Book VII
Paradise Lost
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.
BOOK VIII.
THE ARGUMENT.
Adam inquires concerning celestial motions, is doubtfully answered, and exhorted to search rather things more worthy of knowledge: Adam assents, and still desirous to detain Raphael, relates to him what he remembered since his own creation, his placing in Paradise, his talk with God concerning solitude and fit society, his first meeting and nuptials with Eve, his discourse with the angel thereupon; who after admonitions repeated departs.
THE angel ended, and in Adam's ear So charming left his voice, that he a while Thought him still speaking, still stood fix'd to hear; Then as new wak'd thus gratefully replied. What thanks sufficient, or what recompense Equal have I to render thee, divine Historian, who thus largely hast allay'd The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsaf'd This friendly condescension to relate Things else by me unsearchable, now heard With wonder, but delight, and, as is due, With glory attributed to the high Creator; something yet of doubt remains, Which only thy solution can resolve. When I behold this goodly frame, this world Of Heav'n and Earth consisting, and compute, Their magnitudes, this Earth a spot, a grain, An atom, with the firmament compar'd And all her number'd stars, that seem to roll Spaces incomprehensible (for such Their distance argues and their swift return Diurnal) merely to officiate light Round this opacous Earth, this punctual spot, One day and night; in all their vast survey Useless besides, reasoning I oft admire, How nature wise and frugal could commit Such disproportions, with superfluous hand So many nobler bodies to create, Greater so manifold to this one use, For aught appears, and on their orbs impose Such restless revolution day by day Repeated, while the sedentary Earth, That better might with far less compass move, Serv'd by more noble than herself, attains Her end without least motion, and receives, As tribute such a sumless journey brought Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light; Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails.
So spake our sire, and by his count'nance seem'd Ent'ring on studious thoughts abstruse, which Eve Perceiving where she sat retir'd in sight, With lowliness majestic from her seat, And grace that won who saw to wish her stay, Rose, and went forth among her fruits and flowers, To visit how they prosper'd, bud and bloom, Her nursery; they at her coming sprung And touch'd by her fair tendance gladlier grew. Yet went she not, as not with such discourse Delighted, or not capable her ear Of what was high: such pleasure she reserv'd, Adam relating, she sole auditress; Her husband the relater she preferr'd Before the angel, and of him to ask Chose rather; he, she knew would intermit Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute With conjugal caresses, from his lip Not words alone pleas'd her. O when meet now Such pairs, in love and mutual honour join'd? With goddess-like demeanour forth she went; Not unattended, for on her as queen A pomp of winning graces waited still, And from about her shot darts of desire Into all eyes to wish her still in sight. And Raphael now to Adam's doubt propos'd Benevolent and facile thus replied.
To ask or search I blame thee not, for Heav'n Is as the book of God before thee set, Wherein to read his wondrous works, and learn His seasons, hours, or days, or months, or years: This to attain, whether Heav'n move or Earth, Imports not, if thou reckon right, the rest From man or angel the great Architect Did wisely to conceal, and not divulge His secrets to be scann'd by them who ought Rather admire; or if they list to try Conjecture, he his fabric of the Heav'ns Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move His laughter at their quaint opinions wide Hereafter, when they come to model Heav'n And calculate the stars, how they will wield The mighty frame, how build, unbuild, contrive To save appearances, how gird the sphere With centric and eccentric scribbl'd o'er, Cycle and epicycle, orb in orb: Already by thy reasoning this I guess, Who art to lead thy offspring, and supposest That bodies bright and greater should not serve The less not bright, nor Heav'n such journeys run, Earth sitting still, when she alone receives The benefit: consider first, that great Or bright infers not excellence: the Earth Though, in comparison of Heav'n, so small, Nor glistering, may of solid good contain More plenty than the sun that barren shines, Whose virtue on itself works no effect, But in the fruitful Earth; there first receiv'd His beams, unactive else, their vigour find. Yet not to Earth are those bright luminaries Officious, but to thee Earth's habitant. And for the Heav'n's wide circuit, let it speak The Maker's high magnificence, who built So spacious, and his line stretch'd out so far; That man may know he dwells not in his own; An edifice too large for him to fill, Lodg'd in a small partition, and the rest Ordain'd for uses to his Lord best known. The swiftness of those circles attribute, Though numberless, to his omnipotence, That to corporeal substances could add Speed almost spiritual; me thou think'st not slow, Who since the morning hour set out from Heav'n Where God resides, and ere mid-day arriv'd In Eden, distance inexpressible By numbers that have name. But this I urge, Admitting motion in the Heav'ns, to show Invalid that which thee to doubt it mov'd; Not that I so affirm, though so it seem To thee who hast thy dwelling here on Earth. God to remove his ways from human sense, Plac'd Heav'n from Earth so far, that earthly sight, If it presume, might err in things too high, And no advantage gain. What if the sun Be centre to the world, and other stars By his attractive virtue and their own Incited, dance about him various rounds? Their wand'ring course now high, now low, then hid, Progressive, retrograde, or standing still, In six thou see'st, and what if sev'nth to these The planet Earth, so steadfast though she seem, Insensibly three different motions move? Which else to several spheres thou must ascribe, Mov'd contrary with thwart obliquities, Or save the sun his labour, and that swift Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb suppos'd, Invisible else above all stars, the wheel Of day and night; which needs not thy belief, If Earth industrious of herself fetch day Travelling east, and with her part averse From the sun's beam meet night, her other part Still luminous by his ray. What if that light Sent from her through the wide transpicuous air, To the terrestrial moon be as a star Enlight'ning her by day, as she by night This Earth? reciprocal, if land be there, Fields and inhabitants: her spots thou see'st As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce Fruits in her soften'd soil, for some to eat Allotted there; another suns perhaps With their attendant moons thou wilt descry Communicating male and female light, Which two great sexes animate the world, Stor'd in each orb perhaps with some that live. For such vast room in nature unpossess'd By living soul, desert and desolate, Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute Each orb a glimpse of light, convey'd so far Down to this habitable, which returns Light back to them, is obvious to dispute. But whether thus these things, or whether not, Whether the sun predominant in Heav'n Rise on the Earth, or Earth rise on the sun, He from the east his flaming road begin, Or She from west her silent course advance With inoffensive pace that spinning sleeps On her soft axle, while she paces ev'n, And bears thee soft with the smooth air along, Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid, Leave them to God above, him serve and fear; Of other creatures, as him pleases best, Wherever plac'd, let him dispose: joy thou In what he gives to thee, this Paradise And thy fair Eve; Heav'n is for thee too high To know what passes there; be lowly wise: Think only what concerns thee and thy being; Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there Live, in what state, condition or degree, Contented that thus far hath been reveal'd Not of Earth only but of highest Heav'n.
To whom thus Adam clear'd of doubt, replied. How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure Intelligence of Heav'n, angel serene, And freed from intricacies, taught to live, The easiest way, nor with perplexing thoughts To interrupt the sweet of life, from which God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares, And not molest us, unless we ourselves Seek them with wand'ring thoughts, and notions vain. But apt the mind or fancy is to rove Uncheck'd, and of her roving is no end; Till warn'd, or by experience taught, she learn, That not to know at large of things remote From use, obscure and subtle, but to know That which before us lies in daily life, Is the prime wisdom, what is more, is fume, Or emptiness, or fond impertinence, And renders us in things that most concern Unpractis'd, unprepar'd, and still to seek. Therefore from this high pitch let us descend A lower flight, and speak of things at hand Useful, whence haply mention may arise Of something not unseasonable to ask By sufferance, and thy wonted favour deign'd. Thee I have heard relating what was done Ere my remembrance: now hear me relate My story, which perhaps thou hast not heard; And day is yet not spent; till then thou see'st How subtly to detain thee I devise, Inviting thee to hear while I relate, Fond, were it not in hope of thy reply: For while I sit with thee, I seem in Heav'n, And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear Than fruits of palm-tree pleasantest to thirst And hunger both, from labour, at the hour Of sweet repast; they satiate, and soon fill, Though pleasant, but thy words with grace divine Imbu'd, bring to their sweetness no satiety.
To whom thus Raphael answer'd heav'nly meek, Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men, Nor tongue ineloquent; for God on thee Abundantly his gifts hath also pour'd Inward and outward both, his image fair: Speaking or mute all comeliness and grace Attends thee, and each word, each motion forms, Nor less think we in Heav'n of thee on Earth Than of our fellow servant, and inquire Gladly into the ways of God with man: For God we see hath honour'd thee, and set On man his equal love: say therefore on; For I that day was absent, as befell, Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure, Far on excursion toward the gates of Hell; Squar'd in full legion (such command we had) To see that none thence issu'd forth a spy, Or enemy, while God was in his work, Lest he incens'd at such eruption bold, Destruction with creation might have mix'd. Not that they durst without his leave attempt, But us he sends upon his high behests For state, as sovereign king, and to inure Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut The dismal gates, and barricado'd strong; But long ere our approaching heard within Noise, other than the sound of dance or song, Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage. Glad we return'd up to the coasts of light Ere Sabbath ev'ning: so we had in charge. But thy relation now; for I attend, Pleas'd with thy words no less than thou with mine.
So spake the godlike power, and thus our sire. For man to tell how human life began Is hard; for who himself beginning knew? Desire with thee still longer to converse Induc'd me. As new wak'd from soundest sleep Soft on the flow'ry herb I found me laid In balmy sweat, which with his beams the sun Soon dri'd, and on the reeking moisture fed. Straight toward Heav'n my wond'ring eyes I turn'd, And gaz'd a while the ample sky, till rais'd By quick instinctive motion up I sprung, As thitherward endeavouring, and upright Stood on my feet; about me round I saw Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains, And liquid lapse of murmuring streams; by these, Creatures that liv'd, and mov'd, and walk'd, or flew, Birds on the branches warbling; all things smil'd, With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflow'd. Myself I then perus'd, and limb by limb Survey'd, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran With supple joints, and lively vigour led: But who I was, or where, or from what cause, Knew not; to speak I tried, and forthwith spake, My tongue obey'd and readily could name What e'er I saw. Thou sun, said I, fair light, And thou enlighten'd Earth, so fresh and gay, Ye hills and dales, ye rivers, woods, and plains, And ye that live and move, fair creatures, tell, Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, how here? Not of myself; by some great Maker then, In goodness and in power preeminent; Tell me, how may I know him, how adore, From whom I have that thus I move and live, And feel that I am happier than I know. While thus I call'd, and stray'd I knew not whither, From where I first drew air, and first beheld This happy light, when answer none return'd, On a green shady bank profuse of flowers Pensive I sat me down; there gentle sleep First found me, and with soft oppression seiz'd My drowsed sense, untroubl'd, though I thought I then was passing to my former state Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve: When suddenly stood at my head a dream, Whose inward apparition gently mov'd My fancy to believe I yet had being, And liv'd: One came, methought, of shape divine, And said, thy mansion wants thee, Adam, rise, First man, of men innumerable ordain'd First Father, call'd by thee I come thy guide To the garden of bliss, thy seat prepar'd. So saying, by the hand he took me rais'd, And over fields and waters, as in air Smooth sliding without step, last led me up A woody mountain; whose high top was plain, A circuit wide, enclos'd, with goodliest trees Planted, with walks, and bowers, that what I saw Of Earth before scarce pleasant seem'd. Each tree Laden with fairest fruit that hung to the eye Tempting, stirr'd in me sudden appetite To pluck and eat; whereat I wak'd, and found Before mine eyes all real, as the dream Had lively shadow'd: Here had new begun My wand'ring, had not he who was my guide Up hither, from among the trees appear'd Presence divine, rejoicing but with awe In adoration at his feet I fell Submiss: he rear'd me, and Whom thou sought'st I am, said mildly, Author of all this thou see'st Above, or round about thee or beneath. This Paradise I give thee, count it thine To till and keep, and of the fruit to eat: Of every tree that in the garden grows Eat freely with glad heart; fear here no dearth: But of the tree whose operation brings Knowledge of good and ill, which I have set The pledge of thy obedience and thy faith, Amid the garden by the tree of life, Remember what I warn thee, shun to taste, And shun the bitter consequence: for know, The day thou eat'st thereof, my sole command Transgress'd, inevitably thou shalt die; From that day mortal, and this happy state Shalt lose, expell'd from hence into a world Of woe and sorrow. Sternly he pronounc'd The rigid interdiction, which resounds Yet dreadful in mine ear, though in my choice Not to incur; but soon his clear aspect Return'd and gracious purpose thus renew'd. Not only these fair bounds, but all the Earth To thee and to thy race I give; as lords Possess it, and all things that therein live, Or live in sea, or air, beast, fish, and fowl. In sign whereof each bird and beast behold After their kinds; I bring them to receive From thee their names, and pay thee fealty With low subjection; understand the same Of fish within their wat'ry residence, Not hither summon'd, since they cannot change Their element to draw the thinner air. As thus he spake, each bird and beast behold Approaching two and two, these cow'ring low With blandishment, each bird stoop'd on his wing. I nam'd them, as they pass'd, and understood Their nature, with such knowledge God endu'd My sudden apprehension: but in these I found not what methought I wanted still; And to the Heav'nly vision thus presum'd.
O by what name, for thou above all these, Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher, Surpassest far my naming, how may I Adore thee, Author of this Universe, And all this good to man, for whose well-being So amply, and with hands so liberal Thou hast provided all things: but with me I see not who partakes. In solitude What happiness, who can enjoy alone, Or all enjoying, what contentment find? Thus I presumptuous; and the vision bright, As with a smile more brighten'd, thus replied.
What call'st thou solitude, is not the Earth With various living creatures, and the air Replenish'd, and all these at thy command To come and play before thee, know'st thou not Their language and their ways, they also know, And reason not contemptibly; with these Find pastime, and bear rule; thy realm is large. So spake the Universal Lord, and seem'd So ordering. I with leave of speech implor'd, And humble deprecation thus replied.
Let not my words offend thee, Heav'nly Power, My Maker, be propitious while I speak. Hast thou not made me here thy substitute, And these inferior far beneath me set? Among unequals what society Can sort, what harmony or true delight? Which must be mutual, in proportion due Giv'n and receiv'd; but in disparity The one intense, the other still remiss Cannot well suit with either, but soon prove Tedious alike: Of fellowship I speak Such as I seek, fit to participate All rational delight, wherein the brute Cannot be human consort; they rejoice Each with their kind, lion with lioness; So fitly them in pairs thou hast combin'd; Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl So well converse, nor with the ox the ape; Worse than can man with beast, and least of all. Whereto th' Almighty answer'd, not displeas'd. A nice and subtle happiness I see Thou to thyself proposest, in the choice Of thy associates, Adam, and wilt taste No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary. What think'st thou then of me, and this my state, Seem I to thee sufficiently possess'd Of happiness, or not? who am alone From all eternity, for none I know Second to me or like, equal much less. How have I then with whom to hold converse Save with the creatures which I made, and those To me inferior, infinite descents Beneath what other creatures are to thee?
He ceas'd, I lowly answer'd. To attain The height and depth of thy eternal ways All human thoughts come short, Supreme of things; Thou in thy self art perfect, and in thee Is no deficience found; not so is man, But in degree, the cause of his desire By conversation with his like to help, Or solace his defects. No need that thou Shouldst propagate, already infinite; And through all numbers absolute, though One; But man by number is to manifest His single imperfection, and beget Like of his like, his image multiplied, In unity defective, which requires Collateral love, and dearest amity. Thou in thy secrecy although alone, Best with thyself accompanied; seek'st not Social communication, yet so pleas'd, Canst raise thy creature to what height thou wilt Of union or communion, deifi'd; I by conversing cannot these erect From prone, nor in their ways complacence find. Thus I embolden'd spake, and freedom us'd Permissive, and acceptance found, which gain'd This answer from the gracious voice divine.
Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleas'd, And find thee knowing not of beasts alone, Which thou hast rightly nam'd, but of thyself, Expressing well the spirit within thee free, My image, not imparted to the brute, Whose fellowship therefore unmeet for thee Good reason was thou freely shouldst dislike, And be so minded still; I, ere thou spak'st, Knew it not good for man to be alone, And no such company as then thou saw'st Intended thee for trial only brought, To see how thou could'st judge of fit and meet? What next I bring shall please thee, be assur'd, Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire.
He ended, or I heard no more, for now My earthly by his Heav'nly overpower'd, Which it had long stood under, strain'd to the height In that celestial colloquy sublime, As with an object that excels the sense, Dazzl'd and spent, sunk down, and sought repair Of sleep, which instantly fell on me, call'd By nature as in aid, and clos'd mine eyes. Mine eyes he clos'd, but open left the cell Of fancy my internal sight, by which Abstract as in a trance methought I saw, Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape Still glorious before whom awake I stood; Who stooping open'd my left side, and took From thence a rib, with cordial spirits warm, And life-blood streaming fresh; wide was the wound, But suddenly with flesh fill'd up and heal'd: The rib he form'd and fashion'd with his hands; Under his forming hands a creature grew, Manlike, but different sex, so lovely fair, That what seem'd fair in all the world, seem'd now Mean, or in her summ'd up, in her contain'd And in her looks, which from that time infus'd Sweetness into my heart, unfelt before, And into all things from her air inspir'd The spirit of love and amorous delight. She disappear'd, and left me dark, I wak'd To find her, or for ever to deplore Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure: When out of hope, behold her, not far off, Such as I saw her in my dream, adorn'd With what all Earth or Heaven could bestow To make her amiable: On she came, Led by her Heav'nly Maker, though unseen, And guided by his voice nor uninform'd Of nuptial sanctity and marriage rites: Grace was in all her steps, Heav'n in her eye, In every gesture dignity and love. I overjoy'd could not forbear aloud.
This turn hath made amends; thou hast fulfill'd Thy words, Creator bounteous and benign, Giver of all things fair, but fairest this Of all thy gifts; nor enviest. I now see Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, myself Before me; woman is her name, of man Extracted; for this cause he shall forgo Father and mother, and to his wife adhere; And they shall be one flesh, one heart, one soul.
She heard me thus, and though divinely brought, Yet innocence and virgin modesty, Her virtue and the conscience of her worth, That would be woo'd, and not unsought be won, Not obvious, not obtrusive, but retir'd, The more desirable, or to say all, Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought, Wrought in her so, that seeing me, she turn'd; I follow'd her, she what was honour knew, And with obsequious majesty approv'd My pleaded reason. To the nuptial bower I led her blushing like the morn: all Heav'n, And happy constellations on that hour Shed their selectest influence; the Earth Gave sign of gratulation, and each hill; Joyous the birds; fresh gales and gentle airs Whisper'd it to the woods, and from their wings Flung rose, flung odours from the spicy shrub, Disporting, till the amorous bird of night Sung spousal, and bid haste the ev'ning star On his hill top, to light the bridal lamp. Thus I have told thee all my state, and brought My story to the sum of earthly bliss Which I enjoy, and must confess to find In all things else delight indeed, but such As us'd or not, works in the mind no change, Nor vehement desire, these delicacies I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flowers, Walks, and the melody of birds; but here Fair otherwise, transported I behold, Transported touch; here passion first I felt, Commotion strange, in all enjoyments else Superior and unmov'd, here only weak Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance. Or nature fail'd in me, and left some part Not proof enough such object to sustain, Or from my side subducting, took perhaps More than enough; at least on her bestow'd Too much of ornament, in outward show Elaborate, of inward less exact. For well I understand in the prime end Of nature her th' inferior, in the mind And inward faculties, which most excel, In outward also her resembling less His image who made both, and less expressing The character of that dominion giv'n O'er other creatures; yet when I approach Her loveliness, so absolute she seems And in herself complete, so well to know Her own, that what she wills to do or say, Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best; All higher knowledge in her presence falls Degraded, wisdom in discourse with her Loses discount'nanc't, and like folly shows; Authority and reason on her wait, As one intended first, not after made Occasionally; and to consummate all, Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat Build in her loveliest, and create an awe About her, as a guard angelic plac'd. To whom the angel with contracted brow.
Accuse not nature, she hath done her part; Do thou but thine, and be not diffident Of wisdom, she deserts thee not, if thou Dismiss not her, when most thou need'st her nigh, By attributing overmuch to things Less excellent, as thou thyself perceiv'st. For what admir'st thou, what transports thee so, An outside? fair no doubt, and worthy well Thy cherishing, thy honouring, and thy love, Not thy subjection: weigh with her thyself; Then value: Ofttimes nothing profits more Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right Well manag'd; of that skill the more thou know'st, The more she will acknowledge thee her head, And to realities yield all her shows: Made so adorn for thy delight the more, So awful, that with honour thou may'st love Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise, But if the sense of touch whereby mankind Is propagated seem such dear delight Beyond all other, think the same vouchsaf'd To cattle and each beast; which would not be To them made common and divulg'd, if aught Therein enjoy'd were worthy to subdue The soul of man, or passion in him move. What higher in her society thou find'st Attractive, human, rational, love still; In loving thou dost well, in passion not, Wherein true love consists not; love refines The thoughts, and heart enlarges, hath his seat In reason, and is judicious, is the scale By which to heav'nly love thou may'st ascend, Not sunk in carnal pleasure, for which cause Among the beasts no mate for thee was found.
To whom thus half abash't Adam replied. Neither her outside form'd so fair, nor aught In procreation common to all kinds (Though higher of the genial bed by far, And with mysterious reverence I deem) So much delights me as those graceful acts, Those thousand decencies that daily flow From all her words and actions mix'd with love And sweet compliance, which declare unfeign'd Union of mind, or in us both one soul; Harmony to behold in wedded pair More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear. Yet these subject not; I to thee disclose What inward thence I feel, not therefore foil'd, Who meet with various objects, from the sense Variously representing; yet still free Approve the best, and follow what I approve. To love thou blam'st me not, for love thou say'st Leads up to Heav'n, is both the way and guide; Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask; Love not the heav'nly spirits, and how their love Express they, by looks only, or do they mix Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch?
To whom the angel with a smile that glow'd Celestial rosy red, Love's proper hue, Answer'd. Let it suffice thee that thou know'st Us happy, and without love no happiness. Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st (And pure thou wert created) we enjoy In eminence, and obstacle find none Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars: Easier than air with air, if spirits embrace, Total they mix, union of pure with pure Desiring; nor restrain'd conveyance need As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul. But I can now no more; the parting sun Beyond the Earth's green cape and verdant isles Hesperian sets, my signal to depart. Be strong, live happy, and love, but first of all Him whom to love is to obey, and keep His great command; take heed lest passion sway Thy judgment to do aught, which else free will Would not admit; thine and of all thy sons The weal or woe in thee is plac'd; beware. I in thy persevering shall rejoice, And all the blest: stand fast; to stand or fall Free in thine own arbitrement it lies. Perfect within, no outward aid require; And all temptation to transgress repel.
So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus Follow'd with benediction. Since to part, Go heavenly guest, ethereal messenger, Sent from whose sovereign goodness I adore. Gentle to me and affable hath been Thy condescension, and shall be honour'd ever With grateful memory: thou to mankind Be good and friendly still, and oft return.
So parted they, the angel up to Heav'n From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower.