Introduction Topics: [Genre] [God] [The Son] [Marriage] [Knowledge] [Politics] [Cosmology][Publication istory] !"nswerable Style!

: The Genre o# Paradise Lost

In his Preface to Paradise Lost, C. S. Lewis wrote, "Every poem can be considered in two ways as what the poet has to say, and as a thing which he makes. From the one point of view it is an e pression of opinions and emotions! from the other, it is an organi"ation of words which e ists to prod#ce a partic#$ar kind of patterned e perience in the readers" %&'. (enre, therefore, is important not on$y as a mode of framing a story, b#t a$so as a mode$ that prod#ces e pectations in readers. In )ook & of The Reason of Church Government, *i$ton dec$ares his desire to write a great work that wi$$ serve to g$orify Eng$and as ear$ier poets had g$orified their native $ands and c#$t#res+ "what the greatest and choycest wits of ,thens, -ome, or modern Ita$y, and those .ebrews of o$d did for their co#ntry, I in my proportion with this over and above of being a Christian, might doe for mine" %RCG &'. .e dec$ares his intention to write in Eng$ish rather than another $ang#age s#ch as Latin, and then ponders what genre to adopt+ epic, tragic, or $yric %RCG &'. /hese three genres of poetry have e isted since ancient (reece, and by *i$ton0s time they carried with them a set of connotations and e pectations that most ed#cated peop$e recogni"ed. *i$ton0s concern abo#t which genre to choose, therefore, was not simp$y a matter of seeking the perfect medi#m for his story, b#t the an iety of a writer seeking to p$ace himse$f within a cent#ries1o$d poetic tradition. In deciding to write an epic, *i$ton conscio#s$y p$aces himse$f in the tradition of prior epic writers, s#ch as the ancients .omer and 2irgi$, and the *edieva$ and -enaissance poets 3ante, /asso, ,riosto, and Spenser. )y doing this, he raises specific sets of e pectations both for himse$f and for readers. Forma$$y, Paradise Lost contains many c$assica$ and -enaissance epic conceits+ it begins in medias res! it concerns heaven$y and earth$y beings and the interactions between them! it #ses conventions s#ch as epic simi$es, cata$og#es of peop$e and p$aces, and invocations to a m#se! and it contains themes common to epics, s#ch as war, nationa$ism, empire, and stories of origin. *i$ton0s range of variations on epic conventions contrib#te to Paradise Lost0s st#nning effects. 4n$ike c$assics s#ch as the Iliad and the Aeneid, Paradise Lost has no easi$y identified hero. /he most ,chi$$es1$ike character in the poem is Satan, whom *i$ton s#rro#nds with "epic matter and motivations, epic genre conventions, and constant a$$#sions to specific passages in famo#s heroic poems" %)arbara Lewa$ski, Paradise Lost and the -hetoric of Literary Forms 55'. Critics and writers s#ch as 6i$$iam )$ake and 7ercy )ysshe She$$ey be$ieved Satan to be the hero of Paradise Lost. 8et the prob$ems inherent in viewing Satan as a hero have $ed modern critics to re9ect this idea. ,s Lewa$ski writes, "by meas#ring Satan against the heroic standards, we become conscio#s of the inade:#acy and fragi$ity of a$$ the heroic virt#es ce$ebrated in $iterat#re, of the s#sceptibi$ity of them a$$ to demonic perversion" %;<'. ,nother possibi$ity for the hero of Paradise Lost is the Son of (od, b#t a$tho#gh he is an important force in the poem, the story is not #$timate$y abo#t him. /he most $ike$y possibi$ity, therefore, is ,dam. ,dam resemb$es ,eneas in many respects+ he is the father of a new race, responsib$e for fo#nding civi$i"ation on earth. )#t #n$ike ,eneas, ,dam0s primary heroic act is not heroic at a$$+ it is the first act of disobedience. /he heroism ce$ebrated in )ook = as "7atience and .eroic *artyrdom" stands in stark contrast to traditiona$ epic heroism %PL >?1&'. Is ,dam0s disobedience an indictment of traditiona$ heroism@ If the :#iet ,dam is the tr#e hero of Paradise Lost, and Satan with a$$ his heroic oratory is not, then *i$ton is sim#$taneo#s$y entering into a dia$og#e with previo#s works abo#t the nat#re of heroism, reconfig#ring the o$d mode$, and effective$y redefining notions of heroism for his seventeenth1cent#ry Eng$ish 7rotestant a#dience. /he hero is not the on$y epic tradition to be reconfig#red in Paradise Lost! the poem a$so p$ays on readers0 e pectations abo#t epic form. ,$tho#gh it most resemb$es an epic, Paradise Lost contains

e$ements of many other genres+ there are e$ements of $yric poetry, inc$#ding the pastora$ mode, as in the descriptions of 7aradise, the conversations between the #nfa$$en ,dam and Eve, and their 9oyf#$ prayers to (od in the (arden %PL A.5<=1;>5'. /here is an a#bade %PL 5.?>B1&C<', a type of symposi#m %-aphae$0s visit, PL 51<', and e amp$es of georgic verse %PL A.B?<1>>, 5.&C=1?=, =.&C51 &&5'. /here are a$so e$ements of tragedy, as in )ook = when *i$ton, preparing his readers for the fa$$, writes, "I now m#st change D /hose Eotes to /ragic," and contin#es thro#gho#t the book to emp$oy tragic conventions, as when he apostrophi"es Eve %PL =.ACA1A??' and describes the earth0s response to the eating of the fr#it %PL =.;<&1A and =.?CCC1A'. /hro#gho#t the poem *i$ton makes #se of so$i$o:#y, another tragic convention. ,nd even the ten1book str#ct#re of the ?BB; edition, according to Fohn Leonard, "might owe something to Eng$ish tragedy, forming five dramatic acts of two books each" %Introd#ction to PL i'. In fact, *i$ton0s first attempts to write the story of man0s fa$$ took the form of a tragedy that he $ater re9ected in favor of epic. Scott E$$edge writes that *i$ton favored tragedy beca#se of its "affective and c#rative powers," which are no $ess present in Paradise Lost than in his more forma$ tragedy, Samson Agonistes %Introd#ction to PL vi'. ,s )arbara Lewa$ski writes, the incorporation of m#$tip$e genres into the poem invites #s "to identify certain patterns and certain poems as s#bte ts for portions of *i$ton0s poem, and then to attend to the comp$etion or transformation of those a$$#sive patterns as the poem proceeds" %&C'. Cordelia Zukerman and Thomas H. Lu on Return to the list of to!ics

!Things in$isible to mortal sight!: Milton%s God

4n$ike the gods and goddesses of c$assica$ epics, whose desires and disagreements often mirror those of h#mans, *i$ton0s (od is invisib$e and omnipresent, a being who cannot be considered an individ#a$ so m#ch as an e istence. *i$ton0s #nder$ying c$aim in Paradise Lost is that he has been inspired by his heaven$y m#se with know$edge of things #nknowab$e to fa$$en h#mans. .is di$emma of how to describe (od to the reader resemb$es the archange$ -aphae$0s di$emma of how to "re$ate D /o h#man sense th0invisib$e e p$oits" of the ange$s in .eaven %PL 5.5BA15'. Like -aphae$, *i$ton so$ves the prob$em by e pressing the infinite in terms of the tangib$e by portraying (od as if he were an individ#a$, when he is rea$$y something m#ch greater. /herefore, a$tho#gh *i$ton credits (od with speech and with eno#gh form that the Son can sit "on his right," everything re$ating to (od in Paradise Lost sho#$d be #nderstood as a kind of metaphor, a device #sed to p$ace the divine in h#man terms %PL >.B&'. 7erhaps beca#se of the contradictions inherent in the attrib#tion of h#man characteristics to a divine being, *i$ton0s portraya$ of (od has been a fre:#ent s#b9ect of debate among scho$ars and critics. *i$ton presents (od as a harsh and #ncompromising 9#dge over his s#b9ects, hard$y the fig#re one wo#$d e pect a poet to present whose goa$ is to "9#stifie the wayes of (od to men" %PL ?.&B'. C. S. Lewis e p$ains the aversion that readers often fee$ towards *i$ton0s (od by b$aming the modern reader+ "*any of those who say they dis$ike *i$ton0s (od on$y mean that they dis$ike (od+ infinite sovereignty, by its very nat#re, inc$#des wrath a$so" %?&B'. )#t *i$ton seems to be doing more than mere$y portraying the Christian (od! he is, according to 6i$$iam Empson, "str#gg$ing to make his (od appear $ess wicked than the traditiona$ Christian one" %"ilton#s God ??'. 7erhaps this is why *i$ton0s (od often appears on the defensive, e p$aining again and again that his foreknow$edge of the fa$$ has nothing to do with fate+ ,dam and Eve fa$$ of their own free wi$$, not beca#se (od in any way decreed it %see ,rg#ment to )ook >, >.<C1&?C, and ?C.?1B&'. /his defensive tone is hard$y becoming in an omnipotent deity, yet *i$ton needs to #se it in order to 9#stify (od! hence the end$ess potentia$ for contradiction in *i$ton0s presentation of (od %and those of many seventeenth1 cent#ry writers as we$$'. Empson and other critics a$so bring into :#estion (od0s 9#stice. /he -omantic poet 7ercy )ysshe

She$$ey writes that *i$ton "a$$eged no s#periority of mora$ virt#e to his (od over his 3evi$" %A $efense of Poetr% 5&;'. Empson agrees, writing that (od0s "apparent$y arbitrary harshness is intended to test #s with baff$ing mora$ prob$ems" %Empson ?C>', s#ch as why a hierarchy is necessary in .eaven at a$$, or why (od wo#$d estab$ish a comp$e arrangement of demonic and ange$ic g#ards to prevent an adversary from trave$ing from .e$$ to Eden, on$y to ca$$ them off "as soon as GtheyH $ook $ike s#cceeding" %??&'. Ine can e p$ain these prob$ems by reca$$ing that (od does not simp$y want abso$#te obedience in his s#b9ects, he wants the obedience of free beings. In his own words, "Eot free, what proof co#$d they have givn sincere D If tr#e a$$egiance, constant Faith or Love." %PL >.?C>1A'. 8et at times, (od0s comp$e ities do make him diffic#$t to find tr#stworthy, whi$e Satan0s seeming$y $ogica$ cha$$enges to his a#thority are :#ite appea$ing. 6i$$iam )$ake fo#nd *i$ton0s depiction of (od so far inferior to his depiction of Satan that he considered *i$ton to be an #nwitting Satanist %F$annagan, The Riverside "ilton >&&'. /here seems to be good evidence for it+ (od0s $ang#age is "f$at, #nco$ored, #nmetaphorica$," compared with Satan0s vivid and inspiring rhetoric %>&?'. )#t Stan$ey Fish presents a different theory+ his thesis is that *i$ton de$iberate$y $ets Satan sed#ce not on$y ,dam and Eve, b#t the reader as we$$. Fish writes, "/he reading e perience becomes the fe$t meas#re of man0s $oss" as the reader is first sed#ced by Satan0s powerf#$ and impressive $ogic, then s$ow$y rea$i"es that the $ogic is in fact twisted and nonsensica$ %Sur!rised &% Sin >='. /he reader emerges from the e perience renewed with a greater sense of faith, which is the #$timate goa$ of the poem. If we are not to tr#st Satan at a$$, however, then what sho#$d we make of Satan0s en$ightened :#estioning of (od0s a#thority@ 6hen contemp$ating the ascendancy of the Son, Satan says, "6ho can in reason then or right ass#me D *onarchie over s#ch as $ive by right D .is e:#a$s, if in power and sp$endor $ess D In freedome e:#a$@" %PL 5.;=A1;'. /his arg#ment in favor of e:#a$ity and against monarchy wo#$d strike a fami$iar note among seventeenth1cent#ry readers who had so recent$y e perienced the Eng$ish Civi$ 6ar. *i$ton had been a s#pporter of Cromwe$$ and had strong$y advocated the e ec#tion of Char$es I in ?BA= %see the Ipen 4niversity0s site on the Eng$ish Civi$ 6ar ?B&51?BA='. Satan0s do#bts abo#t (od0s a#thority seem based in rep#b$ican va$#es va$#es that *i$ton be$ieved in and promoted thro#gh his writing yet *i$ton conscio#s$y #ndermines those va$#es by p$acing them in Satan0s mo#th. 7araphrasing )$air 6orden, Lewa$ski writes that perhaps "Satan0s rhetoric of rep#b$icanism signa$s *i$ton0s profo#nd disi$$#sion with his own party and with po$itica$ disco#rse genera$$y" %ABB'. )#t Lewa$ski herse$f thinks different$y, pointing o#t the great difference between (od0s nat#ra$ eminence and the "St#art ideo$ogy of divine kingship" that created ido$s o#t of monarchs in the seventeenth cent#ry %AB='. She writes, ")y demonstrating that there can be no possib$e para$$e$ between earth$y kings and divine kingship G*i$tonH f$at$y denies the fami$iar roya$ist ana$ogies+ (od and Jing Char$es, Satan and the 7#ritan rebe$s" %ABB'. Satan0s do#bts abo#t (od are #nfo#nded and sinf#$, not beca#se they are inherent$y evi$, b#t beca#se (od is a tr#e monarch whose a#thority sho#$d never be :#estioned. Cordelia Zukerman and Thomas H. Lu on Return to the list of to!ics

! aile wedded &o$e!: Milton%s 'ede#inition o# Marriage

Fohn *i$ton0s epic of theo$ogy and po$itics, heaven, he$$, creation, free wi$$, and redemption feat#res a h#man re$ationship at its center. 7aradise is $ost after ,dam chooses to disobey (od, choosing, in *i$ton0s imagination, Eve instead. *i$ton0s ,dam e c$aims to Eve+ ".ow can I $ive witho#t thee, how forgoe D /hy sweet Converse and Love so dear$y 9oyn0d" %PL =.=C<1='. In response to this choice, the Son demands+ "6as shee thy (od" %PL ?C.?A5'@ 6hy and how *i$ton chose to te$$ this story of h#man $ove cha$$enging (od0s c$aim to #n:#estioning h#man obedience revea$s the domestic sphere0s emerging centra$ity to seventeenth cent#ry society and the e tent to which

theo$ogy mapped the co#rse of its deve$opment. In (enesis, the story of ,dam and Eve0s fa$$ is to$d in a sing$e $ine+ "she took of the fr#it thereof, and did eat, and gave a$so #nto her h#sband with her! and he did eat" %(enesis >+B'. In Paradise Lost, ,dam eats the fr#it of know$edge two h#ndred fo#rteen $ines after Eve. *i$ton imagines an intervening menta$ strife #ne:#a$$ed in the history of the wor$d as ,dam comes to choose $ove and death over rationa$ know$edge of (od. /he story is no $onger one of disobedience, b#t man0s disobedience of (od in favor of a h#man re$ationship. Critics arg#e that *i$ton str#gg$es to define the idea$ h#man re$ationship even as he views s#ch bonds as inherent$y h#man f$aws that distance the individ#a$ from (od. /he ,dam of (enesis sins against (od after Eve gives him the app$e! the ,dam of Paradise Lost sins against (od not beca#se of what Eve gives him, b#t beca#se of what he needs of her. /he passages depicting ,dam and Eve0s marriage have $ong been #sed as "the key to #n$ocking *i$ton0s attit#des toward gender and se #a$ity" %'ne (lesh) 'ne Heart &BB', b#t recent critica$ ana$ysis s#ggests a greater "comp$e ity of these iss#es in *i$ton0s works" %'ne (lesh) 'ne Heart &BB'. (regory Chap$in arg#es that Paradise Lost is remarkab$e as a "stageK where G*i$tonHK has the opport#nity to depict his idea$ #nion" %'ne (lesh) 'ne Heart &=?', which is "a merger of Eeop$atonic friendship and Christian marriage" %'ne (lesh) 'ne Heart &=?'. /homas L# on e$aborates on this theme when he states in Single Im!erfection that *i$ton0s "pro9ect" is "to redefine heteroerotic marriage #sing the terms and princip$es of c$assica$ friendship, and then to promote this new$y dignified version of marriage as the originary h#man re$ation and, therefore, the bedrock of socia$ and po$itica$ c#$t#re in 7rotestant Christendom" %Single Im!erfection ?1&'. )oth critics view *i$ton0s theo$ogy as inseparab$e from his #nderstanding of h#man re$ationships. *i$ton began theori"ing in print abo#t marriage with the p#b$ication of The $octrine and $isci!line of $ivorce %$$$' in ?BA> %see introd#ction to The "ilton Reading Room te t'. .is arg#ment was inspired both by persona$ e perience and by e tensive reading. .is wife, *ary 7owe$$, had ret#rned to her father0s ho#seho$d after $ess than two months of marriage in ?BA&! *i$ton was $eft a$one with neither a spo#se nor any prospect of remarriage. In addressing his $one$iness, *i$ton arg#ed "that the chief end (od intended in marriage Lwas the cheerf#$$ conversation of man with woman0" %Single Im!erfection &C, $$$ ?'. L# on arg#es that *i$ton tried to " redefine marriage as principa$$y a conversation" %Single Im!erfection ?A=' in order to diminish the division between marriage and friendship. 6ith this new emphasis, *i$ton i$$#strates a shift of foc#s from marriage for procreation and physica$ necessity and toward re$ationships that satisfy the desire for c$assica$ friendship and inte$$ect#a$ f#$fi$$ment. Critics map these interming$ed themes of marriage and friendship f#rther in Paradise Lost and #se them to fo$$ow ,dam0s deve$opment of h#man #nderstanding c#$minating in the Fa$$. /he new$y created ,dam desires any fit companion and $aments "In so$it#de D 6hat happiness, who can en9oy a$oneK@" %PL<.>BA15'. /homas L# on observes that ,dam, #n$ike (od, is incomp$ete witho#t companionship, and this "sing$e imperfection" %PL <.A&>', #n$ess it is overcome, wi$$ occasion mankind0s downfa$$ %Single Im!erfection ?C;', as the need for companionship wi$$ obstr#ct the rationa$ choice to prefer obedience to (od above other necessities. .owever, L# on ob9ects s#ch a "f#sion never s#cceeded and that *i$ton0s attempt to reimagine marriage as a heteroerotic version of the c$assica$ homoerotic idea$ res#$ted instead in a very #neasy and tempori"ing s#persession of friendship by marriage" %Single Im!erfection <'. L# on e p$ains this conc$#sion by asserting+ "*i$ton withho$ds from his marriage theories the $inchpin of c$assica$ and h#manist friendship doctrine e:#a$ity" %Single Im!erfection &'. ,dam0s progression from $one$iness, to inseparab$e devotion to a sing$e partner, to his choice of Eve over (od, is a theme that *i$ton deve$ops thro#gho#t his ma9or poetic works. In Samson Agonistes, *i$ton0s Samson "divorces his wife and res#mes an intimacy, however vag#e, with (od" %Single Im!erfection &'. In Paradise Regain#d, the Son deve$ops theory into pra is as he "draws strength from so$it#de and emerges a$one b#t not $one$y, a man who has transformed the Lsing$e

imperfection0 of $one$iness into the site of recovered man$iness, $iberty and god$iness" %Single Im!erfection &'. ,s L# on traces man0s f$aw thro#gh this series, he finds+ "the *i$ton who desired citi"enship in the kingdom of heaven wo#nd #p imagining his perfect man as so$itary" %Single Im!erfection ?=&'. *i$ton considers absence of carna$ $#st as one of the specia$ attrib#tes of pre$apsarian marriage, b#t friendship a$one cannot satisfy a$$ of man0s desires, despite the necessity of conversation. Fames (rantham /#rner offers another e p$anation of this re$ationship in 'ne (lesh* Paradisal "arriage and Se ual Relations in the Age of "ilton+ "*i$ton0s idea$ of married $ove sho#$d not therefore be tho#ght of as a socia$ drive or as a higher form of friendship, b#t as a private bonding of ma$e and fema$e s#ff#sed with erotic energy" %'ne (lesh &C;'. ,$tho#gh Chap$in and L# on arg#e that *i$ton wi$$ not "$eave marriage as one sort of re$ationship %for #ti$ity and perhaps p$eas#re' and friendship anotherK *i$ton wants marriage itself to be redefined as a friendship of virt#e" %Single Im!erfection ==, origina$ emphasis', *i$ton a$so s#ggests that the idea$ re$ationship re:#ires the specia$ bond offered by marriage+ one person e isting so$e$y for another. /h#s, whi$e ,dam condemns Eve0s actions, he seeks no other companion+ "Sho#$d (od create another Eve, and ID ,nother -ib afford yet $oss of thee D 6o#$d never from my heartK and from thy State D *ine never sha$$ be parted, b$iss or woe" %PL =.=??1?B'. ,fter the fa$$, however, $#st :#ick$y perverts the p#re assertion of devotion and the wish for satisfying and instr#ctive conversation+ as "that fa$se Fr#itD=K Carna$ desire enf$aming" %PL =.?C??1?>'. /he fata$ f$aw $eft an opening for the more dangero#s h#man carna$ desires that wo#$d distort h#man re$ationships. In emphasi"ing the va$#e of conversation, and other e amp$es drawn from c$assica$ friendship, *i$ton s#ggests a way to recreate the p#rity and f#$fi$$ment of the origina$ marriage in a post$apsarian wor$d. Sara Silverstein and Thomas H. Lu on Return to the list of to!ics

!'adiant image o# his Glory!: The Son

In some respects the Son of (od more c$ose$y resemb$es a c$assica$ epic hero than any other fig#re in Paradise Lost+ $ike many c$assica$ heroes he is a king, a great statesman, and a mi$itary champion. ,$so $ike those fig#res he is at once both g$orio#s and v#$nerab$e, g$orio#s in his god$iness, goodness, and mi$itary prowess, and v#$nerab$e in the promise of his f#t#re h#manity and s#ffering as the incarnate Christ. -oy F$annagan writes that the Son "does do things that epic heroes do, as when .e vo$#nteers for the most dangero#s of d#ties %confronting Satan and, $ater, sacrificing .imse$f for the sin of h#mankind'" %>&&'. )#t *i$ton0s goa$ in Paradise Lost is not simp$y to create a c$assica$ epic with a traditiona$ hero+ as Lewa$ski writes, "the f#ndamenta$ concern" of Paradise Lost is not heroism in the c$assica$ sense, b#t "a poem1$ong e p$oration and redefinition of heroes and heroism" %ABA'. Fish agrees, writing, "In effect, the reader comes to #nderstand heroism by repeated$y ad9#sting his idea of what makes one hero heroic" %?<A'. *i$ton himse$f writes that Paradise Lost is abo#t something different than "fab$0d Jnights D In )atte$s feign0d," b#t rather, "7atience and .eroic *artyrdom," or :#iet persistence in the face of adversity %PL =.>?1&'. *i$ton meant his epic poem to ce$ebrate what he considered to be Christian heroism, even more specifica$$y, reformed Christian heroism. /he Son in Paradise Lost is ca$$ed the Son beca#se he is not the historica$ fig#re Fes#s, nor is he the risen Christ+ he is the Son of (od a (od1fig#re who sits at the right hand of the Father. *i$ton disting#ishes between (od the Father and (od the Son by imp$ying that the Father is invisib$e and ineffab$e, whi$e Son is the Father "S#bstantia$$y e press0d" %PL >.?AC'. 6hi$e the Father e ists in the "p#re Empyrean" thro#gho#t the epic, the Son as his s#bstantia$ e pression descends to Earth to 9#dge ,dam and Eve after the fa$$, and it is of co#rse the Son who event#a$$y wi$$ take h#man form in order to redeem mankind %PL >.5;'. )#t the Son is not on$y an e pression of the Father+ *i$ton

creates an identity for him that is far more comp$e than that when he addresses the iss#es of the Son0s begetting and stat#s in .eaven, iss#es that were controversia$ in *i$ton0s time and have $ed many critics to spec#$ate abo#t *i$ton0s own persona$ theo$ogy. Chrono$ogica$$y, the very first scene that *i$ton describes in Paradise Lost occ#rs when ",s yet this wor$d was not," when (od anno#nces to the ange$s that he has begotten the Son %PL 5.5;;'. (od says, "/his day have I begot whom I dec$are D *y one$y Son yo#r .ead I him appoint" %PL 5.BC>1A, BCB'. /his dec$aration is the occasion of Satan0s rebe$$ion and the start of the 6ar in .eaven, the res#$t of which is the e p#$sion of one third of the ange$s from .eaven, and, #$timate$y, (od0s creation of Eden. )#t what has (od rea$$y done in this scene@ /he Eicene Creed states that the Son was "born of the Father before a$$ ages." %See the Eew Catho$ic Encyc$opedia0s site on the Eicene Creed.' *i$ton, however, echoing 7sa$m &+;, #ses the phrase "this day," as if (od had begotten the Son in act#a$ time. /his idea threatens the Christian be$ief in the ho$y trinity+ how can the Son be a begotten being begotten in time after the ange$s and yet be (od@ *oreover, why, if the Son is of the same essence as the Father %as Christian orthodo y proc$aims', does he obey him as if the Father were a s#perior being@ Like ,dam and Eve, the Son has his own free wi$$, choosing free$y to obey the Father+ he says, "Father Eterna$, thine is to decree, D *ine both in .eav0n and Earth to do thy wi$$ D S#pream" %PL ?C.B<1;C'. /hese are not the words of an e:#a$. ,nd is the Son even of the same essence as the Father@ ,t one point the Father te$$s the Son, "Into thee s#ch 2ert#e and (race D Immense I have transf#s0d, that a$$ may know D In .eav0n and .e$$ thy 7ower above compare" %PL B.;C>15'. If the Son were of the same essence as the Father, why wo#$d the Father need to transf#se virt#e and grace into him@ /he Son seems to have his own being separate from the Father, as in )ook > when he "takes the part of *ercy more than F#stice in that he appea$s to his father0s sense of compassion," and fina$$y, when he vo$#nteers free$y to die for man0s sins %F$annagan A&?, note to PL >.?BB'. Is *i$ton, then, describing a trinity in which the Father and Son are not of the same essence and not e:#a$@ Ine way to e p$ain the begetting of the Son in )ook 5 is by "disting#ishing between the e istence of the divine Logos or 6ord, which had been in e istence "in the beginning" and which had created everything, inc$#ding the ange$s, and the recognition of the 6ord as Son at this $ater point in time" %6. ). .#nter, +right ,ssence ??B'. 6hen (od is saying that he has "begotten" the Son, therefore, he is not saying that he has created him, beca#se the Son a$ready e isted as the 6ord! he is instead acknow$edging the Son as the "*essiah Jing anointed" %PL 5.BBA'. )#t this sti$$ does not e p$ain the way that the Son can be read as a $ower being than the Father. 3#ring the seventeenth cent#ry in Eng$and there was m#ch disc#ssion abo#t aspects of 7rotestant theo$ogy, in which debates abo#t the doctrine of the trinity "rapid$y took the re$igio#s centre stage" %/yacke, As!ects of ,nglish Protestantism >C5'. ,ccording to Fohn 7. -#mrich, "at $east eight antitrinitarian heretics were b#rned at the stake from ?5A< to ?B?&" %"ilton and Heres% <B'. Ine of the most prominent antitrinitarian sects was ,rianism, named after the fo#rth1cent#ry )ishop ,ri#s, who preached against the trinity. -#mrich disc#sses why disbe$ief in the trinity "provoked a#thorities as no other heresy co#$d," and e p$ains, "7erhaps the imp#$se toward demystification e pressed in ,rianism was dim$y perceived as a threat to the ideo$ogica$ basis of monarchica$ power" %<;'. *any inte$$ect#a$s, inc$#ding Isaac Eewton and Fohn Locke, be$ieved in ,rianism, and now scho$ars are genera$$y agreed that *i$ton did as we$$. *#ch of the basis for this be$ief is derived from *i$ton0s theo$ogica$ treatise 'n Christian $octrine, in which *i$ton re$ied so$e$y on the te t of the )ib$e to form#$ate his ideas, even at the risk of denying common$y accepted Ch#rch doctrine. .e disc#sses the trinity at $ength, #sing bib$ica$ :#otations to demonstrate that "the Father and the Son are certain$y not one in essence," and that "the Father is greater than the Son in a$$ things" %F$annagan ??;&1??;A'. *i$ton0s be$iefs abo#t the re$ationship between the Father and Son, therefore, may have $ed him to describe in Paradise Lost a Son who is neither of the Father0s essence nor e:#a$ in stat#s to the Father. 3o *i$ton0s be$iefs abo#t the nat#re of the trinity, then, affect his $iterary work even to the e tent of mo$ding the $iterary character of the Son to fit his be$iefs@ ,s 6. ). .#nter writes, *i$ton0s "centra$

p#rpose in writing the poem was this 9#stification Gof (odH with its concomitant theo$ogy. .is means were $iterary, indeed, b#t his artistry was handmaiden to his theo$ogy, not the other way aro#nd" %??;'. -ecent do#bts regarding the a#thorship of In Christian 3octrine, however, have necessitated a reconsideration of *i$ton0s theo$ogy and the re$ationship between it and Paradise Lost. In the introd#ction to their book +right ,ssence, .#nter, C. ,. 7atrides, and F. .. ,damson go so far as to re9ect *i$ton0s ,rianism comp$ete$y and reconsider the ro$e of the Son in Paradise Lost. /hey write, "we have discovered a new *i$ton for whom the Son is of f#ndamenta$ importance in the act of creation, the reve$ation of the (odhead within history, and the sa$vation of man" %vii'. 7erhaps the Son is a hero after a$$. Cordelia Zukerman and Thomas H. Lu on Return to the list of to!ics

!Contemplation o# Created Things!: Knowledge in Paradise Lost

In his treatise 'f ,ducation *i$ton writes, "/he end then of Learning is to repair the r#ines of o#r first 7arents by regaining to know (od aright, and o#t of that know$edge to $ove him" %'f ,ducation'. /hemes of know$edge and ed#cation p$ay important ro$es in Paradise Lost, which, according to Lewa$ski, is "preeminent$y a poem abo#t knowing and choosing" %ABC'. /he dominance of these themes comes from the fact that *i$ton is writing abo#t the first h#mans on earth, h#mans who have no history and no way of knowing the wor$d e cept thro#gh (od0s inspiration. 6hen -aphae$ comes to earth in )ook 5, he e p$ains to ,dam the difference between h#man know$edge, which is attained thro#gh disco#rse, and ange$ic know$edge, which is attained thro#gh int#ition. .e says that the two types of know$edge differ "b#t in degree, of kind the same," s#ggesting that if h#mans remain obedient they wi$$ event#a$$y attain int#itive know$edge %PL 5.A=C'. .e is eager to e p$ain to ,dam the story of the war in .eaven and the creation of earth, b#t he stops when ,dam asks abo#t the nat#re of the #niverse. .e te$$s ,dam, "So$icit not thy tho#ghts with matters hid, D Leave them to (od above, him serve and feare" %PL <.?B;1<'. ,t this point *i$ton is s#ggesting that the goa$ of know$edge is not to know everything in the #niverse, b#t to increase o#r "appreciation of (od0s goodness" and #$timate$y increase o#r faith %*arsha$$ (rossman, "*i$ton0s 3ia$ectica$ 2isions" >&'. Interesting$y, Eve perhaps demonstrating int#itive know$edge of the kind ,dam has yet to attain chooses the moment direct$y preceding -aphae$0s comment to move o#t of hearing of the conversation. /his act "represents in dramatic terms the same $esson -aphae$ has tried to make c$ear+ Creation is to be both en9oyed and #nderstood as a sign of (od! to e amine it critica$$y is to forget man0s p$ace in it" %-obert L. Ent"minger, "Epistemo$ogy and the /#te$ary 6ord in Paradise Lost" ?C>'. Simi$ar$y, *i$ton has -aphae$ say, "Jnow$edge is as food, and "needs no $ess D .er /emperance over ,ppetite" %PL ;.?&B1;'. F#st as we sho#$d be temperate with food, we m#st discriminate between different kinds of know$edge, avoiding that which wi$$ move #s away from (od. /his brings #s to the /ree of Jnow$edge of (ood and Evi$. *i$ton emphasi"es that the importance of the /ree $ies $ess in the know$edge it brings than in its f#nction as "/he on$y sign of o#r obedience" %PL A.A&<'. Eeverthe$ess, the /ree raises :#estions abo#t the different types of know$edge that e ist before and after the fa$$. 6hen ,dam and Eve eat the fr#it, they $ose the capacity to attain int#itive know$edge. Instead, according to Leonard, they "gain know$edge of the darkness into which creation fa$$s when it is deprived of (od0s goodness" % iii'. )eca#se they are more removed from (od, they cannot $earn in the same way they once did. 6hen the ange$ *ichae$ comes to earth to te$$ ,dam abo#t the f#t#re, he begins by giving him visions, b#t event#a$$y m#st stop and narrate the rest beca#se he perceives ,dam0s "morta$ sight to fai$e" %PL ?&.='. /he fa$$en ,dam has $ess access to an #nderstanding of (od and .eaven than the #nfa$$en one, and *ichae$

m#st be more caref#$ than -aphae$ to re$ate his ta$e in an #nderstandab$e way. Ira C$ark writes, "-epeated$y, Paradise Lost0s narrators dec$are their prob$ems of te$$ing ca#sed by prob$ems of knowing" %", 7rob$em of Jnowing 7aradise in Paradise Lost" ?<>'. /hese prob$ems e ist between (od and the ange$s, between ange$s and h#mans, between ,dam and Eve, and fina$$y, between the poem and the reader. ,s C$ark e p$ains, the fa$$en reader has no way to #nderstand 7aradise, $et a$one .eaven and .e$$, and *i$ton0s method of describing them invo$ve metaphors, simi$es, and negatives. )#t if the fa$$en reader cannot know 7aradise, does it then fo$$ow that the #nfa$$en ,dam and Eve cannot know evi$@ *any critics, inc$#ding *ichae$ Lieb, arg#e that the significance of (od0s command not to eat the fr#it $ies in its very ambig#ity+ if ,dam and Eve do not #nderstand evi$ or death, the conse:#ences of eating the fr#it, their on$y reason to obey (od is their faith, which sho#$d be reason eno#gh %"Paradise Lost and the *yth of 7rohibition"'. )#t C$ark disagrees, writing that the c$ima of the work "depends on Eve and ,dam0s having a competent sense of know$edge" %&C?'. /hese opposing views are wrapped #p in *i$ton0s depiction of a 7aradise in which ,dam and Eve have instant know$edge of everything they can name, and are sim#$taneo#s$y too p#re to know #nhappiness or recogni"e evi$ when they see it. Cordelia Zukerman and Thomas H. Lu on Return to the list of to!ics

!(hat i# the Sun ) *e Centre to the (orld!: Cosmology in Paradise Lost

Eothing $ess than the creation and ordering of the #niverse defines the scope of Paradise Lost. /he epic e p$ores its cosmo$ogica$ theme in theoretica$ disc#ssions between ,dam and -aphae$ and in the narrator0s descriptions and metaphors. F#rther, *i$ton imagines Satan s#rveying the #niverse in an e pedition of discovery thro#gh a new wor$d in his fa$$ from .eaven and his passage thro#gh Chaos to Earth. ,dam tries to #nderstand the earth0s physica$ p$ace in the #niverse and its associated onto$ogica$ and theo$ogica$ va$#e as the home of man. .e wonders a$o#d abo#t "this Earth a spot, a grain,D ,n ,tom, with the Firmament compar0dD ,nd a$$ her n#mbered Starrs, that seem to row$ DSpaces incomprehensib$e" %PL <.?;1&?'. *i$ton asks #s to imagine the first man str#gg$ing with many of the same :#estions a -enaissance thinker, contemp$ating new mode$s of the #niverse, m#st have considered. In response to the theory that everything revo$ves aro#nd the s#n and not the earth, phi$osophers were forced to :#estion the importance of man0s ro$e in the #niversa$ order. -aphae$, responding to ,dam0s concerns, s#ggests there is no reason "bodies bright and greater sho#$d not serve D /he $ess not bright, nor .eav0n s#ch 9o#rnies r#n D Earth sitting sti$$" %PL <.<;1='. 8et, the poem does not answer a$$ s#ch :#estions direct$y, and scho$ars often find it diffic#$t to determine *i$ton0s attit#de toward science. In these debates, it is he$pf#$ to remember that *i$ton was not a scientist b#t a theorist. .e did not contrib#te to scientific know$edge so m#ch as to an #nderstanding of what new scientific ideas might mean to traditiona$ Christian cosmo$ogy. .e meditates on this in a conditiona$ modes, as does -aphae$ in his description of the #niverse+ "6hat if the S#nD )e Centre to the 6or$d" %PL <.?&&1>'. In the mid1si teenth cent#ry, Eico$a#s Copernic#s and his fo$$owers, most notab$y Fohannes Jep$er and (a$i$eo (a$i$ei, dist#rbed the entire Christian wor$d by proposing a he$iocentric mode$ of the #niverse that disp$aced the earth, and by e tension h#manity, from the center. ,s the -eformation progressed, res#$ting theo$ogica$ debates ac:#ired po$itica$ importance and *i$ton, as a po$itica$$y conscio#s theo$ogian, addressed these iss#es in Paradise Lost. Critics debate the e tent of *i$ton0s interest in the advancement of science. Catherine (ime$$i *artin notes that many find "his cosmo$ogy stands on the wrong side of the great scientific revo$#tion initiated by Copernic#s, f#rthered by (a$i$eo, and comp$eted by Eewton" %"6hat If the S#n )e Centre" &>>'. .owever, *artin arg#es that c$assifying *i$ton as scientifica$$y backward is a mistake res#$ting from o#r modern society+ "we too easi$y forget that d#ring this formative period, no Ladvancement of

$earning,0 scientific or otherwise, co#$d yet be conceived as s#cceeding apart from the re:#isite disc$aimers abo#t the fo$$y of seeking s#perh#man know$edge and the proper ass#rances of h#mi$ity before heights of 3ivine 6isdom" %*artin &>?1&'. *odern readers tend to treat scientific know$edge as inevitab$y progressive and therefore e pect in *i$ton an appreciation of o#r modern scientific va$#es and know$edge. ,s a rationa$ist, *i$ton m#st have admired the new sciences b#t, as a c$assicist and a Christian theo$ogian, he had not yet p$aced scientific know$edge ahead of piety or bib$ica$ know$edge. 6i$$iam 7oo$e notes the danger of seeing in *i$ton an advanced scientific phi$osopher and warns+ "we sho#$d be e treme$y wary forcing *i$ton into c$othes he does not fit" %"*i$ton and Science+ , Caveat" ?<'. .owever, within the midd$e gro#nd, scho$ars agree with *artin that *i$ton appreciated the va$#e of scientific tho#ght and deve$opment, a$tho#gh he may have do#bted the reach of this branch of h#man know$edge. Cosmo$ogy appears in Paradise Lost thro#gh direct scientific references, incorporation of new scientific theories into vario#s characters0 wor$dviews, and warnings against seeking beyond the $imits of h#man know$edge. *artin observes+ "(a$i$eo or his te$escope is approving$y cited on five separate occasions in *i$ton0s epic %the on$y contemporary reference to appear at a$$'" %*artin &><'. /hese instances i$$#strate that s#ch scientific discovery can be a means of comprehending (od0s g$ory and ",$mightie works" %PL ;.??&', as -aphae$ says to ,dam+ "what tho# canst attain, which best may serve D /o g$orifie the *aker, and inferr D /hee a$so happier, sha$$ not be withhe$d" %PL ;.??51;'. Ither scho$ars note that *i$ton0s theories of socia$ order in Paradise Lost echo scientific tho#ght. In The "atter of Revolution, Fohn -ogers contends that *i$ton0s work e p$ores the e tent of the vita$ist scientific movement that arg#ed for "the inf#sion of a$$ materia$ s#bstance with the power of reason" %The "atter of Revolution ?'. -ogers finds this theory at work in *i$ton0s #nderstanding of creation and his ordering of the #niverse, as we$$ as in h#man systems of society and government. -ather than re$egating h#manity to the periphery with the earth in the he$iocentric mode$, -ogers s#ggests "*i$ton decentra$i"es divinity, representing an action $ogica$$y prior to the decentra$i"ations of the state" %The "atter of Revolution ??>'. /h#s, *i$ton #ses new scientific theories of order to inform his consideration of iss#es s#ch as po$itics and free wi$$ in his epic poem. 6hi$e scientific arg#ments, s#ch as a he$iocentric #niverse, offer positive contrib#tions to his revo$#tionary po$itica$ theory, *i$ton hesitates before the theo$ogica$ ramifications. , decentra$i"ed #niverseor one centered on something other than man, created in (od0s imagere:#ires each ob9ect to behave predictab$y and s#itab$y within the $arger scheme, "each in thir severa$ active Sphears assign0d" %PL 5.A;<'. If this pattern fai$s, chaos wi$$ res#$t. ,s -ogers notes+ "Satan, in )ook /wo, promises Chaos that he wi$$ work to ret#rn to its origina$ chaotic state the be$ated imposition of creationK /he possibi$ity of a chaotic res#rgence has no meaningf#$ ro$e in the poem0s cosmo$ogy, b#t its e pression voices *i$ton0s fear, perhaps not so #nso#nd, of an ever1 encroaching po$itica$ chaos" %The "atter of Revolution ?A&'. In the wake of the Eng$ish Civi$ 6ar, anarchy was too tangib$y the po$itica$ co#nterpart of this ret#rn to chaos. /h#s, *i$ton depicts the an iety res#$ting from new and often #nwe$come discoveries and theories, as -aphae$ ca#tions+ "(od to remove his wayes from h#man sense,D 7$ac0d .eav0n from Earth so farr, that earth$y sight, D If it pres#me, might err in things too high,D and no advantage gain" %PL <.??=1&&'. Scho$ars c#rrent$y seem to be in agreement that *i$ton was aware of scientific deve$opments and their imp$ications. 6hether we can #nderstand *i$ton0s phi$osophy in terms of scientific theory, or even know *i$ton0s conception of the e tent of appropriate h#man know$edge, has yet to be determined. ,$tho#gh ,dam may be "$ed on, yet sin$ess, with desire to knowD 6hat neerer might concern him" %PL ;.B?1&', -aphae$0s warning to him conc$#des+ "So$$icit not thy tho#ghts with matters hid, D Leave them to (od above, him serve and feare . . . .eav0n is for thee too high D /o know what passes there! be $ow$ie wise" %PL <.?B;1?;>'. 6hat know$edge g$orifies (od and what know$edgetoo great for h#man #nderstandingthreatens the very systems it seeks to e p$ain@ *i$ton was $ike$y sti$$ #ncertain abo#t this iss#e as he sent ,dam and Eve forth from Eden+ ".igh in Front advanc0t,D /he brandisht Sword of (od before them b$a"0dD Fierce as a Comet" %PL ?&.B>&1A'.

Sara Silverstein and Thomas H. Lu on Return to the list of to!ics

Publication

istory o# Paradise Lost

Ine can $earn a great dea$ from the gap between when *i$ton wrote Paradise Lost and when it fina$$y went to press. ,s 3avid Jastan notes in his he$pf#$ introd#ction, "it had been finished at $east two years" before Sam#e$ Simmons fina$$y p#b$ished it in ?BB;. )etween comp$etion and p#b$ication, the po$itica$ instabi$ity of the period conspired to de$ay the re$ease of Paradise Lost. In a practica$ sense, the second ,ng$o13#tch war of ?BB5 ca#sed a paper shortage. /he conf#sion and fear after the p$ag#e and fire of London added to the t#rb#$ence of the period. ,$together, this created an #nfavorab$e environment for controversia$ $iterat#re %see Eicho$as von *a$t"ahn0s artic$e, "/he First -eception of Paradise Lost"'. Event#a$$y, of co#rse, *i$ton did seek a printer. It is #ncertain why he chose Sam#e$ Simmons, an obsc#re stationer, to print Paradise Lost. Jastan spec#$ates that the stationer0s pro imity to *i$ton0s home was a factor, especia$$y since Simmons0s presses were among the few #nharmed by the (reat Fire. .e a$so spec#$ates that "perhaps it was fami$y $oya$ty," as Simmons0s father had printed severa$ of *i$ton0s prose works. Jastan notes that Simmons had a rep#tation for printing "seditio#s books!" this may have drawn *i$ton to Simmons. /heir b#siness re$ationship was remarkab$e, as Jastan detai$s it, in that "the s#rviving contract is the ear$iest between a writer and p#b$isher that has come to $ight, and Simmons, at $east to $ater generations, has been often critici"ed for taking advantage of the b$ind and disgraced *i$ton." .owever, their agreement was $ike$y typica$ for the period %for detai$s as to their contract, see Jastan'. In order to protect his copyright to Paradise Lost, *i$ton had to app$y to have the poem $icensed. "/hat *i$ton or his bookse$$er even so#ght the $icense," writes von *a$t"ahn, "shows the gravity of the poet0s sit#ation in the -esoration" %von *a$t"ahn A<&'. )oth von *a$t"ahn and Jastan detai$ the ob9ections of /homas /omkins, the $icenser and chap$ain to the ,rchbishop of Canterb#ry. *i$ton0s anti1monarchist themes, combined with his rep#tation as a proponent of regicide, made /omkins seek to deny the poem $icense. )#t in ?BB; with the government in retreat, and $icensers #nder press#re, the foc#s in contro$$ing the press needed narrowing to those who raised more present fears and enco#raged sedition. If *i$ton by rep#tation might be e pected to "make Gthe peop$eH to fear," it was at the same time p$ain that Paradise Lost was of a different order from the $icensers0 #s#a$ fare. %*a$t"ahn A<B' /h#s, despite his iss#es with the s#bversive nat#re of the poem, and $ines ?.5=A1== in partic#$ar, /omkins $icensed the poem. /he first edition of Paradise Lost was p#b$ished in ?BB;. "6hat has $ong been recogni"ed is that the poem so$d s$ow$y and that different tit$e pages were iss#ed both to ref$ect changes in bookse$$ing arrangements and to enco#rage new sa$es" %Jastan'. *a9or changes to the first edition, however, did not occ#r #nti$ the ?BB< printing, which added fo#rteen pages. In this printing, *i$ton added the introd#ctory "arg#ments" for each book! these were compi$ed at the beginning of the poem, since the type was not re1set. /his printing a$so inc$#ded a $etter from Simmons to the "Co#rteo#s -eader!" in fact, this printing is the first in which Simmons0 name appears. ,t $ast, in ?BB=, *i$ton0s contract was f#$fi$$ed when the first ?,>CC copies were so$d. In ?B;A, Simmons printed the second edition of Paradise Lost, which feat#red significant changes. )ooks seven and ten were each divided into two books, moving the tota$ n#mber of books from ten to twe$ve. /his may have been beca#se books seven and ten were e ceptiona$$y $ong, b#t twe$ve

books a$so s#ggests a ha$f1epic. 6hereas the first edition was a :#arto, the second is an octavo. It is not r#$ed, and does not feat#re $ine n#mbers. .owever, the arg#ments appear before their respective books, and the printing inc$#des two poems and a portrait of the poet. Jastan remarks that "in genera$, the edition is $ess we$coming than the first. It is, however, better printed than ?BB;, probab$y from the fact that it is set seeming$y from a corrected copy of the first edition rather than from a man#script." 6hat is remarkab$e here, as Jastan c$aims, is that *i$ton, d#e to his re$ationship with Simmons, seems to have had a hand in the p#b$ication process+ "Sometime in the s#mmer of ?B;A, *i$ton0s Paradise Lost appeared in print essentia$$y in the form the poet had come to imagine it." F#st how m#ch aesthetic contro$ a b$ind poet co#$d e ercise over the printing of his poem is a topic for spec#$ation. Alison G. "oe and Thomas H. Lu on

I+ Paradisum "missam Summi Poet, -. "++IS MI&T.+I

M4i $egis ,missam 7aradis#m, grandia magni Carmina *i$toni, :#id nisi c#ncta $egis@ -es c#nctas, N c#nctar#m primordia rer#m, Et fata, N fines continet iste $iber. Intima pand#nt#r magni penetra$ia m#ndi, G 5 H Scribit#r N toto :#ic:#id in Irbe $atet. /errO:#e, tract#s:#e maris, coe$#m:#e prof#nd#m S#$ph#re#m:#e Erebi, f$ammivom#m:#e spec#s. M#O:#e co$#nt terras, 7ort#m:#e N /artara cOca, M#O:#e co$#nt s#mmi $#cida regna 7o$i. G ?C H Et :#odc#n:#e #$$is conc$#s#m est finib#s #s:#am, Et sine fine Chaos, N sine fine 3e#s+ Et sine fine magis, si :#id magis est sine fine, In Christo erga homines conci$iat#s amor. .Oc :#i speraret :#is crederet esse f#t#r#m@ G ?5 H Et tamen hOc hodie terra )ritanna $egit. I :#antos in be$$a 3#cesP :#O prot#$it armaP M#O canit, N :#anta prO$ia dira t#ba. Coe$estes aciesP at:#e in certamine Coe$#mP Et :#O Coe$estes p#gna deceret agrosP G &C H M#ant#s in Otheriis to$$it se L#cifer armisP ,t:#e ipso gradit#r vi *ichae$e minorP M#antis, N :#am f#nestis conc#rrit#r iris 3#m fer#s hic ste$$as protegit, i$$e rapitP 3#m v#$sos *ontes ce# /e$a reciproca tor:#ent, G &5 H Et non morta$i des#per igne p$##nt+ Stat d#bi#s c#i se parti concedat I$ymp#s, Et met#it p#gnO non s#peresse s#O. ,t sim#$ in coe$is *essiO insignia f#$gent, Et c#rr#s animes, arma:#e digna 3eo, G >C H .orrend#m:#e rotO strident, N sOva rotar#m

Er#mp#nt torvis f#$g#ra $#minib#s, Et f$ammO vibrant, N vera tonitr#a ra#co ,dmistis f$ammis inson#ere 7o$o+ E cidit attonitis mens omnis, N impet#s omnis G >5 H Et cassis de tris irrita /e$a cad#nt. ,d poenas f#gi#nt, N ce# foret Irc#s asy$#m Infernis certant condere se tenebris. Cedite -omani Scriptores, cedite (raii Et :#os fama recens ve$ ce$ebravit an#s. G AC H .Oc :#ic#n:#e $eget tant#m cecinesse p#tabit *Oonidem ranas, 2irgi$i#m c#$ices. S.). *.3.

.+ Paradise &ost
6.en I behe$d the 7oet b$ind, yet bo$d, In s$ender )ook his vast 3esign #nfo$d, *essiah Crown0d, (ods -econci$0d 3ecree, -ebe$$ing ,nge$s, the Forbidden /ree, .eav0n, .e$$, Earth, Chaos, ,$$! the ,rg#ment G 5 H .e$d me a whi$e misdo#bting his Intent, /hat he wo#$d r#ine %for I saw him strong' /he sacred /r#ths to Fab$e and o$d Song %So Sampson groap0d the /emp$es 7osts in spight' /he 6or$d o0rewhe$ming to revenge his sight. G ?C H 8et as I read, soon growing $ess severe, I $ik0d his pro9ect, the s#ccess did fear! /hro#gh that wide Fie$d how he his way sho#$d find I0re which $ame Faith $eads 4nderstanding b$ind! Lest he perp$e 0d the things he wo#$d e p$ain, G ?5 H ,nd what was easie he sho#$d render vain. Ir if a 6ork so infinite he spann0d Fea$o#s I was that some $ess ski$f#$ hand %S#ch as dis:#iet a$ways what is we$$, ,nd by i$$ imitating wo#$d e ce$$' G &C H *ight hence pres#me the who$e Creations day /o change in Scenes, and show it in a 7$ay. 7ardon me, *ighty 7oet, nor despise *y ca#se$ess, yet not impio#s, s#rmise. )#t I am now convinc0d, and none wi$$ dare G &5 H 6ithin thy $abo#rs to pretend a share. /ho# hast not miss0d one tho#ght that co#$d be fit, ,nd a$$ that was improper dost omit+ So that no room is here for 6riters $eft, )#t to detect their Ignorance or /heft. G >C H /hat *a9esty which thro#gh thy 6ork doth -eign

3raws the devo#t, deterring the 7rofane. ,nd things divine tho# treatst of in s#ch state ,s them preserves, and thee, invio$ate. ,t once de$ight and horro#r on #s seise, G >5 H /ho# singst with so m#ch gravity and ease! ,nd above h#mane f$ight dost soar a$oft 6ith p$#me so strong, so e:#a$, and so soft. /he )ird nam0d from that 7aradise yo# sing So never f$aggs, b#t a$ways keeps on 6ing. G AC H 6here co#$dst tho# words of s#ch a compass find@ 6hence f#rnish s#ch a vast e pence of mind@ F#st .eav0n thee $ike /iresias to re:#ite -ewards with 7rophesie thy $oss of sight. 6e$$ mightst tho# scorn thy -eaders to a$$#re G A5 H 6ith tink$ing -hime, of thy own sense sec#re! 6hi$e the /own1)ayes writes a$$ the whi$e and spe$$s, ,nd $ike a 7ack1horse tires witho#t his )e$$s+ /heir Fancies $ike o#r )#shy1points appear, /he poets tag them, we for fashion wear. G 5C H I too transported by the *ode offend, ,nd whi$e I meant to 7raise thee m#st Commend. /hy 2erse created $ike thy /heme s#b$ime, In E#mber, 6eight, and *eas#re, needs not -hime. ,. *.

T /

0/'S/
/.E *eas#re is Eng$ish .eroic 2erse witho#t -ime, as that of .omer in (reek, and 2irgi$ in Latin! -hime being no necessary ,d9#nct or tr#e Irnament of 7oem or good 2erse, in $onger 6orks especia$$y, b#t the Invention of a barbaro#s ,ge, to set off wretched matter and $ame *eeter! grac0t indeed since by the #se of some famo#s modern 7oets, carried away by C#stom, b#t m#ch to thir own ve ation, hindrance, and constraint to e press many things otherwise, and for the most part worse then e$se they wo#$d have e prest them. Eot witho#t ca#se therefore some both Ita$ian, and Spanish 7oets of prime note have re9ected -hime both in $onger and shorter 6orks, as have a$so $ong since o#r best Eng$ish /ragedies, as a thing of itse$f, to a$$ 9#dicio#s ears, trivea$, and of no tr#e m#sica$ de$ight! which consists one$y in apt E#mbers, fit :#antity of Sy$$ab$es, and the sense vario#s$y drawn o#t from one 2erse into another, not in the 9ing$ing so#nd of $ike endings, a fa#$t avoyded by the $earned ,ncients both in 7oetry and a$$ good Iratory. /his neg$ect then of -hime so $itt$e is to be taken for a defect, tho#gh it may seem so perhaps to v#$gar -eaders, that it rather is to be esteem0d an e amp$e set, the first in Eng$ish, of ancient $iberty recover0d to heroic 7oem from the tro#b$esom and modern bondage of -imeing.

Paradise &ost
*..K 1
T / "'G2M/+T
/his first )ook proposes, first in brief, the who$e S#b9ect, *ans disobedience, and the $oss there#pon of 7aradise wherein he was p$ac0t+ /hen to#ches the prime ca#se of his fa$$, the Serpent, or rather Satan in the Serpent! who revo$ting from (od, and drawing to his side many Legions of ,nge$s, was by the command of (od driven o#t of .eaven with a$$ his Crew into the great 3eep. 6hich action past over, the 7oem hasts into the midst of things, presenting Satan with his ,nge$s now fa$$en into .e$$, describ0d here, not in the Center %for .eaven and Earth may be s#ppos0d as yet not made, certain$y not yet acc#rst' b#t in a p$ace of #tter darkness, fit$iest ca$$0d Chaos+ .ere Satan with his ,nge$s $ying on the b#rning Lake, th#nder1str#ck and astonisht, after a certain space recovers, as from conf#sion, ca$$s #p him who ne t in Irder and 3ignity $ay by him! they confer of thir miserab$e fa$$. Satan awakens a$$ his Legions, who $ay ti$$ then in the same manner confo#nded! /hey rise, thir E#mbers, array of )atte$, thir chief Leaders nam0d, according to the Ido$s known afterwards in Canaan and the Co#ntries ad9oyning. /o these Satan directs his Speech, comforts them with hope yet of regaining .eaven, b#t te$$s them $ast$y of a new 6or$d and new kind of Creat#re to be created, according to an ancient 7rophesie or report in .eaven! for that ,nge$s were $ong before this visib$e Creation, was the opinion of many ancient Fathers. /o find o#t the tr#th of this 7rophesie, and what to determin thereon he refers to a f#$$ Co#nce$. 6hat his ,ssociates thence attempt. 7andemoni#m the 7a$ace of Satan rises, s#dden$y b#i$t o#t of the 3eep+ /he inferna$ 7eers there sit in Co#nce$. IF *ans First 3isobedience, and the Fr#it If that Forbidden /ree, whose morta$ tast )ro#ght 3eath into the 6or$d, and a$$ o#r woe, 6ith $oss of Eden, ti$$ one greater *an -estore #s, and regain the b$issf#$ Seat, G 5 H Sing .eav0n$y *#se,that on the secret top If Ireb, or of Sinai, didst inspire /hat Shepherd, who first ta#ght the chosen Seed, In the )eginning how the .eav0ns and Earth -ose o#t of Chaos+ Ir if Sion .i$$ G ?C H 3e$ight thee more, and Si$oa0s )rook that f$ow0d Fast by the Irac$e of (od! I thence Invoke thy aid to my adventro#s Song, /hat with no midd$e f$ight intends to soar ,bove th0 ,onian *o#nt, whi$e it p#rs#es G ?5 H /hings #nattempted yet in 7rose or -hime. ,nd chief$y /ho# I Spirit, that dost prefer )efore a$$ /emp$es th0 #pright heart and p#re, Instr#ct me, for /ho# know0st! /ho# from the first 6ast present, and with mighty wings o#tspread G &C H 3ove1$ike satst brooding on the vast ,byss ,nd mad0st it pregnant+ 6hat in me is dark

I$$#min, what is $ow raise and s#pport! /hat to the highth of this great ,rg#ment I may assert Eterna$ 7rovidence, G &5 H ,nd 9#stifie the wayes of (od to men. Say first, for .eav0n hides nothing from thy view Eor the deep /ract of .e$$, say first what ca#se *ov0d o#r (rand 7arents in that happy State, Favo#r0d of .eav0n so high$y, to fa$$ off G >C H From thir Creator, and transgress his 6i$$ For one restraint, Lords of the 6or$d besides@ 6ho first sed#c0d them to that fo#$ revo$t@ /h0 inferna$ Serpent! he it was, whose g#i$e Stird #p with Envy and -evenge, deceiv0d G >5 H /he *other of *ankind, what time his 7ride .ad cast him o#t from .eav0n, with a$$ his .ost If -ebe$ ,nge$s, by whose aid aspiring /o set himse$f in ($ory above his 7eers, .e tr#sted to have e:#a$0d the most .igh, G AC H If he oppos0d! and with ambitio#s aim ,gainst the /hrone and *onarchy of (od -ais0d impio#s 6ar in .eav0n and )atte$ pro#d 6ith vain attempt. .im the ,$mighty 7ower .#r$d head$ong f$aming from th0 Etherea$ Skie G A5 H 6ith hideo#s r#ine and comb#stion down /o bottom$ess perdition, there to dwe$$ In ,damantine Chains and pena$ Fire, 6ho d#rst defie th0 Imnipotent to ,rms. Eine times the Space that meas#res 3ay and Eight G 5C H /o morta$ men, he with his horrid crew Lay van:#isht, row$ing in the fiery (#$fe Confo#nded tho#gh immorta$+ )#t his doom -eserv0d him to more wrath! for now the tho#ght )oth of $ost happiness and $asting pain G 55 H /orments him! ro#nd he throws his ba$ef#$ eyes /hat witness0d h#ge aff$iction and dismay *i t with obd#rate pride and stedfast hate+ ,t once as far as ,nge$s kenn he views /he disma$ Sit#ation waste and wi$de, G BC H , 3#ngeon horrib$e, on a$$ sides ro#nd ,s one great F#rnace f$am0d, yet from those f$ames Eo $ight, b#t rather darkness visib$e Serv0d one$y to discover sights of woe, -egions of sorrow, do$ef#$ shades, where peace G B5 H ,nd rest can never dwe$$, hope never comes /hat comes to a$$! b#t tort#re witho#t end Sti$$ #rges, and a fiery 3e$#ge, fed 6ith ever1b#rning S#$ph#r #ncons#m0d+ S#ch p$ace Eterna$ F#stice had prepar0d G ;C H For those rebe$$io#s, here thir 7rison ordain0d In #tter darkness, and thir portion set ,s far remov0d from (od and $ight of .eav0n ,s from the Center thrice to th0 #tmost 7o$e.

I how #n$ike the p$ace from whence they fe$$P G ;5 H /here the companions of his fa$$, o0rewhe$m0d 6ith F$oods and 6hir$winds of tempest#o#s fire, .e soon discerns, and we$tring by his side Ine ne t himse$f in power, and ne t in crime, Long after known in 7a$estine, and nam0d G <C H )ee$"eb#b. /o whom th0 ,rch1Enemy, ,nd thence in .eav0n ca$$0d Satan, with bo$d words )reaking the horrid si$ence th#s began. If tho# beest he! )#t I how fa$$0nP how chang0d From him, who in the happy -ea$ms of Light G <5 H C$oth0d with transcendent brightness didst o#t1shine *yriads tho#gh bright+ If he 6hom m#t#a$ $eag#e, 4nited tho#ghts and co#nse$s, e:#a$ hope ,nd ha"ard in the ($orio#s Enterpri"e, Foynd with me once, now misery hath 9oynd G =C H In e:#a$ r#in+ into what 7it tho# seest From what highth fa$$0n, so m#ch the stronger prov0d .e with his /h#nder+ and ti$$ then who knew /he force of those dire ,rms@ yet not for those, Eor what the 7otent 2ictor in his rage G =5 H Can e$se inf$ict, do I repent or change, /ho#gh chang0d in o#tward $#stre! that fi t mind ,nd high disdain, from sence of in9#r0d merit, /hat with the mightiest rais0d me to contend, ,nd to the fierce contention bro#ght a$ong G ?CC H Inn#merab$e force of Spirits arm0d /hat d#rst dis$ike his reign, and me preferring, .is #tmost power with adverse power oppos0d In d#bio#s )atte$ on the 7$ains of .eav0n, ,nd shook his throne. 6hat tho#gh the fie$d be $ost@ G ?C5 H ,$$ is not $ost! the #ncon:#erab$e 6i$$, ,nd st#dy of revenge, immorta$ hate, ,nd co#rage never to s#bmit or yie$d+ ,nd what is e$se not to be overcome@ /hat ($ory never sha$$ his wrath or might G ??C H E tort from me. /o bow and s#e for grace 6ith s#pp$iant knee, and deifie his power, 6ho from the terro#r of this ,rm so $ate 3o#bted his Empire, that were $ow indeed, /hat were an ignominy and shame beneath G ??5 H /his downfa$$! since by Fate the strength of (ods ,nd this Empyrea$ s#bstance cannot fai$, Since thro#gh e perience of this great event In ,rms not worse, in foresight m#ch advanc0t, 6e may with more s#ccessf#$ hope reso$ve G ?&C H /o wage by force or g#i$e eterna$ 6arr Irreconci$eab$e, to o#r grand Foe, 6ho now tri#mphs, and in th0 e cess of 9oy So$e reigning ho$ds the /yranny of .eav0n. So spake th0 ,postate ,nge$, tho#gh in pain, G ?&5 H

2a#nting a$o#d, b#t rackt with deep despare+ ,nd him th#s answer0d soon his bo$d Compeer. I 7rince, I Chief of many /hroned 7owers, /hat $ed th0 imbatte$$d Seraphim to 6arr 4nder thy cond#ct, and in dreadf#$ deeds G ?>C H Fear$ess, endanger0d .eav0ns perpet#a$ Jing! ,nd p#t to proof his high S#premacy, 6hether #phe$d by strength, or Chance, or Fate, /oo we$$ I see and r#e the dire event, /hat with sad overthrow and fo#$ defeat G ?>5 H .ath $ost #s .eav0n, and a$$ this mighty .ost In horrib$e destr#ction $aid th#s $ow, ,s far as (ods and .eav0n$y Essences Can perish+ for the mind and spirit remains Invincib$e, and vigo#r soon ret#rns, G ?AC H /ho#gh a$$ o#r ($ory e tinct, and happy state .ere swa$$ow0d #p in end$ess misery. )#t what if he o#r Con:#ero#r, %whom I now If force be$ieve ,$mighty, since no $ess /hen s#ch co#$d hav orepow0rd s#ch force as o#rs' G ?A5 H .ave $eft #s this o#r spirit and strength intire Strong$y to s#ffer and s#pport o#r pains, /hat we may so s#ffice his vengef#$ ire, Ir do him mightier service as his thra$$s )y right of 6arr, what e0re his b#siness be G ?5C H .ere in the heart of .e$$ to work in Fire, Ir do his Errands in the g$oomy 3eep! 6hat can it then avai$ tho#gh yet we fee$ Strength #ndiminisht, or eterna$ being /o #ndergo eterna$ p#nishment@ G ?55 H 6hereto with speedy words th0 ,rch1fiend rep$y0d. Fa$$0n Cher#be, to be weak is miserab$e 3oing or S#ffering+ b#t of this be s#re, /o do o#ght good never wi$$ be o#r task, )#t ever to do i$$ o#r so$e de$ight, G ?BC H ,s being the contrary to his high wi$$ 6hom we resist. If then his 7rovidence I#t of o#r evi$ seek to bring forth good, I#r $abo#r m#st be to pervert that end, ,nd o#t of good sti$$ to find means of evi$! G ?B5 H 6hich oft times may s#cceed, so as perhaps Sha$$ grieve him, if I fai$ not, and dist#rb .is inmost co#nse$s from thir destind aim. )#t see the angry 2ictor hath reca$$0d .is *inisters of vengeance and p#rs#it G ?;C H )ack to the (ates of .eav0n+ /he S#$ph#ro#s .ai$ Shot after #s in storm, oreb$own hath $aid /he fiery S#rge, that from the 7recipice If .eav0n receiv0d #s fa$$ing, and the /h#nder, 6ing0d with red Lightning and impet#o#s rage, G ?;5 H 7erhaps hath spent his shafts, and ceases now

/o be$$ow thro#gh the vast and bo#nd$ess 3eep. Let #s not s$ip th0 occasion, whether scorn, Ir satiate f#ry yie$d it from o#r Foe. Seest tho# yon dreary 7$ain, for$orn and wi$de, G ?<C H /he seat of deso$ation, voyd of $ight, Save what the g$immering of these $ivid f$ames Casts pa$e and dreadf#$@ /hither $et #s tend From off the tossing of these fiery waves, /here rest, if any rest can harbo#r there, G ?<5 H ,nd reassemb$ing o#r aff$icted 7owers, Cons#$t how we may henceforth most offend I#r Enemy, o#r own $oss how repair, .ow overcome this dire Ca$amity, 6hat reinforcement we may gain from .ope, G ?=C H If not what reso$#tion from despare. /h#s Satan ta$king to his neerest *ate 6ith .ead #p1$ift above the wave, and Eyes /hat spark$ing b$a"0d, his other 7arts besides 7rone on the F$ood, e tended $ong and $arge G ?=5 H Lay f$oating many a rood, in b#$k as h#ge ,s whom the Fab$es name of monstro#s si"e, /itanian, or Earth1born, that warr0d on Fove, )riareos or /yphon, whom the 3en )y ancient /ars#s he$d, or that Sea1beast G &CC H Leviathan, which (od of a$$ his works Created h#gest that swim th0 Icean stream+ .im hap$y s$#mbring on the Eorway foam /he 7i$ot of some sma$$ night1fo#nder0d Skiff, 3eeming some Is$and, oft, as Sea1men te$$, G &C5 H 6ith fi ed ,nchor in his ska$y rind *oors by his side #nder the Lee, whi$e Eight Invests the Sea, and wished *orn de$ayes+ So stretcht o#t h#ge in $ength the ,rch1fiend $ay Chain0d on the b#rning Lake, nor ever thence G &?C H .ad ris0n or heav0d his head, b#t that the wi$$ ,nd high permission of a$$1r#$ing .eaven Left him at $arge to his own dark designs, /hat with reiterated crimes he might .eap on himse$f damnation, whi$e he so#ght G &?5 H Evi$ to others, and enrag0d might see .ow a$$ his ma$ice serv0d b#t to bring forth Infinite goodness, grace and mercy shewn In *an by him sed#c0t, b#t on himse$f /reb$e conf#sion, wrath and vengeance po#r0d. G &&C H Forthwith #pright he rears from off the 7oo$ .is mighty Stat#re! on each hand the f$ames 3rivn backward s$ope thir pointing spires, and row$d In bi$$ows, $eave i0th0 midst a horrid 2a$e. /hen with e panded wings he stears his f$ight G &&5 H ,$oft, inc#mbent on the d#sky ,ir /hat fe$t #n#s#a$ weight, ti$$ on dry Land .e $ights, if it were Land that ever b#rn0d

6ith so$id, as the Lake with $i:#id fire! ,nd s#ch appear0d in h#e, as when the force G &>C H If s#bterranean wind transports a .i$$ /orn from 7e$or#s, or the shatter0d side If th#ndring Qtna, whose comb#stib$e ,nd fewe$0d entra$s thence conceiving Fire, S#b$im0d with *inera$ f#ry, aid the 6inds, G &>5 H ,nd $eave a singed bottom a$$ invo$v0d 6ith stench and smoak+ S#ch resting fo#nd the so$e If #nb$est feet. .im fo$$owed his ne t *ate, )oth g$orying to have scap0t the Stygian f$ood ,s (ods, and by thir own recover0d strength, G &AC H Eot by the s#fferance of s#perna$ 7ower. Is this the -egion, this the Soi$, the C$ime, Said then the $ost ,rch1,nge$, this the seat /hat we m#st change for .eav0n, this mo#rnf#$ g$oom For that ce$estia$ $ight@ )e it so, since he G &A5 H 6ho now is Sovran can dispose and bid 6hat sha$$ be right+ fardest from him is best 6hom reason hath e:#a$d, force hath made s#pream ,bove his e:#a$s. Farewe$ happy Fie$ds 6here Foy for ever dwe$$s+ .ai$ horro#rs, hai$ G &5C H Inferna$ wor$d, and tho# profo#ndest .e$$ -eceive thy new 7ossessor+ Ine who brings , mind not to be chang0d by 7$ace or /ime. /he mind is its own p$ace, and in it se$f Can make a .eav0n of .e$$, a .e$$ of .eav0n. G &55 H 6hat matter where, if I be sti$$ the same, ,nd what I sho#$d be, a$$ b#t $ess then he 6hom /h#nder hath made greater@ .ere at $east 6e sha$$ be free! th0 ,$mighty hath not b#i$t .ere for his envy, wi$$ not drive #s hence+ G &BC H .ere we may reign sec#re, and in my choyce /o reign is worth ambition tho#gh in .e$$+ )etter to reign in .e$$, then serve in .eav0n. )#t wherefore $et we then o#r faithf#$ friends, /h0 associates and copartners of o#r $oss G &B5 H Lye th#s astonisht on th0 ob$ivio#s 7oo$, ,nd ca$$ them not to share with #s their part In this #nhappy *ansion, or once more 6ith ra$$ied ,rms to try what may be yet -egaind in .eav0n, or what more $ost in .e$$@ G &;C H So Satan spake, and him )ee$"eb#b /h#s answer0d. Leader of those ,rmies bright, 6hich b#t th0 Inmipotent none co#$d have foy$d, If once they hear that voyce, thir $ive$iest p$edge If hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft G &;5 H In worst e treams, and on the peri$o#s edge If batte$ when it rag0d, in a$$ assa#$ts /hir s#rest signa$, they wi$$ soon res#me Eew co#rage and revive, tho#gh now they $ye

(rove$ing and prostrate on yon Lake of Fire, G &<C H ,s we erewhi$e, asto#nded and ama"0d, Eo wonder, fa$$0n s#ch a pernicio#s highth. .e scarce had ceas0t when the s#perio#r Fiend 6as moving toward the shoar! his pondero#s shie$d Etherea$ temper, massy, $arge and ro#nd, G &<5 H )ehind him cast! the broad circ#mference .#ng on his sho#$ders $ike the *oon, whose Irb /hro#gh Iptic ($ass the /#scan ,rtist views ,t Ev0ning from the top of Feso$e, Ir in 2a$darno, to descry new Lands, G &=C H -ivers or *o#ntains in her spotty ($obe. .is Spear, to e:#a$ which the ta$$est 7ine .ewn on Eorwegian hi$$s, to be the *ast If some great ,mmira$, were b#t a wand, .e wa$kt with to s#pport #neasie steps G &=5 H Iver the b#rning *ar$e, not $ike those steps In .eavens ,"#re, and the torrid C$ime Smote on him sore besides, va#$ted with Fire! Eath$ess he so end#r0d, ti$$ on the )each If that inf$amed Sea, he stood and ca$$0d G >CC H .is Legions, ,nge$ Forms, who $ay intrans0t /hick as ,#t#mna$ Leaves that strow the )rooks In 2a$$ombrosa, where th0 Etr#rian shades .igh overarch0t imbowr! or scatterd sedge ,f$oat, when with fierce 6inds Irion arm0d G >C5 H .ath ve t the -ed1Sea Coast, whose waves orethrew )#siris and his *emphian Chiva$ry, 6hi$e with perfidio#s hatred they p#rs#0d /he So9o#rners of (oshen, who behe$d From the safe shore thir f$oating Carkases G >?C H ,nd broken Chariot 6hee$s, so thick bestrown ,b9ect and $ost $ay these, covering the F$ood, 4nder ama"ement of thir hideo#s change. .e ca$$0d so $o#d, that a$$ the ho$$ow 3eep If .e$$ reso#nded. 7rinces, 7otentates, G >?5 H 6arriers, the F$owr of .eav0n, once yo#rs, now $ost, If s#ch astonishment as this can sie"e Eterna$ spirits! or have ye chos0n this p$ace ,fter the toy$ of )atte$ to repose 8o#r wearied vert#e, for the ease yo# find G >&C H /o s$#mber here, as in the 2a$es of .eav0n@ Ir in this ab9ect post#re have ye sworn /o adore the Con:#ero#r@ who now beho$ds Cher#be and Seraph row$ing in the F$ood 6ith scatter0d ,rms and Ensigns, ti$$ anon G >&5 H .is swift p#rs#ers from .eav0n (ates discern /h0 advantage, and descending tread #s down /h#s drooping, or with $inked /h#nderbo$ts /ransfi #s to the bottom of this (#$fe. ,wake, arise, or be for ever fa$$0n. G >>C H

/hey heard, and were abasht, and #p they spr#ng 4pon the wing, as when men wont to watch In d#ty, s$eeping fo#nd by whom they dread, -o#se and bestir themse$ves ere we$$ awake. Eor did they not perceave the evi$ p$ight G >>5 H In which they were, or the fierce pains not fee$! 8et to thir (enera$s 2oyce they soon obeyd Inn#merab$e. ,s when the potent -od If ,mrams Son in Egypts evi$$ day 6av0d ro#nd the Coast, #p ca$$0d a pitchy c$o#d G >AC H If Loc#sts, warping on the Eastern 6ind, /hat ore the -ea$m of impio#s 7haraoh h#ng Like Eight, and darken0d a$$ the Land of Ei$e+ So n#mber$ess were those bad ,nge$s seen .overing on wing #nder the Cope of .e$$ G >A5 H 0/wi t #pper, nether, and s#rro#nding Fires! /i$$, as a signa$ giv0n, th0 #p$ifted Spear If thir great S#$tan waving to direct /hir co#rse, in even ba$$ance down they $ight In the firm brimstone, and fi$$ a$$ the 7$ain! G >5C H , m#$tit#de, $ike which the pop#$o#s Eorth 7o#r0d never from her fro"en $oyns, to pass -hene or the 3anaw, when her barbaro#s Sons Came $ike a 3e$#ge on the So#th, and spread )eneath (ibra$ter to the Lybian sands. G >55 H Forthwith from every S:#adron and each )and /he .eads and Leaders thither hast where stood /hir great Commander! (od$ike shapes and forms E ce$$ing h#man, 7rince$y 3ignities, ,nd 7owers that earst in .eaven sat on /hrones! G >BC H /ho#gh of thir Eames in heav0n$y -ecords now )e no memoria$ b$otted o#t and ras0d )y thir -ebe$$ion, from the )ooks of Life. Eor had they yet among the Sons of Eve (ot them new Eames, ti$$ wandring ore the Earth, G >B5 H /hro#gh (ods high s#fferance for the trya$ of man, )y fa$sities and $yes the greatest part If *ankind they corr#pted to forsake (od thir Creator, and th0 invisib$e ($ory of him that made them, to transform G >;C H Ift to the Image of a )r#te, adorn0d 6ith gay -e$igions f#$$ of 7omp and (o$d, ,nd 3evi$s to adore for 3eities+ /hen were they known to men by vario#s Eames, ,nd vario#s Ido$s thro#gh the .eathen 6or$d. G >;5 H Say, *#se, thir Eames then known, who first, who $ast, -o#s0d from the s$#mber, on that fiery Co#ch, ,t thir great Emperors ca$$, as ne t in worth Came sing$y where he stood on the bare strand, 6hi$e the promisc#o#s cro#d stood yet a$oof@ G ><C H /he chief were those who from the 7it of .e$$ -oaming to seek thir prey on earth, d#rst fi

/hir Seats $ong after ne t the Seat of (od, /hir ,$tars by his ,$tar, (ods ador0d ,mong the Eations ro#nd, and d#rst abide G ><5 H Fehovah th#ndring o#t of Sion, thron0d )etween the Cher#bim! yea, often p$ac0d 6ithin his Sanct#ary it se$f thir Shrines, ,bominations! and with c#rsed things .is ho$y -ites, and so$emn Feasts profan0d, G >=C H ,nd with thir darkness d#rst affront his $ight. First *o$och, horrid Jing besmear0d with b$ood If h#man sacrifice, and parents tears, /ho#gh for the noyse of 3r#ms and /imbre$s $o#d /hir chi$drens cries #nheard, that past thro#gh fire G >=5 H /o his grim Ido$. .im the ,mmonite 6orshipt in -abba and her watry 7$ain, In ,rgob and in )asan, to the stream If #tmost ,rnon. Eor content with s#ch ,#dacio#s neighbo#rhood, the wisest heart G ACC H If So$omon he $ed by fra#d to b#i$d .is /emp$e right against the /emp$e of (od In that opprobrio#s .i$$, and made his (rove /he p$easant 2a$$y of .innom, /ophet thence ,nd b$ack (ehenna ca$$0d, the /ype of .e$$. G AC5 H Ee t Chemos, th0 obscene dread of *oabs Sons, From ,roar to Eebo, and the wi$d If So#thmost ,barim! in .esebon ,nd .oronaim, Seons -ea$m, beyond /he f$owry 3a$e of Sibma c$ad with 2ines, G A?C H ,nd E$ea$e to th0 ,spha$tick 7oo$. 7eor his other Eame, when he entic0d Israe$ in Sittim on thir march from Ei$e /o do him wanton rites, which cost them woe. 8et thence his $#stf#$ Irgies he en$arg0d G A?5 H Even to that .i$$ of scanda$, by the (rove If *o$och homicide, $#st hard by hate! /i$$ good Fosiah drove them thence to .e$$. 6ith these came they, who from the bordring f$ood If o$d E#phrates to the )rook that parts G A&C H Egypt from Syrian gro#nd, had genera$ Eames If )aa$im and ,shtaroth, those ma$e, /hese Feminine. For Spirits when they p$ease Can either Se ass#me, or both! so soft ,nd #ncompo#nded is thir Essence p#re, G A&5 H Eot ti0d or manac$0d with 9oynt or $imb, Eor fo#nded on the britt$e strength of bones, Like c#mbro#s f$esh! b#t in what shape they choose 3i$ated or condens0t, bright or obsc#re, Can e ec#te thir aerie p#rposes, G A>C H ,nd works of $ove or enmity f#$fi$$. For those the -ace of Israe$ oft forsook /hir $iving strength, and #nfre:#ented $eft .is righteo#s ,$tar, bowing $ow$y down

/o bestia$ (ods! for which thir heads as $ow G A>5 H )ow0d down in )atte$, s#nk before the Spear If despicab$e foes. 6ith these in troop Came ,storeth, whom the 7hoenicians ca$$0d ,starte, M#een of .eav0n, with crescent .orns! /o whose bright Image night$y by the *oon G AAC H Sidonian 2irgins paid thir 2ows and Songs, In Sion a$so not #ns#ng, where stood .er /emp$e on th0 offensive *o#ntain, b#i$t )y that # orio#s Jing, whose heart tho#gh $arge, )eg#i$0d by fair Ido$atresses, fe$$ G AA5 H /o Ido$s fo#$. /hamm#" came ne t behind, 6hose ann#a$ wo#nd in Lebanon a$$#r0d /he Syrian 3amse$s to $ament his fate In amoro#s dittyes a$$ a S#mmers day, 6hi$e smooth ,donis from his native -ock G A5C H -an p#rp$e to the Sea, s#ppos0d with b$ood If /hamm#" year$y wo#nded+ the Love1ta$e Infected Sions da#ghters with $ike heat, 6hose wanton passions in the sacred 7orch E"ekie$ saw, when by the 2ision $ed G A55 H .is eye s#rvay0d the dark Ido$atries If a$ienated F#dah. Ee t came one 6ho mo#rn0d in earnest, when the Captive ,rk *aim0d his br#te Image, head and hands $opt off In his own /emp$e, on the gr#nse$ edge, G ABC H 6here he fe$$ f$at, and sham0d his 6orshipers+ 3agon his Eame, Sea *onster, #pward *an ,nd downward Fish+ yet had his /emp$e high -ear0d in ,"ot#s, dreaded thro#gh the Coast If 7a$estine, in (ath and ,sca$on G AB5 H ,nd ,ccaron and (a"a0s frontier bo#nds. .im fo$$ow0d -immon, whose de$ightf#$ Seat 6as fair 3amasc#s, on the ferti$ )anks If ,bbana and 7harphar, $#cid streams. .e a$so against the ho#se of (od was bo$d+ G A;C H , Leper once he $ost and gain0d a Jing, ,ha" his sottish Con:#ero#r, whom he drew (ods ,$tar to disparage and disp$ace For one of Syrian mode, whereon to b#rn .is odio#s off0rings, and adore the (ods G A;5 H 6hom he had van:#isht. ,fter these appear0d , crew who #nder Eames of o$d -enown, Isiris, Isis, Ir#s and their /rain 6ith monstro#s shapes and sorceries ab#s0d Fanatic Egypt and her 7riests, to seek G A<C H /hir wandring (ods disg#is0d in br#tish forms -ather then h#man. Eor did Israe$ scape /h0 infection when thir borrow0d (o$d compos0d /he Ca$f in Ireb+ and the -ebe$ Jing 3o#b$0d that sin in )ethe$ and in 3an, G A<5 H Lik0ning his *aker to the (ra"ed I ,

Fehovah, who in one Eight when he pass0d From Egypt marching, e:#a$0d with one stroke )oth her first born and a$$ her b$eating (ods. )e$ia$ came $ast, then whom a Spirit more $ewd G A=C H Fe$$ not from .eaven, or more gross to $ove 2ice for it se$f+ /o him no /emp$e stood Ir ,$tar smoak0d! yet who more oft then hee In /emp$es and at ,$tars, when the 7riest /#rns ,theist, as did E$y0s Sons, who fi$$0d G A=5 H 6ith $#st and vio$ence the ho#se of (od. In Co#rts and 7a$aces he a$so -eigns ,nd in $# #rio#s Cities, where the noyse If riot ascends above thir $oftiest /owrs, ,nd in9#ry and o#trage+ ,nd when Eight G 5CC H 3arkens the Streets, then wander forth the Sons If )e$ia$, f$own with inso$ence and wine. 6itness the Streets of Sodom, and that night In (ibeah, when the hospitab$e door E pos0d a *atron to avoid worse rape. G 5C5 H /hese were the prime in order and in might! /he rest were $ong to te$$, tho#gh far renown0d, /h0 Ionian (ods, of Favans Iss#e he$d (ods, yet confest $ater then .eav0n and Earth /hir boasted 7arents! /itan .eav0ns first born G 5?C H 6ith his enormo#s brood, and birthright seis0d )y yo#nger Sat#rn, he from mightier Fove .is own and -hea0s Son $ike meas#re fo#nd! So Fove #s#rping reign0d+ these first in Creet ,nd Ida known, thence on the Snowy top G 5?5 H If co$d I$ymp#s r#$0d the midd$e ,ir /hir highest .eav0n! or on the 3e$phian C$iff, Ir in 3odona, and thro#gh a$$ the bo#nds If 3oric Land! or who with Sat#rn o$d F$ed over ,dria to th0 .esperian Fie$ds, G 5&C H ,nd ore the Ce$tic roam0d the #tmost Is$es. ,$$ these and more came f$ocking! b#t with $ooks 3own cast and damp, yet s#ch wherein appear0d Ibsc#re some g$imps of 9oy, to have fo#nd thir chief Eot in despair, to have fo#nd themse$ves not $ost G 5&5 H In $oss it se$f! which on his co#nt0nance cast Like do#btf#$ h#e+ b#t he his wonted pride Soon reco$$ecting, with high words, that bore Semb$ance of worth, not s#bstance, gent$y rais0d /hir fainting co#rage, and dispe$0d thir fears. G 5>C H /hen strait commands that at the war$ike so#nd If /r#mpets $o#d and C$arions be #preard .is mighty Standard! that pro#d hono#r c$aim0d ,"a"e$ as his right, a Cher#be ta$$+ 6ho forthwith from the g$ittering Staff #nf#r$d G 5>5 H /h0 Imperia$ Ensign, which f#$$ high advanc0t Shon $ike a *eteor streaming to the 6ind 6ith (emms and (o$den $#stre rich imb$a"0d,

Seraphic arms and /rophies+ a$$ the whi$e Sonoro#s metta$ b$owing *artia$ so#nds+ G 5AC H ,t which the #niversa$ .ost #psent , sho#t that tore .e$$s Concave, and beyond Frighted the -eign of Chaos and o$d Eight. ,$$ in a moment thro#gh the g$oom were seen /en tho#sand )anners rise into the ,ir G 5A5 H 6ith Irient Co$o#rs waving+ with them rose , Forest h#ge of Spears+ and thronging .e$ms ,ppear0d, and serried shie$ds in thick array If depth immeas#rab$e+ ,non they move In perfect 7ha$an to the 3orian mood G 55C H If F$#tes and soft -ecorders! s#ch as rais0d /o hight of nob$est temper .ero0s o$d ,rming to )atte$, and in stead of rage 3e$iberate va$o#r breath0d, firm and #nmov0d 6ith dread of death to f$ight or fo#$ retreat, G 555 H Eor wanting power to mitigate and swage 6ith so$emn to#ches, tro#b$0d tho#ghts, and chase ,ng#ish and do#bt and fear and sorrow and pain From morta$ or immorta$ minds. /h#s they )reathing #nited force with fi ed tho#ght G 5BC H *ov0d on in si$ence to soft 7ipes that charm0d /hir painf#$ steps o0re the b#rnt soy$e! and now ,dvanc0t in view, they stand, a horrid Front If dreadf#$ $ength and da"$ing ,rms, in g#ise If 6arriers o$d with order0d Spear and Shie$d, G 5B5 H ,waiting what command thir mighty Chief .ad to impose+ .e thro#gh the armed Fi$es 3arts his e perienc0t eye, and soon traverse /he who$e )atta$ion views, thir order d#e, /hir visages and stat#re as of (ods, G 5;C H /hir n#mber $ast he s#mms. ,nd now his heart 3istends with pride, and hardning in his strength ($ories+ For never since created man, *et s#ch imbodied force, as nam0d with these Co#$d merit more then that sma$$ infantry G 5;5 H 6arr0d on by Cranes+ tho#gh a$$ the (iant brood If 7h$egra with th0 .eroic -ace were 9oyn0d /hat fo#ght at /heb0s and I$i#m, on each side *i t with a# i$iar (ods! and what reso#nds In Fab$e or -omance of 4thers Son G 5<C H )egirt with )ritish and ,rmoric Jnights! ,nd a$$ who since, )apti"0d or Infide$ Fo#sted in ,spramont or *onta$ban, 3amasco, or *arocco, or /rebisond, Ir whom )iserta sent from ,fric shore G 5<5 H 6hen Char$emain with a$$ his 7eerage fe$$ )y Fontarabbia. /h#s far these beyond Compare of morta$ prowess, yet observ0d /hir dread commander+ he above the rest In shape and gest#re pro#d$y eminent G 5=C H

Stood $ike a /owr! his form had yet not $ost ,$$ her Irigina$ brightness, nor appear0d Less then ,rch ,nge$ r#ind, and th0 e cess If ($ory obsc#r0d+ ,s when the S#n new ris0n Looks thro#gh the .ori"onta$ misty ,ir G 5=5 H Shorn of his )eams, or from behind the *oon In dim Ec$ips disastro#s twi$ight sheds In ha$f the Eations, and with fear of change 7erp$e es *onarchs. 3ark0n0d so, yet shon ,bove them a$$ th0 ,rch ,nge$+ b#t his face G BCC H 3eep scars of /h#nder had intrencht, and care Sat on his faded cheek, b#t #nder )rowes If da#nt$ess co#rage, and considerate 7ride 6aiting revenge+ cr#e$ his eye, b#t cast Signs of remorse and passion to beho$d G BC5 H /he fe$$ows of his crime, the fo$$owers rather %Far other once behe$d in b$iss' condemn0d For ever now to have thir $ot in pain, *i$$ions of Spirits for his fa#$t amerc0t If .eav0n, and from Eterna$ Sp$endors f$#ng G B?C H For his revo$t, yet faithf#$$ how they stood, /hir ($ory witherd. ,s when .eavens Fire .ath scath0d the Forrest Iaks, or *o#ntain 7ines, 6ith singed top thir state$y growth tho#gh bare Stands on the b$asted .eath. .e now prepar0d G B?5 H /o speak! whereat thir do#b$0d -anks they bend From wing to wing, and ha$f enc$ose him ro#nd 6ith a$$ his 7eers+ attention he$d them m#te. /hrice he assayd, and thrice in spight of scorn, /ears s#ch as ,nge$s weep, b#rst forth+ at $ast G B&C H 6ords interwove with sighs fo#nd o#t thir way. I *yriads of immorta$ Spirits, I 7owers *atch$ess, b#t with th0 ,$mighty, and that strife 6as not ing$orio#s, tho#gh th0 event was dire, ,s this p$ace testifies, and this dire change G B&5 H .atef#$ to #tter+ b#t what power of mind Foreseeing or presaging, from the 3epth If know$edge past or present, co#$d have fear0d, .ow s#ch #nited force of (ods, how s#ch ,s stood $ike these, co#$d ever know rep#$se@ G B>C H For who can yet be$eeve, tho#gh after $oss, /hat a$$ these p#issant Legions, whose e i$e .ath emptied .eav0n, sha$$ fai$ to re1ascend Se$f1rais0d, and repossess thir native seat@ For mee be witness a$$ the .ost of .eav0n, G B>5 H If co#nse$s different, or danger sh#n0d )y me, have $ost o#r hopes. )#t he who reigns *onarch in .eav0n, ti$$ then as one sec#re Sat on his /hrone, #phe$d by o$d rep#te, Consent or c#stome, and his -ega$ State G BAC H 7#t forth at f#$$, b#t sti$$ his strength concea$0d, 6hich tempted o#r attempt, and wro#ght o#r fa$$.

.enceforth his might we know, and know o#r own So as not either to provoke, or dread Eew warr, provok0t! o#r better part remains G BA5 H /o work in c$ose design, by fra#d or g#i$e 6hat force effected not+ that he no $ess ,t $ength from #s may find, who overcomes )y force, hath overcome b#t ha$f his foe. Space may prod#ce new 6or$ds! whereof so rife G B5C H /here went a fame in .eav0n that he ere $ong Intended to create, and therein p$ant , generation, whom his choice regard Sho#$d favo#r e:#a$ to the Sons of .eaven+ /hither, if b#t to pry, sha$$ be perhaps I#r first er#ption, thither or e$sewhere+ G B55 H For this Inferna$ 7it sha$$ never ho$d CO$estia$ Spirits in )ondage, nor th0 ,byss Long #nder darkness cover. )#t these tho#ghts F#$$ Co#nse$ m#st mat#re+ 7eace is despaird, G BBC H For who can think S#bmission@ 6arr then, 6arr Ipen or #nderstood m#st be reso$v0d. .e spake+ and to confirm his words, o#t1f$ew *i$$ions of f$aming swords, drawn from the thighs If mighty Cher#bim! the s#dden b$a"e G BB5 H Far ro#nd i$$#min0d he$$+ high$y they rag0d ,gainst the .ighest, and fierce with grasped arms C$ash0d on thir so#nding Shie$ds the din of war, .#r$ing defiance toward the va#$t of .eav0n. /here stood a .i$$ not far whose gries$y top G B;C H )e$ch0d fire and row$ing smoak! the rest entire Shon with a g$ossie sc#rff, #ndo#bted sign /hat in his womb was hid meta$$ic Ire, /he work of S#$ph#r. /hither wing0d with speed , n#mero#s )rigad hasten0d. ,s when )ands G B;5 H If 7ioners with Spade and 7icka arm0d Forer#n the -oya$ Camp, to trench a Fie$d, Ir cast a -ampart. *ammon $ed them on, *ammon, the $east erected Spirit that fe$$ From heav0n, for ev0n in heav0n his $ooks and tho#ghts G B<C H 6ere a$ways downward bent, admiring more /he riches of .eav0ns pavement, trod0n (o$d, /hen a#ght divine or ho$y e$se en9oy0d In vision beatific+ by him first *en a$so, and by his s#ggestion ta#ght, G B<5 H -ansack0d the Center, and with impio#s hands -if$0d the bowe$s of thir mother Earth For /reas#res better hid. Soon had his crew Ip0nd into the .i$$ a spacio#s wo#nd ,nd dig0d o#t ribs of (o$d. Let none admire G B=C H /hat riches grow in .e$$! that soy$e may best 3eserve the precio#s bane. ,nd here $et those 6ho boast in morta$ things, and wond0ring te$$

If )abe$, and the works of *emphian Jings Learn how thir greatest *on#ments of Fame, G B=5 H ,nd Strength and ,rt are easi$y o#t1done )y Spirits reprobate, and in an ho#r 6hat in an age they with incessant toy$e ,nd hands inn#merab$e scarce perform. Eigh on the 7$ain in many ce$$s prepar0d, G ;CC H /hat #nderneath had veins of $i:#id fire S$#c0d from the Lake, a second m#$tit#de 6ith wondro#s ,rt fo#nd o#t the massie Ire, Severing each kind, and sc#m0d the )#$$ion dross+ , third as soon had form0d within the gro#nd G ;C5 H , vario#s mo#$d, and from the boy$ing ce$$s )y strange conveyance fi$$0d each ho$$ow nook, ,s in an Irgan from one b$ast of wind /o many a row of 7ipes the so#nd1board breaths. ,non o#t of the earth a Fabrick h#ge G ;?C H -ose $ike an E ha$ation, with the so#nd If 3#$cet Symphonies and voices sweet, )#i$t $ike a /emp$e, where 7i$asters ro#nd 6ere set, and 3oric pi$$ars over$aid 6ith (o$den ,rchitrave! nor did there want G ;?5 H Cornice or Free"e, with bossy Sc#$pt#res grav0n, /he -oof was fretted (o$d. Eot )abi$on, Eor great ,$cairo s#ch magnificence E:#a$0d in a$$ thir g$ories, to inshrine )e$#s or Serapis thir (ods, or seat G ;&C H /hir Jings, when Qgypt with ,ssyria strove In wea$th and $# #rie. /h0 ascending pi$e Stood fi t her state$y highth, and strait the dores Ip0ning thir bra"en fo#$ds discover wide 6ithin, her amp$e spaces, o0re the smooth G ;&5 H ,nd $eve$ pavement+ from the arched roof 7endant by s#tt$e *agic many a row If Starry Lamps and b$a"ing Cressets fed 6ith Eaphtha and ,spha$t#s yei$ded $ight ,s from a sky. /he hasty m#$tit#de G ;>C H ,dmiring enter0d, and the work some praise ,nd some the ,rchitect+ his hand was known In .eav0n by many a /owred str#ct#re high, 6here Scepter0d ,nge$s he$d thir residence, ,nd sat as 7rinces, whom the s#preme Jing G ;>5 H E a$ted to s#ch power, and gave to r#$e, Each in his .ierarchie, the Irders bright. Eor was his name #nheard or #nador0d In ancient (reece! and in ,#sonian $and *en ca$$0d him *#$ciber! and how he fe$$ G ;AC H From .eav0n, they fab$0d, thrown by angry Fove Sheer o0re the Chrysta$ )att$ements+ from *orn /o Eoon he fe$$, from Eoon to dewy Eve, , S#mmers day! and with the setting S#n 3ropt from the Renith $ike a fa$$ing Star, G ;A5 H

In Lemnos th0 Qgean I$e+ th#s they re$ate, Erring! for he with this rebe$$io#s ro#t Fe$$ $ong before! nor a#ght avai$0d him now /o have b#i$t in .eav0n high /owrs! nor did he scape )y a$$ his Engins, b#t was head$ong sent G ;5C H 6ith his ind#strio#s crew to b#i$d in he$$. *ean whi$e the winged .ara$ds by command If Sovran power, with awf#$ Ceremony ,nd /r#mpets so#nd thro#gho#t the .ost proc$aim , so$emn Co#nce$ forthwith to be he$d G ;55 H ,t 7andOmoni#m, the high Capita$ If Satan and his 7eers+ thir s#mmons ca$$0d From every )and and s:#ared -egiment )y p$ace or choice the worthiest! they anon 6ith h#nderds and with tho#sands trooping came G ;BC H ,ttended+ a$$ access was throng0d, the (ates ,nd 7orches wide, b#t chief the spacio#s .a$$ %/ho#gh $ike a cover0d fie$d, where Champions bo$d 6ont ride in arm0d, and at the So$dans chair 3efi0d the best of 7aynim chiva$ry G ;B5 H /o morta$ combat or carreer with Lance' /hick swarm0d, both on the gro#nd and in the air, )r#sht with the hiss of r#ss$ing wings. ,s )ees In spring time, when the S#n with /a#r#s rides, 7o#r forth thir pop#$o#s yo#th abo#t the .ive G ;;C H In c$#sters! they among fresh dews and f$owers F$ie to and fro, or on the smoothed 7$ank, /he s#b#rb of thir Straw1b#i$t Cittade$, Eew r#b0d with )a#m, e patiate and confer /hir State affairs. So thick the aerie crowd G ;;5 H Swarm0d and were straitn0d! ti$$ the Signa$ giv0n. )eho$d a wonderP they b#t now who seemd In bigness to s#rpass Earths (iant Sons Eow $ess then sma$$est 3warfs, in narrow room /hrong n#mber$ess, $ike that 7igmean -ace G ;<C H )eyond the Indian *o#nt, or Faerie E$ves, 6hose midnight -eve$s, by a Forrest side Ir Fo#ntain some be$ated 7easant sees, Ir dreams he sees, whi$e over1head the *oon Sits ,rbitress, and neerer to the Earth G ;<5 H 6hee$s her pa$e co#rse, they on thir mirth and dance Intent, with 9ocond *#sic charm his ear! ,t once with 9oy and fear his heart rebo#nds. /h#s incorporea$ Spirits to sma$$est forms -ed#c0d thir shapes immense, and were at $arge, G ;=C H /ho#gh witho#t n#mber sti$$ amidst the .a$$ If that inferna$ Co#rt. )#t far within ,nd in thir own dimensions $ike themse$ves /he great Seraphic Lords and Cher#bim In c$ose recess and secret conc$ave sat G ;=5 H , tho#sand 3emy1(ods on go$den seats, Fre:#ent and f#$$. ,fter short si$ence then

,nd s#mmons read, the great cons#$t began.

Paradise &ost
*..K 3
T / "'G2M/+T
/he Cons#$tation beg#n, Satan debates whether another )atte$ be to be ha"arded for the recovery of .eaven+ some advise it, others diss#ade+ , third proposa$ is prefer0d, mention0d before by Satan, to search the tr#th of that 7rophesie or /radition in .eaven concerning another wor$d, and another kind of creat#re e:#a$ or not m#ch inferio#r to themse$ves, abo#t this time to be created+ /hir do#bt who sha$$ be sent on this diffic#$t search+ Satan thir chief #ndertakes a$one the voyage, is hono#rd and app$a#ded. /he Co#nce$ th#s ended, the rest betake them severa$ wayes and to severa$ imp$oyments, as thir inc$inations $ead them, to entertain the time ti$$ Satan ret#rn. .e passes on his 9o#rney to .e$$ (ates, finds them sh#t, and who sat there to g#ard them, by whom at $ength they are op0nd, and discover to him the great (#$f between .e$$ and .eaven! with what diffic#$ty he passes thro#gh, directed by Chaos, the 7ower of that p$ace, to the sight of this new 6or$d which he so#ght. .Igh on a /hrone of -oya$ State, which far I#tshon the wea$th of Irm#s and of Ind, Ir where the gorgeo#s East with richest hand Showrs on her Jings )arbaric 7ear$ and (o$d, Satan e a$ted sat, by merit rais0d G 5 H /o that bad eminence! and from despair /h#s high #p$ifted beyond hope, aspires )eyond th#s high, insatiate to p#rs#e 2ain 6arr with .eav0n, and by s#ccess #nta#ght .is pro#d imaginations th#s disp$aid. G ?C H 7owers and 3ominions, 3eities of .eav0n, For since no deep within her g#$f can ho$d Immorta$ vigor, tho#gh opprest and fa$$0n, I give not .eav0n for $ost. From this descent Ce$estia$ vert#es rising, wi$$ appear G ?5 H *ore g$orio#s and more dread then from no fa$$, ,nd tr#st themse$ves to fear no second fate+ *ee tho#gh 9#st right, and the fi t Laws of .eav0n 3id first create yo#r Leader, ne t free choice, 6ith what besides, in Co#nse$ or in Fight, G &C H .ath bin achievd of merit, yet this $oss /h#s farr at $east recover0d, hath m#ch more Estab$isht in a safe #nenvied /hrone 8ie$ded with f#$$ consent. /he happier state In .eav0n, which fo$$ows dignity, might draw G &5 H

Envy from each inferior! b#t who here 6i$$ envy whom the highest p$ace e poses Formost to stand against the /h#nderers aim 8o#r b#$wark, and condemns to greatest share If end$ess pain@ where there is then no good G >C H For which to strive, no strife can grow #p there From Faction! for none s#re wi$$ c$aim in .e$$ 7recedence, none, whose portion is so sma$$ If present pain, that with ambitio#s mind 6i$$ covet more. 6ith this advantage then G >5 H /o #nion, and firm Faith, and firm accord, *ore then can be in .eav0n, we now ret#rn /o c$aim o#r 9#st inheritance of o$d, S#rer to prosper then prosperity Co#$d have ass#r0d #s! and by what best way, G AC H 6hether of open 6arr or covert g#i$e, 6e now debate! who can advise, may speak. .e ceas0d, and ne t him *o$oc, Scepter0d Jing Stood #p, the strongest and the fiercest Spirit /hat fo#ght in .eav0n! now fiercer by despair+ G A5 H .is tr#st was with th0 Eterna$ to be deem0d E:#a$ in strength, and rather then be $ess Care0d not to be at a$$! with that care $ost 6ent a$$ his fear+ of (od, or .e$$, or worse .e reck0d not, and these words thereafter spake. G 5C H *y sentence is for open 6arr+ If 6i$es, *ore #ne pert, I boast not+ them $et those Contrive who need, or when they need, not now. For whi$e they sit contriving, sha$$ the rest, *i$$ions that stand in ,rms, and $onging wait G 55 H /he Signa$ to ascend, sit $ingring here .eav0ns f#gitives, and for thir dwe$$ing p$ace ,ccept this dark opprobrio#s 3en of shame, /he 7rison of his /yranny who -eigns )y o#r de$ay@ no, $et #s rather choose G BC H ,rm0d with .e$$ f$ames and f#ry a$$ at once I0re .eav0ns high /owrs to force resist$ess way, /#rning o#r /ort#res into horrid ,rms ,gainst the /ort#rer! when to meet the noise If his ,$mighty Engin he sha$$ hear G B5 H Inferna$ /h#nder, and for Lightning see )$ack fire and horror shot with e:#a$ rage ,mong his ,nge$s! and his /hrone it se$f *i t with /artarean S#$ph#r, and strange fire, .is own invented /orments. )#t perhaps G ;C H /he way seems diffic#$t and steep to sca$e 6ith #pright wing against a higher foe. Let s#ch bethink them, if the s$eepy drench If that forgetf#$ Lake ben#mm not sti$$, /hat in o#r proper motion we ascend G ;5 H 4p to o#r native seat+ descent and fa$$

/o #s is adverse. 6ho b#t fe$t of $ate 6hen the fierce Foe h#ng on o#r brok0n -ear Ins#$ting, and p#rs#0d #s thro#gh the 3eep, 6ith what comp#$sion and $aborio#s f$ight G <C H 6e s#nk th#s $ow@ /h0 ascent is easie then! /h0 event is fear0d! sho#$d we again provoke I#r stronger, some worse way his wrath may find /o o#r destr#ction+ if there be in .e$$ Fear to be worse destroy0d+ what can be worse G <5 H /hen to dwe$$ here, driv0n o#t from b$iss, condemn0d In this abhorred deep to #tter woe! 6here pain of #ne ting#ishab$e fire *#st e ercise #s witho#t hope of end /he 2assa$s of his anger, when the Sco#rge G =C H Ine orab$y, and the tort#ring ho#r Ca$$s #s to 7enance@ *ore destroy0d then th#s 6e sho#$d be :#ite abo$isht and e pire. 6hat fear we then@ what do#bt we to incense .is #tmost ire@ which to the highth enrag0d, G =5 H 6i$$ either :#ite cons#me #s, and red#ce /o nothing this essentia$, happier farr /hen miserab$e to have eterna$ being+ Ir if o#r s#bstance be indeed 3ivine, ,nd cannot cease to be, we are at worst G ?CC H In this side nothing! and by proof we fee$ I#r power s#fficient to dist#rb his .eav0n, ,nd with perpet#a$ inrodes to ,$$arme, /ho#gh inaccessib$e, his fata$ /hrone+ 6hich if not 2ictory is yet -evenge. G ?C5 H .e ended frowning, and his $ook deno#nc0d 3esperate revenge, and )atte$ dangero#s /o $ess then (ods. In th0 other side #p rose )e$ia$, in act more gracef#$ and h#mane! , fairer person $ost not .eav0n! he seemd G ??C H For dignity compos0d and high e p$oit+ )#t a$$ was fa$se and ho$$ow! tho#gh his /ong#e 3ropt *anna, and co#$d make the worse appear /he better reason, to perp$e and dash *at#rest Co#nse$s+ for his tho#ghts were $ow! G ??5 H /o vice ind#strio#s, b#t to Eob$er deeds /imoro#s and s$othf#$+ yet he p$eas0d the ear, ,nd with perswasive accent th#s began. I sho#$d be m#ch for open 6arr, I 7eers, ,s not behind in hate! if what was #rg0d G ?&C H *ain reason to pers#ade immediate 6arr, 3id not disswade me most, and seem to cast Imino#s con9ect#re on the who$e s#ccess+ 6hen he who most e ce$s in fact of ,rms, In what he co#nse$s and in what e ce$s G ?&5 H *istr#stf#$, gro#nds his co#rage on despair ,nd #tter disso$#tion, as the scope

If a$$ his aim, after some dire revenge. First, what -evenge@ the /owrs of .eav0n are fi$$0d 6ith ,rmed watch, that render a$$ access G ?>C H Impregnab$e! oft on the bordering 3eep Encamp thir Legions, or with obsc#re wing Sco#t farr and wide into the -ea$m of night, Scorning s#rpri"e. Ir co#$d we break o#r way )y force, and at o#r hee$s a$$ .e$$ sho#$d rise G ?>5 H 6ith b$ackest Ins#rrection, to confo#nd .eav0ns p#rest Light, yet o#r great Enemy ,$$ incorr#ptib$e wo#$d on his /hrone Sit #npo$$#ted, and th0 Etherea$ mo#$d Incapab$e of stain wo#$d soon e pe$ G ?AC H .er mischief, and p#rge off the baser fire 2ictorio#s. /h#s rep#$s0d, o#r fina$ hope Is f$at despair! we m#st e asperate /h0 ,$mighty 2ictor to spend a$$ his rage, ,nd that m#st end #s, that m#st be o#r c#re, G ?A5 H /o be no more! sad c#re! for who wo#$d $oose, /ho#gh f#$$ of pain, this inte$$ect#a$ being, /hose tho#ghts that wander thro#gh Eternity, /o perish rather, swa$$owd #p and $ost In the wide womb of #ncreated night, G ?5C H 3evoid of sense and motion@ and who knows, Let this be good, whether o#r angry Foe Can give it, or wi$$ ever@ how he can Is do#btf#$! that he never wi$$ is s#re. 6i$$ he, so wise, $et $oose at once his ire, G ?55 H )e$ike thro#gh impotence, or #naware, /o give his Enemies thir wish, and end /hem in his anger, whom his anger saves /o p#nish end$ess@ wherefore cease we then@ Say they who co#nse$ 6arr, we are decreed, G ?BC H -eserv0d and destin0d to Eterna$ woe! 6hatever doing, what can we s#ffer more, 6hat can we s#ffer worse@ is this then worst, /h#s sitting, th#s cons#$ting, th#s in ,rms@ 6hat when we f$ed amain, p#rs#0d and strook G ?B5 H 6ith .eav0ns aff$icting /h#nder, and beso#ght /he 3eep to she$ter #s@ this .e$$ then seem0d , ref#ge from those wo#nds+ or when we $ay Chain0d on the b#rning Lake@ that s#re was worse. 6hat if the breath that kind$0d those grim fires G ?;C H ,wak0d sho#$d b$ow them into sevenfo$d rage ,nd p$#nge #s in the f$ames@ or from above Sho#$d intermitted vengeance arm again .is red right hand to p$ag#e #s@ what if a$$ .er stores were open0d, and this Firmament G ?;5 H If .e$$ sho#$d spo#t her Cataracts of Fire, Impendent horrors, threatning hideo#s fa$$ Ine day #pon o#r heads! whi$e we perhaps 3esigning or e horting g$orio#s warr,

Ca#ght in a fierie /empest sha$$ be h#r$0d G ?<C H Each on his rock transfi t, the sport and prey If racking whir$winds, or for ever s#nk 4nder yon boy$ing Icean, wrapt in Chains! /here to converse with ever$asting groans, 4nrespited, #npitied, #nrepreevd, G ?<5 H ,ges of hope$ess end! this wo#$d be worse. 6arr therefore, open or concea$0d, a$ike *y voice disswades! for what can force or g#i$e 6ith him, or who deceive his mind, whose eye 2iews a$$ things at one view@ he from heav0ns highth G ?=C H ,$$ these o#r motions vain, sees and derides! Eot more ,$mighty to resist o#r might /hen wise to fr#strate a$$ o#r p$ots and wi$es. Sha$$ we then $ive th#s vi$e, the race of .eav0n /h#s tramp$0d, th#s e pe$$0d to s#ffer here G ?=5 H Chains and these /orments@ better these then worse )y my advice! since fate inevitab$e S#bd#es #s, and Imnipotent 3ecree /he 2ictors wi$$. /o s#ffer, as to doe, I#r strength is e:#a$, nor the Law #n9#st G &CC H /hat so ordains+ this was at first reso$v0d, If we were wise, against so great a foe Contending, and so do#btf#$ what might fa$$. I $a#gh, when those who at the Spear are bo$d ,nd vent0ro#s, if that fai$ them, shrink and fear G &C5 H 6hat yet they know m#st fo$$ow, to end#re E i$e, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain, /he sentence of thir Con:#ero#r+ /his is now I#r doom! which if we can s#stain and bear, I#r S#pream Foe in time may m#ch remit G &?C H .is anger, and perhaps th#s farr remov0d Eot mind #s not offending, satisfi0d 6ith what is p#nish0t! whence these raging fires 6i$$ s$ack0n, if his breath stir not thir f$ames. I#r p#rer essence then wi$$ overcome G &?5 H /hir no io#s vapo#r, or en#r0d not fee$, Ir chang0d at $ength, and to the p$ace conformd In temper and in nat#re, wi$$ receive Fami$iar the fierce heat, and void of pain! /his horror wi$$ grow mi$de, this darkness $ight, G &&C H )esides what hope the never1ending f$ight If f#t#re dayes may bring, what chance, what change 6orth waiting, since o#r present $ot appeers For happy tho#gh b#t i$$, for i$$ not worst, If we proc#re not to o#r se$ves more woe. G &&5 H /h#s )e$ia$ with words c$oath0d in reasons garb Co#nse$$0d ignob$e ease, and peacef#$ s$oath, Eot peace+ and after him th#s *ammon spake. Either to disinthrone the Jing of .eav0n 6e warr, if 6arr be best, or to regain G &>C H

I#r own right $ost+ him to #nthrone we then *ay hope when ever$asting Fate sha$$ yei$d /o fick$e Chance, and Chaos 9#dge the strife+ /he former vain to hope arg#es as vain /he $atter+ for what p$ace can be for #s G &>5 H 6ithin .eav0ns bo#nd, #n$ess .eav0ns Lord s#pream 6e overpower@ S#ppose he sho#$d re$ent ,nd p#b$ish (race to a$$, on promise made If new S#b9ection! with what eyes co#$d we Stand in his presence h#mb$e, and receive G &AC H Strict Laws impos0d, to ce$ebrate his /hrone 6ith warb$0d .ymns, and to his (odhead sing Forc0t .a$$e$#iah0s! whi$e he Lord$y sits I#r envied Sovran, and his ,$tar breathes ,mbrosia$ Ido#rs and ,mbrosia$ F$owers, G &A5 H I#r servi$e offerings. /his m#st be o#r task In .eav0n, this o#r de$ight! how wearisom Eternity so spent in worship paid /o whom we hate. Let #s not then p#rs#e )y force impossib$e, by $eave obtain0d G &5C H 4nacceptab$e, tho#gh in .eav0n, o#r state If sp$endid vassa$age, b#t rather seek I#r own good from o#r se$ves, and from o#r own Live to o#r se$ves, tho#gh in this vast recess, Free, and to none acco#ntab$e, preferring G &55 H .ard $iberty before the easie yoke If servi$e 7omp. I#r greatness wi$$ appeer /hen most conspic#o#s, when great things of sma$$, 4sef#$ of h#rtf#$, prospero#s of adverse 6e can create, and in what p$ace so e0re G &BC H /hrive #nder evi$, and work ease o#t of pain /hro#gh $abo#r and ind#rance. /his deep wor$d If darkness do we dread@ .ow oft amidst /hick c$o#ds and dark doth .eav0ns a$$1r#$ing Sire Choose to reside, his ($ory #nobsc#r0d, G &B5 H ,nd with the *a9esty of darkness ro#nd Covers his /hrone! from whence deep th#nders roar *#st0ring thir rage, and .eav0n resemb$es .e$$@ ,s he o#r darkness, cannot we his Light Imitate when we p$ease@ /his 3esart soi$e G &;C H 6ants not her hidden $#stre, (emms and (o$d! Eor want we ski$$ or ,rt, from whence to raise *agnificence! and what can .eav0n shew more@ I#r torments a$so may in $ength of time )ecome o#r E$ements, these piercing Fires G &;5 H ,s soft as now severe, o#r temper chang0d Into their temper! which m#st needs remove /he sensib$e of pain. ,$$ things invite /o peacef#$ Co#nse$s, and the sett$0d State If order, how in safety best we may G &<C H Compose o#r present evi$s, with regard If what we are and were, dismissing :#ite

,$$ tho#ghts of warr+ ye have what I advise. .e scarce had finisht, when s#ch m#rm#r fi$$d /h0 ,ssemb$y, as when ho$$ow -ocks retain G &<5 H /he so#nd of b$#string winds, which a$$ night $ong .ad ro#s0d the Sea, now with hoarse cadence $#$$ Sea1faring men orewatcht, whose )ark by chance Ir 7innace anchors in a craggy )ay ,fter the /empest+ S#ch app$a#se was heard G &=C H ,s *ammon ended, and his Sentence p$eas0d, ,dvising peace+ for s#ch another Fie$d /hey dreaded worse then .e$$+ so m#ch the fear If /h#nder and the Sword of *ichae$ 6ro#ght sti$$ within them! and no $ess desire G &=5 H /o fo#nd this nether Empire, which might rise )y po$$icy, and $ong process of time, In em#$ation opposite to .eav0n. 6hich when )ee$"eb#b perceiv0d, then whom, Satan e cept, none higher sat, with grave G >CC H ,spect he rose, and in his rising seem0d , 7i$$ar of State! deep on his Front engraven 3e$iberation sat and p#b$ic care! ,nd 7rince$y co#nse$ in his face yet shon, *a9estic tho#gh in r#in+ sage he stood G >C5 H 6ith ,t$antean sho#$ders fit to bear /he weight of mightiest *onarchies! his $ook 3rew a#dience and attention sti$$ as Eight Ir S#mmers Eoon1tide air, whi$e th#s he spake. /hrones and Imperia$ 7owers, off1spring of heav0n G >?C H Etherea$ 2ert#es! or these /it$es now *#st we reno#nce, and changing sti$e be ca$$0d 7rinces of .e$$@ for so the pop#$ar vote Inc$ines, here to contin#e, and b#i$d #p here , growing Empire! do#bt$ess! whi$e we dream, G >?5 H ,nd know not that the Jing of .eav0n hath doom0d /his p$ace o#r d#ngeon, not o#r safe retreat )eyond his 7otent arm, to $ive e empt From .eav0ns high 9#risdiction, in new Leag#e )anded against his /hrone, b#t to remaine G >&C H In strictest bondage, tho#gh th#s far remov0d, 4nder th0 inevitab$e c#rb, reserv0d .is captive m#$tit#de+ For he, be s#re In heighth or depth, sti$$ first and $ast wi$$ -eign So$e Jing, and of his Jingdom $oose no part G >&5 H )y o#r revo$t, b#t over .e$$ e tend .is Empire, and with Iron Scepter r#$e 4s here, as with his (o$den those in .eav0n. 6hat sit we then pro9ecting peace and 6arr@ 6arr hath determin0d #s, and foi$d with $oss G >>C H Irreparab$e! tearms of peace yet none 2o#tsaf0t or so#ght! for what peace wi$$ be giv0n /o #s ens$av0d, b#t c#stody severe,

,nd stripes, and arbitrary p#nishment Inf$icted@ and what peace can we ret#rn, G >>5 H )#t to o#r power hosti$ity and hate, 4ntam0d re$#ctance, and revenge tho#gh s$ow, 8et ever p$otting how the Con:#eror $east *ay reap his con:#est, and may $east re9oyce In doing what we most in s#ffering fee$@ G >AC H Eor wi$$ occasion want, nor sha$$ we need 6ith dangero#s e pedition to invade .eav0n, whose high wa$$s fear no assa#$t or Siege, Ir amb#sh from the 3eep. 6hat if we find Some easier enterpri"e@ /here is a p$ace G >A5 H %If ancient and prophetic fame in .eav0n Err not' another 6or$d, the happy seat If some new -ace ca$$0d *an, abo#t this time /o be created $ike to #s, tho#gh $ess In power and e ce$$ence, b#t favo#r0d more G >5C H If him who r#$es above! so was his wi$$ 7rono#nc0d among the (ods, and by an Iath, /hat shook .eav0ns who$ circ#mference, confirm0d. /hither $et #s bend a$$ o#r tho#ghts, to $earn 6hat creat#res there inhabit, of what mo#$d, G >55 H Ir s#bstance, how end#0d, and what thir 7ower, ,nd where thir weakness, how attempted best, )y force or s#tt$ety+ /ho#gh .eav0n be sh#t, ,nd .eav0ns high ,rbitrator sit sec#re In his own strength, this p$ace may $ye e pos0d G >BC H /he #tmost border of his Jingdom, $eft /o their defence who ho$d it+ here perhaps Som advantagio#s act may be achiev0d )y s#dden onset, either with .e$$ fire /o waste his who$e Creation, or possess G >B5 H ,$$ as o#r own, and drive as we were driven, /he p#nie habitants, or if not drive, Sed#ce them to o#r 7arty, that thir (od *ay prove thir foe, and with repenting hand ,bo$ish his own works. /his wo#$d s#rpass G >;C H Common revenge, and interr#pt his 9oy In o#r Conf#sion, and o#r Foy #praise In his dist#rbance! when his dar$ing Sons .#r$0d head$ong to partake with #s, sha$$ c#rse /hir frai$ Irigina$, and faded b$iss, G >;5 H Faded so soon. ,dvise if this be worth ,ttempting, or to sit in darkness here .atching vain Empires. /h#s )ee$"eb#b 7$eaded his devi$ish Co#nse$, first devis0d )y Satan, and in part propos0d+ for whence, G ><C H )#t from the ,#thor of a$$ i$$ co#$d Spring So deep a ma$ice, to confo#nd the race If mankind in one root, and Earth with .e$$ /o ming$e and invo$ve, done a$$ to spite /he great Creato#r@ )#t thir spite sti$$ serves G ><5 H

.is g$ory to a#gment. /he bo$d design 7$eas0d high$y those inferna$ States, and 9oy Spark$0d in a$$ thir eyes! with f#$$ assent /hey vote+ whereat his speech he th#s renews. 6e$$ have ye 9#dg0d, we$$ ended $ong debate, G >=C H Synod of (ods, and $ike to what ye are, (reat things reso$v0d! which from the $owest deep 6i$$ once more $ift #s #p, in spight of Fate, Eeerer o#r ancient Seat! perhaps in view If those bright confines, whence with neighbo#ring ,rms G >=5 H ,nd opport#ne e c#rsion we may chance -e1enter .eav0n! or e$se in some mi$de Rone 3we$$ not #nvisited of .eav0ns fair Light Sec#re, and at the brightning Irient beam 7#rge off this g$oom! the soft de$icio#s ,ir, G ACC H /o hea$ the scarr of these corrosive Fires Sha$$ breath her ba$me. )#t first whom sha$$ we send In search of this new wor$d, whom sha$$ we find S#fficient@ who sha$$ tempt with wandring feet /he dark #nbottom0d infinite ,byss G AC5 H ,nd thro#gh the pa$pab$e obsc#re find o#t .is #nco#th way, or spread his aerie f$ight 4pborn with indefatigab$e wings Iver the vast abr#pt, ere he arrive /he happy I$e! what strength, what art can then G A?C H S#ffice, or what evasion bear him safe /hro#gh the strict Senteries and Stations thick If ,nge$s watching ro#nd@ .ere he had need ,$$ circ#mspection, and we now no $ess Choice in o#r s#ffrage! for on whom we send, G A?5 H /he weight of a$$ and o#r $ast hope re$ies. /his said, he sat! and e pectation he$d .is $ook s#spence, awaiting who appeer0d /o second, or oppose, or #ndertake /he peri$o#s attempt! b#t a$$ sat m#te, G A&C H 7ondering the danger with deep tho#ghts! and each In others co#nt0nance read his own dismay ,stonisht+ none among the choice and prime If those .eav0n1warring Champions co#$d be fo#nd So hardie as to proffer or accept G A&5 H ,$one the dreadf#$ voyage! ti$$ at $ast Satan, whom now transcendent g$ory rais0d ,bove his fe$$ows, with *onarcha$ pride Conscio#s of highest worth, #nmov0d th#s spake. I 7rogeny of .eav0n, Empyrea$ /hrones, G A>C H 6ith reason hath deep si$ence and dem#rr Seis0d #s, tho#gh #ndismaid+ $ong is the way ,nd hard, that o#t of .e$$ $eads #p to $ight! I#r prison strong, this h#ge conve of Fire, I#trageo#s to devo#r, imm#res #s ro#nd G A>5 H Einefo$d, and gates of b#rning ,damant

)arr0d over #s prohibit a$$ egress. /hese past, if any pass, the void profo#nd If #nessentia$ Eight receives him ne t 6ide gaping, and with #tter $oss of being G AAC H /hreatens him, p$#ng0d in that abortive g#$f. If thence he scape into whatever wor$d, Ir #nknown -egion, what remains him $ess /hen #nknown dangers and as hard escape. )#t I sho#$d i$$ become this /hrone, I 7eers, G AA5 H ,nd this Imperia$ Sov0ranty, adorn0d 6ith sp$endor, arm0d with power, if a#ght propos0d ,nd 9#dg0d of p#b$ic moment, in the shape If diffic#$ty or danger co#$d deterr *ee from attempting. 6herefore do I ass#me G A5C H /hese -oya$ties, and not ref#se to -eign, -ef#sing to accept as great a share If ha"ard as of hono#r, d#e a$ike /o him who -eigns, and so m#ch to him d#e If ha"ard more, as he above the rest G A55 H .igh hono#rd sits@ (o therefore mighty 7owers, /error of .eav0n, tho#gh fa$$0n! intend at home, 6hi$e here sha$$ be o#r home, what best may ease /he present misery, and render .e$$ *ore to$$erab$e! if there be c#re or charm G ABC H /o respite or deceive, or s$ack the pain If this i$$ *ansion+ intermit no watch ,gainst a wakef#$ Foe, whi$e I abroad /hro#gh a$$ the Coasts of dark destr#ction seek 3e$iverance for #s a$$+ this enterpri"e G AB5 H Eone sha$$ partake with me. /h#s saying rose /he *onarch, and prevented a$$ rep$y, 7r#dent, $east from his reso$#tion rais0d Ithers among the chief might offer now %Certain to be ref#s0d' what erst they fear0d! G A;C H ,nd so ref#s0d might in opinion stand .is -iva$s, winning cheap the high rep#te 6hich he thro#gh ha"ard h#ge m#st earn. )#t they 3readed not more th0 advent#re then his voice Forbidding! and at once with him they rose! G A;5 H /hir rising a$$ at once was as the so#nd If /h#nder heard remote. /owards him they bend 6ith awf#$ reverence prone! and as a (od E to$$ him e:#a$ to the highest in .eav0n+ Eor fai$0d they to e press how m#ch they prais0d, G A<C H /hat for the genera$ safety he despis0d .is own+ for neither do the Spirits damn0d Loose a$$ thir vert#e! $east bad men sho#$d boast /hir specio#s deeds on earth, which g$ory e cites, Ir c$os ambition varnisht o0re with "ea$. G A<5 H /h#s they thir do#btf#$ cons#$tations dark Ended re9oycing in thir match$ess Chief+ ,s when from mo#ntain tops the d#sky c$o#ds

,scending, whi$e the Eorth wind s$eeps, I0respread .eav0ns chearf#$ face, the $owring E$ement G A=C H Scow$s ore the dark0nd $antskip Snow, or showre! If chance the radiant S#n with farewe$$ sweet E tend his ev0ning beam, the fie$ds revive, /he birds thir notes renew, and b$eating herds ,ttest thir 9oy, that hi$$ and va$$ey rings. G A=5 H I shame to menP 3evi$ with 3evi$ damn0d Firm concord ho$ds, men one$y disagree If Creat#res rationa$, tho#gh #nder hope If heaven$y (race! and (od proc$aiming peace, 8et $ive in hatred, enmity, and strife G 5CC H ,mong themse$ves, and $evie cr#e$ warres, 6asting the Earth, each other to destroy+ ,s if %which might ind#ce #s to accord' *an had not he$$ish foes anow besides, /hat day and night for his destr#ction waite. G 5C5 H /he Stygian Co#nse$ th#s disso$v0d! and forth In order came the grand inferna$ 7eers+ *idst came thir mighty 7aramo#nt, and seemd ,$one th0 ,ntagonist of .eav0n, nor $ess /han .e$$s dread Empero#r with pomp S#pream, G 5?C H ,nd (od1$ike imitated State! him ro#nd , ($obe of fierie Seraphim inc$os0d 6ith bright imb$a"onrie, and horrent ,rms. /hen of thir Session ended they bid cry 6ith /r#mpets rega$ so#nd the great res#$t+ G 5?5 H /oward the fo#r winds fo#r speedy Cher#bim 7#t to thir mo#ths the so#nding ,$chymie )y .ara$ds voice e p$ain0d+ the ho$$ow ,byss .eard farr and wide, and a$$ the host of .e$$ 6ith deafning sho#t, ret#rn0d them $o#d acc$aim. G 5&C H /hence more at ease thir minds and somwhat rais0d )y fa$se pres#mpt#o#s hope, the ranged powers 3isband, and wandring, each his severa$ way 7#rs#es, as inc$ination or sad choice Leads him perp$e t, where he may $ike$iest find G 5&5 H /r#ce to his rest$ess tho#ghts, and entertain /he irksom ho#rs, ti$$ his great Chief ret#rn. 7art on the 7$ain, or in the ,ir s#b$ime 4pon the wing, or in swift -ace contend, ,s at th0 I$ympian (ames or 7ythian fie$ds! G 5>C H 7art c#rb thir fierie Steeds, or sh#n the (oa$ 6ith rapid whee$s, or fronted )rigads form. ,s when to warn pro#d Cities warr appears 6ag0d in the tro#b$0d Skie, and ,rmies r#sh /o )atte$ in the C$o#ds, before each 2an G 5>5 H 7rick forth the ,erie Jnights, and co#ch thir Spears /i$$ thickest Legions c$ose! with feats of ,rms From either end of .eav0n the we$kin b#rns. Ithers with vast /yphSan rage more fe$$ -end #p both -ocks and .i$$s, and ride the ,ir G 5AC H

In whir$wind! .e$$ scarce ho$ds the wi$de #proar. ,s when ,$cides from Iecha$ia Crown0d 6ith con:#est, fe$t th0 envenom0d robe, and tore /hro#gh pain #p by the roots /hessa$ian 7ines, ,nd Lichas from the top of Ieta threw G 5A5 H Into th0 E#boic Sea. Ithers more mi$de, -etreated in a si$ent va$$ey, sing 6ith notes ,nge$ica$ to many a .arp /hir own .eroic deeds and hap$ess fa$$ )y doom of )atte$! and comp$ain that Fate G 55C H Free 2ert#e sho#$d enthra$$ to Force or Chance. /hir Song was partia$, b#t the harmony %6hat co#$d it $ess when Spirits immorta$ sing@' S#spended .e$$, and took with ravishment /he thronging a#dience. In disco#rse more sweet G 555 H %For E$o:#ence the So#$, Song charms the Sense,' Ithers apart sat on a .i$$ retir0d, In tho#ghts more e$evate, and reason0d high If 7rovidence, Foreknow$edge, 6i$$ and Fate, Fi t Fate, free wi$$, foreknow$edg abso$#te, G 5BC H ,nd fo#nd no end, in wandring ma"es $ost. If good and evi$ m#ch they arg#0d then, If happiness and fina$ misery, 7assion and ,pathie, and g$ory and shame, 2ain wisdom a$$, and fa$se 7hi$osophie+ G 5B5 H 8et with a p$easing sorcerie co#$d charm 7ain for a whi$e or ang#ish, and e cite Fa$$acio#s hope, or arm th0 obd#red brest 6ith st#bborn patience as with trip$e stee$. ,nother part in S:#adrons and gross )ands, G 5;C H In bo$d advent#re to discover wide /hat disma$ wor$d, if any C$ime perhaps *ight yie$d them easier habitation, bend Fo#r ways thir f$ying *arch, a$ong the )anks If fo#r inferna$ -ivers that disgorge G 5;5 H Into the b#rning Lake thir ba$ef#$ streams! ,bhorred Sty the f$ood of dead$y hate, Sad ,cheron of sorrow, b$ack and deep! Cocyt#s, nam0d of $amentation $o#d .eard on the r#f#$ stream! fierce 7h$egeton G 5<C H 6hose waves of torrent fire inf$ame with rage. Farr off from these a s$ow and si$ent stream, Lethe the -iver of Ib$ivion ro#$es .er watrie Labyrinth, whereof who drinks, Forthwith his former state and being forgets, G 5<5 H Forgets both 9oy and grief, p$eas#re and pain. )eyond this f$ood a fro"en Continent Lies dark and wi$de, beat with perpet#a$ storms If 6hir$wind and dire .ai$, which on firm $and /haws not, b#t gathers heap, and r#in seems G 5=C H If ancient pi$e! a$$ e$se deep snow and ice, , g#$f profo#nd as that Serbonian )og

)etwi t 3amiata and *o#nt Casi#s o$d, 6here ,rmies who$e have s#nk+ the parching ,ir )#rns frore, and co$d performs th0 effect of Fire. G 5=5 H /hither by harpy1footed F#ries hai$0d, ,t certain revo$#tions a$$ the damn0d ,re bro#ght+ and fee$ by t#rns the bitter change If fierce e treams, e treams by change more fierce, From )eds of raging Fire to starve in Ice G BCC H /hir soft Etherea$ warmth, and there to pine Immovab$e, infi t, and fro"en ro#nd, 7eriods of time, thence h#rried back to fire. /hey ferry over this Lethean So#nd )oth to and fro, thir sorrow to a#gment, G BC5 H ,nd wish and str#gg$e, as they pass, to reach /he tempting stream, with one sma$$ drop to $oose In sweet forgetf#$ness a$$ pain and woe, ,$$ in one moment, and so neer the brink! )#t fate withstands, and to oppose th0 attempt G B?C H *ed#sa with (orgonian terror g#ards /he Ford, and of it se$f the water f$ies ,$$ taste of $iving wight, as once it f$ed /he $ip of /anta$#s. /h#s roving on In conf#s0d march for$orn, th0 adventro#s )ands G B?5 H 6ith sh#ddring horror pa$e, and eyes agast 2iew0d first thir $amentab$e $ot, and fo#nd Eo rest+ thro#gh many a dark and drearie 2ai$e /hey pass0d, and many a -egion do$oro#s, I0er many a Fro"en, many a fierie ,$pe, G B&C H -ocks, Caves, Lakes, Fens, )ogs, 3ens, and shades of death, , 4niverse of death, which (od by c#rse Created evi$, for evi$ on$y good, 6here a$$ $ife dies, death $ives, and Eat#re breeds, 7erverse, a$$ monstro#s, a$$ prodigio#s things, G B&5 H ,bominab$e, in#tterab$e, and worse /hen Fab$es yet have feign0d, or fear conceiv0d, (orgons and .ydra0s, and Chimera0s dire. *ean whi$e the ,dversary of (od and *an, Satan with tho#ghts inf$am0d of highest design, G B>C H 7#ts on swift wings, and towards the (ates of .e$$ E p$ores his so$itary f$ight! som times .e sco#rs the right hand coast, som times the $eft, Eow shaves with $eve$ wing the 3eep, then soares 4p to the fiery Concave to#ring high. G B>5 H ,s when farr off at Sea a F$eet descri0d .angs in the C$o#ds, by Q:#inoctia$ 6inds C$ose sai$ing from )enga$a, or the I$es If /ernate and /idore, whence *erchants bring /hir spicie 3r#gs+ they on the /rading F$ood G BAC H /hro#gh the wide Ethiopian to the Cape 7$y stemming night$y toward the 7o$e. So seem0d Farr off the f$ying Fiend+ at $ast appeer .e$$ bo#nds high reaching to the horrid -oof,

,nd thrice threefo$d the (ates! three fo$ds were )rass, G BA5 H /hree Iron, three of ,damantine -ock, Impenetrab$e, impa$0d with circ$ing fire, 8et #ncons#m0d. )efore the (ates there sat In either side a formidab$e shape! /he one seem0d 6oman to the waste, and fair, G B5C H )#t ended fo#$ in many a sca$y fo#$d 2o$#mino#s and vast, a Serpent arm0d 6ith morta$ sting+ abo#t her midd$e ro#nd , cry of .e$$ .o#nds never ceasing bark0d 6ith wide Cerberian mo#ths f#$$ $o#d, and r#ng G B55 H , hideo#s 7ea$+ yet, when they $ist, wo#$d creep, If a#ght dist#rb0d thir noyse, into her woomb, ,nd kenne$ there, yet there sti$$ bark0d and how$0d 6ithin #nseen. Farr $ess abhorrd than these 2e 0d Scy$$a bathing in the Sea that parts G BBC H Ca$abria from the hoarse /rinacrian shore+ Eor #g$ier fo$$ow the Eight1.ag, when ca$$0d In secret, riding thro#gh the ,ir she comes L#r0d with the sme$$ of infant b$ood, to dance 6ith Lap$and 6itches, whi$e the $abo#ring *oon G BB5 H Ec$ipses at thir charms. /he other shape, If shape it might be ca$$0d that shape had none 3isting#ishab$e in member, 9oynt, or $imb, Ir s#bstance might be ca$$0d that shadow seem0d, For each seem0d either! b$ack it stood as Eight, G B;C H Fierce as ten F#ries, terrib$e as .e$$, ,nd shook a dreadf#$ 3art! what seem0d his head /he $ikeness of a Jing$y Crown had on. Satan was now at hand, and from his seat /he *onster moving onward came as fast G B;5 H 6ith horrid strides, .e$$ tremb$ed as he strode. /h0 #nda#nted Fiend what this might be admir0d, ,dmir0d, not fear0d! (od and his Son e cept, Created thing na#ght va$#0d he nor sh#n0d ,nd with disdainf#$ $ook th#s first began. G B<C H 6hence and what art tho#, e ecrab$e shape, /hat dar0st, tho#gh grim and terrib$e, advance /hy miscreated Front athwart my way /o yonder (ates@ thro#gh them I mean to pass, /hat be ass#red, witho#t $eave askt of thee+ G B<5 H -etire, or taste thy fo$$y, and $earn by proof, .e$$1born, not to contend with Spirits of .eav0n. /o whom the (ob$in f#$$ of wra#th rep$y0d, ,rt tho# that /raitor ,nge$, art tho# hee, 6ho first broke peace in .eav0n and Faith, ti$$ then G B=C H 4nbrok0n, and in pro#d rebe$$io#s ,rms 3rew after him the third part of .eav0ns Sons Con9#r0d against the highest, for which both /ho# ,nd they o#tcast from (od, are here condemn0d /o waste Eterna$ dayes in woe and pain@ G B=5 H

,nd reck0n0st tho# thy se$f with Spirits of .eav0n, .e$$1doom0d, and breath0st defiance here and scorn 6here I reign Jing, and to enrage thee more, /hy Jing and Lord@ )ack to thy p#nishment, Fa$se f#gitive, and to thy speed add wings, G ;CC H Least with a whip of Scorpions I p#rs#e /hy $ingring, or with one stroke of this 3art Strange horror seise thee, and pangs #nfe$t before. So spake the gries$ie terror, and in shape, So speaking and so threatning, grew tenfo$d G ;C5 H *ore dreadf#$ and deform+ on th0 other side Incenst with indignation Satan stood 4nterrifi0d, and $ike a Comet b#rn0d, /hat fires the $ength of Iphi#c#s h#ge In th0 ,rtick Sky, and from his horrid hair G ;?C H Shakes 7esti$ence and 6arr. Each at the .ead Leve$0d his dead$y aime! thir fata$$ hands Eo second stroke intend, and s#ch a frown Each cast at th0 other, as when two b$ack C$o#ds 6ith .eav0ns ,rti$$ery fra#ght, come ratt$ing on G ;?5 H Iver the Caspian, then stand front to front .ov0ring a space, ti$$ 6inds the signa$ b$ow /o 9oin thir dark Enco#nter in mid air+ So frownd the mighty Combatants, that .e$$ (rew darker at thir frown, so matcht they stood! G ;&C H For never b#t once more was either $ike /o meet so great a foe+ and now great deeds .ad been achiev0d, whereof a$$ .e$$ had r#ng, .ad not the Snakie Sorceress that sat Fast by .e$$ (ate, and kept the fata$ Jey, G ;&5 H -is0n, and with hideo#s o#tcry r#sh0d between. I Father, what intends thy hand, she cry0d, ,gainst thy on$y Son@ 6hat f#ry I Son, 7ossesses thee to bend that morta$ 3art ,gainst thy Fathers head@ and know0st for whom! G ;>C H For him who sits above and $a#ghs the whi$e ,t thee ordain0d his dr#dge, to e ec#te 6hat e0re his wrath, which he ca$$s F#stice, bids, .is wrath which one day wi$$ destroy ye both. She spake, and at her words the he$$ish 7est G ;>5 H Forbore, then these to her Satan ret#rn0d+ So strange thy o#tcry, and thy words so strange /ho# interposest, that my s#dden hand 7revented spares to te$$ thee yet by deeds 6hat it intends! ti$$ first I know of thee, G ;AC H 6hat thing tho# art, th#s do#b$e1form0d, and why In this inferna$ 2ai$e first met tho# ca$$0st *e Father, and that Fantasm ca$$0st my Son@ I know thee not, nor ever saw ti$$ now Sight more detestab$e then him and thee. G ;A5 H

/0 whom th#s the 7ortress of .e$$ (ate rep$y0d! .ast tho# forgot me then, and do I seem Eow in thine eye so fo#$, once deemd so fair In .eav0n, when at th0 ,ssemb$y, and in sight If a$$ the Seraphim with thee combin0d G ;5C H In bo$d conspiracy against .eav0ns Jing, ,$$ on a s#dden miserab$e pain S#rprisd thee, dim thine eyes, and di""ie sw#mm In darkness, whi$e thy head f$ames thick and fast /hrew forth, ti$$ on the $eft side op0ning wide, G ;55 H Likest to thee in shape and co#nt0nance bright, /hen shining .eav0n$y fair, a (oddess arm0d I#t of thy head I spr#ng! ama"ement seis0d ,$$ th0 .ost of .eav0n back they recoi$d affraid ,t first, and ca$$0d me Sin, and for a Sign G ;BC H 7ortento#s he$d me! b#t fami$iar grown, I p$eas0d, and with attractive graces won /he most averse, thee chief$y, who f#$$ oft /hy se$f in me thy perfect image viewing )ecam0st enamo#r0d, and s#ch 9oy tho# took0st G ;B5 H 6ith me in secret, that my womb conceiv0d , growing b#rden. *ean whi$e 6arr arose, ,nd fie$ds were fo#ght in .eav0n! wherein remaind %For what co#$d e$se' to o#r ,$mighty Foe C$eer 2ictory, to o#r part $oss and ro#t G ;;C H /hro#gh a$$ the Empyrean+ down they fe$$ 3riv0n head$ong from the 7itch of .eaven, down Into this 3eep, and in the genera$ fa$$ I a$so! at which time this powerf#$ Jey Into my hand was giv0n, with charge to keep G ;55 H /hese (ates for ever sh#t, which none can pass 6itho#t my op0ning. 7ensive here I sat ,$one, b#t $ong I sat not, ti$$ my womb 7regnant by thee, and now e cessive grown 7rodigio#s motion fe$t and r#ef#$ throes. G ;<C H ,t $ast this odio#s offspring whom tho# seest /hine own begotten, breaking vio$ent way /ore thro#gh my entrai$s, that with fear and pain 3istorted, a$$ my nether shape th#s grew /ransform0d+ b#t he my inbred enemie G ;<5 H Forth iss#0d, brandishing his fata$ 3art *ade to destroy+ I f$ed, and cry0d o#t 3eath! .e$$ tremb$0d at the hideo#s Eame, and sigh0d From a$$ her Caves, and back reso#nded 3eath. I f$ed, b#t he p#rs#0d %tho#gh more, it seems, G ;=C H Inf$am0d with $#st then rage' and swifter far, *ee overtook his mother a$$ dismaid, ,nd in embraces forcib$e and fo#$e Ingendring with me, of that rape begot /hese ye$$ing *onsters that with ceas$ess cry G ;=5 H S#rro#nd me, as tho# sawst, ho#r$y conceiv0d ,nd ho#r$y born, with sorrow infinite

/o me, for when they $ist into the womb /hat bred them they ret#rn, and how$e and gnaw *y )owe$s, thir repast! then b#rsting forth G <CC H , fresh with conscio#s terro#rs ve me ro#nd, /hat rest or intermission none I find. )efore mine eyes in opposition sits (rim 3eath my Son and foe, who sets them on, ,nd me his 7arent wo#$d f#$$ soon devo#r G <C5 H For want of other prey, b#t that he knows .is end with mine invo$vd! and knows that I Sho#$d prove a bitter *orse$, and his bane, 6henever that sha$$ be! so Fate prono#nc0d. )#t tho# I Father, I forewarn thee, sh#n G <?C H .is dead$y arrow! neither vain$y hope /o be inv#$nerab$e in those bright ,rms, /ho#gh temper0d heav0n$y, for that morta$ dint, Save he who reigns above, none can resist. She finish0d, and the s#tt$e Fiend his $ore G <?5 H Soon $earnd, now mi$der, and th#s answerd smooth. 3ear 3a#ghter, since tho# c$aim0st me for thy Sire, ,nd my fair Son here showst me, the dear p$edge If da$$iance had with thee in .eav0n, and 9oys /hen sweet, now sad to mention, thro#gh dire change G <&C H )efa$$n #s #nforeseen, #ntho#ght of, know I come no enemie, b#t to set free From o#t this dark and disma$ ho#se of pain, )oth him and thee, and a$$ the heav0n$y .ost If Spirits that in o#r 9#st pretenses arm0d G <&5 H Fe$$ with #s from on high+ from them I go /his #nco#th errand so$e, and one for a$$ *yse$f e pose, with $one$y steps to tread /h0 #nfo#nded deep, and thro#gh the void immense /o search with wandring :#est a p$ace foreto$d G <>C H Sho#$d be, and, by conc#rring signs, ere now Created vast and ro#nd, a p$ace of b$iss In the 7#r$ie#es of .eav0n, and therein p$ac0t , race of #pstart Creat#res, to s#pp$y 7erhaps o#r vacant room, tho#gh more remov0d, G <>5 H Least .eav0n s#rcharg0d with potent m#$tit#de *ight hap to move new broi$es+ )e this or a#ght /hen this more secret now design0d, I haste /o know, and this once known, sha$$ soon ret#rn, ,nd bring ye to the p$ace where /ho# and 3eath G <AC H Sha$$ dwe$$ at ease, and #p and down #nseen 6ing si$ent$y the b# om ,ir, imba$m0d 6ith odo#rs! there ye sha$$ be fed and fi$$0d Immeas#rab$y, a$$ things sha$$ be yo#r prey. .e ceas0d, for both seem0d high$y p$easd, and 3eath G <A5 H (rinnd horrib$e a gast$y smi$e, to hear .is famine sho#$d be fi$$0d, and b$est his mawe 3estin0d to that good ho#r+ no $ess re9oyc0d .is mother bad, and th#s bespake her Sire.

/he key of this inferna$ 7it by d#e, G <5C H ,nd by command of .eav0ns a$$1powerf#$ Jing I keep, by him forbidden to #n$ock /hese ,damantine (ates! against a$$ force 3eath ready stands to interpose his dart, Fear$ess to be o0rmatcht by $iving might. G <55 H )#t what ow I to his commands above 6ho hates me, and hath hither thr#st me down Into this g$oom of /artar#s profo#nd, /o sit in hatef#$ Iffice here confin0d, Inhabitant of .eav0n, and heav0n$ie1born, G <BC H .ere in perpet#a$ agonie and pain, 6ith terrors and with c$amors compasst ro#nd If mine own brood, that on my bowe$s feed+ /ho# art my Father, tho# my ,#thor, tho# *y being gav0st me! whom sho#$d I obey G <B5 H )#t thee, whom fo$$ow@ tho# wi$t bring me soon /o that new wor$d of $ight and b$iss, among /he (ods who $ive at ease, where I sha$$ -eign ,t thy right hand vo$#pt#o#s, as beseems /hy da#ghter and thy dar$ing, witho#t end. G <;C H /h#s saying, from her side the fata$ Jey, Sad instr#ment of a$$ o#r woe, she took! ,nd towards the (ate ro#$ing her bestia$ train, Forthwith the h#ge 7orc#$$is high #p drew, 6hich b#t her se$f not a$$ the Stygian powers G <;5 H Co#$d once have mov0d! then in the key1ho$e t#rns /h0 intricate wards, and every )o$t and )ar If massie Iron or so$$id -ock with ease 4nfast0ns+ on a s#dden op0n f$ie 6ith impet#o#s recoi$e and 9arring so#nd G <<C H /h0 inferna$ dores, and on thir hinges grate .arsh /h#nder, that the $owest bottom shook If Ereb#s. She op0nd, b#t to sh#t E ce$0d her power! the (ates wide op0n stood, /hat with e tended wings a )annerd .ost G <<5 H 4nder spread Ensigns marching might pass thro#gh 6ith .orse and Chariots rankt in $oose array! So wide they stood, and $ike a F#rnace mo#th Cast forth redo#nding smoak and r#ddy f$ame. )efore thir eyes in s#dden view appear G <=C H /he secrets of the hoarie deep, a dark I$$imitab$e Icean witho#t bo#nd, 6itho#t dimension, where $ength, breadth, N highth, ,nd time and p$ace are $ost! where e$dest Eight ,nd Chaos, ,ncestors of Eat#re, ho$d G <=5 H Eterna$ ,narchie, amidst the noise If end$ess 6arrs, and by conf#sion stand. For hot, co$d, moist, and dry, fo#r Champions fierce Strive here for *aistrie, and to )atte$ bring /hir embryon ,toms! they aro#nd the f$ag G =CC H If each his faction, in thir severa$ C$anns,

Light1arm0d or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift or s$ow, Swarm pop#$o#s, #nn#mber0d as the Sands If )arca or Cyrene0s torrid soi$, Levied to side with warring 6inds, and poise G =C5 H /hir $ighter wings. /o whom these most adhere, .ee r#$es a moment! Chaos 4mpire sits, ,nd by decision more imbroi$es the fray )y which he -eigns+ ne t him high ,rbiter Chance governs a$$. Into this wi$de ,byss, G =?C H /he 6omb of nat#re and perhaps her (rave, If neither Sea, nor Shore, nor ,ir, nor Fire, )#t a$$ these in thir pregnant ca#ses mi t Conf#s0d$y, and which th#s m#st ever fight, 4n$ess th0 ,$mighty *aker them ordain G =?5 H .is dark materia$s to create more 6or$ds, Into this wi$d ,byss the warie fiend Stood on the brink of .e$$ and $ook0d a whi$e, 7ondering his 2oyage+ for no narrow frith .e had to cross. Eor was his eare $ess pea$0d G =&C H 6ith noises $o#d and r#ino#s %to compare (reat things with sma$$' then when )e$$ona storms, 6ith a$$ her battering Engines bent to rase Som Capita$ City! or $ess then if this frame If .eav0n were fa$$ing, and these E$ements G =&5 H In m#tinie had from her , $e torn /he stedfast Earth. ,t $ast his Sai$1broad 2annes .e spreads for f$ight, and in the s#rging smoak 4p$ifted sp#rns the gro#nd, thence many a Leag#e ,s in a c$o#dy Chair ascending rides G =>C H ,#dacio#s, b#t that seat soon fai$ing, meets , vast vac#itie+ a$$ #nawares F$#ttring his pennons vain p$#mb down he drops /en tho#sand fadom deep, and to this ho#r 3own had been fa$$ing, had not by i$$ chance G =>5 H /he strong reb#ff of som t#m#$t#o#s c$o#d Instinct with Fire and Eitre h#rried him ,s many mi$es a$oft+ that f#rie stay0d, M#encht in a )oggy Syrtis, neither Sea, Eor good dry Land+ nigh fo#nderd on he fares, G =AC H /reading the cr#de consistence, ha$f on foot, .a$f f$ying! behoves him now both Iare and Sai$e. ,s when a (ryfon thro#gh the 6i$derness 6ith winged co#rse ore .i$$ or moarie 3a$e, 7#rs#es the ,rimaspian, who by ste$th G =A5 H .ad from his wakef#$ c#stody p#r$oind /he g#arded (o$d+ So eager$y the fiend Ire bog or steep, thro#gh strait, ro#gh, dense, or rare, 6ith head, hands, wings, or feet p#rs#es his way, ,nd swims or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or f$yes+ G =5C H ,t $ength a #niversa$ h#bb#b wi$de If st#nning so#nds and voices a$$ conf#s0d )orne thro#gh the ho$$ow dark assa#$ts his eare

6ith $o#dest vehemence+ thither he p$yes, 4nda#nted to meet there what ever power G =55 H Ir Spirit of the nethermost ,byss *ight in that noise reside, of whom to ask 6hich way the neerest coast of darkness $yes )ordering on $ight! when strait beho$d the /hrone If Chaos, and his dark 7avi$ion spread G =BC H 6ide on the wastef#$ 3eep! with him Enthron0d Sat Sab$e1vested Eight, e$dest of things, /he Consort of his -eign! and by them stood Irc#s and ,des, and the dreaded name If 3emogorgon! -#mor ne t and Chance, G =B5 H ,nd /#m#$t and Conf#sion a$$ imbroi$d, ,nd 3iscord with a tho#sand vario#s mo#ths. /0 whom Satan t#rning bo$d$y, th#s. 8e 7owers ,nd Spirits of this nethermost ,byss, Chaos and ancient Eight, I come no Spy, G =;C H 6ith p#rpose to e p$ore or to dist#rb /he secrets of yo#r -ea$m, b#t by constraint 6andring this darksome 3esart, as my way Lies thro#gh yo#r spacio#s Empire #p to $ight, ,$one, and witho#t g#ide, ha$f $ost, I seek G =;5 H 6hat readiest path $eads where yo#r g$oomie bo#nds Confine with .eav0n! or if som other p$ace From yo#r 3ominion won, th0 Etherea$ Jing 7ossesses $ate$y, thither to arrive I trave$ this profo#nd, direct my co#rse! G =<C H 3irected no mean recompence it brings /o yo#r behoof, if I that -egion $ost, ,$$ #s#rpation thence e pe$$0d, red#ce /o her origina$ darkness and yo#r sway %6hich is my present 9o#rney' and once more G =<5 H Erect the Standard there of ancient Eight! 8o#rs be th0 advantage a$$, mine the revenge. /h#s Satan! and him th#s the ,narch o$d 6ith fa#$tring speech and visage incompos0d ,nswer0d. I know thee, stranger, who tho# art, G ==C H /hat mighty $eading ,nge$, who of $ate *ade head against .eav0ns Jing, tho#gh overthrown. I saw and heard, for s#ch a n#mero#s .ost F$ed not in si$ence thro#gh the frighted deep 6ith r#in #pon r#in, ro#t on ro#t, G ==5 H Conf#sion worse confo#nded! and .eav0n (ates 7o#rd o#t by mi$$ions her victorio#s )ands 7#rs#ing. I #pon my Frontieres here Jeep residence! if a$$ I can wi$$ serve, /hat $itt$e which is $eft so to defend G ?CCC H Encroacht on sti$$ thro#gh o#r intestine broi$es 6eakning the Scepter of o$d Eight+ first .e$$ 8o#r d#ngeon stretching far and wide beneath! Eow $ate$y .eaven and Earth, another 6or$d

.#ng ore my -ea$m, $ink0d in a go$den Chain G ?CC5 H /o that side .eav0n from whence yo#r Legions fe$$+ If that way be yo#r wa$k, yo# have not farr! So m#ch the neerer danger! go and speed! .avock and spoi$ and r#in are my gain. .e ceas0d! and Satan staid not to rep$y, G ?C?C H )#t g$ad that now his Sea sho#$d find a shore, 6ith fresh a$acritie and force renew0d Springs #pward $ike a 7yramid of fire Into the wi$de e panse, and thro#gh the shock If fighting E$ements, on a$$ sides ro#nd G ?C?5 H Environ0d wins his way! harder beset ,nd more endanger0d, then when ,rgo pass0d /hro#gh )ospor#s betwi t the 9#st$ing -ocks+ Ir when 4$ysses on the Larbord sh#nnd Charybdis, and by th0 other whir$poo$ steard. G ?C&C H So he with diffic#$ty and $abo#r hard *ov0d on, with diffic#$ty and $abo#r hee! )#t hee once past, soon after when man fe$$, Strange a$terationP Sin and 3eath amain Fo$$owing his track, s#ch was the wi$$ of .eav0n, G ?C&5 H 7av0d after him a broad and beat0n way Iver the dark ,byss, whose boi$ing (#$f /ame$y end#r0d a )ridge of wondro#s $ength From .e$$ contin#0d reaching th0 #tmost Irbe If this frai$ 6or$d! by which the Spirits perverse G ?C>C H 6ith easie interco#rse pass to and fro /o tempt or p#nish morta$s, e cept whom (od and good ,nge$s g#ard by specia$ grace. )#t now at $ast the sacred inf$#ence If $ight appears, and from the wa$$s of .eav0n G ?C>5 H Shoots farr into the bosom of dim Eight , g$immering dawn! here Eat#re first begins .er fardest verge, and Chaos to retire ,s from her o#tmost works a brok0n foe 6ith t#m#$t $ess and with $ess hosti$e din, G ?CAC H /hat Satan with $ess toi$, and now with ease 6afts on the ca$mer wave by d#bio#s $ight ,nd $ike a weather1beaten 2esse$ ho$ds ($ad$y the 7ort, tho#gh Shro#ds and /ack$e torn! Ir in the emptier waste, resemb$ing ,ir, G ?CA5 H 6eighs his spread wings, at $eas#re to beho$d Farr off th0 Empyrea$ .eav0n, e tended wide In circ#it, #ndetermind s:#are or ro#nd, 6ith Ipa$ /owrs and )att$ements adorn0d If $iving Saphire, once his native Seat! G ?C5C H ,nd fast by hanging in a go$den Chain /his pendant wor$d, in bigness as a Starr If sma$$est *agnit#de c$ose by the *oon. /hither f#$$ fra#ght with mischievo#s revenge, ,cc#rst, and in a c#rsed ho#r he hies. G ?C55 H

Paradise &ost
*..K 4
T / "'G2M/+T
(od sitting on his /hrone sees Satan f$ying towards this wor$d, then new$y created! shews him to the Son who sat at his right hand! forete$$s the s#ccess of Satan in perverting mankind! c$ears his own F#stice and 6isdom from a$$ imp#tation, having created *an free and ab$e eno#gh to have withstood his /empter! yet dec$ares his p#rpose of grace towards him, in regard he fe$$ not of his own ma$ice, as did Satan, b#t by him sed#c0t. /he Son of (od renders praises to his Father for the manifestation of his gracio#s p#rpose towards *an! b#t (od again dec$ares, that (race cannot be e tended towards *an witho#t the satisfaction of divine 9#stice! *an hath offended the ma9esty of (od by aspiring to (od1head, and therefore with a$$ his 7rogeny devoted to death m#st dye, #n$ess some one can be fo#nd s#fficient to answer for his offence, and #ndergo his 7#nishment. /he Son of (od free$y offers himse$f a -ansome for *an+ the Father accepts him, ordains his incarnation, prono#nces his e a$tation above a$$ Eames in .eaven and Earth! commands a$$ the ,nge$s to adore him! they obey, and hymning to thir .arps in f#$$ M#ire, ce$ebrate the Father and the Son. *ean whi$e Satan a$ights #pon the bare Conve of this 6or$ds o#termost Irb! where wandring he first finds a p$ace since ca$$0d /he Lymbo of 2anity! what persons and things f$y #p thither! thence comes to the (ate of .eaven, describ0d ascending by staires, and the waters above the Firmament that f$ow abo#t it+ .is passage thence to the Irb of the S#n! he finds there 4rie$ the -egent of that Irb, b#t first changes himse$f into the shape of a meaner ,nge$! and pretending a "ea$o#s desire to beho$d the new Creation and *an whom (od had p$ac0t here, in:#ires of him the p$ace of his habitation, and is directed! a$ights first on *o#nt Eiphates. .,i$ ho$y $ight, ofspring of .eav0n first1born, Ir of th0 Eterna$ Coeterna$ beam *ay I e press thee #nb$am0d@ since (od is $ight, ,nd never b#t in #napproached $ight 3we$t from Eternitie, dwe$t then in thee, G 5 H )right eff$#ence of bright essence increate. Ir hear0st tho# rather p#re Etherea$ stream, 6hose Fo#ntain who sha$$ te$$@ before the S#n, )efore the .eavens tho# wert, and at the voice If (od, as with a *ant$e didst invest G ?C H /he rising wor$d of waters dark and deep, 6on from the void and form$ess infinite. /hee I re1visit now with bo$der wing, Escap0t the Stygian 7oo$, tho#gh $ong detain0d In that obsc#re so9o#rn, whi$e in my f$ight G ?5 H /hro#gh #tter and thro#gh midd$e darkness borne 6ith other notes then to th0 Irphean Lyre I s#ng of Chaos and Eterna$ Eight, /a#ght by the heav0n$y *#se to vent#re down

/he dark descent, and #p to reascend, G &C H /ho#gh hard and rare+ thee I revisit safe, ,nd fee$ thy sovran vita$ Lamp! b#t tho# -evisit0st not these eyes, that row$e in vain /o find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn! So thick a drop serene hath :#encht thir Irbs, G &5 H Ir dim s#ff#sion vei$d. 8et not the more Cease I to wander where the *#ses ha#nt C$eer Spring, or shadie (rove, or S#nnie .i$$, Smit with the $ove of sacred Song! b#t chief /hee Sion and the f$owrie )rooks beneath G >C H /hat wash thy ha$$owd feet, and warb$ing f$ow, Eight$y I visit+ nor somtimes forget /hose other two e:#a$0d with me in Fate, So were I e:#a$0d with them in renown, )$ind /hamyris and b$ind *Oonides, G >5 H ,nd /iresias and 7hine#s 7rophets o$d. /hen feed on tho#ghts, that vo$#ntarie move .armonio#s n#mbers! as the wakef#$ )ird Sings dark$ing, and in shadiest Covert hid /#nes her noct#rna$ Eote. /h#s with the 8ear G AC H Seasons ret#rn, b#t not to me ret#rns 3ay, or the sweet approach of Ev0n or *orn, Ir sight of verna$ b$oom, or S#mmers -ose, Ir f$ocks, or heards, or h#man face divine! )#t c$o#d in stead, and ever1d#ring dark G A5 H S#rro#nds me, from the chearf#$ wayes of men C#t off, and for the )ook of know$edg fair 7resented with a 4niversa$ b$anc If Eat#re0s works to mee e p#ng0d and ras0d, ,nd wisdome at one entrance :#ite sh#t o#t. G 5C H So m#ch the rather tho# Ce$estia$ $ight Shine inward, and the mind thro#gh a$$ her powers Irradiate, there p$ant eyes, a$$ mist from thence 7#rge and disperse, that I may see and te$$ If things invisib$e to morta$ sight. G 55 H Eow had the ,$mighty Father from above, From the p#re Empyrean where he sits .igh /hron0d above a$$ highth, bent down his eye, .is own works and their works at once to view+ ,bo#t him a$$ the Sanctities of .eaven G BC H Stood thick as Starrs, and from his sight receiv0d )eatit#de past #tterance! on his right /he radiant image of his ($ory sat, .is one$y Son! In Earth he first behe$d I#r two first 7arents, yet the one$y two G B5 H If mankind, in the happie (arden p$ac0t, -eaping immorta$ fr#its of 9oy and $ove, 4ninterr#pted 9oy, #nriva$d $ove In b$issf#$ so$it#de! he then s#rvey0d .e$$ and the (#$f between, and Satan there G ;C H Coasting the wa$$ of .eav0n on this side Eight

In the d#n ,ir s#b$ime, and ready now /o stoop with wearied wings, and wi$$ing feet In the bare o#tside of this 6or$d, that seem0d Firm $and imbosom0d witho#t Firmament, G ;5 H 4ncertain which, in Icean or in ,ir. .im (od beho$ding from his prospect high, 6herein past, present, f#t#re he beho$ds, /h#s to his one$y Son foreseeing spake. Ine$y begotten Son, seest tho# what rage G <C H /ransports o#r adversarie, whom no bo#nds 7rescrib0d, no barrs of .e$$, nor a$$ the chains .eapt on him there, nor yet the main ,byss 6ide interr#pt can ho$d! so bent he seems In desparate reveng, that sha$$ redo#nd G <5 H 4pon his own rebe$$io#s head. ,nd now /hro#gh a$$ restraint broke $oose he wings his way Eot farr off .eav0n, in the 7recincts of $ight, 3irect$y towards the new created 6or$d, ,nd *an there p$ac0t, with p#rpose to assay G =C H If him by force he can destroy, or worse, )y some fa$se g#i$e pervert! and sha$$ pervert For man wi$$ heark0n to his g$o"ing $yes, ,nd easi$y transgress the so$e Command, So$e p$edge of his obedience+ So wi$$ fa$$, G =5 H .ee and his faith$ess 7rogenie+ whose fa#$t@ 6hose b#t his own@ ingrate, he had of mee ,$$ he co#$d have! I made him 9#st and right, S#fficient to have stood, tho#gh free to fa$$. S#ch I created a$$ th0 Etherea$ 7owers G ?CC H ,nd Spirits, both them who stood and them who fai$d! Free$y they stood who stood, and fe$$ who fe$$. Eot free, what proof co#$d they have givn sincere If tr#e a$$egiance, constant Faith or Love, 6here one$y what they needs m#st do, appeard, G ?C5 H Eot what they wo#$d@ what praise co#$d they receive@ 6hat p$eas#re I from s#ch obedience paid, 6hen 6i$$ and -eason %-eason a$so is choice' 4se$ess and vain, of freedom both despoi$d, *ade passive both, had servd necessitie, G ??C H Eot mee. /hey therefore as to right be$ongd, So were created, nor can 9#st$y acc#se /hir maker, or thir making, or thir Fate, ,s if predestination over1r#$0d /hir wi$$, dispos0d by abso$#te 3ecree G ??5 H Ir high foreknow$edge! they themse$ves decreed /hir own revo$t, not I+ if I foreknew, Foreknow$edge had no inf$#ence on their fa#$t, 6hich had no $ess prov0d certain #nforeknown. So witho#t $east imp#$se or shadow of Fate, G ?&C H Ir a#ght by me imm#tab$ie foreseen, /hey trespass, ,#thors to themse$ves in a$$ )oth what they 9#dge and what they choose! for so

I formd them free, and free they m#st remain, /i$$ they enthra$$ themse$ves+ I e$se m#st change G ?&5 H /hir nat#re, and revoke the high 3ecree 4nchangeab$e, Eterna$, which ordain0d /hir freedom, they themse$ves ordain0d thir fa$$. /he first sort by thir own s#ggestion fe$$, Se$f1tempted, se$f1deprav0d+ *an fa$$s deceiv0d G ?>C H )y the other first+ *an therefore sha$$ find grace, /he other none+ in *ercy and F#stice both, /hro#gh .eav0n and Earth, so sha$$ my g$orie e ce$, )#t *ercy first and $ast sha$$ brightest shine. /h#s whi$e (od spake, ambrosia$ fragrance fi$$0d G ?>5 H ,$$ .eav0n, and in the b$essed Spirits e$ect Sense of new 9oy ineffab$e diff#s0d+ )eyond compare the Son of (od was seen *ost g$orio#s, in him a$$ his Father shon S#bstantia$$y e press0d, and in his face G ?AC H 3ivine compassion visib$y appeerd, Love witho#t end, and witho#t meas#re (race, 6hich #ttering th#s he to his Father spake. I Father, gracio#s was that word which c$os0d /hy sovran sentence, that *an sho#$d find grace! G ?A5 H For which both .eav0n and Earth sha$$ high e to$$ /hy praises, with th0 inn#merab$e so#nd If .ymns and sacred Songs, wherewith thy /hrone Encompass0d sha$$ reso#nd thee ever b$est. For sho#$d *an fina$$y be $ost, sho#$d *an G ?5C H /hy creat#re $ate so $ov0d, thy yo#ngest Son Fa$$ circ#mvented th#s by fra#d, tho#gh 9oynd 6ith his own fo$$y@ that be from thee farr, /hat farr be from thee, Father, who art F#dg If a$$ things made, and 9#dgest one$y right. G ?55 H Ir sha$$ the ,dversarie th#s obtain .is end, and fr#strate thine, sha$$ he f#$fi$$ .is ma$ice, and thy goodness bring to na#ght, Ir pro#d ret#rn tho#gh to his heavier doom, 8et with revenge accomp$ish0t and to .e$$ G ?BC H 3raw after him the who$e -ace of mankind, )y him corr#pted@ or wi$t tho# thy se$f ,bo$ish thy Creation, and #nmake, For him, what for thy g$orie tho# hast made@ So sho#$d thy goodness and thy greatness both G ?B5 H )e :#estiond and b$aspheam0d witho#t defence. /o whom the great Creato#r th#s rep$y0d. I Son, in whom my So#$ hath chief de$ight, Son of my bosom, Son who art a$one *y word, my wisdom, and effect#a$ might, G ?;C H ,$$ hast tho# spok0n as my tho#ghts are, a$$ ,s my Eterna$ p#rpose hath decreed+ *an sha$$ not :#ite be $ost, b#t sav0d who wi$$, 8et not of wi$$ in him, b#t grace in me

Free$y vo#tsaft! once more I wi$$ renew G ?;5 H .is $apsed powers, tho#gh forfeit and enthra$$0d )y sin to fo#$ e orbitant desires! 4phe$d by me, yet once more he sha$$ stand In even gro#nd against his morta$ foe, )y me #phe$d, that he may know how frai$ G ?<C H .is fa$$0n condition is, and to me ow ,$$ his de$iv0rance, and to none b#t me. Some I have chosen of pec#$iar grace E$ect above the rest! so is my wi$$+ /he rest sha$$ hear me ca$$, and oft be warnd G ?<5 H /hir sinf#$ state, and to appease betimes /h0 incensed 3eitie whi$e offerd grace Invites! for I wi$$ c$eer thir senses dark, 6hat may s#ffice, and soft0n stonie hearts /o pray, repent, and bring obedience d#e. G ?=C H /o 7rayer, repentance, and obedience d#e, /ho#gh b#t endevord with sincere intent, *ine ear sha$$ not be s$ow, mine eye not sh#t. ,nd I wi$$ p$ace within them as a g#ide *y 4mpire Conscience, whom if they wi$$ hear, G ?=5 H Light after $ight we$$ #s0d they sha$$ attain, ,nd to the end persisting, safe arrive. /his my $ong s#fferance and my day of grace /hey who neg$ect and scorn, sha$$ never taste! )#t hard be hard0nd, b$ind be b$inded more, G &CC H /hat they may st#mb$e on, and deeper fa$$! ,nd none b#t s#ch from mercy I e c$#de. )#t yet a$$ is not don! *an disobeying, 3is$oya$ breaks his fea$tie, and sinns ,gainst the high S#premacie of .eav0n, G &C5 H ,ffecting (od1head, and so $oosing a$$, /o e piate his /reason hath na#ght $eft, )#t to destr#ction sacred and devote, .e with his who$e posteritie m#st dye, 3ye hee or F#stice m#st! #n$ess for him G &?C H Som other ab$e, and as wi$$ing, pay /he rigid satisfaction, death for death. Say .eav0n$y 7owers, where sha$$ we find s#ch $ove, 6hich of ye wi$$ be morta$ to redeem *ans morta$ crime, and 9#st th0 #n9#st to save, G &?5 H 3we$s in a$$ .eaven charitie so deare@ .e ask0d, b#t a$$ the .eav0n$y M#ire stood m#te, ,nd si$ence was in .eav0n+ on mans beha$f 7atron or Intercessor none appeerd, *#ch $ess that d#rst #pon his own head draw G &&C H /he dead$y forfeit#re, and ransom set. ,nd now witho#t redemption a$$ mankind *#st have bin $ost, ad9#dg0d to 3eath and .e$$ )y doom severe, had not the Son of (od, In whom the f#$ness dwe$$s of $ove divine, G &&5 H .is dearest mediation th#s renewd.

Father, thy word is past, man sha$$ find grace! ,nd sha$$ grace not find means, that finds her way, /he speediest of thy winged messengers, /o visit a$$ thy creat#res, and to a$$ G &>C H Comes #nprevented, #nimp$or0d, #nso#ght, .appie for man, so coming! he her aide Can never seek, once dead in sins and $ost! ,ttonement for himse$f or offering meet, Indebted and #ndon, hath none to bring+ G &>5 H )eho$d mee then, mee for him, $ife for $ife I offer, on mee $et thine anger fa$$! ,cco#nt mee man! I for his sake wi$$ $eave /hy bosom, and this g$orie ne t to thee Free$y p#t off, and for him $ast$y dye G &AC H 6e$$ p$eas0d, on me $et 3eath wreck a$$ his rage! 4nder his g$oomie power I sha$$ not $ong Lie van:#isht! tho# hast givn me to possess Life in my se$f for ever, by thee I $ive, /ho#gh now to 3eath I yie$d, and am his d#e G &A5 H ,$$ that of me can die, yet that debt paid, /ho# wi$t not $eave me in the $oathsom grave .is prey, nor s#ffer my #nspotted So#$e For ever with corr#ption there to dwe$$! )#t I sha$$ rise 2ictorio#s, and s#bd#e G &5C H *y 2an:#isher, spoi$d of his vanted spoi$e! 3eath his deaths wo#nd sha$$ then receive, and stoop Ing$orio#s, of his morta$ sting disarm0d. I thro#gh the amp$e ,ir in /ri#mph high Sha$$ $ead .e$$ Captive ma#gre .e$$, and show G &55 H /he powers of darkness bo#nd. /ho# at the sight 7$eas0d, o#t of .eaven sha$t $ook down and smi$e, 6hi$e by thee rais0d I r#in a$$ my Foes, 3eath $ast, and with his Carcass g$#t the (rave+ /hen with the m#$tit#de of my redeemd G &BC H Sha$$ enter .eaven $ong absent, and ret#rne, Father, to see thy face, wherein no c$o#d If anger sha$$ remain, b#t peace ass#r0d, ,nd reconci$ement! wra#th sha$$ be no more /henceforth, b#t in thy presence Foy entire. G &B5 H .is words here ended, b#t his meek aspect Si$ent yet spake, and breath0d immorta$ $ove /o morta$ men, above which on$y shon Fi$ia$ obedience+ as a sacrifice ($ad to be offer0d, he attends the wi$$ G &;C H If his great Father. ,dmiration seis0d ,$$ .eav0n, what this might mean, and whither tend 6ondring! b#t soon th0 ,$mighty th#s rep$y0d+ I tho# in .eav0n and Earth the on$y peace Fo#nd o#t for mankind #nder wra#th, I tho# G &;5 H *y so$e comp$acenceP we$$ tho# know0st how dear, /o me are a$$ my works, nor *an the $east

/ho#gh $ast created, that for him I spare /hee from my bosom and right hand, to save, )y $oosing thee a whi$e, the who$e -ace $ost. G &<C H /ho# therefore whom tho# on$y canst redeem, /hir Eat#re a$so to thy Eat#re 9oyn! ,nd be thy se$f *an among men on Earth, *ade f$esh, when time sha$$ be, of 2irgin seed, )y wondro#s birth+ )e tho# in ,dams room G &<5 H /he .ead of a$$ mankind, tho#gh ,dams Son. ,s in him perish a$$ men, so in thee ,s from a second root sha$$ be restor0d, ,s many as are restor0d, witho#t thee none. .is crime makes g#i$tie a$$ his Sons, thy merit G &=C H Imp#ted sha$$ abso$ve them who reno#nce /hir own both righteo#s and #nrighteo#s deeds, ,nd $ive in thee transp$anted, and from thee -eceive new $ife. So *an, as is most 9#st, Sha$$ satisfie for *an, be 9#dg0d and die, G &=5 H ,nd dying rise, and rising with him raise .is )rethren, ransomd with his own dear $ife. So .eav0n$y $ove sha$$ o#tdoo .e$$ish hate, (iving to death, and dying to redeeme, So dear$y to redeem what .e$$ish hate G >CC H So easi$y destroy0d, and sti$$ destroyes In those who, when they may, accept not grace. Eor sha$t tho# by descending to ass#me *ans Eat#re, $ess0n or degrade thine owne. )eca#se tho# hast, tho#gh /hron0d in highest b$iss G >C5 H E:#a$ to (od, and e:#a$$y en9oying (od1$ike fr#ition, :#itted a$$ to save , 6or$d from #tter $oss, and hast been fo#nd )y *erit more then )irthright Son of (od, Fo#nd worthiest to be so by being (ood, G >?C H Farr more then (reat or .igh! beca#se in thee Love hath abo#nded more then ($ory abo#nds, /herefore thy .#mi$iation sha$$ e a$t 6ith thee thy *anhood a$so to this /hrone! .ere sha$t tho# sit incarnate, here sha$t -eign G >?5 H )oth (od and *an, Son both of (od and *an, ,nointed #niversa$ Jing, a$$ 7ower I give thee, reign for ever, and ass#me /hy *erits! #nder thee as .ead S#pream /hrones, 7rincedoms, 7owers, 3ominions I red#ce+ G >&C H ,$$ knees to thee sha$$ bow, of them that bide In .eaven, or Earth, or #nder Earth in .e$$! 6hen tho# attended g$orio#s$y from .eav0n Sha$t in the Sky appeer, and from thee send /he s#mmoning ,rch1,nge$s to proc$aime G >&5 H /hy dread /rib#na$+ forthwith from a$$ 6indes /he $iving, and forthwith the cited dead If a$$ past ,ges to the genera$ 3oom Sha$$ hast0n, s#ch a pea$ sha$$ ro#se thir s$eep.

/hen a$$ thy Saints assemb$0d, tho# sha$t 9#dge G >>C H )ad men and ,nge$s, they arraignd sha$$ sink )eneath thy Sentence! .e$$ her n#mbers f#$$, /henceforth sha$$ be for ever sh#t. *ean whi$e /he 6or$d sha$$ b#rn, and from her ashes spring Eew .eav0n and Earth, wherein the 9#st sha$$ dwe$$ G >>5 H ,nd after a$$ thir trib#$ations $ong See go$den days, fr#itf#$ of go$den deeds, 6ith Foy and Love tri#mphing, and fair /r#th. /hen tho# thy rega$ Scepter sha$t $ay by, For rega$ Scepter then no more sha$$ need, G >AC H (od sha$$ be ,$$ in ,$$. )#t a$$ ye (ods, ,dore him, who to compass a$$ this dies, ,dore the Son, and hono#r him as mee. Eo sooner had th0 ,$mighty ceas0t, b#t a$$ /he m#$tit#de of ,nge$s with a sho#t G >A5 H Lo#d as from n#mbers witho#t n#mber, sweet ,s from b$est voices, #ttering 9oy, .eav0n r#ng 6ith F#bi$ee, and $o#d .osanna0s fi$$d /h0 eterna$ -egions+ $ow$y reverent /owards either /hrone they bow, and to the gro#nd G >5C H 6ith so$emn adoration down they cast /hir Crowns inwove with ,marant and (o$d, Immorta$ ,marant, a F$o#r which once In 7aradise, fast by the /ree of Life )egan to b$oom, b#t soon for mans offence G >55 H /o .eav0n remov0d where first it grew, there grows, ,nd f$o#rs a$oft shading the Fo#nt of Life, ,nd where the river of )$iss thro#gh midst of .eavn -ow$s o0re E$isian F$o#rs her ,mber stream! 6ith these that never fade the Spirits e$ect G >BC H )ind thir resp$endent $ocks inwreath0d with beams, Eow in $oose (ar$ands thick thrown off, the bright 7avement that $ike a Sea of Fasper shon Imp#rp$0d with Ce$estia$ -oses smi$0d. /hen Crown0d again thir go$d0n .arps they took, G >B5 H .arps ever t#n0d, that g$ittering by thir side Like M#ivers h#ng, and with 7rOamb$e sweet If charming symphonie they introd#ce /hir sacred Song, and waken rapt#res high! Eo voice e empt, no voice b#t we$$ co#$d 9oine G >;C H *e$odio#s part, s#ch concord is in .eav0n. /hee Father first they s#ng Imnipotent, Imm#tab$e, Immorta$, Infinite, Eterna$ Jing! thee ,#thor of a$$ being, Fo#ntain of Light, thy se$f invisib$e G >;5 H ,midst the g$orio#s brightness where tho# sit0st /hron0d inaccessib$e, b#t when tho# shad0st /he f#$$ b$a"e of thy beams, and thro#gh a c$o#d 3rawn ro#nd abo#t thee $ike a radiant Shrine, 3ark with e cessive bright thy skirts appeer, G ><C H

8et da"$e .eav0n, that brightest Seraphim ,pproach not, b#t with both wings vei$ thir eyes, /hee ne t they sang of a$$ Creation first, )egotten Son, 3ivine Simi$it#de, In whose conspic#o#s co#nt0nance, witho#t c$o#d G ><5 H *ade visib$e, th0 ,$mighty Father shines, 6hom e$se no Creat#re can beho$d! on thee Impresst the eff#$gence of his ($orie abides, /ransf#s0d on thee his amp$e Spirit rests. .ee .eav0n of .eavens and a$$ the 7owers therein G >=C H )y thee created, and by thee threw down /h0 ,spiring 3ominations+ tho# that day /hy Fathers dreadf#$ /h#nder didst not spare, Eor stop thy f$aming Chariot whee$s, that shook .eav0ns ever$asting Frame, whi$e o0re the necks G >=5 H /ho# drov0st of warring ,nge$s disarraid. )ack from p#rs#it thy 7owers with $o#d acc$aime /hee on$y e to$$0d, Son of thy Fathers might, /o e ec#te fierce vengeance on his foes, Eot so on *an! him thro#gh their ma$ice fa$$0n, G ACC H Father of *ercie and (race, tho# didst not doome So strict$y, b#t m#ch more to pitie enc$ine+ Eo sooner did thy dear and one$y Son 7erceive thee p#rpos0d not to doom frai$ *an So strict$y, b#t m#ch more to pitie enc$in0d, G AC5 H .e to appease thy wra#th, and end the strife If *ercy and F#stice in thy face discern0d, -egard$ess of the )$iss wherein hee sat Second to thee, offerd himse$f to die For mans offence. I #ne amp$0d $ove, G A?C H Love no where to be fo#nd $ess then 3ivineP .ai$ Son of (od, Savio#r of *en, thy Eame Sha$$ be the copio#s matter of my Song .enceforth, and never sha$$ my .arp thy praise Forget, nor from thy Fathers praise dis9oine. G A?5 H /h#s they in .eav0n, above the starry Sphear, /hir happie ho#rs in 9oy and hymning spent. *ean whi$e #pon the firm opaco#s ($obe If this ro#nd 6or$d, whose first conve divides /he $#mino#s inferior Irbs, enc$os0d G A&C H From Chaos and th0 inroad of 3arkness o$d, Satan a$ighted wa$ks+ a ($obe farr off It seem0d, now seems a bo#nd$ess Continent 3ark, waste, and wi$d, #nder the frown of Eight Star$ess e pos0d, and ever1threatning storms G A&5 H If Chaos b$#string ro#nd, inc$ement skie! Save on that side which from the wa$$ of .eav0n /ho#gh distant farr some sma$$ ref$ection gaines If g$immering air $ess ve t with tempest $o#d+ .ere wa$k0d the Fiend at $arge in spacio#s fie$d. G A>C H ,s when a 2#$t#r on Ima#s bred, 6hose snowie ridge the roving /artar bo#nds,

3is$odging from a -egion scarce of prey /o gorge the f$esh of Lambs or yean$ing Jids In .i$$s where F$ocks are fed, f$ies toward the Springs G A>5 H If (anges or .ydaspes, Indian streams! )#t in his way $ights on the barren 7$aines If Sericana, where Chineses drive 6ith Sai$s and 6ind thir canie 6aggons $ight+ So on this windie Sea of Land, the Fiend G AAC H 6a$k0d #p and down a$one bent on his prey, ,$one, for other Creat#re in this p$ace Living or $ive$ess to be fo#nd was none, Eone yet, b#t store hereafter from the earth 4p hither $ike ,erea$ vapo#rs f$ew G AA5 H If a$$ things transitorie and vain, when Sin 6ith vanity had fi$$d the works of men+ )oth a$$ things vain, and a$$ who in vain things )#i$t thir fond hopes of ($orie or $asting fame, Ir happiness in this or th0 other $ife! G A5C H ,$$ who have thir reward on Earth, the fr#its If painf#$ S#perstition and b$ind Rea$, Ea#ght seeking b#t the praise of men, here find Fit retrib#tion, emptie as thir deeds! ,$$ th0 #naccomp$isht works of Eat#res hand, G A55 H ,bortive, monstro#s, or #nkind$y mi t, 3isso$vd on earth, f$eet hither, and in vain, /i$$ fina$ disso$#tion, wander here, Eot in the neighbo#ring *oon, as some have dreamd! /hose argent Fie$ds more $ike$y habitants, G ABC H /rans$ated Saints, or midd$e Spirits ho$d )etwi t th0 ,nge$ica$ and .#man kinde+ .ither of i$$19oynd Sons and 3a#ghters born First from the ancient 6or$d those (iants came 6ith many a vain e p$oit, tho#gh then renownd+ G AB5 H /he b#i$ders ne t of )abe$ on the 7$ain If Sennaar, and sti$$ with vain designe Eew )abe$s, had they wherewitha$$, wo#$d b#i$d+ Ithers came sing$e! he who to be deem0d , (od, $eap0d fond$y into Qtna f$ames G A;C H Empedoc$es, and hee who to en9oy 7$ato0s E$ysi#m, $eap0d into the Sea, C$eombrot#s, and many more too $ong, Embryo0s and Idiots, Eremits and Friers 6hite, )$ack and (rey, with a$$ thir tr#mperie. G A;5 H .ere 7i$grims roam, that stray0d so farr to seek In (o$gotha him dead, who $ives in .eav0n! ,nd they who to be s#re of 7aradise 3ying p#t on the weeds of 3ominic, Ir in Franciscan think to pass disg#is0d! G A<C H /hey pass the 7$anets seven, and pass the fi t, ,nd that Crysta$$ine Sphear whose ba$$ance weighs /he /repidation ta$kt, and that first mov0d! ,nd now Saint 7eter at .eav0ns 6icket seems

/o wait them with his Jeys, and now at foot G A<5 H If .eav0ns ascent they $ift thir Feet, when $oe , vio$ent cross wind from either Coast )$ows them transverse ten tho#sand Leag#es awry Into the devio#s ,ir! then might ye see Cow$es, .oods and .abits with thir wearers tost G A=C H ,nd f$#tterd into -aggs, then -e$i:#es, )eads, Ind#$gences, 3ispenses, 7ardons, )#$$s, /he sport of 6inds+ a$$ these #pwhir$d a$oft F$y o0re the backside of the 6or$d farr off Into a Limbo $arge and broad, since ca$$d G A=5 H /he 7aradise of Foo$s, to few #nknown Long after, now #npeop$0d, and #ntrod! ,$$ this dark ($obe the Fiend fo#nd as he pass0d, ,nd $ong he wanderd, ti$$ at $ast a g$eame If dawning $ight t#rnd thither1ward in haste G 5CC H .is trave$$0d steps! farr distant he descries ,scending by degrees magnificent 4p to the wa$$ of .eaven a Str#ct#re high, ,t top whereof, b#t farr more rich appeer0d /he work as of a Jing$y 7a$ace (ate G 5C5 H 6ith Frontispice of 3iamond and (o$d Imbe$$isht, thick with spark$ing orient (emmes /he 7orta$ shon, inimitab$e on Earth )y *ode$, or by shading 7enci$ drawn. /he Stairs were s#ch as whereon Facob saw G 5?C H ,nge$s ascending and descending, bands If (#ardians bright, when he from Esa# f$ed /o 7adan1,ram in the fie$d of L#", 3reaming by night #nder the open Skie, ,nd waking cri0d, /his is the (ate of .eav0n G 5?5 H Each Stair mysterio#s$y was meant, nor stood /here a$wayes, b#t drawn #p to .eav0n somtimes 2iew$ess, and #nderneath a bright Sea f$ow0d If Fasper, or of $i:#id 7ear$e, whereon 6ho after came from Earth, say$ing arriv0d, G 5&C H 6afted by ,nge$s, or f$ew o0re the Lake -apt in a Chariot drawn by fiery Steeds. /he Stairs were then $et down, whether to dare /he Fiend by easie ascent, or aggravate .is sad e c$#sion from the dores of )$iss. G 5&5 H 3irect against which opn0d from beneath, F#st o0re the b$issf#$ seat of 7aradise, , passage down to th0 Earth, a passage wide, 6ider by farr then that of after1times Iver *o#nt Sion, and, tho#gh that were $arge, G 5>C H Iver the 7romis0d Land to (od so dear, )y which, to visit oft those happy /ribes, In high behests his ,nge$s to and fro 7ass0d fre:#ent, and his eye with choice regard From 7aneas the fo#nt of Fordans f$ood G 5>5 H /o )eersaba, where the .o$y Land

)orders on Qgypt and th0 ,rabian shoare! So wide the op0ning seemd, where bo#nds were set /o darkness, s#ch as bo#nd the Icean wave. Satan from hence now on the $ower stair G 5AC H /hat sca$0d by steps of (o$d to .eav0n (ate Looks down with wonder at the s#dden view If a$$ this 6or$d at once. ,s when a Sco#t /hro#gh dark and desart wayes with peri$ gone ,$$ night! at $ast by break of chearf#$ dawne G 5A5 H Ibtains the brow of some high1c$imbing .i$$, 6hich to his eye discovers #naware /he good$y prospect of some forein $and First1seen, or some renown0d *etropo$is 6ith g$istering Spires and 7innac$es adorn0d, G 55C H 6hich now the -ising S#n g#i$ds with his beams. S#ch wonder seis0d, tho#gh after .eaven seen, /he Spirit ma$igne, b#t m#ch more envy seis0d ,t sight of a$$ this 6or$d behe$d so faire. -o#nd he s#rveys, and we$$ might, where he stood G 555 H So high above the circ$ing Canopie If Eights e tended shade! from Eastern 7oint If Libra to the f$eecie Starr that bears ,ndromeda farr off ,t$antic Seas )eyond th0 .ori"on! then from 7o$e to 7o$e G 5BC H .e views in bredth, and witho#t $onger pa#se 3own right into the 6or$ds first -egion throws .is f$ight precipitant, and windes with ease /hro#gh the p#re marb$e ,ir his ob$i:#e way ,mongst inn#merab$e Starrs, that shon G 5B5 H Stars distant, b#t nigh hand seemd other 6or$ds, Ir other 6or$ds they seemd, or happy I$es, Like those .esperian (ardens fam0d of o$d, Fort#nate Fie$ds, and (roves and f$o#rie 2a$es, /hrice happy I$es, b#t who dwe$t happy there G 5;C H .e stayd not to en:#ire+ above them a$$ /he go$den S#n in sp$endor $ikest .eaven ,$$#r0d his eye+ /hither his co#rse he bends /hro#gh the ca$m Firmament! b#t #p or downe )y center, or eccentric, hard to te$$, G 5;5 H Ir Longit#de, where the great L#minarie ,$ooff the v#$gar Conste$$ations thick, /hat from his Lord$y eye keep distance d#e, 3ispenses Light from farr! they as they move /hir Starry dance in n#mbers that comp#te G 5<C H 3ays, months, N years, towards his a$$1chearing Lamp /#rn swift thir vario#s motions, or are t#rnd )y his *agnetic beam, that gent$y warms /he 4nivers, and to each inward part 6ith gent$e penetration, tho#gh #nseen, G 5<5 H Shoots invisib$e vert#e even to the deep+ So wondro#s$y was set his Station bright. /here $ands the Fiend, a spot $ike which perhaps

,stronomer in the S#n0s $#cent Irbe /hro#gh his g$a"0d Iptic /#be yet never saw. G 5=C H /he p$ace he fo#nd beyond e pression bright, Compar0d with a#ght on Earth, *eda$ or Stone! Eot a$$ parts $ike, b#t a$$ a$ike informd 6ith radiant $ight, as g$owing Iron with fire! If metta$, part seemd (o$d, part Si$ver c$eer! G 5=5 H If stone, Carb#nc$e most or Chryso$ite, -#bie or /opa", to the /we$ve that shon In ,arons )rest1p$ate, and a stone besides Imagind rather oft then e$sewhere seen, /hat stone, or $ike to that which here be$ow G BCC H 7hi$osophers in vain so $ong have so#ght, In vain, tho#gh by thir powerf#$ ,rt they binde 2o$ati$ .ermes, and ca$$ #p #nbo#nd In vario#s shapes o$d 7rote#s from the Sea, 3raind thro#gh a Limbec to his Eative forme. G BC5 H 6hat wonder then if fie$ds and region here )reathe forth E$i ir p#re, and -ivers r#n 7otab$e (o$d, when with one vert#o#s to#ch /h0 ,rch1chimic S#n so farr from #s remote 7rod#ces with /errestria$ .#mor mi t G B?C H .ere in the dark so many precio#s things If co$o#r g$orio#s and effect so rare@ .ere matter new to ga"e the 3evi$ met 4nda"$0d, farr and wide his eye commands, For sight no obstac$e fo#nd here, nor shade, G B?5 H )#t a$$ S#n1shine, as when his )eams at Eoon C#$minate from th0 Q:#ator, as they now Shot #pward sti$$ direct, whence no way ro#nd Shadow from body opa:#e can fa$$, and the ,ire, Eo where so c$eer, sharp0nd his vis#a$ ray G B&C H /o ob9ects distant farr, whereby he soon Saw within kenn a g$orio#s ,nge$ stand, /he same whom Fohn saw a$so in the S#n+ .is back was t#rnd, b#t not his brightness hid! If beaming s#nnie -aies, a go$den tiar G B&5 H Circ$0d his .ead, nor $ess his Locks behind I$$#strio#s on his Sho#$ders f$edge with wings Lay waving ro#nd! on som great charge imp$oy0d .e seemd, or fi t in cogitation deep. ($ad was the Spirit imp#re as now in hope G B>C H /o find who might direct his wandring f$ight /o 7aradise the happie seat of *an, .is 9o#rnies end and o#r beginning woe. )#t first he casts to change his proper shape, 6hich e$se might work him danger or de$ay+ G B>5 H ,nd now a strip$ing Cher#be he appeers, Eot of the prime, yet s#ch as in his face 8o#th smi$0d Ce$estia$, and to every Limb S#tab$e grace diff#s0d, so we$$ he feign0d! 4nder a Coronet his f$owing haire G BAC H

In c#r$es on either cheek p$aid, wings he wore If many a co$o#rd p$#me sprink$0d with (o$d, .is habit fit for speed s#ccinct, and he$d )efore his decent steps a Si$ver wand. .e drew not nigh #nheard, the ,nge$ bright, G BA5 H Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage t#rnd, ,dmonisht by his ear, and strait was known /h0 ,rch1,nge$ 4rie$, one of the seav0n 6ho in (od0s presence, neerest to his /hrone Stand ready at command, and are his Eyes G B5C H /hat r#n thro#gh a$$ the .eav0ns, or down to th0 Earth )ear his swift errands over moist and dry, I0re Sea and Land! him Satan th#s accostes! 4rie$, for tho# of those seav0n Spirits that stand In sight of (od0s high /hrone, g$orio#s$y bright, G B55 H /he first art wont his great a#thentic wi$$ Interpreter thro#gh highest .eav0n to bring, 6here a$$ his Sons thy Embassie attend! ,nd here art $ike$iest by s#pream decree Like honor to obtain, and as his Eye G BBC H /o visit oft this new Creation ro#nd! 4nspeakab$e desire to see, and know ,$$ these his wondro#s works, b#t chief$y *an, .is chief de$ight and favo#r, him for whom ,$$ these his works so wondro#s he ordaind, G BB5 H .ath bro#ght me from the M#ires of Cher#bim ,$one th#s wandring. )rightest Seraph te$$ In which of a$$ these shining Irbes hath *an .is fi ed seat, or fi ed seat hath none, )#t a$$ these shining Irbes his choice to dwe$$! G B;C H /hat I may find him, and with secret ga"e, Ir open admiration him beho$d In whom the great Creator hath bestowd 6or$ds, and on whom hath a$$ these graces powrd! /hat both in him and a$$ things, as is meet, G B;5 H /he 4niversa$ *aker we may praise! 6ho 9#st$y hath driv0n o#t his -ebe$$ Foes /o deepest .e$$, and to repair that $oss Created this new happie -ace of *en /o serve him better+ wise are a$$ his wayes. G B<C H So spake the fa$se dissemb$er #nperceivd! For neither *an nor ,nge$ can discern .ypocrisie, the one$y evi$ that wa$ks Invisib$e, e cept to (od a$one, )y his permissive wi$$, thro#gh .eav0n and Earth+ G B<5 H ,nd oft tho#gh wisdom wake, s#spicion s$eeps ,t wisdoms (ate, and to simp$icitie -esigns her charge, whi$e goodness thinks no i$$ 6here no i$$ seems+ 6hich now for once beg#i$0d 4rie$, tho#gh -egent of the S#n, and he$d G B=C H /he sharpest sighted Spirit of a$$ in .eav0n!

6ho to the fra#d#$ent Impostor fo#$e In his #prightness answer th#s ret#rnd. Faire ,nge$, thy desire which tends to know /he works of (od, thereby to g$orifie G B=5 H /he great 6ork1*aister, $eads to no e cess /hat reaches b$ame, b#t rather merits praise /he more it seems e cess, that $ed thee hither From thy Empyrea$ *ansion th#s a$one, /o witness with thine eyes what some perhaps G ;CC H Contented with report hear one$y in heav0n+ For wonderf#$ indeed are a$$ his works, 7$easant to know, and worthiest to be a$$ .ad in remembrance a$wayes with de$ight! )#t what created mind can comprehend G ;C5 H /hir n#mber, or the wisdom infinite /hat bro#ght them forth, b#t hid thir ca#ses deep. I saw when at his 6ord the form$ess *ass, /his wor$ds materia$ mo#$d, came to a heap+ Conf#sion heard his voice, and wi$de #proar G ;?C H Stood r#$0d, stood vast infinit#de confin0d! /i$$ at his second bidding darkness f$ed, Light shon, and order from disorder spr#ng+ Swift to thir severa$ M#arters hasted then /he c#mbro#s E$ements, Earth, F$ood, ,ire, Fire, G ;?5 H ,nd this Etherea$ :#intessence of .eav0n F$ew #pward, spirited with vario#s forms, /hat row$d orbic#$ar, and t#rnd to Starrs E#mber$ess, as tho# seest, and how they move! Each had his p$ace appointed, each his co#rse, G ;&C H /he rest in circ#it wa$$es this 4niverse. Look downward on that ($obe whose hither side 6ith $ight from hence, tho#gh b#t ref$ected, shines! /hat p$ace is Earth the seat of *an, that $ight .is day, which e$se as th0 other .emisphere G ;&5 H Eight wo#$d invade, b#t there the neighbo#ring *oon %So ca$$ that opposite fair Starr' her aide /ime$y interposes, and her month$y ro#nd Sti$$ ending, sti$$ renewing thro#gh mid .eav0n, 6ith borrowd $ight her co#ntenance triform G ;>C H .ence fi$$s and empties to en$ighten th0 Earth, ,nd in her pa$e dominion checks the night. /hat spot to which I point is 7aradise, ,dams abode, those $oftie shades his )owre. /hy way tho# canst not miss, me mine re:#ires. G ;>5 H /h#s said, he t#rnd, and Satan bowing $ow, ,s to s#perior Spirits is wont in .eaven, 6here hono#r d#e and reverence none neg$ects, /ook $eave, and toward the coast of Earth beneath, 3own from th0 Ec$iptic, sped with hop0d s#ccess, G ;AC H /hrows his steep f$ight in many an ,erie whee$e, Eor staid, ti$$ on Eiphates top he $ights.

Paradise &ost
*..K 5
T / "'G2M/+T
Satan now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the p$ace where he m#st now attempt the bo$d enterpri"e which he #ndertook a$one against (od and *an, fa$$s into many do#bts with himse$f, and many passions, fear, envy, and despare! b#t at $ength confirms himse$f in evi$, 9o#rneys on to 7aradise, whose o#tward prospect and scit#ation is discribed, over$eaps the bo#nds, sits in the shape of a Cormorant on the /ree of $ife, as highest in the (arden to $ook abo#t him. /he (arden describ0d! Satans first sight of ,dam and Eve! his wonder at thir e ce$$ent form and happy state, b#t with reso$#tion to work thir fa$$! overhears thir disco#rse, thence gathers that the /ree of know$edge was forbidden them to eat of, #nder pena$ty of death! and thereon intends to fo#nd his /emptation, by sed#cing them to transgress+ then $eaves them a whi$e, to know f#rther of thir state by some other means. *ean whi$e 4rie$ descending on a S#n1beam warns (abrie$, who had in charge the (ate of 7aradise, that some evi$ spirit had escap0d the 3eep, and past at Eoon by his Sphere in the shape of a good ,nge$ down to 7aradise, discovered after by his f#rio#s gest#res in the *o#nt. (abrie$ promises to find him ere morning. Eight coming on, ,dam and Eve disco#rse of going to thir rest+ thir )ower describ0d! thir Evening worship. (abrie$ drawing forth his )ands of Eight1watch to wa$k the ro#nd of 7aradise, appoints two strong ,nge$s to ,dams )ower, $east the evi$$ spirit sho#$d be there doing some harm to ,dam or Eve s$eeping! there they find him at the ear of Eve, tempting her in a dream, and bring him, tho#gh #nwi$$ing, to (abrie$! by whom :#estion0d, he scornf#$$y answers, prepares resistance, b#t hinder0d by a Sign from .eaven, f$ies o#t of 7aradise. I For that warning voice, which he who saw /h0 ,poca$yps, heard cry in .eaven a$o#d, /hen when the 3ragon, p#t to second ro#t, Came f#rio#s down to be reveng0d on men, 6o to the inhabitants on EarthP that now, G 5 H 6hi$e time was, o#r first17arents had bin warnd /he coming of thir secret foe, and scap0d .ap$y so scap0d his morta$ snare! for now Satan, now first inf$am0d with rage, came down, /he /empter ere th0 ,cc#ser of man1kind, G ?C H /o wreck on innocent frai$ man his $oss If that first )atte$, and his f$ight to .e$$+ 8et not re9oycing in his speed, tho#gh bo$d, Far off and fear$ess, nor with ca#se to boast, )egins his dire attempt, which nigh the birth G ?5 H Eow row$ing, boi$es in his t#m#$t#o#s brest, ,nd $ike a devi$$ish Engine back recoi$es 4pon himse$f! horror and do#bt distract .is tro#b$0d tho#ghts, and from the bottom stirr /he .e$$ within him, for within him .e$$ G &C H

.e brings, and ro#nd abo#t him, nor from .e$$ Ine step no more then from himse$f can f$y )y change of p$ace+ Eow conscience wakes despair /hat s$#mberd, wakes the bitter memorie If what he was, what is, and what m#st be G &5 H 6orse! of worse deeds worse s#fferings m#st ens#e. Sometimes towards Eden which now in his view Lay p$easant, his grievd $ook he fi es sad, Sometimes towards .eav0n and the f#$$1b$a"ing S#n, 6hich now sat high in his *eridian /owre+ G >C H /hen m#ch revo$ving, th#s in sighs began. I tho# that with s#rpassing ($ory crownd, Look0st from thy so$e 3ominion $ike the (od If this new 6or$d! at whose sight a$$ the Starrs .ide thir diminisht heads! to thee I ca$$, G >5 H )#t with no friend$y voice, and add thy name I S#n, to te$$ thee how I hate thy beams /hat bring to my remembrance from what state I fe$$, how g$orio#s once above thy Spheare! /i$$ 7ride and worse ,mbition threw me down G AC H 6arring in .eav0n against .eav0ns match$ess Jing+ ,h whereforeP he deservd no s#ch ret#rn From me, whom he created what I was In that bright eminence, and with his good 4pbraided none! nor was his service hard. G A5 H 6hat co#$d be $ess then to afford him praise, /he easiest recompence, and pay him thanks, .ow d#eP yet a$$ his good prov0d i$$ in me, ,nd wro#ght b#t ma$ice! $ifted #p so high I sdeind s#b9ection, and tho#ght one step higher G 5C H 6o#$d set me highest, and in a moment :#it /he debt immense of end$ess gratit#de, So b#rthensome, sti$$ paying, sti$$ to ow! Forgetf#$ what from him I sti$$ receivd, ,nd #nderstood not that a gratef#$ mind G 55 H )y owing owes not, b#t sti$$ pays, at once Indebted and dischargd! what b#rden then@ I had his powerf#$ 3estiny ordaind *e some inferio#r ,nge$, I had stood /hen happie! no #nbo#nded hope had rais0d G BC H ,mbition. 8et why not@ som other 7ower ,s great might have aspir0d, and me tho#gh mean 3rawn to his part! b#t other 7owers as great Fe$$ not, b#t stand #nshak0n, from within Ir from witho#t, to a$$ temptations arm0d. G B5 H .adst tho# the same free 6i$$ and 7ower to stand@ /ho# hadst+ whom hast tho# then or what to acc#se, )#t .eav0ns free Love dea$t e:#a$$y to a$$@ )e then his Love acc#rst, since $ove or hate, /o me a$ike, it dea$s eterna$ woe. G ;C H Eay c#rs0d be tho#! since against his thy wi$$ Chose free$y what it now so 9#st$y r#es.

*e miserab$eP which way sha$$ I f$ie Infinite wra#th, and infinite despaire@ 6hich way I f$ie is .e$$! my se$f am .e$$! G ;5 H ,nd in the $owest deep a $ower deep Sti$$ threatning to devo#r me opens wide, /o which the .e$$ I s#ffer seems a .eav0n. I then at $ast re$ent+ is there no p$ace Left for -epentance, none for 7ardon $eft@ G <C H Eone $eft b#t by s#bmission! and that word 3isdain forbids me, and my dread of shame ,mong the Spirits beneath, whom I sed#c0d 6ith other promises and other va#nts /hen to s#bmit, boasting I co#$d s#bd#e G <5 H /h0 Imnipotent. ,y me, they $itt$e know .ow dear$y I abide that boast so vaine, 4nder what torments inward$y I groane+ 6hi$e they adore me on the /hrone of .e$$, 6ith 3iadem and Sceptre high advanc0d G =C H /he $ower sti$$ I fa$$, one$y S#pream In miserie! s#ch 9oy ,mbition findes. )#t say I co#$d repent and co#$d obtaine )y ,ct of (race my former state! how soon 6o#$d higth reca$$ high tho#ghts, how soon #nsay G =5 H 6hat feign0d s#bmission swore+ ease wo#$d recant 2ows made in pain, as vio$ent and void. For never can tr#e reconci$ement grow 6here wo#nds of dead$y hate have peirc0d so deep+ 6hich wo#$d b#t $ead me to a worse re$apse G ?CC H ,nd heavier fa$$+ so sho#$d I p#rchase deare Short intermission bo#ght with do#b$e smart. /his knows my p#nisher! therefore as farr From granting hee, as I from begging peace+ ,$$ hope e c$#ded th#s, beho$d in stead G ?C5 H If #s o#t1cast, e i$0d, his new de$ight, *ankind created, and for him this 6or$d. So farewe$ .ope, and with .ope farewe$ Fear, Farewe$ -emorse+ a$$ (ood to me is $ost! Evi$ be tho# my (ood! by thee at $east G ??C H 3ivided Empire with .eav0ns Jing I ho$d )y thee, and more then ha$f perhaps wi$$ reigne! ,s *an ere $ong, and this new 6or$d sha$$ know. /h#s whi$e he spake, each passion dimm0d his face /hrice chang0d with pa$e, ire, envie and despair, G ??5 H 6hich marrd his borrow0d visage, and betraid .im co#nterfet, if any eye behe$d. For heav0n$y mindes from s#ch distempers fo#$e ,re ever c$eer. 6hereof hee soon aware, Each pert#rbation smooth0d with o#tward ca$me, G ?&C H ,rtificer of fra#d! and was the first /hat practisd fa$shood #nder saint$y shew, 3eep ma$ice to concea$e, co#ch0t with revenge+ 8et not ano#gh had practisd to deceive

4rie$ once warnd! whose eye p#rs#0d him down G ?&5 H /he way he went, and on th0 ,ssyrian mo#nt Saw him disfig#r0d, more then co#$d befa$$ Spirit of happie sort+ his gest#res fierce .e markd and mad demeano#r, then a$one, ,s he s#ppos0d a$$ #nobserv0d, #nseen. G ?>C H So on he fares, and to the border comes If Eden, where de$icio#s 7aradise, Eow nearer, Crowns with her enc$os#re green, ,s with a r#ra$ mo#nd the champain head If a steep wi$derness, whose hairie sides G ?>5 H 6ith thicket overgrown, grottes:#e and wi$de, ,ccess deni0d! and over head #p grew Ins#perab$e highth of $oftiest shade, Cedar, and 7ine, and Firr, and branching 7a$m , Si$van Scene, and as the ranks ascend G ?AC H Shade above shade, a woodie /heatre If state$iest view. 8et higher then thir tops /he verd#ro#s wa$$ of paradise #p spr#ng+ 6hich to o#r genera$ Sire gave prospect $arge Into his neather Empire neighbo#ring ro#nd. G ?A5 H ,nd higher then that 6a$$ a circ$ing row If good$iest /rees $oaden with fairest Fr#it, )$ossoms and Fr#its at once of go$den h#e ,ppeerd, with gay ename$d co$o#rs mi t+ In which the S#n more g$ad impress0d his beams G ?5C H /hen in fair Evening C$o#d, or h#mid )ow, 6hen (od hath showrd the earth! so $ove$y seemd /hat Lantskip+ ,nd of p#re now p#rer aire *eets his approach, and to the heart inspires 2erna$ de$ight and 9oy, ab$e to drive G ?55 H ,$$ sadness b#t despair+ now gent$e ga$es Fanning thir odorifero#s wings dispense Eative perf#mes, and whisper whence they sto$e /hose ba$mie spoi$es. ,s when to them who sai$e )eyond the Cape of .ope, and now are past G ?BC H *o"ambic, off at Sea Eorth1East windes b$ow Sabean Ido#rs from the spicie shoare If ,rabie the b$est, with s#ch de$ay 6e$$ p$eas0d they s$ack thir co#rse, and many a Leag#e Chear0d with the gratef#$ sme$$ o$d Icean smi$es. G ?B5 H So entertaind those odoro#s sweets the Fiend 6ho came thir bane, tho#gh with them better p$eas0d /hen ,smode#s with the fishie f#me, /hat drove him, tho#gh enamo#rd, from the Spo#se If /obits Son, and with a vengeance sent G ?;C H From *edia post to Qgypt, there fast bo#nd. Eow to th0 ascent of that steep savage .i$$ Satan had 9o#rnied on, pensive and s$ow! )#t f#rther way fo#nd none, so thick entwin0d, ,s one contin#0d brake, the #ndergrowth G ?;5 H If shr#bs and tang$ing b#shes had perp$e t

,$$ path of *an or )east that past that way+ Ine (ate there on$y was, and that $ook0d East In th0 other side+ which when th0 arch1fe$$on saw 3#e entrance he disdaind, and in contempt, G ?<C H ,t one s$ight bo#nd high over $eap0d a$$ bo#nd If .i$$ or highest 6a$$, and sheer within Lights on his feet. ,s when a prow$ing 6o$fe, 6hom h#nger drives to seek new ha#nt for prey, 6atching where Shepherds pen thir F$ocks at eeve G ?<5 H In h#rd$0d Cotes amid the fie$d sec#re, Leaps o0re the fence with ease into the Fo#$d+ Ir as a /hief bent to #nhoord the cash If some rich )#rgher, whose s#bstantia$ dores, Cross1barrd and bo$ted fast, fear no assa#$t, G ?=C H In at the window c$imbs, or o0re the ti$es! So c$omb this first grand /hief into (ods Fo#$d+ So since into his Ch#rch $ewd .ire$ings c$imbe. /hence #p he f$ew, and on the /ree of Life, /he midd$e /ree and highest there that grew, G ?=5 H Sat $ike a Cormorant! yet not tr#e Life /hereby regaind, b#t sat devising 3eath /o them who $iv0d! nor on the vert#e tho#ght If that $ife1giving 7$ant, b#t on$y #s0d For prospect, what we$$ #s0d had bin the p$edge G &CC H If immorta$ity. So $itt$e knows ,ny, b#t (od a$one, to va$#e right /he good before him, b#t perverts best things /o worst ab#se, or to thir meanest #se. )eneath him with new wonder now he views G &C5 H /o a$$ de$ight of h#man sense e pos0d In narrow room Eat#res who$e wea$th, yea more, , .eaven on Earth, for b$issf#$ 7aradise If (od the (arden was, by him in the East If Eden p$anted! Eden stretchd her Line G &?C H From ,#ran Eastward to the -oya$ /owrs If (reat Se$e#cia, b#i$t by (recian Jings, Ir where the Sons of Eden $ong before 3we$t in /e$assar+ in this p$easant soi$e .is farr more p$easant (arden (od ordaind! G &?5 H I#t of the ferti$ gro#nd he ca#s0d to grow ,$$ /rees of nob$est kind for sight, sme$$, taste! ,nd a$$ amid them stood the /ree of Life, .igh eminent, b$ooming ,mbrosia$ Fr#it If vegetab$e (o$d! and ne t to Life G &&C H I#r 3eath the /ree of Jnow$edge grew fast by, Jnow$edge of (ood bo#ght dear by knowing i$$. So#thward thro#gh Eden went a -iver $arge, Eor chang0d his co#rse, b#t thro#gh the shaggie hi$$ 7ass0d #nderneath ing#$ft, for (od had thrown G &&5 H /hat *o#ntain as his (arden mo#$d high rais0d 4pon the rapid c#rrent, which thro#gh veins If poro#s Earth with kind$y thirst #p drawn,

-ose a fresh Fo#ntain, and with many a ri$$ 6aterd the (arden! thence #nited fe$$ G &>C H 3own the steep g$ade, and met the neather F$ood, 6hich from his darksom passage now appeers, ,nd now divided into fo#r main Streams, -#ns divers, wandring many a famo#s -ea$me ,nd Co#ntry whereof here needs no acco#nt, G &>5 H )#t rather to te$$ how, if ,rt co#$d te$$, .ow from that Saphire Fo#nt the crisped )rooks, -ow$ing on Irient 7ear$ and sands of (o$d, 6ith ma"ie error #nder pendant shades -an Eectar, visiting each p$ant, and fed G &AC H F$o#rs worthy of 7aradise which not nice ,rt In )eds and c#rio#s Jnots, b#t Eat#re boon 7owrd forth prof#se on .i$$ and 3a$e and 7$aine, )oth where the morning S#n first warm$y smote /he open fie$d, and where the #npierc0t shade G &A5 H Imbro#nd the noontide )owrs+ /h#s was this p$ace, , happy r#ra$ seat of vario#s view! (roves whose rich /rees wept odoro#s (#mms and )a$me, Ithers whose fr#it b#rnisht with (o$den -inde .#ng amiab$e, .esperian Fab$es tr#e, G &5C H If tr#e, here on$y, and of de$icio#s taste+ )etwi t them Lawns, or $eve$ 3owns, and F$ocks (rasing the tender herb, were interpos0d, Ir pa$mie hi$$oc, or the f$o#rie $ap If som irrig#o#s 2a$$ey spred her store, G &55 H F$o#rs of a$$ h#e, and witho#t /horn the -ose+ ,nother side, #mbrageo#s (rots and Caves If coo$e recess, o0re which the mant$ing vine Layes forth her p#rp$e (rape, and gent$y creeps L# #riant! mean whi$e m#rm#ring waters fa$$ G &BC H 3own the s$ope hi$$s, disperst, or in a Lake, /hat to the fringed )ank with *yrt$e crownd, .er chrysta$ mirror ho$ds, #nite thir streams. /he )irds thir :#ire app$y! aires, verna$ aires, )reathing the sme$$ of fie$d and grove, att#ne G &B5 H /he tremb$ing $eaves, whi$e 4niversa$ 7an Jnit with the (races and the .o#rs in dance Led on th0 Eterna$ Spring. Eot that faire fie$d If Enna, where 7roserpin gathering f$o#rs .er se$f a fairer F$o#re by g$oomie 3is G &;C H 6as gatherd, which cost Ceres a$$ that pain /o seek her thro#gh the wor$d! nor that sweet (rove If 3aphne by Irontes, and th0 inspir0d Casta$ian Spring, might with this 7aradise If Eden strive! nor that Eyseian I$e G &;5 H (irt with the -iver /riton, where o$d Cham, 6hom (enti$es ,mmon ca$$ and Lybian Fove, .id ,ma$thea and her F$orid Son 8o#ng )acch#s from his Stepdame -hea0s eye! Eor where ,bassin Jings thir iss#e (#ard, G &<C H

*o#nt ,mara, tho#gh this by som s#ppos0d /r#e 7aradise #nder the Ethiop Line )y Ei$#s head, enc$osd with shining -ock, , who$e days 9o#rny high, b#t wide remote From this ,ssyrian (arden, where the Fiend G &<5 H Saw #nde$ighted a$$ de$ight, a$$ kind If $iving Creat#res new to sight and strange+ /wo of far nob$er shape erect and ta$$, (od$ike erect, with native .ono#r c$ad In naked *a9estie seemd Lords of a$$, G &=C H ,nd worthie seemd, for in thir $ooks 3ivine /he image of thir g$orio#s *aker shon, /r#th, wisdome, Sanctit#de severe and p#re, Severe b#t in tr#e fi$ia$ freedom p$ac0t! 6hence tr#e a#tority in men! tho#gh both G &=5 H Eot e:#a$, as thir se not e:#a$ seemd! For contemp$ation hee and va$o#r formd, For softness shee and sweet attractive (race, .ee for (od on$y, shee for (od in him+ .is fair $arge Front and Eye s#b$ime dec$ar0d G >CC H ,bso$#te r#$e! and .yacinthin Locks -o#nd from his parted fore$ock man$y h#ng C$#string, b#t not beneath his sho#$ders broad+ Shee as a vai$ down to the s$ender waste .er #nadorned go$den tresses wore G >C5 H 3isheve$d, b#t in wanton ring$ets wav0d ,s the 2ine c#r$es her tendri$s, which imp$i0d S#b9ection, b#t re:#ir0d with gent$e sway, ,nd by her yie$ded, by him best receivd, 8ie$ded with coy s#bmission, modest pride, G >?C H ,nd sweet re$#ctant amoro#s de$ay. Eor those mysterio#s parts were then concea$d, /hen was not g#i$tie shame, dishonest shame If nat#res works, honor dishonorab$e, Sin1bred, how have ye tro#b$0d a$$ mankind G >?5 H 6ith shews instead, meer shews of seeming p#re, ,nd banisht from mans $ife his happiest $ife, Simp$icitie and spot$ess innocence. So passd they naked on, nor sh#nd the sight If (od or ,nge$, for they tho#ght no i$$+ G >&C H So hand in hand they passd, the $ov$iest pair /hat ever since in $oves imbraces met, ,dam the good$iest man of men since borne .is Sons, the fairest of her 3a#ghters Eve. 4nder a t#ft of shade that on a green G >&5 H Stood whispering soft, by a fresh Fo#ntain side /hey sat them down, and after no more toi$ If thir sweet (ardning $abo#r then s#ffic0d /o recommend coo$e Rephyr, and made ease *ore easie, who$som thirst and appetite G >>C H *ore gratef#$, to thir S#pper Fr#its they fe$$, Eectarine Fr#its which the comp$iant bo#ghes

8ie$ded them, side1$ong as they sat rec$ine In the soft downie )ank damaskt with f$o#rs+ /he savo#rie p#$p they chew, and in the rinde G >>5 H Sti$$ as they thirsted scoop the brimming stream! Eor gent$e p#rpose, nor endearing smi$es 6anted, nor yo#thf#$ da$$iance as beseems Fair co#p$e, $inkt in happie n#ptia$ Leag#e, ,$one as they. ,bo#t them frisking p$ayd G >AC H ,$$ )easts of th0 Earth, since wi$de, and of a$$ chase In 6ood or 6i$derness, Forrest or 3en! Sporting the Lion rampd, and in his paw 3and$0d the Jid! )ears, /ygers, I#nces, 7ards (ambo$d before them, th0 #nwie$dy E$ephant G >A5 H /o make them mirth #s0d a$$ his might, and wreathd .is Lithe 7roboscis! c$ose the Serpent s$y Insin#ating, wove with (ordian twine .is breaded train, and of his fata$ g#i$e (ave proof #nheeded! others on the grass G >5C H Co#cht, and now fi$d with past#re ga"ing sat, Ir )edward r#minating+ for the S#n 3ec$in0d was hasting now with prone carreer /o th0 Icean I$es, and in th0 ascending Sca$e If .eav0n the Starrs that #sher Evening rose+ G >55 H 6hen Satan sti$$ in ga"e, as first he stood, Scarce th#s at $ength fai$d speech recoverd sad. I .e$$P what doe mine eyes with grief beho$d, Into o#r room of b$iss th#s high advanc0t Creat#res of other mo#$d, earth1born perhaps, G >BC H Eot Spirits, yet to heav0n$y Spirits bright Litt$e inferior! whom my tho#ghts p#rs#e 6ith wonder, and co#$d $ove, so $ive$y shines In them 3ivine resemb$ance, and s#ch grace /he hand that formd them on thir shape hath po#rd. G >B5 H ,h gent$e pair, yee $itt$e think how nigh 8o#r change approaches, when a$$ these de$ights 6i$$ vanish and de$iver ye to woe, *ore woe, the more yo#r taste is now of 9oy! .appie, b#t for so happie i$$ sec#r0d G >;C H Long to contin#e, and this high seat yo#r .eav0n I$$ fenc0t for .eav0n to keep o#t s#ch a foe ,s now is enterd! yet no p#rpos0d foe /o yo# whom I co#$d pittie th#s for$orne /ho#gh I #npittied+ Leag#e with yo# I seek, G >;5 H ,nd m#t#a$ amitie so streight, so c$ose, /hat I with yo# m#st dwe$$, or yo# with me .enceforth! my dwe$$ing hap$y may not p$ease Like this fair 7aradise, yo#r sense, yet s#ch ,ccept yo#r *akers work! he gave it me, G ><C H 6hich I as free$y give! .e$$ sha$$ #nfo$d, /o entertain yo# two, her widest (ates, ,nd send forth a$$ her Jings! there wi$$ be room, Eot $ike these narrow $imits, to receive

8o#r n#mero#s ofspring! if no better p$ace, G ><5 H /hank him who p#ts me $oath to this revenge In yo# who wrong me not for him who wrongd. ,nd sho#$d I at yo#r harm$ess innocence *e$t, as I doe, yet p#b$ic reason 9#st, .ono#r and Empire with revenge en$arg0d, G >=C H )y con:#ering this new 6or$d, compe$s me now /o do what e$se tho#gh damnd I sho#$d abhorre. So spake the Fiend, and with necessitie, /he /yrants p$ea, e c#s0d his devi$ish deeds. /hen from his $oftie stand on that high /ree G >=5 H 3own he a$ights among the sportf#$ .erd If those fo#rfooted kindes, himse$f now one, Eow other, as thir shape servd best his end Eeerer to view his prey, and #nespi0d /o mark what of thir state he more might $earn G ACC H )y word or action markt+ abo#t them ro#nd , Lion now he sta$kes with fierie g$are, /hen as a /yger, who by chance hath spi0d In some 7#r$ie# two gent$e Fawnes at p$ay, Strait co#ches c$ose, then rising changes oft G AC5 H .is co#chant watch, as one who chose his gro#nd 6hence r#shing he might s#rest sei"e them both (ript in each paw+ when ,dam first of men /o first of women Eve th#s moving speech, /#rnd him a$$ eare to hear new #tterance f$ow. G A?C H So$e partner and so$e part of a$$ these 9oyes, 3earer thy se$f then a$$! needs m#st the 7ower /hat made #s, and for #s this amp$e 6or$d )e infinit$y good, and of his good ,s $ibera$ and free as infinite, G A?5 H /hat rais0d #s from the d#st and p$ac0t #s here In a$$ this happiness, who at his hand .ave nothing merited, nor can performe ,#ght whereof hee hath need, hee who re:#ires From #s no other service then to keep G A&C H /his one, this easie charge, of a$$ the /rees In 7aradise that bear de$icio#s fr#it So vario#s, not to taste that one$y /ree If know$edge, p$anted by the /ree of Life, So neer grows 3eath to Life, what ere 3eath is, G A&5 H Som dreadf#$ thing no do#bt! for we$$ tho# knowst (od hath prono#nc0t it death to taste that /ree, /he on$y sign of o#r obedience $eft ,mong so many signes of power and r#$e Conferrd #pon #s, and 3ominion giv0n G A>C H Iver a$$ other Creat#res that possess Earth, ,ire, and Sea. /hen $et #s not think hard Ine easie prohibition, who en9oy Free $eave so $arge to a$$ things e$se, and choice 4n$imited of manifo$d de$ights+ G A>5 H

)#t $et #s ever praise him, and e to$$ .is bo#ntie, fo$$owing o#r de$ightf#$ task /o pr#ne these growing 7$ants, and tend these F$o#rs, 6hich were it toi$som, yet with thee were sweet. /o whom th#s Eve rep$i0d. I tho# for whom G AAC H ,nd from whom I was formd f$esh of thy f$esh, ,nd witho#t whom am to no end, my (#ide ,nd .ead, what tho# hast said is 9#st and right. For wee to him indeed a$$ praises owe, ,nd dai$y thanks, I chief$y who en9oy G AA5 H So farr the happier Lot, en9oying thee 7rOeminent by so m#ch odds, whi$e tho# Like consort to thy se$f canst no where find. /hat day I oft remember, when from s$eep I first awak0t, and fo#nd my se$f repos0d G A5C H 4nder a shade of f$o#rs, m#ch wondring where ,nd what I was, whence thither bro#ght, and how. Eot distant far from thence a m#rm#ring so#nd If waters iss#0d from a Cave and spread Into a $i:#id 7$ain, then stood #nmov0d G A55 H 7#re as th0 e panse of .eav0n! I thither went 6ith #ne perienc0t tho#ght, and $aid me downe In the green bank, to $ook into the c$eer Smooth Lake, that to me seemd another Skie. ,s I bent down to $ook, 9#st opposite, G ABC H , Shape within the watry g$eam appeard )ending to $ook on me, I started back, It started back, b#t p$eas0d I soon ret#rnd, 7$eas0d it ret#rnd as soon with answering $ooks If sympathie and $ove! there I had fi t G AB5 H *ine eyes ti$$ now, and pin0d with vain desire, .ad not a voice th#s warnd me, 6hat tho# seest, 6hat there tho# seest fair Creat#re is thy se$f, 6ith thee it came and goes+ b#t fo$$ow me, ,nd I wi$$ bring thee where no shadow staies G A;C H /hy coming, and thy soft imbraces, hee 6hose image tho# art, him tho# sha$t en9oy Inseparab$ie thine, to him sha$t beare *#$tit#des $ike thy se$f, and thence be ca$$0d *other of h#man -ace+ what co#$d I doe, G A;5 H )#t fo$$ow strait, invisib$y th#s $ed@ /i$$ I espi0d thee, fair indeed and ta$$, 4nder a 7$atan, yet metho#ght $ess faire, Less winning soft, $ess amiab$ie mi$de, /hen that smooth watry image! back I t#rnd, G A<C H /ho# fo$$owing cryd0st a$o#d, -et#rn faire Eve, 6hom f$i0st tho#@ whom tho# f$i0st, of him tho# art, .is f$esh, his bone! to give thee being I $ent I#t of my side to thee, neerest my heart S#bstantia$ Life, to have thee by my side G A<5 H .enceforth an individ#a$ so$ace dear! 7art of my So#$ I seek thee, and thee c$aim

*y other ha$f+ with that thy gent$e hand Seisd mine, I yie$ded, and from that time see .ow bea#ty is e ce$$d by man$y grace G A=C H ,nd wisdom, which a$one is tr#$y fair. So spake o#r genera$ *other, and with eyes If con9#ga$ attraction #nreprov0d, ,nd meek s#rrender, ha$f imbracing $eand In o#r first Father, ha$f her swe$$ing )reast G A=5 H Eaked met his #nder the f$owing (o$d If her $oose tresses hid+ he in de$ight )oth of her )ea#ty and s#bmissive Charms Smi$0d with s#perior Love, as F#piter In F#no smi$es, when he impregns the C$o#ds G 5CC H /hat shed *ay F$owers! and press0d her *atron $ip 6ith kisses p#re+ aside the 3evi$ t#rnd For envie, yet with 9ea$o#s $eer ma$igne Ey0d them askance, and to himse$f th#s p$aind. Sight hatef#$, sight tormentingP th#s these two G 5C5 H Imparadis0t in one anothers arms /he happier Eden, sha$$ en9oy thir fi$$ If b$iss on b$iss, whi$e I to .e$$ am thr#st, 6here neither 9oy nor $ove, b#t fierce desire, ,mong o#r other torments not the $east, G 5?C H Sti$$ #nf#$fi$$0d with pain of $onging pines! 8et $et me not forget what I have gain0d From thir own mo#ths! a$$ is not theirs it seems+ Ine fata$ /ree there stands of Jnow$edge ca$$0d, Forbidden them to taste+ Jnow$edge forbidd0n@ G 5?5 H S#spicio#s, reason$ess. 6hy sho#$d thir Lord Envie them that@ can it be sin to know, Can it be death@ and do they one$y stand )y Ignorance, is that thir happie state, /he proof of thir obedience and thir faith@ G 5&C H I fair fo#ndation $aid whereon to b#i$d /hir r#ineP .ence I wi$$ e cite thir minds 6ith more desire to know, and to re9ect Envio#s commands, invented with designe /o keep them $ow whom know$edge might e a$t G 5&5 H E:#a$ with (ods! aspiring to be s#ch, /hey taste and die+ what $ike$ier can ens#e@ )#t first with narrow search I m#st wa$k ro#nd /his (arden, and no corner $eave #nspi0d! , chance b#t chance may $ead where I may meet G 5>C H Some wandring Spirit of .eav0n, by Fo#ntain side, Ir in thick shade retir0d, from him to draw 6hat f#rther wo#$d be $earnt. Live whi$e ye may, 8et happie pair! en9oy, ti$$ I ret#rn, Short p$eas#res, for $ong woes are to s#cceed. G 5>5 H So saying, his pro#d step he scornf#$ t#rn0d, )#t with s$y circ#mspection, and began /hro#gh wood, thro#gh waste, o0re hi$$, o0re da$e his roam.

*ean whi$e in #tmost Longit#de, where .eav0n 6ith Earth and Icean meets, the setting S#n G 5AC H S$ow$y descended, and with right aspect ,gainst the eastern (ate of 7aradise Leve$d his eevning -ayes+ it was a -ock If ,$ab$aster, pi$0d #p to the C$o#ds, Conspic#o#s farr, winding with one ascent G 5A5 H ,ccessib$e from Earth, one entrance high! /he rest was craggie c$iff, that overh#ng Sti$$ as it rose, impossib$e to c$imbe. )etwi t these rockie 7i$$ars (abrie$ sat Chief of th0 ,nge$ic (#ards, awaiting night! G 55C H ,bo#t him e ercis0d .eroic (ames /h0 #narmed 8o#th of .eav0n, b#t nigh at hand Ce$estia$ ,rmo#rie, Shie$ds, .e$mes, and Speares .#ng high with 3iamond f$aming, and with (o$d. /hither came 4rie$, g$iding thro#gh the Eeven G 555 H In a S#n beam, swift as a shooting Starr In ,#t#mn thwarts the night, when vapors fir0d Impress the ,ir, and shews the *ariner From what point of his Compass to beware Impet#o#s winds+ he th#s began in haste. G 5BC H (abrie$, to thee thy co#rse by Lot hath giv0n Charge and strict watch that to this happie p$ace Eo evi$ thing approach or enter in! /his day at highth of Eoon came to my Spheare , Spirit, "ea$o#s, as he seem0d, to know G 5B5 H *ore of th0 ,$mighties works, and chief$y *an (ods $atest Image+ I describ0d his way )ent a$$ on speed, and markt his ,erie (ate! )#t in the *o#nt that $ies from Eden Eorth, 6here he first $ighted, soon discernd his $ooks G 5;C H ,$ien from .eav0n, with passions fo#$ obsc#r0d+ *ine eye p#rs#0d him sti$$, b#t #nder shade Lost sight of him! one of the banisht crew I fear, hath vent#r0d from the 3eep, to raise Eew tro#b$es! him thy care m#st be to find. G 5;5 H /o whom the winged 6arrio#r th#s ret#rnd+ 4rie$, no wonder if thy perfet sight, ,mid the S#ns bright circ$e where tho# sitst, See farr and wide+ in at this (ate none pass /he vigi$ance here p$ac0t, b#t s#ch as come G 5<C H 6e$$ known from .eav0n! and since *eridian ho#r Eo Creat#re thence+ if Spirit of other sort, So minded, have ore$eapt these earthie bo#nds In p#rpose, hard tho# knowst it to e c$#de Spirit#a$ s#bstance with corporea$ barr. G 5<5 H )#t if within the circ#it of these wa$ks, In whatsoever shape he $#rk, of whom /ho# te$$st, by morrow dawning I sha$$ know. So promis0d hee, and 4rie$ to his charge

-et#rnd on that bright beam, whose point now rais0d G 5=C H )ore him s$ope downward to the S#n now fa$$0n )eneath th0 ,"ores! whither the prime Irb, Incredib$e how swift, had thither row$0d 3i#rna$, or this $ess vo$#bi$ Earth )y shorter f$ight to th0 East, had $eft him there G 5=5 H ,rraying with ref$ected 7#rp$e and (o$d /he C$o#ds that on his 6estern /hrone attend+ Eow came sti$$ Eevning on, and /wi$ight gray .ad in her sober Liverie a$$ things c$ad! Si$ence accompanied, for )east and )ird, G BCC H /hey to thir grassie Co#ch, these to thir Eests 6ere s$#nk, a$$ b#t the wakef#$ Eightinga$e! She a$$ night $ong her amoro#s descant s#ng! Si$ence was p$eas0d+ now g$ow0d the Firmament 6ith $iving Saphirs+ .esper#s that $ed G BC5 H /he starrie .ost, rode brightest, ti$$ the *oon -ising in c$o#ded *a9estie, at $ength ,pparent M#een #nvai$d her peer$ess $ight, ,nd o0re the dark her Si$ver *ant$e threw. 6hen ,dam th#s to Eve+ Fair Consort, th0 ho#r G B?C H If night, and a$$ things now retir0d to rest *ind #s of $ike repose, since (od hath set Labo#r and rest, as day and night to men S#ccessive, and the time$y dew of s$eep Eow fa$$ing with soft s$#mbro#s weight inc$ines G B?5 H I#r eye1$ids! other Creat#res a$$ day $ong -ove id$e #nimp$oid, and $ess need rest! *an hath his dai$y work of body or mind ,ppointed, which dec$ares his 3ignitie, ,nd the regard of .eav0n on a$$ his waies! G B&C H 6hi$e other ,nima$s #nactive range, ,nd of thir doings (od takes no acco#nt. /o morrow ere fresh *orning streak the East 6ith first approach of $ight, we m#st be ris0n, ,nd at o#r p$easant $abo#r, to reform G B&5 H 8on f$o#rie ,rbors, yonder ,$$ies green, I#r wa$k at noon, with branches overgrown, /hat mock o#r scant man#ring, and re:#ire *ore hands then o#rs to $op thir wanton growth+ /hose )$ossoms a$so, and those dropping (#mms, G B>C H /hat $ie bestrowne #nsight$y and #nsmooth, ,sk riddance, if we mean to tread with ease! *ean whi$e, as Eat#re wi$$s, Eight bids #s rest. /o whom th#s Eve with perfet bea#ty adornd. *y ,#thor and 3isposer, what tho# bidst G B>5 H 4narg#0d I obey! so (od ordains, (od is thy Law, tho# mine+ to know no more Is womans happiest know$edge and her praise. 6ith thee conversing I forget a$$ time, ,$$ seasons and thir change, a$$ p$ease a$ike. G BAC H

Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet, 6ith charm of ear$iest )irds! p$easant the S#n 6hen first on this de$ightf#$ Land he spreads .is orient )eams, on herb, tree, fr#it, and f$o#r, ($istring with dew! fragrant the ferti$ earth G BA5 H ,fter soft showers! and sweet the coming on If gratef#$ Eevning mi$de, then si$ent Eight 6ith this her so$emn )ird and this fair *oon, ,nd these the (emms of .eav0n, her starrie train+ )#t neither breath of *orn when she ascends G B5C H 6ith charm of ear$iest )irds, nor rising S#n In this de$ightf#$ $and, nor herb, fr#it, f$o#re, ($istring with dew, nor fragrance after showers, Eor gratef#$ Eevning mi$d, nor si$ent Eight 6ith this her so$emn )ird, nor wa$k by *oon, G B55 H Ir g$ittering Starr1$ight witho#t thee is sweet. )#t wherfore a$$ night $ong shine these, for whom /his g$orio#s sight, when s$eep hath sh#t a$$ eyes@ /o whom o#r genera$ ,ncestor rep$i0d. 3a#ghter of (od and *an, accomp$isht Eve, G BBC H /hose have thir co#rse to finish, ro#nd the Earth, )y morrow Eevning, and from Land to Land In order, tho#gh to Eations yet #nborn, *inistring $ight prepar0d, they set and rise! Least tota$ darkness sho#$d by Eight regaine G BB5 H .er o$d possession, and e ting#ish $ife In Eat#re and a$$ things, which these soft fires Eot on$y en$ighten, b#t with kind$y heate If vario#s inf$#ence foment and warme, /emper or no#rish, or in part shed down G B;C H /hir ste$$ar vert#e on a$$ kinds that grow In Earth, made hereby apter to receive 7erfection from the S#ns more potent -ay. /hese then, tho#gh #nbehe$d in deep of night, Shine not in vain, nor think, tho#gh men were none, G B;5 H /hat heav0n wo#$d want spectators, (od want praise! *i$$ions of spirit#a$ Creat#res wa$k the Earth 4nseen, both when we wake, and when we s$eep+ ,$$ these with ceas$ess praise his works beho$d )oth day and night+ how often from the steep G B<C H If echoing .i$$ or /hicket have we heard Ce$estia$ voices to the midnight air, So$e, or responsive each to others note Singing thir great Creator+ oft in bands 6hi$e they keep watch, or night$y ro#nding wa$k, G B<5 H 6ith .eav0n$y to#ch of instr#menta$ so#nds In f#$$ harmonic n#mber 9oind, thir songs 3ivide the night, and $ift o#r tho#ghts to .eaven. /h#s ta$king hand in hand a$one they pass0d In to thir b$issf#$ )ower! it was a p$ace G B=C H Chos0n by the sovran 7$anter, when he fram0d

,$$ things to mans de$ightf#$ #se! the roofe If thickest covert was inwoven shade La#re$ and *irt$e, and what higher grew If firm and fragrant $eaf! on either side G B=5 H ,canth#s, and each odoro#s b#shie shr#b Fenc0d #p the verdant wa$$! each bea#teo#s f$o#r, Iris a$$ h#es, -oses, and (essamin -ear0d high thir f$o#risht heads between, and wro#ght *osaic! #nderfoot the 2io$et, G ;CC H Croc#s, and .yacinth with rich in$ay )roiderd the gro#nd, more co$o#r0d then with stone If cost$iest Emb$em+ other Creat#re here )east, )ird, Insect, or 6orm d#rst enter none! S#ch was thir awe of *an. In shadie )ower G ;C5 H *ore sacred and se:#esterd, tho#gh b#t feignd, 7an or Si$van#s never s$ept, nor Eymph, Eor Fa#n#s ha#nted. .ere in c$ose recess 6ith F$owers, (ar$ands, and sweet1sme$$ing .erbs Espo#sed Eve deckt first her E#ptia$ )ed, G ;?C H ,nd heav0n$y$y M#ires the .ymenOan s#ng, 6hat day the genia$ ,nge$ to o#r Sire )ro#ght her in naked bea#ty more adorn0d *ore $ove$y then 7andora, whom the (ods Endowd with a$$ thir gifts, and I too $ike G ;?5 H In sad event, when to the #nwiser Son If Faphet bro#ght by .ermes, she ensnar0d *ankind with her faire $ooks, to be aveng0d In him who had sto$e Foves a#thentic fire. /h#s at thir shadie Lodge arriv0d, both stood G ;&C H )oth t#rnd, and #nder op0n Skie ador0d /he (od that made both Skie, ,ir, Earth and .eav0n 6hich they behe$d, the *oons resp$endent ($obe ,nd starrie 7o$e+ /ho# a$so mad0st the Eight, *aker Imnipotent, and tho# the 3ay, G ;&5 H 6hich we in o#r appointed work imp$oyd .ave finisht happie in o#r m#t#a$ he$p ,nd m#t#a$ $ove, the Crown of a$$ o#r b$iss Irdaind by thee, and this de$icio#s p$ace For #s too $arge, where thy ab#ndance wants G ;>C H 7artakers, and #ncropt fa$$s to the gro#nd. )#t tho# hast promis0d from #s two a -ace /o fi$$ the Earth, who sha$$ with #s e to$$ /hy goodness infinite, both when we wake, ,nd when we seek, as now, thy gift of s$eep. G ;>5 H /his said #nanimo#s, and other -ites Ibserving none, b#t adoration p#re 6hich (od $ikes best, into thir inmost bowre .anded they went! and eas0d the p#tting off /hese tro#b$esom disg#ises which wee wear, G ;AC H Strait side by side were $aid, nor t#rnd I weene ,dam from his fair Spo#se, nor Eve the -ites

*ysterio#s of conn#bia$ Love ref#s0d+ 6hatever .ypocrites a#stere$y ta$k If p#ritie and p$ace and innocence, G ;A5 H 3efaming as imp#re what (od dec$ares 7#re, and commands to som, $eaves free to a$$. I#r *aker bids increase, who bids abstain )#t o#r 3estroyer, foe to (od and *an@ .ai$e wedded Love, mysterio#s Law, tr#e so#rce G ;5C H If h#man ofspring, so$e propriety, In 7aradise of a$$ things common e$se. )y thee ad#$tero#s $#st was driv0n from men ,mong the bestia$ herds to ra#nge, by thee Fo#nded in -eason, Loya$, F#st, and 7#re, G ;55 H -e$ations dear, and a$$ the Charities If Father, Son, and )rother first were known. Farr be it, that I sho#$d write thee sin or b$ame, Ir think thee #nbefitting ho$iest p$ace, 7erpet#a$ Fo#ntain of 3omestic sweets, G ;BC H 6hose bed is #ndefi$0d and chaste prono#nc0t, 7resent, or past, as Saints and 7atriarchs #s0d. .ere Love his go$den shafts imp$oies, here $ights .is constant Lamp, and waves his p#rp$e wings, -eigns here and reve$s! not in the bo#ght smi$e G ;B5 H If .ar$ots, $ove$ess, 9oy$ess, #nindeard, Cas#a$ fr#ition, nor in Co#rt ,mo#rs *i t 3ance, or wanton *ask, or *idnight )a$, Ir Serenate, which the starv0d Lover sings /o his pro#d fair, best :#itted with disdain. G ;;C H /hese $#$$d by Eightinga$es imbraceing s$ept, ,nd on thir naked $imbs the f$o#rie roof Showrd -oses, which the *orn repair0d. S$eep on )$est pair! and I yet happiest if ye seek Eo happier state, and know to know no more. G ;;5 H Eow had night meas#r0d with her shaddowie Cone .a$f way #p .i$$ this vast S#b$#nar 2a#$t, ,nd from thir Ivorie 7ort the Cher#bim Forth iss#ing at th0 acc#stomd ho#r stood armd /o thir night watches in war$ike 7arade, G ;<C H 6hen (abrie$ to his ne t in power th#s spake. 4""ie$, ha$f these draw off, and coast the So#th 6ith strictest watch! these other whee$ the Eorth, I#r circ#it meets f#$$ 6est. ,s f$ame they part .a$f whee$ing to the Shie$d, ha$f to the Spear. G ;<5 H From these, two strong and s#tt$e Spirits he ca$$d /hat neer him stood, and gave them th#s in charge. Ith#rie$ and Rephon, with wingd speed Search thro#gh this (arden, $eave #nsearcht no nook, )#t chief$y where those two fair Creat#res Lodge, G ;=C H Eow $aid perhaps as$eep sec#re of harme. /his Eevning from the S#n0s dec$ine arriv0d 6ho te$$s of som inferna$ Spirit seen

.itherward bent %who co#$d have tho#ght@' escap0d /he barrs of .e$$, on errand bad no do#bt+ G ;=5 H S#ch where ye find, seise fast, and hither bring. So saying, on he $ed his radiant Fi$es, 3a"0$ing the *oon! these to the )ower direct In search of whom they so#ght+ him there they fo#nd S:#at $ike a /oad, c$ose at the eare of Eve! G <CC H ,ssaying by his 3evi$ish art to reach /he Irgans of her Fancie, and with them forge I$$#sions as he $ist, 7hantasms and 3reams, Ir if, inspiring venom, he might taint /h0 anima$ spirits that from p#re b$ood arise G <C5 H Like gent$e breaths from -ivers p#re, thence raise ,t $east distemperd, discontented tho#ghts, 2aine hopes, vaine aimes, inordinate desires )$own #p with high conceits ingendring pride. .im th#s intent Ith#rie$ with his Spear G <?C H /o#ch0d $ight$y! for no fa$shood can end#re /o#ch of Ce$estia$ temper, b#t ret#rns If force to its own $ikeness+ #p he starts 3iscoverd and s#rpri"0d. ,s when a spark Lights on a heap of nitro#s 7owder, $aid G <?5 H Fit for the /#n som *aga"in to store ,gainst a r#mord 6arr, the Sm#ttie graine 6ith s#dden b$a"e diff#s0d, inf$ames the ,ire+ So started #p in his own shape the Fiend. )ack stept those two fair ,nge$s ha$f ama"0d G <&C H So s#dden to beho$d the gries$ie Jing! 8et th#s, #nmovd with fear, accost him soon. 6hich of those rebe$$ Spirits ad9#dg0d to .e$$ Com0st tho#, escap0d thy prison, and transform0d, 6hy satst tho# $ike an enemie in waite G <&5 H .ere watching at the head of these that s$eep@ Jnow ye not then said Satan, fi$$0d with scorn Jnow ye not mee@ ye knew me once no mate For yo#, there sitting where ye d#rst not soare! Eot to know mee arg#es yo#r se$ves #nknown, G <>C H /he $owest of yo#r throng! or if ye know, 6hy ask ye, and s#perf$#o#s begin 8o#r message, $ike to end as m#ch in vain@ /o whom th#s Rephon, answering scorn with scorn. /hink not, revo$ted Spirit, thy shape the same, G <>5 H Ir #ndiminisht brightness, to be known ,s when tho# stoodst in .eav0n #pright and p#re! /hat ($orie then, when tho# no more wast good, 3eparted from thee, and tho# resemb$0st now /hy sin and p$ace of doom obsc#re and fo#$e. G <AC H )#t come, for tho#, be s#re, sha$t give acco#nt /o him who sent #s, whose charge is to keep /his p$ace invio$ab$e, and these from harm. So spake the Cher#be, and his grave reb#ke

Severe in yo#thf#$ bea#tie, added grace G <A5 H Invincib$e+ abasht the 3evi$ stood, ,nd fe$t how awf#$ goodness is, and saw 2ert#e in her shape how $ov$y, saw, and pin0d .is $oss! b#t chief$y to find here observd .is $#stre visib$y impair0d! yet seemd G <5C H 4nda#nted. If I m#st contend, said he, )est with the best, the Sender not the sent, Ir a$$ at once! more g$orie wi$$ be wonn, Ir $ess be $ost. /hy fear, said Rephon bo$d, 6i$$ save #s tria$ what the $east can doe G <55 H Sing$e against thee wicked, and thence weak. /he Fiend rep$i0d not, overcome with rage! )#t $ike a pro#d Steed reind, went ha#tie on, Cha#mping his iron c#rb+ to strive or f$ie .e he$d it vain! awe from above had :#e$$d G <BC H .is heart, not e$se dismai0d. Eow drew they nigh /he western 7oint, where those ha$f1ro#nding g#ards F#st met, and c$osing stood in s:#adron 9oind ,waiting ne t command. /o whom thir Chief (abrie$ from the Front th#s ca$$d a$o#d. G <B5 H I friends, I hear the tread of nimb$e feet .asting this way, and now by g$imps discerne Ith#rie$ and Rephon thro#gh the shade, ,nd with them comes a third of -ega$ port, )#t faded sp$endor wan! who by his gate G <;C H ,nd fierce demeano#r seems the 7rince of .e$$, Eot $ike$y to part hence witho#t contest! Stand firm, for in his $ook defiance $o#rs. .e scarce had ended, when those two approachd ,nd brief re$ated whom they bro#ght, where fo#nd, G <;5 H .ow b#sied, in what form and post#re co#cht. /o whom with stern regard th#s (abrie$ spake. 6hy hast tho#, Satan, broke the bo#nds prescrib0d /o thy transgressions, and dist#rbd the charge If others, who approve not to transgress G <<C H )y thy e amp$e, b#t have power and right /o :#estion thy bo$d entrance on this p$ace! Imp$oi0d it seems to vio$ate s$eep, and those 6hose dwe$$ing (od hath p$anted here in b$iss@ /o whom th#s Satan with contempt#o#s brow. G <<5 H (abrie$, tho# hadst in .eav0n th0 esteem of wise, ,nd s#ch I he$d thee! b#t this :#estion askt 7#ts me in do#bt. Lives ther who $oves his pain@ 6ho wo#$d not, finding way, break $oose from .e$$, /ho#gh thither doomd@ /ho# wo#$dst thyse$f, no do#bt, G <=C H ,nd bo$d$y vent#re to whatever p$ace Farthest from pain, where tho# mightst hope to change /orment with ease, and! soonest recompence 3o$e with de$ight, which in this p$ace I so#ght!

/o thee no reason! who knowst on$y good, G <=5 H )#t evi$ hast not tri0d+ and wi$t ob9ect .is wi$$ who bo#nd #s@ $et him s#rer barr .is Iron (ates, if he intends o#r stay In that dark d#rance+ th#s m#ch what was askt. /he rest is tr#e, they fo#nd me where they say! G =CC H )#t that imp$ies not vio$ence or harme. /h#s he in scorn. /he war$ike ,nge$ mov0d, 3isdainf#$$y ha$f smi$ing th#s rep$i0d. I $oss of one in .eav0n to 9#dge of wise, Since Satan fe$$, whom fo$$ie overthrew, G =C5 H ,nd now ret#rns him from his prison scap0t, (rave$y in do#bt whether to ho$d them wise Ir not, who ask what bo$dness bro#ght him hither 4n$icenc0t from his bo#nds in .e$$ prescrib0d! So wise he 9#dges it to f$y from pain G =?C H .owever, and to scape his p#nishment. So 9#dge tho# sti$$, pres#mpt#o#s, ti$$ the wra#th, 6hich tho# inc#rr0st by f$ying, meet thy f$ight Seavenfo$d, and sco#rge that wisdom back to .e$$, 6hich ta#ght thee yet no better, that no pain G =?5 H Can e:#a$ anger infinite provok0t. )#t wherefore tho# a$one@ wherefore with thee Came not a$$ .e$$ broke $oose@ is pain to them Less pain, $ess to be f$ed, or tho# then they Less hardie to end#re@ co#rageo#s Chief, G =&C H /he first in f$ight from pain, hadst tho# a$$eg0d /o thy deserted host this ca#se of f$ight, /ho# s#re$y hadst not come so$e f#gitive. /o which the Fiend th#s answerd frowning stern. Eot that I $ess end#re, or shrink from pain, G =&5 H Ins#$ting ,nge$, we$$ tho# knowst I stood /hy fiercest, when in )atte$ to thy aide /he b$asting vo$ied /h#nder made a$$ speed ,nd seconded thy e$se not dreaded Spear. )#t sti$$ thy words at random, as before, G =>C H ,rg#e thy ine perience what behooves From hard assaies and i$$ s#ccesses past , faithf#$ Leader, not to ha"ard a$$ /hro#gh wayes of danger by himse$f #ntri0d, I therefore, I a$one first #ndertook G =>5 H /o wing the deso$ate ,byss, and spie /his new created 6or$d, whereof in .e$$ Fame is not si$ent, here in hope to find )etter abode, and my aff$icted 7owers /o sett$e here on Earth, or in mid ,ire! G =AC H /ho#gh for possession p#t to try once more 6hat tho# and thy gay Legions dare against! 6hose easier b#siness were to serve thir Lord .igh #p in .eav0n, with songs to hymne his /hrone, ,nd practis0d distances to cringe, not fight. G =A5 H

/o whom the warrio#r ,nge$, soon rep$i0d. /o say and strait #nsay, pretending first 6ise to f$ie pain, professing ne t the Spie, ,rg#es no Leader, b#t a $yar trac0t, Satan, and co#$dst tho# faithf#$ add@ I name, G =5C H I sacred name of faithf#$ness profan0dP Faithf#$ to whom@ to thy rebe$$io#s crew@ ,rmie of Fiends, fit body to fit head! 6as this yo#r discip$ine and faith ingag0d, 8o#r mi$itary obedience, to disso$ve G =55 H ,$$egeance to th0 acknow$edg0d 7ower s#pream@ ,nd tho# s$y hypocrite, who now wo#$dst seem 7atron of $iberty, who more then tho# Ince fawn0d, and cring0d, and servi$$y ador0d .eav0ns awf#$ *onarch@ wherefore b#t in hope G =BC H /o dispossess him, and thy se$f to reigne@ )#t mark what I arreede thee now, avant! F$ie thither whence tho# f$edst+ if from this ho#re 6ithin these ha$$owd $imits tho# appeer, )ack to th0 inferna$ pit I drag thee chaind, G =B5 H ,nd Sea$e thee so, as henceforth not to scorne /he faci$ gates of he$$ too s$ight$y barrd. So threatn0d hee, b#t Satan to no threats (ave heed, b#t wa ing more in rage rep$i0d. /hen when I am thy captive ta$k of chaines, G =;C H 7ro#d $imitarie Cher#be, b#t ere then Farr heavier $oad thy se$f e pect to fee$ From my prevai$ing arme, tho#gh .eavens Jing -ide on thy wings, and tho# with thy Compeers, 4s0d to the yoak, draw0st his tri#mphant whee$s G =;5 H In progress thro#gh the rode of .eav0n Star1pav0d. 6hi$e th#s he spake, th0 ,nge$ic S:#adron bright /#rnd fierie red, sharpning in mooned hornes /hir 7ha$an , and began to hemm him ro#nd 6ith ported Spears, as thick as when a fie$d G =<C H If Ceres ripe for harvest waving bends .er bearded (rove of ears, which way the wind Swayes them! the caref#$ 7$owman do#bting stands Least on the threshing f$oore his hopef#$ sheaves 7rove chaff. In th0 other side Satan a$$arm0d G =<5 H Co$$ecting a$$ his might di$ated stood, Like /eneriff or ,t$as #nremov0d+ .is stat#re reacht the Skie, and on his Crest Sat horror 7$#m0d! nor wanted in his graspe 6hat seemd both Spear and Shie$d+ now dreadf#$ deeds G ==C H *ight have ens#0d, nor one$y 7aradise In this commotion, b#t the Starrie Cope If .eav0n perhaps, or a$$ the E$ements ,t $east had gon to rack, dist#rbd and torne 6ith vio$ence of this conf$ict, had not soon G ==5 H /h0 Eterna$ to prevent s#ch horrid fray

.#ng forth in .eav0n his go$den Sca$es, yet seen )etwi t ,strea and the Scorpion signe, 6herein a$$ things created first he weighd, /he pend#$o#s ro#nd Earth with ba$anc0t ,ire G ?CCC H In co#nterpoise, now ponders a$$ events, )atte$s and -ea$ms+ in these he p#t two weights /he se:#e$ each of parting and of fight! /he $atter :#ick #p f$ew, and kickt the beam! 6hich (abrie$ spying, th#s bespake the Fiend. G ?CC5 H Satan, I know thy strength, and tho# know0st mine, Eeither o#r own b#t giv0n! what fo$$ie then /o boast what ,rms can doe, since thine no more /hen .eav0n permits, nor mine, tho#gh do#b$d now /o tramp$e thee as mire+ for proof $ook #p, G ?C?C H ,nd read thy Lot in yon ce$estia$ Sign 6here tho# art weigh0d, and shown how $ight, how weak, If tho# resist. /he Fiend $ookt #p and knew .is mo#nted sca$e a$oft+ nor more! b#t f$ed *#rm#ring, and with him f$ed the shades of night. G ?C?5 H

Paradise &ost
*..K 6
T / "'G2M/+T
*orning approacht, Eve re$ates to ,dam her tro#b$esome dream! he $ikes it not, yet comforts her+ /hey come forth to thir day $abo#rs+ /hir *orning .ymn at the 3oor of thir )ower. (od to render *an ine c#sab$e sends -aphae$ 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 e$se may avai$ ,dam to know. -aphae$ comes down to 7aradise, his appearance describ0d, his coming discern0d by ,dam afar off sitting at the door of his )ower! he goes o#t to meet him, brings him to his $odge, entertains him with the choycest fr#its of 7aradise got together by Eve! thir disco#rse at /ab$e+ -aphae$ performs his message, minds ,dam of his state and of his enemy! re$ates at ,dams re:#est who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning from his first revo$t in .eaven, and the occasion thereof! how he drew his Legions after him to the parts of the Eorth, and there incited them to rebe$ with him, perswading a$$ b#t on$y ,bdie$ a Seraph, who in ,rg#ment diswades and opposes him, then forsakes him. EIw *orn her rosie steps in th0 Eastern C$ime ,dvancing, sow0d the earth with Irient 7ear$e, 6hen ,dam wak0t, so c#stomd, for his s$eep 6as ,erie $ight, from p#re digestion bred, ,nd temperat vapors b$and, which th0 on$y so#nd G 5 H If $eaves and f#ming ri$$s, ,#rora0s fan, Light$y dispers0d, and the shri$$ *atin Song

If )irds on every bo#gh! so m#ch the more .is wonder was to find #nwak0nd Eve 6ith /resses discompos0d, and g$owing Cheek, G ?C H ,s thro#gh #n:#iet rest+ he on his side Leaning ha$f1rais0d, with $ooks of cordia$ Love .#ng over her enamo#r0d, and behe$d )ea#tie, which whether waking or as$eep, Shot forth pec#$iar graces! then with voice G ?5 H *i$de, as when Rephyr#s on F$ora breathes, .er hand soft to#ching, whisperd th#s. ,wake *y fairest, my espo#s0d, my $atest fo#nd, .eav0ns $ast best gift, my ever new de$ight, ,wake, the morning shines, and the fresh fie$d G &C H Ca$$s #s, we $ose the prime, to mark how spring I#r tended 7$ants, how b$ows the Citron (rove, 6hat drops the *yrrhe, and what the ba$mie -eed, .ow Eat#re paints her co$o#rs, how the )ee Sits on the )$oom e tracting $i:#id sweet. G &5 H S#ch whispering wak0d her, b#t with start$0d eye In ,dam, whom imbracing, th#s she spake. I So$e in whom my tho#ghts find a$$ repose, *y ($orie, my 7erfection, g$ad I see /hy face, and *orn ret#rn0d, for I this Eight, G >C H S#ch night ti$$ this I never pass0d, have dream0d, If dream0d, not as I oft am wont, of thee, 6orks of day pass0t, or morrows ne t designe, )#t of offense and tro#b$e, which my mind Jnew never ti$$ this irksom night! metho#ght G >5 H C$ose at mine ear one ca$$0d me forth to wa$k 6ith gent$e voice, I tho#ght it thine! it said, 6hy s$eepst tho# Eve@ now is the p$easant time, /he coo$, the si$ent, save where si$ence yie$ds /o the night1warb$ing )ird, that now awake G AC H /#nes sweetest his $ove1$abor0d song! now reignes F#$$ Irb0d the *oon, and with more p$easing $ight Shadowie sets off the face of things! in vain, If none regard! .eav0n wakes with a$$ his eyes, 6hom to beho$d b#t thee, Eat#res desire, G A5 H In whose sight a$$ things 9oy, with ravishment ,ttracted by thy bea#ty sti$$ to ga"e. I rose as at thy ca$$, b#t fo#nd thee not! /o find thee I directed then my wa$k! ,nd on, metho#ght, a$one I pass0d thro#gh ways G 5C H /hat bro#ght me on a s#dden to the /ree If interdicted Jnow$edge+ fair it seem0d, *#ch fairer to my Fancie then by day+ ,nd as I wondring $ookt, beside it stood Ine shap0d and wing0d $ike one of those from .eav0n G 55 H )y #s oft seen! his dewie $ocks disti$$0d ,mbrosia! on that /ree he a$so ga"0d! ,nd I fair 7$ant, said he, with fr#it s#rcharg0d,

3eigns none to ease thy $oad and taste thy sweet, Eor (od, nor *an! is Jnow$edge so despis0d@ G BC H Ir envie, or what reserve forbids to taste@ Forbid who wi$$, none sha$$ from me withho$d Longer thy offerd good, why e$se set here@ /his said he pa#s0d not, b#t with ventro#s ,rme .e p$#ckt, he tasted! mee damp horror chi$0d G B5 H ,t s#ch bo$d words vo#cht with a deed so bo$d+ )#t he th#s over9oy0d, I Fr#it 3ivine, Sweet of thy se$f, b#t m#ch more sweet th#s cropt, Forbidd0n here, it seems, as one$y fit For (od0s, yet ab$e to make (ods of *en+ G ;C H ,nd why not (ods of *en, since good, the more Comm#nicated, more ab#ndant growes, /he ,#thor not impair0d, b#t hono#rd more@ .ere, happie Creat#re, fair ,nge$ic Eve, 7artake tho# a$so! happie tho#gh tho# art, G ;5 H .appier tho# mayst be, worthier canst not be+ /aste this, and be henceforth among the (ods /hy se$f a (oddess, not to Earth confind, )#t somtimes in the ,ir, as wee, somtimes ,scend to .eav0n, by merit thine, and see G <C H 6hat $ife the (ods $ive there, and s#ch $ive tho#. So saying, he drew nigh, and to me he$d, Even to my mo#th of that same fr#it he$d part 6hich he had p$#ckt! the p$easant savo#rie sme$$ So :#ick0nd appetite, that I, metho#ght, G <5 H Co#$d not b#t taste. Forthwith #p to the C$o#ds 6ith him I f$ew, and #nderneath behe$d /he Earth o#tstretcht immense, a prospect wide ,nd vario#s+ wondring at my f$ight and change /o this high e a$tation! s#dden$y G =C H *y (#ide was gon, and I, me tho#ght, s#nk down, ,nd fe$$ as$eep! b#t I how g$ad I wak0d /o find this b#t a dreamP /h#s Eve her Eight -e$ated, and th#s ,dam answerd sad. )est Image of my se$f and dearer ha$f, G =5 H /he tro#b$e of thy tho#ghts this night in s$eep ,ffects me e:#a$$y! nor can I $ike /his #nco#th dream, of evi$ spr#ng I fear! 8et evi$ whence@ in thee can harbo#r none, Created p#re. )#t know that in the So#$e G ?CC H ,re many $esser Fac#$ties that serve -eason as chief! among these Fansie ne t .er office ho$ds! of a$$ e terna$ things, 6hich the five watchf#$ Senses represent, She forms Imaginations, ,erie shapes, G ?C5 H 6hich -eason 9oyning or dis9oyning, frames ,$$ what we affirm or what deny, and ca$$ I#r know$edge or opinion! then retires Into her private Ce$$ when Eat#re rests. Ift in her absence mimic Fansie wakes G ??C H

/o imitate her! b#t mis9oyning shapes, 6i$de work prod#ces oft, and most in dreams, I$$ matching words and deeds $ong past or $ate. Som s#ch resemb$ances methinks I find If o#r $ast Eevnings ta$k, in this thy dream, G ??5 H )#t with addition strange! yet be not sad. Evi$ into the mind of (od or *an *ay come and go, so #napprov0d, and $eave Eo spot or b$ame behind+ 6hich gives me hope /hat what in s$eep tho# didst abhorr to dream, G ?&C H 6aking tho# never wi$t consent to do. )e not disheart0nd then, nor c$o#d those $ooks /hat wont to be more chearf#$ and serene /hen when fair *orning first smi$es on the 6or$d, ,nd $et #s to o#r fresh imp$oyments rise G ?&5 H ,mong the (roves, the Fo#ntains, and the F$o#rs /hat open now thir choicest bosom0d sme$$s -eservd from night, and kept for thee in store. So cheard he his fair Spo#se, and she was cheard, )#t si$ent$y a gent$e tear $et fa$$ G ?>C H From either eye, and wip0d them with her haire! /wo other precio#s drops that ready stood, Each in thir Chrysta$ s$#ce, hee ere they fe$$ Jiss0d as the gracio#s signs of sweet remorse ,nd pio#s awe, that feard to have offended. G ?>5 H So a$$ was c$eard, and to the Fie$d they haste. )#t first from #nder shadie arboro#s roof, Soon as they forth were come to open sight If day1spring, and the S#n, who scarce #p risen 6ith whee$s yet hov0ring o0re the Icean brim, G ?AC H Shot para$e$ to the earth his dewie ray, 3iscovering in wide Lantskip a$$ the East If 7aradise and Edens happie 7$ains, Low$y they bow0d adoring, and began /hir Irisons, each *orning d#$y paid G ?A5 H In vario#s sty$e, for neither vario#s sty$e Eor ho$y rapt#re wanted they to praise /hir *aker, in fit strains prono#nc0t or s#ng 4nmeditated, s#ch prompt e$o:#ence F$owd from thir $ips, in 7rose or n#mero#s 2erse, G ?5C H *ore t#neab$e then needed L#te or .arp /o add more sweetness, and they th#s began. /hese are thy g$orio#s works, 7arent of good, ,$mightie, thine this #niversa$ Frame, /h#s wondro#s fair! thy se$f how wondro#s thenP G ?55 H 4nspeakab$e, who sitst above these .eavens /o #s invisib$e or dim$y seen In these thy $owest works, yet these dec$are /hy goodness beyond tho#ght, and 7ower 3ivine+ Speak yee who best can te$$, ye Sons of Light, G ?BC H ,nge$s, for yee beho$d him, and with songs

,nd chora$ symphonies, 3ay witho#t Eight, Circ$e his /hrone re9oycing, yee in .eav0n, In Earth 9oyn a$$ ye Creat#res to e to$$ .im first, him $ast, him midst, and witho#t end. G ?B5 H Fairest of Starrs, $ast in the train of Eight, If better tho# be$ong not to the dawn, S#re p$edge of day, that crownst the smi$ing *orn 6ith thy bright Circ$et, praise him in thy Spheare 6hi$e day arises, that sweet ho#r of 7rime. G ?;C H /ho# S#n, of this great 6or$d both Eye and So#$e, ,cknow$edge him thy (reater, so#nd his praise In thy eterna$ co#rse, both when tho# c$imb0st, ,nd when high Eoon hast gaind, and when tho# fa$$st. *oon, that now meetst the orient S#n, now f$i0st G ?;5 H 6ith the fi t Starrs, fi t in thir Irb that f$ies, ,nd yee five other wandring Fires that move In mystic 3ance not witho#t Song, reso#nd .is praise, who o#t of 3arkness ca$$0d #p Light. ,ire, and ye E$ements the e$dest birth G ?<C H If Eat#res 6omb, that in :#aternion r#n 7erpet#a$ Circ$e, m#$tiform! and mi ,nd no#rish a$$ things, $et yo#r ceas$ess change 2arie to o#r great *aker sti$$ new praise. 8e *ists and E ha$ations that now rise G ?<5 H From .i$$ or steaming Lake, d#skie or grey, /i$$ the S#n paint yo#r f$eecie skirts with (o$d, In hono#r to the 6or$ds great ,#thor rise, 6hether to deck with C$o#ds th0 #nco$o#rd skie, Ir wet the thirstie Earth with fa$$ing showers, G ?=C H -ising or fa$$ing sti$$ advance his praise. .is praise ye 6inds, that from fo#r M#arters b$ow, )reathe soft or $o#d! and wave yo#r tops, ye 7ines, 6ith every 7$ant, in sign of 6orship wave. Fo#ntains and yee, that warb$e, as ye f$ow, G ?=5 H *e$odio#s m#rm#rs, warb$ing t#ne his praise. Foyn voices a$$ ye $iving So#$s! ye )irds, /hat singing #p to .eaven (ate ascend, )ear on yo#r wings and in yo#r notes his praise! 8ee that in 6aters g$ide, and yee that wa$k G &CC H /he Earth, and state$y tread, or $ow$y creep! 6itness if I be si$ent, *orn or Eeven, /o .i$$, or 2a$$ey, Fo#ntain, or fresh shade *ade voca$ by my Song, and ta#ght his praise. .ai$ #niversa$ Lord, be bo#nteo#s sti$$ G &C5 H /o give #s one$y good! and if the night .ave gathered a#ght of evi$ or concea$d, 3isperse it, as now $ight dispe$s the dark. So pray0d they innocent, and to thir tho#ghts Firm peace recoverd soon and wonted ca$m. G &?C H In to thir mornings r#ra$ work they haste ,mong sweet dewes and f$o#rs! where any row If Fr#it1trees overwoodie reachd too farr

/hir pamperd bo#ghes, and needed hands to check Fr#it$ess imbraces+ or they $ed the 2ine G &?5 H /o wed her E$m! she spo#s0d abo#t him twines .er marriageab$e arms, and with her brings .er dowr th0 adopted C$#sters, to adorn .is barren $eaves. /hem th#s imp$oid behe$d 6ith pittie .eav0ns high Jing, and to him ca$$0d G &&C H -aphae$, the sociab$e Spirit, that deign0d /o trave$ with /obias, and sec#r0d .is marriage with the seaventimes1wedded *aid. -aphae$, said hee, tho# hear0st what stir on Earth Satan from .e$$ scap0t thro#gh the darksom (#$f G &&5 H .ath raisd in 7aradise, and how dist#rbd /his night the h#man pair, how he designes In them at once to r#in a$$ mankind. (o therefore, ha$f this day as friend with friend Converse with ,dam, in what )owre or shade G &>C H /ho# find0st him from the heat of Eoon retir0d, /o respit his day1$abo#r with repast, Ir with repose! and s#ch disco#rse bring on, ,s may advise him of his happie state, .appiness in his power $eft free to wi$$, G &>5 H Left to his own free 6i$$, his 6i$$ tho#gh free, 8et m#tab$e! whence warne him to beware .e swerve not too sec#re+ te$$ him witha$$ .is danger, and from whom, what enemie Late fa$$n himse$f from .eav0n, is p$otting now G &AC H /he fa$$ of others from $ike state of b$iss! )y vio$ence, no, for that sha$$ be withstood, )#t by deceit and $ies! this $et him know, Lest wi$f#$$y transgressing he pretend S#rprisa$, #nadmonisht, #nforewarnd. G &A5 H So spake th0 Eterna$ Father, and f#$fi$$d ,$$ F#stice+ nor de$aid the winged Saint ,fter his charge receivd! b#t from among /ho#sand Ce$estia$ ,rdors, where he stood 2ai$d with his gorgeo#s wings, #p springing $ight G &5C H F$ew thro#gh the midst of .eav0n! th0 ange$ic M#ires In each hand parting, to his speed gave way /hro#gh a$$ th0 Empyrea$ road! ti$$ at the (ate If .eav0n arriv0d, the gate se$f1opend wide In go$den .inges t#rning, as by work G &55 H 3ivine the sov0ran ,rchitect had fram0d. From hence, no c$o#d, or, to obstr#ct his sight, Starr interpos0d, however sma$$ he sees, Eot #nconform to other shining ($obes, Earth and the (ard0n of (od, with Cedars crownd G &BC H ,bove a$$ .i$$s. ,s when by night the ($ass If (a$i$eo, $ess ass#r0d, observes Imagind Lands and -egions in the *oon+ Ir 7i$ot from amidst the Cyc$ades

3e$os or Samos first appeering kenns G &B5 H , c$o#dy spot. 3own thither prone in f$ight .e speeds, and thro#gh the vast Etherea$ Skie Sai$es between wor$ds and wor$ds, with steddie wing Eow on the po$ar windes, then with :#ick Fann 6innows the b# om ,ir! ti$$ within soare G &;C H If /owring Eag$es, to a$$ the Fow$es he seems , 7hSni , ga"0d by a$$, as that so$e )ird 6hen to enshrine his re$i:#es in the S#n0s )right /emp$e, to Qgyptian /heb0s he f$ies. ,t once on th0 Eastern c$iff of 7aradise G &;5 H .e $ights, and to his proper shape ret#rns , Seraph wingd! si wings he wore, to shade .is $ineaments 3ivine! the pair that c$ad Each sho#$der broad, came mant$ing o0re his brest 6ith rega$ Irnament! the midd$e pair G &<C H (irt $ike a Starrie Rone his waste, and ro#nd Skirted his $oines and thighes with downie (o$d ,nd co$o#rs dipt in .eav0n! the third his feet Shaddowd from either hee$e with featherd mai$e Skie1tinct#r0d grain. Like *aia0s son he stood, G &<5 H ,nd shook his 7$#mes, that .eav0n$y fragrance fi$$d /he circ#it wide. Strait knew him a$$ the )ands If ,nge$s #nder watch! and to his state, ,nd to his message high in hono#r rise! For on Som message high they g#essd him bo#nd. G &=C H /hir g$ittering /ents he passd, and now is come Into the b$issf#$ fie$d, thro#gh (roves of *yrrhe, ,nd f$o#ring Ido#rs, Cassia, Eard, and )a$me! , 6i$derness of sweets! for Eat#re here 6antond as in her prime, and p$aid at wi$$ G &=5 H .er 2irgin Fancies, po#ring forth more sweet, 6i$de above -#$e or ,rt! enormo#s b$iss. .im thro#gh the spicie Forrest onward com ,dam discernd, as in the dore he sat If his coo$e )owre, whi$e now the mo#nted S#n G >CC H Shot down direct his fervid -aies, to warme Earths inmost womb, more warmth then ,dam needs! ,nd Eve within, d#e at her ho#r prepar0d For dinner savo#rie fr#its, of taste to p$ease /r#e appetite, and not disre$ish thirst G >C5 H If nectaro#s dra#ghts between, from mi$kie stream, )errie or (rape+ to whom th#s ,dam ca$$0d. .aste hither Eve, and worth thy sight beho$d Eastward among those /rees, what g$orio#s shape Comes this way moving! seems another *orn G >?C H -is0n on mid1noon! Som great behest from .eav0n /o #s perhaps he brings, and wi$$ vo#tsafe /his day to be o#r (#est. )#t goe with speed, ,nd what thy stores contain, bring forth and po#re ,b#ndance, fit to hono#r and receive G >?5 H I#r .eav0n$y stranger! we$$ we may afford

I#r givers thir own gifts, and $arge bestow From $arge bestowd, where Eat#re m#$tip$ies .er ferti$ growth, and by disb#rd0ning grows *ore fr#itf#$, which instr#cts #s not to spare. G >&C H /o whom th#s Eve. ,dam, earths ha$$owd mo#$d, If (od inspir0d, sma$$ store wi$$ serve, where store, ,$$ seasons, ripe for #se hangs on the sta$k! Save what by fr#ga$ storing firmness gains /o no#rish, and s#perf$#o#s moist cons#mes+ G >&5 H )#t I wi$$ haste and from each bo#gh and break, Each 7$ant and 9#iciest (o#rd wi$$ p$#ck s#ch choice /o entertain o#r ,nge$ g#est, as hee )eho$ding sha$$ confess that here on Earth (od hath dispenst his bo#nties as in .eav0n. G >>C H So saying, with dispatchf#$ $ooks in haste She t#rns, on hospitab$e tho#ghts intent 6hat choice to ch#se for de$icacie best, 6hat order, so contriv0d as not to mi /astes, not we$$ 9oynd, ine$egant, b#t bring G >>5 H /aste after taste #phe$d with kind$iest change, )estirs her then, and from each tender sta$k 6hatever Earth a$$1bearing *other yie$ds In India East or 6est, or midd$e shoare In 7ont#s or the 7#nic Coast, or where G >AC H ,$cino#s reign0d, fr#it of a$$ kindes, in coate, -o#gh, or smooth rin0d, or bearded h#sk, or she$$ She gathers, /rib#te $arge, and on the board .eaps with #nsparing hand! for drink the (rape She cr#shes, inoffensive mo#st, and meathes G >A5 H From many a berrie, and from sweet kerne$s prest She tempers d#$cet creams, nor these to ho$d 6ants her fit vesse$s p#re, then strews the gro#nd 6ith -ose and Ido#rs from the shr#b #nf#m0d. *ean whi$e o#r 7rimitive great Sire, to meet G >5C H .is god1$ike (#est, wa$ks forth, witho#t more train ,ccompanied then with his own comp$eat 7erfections! in himse$f was a$$ his state, *ore so$emn then the tedio#s pomp that waits In 7rinces, when thir rich -etin#e $ong G >55 H If .orses $ed, and (rooms besmeard with (o$d 3a"$es the cro#d, and sets them a$$ agape. Eeerer his presence ,dam tho#gh not awd, 8et with s#bmiss approach and reverence meek, ,s to a s#perior Eat#re, bowing $ow, G >BC H /h#s said. Eative of .eav0n, for other p$ace Eone can then .eav0n s#ch g$orio#s shape contain! Since by descending from the /hrones above, /hose happie p$aces tho# hast deignd a whi$e /o want, and hono#r these, vo#tsafe with #s G >B5 H /wo one$y, who yet by sov0ran gift possess /his spacio#s gro#nd, in yonder shadie )owre

/o rest, and what the (arden choicest bears /o sit and taste, ti$$ this meridian heat )e over, and the S#n more coo$e dec$ine. G >;C H 6hom th#s the ,nge$ic 2ert#e answerd mi$de. ,dam, I therefore came, nor art tho# s#ch Created, or s#ch p$ace hast here to dwe$$, ,s may not oft invite, tho#gh Spirits of .eav0n /o visit thee! $ead on then where thy )owre G >;5 H Ireshades! for these mid1ho#rs, ti$$ Eevning rise I have at wi$$. So to the Si$van Lodge /hey came, that $ike 7omona0s ,rbo#r smi$0d 6ith f$o#rets deck0t and fragrant sme$$s! b#t Eve 4ndeckt, save with her se$f more $ove$y fair G ><C H /hen 6ood1Eymph, or the fairest (oddess feign0d If three that in *o#nt Ida naked strove, Stood to entertain her g#est from .eav0n! no vai$e Shee needed, 2ert#e1proof, no tho#ght infirme ,$terd her cheek. In whom the ,nge$ .ai$e G ><5 H )estowd, the ho$y sa$#tation #s0d Long after to b$est *arie, second Eve. .ai$e *other of *ankind, whose fr#itf#$ 6omb Sha$$ fi$$ the 6or$d more n#mero#s with thy Sons /hen with these vario#s fr#its the /rees of (od G >=C H .ave heap0d this /ab$e. -ais0d of grassie terf /hir /ab$e was, and mossie seats had ro#nd, ,nd on her amp$e S:#are from side to side ,$$ ,#t#mn pi$0d, tho#gh Spring and ,#t#mn here 3anc0d hand in hand. , whi$e disco#rse they ho$d! G >=5 H Eo fear $est 3inner coo$e! when th#s began I#r ,#tho#r. .eav0n$y stranger, p$ease to taste /hese bo#nties which o#r Eo#risher, from whom ,$$ perfet good #nmeas#r0d o#t, descends, /o #s for food and for de$ight hath ca#s0d G ACC H /he Earth to yei$d! #nsavo#rie food perhaps /o spirit#a$ Eat#res! on$y this I know, /hat one Ce$estia$ Father gives to a$$. /o whom the ,nge$. /herefore what he gives %6hose praise be ever s#ng' to man in part G AC5 H Spirit#a$, may of p#rest Spirits be fo#nd Eo ingratef#$ food+ and food a$ike those p#re Inte$$igentia$ s#bstances re:#ire ,s doth yo#r -ationa$! and both contain 6ithin them every $ower fac#$tie G A?C H If sense, whereby they hear, see, sme$$, to#ch, taste, /asting concoct, digest, assimi$ate, ,nd corporea$ to incorporea$ t#rn. For know, whatever was created, needs /o be s#staind and fed! of E$ements G A?5 H /he grosser feeds the p#rer, Earth the Sea, Earth and the Sea feed ,ir, the ,ir those Fires Etherea$, and as $owest first the *oon!

6hence in her visage ro#nd those spots, #np#rg0d 2apo#rs not yet into her s#bstance t#rnd. G A&C H Eor doth the *oon no no#rishment e ha$e From her moist Continent to higher Irbes. /he S#n that $ight imparts to a$$, receives From a$$ his a$imenta$ recompence In h#mid e ha$ations, and at Even G A&5 H S#ps with the Icean+ tho#gh in .eav0n the /rees If $ife ambrosia$ fr#tage bear, and vines 8ie$d Eectar, tho#gh from off the bo#ghs each *orn 6e br#sh me$$if$#o#s 3ewes, and find the gro#nd Cover0d with pear$y grain+ yet (od hath here G A>C H 2aried his bo#nty so with new de$ights, ,s may compare with .eaven! and to taste /hink not I sha$$ be nice. So down they sat, ,nd to thir viands fe$$, nor seeming$y /he ,nge$, nor in mist, the common g$oss G A>5 H If /heo$ogians, b#t with keen dispatch If rea$ h#nger, and concoctive heate /o trans#bstantiate! what redo#nds, transpires /hro#gh Spirits with ease! nor wonder! if by fire If sooty coa$ the Empiric ,$chimist G AAC H Can t#rn, or ho$ds it possib$e to t#rn *eta$s of drossiest Ire to perfet (o$d ,s from the *ine. *ean whi$e at /ab$e Eve *inisterd naked, and thir f$owing c#ps 6ith p$easant $i:#ors crown0d+ I innocence G AA5 H 3eserving 7aradiseP if ever, then, /hen had the Sons of (od e c#se to have bin Enamo#r0d at that sight! b#t in those hearts Love #n$ibidino#s reign0d, nor 9ea$o#sie 6as #nderstood, the in9#r0d Lovers .e$$. /h#s when with meats and drinks they had s#ffic0d G A5C H Eot b#rd0nd Eat#re, s#dden mind arose In ,dam, not to $et th0 occasion pass (iven him by this great Conference to know If things above his 6or$d, and of thir being G A55 H 6ho dwe$$ in .eav0n, whose e ce$$ence he saw /ranscend his own so farr, whose radiant forms 3ivine eff#$gence, whose high 7ower so far E ceeded h#man, and his wary speech /h#s to th0 Empyrea$ *inister he fram0d. G ABC H Inhabitant with (od, now know I we$$ /hy favo#r, in this hono#r done to man, 4nder whose $ow$y roof tho# hast vo#tsaf0t /o enter, and these earth$y fr#its to taste, Food not of ,nge$s, yet accepted so, G AB5 H ,s that more wi$$ing$y tho# co#$dst not seem ,t .eav0n0s high feasts to have fed+ yet what compare@ /o whom the winged .ierarch rep$i0d. I ,dam, one ,$mightie is, from whom

,$$ things proceed, and #p to him ret#rn, G A;C H If not deprav0d from good, created a$$ S#ch to perfection, one first matter a$$, Ind#0d with vario#s forms, vario#s degrees If s#bstance, and in things that $ive, of $ife! )#t more refin0d, more spirito#s, and p#re, G A;5 H ,s neerer to him p$ac0t or neerer tending Each in thir severa$ active Sphears assignd, /i$$ body #p to spirit work, in bo#nds 7roportiond to each kind. So from the root Springs $ighter the green sta$k, from thence the $eaves G A<C H *ore aerie, $ast the bright cons#mmate f$o#re Spirits odoro#s breathes+ f$o#rs and thir fr#it *ans no#rishment, by grad#a$ sca$e s#b$im0d /o vita$ Spirits aspire, to anima$, /o inte$$ect#a$, give both $ife and sense, G A<5 H Fansie and #nderstanding, whence the So#$e -eason receives, and reason is her being, 3isc#rsive, or Int#itive! disco#rse Is oftest yo#rs, the $atter most is o#rs, 3iffering b#t in degree, of kind the same. G A=C H 6onder not then, what (od for yo# saw good If I ref#se not, b#t convert, as yo#, /o proper s#bstance! time may come when men 6ith ,nge$s may participate, and find Eo inconvenient 3iet, nor too $ight Fare+ G A=5 H ,nd from these corpora$ n#triments perhaps 8o#r bodies may at $ast t#rn a$$ to Spirit, Improv0d by tract of time, and wingd ascend Etherea$, as wee, or may at choice .ere or in .eav0n$y 7aradises dwe$$! G 5CC H If ye be fo#nd obedient, and retain 4na$terab$y firm his $ove entire 6hose progenie yo# are. *ean whi$e en9oy 8o#r fi$$ what happiness this happie state Can comprehend, incapab$e of more. G 5C5 H /o whom the 7atriarch of mankind rep$i0d, I favo#rab$e spirit, propitio#s g#est, 6e$$ hast tho# ta#ght the way that might direct I#r know$edge, and the sca$e of Eat#re set From center to circ#mference, whereon G 5?C H In contemp$ation of created things )y steps we may ascend to (od. )#t say, 6hat meant that ca#tion 9oind, if ye be fo#nd Ibedient@ can we want obedience then /o him, or possib$y his $ove desert G 5?5 H 6ho formd #s from the d#st, and p$ac0d #s here F#$$ to the #tmost meas#re of what b$iss .#man desires can seek or apprehend@ /o whom the ,nge$. Son of .eav0n and Earth, ,ttend+ /hat tho# art happie, owe to (od! G 5&C H

/hat tho# contin#0st s#ch, owe to thy se$f, /hat is, to thy obedience! therein stand. /his was that ca#tion giv0n thee! be advis0d. (od made thee perfet, not imm#tab$e! ,nd good he made thee, b#t to persevere G 5&5 H .e $eft it in thy power, ordaind thy wi$$ )y nat#re free, not over1r#$0d by Fate Ine tricab$e, or strict necessity! I#r vo$#ntarie service he re:#ires, Eot o#r necessitated, s#ch with him G 5>C H Finds no acceptance, nor can find, for how Can hearts, not free, be tri0d whether they serve 6i$$ing or no, who wi$$ b#t what they m#st )y 3estinie, and can no other choose@ *yse$f and a$$ th0 ,nge$ic .ost that stand G 5>5 H In sight of (od enthron0d, o#r happie state .o$d, as yo# yo#rs, whi$e o#r obedience ho$ds! In other s#rety none! free$y we serve )eca#se we free$y $ove, as in o#r wi$$ /o $ove or not! in this we stand or fa$$+ G 5AC H ,nd Som are fa$$0n, to disobedience fa$$0n, ,nd so from .eav0n to deepest .e$$! I fa$$ From what high state of b$iss into what woeP /o whom o#r great 7rogenitor. /hy words ,ttentive, and with more de$ighted eare G 5A5 H 3ivine instr#cter, I have heard, then when Cher#bic Songs by night from neighbo#ring .i$$s ,erea$ *#sic send+ nor knew I not /o be both wi$$ and deed created free! 8et that we never sha$$ forget to $ove G 55C H I#r maker, and obey him whose command Sing$e, is yet so 9#st, my constant tho#ghts ,ss#r0d me and sti$$ ass#re+ tho#gh what tho# te$$st .ath past in .eav0n, Som do#bt within me move, )#t more desire to hear, if tho# consent, G 555 H /he f#$$ re$ation, which m#st needs be strange, 6orthy of Sacred si$ence to be heard! ,nd we have yet $arge day, for scarce the S#n .ath finisht ha$f his 9o#rney, and scarce begins .is other ha$f in the great Rone of .eav0n. G 5BC H /h#s ,dam made re:#est, and -aphae$ ,fter short pa#se assenting, th#s began. .igh matter tho# in9oinst me, I prime of men, Sad task and hard, for how sha$$ I re$ate /o h#man sense th0 invisib$e e p$oits G 5B5 H If warring Spirits! how witho#t remorse /he r#in of so many g$orio#s once ,nd perfet whi$e they stood! how $ast #nfo#$d /he secrets of another 6or$d, perhaps Eot $awf#$ to revea$@ yet for thy good G 5;C H /his is dispenc0t, and what s#rmo#nts the reach

If h#man sense, I sha$$ de$ineate so, )y $ik0ning spirit#a$ to corpora$ forms, ,s may e press them best, tho#gh what if Earth )e b#t the shaddow of .eav0n, and things therein G 5;5 H Each to other $ike, more then on earth is tho#ght@ ,s yet this 6or$d was not, and Chaos 6i$de -eignd where these .eav0ns now row$, where Earth now rests 4pon her Center pois0d, when on a day %For /ime, tho#gh in Eternitie, app$i0d G 5<C H /o motion, meas#res a$$ things d#rab$e )y present, past, and f#t#re' on s#ch day ,s .eav0ns great 8ear brings forth, th0 Empyrea$ .ost If ,nge$s by Imperia$ s#mmons ca$$0d, Inn#merab$e before th0 ,$mighties /hrone G 5<5 H Forthwith from a$$ the ends of .eav0n appeerd 4nder thir .ierarchs in orders bright /en tho#sand tho#sand Ensignes high advanc0d, Standards and (onfa$ons twi t 2an and -eare Streame in the ,ire, and for distinction serve G 5=C H If .ierarchies, of Irders, and 3egrees! Ir in thir g$ittering /iss#es bear imb$a"0d .o$y *emoria$s, acts of Rea$e and Love -ecorded eminent. /h#s when in Irbes If circ#it ine pressib$e they stood, G 5=5 H Irb within Irb, the Father infinite, )y whom in b$iss imbosom0d sat the Son, ,midst as from a f$aming *o#nt, whose top )rightness had made invisib$e, th#s spake. .ear a$$ ye ,nge$s, 7rogenie of Light, G BCC H /hrones, 3ominations, 7rincedoms, 2ert#es, 7owers, .ear my 3ecree, which #nrevok0t sha$$ stand. /his day I have begot whom I dec$are *y one$y Son, and on this ho$y .i$$ .im have anointed, whom ye now beho$d G BC5 H ,t my right hand! yo#r .ead I him appoint! ,nd by my Se$f have sworn to him sha$$ bow ,$$ knees in .eav0n, and sha$$ confess him Lord+ 4nder his great 2ice1gerent -eign abide 4nited as one individ#a$ So#$e G B?C H For ever happie+ him who disobeyes *ee disobeyes, breaks #nion, and that day Cast o#t from (od and b$essed vision, fa$$s Into #tter darkness, deep ing#$ft, his p$ace Irdaind witho#t redemption, witho#t end. G B?5 H So spake th0 Imnipotent, and with his words ,$$ seemd we$$ p$eas0d, a$$ seem0d, b#t were not a$$. /hat day, as other so$emn dayes, they spent In song and dance abo#t the sacred .i$$, *ystica$ dance, which yonder starrie Spheare G B&C H If 7$anets and of fi t in a$$ her 6hee$es -esemb$es nearest, ma"es intricate,

Eccentric, intervo$v0d, yet reg#$ar /hen most, when most irreg#$ar they seem, ,nd in thir motions harmonie 3ivine G B&5 H So smooths her charming tones, that (ods own ear Listens de$ighted. Eevning now approach0d %For wee have a$so o#r Eevning and o#r *orn, 6ee o#rs for change de$ectab$e, not need' Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they t#rn G B>C H 3esiro#s, a$$ in Circ$es as they stood, /ab$es are set, and on a s#dden pi$0d 6ith ,nge$s Food, and r#bied Eectar f$ows In 7ear$, in 3iamond, and massie (o$d, Fr#it of de$icio#s 2ines, the growth of .eav0n. G B>5 H In f$o#rs repos0d, and with fresh f$o#rets crownd, /hey eate, they drink, and in comm#nion sweet M#aff immorta$itie and 9oy, sec#re If s#rfet where f#$$ meas#re one$y bo#nds E cess, before th0 a$$ bo#nteo#s Jing, who showrd G BAC H 6ith copio#s hand, re9oycing in thir 9oy. Eow when ambrosia$ Eight with C$o#ds e ha$0d From that high mo#nt of (od, whence $ight N shade Spring both, the face of brightest .eav0n had changd /o gratef#$ /wi$ight %for Eight comes not there G BA5 H In darker vei$e' and roseat 3ews dispos0d ,$$ b#t the #ns$eeping eyes of (od to rest, 6ide over a$$ the 7$ain, and wider farr /hen a$$ this g$obo#s Earth in 7$ain o#t spred, %S#ch are the Co#rts of (od' th0 ,nge$ic throng G B5C H 3isperst in )ands and Fi$es thir Camp e tend )y $iving Streams among the /rees of Life, 7avi$ions n#mber$ess, and s#dden reard, Ce$estia$ /abernac$es, where they s$ept Fannd with coo$e 6inds, save those who in thir co#rse G B55 H *e$odio#s .ymns abo#t the sovran /hrone ,$ternate a$$ night $ong+ b#t not so wak0d Satan, so ca$$ him now, his former name Is heard no more in .eav0n! he of the first, If not the first ,rch1,nge$, great in 7ower, G BBC H In favo#r and prOeminence, yet fra#ght 6ith envie against the Son of (od, that day .ono#rd by his great Father, and proc$aimd *essiah Jing anointed, co#$d not beare /hro#gh pride that sight, N tho#ght himse$f impaird. G BB5 H 3eep ma$ice thence conceiving and disdain, Soon as midnight bro#ght on the d#skie ho#re Friend$iest to s$eep and si$ence, he reso$v0d 6ith a$$ his Legions to dis$odge, and $eave 4nworshipt, #nobey0d the /hrone s#pream G B;C H Contempt#o#s, and his ne t s#bordinate ,wak0ning, th#s to him in secret spake. S$eepst tho#, Companion dear, what s$eep can c$ose /hy eye1$ids@ and remembrest what 3ecree

If yesterday, so $ate hath past the $ips G B;5 H If .eav0ns ,$mightie. /ho# to me thy tho#ghts 6ast wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart! )oth waking we were one! how then can now /hy s$eep dissent@ new Laws tho# seest impos0d! Eew Laws from him who reigns, new minds may raise G B<C H In #s who serve, new Co#nse$s, to debate 6hat do#btf#$ may ens#e! more in this p$ace /o #tter is not safe. ,ssemb$e tho# If a$$ those *yriads which we $ead the chief! /e$$ them that by command, ere yet dim Eight G B<5 H .er shadowie C$o#d withdraws, I am to haste, ,nd a$$ who #nder me thir )anners wave, .omeward with f$ying march where we possess /he M#arters of the Eorth, there to prepare Fit entertainment to receive o#r Jing G B=C H /he great *essiah, and his new commands, 6ho speedi$y thro#gh a$$ the .ierarchies Intends to pass tri#mphant, and give Laws. So spake the fa$se ,rch1,nge$, and inf#s0d )ad inf$#ence into th0 #nwarie brest G B=5 H If his ,ssociate! hee together ca$$s, Ir severa$ one by one, the -egent 7owers, 4nder him -egent, te$$s, as he was ta#ght, /hat the most .igh commanding, now ere Eight, Eow ere dim Eight had disinc#mberd .eav0n, G ;CC H /he great .ierarcha$ Standard was to move! /e$$s the s#ggested ca#se, and casts between ,mbig#o#s words and 9ea$o#sies, to so#nd Ir taint integritie! b#t a$$ obey0d /he wonted signa$, and s#perior voice G ;C5 H If thir great 7otentate! for great indeed .is name, and high was his degree in .eav0n! .is co#nt0nance, as the *orning Starr that g#ides /he starrie f$ock, a$$#r0d them, and with $yes 3rew after him the third part of .eav0ns .ost+ G ;?C H *ean whi$e th0 Eterna$ eye, whose sight discernes ,bstr#sest tho#ghts, from forth his ho$y *o#nt ,nd from within the go$den Lamps that b#rne Eight$y before him, saw witho#t thir $ight -ebe$$ion rising, saw in whom, how spred G ;?5 H ,mong the sons of *orn, what m#$tit#des 6ere banded to oppose his high 3ecree! ,nd smi$ing to his one$y Son th#s said. Son, tho# in whom my g$ory I beho$d In f#$$ resp$endence, .eir of a$$ my might, G ;&C H Eeer$y it now concernes #s to be s#re If o#r Imnipotence, and with what ,rms 6e mean to ho$d what ancient$y we c$aim If 3eitie or Empire, s#ch a foe Is rising, who intends to erect his /hrone G ;&5 H

E:#a$ to o#rs, thro#gho#t the spacio#s Eorth! Eor so content, hath in his tho#ght to try In batte$, what o#r 7ower is, or o#r right. Let #s advise, and to this ha"ard draw 6ith speed what force is $eft, and a$$ imp$oy G ;>C H In o#r defense, $est #nawares we $ose /his o#r high p$ace, o#r Sanct#arie, o#r .i$$. /o whom the Son with ca$m aspect and c$eer Light0ning 3ivine, ineffab$e, serene, *ade answer. *ightie Father, tho# thy foes G ;>5 H F#st$y hast in derision, and sec#re La#gh0st at thir vain designes and t#m#$ts vain, *atter to mee of ($ory, whom thir hate I$$#strates, when they see a$$ -ega$ 7ower (iv0n me to :#e$$ thir pride, and in event G ;AC H Jnow whether I be de tro#s to s#bd#e /hy -ebe$s, or be fo#nd the worst in .eav0n. So spake the Son, b#t Satan with his 7owers Far was advanc0t on winged speed, an .ost Inn#merab$e as the Starrs of Eight, G ;A5 H Ir Starrs of *orning, 3ew1drops, which the S#n Impear$s on every $eaf and every f$o#er. -egions they pass0d, the mightie -egencies If Seraphim and 7otentates and /hrones In thir trip$e 3egrees, -egions to which G ;5C H ,$$ thy 3ominion, ,dam, is no more /hen what this (arden is to a$$ the Earth, ,nd a$$ the Sea, from one entire g$obose Stretcht into Longit#de! which having pass0d ,t $ength into the $imits of the Eorth G ;55 H /hey came, and Satan to his -oya$ seat .igh on a .i$$, far b$a"ing, as a *o#nt -ais0d on a *o#nt, with 7yramids and /owrs From 3iamond M#arries hew0n, and -ocks of (o$d, /he 7a$ace of great L#cifer, %so ca$$ G ;BC H /hat Str#ct#re in the 3ia$ect of men Interpreted' which not $ong after, he ,ffecting a$$ e:#a$ity with (od, In imitation of that *o#nt whereon *essiah was dec$ar0d in sight of .eav0n, G ;B5 H /he *o#ntain of the Congregation ca$$0d! For thither he assemb$0d a$$ his /rain, 7retending so commanded to cons#$t ,bo#t the great reception of thir Jing, /hither to come, and with ca$#mnio#s ,rt G ;;C H If co#nterfeted tr#th th#s he$d thir ears. /hrones, 3ominations, 7rincedoms, 2ert#es, 7owers, If these magnific /it$es yet remain Eot meer$y tit#$ar, since by 3ecree ,nother now hath to himse$f ingross0t G ;;5 H ,$$ 7ower, and #s ec$ipst #nder the name

If Jing anointed, for whom a$$ this haste If midnight march, and h#rried meeting here, /his one$y to cons#$t how we may best 6ith what may be devis0d of hono#rs new G ;<C H -eceive him coming to receive from #s Jnee1trib#te yet #npaid, prostration vi$e, /oo m#ch to one, b#t do#b$e how end#r0d, /o one and to his image now proc$aim0d@ )#t what if better co#nse$s might erect G ;<5 H I#r minds and teach #s to cast off this 8oke@ 6i$$ ye s#bmit yo#r necks, and ch#se to bend /he s#pp$e knee@ ye wi$$ not, if I tr#st /o know ye right, or if ye know yo#r se$ves Eatives and Sons of .eav0n possest before G ;=C H )y none, and if not e:#a$ a$$, yet free, E:#a$$y free! for Irders and 3egrees Farr not with $iberty, b#t we$$ consist. 6ho can in reason then or right ass#me *onarchie over s#ch as $ive by right G ;=5 H .is e:#a$s, if in power and sp$endor $ess, In freedome e:#a$@ or can introd#ce Law and Edict on #s, who witho#t $aw Erre not, m#ch $ess for this to be o#r Lord, ,nd $ook for adoration to th0 ab#se G <CC H If those Imperia$ /it$es which assert I#r being ordain0d to govern, not to serve@ /h#s farr his bo$d disco#rse witho#t contro#$e .ad a#dience, when among the Seraphim ,bdie$, then whom none with more "ea$e ador0d G <C5 H /he 3eitie, and divine commands obeid, Stood #p, and in a f$ame of "ea$e severe /he c#rrent of his f#ry th#s oppos0d. I arg#ment b$asphemo#s, fa$se and pro#dP 6ords which no eare ever to hear in .eav0n G <?C H E pected, $east of a$$ from thee, ingrate In p$ace thy se$f so high above thy 7eeres. Canst tho# with impio#s ob$o:#ie condemne /he 9#st 3ecree of (od, prono#nc0t and sworn, /hat to his on$y Son by right end#0d G <?5 H 6ith -ega$ Scepter, every So#$e in .eav0n Sha$$ bend the knee, and in that hono#r d#e Confess him rightf#$ Jing@ #n9#st tho# saist F$at$y #n9#st, to binde with Laws the free, ,nd e:#a$ over e:#a$s to $et -eigne, G <&C H Ine over a$$ with #ns#cceeded power. Sha$t tho# give Law to (od, sha$t tho# disp#te 6ith him the points of $ibertie, who made /hee what tho# art, and formd the 7ow0rs of .eav0n S#ch as he p$easd, and circ#mscrib0d thir being@ G <&5 H 8et by e perience ta#ght we know how good, ,nd of o#r good, and of o#r dignitie

.ow provident he is, how farr from tho#ght /o make #s $ess, bent rather to e a$t I#r happie state #nder one .ead more neer G <>C H 4nited. )#t to grant it thee #n9#st, /hat e:#a$ over e:#a$s *onarch -eigne+ /hy se$f tho#gh great and g$orio#s dost tho# co#nt, Ir a$$ ,nge$ic Eat#re 9oind in one, E:#a$ to him begotten Son, by whom G <>5 H ,s by his 6ord the mighty Father made ,$$ things, ev0n thee, and a$$ the Spirits of .eav0n )y him created in thir bright degrees, Crownd them with ($ory, and to thir ($ory nam0d /hrones, 3ominations, 7rincedoms, 2ert#es, 7owers, G <AC H Essentia$ 7owers, nor by his -eign obsc#r0d, )#t more i$$#strio#s made, since he the .ead Ine of o#r n#mber th#s red#c0t becomes, .is Laws o#r Laws, a$$ hono#r to him done -et#rns o#r own. Cease then this impio#s rage, G <A5 H ,nd tempt not these! b#t hast0n to appease /h0 incensed Father, and th0 incensed Son, 6hi$e 7ardon may be fo#nd in time beso#ght. So spake the fervent ,nge$, b#t his "ea$e Eone seconded, as o#t of season 9#dg0d, G <5C H Ir sing#$ar and rash, whereat re9oic0d /h0 ,postat, and more ha#ghty th#s rep$i0d. /hat we were formd then saist tho#@ and the work If secondarie hands, by task transferd From Father to his Son@ strange point and newP G <55 H 3octrin which we wo#$d know whence $earnt+ who saw 6hen this creation was@ rememberst tho# /hy making, whi$e the *aker gave thee being@ 6e know no time when we were not as now! Jnow none before #s, se$f1begot, se$f1rais0d G <BC H )y o#r own :#ick0ning power, when fata$ co#rse .ad circ$0d his f#$$ Irbe, the birth mat#re If this o#r native .eav0n, Etherea$ Sons. I#r p#issance is o#r own, o#r own right hand Sha$$ teach #s highest deeds, by proof to try G <B5 H 6ho is o#r e:#a$+ then tho# sha$t beho$d 6hether by s#pp$ication we intend ,ddress, and to begirt th0 ,$mighty /hrone )eseeching or besieging. /his report, /hese tidings carrie to th0 anointed Jing! G <;C H ,nd f$y, ere evi$ intercept thy f$ight. .e said, and as the so#nd of waters deep .oarce m#rm#r echo0d to his words app$a#se /hro#gh the infinite .ost, nor $ess for that /he f$aming Seraph fear$ess, tho#gh a$one G <;5 H Encompass0d ro#nd with foes, th#s answerd bo$d. I a$ienate from (od, I spirit acc#rst, Forsak0n of a$$ good! I see thy fa$$

3etermind, and thy hap$ess crew invo$v0d In this perfidio#s fra#d, contagion spred G <<C H )oth of thy crime and p#nishment+ henceforth Eo more be tro#b$0d how to :#it the yoke If (ods *essiah! those ind#$gent Laws 6i$$ not now be vo#tsaf0t, other 3ecrees ,gainst thee are gon forth witho#t reca$$! G <<5 H /hat (o$den Scepter which tho# didst re9ect Is now an Iron -od to br#ise and breake /hy disobedience. 6e$$ tho# didst advise, 8et not for thy advise or threats I f$y /hese wicked /ents devoted, $east the wra#th G <=C H Impendent, raging into s#dden f$ame 3isting#ish not+ for soon e pect to fee$ .is /h#nder on thy head, devo#ring fire. /hen who created thee $amenting $earne, 6hen who can #ncreate thee tho# sha$t know. G <=5 H So spake the Seraph ,bdie$ faithf#$ fo#nd, ,mong the faith$ess, faithf#$ on$y hee! ,mong inn#merab$e fa$se, #nmov0d, 4nshak0n, #nsed#c0d, #nterrifi0d .is Loya$tie he kept, his Love, his Rea$e! G =CC H Eor n#mber, nor e amp$e with him wro#ght /o swerve from tr#th, or change his constant mind /ho#gh sing$e. From amidst them forth he passd, Long way thro#gh hosti$e scorn, which he s#steind S#perior, nor of vio$ence fear0d a#ght! G =C5 H ,nd with retorted scorn his back he t#rn0d In those pro#d /owrs to swift destr#ction doom0d. 7aradise Lost

*..K 7
T / "'G2M/+T
-aphae$ contin#es to re$ate how *ichae$ and (abrie$ were sent forth to batte$ against Satan and his ,nge$s. /he first Fight describ0d+ Satan and his 7owers retire #nder Eight+ .e ca$$s a Co#nce$, invents devi$ish Engines, which in the second dayes Fight p#t *ichae$ and his ,nge$s to some disorder! )#t, they at $ength p#$$ing #p *o#ntains overwhe$m0d both the force and *achins of Satan+ 8et the /#m#$t not so ending, (od on the third day sends *essiah his Son, for whom he had reserv0d the g$ory of that 2ictory+ .ee in the 7ower of his Father coming to the p$ace, and ca#sing a$$ his Legions to stand sti$$ on either side, with his Chariot and /h#nder driving into the midst of his Enemies, p#rs#es them #nab$e to resist towards the wa$$ of .eaven! which opening, they $eap down with horro#r and conf#sion into the p$ace of p#nishment prepar0d for them in the 3eep+ *essiah ret#rns with tri#mph to his Father. ,LL night the dread$ess ,nge$ #np#rs#0d /hro#gh .eav0ns wide Champain he$d his way, ti$$ *orn, 6ak0t by the circ$ing .o#rs, with rosie hand

4nbarr0d the gates of Light. /here is a Cave 6ithin the *o#nt of (od, fast by his /hrone, G 5 H 6here $ight and darkness in perpet#a$ ro#nd Lodge and dis$odge by t#rns, which makes thro#gh .eav0n (ratef#$ vicissit#de, $ike 3ay and Eight! Light iss#es forth, and at the other dore Ibse:#io#s darkness enters, ti$$ her ho#re G ?C H /o vei$e the .eav0n, tho#gh darkness there might we$$ Seem twi$ight here! and now went forth the *orn S#ch as in highest .eav0n, arrayd in (o$d Empyrea$, from before her vanisht Eight, Shot thro#gh with orient )eams+ when a$$ the 7$ain G ?5 H Coverd with thick embatte$d S:#adrons bright, Chariots and f$aming ,rmes, and fierie Steeds -ef$ecting b$a"e on b$a"e, first met his view+ 6arr he perceav0d, warr in procinct, and fo#nd ,$ready known what he for news had tho#ght G &C H /o have reported+ g$ad$y then he mi t ,mong those friend$y 7owers who him receav0d 6ith 9oy and acc$amations $o#d, that one /hat of so many *yriads fa$$0n, yet one -et#rnd not $ost+ In to the sacred hi$$ G &5 H /hey $ed him high app$a#ded, and present )efore the seat s#pream! from whence a voice From midst a (o$den C$o#d th#s mi$de was heard. Servant of (od, we$$ done, we$$ hast tho# fo#ght /he better fight, who sing$e hast maintaind G >C H ,gainst revo$ted m#$tit#des the Ca#se If /r#th, in word mightier then they in ,rmes! ,nd for the testimonie of /r#th hast born 4niversa$ reproach, far worse to beare /hen vio$ence+ for this was a$$ thy care G >5 H /o stand approv0d in sight of (od, tho#gh 6or$ds F#dg0d thee perverse+ the easier con:#est now -emains thee, aided by this host of friends, )ack on thy foes more g$orio#s to ret#rn /hen scornd tho# didst depart, and to s#bd#e G AC H )y force, who reason for thir Law ref#se, -ight reason for thir Law, and for thir Jing *essiah, who by right of merit -eigns. (o *ichae$ of Ce$estia$ ,rmies 7rince, ,nd tho# in *i$itary prowess ne t G A5 H (abrie$, $ead forth to )atte$ these my Sons Invincib$e, $ead forth my armed Saints )y /ho#sands and by *i$$ions rang0d for fight! E:#a$ in n#mber to that (od$ess crew -ebe$$io#s, them with Fire and hosti$e ,rms G 5C H Fear$ess assa#$t, and to the brow of .eav0n 7#rs#ing drive them o#t from (od and b$iss, Into thir p$ace of p#nishment, the (#$f If /artar#s, which ready opens wide .is fiery Chaos to receave thir fa$$. G 55 H

So spake the Sovran voice, and C$o#ds began /o darken a$$ the .i$$, and smoak to row$ In d#skie wreathes, re$#ctant f$ames, the signe If wra#th awak0t+ nor with $ess dread the $o#d Etherea$ /r#mpet from on high gan b$ow+ G BC H ,t which command the 7owers *i$itant, /hat stood for .eav0n, in mighty M#adrate 9oyn0d If 4nion irresistib$e, mov0d on In si$ence thir bright Legions, to the so#nd If instr#menta$ .armonie that breath0d G B5 H .eroic ,rdor to advent0ro#s deeds 4nder thir (od1$ike Leaders, in the Ca#se If (od and his *essiah. In they move Indisso$#b$y firm! nor obvio#s .i$$ Eor streit0ning 2a$e, nor 6ood, nor Stream divides G ;C H /hir perfet ranks! for high above the gro#nd /hir march was, and the passive ,ir #pbore /hir nimb$e tread, as when the tota$ kind If )irds in order$y array on wing Came s#mmond over Eden to receive G ;5 H /hir names of thee! so over many a tract If .eav0n they march0d, and many a 7rovince wide /enfo$d the $ength of this terrene+ at $ast Farr in th0 .ori"on to the Eorth appeer0d From skirt to skirt a fierie -egion, stretcht G <C H In battai$o#s aspect, and neerer view )rist$0d with #pright beams inn#merab$e If rigid Spears, and .e$mets throng0d, and Shie$ds 2ario#s, with boastf#$ ,rg#ment portraid, /he banded 7owers of Satan hasting on G <5 H 6ith f#rio#s e pedition! for they weend /hat se$f same day by fight, or by s#rpri"e /o win the *o#nt of (od, and on his /hrone /o set the envier of his State, the pro#d ,spirer, b#t thir tho#ghts prov0d fond and vain G =C H In the mid way+ tho#gh strange to #s it seemd ,t first, that ,nge$ sho#$d with ,nge$ warr, ,nd in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet So oft in Festiva$s of 9oy and $ove 4nanimo#s, as sons of one great Sire G =5 H .ymning th0 Eterna$ Father+ b#t the sho#t If )atte$ now began, and r#shing so#nd If onset ended soon each mi$der tho#ght. .igh in the midst e a$ted as a (od /h0 ,postate in his S#n1bright Chariot sate G ?CC H Ido$ of *a9esty 3ivine, enc$os0d 6ith F$aming Cher#bim, and go$den Shie$ds! /hen $ighted from his gorgeo#s /hrone, for now 0/wi t .ost and .ost b#t narrow space was $eft, , dreadf#$ interva$$, and Front to Front G ?C5 H 7resented stood in terrib$e array If hideo#s $ength+ before the c$o#die 2an,

In the ro#gh edge of batte$ ere it 9oyn0d, Satan with vast and ha#ghtie strides advanc0t, Came towring, armd in ,damant and (o$d! G ??C H ,bdie$ that sight end#r0d not, where he stood ,mong the mightiest, bent on highest deeds, ,nd th#s his own #nda#nted heart e p$ores. I .eav0nP that s#ch resemb$ance of the .ighest Sho#$d yet remain, where faith and rea$tie G ??5 H -emain not! wherefore sho#$d not strength and might /here fai$ where 2ert#e fai$s, or weakest prove 6here bo$dest! tho#gh to sight #ncon:#erab$e@ .is p#issance, tr#sting in th0 ,$mightie0s aide, I mean to try, whose -eason I have tri0d G ?&C H 4nso#nd and fa$se! nor is it a#ght b#t 9#st, /hat he who in debate of /r#th hath won, Sho#$d win in ,rms, in both disp#tes a$ike 2ictor! tho#gh br#tish that contest and fo#$e, 6hen -eason hath to dea$ with force, yet so G ?&5 H *ost reason is that -eason overcome. So pondering, and from his armed 7eers Forth stepping opposite, ha$f way he met .is daring foe, at this prevention more Incens0t, and th#s sec#re$y him defi0d. G ?>C H 7ro#d, art tho# met@ thy hope was to have reacht /he highth of thy aspiring #noppos0d, /he /hrone of (od #ng#arded, and his side ,bandond at the terror of thy 7ower Ir potent tong#e! foo$, not to think how vain G ?>5 H ,gainst th0 Imnipotent to rise in ,rms! 6ho o#t of sma$$est things co#$d witho#t end .ave rais0d incessant ,rmies to defeat /hy fo$$y! or with so$itarie hand -eaching beyond a$$ $imit at one b$ow G ?AC H 4naided co#$d have finisht thee, and whe$md /hy Legions #nder darkness! b#t tho# seest ,$$ are not of thy /rain! there be who Faith 7refer, and 7ietie to (od, tho#gh then /o thee not visib$e, when I a$one G ?A5 H Seemd in thy 6or$d erroneo#s to dissent From a$$+ my Sect tho# seest, now $earn too $ate .ow few somtimes may know, when tho#sands err. 6hom the grand foe with scornf#$ eye askance /h#s answerd. I$$ for thee, b#t in wisht ho#re G ?5C H If my revenge, first so#ght for tho# ret#rnst From f$ight, seditio#s ,nge$, to receave /hy merited reward, the first assay If this right hand provok0t, since first that tong#e Inspir0d with contradiction d#rst oppose G ?55 H , third part of the (ods, in Synod met /hir 3eities to assert, who whi$e they fee$ 2igo#r 3ivine within them, can a$$ow

Imnipotence to none. )#t we$$ tho# comst )efore thy fe$$ows, ambitio#s to win G ?BC H From me som 7$#me, that thy s#ccess may show 3estr#ction to the rest+ this pa#se between %4nanswerd $east tho# boast' to $et thee know! ,t first I tho#ght that Libertie and .eav0n /o heav0n$y So#$es had bin a$$ one! b#t now G ?B5 H I see that most thro#gh s$oth had rather serve, *inistring Spirits, traind #p in Feast and Song! S#ch hast tho# arm0d, the *instre$sie of .eav0n, Servi$itie with freedom to contend, ,s both thir deeds compar0d this day sha$$ prove. G ?;C H /o whom in brief th#s ,bdie$ stern rep$i0d. ,postat, sti$$ tho# errst, nor end wi$t find If erring, from the path of tr#th remote+ 4n9#st$y tho# deprav0st it with the name If Servit#de to serve whom (od ordains, G ?;5 H Ir Eat#re! (od and Eat#re bid the same, 6hen he who r#$es is worthiest, and e ce$$s /hem whom he governs. /his is servit#de, /o serve th0 #nwise, or him who hath rebe$$d ,gainst his worthier, as thine now serve thee, G ?<C H /hy se$f not free, b#t to thy se$f enthra$$0d! 8et $e#d$y dar0st o#r ministring #pbraid. -eign tho# in .e$$ thy Jingdom, $et mee serve In .eav0n (od ever b$est, and his 3ivine )ehests obey, worthiest to be obey0d, G ?<5 H 8et Chains in .e$$, not -ea$ms e pect+ mean whi$e From mee ret#rnd, as erst tho# saidst, from f$ight, /his greeting on thy impio#s Crest receive. So saying, a nob$e stroke he $ifted high, 6hich h#ng not, b#t so swift with tempest fe$$ G ?=C H In the pro#d Crest of Satan, that no sight, Eor motion of swift tho#ght, $ess co#$d his Shie$d S#ch r#in intercept+ ten paces h#ge .e back recoi$d! the tenth on bended knee .is massie Spear #pstaid! as if on Earth G ?=5 H 6inds #nder gro#nd or waters forcing way Side$ong, had p#sh0t a *o#ntain from his seat .a$f s#nk with a$$ his 7ines. ,ma"ement seis0d /he -ebe$ /hrones, b#t greater rage to see /h#s foi$0d thir mightiest, o#rs 9oy fi$$d, and sho#t, G &CC H 7resage of 2ictorie and fierce desire If )atte$+ whereat *ichae$ bid so#nd /h0 ,rch1,nge$ tr#mpet! thro#gh the vast of .eaven It so#nded, and the faithf#$ ,rmies r#ng .osanna to the .ighest+ nor stood at ga"e G &C5 H /he adverse Legions, nor $ess hideo#s 9oyn0d /he horrid shock+ now storming f#rie rose, ,nd c$amo#r s#ch as heard in .eav0n ti$$ now 6as never, ,rms on ,rmo#r c$ashing bray0d

.orrib$e discord, and the madding 6hee$es G &?C H If bra"en Chariots rag0d! dire was the noise If conf$ict! over head the disma$ hiss If fiery 3arts in f$aming vo$ies f$ew, ,nd f$ying va#$ted either .ost with fire. So #nder fierie Cope together r#sh0d G &?5 H )oth )atte$s maine, with r#ino#s assa#$t ,nd ine ting#ishab$e rage! a$$ .eav0n -eso#nded, and had Earth bin then, a$$ Earth .ad to her Center shook. 6hat wonder@ when *i$$ions of fierce enco#ntring ,nge$s fo#ght G &&C H In either side, the $east of whom co#$d wei$d /hese E$ements, and arm him with the force If a$$ thir -egions+ how m#ch more of 7ower ,rmie against ,rmie n#mber$ess to raise 3readf#$ comb#stion warring, and dist#rb, G &&5 H /ho#gh not destroy, thir happie Eative seat! .ad not th0 Eterna$ Jing Imnipotent From his strong ho$d of .eav0n high over1r#$0d ,nd $imited thir might! tho#gh n#mberd s#ch ,s each divided Legion might have seemd G &>C H , n#mero#s .ost, in strength each armed hand , Legion! $ed in fight, yet Leader seemd Each 6arrio#r sing$e as in Chief, e pert 6hen to advance, or stand, or t#rn the sway If )atte$, open when, and when to c$ose G &>5 H /he ridges of grim 6arr! no tho#ght of f$ight, Eone of retreat, no #nbecoming deed /hat arg#0d fear! each on himse$f re$i0d, ,s one$y in his arm the moment $ay If victorie! deeds of eterna$ fame G &AC H 6ere don, b#t infinite+ for wide was spred /hat 6arr and vario#s! somtimes on firm gro#nd , standing fight, then soaring on main wing /ormented a$$ the ,ir! a$$ ,ir seemd then Conf$icting Fire+ $ong time in eeven sca$e G &A5 H /he )atte$ h#ng! ti$$ Satan, who that day 7rodigio#s power had shewn, and met in ,rmes Eo e:#a$, ra#nging thro#gh the dire attack If fighting Seraphim conf#s0d, at $ength Saw where the Sword of *ichae$ smote, and fe$$0d G &5C H S:#adrons at once, with h#ge two1handed sway )randisht a$oft the horrid edge came down 6ide wasting! s#ch destr#ction to withstand .e hasted, and oppos0d the rockie Irb If tenfo$d ,damant, his amp$e Shie$d G &55 H , vast circ#mference+ ,t his approach /he great ,rch1,nge$ from his war$ike toi$e S#rceas0d, and g$ad as hoping here to end Intestine 6ar in .eav0n, the arch foe s#bd#0d Ir Captive drag0d in Chains, with hosti$e frown G &BC H ,nd visage a$$ enf$am0d first th#s began.

,#thor of evi$, #nknown ti$$ thy revo$t, 4nnam0d in .eav0n, now p$enteo#s, as tho# seest /hese ,cts of hatef#$ strife, hatef#$ to a$$, /ho#gh heaviest by 9#st meas#re on thy se$f G &B5 H ,nd thy adherents+ how hast tho# dist#rb0d .eav0ns b$essed peace, and into Eat#re bro#ght *iserie, #ncreated ti$$ the crime If thy -ebe$$ion@ how hast tho# insti$$0d /hy ma$ice into tho#sands, once #pright G &;C H ,nd faithf#$, now prov0d fa$se. )#t think not here /o tro#b$e .o$y -est! .eav0n casts thee o#t From a$$ her Confines. .eav0n the seat of b$iss )rooks not the works of vio$ence and 6arr. .ence then, and evi$ go with thee a$ong G &;5 H /hy ofspring, to the p$ace of evi$, .e$$, /ho# and thy wicked crew! there ming$e broi$es, Ere this avenging Sword begin thy doome, Ir som more s#dden vengeance wing0d from (od 7recipitate thee with a#gmented paine. G &<C H So spake the 7rince of ,nge$s! to whom th#s /he ,dversarie. Eor think tho# with wind If airie threats to aw whom yet with deeds /ho# canst not. .ast tho# t#rnd the $east of these /o f$ight, or if to fa$$, b#t that they rise G &<5 H 4nvan:#isht, easier to transact with mee /hat tho# sho#$dst hope, imperio#s, and with threats /o chase me hence@ erre not that so sha$$ end /he strife which tho# ca$$0st evi$, b#t wee sty$e /he strife of ($orie+ which we mean to win, G &=C H Ir t#rn this .eav0n it se$f into the .e$$ /ho# fab$est, here however to dwe$$ free, If not to reign+ mean whi$e thy #tmost force, ,nd 9oin him nam0d ,$mighty to thy aid, I f$ie not, b#t have so#ght thee farr and nigh. G &=5 H /hey ended par$e, and both addresst for fight 4nspeakab$e! for who, tho#gh with the tong#e If ,nge$s, can re$ate, or to what things Liken on Earth conspic#o#s, that may $ift .#man imagination to s#ch highth G >CC H If (od$ike 7ower+ for $ikest (ods they seemd, Stood they or mov0d, in stat#re, motion, arms Fit to decide the Empire of great .eav0n. Eow wav0d thir fierie Swords, and in the ,ire *ade horrid Circ$es! two broad S#ns thir Shie$ds G >C5 H )$a"0d opposite, whi$e e pectation stood In horror! from each hand with speed retir0d 6here erst was thickest fight, th0 ,nge$ic throng, ,nd $eft $arge fie$d, #nsafe within the wind If s#ch commotion, s#ch as to set forth G >?C H (reat things by sma$$, If Eat#res concord broke, ,mong the Conste$$ations warr were spr#ng,

/wo 7$anets r#shing from aspect ma$igne If fiercest opposition in mid Skie, Sho#$d combat, and thir 9arring Sphears confo#nd. G >?5 H /ogether both with ne t to ,$mightie ,rme, 4p$ifted imminent one stroke they aim0d /hat might determine, and not need repeate, ,s not of power, at once! nor odds appeerd In might or swift prevention! b#t the sword G >&C H If *ichae$ from the ,rmorie of (od 6as giv0n him temperd so, that neither keen Eor so$id might resist that edge+ it met /he sword of Satan with steep force to smite 3escending, and in ha$f c#t sheere, nor staid, G >&5 H )#t with swift whee$e reverse, deep entring shar0d ,$$ his right side! then Satan first knew pain, ,nd writh0 d him to and fro convo$v0d! so sore /he griding sword with discontin#o#s wo#nd 7assd thro#gh him, b#t th0 Etherea$ s#bstance c$os0d G >>C H Eot $ong divisib$e, and from the gash , stream of Eectaro#s h#mor iss#ing f$ow0d Sang#in, s#ch as Ce$estia$ Spirits may b$eed, ,nd a$$ his ,rmo#r staind ere whi$e so bright. Forthwith on a$$ sides to his aide was r#n G >>5 H )y ,nge$s many and strong, who interpos0d 3efence, whi$e others bore him on thir Shie$ds )ack to his Chariot! where it stood retir0d From off the fi$es of warr! there they him $aid (nashing for ang#ish and despite and shame G >AC H /o find himse$f not match$ess, and his pride .#mb$0d by s#ch reb#ke, so farr beneath .is confidence to e:#a$ (od in power. 8et soon he hea$0d! for Spirits that $ive thro#gho#t 2ita$ in every part, not as frai$ man G >A5 H In Entrai$es, .eart or .ead, Liver or -eines! Cannot b#t by annihi$ating die! Eor in thir $i:#id te t#re morta$ wo#nd -eceive, no more then can the f$#id ,ire+ ,$$ .eart they $ive, a$$ .ead, a$$ Eye, a$$ Eare, G >5C H ,$$ Inte$$ect, a$$ Sense, and as they p$ease, /hey Limb themse$ves, and co$o#r, shape or si"e ,ss#me, as $ikes them best, condense or rare. *ean whi$e in other parts $ike deeds deservd *emoria$, where the might of (abrie$ fo#ght, G >55 H ,nd with fierce Ensignes pierc0d the deep array If *o$oc f#rio#s Jing, who him defi0d ,nd at his Chariot whee$es to drag him bo#nd /hreatn0d, nor from the .o$ie Ine of .eav0n -efrein0d his tong#e b$asphemo#s! b#t anon G >BC H 3own c$ov0n to the waste, with shatterd ,rmes ,nd #nco#th paine f$ed be$$owing. In each wing 4rie$ and -aphae$ his va#nting foe, /ho#gh h#ge, and in a -ock of 3iamond ,rmd,

2an:#ish0d ,drame$ec, and ,smadai, G >B5 H /wo potent /hrones, that to be $ess then (ods 3isdain0d, b#t meaner tho#ghts $earnd in thir f$ight, *ang$0d with gast$y wo#nds thro#gh 7$ate and *ai$e, Eor stood #nmindf#$ ,bdie$ to annoy /he ,theist crew, b#t with redo#b$0d b$ow G >;C H ,rie$ and ,rioc, and the vio$ence If -amie$ scorcht and b$asted overthrew. I might re$ate of tho#sands, and thir names Eterni"e here on Earth! b#t those e$ect ,nge$s contented with thir fame in .eav0n G >;5 H Seek not the praise of men+ the other sort In might tho#gh wondro#s and in ,cts of 6arr, Eor of -enown $ess eager, yet by doome Cance$d from .eav0n and sacred memorie, Eame$ess in dark ob$ivion $et them dwe$$. G ><C H For strength from /r#th divided and from F#st, I$$a#dab$e, na#ght merits b#t dispraise ,nd ignominie, yet to g$orie aspires 2ain g$orio#s, and thro#gh infamie seeks fame+ /herfore Eterna$ si$ence be thir doome. G ><5 H ,nd now thir *ightiest :#e$$d, the batte$ swerv0d, 6ith many an inrode gor0d! deformed ro#t Enter0d, and fo#$ disorder! a$$ the gro#nd 6ith shiverd armo#r strow0n, and on a heap Chariot and Charioter $ay overt#rnd G >=C H ,nd fierie foaming Steeds! what stood, recoy$d Irewearied, thro#gh the faint Satanic .ost 3efensive scarse, or with pa$e fear s#rpris0d, /hen first with fear s#rpris0d and sense of paine F$ed ignominio#s, to s#ch evi$ bro#ght G >=5 H )y sin of disobedience, ti$$ that ho#r Eot $iab$e to fear or f$ight or paine. Far otherwise th0 invio$ab$e Saints In C#bic 7ha$an firm advanc0t entire, Inv#$nerab$e, impenitrab$y arm0d+ G ACC H S#ch high advantages thir innocence (ave them above thir foes, not to have sinnd, Eot to have disobei0d! in fight they stood 4nwearied, #nobno io#s to be pain0d )y wo#nd, tho#gh from thir p$ace by vio$ence mov0d. G AC5 H Eow Eight her co#rse began, and over .eav0n Ind#cing darkness, gratef#$ tr#ce impos0d, ,nd si$ence on the odio#s dinn of 6arr+ 4nder her C$o#die covert both retir0d, 2ictor and 2an:#isht+ on the fo#ghten fie$d G A?C H *ichae$ and his ,nge$s preva$ent Encamping, p$ac0d in (#ard thir 6atches ro#nd, Cher#bic waving fires+ on th0 other part Satan with his rebe$$io#s disappeerd, Far in the dark dis$odg0d, and void of rest, G A?5 H

.is 7otentates to Co#nce$ ca$$0d by night! ,nd in the midst th#s #ndismai0d began. I now in danger tri0d, now known in ,rmes Eot to be overpowerd, Companions deare, Fo#nd worthy not of Libertie a$one, G A&C H /oo mean pretense, b#t what we more affect, .ono#r, 3ominion, ($orie, and renowne, 6ho have s#staind one day in do#btf#$ fight %,nd if one day, why not Eterna$ dayes@' 6hat .eavens Lord had powerf#$$est to send G A&5 H ,gainst #s from abo#t his /hrone, and 9#dg0d S#fficient to s#bd#e #s to his wi$$, )#t proves not so+ then fa$$ib$e, it seems, If f#t#re we may deem him, tho#gh ti$$ now Imniscient tho#ght. /r#e is, $ess firm$y arm0d, G A>C H Some disadvantage we end#r0d and paine, /i$$ now not known, b#t known as soon contemnd, Since now we find this o#r Empyrea$ form Incapab$e of morta$ in9#rie Imperishab$e, and tho#gh pierc0d with wo#nd, G A>5 H Soon c$osing, and by native vigo#r hea$0d. If evi$ then so sma$$ as easie think /he remedie! perhaps more va$id ,rmes, 6eapons more vio$ent, when ne t we meet, *ay serve to better #s, and worse o#r foes, G AAC H Ir e:#a$ what between #s made the odds, In Eat#re none+ if other hidden ca#se Left them S#perio#r, whi$e we can preserve 4nh#rt o#r mindes, and #nderstanding so#nd, 3#e search and cons#$tation wi$$ disc$ose. G AA5 H .e sat! and in th0 assemb$y ne t #pstood Eisroc, of 7rincipa$ities the prime! ,s one he stood escap0t from cr#e$ fight, Sore toi$d, his riv0n ,rmes to havoc hewn, ,nd c$o#die in aspect th#s answering spake. G A5C H 3e$iverer from new Lords, $eader to free En9oyment of o#r right as (ods! yet hard For (ods, and too #ne:#a$ work we find ,gainst #ne:#a$ arms to fight in paine, ,gainst #npaind, impassive! from which evi$ G A55 H -#in m#st needs ens#e! for what avai$es 2a$o#r or strength, tho#gh match$ess, :#e$$d with pain 6hich a$$ s#bd#es, and makes remiss the hands If *ightiest. Sense of p$eas#re we may we$$ Spare o#t of $ife perhaps, and not repine, G ABC H )#t $ive content, which is the ca$mest $ife+ )#t pain is perfet miserie, the worst If evi$s, and e cessive, overt#rnes ,$$ patience. .e who therefore can invent 6ith what more forcib$e we may offend G AB5 H I#r yet #nwo#nded Enemies, or arme

I#r se$ves with $ike defence, to me deserves Eo $ess then for de$iverance what we owe. 6hereto with $ook compos0d Satan rep$i0d. Eot #ninvented that, which tho# aright G A;C H )e$ievst so main to o#r s#ccess, I bring! 6hich of #s who beho$ds the bright s#rface If this Ethereo#s mo#$d whereon we stand, /his continent of spacio#s .eav0n, adornd 6ith 7$ant, Fr#it, F$o#r ,mbrosia$, (emms N (o$d, G A;5 H 6hose Eye so s#perficia$$y s#rveyes /hese things, as not to mind from whence they grow 3eep #nder gro#nd, materia$s dark and cr#de, If spirito#s and fierie sp#me, ti$$ to#cht 6ith .eav0ns ray, and temperd they shoot forth G A<C H So bea#teo#s, op0ning to the ambient $ight. /hese in thir dark Eativitie the 3eep Sha$$ yie$d #s pregnant with inferna$ f$ame, 6hich into ha$$ow Engins $ong and ro#nd /hick1rammd, at th0 other bore with to#ch of fire G A<5 H 3i$ated and inf#riate sha$$ send forth From far with th#ndring noise among o#r foes S#ch imp$ements of mischief as sha$$ dash /o pieces, and orewhe$m whatever stands ,dverse, that they sha$$ fear we have disarmd G A=C H /he /h#nderer of his on$y dreaded bo$t. Eor $ong sha$$ be o#r $abo#r, yet ere dawne, Effect sha$$ end o#r wish. *ean whi$e revive! ,bandon fear! to strength and co#nse$ 9oind /hink nothing hard, m#ch $ess to be despaird. G A=5 H .e ended, and his words thir drooping chere En$ightn0d, and thir $ang#isht hope reviv0d. /h0 invention a$$ admir0d, and each, how hee /o be th0 inventor miss0d, so easie it seemd Ince fo#nd, which yet #nfo#nd most wo#$d have tho#ght G 5CC H Impossib$e+ yet hap$y of thy -ace In f#t#re dayes, if *a$ice sho#$d abo#nd, Some one intent on mischief, or inspir0d 6ith dev0$ish machination might devise Like instr#ment to p$ag#e the Sons of men G 5C5 H For sin, on warr and m#t#a$ s$a#ghter bent. Forthwith from Co#nce$ to the work they f$ew, Eone arg#ing stood, inn#merab$e hands 6ere ready, in a moment #p they t#rnd 6ide the Ce$estia$ soi$e, and saw beneath G 5?C H /h0 origina$s of Eat#re in thir cr#de Conception! S#$ph#ro#s and Eitro#s Foame /hey fo#nd, they ming$0d, and with s#tt$e ,rt, Concocted and ad#sted they red#c0d /o b$ackest grain, and into store convey0d+ G 5?5 H 7art hidd0n veins diggd #p %nor hath this Earth Entrai$s #n$ike' of *inera$ and Stone, 6hereof to fo#nd thir Engins and thir )a$$s

If missive r#in! part incentive reed 7rovide, pernicio#s with one to#ch to fire. G 5&C H So a$$ ere day1spring, #nder conscio#s Eight Secret they finish0d, and in order set, 6ith si$ent circ#mspection #nespi0d. Eow when fair *orn Irient in .eav0n appeerd 4p rose the 2ictor ,nge$s, and to ,rms G 5&5 H /he matin /r#mpet S#ng+ in ,rms they stood If (o$den 7anop$ie, ref#$gent .ost, Soon banded! others from the dawning .i$$s Lookd ro#nd, and Sco#ts each Coast $ight1armed sco#re, Each :#arter, to descrie the distant foe, G 5>C H 6here $odg0d, or whither f$ed, or if for fight, In motion or in a$t+ him soon they met 4nder spred Ensignes moving nigh, in s$ow )#t firm )atta$ion! back with speediest Sai$ Rophie$, of Cher#bim the swiftest wing, G 5>5 H Came f$ying, and in mid ,ire a$o#d th#s cri0d. ,rme, 6arrio#rs, ,rme for fight, the foe at hand, 6hom f$ed we tho#ght, wi$$ save #s $ong p#rs#it /his day, fear not his f$ight! so thick a C$o#d .e comes, and sett$0d in his face I see G 5AC H Sad reso$#tion and sec#re+ $et each .is ,damantine coat gird we$$, and each Fit we$$ his .e$me, gripe fast his orbed Shie$d, )orn eevn or high, for this day wi$$ po#r down, If I con9ect#re a#ght, no dri"$ing showr, G 5A5 H )#t rat$ing storm of ,rrows barbd with fire. So warnd he them aware themse$ves, and soon In order, :#it of a$$ impediment! Instant witho#t dist#rb they took ,$$arm, ,nd onward move Embatte$$d! when beho$d G 55C H Eot distant far with heavie pace the Foe ,pproaching gross and h#ge! in ho$$ow C#be /raining his devi$ish Enginrie, impa$0d In every side with shaddowing S:#adrons 3eep, /o hide the fra#d. ,t interview both stood G 555 H , whi$e, b#t s#dden$y at head appeerd Satan+ ,nd th#s was heard Commanding $o#d. 2ang#ard, to -ight and Left the Front #nfo#$d! /hat a$$ may see who hate #s, how we seek 7eace and compos#re, and with open brest G 5BC H Stand readie to receive them, if they $ike I#r overt#re, and t#rn not back perverse! )#t that I do#bt, however witness .eaven, .eav0n witness tho# anon, whi$e we discharge Free$y o#r part! yee who appointed stand G 5B5 H 3o as yo# have in charge, and brief$y to#ch 6hat we propo#nd, and $o#d that a$$ may hear. So scoffing in ambig#o#s words he scarce .ad ended! when to -ight and Left the Front

3ivided, and to either F$ank retir0d. G 5;C H 6hich to o#r eyes discoverd new and strange, , trip$e mo#nted row of 7i$$ars $aid In 6hee$s %for $ike to 7i$$ars most they seem0d Ir ho$$ow0d bodies made of Iak or Firr 6ith branches $opt, in 6ood or *o#ntain fe$$0d' G 5;5 H )rass, Iron, Stonie mo#$d, had not thir mo#thes 6ith hideo#s orifice gap0t on #s wide, 7ortending ho$$ow tr#ce! at each behind , Seraph stood, and in his hand a -eed Stood waving tipt with fire! whi$e we s#spense, G 5<C H Co$$ected stood within o#r tho#ghts am#s0d, Eot $ong, for s#dden a$$ at once thir -eeds 7#t forth, and to a narrow vent app$i0d 6ith nicest to#ch. Immediate in a f$ame, )#t soon obsc#r0d with smoak, a$$ .eav0n appeerd, G 5<5 H From those deep throated Engins be$cht, whose roar Embowe$d with o#tragio#s noise the ,ir, ,nd a$$ her entrai$s tore, disgorging fo#$e /hir devi$ish g$#t, chaind /h#nderbo$ts and .ai$ If Iron ($obes, which on the 2ictor .ost G 5=C H Leve$0d, with s#ch impet#o#s f#rie smote, /hat whom they hit, none on thir feet might stand, /ho#gh standing e$se as -ocks, b#t down they fe$$ )y tho#sands, ,nge$ on ,rch1,nge$ row$0d! /he sooner for thir ,rms, #narm0d they might G 5=5 H .ave easi$y as Spirits evaded swift )y :#ick contraction or remove! b#t now Fo#$e dissipation fo$$ow0d and forc0t ro#t! Eor serv0d it to re$a thir serried fi$es. G BCC H 6hat sho#$d they do@ if on they r#sht, rep#$se -epeated, and indecent overthrow 3o#b$0d, wo#$d render them yet more despis0d, ,nd to thir foes a $a#ghter! for in view Stood rankt of Seraphim another row In post#re to disp$ode thir second tire G BC5 H If /h#nder+ back defeated to ret#rn /hey worse abhorr0d. Satan behe$d thir p$ight, ,nd to his *ates th#s in derision ca$$0d. I Friends, why come not on these 2ictors pro#d@ Ere whi$e they fierce were coming, and when wee, G B?C H /o entertain them fair with open Front ,nd )rest, %what co#$d we more@' propo#nded terms If composition, strait they chang0d thir minds, F$ew off, and into strange vagaries fe$$, ,s they wo#$d dance, yet for a dance they seemd G B?5 H Somwhat e travagant and wi$de, perhaps For 9oy of offerd peace+ b#t I s#ppose If o#r proposa$s once again were heard 6e sho#$d compe$ them to a :#ick res#$t. /o whom th#s )e$ia$ in $ike gamesom mood, G B&C H

Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight, If hard contents, and f#$$ of force #rg0d home, S#ch as we might perceive am#s0d them a$$, ,nd st#mb$0d many, who receives them right, .ad need from head to foot we$$ #nderstand! G B&5 H Eot #nderstood, this gift they have besides, /hey shew #s when o#r foes wa$k not #pright. So they among themse$ves in p$easant veine Stood scoffing, highthn0d in thir tho#ghts beyond ,$$ do#bt of victorie, eterna$ might G B>C H /o match with thir inventions they pres#m0d So easie, and of his /h#nder made a scorn, ,nd a$$ his .ost derided, whi$e they stood , whi$e in tro#b$e! b#t they stood not $ong, -age prompted them at $ength, and fo#nd them arms G B>5 H ,gainst s#ch he$$ish mischief fit to oppose. Forthwith %beho$d the e ce$$ence, the power 6hich (od hath in his mighty ,nge$s p$ac0d' /hir ,rms away they threw, and to the .i$$s %For Earth hath this variety from .eav0n G BAC H If p$eas#re sit#ate in .i$$ and 3a$e' Light as the Lightning g$imps they ran, they f$ew, From thir fo#ndations $oosning to and fro /hey p$#ckt the seated .i$$s with a$$ thir $oad, -ocks, 6aters, 6oods, and by the shaggie tops G BA5 H 4p $ifting bore them in thir hands+ ,ma"e, )e s#re, and terro#r seis0d the rebe$ .ost, 6hen coming towards them so dread they saw /he bottom of the *o#ntains #pward t#rn0d, /i$$ on those c#rsed Engins trip$e1row G B5C H /hey saw them whe$m0d, and a$$ thir confidence 4nder the weight of *o#ntains b#ried deep, /hemse$ves invaded ne t, and on thir heads *ain 7romontories f$#ng, which in the ,ir Came shadowing, and opprest who$e Legions arm0d, G B55 H /hir armor he$p0d thir harm, cr#sh0t in and br#is0d Into thir s#bstance pent, which wro#ght them pain Imp$acab$e, and many a do$oro#s groan, Long str#g$ing #nderneath, ere they co#$d wind I#t of s#ch prison, tho#gh Spirits of p#rest $ight, G BBC H 7#rest at first, now gross by sinning grown. /he rest in imitation to $ike ,rmes )etook them, and the neighbo#ring .i$$s #ptore! So .i$$s amid the ,ir enco#nterd .i$$s .#r$0d to and fro with 9ac#$ation dire, G BB5 H /hat #nder gro#nd, they fo#ght in disma$ shade! Inferna$ noise! 6arr seem0d a civi$ (ame /o this #proar! horrid conf#sion heapt 4pon conf#sion rose+ and now a$$ .eav0n .ad gone to wrack, with r#in overspred, G B;C H .ad not th0 ,$mightie Father where he sits Shrin0d in his Sanct#arie of .eav0n sec#re,

Cons#$ting on the s#m of things, foreseen /his t#m#$t, and permitted a$$, advis0d+ /hat his great p#rpose he might so f#$fi$$, G B;5 H /o hono#r his ,nointed Son aveng0d 4pon his enemies, and to dec$are ,$$ power on him transferr0d+ whence to his Son /h0 ,ssessor of his /hrone he th#s began. Eff#$gence of my ($orie, Son be$ov0d, G B<C H Son in whose face invisib$e is behe$d 2isib$y, what by 3eitie I am, ,nd in whose hand what by 3ecree I doe, Second Imnipotence, two dayes are past, /wo dayes, as we comp#te the dayes of .eav0n, G B<5 H Since *ichae$ and his 7owers went forth to tame /hese disobedient! sore hath been thir fight, ,s $ike$iest was, when two s#ch Foes met arm0d! For to themse$ves I $eft them, and tho# knowst, E:#a$ in thir Creation they were form0d, G B=C H Save what sin hath impaird, which yet hath wro#ght Insensib$y, for I s#spend thir doom! 6hence in perpet#a$ fight they needs m#st $ast End$ess, and no so$#tion wi$$ be fo#nd+ 6arr wearied hath perform0d what 6arr can do, G B=5 H ,nd to disorder0d rage $et $oose the reines, 6ith *o#ntains as with 6eapons arm0d, which makes 6i$d work in .eav0n, and dangero#s to the maine. /wo dayes are therefore past, the third is thine! For thee I have ordain0d it, and th#s farr G ;CC H .ave s#fferd, that the ($orie may be thine If ending this great 6arr, since none b#t /ho# Can end it. Into thee s#ch 2ert#e and (race Immense I have transf#s0d, that a$$ may know In .eav0n and .e$$ thy 7ower above compare, G ;C5 H ,nd this perverse Commotion governd th#s, /o manifest thee worthiest to be .eir If a$$ things, to be .eir and to be Jing )y Sacred 4nction, thy deserved right. (o then tho# *ightiest in thy Fathers might, G ;?C H ,scend my Chariot, g#ide the rapid 6hee$es /hat shake .eav0ns basis, bring forth a$$ my 6arr, *y )ow and /h#nder, my ,$mightie ,rms (ird on, and Sword #pon thy p#issant /high! 7#rs#e these sons of 3arkness, drive them o#t G ;?5 H From a$$ .eav0ns bo#nds into the #tter 3eep+ /here $et them $earn, as $ikes them, to despise (od and *essiah his anointed Jing. .e said, and on his Son with -ayes direct Shon f#$$, he a$$ his Father f#$$ e prest G ;&C H Ineffab$y into his face receiv0d, ,nd th#s the fi$ia$ (odhead answering spake. I Father, I S#pream of heav0n$y /hrones,

First, .ighest, .o$iest, )est, tho# a$wayes seekst /o g$orifie thy Son, I a$wayes thee, G ;&5 H ,s is most 9#st! this I my ($orie acco#nt, *y e a$tation, and my who$e de$ight, /hat tho# in me we$$ p$eas0d, dec$arst thy wi$$ F#$fi$$0d, which to f#$fi$ is a$$ my b$iss. Scepter and 7ower, thy giving, I ass#me, G ;>C H ,nd g$ad$ier sha$$ resign, when in the end /ho# sha$t be ,$$ in ,$$, and I in thee For ever, and in mee a$$ whom tho# $ov0st+ )#t whom tho# hat0st, I hate, and can p#t on /hy terrors, as I p#t thy mi$dness on, G ;>5 H Image of thee in a$$ things! and sha$$ soon, ,rmd with thy might, rid heav0n of these rebe$$0d, /o thir prepar0d i$$ *ansion driven down /o chains of darkness, and th0 #ndying 6orm, /hat from thy 9#st obedience co#$d revo$t, G ;AC H 6hom to obey is happiness entire. /hen sha$$ thy Saints #nmi t, and from th0 imp#re Farr separate, circ$ing thy ho$y *o#nt 4nfeigned .a$$e$#iahs to thee sing, .ymns of high praise, and I among them chief. G ;A5 H So said, he o0re his Scepter bowing, rose From the right hand of ($orie where he sate, ,nd the third sacred *orn began to shine 3awning thro#gh .eav0n+ forth r#sh0d with whir$1wind so#nd /he Chariot of 7aterna$ 3eitie, G ;5C H F$ashing thick f$ames, 6hee$e within 6hee$e, #ndrawn, It se$f instinct with Spirit, b#t convoyd )y fo#r Cher#bic shapes, fo#r Faces each .ad wondro#s, as with Starrs thir bodies a$$ ,nd 6ings were set with Eyes, with Eyes the whee$s G ;55 H If )eri$, and careering Fires between! Iver thir heads a chrysta$ Firmament, 6hereon a Saphir /hrone, in$aid with p#re ,mber, and co$o#rs of the showrie ,rch. .ee in Ce$estia$ 7anop$ie a$$ armd G ;BC H If radiant 4rim, work divine$y wro#ght, ,scended, at his right hand 2ictorie Sate Eag$e1wing0d, beside him h#ng his )ow ,nd M#iver with three1bo$ted /h#nder stor0d, ,nd from abo#t him fierce Eff#sion row$d G ;B5 H If smoak and bickering f$ame, and spark$es dire! ,ttended with ten tho#sand tho#sand Saints, .e onward came, farr off his coming shon, ,nd twentie tho#sand %I thir n#mber heard' Chariots of (od, ha$f on each hand were seen+ G ;;C H .ee on the wings of Cher#b rode s#b$ime In the Chrysta$$in Skie, in Saphir /hron0d. I$$#strio#s farr and wide, b#t by his own First seen, them #ne pected 9oy s#rpri"0d, 6hen the great Ensign of *essiah b$a"0d G ;;5 H

,$oft by ,nge$s born, his Sign in .eav0n+ 4nder whose Cond#ct *ichae$ soon red#c0d .is ,rmie, circ#mf#s0d on either 6ing, 4nder thir .ead imbodied a$$ in one. )efore him 7ower 3ivine his way prepar0d! G ;<C H ,t his command the #prooted .i$$s retir0d Each to his p$ace, they heard his voice and went Ibse:#io#s, .eav0n his wonted face renewd, ,nd with fresh F$o#rets .i$$ and 2a$$ey smi$0d. /his saw his hap$ess Foes b#t stood obd#r0d, G ;<5 H ,nd to rebe$$io#s fight ra$$ied thir 7owers Insensate, hope conceiving from despair. In heav0n$y Spirits co#$d s#ch perverseness dwe$$@ )#t to convince the pro#d what Signs avai$e, Ir 6onders move th0 obd#rate to re$ent@ G ;=C H /hey hard0nd more by what might most rec$ame, (rieving to see his ($orie, at the sight /ook envie, and aspiring to his highth, Stood reimbatte$$0d fierce, by force or fra#d 6eening to prosper, and at $ength prevai$e G ;=5 H ,gainst (od and *essiah, or to fa$$ In #niversa$ r#in $ast, and now /o fina$ )atte$ drew, disdaining f$ight, Ir faint retreat! when the great Son of (od /o a$$ his .ost on either hand th#s spake. G <CC H Stand sti$$ in bright array ye Saints, here stand 8e ,nge$s arm0d, this day from )atte$ rest! Faithf#$ hath been yo#r warfare, and of (od ,ccepted, fear$ess in his righteo#s Ca#se, ,nd as ye have receivd, so have ye don G <C5 H Invincib$y! b#t of this c#rsed crew /he p#nishment to other hand be$ongs, 2engeance is his, or whose he so$e appoints! E#mber to this dayes work is not ordain0d Eor m#$tit#de, stand one$y and beho$d G <?C H (ods indignation on these (od$ess po#rd )y mee, not yo# b#t mee they have despis0d, 8et envied! against mee is a$$ thir rage, )eca#se the Father, t0 whom in .eav0n s#pream Jingdom and 7ower and ($orie appertains, G <?5 H .ath hono#rd me according to his wi$$. /herefore to mee thir doom he hath assig0n0d! /hat they may have thir wish, to trie with mee In )atte$ which the stronger proves, they a$$, Ir I a$one against them, since by strength G <&C H /hey meas#re a$$, of other e ce$$ence Eot em#$o#s, nor care who them e ce$$s! Eor other strife with them do I vo#tsafe. So spake the Son, and into terro#r chang0d .is co#nt0nance too severe to be behe$d G <&5 H ,nd f#$$ of wra#th bent on his Enemies.

,t once the Fo#r spred o#t thir Starrie wings 6ith dreadf#$ shade contig#o#s, and the Irbes If his fierce Chariot row$d, as with the so#nd If torrent F$oods, or of a n#mero#s .ost. G <>C H .ee on his impio#s Foes right onward drove, ($oomie as Eight! #nder his b#rning 6hee$es /he stedfast Empyrean shook thro#gho#t, ,$$ b#t the /hrone it se$f of (od. F#$$ soon ,mong them he arriv0d! in his right hand G <>5 H (rasping ten tho#sand /h#nders, which he sent )efore him, s#ch as in thir So#$es infi 0d 7$ag#es! they astonisht a$$ resistance $ost, ,$$ co#rage! down thir id$e weapons drop0d! I0re Shie$ds and .e$mes, and he$med heads he rode G <AC H If /hrones and mighty Seraphim prostrate, /hat wisht the *o#ntains now might be again /hrown on them as a she$ter from his ire. Eor $ess on either side tempest#o#s fe$$ .is arrows, from the fo#rfo$d1visag0d Fo#re, G <A5 H 3istinct with eyes, and from the $iving 6hee$s, 3istinct a$ike with m#$tit#de of eyes, Ine Spirit in them r#$0d, and every eye ($ar0d $ightning, and shot forth pernicio#s fire ,mong th0 acc#rst, that witherd a$$ thir strength, G <5C H ,nd of thir wonted vigo#r $eft them draind, E ha#sted, spirit$ess, aff$icted, fa$$0n. 8et ha$f his strength he p#t not forth, b#t check0d .is /h#nder in mid 2o$ie, for he meant Eot to destroy, b#t root them o#t of .eav0n+ G <55 H /he overthrown he rais0d, and as a .eard If (oats or timero#s f$ock together throngd 3rove them before him /h#nder1str#ck, p#rs#0d 6ith terrors and with f#ries to the bo#nds ,nd Chrysta$ wa$$ of .eav0n, which op0ning wide, G <BC H -ow$d inward, and a spacio#s (ap disc$os0d Into the wastf#$ 3eep! the monstro#s sight Strook them with horror backward, b#t far worse 4rg0d them behind! head$ong themse$ves they threw 3own from the verge of .eav0n, Eterna$ wra#th G <B5 H )#rnt after them to the bottom$ess pit. .e$$ heard th0 #ns#fferab$e noise, .e$$ saw .eav0n r#ining from .eav0n and wo#$d have f$ed ,ffrighted! b#t strict Fate had cast too deep .er dark fo#ndations, and too fast had bo#nd. G <;C H Eine dayes they fe$$! confo#nded Chaos roard, ,nd fe$t tenfo$d conf#sion in thir fa$$ /hro#gh his wi$de ,narchie, so h#ge a ro#t Inc#mberd him with r#in+ .e$$ at $ast 8awning receavd them who$e, and on them c$os0d, G <;5 H .e$$ thir fit habitation fra#ght with fire 4n:#enchab$e, the ho#se of woe and paine. 3isb#rdnd .eav0n re9oic0d, and soon repaird

.er m#ra$ breach, ret#rning whence it row$d. So$e 2ictor from th0 e p#$sion of his Foes G <<C H *essiah his tri#mpha$ Chariot t#rnd+ /o meet him a$$ his Saints, who si$ent stood Eye witnesses of his ,$mightie ,cts, 6ith F#bi$ie advanc0d! and as they went, Shaded with branching 7a$me, each order bright, G <<5 H S#ng /ri#mph, and him s#ng 2ictorio#s Jing, Son, .eir, and Lord, to him 3ominion giv0n, 6orthiest to -eign+ he ce$ebrated rode /ri#mphant thro#gh mid .eav0n, into the Co#rts ,nd /emp$e of his mightie Father /hron0d G <=C H In high+ who into ($orie him receav0d, 6here now he sits at the right hand of b$iss. /h#s meas#ring things in .eav0n by things on Earth ,t thy re:#est, and that tho# maist beware )y what is past, to thee I have revea$0d G <=5 H 6hat might have e$se to h#man -ace bin hid! /he discord which befe$, and 6arr in .eav0n ,mong th0 ,nge$ic 7owers, and the deep fa$$ If those too high aspiring, who rebe$$d 6ith Satan, hee who envies now thy state, G =CC H 6ho now is p$otting how he may sed#ce /hee a$so from obedience, that with him )ereavd of happiness tho# maist partake .is p#nishment, Eterna$ miserie! 6hich wo#$d be a$$ his so$ace and revenge, G =C5 H ,s a despite don against the most .igh, /hee once to gaine Companion of his woe. )#t $ist0n not to his /emptations, warne /hy weaker! $et it profit thee to have heard )y terrib$e E amp$e the reward G =?C H If disobedience! firm they might have stood, 8et fe$$! remember, and fear to transgress.

Paradise &ost
*..K 8
T / "'G2M/+T
-aphae$ at the re:#est of ,dam re$ates how and wherefore this wor$d was first created! that (od, after the e pe$$ing of Satan and his ,nge$s o#t of .eaven, dec$ar0d his p$eas#re to create another 6or$d and other Creat#res to dwe$$ therein! sends his Son with ($ory and attendance of ,nge$s to perform the work of Creation in si dayes+ the ,nge$s ce$ebrate with .ymns the performance thereof, and his reascention into .eaven. 3Escend from .eav0n 4rania, by that name

If right$y tho# art ca$$0d, whose 2oice divine Fo$$owing, above th0 I$ympian .i$$ I soare, ,bove the f$ight of 7egasean wing. /he meaning, not the Eame I ca$$+ for tho# G 5 H Eor of the *#ses nine, nor on the top If o$d I$ymp#s dwe$$0st, b#t .eav0n$ie borne, )efore the .i$$s appeerd, or Fo#ntain f$ow0d, /ho# with Eterna$ 6isdom didst converse, 6isdom thy Sister, and with her didst p$ay G ?C H In presence of th0 ,$mightie Father, p$eas0d 6ith thy Ce$estia$ Song. 4p $ed by thee Into the .eav0n of .eav0ns I have pres#m0d, ,n Earth$ie (#est, and drawn Empyrea$ ,ire, /hy tempring! with $ike safetie g#ided down G ?5 H -et#rn me to my Eative E$ement+ Least from this f$ying Steed #nrein0d, %as once )e$$erophon, tho#gh from a $ower C$ime' 3ismo#nted, on th0 ,$eian Fie$d I fa$$ Erroneo#s there to wander and for$orne. G &C H .a$f yet remaines #ns#ng, b#t narrower bo#nd 6ithin the visib$e 3i#rna$ Spheare! Standing on Earth, not rapt above the 7o$e, *ore safe I Sing with morta$ voice, #nchang0d /o hoarce or m#te, tho#gh fa$$0n on evi$ dayes, G &5 H In evi$ dayes tho#gh fa$$0n, and evi$ tong#es! In darkness, and with dangers compast ro#nd, ,nd so$it#de! yet not a$one, whi$e tho# 2isit0st my s$#mbers Eight$y, or when *orn 7#rp$es the East+ sti$$ govern tho# my Song, G >C H 4rania, and fit a#dience find, tho#gh few. )#t drive farr off the barbaro#s dissonance If )acch#s and his -eve$$ers, the -ace If that wi$de -o#t that tore the /hracian )ard In -hodope, where 6oods and -ocks had Eares G >5 H /o rapt#re, ti$$ the savage c$amor dro#nd )oth .arp and 2oice! nor co#$d the *#se defend .er Son. So fai$ not tho#, who thee imp$ores+ For tho# art .eav0n$ie, shee an empty dreame. Say (oddess, what ens#0d when -aphae$, G AC H /he affab$e ,rch1,nge$, had forewarn0d ,dam by dire e amp$e to beware ,postasie, by what befe$$ in .eaven /o those ,postates, $east the $ike befa$$ In 7aradise to ,dam or his -ace, G A5 H Charg0d not to to#ch the interdicted /ree, If they transgress, and s$ight that so$e command, So easi$y obeyd amid the choice If a$$ tastes e$se to p$ease thir appetite, /ho#gh wandring. .e with his consorted Eve G 5C H /he storie heard attentive, and was fi$$0d 6ith admiration, and deep *#se to heare If things so high and strange, things to thir tho#ght

So #nimaginab$e as hate in .eav0n, ,nd 6arr so neer the 7eace of (od in b$iss G 55 H 6ith s#ch conf#sion+ b#t the evi$ soon 3riv0n back redo#nded as a f$ood on those From whom it spr#ng, impossib$e to mi 6ith )$essedness. 6hence ,dam soon repea$0d /he do#bts that in his heart arose+ and now G BC H Led on, yet sin$ess, with desire to know 6hat neerer might concern him, how this 6or$d If .eav0n and Earth conspicio#s first began, 6hen, and whereof created, for what ca#se, 6hat within Eden or witho#t was done G B5 H )efore his memorie, as one whose dro#th 8et scarce a$$ay0d sti$$ eyes the c#rrent streame, 6hose $i:#id m#rm#r heard new thirst e cites, 7roceeded th#s to ask his .eav0n$y (#est. (reat things, and f#$$ of wonder in o#r eares, G ;C H Farr differing from this 6or$d, tho# hast revea$0d 3ivine interpreter, by favo#r sent 3own from the Empyrean to forewarne 4s time$y of what might e$se have bin o#r $oss, 4nknown, which h#man know$edg co#$d not reach+ G ;5 H For which to the infinit$y (ood we owe Immorta$ thanks, and his admonishment -eceave with so$emne p#rpose to observe Imm#tab$y his sovran wi$$, the end If what we are. )#t since tho# hast vo#tsaf0t G <C H (ent$y for o#r instr#ction to impart /hings above Earth$y tho#ght, which yet concernd I#r knowing, as to highest wisdom seemd, 3eign to descend now $ower, and re$ate 6hat may no $ess perhaps avai$e #s known, G <5 H .ow first began this .eav0n which we beho$d 3istant so high, with moving Fires adornd Inn#merab$e, and this which yee$ds or fi$$s ,$$ space, the ambient ,ire, wide interf#s0d Imbracing ro#nd this f$orid Earth, what ca#se G =C H *ov0d the Creator in his ho$y -est /hro#gh a$$ Eternitie so $ate to b#i$d In Chaos, and the work beg#n, how soon ,bso$v0d, if #nforbid tho# maist #nfo#$d 6hat wee, not to e p$ore the secrets aske G =5 H If his Eterna$ Empire, b#t the more /o magnifie his works, the more we know. ,nd the great Light of 3ay yet wants to r#n *#ch of his -ace tho#gh steep, s#spens in .eav0n .e$d by thy voice, thy potent voice he heares, G ?CC H ,nd $onger wi$$ de$ay to heare thee te$$ .is (eneration, and the rising )irth If Eat#re from the #napparent 3eep+ Ir if the Starr of Eevning and the *oon .aste to thy a#dience, Eight with her wi$$ bring G ?C5 H

Si$ence, and S$eep $istning to thee wi$$ watch, Ir we can bid his absence, ti$$ thy Song End, and dismiss thee ere the *orning shine. /h#s ,dam his i$$#strio#s (#est beso#ght+ ,nd th#s the (od$ike ,nge$ answerd mi$de. G ??C H /his a$so thy re:#est with ca#tion askt Ibtaine+ tho#gh to reco#nt ,$mightie works 6hat words or tong#e of Seraph can s#ffice, Ir heart of man s#ffice to comprehend@ 8et what tho# canst attain, which best may serve G ??5 H /o g$orifie the *aker, and inferr /hee a$so happier, sha$$ not be withhe$d /hy hearing, s#ch Commission from above I have receav0d, to answer thy desire If know$edge within bo#nds! beyond abstain G ?&C H /o ask, nor $et thine own inventions hope /hings not revea$0d, which th0 invisib$e Jing, Ine$y Imniscient hath s#pprest in Eight, /o none comm#nicab$e in Earth or .eaven+ ,no#gh is $eft besides to search and know. G ?&5 H )#t Jnow$edge is as food, and needs no $ess .er /emperance over ,ppetite, to know In meas#re what the mind may we$$ contain, Ippresses e$se with S#rfet, and soon t#rns 6isdom to Fo$$y, as Eo#rishment to 6inde. G ?>C H Jnow then, that after L#cifer from .eav0n %So ca$$ him, brighter once amidst the .ost If ,nge$s, then that Starr the Starrs among' Fe$$ with his f$aming Legions thro#gh the 3eep Into his p$ace, and the great Son ret#rnd G ?>5 H 2ictorio#s with his Saints, th0 Imnipotent Eterna$ Father from his /hrone behe$d /hir m#$tit#de, and to his Son th#s spake. ,t $east o#r envio#s Foe hath fai$0d, who tho#ght ,$$ $ike himse$f rebe$$io#s, by whose aid G ?AC H /his inaccessib$e high strength, the seat If 3eitie s#pream, #s dispossest, .e tr#sted to have seis0d, and into fra#d 3rew many, whom thir p$ace knows here no more! 8et farr the greater part have kept, I see, G ?A5 H /hir station, .eav0n yet pop#$o#s retaines E#mber s#fficient to possess her -ea$mes /ho#gh wide, and this high /emp$e to fre:#ent 6ith *inisteries d#e and so$emn -ites+ )#t $east his heart e a$t him in the harme G ?5C H ,$ready done, to have dispeop$0d .eav0n *y damage fond$y deem0d, I can repaire /hat detriment, if s#ch it be to $ose Se$f1$ost, and in a moment wi$$ create ,nother 6or$d, o#t of one man a -ace G ?55 H If men inn#merab$e, there to dwe$$,

Eot here, ti$$ by degrees of merit rais0d /hey open to themse$ves at $ength the way 4p hither, #nder $ong obedience tri0d, ,nd Earth be chang0d to .eav0n, N .eav0n to Earth, G ?BC H Ine Jingdom, Foy and 4nion witho#t end. *ean whi$e inhabit $a e, ye 7owers of .eav0n, ,nd by my 6ord, begotten Son, by thee /his I perform, speak tho#, and be it don+ *y overshadowing Spirit and might with thee G ?B5 H I send a$ong, ride forth, and bid the 3eep 6ithin appointed bo#nds be .eav0n and Earth, )o#nd$ess the 3eep, beca#se I am who fi$$ Infinit#de, nor vac#o#s the space. /ho#gh I #ncirc#mscrib0d my se$f retire, G ?;C H ,nd p#t not forth my goodness, which is free /o act or not, Eecessitie and Chance ,pproach not mee, and what I wi$$ is Fate. So spake th0 ,$mightie, and to what he spake .is 6ord, the Fi$ia$ (odhead, gave effect. G ?;5 H Immediate are the ,cts of (od, more swift /hen time or motion, b#t to h#man ears Cannot witho#t process of speech be to$d, So to$d as earth$y notion can receave. (reat tri#mph and re9oycing was in .eav0n G ?<C H 6hen s#ch was heard dec$ar0d the ,$mightie0s wi$$! ($orie they s#ng to the most .igh, good wi$$ /o f#t#re men, and in thir dwe$$ings peace+ ($orie to him whose 9#st avenging ire .ad driven o#t th0 #ngod$y from his sight G ?<5 H ,nd th0 habitations of the 9#st! to him ($orie and praise, whose wisdom had ordain0d (ood o#t of evi$ to create, in stead If Spirits ma$igne a better -ace to bring Into thir vacant room, and thence diff#se G ?=C H .is good to 6or$ds and ,ges infinite. So sang the .ierarchies+ *ean whi$e the Son In his great E pedition now appeer0d, (irt with Imnipotence, with -adiance crown0d If *a9estie 3ivine, Sapience and Love G ?=5 H Immense, and a$$ his Father in him shon. ,bo#t his Chariot n#mber$ess were po#r0d Cher#b and Seraph, 7otentates and /hrones, ,nd 2ert#es, winged Spirits, and Chariots wing0d, From the ,rmo#ry of (od, where stand of o$d G &CC H *yriads between two bra"en *o#ntains $odg0d ,gainst a so$emn day, harnest at hand, Ce$estia$ E:#ipage! and now came forth Spontaneo#s, for within them Spirit $ivd, ,ttendant on thir Lord+ .eav0n op0nd wide G &C5 H .er ever d#ring (ates, .armonio#s so#nd In go$den .inges moving, to $et forth /he Jing of ($orie in his powerf#$ 6ord

,nd Spirit coming to create new 6or$ds. In heav0n$y gro#nd they stood, and from the shore G &?C H /hey view0d the vast immeas#rab$e ,byss I#trageo#s as a Sea, dark, wastef#$, wi$de, 4p from the bottom t#rn0d by f#rio#s windes ,nd s#rging waves, as *o#ntains to assa#$t .eav0ns highth, and with the Center mi the 7o$e. G &?5 H Si$ence, ye tro#b$0d waves, and tho# 3eep, peace, Said then th0 Imnific 6ord, yo#r discord end+ Eor staid, b#t on the 6ings of Cher#bim 4p$ifted, in 7aterna$ ($orie rode Farr into Chaos, and the 6or$d #nborn! G &&C H For Chaos heard his voice+ him a$$ his /raine Fo$$ow0d in bright procession to beho$d Creation, and the wonders of his might. /hen staid the fervid 6hee$es, and in his hand .e took the go$den Compasses, prepar0d G &&5 H In (ods Eterna$ store, to circ#mscribe /his 4niverse, and a$$ created things+ Ine foot he center0d, and the other t#rn0d -o#nd thro#gh the vast prof#nditie obsc#re, ,nd said, th#s farr e tend, th#s farr thy bo#nds, G &>C H /his be thy 9#st Circ#mference, I 6or$d. /h#s (od the .eav0n created, th#s the Earth, *atter #nform0d and void+ 3arkness profo#nd Cover0d th0 ,byss+ b#t on the watrie ca$me .is brooding wings the Spirit of (od o#tspred, G &>5 H ,nd vita$ vert#e inf#s0d, and vita$ warmth /hro#gho#t the f$#id *ass, b#t downward p#rg0d /he b$ack tartareo#s co$d Inferna$ dregs ,dverse to $ife+ then fo#nded, then cong$ob0d Like things to $ike, the rest to severa$ p$ace G &AC H 3isparted, and between sp#n o#t the ,ir, ,nd Earth se$f ba$$anc0t on her Center h#ng. Let ther be Light, said (od, and forthwith Light Etherea$, first of things, :#intessence p#re Spr#ng from the 3eep, and from her Eative East G &A5 H /o 9o#rnie thro#gh the airie g$oom began, Sphear0d in a radiant C$o#d, for yet the S#n 6as not! shee in a c$o#die /abernac$e So9o#rn0d the whi$e. (od saw the Light was good! ,nd $ight from darkness by the .emisphere G &5C H 3ivided+ Light the 3ay, and 3arkness Eight .e nam0d. /h#s was the first 3ay Eev0n and *orn+ Eor past #nce$ebrated, nor #ns#ng )y the Ce$estia$ M#ires, when Irient Light E ha$ing first from 3arkness they behe$d! G &55 H )irth1day of .eav0n and Earth! with 9oy and sho#t /he ho$$ow 4niversa$ Irb they fi$$0d, ,nd to#ch0d thir (o$den .arps, and hymning prais0d (od and his works, Creato#r him they s#ng,

)oth when first Eevning was, and when first *orn. G &BC H ,gain, (od said, $et ther be Firmament ,mid the 6aters, and $et it divide /he 6aters from the 6aters+ and (od made /he Firmament, e panse of $i:#id, p#re, /ransparent, E$ementa$ ,ir, diff#s0d G &B5 H In circ#it to the #ttermost conve If this great -o#nd+ partition firm and s#re, /he 6aters #nderneath from those above 3ividing+ for as Earth, so he the 6or$d )#i$t on circ#mf$#o#s 6aters ca$me, in wide G &;C H Crysta$$in Icean, and the $o#d misr#$e If Chaos farr remov0d, $east fierce e treames Contig#o#s might distemper the who$e frame+ ,nd .eav0n he nam0d the Firmament+ So Eev0n ,nd *orning Chor#s s#ng the second 3ay. G &;5 H /he Earth was form0d, b#t in the 6omb as yet If 6aters, Embryon immat#re invo$v0d, ,ppeer0d not+ over a$$ the face of Earth *ain Icean f$ow0d, not id$e, b#t with warme 7ro$ific h#mo#r soft0ning a$$ her ($obe, G &<C H Fermented the great *other to conceave, Satiate with genia$ moist#re, when (od said )e gather0d now ye 6aters #nder .eav0n Into one p$ace, and $et dry Land appeer. Immediate$y the *o#ntains h#ge appeer G &<5 H Emergent, and thir broad bare backs #pheave Into the C$o#ds, thir tops ascend the Skie+ So high as heav0d the t#mid .i$$s, so $ow 3own s#nk a ho$$ow bottom broad and deep, Capacio#s bed of 6aters+ thither they G &=C H .asted with g$ad precipitance, #prow$d ,s drops on d#st cong$obing from the drie! 7art rise in crysta$ 6a$$, or ridge direct, For haste! s#ch f$ight the great command impress0d In the swift f$o#ds+ as ,rmies at the ca$$ G &=5 H If /r#mpet %for of ,rmies tho# hast heard' /roop to thir Standard, so the watrie throng, 6ave row$ing after 6ave, where way they fo#nd, If steep, with torrent rapt#re, if thro#gh 7$aine, Soft1ebbing! nor withstood them -ock or .i$$, G >CC H )#t they, or #nder gro#nd, or circ#it wide 6ith Serpent erro#r wandring, fo#nd thir way, ,nd on the washie Iose deep Channe$s wore! Easie, e0re (od had bid the gro#nd be drie, ,$$ b#t within those banks, where -ivers now G >C5 H Stream, and perpet#a$ draw thir h#mid traine. /he dry Land, Earth, and the great receptac$e If congregated 6aters he ca$$0d Seas+ ,nd saw that it was good, and said, Let th0 Earth 7#t forth the verdant (rass, .erb yie$ding Seed, G >?C H

,nd Fr#it /ree yie$ding Fr#it after her kind! 6hose Seed is in her se$f #pon the Earth. .e scarce had said, when the bare Earth, ti$$ then 3esert and bare, #nsight$y, #nadorn0d, )ro#ght forth the tender (rass, whose verd#re c$ad G >?5 H .er 4niversa$ Face with p$easant green, /hen .erbs of every $eaf, that s#dden f$o#r0d Ip0ning thir vario#s co$o#rs, and made gay .er bosom sme$$ing sweet+ and these scarce b$own, Forth f$o#rish0t thick the c$#string 2ine, forth crept G >&C H /he sme$$ing (o#rd, #p stood the cornie -eed Embatte$$0d in her fie$d+ and the h#mb$e Shr#b, ,nd )#sh with fri"$0d hair imp$icit+ $ast -ose as in 3ance the state$y /rees, and spred /hir branches h#ng with copio#s Fr#it! or gemm0d G >&5 H /hir b$ossoms+ with high woods the hi$$s were crownd, 6ith t#fts the va$$ies and each fo#ntain side, 6ith borders $ong the -ivers. /hat Earth now Seemd $ike to .eav0n, a seat where (ods might dwe$$, Ir wander with de$ight, and $ove to ha#nt G >>C H .er sacred shades+ tho#gh (od had yet not rain0d 4pon the Earth, and man to ti$$ the gro#nd Eone was, b#t from the Earth a dewie *ist 6ent #p and waterd a$$ the gro#nd, and each 7$ant of the fie$d, which e0re it was in the Earth G >>5 H (od made, and every .erb, before it grew In the green stemm! (od saw that it was good. So Eev0n and *orn recorded the /hird 3ay. ,gain th0 ,$mightie spake+ Let there be Lights .igh in th0 e panse of .eaven to divide G >AC H /he 3ay from Eight! and $et them be for Signes, For Seasons, and for 3ayes, and circ$ing 8ears, ,nd $et them be for Lights as I ordaine /hir Iffice in the Firmament of .eav0n /o give Light on the Earth! and it was so. G >A5 H ,nd (od made two great Lights, great for thir #se /o *an, the greater to have r#$e by 3ay, /he $ess by Eight a$terne+ and made the Starrs, ,nd set them in the Firmament of .eav0n /o i$$#minate the Earth, and r#$e the 3ay G >5C H In thir vicissit#de, and r#$e the Eight, ,nd Light from 3arkness to divide. (od saw, S#rveying his great 6ork, that it was good+ For of Ce$estia$ )odies first the S#n , mightie Spheare he fram0d, #n$ightsom first, G >55 H /ho#gh of Etherea$ *o#$d+ then form0d the *oon ($obose, and every magnit#de of Starrs, ,nd sowd with Starrs the .eav0n thick as a fie$d+ If Light by farr the greater part he took, /ransp$anted from her c$o#die Shrine, and p$ac0d G >BC H In the S#ns Irb, made poro#s to receive ,nd drink the $i:#id Light, firm to retaine

.er gather0d beams, great 7a$ace now of Light. .ither as to thir Fo#ntain other Starrs -epairing, in thir go$d0n 4rns draw Light, G >B5 H ,nd hence the *orning 7$anet g#i$ds her horns! )y tinct#re or ref$ection they a#gment /hir sma$$ pec#$iar, tho#gh from h#man sight So farr remote, with dimin#tion seen. First in his East the g$orio#s Lamp was seen, G >;C H -egent of 3ay, and a$$ th0 .ori"on ro#nd Invested with bright -ayes, 9ocond to r#n .is Longit#de thro#gh .eav0n0s high rode+ the gray 3awn, and the 7$eiades before him danc0d Shedding sweet inf$#ence+ $ess bright the *oon, G >;5 H )#t opposite in $eve$d 6est was set .is mirror, with f#$$ face borrowing her Light From him, for other $ight she needed none In that aspect, and sti$$ that distance keepes /i$$ night, then in the East her t#rn she shines, G ><C H -evo$vd on .eav0ns great , $e, and her -eign 6ith tho#sand $esser Lights divid#a$ ho$ds, 6ith tho#sand tho#sand Starres, that then appeer0d Spang$ing the .emisphere+ then first adornd 6ith thir bright L#minaries that Set and -ose, G ><5 H ($ad Eevning and g$ad *orn crownd the fo#rth day. ,nd (od said, $et the 6aters generate -epti$ with Spawn ab#ndant, $iving So#$e+ ,nd $et Fow$e f$ie above the Earth, with wings 3isp$ayd on the op0n Firmament of .eav0n. G >=C H ,nd (od created the great 6ha$es, and each So#$ $iving, each that crept, which p$enteo#s$y /he waters generated by thir kindes, ,nd every )ird of wing after his kinde! ,nd saw that it was good, and b$ess0d them, saying, G >=5 H )e fr#itf#$, m#$tip$y, and in the Seas ,nd Lakes and r#nning Streams the waters fi$$! ,nd $et the Fow$e be m#$tip$y0d on the Earth. Forthwith the So#nds and Seas, each Creek and )ay 6ith Frie inn#merab$e swarme, and Shoa$es G ACC H If Fish that with thir Finns and shining Sca$es ($ide #nder the green 6ave, in Sc#$$es that oft )ank the mid Sea+ part sing$e or with mate (ra"e the Sea weed thir past#re, and thro#gh (roves If Cora$ stray, or sporting with :#ick g$ance G AC5 H Show to the S#n thir wav0d coats dropt with (o$d, Ir in thir 7ear$ie she$$s at ease, attend *oist n#triment, or #nder -ocks thir food In 9ointed ,rmo#r watch+ on smooth the Sea$e, ,nd bended 3o$phins p$ay+ part h#ge of b#$k G A?C H 6a$$owing #nwei$die, enormo#s in thir (ate /empest the Icean+ there Leviathan .#gest of $iving Creat#res, on the 3eep Stretcht $ike a 7romontorie s$eeps or swimmes,

,nd seems a moving Land, and at his (i$$es G A?5 H 3raws in, and at his /r#nck spo#ts o#t a Sea. *ean whi$e the tepid Caves, and Fens and shoares /hir )rood as n#mero#s hatch, from the Egg that soon )#rsting with kind$y r#pt#re forth disc$os0d /hir ca$$ow yo#ng, b#t featherd soon and f$edge G A&C H /hey s#mm0d thir 7enns, and soaring th0 air s#b$ime 6ith c$ang despis0d the gro#nd, #nder a c$o#d In prospect! there the Eag$e and the Stork In C$iffs and Cedar tops thir Eyries b#i$d+ 7art $oos$y wing the -egion, part more wise G A&5 H In common, rang0d in fig#re wedge thir way, Inte$$igent of seasons, and set forth /hir ,ierie Caravan high over Sea0s F$ying, and over Lands with m#t#a$ wing Easing thir f$ight! so stears the pr#dent Crane G A>C H .er ann#a$ 2oiage, born on 6indes! the ,ire, F$oats, as they pass, fann0d with #nn#mber0d p$#mes+ From )ranch to )ranch the sma$$er )irds with song So$ac0d the 6oods, and spred thir painted wings /i$$ Ev0n, nor then the so$emn Eightinga$ G A>5 H Ceas0d warb$ing, b#t a$$ night t#n0d her soft $ayes+ Ithers on Si$ver Lakes and -ivers )ath0d /hir downie )rest! the Swan with ,rched neck )etween her white wings mant$ing pro#d$y, -owes .er state with Iarie feet+ yet oft they :#it G AAC H /he 3ank, and rising on stiff 7ennons, towre /he mid ,erea$ Skie+ Ithers on gro#nd 6a$k0d firm! the crested Cock whose c$arion so#nds /he si$ent ho#rs, and th0 other whose gay /raine ,dorns him, co$o#r0d with the F$orid h#e G AA5 H If -ainbows and Starrie Eyes. /he 6aters th#s 6ith Fish rep$enisht, and the ,ire with Fow$e, Ev0ning and *orn so$emni"0d the Fift day. /he Si t, and of Creation $ast arose 6ith Eevning .arps and *attin, when (od said, G A5C H Let th0 Earth bring forth So#$ $iving in her kinde, Catte$ and Creeping things, and )east of the Earth, Each in their kinde. /he Earth obey0d, and strait Ip0ning her ferti$e 6oomb teem0d at a )irth Inn#mero#s $iving Creat#res, perfet formes, G A55 H Limb0d and f#$$ grown+ o#t of the gro#nd #p rose ,s from his Laire the wi$de )east where he wonns In Forrest wi$de, in /hicket, )rake, or 3en! ,mong the /rees in 7airs they rose, they wa$k0d+ /he Catte$ in the Fie$ds and *eddowes green+ G ABC H /hose rare and so$itarie, these in f$ocks 7ast#ring at once, and in broad .erds #pspr#ng. /he grassie C$ods now Ca$v0d, now ha$f appeer0d /he /awnie Lion, pawing to get free .is hinder parts, then springs as broke from )onds, G AB5 H ,nd -ampant shakes his )rinded main! the I#nce,

/he Libbard, and the /yger, as the *oa$e -ising, the cr#mb$0d Earth above them threw In .i$$ocks! the swift Stag from #nder gro#nd )ore #p his branching head+ scarse from his mo#$d G A;C H )ehemoth biggest born of Earth #pheav0d .is vastness+ F$eec0t the F$ocks and b$eating rose, ,s 7$ants+ ambig#o#s between Sea and Land /he -iver .orse and sca$ie Crocodi$e. ,t once came forth whatever creeps the gro#nd, G A;5 H Insect or 6orme! those wav0d thir $imber fans For wings, and sma$$est Lineaments e act In a$$ the Liveries dect of S#mmers pride 6ith spots of (o$d and 7#rp$e, a"#re and green+ /hese as a $ine thir $ong dimension drew, G A<C H Streaking the gro#nd with sin#o#s trace! not a$$ *inims of Eat#re! some of Serpent kinde 6ondro#s in $ength and corp#$ence invo$v0d /hir Snakie fo#$ds, and added wings. First crept /he 7arsimonio#s Emmet, provident G A<5 H If f#t#re, in sma$$ room $arge heart enc$os0d, 7attern of 9#st e:#a$itie perhaps .ereafter, 9oin0d in her pop#$ar /ribes If Commona$tie+ swarming ne t appeer0d /he Fema$e )ee that feeds her .#sband 3rone G A=C H 3e$icio#s$y, and b#i$ds her wa en Ce$$s 6ith .oney stor0d+ the rest are n#mber$ess, ,nd tho# thir Eat#res know0st, N gav0st them Eames, Eeed$ess to thee repeated! nor #nknown /he Serpent s#tt$0st )east of a$$ the fie$d, G A=5 H If h#ge e tent somtimes, with bra"en Eyes ,nd hairie *ain terrific, tho#gh to thee Eot no io#s, b#t obedient at thy ca$$. Eow .eav0n in a$$ her ($orie shon, and row$d .er motions, as the great first1*overs hand G 5CC H First whee$d thir co#rse! Earth in her rich attire Cons#mmate $ov$y smi$0d! ,ire, 6ater, Earth, )y Fow$, Fish, )east, was f$own, was sw#m, was wa$kt Fre:#ent! and of the Si t day yet remain0d! /here wanted yet the *aster work, the end G 5C5 H If a$$ yet don! a Creat#re who not prone ,nd )r#te as other Creat#res, b#t end#0d 6ith Sanctitie of -eason, might erect .is Stat#re, and #pright with Front serene (overn the rest, se$f1knowing, and from thence G 5?C H *agnanimo#s to correspond with .eav0n, )#t gratef#$ to acknow$edge whence his good 3escends, thither with heart and voice and eyes 3irected in 3evotion, to adore ,nd worship (od S#pream, who made him chief G 5?5 H If a$$ his works+ therefore the Imnipotent Eterna$ Father %For where is not hee 7resent' th#s to his Son a#dib$y spake.

Let #s make now *an in o#r image, *an In o#r simi$it#de, and $et them r#$e G 5&C H Iver the Fish and Fow$e of Sea and ,ire, )east of the Fie$d, and over a$$ the Earth, ,nd every creeping thing that creeps the gro#nd. /his said, he formd thee, ,dam, thee I *an 3#st of the gro#nd, and in thy nostri$s breath0d G 5&5 H /he breath of Life! in his own Image hee Created thee, in the Image of (od E press, and tho# becam0st a $iving So#$. *a$e he created thee, b#t thy consort Fema$e for -ace! then b$ess0d *ankinde, and said, G 5>C H )e fr#itf#$, m#$tip$ie, and fi$$ the Earth, S#bd#e it, and thro#gho#t 3ominion ho$d Iver Fish of the Sea, and Fow$e of the ,ire, ,nd every $iving thing that moves on the Earth. 6herever th#s created, for no p$ace G 5>5 H Is yet distinct by name, thence, as tho# know0st .e bro#ght thee into this de$icio#s (rove, /his (arden, p$anted with the /rees of (od, 3e$ectab$e both to beho$d and taste! ,nd free$y a$$ thir p$easant fr#it for food G 5AC H (ave thee, a$$ sorts are here that a$$ th0 Earth yie$ds, 2arietie witho#t end! b#t of the /ree 6hich tasted works know$edge of (ood and Evi$, /ho# mai0st not! in the day tho# eat0st, tho# di0st! 3eath is the pena$tie impos0d, beware, G 5A5 H ,nd govern we$$ thy appetite, $east sin S#rprise thee, and her b$ack attendant 3eath. .ere finish0d hee, and a$$ that he had made 2iew0d, and beho$d a$$ was entire$y good! So Ev0n and *orn accomp$ish0t the Si t day+ G 55C H 8et not ti$$ the Creator from his work 3esisting, tho#gh #nwearied, #p ret#rnd 4p to the .eav0n of .eav0ns his high abode, /hence to beho$d this new created 6or$d /h0 addition of his Empire, how it shew0d G 555 H In prospect from his /hrone, how good, how faire, ,nswering his great Idea. 4p he rode Fo$$owd with acc$amation and the so#nd Symphonio#s of ten tho#sand .arpes that t#n0d ,nge$ic harmonies+ the Earth, the ,ire, G 5BC H -eso#nded, %tho# remember0st for tho# heardst' /he .eav0ns and a$$ the Conste$$ations r#ng, /he 7$anets in thir stations $ist0ning stood, 6hi$e the bright 7omp ascended 9#bi$ant. Ipen, ye ever$asting (ates, they s#ng, G 5B5 H Ipen, ye .eav0ns, yo#r $iving dores! $et in /he great Creator from his work ret#rnd *agnificent, his Si days work, a 6or$d! Ipen, and henceforth oft! for (od wi$$ deigne /o visit oft the dwe$$ings of 9#st *en G 5;C H

3e$ighted, and with fre:#ent interco#rse /hither wi$$ send his winged *essengers In errands of s#perna$ (race. So s#ng /he g$orio#s /rain ascending+ .e thro#gh .eav0n, /hat open0d wide her b$a"ing 7orta$s, $ed G 5;5 H /o (ods Eterna$ ho#se direct the way, , broad and amp$e rode, whose d#st is (o$d ,nd pavement Starrs, as Starrs to thee appeer, Seen in the (a$a ie, that *i$kie way 6hich night$y as a circ$ing Rone tho# seest G 5<C H 7o#derd with Starrs. ,nd now on Earth the Seventh Eev0ning arose in Eden, for the S#n 6as set, and twi$ight from the East came on, Forer#nning Eight! when at the ho$y mo#nt If .eav0ns high1seated top, th0 Imperea$ /hrone G 5<5 H If (odhead, fi t for ever firm and s#re, /he Fi$ia$ 7ower arriv0d, and sate him down 6ith his great Father %for he a$so went Invisib$e, yet staid, s#ch privi$edge .ath Imnipresence' and the work ordain0d, G 5=C H ,#thor and end of a$$ things, and from work Eow resting, b$ess0d and ha$$owd the Seav0nth day, ,s resting on that day from a$$ his work, )#t not in si$ence ho$y kept! the .arp .ad work and rested not, the so$emn 7ipe, G 5=5 H ,nd 3#$cimer, a$$ Irgans of sweet stop, ,$$ so#nds on Fret by String or (o$den 6ire /emper0d soft /#nings, intermi t with 2oice Chora$ or 4nison! of incense C$o#ds F#ming from (o$den Censers hid the *o#nt. G BCC H Creation and the Si dayes acts they s#ng, (reat are thy works, Fehovah, infinite /hy power! what tho#ght can meas#re thee or tong#e -e$ate thee! greater now in thy ret#rn /hen from the (iant ,nge$s! thee that day G BC5 H /hy /h#nders magnifi0d! b#t to create Is greater then created to destroy. 6ho can impair thee, mighty Jing, or bo#nd /hy Empire@ easi$y the pro#d attempt If Spirits apostat and thir Co#nse$s vaine G B?C H /ho# hast repe$d, whi$e impio#s$y they tho#ght /hee to diminish, and from thee withdraw /he n#mber of thy worshippers. 6ho seekes /o $essen thee, against his p#rpose serves /o manifest the more thy might+ his evi$ G B?5 H /ho# #sest, and from thence creat0st more good. 6itness this new1made 6or$d, another .eav0n From .eaven (ate not farr, fo#nded in view In the c$eer .ya$ine, the ($assie Sea! If amp$it#de a$most immense, with Starr0s G B&C H E#mero#s, and every Starr perhaps a 6or$d If destind habitation! b#t tho# know0st

/hir seasons+ among these the seat of men, Earth with her nether Icean circ#mf#s0d, /hir p$easant dwe$$ing p$ace. /hrice happie men, G B&5 H ,nd sons of men, whom (od hath th#s advanc0t, Created in his Image, there to dwe$$ ,nd worship him, and in reward to r#$e Iver his 6orks, on Earth, in Sea, or ,ir, ,nd m#$tip$y a -ace of 6orshippers G B>C H .o$y and 9#st+ thrice happie if they know /hir happiness, and persevere #pright. So s#ng they, and the Empyrean r#ng, 6ith .a$$e$#iahs+ /h#s was Sabbath kept. ,nd thy re:#est think now f#$fi$$0d, that ask0d G B>5 H .ow first this 6or$d and face of things began, ,nd what before thy memorie was don From the beginning, that posteritie Informd by thee might know! if e$se tho# seek0st ,#ght, not s#rpassing h#man meas#re, say. G BAC H

Paradise &ost
*..K 9
T / "'G2M/+T
,dam in:#ires concerning ce$estia$ *otions, is do#btf#$$y answer0d, and e horted to search rather things more worthy of know$edg+ ,dam assents, and sti$$ desiro#s to detain -aphae$, re$ates to him what he remember0d since his own Creation, his p$acing in 7aradise, his ta$k with (od concerning so$it#de and fit society, his first meeting and E#ptia$s with Eve, his disco#rse with the ,nge$ there#pon! who after admonitions repeated departs. /.E ,nge$ ended, and in ,dams Eare So Charming $eft his voice, that he a whi$e /ho#ght him sti$$ speaking, sti$$ stood fi t to hear! /hen as new wak0t th#s gratef#$$y rep$i0d. 6hat thanks s#fficient, or what recompence G 5 H E:#a$ have I to render thee, 3ivine .ystorian, who th#s $arge$y hast a$$ayd /he thirst I had of know$edge, and vo#tsaf0t /his friend$y condescention to re$ate /hings e$se by me #nsearchab$e, now heard G ?C H 6ith wonder, b#t de$ight, and, as is d#e, 6ith g$orie attrib#ted to the high Creator! something yet of do#bt remaines, 6hich one$y thy so$#tion can reso$ve.

6hen I beho$d this good$y Frame, this 6or$d G ?5 H If .eav0n and Earth consisting, and comp#te, /hir magnit#des, this Earth a spot, a graine, ,n ,tom, with the Firmament compar0d ,nd a$$ her n#mberd Starrs, that seem to row$e Spaces incomprehensib$e %for s#ch G &C H /hir distance arg#es and thir swift ret#rn 3i#rna$' meer$y to officiate $ight -o#nd this opaco#s Earth, this p#nct#a$ spot, Ine day and night! in a$$ thir vast s#rvey 4se$ess besides, reasoning I oft admire, G &5 H .ow Eat#re wise and fr#ga$ co#$d commit S#ch disproportions, with s#perf$#o#s hand So many nob$er )odies to create, (reater so manifo$d to this one #se, For a#ght appeers, and on thir Irbs impose G >C H S#ch rest$ess revo$#tion day by day -epeated, whi$e the sedentarie Earth, /hat better might with farr $ess compass move, Serv0d by more nob$e then her se$f, attaines .er end witho#t $east motion, and receaves, G >5 H ,s /rib#te s#ch a s#m$ess 9o#rney bro#ght If incorporea$ speed, her warmth and $ight! Speed, to describe whose swiftness E#mber fai$es. So spake o#r Sire, and by his co#nt0nance seemd Entring on st#dio#s tho#ghts abstr#se, which Eve G AC H 7erceaving where she sat retir0d in sight, 6ith $ow$iness *a9estic from her seat, ,nd (race that won who saw to wish her stay, -ose, and went forth among her Fr#its and F$o#rs, /o visit how they prosper0d, b#d and b$oom, G A5 H .er E#rserie! they at her coming spr#ng ,nd to#cht by her fair tendance g$ad$ier grew. 8et went she not, as not with s#ch disco#rse 3e$ighted, or not capab$e her eare If what was high+ s#ch p$eas#re she reserv0d, G 5C H ,dam re$ating, she so$e ,#ditress! .er .#sband the -e$ater she preferr0d )efore the ,nge$, and of him to ask Chose rather+ hee, she knew wo#$d intermi (ratef#$ digressions, and so$ve high disp#te G 55 H 6ith con9#ga$ Caresses, from his Lip Eot 6ords a$one p$eas0d her. I when meet now S#ch pairs, in Love and m#t#a$ .ono#r 9oyn0d@ 6ith (oddess1$ike demeano#r forth she went! Eot #nattended, for on her as M#een G BC H , pomp of winning (races waited sti$$, ,nd from abo#t her shot 3arts of desire Into a$$ Eyes to wish her sti$$ in sight. ,nd -aphae$ now to ,dam0s do#bt propos0d )enevo$ent and faci$ th#s rep$i0d. G B5 H

/o ask or search I b$ame thee not, for .eav0n Is as the )ook of (od before thee set, 6herein to read his wondro#s 6orks, and $earne .is Seasons, .o#rs, or 3ayes, or *onths, or 8eares+ /his to attain, whether .eav0n move or Earth, G ;C H Imports not, if tho# reck0n right, the rest From *an or ,nge$ the great ,rchitect 3id wise$y to concea$, and not div#$ge .is secrets to be scann0d by them who o#ght -ather admire! or if they $ist to try G ;5 H Con9ect#re, he his Fabric of the .eav0ns .ath $eft to thir disp#tes, perhaps to move .is $a#ghter at thir :#aint Ipinions wide .ereafter, when they come to mode$ .eav0n ,nd ca$c#$ate the Starrs, how they wi$$ wei$d G <C H /he mightie frame, how b#i$d, #nb#i$d, contrive /o save appeerances, how gird the Sphear 6ith Centric and Eccentric scrib$0d o0re, Cyc$e and Epicyc$e, Irb in Irb+ ,$readie by thy reasoning this I g#ess, G <5 H 6ho art to $ead thy ofspring, and s#pposest /hat bodies bright and greater sho#$d not serve /he $ess not bright, nor .eav0n s#ch 9o#rnies r#n, Earth sitting sti$$, when she a$one receaves /he benefit+ consider first, that (reat G =C H Ir )right inferrs not E ce$$ence+ the Earth /ho#gh, in comparison of .eav0n, so sma$$, Eor g$istering, may of so$id good containe *ore p$enty then the S#n that barren shines, 6hose vert#e on it se$f workes no effect, G =5 H )#t in the fr#itf#$ Earth! there first receavd .is beams, #nactive e$se, thir vigo#r find. 8et not to Earth are those bright L#minaries Ifficio#s, b#t to thee Earths habitant. ,nd for the .eav0ns wide Circ#it, $et it speak G ?CC H /he *akers high magnificence, who b#i$t So spacio#s, and his Line stretcht o#t so farr! /hat *an may know he dwe$$s not in his own! ,n Edifice too $arge for him to fi$$, Lodg0d in a sma$$ partition, and the rest G ?C5 H Irdain0d for #ses to his Lord best known. /he swiftness of those Circ$es attrib#te, /ho#gh n#mber$ess, to his Imnipotence, /hat to corporea$ s#bstances co#$d adde Speed a$most Spirit#a$! mee tho# thinkst not s$ow, G ??C H 6ho since the *orning ho#r set o#t from .eav0n 6here (od resides, and ere mid1day arriv0d In Eden, distance ine pressib$e )y E#mbers that have name. )#t this I #rge, ,dmitting *otion in the .eav0ns, to shew G ??5 H Inva$id that which thee to do#bt it mov0d! Eot that I so affirm, tho#gh so it seem

/o thee who hast thy dwe$$ing here on Earth. (od to remove his wayes from h#man sense, 7$ac0d .eav0n from Earth so farr, that earth$y sight, G ?&C H If it pres#me, might erre in things too high, ,nd no advantage gaine. 6hat if the S#n )e Centre to the 6or$d, and other Starrs )y his attractive vert#e and their own Incited, dance abo#t him vario#s ro#nds@ G ?&5 H /hir wandring co#rse now high, now $ow, then hid, 7rogressive, retrograde, or standing sti$$, In si tho# seest, and what if sev0nth to these /he 7$anet Earth, so stedfast tho#gh she seem, Insensib$y three different *otions move@ G ?>C H 6hich e$se to severa$ Spheres tho# m#st ascribe, *ov0d contrarie with thwart ob$i:#ities, Ir save the S#n his $abo#r, and that swift Eoct#rna$ and 3i#rna$ rhomb s#ppos0d, Invisib$e e$se above a$$ Starrs, the 6hee$e G ?>5 H If 3ay and Eight! which needs not thy be$eefe, If Earth ind#strio#s of her se$f fetch 3ay /rave$$ing East, and with her part averse From the S#ns beam meet Eight, her other part Sti$$ $#mino#s by his ray. 6hat if that $ight G ?AC H Sent from her thro#gh the wide transpic#o#s aire, /o the terrestria$ *oon be as a Starr En$ightning her by 3ay, as she by Eight /his Earth@ reciproca$, if Land be there, Fie$ds and Inhabitants+ .er spots tho# seest G ?A5 H ,s C$o#ds, and C$o#ds may rain, and -ain prod#ce Fr#its in her soft0nd Soi$e, for some to eate ,$$otted there! and other S#ns perhaps 6ith thir attendant *oons tho# wi$t descrie Comm#nicating *a$e and Fema$ Light, G ?5C H 6hich two great Se es animate the 6or$d, Stor0d in each Irb perhaps with some that $ive. For s#ch vast room in Eat#re #npossest )y $iving So#$e, desert and deso$ate, Ine$y to shine, yet scarce to contrib#te G ?55 H Each Irb a g$imps of Light, conveyd so farr 3own to this habitab$e, which ret#rnes Light back to them, is obvio#s to disp#te. )#t whether th#s these things, or whether not, 6hether the S#n predominant in .eav0n G ?BC H -ise on the Earth, or Earth rise on the S#n, .ee from the East his f$aming rode begin, Ir Shee from 6est her si$ent co#rse advance 6ith inoffensive pace that spinning s$eeps In her soft , $e, whi$e she paces Eev0n, G ?B5 H ,nd beares thee soft with the smooth ,ir a$ong, So$$icit not thy tho#ghts with matters hid, Leave them to (od above, him serve and feare! If other Creat#res, as him p$eases best,

6herever p$ac0t, $et him dispose+ 9oy tho# G ?;C H In what he gives to thee, this 7aradise ,nd thy faire Eve! .eav0n is for thee too high /o know what passes there! be $ow$ie wise+ /hink one$y what concernes thee and thy being! 3ream not of other 6or$ds, what Creat#res there G ?;5 H Live, in what state, condition or degree, Contented that th#s farr hath been revea$0d Eot of Earth one$y b#t of highest .eav0n. /o whom th#s ,dam c$eerd of do#bt, rep$i0d. .ow f#$$y hast tho# satisfi0d me, p#re G ?<C H Inte$$igence of .eav0n, ,nge$ serene, ,nd freed from intricacies, ta#ght to $ive /he easiest way, nor with perp$e ing tho#ghts /o interr#pt the sweet of Life, from which (od hath bid dwe$$ farr off a$$ an io#s cares, G ?<5 H ,nd not mo$est #s, #n$ess we o#r se$ves Seek them with wandring tho#ghts, and notions vain. )#t apt the *ind or Fancy is to roave 4ncheckt, and of her roaving is no end! /i$$ warn0d, or by e perience ta#ght, she $earne, G ?=C H /hat not to know at $arge of things remote From #se, obsc#re and s#tt$e, b#t to know /hat which before #s $ies in dai$y $ife, Is the prime 6isdom, what is more, is f#me, Ir emptiness, or fond impertinence, G ?=5 H ,nd renders #s in things that most concerne 4npractis0d, #nprepar0d, and sti$$ to seek. /herefore from this high pitch $et #s descend , $ower f$ight, and speak of things at hand 4sef#$, whence hap$y mention may arise G &CC H If somthing not #nseasonab$e to ask )y s#fferance, and thy wonted favo#r deign0d. /hee I have heard re$ating what was don Ere my remembrance+ now hear mee re$ate *y Storie, which perhaps tho# hast not heard! G &C5 H ,nd 3ay is yet not spent! ti$$ then tho# seest .ow s#tt$y to detaine thee I devise, Inviting thee to hear whi$e I re$ate, Fond, were it not in hope of thy rep$y+ For whi$e I sit with thee, I seem in .eav0n, G &?C H ,nd sweeter thy disco#rse is to my eare /hen Fr#its of 7a$m1tree p$easantest to thirst ,nd h#nger both, from $abo#r, at the ho#re If sweet repast! they satiate, and soon fi$$, /ho#gh p$easant, b#t thy words with (race 3ivine G &?5 H Imb#0d, bring to thir sweetness no satietie. /o whom th#s -aphae$ answer0d heav0n$y meek. Eor are thy $ips #ngracef#$, Sire of men, Eor tong#e ine$o:#ent! for (od on thee ,b#ndant$y his gifts hath a$so po#r0d G &&C H

Inward and o#tward both, his image faire+ Speaking or m#te a$$ com$iness and grace ,ttends thee, and each word, each motion formes. Eor $ess think wee in .eav0n of thee on Earth /hen of o#r fe$$ow servant, and in:#ire G &&5 H ($ad$y into the wayes of (od with *an+ For (od we see hath hono#r0d thee, and set In *an his E:#a$ Love+ say therefore on! For I that 3ay was absent, as befe$$, )o#nd on a voyage #nco#th and obsc#re, G &>C H Farr on e c#rsion toward the (ates of .e$$! S:#ar0d in f#$$ Legion %s#ch command we had' /o see that none thence iss#0d forth a spie, Ir enemie, whi$e (od was in his work, Least hee incenst at s#ch er#ption bo$d, G &>5 H 3estr#ction with Creation might have mi t. Eot that they d#rst witho#t his $eave attempt, )#t #s he sends #pon his high behests For state, as Sovran Jing, and to en#re I#r prompt obedience. Fast we fo#nd, fast sh#t G &AC H /he disma$ (ates, and barricado0d strong! )#t $ong ere o#r approaching heard within Eoise, other then the so#nd of 3ance or Song, /orment, and $o#d $ament, and f#rio#s rage. ($ad we ret#rn0d #p to the coasts of Light G &A5 H Ere Sabbath Eev0ning+ so we had in charge. )#t thy re$ation now! for I attend, 7$eas0d with thy words no $ess then tho# with mine. So spake the (od$ike 7ower, and th#s o#r Sire. For *an to te$$ how h#man Life began G &5C H Is hard! for who himse$f beginning knew@ 3esire with thee sti$$ $onger to converse Ind#c0d me. ,s new wak0t from so#ndest s$eep Soft on the f$o#rie herb I fo#nd me $aid In )a$mie Sweat, which with his )eames the S#n G &55 H Soon dri0d, and on the reaking moist#re fed. Strait toward .eav0n my wondring Eyes I t#rnd, ,nd ga"0d a whi$e the amp$e Skie, ti$$ rais0d )y :#ick instinctive motion #p I spr#ng, ,s thitherward endevoring, and #pright G &BC H Stood on my feet! abo#t me ro#nd I saw .i$$, 3a$e, and shadie 6oods, and s#nnie 7$aines, ,nd $i:#id Lapse of m#rm#ring Streams! by these, Creat#res that $ivd, and movd, and wa$k0d, or f$ew, )irds on the branches warb$ing! a$$ things smi$0d, G &B5 H 6ith fragrance and with 9oy my heart oref$ow0d. *y se$f I then per#s0d, and Limb by Limb S#rvey0d, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran 6ith s#pp$e 9oints, as $ive$y vigo#r $ed+ )#t who I was, or where, or from what ca#se, G &;C H Jnew not! to speak I tri0d, and forthwith spake, *y /ong#e obey0d and readi$y co#$d name

6hat e0re I saw. /ho# S#n, said I, faire Light, ,nd tho# en$ight0nd Earth, so fresh and gay, 8e .i$$s and 3a$es, ye -ivers, 6oods, and 7$aines, G &;5 H ,nd ye that $ive and move, fair Creat#res, te$$, /e$$, if ye saw, how came I th#s, how here@ Eot of my se$f! by some great *aker then, In goodness and in power prOeminent! /e$$ me, how may I know him, how adore, G &<C H From whom I have that th#s I move and $ive, ,nd fee$ that I am happier then I know. 6hi$e th#s I ca$$0d, and stray0d I knew not whither, From where I first drew ,ire, and first behe$d /his happie Light, when answer none ret#rn0d, G &<5 H In a green shadie )ank prof#se of F$o#rs 7ensive I sate me down! there gent$e s$eep First fo#nd me, and with soft oppression seis0d *y dro#sed sense, #ntro#b$0d, tho#gh I tho#ght I then was passing to my former state G &=C H Insensib$e, and forthwith to disso$ve+ 6hen s#dden$y stood at my .ead a dream, 6hose inward apparition gent$y mov0d *y Fancy to be$ieve I yet had being, ,nd $ivd+ Ine came, metho#ght, of shape 3ivine, G &=5 H ,nd said, thy *ansion wants thee, ,dam, rise, First *an, of *en inn#merab$e ordain0d First Father, ca$$0d by thee I come thy (#ide /o the (arden of b$iss, thy seat prepar0d. So saying, by the hand he took me rais0d, G >CC H ,nd over Fie$ds and 6aters, as in ,ire Smooth s$iding witho#t step, $ast $ed me #p , woodie *o#ntain! whose high top was p$aine, , Circ#it wide, enc$os0d, with good$iest /rees 7$anted, with 6a$ks, and )owers, that what I saw G >C5 H If Earth before scarce p$easant seemd. Each /ree Load0n with fairest Fr#it, that h#ng to the Eye /empting, stirr0d in me s#dden appetite /o p$#ck and eate! whereat I wak0d, and fo#nd )efore mine Eyes a$$ rea$, as the dream G >?C H .ad $ive$y shadowd+ .ere had new beg#n *y wandring, had not hee who was my (#ide 4p hither, from among the /rees appeer0d, 7resence 3ivine. -e9oycing, b#t with aw, In adoration at his feet I fe$$ G >?5 H S#bmiss+ he rear0d me, and 6hom tho# so#ghtst I am, Said mi$de$y, ,#thor of a$$ this tho# seest ,bove, or ro#nd abo#t thee or beneath. /his 7aradise I give thee, co#nt it thine /o /i$$ and keep, and of the Fr#it to eate+ G >&C H If every /ree that in the (arden growes Eate free$y with g$ad heart! fear here no dearth+ )#t of the /ree whose operation brings Jnow$edg of good and i$$, which I have set

/he 7$edge of thy Ibedience and thy Faith, G >&5 H ,mid the (arden by the /ree of Life, -emember what I warne thee, sh#n to taste, ,nd sh#n the bitter conse:#ence+ for know, /he day tho# eat0st thereof, my so$e command /ransgrest, inevitab$y tho# sha$t dye! G >>C H From that day morta$, and this happie State Sha$t $oose, e pe$$0d from hence into a 6or$d If woe and sorrow. Stern$y he prono#nc0d /he rigid interdiction, which reso#nds 8et dreadf#$ in mine eare, tho#gh in my choice G >>5 H Eot to inc#r! b#t soon his c$eer aspect -et#rn0d and gracio#s p#rpose th#s renew0d. Eot one$y these fair bo#nds, b#t a$$ the Earth /o thee and to thy -ace I give! as Lords 7ossess it, and a$$ things that therein $ive, G >AC H Ir $ive in Sea, or ,ire, )east, Fish, and Fow$e. In signe whereof each )ird and )east beho$d ,fter thir kindes! I bring them to receave From thee thir Eames, and pay thee fea$tie 6ith $ow s#b9ection! #nderstand the same G >A5 H If Fish within thir watry residence, Eot hither s#mmon0d, since they cannot change /hir E$ement to draw the thinner ,ire. ,s th#s he spake, each )ird and )east beho$d ,pproaching two and two, /hese cowring $ow G >5C H 6ith b$andishment, each )ird stoop0d on his wing. I nam0d them, as they pass0d, and #nderstood /hir Eat#re, with s#ch know$edg (od end#0d *y s#dden apprehension+ b#t in these I fo#nd not what me tho#ght I wanted sti$$! G >55 H ,nd to the .eav0n$y vision th#s pres#m0d. I by what Eame, for tho# above a$$ these, ,bove mankinde, or a#ght then mankinde higher, S#rpassest farr my naming, how may I ,dore thee, ,#thor of this 4niverse, G >BC H ,nd a$$ this good to man, for whose we$$ being So amp$y, and with hands so $ibera$ /ho# hast provided a$$ things+ b#t with mee I see not who partakes. In so$it#de 6hat happiness, who can en9oy a$one, G >B5 H Ir a$$ en9oying, what contentment find@ /h#s I pres#mpt#o#s! and the vision bright, ,s with a smi$e more bright0nd, th#s rep$i0d. 6hat ca$$0st tho# so$it#de, is not the Earth 6ith vario#s $iving creat#res, and the ,ire G >;C H -ep$enisht, and a$$ these at thy command /o come and p$ay before thee! know0st tho# not /hir $ang#age and thir wayes@ /hey a$so know, ,nd reason not contemptib$y! with these Find pastime, and beare r#$e! thy -ea$m is $arge. G >;5 H

So spake the 4niversa$ Lord, and seem0d So ordering. I with $eave of speech imp$or0d, ,nd h#mb$e deprecation th#s rep$i0d. Let not my words offend thee, .eav0n$y 7ower, *y *aker, be propitio#s whi$e I speak. G ><C H .ast tho# not made me here thy s#bstit#te, ,nd these inferio#r farr beneath me set@ ,mong #ne:#a$s what societie Can sort, what harmonie or tr#e de$ight@ 6hich m#st be m#t#a$, in proportion d#e G ><5 H (iv0n and receiv0d! b#t in disparitie /he one intense, the other sti$$ remiss Cannot we$$ s#ite with either, b#t soon prove /edio#s a$ike+ If fe$$owship I speak S#ch as I seek, fit to participate G >=C H ,$$ rationa$ de$ight, wherein the br#te Cannot be h#man consort! they re9oyce Each with thir kinde, Lion with Lioness! So fit$y them in pairs tho# hast combin0d! *#ch $ess can )ird with )east, or Fish with Fow$e G >=5 H So we$$ converse, nor with the I the ,pe! 6ors then can *an with )east, and $east of a$$. 6hereto th0 ,$mighty answer0d, not disp$eas0d. , nice and s#tt$e happiness I see /ho# to thyse$f proposest, in the choice G ACC H If thy ,ssociates, ,dam, and wi$t taste Eo p$eas#re, tho#gh in p$eas#re, so$itarie. 6hat think0st tho# then of mee, and this my State, Seem I to thee s#fficient$y possest If happiness, or not@ who am a$one G AC5 H From a$$ Eternitie, for none I know Second to mee or $ike, e:#a$ m#ch $ess. .ow have I then with whom to ho$d converse Save with the Creat#res which I made, and those /o me inferio#r, infinite descents G A?C H )eneath what other Creat#res are to thee@ .e ceas0d, I $ow$y answer0d. /o attaine /he highth and depth of thy Eterna$ wayes ,$$ h#man tho#ghts come short, S#pream of things! /ho# in thy se$f art perfet, and in thee G A?5 H Is no deficience fo#nd! not so is *an, )#t in degree, the ca#se of his desire )y conversation with his $ike to he$p, Ir so$ace his defects. Eo need that tho# Sho#$dst propagat, a$ready infinite! G A&C H ,nd thro#gh a$$ n#mbers abso$#te, tho#gh Ine! )#t *an by n#mber is to manifest .is sing$e imperfection, and beget Like of his $ike, his Image m#$tip$i0d, In #nitie defective, which re:#ires G A&5 H Co$$atera$ $ove, and deerest amitie.

/ho# in thy secresie a$tho#gh a$one, )est with thy se$f accompanied, seek0st not Socia$ comm#nication, yet so p$eas0d, Canst raise thy Creat#re to what highth tho# wi$t G A>C H If 4nion or Comm#nion, deifi0d! I by conversing cannot these erect From prone, nor in thir wayes comp$acence find. /h#s I embo$d0nd spake, and freedom #s0d 7ermissive, and acceptance fo#nd, which gain0d G A>5 H /his answer from the gratio#s voice 3ivine. /h#s farr to try thee, ,dam, I was p$eas0d, ,nd finde thee knowing not of )easts a$one, 6hich tho# hast right$y nam0d, b#t of thy se$f, E pressing we$$ the spirit within thee free, G AAC H *y Image, not imparted to the )r#te, 6hose fe$$owship therefore #nmeet for thee (ood reason was tho# free$y sho#$dst dis$ike, ,nd be so minded sti$$! I, ere tho# spak0st, Jnew it not good for *an to be a$one, G AA5 H ,nd no s#ch companie as then tho# saw0st Intended thee, for tria$ one$y bro#ght, /o see how tho# co#$d0st 9#dge of fit and meet+ 6hat ne t I bring sha$$ p$ease thee, be ass#r0d, /hy $ikeness, thy fit he$p, thy other se$f, G A5C H /hy wish, e act$y to thy hearts desire. .ee ended, or I heard no more, for now *y earth$y by his .eav0n$y overpowerd, 6hich it had $ong stood #nder, streind to the highth In that ce$estia$ Co$$o:#ie s#b$ime, G A55 H ,s with an ob9ect that e ce$s the sense, 3a"$0d and spent, s#nk down, and so#ght repair If s$eep, which instant$y fe$$ on me, ca$$0d )y Eat#re as in aide, and c$os0d mine eyes. *ine eyes he c$os0d, b#t op0n $eft the Ce$$ G ABC H If Fancie my interna$ sight, by which ,bstract as in a transe metho#ght I saw, /ho#gh s$eeping, where I $ay, and saw the shape Sti$$ g$orio#s before whom awake I stood! 6ho stooping op0nd my $eft side, and took G AB5 H From thence a -ib, with cordia$ spirits warme, ,nd Life1b$ood streaming fresh! wide was the wo#nd, )#t s#dden$y with f$esh fi$$0d #p and hea$0d+ /he -ib he formd and fashond with his hands! 4nder his forming hands a Creat#re grew, G A;C H *an$ike, b#t different se , so $ov$y faire, /hat what seemd fair in a$$ the 6or$d, seemd now *ean, or in her s#mm0d #p, in her containd ,nd in her $ooks, which from that time inf#s0d Sweetness into my heart, #nfe$t before, G A;5 H ,nd into a$$ things from her ,ire inspir0d /he spirit of $ove and amoro#s de$ight.

Shee disappeerd, and $eft me dark, I wak0d /o find her, or for ever to dep$ore .er $oss, and other p$eas#res a$$ ab9#re+ G A<C H 6hen o#t of hope, beho$d her, not farr off, S#ch as I saw her in my dream, adornd 6ith what a$$ Earth or .eaven co#$d bestow /o make her amiab$e+ In she came, Led by her .eav0n$y *aker, tho#gh #nseen, G A<5 H ,nd g#ided by his voice, nor #ninformd If n#ptia$ Sanctitie and marriage -ites+ (race was in a$$ her steps, .eav0n in her Eye, In every gest#re dignitie and $ove. I over9oyd co#$d not forbear a$o#d. G A=C H /his t#rn hath made amends! tho# hast f#$fi$$0d /hy words, Creator bo#nteo#s and benigne, (iver of a$$ things faire, b#t fairest this If a$$ thy gifts, nor enviest. I now see )one of my )one, F$esh of my F$esh, my Se$f G A=5 H )efore me! 6oman is her Eame, of *an E tracted! for this ca#se he sha$$ forgoe Father and *other, and to his 6ife adhere! ,nd they sha$$ be one F$esh, one .eart, one So#$e. She heard me th#s, and tho#gh divine$y bro#ght, G 5CC H 8et Innocence and 2irgin *odestie, .er vert#e and the conscience of her worth, /hat wo#$d be woo0d, and not #nso#ght be won, Eot obvio#s, not obtr#sive, b#t retir0d, /he more desirab$e, or to say a$$, G 5C5 H Eat#re her se$f, tho#gh p#re of sinf#$ tho#ght, 6ro#ght in her so, that seeing me, she t#rn0d! I fo$$ow0d her, she what was .ono#r knew, ,nd with obse:#io#s *a9estie approv0d *y p$eaded reason. /o the E#ptia$ )owre G 5?C H I $ed her b$#shing $ike the *orn+ a$$ .eav0n, ,nd happie Conste$$ations on that ho#re Shed thir se$ectest inf$#ence! the Earth (ave sign of grat#$ation, and each .i$$! Foyo#s the )irds! fresh (a$es and gent$e ,ires G 5?5 H 6hisper0d it to the 6oods, and from thir wings F$#ng -ose, f$#ng Ido#rs from the spicie Shr#b, 3isporting, ti$$ the amoro#s )ird of Eight S#ng Spo#sa$, and bid haste the Eevning Starr In his .i$$ top, to $ight the brida$ Lamp. G 5&C H /h#s I have to$d thee a$$ my State, and bro#ght *y Storie to the s#m of earth$y b$iss 6hich I en9oy, and m#st confess to find In a$$ things e$se de$ight indeed, b#t s#ch ,s #s0d or not, works in the mind no change, G 5&5 H Eor vehement desire, these de$icacies I mean of /aste, Sight, Sme$$, .erbs, Fr#its and F$o#rs, 6a$ks, and the me$odie of )irds! b#t here

Farr otherwise, transported I beho$d, /ransported to#ch! here passion first I fe$t, G 5>C H Commotion strange, in a$$ en9oyments e$se S#perio#r and #nmov0d, here one$y weake ,gainst the charm of )ea#ties powerf#$ g$ance. Ir Eat#re fai$d in mee, and $eft some part Eot proof eno#gh s#ch Ib9ect to s#stain, G 5>5 H Ir from my side s#bd#cting, took perhaps *ore then eno#gh! at $east on her bestow0d /oo m#ch of Irnament, in o#tward shew E$aborate, of inward $ess e act. For we$$ I #nderstand in the prime end G 5AC H If Eat#re her th0 inferio#r, in the mind ,nd inward Fac#$ties, which most e ce$$, In o#tward a$so her resemb$ing $ess .is Image who made both, and $ess e pressing /he character of that 3ominion giv0n G 5A5 H I0re other Creat#res! yet when I approach .er $ove$iness, so abso$#te she seems ,nd in her se$f comp$eat, so we$$ to know .er own, that what she wi$$s to do or say, Seems wisest, vert#o#sest, discreetest, best! G 55C H ,$$ higher know$edge in her presence fa$$s 3egraded, 6isdom in disco#rse with her Looses disco#nt0nanc0t, and $ike fo$$y shewes! ,#thority and -eason on her waite, ,s one intended first, not after made G 555 H Iccasiona$$y! and to cons#mmate a$$, (reatness of mind and nob$eness thir seat )#i$d in her $ove$iest, and create an awe ,bo#t her, as a g#ard ,nge$ic p$ac0t. /o whom the ,nge$ with contracted brow. G 5BC H ,cc#se not Eat#re, she hath don her part! 3o tho# b#t thine, and be not diffident If 6isdom, she deserts thee not, if tho# 3ismiss not her, when most tho# needst her nigh, )y attrib#ting overm#ch to things G 5B5 H Less e ce$$ent, as tho# thy se$f perceav0st. For what admir0st tho#, what transports thee so, ,n o#tside@ fair no do#bt, and worthy we$$ /hy cherishing, thy hono#ring, and thy $ove, Eot thy s#b9ection+ weigh with her thy se$f! G 5;C H /hen va$#e+ Ift times nothing profits more /hen se$f esteem, gro#nded on 9#st and right 6e$$ manag0d! of that ski$$ the more tho# know0st, /he more she wi$$ acknow$edge thee her .ead, ,nd to rea$ities yie$d a$$ her shows+ G 5;5 H *ade so adorn for thy de$ight the more, So awf#$, that with hono#r tho# maist $ove /hy mate, who sees when tho# art seen $east wise. )#t if the sense of to#ch whereby mankind Is propagated seem s#ch dear de$ight G 5<C H

)eyond a$$ other, think the same vo#tsaf0t /o Catte$ and each )east! which wo#$d not be /o them made common and div#$g0d, if a#ght /herein en9oy0d were worthy to s#bd#e /he So#$e of *an, or passion in him move. G 5<5 H 6hat higher in her societie tho# findst ,ttractive, h#man, rationa$, $ove sti$$! In $oving tho# dost we$$, in passion not, 6herein tr#e Love consists not! $ove refines /he tho#ghts, and heart en$arges, hath his seat G 5=C H In -eason, and is 9#dicio#s, is the sca$e )y which to heav0n$y Love tho# maist ascend, Eot s#nk in carna$ p$eas#re, for which ca#se ,mong the )easts no *ate for thee was fo#nd. /o whom th#s ha$f abash0t ,dam rep$i0d. G 5=5 H Eeither her o#t1side formd so fair, nor a#ght In procreation common to a$$ kindes %/ho#gh higher of the genia$ )ed by far, ,nd with mysterio#s reverence I deem' So m#ch de$ights me as those gracef#$ acts, G BCC H /hose tho#sand decencies that dai$y f$ow From a$$ her words and actions mi t with Love ,nd sweet comp$iance, which dec$are #nfeign0d 4nion of *ind, or in #s both one So#$e! .armonie to beho$d in wedded pair G BC5 H *ore gratef#$ then harmonio#s so#nd to the eare. 8et these s#b9ect not! I to thee disc$ose 6hat inward thence I fee$, not therefore foi$d, 6ho meet with vario#s ob9ects, from the sense 2ario#s$y representing! yet sti$$ free G B?C H ,pprove the best, and fo$$ow what I approve. /o Love tho# b$am0st me not, for $ove tho# saist Leads #p to .eav0n, is both the way and g#ide! )ear with me then, if $awf#$ what I ask! Love not the heav0n$y Spirits, and how thir Love G B?5 H E press they, by $ooks one$y, or do they mi Irradiance, virt#a$ or immediate to#ch@ /o whom the ,nge$ with a smi$e that g$ow0d Ce$estia$ rosie red, Loves proper h#e, ,nswer0d. Let it s#ffice thee that tho# know0st G B&C H 4s happie, and witho#t Love no happiness. 6hatever p#re tho# in the body en9oy0st %,nd p#re tho# wert created' we en9oy In eminence, and obstac$e find none If membrane, 9oynt, or $imb, e c$#sive barrs+ G B&5 H Easier then ,ir with ,ir, if Spirits embrace, /ota$ they mi , 4nion of 7#re with 7#re 3esiring! nor restrain0d conveyance need ,s F$esh to mi with F$esh, or So#$ with So#$. )#t I can now no more! the parting S#n G B>C H )eyond the Earths green Cape and verdant Is$es

.esperean sets, my Signa$ to depart. )e strong, $ive happie, and $ove, b#t first of a$$ .im whom to $ove is to obey, and keep .is great command! take heed $est 7assion sway G B>5 H /hy F#dgment to do a#ght, which e$se free 6i$$ 6o#$d not admit! thine and of a$$ thy Sons /he wea$ or woe in thee is p$ac0t! beware. I in thy persevering sha$$ re9oyce, ,nd a$$ the )$est+ stand fast! to stand or fa$$ G BAC H Free in thine own ,rbitrement it $ies. 7erfet within, no o#tward aid re:#ire! ,nd a$$ temptation to transgress repe$. So saying, he arose! whom ,dam th#s Fo$$ow0d with benediction. Since to part, G BA5 H (o heaven$y (#est, Etherea$ *essenger, Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore. (ent$e to me and affab$e hath been /hy condescension, and sha$$ be hono#r0d ever 6ith gratef#$ *emorie+ tho# to mankind G B5C H )e good and friend$y sti$$, and oft ret#rn. So parted they, the ,nge$ #p to .eav0n From the thick shade, and ,dam to his )owre.

Paradise &ost
*..K :
T / "'G2M/+T
Satan having compast the Earth, with meditated g#i$e ret#rns as a mist by Eight into 7aradise, enters into the Serpent s$eeping. ,dam and Eve in the *orning go forth to thir $abo#rs, which Eve proposes to divide in severa$ p$aces, each $abo#ring apart+ ,dam consents not, a$$edging the danger, $est that Enemy, of whom they were forewarn0d, sho#$d attempt her fo#nd a$one+ Eve $oath to be tho#ght not circ#mspect or firm eno#gh, #rges her going apart, the rather desiro#s to make trya$ of her strength! ,dam at $ast yie$ds+ /he Serpent finds her a$one! his s#bt$e approach, first ga"ing, then speaking, with m#ch f$attery e to$$ing Eve above a$$ other Creat#res. Eve wondring to hear the Serpent speak, asks how he attain0d to h#man speech and s#ch #nderstanding not ti$$ now! the Serpent answers, that by tasting of a certain /ree in the (arden he attain0d both to Speech and -eason, ti$$ then void of both+ Eve re:#ires him to bring her to that /ree, and finds it to be the /ree of Jnow$edge forbidden+ /he Serpent now grown bo$der, with many wi$es and arg#ments ind#ces her at $ength to eat! she p$eas0d with the taste de$iberates a whi$e whether to impart thereof to ,dam or not, at $ast brings him of the Fr#it, re$ates what perswaded her to eat thereof+ ,dam at first ama"0d, b#t perceiving her $ost, reso$ves thro#gh vehemence of $ove to perish with her! and e ten#ating the trespass, eats a$so of the Fr#it+ /he Effects thereof in them both! they seek to cover thir nakedness! then fa$$ to variance and acc#sation of one another.

EI more of ta$k where (od or ,nge$ (#est 6ith *an, as with his Friend, fami$iar #s0d /o sit ind#$gent, and with him partake -#ra$ repast, permitting him the whi$e 2enia$ disco#rse #nb$am0d+ I now m#st change G 5 H /hose Eotes to /ragic! fo#$ distr#st, and breach 3is$oya$ on the part of *an, revo$t, ,nd disobedience+ In the part of .eav0n Eow a$ienated, distance and distaste, ,nger and 9#st reb#ke, and 9#dgement giv0n, G ?C H /hat bro#ght into this 6or$d a wor$d of woe, Sinne and her shadow 3eath, and *iserie 3eaths .arbinger+ Sad task, yet arg#ment Eot $ess b#t more .eroic then the wra#th If stern ,chi$$es on his Foe p#rs#0d G ?5 H /hrice F#gitive abo#t /roy 6a$$! or rage If /#rn#s for Lavinia disespo#s0d, Ir Eept#n0s ire or F#no0s, that so $ong 7erp$e 0d the (reek and Cytherea0s Son! If answerab$e sty$e I can obtaine G &C H If my Ce$estia$ 7atroness, who deignes .er night$y visitation #nimp$or0d, ,nd dictates to me s$#mb0ring, or inspires Easie my #npremeditated 2erse+ Since first this S#b9ect for .eroic Song G &5 H 7$eas0d me $ong choosing, and beginning $ate! Eot sed#$o#s by Eat#re to indite 6arrs, hitherto the one$y ,rg#ment .eroic deem0d, chief maistrie to dissect 6ith $ong and tedio#s havoc fab$0d Jnights G >C H In )atte$s feign0d! the better fortit#de If 7atience and .eroic *artyrdom 4ns#ng! or to describe -aces and (ames, Ir ti$ting F#rnit#re, emb$a"on0d Shie$ds, Impreses :#aint, Caparisons and Steeds! G >5 H )ases and tinse$ /rappings, gorgio#s Jnights ,t Fo#st and /orneament! then marsha$0d Feast Serv0d #p in .a$$ with Sewers, and Senesha$s! /he ski$$ of ,rtifice or Iffice mean, Eot that which 9#st$y gives .eroic name G AC H /o 7erson or to 7oem. *ee of these Eor ski$$d nor st#dio#s, higher ,rg#ment -emaines, s#fficient of it se$f to raise /hat name, #n$ess an age too $ate, or co$d C$imat, or 8ears damp my intended wing G A5 H 3eprest, and m#ch they may, if a$$ be mine, Eot .ers who brings it night$y to my Ear. /he S#n was s#nk, and after him the Starr If .esper#s, whose Iffice is to bring /wi$ight #pon the Earth, short ,rbiter G 5C H

/wi t 3ay and Eight, and now from end to end Eights .emisphere had vei$d the .ori"on ro#nd+ 6hen Satan who $ate f$ed before the threats If (abrie$ o#t of Eden, now improv0d In meditated fra#d and ma$ice, bent G 55 H In mans destr#ction, ma#gre what might hap If heavier on himse$f, fear$ess ret#rn0d. )y Eight he f$ed, and at *idnight ret#rn0d. From compassing the Earth, ca#tio#s of day, Since 4rie$ -egent of the S#n descri0d G BC H .is entrance, and forewarnd the Cher#bim /hat kept thir watch! thence f#$$ of ang#ish driv0n, /he space of seven contin#0d Eights he rode 6ith darkness, thrice the E:#inoctia$ Line .e circ$0d, fo#r times cross0d the Carr of Eight G B5 H From 7o$e to 7o$e, traversing each Co$#re! In the eighth ret#rn0d, and on the Coast averse From entrance or Cher#bic 6atch, by stea$th Fo#nd #ns#spected way. /here was a p$ace, Eow not, tho#gh Sin, not /ime, first wra#ght the change, G ;C H 6here /igris at the foot of 7aradise Into a (#$f shot #nder gro#nd, ti$$ part -ose #p a Fo#ntain by the /ree of Life! In with the -iver s#nk, and with it rose Satan invo$v0d in rising *ist, then so#ght G ;5 H 6here to $ie hid! Sea he had searcht and Land From Eden over 7ont#s, and the 7oo$e *Ootis, #p beyond the -iver Ib! 3ownward as farr ,ntartic! and in $ength 6est from Irontes to the Icean barr0d G <C H ,t 3arien, thence to the Land where f$owes (anges and Ind#s+ th#s the Irb he roam0d 6ith narrow search! and with inspection deep Consider0d every Creat#re, which of a$$ *ost opport#ne might serve his 6i$es, and fo#nd G <5 H /he Serpent s#tt$est )east of a$$ the Fie$d. .im after $ong debate, irreso$#te If tho#ghts revo$v0d, his fina$ sentence chose Fit 2esse$, fittest Imp of fra#d, in whom /o enter, and his dark s#ggestions hide G =C H From sharpest sight+ for in the wi$ie Snake, 6hatever s$eights none wo#$d s#spicio#s mark, ,s from his wit and native s#tt$etie 7roceeding, which in other )easts observ0d 3o#bt might beget of 3iabo$ic pow0r G =5 H ,ctive within beyond the sense of br#te. /h#s he reso$v0d, b#t first from inward griefe .is b#rsting passion into p$aints th#s po#r0d+ I Earth, how $ike to .eav0n, if not preferr0d *ore 9#st$y, Seat worthier of (ods, as b#i$t G ?CC H 6ith second tho#ghts, reforming what was o$dP For what (od after better worse wo#$d b#i$d@

/errestria$ .eav0n, danc0t ro#nd by other .eav0ns /hat shine, yet bear thir bright officio#s Lamps, Light above Light, for thee a$one, as seems, G ?C5 H In thee concentring a$$ thir precio#s beams If sacred inf$#ence+ ,s (od in .eav0n Is Center, yet e tends to a$$, so tho# Centring receav0st from a$$ those Irbs! in thee, Eot in themse$ves, a$$ thir known vert#e appeers G ??C H 7rod#ctive in .erb, 7$ant, and nob$er birth If Creat#res animate with grad#a$ $ife If (rowth, Sense, -eason, a$$ s#mm0d #p in *an. 6ith what de$ight co#$d I have wa$kt thee ro#nd, If I co#$d 9oy in a#ght, sweet interchange G ??5 H If .i$$, and 2a$$ie, -ivers, 6oods and 7$aines, Eow Land, now Sea, and Shores with Forrest crownd, -ocks, 3ens, and Caves! b#t I in none of these Find p$ace or ref#ge! and the more I see 7$eas#res abo#t me, so m#ch more I fee$ G ?&C H /orment within me, as from the hatef#$ siege If contraries! a$$ good to me becomes )ane, and in .eav0n m#ch worse wo#$d be my state. )#t neither here seek I, no nor in .eav0n /o dwe$$, #n$ess by maistring .eav0ns S#preame! G ?&5 H Eor hope to be my se$f $ess miserab$e )y what I seek, b#t others to make s#ch ,s I, tho#gh thereby worse to me redo#nd+ For one$y in destroying I find ease /o my re$ent$ess tho#ghts! and him destroyd, G ?>C H Ir won to what may work his #tter $oss, For whom a$$ this was made, a$$ this wi$$ soon Fo$$ow, as to him $inkt in wea$ or woe, In wo then+ that destr#ction wide may range+ /o mee sha$$ be the g$orie so$e among G ?>5 H /he inferna$ 7owers, in one day to have marr0d 6hat he ,$mightie sty$0d, si Eights and 3ays Contin#0d making, and who knows how $ong )efore had bin contriving, tho#gh perhaps Eot $onger then since I in one Eight freed G ?AC H From servit#de ing$orio#s we$nigh ha$f /h0 ,nge$ic Eame, and thinner $eft the throng If his adorers+ hee to be aveng0d, ,nd to repaire his n#mbers th#s impair0d, 6hether s#ch vert#e spent of o$d now fai$d G ?A5 H *ore ,nge$s to Create, if they at $east ,re his Created, or to spite #s more, 3etermin0d to advance into o#r room , Creat#re form0d of Earth, and him endow, E a$ted from so base origina$, G ?5C H 6ith .eav0n$y spoi$s, o#r spoi$s+ 6hat he decreed .e effected! *an he made, and for him b#i$t *agnificent this 6or$d, and Earth his seat, .im Lord prono#nc0d, and, I indignitieP

S#b9ected to his service ,nge$ wings, G ?55 H ,nd f$aming *inisters to watch and tend /hir earthy Charge+ If these the vigi$ance I dread, and to e$#de, th#s wrapt in mist If midnight vapor g$ide obsc#re, and prie In every )#sh and )rake, where hap may finde G ?BC H /he Serpent s$eeping, in whose ma"ie fo#$ds /o hide me, and the dark intent I bring. I fo#$ descentP that I who erst contended 6ith (ods to sit the highest, am now constraind Into a )east, and mi t with bestia$ s$ime, G ?B5 H /his essence to incarnate and imbr#te, /hat to the hight of 3eitie aspir0d! )#t what wi$$ not ,mbition and -evenge 3escend to@ who aspires m#st down as $ow ,s high he soard, obno io#s first or $ast G ?;C H /o basest things. -evenge, at first tho#gh sweet, )itter ere $ong back on it se$f recoi$es! Let it! I reck not, so it $ight we$$ aim0d, Since higher I fa$$ short, on him who ne t 7rovokes my envie, this new Favorite G ?;5 H If .eav0n, this *an of C$ay, Son of despite, 6hom #s the more to spite his *aker rais0d From d#st+ spite then with spite is best repaid. So saying, thro#gh each /hicket 3anck or 3rie, Like a b$ack mist $ow creeping, he he$d on G ?<C H .is midnight search, where soonest he might finde /he Serpent+ him fast s$eeping soon he fo#nd In Labyrinth of many a ro#nd se$f1row$d, .is head the midst, we$$ stor0d with s#tt$e wi$es+ Eot yet in horrid Shade or disma$ 3en, G ?<5 H Eor nocent yet, b#t on the grassie .erbe Fear$ess #nfeard he s$ept+ in at his *o#th /he 3evi$ enterd, and his br#ta$ sense, In heart or head, possessing soon inspir0d 6ith act inte$$igentia$! b#t his s$eep G ?=C H 3ist#rbd not, waiting c$ose th0 approach of *orn. Eow when as sacred Light began to dawne In Eden on the h#mid F$o#rs, that breathd /hir morning incense, when a$$ things that breath, From th0 Earths great ,$tar send #p si$ent praise G ?=5 H /o the Creator, and his Eostri$s fi$$ 6ith gratef#$ Sme$$, forth came the h#man pair ,nd 9oind thir voca$ 6orship to the M#ire If Creat#res wanting voice, that done, partake /he season, prime for sweetest Sents and ,ires+ G &CC H /hen comm#ne how that day they best may p$y /hir growing work+ for m#ch thir work o#tgrew /he hands dispatch of two (ardning so wide. ,nd Eve first to her .#sband th#s began. ,dam, we$$ may we $abo#r sti$$ to dress G &C5 H

/his (arden, sti$$ to tend 7$ant, .erb and F$o#r, I#r p$easant task en9oyn0d, b#t ti$$ more hands ,id #s, the work #nder o#r $abo#r grows, L# #rio#s by restraint! what we by day Lop overgrown, or pr#ne, or prop, or bind, G &?C H Ine night or two with wanton growth derides /ending to wi$de. /ho# therefore now advise Ir hear what to my minde first tho#ghts present, Let #s divide o#r $abo#rs, tho# where choice Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind G &?5 H /he 6oodbine ro#nd this ,rbo#r, or direct /he c$asping Ivie where to c$imb, whi$e I In yonder Spring of -oses intermi t 6ith *yrt$e, find what to redress ti$$ Eoon+ For whi$e so near each other th#s a$$ day G &&C H I#r taske we choose, what wonder if so near Looks intervene and smi$es, or ob9ect new Cas#a$ disco#rse draw on, which intermits I#r dayes work bro#ght to $itt$e, tho#gh beg#n Ear$y, and th0 ho#r of S#pper comes #nearn0d. G &&5 H /o whom mi$d answer ,dam th#s ret#rn0d. So$e Eve, ,ssociate so$e, to me beyond Compare above a$$ $iving Creat#res deare, 6e$$ hast tho# motion0d, we$$ thy tho#ghts imp$oyd .ow we might best f#$fi$$ the work which here G &>C H (od hath assign0d #s, nor of me sha$t pass 4nprais0d+ for nothing $ove$ier can be fo#nd In 6oman, then to st#die ho#sho$d good, ,nd good workes in her .#sband to promote. 8et not so strict$y hath o#r Lord impos0d G &>5 H Labo#r, as to debarr #s when we need -efreshment, whether food, or ta$k between, Food of the mind, or this sweet interco#rse If $ooks and smi$es, for smi$es from -eason f$ow, /o br#te deni0d, and are of Love the food, G &AC H Love not the $owest end of h#man $ife. For not to irksom toi$e, b#t to de$ight .e made #s, and de$ight to -eason 9oyn0d. /hese paths N )owers do#bt not b#t o#r 9oynt hands 6i$$ keep from 6i$derness with ease, as wide G &A5 H ,s we need wa$k, ti$$ yo#nger hands ere $ong ,ssist #s+ )#t if m#ch converse perhaps /hee satiate, to short absence I co#$d yie$d. For so$it#de somtimes is best societie, ,nd short retirement #rges sweet ret#rne. G &5C H )#t other do#bt possesses me, $east harm )efa$$ thee sever0d from me! for tho# knowst 6hat hath bin warn0d #s, what ma$icio#s Foe Envying o#r happiness, and of his own 3espairing, seeks to work #s woe and shame G &55 H )y s$y assa#$t! and somwhere nigh at hand 6atches, no do#bt, with greedy hope to find

.is wish and best advantage, #s as#nder, .ope$ess to circ#mvent #s 9oynd, where each /o other speedie aide might $end at need! G &BC H 6hether his first design be to withdraw I#r fea$tie from (od, or to dist#rb Con9#ga$ Love, then which perhaps no b$iss En9oy0d by #s e cites his envie more! Ir this, or worse, $eave not the faithf#$ side G &B5 H /hat gave thee being, sti$$ shades thee and protects. /he 6ife, where danger or dishono#r $#rks, Safest and seem$iest by her .#sband staies, 6ho g#ards her, or with her the worst end#res. /o whom the 2irgin *a9estie of Eve, G &;C H ,s one who $oves, and some #nkindness meets, 6ith sweet a#steer compos#re th#s rep$y0d, Ifspring of .eav0n and Earth, and a$$ Earths Lord, /hat s#ch an Enemie we have, who seeks I#r r#in, both by thee informd I $earne, G &;5 H ,nd from the parting ,nge$ over1heard ,s in a shadie nook I stood behind, F#st then ret#rnd at sh#t of Evening F$o#rs. )#t that tho# sho#$dst my firmness therfore do#bt /o (od or thee, beca#se we have a foe G &<C H *ay tempt it, I e pected not to hear. .is vio$ence tho# fear0st not, being s#ch, ,s wee, not capab$e of death or paine, Can either not receave, or can repe$$. .is fra#d is then thy fear, which p$ain inferrs G &<5 H /hy e:#a$ fear that my firm Faith and Love Can by his fra#d be shak0n or sed#c0t! /ho#ghts, which how fo#nd they harbo#r in thy brest ,dam, mistho#ght of her to thee so dear@ /o whom with hea$ing words ,dam rep$yd. G &=C H 3a#ghter of (od and *an, immorta$ Eve, For s#ch tho# art, from sin and b$ame entire+ Eot diffident of thee do I diss#ade /hy absence from my sight, b#t to avoid /h0 attempt itse$f, intended by o#r Foe. G &=5 H For hee who tempts, tho#gh in vain, at $east asperses /he tempted with dishono#r fo#$, s#ppos0d Eot incorr#ptib$e of Faith, not prooff ,gainst temptation+ tho# thy se$f with scorne ,nd anger wo#$dst resent the offer0d wrong, G >CC H /ho#gh ineffect#a$ fo#nd+ misdeem not then, If s#ch affront I $abo#r to avert From thee a$one, which on #s both at once /he Enemie, tho#gh bo$d, wi$$ hard$y dare, Ir daring, first on mee th0 assa#$t sha$$ $ight. G >C5 H Eor tho# his ma$ice and fa$se g#i$e contemn! S#tt$e he needs m#st be, who co#$d sed#ce ,nge$s nor think s#perf$#o#s others aid.

I from the inf$#ence of thy $ooks receave ,ccess in every 2ert#e, in thy sight G >?C H *ore wise, more watchf#$, stronger, if need were If o#tward strength! whi$e shame, tho# $ooking on, Shame to be overcome or over1reacht 6o#$d #tmost vigor raise, and rais0d #nite. 6hy sho#$dst not tho# $ike sense within thee fee$ G >?5 H 6hen I am present, and thy tria$ choose 6ith me, best witness of thy 2ert#e tri0d. So spake domestick ,dam in his care ,nd *atrimonia$ Love! b#t Eve, who tho#ght Less attrib#ted to her Faith sincere, G >&C H /h#s her rep$y with accent sweet renewd. If this be o#r condition, th#s to dwe$$ In narrow circ#it strait0nd by a Foe, S#tt$e or vio$ent, we not end#0d Sing$e with $ike defence, wherever met, G >&5 H .ow are we happie, sti$$ in fear of harm@ )#t harm precedes not sin+ one$y o#r Foe /empting affronts #s with his fo#$ esteem If o#r integritie+ his fo#$ esteeme Sticks no dishonor on o#r Front, b#t t#rns G >>C H Fo#$ on himse$f! then wherefore sh#nd or feard )y #s@ who rather do#b$e hono#r gaine From his s#rmise prov0d fa$se, find peace within, Favo#r from .eav0n, o#r witness from th0 event. ,nd what is Faith, Love, 2ert#e #nassaid G >>5 H ,$one, witho#t e terior he$p s#staind@ Let #s not then s#spect o#r happie State Left so imperfet by the *aker wise, ,s not sec#re to sing$e or combin0d. Frai$e is o#r happiness, if this be so, G >AC H ,nd Eden were no Eden th#s e pos0d. /o whom th#s ,dam fervent$y rep$i0d. I 6oman, best are a$$ things as the wi$$ If (od ordain0d them, his creating hand Eothing imperfet or deficient $eft G >A5 H If a$$ that he Created, m#ch $ess *an, Ir a#ght that might his happie State sec#re, Sec#re from o#tward force! within himse$f /he danger $ies, yet $ies within his power+ ,gainst his wi$$ he can receave no harme. G >5C H )#t (od $eft free the 6i$$, for what obeyes -eason, is free, and -eason he made right )#t bid her we$$ beware, and sti$$ erect, Least by some faire appeering good s#rpris0d She dictate fa$se, and misinforme the 6i$$ G >55 H /o do what (od e pres$y hath forbid, Eot then mistr#st, b#t tender $ove en9oynes, /hat I sho#$d mind thee oft, and mind tho# me. Firm we s#bsist, yet possib$e to swerve,

Since -eason not impossib$y may meet G >BC H Some specio#s ob9ect by the Foe s#bornd, ,nd fa$$ into deception #naware, Eot keeping strictest watch, as she was warnd. Seek not temptation then, which to avoide 6ere better, and most $ike$ie if from mee G >B5 H /ho# sever not+ /ria$ wi$$ come #nso#ght. 6o#$dst tho# approve thy constancie, approve First thy obedience! th0 other who can know, Eot seeing thee attempted, who attest@ )#t if tho# think, tria$ #nso#ght may finde G >;C H 4s both sec#rer then th#s warnd tho# seemst, (o! for thy stay, not free, absents thee more! (o in thy native innocence, re$ie In what tho# hast of vert#e, s#mmon a$$, For (od towards thee hath done his part, do thine. G >;5 H So spake the 7atriarch of *ankinde, b#t Eve 7ersisted, yet s#bmiss, tho#gh $ast, rep$i0d. 6ith thy permission then, and th#s forewarnd Chief$y by what thy own $ast reasoning words /o#chd one$y, that o#r tria$, when $east so#ght, G ><C H *ay finde #s both perhaps farr $ess prepar0d, /he wi$$inger I goe, nor m#ch e pect , Foe so pro#d wi$$ first the weaker seek, So bent, the more sha$$ shame him his rep#$se. /h#s saying, from her .#sbands hand her hand G ><5 H Soft she withdrew, and $ike a 6ood1Eymph $ight Iread or 3ryad, or of 3e$ia0s /raine, )etook her to the (roves, b#t 3e$ia0s se$f In gate s#rpass0d and (oddess1$ike deport, /ho#gh not as shee with )ow and M#iver armd, G >=C H )#t with s#ch (ardning /oo$s as ,rt yet r#de, (#i$t$ess of fire had formd, or ,nge$s bro#ght. /o 7a$es, or 7omona, th#s adornd, Like$iest she seemd, 7omona when she f$ed 2ert#mn#s, or to Ceres in her 7rime, G >=5 H 8et 2irgin of 7roserpina from Fove. .er $ong with ardent $ook his Eye p#rs#0d 3e$ighted, b#t desiring more her stay. Ift he to her his charge of :#ick ret#rne -epeated, shee to him as oft engag0d G ACC H /o be ret#rnd by Eoon amid the )owre, ,nd a$$ things in best order to invite Eoontide repast, or ,fternoons repose. I m#ch deceav0d, m#ch fai$ing, hap$ess Eve, If thy pres#m0d ret#rnP event perverseP G AC5 H /ho# never from that ho#re in 7aradise Fo#ndst either sweet repast, or so#nd repose! S#ch amb#sh hid among sweet F$o#rs and Shades 6aited with he$$ish ranco#r imminent /o intercept thy way, or send thee back G A?C H

3espoi$d of Innocence, of Faith, of )$iss. For now, and since first break of dawne the Fiend, *eer Serpent in appearance, forth was come, ,nd on his M#est, where $ike$iest he might finde /he one$y two of *ankinde, b#t in them G A?5 H /he who$e inc$#ded -ace, his p#rposd prey. In )owre and Fie$d he so#ght, where any t#ft If (rove or (arden17$ot more p$easant $ay, /hir tendance or 7$antation for de$ight, )y Fo#ntain or by shadie -iv#$et G A&C H .e so#ght them both, b#t wish0d his hap might find Eve separate, he wish0d, b#t not with hope If what so se$dom chanc0d, when to his wish, )eyond his hope, Eve separate he spies, 2ei$d in a C$o#d of Fragrance, where she stood, G A&5 H .a$f spi0d, so thick the -oses b#shing ro#nd ,bo#t her g$owd, oft stooping to s#pport Each F$o#r of s$ender sta$k, whose head tho#gh gay Carnation, 7#rp$e, ,"#re, or spect with (o$d, .#ng drooping #ns#staind, them she #pstaies G A>C H (ent$y with *irt$e band, mind$ess the whi$e, .er se$f, tho#gh fairest #ns#pported F$o#r, From her best prop so farr, and storm so nigh. Eeerer he drew, and many a wa$k travers0d If state$iest Covert, Cedar, 7ine, or 7a$me, G A>5 H /hen vo$#b$e and bo$d, now hid, now seen ,mong thick1wov0n ,rborets and F$o#rs Imborderd on each )ank, the hand of Eve+ Spot more de$icio#s then those (ardens feign0d Ir of reviv0d ,donis, or renownd G AAC H ,$cino#s, host of o$d Laertes Son, Ir that, not *ystic, where the Sapient Jing .e$d da$$iance with his fair Egyptian Spo#se. *#ch hee the 7$ace admir0d, the 7erson more. ,s one who $ong in pop#$o#s City pent, G AA5 H 6here .o#ses thick and Sewers annoy the ,ire, Forth iss#ing on a S#mmers *orn to breathe ,mong the p$easant 2i$$ages and Farmes ,d9oynd, from each thing met conceaves de$ight, /he sme$$ of (rain, or tedded (rass, or Jine, G A5C H Ir 3airie, each r#ra$ sight, each r#ra$ so#nd! If chance with Eymph$ike step fair 2irgin pass, 6hat p$easing seemd, for her now p$eases more, She most, and in her $ook s#mms a$$ 3e$ight. S#ch 7$eas#re took the Serpent to beho$d G A55 H /his F$o#rie 7$at, the sweet recess of Eve /h#s ear$ie, th#s a$one! her .eav0n$y forme ,nge$ic, b#t more soft, and Feminine, .er gracef#$ Innocence, her every ,ire If gest#re or $est action overawd G ABC H .is *a$ice, and with rapine sweet bereav0d .is fierceness of the fierce intent it bro#ght+

/hat space the Evi$ one abstracted stood From his own evi$, and for the time remaind St#pid$y good, of enmitie disarm0d, G AB5 H If g#i$e, of hate, of envie, of revenge! )#t the hot .e$$ that a$wayes in him b#rnes, /ho#gh in mid .eav0n, soon ended his de$ight, ,nd tort#res him now more, the more he sees If p$eas#re not for him ordain0d+ then soon G A;C H Fierce hate he reco$$ects, and a$$ his tho#ghts If mischief, grat#$ating, th#s e cites. /ho#ghts, whither have ye $ed me, with what sweet Comp#$sion th#s transported to forget 6hat hither bro#ght #s, hate, not $ove, nor hope G A;5 H If 7aradise for .e$$, hope here to taste If p$eas#re, b#t a$$ p$eas#re to destroy, Save what is in destroying, other 9oy /o me is $ost. /hen $et me not $et pass Iccasion which now smi$es, beho$d a$one G A<C H /he 6oman, opport#ne to a$$ attempts, .er .#sband, for I view far ro#nd, not nigh, 6hose higher inte$$ect#a$ more I sh#n, ,nd strength, of co#rage ha#tie, and of $imb .eroic b#i$t, tho#gh of terrestria$ mo#$d, G A<5 H Foe not informidab$e, e empt from wo#nd, I not! so m#ch hath .e$$ debas0d, and paine Infeeb$0d me, to what I was in .eav0n. Shee fair, divine$y fair, fit Love for (ods, Eot terrib$e, tho#gh terro#r be in Love G A=C H ,nd bea#tie, not approacht by stronger hate, .ate stronger, #nder shew of Love we$$ feign0d, /he way which to her r#in now I tend. So spake the Enemie of *ankind, enc$os0d In Serpent, Inmate bad, and toward Eve G A=5 H ,ddress0d his way, not with indented wave, 7rone on the gro#nd, as since, b#t on his reare, Circ#$ar base of rising fo#$ds, that to#r0d Fo#$d above fo#$d a s#rging *a"e, his .ead Crested a$oft, and Carb#nc$e his Eyes! G 5CC H 6ith b#rnisht Eeck of verdant (o$d, erect ,midst his circ$ing Spires, that on the grass F$oted red#ndant+ p$easing was his shape, ,nd $ove$y, never since of Serpent kind Love$ier, not those that in I$$yria chang0d G 5C5 H .ermione and Cadm#s, or the (od In Epida#r#s! nor to which transformd ,mmonian Fove, or Capito$ine was seen, .ee with I$ympias, this with her who bore Scipio the highth of -ome. 6ith tract ob$i:#e G 5?C H ,t first, as one who so#ght access, b#t feard /o interr#pt, side1$ong he works his way. ,s when a Ship by ski$f#$ Stearsman wro#ght

Eigh -ivers mo#th or Fore$and, where the 6ind 2eres oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her Sai$e! G 5?5 H So varied hee, and of his tort#o#s /raine C#r$d many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve, /o $#re her Eye! shee b#sied heard the so#nd If r#s$ing Leaves, b#t minded not, as #s0d /o s#ch disport before her thro#gh the Fie$d, G 5&C H From every )east, more d#teo#s at her ca$$, /hen at Circean ca$$ the .erd disg#is0d. .ee bo#$der now, #nca$$0d before her stood! )#t as in ga"e admiring+ Ift he bowd .is t#rret Crest, and s$eek ename$0d Eeck, G 5&5 H Fawning, and $ick0d the gro#nd whereon she trod. .is gent$e d#mb e pression t#rnd at $ength /he Eye of Eve to mark his p$ay! he g$ad If her attention gaind, with Serpent /ong#e Irganic, or imp#$se of voca$ ,ir, G 5>C H .is fra#d#$ent temptation th#s began. 6onder not, sovran *istress, if perhaps /ho# canst, who art so$e 6onder, m#ch $ess arm /hy $ooks, the .eav0n of mi$dness, with disdain, 3isp$eas0d that I approach thee th#s, and ga"e G 5>5 H Insatiate, I th#s sing$e, nor have feard /hy awf#$ brow, more awf#$ th#s retir0d. Fairest resemb$ance of thy *aker faire, /hee a$$ things $iving ga"e on, a$$ things thine )y gift, and thy Ce$estia$ )ea#tie adore G 5AC H 6ith ravishment behe$d, there best behe$d 6here #niversa$$y admir0d! b#t here In this enc$os#re wi$d, these )easts among, )eho$ders r#de, and sha$$ow to discerne .a$f what in thee is fair, one man e cept, G 5A5 H 6ho sees thee@ %and what is one@' who sho#$dst be seen , (oddess among (ods, ador0d and serv0d )y ,nge$s n#mber$ess, thy dai$y /rain. So g$o"0d the /empter, and his 7roem t#n0d! Into the .eart of Eve his words made way, G 55C H /ho#gh at the voice m#ch marve$ing! at $ength Eot #nama"0d she th#s in answer spake. 6hat may this mean@ Lang#age of *an prono#nc0t )y /ong#e of )r#te, and h#man sense e prest@ /he first at $est of these I tho#ght deni0d G 555 H /o )easts, whom (od on thir Creation13ay Created m#te to a$$ artic#$at so#nd! /he $atter I dem#rre, for in thir $ooks *#ch reason, and in thir actions oft appeers. /hee, Serpent, s#tt$est beast of a$$ the fie$d G 5BC H I knew, b#t not with h#man voice end#0d! -edo#b$e then this mirac$e, and say, .ow cam0st tho# speakab$e of m#te, and how /o me so friend$y grown above the rest

If br#ta$ kind, that dai$y are in sight@ G 5B5 H Say, for s#ch wonder c$aims attention d#e. /o whom the g#i$ef#$ /empter th#s rep$y0d. Empress of this fair 6or$d, resp$endent Eve, Easie to mee it is to te$$ thee a$$ 6hat tho# commandst and right tho# sho#$dst be obeyd+ G 5;C H I was at first as other )easts that gra"e /he trodden .erb, of ab9ect tho#ghts and $ow, ,s was my food, nor a#ght b#t food discern0d Ir Se , and apprehended nothing high+ /i$$ on a day roaving the fie$d, I chanc0d G 5;5 H , good$y /ree farr distant to beho$d Loaden with fr#it of fairest co$o#rs mi t, -#ddie and (o$d+ I nearer drew to ga"e! 6hen from the bo#ghes a savorie odo#r b$ow0n, (ratef#$ to appetite, more p$eas0d my sense, G 5<C H /hen sme$$ of sweetest Fene$ or the /eats If Ewe or (oat dropping with *i$k at Eevn, 4ns#ckt of Lamb or Jid, that tend thir p$ay. /o satisfie the sharp desire I had If tasting those fair ,pp$es, I reso$v0d G 5<5 H Eot to deferr! h#nger and thirst at once, 7owerf#$ perswaders, :#ick0nd at the scent If that a$$#ring fr#it, #rg0d me so keene. ,bo#t the mossie /r#nk I wo#nd me soon, For high from gro#nd the branches wo#$d re:#ire G 5=C H /hy #tmost reach or ,dams+ -o#nd the /ree ,$$ other )easts that saw, with $ike desire Longing and envying stood, b#t co#$d not reach. ,mid the /ree now got, where p$enty h#ng /empting so nigh, to p$#ck and eat my fi$$ G 5=5 H I spar0d not, for s#ch p$eas#re ti$$ that ho#r ,t Feed or Fo#ntain never had I fo#nd. Sated at $ength, ere $ong I might perceave Strange a$teration in me, to degree If -eason in my inward 7owers, and Speech G BCC H 6anted not $ong, tho#gh to this shape retain0d. /henceforth to Spec#$ations high or deep I t#rnd my tho#ghts, and with capacio#s mind Considerd a$$ things visib$e in .eav0n, Ir Earth, or *idd$e, a$$ things fair and good! G BC5 H )#t a$$ that fair and good in thy 3ivine Semb$ance, and in thy )ea#ties heav0n$y -ay 4nited I behe$d! no Fair to thine E:#iva$ent or second, which compe$0d *ee th#s, tho#gh import#ne perhaps, to come G B?C H ,nd ga"e, and worship thee of right dec$ar0d Sovran of Creat#res, #niversa$ 3ame. So ta$k0d the spirited s$y Snake! and Eve 8et more ama"0d #nwarie th#s rep$y0d. Serpent, thy overpraising $eaves in do#bt G B?5 H

/he vert#e of that Fr#it, in thee first prov0d+ )#t say, where grows the /ree, from hence how far@ For many are the /rees of (od that grow In 7aradise, and vario#s, yet #nknown /o #s, in s#ch ab#ndance $ies o#r choice, G B&C H ,s $eaves a greater store of Fr#it #nto#cht, Sti$$ hanging incorr#ptib$e, ti$$ men (row #p to thir provision, and more hands .e$p to disb#rden Eat#re of her )earth. /o whom the wi$ie ,dder, b$ithe and g$ad. G B&5 H Empress, the way is readie, and not $ong, )eyond a row of *yrt$es, on a F$at, Fast by a Fo#ntain, one sma$$ /hicket past If b$owing *yrrh and )a$me! if tho# accept *y cond#ct, I can bring thee thither soon. G B>C H Lead then, said Eve. .ee $eading swift$y row$d In tang$es, and made intricate seem strait, /o mischief swift. .ope e$evates, and 9oy )right0ns his Crest, as when a wandring Fire Compact of #nct#o#s vapor, which the Eight G B>5 H Condenses, and the co$d invirons ro#nd, Jind$0d thro#gh agitation to a F$ame, 6hich oft, they say, some evi$ Spirit attends .overing and b$a"ing with de$#sive Light, *is$eads th0 ama"0d Eight1wanderer from his way G BAC H /o )oggs and *ires, and oft thro#gh 7ond or 7oo$e, /here swa$$ow0d #p and $ost, from s#cco#r farr. So g$ister0d the dire Snake, and into fra#d Led Eve o#r cred#$o#s *other, to the /ree If prohibition, root of a$$ o#r woe! G BA5 H 6hich when she saw, th#s to her g#ide she spake. Serpent, we might have spar0d o#r coming hither, Fr#it$ess to mee, tho#gh Fr#it be here to e cess, /he credit of whose vert#e rest with thee, 6ondro#s indeed, if ca#se of s#ch effects. G B5C H )#t of this /ree we may not taste nor to#ch! (od so commanded, and $eft that Command So$e 3a#ghter of his voice! the rest, we $ive Law to o#r se$ves, o#r -eason is o#r Law. /o whom the /empter g#i$ef#$$y rep$i0d. G B55 H Indeed@ hath (od then said that of the Fr#it If a$$ these (arden /rees ye sha$$ not eate, 8et Lords dec$ar0d of a$$ in Earth or ,ire@ /o whom th#s Eve yet sin$ess. If the Fr#it If each /ree in the (arden we may eate, G BBC H )#t of the Fr#it of this fair /ree amidst /he (arden, (od hath said, 8e sha$$ not eate /hereof, nor sha$$ ye to#ch it, $east ye die. She scarse had said, tho#gh brief, when now more bo$d /he /empter, b#t with shew of Rea$e and Love G BB5 H

/o *an, and indignation at his wrong, Eew part p#ts on, and as to passion mov0d, F$#ct#ats dist#rbd, yet come$y and in act -ais0d, as of som great matter to begin. ,s when of o$d som Irator reno#nd G B;C H In ,thens or free -ome, where E$o:#ence F$o#rishd, since m#te, to som great ca#se addrest, Stood in himse$f co$$ected, whi$e each part, *otion, each act won a#dience ere the tong#e, Somtimes in highth began, as no de$ay G B;5 H If 7reface brooking thro#gh his Rea$ of -ight. So standing, moving, or to highth #pgrown /he /empter a$$ impassiond th#s began. I Sacred, 6ise, and 6isdom1giving 7$ant, *other of Science, Eow I fee$ thy 7ower G B<C H 6ithin me c$eere, not one$y to discerne /hings in thir Ca#ses, b#t to trace the wayes If highest ,gents, deemd however wise. M#een of this 4niverse, doe not be$ieve /hose rigid threats of 3eath! ye sha$$ not 3ie+ G B<5 H .ow sho#$d ye@ by the Fr#it@ it gives yo# Life /o Jnow$edge, )y the /hreatner, $ook on mee, *ee who have to#ch0d and tasted, yet both $ive, ,nd $ife more perfet have attaind then Fate *eant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot. G B=C H Sha$$ that be sh#t to *an, which to the )east Is open@ or wi$$ (od incense his ire For s#ch a petty /respass, and not praise -ather yo#r da#nt$ess vert#e, whom the pain If 3eath deno#nc0t, whatever thing 3eath be, G B=5 H 3eterrd not from atchieving what might $eade /o happier $ife, know$edge of (ood and Evi$! If good, how 9#st@ of evi$, if what is evi$ )e rea$, why not known, since easier sh#nnd@ (od therefore cannot h#rt ye, and be 9#st! G ;CC H Eot 9#st, not (od! not feard then, nor obeyd+ 8o#r feare it se$f of 3eath removes the feare. 6hy then was this forbid@ 6hy b#t to awe, 6hy b#t to keep ye $ow and ignorant, .is worshippers! he knows that in the day G ;C5 H 8e Eate thereof, yo#r Eyes that seem so c$eere, 8et are b#t dim, sha$$ perfet$y be then Ip0nd and c$eerd, and ye sha$$ be as (ods, Jnowing both (ood and Evi$ as they know. /hat ye sho#$d be as (ods, since I as *an, G ;?C H Interna$ *an, is b#t proportion meet, I of br#te h#man, yee of h#man (ods. So ye sha$$ die perhaps, by p#tting off .#man, to p#t on (ods, death to be wisht, /ho#gh threat0nd, which no worse then this can bring. G ;?5 H ,nd what are (ods that *an may not become ,s they, participating (od1$ike food@

/he (ods are first, and that advantage #se In o#r be$ief, that a$$ from them proceeds! I :#estion it, for this fair Earth I see, G ;&C H 6arm0d by the S#n, prod#cing every kind, /hem nothing+ If they a$$ things, who enc$os0d Jnow$edge of (ood and Evi$ in this /ree, /hat whoso eats thereof, forthwith attains 6isdom witho#t their $eave@ and wherein $ies G ;&5 H /h0 offence, that *an sho#$d th#s attain to know@ 6hat can yo#r know$edge h#rt him, or this /ree Impart against his wi$$ if a$$ be his@ Ir is it envie, and can envie dwe$$ In .eav0n$y brests@ these, these and many more G ;>C H Ca#ses import yo#r need of this fair Fr#it. (oddess h#mane, reach then, and free$y taste. .e ended, and his words rep$ete with g#i$e Into her heart too easie entrance won+ Fi t on the Fr#it she ga"0d, which to beho$d G ;>5 H *ight tempt a$one, and in her ears the so#nd 8et r#ng of his perswasive words, impregn0d 6ith -eason, to her seeming, and with /r#th! *ean whi$e the ho#r of Eoon drew on, and wak0d ,n eager appetite, rais0d by the sme$$ G ;AC H So savorie of that Fr#it, which with desire, Inc$inab$e now grown to to#ch or taste, So$$icited her $onging eye! yet first 7a#sing a whi$e, th#s to her se$f she m#s0d. (reat are thy 2ert#es, do#bt$ess, best of Fr#its. G ;A5 H /ho#gh kept from *an, and worthy to be admir0d, 6hose taste, too $ong forborn, at first assay (ave e$oc#tion to the m#te, and ta#ght /he /ong#e not made for Speech to speak thy praise+ /hy praise hee a$so who forbids thy #se, G ;5C H Concea$es not from #s, naming thee the /ree If Jnow$edge, know$edge both of good and evi$! Forbids #s then to taste, b#t his forbidding Commends thee more, whi$e it inferrs the good )y thee comm#nicated, and o#r want+ G ;55 H For good #nknown, s#re is not had, or had ,nd yet #nknown, is as not had at a$$. In p$ain then, what forbids he b#t to know, Forbids #s good, forbids #s to be wise@ S#ch prohibitions binde not. )#t if 3eath G ;BC H )ind #s with after1bands, what profits then I#r inward freedom@ In the day we eate If this fair Fr#it, o#r doom is, we sha$$ die. .ow dies the Serpent@ hee hath eat0n and $ives, ,nd knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discerns, G ;B5 H Irrationa$ ti$$ then. For #s a$one 6as death invented@ or to #s deni0d /his inte$$ect#a$ food, for beasts reserv0d@

For )easts it seems+ yet that one )east which first .ath tasted, envies not, b#t brings with 9oy G ;;C H /he good befa$$0n him, ,#thor #ns#spect, Friend$y to man, farr from deceit or g#i$e. 6hat fear I then, rather what know to feare 4nder this ignorance of good and Evi$, If (od or 3eath, of Law or 7ena$tie@ G ;;5 H .ere grows the C#re of a$$, this Fr#it 3ivine, Fair to the Eye, inviting to the /aste, If vert#e to make wise+ what hinders then /o reach, and feed at once both )odie and *ind@ So saying, her rash hand in evi$ ho#r G ;<C H Forth reaching to the Fr#it, she p$#ck0d, she eat+ Earth fe$t the wo#nd, and Eat#re from her seat Sighing thro#gh a$$ her 6orks gave signs of woe, /hat a$$ was $ost. )ack to the /hicket s$#nk /he g#i$tie Serpent, and we$$ might, for Eve G ;<5 H Intent now who$$y on her taste, na#ght e$se -egarded, s#ch de$ight ti$$ then, as seemd, In Fr#it she never tasted, whether tr#e Ir fansied so, thro#gh e pectation high If know$edg, nor was (od1head from her tho#ght. G ;=C H (reedi$y she ingorg0d witho#t restraint, ,nd knew not eating 3eath+ Satiate at $ength, ,nd hight0nd as with 6ine, 9ocond and boon, /h#s to her se$f she p$easing$y began. I Sovran, vert#o#s, precio#s of a$$ /rees G ;=5 H In 7aradise, of operation b$est /o Sapience, hitherto obsc#r0d, infam0d, ,nd thy fair Fr#it $et hang, as to no end Created! b#t henceforth my ear$y care, Eot witho#t Song, each *orning, and d#e praise G <CC H Sha$$ tend thee, and the ferti$ b#rden ease If thy f#$$ branches offer0d free to a$$! /i$$ dieted by thee I grow mat#re In know$edge, as the (ods who a$$ things know! /ho#gh others envie what they cannot give! G <C5 H For had the gift bin theirs, it had not here /h#s grown. E perience, ne t to thee I owe, )est g#ide! not fo$$owing thee, I had remaind In ignorance, tho# op0nst 6isdoms way, ,nd giv0st access, tho#gh secret she retire. G <?C H ,nd I perhaps am secret! .eav0n is high, .igh and remote to see from thence distinct Each thing on Earth! and other care perhaps *ay have diverted from contin#a$ watch I#r great Forbidder, safe with a$$ his Spies G <?5 H ,bo#t him. )#t to ,dam in what sort Sha$$ I appeer@ sha$$ I to him make known ,s yet my change, and give him to partake F#$$ happiness with mee, or rather not,

)#t keep the odds of Jnow$edge in my power G <&C H 6itho#t Copartner@ so to add what wants In Fema$ Se , the more to draw his Love, ,nd render me more e:#a$, and perhaps, , thing not #ndesireab$e, somtime S#perior+ for inferior who is free@ G <&5 H /his may be we$$+ b#t what if (od have seen ,nd 3eath ens#e@ then I sha$$ be no more, ,nd ,dam wedded to another Eve, Sha$$ $ive with her en9oying, I e tinct! , death to think. Confirm0d then I reso$ve, G <>C H ,dam sha$$ share with me in b$iss or woe+ So dear I $ove him, that with him a$$ deaths I co#$d end#re, witho#t him $ive no $ife. So saying, from the /ree her step she t#rnd, )#t first $ow -everence don, as to the power G <>5 H /hat dwe$t within, whose presence had inf#s0d Into the p$ant scientia$ sap, deriv0d From Eectar, drink of (ods. ,dam the whi$e 6aiting desiro#s her ret#rn, had wove If choicest F$o#rs a (ar$and to adorne G <AC H .er /resses, and her r#ra$ $abo#rs crown, ,s -eapers oft are wont thir .arvest M#een. (reat 9oy he promis0d to his tho#ghts, and new So$ace in her ret#rn, so $ong de$ay0d! 8et oft his heart, divine of somthing i$$, G <A5 H *isgave him! hee the fa#$tring meas#re fe$t! ,nd forth to meet her went, the way she took /hat *orn when first they parted! by the /ree If Jnow$edge he m#st pass, there he her met, Scarse from the /ree ret#rning! in her hand G <5C H , bo#gh of fairest fr#it that downie smi$0d, Eew gatherd, and ambrosia$ sme$$ diff#s0d. /o him she hasted, in her face e c#se Came 7ro$og#e, and ,po$ogie to prompt, 6hich with b$and words at wi$$ she th#s addrest. G <55 H .ast tho# not wonderd, ,dam, at my stay@ /hee I have misst, and tho#ght it $ong, depriv0d /hy presence, agonie of $ove ti$$ now Eot fe$t, nor sha$$ be twice, for never more *ean I to trie, what rash #ntri0d I so#ght, G <BC H /he pain of absence from thy sight. )#t strange .ath bin the ca#se, and wonderf#$ to heare+ /his /ree is not as we are to$d, a /ree If danger tasted, nor to evi$ #nknown Ip0ning the way, b#t of 3ivine effect G <B5 H /o open Eyes, and make them (ods who taste! ,nd hath bin tasted s#ch+ the Serpent wise, Ir not restraind as wee, or not obeying, .ath eat0n of the fr#it, and is become, Eot dead, as we are threatn0d, b#t thenceforth G <;C H

End#0d with h#man voice and h#man sense, -easoning to admiration, and with mee 7erswasive$y hath so prevai$d, that I .ave a$so tasted, and have a$so fo#nd /h0 effects to correspond, opener mine Eyes G <;5 H 3imm erst, di$ated Spirits, amp$er .eart, ,nd growing #p to (odhead! which for thee Chief$y I so#ght, witho#t thee can despise. For b$iss, as tho# hast part, to me is b$iss, /edio#s, #nshar0d with thee, and odio#s soon. G <<C H /ho# therefore a$so taste, that e:#a$ Lot *ay 9oyne #s, e:#a$ Foy, as e:#a$ Love! Least tho# not tasting, different degree 3is9oyne #s, and I then too $ate reno#nce 3eitie for thee, when Fate wi$$ not permit. G <<5 H /h#s Eve with Co#ntnance b$ithe her storie to$d! )#t in her Cheek distemper f$#shing g$owd. In th0 other side, ,dam, soon as he heard /he fata$ /respass don by Eve, ama"0d, ,stonied stood and )$ank, whi$e horror chi$$ G <=C H -an thro#gh his veins, and a$$ his 9oynts re$a 0d! From his s$ack hand the (ar$and wreath0d for Eve 3own drop0d, and a$$ the faded -oses shed+ Speech$ess he stood and pa$e, ti$$ th#s at $ength First to himse$f he inward si$ence broke. G <=5 H I fairest of Creation, $ast and best If a$$ (ods works, Creat#re in whom e ce$$0d 6hatever can to sight or tho#ght be formd, .o$y, divine, good, amiab$e, or sweetP .ow art tho# $ost, how on a s#dden $ost, G =CC H 3efac0t, def$o#rd, and now to 3eath devote@ -ather how hast tho# yee$ded to transgress /he strict forbiddance, how to vio$ate /he sacred Fr#it forbidd0nP som c#rsed fra#d If Enemie hath beg#i$0d thee, yet #nknown, G =C5 H ,nd mee with thee hath r#ind, for with thee Certain my reso$#tion is to 3ie! .ow can I $ive witho#t thee, how forgoe /hy sweet Converse and Love so dear$y 9oyn0d, /o $ive again in these wi$de 6oods for$orn@ G =?C H Sho#$d (od create another Eve, and I ,nother -ib afford, yet $oss of thee 6o#$d never from my heart! no no, I fee$ /he Link of Eat#re draw me+ F$esh of F$esh, )one of my )one tho# art, and from thy State G =?5 H *ine never sha$$ be parted, b$iss or woe. So having said, as one from sad dismay -ecomforted, and after tho#ghts dist#rbd S#bmitting to what seemd remedi$ess, /h#s in ca$m mood his 6ords to Eve he t#rnd. G =&C H )o$d deed tho# hast pres#m0d, adventro#s Eve

,nd peri$ great provok0t, who th#s hath dar0d .ad it been one$y coveting to Eye /hat sacred Fr#it, sacred to abstinence, *#ch more to taste it #nder banne to to#ch. G =&5 H )#t past who can reca$$, or don #ndoe@ Eot (od Imnipotent, nor Fate, yet so 7erhaps tho# sha$t not 3ie, perhaps the Fact Is not so haino#s now, foretasted Fr#it, 7rofan0d first by the Serpent, by him first G =>C H *ade common and #nha$$owd ere o#r taste! Eor yet on him fo#nd dead$y, he yet $ives, Lives, as tho# saidst, and gaines to $ive as *an .igher degree of Life, ind#cement strong /o #s, as $ike$y tasting to attaine G =>5 H 7roportiona$ ascent, which cannot be )#t to be (ods, or ,nge$s 3emi1gods. Eor can I think that (od, Creator wise, /ho#gh threatning, wi$$ in earnest so destroy 4s his prime Creat#res, dignifi0d so high, G =AC H Set over a$$ his 6orks, which in o#r Fa$$, For #s created, needs with #s m#st fai$e, 3ependent made! so (od sha$$ #ncreate, )e fr#strate, do, #ndo, and $abo#r $oose, Eot we$$ conceav0d of (od, who tho#gh his 7ower G =A5 H Creation co#$d repeate, yet wo#$d be $oath 4s to abo$ish, $east the ,dversary /ri#mph and say! Fick$e their State whom (od *ost Favors, who can p$ease him $ong! *ee first .e r#ind, now *ankind! whom wi$$ he ne t@ G =5C H *atter of scorne, not to be given the Foe, .owever I with thee have fi t my Lot, Certain to #ndergoe $ike doom, if 3eath Consort with thee, 3eath is to mee as Life! So forcib$e within my heart I fee$ G =55 H /he )ond of Eat#re draw me to my owne, *y own in thee, for what tho# art is mine! I#r State cannot be severd, we are one, Ine F$esh! to $oose thee were to $oose my se$f. So ,dam, and th#s Eve to him rep$i0d. G =BC H I g$orio#s tria$ of e ceeding Love, I$$#strio#s evidence, e amp$e highP Ingaging me to em#$ate, b#t short If thy perfection, how sha$$ I attaine, ,dam, from whose deare side I boast me spr#ng, G =B5 H ,nd g$ad$y of o#r 4nion heare thee speak, Ine .eart, one So#$ in both! whereof good prooff /his day affords, dec$aring thee reso$vd, -ather then 3eath or a#ght then 3eath more dread Sha$$ separate #s, $inkt in Love so deare, G =;C H /o #ndergoe with mee one (#i$t, one Crime, If any be, of tasting this fair Fr#it, 6hose vert#e, for of good sti$$ good proceeds,

3irect, or by occasion hath presented /his happie tria$ of thy Love, which e$se G =;5 H So eminent$y never had bin known. 6ere it I tho#ght 3eath menac0t wo#$d ens#e /his my attempt, I wo#$d s#stain a$one /he worst, and not perswade thee, rather die 3eserted, then ob$ige thee with a fact G =<C H 7ernicio#s to thy 7eace, chief$y ass#r0d -emarkab$y so $ate of thy so tr#e, So faithf#$ Love #ne:#a$d! b#t I fee$ Farr otherwise th0 event, not 3eath, b#t Life ,#gmented, op0nd Eyes, new .opes, new Foyes, G =<5 H /aste so 3ivine, that what of sweet before .ath to#cht my sense, f$at seems to this, and harsh. In my e perience, ,dam, free$y taste, ,nd fear of 3eath de$iver to the 6indes. So saying, she embrac0d him, and for 9oy G ==C H /ender$y wept, m#ch won that he his Love .ad so enob$0d, as of choice to inc#rr 3ivine disp$eas#re for her sake, or 3eath. In recompence %for s#ch comp$iance bad S#ch recompence best merits' from the bo#gh G ==5 H She gave him of that fair enticing Fr#it 6ith $ibera$ hand+ he scr#p$0d not to eat ,gainst his better know$edge, not deceav0d, )#t fond$y overcome with Fema$ charm. Earth tremb$0d from her entrai$s, as again G ?CCC H In pangs, and Eat#re gave a second groan, Skie $owr0d, and m#ttering /h#nder, som sad drops 6ept at comp$eating of the morta$ Sin Irigina$! whi$e ,dam took no tho#ght, Eating his fi$$, nor Eve to iterate G ?CC5 H .er former trespass fear0d, the more to soothe .im with her $ov0d societie, that now ,s with new 6ine into icated both /hey swim in mirth, and fansie that they fee$ 3ivinitie within them breeding wings G ?C?C H 6herewith to scorne the Earth+ b#t that fa$se Fr#it Farr other operation first disp$aid, Carna$ desire enf$aming, hee on Eve )egan to cast $ascivio#s Eyes, she him ,s wanton$y repaid! in L#st they b#rne+ G ?C?5 H /i$$ ,dam th#s 0gan Eve to da$$iance move, Eve, now I see tho# art e act of taste, ,nd e$egant, of Sapience no sma$$ part, Since to each meaning savo#r we app$y, ,nd 7a$ate ca$$ 9#dicio#s! I the praise G ?C&C H 8ei$d thee, so we$$ this day tho# hast p#rvey0d. *#ch p$eas#re we have $ost, whi$e we abstain0d From this de$ightf#$ Fr#it, nor known ti$$ now /r#e re$ish, tasting! if s#ch p$eas#re be

In things to #s forbidden, it might be wish0d, G ?C&5 H For this one /ree had bin forbidden ten. )#t come, so we$$ refresh0t, now $et #s p$ay, ,s meet is, after s#ch de$icio#s Fare! For never did thy )ea#tie since the day I saw thee first and wedded thee, adorn0d G ?C>C H 6ith a$$ perfections, so enf$ame my sense 6ith ardor to en9oy thee, fairer now /hen ever, bo#ntie of this vert#o#s /ree. So said he, and forbore not g$ance or toy If amoro#s intent, we$$ #nderstood G ?C>5 H If Eve, whose Eye darted contagio#s Fire. .er hand he seis0d, and to a shadie bank, /hick overhead with verdant roof imbowr0d .e $ed her nothing $oath! F$o#rs were the Co#ch, 7ansies, and 2io$ets, and ,sphode$, G ?CAC H ,nd .yacinth, Earths freshest softest $ap. /here they thir fi$$ of Love and Loves disport /ook $arge$y, of thir m#t#a$ g#i$t the Sea$e, /he so$ace of thir sin, ti$$ dewie s$eep Ippress0d them, wearied with thir amoro#s p$ay. G ?CA5 H Soon as the force of that fa$$acio#s Fr#it, /hat with e hi$erating vapo#r b$and ,bo#t thir spirits had p$aid, and inmost powers *ade erre, was now e ha$0d, and grosser s$eep )red of #nkind$y f#mes, with conscio#s dreams G ?C5C H Enc#mberd, now had $eft them, #p they rose ,s from #nrest, and each the other viewing, Soon fo#nd thir Eyes how op0nd, and thir minds .ow dark0nd! innocence, that as a vei$e .ad shadow0d them from knowing i$$, was gon, G ?C55 H F#st confidence, and native righteo#sness ,nd hono#r from abo#t them, naked $eft /o g#i$tie shame hee cover0d, b#t his -obe 4ncover0d more, so rose the 3anite strong .erc#$ean Samson from the .ar$ot1$ap G ?CBC H If 7hi$istean 3a$i$ah, and wak0d Shorn of his strength, /hey destit#te and bare If a$$ thir vert#e+ si$ent, and in face Confo#nded $ong they sate, as str#ck0n m#te, /i$$ ,dam, tho#gh not $ess then Eve abasht, G ?CB5 H ,t $ength gave #tterance to these words constraind. I Eve, in evi$ ho#r tho# didst give eare /o that fa$se 6orm, of whomsoever ta#ght /o co#nterfet *ans voice, tr#e in o#r Fa$$, Fa$se in o#r promis0d -ising! since o#r Eyes G ?C;C H Ip0nd we find indeed, and find we know )oth (ood and Evi$, (ood $ost, and Evi$ got, )ad Fr#it of Jnow$edge, if this be to know, 6hich $eaves #s naked th#s, of .ono#r void, If Innocence, of Faith, of 7#ritie, G ?C;5 H

I#r wonted Irnaments now soi$d and staind, ,nd in o#r Faces evident the signes If fo#$ conc#piscence! whence evi$ store! Even shame, the $ast of evi$s! of the first )e s#re then. .ow sha$$ I beho$d the face G ?C<C H .enceforth of (od or ,nge$, earst with 9oy ,nd rapt#re so oft behe$d@ those heav0n$y shapes 6i$$ da"$e now this earth$y, with thir b$a"e Ins#fferab$y bright. I might I here In so$it#de $ive savage, in some g$ade G ?C<5 H Ibsc#r0d, where highest 6oods impenetrab$e /o Starr or S#n1$ight, spread thir #mbrage broad, ,nd brown as Evening+ Cover me ye 7ines, 8e Cedars, with inn#merab$e bo#ghs .ide me, where I may never see them more. G ?C=C H )#t $et #s now, as in bad p$ight, devise 6hat best may for the present serve to hide /he 7arts of each from other, that seem most /o shame obno io#s, and #nseem$iest seen, Some /ree whose broad smooth Leaves together sowd, G ?C=5 H ,nd girded on o#r $oyns, may cover ro#nd /hose midd$e parts, that this new commer, Shame, /here sit not, and reproach #s as #nc$ean. So co#nse$0d hee, and both together went Into the thickest 6ood, there soon they chose G ??CC H /he Figtree, not that kind for Fr#it renown0d, )#t s#ch as at this day to Indians known In *a$abar or 3ecan spreds her ,rmes )ra#nching so broad and $ong, that in the gro#nd /he bended /wigs take root, and 3a#ghters grow G ??C5 H ,bo#t the *other /ree, a 7i$$ard shade .igh overarch0t, and echoing 6a$ks between! /here oft the Indian .erdsman sh#nning heate She$ters in coo$e, and tends his past#ring .erds ,t Loopho$es c#t thro#gh thickest shade+ /hose Leaves G ???C H /hey gatherd, broad as ,ma"onian /arge, ,nd with what ski$$ they had, together sowd, /o gird thir waste, vain Covering if to hide /hir g#i$t and dreaded shame! I how #n$ike /o that first naked ($orie. S#ch of $ate G ???5 H Co$#mb#s fo#nd th0 ,merican so girt 6ith featherd Cinct#re, naked e$se and wi$de ,mong the /rees on I$es and woodie Shores. /h#s fenc0t, and as they tho#ght, thir shame in part Coverd, b#t not at rest or ease of *ind, G ??&C H /hey sate them down to weep, nor one$y /eares -aind at thir Eyes, b#t high 6inds worse within )egan to rise, high 7assions, ,nger, .ate, *istr#st, S#spicion, 3iscord, and shook sore /hir inward State of *ind, ca$m -egion once G ??&5 H ,nd f#$$ of 7eace, now tost and t#rb#$ent+ For 4nderstanding r#$0d not, and the 6i$$

.eard not her $ore, both in s#b9ection now /o sens#a$ ,ppetite, who from beneathe 4s#rping over sovran -eason c$aimd G ??>C H S#perior sway+ From th#s distemperd brest, ,dam, estrang0d in $ook and a$terd sti$e, Speech intermitted th#s to Eve renewd. 6o#$d tho# hadst heark0nd to my words, and stai0d 6ith me, as I beso#ght thee, when that strange G ??>5 H 3esire of wandring this #nhappie *orn, I know not whence possessd thee! we had then -emaind sti$$ happie, not as now, despoi$d If a$$ o#r good, sham0d, naked, miserab$e. Let none henceforth seek need$ess ca#se to approve G ??AC H /he Faith they owe! when earnest$y they seek S#ch proof, conc$#de, they then begin to fai$e. /o whom soon mov0d with to#ch of b$ame th#s Eve. 6hat words have past thy Lips, ,dam severe, Imp#t0st tho# that to my defa#$t, or wi$$ G ??A5 H If wandring, as tho# ca$$0st it, which who knows )#t might as i$$ have happ0nd tho# being by, Ir to thy se$f perhaps+ hadst tho# been there, Ir here th0 attempt, tho# co#$dst not have discernd Fra#d in the Serpent, speaking as he spake! G ??5C H Eo gro#nd of enmitie between #s known, 6hy hee sho#$d mean me i$$, or seek to harme. 6as I to have never parted from thy side@ ,s good have grown there sti$$ a $ive$ess -ib. )eing as I am, why didst not tho# the .ead G ??55 H Command me abso$#te$y not to go, (oing into s#ch danger as tho# saidst@ /oo faci$ then tho# didst not m#ch gainsay, Eay, didst permit, approve, and fair dismiss. .adst tho# bin firm and fi t in thy dissent, G ??BC H Eeither had I transgress0d, nor tho# with mee. /o whom then first incenst ,dam rep$i0d, Is this the Love, is this the recompence If mine to thee, ingratef#$ Eve, e prest Imm#tab$e when tho# wert $ost, not I, G ??B5 H 6ho might have $iv0d and 9oyd immorta$ b$iss, 8et wi$$ing$y chose rather 3eath with thee+ ,nd am I now #pbraided, as the ca#se If thy transgressing@ not eno#gh severe, It seems, in thy restraint+ what co#$d I more@ G ??;C H I warn0d thee, I admonish0d thee, foreto$d /he danger, and the $#rking Enemie /hat $ay in wait! beyond this had bin force, ,nd force #pon free 6i$$ hath here no p$ace. )#t confidence then bore thee on, sec#re G ??;5 H Either to meet no danger, or to finde *atter of g$orio#s tria$! and perhaps I a$so err0d in overm#ch admiring

6hat seemd in thee so perfet, that I tho#ght Eo evi$ d#rst attempt thee, b#t I r#e G ??<C H /hat erro#r now, which is become my crime, ,nd tho# th0 acc#ser. /h#s it sha$$ befa$$ .im who to worth in 6omen overtr#sting Lets her 6i$$ r#$e! restraint she wi$$ not brook, ,nd $eft to her se$f, if evi$ thence ens#e, G ??<5 H Shee first his weak ind#$gence wi$$ acc#se. /h#s they in m#t#a$ acc#sation spent /he fr#it$ess ho#rs, b#t neither se$f1condemning, ,nd of thir vain contest appeer0d no end.

Paradise &ost
*..K 1;
T / "'G2M/+T
*ans transgression known, the (#ardian ,nge$s forsake 7aradise, and ret#rn #p to .eaven to approve thir vigi$ance, and are approv0d, (od dec$aring that /he entrance of Satan co#$d not be by them prevented. .e sends his Son to 9#dge the /ransgressors, who descends and gives Sentence according$y! then in pity c$oaths them both, and reascends. Sin and 3eath sitting ti$$ then at the (ates of .e$$, by wondro#s sympathie fee$ing the s#ccess of Satan in this new 6or$d, and the sin by *an there committed, reso$ve to sit no $onger confin0d in .e$$, b#t to fo$$ow Satan thir Sire #p to the p$ace of *an+ /o make the way easier from .e$$ to this 6or$d to and fro, they pave a broad .ighway or )ridge over Chaos, according to the /rack that Satan first made! then preparing for Earth, they meet him pro#d of his s#ccess ret#rning to .e$$! thir m#t#a$ grat#$ation. Satan arrives at 7andemoni#m, in f#$$ of assemb$y re$ates with boasting his s#ccess against *an! instead of app$a#se is entertained with a genera$ hiss by a$$ his a#dience, transform0d with himse$f a$so s#dden$y into Serpents, according to his doom giv0n in 7aradise! then de$#ded with a shew of the forbidden /ree springing #p before them, they greedi$y reaching to take of the Fr#it, chew d#st and bitter ashes. /he proceedings of Sin and 3eath! (od forete$s the fina$ 2ictory of his Son over them, and the renewing of a$$ things! b#t for the present commands his ,nge$s to make severa$ a$terations in the .eavens and E$ements. ,dam more and more perceiving his fa$$0n condition heavi$y bewai$es, re9ects the condo$ement of Eve! she persists and at $ength appeases him+ then to evade the C#rse $ike$y to fa$$ on thir Ifspring, proposes to ,dam vio$ent wayes which he approves not, b#t conceiving better hope, p#ts her in mind of the $ate 7romise made them, that her Seed sho#$d be reveng0d on the Serpent, and e horts her with him to seek 7eace of the offended 3eity, by repentance and s#pp$ication. *Eanwhi$e the haino#s and despightf#$$ act If Satan done in 7aradise, and how .ee in the Serpent, had perverted Eve, .er .#sband shee, to taste the fata$$ fr#it, 6as known in .eav0n! for what can scape the Eye G 5 H

If (od ,$$1seeing, or deceave his .eart Imniscient, who in a$$ things wise and 9#st, .inder0d not Satan to attempt the minde If *an, with strength entire, and free wi$$ arm0d, Comp$ete to have discover0d and rep#$st G ?C H 6hatever wi$es of Foe or seeming Friend. For sti$$ they knew, and o#ght to have sti$$ remember0d /he high In9#nction not to taste that Fr#it, 6hoever tempted! which they not obeying, Inc#rr0d, what co#$d they $ess, the pena$tie, G ?5 H ,nd manifo$d in sin, deserv0d to fa$$. 4p into .eav0n from 7aradise in haste /h0 ,nge$ic (#ards ascended, m#te and sad For *an, for of his state by this they knew, *#ch wondring how the s#tt$e Fiend had sto$n G &C H Entrance #nseen. Soon as th0 #nwe$come news From Earth arriv0d at .eaven (ate, disp$eas0d ,$$ were who heard, dim sadness did not spare /hat time Ce$estia$ visages, yet mi t 6ith pitie, vio$ated not thir b$iss. G &5 H ,bo#t the new1arriv0d, in m#$tit#des /h0 etherea$ 7eop$e ran, to hear and know .ow a$$ befe$$+ they towards the /hrone S#pream ,cco#ntab$e made haste to make appear 6ith righteo#s p$ea, thir #tmost vigi$ance, G >C H ,nd easi$y approv0d! when the most .igh Eterna$ Father from his secret C$o#d, ,midst in /h#nder #tter0d th#s his voice. ,ssemb$0d ,nge$s, and ye 7owers ret#rn0d From #ns#ccessf#$ charge, be not dismaid, G >5 H Eor tro#b$0d at these tidings from the Earth, 6hich yo#r sincerest care co#$d not prevent, Foreto$d so $ate$y what wo#$d come to pass, 6hen first this /empter cross0d the (#$f from .e$$. I to$d ye then he sho#$d prevai$ and speed G AC H In his bad Errand, *an sho#$d be sed#c0t ,nd f$atter0d o#t of a$$, be$ieving $ies ,gainst his *aker! no 3ecree of mine Conc#rring to necessitate his Fa$$, Ir to#ch with $ightest moment of imp#$se G A5 H .is free 6i$$, to her own inc$ining $eft In eevn sca$e. )#t fa$$0n he is, and now 6hat rests b#t that the morta$ Sentence pass In his transgression 3eath deno#nc0t that day, 6hich he pres#mes a$ready vain and void, G 5C H )eca#se not yet inf$icted, as he fear0d, )y some immediate stroak! b#t soon sha$$ find Forbearance no ac:#ittance ere day end. F#stice sha$$ not ret#rn as bo#ntie scorn0d. )#t whom send I to 9#dge them@ whom b#t thee G 55 H 2icegerent Son, to thee I have transferr0d ,$$ F#dgement whether in .eav0n, or Earth, or .e$$.

Easie it might be seen that I intend *ercie co$$eg#e with F#stice, sending thee *ans Friend his *ediator, his design0d G BC H )oth -ansom and -edeemer vo$#ntarie, ,nd destin0d *an himse$f to 9#dge *an fa$$0n. So spake the Father, and #nfo#$ding bright /oward the right hand his ($orie, on the Son )$a"0d forth #nc$o#ded 3eitie! he f#$$ G B5 H -esp$endent a$$ his Father manifest E press0d, and th#s divine$y answer0d mi$de. Father Eterna$, thine is to decree, *ine both in .eav0n and Earth to do thy wi$$ S#pream, that tho# in mee thy Son be$ov0d G ;C H *ayst ever rest we$$ p$eas0d. I go to 9#dge In Earth these thy transgressors, b#t tho# knowst, 6hoever 9#dg0d, the worst on mee m#st $ight, 6hen time sha$$ be, for so I #ndertook )efore thee! and not repenting, this obtaine G ;5 H If right, that I may mitigate thir doom In me deriv0d, yet I sha$$ temper so F#stice with *ercie, as may i$$#strate most /hem f#$$y satisfied, and thee appease. ,ttendance none sha$$ need, nor /rain, where none G <C H ,re to beho$d the F#dgement, b#t the 9#dg0d, /hose two! the third best absent is condemn0d, Convict by f$ight, and -ebe$ to a$$ Law Conviction to the Serpent none be$ongs. /h#s saying, from his radiant Seat he rose G <5 H If high co$$atera$ g$orie+ him /hrones and 7owers, 7rincedoms, and 3ominations ministrant ,ccompanied to .eaven (ate, from whence Eden and a$$ the Coast in prospect $ay. 3own he descended strait! the speed of (ods G =C H /ime co#nts not, tho#gh with swiftest min#tes wing0d. Eow was the S#n in 6estern cadence $ow From Eoon, and gent$e ,ires d#e at thir ho#r /o fan the Earth now wak0d, and #sher in /he Eevning coo$e, when he from wra#th more coo$e G =5 H Came the mi$d F#dge and Intercessor both /o sentence *an+ the voice of (od they heard Eow wa$king in the (arden, by soft windes )ro#ght to thir Ears, whi$e day dec$in0d, they heard, ,nd from his presence hid themse$ves among G ?CC H /he thickest /rees, both *an and 6ife, ti$$ (od ,pproaching, th#s to ,dam ca$$0d a$o#d. 6here art tho# ,dam, wont with 9oy to meet *y coming seen far off@ I miss thee here, Eot p$eas0d, th#s entertaind with so$it#de, G ?C5 H 6here obvio#s d#tie erewhi$e appear0d #nsa#ght+ Ir come I $ess conspic#o#s, or what change ,bsents thee, or what chance detains@ Come forth.

.e came, and with him Eve, more $oth, tho#gh first /o offend, disco#nt0nanc0t both, and discompos0d! G ??C H Love was not in thir $ooks, either to (od Ir to each other, b#t apparent g#i$t, ,nd shame, and pert#rbation, and despaire, ,nger, and obstinacie, and hate, and g#i$e. 6hence ,dam fa#$tring $ong, th#s answer0d brief. G ??5 H I heard thee in the (arden, and of thy voice ,ffraid, being naked, hid my se$f. /o whom /he gracio#s F#dge witho#t revi$e rep$i0d. *y voice tho# oft hast heard, and hast not fear0d, )#t sti$$ re9oyc0t, how is it now become G ?&C H So dreadf#$ to thee@ that tho# art naked, who .ath to$d thee@ hast tho# eaten of the /ree 6hereof I gave thee charge tho# sho#$dst not eat@ /o whom th#s ,dam sore beset rep$i0d. I .eav0nP in evi$ strait this day I stand G ?&5 H )efore my F#dge, either to #ndergoe *y se$f the tota$ Crime, or to acc#se *y other se$f, the partner of my $ife! 6hose fai$ing, whi$e her Faith to me remaines, I sho#$d concea$, and not e pose to b$ame G ?>C H )y my comp$aint! b#t strict necessitie S#bd#es me, and ca$amito#s constraint Least on my head both sin and p#nishment, .owever ins#pportab$e, be a$$ 3evo$v0d! tho#gh sho#$d I ho$d my peace, yet tho# G ?>5 H 6o#$dst easi$y detect what I concea$e. /his 6oman whom tho# mad0st to be my he$p, ,nd gav0st me as thy perfet gift, so good, So fit, so acceptab$e, so 3ivine, /hat from her hand I co#$d s#spect no i$$, G ?AC H ,nd what she did, whatever in it se$f, .er doing seem0d to 9#stifie the deed! Shee gave me of the /ree, and I did eate. /o whom the sovran 7resence th#s rep$i0d. 6as shee thy (od, that her tho# didst obey G ?A5 H )efore his voice, or was shee made thy g#ide, S#perior, or b#t e:#a$, that to her /ho# did0st resigne thy *anhood, and the 7$ace 6herein (od set thee above her made of thee, ,nd for thee, whose perfection farr e ce$$0d G ?5C H .ers in a$$ rea$ dignitie+ ,dornd She was indeed, and $ove$y to attract /hy Love, not thy S#b9ection, and her (ifts 6ere s#ch as #nder (overnment we$$ seem0d, 4nseem$y to beare r#$e, which was thy part G ?55 H ,nd person, hadst tho# known thy se$f aright. So having said, he th#s to Eve in few+ Say 6oman, what is this which tho# hast done@

/o whom sad Eve with shame nigh overwhe$m0d, Confessing soon, yet not before her F#dge G ?BC H )o$d or $o:#acio#s, th#s abasht rep$i0d. /he Serpent me beg#i$0d and I did eate. 6hich when the Lord (od heard, witho#t de$ay /o F#dgement he proceeded on th0 acc#s0d Serpent tho#gh br#te, #nab$e to transferre G ?B5 H /he (#i$t on him who made him instr#ment If mischief, and po$$#ted from the end If his Creation! 9#st$y then acc#rst, ,s vitiated in Eat#re+ more to know Concern0d not *an %since he no f#rther knew' G ?;C H Eor a$ter0d his offence! yet (od at $ast /o Satan first in sin his doom app$y0d /ho#gh in mysterio#s terms, 9#dg0d as then best+ ,nd on the Serpent th#s his c#rse $et fa$$. )eca#se tho# hast done this, tho# art acc#rst G ?;5 H ,bove a$$ Catt$e, each )east of the Fie$d! 4pon thy )e$$y grove$ing tho# sha$t goe, ,nd d#st sha$t eat a$$ the dayes of thy Life. )etween /hee and the 6oman I wi$$ p#t Enmitie, and between thine and her Seed! G ?<C H .er Seed sha$$ br#ise thy head, tho# br#ise his hee$. So spake this Irac$e, then verifi0d 6hen Fes#s son of *ary second Eve, Saw Satan fa$$ $ike Lightning down from .eav0n, 7rince of the ,ire! then rising from his (rave G ?<5 H Spoi$d 7rincipa$ities and 7owers, tri#mpht In open shew, and with ascention bright Captivity $ed captive thro#gh the ,ire, /he -ea$m it se$f of Satan $ong #s#rpt, 6hom he sha$$ tread at $ast #nder o#r feet! G ?=C H Eevn hee who now foreto$d his fata$ br#ise, ,nd to the 6oman th#s his Sentence t#rn0d. /hy sorrow I wi$$ great$y m#$tip$ie )y thy Conception! Chi$dren tho# sha$t bring In sorrow forth, and to thy .#sbands wi$$ G ?=5 H /hine sha$$ s#bmit, hee over thee sha$$ r#$e. In ,dam $ast th#s 9#dgement he prono#nc0d. )eca#se tho# hast heark0nd to the voice of thy 6ife, ,nd eaten of the /ree concerning which I charg0d thee, saying+ /ho# sha$t not eate thereof, G &CC H C#rs0d is the gro#nd for thy sake, tho# in sorrow Sha$t eate thereof a$$ the days of thy Life! /horns a$so and /hist$es it sha$$ bring thee forth 4nbid, and tho# sha$t eate th0 .erb of th0 Fie$d, In the sweat of thy Face sha$t tho# eat )read, G &C5 H /i$$ tho# ret#rn #nto the gro#nd, for tho# I#t of the gro#nd wast taken, know thy )irth, For d#st tho# art, and sha$t to d#st ret#rne.

So 9#dg0d he *an, both F#dge and Savio#r sent, ,nd th0 instant stroke of 3eath deno#nc0t that day G &?C H -emov0d farr off! then pittying how they stood )efore him naked to the aire, that now *#st s#ffer change, disdain0d not to begin /henceforth the form of servant to ass#me, ,s when he wash0d his servants feet so now G &?5 H ,s Father of his Fami$ie he c$ad /hir nakedness with Skins of )easts, or s$ain, Ir as the Snake with yo#thf#$ Coate repaid! ,nd tho#ght not m#ch to c$oath his Enemies+ Eor hee thir o#tward one$y with the Skins G &&C H If )easts, b#t inward nakedness, m#ch more Ipprobrio#s, with his -obe of righteo#sness, ,raying cover0d from his Fathers sight. /o him with swift ascent he #p ret#rnd, Into his b$issf#$ bosom reass#m0d G &&5 H In g$ory as of o$d, to him appeas0d ,$$, tho#gh a$$1knowing, what had past with *an -eco#nted, mi ing intercession sweet. *eanwhi$e ere th#s was sin0d and 9#dg0d on Earth, 6ithin the (ates of .e$$ sate Sin and 3eath, G &>C H In co#nterview within the (ates, that now Stood open wide, be$ching o#trageo#s f$ame Farr into Chaos, since the Fiend pass0d thro#gh, Sin opening, who th#s now to 3eath began. I Son, why sit we here each other viewing G &>5 H Id$e$y, whi$e Satan o#r great ,#thor thrives In other 6or$ds, and happier Seat provides For #s his ofspring deare@ It cannot be )#t that s#ccess attends him! if mishap, Ere this he had ret#rn0d, with f#ry driv0n G &AC H )y his ,vengers, since no p$ace $ike this Can fit his p#nishment, or their revenge. *ethinks I fee$ new strength within me rise, 6ings growing, and 3ominion giv0n me $arge )eyond this 3eep! whatever drawes me on, G &A5 H Ir sympathie, or som connat#ra$ force 7owerf#$ at greatest distance to #nite 6ith secret amity things of $ike kinde )y secretest conveyance. /ho# my Shade Inseparab$e m#st with mee a$ong+ G &5C H For 3eath from Sin no power can separate. )#t $east the diffic#$tie of passing back Stay his ret#rn perhaps over this (#$fe Impassab$e, Impervio#s, $et #s try ,dventro#s work, yet to thy power and mine G &55 H Eot #nagreeab$e, to fo#nd a path Iver this *aine from .e$$ to that new 6or$d 6here Satan now prevai$es, a *on#ment If merit high to a$$ th0 inferna$ .ost, Easing thir passage hence, for interco#rse, G &BC H

Ir transmigration, as thir $ot sha$$ $ead. Eor can I miss the way, so strong$y drawn )y this new fe$t attraction and instinct. 6hom th#s the meager Shadow answerd soon. (oe whither Fate and inc$ination strong G &B5 H Leads thee, I sha$$ not $ag behinde, nor erre /he way, tho# $eading, s#ch a sent I draw If carnage, prey inn#merab$e, and taste /he savo#r of 3eath from a$$ things there that $ive+ Eor sha$$ I to the work tho# enterprisest G &;C H )e wanting, b#t afford thee e:#a$ aid, So saying, with de$ight he sn#ff0d the sme$$ If morta$ change on Earth. ,s when a f$ock If raveno#s Fow$, tho#gh many a Leag#e remote, ,gainst the day of )atte$, to a Fie$d, G &;5 H 6here ,rmies $ie encampt, come f$ying, $#r0d 6ith sent of $iving Carcasses design0d For death, the fo$$owing day, in b$oodie fight. So sented the grim Feat#re, and #pt#rn0d .is Eostri$ wide into the m#rkie ,ir, G &<C H Sagacio#s of his M#arry from so farr. /hen )oth from o#t .e$$ (ates into the waste 6ide ,narchie of Chaos damp and dark F$ew divers, and with 7ower %thir 7ower was great' .overing #pon the 6aters! what they met G &<5 H So$id or s$imie, as in raging Sea /ost #p and down, together crowded drove From each side shoa$ing towards the mo#th of .e$$. ,s when two 7o$ar 6inds b$owing adverse 4pon the Cronian Sea, together drive G &=C H *o#ntains of Ice, that stop th0 imagin0d way )eyond 7etsora Eastward, to the rich Cathaian Coast. /he aggregated Soy$e 3eath with his *ace petrific, co$d and dry, ,s with a /rident smote, and fi 0t as firm G &=5 H ,s 3e$os f$oating once! the rest his $ook )o#nd with (orgonian rigor not to move, ,nd with ,spha$tic s$ime! broad as the (ate, 3eep to the -oots of .e$$ the gather0d beach /hey fasten0d, and the *o$e immense wra#ght on G >CC H Iver the foaming deep high ,rcht, a )ridge If $ength prodigio#s 9oyning to the 6a$$ Immovab$e of this now fence$ess wor$d Forfeit to 3eath! from hence a passage broad, Smooth, easie, inoffensive down to .e$$. G >C5 H So, if great things to sma$$ may be compar0d, Ter es, the Libertie of (reece to yoke, From S#sa his *emnonian 7a$ace high Came to the Sea, and over .e$$espont )ridging his way, E#rope with ,sia 9oyn0d, G >?C H ,nd sco#rg0d with many a stroak th0 indignant waves.

Eow had they bro#ght the work by wondro#s ,rt 7ontifica$, a ridge of pendent -ock Iver the ve t ,byss, fo$$owing the track If Satan, to the se$f same p$ace where hee G >?5 H First $ighted from his 6ing, and $anded safe From o#t of Chaos to the o#t side bare If this ro#nd 6or$d+ with 7inns of ,damant ,nd Chains they made a$$ fast, too fast they made ,nd d#rab$e! and now in $itt$e space G >&C H /he confines met of Empyrean .eav0n ,nd of this 6or$d, and on the $eft hand .e$$ 6ith $ong reach interpos0d! three sev0ra$ wayes In sight, to each of these three p$aces $ed. ,nd now thir way to Earth they had descri0d, G >&5 H /o 7aradise first tending, when beho$d Satan in $ikeness of an ,nge$ bright )etwi t the Centa#re and the Scorpion stearing .is Renith, whi$e the S#n in ,ries rose+ 3isg#is0d he came, b#t those his Chi$dren dear G >>C H /hir 7arent soon discern0d, tho#gh in disg#ise. .ee after Eve sed#c0t, #nminded s$#nk Into the 6ood fast by, and changing shape /o observe the se:#e$, saw his g#i$ef#$ act )y Eve, tho#gh a$$ #nweeting, seconded G >>5 H 4pon her .#sband, saw thir shame that so#ght 2ain covert#res! b#t when he saw descend /he Son of (od to 9#dge them terrifi0d .ee f$ed, not hoping to escape, b#t sh#n /he present, fearing g#i$tie what his wra#th G >AC H *ight s#dden$y inf$ict! that past, ret#rn0d )y Eight, and $istening where the hap$ess 7aire Sate in thir sad disco#rse, and vario#s p$aint, /hence gatherd his own doom, which #nderstood Eot instant, b#t of f#t#re time. 6ith 9oy G >A5 H ,nd tidings fra#ght, to .e$$ he now ret#rn0d, ,nd at the brink of Chaos, neer the foot If this new wondro#s 7ontifice, #nhop0t *et who to meet him came, his Ifspring dear. (reat 9oy was at thir meeting, and at sight G >5C H If that st#pendio#s )ridge his 9oy encreas0d. Long hee admiring stood, ti$$ Sin, his faire Inchanting 3a#ghter, th#s the si$ence broke. I 7arent, these are thy magnific deeds, /hy /rophies, which tho# view0st as not thine own, G >55 H /ho# art thir ,#thor and prime ,rchitect+ For I no sooner in my .eart divin0d, *y .eart, which by a secret harmonie Sti$$ moves with thine, 9oin0d in conne ion sweet, /hat tho# on Earth hadst prosper0d, which thy $ooks G >BC H Eow a$so evidence, b#t straight I fe$t /ho#gh distant from thee 6or$ds between, yet fe$t /hat I m#st after thee with this thy Son!

S#ch fata$ conse:#ence #nites #s three+ .e$$ co#$d no $onger ho$d #s in her bo#nds, G >B5 H Eor this #nvoyageab$e (#$f obsc#re 3etain from fo$$owing thy i$$#strio#s track. /ho# hast atchiev0d o#r $ibertie, confin0d 6ithin .e$$ (ates ti$$ now, tho# #s impow0rd /o fortifie th#s farr, and over$ay G >;C H 6ith this portento#s )ridge the dark ,byss. /hine now is a$$ this 6or$d, thy vert#e hath won 6hat thy hands b#i$ded not, thy 6isdom gain0d 6ith odds what 6arr hath $ost, and f#$$y aveng0d I#r foi$e in .eav0n! here tho# sha$t *onarch reign, G >;5 H /here didst not! there $et him sti$$ 2ictor sway, ,s )atte$ hath ad9#dg0d, from this new 6or$d -etiring, by his own doom a$ienated, ,nd henceforth *onarchie with thee divide If a$$ things parted by th0 Empyrea$ bo#nds, G ><C H .is M#adrat#re, from thy Irbic#$ar 6or$d, Ir trie thee now more dang0ro#s to his /hrone. 6hom th#s the 7rince of 3arkness answerd g$ad. Fair 3a#ghter, and tho# Son and (randchi$d both, .igh proof ye now have giv0n to be the -ace G ><5 H If Satan %for I g$orie in the name, ,ntagonist of .eav0ns ,$mightie Jing' ,mp$y have merited of me, of a$$ /h0 Inferna$ Empire, that so neer .eav0ns dore /ri#mpha$ with tri#mpha$ act have met, G >=C H *ine with this g$orio#s 6ork, and made one -ea$m .e$$ and this 6or$d, one -ea$m, one Continent If easie thoro#gh1fare. /herefore whi$e I 3escend thro#gh 3arkness, on yo#r -ode with ease /o my associate 7owers, them to ac:#aint G >=5 H 6ith these s#ccesses, and with them re9oyce, 8o# two this way, among these n#mero#s Irbs ,$$ yo#rs, right down to 7aradise descend! /here dwe$$ and -eign in b$iss, thence on the Earth 3ominion e ercise and in the ,ire, G ACC H Chief$y on *an, so$e Lord of a$$ dec$ar0d, .im first make s#re yo#r thra$$, and $ast$y ki$$. *y S#bstit#tes I send ye, and Create 7$enipotent on Earth, of match$ess might Iss#ing from mee+ on yo#r 9oynt vigor now G AC5 H *y ho$d of this new Jingdom a$$ depends, /hro#gh Sin to 3eath e pos0d by my e p$oit. If yo#r 9oynt power prevai$es, th0 affaires of .e$$ Eo detriment need feare, goe and be strong. So saying he dismiss0d them, they with speed G A?C H /hir co#rse thro#gh thickest Conste$$ations he$d Spreading thir bane! the b$asted Starrs $ookt wan, ,nd 7$anets, 7$anet1strook, rea$ Ec$ips /hen s#fferd. /h0 other way Satan went down

/he Ca#sey to .e$$ (ate! on either side G A?5 H 3isparted Chaos over b#i$t e c$aimd, ,nd with rebo#nding s#rge the barrs assai$d, /hat scorn0d his indignation+ thro#gh the (ate, 6ide open and #ng#arded, Satan pass0d, ,nd a$$ abo#t fo#nd deso$ate! for those G A&C H ,ppointed to sit there, had $eft thir charge, F$own to the #pper 6or$d! the rest were a$$ Farr to the in$and retir0d, abo#t the wa$$s If 7andOmoni#m, Citie and pro#d seate If L#cifer, so by a$$#sion ca$$d, G A&5 H If that bright Starr to Satan paragond. /here kept thir 6atch the Legions, whi$e the (rand In Co#nci$ sate, so$$icito#s what chance *ight intercept thir Empero#r sent, so hee 3eparting gave command, and they observ0d. G A>C H ,s when the /artar from his -#ssian Foe )y ,stracan over the Snowie 7$aines -etires, or )actrian Sophi from the hornes If /#rkish Crescent, $eaves a$$ waste beyond /he -ea$m of ,$ad#$e, in his retreate G A>5 H /o /a#ris or Casbeen. So these the $ate .eav0n1banisht .ost, $eft desert #tmost .e$$ *any a dark Leag#e, red#c0t in caref#$ 6atch -o#nd thir *etropo$is, and now e pecting Each ho#r thir great advent#rer from the search G AAC H If Forrein 6or$ds+ he thro#gh the midst #nmarkt, In shew 7$ebeian ,nge$ mi$itant If $owest order, past! and from the dore If that 7$#tonian .a$$, invisib$e ,scended his high /hrone, which #nder state G AA5 H If richest te t#re spred, at th0 #pper end 6as p$ac0t in rega$ $#stre. 3own a whi$e .e sate, and ro#nd abo#t him saw #nseen+ ,t $ast as from a C$o#d his f#$gent head ,nd shape Starr bright appeer0d, or brighter, c$ad G A5C H 6ith what permissive g$ory since his fa$$ 6as $eft him, or fa$se g$itter+ ,$$ ama"0d ,t that so s#dden b$a"e the Stygian throng )ent thir aspect, and whom they wish0d behe$d, /hir mighty Chief ret#rnd+ $o#d was th0 acc$aime+ G A55 H Forth r#sh0d in haste the great cons#$ting 7eers, -ais0d from thir dark 3ivan, and with $ike 9oy Congrat#$ant approach0d him, who with hand Si$ence, and with these words attention won. /hrones, 3ominations, 7rincedoms, 2ert#es, 7owers, G ABC H For in possession s#ch, not one$y of right, I ca$$ ye and dec$are ye now, ret#rnd S#ccessf#$ beyond hope, to $ead ye forth /ri#mphant o#t of this inferna$ 7it ,bominab$e, acc#rst, the ho#se of woe, G AB5 H ,nd 3#ngeon of o#r /yrant+ Eow possess,

,s Lords, a spacio#s 6or$d, to o#r native .eaven Litt$e inferio#r, by my advent#re hard 6ith peri$ great atchiev0d. Long were to te$$ 6hat I have don, what s#fferd, with what paine G A;C H 2oyag0d th0 #nrea$, vast, #nbo#nded deep If horrib$e conf#sion, over which )y Sin and 3eath a broad way now is pav0d /o e pedite yo#r g$orio#s march! b#t I /oi$d o#t my #nco#th passage, forc0t to ride G A;5 H /h0 #ntractab$e ,bysse, p$#ng0d in the womb If #norigina$ Eight and Chaos wi$de, /hat 9ea$o#s of thir secrets fierce$y oppos0d *y 9o#rney strange, with c$amoro#s #proare 7rotesting Fate s#preame! thence how I fo#nd G A<C H /he new created 6or$d, which fame in .eav0n Long had foreto$d, a Fabrick wonderf#$ If abso$#te perfection, therein *an 7$ac0t in a 7aradise, by o#r e i$e *ade happie+ .im by fra#d I have sed#c0d G A<5 H From his Creator, and the more to increase 8o#r wonder, with an ,pp$e! he thereat Iffended, worth yo#r $a#ghter, hath giv0n #p )oth his be$oved *an and a$$ his 6or$d, /o Sin and 3eath a prey, and so to #s, G A=C H 6itho#t o#r ha"ard, $abo#r, or a$$arme, /o range in, and to dwe$$, and over *an /o r#$e, as over a$$ he sho#$d have r#$0d. /r#e is, mee a$so he hath 9#dg0d, or rather *ee not, b#t the br#te Serpent in whose shape G A=5 H *an I deceav0d+ that which to mee be$ongs, Is enmity, which he wi$$ p#t between *ee and *ankinde! I am to br#ise his hee$! .is Seed, when is not set, sha$$ br#ise my head+ , 6or$d who wo#$d not p#rchase with a br#ise, G 5CC H Ir m#ch more grievo#s pain@ 8e have th0 acco#nt If my performance+ 6hat remains, ye (ods, )#t #p and enter now into f#$$ b$iss. So having said, a whi$e he stood, e pecting /hir #niversa$ sho#t and high app$a#se G 5C5 H /o fi$$ his eare, when contrary he hears In a$$ sides, from inn#merab$e tong#es , disma$ #niversa$ hiss, the so#nd If p#b$ic scorn! he wonderd, b#t not $ong .ad $eas#re, wondring at himse$f now more! G 5?C H .is 2isage drawn he fe$t to sharp and spare, .is ,rmes c$#ng to his -ibs, his Leggs entwining Each other, ti$$ s#pp$anted down he fe$$ , monstro#s Serpent on his )e$$y prone, -e$#ctant, b#t in vaine+ a greater power G 5?5 H Eow r#$0d him, p#nisht in the shape he sin0d, ,ccording to his doom+ he wo#$d have spoke, )#t hiss for hiss ret#rnd with forked tong#e

/o forked tong#e, for now were a$$ transform0d ,$ike, to Serpents a$$ as accessories G 5&C H /o his bo$d -iot+ dreadf#$ was the din If hissing thro#gh the .a$$, thick swarming now 6ith comp$icated monsters head and tai$e, Scorpion and ,sp, and ,mphisbOna dire, Cerastes hornd, .ydr#s, and E$$ops drear, G 5&5 H ,nd 3ipsas %not so thick swarm0d once the Soi$ )edropt with b$ood of (orgon, or the Is$e Iphi#sa' b#t sti$$ greatest hee the midst, Eow 3ragon grown, $arger then whom the S#n Ingenderd in the 7ythian 2a$e on s$ime, G 5>C H .#ge 7ython, and his 7ower no $ess he seem0d ,bove the rest sti$$ to retain! they a$$ .im fo$$ow0d iss#ing forth to th0 open Fie$d, 6here a$$ yet $eft of that revo$ted -o#t .eav0n1fa$$0n, in station stood or 9#st array, G 5>5 H S#b$ime with e pectation when to see In /ri#mph iss#ing forth thir g$orio#s Chief! /hey saw, b#t other sight instead, a crowd If #g$y Serpents! horror on them fe$$, ,nd horrid sympathie! for what they saw, G 5AC H /hey fe$t themse$vs now changing! down thir arms, 3own fe$$ both Spear and Shie$d, down they as fast, ,nd the dire hiss renew0d, and the dire form Catcht by Contagion, $ike in p#nishment, ,s in thir crime. /h#s was th0 app$a#se they meant, G 5A5 H /#rn0d to e p$oding hiss, tri#mph to shame Cast on themse$ves from thir own mo#ths. /here stood , (rove hard by, spr#ng #p with this thir change, .is wi$$ who reigns above, to aggravate /hir penance, $aden with Fr#it $ike that G 55C H 6hich grew in 7aradise, the bait of Eve 4s0d by the /empter+ on that prospect strange /hir earnest eyes they fi 0d, imagining For one forbidden /ree a m#$tit#de Eow ris0n, to work them f#rder woe or shame! G 555 H 8et parcht with sca$ding th#rst and h#nger fierce, /ho#gh to de$#de them sent, co#$d not abstain, )#t on they ro#$d in heaps, and #p the /rees C$imbing, sat thicker then the snakie $ocks /hat c#r$d *egOra+ greedi$y they p$#ck0d G 5BC H /he Fr#tage fair to sight, $ike that which grew Eeer that bit#mino#s Lake where Sodom f$am0d! /his more de$#sive, not the to#ch, b#t taste 3eceav0d! they fond$y thinking to a$$ay /hir appetite with g#st, instead of Fr#it G 5B5 H Chewd bitter ,shes, which th0 offended taste 6ith spattering noise re9ected+ oft they assayd, .#nger and thirst constraining, dr#gd as oft, 6ith hatef#$$est disre$ish writh0d thir 9aws 6ith soot and cinders fi$$0d! so oft they fe$$ G 5;C H

Into the same i$$#sion, not as *an 6hom they tri#mph0d once $apst. /h#s were they p$ag#0d ,nd worn with Famin, $ong and ceas$ess hiss, /i$$ thir $ost shape, permitted, they res#m0d, 8ear$y en9oynd, some say, to #ndergo G 5;5 H /his ann#a$ h#mb$ing certain n#mber0d days, /o dash thir pride, and 9oy for *an sed#c0t. .owever some tradition they dispers0d ,mong the .eathen of thir p#rchase got, ,nd Fab$0d how the Serpent, whom they ca$$d G 5<C H Iphion with E#rynome, the wide1 Encroaching Eve perhaps, had first the r#$e If high I$ymp#s, thence by Sat#rn driv0n ,nd Ips, ere yet 3ictOan Fove was born. *ean whi$e in 7aradise the he$$ish pair G 5<5 H /oo soon arriv0d, Sin there in power before, Ince act#a$, now in body, and to dwe$$ .abit#a$ habitant! behind her 3eath C$ose fo$$owing pace for pace, not mo#nted yet In his pa$e .orse+ to whom Sin th#s began. G 5=C H Second of Satan spr#ng, a$$ con:#ering 3eath, 6hat thinkst tho# of o#r Empire now, tho#gh earnd 6ith travai$ diffic#$t, not better farr /hen sti$ at .e$s dark thresho$d to have sate watch, 4nnam0d, #ndreaded, and thy se$f ha$f starv0d@ G 5=5 H 6hom th#s the Sin1born *onster answerd soon. /o mee, who with eterna$ Famin pine, ,$ike is .e$$, or 7aradise, or .eaven, /here best, where most with ravin I may meet! 6hich here, tho#gh p$enteo#s, a$$ too $itt$e seems G BCC H /o st#ff this *aw, this vast #nhide1bo#nd Corps. /o whom th0 incest#o#s *other th#s rep$i0d. /ho# therefore on these .erbs, and Fr#its, and F$o#rs Feed first, on each )east ne t, and Fish, and Fow$e, Eo home$y morse$s, and whatever thing G BC5 H /he Sithe of /ime mowes down, devo#r #nspar0d, /i$$ I in *an residing thro#gh the -ace, .is tho#ghts, his $ooks, words, actions a$$ infect, ,nd season him thy $ast and sweetest prey. /his said, they both betook them severa$ wayes, G B?C H )oth to destroy, or #nimmorta$ make ,$$ kinds, and for destr#ction to mat#re Sooner or $ater! which th0 ,$mightie seeing, From his transcendent Seat the Saints among, /o those bright Irders #tterd th#s his voice. G B?5 H See with what heat these 3ogs of .e$$ advance /o waste and havoc yonder 6or$d, which I So fair and good created, and had sti$$ Jept in that State, had not the fo$$y of *an Let in these wastf#$ F#ries, who imp#te G B&C H

Fo$$y to mee, so doth the 7rince of .e$$ ,nd his ,dherents, that with so m#ch ease I s#ffer them to enter and possess , p$ace so heav0n$y, and conniving seem /o gratifie my scornf#$ Enemies, G B&5 H /hat $a#gh, as if transported with some fit If 7assion, I to them had :#itted a$$, ,t random yie$ded #p to their misr#$e! ,nd know not that I ca$$0d and drew them thither *y .e$$1ho#nds, to $ick #p the draff and fi$th G B>C H 6hich mans po$$#ting Sin with taint hath shed In what was p#re, ti$$ cramm0d and gorg0d, nigh b#rst 6ith s#ckt and g$#tted offa$, at one s$ing If thy victorio#s ,rm, we$$1p$easing Son, )oth Sin, and 3eath, and yawning (rave at $ast G B>5 H /hro#gh Chaos h#r$d, obstr#ct the mo#th of .e$$ For ever, and sea$ #p his raveno#s Fawes. /hen .eav0n and Earth renewd sha$$ be made p#re /o sanctitie that sha$$ receive no staine+ /i$$ then the C#rse prono#nc0t on both precedes. G BAC H .e ended, and the .eav0n$y ,#dience $o#d S#ng .a$$e$#ia, as the so#nd of Seas, /hro#gh m#$tit#de that s#ng+ F#st are thy ways, -ighteo#s are thy 3ecrees on a$$ thy 6orks! 6ho can e ten#ate thee@ Ee t, to the Son, G BA5 H 3estin0d restorer of *ankind, by whom Eew .eav0n and Earth sha$$ to the ,ges rise, Ir down from .eav0n descend. S#ch was thir song, 6hi$e the Creator ca$$ing forth by name .is mightie ,nge$s gave them severa$ charge, G B5C H ,s sorted best with present things. /he S#n .ad first his precept so to move, so shine, ,s might affect the Earth with co$d and heat Scarce to$$erab$e, and from the Eorth to ca$$ 3ecrepit 6inter, from the So#th to bring G B55 H So$stitia$ s#mmers heat. /o the b$anc *oone .er office they prescrib0d, to th0 other five /hir p$anetarie motions and aspects In Se ti$e, S:#are, and /rine, and Ipposite, If no io#s efficacie, and when to 9oyne G BBC H In Synod #nbenigne, and ta#ght the fi t /hir inf$#ence ma$ignant when to showre, 6hich of them rising with the S#n, or fa$$ing, Sho#$d prove tempest#o#s+ /o the 6inds they set /hir corners, when with b$#ster to confo#nd G BB5 H Sea, ,ire, and Shoar, the /h#nder when to row$e 6ith terror thro#gh the dark ,erea$ .a$$. Some say he bid his ,nge$s t#rne ascanse /he 7o$es of Earth twice ten degrees and more From the S#ns , $e! they with $abo#r p#sh0d G B;C H Ib$i:#e the Centric ($obe+ Som say the S#n 6as bid t#rn -eines from th0 E:#inoctia$ -ode

Like distant breadth to /a#r#s with the Seav0n ,t$antick Sisters, and the Spartan /wins 4p to the /ropic Crab! thence down amaine G B;5 H )y Leo and the 2irgin and the Sca$es, ,s deep as Capricorne, to bring in change If Seasons to each C$ime! e$se had the Spring 7erpet#a$ smi$0d on Earth with vernant F$o#rs, E:#a$ in 3ays and Eights, e cept to those G B<C H )eyond the 7o$ar Circ$es! to them 3ay .ad #nbenighted shon, whi$e the $ow S#n /o recompence his distance, in thir sight .ad ro#nded sti$$ th0 .ori"on, and not known Ir East or 6est, which had forbid the Snow G B<5 H From co$d Estoti$and, and So#th as farr )eneath *age$$an. ,t that tasted Fr#it /he S#n, as from /hyestean )an:#et, t#rn0d .is co#rse intended! e$se how had the 6or$d Inhabited, tho#gh sin$ess, more then now, G B=C H ,voided pinching co$d and scorching heate@ /hese changes in the .eav0ns, tho#gh s$ow, prod#c0d Like change on Sea and Land, sidera$ b$ast, 2apo#r, and *ist, and E ha$ation hot, Corr#pt and 7esti$ent+ Eow from the Eorth G B=5 H If Eor#mbega, and the Samoed shoar )#rsting thir bra"en 3#ngeon, armd with ice ,nd snow and hai$e and stormie g#st and f$aw, )oreas and COcias and ,rgestes $o#d ,nd /hrascias rend the 6oods and Seas #pt#rn! G ;CC H 6ith adverse b$ast #p1t#rns them from the So#th Eot#s and ,fer b$ack with th#ndro#s C$o#ds From Serra$iona! thwart of these as fierce Forth r#sh the Levant and the 7onent 6indes E#r#s and Rephir with thir $atera$ noise, G ;C5 H Sirocco, and Libecchio. /h#s began I#trage from $ive$ess things! b#t 3iscord first 3a#ghter of Sin, among th0 irrationa$, 3eath introd#c0d thro#gh fierce antipathie+ )east now with )east gan war, and Fow$e with Fow$e, G ;?C H ,nd Fish with Fish! to gra"e the .erb a$$ $eaving, 3evo#rd each other! nor stood m#ch in awe If *an, b#t f$ed him, or with co#nt0nance grim ($ar0d on him passing+ these were from witho#t /he growing miseries, which ,dam saw G ;?5 H ,$readie in part, tho#gh hid in g$oomiest shade, /o sorrow abandond, b#t worse fe$t within, ,nd in a tro#b$0d Sea of passion tost, /h#s to disb#rd0n so#ght with sad comp$aint. I miserab$e of happieP is this the end G ;&C H If this new g$orio#s 6or$d, and mee so $ate /he ($ory of that ($ory, who now becom ,cc#rst of b$essed, hide me from the face If (od, whom to beho$d was then my highth

If happiness+ yet we$$, if here wo#$d end G ;&5 H /he miserie, I deserv0d it, and wo#$d beare *y own deservings! b#t this wi$$ not serve! ,$$ that I eat or drink, or sha$$ beget, Is propagated c#rse. I voice once heard 3e$ightf#$$y, Encrease and m#$tip$y, G ;>C H Eow death to hearP for what can I encrease Ir m#$tip$ie, b#t c#rses on my head@ 6ho of a$$ ,ges to s#cceed, b#t fee$ing /he evi$ on him bro#ght by me, wi$$ c#rse *y .ead, I$$ fare o#r ,ncestor imp#re, G ;>5 H For this we may thank ,dam! b#t his thanks Sha$$ be the e ecration! so besides *ine own that bide #pon me, a$$ from mee Sha$$ with a fierce ref$# on mee redo#nd, In mee as on thir nat#ra$ center $ight G ;AC H .eavie, tho#gh in thir p$ace. I f$eeting 9oyes If 7aradise, deare bo#ght with $asting woesP 3id I re:#est thee, *aker, from my C$ay /o mo#$d me *an, did I so$$icite thee From darkness to promote me, or here p$ace G ;A5 H In this de$icio#s (arden@ as my 6i$$ Conc#rd not to my being, it were b#t right ,nd e:#a$ to red#ce me to my d#st, 3esiro#s to resigne, and render back ,$$ I receav0d, #nab$e to performe G ;5C H /hy terms too hard, by which I was to ho$d /he good I so#ght not. /o the $oss of that, S#fficient pena$tie, why hast tho# added /he sense of end$ess woes@ ine p$icab$e /hy F#stice seems! yet to say tr#th, too $ate, G ;55 H I th#s contest! then sho#$d have been ref#sd /hose terms whatever, when they were propos0d+ /ho# didst accept them! wi$t tho# en9oy the good, /hen cavi$ the conditions@ and tho#gh (od *ade thee witho#t thy $eave, what if thy Son G ;BC H 7rove disobedient, and reprov0d, retort, 6herefore didst tho# beget me@ I so#ght it not 6o#$dst tho# admit for his contempt of thee /hat pro#d e c#se@ yet him not thy e$ection, )#t Eat#ra$ necessity begot. G ;B5 H (od made thee of choice his own, and of his own /o serve him, thy reward was of his grace, /hy p#nishment then 9#st$y is at his 6i$$. )e it so, for I s#bmit, his doom is fair, /hat d#st I am, and sha$$ to d#st ret#rne+ G ;;C H I we$com ho#r wheneverP why de$ayes .is hand to e ec#te what his 3ecree Fi d on this day@ why do I over$ive, 6hy am I mockt with death, and $ength0nd o#t /o death$ess pain@ how g$ad$y wo#$d I meet G ;;5 H *orta$itie my sentence, and be Earth

Insensib$e, how g$ad wo#$d $ay me down ,s in my *others $apP /here I sho#$d rest ,nd s$eep sec#re! his dreadf#$ voice no more 6o#$d /h#nder in my ears, no fear of worse G ;<C H /o mee and to my ofspring wo#$d torment me 6ith cr#e$ e pectation. 8et one do#bt 7#rs#es me sti$$, $east a$$ I cannot die, Least that p#re breath of Life, the Spirit of *an 6hich (od inspir0d, cannot together perish G ;<5 H 6ith this corporea$ C$od! then in the (rave, Ir in some other disma$ p$ace who knows )#t I sha$$ die a $iving 3eath@ I tho#ght .orrid, if tr#eP yet why@ it was b#t breath If Life that sinn0d! what dies b#t what had $ife G ;=C H ,nd sin@ the )odie proper$y hath neither. ,$$ of me then sha$$ die+ $et this appease /he do#bt, since h#mane reach no f#rther knows. For tho#gh the Lord of a$$ be infinite, Is his wra#th a$so@ be it, man is not so, G ;=5 H )#t morta$ doom0d. .ow can he e ercise 6rath witho#t end on *an whom 3eath m#st end@ Can he make death$ess 3eath@ that were to make Strange contradiction, which to (od himse$f Impossib$e is he$d, as ,rg#ment G <CC H If weakness, not of 7ower. 6i$$ he, draw o#t, For angers sake, finite to infinite In p#nisht man, to satisfie his rigo#r Satisfi0d never! that were to e tend .is Sentence beyond d#st and Eat#res Law, G <C5 H )y which a$$ Ca#ses e$se according sti$$ /o the reception of thir matter act, Eot to th0 e tent of thir own Spheare. )#t say /hat 3eath be not one stroak, as I s#ppos0d, )ereaving sense, b#t end$ess miserie G <?C H From this day onward, which I fee$ beg#n )oth in me, and witho#t me, and so $ast /o perpet#itie! ,y me, that fear Comes th#ndring back with dreadf#$ revo$#tion In my defens$ess head! both 3eath and I G <?5 H ,m fo#nd Eterna$, and incorporate both, Eor I on my part sing$e, in mee a$$ 7osteritie stands c#rst+ Fair 7atrimonie /hat I m#st $eave ye, Sons! I were I ab$e /o waste it a$$ my se$f, and $eave ye noneP G <&C H So disinherited how wo#$d ye b$ess *e now yo#r c#rseP ,h, why sho#$d a$$ mankind For one mans fa#$t th#s g#i$t$ess be condemn0d, If g#i$t$ess@ )#t from mee what can proceed, )#t a$$ corr#pt, both *ind and 6i$$ deprav0d, G <&5 H Eot to do one$y, b#t to wi$$ the same 6ith me@ how can they then ac:#itted stand In sight of (od@ .im after a$$ 3isp#tes

Forc0t I abso$ve+ a$$ my evasions vain ,nd reasonings, tho#gh thro#gh *a"es, $ead me sti$$ G <>C H )#t to my own conviction+ first and $ast In mee, mee one$y, as the so#rse and spring If a$$ corr#ption, a$$ the b$ame $ights d#e! So might the wra#th. Fond wishP co#$dst tho# s#pport /hat b#rden heavier then the Earth to bear G <>5 H /hen a$$ the 6or$d m#ch heavier, tho#gh divided 6ith that bad 6oman@ /h#s what tho# desir0st, ,nd what tho# fearst, a$ike destroyes a$$ hope If ref#ge, and conc$#des thee miserab$e )eyond a$$ past e amp$e and f#t#re, G <AC H /o Satan on$y $ike both crime and doom. I Conscience, into what ,byss of fears ,nd horrors hast tho# driv0n me! o#t of which I find no way, from deep to deeper p$#ng0dP /h#s ,dam to himse$f $amented $o#d G <A5 H /hro#gh the sti$$ Eight, not now, as ere man fe$$, 6ho$som and coo$, and mi$d, b#t with b$ack ,ir ,ccompanied, with damps and dreadf#$ g$oom, 6hich to his evi$ Conscience represented ,$$ things with do#b$e terror+ In the gro#nd G <5C H I#tstretcht he $ay, on the co$d gro#nd, and oft C#rs0d his Creation, 3eath as oft acc#s0d If tardie e ec#tion, since deno#nc0t /he day of his offence. 6hy comes not 3eath, Said hee, with one thrice acceptab$e stroke G <55 H /o end me@ Sha$$ /r#th fai$ to keep her word, F#stice 3ivine not hast0n to be 9#st@ )#t 3eath comes not at ca$$, F#stice 3ivine *ends not her s$owest pace for prayers or cries. I 6oods, I Fo#ntains, .i$$ocks, 3a$es and )owrs, G <BC H 6ith other echo $ate I ta#ght yo#r Shades /o answer, and reso#nd farr other Song. 6hom th#s aff$icted when sad Eve behe$d, 3eso$ate where she sate, approaching nigh, Soft words to his fierce passion she assay0d+ G <B5 H )#t her with stern regard he th#s repe$$0d. I#t of my sight, tho# Serpent, that name best )efits thee with him $eag#0d, thy se$f as fa$se ,nd hatef#$! nothing wants, b#t that thy shape, Like his, and co$o#r Serpentine may shew G <;C H /hy inward fra#d, to warn a$$ Creat#res from thee .enceforth! $east that too heav0n$y form, pretended /o he$$ish fa$shood, snare them. )#t for thee I had persisted happie, had not thy pride ,nd wandring vanitie, when $est was safe, G <;5 H -e9ected my forewarning, and disdain0d Eot to be tr#sted, $onging to be seen /ho#gh by the 3evi$ himse$f, him overweening /o over1reach, b#t with the Serpent meeting

Foo$0d and beg#i$0d, by him tho#, I by thee, G <<C H /o tr#st thee from my side, imagin0d wise, Constant, mat#re, proof against a$$ assa#$ts, ,nd #nderstood not a$$ was b#t a shew -ather then so$id vert#, a$$ b#t a -ib Crooked by nat#re, bent, as now appears, G <<5 H *ore to the part sinister from me drawn, 6e$$ if thrown o#t, as s#pern#merarie /o my 9#st n#mber fo#nd. I why did (od, Creator wise, that peop$0d highest .eav0n 6ith Spirits *asc#$ine, create at $ast G <=C H /his nove$tie on Earth, this fair defect If Eat#re, and not fi$$ the 6or$d at once 6ith *en as ,nge$s witho#t Feminine, Ir find some other way to generate *ankind@ this mischief had not then befa$$0n, G <=5 H ,nd more that sha$$ befa$$, inn#merab$e 3ist#rbances on Earth thro#gh Fema$ snares, ,nd straight con9#nction with this Se + for either .e never sha$$ find o#t fit *ate, b#t s#ch ,s some misfort#ne brings him, or mistake, G =CC H Ir whom he wishes most sha$$ se$dom gain /hro#gh her perversness, b#t sha$$ see her gaind )y a farr worse, or if she $ove, withhe$d )y 7arents, or his happiest choice too $ate Sha$$ meet, a$readie $inkt and 6ed$ock1bo#nd G =C5 H /o a fe$$ ,dversarie, his hate or shame+ 6hich infinite ca$amitie sha$$ ca#se /o .#mane $ife, and ho#sho$d peace confo#nd. .e added not, and from her t#rn0d, b#t Eve Eot so rep#$st, with /ears that ceas0d not f$owing, G =?C H ,nd tresses a$$ disorderd, at his feet Fe$$ h#mb$e, and imbracing them, besa#ght .is peace, and th#s proceeded in her p$aint. Forsake me not th#s, ,dam, witness .eav0n 6hat $ove sincere, and reverence in my heart G =?5 H I beare thee, and #nweeting have offended, 4nhappi$ie deceav0d! thy s#pp$iant I beg, and c$asp thy knees! bereave me not, 6hereon I $ive, thy gent$e $ooks, thy aid, /hy co#nse$ in this #ttermost distress, G =&C H *y one$y strength and stay+ for$orn of thee, 6hither sha$$ I betake me, where s#bsist@ 6hi$e yet we $ive, scarse one short ho#r perhaps, )etween #s two $et there be peace, both 9oyning, ,s 9oyn0d in in9#ries, one enmitie G =&5 H ,gainst a Foe by doom e press assign0d #s, /hat cr#e$ Serpent+ In me e ercise not /hy hatred for this miserie befa$$0n, In me a$readie $ost, mee then thy se$f *ore miserab$e! both have sin0d, b#t tho# G =>C H

,gainst (od one$y, I against (od and thee, ,nd to the p$ace of 9#dgment wi$$ ret#rn, /here with my cries import#ne .eaven, that a$$ /he sentence from thy head remov0d may $ight In me, so$e ca#se to thee of a$$ this woe, G =>5 H *ee mee one$y 9#st ob9ect of his ire. She ended weeping, and her $ow$ie p$ight, Immovab$e ti$$ peace obtain0d from fa#$t ,cknow$edg0d and dep$or0d, in ,dam wra#ght Commiseration! soon his heart re$ented G =AC H /owards her, his $ife so $ate and so$e de$ight, Eow at his feet s#bmissive in distress, Creat#re so faire his reconci$ement seeking, .is co#nse$ whom she had disp$eas0d, his aide! ,s one disarm0d, his anger a$$ he $ost, G =A5 H ,nd th#s with peacef#$ words #prais0d her soon. 4nwarie, and too desiro#s, as before, So now of what tho# knowst not, who desir0st /he p#nishment a$$ on thy se$f! a$as, )eare thine own first, i$$ ab$e to s#staine G =5C H .is f#$$ wra#th whose tho# fee$st as yet $est part, ,nd my disp$eas#re bearst so i$$. If 7rayers Co#$d a$ter high 3ecrees, I to that p$ace 6o#$d speed before thee, and be $o#der heard, /hat on my head a$$ might be visited, G =55 H /hy frai$tie and infirmer Se forgiv0n, /o me committed and by me e pos0d. )#t rise, $et #s no more contend, nor b$ame Each other, b$am0d eno#gh e$sewhere, b#t strive In offices of Love, how we may $ight0n G =BC H Each others b#rden in o#r share of woe! Since this days 3eath deno#nc0t, if o#ght I see, 6i$$ prove no s#dden, b#t a s$ow1pac0t evi$$, , $ong days dying to a#gment o#r paine, ,nd to o#r Seed %I hap$ess SeedP' deriv0d. G =B5 H /o whom th#s Eve, recovering heart, rep$i0d. ,dam, by sad e periment I know .ow $itt$e weight my words with thee can finde, Fo#nd so erroneo#s, thence by 9#st event Fo#nd so #nfort#nate! neverthe$ess, G =;C H -estor0d by thee, vi$e as I am, to p$ace If new acceptance, hopef#$ to regaine /hy Love, the so$e contentment of my heart Living or dying, from thee I wi$$ not hide 6hat tho#ghts in my #n:#iet brest are ris0n, G =;5 H /ending to some re$ief of o#r e tremes, Ir end, tho#gh sharp and sad, yet to$erab$e, ,s in o#r evi$s, and of easier choice. If care of o#r descent perp$e #s most, 6hich m#st be born to certain woe, devo#rd G =<C H )y 3eath at $ast, and miserab$e it is

/o be to others ca#se of misery, I#r own begotten, and of o#r Loines to bring Into this c#rsed 6or$d a wof#$ -ace, /hat after wretched Life m#st be at $ast G =<5 H Food for so fo#$e a *onster, in thy power It $ies, yet ere Conception to prevent /he -ace #nb$est, to being yet #nbegot. Chi$d$ess tho# art, Chi$d$ess remaine+ So 3eath sha$$ be deceav0d his g$#t, and with #s two G ==C H )e forc0d to satisfie his -av0no#s *aw. )#t if tho# 9#dge it hard and diffic#$t, Conversing, $ooking, $oving, to abstain From Loves d#e -ites, E#ptia$ imbraces sweet, ,nd with desire to $ang#ish witho#t hope, G ==5 H )efore the present ob9ect $ang#ishing 6ith $ike desire, which wo#$d be miserie ,nd torment $ess then none of what we dread, /hen both o#r se$ves and Seed at once to free From what we fear for both, $et #s make short, G ?CCC H Let #s seek 3eath, or he not fo#nd, s#pp$y 6ith o#r own hands his Iffice on o#r se$ves! 6hy stand we $onger shivering #nder feares, /hat shew no end b#t 3eath, and have the power, If many ways to die the shortest choosing, G ?CC5 H 3estr#ction with destr#ction to destroy. She ended heer, or vehement despaire )roke off the rest! so m#ch of 3eath her tho#ghts .ad entertaind, as di0d her Cheeks with pa$e. )#t ,dam with s#ch co#nse$ nothing sway0d, G ?C?C H /o better hopes his more attentive minde Labo#ring had rais0d, and th#s to Eve rep$i0d. Eve, thy contempt of $ife and p$eas#re seems /o arg#e in thee somthing more s#b$ime ,nd e ce$$ent then what thy minde contemnes! G ?C?5 H )#t se$f1destr#ction therefore sa#ght, ref#tes /hat e ce$$ence tho#ght in thee, and imp$ies, Eot thy contempt, b#t ang#ish and regret For $oss of $ife and p$eas#re over$ov0d. Ir if tho# covet death, as #tmost end G ?C&C H If miserie, so thinking to evade /he pena$tie prono#nc0t, do#bt not b#t (od .ath wise$ier arm0d his vengef#$ ire then so /o be foresta$$0d! m#ch more I fear $east 3eath So snatcht wi$$ not e empt #s from the paine G ?C&5 H 6e are by doom to pay! rather s#ch acts If cont#macie wi$$ provoke the highest /o make death in #s $ive+ /hen $et #s seek Some safer reso$#tion, which methinks I have in view, ca$$ing to minde with heed G ?C>C H 7art of o#r Sentence, that thy Seed sha$$ br#ise /he Serpents head! piteo#s amends, #n$ess

)e meant, whom I con9ect#re, o#r grand Foe Satan, who in the Serpent hath contriv0d ,gainst #s this deceit+ to cr#sh his head G ?C>5 H 6o#$d be revenge indeed! which wi$$ be $ost )y death bro#ght on o#r se$ves, or chi$d$ess days -eso$v0d, as tho# proposest! so o#r Foe Sha$$ scape his p#nishment ordain0d, and wee Instead sha$$ do#b$e o#rs #pon o#r heads. G ?CAC H Eo more be mention0d then of vio$ence ,gainst o#r se$ves, and wi$f#$ barrenness, /hat c#ts #s off from hope, and savo#rs one$y -ancor and pride, impatience and despite, -e$#ctance against (od and his 9#st yoke G ?CA5 H Laid on o#r Eecks. -emember with what mi$d ,nd gracio#s temper he both heard and 9#dg0d 6itho#t wra#th or revi$ing! wee e pected Immediate disso$#tion, which we tho#ght 6as meant by 3eath that day, when $o, to thee G ?C5C H 7ains one$y in Chi$d1bearing were foreto$d, ,nd bringing forth, soon recompenc0t with 9oy, Fr#it of thy 6omb+ In mee the C#rse as$ope ($anc0d on the gro#nd, with $abo#r I m#st earne *y bread! what harm@ Id$eness had bin worse! G ?C55 H *y $abo#r wi$$ s#stain me! and $east Co$d Ir .eat sho#$d in9#re #s, his time$y care .ath #nbesa#ght provided, and his hands C$oath0d #s #nworthie, pitying whi$e he 9#dg0d! .ow m#ch more, if we pray him, wi$$ his ear G ?CBC H )e open, and his heart to pitie inc$ine, ,nd teach #s f#rther by what means to sh#n /h0 inc$ement Seasons, -ain, Ice, .ai$ and Snow, 6hich now the Skie with vario#s Face begins /o shew #s in this *o#ntain, whi$e the 6inds G ?CB5 H )$ow moist and keen, shattering the gracef#$ $ocks If these fair spreading /rees! which bids #s seek Som better shro#d, som better warmth to cherish I#r Limbs ben#mm0d, ere this di#rna$ Starr Leave co$d the Eight, how we his gather0d beams G ?C;C H -ef$ected, may with matter sere foment, Ir by co$$ision of two bodies grinde /he ,ir attrite to Fire, as $ate the C$o#ds F#st$ing or p#sht with 6inds r#de in thir shock /ine the s$ant Lightning, whose thwart f$ame driv0n down G ?C;5 H Jind$es the g#mmie bark of Firr or 7ine, ,nd sends a comfortab$e heat from farr, 6hich might s#pp$ie the S#n+ s#ch Fire to #se, ,nd what may e$se be remedie or c#re /o evi$s which o#r own misdeeds have wro#ght, G ?C<C H .ee wi$$ instr#ct #s praying, and of (race )eseeching him, so as we need not fear /o pass commodio#s$y this $ife, s#stain0d )y him with many comforts, ti$$ we end

In d#st, o#r fina$ rest and native home. G ?C<5 H 6hat better can we do, then to the p$ace -epairing where he 9#dg0d #s, prostrate fa$$ )efore him reverent, and there confess .#mb$y o#r fa#$ts, and pardon beg, with tears 6atering the gro#nd, and with o#r sighs the ,ir G ?C=C H Fre:#enting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign If sorrow #nfeign0d, and h#mi$iation meek. 4ndo#bted$y he wi$$ re$ent and t#rn From his disp$eas#re! in whose $ook serene, 6hen angry most he seem0d and most severe, G ?C=5 H 6hat e$se b#t favor, grace, and mercie shon@ So spake o#r Father penitent, nor Eve Fe$t $ess remorse+ they forthwith to the p$ace -epairing where he 9#dg0d them prostrate fe$$ )efore him reverent, and both confess0d G ??CC H .#mb$y thir fa#$ts, and pardon beg0d, with tears 6atering the gro#nd, and with thir sighs the ,ir Fre:#enting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign If sorrow #nfeign0d, and h#mi$iation meek.

Paradise &ost
*..K 11
T / "'G2M/+T
/he Son of (od presents to his Father the 7rayers of o#r first 7arents now repenting, and intercedes for them+ (od accepts them, b#t dec$ares that they m#st no $onger abide in 7aradise! sends *ichae$ with a )and of Cher#bim to dispossess them! b#t first to revea$ to ,dam f#t#re things+ *ichae$s coming down. ,dam shews to Eve certain omino#s signs! he discerns *ichae$s approach, goes o#t to meet him+ the ,nge$ deno#nces thir depart#re. Eve0s Lamentation. ,dam p$eads, b#t s#bmits+ /he ,nge$ $eads him #p to a high .i$$, sets before him in vision what sha$$ happ0n ti$$ the F$ood. /.#s they in $ow$iest p$ight repentant stood 7raying, for from the *ercie1seat above 7revenient (race descending had remov0d /he stonie from thir hearts, N made new f$esh -egenerate grow instead, that sighs now breath0d G 5 H 4n#tterab$e, which the Spirit of prayer Inspir0d, and wing0d for .eav0n with speedier f$ight /hen $o#dest Iratorie+ yet thir port Eot of mean s#iters, nor important $ess Seem0d thir 7etition, then when th0 ancient 7air G ?C H In Fab$es o$d, $ess ancient yet then these,

3e#ca$ion and chaste 7yrrha to restore /he -ace of *ankind drownd, before the Shrine If /hemis stood devo#t. /o .eav0n thir prayers F$ew #p, nor missd the way, by envio#s windes G ?5 H )$ow0n vagabond or fr#strate+ in they passd 3imention$ess thro#gh .eav0n$y dores! then c$ad 6ith incense, where the (o$den ,$tar f#m0d, )y thir great Intercessor, came in sight )efore the Fathers /hrone+ /hem the g$ad Son G &C H 7resenting, th#s to intercede began. See Father, what first fr#its on Earth are spr#ng From thy imp$anted (race in *an, these Sighs ,nd 7rayers, which in this (o$den Censer, mi t 6ith Incense, I thy 7riest before thee bring, G &5 H Fr#its of more p$easing savo#r from thy seed Sow0n with contrition in his heart, then those 6hich his own hand man#ring a$$ the /rees If 7aradise co#$d have prod#c0t, ere fa$$0n From innocence. Eow therefore bend thine eare G >C H /o s#pp$ication, heare his sighs tho#gh m#te! 4nski$f#$ with what words to pray, $et mee Interpret for him, mee his ,dvocate ,nd propitiation, a$$ his works on mee (ood or not good ingraft, my *erit those G >5 H Sha$$ perfet, and for these my 3eath sha$$ pay. ,ccept me, and in mee from these receave /he sme$$ of peace toward *ankinde, $et him $ive )efore thee reconci$0d, at $east his days E#mberd, tho#gh sad, ti$$ 3eath, his doom %which I G AC H /o mitigate th#s p$ead, not to reverse' /o better $ife sha$$ yee$d him, where with mee ,$$ my redeemd may dwe$$ in 9oy and b$iss, *ade one with me as I with thee am one. /o whom the Father, witho#t C$o#d, serene. G A5 H ,$$ thy re:#est for *an, accepted Son, Ibtain, a$$ thy re:#est was my 3ecree+ )#t $onger in that 7aradise to dwe$$, /he Law I gave to Eat#re him forbids+ /hose p#re immorta$ E$ements that know G 5C H Eo gross, no #nharmoneo#s mi t#re fo#$e, E9ect him tainted now, and p#rge him off ,s a distemper, gross to aire as gross, ,nd morta$ food, as may dispose him best For disso$#tion wro#ght by Sin, that first G 55 H 3istemperd a$$ things, and of incorr#pt Corr#pted. I at first with two fair gifts Created him endowd, with .appiness ,nd Immorta$itie+ that fond$y $ost, /his other serv0d b#t to eterni"e woe! G BC H /i$$ I provided 3eath! so 3eath becomes .is fina$ remedie, and after Life

/ri0d in sharp trib#$ation, and refin0d )y Faith and faithf#$ works, to second Life, 6ak0t in the renovation of the 9#st, G B5 H -esignes him #p with .eav0n and Earth renewd. )#t $et #s ca$$ to Synod a$$ the )$est /hro#gh .eav0ns wide bo#nds! from them I wi$$ not hide *y 9#dgments, how with *ankind I proceed, ,s how with peccant ,nge$s $ate they saw! G ;C H ,nd in thir state, tho#gh firm, stood more confirmd. .e ended, and the Son gave signa$ high /o the bright *inister that watchd, hee b$ew .is /r#mpet, heard in Ireb since perhaps 6hen (od descended, and perhaps once more G ;5 H /o so#nd at genera$ 3oom. /h0 ,nge$ic b$ast Fi$$d a$$ the -egions+ from thir b$issf#$ )owrs If ,marantin Shade, Fo#ntain or Spring, )y the waters of Life, where ere they sate In fe$$owships of 9oy+ the Sons of Light G <C H .asted, resorting to the S#mmons high, ,nd took thir Seats! ti$$ from his /hrone s#pream /h0 ,$mighty th#s prono#ncd his sovran 6i$$. I Sons, $ike one of #s *an is become /o know both (ood and Evi$, since his taste G <5 H If that defended Fr#it! b#t $et him boast .is know$edge of (ood $ost, and Evi$ got, .appier, had s#ffic0d him to have known (ood by it se$f, and Evi$ not at a$$. .e sorrows now, repents, and prayes contrite, G =C H *y motions in him, $onger then they move, .is heart I know, how variab$e and vain Se$f1$eft. Least therefore his now bo$der hand -each a$so of the /ree of Life, and eat, ,nd $ive for ever, dream at $east to $ive G =5 H For ever, to remove him I decree, ,nd send him from the (arden forth to /i$$ /he (ro#nd whence he was taken, fitter soi$e. *ichae$, this my behest have tho# in charge, /ake to thee from among the Cher#bim G ?CC H /hy choice of f$aming 6arrio#rs, $east the Fiend Ir in beha$f of *an, or to invade 2acant possession som new tro#b$e raise+ .ast thee, and from the 7aradise of (od 6itho#t remorse drive o#t the sinf#$ 7air, G ?C5 H From ha$$owd gro#nd th0 #nho$ie, and deno#nce /o them and to thir 7rogenie from thence 7erpet#a$ banishment. 8et $east they faint ,t the sad Sentence rigoro#s$y #rg0d, For I beho$d them softn0d and with tears G ??C H )ewai$ing thir e cess, a$$ terror hide. If patient$y thy bidding they obey, 3ismiss them not disconso$ate! revea$e

/o ,dam what sha$$ come in f#t#re dayes, ,s I sha$$ thee en$ighten, intermi G ??5 H *y Cov0nant in the womans seed renewd! So send them forth, tho#gh sorrowing, yet in peace+ ,nd on the East side of the (arden p$ace, 6here entrance #p from Eden easiest c$imbes, Cher#bic watch, and of a Sword the f$ame G ?&C H 6ide waving, a$$ approach farr off to fright, ,nd g#ard a$$ passage to the /ree of Life+ Least 7aradise a receptac$e prove /o Spirits fo#$e, and a$$ my /rees thir prey, 6ith whose sto$0n Fr#it *an once more to de$#de. G ?&5 H .e ceas0d! and th0 ,rchange$ic 7ower prepar0d For swift descent, with him the Cohort bright If watchf#$ Cher#bim! fo#r faces each .ad, $ike a do#b$e Fan#s, a$$ thir shape Spang$0d with eyes more n#mero#s then those G ?>C H If ,rg#s, and more wakef#$ then to dro#"e, Charm0d with ,rcadian 7ipe, the 7astora$ -eed If .ermes, or his opiate -od. *ean whi$e /o resa$#te the 6or$d with sacred Light Le#cothea wak0d, and with fresh dews imba$md G ?>5 H /he Earth, when ,dam and first *atron Eve .ad ended now thir Irisons, and fo#nd, Strength added from above, new hope to spring I#t of despaire, 9oy, b#t with fear yet $inkt! 6hich th#s to Eve his we$come words renewd. G ?AC H Eve, easi$y may Faith admit, that a$$ /he good which we en9oy, from .eav0n descends! )#t that from #s o#ght sho#$d ascend to .eav0n So preva$ent as to concerne the mind If (od high1b$est, or to inc$ine his wi$$, G ?A5 H .ard to be$ief may seem! yet this wi$$ 7rayer, Ir one short sigh of h#mane breath, #p1borne Ev0n to the Seat of (od. For since I sa#ght )y 7rayer th0 offended 3eitie to appease, Jnee$0d and before him h#mb$0d a$$ my heart, G ?5C H *etho#ght I saw him p$acab$e and mi$d, )ending his eare! perswasion in me grew /hat I was heard with favo#r! peace ret#rnd .ome to my brest, and to my memorie .is promise, that thy Seed sha$$ br#ise o#r Foe! G ?55 H 6hich then not minded in dismay, yet now ,ss#res me that the bitterness of death Is past, and we sha$$ $ive. 6hence .ai$e to thee, Eve right$y ca$$0d, *other of a$$ *ankind, *other of a$$ things $iving, since by thee G ?BC H *an is to $ive, and a$$ things $ive for *an. /o whom th#s Eve with sad demeano#r meek. I$$ worthie I s#ch tit$e sho#$d be$ong /o me transgresso#r, who for thee ordaind

, he$p, became thy snare! to mee reproach G ?B5 H -ather be$ongs, distr#st and a$$ dispraise+ )#t infinite in pardon was my F#dge, /hat I who first bro#ght 3eath on a$$, am grac0t /he so#rse of $ife! ne t favo#rab$e tho#, 6ho high$y th#s to entit$e me vo#tsaf0st, G ?;C H Farr other name deserving. )#t the Fie$d /o $abo#r ca$$s #s now with sweat impos0d, /ho#gh after s$eep$ess Eight! for see the *orn, ,$$ #nconcern0d with o#r #nrest, begins .er rosie progress smi$ing! $et #s forth, G ?;5 H I never from thy side henceforth to stray, 6herere o#r days work $ies, tho#gh now en9oind Laborio#s, ti$$ day droop! whi$e here we dwe$$, 6hat can be toi$som in these p$easant 6a$kes@ .ere $et #s $ive, tho#gh in fa$$0n state, content. G ?<C H So spake, so wish0d m#ch1h#mb$0d Eve, b#t Fate S#bscrib0d not! Eat#re first gave Signs, imprest In )ird, )east, ,ire, ,ire s#dden$y ec$ips0d ,fter short b$#sh of *orn! nigh in her sight /he )ird of Fove, stoopt from his aerie to#r, G ?<5 H /wo )irds of gayest p$#me before him drove+ 3own from a .i$$ the )east that reigns in 6oods, First h#nter then, p#rs#0d a gent$e brace, (ood$iest of a$$ the Forrest, .art and .inde! 3irect to th0 Eastern (ate was bent thir f$ight. G ?=C H ,dam observ0d, and with his Eye the chase 7#rs#ing, not #nmov0d to Eve th#s spake. I Eve, some f#rder change awaits #s nigh, 6hich .eav0n by these m#te signs in Eat#re shews Forer#nners of his p#rpose, or to warn G ?=5 H 4s hap$y too sec#re of o#r discharge From pena$tie, beca#se from death re$east Some days! how $ong, and what ti$$ then o#r $ife, 6ho knows, or more then this, that we are d#st, ,nd thither m#st ret#rn and be no more. G &CC H 6hy e$se this do#b$e ob9ect in o#r sight If f$ight p#rs#0d in th0 ,ir and ore the gro#nd Ine way the se$f1same ho#r@ why in the East 3arkness ere 3ayes mid1co#rse, and *orning $ight *ore orient in yon 6estern C$o#d that draws G &C5 H I0re the b$ew Firmament a radiant white, ,nd s$ow descends, with somthing heav0n$y fra#ght. .e err0d not, for by this the heav0n$y )ands 3own from a Skie of Fasper $ighted now In 7aradise, and on a .i$$ made a$t, G &?C H , g$orio#s ,pparition, had not do#bt ,nd carna$ fear that day dimm0d ,dams eye. Eot that more g$orio#s, when the ,nge$s met Facob in *ahanaim, where he saw /he fie$d 7avi$ion0d with his (#ardians bright! G &?5 H

Eor that which on the f$aming *o#nt appeerd In 3othan, cover0d with a Camp of Fire, ,gainst the Syrian Jing, who to s#rpri"e Ine man, ,ssassin1$ike had $evied 6arr, 6arr #nproc$am0d. /he 7rince$y .ierarch G &&C H In thir bright stand, there $eft his 7owers to seise 7ossession of the (arden! hee a$one, /o find where ,dam she$terd, took his way, Eot #nperceav0d of ,dam, who to Eve, 6hi$e the great 2isitant approachd, th#s spake. G &&5 H Eve, now e pect great tidings, which perhaps If #s wi$$ soon determin, or impose Eew Laws to be observ0d! for I descrie From yonder b$a"ing C$o#d that vei$s the .i$$ Ine of the heav0n$y .ost, and by his (ate G &>C H Eone of the meanest, some great 7otentate Ir of the /hrones above, s#ch *a9estie Invests him coming@ yet not terrib$e, /hat I sho#$d fear, nor sociab$y mi$d, ,s -aphae$, that I sho#$d m#ch confide, G &>5 H )#t so$emn and s#b$ime, whom not to offend, 6ith reverence I m#st meet, and tho# retire. .e ended! and th0 ,rch1,nge$ soon drew nigh, Eot in his shape Ce$estia$, b#t as *an C$ad to meet *an! over his $#cid ,rmes G &AC H , mi$itarie 2est of p#rp$e f$owd Live$ier then *e$ibSan, or the graine If Sarra, worn by Jings and .ero0s o$d In time of /r#ce! Iris had dipt the wooff! .is starrie .e$me #nb#ck$0d shew0d him prime G &A5 H In *anhood where 8o#th ended! by his side ,s in a g$istering Rodiac h#ng the Sword, Satans dire dread, and in his hand the Spear. ,dam bowd $ow, hee Jing$y from his State Inc$in0d not, b#t his coming th#s dec$ar0d. G &5C H ,dam, .eav0ns high behest no 7reface needs+ S#fficient that thy 7rayers are heard, and 3eath, /hen d#e by sentence when tho# didst transgress, 3efeated of his seis#re many dayes (iv0n thee of (race, wherein tho# may0st repent, G &55 H ,nd one bad act with many deeds we$$ done *ayst cover+ we$$ may then thy Lord appeas0d -edeem thee :#ite from 3eaths rapacio#s c$aime! )#t $onger in this 7aradise to dwe$$ 7ermits not! to remove thee I am come, G &BC H ,nd send thee from the (arden forth to ti$$ /he gro#nd whence tho# wast tak0n, fitter Soi$e. .e added not, for ,dam at the newes .eart1strook with chi$$ing gripe of sorrow stood, /hat a$$ his senses bo#nd! Eve, who #nseen G &B5 H 8et a$$ had heard, with a#dib$e $ament

3iscover0d soon the p$ace of her retire. I #ne pected stroke, worse then of 3eathP *#st I th#s $eave thee 7aradise@ th#s $eave /hee Eative Soi$e, these happie 6a$ks and Shades, G &;C H Fit ha#nt of (ods@ where I had hope to spend, M#iet tho#gh sad, the respit of that day /hat m#st be morta$ to #s both. I f$o#rs, /hat never wi$$ in other C$imate grow, *y ear$y visitation, and my $ast G &;5 H ,t Eev0n, which I bred #p with tender hand From the first op0ning b#d, and gave ye Eames, 6ho now sha$$ reare ye to the S#n, or ranke 8o#r /ribes, and water from th0 ambrosia$ Fo#nt@ /hee $ast$y n#ptia$ )owre, by mee adornd G &<C H 6ith what to sight or sme$$ was sweet! from thee .ow sha$$ I part, and whither wander down Into a $ower 6or$d, to this obsc#re ,nd wi$de, how sha$$ we breath in other ,ire Less p#re, acc#stomd to immorta$ Fr#its@ G &<5 H 6hom th#s the ,nge$ interr#pted mi$de. Lament not Eve, b#t patient$y resigne 6hat 9#st$y tho# hast $ost! nor set thy heart, /h#s over1fond, on that which is not thine! /hy going is not $one$y, with thee goes G &=C H /hy .#sband, him to fo$$ow tho# art bo#nd! 6here he abides, think there thy native soi$e. ,dam by this from the co$d s#dden damp -ecovering, and his scatterd spirits ret#rnd, /o *ichae$ th#s his h#mb$e words addressd. G &=5 H Ce$estia$, whether among the /hrones, or nam0d If them the .ighest, for s#ch of shape may seem 7rince above 7rinces, gent$y hast tho# to#$d /hy message, which might e$se in te$$ing wo#nd, ,nd in performing end #s! what besides G >CC H If sorrow and de9ection and despair I#r frai$tie can s#stain, thy tidings bring, 3epart#re from this happy p$ace, o#r sweet -ecess, and one$y conso$ation $eft Fami$iar to o#r eyes, a$$ p$aces e$se G >C5 H Inhospitab$e appeer and deso$ate, Eor knowing #s nor known+ and if by prayer Incessant I co#$d hope to change the wi$$ If him who a$$ things can, I wo#$d not cease /o wearie him with my assid#o#s cries+ G >?C H )#t prayer against his abso$#te 3ecree Eo more avai$es then breath against the winde, )$own stif$ing back on him that breaths it forth+ /herefore to his great bidding I s#bmit. /his most aff$icts me, that departing hence, G >?5 H ,s from his face I sha$$ be hid, deprivd .is b$essed co#nt0nance! here I co#$d fre:#ent,

6ith worship, p$ace by p$ace where he vo#tsaf0d 7resence 3ivine, and to my Sons re$ate! In this *o#nt he appeerd, #nder this /ree G >&C H Stood visib$e, among these 7ines his voice I heard, here with him at this Fo#ntain ta$k0d+ So many gratef#$ ,$tars I wo#$d reare If grassie /erfe, and pi$e #p every Stone If $#stre from the brook, in memorie, G >&5 H Ir mon#ment to ,ges, and thereon Iffer sweet sme$$ing (#mms and Fr#its and F$o#rs+ In yonder nether 6or$d where sha$$ I seek .is bright appearances, or foot step1trace@ For tho#gh I f$ed him angrie, yet reca$$0d G >>C H /o $ife pro$ongd and promisd -ace, I now ($ad$y beho$d tho#gh b#t his #tmost skirts If g$ory, and farr off his steps adore. /o whom th#s *ichae$ with regard benigne. ,dam, tho# know0st .eav0n his, and a$$ the Earth. G >>5 H Eot this -ock one$y! his Imnipresence fi$$s Land, Sea, and ,ire, and every kinde that $ives, Fomented by his virt#a$ power and warmd+ ,$$ th0 Earth he gave thee to possess and r#$e, Eo despicab$e gift! s#rmise not then G >AC H .is presence to these narrow bo#nds confin0d If 7aradise or Eden+ this had been 7erhaps thy Capita$ Seate, from whence had spred ,$$ generations, and had hither come From a$$ the ends of th0 Earth, to ce$ebrate G >A5 H ,nd reverence thee thir great 7rogenitor. )#t this prOeminence tho# hast $ost, bro#ght down /o dwe$$ on eeven gro#nd now with thy Sons+ 8et do#bt not b#t in 2a$$ie and in 7$aine (od is as here, and wi$$ be fo#nd a$ike G >5C H 7resent, and of his presence many a signe Sti$$ fo$$owing thee, sti$$ compassing thee ro#nd 6ith goodness and paterna$ Love, his Face E press, and of his steps the track 3ivine. 6hich that tho# mayst be$eeve, and be confirmd G >55 H Ere tho# from hence depart, know I am sent /o shew thee what sha$$ come in f#t#re dayes /o thee and to thy Ifspring! good with bad E pect to hear, s#perna$ (race contending 6ith sinf#$ness of *en! thereby to $earn G >BC H /r#e patience, and to temper 9oy with fear ,nd pio#s sorrow, e:#a$$y en#r0d )y moderation either state to beare, 7rospero#s or adverse+ so sha$t tho# $ead Safest thy $ife, and best prepar0d end#re G >B5 H /hy morta$ passage when it comes. ,scend /his .i$$! $et Eve %for I have drencht her eyes' .ere s$eep be$ow whi$e tho# to foresight wak0st, ,s once tho# s$epst, whi$e Shee to $ife was formd.

/o whom th#s ,dam gratef#$$y rep$i0d. G >;C H ,scend, I fo$$ow thee, safe (#ide, the path /ho# $ead0st me, and to the hand of .eav0n s#bmit, .owever chast0ning, to the evi$ t#rne *y obvio#s breast, arming to overcom )y s#ffering, and earne rest from $abo#r won, G >;5 H If so I may attain. So both ascend In the 2isions of (od+ It was a .i$$ If 7aradise the highest, from whose top /he .emisphere of Earth in c$eerest Jen Stretcht o#t to amp$est reach of prospect $ay. G ><C H Eot higher that .i$$ nor wider $ooking ro#nd, 6hereon for different ca#se the /empter set I#r second ,dam in the 6i$derness, /o shew him a$$ Earths Jingdomes and thir ($ory. .is Eye might there command wherever stood G ><5 H City of o$d or modern Fame, the Seat If mightiest Empire, from the destind 6a$$s If Camba$#, seat of Cathaian Can ,nd Samarchand by I #s, /emirs /hrone, /o 7a:#in of SinOan Jings, and thence G >=C H /o ,gra and Lahor of great *og#$ 3own to the go$den Chersonese, or where /he 7ersian in Ecbatan sate, or since In .ispahan, or where the -#ssian Jsar In *osco, or the S#$tan in )i"ance, G >=5 H /#rchestan1born! nor co#$d his eye not ken /h0 Empire of Eeg#s to his #tmost 7ort Ercoco and the $ess *aritim Jings *omba"a, and M#i$oa, and *e$ind, ,nd Sofa$a tho#ght Iphir, to the -ea$me G ACC H If Congo, and ,ngo$a fardest So#th! Ir thence from Eiger F$ood to ,t$as *o#nt /he Jingdoms of ,$mansor, Fe" and S#s, *arocco and ,$giers, and /remisen! In E#rope thence, and where -ome was to sway G AC5 H /he 6or$d+ in Spirit perhaps he a$so saw -ich *e ico the seat of *ote"#me, ,nd C#sco in 7er#, the richer seat If ,taba$ipa, and yet #nspoi$0d (#iana, whose great Citie (eryons Sons G A?C H Ca$$ E$ 3orado+ b#t to nob$er sights *ichae$ from ,dams eyes the Fi$me remov0d 6hich that fa$se Fr#it that promis0d c$earer sight .ad bred! then p#rg0d with E#phrasie and -#e /he vis#a$ Eerve, for he had m#ch to see! G A?5 H ,nd from the 6e$$ of Life three drops insti$$0d. So deep the power of these Ingredients pierc0d, Eevn to the inmost seat of menta$ sight, /hat ,dam now enforc0t to c$ose his eyes, S#nk down and a$$ his Spirits became intranst+ G A&C H )#t him the gent$e ,nge$ by the hand

Soon rais0d, and his attention th#s reca$$0d. ,dam, now ope thine eyes, and first beho$d /h0 effects which thy origina$ crime hath wro#ght In some to spring from thee, who never to#ch0d G A&5 H /h0 e cepted /ree, nor with the Snake conspir0d, Eor sinn0d thy sin, yet from that sin derive Corr#ption to bring forth more vio$ent deeds. .is eyes he op0nd, and behe$d a fie$d, 7art arab$e and ti$th, whereon were Sheaves G A>C H Eew reapt, the other part sheep1wa$ks and fo#$ds! Ith0 midst an ,$tar as the Land1mark stood -#stic, of grassie sord! thither anon , sweatie -eaper from his /i$$age bro#ght First Fr#its, the green Eare, and the ye$$ow Sheaf, G A>5 H 4nc#$$0d, as came to hand! a Shepherd ne t *ore meek came with the First$ings of his F$ock Choicest and best! then sacrificing, $aid /he Inwards and thir Fat, with Incense strew0d, In the c$eft 6ood, and a$$ d#e -ites perform0d. G AAC H .is Iffring soon propitio#s Fire from .eav0n Cons#m0d with nimb$e g$ance, and gratef#$ steame! /he others not, for his was not sincere! 6hereat hee in$ie rag0d, and as they ta$k0d, Smote him into the *idriff with a stone G AA5 H /hat beat o#t $ife! he fe$$, and dead$y pa$e (roand o#t his So#$ with g#shing b$o#d eff#s0d. *#ch at that sight was ,dam in his heart 3ismai0d, and th#s in haste to th0 ,nge$ cri0d. I /eacher, some great mischief hath befa$$0n G A5C H /o that meek man, who we$$ had sacrific0d! Is 7ietie th#s and p#re 3evotion paid@ /0 whom *ichae$ th#s, hee a$so mov0d, rep$i0d. /hese two are )rethren, ,dam, and to come I#t of thy $oyns! th0 #n9#st the 9#st hath s$ain, G A55 H For envie that his )rothers Iffering fo#nd From .eav0n acceptance! b#t the b$oodie Fact 6i$$ be aveng0d, and th0 others Faith approv0d Loose no reward, tho#gh here tho# see him die, -ow$ing in d#st and gore. /o which o#r Sire. G ABC H ,$as, both for the deed and for the ca#seP )#t have I now seen 3eath@ Is this the way I m#st ret#rn to native d#st@ I sight If terro#r, fo#$ and #g$y to beho$d, .orrid to think, how horrib$e to fee$P G AB5 H /o whom th#s *ichae$. 3eath tho# hast seen In his first shape on man! b#t many shapes If 3eath, and many are the wayes that $ead /o his grim Cave, a$$ disma$! yet to sense *ore terrib$e at th0 entrance then within. G A;C H Some, as tho# saw0st, by vio$ent stroke sha$$ die,

)y Fire, F$ood, Famin, by Intemperance more In *eats and 3rinks, which on the Earth sha$$ bring 3iseases dire, of which a monstro#s crew )efore thee sha$$ appear! that tho# mayst know G A;5 H 6hat miserie th0 inabstinence of Eve Sha$$ bring on men. Immediate$y a p$ace )efore his eyes appeard, sad, noysom, dark, , La"ar1ho#se it seemd, wherein were $aid E#mbers of a$$ diseas0d, a$$ ma$adies G A<C H If gast$y Spasm, or racking tort#re, :#a$mes If heart1sick ,gonie, a$$ feavoro#s kinds, Conv#$sions, Epi$epsies, fierce Catarrhs, Intestin Stone and 4$cer, Co$ic pangs, 3Omoniac 7hren"ie, moaping *e$ancho$ie G A<5 H ,nd *oon1str#ck madness, pining ,trophie *arasm#s and wide1wasting 7esti$ence, 3ropsies, and ,sthma0s, and Foint1racking -he#ms. 3ire was the tossing, deep the groans, despair /ended the sick b#siest from Co#ch to Co#ch! G A=C H ,nd over them tri#mphant 3eath his 3art Shook, b#t de$aid to strike, tho#gh oft invokt 6ith vows, as thir chief good, and fina$ hope. Sight so deform what heart of -ock co#$d $ong 3rie1ey0d beho$d@ ,dam co#$d not, b#t wept, G A=5 H /ho#gh not of 6oman born! compassion :#e$$0d .is best of *an, and gave him #p to tears , space, ti$$ firmer tho#ghts restraind e cess, ,nd scarce recovering words his p$aint renew0d. I miserab$e *ankind, to what fa$$ G 5CC H 3egraded, to what wretched state reserv0dP )etter end heer #nborn. 6hy is $ife giv0n /o be th#s wrested from #s@ rather why Ibtr#ded on #s th#s@ who if we knew 6hat we receive, wo#$d either not accept G 5C5 H Life offer0d, or soon beg to $ay it down, ($ad to be so dismist in peace. Can th#s /h0 Image of (od in man created once So good$y and erect, tho#gh fa#$tie since, /o s#ch #nsight$y s#fferings be debas0t G 5?C H 4nder inh#man pains@ 6hy sho#$d not *an, -etaining sti$$ 3ivine simi$it#de In part, from s#ch deformities be free, ,nd for his *akers Image sake e empt@ /hir *akers Image, answerd *ichae$, then G 5?5 H Forsook them, when themse$ves they vi$$ifi0d /o serve #ngovern0d appetite, and took .is Image whom they serv0d, a br#tish vice, Ind#ctive main$y to the sin of Eve. /herefore so ab9ect is thir p#nishment, G 5&C H 3isfig#ring not (ods $ikeness, b#t thir own, Ir if his $ikeness, by themse$ves defac0t

6hi$e they pervert p#re Eat#res hea$thf#$ r#$es /o $oathsom sickness, worthi$y, since they (ods Image did not reverence in themse$ves. G 5&5 H I yie$d it 9#st, said ,dam, and s#bmit. )#t is there yet no other way, besides /hese painf#$ passages, how we may come /o 3eath, and mi with o#r connat#ra$ d#st@ /here is, said *ichae$, if tho# we$$ observe G 5>C H /he r#$e of not too m#ch, by temperance ta#ght In what tho# eatst and drinkst, seeking from thence 3#e no#rishment, not g$#ttono#s de$ight, /i$$ many years over thy head ret#rn+ So maist tho# $ive, ti$$ $ike ripe Fr#it tho# drop G 5>5 H Into thy *others $ap, or be with ease (atherd, not harsh$y p$#ckt, for death mat#re+ /his is o$d age! b#t then tho# m#st o#t$ive /hy yo#th, thy strength, thy bea#ty, which wi$$ change /o witherd weak and gray! thy Senses then G 5AC H Ibt#se, a$$ taste of p$eas#re m#st forgoe, /o what tho# hast, and for the ,ire of yo#th .opef#$ and cheerf#$, in thy b$ood wi$$ reigne , me$ancho$$y damp of co$d and dry /o weigh thy spirits down, and $ast cons#me G 5A5 H /he )a$me of Life. /o whom o#r ,ncestor. .enceforth I f$ie not 3eath, nor wo#$d pro$ong Life m#ch, bent rather how I may be :#it Fairest and easiest of this combro#s charge, 6hich I m#st keep ti$$ my appointed day G 55C H If rendring #p, and patient$y attend *y disso$#tion. *ichae$ rep$i0d, Eor $ove thy Life, nor hate! b#t what tho# $ivst Live we$$, how $ong or short permit to .eav0n+ ,nd now prepare thee for another sight. G 555 H .e $ookd and saw a spacio#s 7$aine, whereon 6ere /ents of vario#s h#e! by some were herds If Catte$ gra"ing+ others, whence the so#nd If Instr#ments that made me$odio#s chime 6as heard, of .arp and Irgan! and who moovd G 5BC H /hir stops and chords was seen+ his vo$ant to#ch Instinct thro#gh a$$ proportions $ow and high F$ed and p#rs#0d transverse the resonant f#g#e. In other part stood one who at the Forge Labo#ring, two massie c$ods of Iron and )rass G 5B5 H .ad me$ted %whether fo#nd where cas#a$ fire .ad wasted woods on *o#ntain or in 2a$e, 3own to the veins of Earth, thence g$iding hot /o som Caves mo#th, or whether washt by stream From #ndergro#nd' the $i:#id Ire he dreind G 5;C H Into fit mo#$ds prepar0d! from which he formd First his own /oo$es! then, what might e$se be wro#ght

F#si$ or grav0n in mett$e. ,fter these, )#t on the hether side a different sort From the high neighbo#ring .i$$s, which was thir Seat, G 5;5 H 3own to the 7$ain descended+ by thir g#ise F#st men they seemd, and a$$ thir st#dy bent /o worship (od aright, and know his works Eot hid, nor those things $ast which might preserve Freedom and 7eace to men+ they on the 7$ain G 5<C H Long had not wa$kt, when from the /ents beho$d , )eavie of fair 6omen, rich$y gay In (ems and wanton dress! to the .arp they s#ng Soft amoro#s 3itties, and in dance came on+ /he *en tho#gh grave, ey0d them, and $et thir eyes G 5<5 H -ove witho#t rein, ti$$ in the amoro#s Eet Fast ca#ght, they $ik0d, and each his $iking chose! ,nd now of $ove they treat ti$$ th0Eevning Star Loves .arbinger appeerd! then a$$ in heat /hey $ight the E#ptia$ /orch, and bid invoke G 5=C H .ymen, then first to marriage -ites invok0t! 6ith Feast and *#sick a$$ the /ents reso#nd. S#ch happy interview and fair event If $ove and yo#th not $ost, Songs, (ar$ands, F$o#rs, ,nd charming Symphonies attach0d the heart G 5=5 H If ,dam, soon enc$in0d to admit de$ight, /he bent of Eat#re! which he th#s e press0d. /r#e opener of mine eyes, prime ,nge$ b$est, *#ch better seems this 2ision, and more hope If peacef#$ dayes portends, then those two past! G BCC H /hose were of hate and death, or pain m#ch worse, .ere Eat#re seems f#$fi$$d in a$$ her ends. /o whom th#s *ichae$. F#dg not what is best )y p$eas#re, tho#gh to Eat#re seeming meet, Created, as tho# art, to nob$er end G BC5 H .o$ie and p#re, conformitie divine. /hose /ents tho# sawst so p$easant, were the /ents If wickedness, wherein sha$$ dwe$$ his -ace 6ho s$ew his )rother! st#dio#s they appere If ,rts that po$ish Life, Inventers rare, G B?C H 4nmindf#$ of thir *aker, tho#gh his Spirit /a#ght them, b#t they his gifts acknow$edg0d none. 8et they a bea#teo#s ofspring sha$$ beget! For that fair fema$ /roop tho# sawst, that seemd If (oddesses, so b$ithe, so smooth, so gay, G B?5 H 8et empty of a$$ good wherein consists 6omans domestic hono#r and chief praise! )red one$y and comp$eted to the taste If $#stf#$ appetence, to sing, to dance, /o dress, and tro#$e the /ong#e, and ro#$e the Eye. G B&C H /o these that sober -ace of *en, whose $ives -e$igio#s tit$0d them the Sons of (od, Sha$$ yie$d #p a$$ thir vert#e, a$$ thir fame

Ignob$y, to the traines and to the smi$es If these fair ,theists, and now swim in 9oy, G B&5 H %Ere$ong to swim at $arge' and $a#gh! for which /he wor$d ere$ong a wor$d of tears m#st weepe. /o whom th#s ,dam of short 9oy bereft. I pittie and shame, that they who to $ive we$$ Enterd so faire, sho#$d t#rn aside to tread G B>C H 7aths indirect, or in the mid way faintP )#t sti$$ I see the tenor of *ans woe .o$ds on the same, from 6oman to begin. From *ans effeminate s$ackness it begins, Said th0 ,nge$, who sho#$d better ho$d his p$ace G B>5 H )y wisdome, and s#perio#r gifts receav0d. )#t now prepare thee for another Scene. .e $ookd and saw wide /erritorie spred )efore him, /owns, and r#ra$ works between, Cities of *en with $ofty (ates and /owrs, G BAC H Conco#rs in ,rms, fierce Faces threatning 6arr, (iants of mightie )one, and bo#$d emprise! 7art wie$d thir ,rms, part co#rb the foaming Steed, Sing$e or in ,rray of )atte$ rang0d )oth .orse and Foot, nor ide$y m#string stood! G BA5 H Ine way a )and se$ect from forage drives , herd of )eeves, faire I en and faire Jine From a fat *eddow gro#nd! or f$eecy F$ock, Ewes and thir b$eating Lambs over the 7$aine, /hir )ootie! scarce with Life the Shepherds f$ye, G B5C H )#t ca$$ in aide, which makes a b$oody Fray! 6ith cr#e$ /o#rnament the S:#adrons 9oine! 6here Catt$e past#r0d $ate, now scatterd $ies 6ith Carcasses and ,rms th0ensang#ind Fie$d 3eserted+ Ithers to a Citie strong G B55 H Lay Seige, encampt! by )atterie, Sca$e, and *ine, ,ssa#$ting! others from the 6a$$ defend 6ith 3art and Fav0$in, Stones and s#$f#ro#s Fire! In each hand s$a#ghter and gigantic deeds. In other part the scepter0d .ara$ds ca$$ G BBC H /o Co#nci$ in the Citie (ates+ anon (rey1headed men and grave, with 6arrio#rs mi t, ,ssemb$e, and .arang#es are heard, b#t soon In factio#s opposition, ti$$ at $ast If midd$e ,ge one rising, eminent G BB5 H In wise deport, spake m#ch of -ight and 6rong, If F#stice, of -e$igion, /r#th and 7eace, ,nd F#dgment from above+ him o$d and yo#ng E p$oded, and had sei"0d with vio$ent hands, .ad not a C$o#d descending snatch0d him thence G B;C H 4nseen amid the throng+ so vio$ence 7roceeded, and Ippression, and Sword1Law /hro#gh a$$ the 7$ain, and ref#ge none was fo#nd. ,dam was a$$ in tears, and to his g#ide

Lamenting t#rnd f#$$ sad! I what are these, G B;5 H 3eaths *inisters, not *en, who th#s dea$ 3eath Inh#man$y to men, and m#$tip$y /en tho#sandfo#$d the sin of him who s$ew .is )rother! for of whom s#ch massacher *ake they b#t of thir )rethren, men of men@ G B<C H )#t who was that F#st *an, whom had not .eav0n -esc#0d, had in his -ighteo#sness bin $ost@ /o whom th#s *ichae$. /hese are the prod#ct If those i$$ mated *arriages tho# saw0st+ 6here good with bad were matcht, who of themse$ves G B<5 H ,bhor to 9oyn! and by impr#dence mi t, 7rod#ce prodigio#s )irths of bodie or mind. S#ch were these (iants, men of high renown! For in those dayes *ight one$y sha$$ be admir0d, ,nd 2a$o#r and .eroic 2ert# ca$$0d! G B=C H /o overcome in )att$e, and s#bd#e Eations, and bring home spoi$s with infinite *an1s$a#ghter, sha$$ be he$d the highest pitch If h#man ($orie, and for ($orie done If tri#mph, to be sty$0d great Con:#ero#rs, G B=5 H 7atrons of *ankind, (ods, and Sons of (ods, 3estroyers right$ier ca$$0d and 7$ag#es of men. /h#s Fame sha$$ be atchiev0d, renown on Earth, ,nd what most merits fame in si$ence hid. )#t hee the seventh from thee, whom tho# behe$dst G ;CC H /he one$y righteo#s in a 6or$d perverse, ,nd therefore hated, therefore so beset 6ith Foes for daring sing$e to be 9#st, ,nd #tter odio#s /r#th, that (od wo#$d come /o 9#dge them with his Saints+ .im the most .igh G ;C5 H -apt in a ba$mie C$o#d with winged Steeds 3id, as tho# sawst, receave, to wa$k with (od .igh in Sa$vation and the C$imes of b$iss, E empt from 3eath! to shew thee what reward ,waits the good, the rest what p#nishment@ G ;?C H 6hich now direct thine eyes and soon beho$d. .e $ook0d, and saw the face of things :#ite chang0d! /he bra"en /hroat of 6arr had ceast to roar, ,$$ now was t#rn0d to 9o$$itie and game, /o $# #rie and riot, feast and dance, G ;?5 H *arrying or prostit#ting, as befe$$, -ape or ,d#$terie, where passing faire ,$$#rd them! thence from C#ps to civi$ )roi$es. ,t $ength a -everend Sire among them came, ,nd of thir doings great dis$ike dec$ar0d, G ;&C H ,nd testifi0d against thir wayes! hee oft Fre:#ented thir ,ssemb$ies, whereso met, /ri#mphs or Festiva$s, and to them preachd Conversion and -epentance, as to So#$s In prison #nder F#dgments imminent+ G ;&5 H

)#t a$$ in vain+ which when he saw, he ceas0d Contending, and remov0d his /ents farr off! /hen from the *o#ntain hewing /imber ta$$, )egan to b#i$d a 2esse$ of h#ge b#$k, *eas#r0d by C#bit, $ength, and breadth, and highth, G ;>C H Smeard ro#nd with 7itch, and in the side a dore Contriv0d, and of provisions $aid in $arge For *an and )east+ when $oe a wonder strangeP If every )east, and )ird, and Insect sma$$ Came seavens, and pairs, and enterd in, as ta#ght G ;>5 H /hir order! $ast the Sire, and his three Sons 6ith thir fo#r 6ives! and (od made fast the dore. *eanwhi$e the So#thwind rose, and with b$ack wings 6ide hovering, a$$ the C$o#ds together drove From #nder .eav0n! the .i$$s to their s#pp$ie G ;AC H 2apo#r, and E ha$ation d#sk and moist, Sent #p amain! and now the thick0nd Skie Like a dark Cee$ing stood! down r#sh0d the -ain Impet#o#s, and contin#0d ti$$ the Earth Eo more was seen! the f$oating 2esse$ sw#m G ;A5 H 4p$ifted! and sec#re with beaked prow -ode ti$ting o0re the 6aves, a$$ dwe$$ings e$se F$ood overwhe$md, and them with a$$ thir pomp 3eep #nder water ro#$d! Sea cover0d Sea, Sea witho#t shoar! and in thir 7a$aces G ;5C H 6here $# #rie $ate reign0d, Sea1monsters whe$p0d ,nd stab$0d! of *ankind, so n#mero#s $ate, ,$$ $eft, in one sma$$ bottom sw#m imbark0t. .ow didst tho# grieve then, ,dam, to beho$d /he end of a$$ thy Ifspring, end so sad, G ;55 H 3epop#$ation! thee another F$o#d, If tears and sorrow a F$o#d thee a$so drown0d, ,nd s#nk thee as thy Sons! ti$$ gent$y reard )y th0 ,nge$, on thy feet tho# stoodst at $ast, /ho#gh comfort$ess, as when a Father mo#rns G ;BC H .is Chi$dren, a$$ in view destroyd at once! ,nd scarce to th0 ,nge$ #tterdst th#s thy p$aint. I 2isions i$$ foreseenP better had I Liv0d ignorant of f#t#re, so had borne *y part of evi$ one$y, each dayes $ot G ;B5 H ,no#gh to bear! those now, that were dispenst /he b#rd0n of many ,ges, on me $ight ,t once, by my foreknow$edge gaining )irth ,bortive, to torment me ere thir being, 6ith tho#ght that they m#st be. Let no man seek G ;;C H .enceforth to be foreto$d what sha$$ befa$$ .im or his Chi$dern, evi$ he may be s#re, 6hich neither his foreknowing can prevent, ,nd hee the f#t#re evi$ sha$$ no $ess In apprehension then in s#bstance fee$ G ;;5 H (rievo#s to bear+ b#t that care now is past, *an is not whom to warne+ those few escapt

Famin and ang#ish wi$$ at $ast cons#me 6andring that watrie 3esert+ I had hope 6hen vio$ence was ceas0t, and 6arr on Earth, G ;<C H ,$$ wo#$d have then gon we$$, peace wo#$d have crownd 6ith $ength of happy dayes the race of man! )#t I was farr deceav0d! for now I see 7eace to corr#pt no $ess then 6arr to waste. .ow comes it th#s@ #nfo#$d, Ce$estia$ (#ide, G ;<5 H ,nd whether here the -ace of man wi$$ end. /o whom th#s *ichae$. /hose whom $ast tho# sawst In tri#mph and $# #rio#s wea$th, are they First seen in acts of prowess eminent ,nd great e p$oits, b#t of tr#e vert# void! G ;=C H 6ho having spi$t m#ch b$ood, and don m#ch waste S#bd#ing Eations, and achievd thereby Fame in the 6or$d, high tit$es, and rich prey, Sha$$ change thir co#rse to p$eas#re, ease, and s$oth, S#rfet, and $#st, ti$$ wantonness and pride G ;=5 H -aise o#t of friendship hosti$ deeds in 7eace. /he con:#erd a$so, and ens$av0d by 6arr Sha$$ with thir freedom $ost a$$ vert# $oose ,nd fear of (od, from whom thir pietie feign0d In sharp contest of )atte$ fo#nd no aide G <CC H ,gainst invaders! therefore coo$d in "ea$e /henceforth sha$$ practice how to $ive sec#re, 6or$d$ie or disso$#te, on what thir Lords Sha$$ $eave them to en9oy! for th0 Earth sha$$ bear *ore then ano#gh, that temperance may be tri0d+ G <C5 H So a$$ sha$$ t#rn degenerate, a$$ deprav0d, F#stice and /emperance, /r#th and Faith forgot! Ine *an e cept, the one$y Son of $ight In a dark ,ge, against e amp$e good, ,gainst a$$#rement, c#stom, and a 6or$d G <?C H Iffended! fear$ess of reproach and scorn, Ir vio$ence, hee of wicked wayes Sha$$ them admonish, and before them set /he paths of righteo#sness, how m#ch more safe, ,nd f#$$ of peace, deno#ncing wra#th to come G <?5 H In thir impenitence! and sha$$ ret#rne If them derided, b#t of (od observd /he one 9#st *an a$ive! by his command Sha$$ b#i$d a wondro#s ,rk, as tho# behe$dst, /o save himse$f and ho#sho$d from amidst G <&C H , 6or$d devote to #niversa$ rack. Eo sooner hee with them of *an and )east Se$ect for $ife sha$$ in the ,rk be $odg0d, ,nd she$terd ro#nd, b#t a$$ the Cataracts If .eav0n set open on the Earth sha$$ powre G <&5 H -aine day and night, a$$ fo#ntains of the 3eep )roke #p, sha$$ heave the Icean to #s#rp )eyond a$$ bo#nds, ti$$ in#ndation rise ,bove the highest .i$$s+ then sha$$ this *o#nt

If 7aradise by might of 6aves be moovd G <>C H I#t of his p$ace, p#shd by the horned f$o#d, 6ith a$$ his verd#re spoi$0d, and /rees adrift 3own the great -iver to the op0ning (#$f, ,nd there take root an I$and sa$t and bare, /he ha#nt of Sea$es and Ircs, and Sea1mews c$ang. G <>5 H /o teach thee that (od attrib#tes to p$ace Eo sanctitie, if none be thither bro#ght )y *en who there fre:#ent, or therein dwe$$. ,nd now what f#rther sha$$ ens#e, beho$d. .e $ookd, and saw the ,rk h#$$ on the f$o#d, G <AC H 6hich now abated, for the C$o#ds were f$ed, 3rivn by a keen Eorth1 winde, that b$owing drie 6rink$0d the face of 3e$#ge, as decai0d! ,nd the c$eer S#n on his wide watrie ($ass (a"0d hot, and of the fresh 6ave $arge$y drew, G <A5 H ,s after thirst, which made thir f$owing shrink From standing $ake to tripping ebbe, that sto$e 6ith soft foot towards the deep, who now had stopt .is S$#ces, as the .eav0n his windows sh#t. /he ,rk no more now f$otes, b#t seems on gro#nd G <5C H Fast on the top of som high mo#ntain fi t. ,nd now the tops of .i$$s as -ocks appeer! 6ith c$amor thence the rapid C#rrents drive /owards the retreating Sea thir f#rio#s tyde. Forthwith from o#t the ,rke a -aven f$ies, G <55 H ,nd after him, the s#rer messenger, , 3ove sent forth once and agen to spie (reen /ree or gro#nd whereon his foot may $ight! /he second time ret#rning, in his )i$$ ,n I$ive $eafe he brings, pacific signe+ G <BC H ,non drie gro#nd appeers, and from his ,rke /he ancient Sire descends with a$$ his /rain! /hen with #p$ifted hands, and eyes devo#t, (ratef#$ to .eav0n, over his head beho$ds , dewie C$o#d, and in the C$o#d a )ow G <B5 H Conspic#o#s with three $isted co$o#rs gay, )etok0ning peace from (od, and Cov0nant new. 6hereat the heart of ,dam erst so sad (reat$y re9oyc0d, and th#s his 9oy broke forth. I tho# that f#t#re things canst represent G <;C H ,s present, .eav0n$y instr#cter, I revive ,t this $ast sight, ass#r0d that *an sha$$ $ive 6ith a$$ the Creat#res, and thir seed preserve. Farr $ess I now $ament for one who$e 6or$d If wicked Sons destroyd, then I re9oyce G <;5 H For one *an fo#nd so perfet and so 9#st, /hat (od vo#tsafes to raise another 6or$d From him, and a$$ his anger to forget. )#t say, what mean those co$o#rd streaks in .eavn, 3istended as the )row of (od appeas0d, G <<C H

Ir serve they as a f$o#rie verge to binde /he f$#id skirts of that same watrie C$o#d, Least it again disso$ve and showr the Earth@ /o whom th0 ,rchange$. 3e tro#s$y tho# aim0st! So wi$$ing$y doth (od remit his Ire, G <<5 H /ho#gh $ate repenting him of *an deprav0d, (riev0d at his heart, when $ooking down he saw /he who$e Earth fi$$0d with vio$ence, and a$$ f$esh Corr#pting each thir way! yet those remoov0d, S#ch grace sha$$ one 9#st *an find in his sight, G <=C H /hat he re$ents, not to b$ot o#t mankind, ,nd makes a Covenant never to destroy /he Earth again by f$ood, nor $et the Sea S#rpass his bo#nds, nor -ain to drown the 6or$d 6ith *an therein or )east! b#t when he brings G <=5 H Iver the Earth a C$o#d, wi$$ therein set .is trip$e1co$o#r0d )ow, whereon to $ook ,nd ca$$ to mind his Cov0nant+ 3ay and Eight, Seed time and .arvest, .eat and hoary Frost Sha$$ ho$d thir co#rse, ti$$ fire p#rge a$$ things new, G =CC H )oth .eav0n and Earth, wherein the 9#st sha$$ dwe$$.

Paradise &ost
*..K 13
T / "'G2M/+T
/he ,nge$ *ichae$ contin#es from the F$ood to re$ate what sha$$ s#cceed! then, in the mention of ,braham, comes by degrees to e p$ain, who that Seed of the 6oman sha$$ be, which was promised ,dam and Eve in the Fa$$! his Incarnation, 3eath, -es#rrection, and ,scention! the state of the Ch#rch ti$$ his second Coming. ,dam great$y satisfied and recomforted by these -e$ations and 7romises descends the .i$$ with *ichae$! wakens Eve, who a$$ this whi$e had s$ept, b#t with gent$e dreams compos0d to :#ietness of mind and s#bmission. *ichae$ in either hand $eads them o#t of 7aradise, the fiery Sword waving behind them, and the Cher#bim taking thir Stations to g#ard the 7$ace. ,S one who in his 9o#rney bates at Eoone, /ho#gh bent on speed, so heer the ,rchange$ pa#s0d )etwi t the wor$d destroy0d and wor$d restor0d, If ,dam a#ght perhaps might interpose! /hen with transition sweet new Speech res#mes. G 5 H /h#s tho# hast seen one 6or$d begin and end! ,nd *an as from a second stock proceed.

*#ch tho# hast yet to see, b#t I perceave /hy morta$ sight to fai$e! ob9ects divine *#st needs impaire and wearie h#man sense+ G ?C H .enceforth what is to com I wi$$ re$ate, /ho# therefore give d#e a#dience, and attend. /his second so#rs of *en, whi$e yet b#t few! ,nd whi$e the dread of 9#dgement past remains Fresh in thir mindes, fearing the 3eitie, G ?5 H 6ith some regard to what is 9#st and right Sha$$ $ead thir $ives and m#$tip$ie apace, Labo#ring the soi$e, and reaping p$enteo#s crop, Corn wine and oy$e! and from the herd or f$ock, Ift sacrificing )#$$ock, Lamb, or Jid, G &C H 6ith $arge 6ine1offerings po#r0d, and sacred Feast, Sha$ spend thir dayes in 9oy #nb$am0d, and dwe$$ Long time in peace by Fami$ies and /ribes 4nder paterna$ r#$e! ti$$ one sha$$ rise If pro#d ambitio#s heart, who not content G &5 H 6ith fair e:#a$itie, fraterna$ state, 6i$$ arrogate 3ominion #ndeserv0d Iver his brethren, and :#ite dispossess Concord and $aw of Eat#re from the Earth, .#nting %and *en not )easts sha$$ be his game' G >C H 6ith 6arr and hosti$e snare s#ch as ref#se S#b9ection to his Empire tyranno#s+ , mightie .#nter thence he sha$$ be sty$0d )efore the Lord, as in despite of .eav0n, Ir from .eav0n c$aming second Sovrantie! G >5 H ,nd from -ebe$$ion sha$$ derive his name, /ho#gh of -ebe$$ion others he acc#se. .ee with a crew, whom $ike ,mbition 9oyns 6ith him or #nder him to tyranni"e, *arching from Eden towards the 6est, sha$$ finde G AC H /he 7$ain, wherein a b$ack bit#mino#s g#rge )oi$es o#t from #nder gro#nd, the mo#th of .e$$! If )rick, and of that st#ff they cast to b#i$d , Citie and /owre, whose top may reach to .eav0n! ,nd get themse$ves a name, $east far disperst G A5 H In foraign Lands thir memorie be $ost, -egard$ess whether good or evi$ fame. )#t (od who oft descends to visit men 4nseen, and thro#gh thir habitations wa$ks /o mark thir doings, them beho$ding soon, G 5C H Comes down to see thir Citie, ere the /ower Ibstr#ct .eav0n /owrs, and in derision sets 4pon thir /ong#es a vario#s Spirit to rase M#ite o#t thir Eative Lang#age, and instead /o sow a 9ang$ing noise of words #nknown+ G 55 H Forthwith a hideo#s gabb$e rises $o#d ,mong the )#i$ders! each to other ca$$s Eot #nderstood, ti$$ hoarse, and a$$ in rage, ,s mockt they storm! great $a#ghter was in .eav0n

,nd $ooking down, to see the h#bb#b strange G BC H ,nd hear the din! th#s was the b#i$ding $eft -idic#$o#s, and the work Conf#sion nam0d. 6hereto th#s ,dam father$y disp$eas0d. I e ecrab$e Son so to aspire ,bove his )rethren, to himse$f ass#ming G B5 H ,#thoritie #s#rpt, from (od not giv0n+ .e gave #s one$y over )east, Fish, Fow$ 3ominion abso$#te! that right we ho$d )y his donation! b#t *an over men .e made not Lord! s#ch tit$e to himse$f G ;C H -eserving, h#man $eft from h#man free. )#t this 4s#rper his encroachment pro#d Stayes not on *an! to (od his /ower intends Siege and defiance+ 6retched manP what food 6i$$ he convey #p thither to s#stain G ;5 H .imse$f and his rash ,rmie, where thin ,ire ,bove the C$o#ds wi$$ pine his entrai$s gross, ,nd famish him of )reath, if not of )read@ /o whom th#s *ichae$. F#st$y tho# abhorr0st /hat Son, who on the :#iet state of men G <C H S#ch tro#b$e bro#ght, affecting to s#bd#e -ationa$ Libertie! yet know witha$$, Since thy origina$ $apse, tr#e Libertie Is $ost, which a$wayes with right -eason dwe$$s /winn0d, and from her hath no divid#a$ being+ G <5 H -eason in man obsc#r0d, or not obeyd, Immediate$y inordinate desires ,nd #pstart 7assions catch the (overnment From -eason, and to servit#de red#ce *an ti$$ then free. /herefore since hee permits G =C H 6ithin himse$f #nworthie 7owers to reign Iver free -eason, (od in F#dgement 9#st S#b9ects him from witho#t to vio$ent Lords! 6ho oft as #ndeserved$y enthra$$ .is o#tward freedom+ /yrannie m#st be, G =5 H /ho#gh to the /yrant thereby no e c#se. 8et somtimes Eations wi$$ dec$ine so $ow From vert#e, which is reason, that no wrong, )#t F#stice, and some fata$ c#rse anne t 3eprives them of thir o#tward $ibertie, G ?CC H /hir inward $ost+ 6itness th0 irreverent Son If him who b#i$t the ,rk, who for the shame 3on to his Father, heard this heavie c#rse, Servant of Servants, on his vitio#s -ace. /h#s wi$$ this $atter, as the former 6or$d, G ?C5 H Sti$$ tend from bad to worse, ti$$ (od at $ast 6earied with their ini:#ities, withdraw .is presence from among them, and avert .is ho$y Eyes! reso$ving from thenceforth /o $eave them to thir own po$$#ted wayes! G ??C H

,nd one pec#$iar Eation to se$ect From a$$ the rest, of whom to be invok0d, , Eation from one faithf#$ man to spring+ .im on this side E#phrates yet residing, )red #p in Ido$1worship! I that men G ??5 H %Canst tho# be$ieve@' sho#$d be so st#pid grown, 6hi$e yet the 7atriark $iv0d, who scap0d the F$ood, ,s to forsake the $iving (od, and fa$$ /o worship thir own work in 6ood and Stone For (odsP yet him (od the most .igh vo#tsafes G ?&C H /o ca$$ by 2ision from his Fathers ho#se, .is kindred and fa$se (ods, into a Land 6hich he wi$$ shew him, and from him wi$$ raise , mightie Eation, and #pon him showre .is benediction so, that in his Seed G ?&5 H ,$$ Eations sha$$ be b$est! he straight obeys Eot knowing to what Land, yet firm be$ieves+ I see him, b#t tho# canst not, with what Faith .e $eaves his (ods, his Friends, and native Soi$e 4r of Cha$dOa, passing now the Ford G ?>C H /o .aran, after a c#mbro#s /rain If .erds and F$ocks, and n#mero#s servit#de! Eot wandring poor, b#t tr#sting a$$ his wea$th 6ith (od, who ca$$0d him, in a $and #nknown. Canaan he now attains, I see his /ents G ?>5 H 7itcht abo#t Sechem, and the neighbo#ring 7$aine If *oreh! there by promise he receaves (ift to his 7rogenie of a$$ that Land! From .amath Eorthward to the 3esert So#th %/hings by thir names I ca$$, tho#gh yet #nnam0d' G ?AC H From .ermon East to the great 6estern Sea, *o#nt .ermon, yonder Sea, each p$ace beho$d In prospect, as I point them! on the shoare *o#nt Carme$! here the do#b$e1fo#nted stream Fordan, tr#e $imit Eastward! b#t his Sons G ?A5 H Sha$$ dwe$$ to Senir, that $ong ridge of .i$$s. /his ponder, that a$$ Eations of the Earth Sha$$ in his Seed be b$essed! by that Seed Is meant thy great de$iverer, who sha$$ br#ise /he Serpents head! whereof to thee anon G ?5C H 7$ain$ier sha$$ be revea$d. /his 7atriarch b$est, 6hom faithf#$ ,braham d#e time sha$$ ca$$, , Son, and of his Son a (rand1chi$de $eaves, Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown! /he (randchi$de with twe$ve Sons increast, departs G ?55 H From Canaan, to a $and hereafter ca$$0d Egypt, divided by the -iver Ei$e! See where it f$ows, disgorging at seaven mo#thes Into the Sea+ to so9o#rn in that Land .e comes invited by a yonger Son G ?BC H In time of dearth, a Son whose worthy deeds -aise him to be the second in that -ea$me

If 7harao+ there he dies, and $eaves his -ace (rowing into a Eation, and now grown S#spected to a se:#ent Jing, who seeks G ?B5 H /o stop thir overgrowth, as inmate g#ests /oo n#mero#s! whence of g#ests he makes them s$aves Inhospitab$y, and ki$$s thir infant *a$es+ /i$$ by two brethren %those two brethren ca$$ *oses and ,aron' sent from (od to c$aime G ?;C H .is peop$e from enthra$ment, they ret#rn 6ith g$ory and spoi$e back to thir promis0d Land. )#t first the $aw$ess /yrant, who denies /o know thir (od, or message to regard, *#st be compe$$d by Signes and F#dgements dire! G ?;5 H /o b$ood #nshed the -ivers m#st be t#rnd, Frogs, Lice and F$ies m#st a$$ his 7a$ace fi$$ 6ith $oath0d intr#sion, and fi$$ a$$ the $and! .is Catte$ m#st of -ot and *#rren die, )otches and b$aines m#st a$$ his f$esh imboss, G ?<C H ,nd a$$ his peop$e! /h#nder mi t with .ai$e, .ai$e mi t with fire m#st rend th0 Egyptian Skie ,nd whee$ on th0 Earth, devo#ring where it ro#$s! 6hat it devo#rs not, .erb, or Fr#it, or (raine, , darksom C$o#d of Loc#sts swarming down G ?<5 H *#st eat, and on the gro#nd $eave nothing green+ 3arkness m#st overshadow a$$ his bo#nds, 7a$pab$e darkness, and b$ot o#t three dayes! Last with one midnight stroke a$$ the first1born If Egypt m#st $ie dead. /h#s with ten wo#nds G ?=C H /he -iver1dragon tam0d at $ength s#bmits /o $et his so9o#rners depart, and oft .#mb$es his st#bborn heart, b#t sti$$ as Ice *ore hard0nd after thaw, ti$$ in his rage 7#rs#ing whom he $ate dismissd, the Sea G ?=5 H Swa$$ows him with his .ost, b#t them $ets pass ,s on drie $and between two christa$ wa$$s, ,w0d by the rod of *oses so to stand 3ivided, ti$$ his resc#0d gain thir shoar+ S#ch wondro#s power (od to his Saint wi$$ $end, G &CC H /ho#gh present in his ,nge$, who sha$$ goe )efore them in a C$o#d, and 7i$$ar of Fire, )y day a C$o#d, by night a 7i$$ar of Fire, /o g#ide them in thir 9o#rney, and remove )ehinde them, whi$e th0 obd#rat Jing p#rs#es+ G &C5 H ,$$ night he wi$$ p#rs#e, b#t his approach 3arkness defends between ti$$ morning 6atch! /hen thro#gh the Firey 7i$$ar and the C$o#d (od $ooking forth wi$$ tro#b$e a$$ his .ost ,nd cra"e thir Chariot whee$s+ when by command G &?C H *oses once more his potent -od e tends Iver the Sea! the Sea his -od obeys! In thir imbatte$$d ranks the 6aves ret#rn, ,nd overwhe$m thir 6arr+ the -ace e$ect

Safe towards Canaan from the shoar advance G &?5 H /hro#gh the wi$de 3esert, not the readiest way, Least entring on the Canaanite a$$armd 6arr terrifie them ine pert, and feare -et#rn them back to Egypt, choosing rather Ing$orio#s $ife with servit#de! for $ife G &&C H /o nob$e and ignob$e is more sweet 4ntraind in ,rmes, where rashness $eads not on. /his a$so sha$$ they gain by thir de$ay In the wide 6i$derness, there they sha$$ fo#nd /hir government, and thir great Senate choose G &&5 H /hro#gh the twe$ve /ribes, to r#$e by Laws ordaind+ (od from the *o#nt of Sinai, whose gray top Sha$$ tremb$e, he descending, wi$$ himse$f In /h#nder Lightning and $o#d /r#mpets so#nd Irdaine them Lawes! part s#ch as appertaine G &>C H /o civi$ F#stice, part re$igio#s -ites If sacrifice, informing them, by types ,nd shadowes, of that destind Seed to br#ise /he Serpent, by what meanes he sha$$ achieve *ankinds de$iverance. )#t the voice of (od G &>5 H /o morta$ eare is dreadf#$! they beseech /hat *oses might report to them his wi$$, ,nd terror cease! he grants what they besa#ght Instr#cted that to (od is no access 6itho#t *ediator, whose high Iffice now G &AC H *oses in fig#re beares, to introd#ce Ine greater, of whose day he sha$$ forete$$, ,nd a$$ the 7rophets in thir ,ge the times If great *essiah sha$$ sing. /h#s Laws and -ites Estab$isht, s#ch de$ight hath (od in *en G &A5 H Ibedient to his wi$$, that he vo#tsafes ,mong them to set #p his /abernac$e, /he ho$y Ine with morta$ *en to dwe$$+ )y his prescript a Sanct#ary is fram0d If Cedar, over$aid with (o$d, therein G &5C H ,n ,rk, and in the ,rk his /estimony, /he -ecords of his Cov0nant, over these , *ercie1seat of (o$d between the wings If two bright Cher#bim, before him b#rn Seaven Lamps as in a Rodiac representing G &55 H /he .eav0n$y fires! over the /ent a C$o#d Sha$$ rest by 3ay, a fiery g$eame by Eight, Save when they 9o#rnie, and at $ength they come, Cond#cted by his ,nge$ to the Land 7romisd to ,braham and his Seed+ the rest G &BC H 6ere $ong to te$$, how many )atte$s fo#ght, .ow many Jings destroyd, and Jingdoms won, Ir how the S#n sha$$ in mid .eav0n stand sti$$ , day entire, and Eights d#e co#rse ad9o#rne, *ans voice commanding, S#n in (ibeon stand, G &B5 H ,nd tho# *oon in the va$e of ,ia$on,

/i$$ Israe$ overcome! so ca$$ the third From ,braham, Son of Isaac, and from him .is who$e descent, who th#s sha$$ Canaan win. .ere ,dam interpos0d. I sent from .eav0n, G &;C H En$ightner of my darkness, gracio#s things /ho# hast revea$d, those chief$y which concerne F#st ,braham and his Seed+ now first I finde *ine eyes tr#e op0ning, and my heart m#ch eas0d, Erwhi$e perp$e t with tho#ghts what wo#$d becom G &;5 H If mee and a$$ *ankind! b#t now I see .is day, in whom a$$ Eations sha$$ be b$est, Favo#r #nmerited by me, who so#ght Forbidd0n know$edge by forbidd0n means. /his yet I apprehend not, why to those G &<C H ,mong whom (od wi$$ deigne to dwe$$ on Earth So many and so vario#s Laws are giv0n! So many Laws arg#e so many sins ,mong them! how can (od with s#ch reside@ /o whom th#s *ichae$. 3o#bt not b#t that sin G &<5 H 6i$$ reign among them, as of thee begot! ,nd therefore was Law given them to evince /hir nat#ra$ pravitie, by stirring #p Sin against Law to fight! that when they see Law can discover sin, b#t not remove, G &=C H Save by those shadowie e piations weak, /he b$o#d of )#$$s and (oats, they may conc$#de Some b$o#d more precio#s m#st be paid for *an, F#st for #n9#st, that in s#ch righteo#sness /o them by Faith imp#ted, they may finde G &=5 H F#stification towards (od, and peace If Conscience, which the Law by Ceremonies Cannot appease, nor *an the mora$ part 7erform, and not performing cannot $ive. So Law appears imperfet, and b#t giv0n G >CC H 6ith p#rpose to resign them in f#$$ time 4p to a better Cov0nant, discip$in0d From shadowie /ypes to /r#th, from F$esh to Spirit, From imposition of strict Laws, to free ,cceptance of $arge (race, from servi$ fear G >C5 H /o fi$ia$, works of Law to works of Faith. ,nd therefore sha$$ not *oses, tho#gh of (od .igh$y be$ov0d, being b#t the *inister If Law, his peop$e into Canaan $ead! )#t Fosh#a whom the (enti$es Fes#s ca$$, G >?C H .is Eame and Iffice bearing, who sha$$ :#e$$ /he adversarie Serpent, and bring back /hro#gh the wor$ds wi$derness $ong wanderd man Safe to eterna$ 7aradise of rest. *eanwhi$e they in thir earth$y Canaan p$ac0t G >?5 H Long time sha$$ dwe$$ and prosper, b#t when sins Eationa$ interr#pt thir p#b$ic peace,

7rovoking (od to raise them enemies+ From whom as oft he saves them penitent )y F#dges first, then #nder Jings! of whom G >&C H /he second, both for pietie renownd ,nd p#issant deeds, a promise sha$$ receive Irrevocab$e, that his -ega$ /hrone For ever sha$$ end#re! the $ike sha$$ sing ,$$ 7rophecie, /hat of the -oya$ Stock G >&5 H If 3avid %so I name this Jing' sha$$ rise , Son, the 6omans Seed to thee foreto$d, Foreto$d to ,braham, as in whom sha$$ tr#st ,$$ Eations, and to Jings foreto$d, of Jings /he $ast, for of his -eign sha$$ be no end. G >>C H )#t first a $ong s#ccession m#st ens#e, ,nd his ne t Son for 6ea$th and 6isdom fam0d, /he c$o#ded ,rk of (od ti$$ then in /ents 6andring, sha$$ in a g$orio#s /emp$e enshrine. S#ch fo$$ow him, as sha$$ be registerd G >>5 H 7art good, part bad, of bad the $onger scrow$e, 6hose fo#$ Ido$atries, and other fa#$ts .eapt to the pop#$ar s#mme, wi$$ so incense (od, as to $eave them, and e pose thir Land, /hir Citie, his /emp$e, and his ho$y ,rk G >AC H 6ith a$$ his sacred things, a scorn and prey /o that pro#d Citie, whose high 6a$$s tho# saw0st Left in conf#sion, )aby$on thence ca$$0d. /here in captivitie he $ets them dwe$$ /he space of seventie years, then brings them back, G >A5 H -emembring mercie, and his Cov0nant sworn /o 3avid, stab$isht as the dayes of .eav0n. -et#rnd from )aby$on by $eave of Jings /hir Lords, whom (od dispos0d, the ho#se of (od /hey first re1edifie, and for a whi$e G >5C H In mean estate $ive moderate, ti$$ grown In wea$th and m#$tit#de, factio#s they grow! )#t first among the 7riests dissension springs, *en who attend the ,$tar, and sho#$d most Endeavo#r 7eace+ thir strife po$$#tion brings G >55 H 4pon the /emp$e it se$f+ at $ast they seise /he Scepter, and regard not 3avids Sons, /hen $oose it to a stranger, that the tr#e ,nointed Jing *essiah might be born )arr0d of his right! yet at his )irth a Starr G >BC H 4nseen before in .eav0n proc$aims him com, ,nd g#ides the Eastern Sages, who en:#ire .is p$ace, to offer Incense, *yrrh, and (o$d! .is p$ace of birth a so$emn ,nge$ te$$s /o simp$e Shepherds, keeping watch by night! G >B5 H /hey g$ad$y thither haste, and by a M#ire If s:#adrond ,nge$s hear his Caro$ s#ng. , 2irgin is his *other, b#t his Sire /he 7ower of the most .igh! he sha$$ ascend

/he /hrone hereditarie, and bo#nd his -eign G >;C H 6ith earths wide bo#nds, his g$ory with the .eav0ns. .e ceas0d, discerning ,dam with s#ch 9oy S#rcharg0d, as had $ike grief bin dew0d in tears, 6itho#t the vent of words, which these he breathd. I 7rophet of g$ad tidings, finisher G >;5 H If #tmost hopeP now c$ear I #nderstand 6hat oft my steddiest tho#ghts have searcht in vain, 6hy o#r great e pectation sho#$d be ca$$0d /he seed of 6oman+ 2irgin *other, .ai$e, .igh in the $ove of .eav0n, yet from my Loynes G ><C H /ho# sha$t proceed, and from thy 6omb the Son If (od most .igh! So (od with man #nites. Eeeds m#st the Serpent now his capita$ br#ise E pect with morta$ paine+ say where and when /hir fight, what stroke sha$$ br#ise the 2ictors hee$ G ><5 H. /o whom th#s *ichae$. 3ream not of thir fight, ,s of a 3#e$, or the $oca$ wo#nds If head or hee$+ not therefore 9oynes the Son *anhood to (od1head, with more strength to foi$ /hy enemie! nor so is overcome G >=C H Satan, whose fa$$ from .eav0n, a dead$ier br#ise, 3isab$0d not to give thee thy deaths wo#nd+ 6hich hee, who comes thy Savio#r, sha$$ rec#re, Eot by destroying Satan, b#t his works In thee and in thy Seed+ nor can this be, G >=5 H )#t by f#$fi$$ing that which tho# didst want, Ibedience to the Law of (od, impos0d In pena$tie of death, and s#ffering death, /he pena$tie to thy transgression d#e, ,nd d#e to theirs which o#t of thine wi$$ grow+ G ACC H So one$y can high F#stice rest appaid. /he Law of (od e act he sha$$ f#$fi$$ )oth by obedience and by $ove, tho#gh $ove ,$one f#$fi$$ the Law! thy p#nishment .e sha$$ end#re by coming in the F$esh G AC5 H /o a reproachf#$ $ife and c#rsed death, 7roc$aiming Life to a$$ who sha$$ be$ieve In his redemption, and that his obedience Imp#ted becomes theirs by Faith, his merits /o save them, not thir own, tho#gh $ega$ works. G A?C H For this he sha$$ $ive hated, be b$asphem0d, Seis0d on by force, 9#dg0d, and to death condemnd , shamef#$ and acc#rst, nai$d to the Cross )y his own Eation, s$aine for bringing Life! )#t to the Cross he nai$es thy Enemies, G A?5 H /he Law that is against thee, and the sins If a$$ mankinde, with him there cr#cifi0d, Eever to h#rt them more who right$y tr#st In this his satisfaction! so he dies, )#t soon revives, 3eath over him no power G A&C H

Sha$$ $ong #s#rp! ere the third dawning $ight -et#rne, the Starres of *orn sha$$ see him rise I#t of his grave, fresh as the dawning $ight, /hy ransom paid, which *an from death redeems, .is death for *an, as many as offerd Life G A&5 H Eeg$ect not, and the benefit imbrace )y Faith not void of workes+ this (od1$ike act ,nn#$s thy doom, the death tho# sho#$dst have dy0d, In sin for ever $ost from $ife! this act Sha$$ br#ise the head of Satan, cr#sh his strength G A>C H 3efeating Sin and 3eath, his two maine armes, ,nd fi farr deeper in his head thir stings /hen tempora$ death sha$$ br#ise the 2ictors hee$, Ir theirs whom he redeems, a death $ike s$eep, , gent$e wafting to immorta$ Life. G A>5 H Eor after res#rrection sha$$ he stay Longer on Earth then certaine times to appeer /o his 3iscip$es, *en who in his Life Sti$$ fo$$ow0d him! to them sha$$ $eave in charge /o teach a$$ nations what of him they $earn0d G AAC H ,nd his Sa$vation, them who sha$$ be$eeve )apti"ing in the prof$#ent streame, the signe If washing them from g#i$t of sin to Life 7#re, and in mind prepar0d, if so befa$$, For death, $ike that which the redeemer dy0d. G AA5 H ,$$ Eations they sha$$ teach! for from that day Eot one$y to the Sons of ,brahams Loines Sa$vation sha$$ be 7reacht, b#t to the Sons If ,brahams Faith wherever thro#gh the wor$d! So in his seed a$$ Eations sha$$ be b$est. G A5C H /hen to the .eav0n of .eav0ns he sha$$ ascend 6ith victory, tri#mphing thro#gh the aire Iver his foes and thine! there sha$$ s#rprise /he Serpent, 7rince of aire, and drag in Chaines /hro#gh a$$ his -ea$me, and there confo#nded $eave! G A55 H /hen enter into g$ory, and res#me .is Seat at (ods right hand, e a$ted high ,bove a$$ names in .eav0n! and thence sha$$ come, 6hen this wor$ds disso$#tion sha$$ be ripe, 6ith g$ory and power to 9#dge both :#ick and dead G ABC H /o 9#dge th0 #nfaithf#$ dead, b#t to reward .is faithf#$, and receave them into b$iss, 6hether in .eav0n or Earth, for then the Earth Sha$$ a$$ be 7aradise, far happier p$ace /hen this of Eden, and far happier daies. G AB5 H So spake th0 ,rchange$ *ichae$, then pa#s0d, ,s at the 6or$ds great period! and o#r Sire -ep$ete with 9oy and wonder th#s rep$i0d. I goodness infinite, goodness immenseP /hat a$$ this good of evi$ sha$$ prod#ce, G A;C H ,nd evi$ t#rn to good! more wonderf#$

/hen that which by creation first bro#ght forth Light o#t of darknessP f#$$ of do#bt I stand, 6hether I sho#$d repent me now of sin )y mee done and occasiond, or re9oyce G A;5 H *#ch more, that m#ch more good thereof sha$$ spring, /o (od more g$ory, more good wi$$ to *en From (od, and over wra#th grace sha$$ abo#nd. )#t say, if o#r de$iverer #p to .eav0n *#st reascend, what wi$$ betide the few G A<C H .is faithf#$, $eft among th0 #nfaithf#$ herd, /he enemies of tr#th! who then sha$$ g#ide .is peop$e, who defend@ wi$$ they not dea$e 6ors with his fo$$owers then with him they dea$t@ )e s#re they wi$$, said th0 ,nge$! b#t from .eav0n G A<5 H .ee to his own a Comforter wi$$ send, /he promise of the Father, who sha$$ dwe$$ .is Spirit within them, and the Law of Faith 6orking thro#gh $ove, #pon thir hearts sha$$ write, /o g#ide them in a$$ tr#th, and a$so arme G A=C H 6ith spirit#a$ ,rmo#r, ab$e to resist Satans assa#$ts, and :#ench his fierie darts, 6hat *an can do against them, not affraid, /ho#gh to the death, against s#ch cr#e$ties 6ith inward conso$ations recompenc0t, G A=5 H ,nd oft s#pported so as sha$$ ama"e /hir pro#dest persec#ters+ for the Spirit 7owrd first on his ,post$es, whom he sends /o evange$i"e the Eations, then on a$$ )apti"0d, sha$$ them with wondro#s gifts end#e G 5CC H /o speak a$$ /ong#es, and do a$$ *irac$es, ,s did thir Lord before them. /h#s they win (reat n#mbers of each Eation to receave 6ith 9oy the tidings bro#ght from .eav0n+ at $ength /hir *inistry perform0d, and race we$$ r#n, G 5C5 H /hir doctrine and thir story written $eft, /hey die! b#t in thir room, as they forewarne, 6o$ves sha$$ s#cceed for teachers, grievo#s 6o$ves, 6ho a$$ the sacred mysteries of .eav0n /o thir own vi$e advantages sha$$ t#rne G 5?C H If $#cre and ambition, and the tr#th 6ith s#perstitions and traditions taint, Left one$y in those written -ecords p#re, /ho#gh not b#t by the Spirit #nderstood. /hen sha$$ they seek to avai$ themse$ves of names, G 5?5 H 7$aces and tit$es, and with these to 9oine Sec#$ar power, tho#gh feigning sti$$ to act )y spirit#a$, to themse$ves appropriating /he Spirit of (od, promisd a$ike and giv0n /o a$$ )e$eevers! and from that pretense, G 5&C H Spirit#a$ Lawes by carna$ power sha$$ force In every conscience! Laws which none sha$$ finde Left them inro#$d, or what the Spirit within

Sha$$ on the heart engrave. 6hat wi$$ they then )#t force the Spirit of (race it se$f, and binde G 5&5 H .is consort Libertie! what, b#t #nb#i$d .is $iving /emp$es, b#i$t by Faith to stand, /hir own Faith not anothers+ for on Earth 6ho against Faith and Conscience can be heard Infa$$ib$e@ yet many wi$$ pres#me+ G 5>C H 6hence heavie persec#tion sha$$ arise In a$$ who in the worship persevere If Spirit and /r#th! the rest, farr greater part, 6e$$ deem in o#tward -ites and specio#s formes -e$igion satisfi0d! /r#th sha$$ retire G 5>5 H )est#ck with s$andro#s darts, and works of Faith -are$y be fo#nd+ so sha$$ the 6or$d goe on, /o good ma$ignant, to bad men benigne, 4nder her own waight groaning ti$$ the day ,ppeer of respiration to the 9#st, G 5AC H ,nd vengeance to the wicked, at ret#rn If him so $ate$y promiss0d to thy aid /he 6omans seed, obsc#re$y then foreto$d, Eow amp$ier known thy Savio#r and thy Lord, Last in the C$o#ds from .eav0n to be revea$d G 5A5 H In g$ory of the Father, to disso$ve Satan with his perverted 6or$d, then raise From the conf$agrant mass, p#rg0d and refin0d, Eew .eav0ns, new Earth, ,ges of end$ess date Fo#nded in righteo#sness and peace and $ove G 55C H /o bring forth fr#its Foy and eterna$ )$iss. .e ended! and th#s ,dam $ast rep$y0d. .ow soon hath thy prediction, Seer b$est, *eas#r0d this transient 6or$d, the -ace of time, /i$$ time stand fi t+ beyond is a$$ abyss, G 555 H Eternitie, whose end no eye can reach. (reat$y instr#cted I sha$$ hence depart. (reat$y in peace of tho#ght, and have my fi$$ If know$edge, what this 2esse$ can containe! )eyond which was my fo$$y to aspire. G 5BC H .enceforth I $earne, that to obey is best, ,nd $ove with feare the one$y (od, to wa$k ,s in his presence, ever to observe .is providence, and on him so$e depend, *ercif#$ over a$$ his works, with good G 5B5 H Sti$$ overcoming evi$, and by sma$$ ,ccomp$ishing great things, by things deemd weak S#bverting wor$d$y strong, and wor$d$y wise )y simp$y meek! that s#ffering for /r#ths sake Is fortit#de to highest victorie, G 5;C H ,nd to the faithf#$ 3eath the (ate of Life! /a#ght this by his e amp$e whom I now ,cknow$edge my -edeemer ever b$est. /o whom th#s a$so th0 ,nge$ $ast rep$i0d+

/his having $earnt, tho# hast attained the s#mme G 5;5 H If wisdom! hope no higher, tho#gh a$$ the Starrs /ho# knewst by name, and a$$ th0 etherea$ 7owers, ,$$ secrets of the deep, a$$ Eat#res works, Ir works of (od in .eav0n, ,ire, Earth, or Sea, ,nd a$$ the riches of this 6or$d en9oydst, G 5<C H ,nd a$$ the r#$e, one Empire! one$y add 3eeds to thy know$edge answerab$e, add Faith, ,dd vert#e, 7atience, /emperance, add Love, )y name to come ca$$0d Charitie, the so#$ If a$$ the rest+ then wi$t tho# not be $oath G 5<5 H /o $eave this 7aradise, b#t sha$t possess , 7aradise within thee, happier farr. Let #s descend now therefore from this top If Spec#$ation! for the ho#r precise E acts o#r parting hence! and see the (#ards, G 5=C H )y mee encampt on yonder .i$$, e pect /hir motion, at whose Front a f$aming Sword, In signa$ of remove, waves fierce$y ro#nd! 6e may no $onger stay+ go, waken Eve! .er a$so I with gent$e 3reams have ca$m0d G 5=5 H 7ortending good, and a$$ her spirits compos0d /o meek s#bmission+ tho# at season fit Let her with thee partake what tho# hast heard, Chief$y what may concern her Faith to know, /he great de$iverance by her Seed to come G BCC H %For by the 6omans Seed' on a$$ *ankind. /hat ye may $ive, which wi$$ be many dayes, )oth in one Faith #nanimo#s tho#gh sad, 6ith ca#se for evi$s past, yet m#ch more cheer0d 6ith meditation on the happie end. G BC5 H .e ended, and they both descend the .i$$! 3escended, ,dam to the )owre where Eve Lay s$eeping ran before, b#t fo#nd her wak0t! ,nd th#s with words not sad she him receav0d. 6hence tho# ret#rnst, and whither wentst, I know! G B?C H For (od is a$so in s$eep, and 3reams advise, 6hich he hath sent propitio#s, some great good 7resaging, since with sorrow and hearts distress 6earied I fe$$ as$eep+ b#t now $ead on! In mee is no de$ay! with thee to goe, G B?5 H Is to stay here! witho#t thee here to stay, Is to go hence #nwi$$ing! tho# to mee ,rt a$$ things #nder .eav0n, a$$ p$aces tho#, 6ho for my wi$f#$ crime art banisht hence. /his f#rther conso$ation yet sec#re G B&C H I carry hence! tho#gh a$$ by mee is $ost, S#ch favo#r I #nworthie am vo#tsaft, )y mee the 7romis0d Seed sha$$ a$$ restore. So spake o#r *other Eve, and ,dam heard 6e$$ p$eas0d, b#t answer0d not! for now too nigh G B&5 H

/h0 ,rchange$ stood, and from the other .i$$ /o thir fi t Station, a$$ in bright array /he Cher#bim descended! on the gro#nd ($iding meteoro#s, as Ev0ning *ist -is0n from a -iver o0re the marish g$ides, G B>C H ,nd gathers gro#nd fast at the Labo#rers hee$ .omeward ret#rning. .igh in Front advanc0t, /he brandisht Sword of (od before them b$a"0d Fierce as a Comet! which with torrid heat, ,nd vapo#r as the Libyan ,ir ad#st, G B>5 H )egan to parch that temperate C$ime! whereat In either hand the hastning ,nge$ ca#ght I#r $ingring 7arents, and to th0 Eastern (ate Led them direct, and down the C$iff as fast /o the s#b9ected 7$aine! then disappeer0d. G BAC H /hey $ooking back, a$$ th0 Eastern side behe$d If 7aradise, so $ate thir happie seat, 6av0d over by that f$aming )rand, the (ate 6ith dreadf#$ Faces throng0d and fierie ,rmes+ Som nat#ra$ tears they drop0d, b#t wip0d them soon! G BA5 H /he 6or$d was a$$ before them, where to choose /hir p$ace of rest, and 7rovidence thir g#ide+ /hey hand in hand with wandring steps and s$ow, /hro#gh Eden took thir so$itarie way.