Book VI — Paradise Lost

Book VI

Paradise Lost

BOOK V.

THE ARGUMENT.

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

NOw morn her rosy steps in th' eastern clime Advancing, sow'd the earth with orient pearl, When Adam wak't, so custom'd, for his sleep Was airy light from pure digestion bred, And temperate vapours bland, which th' only sound Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, Lightly dispers'd, and the shrill matin song Of birds on every bough; so much the more His wonder was to find unwak'nd Eve With tresses discompos'd, and glowing cheek, As through unquiet rest: he on his side Leaning half-rais'd, with looks of cordial love Hung over her enamour'd, and beheld Beauty, which whether waking or asleep, Shot forth peculiar graces; then with voice Mild, as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes, Her hand soft touching, whisper'd thus. Awake My fairest, my espous'd, my latest found, Heav'n's last best gift, my ever new delight, Awake, the morning shines, and the fresh field Calls us, we lose the prime, to mark how spring Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove, What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed, How Nature paints her colours, how the bee Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet.

Such whispering wak'd her, but with startl'd eye On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake.

O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, My glory, my perfection, glad I see Thy face, and morn return'd, for I this night, Such night till this I never pass'd, have dream'd, If dream'd, not as I oft am wont, of thee, Works of day pass't, or morrow's next design, But of offence and trouble, which my mind Knew never till this irksome night; methought Close at mine ear one call'd me forth to walk With gentle voice, I thought it thine; it said, Why sleepst thou Eve? now is the pleasant time, The cool, the silent, save where silence yields To the night-warbling bird, that now awake Tunes sweetest his love-labour'd song; now reigns Full orb'd the moon, and with more pleasing light Shadowy sets off the face of things; in vain, If none regard; Heav'n wakes with all his eyes, Whom to behold but thee, Nature's desire, In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze. I rose as at thy call, but found thee not; To find thee I directed then my walk; And on, methought, alone I pass'd through ways That brought me on a sudden to the tree Of interdicted knowledge: fair it seem'd, Much fairer to my fancy than by day: And as I wond'ring look'd▪ beside it stood One shap'd and wing'd like one of those from Heav'n By us oft seen; his dewy locks distill'd Ambrosia; on that tree he also gaz'd; And o fair plant, said he, with fruit surcharg'd, Deigns none to ease thy load and taste thy sweet, Nor God, nor man; is knowledge so despis'd? Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste? Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold Longer thy offer'd good, why else set here? This said he paus'd not, but with vent'rous arm He pluck'd, he tasted; me damp horror chil'd At such bold words vouch'd with a deed so bold: But he thus overjoy'd, o fruit divine, Sweet of thy self, but much more sweet thus cropped, Forbidd'n here, it seems, as only fit For Gods, yet able to make Gods of men: And why not Gods of men, since good, the more Communicated, more abundant grows, The author not impair'd, but honour'd more? Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve, Partake thou also; happy though thou art, Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be: Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods Thy self a goddess, not to Earth confin'd, But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes Ascend to Heav'n, by merit thine, and see What life the Gods live there, and such live thou. So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held, Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part Which he had pluck'd; the pleasant savoury smell So quick'nd appetite, that I, methought, Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds With him I flew, and underneath beheld The Earth outstretch'd immense, a prospect wide And various: wond'ring at my flight and change To this high exaltation; suddenly. My guide was gone, and I, me thought, sunk down, And fell asleep; but o how glad I wak'd To find this but a dream! Thus Eve her night Related, and thus Adam answer'd sad.

Best image of my self and dearer half, The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep Affects me equally; nor can I like This uncouth dream, of evil sprung I fear; Yet evil whence? in thee can harbour none, Created pure. But know that in the soul Are many lesser faculties that serve Reason as chief; among these fancy next Her office holds; of all external things, Which the five watchful senses represent, She forms imaginations, airy shapes, Which reason joining or disjoining, frames All what we affirm or what deny, and call Our knowledge or opinion; then retires Into her private cell when Nature rests. Oft in her absence mimic fancy wakes To imitate her; but misjoining shapes, Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams, Ill matching words and deeds long past or late. Some such resemblances methinks I find Of our last evening's talk, in this thy dream, But with addition strange: yet be not sad. Evil into the mind of God or man May come and go, so unapprov'd, and leave No spot or blame behind: Which gives me hope That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream, Waking thou never wilt consent to do. Be not disheart'nd then, nor cloud those looks That wont to be more cheerful and serene Than when fair morning first smiles on the world, And let us to our fresh employments rise Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers That open now their choicest bosom'd smells Reserv'd from night, and kept for thee in store.

So cheer'd he his fair spouse, and she was cheer'd, But silently a gentle tear let fall From either eye, and wip'd them with her hair; Two other precious drops that ready stood, Each in their crystal sluice, he ere they fell Kiss'd as the gracious signs of sweet remorse And pious awe, that feard to have offended.

So all was clear'd, and to the field they haste. But first from under shady arborous roof, Soon as they forth were come to open sight Of day-spring, and the sun, who scarce up risen With wheels yet hov'ring o'er the ocean brim, Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray, Discovering in wide landscape all the East Of paradise and Eden's happy plains, Lowly they bow'd adoring, and began Their orisons, each morning duly paid In various style, for neither various style Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise Their maker, in fit strains pronounc't or sung Unmeditated, such prompt eloquence Flow'd from their lips, in prose or numerous verse, More tuneable than needed lute or harp, To add more sweetness, and they thus began.

These are thy glorious works, parent of good, Almighty, thine this universal frame, Thus wondrous fair; thy self how wondrous then! Unspeakable, who first above these Heavens To us invisible or dimly seen In these thy lowest works, yet these declare Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine: Speak ye who best can tell, ye Sons of light, Angels, for ye behold him, and with songs And choral symphonies, day without night, Circle his throne rejoicing, ye in Heav'n, On Earth join all ye creatures to extol Him first, him last, him midst, and without end. Fairest of stars, last in the train of night, If better thou belong not to the dawn, Sure pledge of day, that crown'st the smiling morn With thy bright circlet, praise him in thy sphere While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul. Acknowledge him thy greater, sound his praise In thy eternal course, both when thou climb'st, And when high noon hast gain'd, and when thou fall'st. Moon, that now meet'st the orient sun, now fly'st With the fixed stars, fixed in their orb that flies, And ye five other wand'ring fires that move In mystic dance not without song, resound His praise, who out of darkness call'd up light. Air, and ye elements the eldest birth Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion run Perpetual circle, multiform; and mix And nourish all things, let your ceaseless change Vary to our great maker still new praise. Ye mists and exhalations that now rise From hill or steaming lake, dusky or grey, Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, In honour to the world's great author rise, Whether to deck with clouds the uncolour'd sky, Or wet the thirsty Earth with falling showers, Rising or falling still advance his praise. His praise ye winds, that from four quarters blow, Breathe soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye pines, With every plant, in sign of worship wave. Fountains and ye, that warble, as ye flow, Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise. Join voices all ye living souls, ye birds, That singing up to Heaven gate ascend, Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise; Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk The Earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep; Witness if I be silent, morn or even, To hill, or valley, fountain, or fresh shade Made vocal by my song, and taught his praise. Hail universal lord, be bounteous still To give us only good; and if the night Have gathered aught of evil or conceal'd, Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark.

So pray'd they innocent, and to their thoughts Firm peace recover'd soon and wonted calm. On to their morning's rural work they haste Among sweet dews and flowers; where any row Of fruit-trees overwoody reach'd too far Their pamper'd boughs, and needed hands to check Fruitless embraces: or they led the vine To wed her elm; she spous'd about him twines Her marriageable arms, and with her brings Her dowr th' adopted clusters, to adorn His barren leaves. Them thus employ'd beheld With pity Heav'n's high king, and to him call'd Raphael, the sociable Spirit, that deign'd To travel with Tobias, and secur'd His marriage with the seventimes-wedded maid.

Raphael, said he, thou hear'st what stir on Earth Satan from Hell 'scap't through the darksome gulf Hath rais'd in paradise, and how disturb'd This night the human pair, how he designs In them at once to ruin all mankind. Go therefore, half this day as friend with friend Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade Thou find'st him from the heat of noon retir'd, To respite his day-labour with repast, Or with repose; and such discourse bring on, As may advise him of his happy state, Happiness in his power left free to will, Left to his own free will, his will though free, Yet mutable; whence warn him to beware He swerve not too secure: tell him withall His danger, and from whom, what enemy Late fall'n himself from Heav'n, is plotting now The fall of others from like state or bliss; By violence, no, for that shall be withstood, But by deceit and lies; this let him know, Lest wilfully transgressing he pretend Surprisal, unadmonish'd, unforewarn'd.

So spake th' eternal Father, and fulfill'd All justice: nor delay'd the winged saint After his charge receiv'd; but from among Thousand celestial ardors, where he stood Veil'd with his gorgeous wings, up springing light Flew through the midst of Heav'n; th' angelic quires On each hand parting, to his speed gave way Through all th' empyreal road; till at the gate Of Heav'n arriv'd, the gate self-open'd wide On golden hinges turning, as by work Divine the sov'ran architect had fram'd. From hence, no cloud, or, to obstruct his sight, Star interpos'd, however small he sees, Not unconform to other shining globes, Earth and the gard'n of God, with cedars crown'd Above all hills. As when by night the glass Of galileo, less assur'd, observes Imagin'd lands and regions in the moon: Or pilot from amidst the Cyclades Delos or Samos first appearing kenns A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sky Sails between worlds and worlds, with steady wing Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan Winnows the buxom air; till within soar Of tow'ring eagles, to all the fowls he seems A phaenix, gaz'd by all, as that sole bird When to enshrine his reliques in the sun's Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. At once on th' eastern cliff of paradise He lights, and to his proper shape returns A seraph wing'd; six wings he wore, to shade His lineaments divine; the pair that clad Each shoulder broad, came mantling o'er his breast With regal ornament; the middle pair; Girt like a starry zone his waist, and round Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold And colours dipt in Heav'n; the third his feet Shadow'd from either heel with feather'd mail Sky-tinctur'd grain. Like Maia's son he stood, And shook his plumes, that heav'nly fragrance filld The circuit wide. Strait knew him all the bands Of angels under watch; and to his state, And to his message high in honour rise; For on some message high they guess'd him bound. Their glittering tents he pass'd, and now is come Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh, And flow'ring odours, cassia, nard, and balm; A wilderness of sweets; for Nature here Wantond as in her prime, and plaid at will Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, Wild above rule or art; enormous bliss. Him through the spicy forest onward come Adam discern'd, as in the door he sat Of his cool bower, while now the mounted sun Shot down direct his fervid rays to warm Earth's inmost womb, more warmth than Adam needs; And Eve within, due at her hour prepar'd For dinner savoury fruits, of taste to please True appetite, and not disrelish thirst Of nectarous draughts between, from milky stream, Berry or grape: to whom thus Adam call'd.

Haste hither Eve, and worth thy sight behold Eastward among those trees, what glorious shape Comes this way moving; seems another morn Ris'n on mid-noon; some great behest from Heav'n To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe This day to be our guest. But go with speed, And what thy stores contain, bring forth and pour Abundance, fit to honour and receive Our heav'nly stranger; well we may afford Our givers their own gifts, and large bestow From large bestowd, where Nature multiplies Her fertil growth, and by disburd'ning grows More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare.

To whom thus Eve. Adam, earth's hallow'd mould, Of God inspir'd, small store will serve, where store, All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk; Save what by frugal storing firmness gains To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes: But I will haste and from each bough and break, Each plant and juiciest gourd will pluck such choice To entertain our angel guest, as he Beholding shall confess that here on Earth God hath dispensed his bounties as in Heav'n.

So saying, with dispatchful looks in haste She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent What choice to choose for delicacy best, What order, so contriv'd as not to mix Tastes, not well join'd, inelegant, but bring Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change, Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk Whatever Earth all-bearing mother yields In India East or West, or middle shore In Pontus or the Punic coast, or where Alcinous reign'd, fruit of all kinds, in coat, Rough, or smooth rinded, or bearded husk, or shell She gathers, tribute large, and on the board Heaps with unsparing hand; for drink the grape She crushes, inoffensive must, and meaths From many a berry, and from sweet kernels pressed She tempers dulcet creams, nor these to hold Wants her fit vessels pure, then strews the ground With rose and odours from the shrub unfum'd. Mean while our primitive great sire, to meet His god-like guest, walks forth, without more train Accompani'd than with his own complete Perfections, in himself was all his state, More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits On princes, when their rich retinue long Of horses led, and grooms besmear'd with gold Dazzles the crowd, and sets them all agape. Nearer his presence Adam though not aw'd, Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek, As to a superior Nature, bowing low,

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

Whom thus the angelic virtue answer'd mild. Adam, I therefore came, nor art thou such Created, or such place hast here to dwell, As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heav'n To visit thee; lead on then where thy bower O'ershades; for these mid-hours, till evening rise I have at will. So to the silvan lodge They came, that like Pomona's arbour smil'd With flow'rets deck'd and fragrant smells; but Eve Undeck'd, save with her self more lovely fair Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feign'd Of three that in mount Ida naked strove, Stood to entertain her guest from Heav'n; no veil She needed, virtue-proof, no thought infirm Alter'd her cheek. On whom the angel Hail Bestowd, the holy salutation us'd Long after to blest Marie, second Eve.

Hail mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb Shall fill the world more numerous with thy Sons Than with these various fruits the trees of God Have heap'd this table. Rais'd of grassy turf Their table was, and mossy seats had round, And on her ample square from side to side All Autumn pil'd, though Spring and Autumn here Danc'd hand in hand. A while discourse they hold; No fear lest dinner cool; when thus began Our author. Heav'nly stranger, please to taste These bounties which our nourisher, from whom All perfect good unmeasur'd out, descends, To us for food and for delight hath caus'd The Earth to yield; unsavoury food perhaps To spiritual Natures; only this I know, That one celestial Father gives to all.

To whom the angel. Therefore what he gives (Whose praise be ever sung) to man in part Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found No ingrateful food: and food alike those pure Intelligential substances require As doth your rational; and both contain Within them every lower faculty Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste, Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate, And corporeal to incorporeal turn. For know, whatever was created, needs To be sustain'd and fed; of elements The grosser feeds the purer, Earth the sea, Earth and the sea feed air, the air those fires Ethereal, and as lowest first the moon; Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurg'd Vapours not yet into her substance turn'd. Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale From her moist continent to higher orbs. The sun that light imparts to all, receives From all his alimental recompense In humid exhalations, and at even Sups with the ocean: though in Heav'n the trees Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines Yield nectar, though from off the boughs each morn We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground Cover'd with pearly grain: yet God hath here Varied his bounty so with new delights, As may compare with Heaven; and to taste Think not I shall be nice. So down they sat, And to their viands fell, nor seemingly The angel, nor in mist, the common gloss Of theologians, but with keen dispatch Of real hunger, and concoctive heate To transubstantiate; what redounds, transpires Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder; if by fire Of sooty coal the empiric alchemist Can turn, or holds it possible to turn Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold As from the mine. Mean while at table Eve Minister'd naked, and their flowing cups With pleasant liquors crown'd: O innocence Deserving paradise: if ever, then, Then had the Sons of God excuse to have been Enamour'd at that sight, but in those hearts Love unlibidinous reign'd, nor jealousy Was understood, the injur'd lover's Hell.

Thus when with meats and drinks they had suffic'd, Not burd'nd Nature, sudden mind arose In Adam, not to let th' occasion pass Given him by this great conference to know Of things above his world, and of their being Who dwell in Heav'n, whose excellence he saw Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms Divine effulgence, whose high power so far Exceeded human, and his wary speech Thus to th' empyreal minister he fram'd.

Inhabitant with God, now know I well Thy favour, in this honour done to man, Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsaf'd To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, Food not of angels, yet accepted so, As that more willingly thou couldst not seem At Heav'n's high feasts to have fed: yet what compare?

To whom the winged hierarch repli'd. O Adam, one almighty is, from whom All things proceed, and up to him return, If not deprav'd from good, created all Such to perfection, one first matter all, Indu'd with various forms, various degrees Of substance, and in things that live, of life; But more refin'd, more spiritous, and pure, As nearer to him plac't or nearer tending Each in their several active spheres assign'd, Till body up to spirit work, in bounds Proportion'd to each kind. So from the root Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves More airy, last the bright consummate flower Spirits odorous breathes: flowers and their fruit Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublim'd To vital Spirits aspire, to animal, To intellectual, give both life and sense, Fancy and understanding, whence the soul Reason receives, and reason is her being, Discursive, or intuitive; discourse Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours, Differing but in degree, of kind the same. Wonder not then, what God for you saw good If I refuse not, but convert, as you, To proper substance, time may come when men With angels may participate, and find No inconvenient diet, nor too light fare: And from these corporal nutriments perhaps Your bodies may at last turn all to Spirit, Improv'd by tract of time, and wing'd ascend Ethereal, as we, or may at choice Here or in heav'nly paradises dwell; If ye be found obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire Whose progeny you are. Mean while enjoy Your fill what happiness this happy state Can comprehend, incapable of more.

To whom the patriarch of mankind repli'd, O favourable spirit, propitious guest, Well hast thou taught the way that might direct Our knowledge, and the scale of Nature set From centre to circumference, whereon In contemplation of created things By steps we may ascend to God. But say, What meant that caution joind, if ye be found Obedient? can we want obedience then To him, or possibly his love desert Who form'd us from the dust, and plac'd us here Full to the utmost measure of what bliss Human desires can seek or apprehend?

To whom the angel. Son of Heav'n and Earth, Attend: That thou art happy, owe to God; That thou continu'st such, owe to thy self, That is, to thy obedience; therein stand. This was that caution giv'n thee; be advis'd. God made thee perfect, not immutable; And good he made thee, but to persevere He left it in thy power, ordain'd thy will By nature free, not over-rul'd by fate Inextricable, or strict necessity; Our voluntary service he requires, Not our necessitated, such with him Finds no acceptance, nor can find, for how Can hearts, not free, be tri'd whether they serve Willing or no, who will but what they must By destiny, and can no other choose? My self and all th' angelic host that stand In sight of God enthron'd, our happy state Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds; On other surety none; freely we serve, Because we freely love, as in our will To love or not; in this we stand or fall: And some are fall'n, to disobedience fall'n, And so from Heav'n to deepest Hell; o fall From what high state of bliss into what woe!

To whom our great progenitor. Thy words Attentive, and with more delighted ear, Divine instructor, I have heard, than when Cherubic songs by night from neighbouring hills Aerial music send: nor knew I not To be both will and deed created free; Yet that we never shall forget to love Our maker, and obey him whose command Single, is yet so just, my constant thoughts Assur'd me, and still assure: though what thou tellst Hath past in Heav'n, some doubt within me move, But more desire to hear, if thou consent, The full relation, which must needs be strange, Worthy of sacred silence to be heard; And we have yet large day, for scarce the sun Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins His other half in the great zone of Heav'n.

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

High matter thou enjoinst me, o prime of men, Sad task and hard, for how shall I relate To human sense th' invisible exploits Of warring Spirits; how without remorse The ruin of so many glorious once And perfect while they stood; how last unfold The secrets of another world, perhaps Not lawful to reveal? yet for thy good This is dispensed, and what surmounts the reach Of human sense, I shall delineate so, By lik'ning spiritual to corporal forms As may express them best, though what if Earth Be but the shadow of Heav'n, and things therein Each to other like, more than on earth is thought?

As yet this world was not, and Chaos wild Reign'd where these Heav'ns now roll, where Earth now rests Upon her centre pois'd, when on a day (For time, though in eternity, appli'd To motion, measures all things durable By present, past, and future) on such day As Heav'n's great year brings forth, th' empyreal host Of angels by imperial summons call'd, Innumerable before th' Almighty's throne Forthwith from all the ends of Heav'n appear'd Under their hierarchs in orders bright Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanc'd, Standards, and gonfalons twixt van and rear Stream in the air, and for distinction serve Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees; Or in their glittering tissues bear emblaz'd Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love Recorded eminent. Thus when in orbs Of circuit inexpressible they stood, Orb within orb, the Father infinite, By whom in bliss embosom'd sat the Son, Amidst as from a flaming mount, whose top Brightness had made invisible, thus spake.

Hear all ye angels, progeny of light, Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, virtues, Powers, Hear my decree, which unrevok't shall stand. This day I have begot whom I declare My only Son, and on this holy hill Him have anointed, whom ye now behold At my right hand; your head I him appoint; And by my self have sworn to him shall bow All knees in Heav'n, and shall confess him lord: Under his great vice-gerent reign abide United as one individual soul For ever happy: him who disobeys Me disobeys, breaks union, and that day Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls Into utter darkness, deep engulfed, his place Ordain'd without redemption, without end.

So spake th' omnipotent, and with his words All seem'd well pleas'd, all seem'd, but were not all That day, as other solemn days, they spent In song and dance about the sacred hill, Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere Of planets and of fixed in all her wheels Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, Eccentric, intervolv'd, yet regular Then most, when most irregular they seem, And in their motions harmonic divine So smooths her charming tones, that God's own ear Listens delighted. Evening now approach'd (For we have also our evening and our morn, We ours for change delectable, not need) Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn Desirous; all in circles as they stood, Tables are set, and on a sudden pil'd With angels' food, and rubied nectar flows In pearl, in diamond, and massy gold, Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of Heav'n. On flowers repos'd, and with fresh flow'rets crown'd. They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet Quaff immortality and joy, secure Of surfeit where full measure only bounds Excess, before th' all bounteous king, who shower'd With copious hand, rejoycing in their joy. Now when ambrosial night with clouds exhal'd From that high mount of God, whence light & shade Spring both, the face of brightest Heav'n had chang'd To grateful twilight (for night comes not there In darker veil) and roseate dews dispos'd All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest, Wide over all the plain, and wider far Than all this globous Earth in plain out spread, (Such are the courts of God) th' angelic throng Dispersed in bands and files their camp extend By living streams among the trees of life, Pavilions numberless, and sudden rear'd, Celestial tabernacles, where they slept, Fann'd with cool winds, save those who in their course Melodious hymns about the sovereign throne Alternate all night long: but not so wak'd Satan, so call him now, his former name Is heard no more in Heav'n; he of the first, If not the first arch-angel, great in power, In favour and preeminence, yet fraught With envy against the Son of God, that day Honour'd by his great Father, and proclaim'd Messiah king anointed, could not bear Through pride that sight, & thought himself impair'd. Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain, Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolv'd With all his legions to dislodge, and leave Unworshipped, unobey'd the throne supreme Contemptuous, and his next subordinate Awak'ning, thus to him in secret spake.

Sleepst thou companion dear, what sleep can close Thy eye lids? and remembrest what decree Of yesterday, so late hath past the lips Of Heav'n's almighty. Thou to me thy thoughts Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart; Both waking we were one; how then can now Thy sleep dissent? new laws thou seest impos'd; New laws from him who reigns, new minds may raise In us who serve, new counsels, to debate What doubtful may ensue, more in this place To utter is not safe. Assemble thou Of all those myriads which we lead the chief; Tell them that by command, ere yet dim night Her shadowy cloud withdraws, I am to haste, And all who under me their banners wave, Homeward with flying march where we possess The quarters of the north, there to prepare Fit entertainment to receive our king The great Messiah, and his new commands, Who speedily through all the hierarchies Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws.

So spake the false arch-angel, and infus'd Bad influence into th' unwary breast Of his associate; he together calls, Or several one by one, the regent Powers, Under him regent, tells, as he was taught, That the most high commanding, now ere night, Now ere dim night had disencumber'd Heav'n, The great hierarchal standard was to move; Tells the suggested cause, and casts between Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound Or taint integrity; but all obey'd The wonted signal, and superior voice Of their great potentate; for great indeed His name, and high was his degree in Heav'n; His count'nance, as the morning star that guides The starry flock, allur'd them, and with lies Drew after him the third part of Heav'n's host: Mean while th' eternal eye, whose sight discerns Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount And from within the golden lamps that burn Nightly before him, saw without their light Rebellion rising, saw in whom, how spread Among the sons of morn, what multitudes Were banded to oppose his high decree; And smiling to his only Son thus said.

Son, thou in whom my glory I behold In full resplendence, heir of all my might, Nearly it now concerns us to be sure Of our omnipotence, and with what arms We mean to hold what anciently we claim Of deity or empire, such a foe Is rising, who intends to erect his throne Equal to ours, throughout the spacious north; Nor so content, hath in his thought to try In battle, what our power is, or our right. Let us advise, and to this hazard draw With speed what force is left, and all employ In our defence, lest unawares we lose This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.

To whom the Son with calm aspect and clear Light'ning divine, ineffable, serene, Made answer. Mighty Father, thou thy foes Justly hast in derision, and secure Laugh'st at their vain designs and tumults vain, Matter to me of glory, whom their hate Illustrates, when they see all regal power Giv'n me to quell their pride, and in event Know whether I be dextrous to subdue Thy rebels, or be found the worst in Heav'n.

So spake the Son, but Satan with his Powers Far was advanc't on winged speed, an host Innumerable as the stars of night, Or stars of morning, dew-drops, which the sun Impearls on every leaf and every flower. Regions they pass'd, the mighty regencies Of seraphim and potentates and Thrones In their triple degrees, regions to which All thy dominion, Adam, is no more Than what this garden is to all the Earth, And all the sea, from one entire globose stretched into longitude; which having pass'd At length into the limits of the north They came, and Satan to his royal seat High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount Rais'd on a mount, with pyramids and tow'rs From diamond quarries hew'n, and rocks of gold▪ The palace of great Lucifer, (so call That structure in the dialect of men Interpreted) which not long after, he Affecting all equality with God, In imitation of that mount whereon Messiah was declar'd in sight of Heav'n, The mountain of the congregation call'd; For thither he assembl'd all his train, Pretending so commanded to consult About the great reception of their king, Thither to come, and with calumnious art Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears.

Thrones, Dominations, princedoms, Virtues, Powers If these magnific titles yet remain Not meerly titular, since by decree Another now hath to himself engross'd All power, and us eclipsed under the name Of king anointed, for whom all this haste Of midnight march, and hurried meeting here, This only to consult how we may best With what may be devis'd of honours new Receive him coming to receive from us Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile, Too much to one, but double how endur'd To one and to his image now proclaim'd? But what if better counsels might erect Our minds and teach us to cast off this yoke? Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend The supple knee? ye will not, if I trust To know ye right, or if ye know your selves Natives and Sons of Heav'n possessed before By none, and if not equal all, yet free, Equally free; for orders and degrees Jar not with liberty, but well consist. Who can in reason then or right assume Monarchy over such as live by right His equals, if in power and splendour less, In freedom equal? or can introduce Law and edict on us, who without law Err not, much less for this to be our lord, And look for adoration to th' abuse Of those imperial titles which assert Our being ordain'd to govern, not to serve?

Thus far his bold discourse without control Had audience, when among the seraphim Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal ador'd The deity, and divine commands obey'd, Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe The current of his fury thus oppos'd.

O argument blasphemous, false and proud! Words which no ear ever to hear in Heav'n Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate In place thy self so high above thy peers. Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn The just decree of God, pronounc't and sworn, That to his only Son by right endu'd With regal sceptre, every soul in Heav'n Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due Confess him rightful king? unjust thou saist Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free, And equal over equals to let reign, One over all with unsucceeded power. Shalt thou give law to God, shalt thou dispute With him the points of liberty, who made Thee what thou art, and form'd the pow'rs of Heav'n Such as he pleas'd, and circumscrib'd their being? Yet by experience taught we know how good, And of our good, and of our dignity How provident he is, how far from thought To make us less, bent rather to exalt Our happy state under one head more near United. But to grant it thee unjust, That equal over equals monarch reign: Thy self though great and glorious dost thou count, Or all angelic Nature join'd in one, Equal to him begotten Son, by whom As by his word the mighty Father made All things, ev'n thee, and all the Spirits of Heav'n By him created in their bright degrees, Crown'd them with glory, and to their glory nam'd Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, virtues, Powers, Essential Powers, nor by his reign obscur'd, But more illustrious made, since he the head One of our number thus reduc'd becomes, His laws our laws; all honour to him done Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage, And tempt not these; but hasten to appease Th' incensed Father, and th' incensed Son, While pardon may be found in time besought.

So spake the fervent angel, but his zeal None seconded, as out of season judg'd, Or singular and rash, whereat rejoic'd Th' apostate, and more haughty thus repli'd. That we were form'd then saist thou? and the work Of secondary hands, by task transferr'd From Father to his Son? strange point and new! Doctrine which we would know whence learnt: who saw When this creation was? rememberst thou Thy making, while the maker gave thee being? We know no time when we were not as now; Know none before us, self-begot, self-rais'd By our own quick'ning power, when fatal course Had circl'd his full orb, the birth mature Of this our native Heav'n, ethereal Sons. Our puissance is our own, our own right hand Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try Who is our equal: then thou shalt behold Whether by supplication we intend Address, and to begirt th' almighty throne Beseeching or besieging. This report, These tidings carry to th' anointed king; And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.

He said, and as the sound of waters deep Hoarse murmur echo'd to his words applause Through the infinite host, nor less for that The flaming seraph fearless, though alone Encompass'd round with foes, thus answer'd bold.

O alienate from God, o spirit accurst, Forsak'n of all good; I see thy fall Determin'd, and thy hapless crew involv'd In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread Both of thy crime and punishment: henceforth No more be troubl'd how to quit the yoke Of God's Messiah; those indulgent laws Will not be now vouchsaf'd, other decrees Against thee are gone forth without recall; That golden sceptre which thou didst reject Is now an iron rod to bruise and break Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise, Yet not for thy advise or threats I fly These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath Impendent, raging into sudden flame Distinguish not: for soon expect to feel His thunder on thy head, devouring fire. Then who created thee lamenting learn, When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know.

So spake the seraph Abdiel faithful found, Among the faithless, faithful only he; Among innumerable false, unmov'd, Unshak'n, unseduc'd, unterrifi'd His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal; Nor number, nor example with him wrought To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind Though single. From amidst them forth he pass'd, Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustain'd Superior, nor of violence fear'd aught; And with retorted scorn his back he turn'd On those proud tow'rs to swift destruction doom'd.

BOOK VI.

THE ARGUMENT.

Raphael continues to relate how Michael and Gabriel were sent forth to battle against Satan and his Angels. The first Fight describ'd: Satan and his Powers retire under Night: He calls a Council, invents devilish Engines, which in the second day's Fight put Michael and his Angels to some disorder; but they at length pulling up Mountains overwhelm'd both the force and Machines of Satan: Yet the Tumult not so ending, God on the third day sends Messiah his Son, for whom he had reserv'd the glory of that Victory: He in the Power of his Father coming to the place, and causing all his Legions to stand still on either side, with his Chariot and Thunder driving into the midst of his Enemies, pursues them unable to resist towards the wall of Heaven; which opening, they leap down with horror and confusion into the place of punishment prepar'd for them in the Deep: Messiah returns with triumph to his Father.

ALL night the dreadless Angel unpursu'd Through Heav'n's wide Champain held his way, till Morn, Wak't by the circling Hours, with rosy hand Unbarr'd the gates of Light. There is a Cave Within the Mount of God, fast by his Throne, Where light and darkness in perpetual round Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through Heav'n Grateful vicissitude, like day and Night; Light issues forth, and at the other door Obsequious darkness enters, till her hour To veil the Heav'n, though darkness there might well Seem twilight here; and now went forth the Morn Such as in highest Heav'n, array'd in Gold Empyreal, from before her vanished Night, Shot through with orient Beams: when all the plain Cover'd with thick embattled squadrons bright, Chariots and flaming arms, and fiery steeds Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his view: War he perceiv'd, war in procinct, and found Already known what he for news had thought To have reported: gladly then he mixed Among those friendly Powers who him receiv'd With joy and acclamations loud, that one That of so many myriads fall'n, yet one Return'd not lost: On to the sacred hill They led him high applauded, and present Before the seat supreme; from whence a voice From midst a Golden cloud thus mild was heard.

Servant of God, well done, well hast thou fought The better fight, who single hast maintain'd Against revolted multitudes the cause Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms; And for the testimony of truth hast born Universal reproach, far worse to bear Than violence: for this was all thy care To stand approv'd in sight of God, though worlds Judg'd thee perverse: the easier conquest now Remains thee, aided by this host of friends, Back on thy foes more glorious to return Than scorn'd thou didst depart, and to subdue By force, who reason for their law refuse, Right reason for their law, and for their king Messiah, who by right of merit Reigns. Go Michael of Celestial armies Prince, And thou in Military prowess next Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my Sons Invincible, lead forth my armed saints By thousands and by Millions rang'd for fight; Equal in number to that Godless crew Rebellious, them with fire and hostile arms Fearless assault, and to the brow of Heav'n Pursuing drive them out from God and bliss, Into their place of punishment, the gulf Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide His fiery Chaos to receive their fall.

So spake the Sovereign voice, and clouds began To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll In dusky wreaths, reluctant flames, the sign Of wrath awak't: nor with less dread the loud Ethereal trumpet from on high gan blow: At which command the Powers Militant, That stood for Heav'n, in mighty quadrate join'd Of Union irresistible, mov'd on In silence their bright legions, to the sound Of instrumental harmony that breath'd Heroic Ardour to advent'rous deeds Under their God-like Leaders, in the cause Of God and his Messiah. On they move Indissolubly firm; nor obvious hill, Nor strait'ning vale, nor wood, nor stream divides Their perfect ranks; for high above the ground Their march was, and the passive air upbore Their nimble tread, as when the total kind Of Birds in orderly array on wing Came summon'd over Eden to receive Their names of thee; so over many a tract Of Heav'n they march'd, and many a province wide Tenfold the length of this terrene: at last Far in th' horizon to the North appear'd From skirt to skirt a fiery region, stretched In battailous aspect, and nearer view Bristl'd with upright beams innumerable Of rigid spears, and helmets throng'd, and shields Various, with boastful Argument portrayed, The banded Powers of Satan hasting on With furious expedition; for they ween'd That self same day by fight, or by surprise To win the Mount of God, and on his Throne To set the envier of his State, the proud Aspirer, but their thoughts prov'd fond and vain In the mid way: though strange to us it seem'd At first, that Angel should with Angel war, And in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet So oft in Festivals of joy and love Unanimous, as sons of one great sire Hymning th' Eternal Father: but the shout Of battle now began, and rushing sound Of onset ended soon each milder thought. High in the midst exalted as a God Th' apostate in his Sun-bright chariot sate Idol of Majesty Divine, enclos'd With Flaming cherubim, and golden shields; Then lighted from his gorgeous Throne, for now 'Twixt Host and Host but narrow space was left, A dreadful interval, and front to front Presented stood in terrible array Of hideous length: before the cloudy Van, On the rough edge of battle ere it join'd, Satan with vast and haughty strides advanc't, Came tow'ring, arm'd in adamant and Gold; Abdiel that sight endur'd not, where he stood Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds, And thus his own undaunted heart explores.'

O Heav'n! that such resemblance of the Highest Should yet remain, where faith and realty Remain not; wherefore shou'd not strength and might There fail where virtue fails, or weakest prove Where boldest; though to sight unconquerable? His puissance, trusting in th' Almighty's aide, I mean to try, whose Reason I have tri'd Unsound and false; nor is it aught but just, That he who in debate of truth hath won, Should win in arms, in both disputes alike Victor; though brutish that contest and foul, When Reason hath to deal with force, yet so Most reason is that Reason overcome.

So pondering, and from his armed peers Forth stepping opposite, half way he met His daring foe, at this prevention more Incens't, and thus securely him defi'd.

Proud, art thou met? thy hope was to have reached The height of thy aspiring unoppos'd, The Throne of God unguarded, and his side Abandon'd at the terror of thy power Or potent tongue; fool, not to think how vain Against th' Omnipotent to rise in arms; Who out of smallest things could without end Have rais'd incessant armies to defeat Thy folly; or with solitary hand Reaching beyond all limit at one blow Unaided could have finished thee, and whelm'd Thy legions under darkness; but thou seest All are not of thy train; there be who Faith Prefer, and piety to God, though then To thee not visible, when I alone Seem'd in thy World erroneous to dissent From all: my sect thou seest, now learn too late How few sometimes may know, when thousands err.

Whom the grand foe with scornful eye askance Thus answer'd. Ill for thee, but in wished hour Of my revenge, first sought for thou returnst From flight, seditious Angel, to receive Thy merited reward, the first assay Of this right hand provok't, since first that tongue Inspir'd with contradiction durst oppose A third part of the Gods, in synod met Their deities to assert, who while they feel Vigour Divine within them, can allow Omnipotence to none. But well thou comst Before thy fellows, ambitious to win From me some plume, that thy success may show Destruction to the rest: this pause between (Unanswer'd least thou boast) to let thee know; At first I thought that liberty and Heav'n To heav'nly Souls had been all one; but now I see that most through sloth had rather serve, Minist'ring spirits, train'd up in Feast and Song; Such hast thou arm'd, the Minstrelsy of Heav'n, Servility with freedom to contend, As both their deeds compar'd this day shall prove.

To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern repli'd. Apostate, still thou err'st, nor end wilt find Of erring, from the path of truth remote: Unjustly thou deprav'st it with the name Of servitude to serve whom God ordains, Or nature; God and nature bid the same, When he who rules is worthiest, and excels Them whom he governs. This is servitude, To serve th' unwise, or him who hath rebell'd Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee, Thy self not free, but to thy self enthrall'd; Yet lewdly dar'st our minist'ring upbraid. Reign thou in Hell thy kingdom, let me serve In Heav'n God ever blest, and his Divine Behests obey, worthiest to be obey'd, Yet chains in Hell, not Realms expect: mean while From me return'd, as erst thou saidst, from flight, This greeting on thy impious Crest receive.

So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high, Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fell On the proud Crest of Satan, that no sight, Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield Such ruin intercept: ten paces huge He back recoil'd; the tenth on bended knee His massy spear upstay'd; as if on earth Winds under ground or waters forcing way Sidelong, had push't a mountain from his seat Half sunk with all his pines. Amazement seiz'd The Rebel thrones, but greater rage to see Thus foil'd their mightiest, ours joy fill'd, and shout, Presage of victory and fierce desire Of battle: whereat Michael bid sound Th' arch-Angel trumpet; through the vast of Heaven It sounded, and the faithful armies rung Hosanna to the Highest: nor stood at gaze The adverse legions, nor less hideous join'd The horrid shock: now storming fury rose, And clamour such as heard in Heav'n till now Was never, arms on armour clashing bray'd Horrible discord, and the madding wheels Of brazen chariots rag'd; dire was the noise Of conflict; over head the dismal hiss Of fiery darts in flaming volleys flew, And flying vaulted either Host with fire. So under fiery cope together rush'd Both battles main, with ruinous assault And inextinguishable rage; all Heav'n Resounded, and had earth been then, all earth Had to her centre shook. What wonder? when Millions of fierce encount'ring angels fought On either side, the least of whom could wield These elements, and arm him with the force Of all their Regions: how much more of power Army against army number less to raise Dreadful combustion warring, and disturb, Though not destroy, their happy Native seat; Had not th' Eternal king Omnipotent From his strong hold of Heav'n high over-rul'd And limited their might; though number'd such As each divided Legion might have seem'd A numerous Host, in strength each armed hand A Legion, led in fight, yet leader seem'd Each warrior single as in chief, expert When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway Of battle, open when, and when to close The ridges of grim war; no thought of flight, None of retreat, no unbecoming deed That argu'd fear; each on himself reli'd, As only in his arm the moment lay Of victory; deeds of eternal fame Were done, but infinite: for wide was spread That war and various; sometimes on firm ground A standing fight, then soaring on main wing Tormented all the air; all air seem'd then Conflicting fire: long time in even scale The battle hung; till Satan, who that day Prodigious power had shown, and met in arms No equal, ranging through the dire attack Of fighting Seraphim confus'd, at length Saw where the sword of Michael smote, and fell'd Squadrons at once, with huge two-handed sway Brandished aloft the horrid edge came down Wide wasting; such destruction to withstand He hasted, and oppos'd the rocky orb Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield A vast circumference: At his approach The great arch-Angel from his warlike toil Surceas'd, and glad as hoping here to end Intestine war in Heav'n, the arch foe subdu'd Or Captive drag'd in chains, with hostile frown And visage all enflam'd first thus began.

Author of evil, unknown till thy revolt, Unnam'd in Heav'n, now plenteous, as thou seest These Acts of hateful strife, hateful to all, Though heaviest by just measure on thy self And thy adherents: how hast thou disturb'd Heav'n's blessed peace▪ and into nature brought Misery, uncreated till the crime Of thy rebellion? how hast thou instill'd Thy malice into thousands, once upright And faithful, now prov'd false. But think not here To trouble Holy Rest; Heav'n casts thee out From all her confines. Heav'n the seat of bliss Brooks not the works of violence and war. Hence then, and evil go with thee along Thy offspring, to the place of evil, Hell, Thou and thy wicked crew; there mingle broils, Ere this avenging sword begin thy doom, Or some more sudden vengeance wing'd from God Precipitate thee with augmented pain.

So spake the Prince of angels; to whom thus The Adversary. Nor think thou with wind Of airy threats to awe whom yet with deeds Thou canst not. Hast thou turn'd the least of these To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise Unvanquished, easier to transact with me That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with threats To chase me hence? err not that so shall end The strife which thou call'st evil, but we style The strife of glory: which we mean to win, Or turn this Heav'n it self into the Hell Thou fablest, here however to dwell free, If not to reign: mean while thy utmost force, And join him nam'd Almighty to thy aid▪ I fly not, but have sought thee far and nigh.

They ended parle, and both address'd for fight Unspeakable; for who, though with the tongue Of angels, can relate, or to what things Liken on earth conspicuous, that may lift Human imagination to such height Of Godlike power: for likest Gods they seem'd, Stood they or mov'd, in stature, motion, arms Fit to decide the empire of great Heav'n. Now wav'd their fiery swords, and in the Air Made horrid circles; two broad suns their shields Blaz'd opposite, while expedition stood In horror; from each hand with speed retir'd Where erst was thickest fight, th' Angelic throng, And left large field, unsafe within the wind Of such commotion, such as to set forth Great things by small, If Nature's concord broke, Among the constellations war were sprung, Two planets rushing from aspect malign Of fiercest opposition in mid sky, Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound. Together both with next to Almighty arm, Uplifted imminent one stroke they aim'd That might determine, and not need repeat, As not of power, at once; nor odds appear'd In might or swift prevention; but the sword Of Michael from the armoury of God Was giv'n him temper'd so, that neither keen Nor solid might resist that edge: it met The sword of Satan with steep force to smite Descending, and in half cut sheer, nor stay'd, But with swift wheel reverse, deep ent'ring shar'd All his right side; then Satan first knew pain, And writh'd him to and fro convolv'd; so sore The griding sword with discontinuous wound Pass'd through him, but th' Ethereal substance clos'd Not long divisible, and from the gash A stream of Nectarous humour issuing flow'd Sanguine, such as Celestial spirits may bleed, And all his armour stain'd ere while so bright. Forthwith on all sides to his aide was run By angels many and strong who interpos'd Defence, while others bore him on their shields Back to his chariot; where it stood retir'd From off the files of war; there they him laid Gnashing for anguish and despite and shame To find himself not matchless, and his pride Humbl'd by such rebuke, so far beneath His confidence to equal God in power. Yet soon he heal'd; for spirits that live throughout▪ Vital in every part, not as frail man In entrails, heart or head, liver or reins, Cannot but by annihilating die; Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound Receive, no more than can the fluid Air: All heart they live, all head, all eye, all ear, All intellect, all Sense, and as they please, They limb themselves, and colour, shape or size Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare.

Mean while in other parts like deeds deserv'd Memorial, where the might of Gabriel fought, And with fierce Ensigns pierc'd the deep array Of Moloc furious king who him defi'd, And at his chariot wheels to drag him bound Threatn'd, nor from the Holy One of Heav'n Refrain'd his tongue blasphemous; but anon Down clov'n to the waist, with shatter'd arms And uncouth pain fled bellowing. On each wing Uriel and Raphael his vaunting foe, Though huge, and in a rock of diamond Arm'd, Vanquish'd Adraenelec, and Asmadai, Two potent thrones, that to be less than Gods Disdain'd, but meaner thoughts learn'd in their flight, Mangl'd with ghastly wounds through Plate and Mail, Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy The Atheist crew, but with redoubl'd blow Ariel and Arioc, and the violence Of Ramiel scorched and blasted overthrew. I might relate of thousands, and their names Eternize here on earth; but those elect Angels contented with their fame in Heav'n Seek not the praise of men: the other sort In might though wondrous and in Acts of war, Nor of renown less eager, yet by doom Cancel'd from Heav'n and sacred memory, Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell. For strength from truth divided and from Just, Illaudable, naught merits but dispraise And ignominy, yet to glory aspires Vain glorious, and through infamy seeks fame: Therefore Eternal silence be their doom.

And now their Mightiest quell'd, the battle swerv'd, With many an inroad gor'd; deformed rout Enter'd, and foul disorder; all the ground With shiver'd armour strow'n, and on a heap Chariot and charioteer lay overturn'd And fiery foaming steeds; what stood, recoil'd O'er wearied, through the faint Satanic Host Defensive scarce, or with pale fear surpris'd, Then first with fear surpris'd and sense of pain Fled ignominious, to such evil brought By sin of disobedience, till that hour Not liable to fear or flight or pain. Far otherwise th' inviolable saints In Cubic phalanx firm advanc't entire, Invulnerable, impenetrably arm'd: Such high advantages their innocence Gave them above their foes, not to have sinned, Not to have disobey'd; in fight they stood Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pain'd By wound, though from their place by violence mov'd.

Now Night her course began, and over Heav'n Inducing darkness, grateful truce impos'd, And silence on the odious din of war: Under her Cloudy covert both retir'd, Victor and Vanquished: on the foughten field Michael and his angels prevalent Encamping, plac'd in Guard their watches round, Cherubic waving fires: on th' other part Satan with his rebellious disappear'd, Far in the dark dislodg'd, and void of rest, His Potentates to council call'd by night; And in the midst thus undismay'd began.

O now in danger tri'd, now known in arms Not to be overpower'd, companions dear, Found worthy not of liberty alone, Too mean pretence, but what we more affect, Honour, dominion, glory, and renown, Who have sustain'd one day in doubtful fight (And if one day, why not Eternal days?) What Heaven's lord had powerfullest to send Against us from about his Throne, and judg'd Sufficient to subdue us to his will, But proves not so; then fallible, it seems, Of future we may deem him, though till now Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly arm'd, Some disadvantage we endur'd and pain, Till now not known, but known as soon contemn'd, Since now we find this our Empyreal form Incapable of mortal injury Imperishable, and though pierc'd with wound, Soon closing and by native vigour heal'd. Of evil then so small as easy think The remedy; perhaps more valid arms, Weapons more violent, when next we meet, May serve to better us, and worse our foes, Or equal what between us made the odds, In nature none: if other hidden cause Left them Superior, while we can preserve Unhurt our minds, and understanding sound, Due search and consultation will disclose.

He sat; and in th' assembly next upstood Nisroc, of Principalities the prime; As one he stood escap't from cruel fight, Sore toil'd, his riv'n arms to havoc hewn, And cloudy in aspect thus answering spake. Deliverer from new lords, leader to free Enjoyment of our right as Gods; yet hard For Gods, and too unequal work we find Against unequal arms to fight in pain, Against unpain'd, impassive; from which evil Ruin must needs ensue; for what avails Valour or strength, though matchless, quell'd with pain Which all subdues, and makes remiss the hands Of Mightiest. Sense of pleasure we may well Spare out of life perhaps, and not repine, But live content, which is the calmest life: But pain is perfect misery, the worst Of evils, and excessive, overturns All patience. He who therefore can invent With what more forcible we may offend Our yet unwounded enemies, or arm Our selves with like defence, to me deserves No less than for deliverance what we owe.

Whereto with look compos'd Satan repli'd▪ Not uninvented that, which thou aright Believ'st so main to our success, I bring; Which of us who beholds the bright surface Of this Ethereous mould whereon we stand, This continent of spacious Heav'n, adorn'd With plant, fruit, Flower Ambrosial, Gems & Gold, Whose eye so superficially surveys These things, as not to mind from whence they grow Deep under ground, materials dark and crude, Of spiritous and fiery spume, till touched With Heav'n's ray, and temper'd they shoot forth So beauteous, op'ning to the ambient light. These in their dark nativity the deep Shall yield us pregnant with infernal flame, Which into hollow engines long and round Thick-ramm'd, at th' other bore with touch of fire Dilated and infuriate shall send forth From far with thund'ring noise among our foes Such implements of mischief as shall dash To pieces, and o'erwhelm whatever stands Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarm'd The thunderer of his only dreaded bolt. Nor long shall be our labour, yet ere dawn, Effect shall end our wish. Mean while revive; Abandon fear; to strength and counsel join'd Think nothing hard, much less to be despair'd. He ended, and his words their drooping cheer Enlighten'd, and their languished hope reviv'd. Th' invention all admir'd, and each, how he To be th' inventor miss'd, so easy it seem'd Once found, which yet unfound most would have thought Impossible: yet haply of thy race In future days, if malice should abound, Some o•• intent on mischief, or inspir'd With dev'lish machination might devise Like instrument to plague the Sons of men For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent. Forthwith from council to the work they flew, None arguing stood, innumerable hands Were ready, in a moment up they turn'd Wide the Celestial soil, and saw beneath Th' originals of nature in their crude Conception; Sulphurous and Nitrous foam They found, they mingl'd, and with subtle art, Concocted and adusted they reduc'd To blackest grain, and into store convey'd: Part hidd'n veins digg'd up (nor hath this earth Entrails unlike) of mineral and stone, Whereof to found their engines and their balls Of missive ruin; part incentive reed Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire. So all ere day-spring, under conscious Night Secret they finish'd, and in order set, With silent circumspection unespi'd. Now when fair Morn Orient in Heav'n appear'd Up rose the victor angels, and to arms The matin trumpet Sung: in arms they stood Of Golden panoply, refulgent Host, Soon banded; others from the dawning hills Look'd round, and scouts each Coast light-armed scour, Each quarter, to descry the distant foe, Where lodg'd, or whither fled, or if for fight, In motion or in halt: him soon they met Under spread Ensigns moving nigh, in slow But firm battalion; back with speediest sail Zophiel, of cherubim the swiftest wing, Came flying, and in mid Air aloud thus cri'd.

Arm, warriors, arm for fight, the foe at hand, Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit This day, fear not his flight; so thick a cloud He comes, and settl'd in his face I see Sad resolution and secure: let each His Adamantine coat gird well, and each Fit well his helm, gripe first his orbed shield, Born even or high, for this day will pour down, If I conjecture aught, no drizzling shower, But rattling storm of arrows barb'd with fire. So warn'd he them aware themselves, and soon In order, quit of all impediment; Instant without disturb they took Alarm, And onward move Embattled; when behold Not distant far with heavy pace the foe Approaching gross and huge; in hollow cube Training his devilish Enginery, impal'd On every side with shadowing squadrons deep, To hide the fraud. At interview both stood A while, but suddenly at head appear'd Satan: And thus was heard Commanding loud.

Vanguard, to Right and Left the front unfold; That all may see who hate us, how we seek; Peace and composure, and with open breast Stand ready to receive them, if they like Our overture, and turn not back perverse; But that I doubt, however witness Heaven, Heav'n witness thou anon, while we discharge Freely our part; ye who appointed stand Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch What we propound, and loud that all may hear.

So scoffing in ambiguous words he scarce, Had ended; when to Right and Left the front Divided, and to either flank retir'd. Which to our eyes discover'd new and strange, A triple mounted row of pillars laid On wheels (for like to pillars most they seem'd Or hollow'd bodies made of oak or fir With branches lopped, in wood or mountain fell'd) Brass, iron, Stony mould, had not their mouths With hideous orifice gap't on us wide, Portending hollow truce; at each behind A Seraph stood, and in his hand a reed Stood waving tipped with fire; while we suspense; Collected stood within our thoughts amus'd, Not long, for sudden all at once their reeds Put forth, and to a narrow vent appli'd With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame, But soon obscur'd with smoke, all Heav'n appear'd, From those deep throated engines belch'd, whose roar Embowel'd with outrageous noise the air, And all her entrails tore, disgorging foul Their devilish glut, chain'd thunderbolts and hail Of iron globes, which on the victor Host Level'd, with such impetuous fury smote, That whom they hit, none on their feet might stand,' Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell By thousands, Angel on arch-Angel roll'd; The sooner for their arms, unarm'd they might Have easily as spirits evaded swift By quick contraction or remove; but now Foul dissipation follow'd and forc't rout; Nor serv'd it to relax their serried files. What should they do? if on they rushed, repulse Repeated, and indecent overthrow Doubl'd, would render them yet more despis'd, And to their foes a laughter; for in view Stood ranked of Seraphim another row In posture to displode their second tier Of thunder: back defeated to return They worse abhorr'd. Satan beheld their plight, And to his mates thus in derision call'd.

O Friends, why come not on these victors proud? Ere while they fierce were coming, and when we, To entertain them fair with open front And Breast, (what could we more?) propounded terms Of composition, strait they chang'd their minds, Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell, As they would dance, yet for a dance they seem'd Somewhat extravagant and wild, perhaps For joy of offer'd peace: but I suppose If our proposals once again were heard We should compel them to a quick result.

To whom thus Belial in like gamesome mood, Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight, Of hard contents, and full of force urg'd home, Such as we might perceive amus'd them all, And stumbl'd many, who receives them right, Had need from head to foot well understand; Not understood, this gift they have besides, They show us when our foes walk not upright.

So they among themselves in pleasant vein Stood scoffing, heighten'd in their thoughts beyond All doubt of victory, eternal might To match with their inventions they presum'd So easy, and of his thunder made a scorn, And all his Host derided, while they stood A while in trouble; but they stood not long, Rage prompted them at length, and found them arms Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose. Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power Which God hath in his mighty angels plac'd) Their arms away they threw, and to the hills (For earth hath this variety from Heav'n Of pleasure situate in hill and dale) Light as the lightning glimpse they ran, they flew, From their foundations loos'ning to and fro They pluck'd the seated hills with all their load, Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops Up lifting bore them in their hands: Amaze, Be sure, and terror seiz'd the rebel Host, When coming towards them so dread they saw The bottom of the Mountains upward turn'd, Till on those cursed engines triple-row They saw them whelm'd, and all their confidence Under the weight of Mountains buried deep, Themselves invaded next, and on their heads Main promontories flung, which in the air Came shadowing, and oppressed whole legions arm'd, Their armour help'd their harm, crush't in and bruis'd Into their substance pent, which wrought them pain Implacable, and many a dolorous groan, Long strug'ling underneath, ere they could wind Out of such prison, though spirits of purest light, Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown. The rest in imitation to like arms Betook them, and the neighbouring hills uptore; So hills amid the air encounter'd hills Hurl'd to and fro with jaculation dire, That under ground, they fought in dismal shade; Infernal noise; war seem'd a civil game To this uproar; horrid confusion heaped Upon confusion rose: and now all Heav'n Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspread, Had not th' Almighty Father where he sits Shrin'd in his sanctuary of Heav'n secure, Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen This tumult, and permitted all, advis'd: That his great purpose he might so fulfil, To honour his Anointed Son aveng'd Upon his enemies, and to declare All power on him transferr'd: whence to his Son Th' assessor of his Throne he thus began.

Effulgence of my glory, Son belov'd, Son in whose face invisible is beheld Visibly, what by Deity I am, And in whose hand what by decree I do, Second Omnipotence, two days are past, Two days, as we compute the days of Heav'n, Since Michael and his Powers went forth to tame These disobedient; sore hath been their fight, As likeliest was, when two such foes met arm'd; For to themselves I left them, and thou know'st, Equal in their creation they were form'd, Save what sin hath impair'd, which yet hath wrought Insensibly, for I suspend their doom; Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last Endless, and no solution will be found: War wearied hath perform'd what war can do, And to disorder'd rage let loose the reins, With Mountains as with weapons arm'd, which makes Wild work in Heav'n, and dangerous to the main. Two days are therefore past, the third is thine; For thee I have ordain'd it, and thus far Have suffer'd, that the glory may be thine Of ending this great war, since none but Thou Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace Immense I have transfus'd, that all may know In Heav'n and Hell thy power above compare, And this perverse Commotion govern'd thus, To manifest thee worthiest to be heir Of all things, to be heir and to be king By Sacred Unction, thy deserved right. Go then thou Mightiest in thy father's might, Ascend my chariot▪ guide the rapid wheels That shake Heav'n's basis, bring forth all my war, My bow and thunder, my Almighty arms Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant Thigh; Pursue these sons of Darkness, drive them out From all Heav'n's bounds into the utter deep: There let them learn, as likes them, to despise God and Messiah his anointed king.

He said, and on his Son with Rays direct Shone full, he all his Father full expressed Ineffably into his face receiv'd, And thus the filial Godhead answering spake.

O Father, O Supreme of heav'nly thrones, First, Highest, Holiest, Best, thou always seek'st To glorify thy Son, I always thee, As is most just; this I my glory account, My exaltation, and my whole delight, That thou in me well pleas'd, declar'st thy will Fulfill'd, which to fulfil is all my bliss. Sceptre and power, thy giving, I assume, And gladlier shall resign, when in the end Thou shalt be All in All, and I in thee For ever, and in me all whom thou lov'st: But whom thou hat'st, I hate, and can put on Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on, Image of thee in all things; and shall soon, Arm'd with thy might, rid heav'n of these rebell'd, To their prepar'd ill mansion driven down To chains of darkness, and th' undying worm, That from thy just obedience could revolt, Whom to obey is happiness entire. Then shall thy saints unmixed, and from th' impure Far separate, circling thy holy Mount Unfeigned Hallelujahs to thee sing, Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief. So said, he o'er his sceptre bowing, rose From the right hand of glory where he sate, And the third sacred Morn began to shine Dawning through Heav'n: forth rush'd with whirlwind sound The chariot of Paternal Deity, Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawn, It self instinct with Spirit, but convoy'd By four Cherubic shapes, four faces each Had wondrous, as with stars their bodies all And wings were set with eyes, with eyes the wheels Of Beryl, and careering fires between; Over their heads a crystal firmament, Whereon a Sapphire Throne, inlaid with pure Amber, and colours of the showery arch. He in Celestial panoply all arm'd Of radiant Urim, work divinely wrought, Ascended, at his right hand victory Sate Eagle-wing'd, beside him hung his bow And quiver with three-bolted thunder stor'd, And from about him fierce Effusion roll'd Of smoke and bickering flame, and sparkles dire; Attended with ten thousand thousand saints, He onward came, far off his coming shone, And twenty thousand (I their number heard) Chariots of God, half on each hand were seen: He on the wings of cherub rode sublime On the Crystalline sky, in Sapphire Thron'd. Illustrious far and wide, but by his own First seen, them unexpected joy surpris'd, When the great ensign of Messiah blaz'd Aloft by angels born, his Sign in Heav'n: Under whose conduct Michael soon reduc'd His army, circumfus'd on either wing, Under their head embodied all in one. Before him power Divine his way prepar'd; At his command the uprooted hills retir'd Each to his place, they heard his voice and went Obsequious, Heav'n his wonted face renew'd, And with fresh Flowerets hill and valley smil'd. This saw his hapless foes but stood obdur'd, And to rebellious fight rallied their Powers Insensate, hope conceiving from despair. In heav'nly spirits could such perverseness dwell? But to convince the proud what Signs avail, Or wonders move th' obdurate to relent? They hardened more by what might most reclaim, Grieving to see his glory, at the sight Took envy, and aspiring to his height, Stood reimbattell'd fierce, by force or fraud Weening to prosper, and at length prevail Against God and Messiah, or to fall In universal ruin last, and now To final battle drew, disdaining flight, Or faint retreat; when the great Son of God To all his Host on either hand thus spake.

Stand still in bright array ye saints, here stand Ye angels arm'd, this day from battle rest; Faithful hath been your warfare, and of God Accepted, fearless in his righteous cause, And as ye have receiv'd, so have ye done Invincibly; but of this cursed crew The punishment to other hand belongs, Vengeance is his, or whose he sole appoints; Number to this day's work is not ordain'd Nor multitude, stand only and behold God's indignation on these Godless pour'd By me, not you but me they have despis'd, Yet envied; against me is all their rage, Because the Father, t' whom in Heav'n supreme Kingdom and power and glory appertains, Hath honour'd me according to his will. Therefore to me their doom he hath assign'd; That they may have their wish, to try with me In battle which the stronger proves, they all, Or I alone against them, since by strength They measure all, of other excellence Not emulous, nor care who them excels; Nor other strife with them do I vouchsafe.

So spake the Son, and into terror chang'd His count'nance too severe to be beheld And full of wrath bent on his enemies. At once the Four spread out their Starry wings With dreadful shade contiguous, and the Orbs Of his fierce chariot roll'd, as with the sound Of torrent floods, or of a numerous Host. He on his impious foes right onward drove, Gloomy as Night; under his burning wheels The steadfast Empyrean shook throughout, All but the Throne it self of God. Full soon Among them he arriv'd; in his right hand Grasping ten thousand Thunders, which he sent Before him, such as in their Souls infix'd Plagues; they astonished all resistance lost, All courage; down their idle weapons drop'd; O'er shields and Helms, and helmed heads he rode Of thrones and mighty Seraphim prostrate, That wished the Mountains now might be again Thrown on them as a shelter from his ire. Nor less on either side tempestuous fell His arrows, from the fourfold-visag'd four, Distinct with eyes, and from the living wheels Distinct alike with multitude of eyes, One Spirit in them rul'd, and every eye Glar'd lightning, and shot forth pernicious fire Among th' accurst, that wither'd all their strength, And of their wonted vigour left them drain'd, Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fall'n. Yet half his strength he put not forth, but check'd His thunder in mid volley, for he meant Not to destroy, but root them out of Heav'n: The overthrown he rais'd, and as a herd Of goats or timorous flock together throng'd Drove them before him thunder-struck, pursu'd With terrors and with furies to the bounds And Crystal wall of Heav'n, which op'ning wide, Roll'd inward, and a spacious gap disclos'd Into the wasteful deep; the monstrous sight Struck them with horror backward, but far worse Urg'd them behind; headlong themselves they threw Down from the verge of Heav'n, Eternal wrath Burnt after them to the bottomless pit.

Hell heard th' unsufferable noise, Hell saw Heav'n ruining from Heav'n and would have fled Affrighted; but strict Fate had cast too deep Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound. Nine days they fell; confounded Chaos roar'd, And felt tenfold confusion in their fall Through his wild Anarchy, so huge a rout Encumber'd him with ruin: Hell at last Yawning received them whole, and on them clos'd, Hell their fit habitation fraught with fire Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain. Disburden'd Heav'n rejoic'd, and soon repair'd Her mural breach, returning whence it roll'd. Sole victor from th' expulsion of his foes Messiah his triumphal chariot turn'd: To meet him all his saints, who silent stood Eye witnesses of his Almighty Acts, With Jubilee advanc'd; and as they went, Shaded with branching Palm, each order bright, Sung Triumph, and him sung Victorious king, Son, heir, and lord, to him dominion giv'n, Worthiest to reign: he celebrated rode Triumphant through mid Heav'n, into the courts And temple of his mighty Father Thron'd On high: who into glory him receiv'd, Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss.

Thus measuring things in Heav'n by things on earth At thy request, and that thou may'st beware By what is past, to thee I have reveal'd What might have else to human race been hid; The discord which befell, and war in Heav'n Among th' Angelic Powers, and the deep fall Of those too high aspiring, who rebell'd With Satan, he who envies now thy state, Who now is plotting how he may seduce Thee also from obedience, that with him Bereav'd of happiness thou may'st partake His punishment, Eternal misery; Which would be all his solace and revenge, As a despite done against the most High, Thee once to gain companion of his woe. But list'n not to his temptations, warn Thy weaker; let it profit thee to have heard By terrible example the reward Of disobedience; firm they might have stood, Yet fell; remember, and fear to transgress.

BOOK VII.

THE ARGUMENT.

Raphael at the request of Adam relates how and wherefore this world was first created; that God, after the expelling of Satan and his angels out of Heaven, declar'd his pleasure to create another world and other creatures to dwell therein; sends his Son with glory and attendance of angels to perform the work of creation in six days: the angels celebrate with hymns the performance thereof, and his reascension into Heaven.

DEscend from Heav'n Urania, by that name If rightly thou art call'd, whose voice divine Following, above th' Olympian hill I soar, Above the flight of Pegasean wing. The meaning, not the name I call: for thou Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top Of old Olympus dwell'st, but Heav'nly born, Before the hills appear'd, or fountain flow'd, Thou with eternal wisdom didst converse, Wisdom thy sister, and with her didst play In presence of th' Almighty Father, pleas'd With thy celestial song. Up led by thee Into the Heav'n of Heav'ns I have presum'd, An earthly guest, and drawn empyreal air, Thy temp'ring; with like safety guided down Return me to my native element: Lest from this flying steed unreined, (as once Bellerophon, though from a lower clime) Dismounted, on th' Aleian field I fall Erroneous there to wander and forlorn. Half yet remains unsung, but narrower bound Within the visible diurnal sphere; Standing on Earth, not rapt above the pole, More safe I sing with mortal voice, unchang'd To hoarse or mute, though fall'n on evil days, On evil days though fall'n, and evil tongues; In darkness, and with dangers compass'd round, And solitude; yet not alone, while thou Visit'st my slumbers nightly, or when morn Purples the east: still govern thou my song, Urania, and fit audience find, though few. But drive far off the barbarous dissonance Of Bacchus and his revellers, the race Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard In Rhodope, where woods and rocks had ears To rapture, till the savage clamour drown'd Both harp and voice; nor could the Muse defend Her son. So fail not thou, who thee implores: For thou art Heav'nly, she an empty dream.

Say, Goddess, what ensu'd when Raphael, The affable archangel, had forewarn'd Adam by dire example to beware Apostasy, by what befell in Heaven To those apostates, lest the like befall In Paradise to Adam or his race, Charg'd not to touch the interdicted tree, If they transgress, and slight that sole command, So easily obey'd amid the choice Of all tastes else to please their appetite, Though wand'ring. He with his consorted Eve The story heard attentive, and was fill'd With admiration, and deep muse to hear Of things so high and strange, things to their thought So unimaginable as hate in Heav'n, And war so near the peace of God in bliss With such confusion: but the evil soon Driv'n back redounded as a flood on those From whom it sprung, impossible to mix With blessedness. Whence Adam soon repeal'd The doubts that in his heart arose: and now Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know What nearer might concern him, how this world Of Heav'n and Earth conspicuous first began, When, and whereof created, for what cause, What within Eden or without was done Before his memory, as one whose drouth Yet scarce allay'd still eyes the current stream, Whose liquid murmur heard new thirst excites, Proceeded thus to ask his Heav'nly guest.

Great things, and full of wonder in our ears, Far differing from this world, thou hast reveal'd Divine interpreter, by favour sent Down from the Empyrean to forewarn Us timely of what might else have been our loss, Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach: For which to the infinitely Good we owe Immortal thanks, and his admonishment Receive with solemn purpose to observe Immutably his sovereign will, the end Of what we are. But since thou hast vouchsaf'd Gently for our instruction to impart Things above earthly thought, which yet concern'd Our knowing, as to highest wisdom seem'd, Deign to descend now lower, and relate What may no less perhaps avail us known, How first began this Heav'n which we behold Distant so high, with moving fires adorn'd Innumerable, and this which yields or fills All space, the ambient air wide interfus'd Embracing round this florid Earth, what cause Mov'd the Creator in his holy rest Through all eternity so late to build In Chaos, and the work begun, how soon Absolv'd, if unforbid thou mayst unfold What we, not to explore the secrets ask Of his eternal empire, but the more, To magnify his works, the more we know. And the great light of day yet wants to run Much of his race though steep, suspense in Heav'n Held by thy voice, thy potent voice he hears, And longer will delay to hear thee tell His generation, and the rising birth Of Nature from the unapparent deep: Or if the star of evening and the moon Haste to thy audience, Night with her will bring Silence, and Sleep list'ning to thee will watch, Or we can bid his absence, till thy song End, and dismiss thee ere the morning shine. Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought: And thus the godlike angel answer'd mild. This also thy request with caution ask'd Obtain; though to recount Almighty works What words or tongue of seraph can suffice, Or heart of man suffice to comprehend? Yet what thou canst attain, which best may serve To glorify the Maker, and infer Thee also happier, shall not be withheld Thy hearing, such commission from above I have receiv'd, to answer thy desire Of knowledge within bounds; beyond abstain To ask, nor let thine own inventions hope Things not reveal'd, which th' invisible King, Only Omniscient, hath suppress'd in night, To none communicable in Earth or Heaven: Enough is left besides to search and know. But knowledge is as food, and needs no less Her temperance over appetite, to know In measure what the mind may well contain, Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind.

Know then, that after Lucifer from Heav'n (So call him, brighter once amidst the host Of angels, than that star the stars among) Fell with his flaming legions through the deep Into his place, and the great Son return'd Victorious with his saints, th' Omnipotent Eternal Father from his throne beheld Their multitude, and to his Son thus spake.

At least our envious foe hath fail'd, who thought All like himself rebellious, by whose aid This inaccessible high strength, the seat Of Deity supreme, us dispossess'd, He trusted to have seiz'd, and into fraud Drew many, whom their place knows here no more; Yet far the greater part have kept, I see, Their station, Heav'n yet populous retains Number sufficient to possess her realms Though wide, and this high temple to frequent With ministries due and solemn rites: But lest his heart exalt him in the harm Already done, to have dispeopl'd Heav'n My damage fondly deem'd, I can repair That detriment, if such it be to lose Self-lost, and in a moment will create Another world, out of one man a race Of men innumerable, there to dwell, Not here, till by degrees of merit rais'd They open to themselves at length the way Up hither, under long obedience tri'd, And Earth be chang'd to Heav'n, and Heav'n to Earth, One kingdom, joy and union without end. Mean while inhabit lax, ye Powers of Heav'n, And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee This I perform, speak thou, and be it done: My overshadowing Spirit and might with thee I send along, ride forth, and bid the deep Within appointed bounds be Heav'n and Earth, Boundless the deep, because I am who fill Infinitude, nor vacuous the space. Though I uncircumscrib'd myself retire, And put not forth my goodness, which is free To act or not, Necessity and Chance Approach not me, and what I will is Fate.

So spake th' Almighty, and to what he spake His Word, the filial Godhead, gave effect. Immediate are the acts of God, more swift Than time or motion, but to human ears Cannot without process of speech be told, So told as earthly notion can receive. Great triumph and rejoicing was in Heav'n When such was heard declar'd the Almighty's will; Glory they sung to the most High, good will To future men, and in their dwellings peace: Glory to him whose just avenging ire Had driven out th' ungodly from his sight And th' habitations of the just; to him Glory and praise, whose wisdom had ordain'd Good out of evil to create, in stead Of spirits malign a better race to bring Into their vacant room, and thence diffuse His good to worlds and ages infinite. So sang the Hierarchies: meanwhile the Son On his great expedition now appear'd, Girt with omnipotence, with radiance crown'd Of majesty divine, sapience and love Immense, and all his Father in him shone. About his chariot numberless were pour'd Cherub and seraph, potentates and thrones, And Virtues, winged spirits, and chariots wing'd, From the armoury of God, where stand of old Myriads between two brazen mountains lodg'd Against a solemn day, harness'd at hand, Celestial equipage; and now came forth Spontaneous, for within them spirit liv'd, Attendant on their Lord: Heav'n open'd wide Her ever-during gates, harmonious sound On golden hinges moving, to let forth The King of Glory in his powerful Word And Spirit coming to create new worlds. On heav'nly ground they stood, and from the shore They view'd the vast immeasurable abyss Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, wild, Up from the bottom turn'd by furious winds And surging waves, as mountains to assault Heav'n's height, and with the centre mix the pole.

Silence, ye troubl'd waves, and thou Deep, peace, Said then th' Omnific Word, your discord end:

Nor stay'd, but on the wings of Cherubim Uplifted, in paternal glory rode Far into Chaos, and the world unborn; For Chaos heard his voice: him all his train Follow'd in bright procession to behold Creation, and the wonders of his might. Then stay'd the fervid wheels, and in his hand He took the golden compasses, prepar'd In God's eternal store, to circumscribe This universe, and all created things: One foot he centred, and the other turn'd Round through the vast profundity obscure, And said, thus far extend, thus far thy bounds, This be thy just circumference, O world. Thus God the Heav'n created, thus the Earth, Matter unform'd and void: darkness profound Cover'd th' abyss: but on the wat'ry calm His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspread, And vital virtue infus'd, and vital warmth Throughout the fluid mass, but downward purg'd The black tartareous cold infernal dregs Adverse to life: then founded, then conglob'd Like things to like, the rest to several place Disparted, and between spun out the air, And Earth self-balanc'd on her centre hung.

Let there be light, said God, and forthwith light Ethereal first of things, quintessence pure Sprung from the deep, and from her native east To journey through the airy gloom began, Spher'd in a radiant cloud, for yet the sun Was not; she in a cloudy tabernacle So journ'd the while. God saw the light was good; And light from darkness by the hemisphere Divided: light the day, and darkness night He nam'd. Thus was the first day even and morn: Nor past uncelebrated, nor unsung By the celestial choirs, when orient light Exhaling first from darkness they beheld; Birthday of Heav'n and Earth; with joy and shout The hollow universal orb they fill'd, And touch'd their golden harps, and hymning prais'd God and his works, Creator him they sung, Both when first evening was, and when first morn.

Again, God said, let there be firmament Amid the waters, and let it divide The waters from the waters: and God made The firmament, expanse of liquid, pure, Transparent, elemental air, diffus'd In circuit to the uttermost convex Of this great round: partition firm and sure, The waters underneath from those above Dividing: for as Earth, so he the world Built on circumfluous waters calm, in wide Crystalline ocean, and the loud misrule Of Chaos far remov'd, lest fierce extremes Contiguous might distemper the whole frame: And Heav'n he nam'd the firmament: So even And morning Chorus sung the second day.

The Earth was form'd, but in the womb as yet Of waters, embryon immature involv'd, Appear'd not: over all the face of Earth Main ocean flow'd, not idle, but with warm Prolific humour soft'ning all her globe, Fermented the great mother to conceive, Satiate with genial moisture, when God said Be gather'd now ye waters under Heav'n Into one place, and let dry land appear. Immediately the mountains huge appear Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave Into the clouds, their tops ascend the sky: So high as heav'd the tumid hills, so low Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep, Capacious bed of waters: thither they Hasted with glad precipitance, uproll'd As drops on dust conglobing from the dry; Part rise in crystal wall, or ridge direct, For haste; such flight the great command impress'd On the swift floods: as armies at the call Of trumpet (for of armies thou hast heard) Troop to their standard, so the wat'ry throng, Wave rolling after wave, where way they found, If steep, with torrent rapture, if through plain, Soft-ebbing; nor withstood them rock or hill, But they, or under ground, or circuit wide With serpent error wand'ring, found their way, And on the washy ooze deep channels wore; Easy, ere God had bid the ground be dry, All but within whose banks, where rivers now Stream, and perpetual draw their humid train. The dry land, Earth, and the great receptacle Of congregated waters he call'd seas: And saw that it was good, and said, Let th' Earth Put forth the verdant grass, herb yielding seed, And fruit tree yielding fruit after her kind; Whose seed is in herself upon the Earth. He scarce had said, when the bare Earth, till then Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorn'd, Brought forth the tender grass, whose verdure clad Her universal face with pleasant green, Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flower'd Op'ning their various colours, and made gay Her bosom smelling sweet: and these scarce blown, Forth flourish'd thick the clust'ring vine, forth crept The smelling gourd, up stood the corny reed Embattell'd in her field: and the humble shrub, And bush with frizzl'd hair implicit: last Rose as in dance the stately trees, and spread Their branches hung with copious fruit; or gemm'd Their blossoms: with high woods the hills were crown'd, With tufts the valleys and each fountain side, With borders long the rivers. That Earth now Seem'd like to Heav'n, a seat where gods might dwell, Or wander with delight, and love to haunt Her sacred shades: though God had yet not rain'd Upon the Earth, and man to till the ground None was, but from the Earth a dewy mist Went up and water'd all the ground, and each Plant of the field, which ere it was in the Earth God made, and every herb, before it grew On the green stem; God saw that it was good. So even and morn recorded the third day.

Again th' Almighty spake: Let there be lights High in th' expanse of Heaven to divide The day from night; and let them be for signs, For seasons, and for days, and circling years, And let them be for lights as I ordain Their office in the firmament of Heav'n To give light on the Earth; and it was so. And God made two great lights, great for their use To man, the greater to have rule by day, The less by night alterne: and made the stars, And set them in the firmament of Heav'n To illuminate the Earth, and rule the day In their vicissitude, and rule the night, And light from darkness to divide. God saw, Surveying his great work, that it was good: For of celestial bodies first the sun A mighty sphere he fram'd, unlightsome first, Though of ethereal mould: then form'd the moon Globose, and every magnitude of stars, And sow'd with stars the Heav'n thick as a field: Of light by far the greater part he took, Transplanted from her cloudy shrine, and plac'd In the sun's orb, made porous to receive And drink the liquid light, firm to retain Her gather'd beams, great palace now of light. Hither as to their fountain other stars Repairing, in their golden urns draw light, And hence the morning planet gilds her horns; By tincture or reflection they augment Their small peculiar, though from human sight So far remote, with diminution seen, First in his east the glorious lamp was seen: Regent of day, and all th' horizon round Invested with bright rays, jocund to run His longitude through Heav'n's high road: the grey Dawn, and the Pleiades before him danc'd Shedding sweet influence: less bright the moon, But opposite in levell'd west was set His mirror, with full face borrowing her light From him, for other light she needed none In that aspect, and still that distance keeps Till night, then in the east her turn she shines, Revolv'd on Heav'n's great axle, and her reign With thousand lesser lights dividual holds, With thousand thousand stars, that then appear'd Spangling the hemisphere: then first adorn'd With their bright luminaries that set and rose, Glad evening and glad morn crown'd the fourth day.

And God said, let the waters generate Reptile with spawn abundant, living soul: And let fowl fly above the Earth, with wings Display'd on the open firmament of Heav'n. And God created the great whales, and each Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously The waters generated by their kinds, And every bird of wing after his kind; And saw that it was good, and bless'd them, saying, Be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas And lakes and running streams the waters fill; And let the fowl be multiply'd on the Earth. Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals Of fish that with their fins and shining scales Glide under the green wave, in schools that oft Bank the mid sea: part single or with mate Graze the seaweed their pasture, and through groves Of coral stray, or sporting with quick glance Show to the sun their wav'd coats dropped with gold, Or in their pearly shells at ease, attend Moist nutriment, or under rocks their food In jointed armour watch: on smooth the seal, And bended dolphins play: part huge of bulk Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait Tempest the ocean: there Leviathan Hugest, of living creatures, on the deep Stretch'd like a promontory sleeps or swims, And seems a moving land, and at his gills Draws in, and at his trunk spouts out a sea. Meanwhile the tepid caves, and fens and shores Their brood as numerous hatch, from the egg that soon Bursting with kindly rupture forth disclos'd Their callow young, but feather'd soon and fledge They summ'd their pens, and soaring th' air sublime With clang despis'd the ground, under a cloud In prospect; there the eagle and the stork On cliffs and cedar tops their eyries build: Part loosely wing the region, part more wise In common, rang'd in figure wedge their way, Intelligent of seasons, and set forth Their airy caravan high over seas Flying, and over lands with mutual wing Easing their flight; so steers the prudent crane Her annual voyage, born on winds; the air Floats, as they pass, fann'd with unnumber'd plumes: From branch to branch the smaller birds with song Solac'd the woods, and spread their painted wings Till even, nor then the solemn nightingale Ceas'd warbling, but all night tun'd her soft lays: Others on silver lakes and rivers bath'd Their downy breast; the swan with arch'd neck Between her white wings mantling proudly, rows Her state with oary feet; yet oft they quit The dank, and rising on stiff pennons, tower The mid aerial sky: others on ground Walk'd firm; the crested cock whose clarion sounds The silent hours, and th' other whose gay train Adorns him, colour'd with the florid hue Of rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thus With fish replenish'd, and the air with fowl, Evening and morn solemniz'd the fifth day.

The sixth, and of creation last arose With evening harps and matin, when God said, Let th' Earth bring forth soul living in her kind, Cattle and creeping things, and beast of the Earth, Each in their kind. The Earth obey'd, and straight Op'ning her fertile womb teem'd at a birth Innumerous living creatures, perfect forms, Limb'd and full grown: out of the ground up rose As from his lair the wild beast where he wons In forest wild, in thicket, brake, or den; Among the trees in pairs they rose, they walk'd: The cattle in the fields and meadows green: Those rare and solitary, these in flocks Pasturing at once, and in broad herds upsprung. The grassy clods now calv'd, now half appear'd The tawny lion, pawing to get free His hinder parts, then springs as broke from bonds, And rampant shakes his brinded mane; the ounce, The libbard, and the tiger, as the mole Rising, the crumbl'd earth above them threw In hillocks; the swift stag from under ground Bore up his branching head: scarce from his mould Behemoth biggest born of earth upheav'd His vastness: fleec'd the flocks and bleating rose, As plants: ambiguous between sea and land The river-horse and scaly crocodile. At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, Insect or worm; those wav'd their limber fans For wings, and smallest lineaments exact In all the liveries deck'd of Summer's pride With spots of gold and purple, azure and green: These as a line their long dimension drew, Streaking the ground with sinuous trace; not all Minims of nature; some of serpent kind Wondrous in length and corpulence involv'd Their snaky folds, and added wings. First crept The parsimonious emmet, provident Of future, in small room large heart enclos'd, Pattern of just equality perhaps Hereafter, join'd in her popular tribes Of commonalty: swarming next appear'd The female bee that feeds her husband drone Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells With honey stor'd: the rest are numberless, And thou their natures know'st, and gav'st them names, Needless to thee repeated; nor unknown The serpent subtl'st beast of all the field, Of huge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes And hairy mane terrific, though to thee Not noxious, but obedient at thy call. Now Heav'n in all her glory shone, and roll'd Her motions, as the great First-Mover's hand First wheel'd their course; Earth in her rich attire Consummate lovely smil'd; air, water, earth, By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swum, was walk'd Frequent; and of the sixth day yet remain'd; There wanted yet the master-work, the end Of all yet done; a creature who not prone And brute as other creatures, but endu'd With sanctity of reason, might erect His stature, and upright with front serene Govern the rest, self-knowing, and from thence Magnanimous to correspond with Heav'n, But grateful to acknowledge whence his good Descends, thither with heart and voice and eyes Directed in devotion, to adore And worship God Supreme, who made him chief Of all his works: therefore the Omnipotent Eternal Father (for where is not he Present) thus to his Son audibly spake.

Let us make now man in our image, man In our similitude, and let them rule Over the fish and fowl of sea and air, Beast of the field, and over all the Earth, And every creeping thing that creeps the ground. This said, he form'd thee, Adam, thee O man Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breath'd The breath of life; in his own image he Created thee, in the image of God Express, and thou becam'st a living soul. Male he created thee, but thy consort Female for race; then bless'd mankind, and said, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the Earth, Subdue it, and throughout dominion hold Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air, And every living thing that moves on the Earth. Wherever thus created, for no place Is yet distinct by name, thence, as thou know'st He brought thee into this delicious grove, This garden, planted with the trees of God, Delectable both to behold and taste; And freely all their pleasant fruit for food Gave thee, all sorts are here that all th' Earth yields, Variety without end; but of the tree Which tasted works knowledge of good and evil; Thou may'st not; in the day thou eat'st, thou di'st; Death is the penalty impos'd, beware, And govern well thy appetite, lest sin Surprise thee, and her black attendant Death. Here finish'd he, and all that he had made View'd, and behold all was entirely good; So even and morn accomplish'd the sixth day: Yet not till the Creator from his work Desisting, though unwearied, up return'd Up to the Heav'n of Heav'ns his high abode, Thence to behold this new created world Th' addition of his empire, how it show'd In prospect from his throne, how good, how fair, Answering his great idea. Up he rode Follow'd with acclamation and the sound Symphonious of ten thousand harps that tun'd Angelic harmonies: the Earth, the air Resounded, (thou remember'st, for thou heardst) The Heav'ns and all the constellations rung, The planets in their station list'ning stood, While the bright pomp ascended jubilant. Open, ye everlasting gates, they sung, Open, ye Heav'ns, your living doors; let in The great Creator from his work return'd Magnificent, his six days' work, a world; Open, and henceforth oft; for God will deign To visit oft the dwellings of just men Delighted, and with frequent intercourse Thither will send his winged messengers On errands of supernal grace. So sung The glorious train ascending: He through Heav'n, That open'd wide her blazing portals, led To God's eternal house direct the way, A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear, Seen in the Galaxy, that Milky Way Which nightly as a circling zone thou seest Powder'd with stars. And now on Earth the seventh Evening arose in Eden, for the sun Was set, and twilight from the east came on, Forerunning night; when at the holy mount Of Heav'n's high-seated top, th' imperial throne Of Godhead, fixed for ever firm and sure, The Filial Power arriv'd, and sate him down With his great Father (for he also went Invisible, yet stay'd (such privilege Hath Omnipresence) and the work ordain'd, Author and end of all things, and from work Now resting, bless'd and hallow'd the seventh day, As resting on that day from all his work, But not in silence holy kept; the harp Had work and rested not, the solemn pipe, And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop, All sounds on fret by string or golden wire Temper'd soft tunings, intermixed with voice Choral or unison: of incense clouds Fuming from golden censers hid the mount. Creation and the six days' acts they sung, Great are thy works, Jehovah, infinite Thy power; what thought can measure thee or tongue Relate thee; greater now in thy return Than from the giant angels; thee that day Thy thunders magnifi'd; but to create Is greater than created to destroy. Who can impair thee, mighty King, or bound Thy empire? easily the proud attempt Of spirits apostate and their counsels vain Thou hast repell'd, while impiously they thought Thee to diminish, and from thee withdraw The number of thy worshippers. Who seeks To lessen thee, against his purpose serves To manifest the more thy might: his evil Thou usest, and from thence creat'st more good. Witness this new-made world, another Heav'n From Heaven-gate not far, founded in view On the clear Hyaline, the glassy sea; Of amplitude almost immense, with stars Numerous, and every star perhaps a world Of destin'd habitation; but thou know'st Their seasons: among these the seat of men, Earth with her nether ocean circumfus'd, Their pleasant dwelling-place. Thrice happy men, And sons of men, whom God hath thus advanc'd, Created in his image, there to dwell And worship him, and in reward to rule Over his works, on Earth, in sea, or air, And multiply a race of worshippers Holy and just: thrice happy if they know Their happiness, and persevere upright.

So sung they, and the Empyrean rung, With Hallelujahs: Thus was Sabbath kept. And thy request think now fulfill'd, that ask'd How first this world and face of things began, And what before thy memory was done From the beginning, that posterity Informed by thee might know; if else thou seek'st Aught, not surpassing human measure, say.