
+  The End of the Third Book.
+
+
+
+
+The Fourth Book.
+
+
+  PERPLEX'D and troubl'd at his bad success
+  The Tempter stood, nor had what to reply,
+  Discover'd in his fraud, thrown from his hope,
+  So oft, and the perswasive Rhetoric
+  That sleek't his tongue, and won so much on Eve,
+  So little here, nay lost; but Eve was Eve,
+  This far his over-match, who self deceiv'd
+  And rash, before-hand had no better weigh'd
+  The strength he was to cope with, or his own:
+  But as a man who had been matchless held                             10
+  In cunning, over-reach't where least he thought,
+  To salve his credit, and for very spight
+  Still will be tempting him who foyls him still,
+  And never cease, though to his shame the more;
+  Or as a swarm of flies in vintage time,
+  About the wine-press where sweet moust is powr'd,
+  Beat off; returns as oft with humming sound;
+  Or surging waves against a solid rock,
+  Though all to shivers dash't, the assault renew,
+  Vain battry, and in froth or bubbles end:                            20
+  So Satan, whom repulse upon repulse
+  Met ever; and to shameful silence brought,
+  Yet gives not o're though desperate of success,
+  And his vain importunity pursues.
+  He brought our Saviour to the western side
+  Of that high mountain, whence he might behold
+  Another plain, long but in bredth not wide;
+  Wash'd by the Southern Sea, and on the North
+  To equal length back'd with a ridge of hills
+  That screen'd the fruits of the earth and seats of men               30
+  From cold Septentrion blasts, thence in the midst
+  Divided by a river, of whose banks
+  On each side an Imperial City stood,
+  With Towers and Temples proudly elevate
+  On seven small Hills, with Palaces adorn'd,
+  Porches and Theatres, Baths, Aqueducts,
+  Statues and Trophees, and Triumphal Arcs,
+  Gardens and Groves presented to his eyes,
+  Above the highth of Mountains interpos'd.
+  By what strange Parallax or Optic skill                              40
+  Of vision multiplyed through air or glass
+  Of Telescope, were curious to enquire:
+  And now the Tempter thus his silence broke.
+  The City which thou seest no other deem
+  Then great and glorious Rome, Queen of the Earth
+  So far renown'd, and with the spoils enricht
+  Of Nations; there the Capitol thou seest
+  Above the rest lifting his stately head
+  On the Tarpeian rock, her Cittadel
+  Impregnable, and there Mount Palatine                                50
+  The Imperial Palace, compass huge, and high
+  The Structure, skill of noblest Architects,
+  With gilded battlements, conspicuous far,
+  Turrets and Terrases, and glittering Spires.
+  Many a fair Edifice besides, more like
+  Houses of Gods (so well I have dispos'd
+  My Aerie Microscope) thou may'st behold
+  Outside and inside both, pillars and roofs
+  Carv'd work, the hand of fam'd Artificers
+  In Cedar, Marble, Ivory or Gold.                                     60
+  Thence to the gates cast round thine eye, and see
+  What conflux issuing forth, or entring in,
+  Pretors, Proconsuls to thir Provinces
+  Hasting or on return, in robes of State;
+  Lictors and rods the ensigns of thir power,
+  Legions and Cohorts, turmes of horse and wings:
+  Or Embassies from Regions far remote
+  In various habits on the Appian road,
+  Or on the Aemilian, some from farthest South,
+  Syene, and where the shadow both way falls,                          70
+  Meroe, Nilotic Isle, and more to West,
+  The Realm of Bocchus to the Black-moor Sea;
+  From the Asian Kings and Parthian among these,
+  From India 'and the golden Chersoness,
+  And utmost Indian Isle Taprobane,
+  Dusk faces with white silken Turbants wreath'd:
+  From Gallia, Gades, and the Brittish West,
+  Germans and Scythians, and Sarmatians North
+  Beyond Danubius to the Tauric Pool.
+  All Nations now to Rome obedience pay,                               80
+  To Rome's great Emperour, whose wide domain
+  In ample Territory, wealth and power,
+  Civility of Manners, Arts, and Arms,
+  And long Renown thou justly may'st prefer
+  Before the Parthian; these two Thrones except,
+  The rest are barbarous, and scarce worth the sight,
+  Shar'd among petty Kings too far remov'd;
+  These having shewn thee, I have shewn thee all
+  The Kingdoms of the world, and all thir glory.
+  This Emperour hath no Son, and now is old,                           90
+  Old, and lascivious, and from Rome retir'd
+  To Capreae an Island small but strong
+  On the Campanian shore, with purpose there
+  His horrid lusts in private to enjoy,
+  Committing to a wicked Favourite
+  All publick cares, and yet of him suspicious,
+  Hated of all, and hating; with what ease
+  Indu'd with Regal Vertues as thou art,
+  Appearing, and beginning noble deeds,
+  Might'st thou expel this monster from his Throne                    100
+  Now made a stye, and in his place ascending
+  A victor people free from servile yoke?
+  And with my help thou may'st; to me the power
+  Is given, and by that right I give it thee.
+  Aim therefore at no less then all the world,
+  Aim at the highest, without the highest attain'd
+  Will be for thee no sitting, or not long
+  On Davids Throne, be propheci'd what will,
+  To whom the Son of God unmov'd reply'd.
+  Nor doth this grandeur and majestic show                            110
+  Of luxury, though call'd magnificence,
+  More then of arms before, allure mine eye,
+  Much less my mind; though thou should'st add to tell
+  Thir sumptuous gluttonies, and gorgeous feasts
+  On Cittron tables or Atlantic stone;
+  (For I have also heard, perhaps have read)
+  Their wines of Setia, Cales, and Falerne,
+  Chios and Creet, and how they quaff in Gold,
+  Crystal and Myrrhine cups imboss'd with Gems
+  And studs of Pearl, to me should'st tell who thirst                 120
+  And hunger still: then Embassies thou shew'st
+  From Nations far and nigh; what honour that,
+  But tedious wast of time to sit and hear
+  So many hollow complements and lies,
+  Outlandish flatteries? then proceed'st to talk
+  Of the Emperour, how easily subdu'd,
+  How gloriously; I shall, thou say'st, expel
+  A brutish monster: what if I withal
+  Expel a Devil who first made him such?
+  Let his tormenter Conscience find him out,                          130
+  For him I was not sent, nor yet to free
+  That people victor once, now vile and base,
+  Deservedly made vassal, who once just,
+  Frugal, and mild, and temperate, conquer'd well,
+  But govern ill the Nations under yoke,
+  Peeling thir Provinces, exhausted all
+  By lust and rapine; first ambitious grown
+  Of triumph that insulting vanity;
+  Then cruel, by thir sports to blood enur'd
+  Of fighting beasts, and men to beasts expos'd,                      140
+  Luxurious by thir wealth, and greedier still,
+  And from the daily Scene effeminate.
+  What wise and valiant man would seek to free
+  These thus degenerate, by themselves enslav'd,
+  Or could of inward slaves make outward free?
+  Know therefore when my season comes to sit
+  On David's Throne, it shall be like a tree
+  Spreading and over-shadowing all the Earth,
+  Or as a stone that shall to pieces dash
+  All Monarchies besides throughout the world,                        150
+  And of my Kingdom there shall be no end:
+  Means there shall be to this, but what the means,
+  Is not for thee to know, nor me to tell.
+  To whom the Tempter impudent repli'd.
+  I see all offers made by me how slight
+  Thou valu'st, because offer'd, and reject'st:
+  Nothing will please the difficult and nice,
+  Or nothing more then still to contradict:
+  On the other side know also thou, that I
+  On what I offer set as high esteem,                                 160
+  Nor what I part with mean to give for naught;
+  All these which in a moment thou behold'st,
+  The Kingdoms of the world to thee I give;
+  For giv'n to me, I give to whom I please,
+  No trifle; yet with this reserve, not else,
+  On this condition, if thou wilt fall down,
+  And worship me as thy superior Lord,
+  Easily done, and hold them all of me;
+  For what can less so great a gift deserve?
+  Whom thus our Saviour answer'd with disdain.                        170
+  I never lik'd thy talk, thy offers less,
+  Now both abhor, since thou hast dar'd to utter
+  The abominable terms, impious condition;
+  But I endure the time, till which expir'd,
+  Thou hast permission on me.  It is written
+  The first of all Commandments, Thou shalt worship
+  The Lord thy God, and only him shalt serve;
+  And dar'st thou to the Son of God propound
+  To worship thee accurst, now more accurst
+  For this attempt bolder then that on Eve,                           180
+  And more blasphemous? which expect to rue.
+  The Kingdoms of the world to thee were giv'n,
+  Permitted rather, and by thee usurp't,
+  Other donation none thou canst produce:
+  If given, by whom but by the King of Kings,
+  God over all supreme? if giv'n to thee,
+  By thee how fairly is the Giver now
+  Repaid? But gratitude in thee is lost
+  Long since.  Wert thou so void of fear or shame,
+  As offer them to me the Son of God,                                 190
+  To me my own, on such abhorred pact,
+  That I fall down and worship thee as God?
+  Get thee behind me; plain thou now appear'st
+  That Evil one, Satan for ever damn'd.
+  To whom the Fiend with fear abasht reply'd.
+  Be not so sore offended, Son of God;
+  Though Sons of God both Angels are and Men,
+  If I to try whether in higher sort
+  Then these thou bear'st that title, have propos'd
+  What both from Men and Angels I receive,                            200
+  Tetrarchs of fire, air, flood, and on the earth
+  Nations besides from all the quarter'd winds,
+  God of this world invok't and world beneath;
+  Who then thou art, whose coming is foretold
+  To me so fatal, me it most concerns.
+  The tryal hath indamag'd thee no way,
+  Rather more honour left and more esteem;
+  Me naught advantag'd, missing what I aim'd.
+  Therefore let pass, as they are transitory,
+  The Kingdoms of this world; I shall no more                         210
+  Advise thee, gain them as thou canst, or not.
+  And thou thy self seem'st otherwise inclin'd
+  Then to a worldly Crown, addicted more
+  To contemplation and profound dispute,
+  As by that early action may be judg'd,
+  When slipping from thy Mothers eye thou went'st
+  Alone into the Temple; there was found
+  Among the gravest Rabbies disputant
+  On points and questions fitting Moses Chair,
+  Teaching not taught; the childhood shews the man,                   220
+  As morning shews the day.  Be famous then
+  By wisdom; as thy Empire must extend,
+  So let extend thy mind o're all the world,
+  In knowledge, all things in it comprehend,
+  All knowledge is not couch't in Moses Law,
+  The Pentateuch or what the Prophets wrote,
+  The Gentiles also know, and write, and teach
+  To admiration, led by Natures light;
+  And with the Gentiles much thou must converse,
+  Ruling them by perswasion as thou mean'st,                          230
+  Without thir learning how wilt thou with them,
+  Or they with thee hold conversation meet?
+  How wilt thou reason with them, how refute
+  Thir Idolisms, Traditions, Paradoxes?
+  Error by his own arms is best evinc't.
+  Look once more e're we leave this specular Mount
+  Westward, much nearer by Southwest, behold
+  Where on the Aegean shore a City stands
+  Built nobly, pure the air, and light the soil,
+  Athens the eye of Greece, Mother of Arts                            240
+  And Eloquence, native to famous wits
+  Or hospitable, in her sweet recess,
+  City or Suburban, studious walks and shades;
+  See there the Olive Grove of Academe,
+  Plato's retirement, where the Attic Bird
+  Trills her thick-warbl'd notes the summer long,
+  There flowrie hill Hymettus with the sound
+  Of Bees industrious murmur oft invites
+  To studious musing; there Ilissus rouls
+  His whispering stream; within the walls then view                   250
+  The schools of antient Sages; his who bred
+  Great Alexander to subdue the world,
+  Lyceum there, and painted Stoa next:
+  There thou shalt hear and learn the secret power
+  Of harmony in tones and numbers hit
+  By voice or hand, and various-measur'd verse,
+  Aeolian charms and Dorian Lyric Odes,
+  And his who gave them breath, but higher sung,
+  Blind Melesigenes thence Homer call'd,
+  Whose Poem Phoebus challeng'd for his own.                          260
+  Thence what the lofty grave Tragoedians taught
+  In Chorus or Iambic, teachers best
+  Of moral prudence, with delight receiv'd
+  In brief sententious precepts, while they treat
+  Of fate, and chance, and change in human life;
+  High actions, and high passions best describing;
+  Thence to the famous Orators repair,
+  Those antient, whose resistless eloquence
+  Wielded at will that fierce Democratie,
+  Shook the Arsenal and fulmin'd over Greece,                         270
+  To Macedon, and Artaxerxes Throne;
+  To sage Philosophy next lend thine ear,
+  From Heaven descended to the low-rooft house
+  Of Socrates, see there his Tenement,
+  Whom well inspir'd the Oracle pronounc'd
+  Wisest of men; from whose mouth issu'd forth
+  Mellifluous streams that water'd all the schools
+  Of Academics old and new, with those
+  Sirnam'd Peripatetics, and the Sect
+  Epicurean, and the Stoic severe;                                    280
+  These here revolve, or, as thou lik'st, at home,
+  Till time mature thee to a Kingdom's waight;
+  These rules will render thee a King compleat
+  Within thy self, much more with Empire joyn'd.
+  To whom our Saviour sagely thus repli'd.
+  Think not but that I know these things, or think
+  I know them not; not therefore am I short
+  Of knowing what I aught: he who receives
+  Light from above, from the fountain of light,
+  No other doctrine needs, though granted true;                       290
+  But these are false, or little else but dreams,
+  Conjectures, fancies, built on nothing firm.
+  The first and wisest of them all profess'd
+  To know this only, that he nothing knew;
+  The next to fabling fell and smooth conceits,
+  A third sort doubted all things, though plain sence;
+  Others in vertue plac'd felicity,
+  But vertue joyn'd with riches and long life,
+  In corporal pleasure he, and careless ease,
+  The Stoic last in Philosophic pride,                                300
+  By him call'd vertue; and his vertuous man,
+  Wise, perfect in himself, and all possessing
+  Equal to God, oft shames not to prefer,
+  As fearing God nor man, contemning all
+  Wealth, pleasure, pain or torment, death and life,
+  Which when he lists, he leaves, or boasts he can,
+  For all his tedious talk is but vain boast,
+  Or subtle shifts conviction to evade.
+  Alas what can they teach, and not mislead;
+  Ignorant of themselves, of God much more,                           310
+  And how the world began, and how man fell
+  Degraded by himself, on grace depending?
+  Much of the Soul they talk, but all awrie,
+  And in themselves seek vertue, and to themselves
+  All glory arrogate, to God give none,
+  Rather accuse him under usual names,
+  Fortune and Fate, as one regardless quite
+  Of mortal things.  Who therefore seeks in these
+  True wisdom, finds her not, or by delusion
+  Far worse, her false resemblance only meets,                        320
+  An empty cloud.  However many books
+  Wise men have said are wearisom; who reads
+  Incessantly, and to his reading brings not
+  A spirit and judgment equal or superior,
+  (And what he brings, what needs he elsewhere seek)
+  Uncertain and unsettl'd still remains
+  Deep verst in books and shallow in himself;
+  Crude or intoxicate, collecting toys,
+  And trifles for choice matters, worth a spunge;
+  As Children gathering pibles on the shore.                          330
+  Or if I would delight my private hours
+  With Music or with Poem, where so soon
+  As in our native Language can I find
+  That solace?  All our Law and Story strew'd
+  With Hymns, our Psalms with artful terms inscrib'd,
+  Our Hebrew Songs and Harps in Babylon,
+  That pleas'd so well our Victors ear, declare
+  That rather Greece from us these Arts deriv'd;
+  Ill imitated, while they loudest sing
+  The vices of thir Deities, and thir own                             340
+  In Fable, Hymn, or Song, so personating
+  Thir Gods ridiculous, and themselves past shame.
+  Remove their swelling Epithetes thick laid
+  As varnish on a Harlots cheek, the rest,
+  Thin sown with aught of profit or delight,
+  Will far be found unworthy to compare
+  With Sion's songs, to all true tasts excelling,
+  Where God is prais'd aright, and Godlike men,
+  The Holiest of Holies, and his Saints;
+  Such are from God inspir'd, not such from thee;                     350
+  Unless where moral vertue is express't
+  By light of Nature not in all quite lost.
+  Thir Orators thou then extoll'st, as those
+  The top of Eloquence, Statists indeed,
+  And lovers of thir Country, as may seem;
+  But herein to our Prophets far beneath,
+  As men divinely taught, and better teaching
+  The solid rules of Civil Government
+  In thir majestic unaffected stile
+  Then all the Oratory of Greece and Rome.                            360
+  In them is plainest taught, and easiest learnt,
+  What makes a Nation happy, and keeps it so,
+  What ruins Kingdoms, and lays Cities flat;
+  These only with our Law best form a King.
+  So spake the Son of God; but Satan now
+  Quite at a loss, for all his darts were spent,
+  Thus to our Saviour with stern brow reply'd.
+  Since neither wealth, nor honour, arms nor arts,
+  Kingdom nor Empire pleases thee, nor aught
+  By me propos'd in life contemplative,
+  Or active, tended on by glory, or fame,                             370
+  What dost thou in this World? the Wilderness
+  For thee is fittest place, I found thee there,
+  And thither will return thee, yet remember
+  What I foretell thee, soon thou shalt have cause
+  To wish thou never hadst rejected thus
+  Nicely or cautiously my offer'd aid,
+  Which would have set thee in short time with ease
+  On David's Throne; or Throne of all the world,
+  Now at full age, fulness of time, thy season,                       380
+  When Prophesies of thee are best fullfill'd.
+  Now contrary, if I read aught in Heaven,
+  Or Heav'n write aught of Fate, by what the Stars
+  Voluminous, or single characters,
+  In thir conjunction met, give me to spell,
+  Sorrows, and labours, Opposition, hate,
+  Attends thee, scorns, reproaches, injuries,
+  Violence and stripes, and lastly cruel death,
+  A Kingdom they portend thee, but what Kingdom,
+  Real or Allegoric I discern not,                                    390
+  Nor when, eternal sure, as without end,
+  Without beginning; for no date prefixt
+  Directs me in the Starry Rubric set.
+  So saying he took (for still he knew his power
+  Not yet expir'd) and to the Wilderness
+  Brought back the Son of God, and left him there,
+  Feigning to disappear.  Darkness now rose,
+  As day-light sunk, and brought in lowring night
+  Her shadowy off-spring unsubstantial both,
+  Privation meer of light and absent day.                             400
+  Our Saviour meek and with untroubl'd mind
+  After his aerie jaunt, though hurried sore,
+  Hungry and cold betook him to his rest,
+  Wherever, under some concourse of shades
+  Whose branching arms thick intertwind might shield
+  From dews and damps of night his shelter'd head,
+  But shelter'd slept in vain, for at his head
+  The Tempter watch'd, and soon with ugly dreams
+  Disturb'd his sleep; and either Tropic now
+  'Gan thunder, and both ends of Heav'n, the Clouds                   410
+  From many a horrid rift abortive pour'd
+  Fierce rain with lightning mixt, water with fire
+  In ruine reconcil'd: nor slept the winds
+  Within thir stony caves, but rush'd abroad
+  From the four hinges of the world, and fell
+  On the vext Wilderness, whose tallest Pines,
+  Though rooted deep as high, and sturdiest Oaks
+  Bow'd thir Stiff necks, loaden with stormy blasts,
+  Or torn up sheer: ill wast thou shrouded then,
+  O patient Son of God, yet only stoodst                              420
+  Unshaken; nor yet staid the terror there,
+  Infernal Ghosts, and Hellish Furies, round
+  Environ'd thee, some howl'd, some yell'd, some shriek'd,
+  Some bent at thee thir fiery darts, while thou
+  Sat'st unappall'd in calm and sinless peace.
+  Thus pass'd the night so foul till morning fair
+  Came forth with Pilgrim steps in amice gray;
+  Who with her radiant finger still'd the roar
+  Of thunder, chas'd the clouds, and laid the winds,
+  And grisly Spectres, which the Fiend had rais'd                     430
+  To tempt the Son of God with terrors dire.
+  And now the Sun with more effectual beams
+  Had chear'd the face of Earth, and dry'd the wet
+  From drooping plant, or dropping tree; the birds
+  Who all things now behold more fresh and green,
+  After a night of storm so ruinous,
+  Clear'd up their choicest notes in bush and spray
+  To gratulate the sweet return of morn;
+  Nor yet amidst this joy and brightest morn
+  Was absent, after all his mischief done,                            440
+  The Prince of darkness, glad would also seem
+  Of this fair change, and to our Saviour came,
+  Yet with no new device, they all were spent,
+  Rather by this his last affront resolv'd,
+  Desperate of better course, to vent his rage,
+  And mad despight to be so oft repell'd.
+  Him walking on a Sunny hill he found,
+  Back'd on the North and West by a thick wood,
+  Out of the wood he starts in wonted shape;
+  And in a careless mood thus to him said.                            450
+  Fair morning yet betides thee Son of God,
+  After a dismal night; I heard the rack
+  As Earth and Skie would mingle; but my self
+  Was distant; and these flaws, though mortals fear them
+  As dangerous to the pillard frame of Heaven,
+  Or to the Earths dark basis underneath,
+  Are to the main as inconsiderable,
+  And harmless, if not wholsom, as a sneeze
+  To mans less universe, and soon are gone;
+  Yet as being oft times noxious where they light                     460
+  On man, beast, plant, wastful and turbulent,
+  Like turbulencies in the affairs of men,
+  Over whose heads they rore, and seem to point,
+  They oft fore-signifie and threaten ill:
+  This Tempest at this Desert most was bent;
+  Of men at thee, for only thou here dwell'st.
+  Did I not tell thee, if thou didst reject
+  The perfet season offer'd with my aid
+  To win thy destin'd seat, but wilt prolong
+  All to the push of Fate, persue thy way                             470
+  Of gaining David's Throne no man knows when,
+  For both the when and how is no where told,
+  Thou shalt be what thou art ordain'd, no doubt;
+  For Angels have proclaim'd it, but concealing
+  The time and means: each act is rightliest done,
+  Not when it must, but when it may be best.
+  If thou observe not this, be sure to find,
+  What I foretold thee, many a hard assay
+  Of dangers, and adversities and pains,
+  E're thou of Israel's Scepter get fast hold;                        480
+  Whereof this ominous night that clos'd thee round,
+  So many terrors, voices, prodigies
+  May warn thee, as a sure fore-going sign.
+  So talk'd he, while the Son of God went on
+  And staid not, but in brief him answer'd thus.
+  Mee worse then wet thou find'st not; other harm
+  Those terrors which thou speak'st of did me none;
+  I never fear'd they could, though noising loud
+  And threatning nigh; what they can do as signs
+  Betok'ning, or ill boding, I contemn                                490
+  As false portents, not sent from God, but thee;
+  Who knowing I shall raign past thy preventing.
+  Obtrud'st thy offer'd aid, that I accepting
+  At least might seem to hold all power of thee,
+  Ambitious spirit, and wouldst be thought my God,
+  And storm'st refus'd, thinking to terrifie
+  Mee to thy will; desist, thou art discern'd
+  And toil'st in vain, nor me in vain molest.
+  To whom the Fiend now swoln with rage reply'd:
+  Then hear, O Son of David, Virgin-born;                             500
+  For Son of God to me is yet in doubt,
+  Of the Messiah I have heard foretold
+  By all the Prophets; of thy birth at length
+  Announc't by Gabriel with the first I knew,
+  And of the Angelic Song in Bethlehem field,
+  On thy birth-night, that sung thee Saviour born.
+  From that time seldom have I ceas'd to eye
+  Thy infancy, thy childhood, and thy youth,
+  Thy manhood last, though yet in private bred;
+  Till at the Ford of Jordan whither all                              510
+  Flock'd to the Baptist, I among the rest,
+  Though not to be Baptiz'd, by voice from Heav'n
+  Heard thee pronounc'd the Son of God belov'd.
+  Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view
+  And narrower Scrutiny, that I might learn
+  In what degree or meaning thou art call'd
+  The Son of God, which bears no single sence;
+  The Son of God I also am, or was,
+  And if I was, I am; relation stands;
+  All men are Sons of God; yet thee I thought                         520
+  In some respect far higher so declar'd.
+  Therefore I watch'd thy footsteps from that hour,
+  And follow'd thee still on to this wast wild;
+  Where by all best conjectures I collect
+  Thou art to be my fatal enemy.
+  Good reason then, if I before-hand seek
+  To understand my Adversary, who
+  And what he is; his wisdom, power, intent,
+  By parl, or composition, truce, or league
+  To win him, or win from him what I can.                             530
+  And opportunity I here have had
+  To try thee, sift thee, and confess have found thee
+  Proof against all temptation as a rock
+  Of Adamant, and as a Center, firm
+  To the utmost of meer man both wise and good,
+  Not more; for Honours, Riches, Kingdoms, Glory
+  Have been before contemn'd, and may agen:
+  Therefore to know what more thou art then man,
+  Worth naming Son of God by voice from Heav'n,
+  Another method I must now begin.                                    540
+  So saying he caught him up, and without wing
+  Of Hippogrif bore through the Air sublime
+  Over the Wilderness and o're the Plain;
+  Till underneath them fair Jerusalem,
+  The holy City lifted high her Towers,
+  And higher yet the glorious Temple rear'd
+  Her pile, far off appearing like a Mount
+  Of Alabaster, top't with golden Spires:
+  There on the highest Pinacle he set
+  The Son of God; and added thus in scorn:                            550
+  There stand, if thou wilt stand; to stand upright
+  Will ask thee skill; I to thy Fathers house
+  Have brought thee, and highest plac't, highest is best,
+  Now shew thy Progeny; if not to stand,
+  Cast thy self down; safely if Son of God:
+  For it is written, He will give command
+  Concerning thee to his Angels, in thir hands
+  They shall up lift thee, lest at any time
+  Thou chance to dash thy foot against a stone.
+  To whom thus Jesus: also it is written,                             560
+  Tempt not the Lord thy God, he said and stood.
+  But Satan smitten with amazement fell
+  As when Earths Son Antaeus (to compare
+  Small things with greatest) in Irassa strove
+  With Joves Alcides and oft foil'd still rose,
+  Receiving from his mother Earth new strength,
+  Fresh from his fall, and fiercer grapple joyn'd,
+  Throttl'd at length in the Air, expir'd and fell;
+  So after many a foil the Tempter proud,
+  Renewing fresh assaults, amidst his pride                           570
+  Fell whence he stood to see his Victor fall.
+  And as that Theban Monster that propos'd
+  Her riddle, and him, who solv'd it not, devour'd;
+  That once found out and solv'd, for grief and spight
+  Cast her self headlong from th' Ismenian steep,
+  So strook with dread and anguish fell the Fiend,
+  And to his crew, that sat consulting, brought
+  Joyless triumphals of his hop't success,
+  Ruin, and desperation, and dismay,
+  Who durst so proudly tempt the Son of God.                          580
+  So Satan fell and strait a fiery Globe
+  Of Angels on full sail of wing flew nigh,
+  Who on their plumy Vans receiv'd him soft
+  From his uneasie station, and upbore
+  As on a floating couch through the blithe Air,
+  Then in a flowry valley set him down
+  On a green bank, and set before him spred
+  A table of Celestial Food, Divine,
+  Ambrosial, Fruits fetcht from the tree of life,
+  And from the fount of life Ambrosial drink,                         590
+  That soon refresh'd him wearied, and repair'd
+  What hunger, if aught hunger had impair'd,
+  Or thirst, and as he fed, Angelic Quires
+  Sung Heavenly Anthems of his victory
+  Over temptation, and the Tempter proud.
+  True Image of the Father whether thron'd
+  In the bosom of bliss, and light of light
+  Conceiving, or remote from Heaven, enshrin'd
+  In fleshly Tabernacle, and human form,
+  Wandring the Wilderness, whatever place,                            600
+  Habit, or state, or motion, still expressing
+  The Son of God, with Godlike force indu'd
+  Against th' Attempter of thy Fathers Throne,
+  And Thief of Paradise; him long of old
+  Thou didst debel, and down from Heav'n cast
+  With all his Army, now thou hast aveng'd
+  Supplanted Adam, and by vanquishing
+  Temptation, hast regain'd lost Paradise,
+  And frustrated the conquest fraudulent:
+  He never more henceforth will dare set foot                         610
+  In Paradise to tempt; his snares are broke:
+  For though that seat of earthly bliss be fail'd,
+  A fairer Paradise is founded now
+  For Adam and his chosen Sons, whom thou
+  A Saviour art come down to re-install.
+  Where they shall dwell secure, when time shall be
+  Of Tempter and Temptation without fear.
+  But thou, Infernal Serpent, shalt not long
+  Rule in the Clouds; like an Autumnal Star
+  Or Lightning thou shalt fall from Heav'n trod down                  620
+  Under his feet: for proof, e're this thou feel'st
+  Thy wound, yet not thy last and deadliest wound
+  By this repulse receiv'd, and hold'st in Hell
+  No triumph; in all her gates Abaddon rues
+  Thy bold attempt; hereafter learn with awe
+  To dread the Son of God: he all unarm'd
+  Shall chase thee with the terror of his voice
+  From  thy Demoniac holds, possession foul,
+  Thee and thy Legions, yelling they shall flye,
+  And beg to hide them in a herd of Swine,                            630
+  Lest he command them down into the deep
+  Bound, and to torment sent before thir time.
+  Hail Son of the most High, heir of both worlds,
+  Queller of Satan, on thy glorious work
+  Now enter, and begin to save mankind.
+  Thus they the Son of God our Saviour meek
+  Sung Victor, and from Heavenly Feast refresht
+  Brought on his way with joy; hee unobserv'd
+  Home to his Mothers house private return'd.
+
+  The End.
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Title page of first edition of Samson Agonistes
+follows:
+
+
+                            SAMSON
+                           AGONISTES,
+                              A
+                        DRAMATIC POEM.
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                          The Author
+                          JOHN MILTON
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                     Aristot. Poet. Cap. 6.
+             Tragedia mimeis praxeos spadaias, &c.
+  Tragedia est imitatio actionis seriae. &c. Per misericordiam &
+     metum perficiens talium affectuum lustrationem.
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+  ------------------------------------------------------------
+                            LONDON.
+             Printed by J.M. for John Starkey at the
+              Mitre in Fleetstreet, near Temple-Bar.
+                            MDCLXXI
+
+
+
+
+SAMSON AGONISTES
+
+
+
+
+Of that sort of Dramatic Poem which is call'd Tragedy.
+
+
+TRAGEDY, as it was antiently compos'd, hath been ever held the gravest,
+moralest, and most profitable of all other Poems: therefore said by
+Aristotle to be of power by raising pity and fear, or terror, to purge
+the mind of those and such like passions, that is to temper and reduce
+them to just measure with a kind of delight, stirr'd up by reading or
+seeing those passions well imitated. Nor is Nature wanting in her own
+effects to make good his assertion: for so in Physic things of
+melancholic hue and quality are us'd against melancholy, sowr against
+sowr, salt to remove salt humours. Hence Philosophers and other gravest
+Writers, as Cicero, Plutarch and others, frequently cite out of Tragic
+Poets, both to adorn and illustrate thir discourse.  The Apostle Paul
+himself thought it not unworthy to insert a verse of Euripides into the
+Text of Holy Scripture, I Cor. 15. 33. and Paraeus commenting on the
+Revelation, divides the whole Book as a Tragedy, into Acts distinguisht
+each by a Chorus of Heavenly Harpings and Song between.  Heretofore Men
+in highest dignity have labour'd not a little to be thought able to
+compose a Tragedy.  Of that honour Dionysius the elder was no less
+ambitious, then before of his attaining to the Tyranny. Augustus Caesar
+also had begun his Ajax, but unable to please his own judgment with what
+he had begun, left it unfinisht.  Seneca the Philosopher is by some
+thought the Author of those Tragedies (at lest the best of them) that go
+under that name.  Gregory Nazianzen a Father of the Church, thought it
+not unbeseeming the sanctity of his person to write a Tragedy which he
+entitl'd, Christ suffering. This is mention'd to vindicate Tragedy from
+the small esteem, or rather infamy, which in the account of many it
+undergoes at this day with other common Interludes; hap'ning through the
+Poets error of intermixing Comic stuff with Tragic sadness and gravity;
+or introducing trivial and vulgar persons, which by all judicious hath
+bin counted absurd; and brought in without discretion, corruptly to
+gratifie the people. And though antient Tragedy use no Prologue, yet
+using sometimes, in case of self defence, or explanation, that which
+Martial calls an Epistle; in behalf of this Tragedy coming forth after
+the antient manner, much different from what among us passes for best,
+thus much before-hand may be Epistl'd; that Chorus is here introduc'd
+after the Greek manner, not antient only but modern, and still in use
+among the Italians. In the modelling therefore of this Poem with good
+reason, the Antients and Italians are rather follow'd, as of much more
+authority and fame. The measure of Verse us'd in the Chorus is of all
+sorts, call'd by the Greeks Monostrophic, or rather Apolelymenon,
+without regard had to Strophe, Antistrophe or Epod, which were a kind of
+Stanza's fram'd only for the Music, then us'd with the Chorus that sung;
+not essential to the Poem, and therefore not material; or being divided
+into Stanza's or Pauses they may be call'd Allaeostropha.  Division into
+Act and Scene referring chiefly to the Stage (to which this work never
+was intended) is here omitted.
+
+It suffices if the whole Drama be found not produc't beyond the fift
+Act, of the style and uniformitie, and that commonly call'd the Plot,
+whether intricate or explicit, which is nothing indeed but such
+oeconomy, or disposition of the fable as may stand best with
+verisimilitude and decorum; they only will best judge who are not
+unacquainted with Aeschulus, Sophocles, and Euripides, the three Tragic
+Poets unequall'd yet by any, and the best rule to all who endeavour to
+write Tragedy. The circumscription of time wherein the whole Drama
+begins and ends, is according to antient rule, and best example, within
+the space of 24 hours.
+
+
+
+
+The Argument.
+
+
+Samson made Captive, Blind, and now in the Prison at Gaza, there to
+labour as in a common work-house, on a Festival day, in the general
+cessation from labour, comes forth into the open Air, to a place nigh,
+somewhat retir'd there to sit a while and bemoan his condition. Where he
+happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his
+tribe, which make the Chorus, who seek to comfort him what they can;
+then by his old Father Manoa, who endeavours the like, and withal tells
+him his purpose to procure his liberty by ransom; lastly, that this
+Feast was proclaim'd by the Philistins as a day of Thanksgiving for thir
+deliverance from the hands of Samson, which yet more troubles him.
+Manoa then departs to prosecute his endeavour with the Philistian Lords
+for Samson's redemption; who in the mean while is visited by other
+persons; and lastly by a publick Officer to require coming to the Feast
+before the Lords and People, to play or shew his strength in thir
+presence; he at first refuses, dismissing the publick officer with
+absolute denyal to come; at length perswaded inwardly that this was from
+God, he yields to go along with him, who came now the second time with
+great threatnings to fetch him; the Chorus yet remaining on the place,
+Manoa returns full of joyful hope, to procure e're long his Sons
+deliverance: in the midst of which discourse an Ebrew comes in haste
+confusedly at first; and afterward more distinctly relating the
+Catastrophe, what Samson had done to the Philistins, and by accident to
+himself; wherewith the Tragedy ends.
+
+
+  The Persons
+
+  Samson.
+  Manoa the father of Samson.
+  Dalila his wife.
+  Harapha of Gath.
+  Publick Officer.
+  Messenger.
+  Chorus of Danites
+
+
+  The Scene before the Prison in Gaza.
+
+  Sam:  A little onward lend thy guiding hand
+  To these dark steps, a little further on;
+  For yonder bank hath choice of Sun or shade,
+  There I am wont to sit, when any chance
+  Relieves me from my task of servile toyl,
+  Daily in the common Prison else enjoyn'd me,
+  Where I a Prisoner chain'd, scarce freely draw
+  The air imprison'd also, close and damp,
+  Unwholsom draught: but here I feel amends,
+  The breath of Heav'n fresh-blowing, pure and sweet,                  10
+  With day-spring born; here leave me to respire.
+  This day a solemn Feast the people hold
+  To Dagon thir Sea-Idol, and forbid
+  Laborious works, unwillingly this rest
+  Thir Superstition yields me; hence with leave
+  Retiring from the popular noise, I seek
+  This unfrequented place to find some ease,
+  Ease to the body some, none to the mind
+  From restless thoughts, that like a deadly swarm
+  Of Hornets arm'd, no sooner found alone,                             20
+  But rush upon me thronging, and present
+  Times past, what once I was, and what am now.
+  O wherefore was my birth from Heaven foretold
+  Twice by an Angel, who at last in sight
+  Of both my Parents all in flames ascended
+  From off the Altar, where an Off'ring burn'd,
+  As in a fiery column charioting
+  His Godlike presence, and from some great act
+  Or benefit reveal'd to Abraham's race?
+  Why was my breeding order'd and prescrib'd                           30
+  As of a person separate to God,
+  Design'd for great exploits; if I must dye
+  Betray'd, Captiv'd, and both my Eyes put out,
+  Made of my Enemies the scorn and gaze;
+  To grind in Brazen Fetters under task
+  With this Heav'n-gifted strength? O glorious strength
+  Put to the labour of a Beast, debas't
+  Lower then bondslave! Promise was that I
+  Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver;
+  Ask for this great Deliverer now, and find him                       40
+  Eyeless in Gaza at the Mill with slaves,
+  Himself in bonds under Philistian yoke;
+  Yet stay, let me not rashly call in doubt
+  Divine Prediction; what if all foretold
+  Had been fulfilld but through mine own default,
+  Whom have I to complain of but my self?
+  Who this high gift of strength committed to me,
+  In what part lodg'd, how easily bereft me,
+  Under the Seal of silence could not keep,
+  But weakly to a woman must reveal it                                 50
+  O'recome with importunity and tears.
+  O impotence of mind, in body strong!
+  But what is strength without a double share
+  Of wisdom, vast, unwieldy, burdensom,
+  Proudly secure, yet liable to fall
+  By weakest suttleties, not made to rule,
+  But to subserve where wisdom bears command.
+  God, when he gave me strength, to shew withal
+  How slight the gift was, hung it in my Hair.
+  But peace, I must not quarrel with the will                          60
+  Of highest dispensation, which herein
+  Happ'ly had ends above my reach to know:
+  Suffices that to me strength is my bane,
+  And proves the sourse of all my miseries;
+  So many, and so huge, that each apart
+  Would ask a life to wail, but chief of all,
+  O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!
+  Blind among enemies, O worse then chains,
+  Dungeon, or beggery, or decrepit age!
+  Light the prime work of God to me is extinct,
+  And all her various objects of delight
+  Annull'd, which might in part my grief have eas'd,
+  Inferiour to the vilest now become
+  Of man or worm; the vilest here excel me,
+  They creep, yet see, I dark in light expos'd
+  To daily fraud, contempt, abuse and wrong,
+  Within doors, or without, still as a fool,
+  In power of others, never in my own;
+  Scarce half I seem to live, dead more then half.
+  O dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon,                          80
+  Irrecoverably dark, total Eclipse
+  Without all hope of day!
+  O first created Beam, and thou great Word,
+  Let there be light, and light was over all;
+  Why am I thus bereav'd thy prime decree?
+  The Sun to me is dark
+  And silent as the Moon,
+  When she deserts the night
+  Hid in her vacant interlunar cave.
+  Since light so necessary is to life,                                 90
+  And almost life itself, if it be true
+  That light is in the Soul,
+  She all in every part; why was the sight
+  To such a tender ball as th' eye confin'd?
+  So obvious and so easie to be quench't,
+  And not as feeling through all parts diffus'd,
+  That she might look at will through every pore?
+  Then had I not been thus exil'd from light;
+  As in the land of darkness yet in light,
+  To live a life half dead, a living death,                           100
+  And buried; but O yet more miserable!
+  My self, my Sepulcher, a moving Grave,
+  Buried, yet not exempt
+  By priviledge of death and burial
+  From worst of other evils, pains and wrongs,
+  But made hereby obnoxious more
+  To all the miseries of life,
+  Life in captivity
+  Among inhuman foes.
+  But who are these? for with joint pace I hear                       110
+  The tread of many feet stearing this way;
+  Perhaps my enemies who come to stare
+  At my affliction, and perhaps to insult,
+  Thir daily practice to afflict me more.
+
+  Chor:  This, this is he; softly a while,
+  Let us not break in upon him;
+  O change beyond report, thought, or belief!
+  See how he lies at random, carelessly diffus'd,
+  With languish't head unpropt,
+  As one past hope, abandon'd                                         120
+  And by himself given over;
+  In slavish habit, ill-fitted weeds
+  O're worn and soild;
+  Or do my eyes misrepresent?  Can this be hee,
+  That Heroic, that Renown'd,
+  Irresistible Samson? whom unarm'd
+  No strength of man, or fiercest wild beast could withstand;
+  Who tore the Lion, as the Lion tears the Kid,
+  Ran on embattelld Armies clad in Iron,
+  And weaponless himself,                                             130
+  Made Arms ridiculous, useless the forgery
+  Of brazen shield and spear, the hammer'd Cuirass,
+  Chalybean temper'd steel, and frock of mail
+  Adamantean Proof;
+  But safest he who stood aloof,
+  When insupportably his foot advanc't,
+  In scorn of thir proud arms and warlike tools,
+  Spurn'd them to death by Troops.  The bold Ascalonite
+  Fled from his Lion ramp, old Warriors turn'd
+  Thir plated backs under his heel;                                   140
+  Or grovling soild thir crested helmets in the dust.
+  Then with what trivial weapon came to Hand,
+  The Jaw of a dead Ass, his sword of bone,
+  A thousand fore-skins fell, the flower of Palestin
+  In Ramath-lechi famous to this day:
+  Then by main force pull'd up, and on his shoulders bore
+  The Gates of Azza, Post, and massie Bar
+  Up to the Hill by Hebron, seat of Giants old,
+  No journey of a Sabbath day, and loaded so;
+  Like whom the Gentiles feign to bear up Heav'n.                     150
+  Which shall I first bewail,
+  Thy Bondage or lost Sight,
+  Prison within Prison
+  Inseparably dark?
+  Thou art become (O worst imprisonment!)
+  The Dungeon of thy self; thy Soul
+   (Which Men enjoying sight oft without cause complain)
+  Imprison'd now indeed,
+  In real darkness of the body dwells,
+  Shut up from outward light                                          160
+  To incorporate with gloomy night;
+  For inward light alas
+  Puts forth no visual beam.
+  O mirror of our fickle state,
+  Since man on earth unparallel'd!
+  The rarer thy example stands,
+  By how much from the top of wondrous glory,
+  Strongest of mortal men,
+  To lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fall'n.
+  For him I reckon not in high estate                                 170
+  Whom long descent of birth
+  Or the sphear of fortune raises;
+  But thee whose strength, while vertue was her mate
+  Might have subdu'd the Earth,
+  Universally crown'd with highest praises.
+
+  Sam:  I hear the sound of words, thir sense the air
+  Dissolves unjointed e're it reach my ear.
+
+  Chor:  Hee speaks, let us draw nigh.  Matchless in might,
+  The glory late of Israel, now the grief;
+  We come thy friends and neighbours not unknown                      180
+  From Eshtaol and Zora's fruitful Vale
+  To visit or bewail thee, or if better,
+  Counsel or Consolation we may bring,
+  Salve to thy Sores, apt words have power to swage
+  The tumors of a troubl'd mind,
+  And are as Balm to fester'd wounds.
+
+  Sam:  Your coming, Friends, revives me, for I learn
+  Now of my own experience, not by talk,
+  How counterfeit a coin they are who friends
+  Bear in their Superscription (of the most                           190
+  I would be understood) in prosperous days
+  They swarm, but in adverse withdraw their head
+  Not to be found, though sought.  Wee see, O friends.
+  How many evils have enclos'd me round;
+  Yet that which was the worst now least afflicts me,
+  Blindness, for had I sight, confus'd with shame,
+  How could I once look up, or heave the head,
+  Who like a foolish Pilot have shipwrack't,
+  My Vessel trusted to me from above,
+  Gloriously rigg'd; and for a word, a tear,                          200
+  Fool, have divulg'd the secret gift of God
+  To a deceitful Woman: tell me Friends,
+  Am I not sung and proverbd for a Fool
+  In every street, do they not say, how well
+  Are come upon him his deserts? yet why?
+  Immeasurable strength they might behold
+  In me, of wisdom nothing more then mean;
+  This with the other should, at least, have paird,
+  These two proportiond ill drove me transverse.
+
+  Chor:  Tax not divine disposal, wisest Men                          210
+  Have err'd, and by bad Women been deceiv'd;
+  And shall again, pretend they ne're so wise.
+  Deject not then so overmuch thy self,
+  Who hast of sorrow thy full load besides;
+  Yet truth to say, I oft have heard men wonder
+  Why thou shouldst wed Philistian women rather
+  Then of thine own Tribe fairer, or as fair,
+  At least of thy own Nation, and as noble.
+
+  Sam:  The first I saw at Timna, and she pleas'd
+  Mee, not my Parents, that I sought to wed,                          220
+  The daughter of an Infidel: they knew not
+  That what I motion'd was of God; I knew
+  From intimate impulse, and therefore urg'd
+  The Marriage on; that by occasion hence
+  I might begin Israel's Deliverance,
+  The work to which I was divinely call'd;
+  She proving false, the next I took to Wife
+  (O that I never had! fond wish too late)
+  Was in the Vale of Sorec, Dalila,
+  That specious Monster, my accomplisht snare.                        230
+  I thought it lawful from my former act,
+  And the same end; still watching to oppress
+  Israel's oppressours: of what now I suffer
+  She was not the prime cause, but I my self,
+  Who vanquisht with a peal of words (O weakness!)
+  Gave up my fort of silence to a Woman.
+
+  Chor:  In seeking just occasion to provoke
+  The Philistine, thy Countries Enemy,
+  Thou never wast remiss, I hear thee witness:
+  Yet Israel still serves with all his Sons.                          240
+
+  Sam:  That fault I take not on me, but transfer
+  On Israel's Governours, and Heads of Tribes,
+  Who seeing those great acts which God had done
+  Singly by me against their Conquerours
+  Acknowledg'd not, or not at all consider'd
+  Deliverance offerd: I on th' other side
+  Us'd no ambition to commend my deeds,
+  The deeds themselves, though mute, spoke loud the dooer;
+  But they persisted deaf, and would not seem
+  To count them things worth notice, till at length                   250
+  Thir Lords the Philistines with gather'd powers
+  Enterd Judea seeking mee, who then
+  Safe to the rock of Etham was retir'd,
+  Not flying, but fore-casting in what place
+  To set upon them, what advantag'd best;
+  Mean while the men of Judah to prevent
+  The harrass of thir Land, beset me round;
+  I willingly on some conditions came
+  Into thir hands, and they as gladly yield me
+  To the uncircumcis'd a welcom prey,                                 260
+  Bound with two cords; but cords to me were threds
+  Toucht with the flame: on thir whole Host I flew
+  Unarm'd, and with a trivial weapon fell'd
+  Thir choicest youth; they only liv'd who fled.
+  Had Judah that day join'd, or one whole Tribe,
+  They had by this possess'd the Towers of Gath,
+  And lorded over them whom now they serve;
+  But what more oft in Nations grown corrupt,
+  And by thir vices brought to servitude,
+  Then to love Bondage more then Liberty,                             270
+  Bondage with ease then strenuous liberty;
+  And to despise, or envy, or suspect
+  Whom God hath of his special favour rais'd
+  As thir Deliverer; if he aught begin,
+  How frequent to desert him, and at last
+  To heap ingratitude on worthiest deeds?
+
+  Chor:  Thy words to my remembrance bring
+  How Succoth and the Fort of Penuel
+  Thir great Deliverer contemn'd,
+  The matchless Gideon in pursuit                                     280
+  Of Madian and her vanquisht Kings;
+  And how ingrateful Ephraim
+  Not worse then by his shield and spear
+  Had dealt with Jephtha, who by argument,
+  Defended Israel from the Ammonite,
+  Had not his prowess quell'd thir pride
+  In that sore battel when so many dy'd
+  Without Reprieve adjudg'd to death,
+  For want of well pronouncing Shibboleth.
+
+  Sam:  Of such examples adde mee to the roul,                        290
+  Mee easily indeed mine may neglect,
+  But Gods propos'd deliverance not so.
+
+  Chor: Just are the ways of God,
+  And justifiable to Men;
+  Unless there be who think not God at all,
+  If any be, they walk obscure;
+  For of such Doctrine never was there School,
+  But the heart of the Fool,
+  And no man therein Doctor but himself.
+  Yet more there be who doubt his ways not just,                      300
+  As to his own edicts, found contradicting,
+  Then give the rains to wandring thought,
+  Regardless of his glories diminution;
+  Till by thir own perplexities involv'd
+  They ravel more, still less resolv'd,
+  But never find self-satisfying solution.
+  As if they would confine th' interminable,
+  And tie him to his own prescript,
+  Who made our Laws to bind us, not himself,
+  And hath full right to exempt                                       310
+  Whom so it pleases him by choice
+  From National obstriction, without taint
+  Of sin, or legal debt;
+  For with his own Laws he can best dispence.
+  He would not else who never wanted means,
+  Nor in respect of the enemy just cause
+  To set his people free,
+  Have prompted this Heroic Nazarite,
+  Against his vow of strictest purity,
+  To seek in marriage that fallacious Bride,                          320
+  Unclean, unchaste.
+  Down Reason then, at least vain reasonings down,
+  Though Reason here aver
+  That moral verdit quits her of unclean:
+  Unchaste was subsequent, her stain not his.
+  But see here comes thy reverend Sire
+  With careful step, Locks white as doune,
+  Old Manoah: advise
+  Forthwith how thou oughtst to receive him.
+
+  Sam:  Ay me, another inward grief awak't,                           330
+  With mention of that name renews th' assault.
+
+  Man:  Brethren and men of Dan, for such ye seem,
+  Though in this uncouth place; if old respect,
+  As I suppose, towards your once gloried friend,
+  My Son now Captive, hither hath inform'd
+  Your younger feet, while mine cast back with age
+  Came lagging after; say if he be here.
+
+  Chor:  As signal now in low dejected state,
+  As earst in highest; behold him where he lies.
+
+  Man:  O miserable change! is this the man,                          340
+  That invincible Samson, far renown'd,
+  The dread of Israel's foes, who with a strength
+  Equivalent to Angels walk'd thir streets,
+  None offering fight; who single combatant
+  Duell'd thir Armies rank't in proud array,
+  Himself an Army, now unequal match
+  To save himself against a coward arm'd
+  At one spears length.  O ever failing trust
+  In mortal strength! and oh what not in man
+  Deceivable and vain! Nay what thing good                            350
+  Pray'd for, but often proves our woe, our bane?
+  I pray'd for Children, and thought barrenness
+  In wedlock a reproach; I gain'd a Son,
+  And such a Son as all Men hail'd me happy;
+  Who would be now a Father in my stead?
+  O wherefore did God grant me my request,
+  And as a blessing with such pomp adorn'd?
+  Why are his gifts desirable, to tempt
+  Our earnest Prayers, then giv'n with solemn hand
+  As Graces, draw a Scorpions tail behind?                            360
+  For this did the Angel twice descend? for this
+  Ordain'd thy nurture holy, as of a Plant;
+  Select, and Sacred, Glorious for a while,
+  The miracle of men: then in an hour
+  Ensnar'd, assaulted, overcome, led bound,
+  Thy Foes derision, Captive, Poor, and Blind
+  Into a Dungeon thrust, to work with Slaves?
+  Alas methinks whom God hath chosen once
+  To worthiest deeds, if he through frailty err,
+  He should not so o'rewhelm, and as a thrall                         370
+  Subject him to so foul indignities,
+  Be it but for honours sake of former deeds.
+
+  Sam:  Appoint not heavenly disposition, Father,
+  Nothing of all these evils hath befall'n me
+  But justly; I my self have brought them on,
+  Sole Author I, sole cause: if aught seem vile,
+  As vile hath been my folly, who have profan'd
+  The mystery of God giv'n me under pledge
+  Of vow, and have betray'd it to a woman,
+  A Canaanite, my faithless enemy.                                    380
+  This well I knew, nor was at all surpris'd,
+  But warn'd by oft experience: did not she
+  Of Timna first betray me, and reveal
+  The secret wrested from me in her highth
+  Of Nuptial Love profest, carrying it strait
+  To them who had corrupted her, my Spies,
+  And Rivals? In this other was there found
+  More Faith? who also in her prime of love,
+  Spousal embraces, vitiated with Gold,
+  Though offer'd only, by the sent conceiv'd                          390
+  Her spurious first-born; Treason against me?
+  Thrice she assay'd with flattering prayers and sighs,
+  And amorous reproaches to win from me
+  My capital secret, in what part my strength
+  Lay stor'd in what part summ'd, that she might know:
+  Thrice I deluded her, and turn'd to sport
+  Her importunity, each time perceiving
+  How openly, and with what impudence
+  She purpos'd to betray me, and (which was worse
+  Then undissembl'd hate) with what contempt                          400
+  She sought to make me Traytor to my self;
+  Yet the fourth time, when mustring all her wiles,
+  With blandisht parlies, feminine assaults,
+  Tongue-batteries, she surceas'd not day nor night
+  To storm me over-watch't, and wearied out.
+  At times when men seek most repose and rest,
+  I yielded, and unlock'd her all my heart,
+  Who with a grain of manhood well resolv'd
+  Might easily have shook off all her snares:
+  But foul effeminacy held me yok't                                   410
+  Her Bond-slave; O indignity, O blot
+  To Honour and Religion! servil mind
+  Rewarded well with servil punishment!
+  The base degree to which I now am fall'n,
+  These rags, this grinding, is not yet so base
+  As was my former servitude, ignoble,
+  Unmanly, ignominious, infamous,
+  True slavery, and that blindness worse then this,
+  That saw not how degeneratly I serv'd.
+
+  Man:  I cannot praise thy Marriage choises, Son,                    420
+  Rather approv'd them not; but thou didst plead
+  Divine impulsion prompting how thou might'st
+  Find some occasion to infest our Foes.
+  I state not that; this I am sure; our Foes
+  Found soon occasion thereby to make thee
+  Thir Captive, and thir triumph; thou the sooner
+  Temptation found'st, or over-potent charms
+  To violate the sacred trust of silence
+  Deposited within thee; which to have kept
+  Tacit, was in thy power; true; and thou hear'st                     430
+  Enough, and more the burden of that fault;
+  Bitterly hast thou paid, and still art paying
+  That rigid score.  A worse thing yet remains,
+  This day the Philistines a popular Feast
+  Here celebrate in Gaza, and proclaim
+  Great Pomp, and Sacrifice, and Praises loud
+  To Dagon, as their God who hath deliver'd
+  Thee Samson bound and blind into thir hands,
+  Them out of thine, who slew'st them many a slain.
+  So Dagon shall be magnifi'd, and God,                               440
+  Besides whom is no God, compar'd with Idols,
+  Disglorifi'd, blasphem'd, and had in scorn
+  By th' Idolatrous rout amidst thir wine;
+  Which to have come to pass by means of thee,
+  Samson, of all thy sufferings think the heaviest,
+  Of all reproach the most with shame that ever
+  Could have befall'n thee and thy Fathers house.
+
+  Sam:  Father, I do acknowledge and confess
+  That I this honour, I this pomp have brought
+  To Dagon, and advanc'd his praises high                             450
+  Among the Heathen round; to God have brought
+  Dishonour, obloquie, and op't the mouths
+  Of Idolists, and Atheists; have brought scandal
+  To Israel diffidence of God, and doubt
+  In feeble hearts, propense anough before
+  To waver, or fall off and joyn with Idols:
+  Which is my chief affliction, shame and sorrow,
+  The anguish of my Soul, that suffers not
+  Mine eie to harbour sleep, or thoughts to rest.
+  This only hope relieves me, that the strife                         460
+  With me hath end; all the contest is now
+  'Twixt God and Dagon; Dagon hath presum'd,
+  Me overthrown, to enter lists with God,
+  His Deity comparing and preferring
+  Before the God of Abraham. He, be sure,
+  Will not connive, or linger, thus provok'd,
+  But will arise and his great name assert:
+  Dagon must stoop, and shall e're long receive
+  Such a discomfit, as shall quite despoil him
+  Of all these boasted Trophies won on me,                            470
+  And with confusion blank his Worshippers.
+
+  Man: With cause this hope relieves thee, and these words
+  I as a Prophecy receive: for God,
+  Nothing more certain, will not long defer
+  To vindicate the glory of his name
+  Against all competition, nor will long
+  Endure it, doubtful whether God be Lord,
+  Or Dagon.  But for thee what shall be done?
+  Thou must not in the mean while here forgot
+  Lie in this miserable loathsom plight                               480
+  Neglected.  I already have made way
+  To some Philistian Lords, with whom to treat
+  About thy ransom: well they may by this
+  Have satisfi'd thir utmost of revenge
+  By pains and slaveries, worse then death inflicted
+  On thee, who now no more canst do them harm.
+
+  Sam:  Spare that proposal, Father, spare the trouble
+  Of that sollicitation; let me here,
+  As I deserve, pay on my punishment;
+  And expiate, if possible, my crime,                                 490
+  Shameful garrulity.  To have reveal'd
+  Secrets of men, the secrets of a friend,
+  How hainous had the fact been, how deserving
+  Contempt, and scorn of all, to be excluded
+  All friendship, and avoided as a blab,
+  The mark of fool set on his front?
+  But I Gods counsel have not kept, his holy  secret
+  Presumptuously have publish'd, impiously,
+  Weakly at least, and shamefully: A sin
+  That Gentiles in thir Parables condemn                              500
+  To thir abyss and horrid pains confin'd.
+
+  Man:  Be penitent and for thy fault contrite,
+  But act not in thy own affliction, Son,
+  Repent the sin, but if the punishment
+  Thou canst avoid, selfpreservation bids;
+  Or th' execution leave to high disposal,
+  And let another hand, not thine, exact
+  Thy penal forfeit from thy self; perhaps
+  God will relent, and quit thee all his debt;
+  Who evermore approves and more accepts                              510
+  (Best pleas'd with humble and filial submission)
+  Him who imploring mercy sues for life,
+  Then who selfrigorous chooses death as due;
+  Which argues overjust, and self-displeas'd
+  For self-offence, more then for God offended.
+  Reject not then what offerd means, who knows
+  But God hath set before us, to return thee
+  Home to thy countrey and his sacred house,
+  Where thou mayst bring thy off'rings, to avert
+  His further ire, with praiers and vows renew'd.                     520
+
+  Sam:  His pardon I implore; but as for life,
+  To what end should I seek it? when in strength
+  All mortals I excell'd, and great in hopes
+  With youthful courage and magnanimous thoughts
+  Of birth from  Heav'n foretold and high exploits,
+  Full of divine instinct, after some proof
+  Of acts indeed heroic, far beyond
+  The Sons of Anac, famous now and blaz'd,
+  Fearless of danger, like a petty God
+  I walk'd about admir'd of all and dreaded                           530
+  On hostile ground, none daring my affront.
+  Then swoll'n with pride into the snare I fell
+  Of fair fallacious looks, venereal trains,
+  Softn'd with pleasure and voluptuous life;
+  At length to lay my head and hallow'd pledge
+  Of all my strength in the lascivious lap
+  Of a deceitful Concubine who shore me
+  Like a tame Weather, all my precious fleece,
+  Then turn'd me out ridiculous, despoil'd,
+  Shav'n, and disarm'd among my enemies.                              540
+
+  Chor.  Desire of wine and all delicious drinks,
+  Which many a famous Warriour overturns,
+  Thou couldst repress, nor did the dancing Rubie
+  Sparkling; out-pow'rd, the flavor, or the smell,
+  Or taste that cheers the heart of Gods and men,
+  Allure thee from the cool Crystalline stream.
+
+  Sam. Where ever fountain or fresh current flow'd
+  Against the Eastern ray, translucent, pure,
+  With touch aetherial of Heav'ns fiery rod
+  I drank, from the clear milkie juice allaying                       550
+  Thirst, and refresht; nor envy'd them the grape
+  Whose heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes.
+
+  Chor.  O madness, to think use of strongest wines
+  And strongest drinks our chief support of health,
+  When God with these forbid'n made choice to rear
+  His mighty Champion, strong above compare,
+  Whose drink was only from the liquid brook.
+
+   Sam.  But what avail'd this temperance, not compleat
+  Against another object more enticing?
+  What boots it at one gate to make defence,                          560
+  And at another to let in the foe
+  Effeminatly vanquish't? by which means,
+  Now blind, disheartn'd, sham'd, dishonour'd, quell'd,
+  To what can I be useful, wherein serve
+  My Nation, and the work from Heav'n impos'd,
+  But to sit idle on the houshold hearth,
+  A burdenous drone; to visitants a gaze,
+  Or pitied object, these redundant locks
+  Robustious to no purpose clustring down,
+  Vain monument of strength; till length of years                     570
+  And sedentary numness craze my limbs
+  To a contemptible old age obscure.
+  Here rather let me drudge and earn my bread,
+  Till vermin or the draff of servil food
+  Consume me, and oft-invocated death
+  Hast'n the welcom end of all my pains.
+
+  Man.  Wilt thou then serve the Philistines with that gift
+  Which was expresly giv'n thee to annoy them?
+  Better at home lie bed-rid, not only idle,
+  Inglorious, unimploy'd, with age out-worn.                          580
+  But God who caus'd a fountain at thy prayer
+  From the dry ground to spring, thy thirst to allay
+  After the brunt of battel, can as easie
+  Cause light again within thy eies to spring,
+  Wherewith to serve him better then thou hast;
+  And I perswade me so; why else this strength
+  Miraculous yet remaining in those locks?
+  His might continues in thee not for naught,
+  Nor shall his wondrous gifts be frustrate thus.
+
+  Sam:  All otherwise to me my thoughts portend,                      590
+  That these dark orbs no more shall treat with light,
+  Nor th' other light of life continue long,
+  But yield to double darkness nigh at hand:
+  So much I feel my genial spirits droop,
+  My hopes all flat, nature within me seems
+  In all her functions weary of herself;
+  My race of glory run, and race of shame,
+  And I shall shortly be with them that rest.
+
+  Man.  Believe not these suggestions which proceed
+  From anguish of the mind and humours black,                         600
+  That mingle with thy fancy.  I however
+  Must not omit a Fathers timely care
+  To prosecute the means of thy deliverance
+  By ransom or how else: mean while be calm,
+  And healing words from these thy friends admit.
+
+  Sam.  O that torment should not be confin'd
+  To the bodies wounds and sores
+  With maladies innumerable
+  In heart, head, brest, and reins;
+  But must secret passage find                                        610
+  To th' inmost mind,
+  There exercise all his fierce accidents,
+  And on her purest spirits prey,
+  As on entrails, joints, and limbs,
+  With answerable pains, but more intense,
+  'Though void of corporal sense.
+  My griefs not only pain me
+  As a lingring disease,
+  But finding no redress, ferment and rage,
+  Nor less then wounds immedicable                                    620
+  Ranckle, and fester, and gangrene,
+  To black mortification.
+  Thoughts my Tormenters arm'd with deadly stings
+  Mangle my apprehensive tenderest parts,
+  Exasperate, exulcerate, and raise
+  Dire inflammation which no cooling herb
+  Or medcinal liquor can asswage,
+  Nor breath of Vernal Air from snowy Alp.
+  Sleep hath forsook and giv'n me o're
+  To deaths benumming Opium as my only cure.                          630
+  Thence faintings, swounings of despair,
+  And sense of Heav'ns desertion.
+  I was his nursling once and choice delight,
+  His destin'd from the womb,
+  Promisd by Heavenly message twice descending.
+  Under his special eie
+  Abstemious I grew up and thriv'd amain;
+  He led me on to mightiest deeds
+  Above the nerve of mortal arm
+  Against the uncircumcis'd, our enemies.                             640
+  But now hath cast me off as never known,
+  And to those cruel enemies,
+  Whom I by his appointment had provok't,
+  Left me all helpless with th' irreparable loss
+  Of sight, reserv'd alive to be repeated
+  The subject of thir cruelty, or scorn.
+  Nor am I in the list of them that hope;
+  Hopeless are all my evils, all remediless;
+  This one prayer yet remains, might I be heard,
+  No long petition, speedy death,                                     650
+  The close of all my miseries, and the balm.
+
+  Chor:  Many are the sayings of the wise
+  In antient and in modern books enroll'd;
+  Extolling Patience as the truest fortitude;
+  And to the bearing well of all calamities,
+  All chances incident to mans frail life
+  Consolatories writ
+  With studied argument, and much perswasion sought
+  Lenient of grief and anxious thought,
+  But with th' afflicted in his pangs thir sound                      680
+  Little prevails, or rather seems a tune,
+  Harsh, and of dissonant mood from his complaint,
+  Unless he feel within
+  Some sourse of consolation from above;
+  Secret refreshings, that repair his strength,
+  And fainting spirits uphold.
+  God of our Fathers, what is man!
+  That thou towards him with hand so various,
+  Or might I say contrarious,
+  Temperst thy providence through his short course,                   670
+  Not evenly, as thou rul'st
+  The Angelic orders and inferiour creatures mute,
+  Irrational and brute.
+  Nor do I name of men the common rout,
+  That wandring loose about
+  Grow up and perish, as the summer flie,
+  Heads without name no more rememberd,
+  But such as thou hast solemnly elected,
+  With gifts and graces eminently adorn'd
+  To some great work, thy glory,                                      680
+  And peoples safety, which in part they effect:
+  Yet toward these thus dignifi'd, thou oft
+  Amidst thir highth of noon,
+  Changest thy countenance, and thy hand with no regard
+  Of highest favours past
+  From thee on them, or them to thee of service.
+  Nor only dost degrade them, or remit
+  To life obscur'd, which were a fair dismission,
+  But throw'st them lower then thou didst exalt them high,
+  Unseemly falls in human eie,                                        690
+  Too grievous for the trespass or omission,
+  Oft leav'st them to the hostile sword
+  Of Heathen and prophane, thir carkasses
+  To dogs and fowls a prey, or else captiv'd:
+  Or to the unjust tribunals, under change of times,
+  And condemnation of the ingrateful multitude.
+  If these they scape, perhaps in poverty
+  With sickness and disease thou bow'st them down,
+  Painful diseases and deform'd,                                      700
+  In crude old age;
+  Though not disordinate, yet causless suffring
+  The punishment of dissolute days, in fine,
+  Just or unjust, alike seem miserable,
+  For oft alike, both come to evil end.
+  So deal not with this once thy glorious Champion,
+  The Image of thy strength, and mighty minister.
+  What do I beg? how hast thou dealt already?
+  Behold him in this state calamitous, and turn
+  His labours, for thou canst, to peaceful end.
+  But who is this, what thing of Sea or Land?                         710
+  Femal of sex it seems,
+  That so bedeckt, ornate, and gay,
+  Comes this way sailing
+  Like a stately Ship
+  Of Tarsus, bound for th' Isles
+  Of Javan or Gadier
+  With all her bravery on, and tackle trim,
+  Sails fill'd, and streamers waving,
+  Courted by all the winds that hold them play,
+  An Amber sent of odorous perfume                                    720
+  Her harbinger, a damsel train behind;
+  Some rich Philistian Matron she may seem,
+  And now at nearer view, no other certain
+  Than Dalila thy wife.
+
+  Sam:  My Wife, my Traytress, let her not come near me.
+
+  Cho:  Yet on she moves, now stands & eies thee fixt,
+  About t'have spoke, but now, with head declin'd
+  Like a fair flower surcharg'd with dew, she weeps
+  And words addrest seem into tears dissolv'd,
+  Wetting the borders of her silk'n veil:                             730
+  But now again she makes address to speak.
+
+  Dal:  With doubtful feet and wavering resolution
+  I came, still dreading thy displeasure, Samson,
+  Which to have merited, without excuse,
+  I cannot but acknowledge; yet if tears
+  May expiate (though the fact more evil drew
+  In the perverse event then I foresaw)
+  My penance hath not slack'n'd, though my pardon
+  No way assur'd.  But conjugal affection
+  Prevailing over fear, and timerous doubt                            740
+  Hath led me on desirous to behold
+  Once more thy face, and know of thy estate.
+  If aught in my ability may serve
+  To light'n what thou suffer'st, and appease
+  Thy mind with what amends is in my power,
+  Though late, yet in some part to recompense
+  My rash but more unfortunate misdeed.
+
+  Sam:  Out, out Hyaena; these are thy wonted arts,
+  And arts of every woman false like thee,
+  To break all faith, all vows, deceive, betray,                      750
+  Then as repentant to submit, beseech,
+  And reconcilement move with feign'd remorse,
+  Confess, and promise wonders in her change,
+  Not truly penitent, but chief to try
+  Her husband, how far urg'd his patience bears,
+  His vertue or weakness which way to assail:
+  Then with more cautious and instructed skill
+  Again transgresses, and again submits;
+  That wisest and best men full oft beguil'd
+  With goodness principl'd not to reject                              760
+  The penitent, but ever to forgive,
+  Are drawn to wear out miserable days,
+  Entangl'd with a poysnous bosom snake,
+  If not by quick destruction soon cut off
+  As I by thee, to Ages an example.
+
+  Dal: Yet hear me Samson; not that I endeavour
+  To lessen or extenuate my offence,
+  But that on th' other side if it be weigh'd
+  By it self, with aggravations not surcharg'd,
+  Or else with just allowance counterpois'd                           770
+  I may, if possible, thy pardon find
+  The easier towards me, or thy hatred less.
+  First granting, as I do, it was a weakness
+  In me, but incident to all our sex,
+  Curiosity, inquisitive, importune
+  Of secrets, then with like infirmity
+  To publish them, both common female faults:
+  Was it not weakness also to make known
+  For importunity, that is for naught,
+  Wherein consisted all thy strength and safety?                      780
+  To what I did thou shewdst me first the way.
+  But I to enemies reveal'd, and should not.
+  Nor shouldst thou have trusted that to womans frailty
+  E're I to thee, thou to thy self wast cruel.
+  Let weakness then with weakness come to parl
+  So near related, or the same of kind,
+  Thine forgive mine; that men may censure thine
+  The gentler, if severely thou exact not
+  More strength from me, then in thy self was found.
+  And what if Love, which thou interpret'st hate,                     790
+  The jealousie of Love, powerful of sway
+  In human hearts, nor less in mine towards thee,
+  Caus'd what I did? I saw thee mutable
+  Of fancy, feard lest one day thou wouldst leave me
+  As her at Timna, sought by all means therefore
+  How to endear, and hold thee to me firmest:
+  No better way I saw then by importuning
+  To learn thy secrets, get into my power
+  Thy key of strength and safety: thou wilt say,
+  Why then reveal'd? I was assur'd by those                           800
+  Who tempted me, that nothing was design'd
+  Against thee but safe custody, and hold:
+  That made for me, I knew that liberty
+  Would draw thee forth to perilous enterprises,
+  While I at home sate full of cares and fears
+  Wailing thy absence in my widow'd bed;
+  Here I should still enjoy thee day and night
+  Mine and Loves prisoner, not the Philistines,
+  Whole to my self, unhazarded abroad,
+  Fearless at home of partners in my love.                            810
+  These reasons in Loves law have past for good,
+  Though fond and reasonless to some perhaps:
+  And Love hath oft, well meaning, wrought much wo,
+  Yet always pity or pardon hath obtain'd.
+  Be not unlike all others, not austere
+  As thou art strong, inflexible as steel.
+  If thou in strength all mortals dost exceed,
+  In uncompassionate anger do not so.
+
+  Sam:  How cunningly the sorceress displays
+  Her own transgressions, to upbraid me mine!                         820
+  That malice not repentance brought thee hither,
+  By this appears: I gave, thou say'st, th' example,
+  I led the way; bitter reproach, but true,
+  I to my self was false e're thou to me,
+  Such pardon therefore as I give my folly,
+  Take to thy wicked deed: which when thou seest
+  Impartial, self-severe, inexorable,
+  Thou wilt renounce thy seeking, and much rather
+  Confess it feign'd, weakness is thy excuse,
+  And I believe it, weakness to resist                                830
+  Philistian gold: if weakness may excuse,
+  What Murtherer, what Traytor, Parricide,
+  Incestuous, Sacrilegious, but may plead it?
+  All wickedness is weakness: that plea therefore
+  With God or Man will gain thee no remission.
+  But Love constrain'd thee; call it furious rage
+  To satisfie thy lust: Love seeks to have Love;
+  My love how couldst thou hope, who tookst the way
+  To raise in me inexpiable hate,
+  Knowing, as needs I must, by thee betray'd?                        840
+  In vain thou striv'st to cover shame with shame,
+  Or by evasions thy crime uncoverst more.
+
+  Dal:  Since thou determinst weakness for no plea
+  In man or woman, though to thy own condemning,
+  Hear what assaults I had, what snares besides,
+  What sieges girt me round, e're I consented;
+  Which might have aw'd the best resolv'd of men,
+  The constantest to have yielded without blame.
+  It was not gold, as to my charge thou lay'st,
+  That wrought with me: thou know'st the Magistrates                  850
+  And Princes of my countrey came in person,
+  Sollicited, commanded, threatn'd, urg'd,
+  Adjur'd by all the bonds of civil Duty
+  And of Religion, press'd how just it was,
+  How honourable, how glorious to entrap
+  A common enemy, who had destroy'd
+  Such numbers of our Nation: and the Priest
+  Was not behind, but ever at my ear,
+  Preaching how meritorious with the gods
+  It would be to ensnare an irreligious                               860
+  Dishonourer of Dagon: what had I
+  To oppose against such powerful arguments?
+  Only my love of thee held long debate;
+  And combated in silence all these reasons
+  With hard contest: at length that grounded maxim
+  So rife and celebrated in the mouths
+  Of wisest men; that to the public good
+  Private respects must yield; with grave authority'
+  Took full possession of me and prevail'd;
+  Vertue, as I thought, truth, duty so enjoyning.                     870
+
+  Sam:  I thought where all thy circling wiles would end;
+  In feign'd Religion, smooth hypocrisie.
+  But had thy love, still odiously pretended,
+  Bin, as it ought, sincere, it would have taught thee
+  Far other reasonings, brought forth other deeds.
+  I before all the daughters of my Tribe
+  And of my Nation chose thee from among
+  My enemies, lov'd thee, as too well thou knew'st,
+  Too well, unbosom'd all my secrets to thee,
+  Not out of levity, but over-powr'd                                  880
+  By thy request, who could deny thee nothing;
+  Yet now am judg'd an enemy.  Why then
+  Didst thou at first receive me for thy husband?
+  Then, as since then, thy countries foe profest:
+  Being once a wife, for me thou wast to leave
+  Parents and countrey; nor was I their subject,
+  Nor under their protection but my own,
+  Thou mine, not theirs: if aught against my life
+  Thy countrey sought of thee, it sought unjustly,
+  Against the law of nature, law of nations,                          890
+  No more thy countrey, but an impious crew
+  Of men conspiring to uphold thir state
+  By worse than hostile deeds, violating the ends
+  For which our countrey is a name so dear;
+  Not therefore to be obey'd.  But zeal mov'd thee;
+  To please thy gods thou didst it; gods unable
+  To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes
+  But by ungodly deeds, the contradiction
+  Of their own deity, Gods cannot be:
+  Less therefore to be pleas'd, obey'd, or fear'd,                    900
+  These false pretexts and varnish'd colours failing,
+  Bare in thy guilt how foul must thou appear?
+
+  Dal:  In argument with men a woman ever
+  Goes by the worse, whatever be her cause.
+
+  Sam:  For want of words no doubt, or lack of breath,
+  Witness when I was worried with thy peals.
+
+  Dal:  I was a fool, too rash, and quite mistaken
+  In what I thought would have succeeded best.
+  Let me obtain forgiveness of thee, Samson,
+  Afford me place to shew what recompence                             910
+  Towards thee I intend for what I have misdone,
+  Misguided: only what remains past cure
+  Bear not too sensibly, nor still insist
+  To afflict thy self in vain: though sight be lost,
+  Life yet hath many solaces, enjoy'd
+  Where other senses want not their delights
+  At home in leisure and domestic ease,
+  Exempt from many a care and chance to which
+  Eye-sight exposes daily men abroad.
+  I to the Lords will intercede, not doubting                         920
+  Thir favourable ear, that I may fetch thee
+  From forth this loathsom prison-house, to abide
+  With me, where my redoubl'd love and care
+  With nursing diligence, to me glad office,
+  May ever tend about thee to old age
+  With all things grateful chear'd, and so suppli'd,
+  That what by me thou hast lost thou least shalt miss.
+
+  Sam:  No, no, of my condition take no care;
+  It fits not; thou and I long since are twain;
+  Nor think me so unwary or accurst                                   930
+  To bring my feet again into the snare
+  Where once I have been caught; I know thy trains
+  Though dearly to my cost, thy ginns, and toyls;
+  Thy fair enchanted cup, and warbling charms
+  No more on me have power, their force is null'd,
+  So much of Adders wisdom I have learn't
+  To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
+  If in my flower of youth and strength, when all men
+  Lov'd, honour'd, fear'd me, thou alone could hate me
+  Thy Husband, slight me, sell me, and forgo me;                      940
+  How wouldst thou use me now, blind, and thereby
+  Deceiveable, in most things as a child
+  Helpless, thence easily contemn'd, and scorn'd,
+  And last neglected? How wouldst thou insult
+  When I must live uxorious to thy will
+  In perfet thraldom, how again betray me,
+  Bearing my words and doings to the Lords
+  To gloss upon, and censuring, frown or smile?
+  This Gaol I count the house of Liberty
+  To thine whose doors my feet shall never enter.                     950
+
+  Dal:  Let me approach at least, and touch thy hand.
+
+  Sam:  Not for thy life, lest fierce remembrance wake
+  My sudden rage to tear thee joint by joint.
+  At distance I forgive thee, go with that;
+  Bewail thy falshood, and the pious works
+  It hath brought forth to make thee memorable
+  Among illustrious women, faithful wives:
+  Cherish thy hast'n'd widowhood with the gold
+  Of Matrimonial treason: so farewel.
+
+  Dal:  I see thou art implacable, more deaf                          960
+  To prayers, then winds and seas, yet winds to seas
+  Are reconcil'd at length, and Sea to Shore:
+  Thy anger, unappeasable, still rages,
+  Eternal tempest never to be calm'd.
+  Why do I humble thus my self, and suing
+  For peace, reap nothing but repulse and hate?
+  Bid go with evil omen and the brand
+  Of infamy upon my name denounc't?
+  To mix with thy concernments I desist
+  Henceforth, nor too much disapprove my own.                         970
+  Fame if not double-fac't is double-mouth'd,
+  And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds,
+  On both his wings, one black, th' other white,
+  Bears greatest names in his wild aerie flight.
+  My name perhaps among the Circumcis'd
+  In Dan, in Judah, and the bordering Tribes,
+  To all posterity may stand defam'd,
+  With malediction mention'd, and the blot
+  Of falshood most unconjugal traduc't.
+  But in my countrey where I most desire,                             980
+  In Ecron, Gaza, Asdod, and in Gath
+  I shall be nam'd among the famousest
+  Of Women, sung at solemn festivals,
+  Living and dead recorded, who to save
+  Her countrey from a fierce destroyer, chose
+  Above the faith of wedlock-bands, my tomb
+  With odours visited and annual flowers.
+  Not less renown'd then in Mount Ephraim,
+  Jael who with inhospitable guile
+  Smote Sisera sleeping through the Temples nail'd.                   990
+  Nor shall I count it hainous to enjoy
+  The public marks of honour and reward
+  Conferr'd upon me, for the piety
+  Which to my countrey I was judg'd to have shewn.
+  At this who ever envies or repines
+  I leave him to his lot, and like my own.
+
+  Chor:  She's gone, a manifest Serpent by her sting
+  Discover'd in the end, till now conceal'd.
+
+  Sam:  So let her go, God sent her to debase me,
+  And aggravate my folly who committed                               1000
+  To such a viper his most sacred trust
+  Of secresie, my safety, and my life.
+
+  Chor:  Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange power,
+  After offence returning, to regain
+  Love once possest, nor can be easily
+  Repuls't, without much inward passion felt
+  And secret sting of amorous remorse.
+
+  Sam:  Love-quarrels oft in pleasing concord end,
+  Not wedlock-trechery endangering life.
+
+  Chor:  It is not vertue, wisdom, valour, wit,                      1010
+  Strength, comliness of shape, or amplest merit
+  That womans love can win or long inherit;
+  But what it is, hard is to say,
+  Harder to hit,
+  (Which way soever men refer it)
+  Much like thy riddle, Samson, in one day
+  Or seven, though one should musing sit;
+  If any of these or all, the Timnian bride
+  Had not so soon preferr'd
+  Thy Paranymph, worthless to thee compar'd,                         1020
+  Successour in thy bed,
+  Nor both so loosly disally'd
+  Thir nuptials, nor this last so trecherously
+  Had shorn the fatal harvest of thy head.
+  Is it for that such outward ornament
+  Was lavish't on thir Sex, that inward gifts
+  Were left for hast unfinish't, judgment scant,
+  Capacity not rais'd to apprehend
+  Or value what is best
+  In choice, but oftest to affect the wrong?                         1030
+  Or was too much of self-love mixt,
+  Of constancy no root infixt,
+  That either they love nothing, or not long?
+  What e're it be, to wisest men and best
+  Seeming at first all heavenly under virgin veil,
+  Soft, modest, meek, demure,
+  Once join'd, the contrary she proves, a thorn
+  Intestin, far within defensive arms
+  A cleaving mischief, in his way to vertue
+  Adverse and turbulent, or by her charms                            1040
+  Draws him awry enslav'd
+  With dotage, and his sense deprav'd
+  To folly and shameful deeds which ruin ends.
+  What Pilot so expert but needs must wreck
+  Embarqu'd with such a Stears-mate at the Helm?
+  Favour'd of Heav'n who finds
+  One vertuous rarely found,
+  That in domestic good combines:
+  Happy that house! his way to peace is smooth:
+  But vertue which breaks through all opposition,                    1050
+  And all temptation can remove,
+  Most shines and most is acceptable above.
+  Therefore Gods universal Law
+  Gave to the man despotic power
+  Over his female in due awe,
+  Nor from that right to part an hour,
+  Smile she or lowre:
+  So shall he least confusion draw
+  On his whole life, not sway'd
+  By female usurpation, nor dismay'd.                                1060
+  But had we best retire, I see a storm?
+
+  Sam:  Fair days have oft contracted wind and rain.
+
+  Chor:  But this another kind of tempest brings.
+
+  Sam:  Be less abstruse, my riddling days are past.
+
+  Chor:  Look now for no inchanting voice, nor fear
+  The bait of honied words; a rougher tongue
+  Draws hitherward, I know him by his stride,
+  The Giant Harapha of Gath, his look
+  Haughty as is his pile high-built and proud.
+  Comes he in peace? what wind hath blown him hither                 1070
+  I less conjecture then when first I saw
+  The sumptuous Dalila floating this way:
+  His habit carries peace, his brow defiance.
+
+  Sam:  Or peace or not, alike to me he comes.
+
+  Chor:  His fraught we soon shall know, he now arrives.
+
+  Har:  I come not Samson, to condole thy chance,
+  As these perhaps, yet wish it had not been,
+  Though for no friendly intent.  I am of Gath,
+  Men call me Harapha, of stock renown'd
+  As Og or Anak and the Emims old                                    1080
+  That Kiriathaim held, thou knowst me now
+  If thou at all art known.  Much I have heard
+  Of thy prodigious might and feats perform'd
+  Incredible to me, in this displeas'd,
+  That I was never present on the place
+  Of those encounters, where we might have tri'd
+  Each others force in camp or listed field:
+  And now am come to see of whom such noise
+  Hath walk'd about, and each limb to survey,
+  If thy appearance answer loud report.                              1090
+
+  Sam:  The way to know were not to see but taste.
+
+  Har:  Dost thou already single me; I thought
+  Gives and the Mill had tam'd thee? O that fortune
+  Had brought me to the field where thou art fam'd
+  To have wrought such wonders with an Asses Jaw;
+  I should have forc'd thee soon with other arms,
+  Or left thy carkass where the Ass lay thrown:
+  So had the glory of Prowess been recover'd
+  To Palestine, won by a Philistine
+  From the unforeskinn'd race, of whom thou hear'st                  1100
+  The highest name for valiant Acts, that honour
+  Certain to have won by mortal duel from thee,
+  I lose, prevented by thy eyes put out.
+
+  Sam:  Boast not of what thou wouldst have done, but do
+  What then thou would'st, thou seest it in thy hand.
+
+  Har:  To combat with a blind man I disdain
+  And thou hast need much washing to be toucht.
+
+  Sam:  Such usage as your honourable Lords
+  Afford me assassinated and betray'd,
+  Who durst not with thir whole united powers                        1110
+  In fight withstand me single and unarm'd,
+  Nor in the house with chamber Ambushes
+  Close-banded durst attaque me, no not sleeping,
+  Till they had hir'd a woman with their gold
+  Breaking her Marriage Faith to circumvent me.
+  Therefore without feign'd shifts let be assign'd
+  Some narrow place enclos'd, where sight may give thee.
+  Or rather flight, no great advantage on me;
+  Then put on all thy gorgeous arms, thy Helmet
+  And Brigandine of brass, thy broad Habergeon.                      1120
+  Vant-brass and Greves, and Gauntlet, add thy Spear
+  A Weavers beam, and seven-times-folded shield.
+  I only with an Oak'n staff will meet thee,
+  And raise such out-cries on thy clatter'd Iron,
+  Which long shall not with-hold mee from thy head,
+  That in a little time while breath remains thee,
+  Thou oft shalt wish thy self at Gath to boast
+  Again in safety what thou wouldst have done
+  To Samson, but shalt never see Gath more.
+
+  Har: Thou durst not thus disparage glorious arms                   1130
+  Which greatest Heroes have in battel worn,
+  Thir ornament and safety, had not spells
+  And black enchantments, some Magicians Art
+  Arm'd thee or charm'd thee strong, which thou from Heaven
+  Feigndst at thy birth was giv'n thee in thy hair,
+  Where strength can least abide, though all thy hairs
+  Were bristles rang'd like those that ridge the back
+  Of chaf't wild Boars, or ruffl'd Porcupines.
+
+  Sam:  I know no Spells, use no forbidden Arts;
+  My trust is in the living God who gave me                          1140
+  At my Nativity this strength, diffus'd
+  No less through all my sinews, joints and bones,
+  Then thine, while I preserv'd these locks unshorn,
+  The pledge of my unviolated vow.
+  For proof hereof, if Dagon be thy god,
+  Go to his Temple, invocate his aid
+  With solemnest devotion, spread before him
+  How highly it concerns his glory now
+  To frustrate and dissolve these Magic spells,
+  Which I to be the power of Israel's God                            1150
+  Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test,
+  Offering to combat thee his Champion bold,
+  With th' utmost of his Godhead seconded:
+  Then thou shalt see, or rather to thy sorrow
+  Soon feel, whose God is strongest, thine or mine.
+
+  Har:  Presume not on thy God, what e're he be,
+  Thee he regards not, owns not, hath cut off
+  Quite from his people, and delivered up
+  Into thy Enemies hand, permitted them
+  To put out both thine eyes, and fetter'd send thee                 1160
+  Into the common Prison, there to grind
+  Among the Slaves and Asses thy comrades,
+  As good for nothing else, no better service
+  With those, thy boyst'rous locks, no worthy match
+  For valour to assail, nor by the sword
+  Of noble Warriour, so to stain his honour,
+  But by the Barbers razor best subdu'd.
+
+  Sam:  All these indignities, for such they are
+  From thine, these evils I deserve and more,
+  Acknowledge them from God inflicted on me                          1170
+  Justly, yet despair not of his final pardon
+  Whose ear is ever open; and his eye
+  Gracious to re-admit the suppliant;
+  In confidence whereof I once again
+  Defie thee to the trial of mortal fight,
+  By combat to decide whose god is God,
+  Thine or whom I with Israel's Sons adore.
+
+  Har:  Fair honour that thou dost thy God, in trusting
+  He will accept thee to defend his cause,
+  A Murtherer, a Revolter, and a Robber.                             1180
+
+  Sam: Tongue-doubtie Giant, how dost thou prove me these?
+
+  Har:  Is not thy Nation subject to our Lords?
+  Thir Magistrates confest it, when they took thee
+  As a League-breaker and deliver'd bound
+  Into our hands: for hadst thou not committed
+  Notorious murder on those thirty men
+  At Askalon, who never did thee harm,
+  Then like a Robber stripdst them of thir robes?
+  The Philistines, when thou hadst broke the league,
+  Went up with armed powers thee only seeking,                       1190
+  To others did no violence nor spoil.
+
+  Sam:  Among the Daughters of the Philistines
+  I chose a Wife, which argu'd me no foe;
+  And in your City held my Nuptial Feast:
+  But your ill-meaning Politician Lords,
+  Under pretence of Bridal friends and guests,
+  Appointed to await me thirty spies,
+  Who threatning cruel death constrain'd the bride
+  To wring from me and tell to them my secret,
+  That solv'd the riddle which I had propos'd.                       1200
+  When I perceiv'd all set on enmity,
+  As on my enemies, where ever chanc'd,
+  I us'd hostility, and took thir spoil
+  To pay my underminers in thir coin.
+  My Nation was subjected to your Lords.
+  It was the force of Conquest; force with force
+  Is well ejected when the Conquer'd can.
+  But I a private person, whom my Countrey
+  As a league-breaker gave up bound, presum'd
+  Single Rebellion and did Hostile Acts.                             1210
+  I was no private but a person rais'd
+  With strength sufficient and command from Heav'n
+  To free my Countrey; if their servile minds
+  Me their Deliverer sent would not receive,
+  But to thir Masters gave me up for nought,
+  Th' unworthier they; whence to this day they serve.
+  I was to do my part from Heav'n assign'd,
+  And had perform'd it if my known offence
+  Had not disabl'd me, not all your force:
+  These shifts refuted, answer thy appellant                         1220
+  Though by his blindness maim'd for high attempts,
+  Who now defies thee thrice to single fight,
+  As a petty enterprise of small enforce.
+
+  Har:  With thee a Man condemn'd, a Slave enrol'd,
+  Due by the Law to capital punishment?
+  To fight with thee no man of arms will deign.
+
+  Sam:  Cam'st thou for this, vain boaster, to survey me,
+  To descant on my strength, and give thy verdit?
+  Come nearer, part not hence so slight inform'd;
+  But take good heed my hand survey not thee.                        1230
+  Har:  O Baal-zebub! can my ears unus'd
+  Hear these dishonours, and not render death?
+
+  Sam:  No man with-holds thee, nothing from thy hand
+  Fear I incurable; bring up thy van,
+  My heels are fetter'd, but my fist is free.
+
+  Har:  This insolence other kind of answer fits.
+
+  Sam:  Go baffl'd coward, lest I run upon thee,
+  Though in these chains, bulk without spirit vast,
+  And with one buffet lay thy structure low,
+  Or swing thee in the Air, then dash thee down                      1240
+  To the hazard of thy brains and shatter'd sides.
+
+  Har:  By Astaroth e're long thou shalt lament
+  These braveries in Irons loaden on thee.
+
+  Chor:  His Giantship is gone somewhat crestfall'n,
+  Stalking with less unconsci'nable strides,
+  And lower looks, but in a sultrie chafe.
+
+  Sam: I dread him not, nor all his Giant-brood,
+  Though Fame divulge him Father of five Sons
+  All of Gigantic size, Goliah chief.
+
+  Chor:  He will directly to the Lords, I fear,                      1250
+  And with malitious counsel stir them up
+  Some way or other yet further to afflict thee.
+
+  Sam:  He must allege some cause, and offer'd fight
+  Will not dare mention, lest a question rise
+  Whether he durst accept the offer or not,
+  And that he durst not plain enough appear'd.
+  Much more affliction then already felt
+  They cannot well impose, nor I sustain;
+  If they intend advantage of my labours
+  The work of many hands, which earns my keeping                     1260
+  With no small profit daily to my owners.
+  But come what will, my deadliest foe will prove
+  My speediest friend, by death to rid me hence,
+  The worst that he can give, to me the best.
+  Yet so it may fall out, because thir end
+  Is hate, not help to me, it may with mine
+  Draw thir own ruin who attempt the deed.
+
+  Chor:  Oh how comely it is and how reviving
+  To the Spirits of just men long opprest!
+  When God into the hands of thir deliverer                          1270
+  Puts invincible might
+  To quell the mighty of the Earth, th' oppressour,
+  The brute and boist'rous force of violent men
+  Hardy and industrious to support
+  Tyrannic power, but raging to pursue
+  The righteous and all such as honour Truth;
+  He all thir Ammunition
+  And feats of War defeats
+  With plain Heroic magnitude of mind
+  And celestial vigour arm'd,                                        1270
+  Thir Armories and Magazins contemns,
+  Renders them useless, while
+  With winged expedition
+  Swift as the lightning glance he executes
+  His errand on the wicked, who surpris'd
+  Lose thir defence distracted and amaz'd.
+  But patience is more oft the exercise
+  Of Saints, the trial of thir fortitude,
+  Making them each his own Deliverer,
+  And Victor over all                                                1290
+  That tyrannie or fortune can inflict,
+  Either of these is in thy lot,
+  Samson, with might endu'd
+  Above the Sons of men; but sight bereav'd
+  May chance to number thee with those
+  Whom Patience finally must crown.
+  This Idols day hath bin to thee no day of rest,
+  Labouring thy mind
+  More then the working day thy hands,
+  And yet perhaps more trouble is behind.                            1300
+  For I descry this way
+  Some other tending, in his hand
+  A Scepter or quaint staff he bears,
+  Comes on amain, speed in his look.
+  By his habit I discern him now
+  A Public Officer, and now at hand.
+  His message will be short and voluble.
+
+  Off: Ebrews, the Pris'ner Samson here I seek.
+
+  Chor:  His manacles remark him, there he sits.
+
+  Off: Samson, to thee our Lords thus bid me say;                    1310
+  This day to Dagon is a solemn Feast,
+  With Sacrifices, Triumph, Pomp, and Games;
+  Thy strength they know surpassing human rate,
+  And now some public proof thereof require
+  To honour this great Feast, and great Assembly;
+  Rise therefore with all speed and come along,
+  Where I will see thee heartn'd and fresh clad
+  To appear as fits before th' illustrious Lords.
+
+  Sam:  Thou knowst I am an Ebrew, therefore tell them,
+  Our Law forbids at thir Religious Rites                            1320
+  My presence; for that cause I cannot come.
+
+  Off: This answer, be assur'd, will not content them.
+
+  Sam:  Have they not Sword-players, and ev'ry sort
+  Of Gymnic Artists, Wrestlers, Riders, Runners,
+  Juglers and Dancers, Antics, Mummers, Mimics,
+  But they must pick me out with shackles tir'd,
+  And over-labour'd at thir publick Mill,
+  To make them sport with blind activity?
+  Do they not seek occasion of new quarrels
+  On my refusal to distress me more,                                 1330
+  Or make a game of my calamities?
+  Return the way thou cam'st, I will not come.
+
+  Off:  Regard thy self, this will offend them highly.
+
+  Sam: My self? my conscience and internal peace.
+  Can they think me so broken, so debas'd
+  With corporal servitude, that my mind ever
+  Will condescend to such absurd commands?
+  Although thir drudge, to be thir fool or jester,
+  And in my midst of sorrow and heart-grief
+  To shew them feats, and play before thir god,                      1340
+  The worst of all indignities, yet on me
+  Joyn'd with extream contempt? I will not come.
+
+  Off: My message was impos'd on me with speed,
+  Brooks no delay: is this thy resolution?
+
+  Sam:  So take it with what speed thy message needs.
+
+  Off: I am sorry what this stoutness will produce.
+
+  Sam:  Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow indeed.
+
+  Chor:  Consider, Samson; matters now are strain'd
+  Up to the highth, whether to bold or break;
+  He's gone, and who knows how he may report                         1350
+  Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?
+  Expect another message more imperious,
+  More Lordly thund'ring then thou well wilt bear.
+
+  Sam:  Shall I abuse this Consecrated gift
+  Of strength, again returning with my hair
+  After my great transgression, so requite
+  Favour renew'd, and add a greater sin
+  By prostituting holy things to Idols;
+  A Nazarite in place abominable
+  Vaunting my strength in honour to thir Dagon?                      1360
+  Besides, how vile, contemptible, ridiculous,
+  What act more execrably unclean, prophane?
+
+  Chor:  Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines,
+  Idolatrous, uncircumcis'd, unclean.
+
+  Sam:  Not in thir Idol-worship, but by labour
+  Honest and lawful to deserve my food
+  Of those who have me in thir civil power.
+
+  Chor:  Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not
+
+  Sam: Where outward force constrains, the sentence holds:
+  But who constrains me to the Temple of Dagon,                      1370
+  Not dragging? the Philistian Lords command.
+  Commands are no constraints.  If I obey them,
+  I do it freely; venturing to displease
+  God for the fear of Man, and Man prefer,
+  Set God behind: which in his jealousie
+  Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness.
+  Yet that he may dispense with me or thee
+  Present in Temples at Idolatrous Rites
+  For some important cause, thou needst not doubt.
+
+  Chor:  How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach.             1380
+
+  Sam:  Be of good courage, I begin to feel
+  Some rouzing motions in me which dispose
+  To something extraordinary my thoughts.
+  I with this Messenger will go along,
+  Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonour
+  Our Law, or stain my vow of Nazarite.
+  If there be aught of presage in the mind,
+  This day will be remarkable in my life
+  By some great act, or of my days the last.
+
+  Chor:  In time thou hast resolv'd, the man returns.                1390
+
+  Off: Samson, this second message from our Lords
+  To thee I am bid say. Art thou our Slave,
+  Our Captive, at the public Mill our drudge,
+  And dar'st thou at our sending and command
+  Dispute thy coming? come without delay;
+  Or we shall find such Engines to assail
+  And hamper thee, as thou shalt come of force,
+  Though thou wert firmlier fastn'd then a rock.
+
+  Sam:  I could be well content to try thir Art,
+  Which to no few of them would prove pernicious.                    1400
+  Yet knowing thir advantages too many,
+  Because they shall not trail me through thir streets
+  Like a wild Beast, I am content to go.
+  Masters commands come with a power resistless
+  To such as owe them absolute subjection;
+  And for a life who will not change his purpose?
+  (So mutable are all the ways of men)
+  Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply
+  Scandalous or forbidden in our Law.
+
+  Off:  I praise thy resolution, doff these links:                   1410
+  By this compliance thou wilt win the Lords
+  To favour, and perhaps to set thee free.
+
+  Sam:  Brethren farewel, your company along
+  I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them
+  To see me girt with Friends; and how the sight
+  Of me as of a common Enemy,
+  So dreaded once, may now exasperate them
+  I know not.  Lords are Lordliest in thir wine,
+  And the well-feasted Priest then soonest fir'd
+  With zeal, if aught Religion seem concern'd:                       1420
+  No less the people on thir Holy-days
+  Impetuous, insolent, unquenchable;
+  Happ'n what may, of me expect to hear
+  Nothing dishonourable, impure, unworthy
+  Our God, our Law, my Nation, or my self,
+  The last of me or no I cannot warrant.
+
+  Chor:  Go, and the Holy One
+  Of Israel be thy guide
+  To what may serve his glory best, & spread his name
+  Great among the Heathen round:                                     1430
+  Send thee the Angel of thy Birth, to stand
+  Fast by thy side, who from thy Fathers field
+  Rode up in flames after his message told
+  Of thy conception, and be now a shield
+  Of fire; that Spirit that first rusht on thee
+  In the camp of Dan
+  Be efficacious in thee now at need.
+  For never was from Heaven imparted
+  Measure of strength so great to mortal seed,
+  As in thy wond'rous actions Hath been seen.                        1440
+  But wherefore comes old Manoa in such hast
+  With youthful steps? much livelier than e're while
+  He seems: supposing here to find his Son,
+  Or of him bringing to us some glad news?
+
+  Man:  Peace with you brethren; my inducement hither
+  Was not at present here to find my Son,
+  By order of the Lords new parted hence
+  To come and play before them at thir Feast.
+  I heard all as I came, the City rings
+  And numbers thither flock, I had no will,                          1450
+  Lest I should see him forc't to things unseemly.
+  But that which moved my coming now, was chiefly
+  To give ye part with me what hope I have
+  With good success to work his liberty.
+
+  Chor:  That hope would much rejoyce us to partake
+  With thee; say reverend Sire, we thirst to hear.
+
+  Man:  I have attempted one by one the Lords
+  Either at home, or through the high street passing,
+  With supplication prone and Fathers tears
+  To accept of ransom for my Son thir pris'ner,                      1460
+  Some much averse I found and wondrous harsh,
+  Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite;
+  That part most reverenc'd Dagon and his Priests,
+  Others more moderate seeming, but thir aim
+  Private reward, for which both God and State
+  They easily would set to sale, a third
+  More generous far and civil, who confess'd
+  They had anough reveng'd, having reduc't
+  Thir foe to misery beneath thir fears,
+  The rest was magnanimity to remit,                                 1470
+  If some convenient ransom were propos'd.
+  What noise or shout was that? it tore the Skie.
+
+  Chor:  Doubtless the people shouting to behold
+  Thir once great dread, captive, & blind before them,
+  Or at some proof of strength before them shown.
+
+  Man:  His ransom, if my whole inheritance
+  May compass it, shall willingly be paid
+  And numberd down: much rather I shall chuse
+  To live the poorest in my Tribe, then richest,
+  And he in that calamitous prison left.                             1480
+  No, I am fixt not to part hence without him.
+  For his redemption all my Patrimony,
+  If need be, I am ready to forgo
+  And quit: not wanting him, I shall want nothing.
+
+  Chor:  Fathers are wont to lay up for thir Sons,
+  Thou for thy Son art bent to lay out all;
+  Sons wont to nurse thir Parents in old age,
+  Thou in old age car'st how to nurse thy Son,
+  Made older then thy age through eye-sight lost.
+
+  Man: It shall be my delight to tend his eyes,                      1490
+  And view him sitting in the house, enobl'd
+  With all those high exploits by him atchiev'd,
+  And on his shoulders waving down those locks,
+  That of a Nation arm'd the strength contain'd:
+  And I perswade me God had not permitted
+  His strength again to grow up with his hair
+  Garrison'd round about him like a Camp
+  Of faithful Souldiery, were not his purpose
+  To use him further yet in some great service,
+  Not to sit idle with so great a gift                               1500
+  Useless, and thence ridiculous about him.
+  And since his strength with eye-sight was not lost,
+  God will restore him eye-sight to his strength.
+
+  Chor:  Thy hopes are not ill founded nor seem vain
+  Of his delivery, and thy joy thereon
+  Conceiv'd, agreeable to a Fathers love,
+  In both which we, as next participate.
+
+  Man:  I know your friendly minds and--O what noise!
+  Mercy of Heav'n what hideous noise was that!
+  Horribly loud unlike the former shout.                             1510
+
+  Chor:  Noise call you it or universal groan
+  As if the whole inhabitation perish'd,
+  Blood, death, and deathful deeds are in that noise,
+  Ruin, destruction at the utmost point.
+
+  Man:  Of ruin indeed methought I heard the noise,
+  Oh it continues, they have slain my Son.
+
+  Chor:  Thy Son is rather slaying them, that outcry
+  From slaughter of one foe could not ascend.
+
+  Man:  Some dismal accident it needs must be;
+  What shall we do, stay here or run and see?                        1520
+
+  Chor:  Best keep together here, lest running thither
+  We unawares run into dangers mouth.
+  This evil on the Philistines is fall'n
+  From whom could else a general cry be heard?
+  The sufferers then will scarce molest us here,
+  From other hands we need not much to fear.
+  What if his eye-sight (for to Israels God
+  Nothing is hard) by miracle restor'd,
+  He now be dealing dole among his foes,
+  And over heaps of slaughter'd walk his way?                        1530
+
+  Man:  That were a joy presumptuous to be thought.
+
+  Chor:  Yet God hath wrought things as incredible
+  For his people of old; what hinders now?
+
+  Man:  He can I know, but doubt to think he will;
+  Yet Hope would fain subscribe, and tempts Belief.
+  A little stay will bring some notice hither.
+
+  Chor:  Of good or bad so great, of bad the sooner;
+  For evil news rides post, while good news baits.
+  And to our wish I see one hither speeding,
+  An Ebrew, as I guess, and of our Tribe.                            1540
+
+  Mess:  O whither shall I run, or which way flie
+  The sight of this so horrid spectacle
+  Which earst my eyes beheld and yet behold;
+  For dire imagination still persues me.
+  But providence or instinct of nature seems,
+  Or reason though disturb'd, and scarse consulted
+  To have guided me aright, I know not how,
+  To thee first reverend Manoa, and to these
+  My Countreymen, whom here I knew remaining,
+  As at some distance from the place of horrour,                     1550
+  So in the sad event too much concern'd.
+
+  Man:  The accident was loud, & here before thee
+  With rueful cry, yet what it was we hear not,
+  No Preface needs, thou seest we long to know.
+
+  Mess:  It would burst forth, but I recover breath
+  And sense distract, to know well what I utter.
+
+  Man:  Tell us the sum, the circumstance defer.
+
+  Mess:  Gaza yet stands, but all her Sons are fall'n,
+  All in a moment overwhelm'd and fall'n.
+
+  Man: Sad, but thou knowst to Israelites not saddest                1560
+  The desolation of a Hostile City.
+
+  Mess:  Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfet.
+
+  Man:  Relate by whom.
+                        Mess:  By Samson.
+
+  Man:  That still lessens
+  The sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.
+
+  Mess:  Ah Manoa I refrain, too suddenly
+  To utter what will come at last too soon;
+  Lest evil tidings with too rude irruption
+  Hitting thy aged ear should pierce too deep.
+
+  Man:  Suspense in news is torture, speak them out.
+
+  Mess:  Then take the worst in brief, Samson is dead.               1570
+
+  Man:  The worst indeed, O all my hope's defeated
+  To free him hence! but death who sets all free
+  Hath paid his ransom now and full discharge.
+  What windy joy this day had I conceiv'd
+  Hopeful of his Delivery, which now proves
+  Abortive as the first-born bloom of spring
+  Nipt with the lagging rear of winters frost.
+  Yet e're I give the rains to grief, say first,
+  How dy'd he? death to life is crown or shame.
+  All by him fell thou say'st, by whom fell he,                      1580
+  What glorious band gave Samson his deaths wound?
+
+  Mess:  Unwounded of his enemies he fell.
+
+  Man:  Wearied with slaughter then or how? explain.
+
+  Mess: By his own hands.
+                         Man: Self-violence? what cause
+  Brought him so soon at variance with himself
+  Among his foes?
+                  Mess:  Inevitable cause
+  At once both to destroy and be destroy'd;
+  The Edifice where all were met to see him
+  Upon thir heads and on his own he pull'd.
+
+  Man:  O lastly over-strong against thy self!                       1590
+  A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge.
+  More than anough we know; but while things yet
+  Are in confusion, give us if thou canst,
+  Eye-witness of what first or last was done,
+  Relation more particular and distinct.
+
+  Mess:  Occasions drew me early to this City,
+  And as the gates I enter'd with Sun-rise,
+  The morning Trumpets Festival proclaim'd
+  Through each high street: little I had dispatch't
+  When all abroad was rumour'd that this day                         1600
+  Samson should be brought forth to shew the people
+  Proof of his mighty strength in feats and games;
+  I sorrow'd at his captive state, but minded
+  Not to be absent at that spectacle.
+  The building was a spacious Theatre
+  Half round on two main Pillars vaulted high,
+  With seats where all the Lords and each degree
+  Of sort, might sit in order to behold,
+  The other side was op'n, where the throng
+  On banks and scaffolds under Skie might stand;                     1610
+  I among these aloof obscurely stood.
+  The Feast and noon grew high, and Sacrifice
+  Had fill'd thir hearts with mirth, high chear, & wine,
+  When to thir sports they turn'd.  Immediately
+  Was Samson as a public servant brought,
+  In thir state Livery clad; before him Pipes
+  And Timbrels, on each side went armed guards,
+  Both horse and foot before him and behind
+  Archers, and Slingers, Cataphracts and Spears.
+  At sight of him the people with a shout                            1620
+  Rifted the Air clamouring thir god with praise,
+  Who had made thir dreadful enemy thir thrall.
+  He patient but undaunted where they led him.
+  Came to the place, and what was set before him
+  Which without help of eye, might be assay'd,
+  To heave, pull, draw, or break, he still perform'd
+  All with incredible, stupendious force,
+  None daring to appear Antagonist.
+  At length for intermission sake they led him
+  Between the pillars; he his guide requested                        1630
+  (For so from such as nearer stood we heard)
+  As over-tir'd to let him lean a while
+  With both his arms on those two massie Pillars
+  That to the arched roof gave main support.
+  He unsuspitious led him; which when Samson
+  Felt in his arms, with head a while enclin'd,
+  And eyes fast fixt he stood, as one who pray'd,
+  Or some great matter in his mind revolv'd.
+  At last with head erect thus cryed aloud,
+  Hitherto, Lords, what your commands impos'd                        1640
+  I have perform'd, as reason was, obeying,
+  Not without wonder or delight beheld.
+  Now of my own accord such other tryal
+  I mean to shew you of my strength, yet greater;
+  As with amaze shall strike all who behold.
+  This utter'd, straining all his nerves he bow'd,
+  As with the force of winds and waters pent,
+  When Mountains tremble, those two massie Pillars
+  With horrible convulsion to and fro,
+  He tugg'd, he shook, till down they came and drew                  1650
+  The whole roof after them, with burst of thunder
+  Upon the heads of all who sate beneath,
+  Lords, Ladies, Captains, Councellors, or Priests,
+  Thir choice nobility and flower, not only
+  Of this but each Philistian City round
+  Met from all parts to solemnize this Feast.
+  Samson with these immixt, inevitably
+  Pulld down the same destruction on himself;
+  The vulgar only scap'd who stood without.
+
+  Chor:  O dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious!                      1660
+  Living or dying thou hast fulfill'd
+  The work for which thou wast foretold
+  To Israel and now ly'st victorious
+  Among thy slain self-kill'd
+  Not willingly, but tangl'd in the fold
+  Of dire necessity, whose law in death conjoin'd
+  Thee with thy slaughter'd foes in number more
+  Then all thy life had slain before.
+
+  Semichor:  While thir hearts were jocund and sublime
+  Drunk with Idolatry, drunk with Wine,                              1670
+  And fat regorg'd of Bulls and Goats,
+  Chaunting thir Idol, and preferring
+  Before our living Dread who dwells
+  In Silo his bright Sanctuary:
+  Among them he a spirit of phrenzie sent,
+  Who hurt thir minds,
+  And urg'd them on with mad desire
+  To call in hast for thir destroyer;
+  They only set on sport and play
+  Unweetingly importun'd                                             1680
+  Thir own destruction to come speedy upon them.
+  So fond are mortal men
+  Fall'n into wrath divine,
+  As thir own ruin on themselves to invite,
+  Insensate left, or to sense reprobate,
+  And with blindness internal struck.
+
+  Semichor:  But he though blind of sight,
+  Despis'd and thought extinguish't quite,
+  With inward eyes illuminated
+  His fierie vertue rouz'd                                           1690
+  From under ashes into sudden flame,
+  And as an ev'ning Dragon came,
+  Assailant on the perched roosts,
+  And nests in order rang'd
+  Of tame villatic Fowl; but as an Eagle
+  His cloudless thunder bolted on thir heads.
+  So vertue giv'n for lost,
+  Deprest, and overthrown, as seem'd,
+  Like that self-begott'n bird
+  In the Arabian woods embost,                                       1700
+  That no second knows nor third,
+  And lay e're while a Holocaust,
+  From out her ashie womb now teem'd
+  Revives, reflourishes, then vigorous most
+  When most unactive deem'd,
+  And though her body die, her fame survives,
+  A secular bird ages of lives.
+
+  Man:  Come, come, no time for lamentation now,
+  Nor much more cause, Samson hath quit himself
+  Like Samson, and heroicly hath finish'd                            1710
+  A life Heroic, on his Enemies
+  Fully reveng'd, hath left them years of mourning,
+  And lamentation to the Sons of Caphtor
+  Through all Philistian bounds. To Israel
+  Honour hath left, and freedom, let but them
+  Find courage to lay hold on this occasion,
+  To himself and Fathers house eternal fame;
+  And which is best and happiest yet, all this
+  With God not parted from him, as was feard,
+  But favouring and assisting to the end.                            1720
+  Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail
+  Or knock the breast, no weakness, no contempt,
+  Dispraise, or blame, nothing but well and fair,
+  And what may quiet us in a death so noble.
+  Let us go find the body where it lies
+  Sok't in his enemies blood, and from the stream
+  With lavers pure and cleansing herbs wash off
+  The clotted gore.  I with what speed the while
+  (Gaza is not in plight to say us nay)
+  Will send for all my kindred, all my friends                       1730
+  To fetch him hence and solemnly attend
+  With silent obsequie and funeral train
+  Home to his Fathers house: there will I build him
+  A Monument, and plant it round with shade
+  Of Laurel ever green, and branching Palm,
+  With all his Trophies hung, and Acts enroll'd
+  In copious Legend, or sweet Lyric Song.
+  Thither shall all the valiant youth resort,
+  And from his memory inflame thir breasts
+  To matchless valour, and adventures high:                          1740
+  The Virgins also shall on feastful days
+  Visit his Tomb with flowers, only bewailing
+  His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice,
+  From whence captivity and loss of eyes.
+
+  Chor:  All is best, though we oft doubt,
+  What th' unsearchable dispose
+  Of highest wisdom brings about,
+  And ever best found in the close.
+  Oft he seems to hide his face,
+  But unexpectedly returns                                           1750
+  And to his faithful Champion hath in place
+  Bore witness gloriously; whence Gaza mourns
+  And all that band them to resist
+  His uncontroulable intent,
+  His servants he with new acquist
+  Of true experience from this great event
+  With peace and consolation hath dismist,
+  And calm of mind all passion spent.
+
+  The End.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+  Specimen of Milton's spelling, from the Cambridge autograph
+  manuscript.
+
+
+
+
+ON TIME
+
+  (Set on a clock case)
+
+  Fly envious Time till thou run out thy race
+  call on the lazie leaden-stepping howres
+  whose speed is but the heavie plummets pace
+  & glut thy selfe wth what thy womb devoures
+  Wch is no more then what is false & vaine
+  & meerly mortall drosse
+  so little is our losse
+  so little is thy gaine
+  for when as each thing bad thou hast entomb'd
+  & last of all thy greedie selfe consum'd                             10
+  then long Aeternity shall greet our blisse
+  wth an individuall kisse
+  and Joy shall overtake us as a flood
+  when every thing yt is sincerely good
+  & pfectly divine
+  with Truth, & Peace, & Love shall ever shine
+  about the supreme throne
+  of him t' whose happy-making sight alone
+  when once our heav'nly-guided soule shall clime
+  then all this earthie grossnesse quit                                20
+  attir'd wth starres wee shall for ever sit
+  Triumphing over Death, & Chance, & thee O Time.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Poetical Works of John Milton, by John Milton
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