T\'whomthusthePortressofHellGatereply\'d;
Hastthouforgotmethen,anddoIseemNowinthineeyesofoul,oncedeemdsofairInHeav\'n,whenatth\'Assembly,andinsightOfalltheSeraphimwiththeecombin\'dInboldconspiracyagainstHeav\'nsKing,AllonasuddenmiserablepainSurpris\'dthee,dimthineeyes,anddizzieswummIndarkness,whilethyheadflamesthickandfastThrewforth,tillontheleftsideop\'ningwide,Likesttotheeinshapeandcount\'nancebright,Thenshiningheav\'nlyfair,aGoddessarm\'dOutofthyheadIsprung:amazementseis\'dAllth\'HostofHeav\'n;backtheyrecoildaffraidAtfirst,andcall\'dmeSIN,andforaSignPortentousheldme;butfamiliargrown,Ipleas\'d,andwithattractivegraceswonThemostaverse,theechiefly,whofulloftThyselfinmethyperfectimageviewingBecam\'stenamour\'d,andsuchjoythoutook\'stWithmeinsecret,thatmywombconceiv\'dAgrowingburden。MeanwhileWarrarose,AndfieldswerefoughtinHeav\'n;whereinremaind(Forwhatcouldelse)toourAlmightyFoeCleerVictory,toourpartlossandroutThroughalltheEmpyrean:downtheyfellDriv\'nheadlongfromthePitchofHeaven,downIntothisDeep,andinthegeneralfallIalso;atwhichtimethispowerfulKeyIntomyhandwasgiv\'n,withchargetokeepTheseGatesforevershut,whichnonecanpassWithoutmyop\'ning。PensivehereIsatAlone,butlongIsatnot,tillmywombPregnantbythee,andnowexcessivegrownProdigiousmotionfeltandruefulthroes。
AtlastthisodiousoffspringwhomthouseestThineownbegotten,breakingviolentwayTorethroughmyentrails,thatwithfearandpainDistorted,allmynethershapethusgrewTransform\'d:buthemyinbredenemieForthissu\'d,brandishinghisfatalDartMadetodestroy:Ifled,andcry\'doutDEATH;
Helltrembl\'datthehideousName,andsigh\'dFromallherCaves,andbackresoundedDEATH。
Ifled,buthepursu\'d(thoughmore,itseems,Inflam\'dwithlustthenrage)andswifterfar,Meovertookhismotheralldismaid,AndinembracesforcibleandfouleIngendringwithme,ofthatrapebegotTheseyellingMonstersthatwithceaslesscrySurroundme,asthousawst,hourlyconceiv\'dAndhourlyborn,withsorrowinfiniteTome,forwhentheylistintothewombThatbredthemtheyreturn,andhowleandgnawMyBowels,theirrepast;thenburstingforthAfreshwithconsciousterroursvexmeround,ThatrestorintermissionnoneIfind。
BeforemineeyesinoppositionsitsGrimDEATHmySonandfoe,whosetsthemon,AndmehisParentwouldfullsoondevourForwantofotherprey,butthatheknowsHisendwithmineinvolvd;andknowsthatI
ShouldproveabitterMorsel,andhisbane,Wheneverthatshallbe;soFatepronounc\'d。
ButthouOFather,Iforewarnthee,shunHisdeadlyarrow;neithervainlyhopeTobeinvulnerableinthosebrightArms,Thoughtemper\'dheav\'nly,forthatmortaldint,Savehewhoreignsabove,nonecanresist。
Shefinish\'d,andthesuttleFiendhisloreSoonlearnd,nowmilder,andthusanswerdsmooth。
DearDaughter,sincethouclaim\'stmeforthySire,AndmyfairSonhereshowstme,thedearpledgeOfdalliancehadwiththeeinHeav\'n,andjoysThensweet,nowsadtomention,throughdirechangeBefallnusunforeseen,unthoughtof,knowIcomenoenemie,buttosetfreeFromoutthisdarkanddismalhouseofpain,Bothhimandthee,andalltheheav\'nlyHostOfSpiritsthatinourjustpretensesarm\'dFellwithusfromonhigh:fromthemIgoThisuncoutherrandsole,andoneforallMyselfexpose,withlonelystepstotreadTh\'unfoundeddeep,&;throughthevoidimmenseTosearchwithwandringquestaplaceforetoldShouldbe,and,byconcurringsigns,erenowCreatedvastandround,aplaceofblissInthePourlieuesofHeav\'n,andthereinplac\'tAraceofupstartCreatures,tosupplyPerhapsourvacantroom,thoughmoreremov\'d,LeastHeav\'nsurcharg\'dwithpotentmultitudeMighthaptomovenewbroiles:BethisoraughtThenthismoresecretnowdesign\'d,IhasteToknow,andthisonceknown,shallsoonreturn,AndbringyetotheplacewhereThouandDeathShalldwellatease,andupanddownunseenWingsilentlythebuxomAir,imbalm\'dWithodours;thereyeshallbefedandfill\'dImmeasurably,allthingsshallbeyourprey。
Heceas\'d,forbothseemdhighlypleasd,andDeathGrinndhorribleagastlysmile,tohearHisfamineshouldbefill\'d,andblesthismaweDestin\'dtothatgoodhour:nolessrejoyc\'dHismotherbad,andthusbespakeherSire。
ThekeyofthisinfernalPitbydue,AndbycommandofHeav\'nsall-powerfulKingIkeep,byhimforbiddentounlockTheseAdamantineGates;againstallforceDeathreadystandstointerposehisdart,Fearlesstobeo\'rematchtbylivingmight。
ButwhatowItohiscommandsaboveWhohatesme,andhathhitherthrustmedownIntothisgloomofTARTARUSprofound,TositinhatefulOfficehereconfin\'d,InhabitantofHeav\'n,andheav\'nlie-born,Hereinperpetualagonieandpain,WithterrorsandwithclamorscompasstroundOfmineownbrood,thatonmybowelsfeed:
ThouartmyFather,thoumyAuthor,thouMybeinggav\'stme;whomshouldIobeyButthee,whomfollow?thouwiltbringmesoonTothatnewworldoflightandbliss,amongTheGodswholiveatease,whereIshallReignAtthyrighthandvoluptuous,asbeseemsThydaughterandthydarling,withoutend。
Thussaying,fromhersidethefatalKey,Sadinstrumentofallourwoe,shetook;
AndtowardstheGateroulingherbestialtrain,ForthwiththehugePorcullishighupdrew,WhichbutherselfnotalltheSTYGIANpowersCouldoncehavemov\'d;theninthekey-holeturnsTh\'intricatewards,andeveryBoltandBarOfmassieIronorsollidRockwitheaseUnfast\'ns:onasuddenop\'nflieWithimpetuousrecoileandjarringsoundTh\'infernaldores,andonthirhingesgreatHarshThunder,thatthelowestbottomshookOfEREBUS。Sheop\'nd,buttoshutExcel\'dherpower;theGateswideop\'nstood,ThatwithextendedwingsaBannerdHostUnderspreadEnsignsmarchingmightpassthroughWithHorseandChariotsranktinloosearray;
Sowidetheystood,andlikeaFurnacemouthCastforthredoundingsmoakandruddyflame。
BeforethireyesinsuddenviewappearThesecretsofthehoariedeep,adarkIllimitableOceanwithoutbound,Withoutdimension,wherelength,breadth,andhighth,Andtimeandplacearelost;whereeldestNightAndCHAOS,AncestorsofNature,holdEternalANARCHIE,amidstthenoiseOfendlesswarrsandbyconfusionstand。
Forhot,cold,moist,anddry,fourChampionsfierceStrivehereforMaistrie,andtoBattelbringThirembryonAtoms;theyaroundtheflagOfeachhisfaction,inthirseveralClanns,Light-arm\'dorheavy,sharp,smooth,swiftorslow,Swarmpopulous,unnumber\'dastheSandsOfBARCAorCYRENE\'Storridsoil,LeviedtosidewithwarringWinds,andpoiseThirlighterwings。Towhomthesemostadhere,Heerulesamoment;CHAOSUmpiresits,AndbydecisionmoreimbroilesthefrayBywhichheReigns:nexthimhighArbiterCHANCEgovernsall。IntothiswildeAbyss,TheWombofnatureandperhapsherGrave,OfneitherSea,norShore,norAir,norFire,ButalltheseinthirpregnantcausesmixtConfus\'dly,andwhichthusmusteverfight,Unlessth\'AlmightyMakerthemordainHisdarkmaterialstocreatemoreWorlds,IntothiswildeAbyssthewariefiendStoodonthebrinkofHellandlook\'dawhile,PonderinghisVoyage;fornonarrowfrithHehadtocross。Norwashisearelesspeal\'dWithnoisesloudandruinous(tocompareGreatthingswithsmall)thenwhenBELLONAstorms,WithallherbatteringEnginesbenttoraseSomCapitalCity,orlessthenifthisframeOfHeav\'nwerefalling,andtheseElementsInmutiniehadfromherAxletornThestedfastEarth。AtlasthisSail-broadVannesHespreadsforflight,andinthesurgingsmoakUpliftedspurnstheground,thencemanyaLeagueAsinacloudyChairascendingridesAudacious,butthatseatsoonfailing,meetsAvastvacuitie:allunawaresFluttringhispennonsvainplumbdownhedropsTenthousandfadomdeep,andtothishourDownhadbeenfalling,hadnotbyillchanceThestrongrebuffofsomtumultuouscloudInstinctwithFireandNitrehurriedhimAsmanymilesaloft:thatfuriestay\'d,QuenchtinaBoggieSYRTIS,neitherSea,NorgooddryLand:nighfounderdonhefares,Treadingthecrudeconsistence,halfonfoot,Halfflying;behoveshimnowbothOareandSaile。
AswhenaGryfonthroughtheWildernessWithwingedcourseoreHillormoarieDale,PursuestheARIMASPIAN,whobystelthHadfromhiswakefulcustodypurloindTheguardedGold:SoeagerlythefiendOrebogorsteep,throughstrait,rough,dense,orrare,Withhead,hands,wings,orfeetpursueshisway,Andswimsorsinks,orwades,orcreeps,orflyes:
AtlengthauniversalhubbubwildeOfstunningsoundsandvoicesallconfus\'dBornthroughthehollowdarkassaultshiseareWithloudestvehemence:thitherheplyes,UndauntedtomeettherewhateverpowerOrSpiritofthenethermostAbyssMightinthatnoisereside,ofwhomtoaskWhichwaytheneerestcoastofdarknesslyesBorderingonlight;whenstraitbeholdtheThroneOfCHAOS,andhisdarkPavilionspreadWideonthewastefulDeep;withhimEnthron\'dSatSable-vestedNight,eldestofthings,TheconsortofhisReign;andbythemstoodORCUSandADES,andthedreadednameOfDEMOGORGON;RumornextandChance,AndTumultandConfusionallimbroild,AndDiscordwithathousandvariousmouths。
T\'whomSATANturningboldly,thus。YePowersAndSpiritsofthisnethermostAbyss,CHAOSandANCIENTNIGHT,IcomenoSpie,WithpurposetoexploreortodisturbThesecretsofyourRealm,butbyconstraintWandringthisdarksomedesart,asmywayLiesthroughyourspaciousEmpireuptolight,Alone,andwithoutguide,halflost,IseekWhatreadiestpathleadswhereyourgloomieboundsConfinewithHeav\'n;orifsomotherplaceFromyourDominionwon,th\'EtherealKingPossesseslately,thithertoarriveItravelthisprofound,directmycourse;
Directed,nomeanrecompenceitbringsToyourbehoof,ifIthatRegionlost,Allusurpationthenceexpell\'d,reduceToheroriginaldarknessandyoursway(Whichismypresentjourney)andoncemoreErecttheStanderdthereofANCIENTNIGHT;
Yoursbeth\'advantageall,minetherevenge。
ThusSATAN;andhimthustheAnarcholdWithfaultringspeechandvisageincompos\'dAnswer\'d。Iknowthee,stranger,whothouart,ThatmightyleadingAngel,whooflateMadeheadagainstHeav\'nsKing,thoughoverthrown。
Isawandheard,forsuchanumeroushostFlednotinsilencethroughthefrighteddeepWithruinuponruin,routonrout,Confusionworseconfounded;andHeav\'nGatesPourdoutbymillionshervictoriousBandsPursuing。IuponmyFrontiereshereKeepresidence;ifallIcanwillserve,ThatlittlewhichisleftsotodefendEncroachtonstillthroughourintestinebroilesWeakningtheScepterofoldNight:firstHellYourdungeonstretchingfarandwidebeneath;
NowlatelyHeavenandEarth,anotherWorldHungoremyRealm,link\'dinagoldenChainTothatsideHeav\'nfromwhenceyourLegionsfell:
Ifthatwaybeyourwalk,youhavenotfarr;
Somuchtheneererdanger;goeandspeed;
Havockandspoilandruinaremygain。
Heceas\'d;andSATANstaidnottoreply,ButgladthatnowhisSeashouldfindashore,Withfreshalacritieandforcerenew\'dSpringsupwardlikeaPyramidoffireIntothewildeexpanse,andthroughtheshockOffightingElements,onallsidesroundEnviron\'dwinshisway;harderbesetAndmoreendanger\'d,thenwhenARGOpass\'dThroughBOSPORUSbetwixtthejustlingRocks:
OrwhenULYSSESontheLarbordshunndCHARYBDIS,andbyth\'otherwhirlpoolsteard。
SohewithdifficultyandlabourhardMov\'don,withdifficultyandlabourhee;
Butheeoncepast,soonafterwhenmanfell,Strangealteration!SinandDeathamainFollowinghistrack,suchwasthewillofHeav\'n,Pav\'dafterhimabroadandbeat\'nwayOverthedarkAbyss,whoseboilingGulfTamelyendur\'daBridgeofwondrouslengthFromHellcontinu\'dreachingth\'utmostOrbeOfthisfrailWorld;bywhichtheSpiritsperverseWitheasieintercoursepasstoandfroTotemptorpunishmortals,exceptwhomGodandgoodAngelsguardbyspecialgrace。
ButnowatlastthesacredinfluenceOflightappears,andfromthewallsofHeav\'nShootsfarrintothebosomofdimNightAglimmeringdawn;hereNaturefirstbeginsHerfardestverge,andCHAOStoretireAsfromheroutmostworksabrok\'nfoeWithtumultlessandwithlesshostiledin,ThatSATANwithlesstoil,andnowwitheaseWaftsonthecalmerwavebydubiouslightAndlikeaweather-beatenVesselholdsGladlythePort,thoughShroudsandTackletorn;
Orintheemptierwaste,resemblingAir,Weighshisspreadwings,atleasuretobeholdFarroffth\'EmpyrealHeav\'n,extendedwideIncircuit,undetermindsquareorround,WithOpalTowrsandBattlementsadorn\'dOflivingSaphire,oncehisnativeSeat;
AndfastbyhanginginagoldenChainThispendantworld,inbignessasaStarrOfsmallestMagnitudeclosebytheMoon。
Thitherfullfraughtwithmischievousrevenge,Accurst,andinacursedhourhehies。TheEndoftheSecondBookParadiseLost-Book3ParadiseLostbyJohnMiltonBook3Hailholylight,ofspringofHeav\'nfirst-born,Orofth\'EternalCoeternalbeamMayIexpresstheeunblam\'d?sinceGodislight,AndneverbutinunapproachedlightDweltfromEternitie,dwelttheninthee,Brighteffluenceofbrightessenceincreate。
Orhear\'stthouratherpureEtherealstream,WhoseFountainwhoshalltell?beforetheSun,BeforetheHeavensthouwert,andatthevoiceOfGod,aswithaMantledidstinvestTherisingworldofwatersdarkanddeep,Wonfromthevoidandformlessinfinite。
TheeIre-visitnowwithbolderwing,Escap\'ttheSTYGIANPool,thoughlongdetain\'dInthatobscuresojourn,whileinmyflightThroughutterandthroughmiddledarknessborneWithothernotesthentoth\'ORPHEANLyreIsungofCHAOSandETERNALNIGHT,Taughtbytheheav\'nlyMusetoventuredownThedarkdescent,anduptoreascend,Thoughhardandrare:theeIrevisitsafe,AndfeelthysovranvitalLamp;butthouRevisit\'stnottheseeyes,thatrowleinvainTofindthypiercingray,andfindnodawn;
SothickadropserenehathquenchtthirOrbs,Ordimsuffusionveild。YetnotthemoreCeaseItowanderwheretheMuseshauntCleerSpring,orshadieGrove,orSunnieHill,Smitwiththeloveofsacredsong;butchiefTheeSIONandtheflowrieBrooksbeneathThatwashthyhallowdfeet,andwarblingflow,NightlyIvisit:norsomtimesforgetThoseothertwoequal\'dwithmeinFate,SowereIequal\'dwiththeminrenown,BlindTHAMYRISandblindMAEONIDES,AndTIRESIASandPHINEUSProphetsold。
Thenfeedonthoughts,thatvoluntariemoveHarmoniousnumbers;asthewakefulBirdSingsdarkling,andinshadiestCoverthidTuneshernocturnalNote。ThuswiththeYearSeasonsreturn,butnottomereturnsDay,orthesweetapproachofEv\'norMorn,Orsightofvernalbloom,orSummersRose,Orflocks,orherds,orhumanfacedivine;
Butcloudinstead,andever-duringdarkSurroundsme,fromthechearfulwaiesofmenCutoff,andforthebookofknowledgfairPresentedwithaUniversalblancOfNaturesworkstomeeexpung\'dandras\'d,Andwisdomeatoneentrancequiteshutout。
SomuchtheratherthouCelestiallightShineinward,andthemindthroughallherpowersIrradiate,thereplanteyes,allmistfromthencePurgeanddisperse,thatImayseeandtellOfthingsinvisibletomortalsight。
NowhadtheAlmightyFatherfromabove,FromthepureEmpyreanwherehesitsHighThron\'daboveallhighth,bentdownhiseye,Hisownworksandtheirworksatoncetoview:
AbouthimalltheSanctitiesofHeavenStoodthickasStarrs,andfromhissightreceiv\'dBeatitudepastutterance;onhisrightTheradiantimageofhisGlorysat,HisonelySon;OnEarthhefirstbeheldOurtwofirstParents,yettheonelytwoOfmankind,inthehappieGardenplac\'t,Reapingimmortalfruitsofjoyandlove,Uninterruptedjoy,unrivaldloveInblissfulsolitude;hethensurvey\'dHellandtheGulfbetween,andSATANthereCoastingthewallofHeav\'nonthissideNightInthedunAirsublime,andreadynowTostoopwithweariedwings,andwillingfeetOnthebareoutsideofthisWorld,thatseem\'dFirmlandimbosom\'dwithoutFirmament,Uncertainwhich,inOceanorinAir。
HimGodbeholdingfromhisprospecthigh,Whereinpast,present,futurehebeholds,ThustohisonelySonforeseeingspake。
OnelybegottenSon,seestthouwhatrageTransportsouradversarie,whomnoboundsPrescrib\'d,nobarrsofHell,norallthechainsHeaptonhimthere,noryetthemainAbyssWideinterruptcanhold;sobentheseemsOndesperatrevenge,thatshallredoundUponhisownrebellioushead。AndnowThroughallrestraintbrokeloosehewingshiswayNotfarroffHeav\'n,inthePrecinctsoflight,DirectlytowardsthenewcreatedWorld,AndManthereplac\'t,withpurposetoassayIfhimbyforcehecandestroy,orworse,Bysomfalseguilepervert;andshallpervert;
Formanwillheark\'ntohisglozinglyes,AndeasilytransgressthesoleCommand,Solepledgeofhisobedience:SowillfallHeeandhisfaithlessProgenie:whosefault?
Whosebuthisown?ingrate,hehadofmeeAllhecouldhave;Imadehimjustandright,Sufficienttohavestood,thoughfreetofall。
SuchIcreatedallth\'EtherealPowersAndSpirits,boththemwhostood&;themwhofaild;
Freelytheystoodwhostood,andfellwhofell。
Notfree,whatproofcouldtheyhavegivnsincereOftrueallegiance,constantFaithorLove,Whereonelywhattheyneedsmustdo,appeard,Notwhattheywould?whatpraisecouldtheyreceive?
WhatpleasureIfromsuchobediencepaid,WhenWillandReason(Reasonalsoischoice)
Uselessandvain,offreedombothdespoild,Madepassiveboth,hadservdnecessitie,Notmee。Theythereforeastorightbelongd,Sowerecreated,norcanjustlyaccuseThirmaker,orthirmaking,orthirFate;
AsifPredestinationover-rul\'dThirwill,dispos\'dbyabsoluteDecreeOrhighforeknowledge;theythemselvesdecreedThirownrevolt,notI:ifIforeknew,Foreknowledgehadnoinfluenceontheirfault,Whichhadnolessprov\'dcertainunforeknown。
SowithoutleastimpulseorshadowofFate,Oraughtbymeimmutablieforeseen,Theytrespass,AuthorstothemselvesinallBothwhattheyjudgeandwhattheychoose;forsoIformdthemfree,andfreetheymustremain,Tilltheyenthrallthemselves:IelsemustchangeThirnature,andrevokethehighDecreeUnchangeable,Eternal,whichordain\'dThirfreedom,theythemselvesordain\'dthirfall。
Thefirstsortbythirownsuggestionfell,Self-tempted,self-deprav\'d:Manfallsdeceiv\'dBytheotherfirst:Manthereforeshallfindgrace,Theothernone:inMercyandJusticeboth,ThroughHeav\'nandEarth,soshallmyglorieexcel,ButMercyfirstandlastshallbrightestshine。
ThuswhileGodspake,ambrosialfragrancefill\'dAllHeav\'n,andintheblessedSpiritselectSenseofnewjoyineffablediffus\'d:
BeyondcomparetheSonofGodwasseenMostglorious,inhimallhisFathershonSubstantiallyexpress\'d,andinhisfaceDivinecompassionvisiblyappeerd,Lovewithoutend,andwithoutmeasureGrace,WhichutteringthushetohisFatherspake。
OFather,graciouswasthatwordwhichclos\'dThysovransentence,thatManshouldfindgrace;
ForwhichbothHeav\'nandEarthshallhighextollThypraises,withth\'innumerablesoundOfHymnsandsacredSongs,wherewiththyThroneEncompass\'dshallresoundtheeeverblest。
ForshouldManfinallybelost,shouldManThycreaturelatesolov\'d,thyyoungestSonFallcircumventedthusbyfraud,thoughjoyndWithhisownfolly?thatbefromtheefarr,Thatfarrbefromthee,Father,whoartJudgeOfallthingsmade,andjudgestonelyright。
OrshalltheAdversariethusobtainHisend,andfrustratethine,shallhefulfillHismalice,andthygoodnessbringtonaught,Orproudreturnthoughtohisheavierdoom,Yetwithrevengeaccomplish\'tandtoHellDrawafterhimthewholeRaceofmankind,Byhimcorrupted?orwiltthouthyselfAbolishthyCreation,andunmake,Forhim,whatforthygloriethouhastmade?
SoshouldthygoodnessandthygreatnessbothBequestiondandblaspheam\'dwithoutdefence。
TowhomthegreatCreatourthusreply\'d。
OSon,inwhommySoulhathchiefdelight,Sonofmybosom,SonwhoartaloneMyword,mywisdom,andeffectualmight,Allhastthouspok\'nasmythoughtsare,allAsmyEternalpurposehathdecreed:
Manshallnotquitebelost,butsav\'dwhowill,Yetnotofwillinhim,butgraceinmeFreelyvoutsaft;oncemoreIwillrenewHislapsedpowers,thoughforfeitandenthrall\'dBysintofoulexorbitantdesires;
Upheldbyme,yetoncemoreheshallstandOnevengroundagainsthismortalfoe,Bymeupheld,thathemayknowhowfrailHisfall\'nconditionis,andtomeowAllhisdeliv\'rance,andtononebutme。
SomeIhavechosenofpeculiargraceElectabovetherest;soismywill:
Therestshallhearmecall,andoftbewarndThirsinfulstate,andtoappeasebetimesTh\'incensedDeitie,whileofferdgraceInvites;forIwillcleerthirsensesdark,Whatmaysuffice,andsoft\'nstonieheartsTopray,repent,andbringobediencedue。
Toprayer,repentance,andobediencedue,Thoughbutendevordwithsincereintent,Mineeareshallnotbeslow,mineeyenotshut。
AndIwillplacewithinthemasaguideMyUmpireCONSCIENCE,whomiftheywillhear,Lightafterlightwellus\'dtheyshallattain,Andtotheendpersisting,safearrive。
ThismylongsufferanceandmydayofgraceTheywhoneglectandscorn,shallnevertaste;
Buthardbehard\'nd,blindbeblindedmore,Thattheymaystumbleon,anddeeperfall;
AndnonebutsuchfrommercyIexclude。
Butyetallisnotdon;Mandisobeying,Disloyalbreakshisfealtie,andsinnsAgainstthehighSupremacieofHeav\'n,AffectingGod-head,andsoloosingall,ToexpiatehisTreasonhathnaughtleft,Buttodestructionsacredanddevote,Hewithhiswholeposteritiemustdie,DieheeorJusticemust;unlessforhimSomotherable,andaswilling,payTherigidsatisfaction,deathfordeath。
SayHeav\'nlyPowers,whereshallwefindsuchlove,WhichofyewillbemortaltoredeemMansmortalcrime,andjustth\'unjusttosave,DwelsinallHeavencharitiesodeare?
Heask\'d,butalltheHeav\'nlyQuirestoodmute,AndsilencewasinHeav\'n:onmansbehalfPatronorIntercessornoneappeerd,MuchlessthatdurstuponhisownheaddrawThedeadlyforfeiture,andransomset。
AndnowwithoutredemptionallmankindMusthavebinlost,adjudg\'dtoDeathandHellBydoomsevere,hadnottheSonofGod,Inwhomthefulnessdwelsoflovedivine,Hisdearestmediationthusrenewd。
Father,thywordispast,manshallfindgrace;
Andshallgracenotfindmeans,thatfindsherway,Thespeediestofthywingedmessengers,Tovisitallthycreatures,andtoallComesunprevented,unimplor\'d,unsought,Happieforman,socoming;heheraideCanneverseek,oncedeadinsinsandlost;
Attonementforhimselforofferingmeet,Indebtedandundon,hathnonetobring:
Beholdmeethen,meeforhim,lifeforlifeIoffer,onmeeletthineangerfall;
Accountmeeman;IforhissakewillleaveThybosom,andthisglorienexttotheeFreelyputoff,andforhimlastlydieWellpleas\'d,onmeletDeathwreckallhisrage;
UnderhisgloomiepowerIshallnotlongLievanquisht;thouhastgivnmetopossessLifeinmyselfforever,bytheeIlive,ThoughnowtoDeathIyeild,andamhisdueAllthatofmecandie,yetthatdebtpaid,ThouwiltnotleavemeintheloathsomgraveHisprey,norsuffermyunspottedSouleForeverwithcorruptiontheretodwell;
ButIshallriseVictorious,andsubdueMyVanquisher,spoildofhisvantedspoile;
Deathhisdeathswoundshallthenreceive,&;stoopInglorious,ofhismortallstingdisarm\'d。
IthroughtheampleAirinTriumphhighShallleadHellCaptivemaugreHell,andshowThepowersofdarknessbound。ThouatthesightPleas\'d,outofHeavenshaltlookdownandsmile,Whilebytheerais\'dIruinallmyFoes,Deathlast,andwithhisCarcassgluttheGrave:
ThenwiththemultitudeofmyredeemdShallenterHeavenlongabsent,andreturne,Father,toseethyface,whereinnocloudOfangershallremain,butpeaceassur\'d,Andreconcilement;wrauthshallbenomoreThenceforth,butinthypresenceJoyentire。
Hiswordshereended,buthismeekaspectSilentyetspake,andbreath\'dimmortalloveTomortalmen,abovewhichonlyshonFilialobedience:asasacrificeGladtobeoffer\'d,heattendsthewillOfhisgreatFather。Admirationseis\'dAllHeav\'n,whatthismightmean,&;whithertendWondring;butsoonth\'Almightythusreply\'d:
OthouinHeav\'nandEarththeonlypeaceFoundoutformankindunderwrauth,OthouMysolecomplacence!wellthouknow\'sthowdear,Tomeareallmyworks,norMantheleastThoughlastcreated,thatforhimIspareTheefrommybosomandrighthand,tosave,Byloosingtheeawhile,thewholeRacelost。
Thouthereforewhomthouonlycanstredeeme,ThirNaturealsotothyNaturejoyne;
AndbethyselfManamongmenonEarth,Madeflesh,whentimeshallbe,ofVirginseed,Bywondrousbirth:BethouinADAMSroomTheHeadofallmankind,thoughADAMSSon。
Asinhimperishallmen,sointheeAsfromasecondrootshallberestor\'d,Asmanyasarerestor\'d,withouttheenone。
HiscrimemakesguiltieallhisSons,thymeritImputedshallabsolvethemwhorenounceThirownbothrighteousandunrighteousdeeds,Andliveintheetransplanted,andfromtheeReceivenewlife。SoMan,asismostjust,ShallsatisfieforMan,bejudg\'danddie,Anddyingrise,andrisingwithhimraiseHisBrethren,ransomdwithhisowndearlife。
SoHeav\'nlyloveshaloutdooHellishhate,Givingtodeath,anddyingtoredeeme,SodearlytoredeemwhatHellishhateSoeasilydestroy\'d,andstilldestroyesInthosewho,whentheymay,acceptnotgrace。
NorshaltthoubydescendingtoassumeMansNature,less\'nordegradethineowne。
Becausethouhast,thoughThron\'dinhighestblissEqualtoGod,andequallyenjoyingGod-likefruition,quittedalltosaveAWorldfromutterloss,andhastbeenfoundByMeritmorethenBirthrightSonofGod,FoundworthiesttobesobybeingGood,FarrmorethenGreatorHigh;becauseintheeLovehathaboundedmorethenGloryabounds,ThereforethyHumiliationshallexaltWiththeethyManhoodalsotothisThrone;
Hereshaltthousitincarnate,hereshaltReigneBothGodandMan,SonbothofGodandMan,AnointeduniversalKing;allPowerIgivethee,reignforever,andassumeThyMerits;undertheeasHeadSupreamThrones,Princedoms,Powers,DominionsIreduce:
Allkneestotheeshallbow,ofthemthatbideInHeaven,orEarth,orunderEarthinHell;
WhenthouattendedgloriouslyfromHeav\'nShaltintheSkieappeer,andfromtheesendThesummoningArch-AngelstoproclaimeThydreadTribunal:forthwithfromallWindesTheliving,andforthwiththeciteddeadOfallpastAgestothegeneralDoomShallhast\'n,suchapealshallrousethirsleep。
ThenallthySaintsassembl\'d,thoushaltjudgeBadmenandAngels,theyarraigndshallsinkBeneaththySentence;Hell,hernumbersfull,Thenceforthshallbeforevershut。MeanwhileTheWorldshallburn,andfromherashesspringNewHeav\'nandEarth,whereinthejustshalldwellAndafterallthirtribulationslongSeegoldendays,fruitfulofgoldendeeds,WithJoyandLovetriumphing,andfairTruth。
ThenthouthyregalSceptershaltlayby,ForregalScepterthennomoreshallneed,GodshallbeAllinAll。ButallyeGods,Adorehim,whotocompassallthisdies,AdoretheSon,andhonourhimasmee。
Nosoonerhadth\'Almightyceas\'t,butallThemultitudeofAngelswithashoutLoudasfromnumberswithoutnumber,sweetAsfromblestvoices,utteringjoy,Heav\'nrungWithJubilee,andloudHosanna\'sfill\'dTh\'eternalRegions:lowlyreverentTowardseitherThronetheybow,&;tothegroundWithsolemnadorationdowntheycastThirCrownsinwovewithAmarantandGold,ImmortalAmarant,aFlourwhichonceInParadise,fastbytheTreeofLifeBegantobloom,butsoonformansoffenceToHeav\'nremov\'dwherefirstitgrew,theregrows,AndfloursaloftshadingtheFountofLife,AndwheretheriverofBlissthroughmidstofHeavnRowlso\'reELISIANFloursherAmberstream;
WiththesethatneverfadetheSpiritsElectBindthirresplendentlocksinwreath\'dwithbeams,NowinlooseGarlandsthickthrownoff,thebrightPavementthatlikeaSeaofJaspershonImpurpl\'dwithCelestialRosessmil\'d。
ThenCrown\'dagainthirgold\'nHarpstheytook,Harpsevertun\'d,thatglitteringbytheirsideLikeQuivershung,andwithPraeamblesweetOfcharmingsymphonietheyintroduceThirsacredSong,andwakenraptureshigh;
Novoiceexempt,novoicebutwellcouldjoineMelodiouspart,suchconcordisinHeav\'n。
TheeFatherfirsttheysungOmnipotent,Immutable,Immortal,Infinite,EternalKing;theeAuthorofallbeing,FountainofLight,thyselfinvisibleAmidstthegloriousbrightnesswherethousit\'stThron\'dinaccessible,butwhenthoushad\'stThefullblazeofthybeams,andthroughacloudDrawnroundabouttheelikearadiantShrine,Darkwithexcessivebrightthyskirtsappeer,YetdazleHeav\'n,thatbrightestSeraphimApproachnot,butwithbothwingsveilthireyes。
TheenexttheysangofallCreationfirst,BegottenSon,DivineSimilitude,Inwhoseconspicuouscount\'nance,withoutcloudMadevisible,th\'AlmightyFathershines,WhomelsenoCreaturecanbehold;ontheeImpressttheeffulgenceofhisGlorieabides,Transfus\'dontheehisampleSpiritrests。
HeeHeav\'nofHeavensandallthePowersthereinBytheecreated,andbytheethrewdownTh\'aspiringDominations:thouthatdayThyFathersdreadfulThunderdidstnotspare,NorstopthyflamingChariotwheels,thatshookHeav\'nseverlastingFrame,whileo\'rethenecksThoudrov\'stofwarringAngelsdisarraid。
BackfrompursuitthyPowerswithloudacclaimeTheeonlyextold,SonofthyFathersmight,Toexecutefiercevengeanceonhisfoes,NotsoonMan;himthroughtheirmalicefall\'n,FatherofMercieandGrace,thoudidstnotdoomeSostrictly,butmuchmoretopitieencline:
NosoonerdidthydearandonelySonPerceivetheepurpos\'dnottodoomfrailManSostrictly,butmuchmoretopitieenclin\'d,Hetoappeasethywrauth,andendthestrifeOfMercyandJusticeinthyfacediscern\'d,RegardlessoftheBlisswhereinheesatSecondtothee,offerdhimselftodieFormansoffence。Ounexampl\'dlove,LovenowheretobefoundlessthenDivine!
HailSonofGod,SaviourofMen,thyNameShallbethecopiousmatterofmySongHenceforth,andnevershallmyHarpthypraiseForget,norfromthyFatherspraisedisjoine。
ThustheyinHeav\'n,abovethestarrySphear,Thirhappiehoursinjoyandhymningspent。
MeanwhileuponthefirmopacousGlobeOfthisroundWorld,whosefirstconvexdividesTheluminousinferiorOrbs,enclos\'dFromCHAOSandth\'inroadofDarknessold,SATANalightedwalks:aGlobefarroffItseem\'d,nowseemsaboundlessContinentDark,waste,andwild,underthefrownofNightStarlessexpos\'d,andever-threatningstormsOfCHAOSblustringround,inclementskie;
SaveonthatsidewhichfromthewallofHeav\'nThoughdistantfarrsomsmallreflectiongainesOfglimmeringairlessvextwithtempestloud:
Herewalk\'dtheFiendatlargeinspaciousfield。
AswhenaVulturonIMAUSbred,WhosesnowieridgetherovingTARTARbounds,DislodgingfromaRegionscarceofpreyTogorgethefleshofLambsoryeanlingKidsOnHillswhereFlocksarefed,fliestowardtheSpringsOfGANGESorHYDASPES,INDIANstreams;
ButinhiswaylightsonthebarrenplainesOfSERICANA,whereCHINESESdriveWithSailsandWindthircanieWaggonslight:
SoonthiswindieSeaofLand,theFiendWalk\'dupanddownalonebentonhisprey,Alone,forotherCreatureinthisplaceLivingorlivelesstobefoundwasnone,Noneyet,butstorehereafterfromtheearthUphitherlikeAerealvapoursflewOfallthingstransitorieandvain,whenSinWithvanityhadfilldtheworksofmen:
Bothallthingsvain,andallwhoinvainthingsBuiltthirfondhopesofGlorieorlastingfame,Orhappinessinthisorth\'otherlife;
AllwhohavethirrewardonEarth,thefruitsOfpainfulSuperstitionandblindZeal,Naughtseekingbutthepraiseofmen,herefindFitretribution,emptieasthirdeeds;
Allth\'unaccomplishtworksofNatureshand,Abortive,monstrous,orunkindlymixt,Dissolvdonearth,fleethither,andinvain,Tillfinaldissolution,wanderhere,NotintheneighbouringMoon,assomehavedreamd;
ThoseargentFieldsmorelikelyhabitants,TranslatedSaints,ormiddleSpiritsholdBetwixtth\'AngelicalandHumankinde:
Hitherofill-joyndSonsandDaughtersbornFirstfromtheancientWorldthoseGiantscameWithmanyavainexploit,thoughthenrenownd:
ThebuildersnextofBABELonthePlainOfSENNAAR,andstillwithvaindesigneNewBABELS,hadtheywherewithall,wouldbuild:
Otherscamesingle;heewhotobedeemdAGod,leap\'dfondlyintoAETNAflames,EMPEDOCLES,andheewhotoenjoyPLATO\'SELYSIUM,leap\'dintotheSea,CLEOMBROTUS,andmanymoretoolong,Embryo\'sandIdiots,EremitsandFriersWhite,BlackandGrey,withallthirtrumperie。
HerePilgrimsroam,thatstray\'dsofarrtoseekInGOLGOTHAhimdead,wholivesinHeav\'n;
AndtheywhotobesureofParadiseDyingputontheweedsofDOMINIC,OrinFRANCISCANthinktopassdisguis\'d;
TheypassthePlanetsseven,andpassthefixt,AndthatCrystallineSphearwhoseballanceweighsTheTrepidationtalkt,andthatfirstmov\'d;
AndnowSaintPETERatHeav\'nsWicketseemsTowaitthemwithhisKeys,andnowatfootOfHeav\'nsascenttheyliftthirFeet,whenloeAviolentcrosswindfromeitherCoastBlowsthemtransversetenthousandLeaguesawryIntothedeviousAir;thenmightyeseeCowles,HoodsandHabitswiththirwearerstostAndflutterdintoRaggs,thenReliques,Beads,Indulgences,Dispenses,Pardons,Bulls,ThesportofWinds:alltheseupwhirldaloftFlyo\'rethebacksideoftheWorldfarroffIntoaLIMBOlargeandbroad,sincecalldTheParadiseofFools,tofewunknownLongafter,nowunpeopl\'d,anduntrod;
AllthisdarkGlobetheFiendfoundashepass\'d,Andlonghewanderd,tillatlastagleameOfdawninglightturndthither-wardinhasteHistravell\'dsteps;farrdistantheedescriesAscendingbydegreesmagnificentUptothewallofHeavenaStructurehigh,Attopwhereof,butfarrmorerichappeerdTheworkasofaKinglyPalaceGateWithFrontispiceofDiamondandGoldImbellisht,thickwithsparklingorientGemmesThePortalshon,inimitableonEarthByModel,orbyshadingPencildrawn。
TheStairsweresuchaswhereonJACOBsawAngelsascendinganddescending,bandsOfGuardiansbright,whenhefromESAUfledToPADAN-ARAMinthefieldofLUZ,DreamingbynightundertheopenSkie,Andwakingcri\'d,ThisistheGateofHeav\'n。
EachStairmysteriouslywasmeant,norstoodTherealwaies,butdrawnuptoHeav\'nsomtimesViewless,andunderneathabrightSeaflow\'dOfJasper,orofliquidPearle,whereonWhoaftercamefromEarth,saylingarriv\'d,WaftedbyAngels,orflewo\'retheLakeRaptinaChariotdrawnbyfierySteeds。
TheStairswerethenletdown,whethertodareTheFiendbyeasieascent,oraggravateHissadexclusionfromthedoresofBliss。
Directagainstwhichop\'ndfrombeneath,Justo\'retheblissfulseatofParadise,Apassagedowntoth\'Earth,apassagewide,Widerbyfarrthenthatofafter-timesOverMountSION,and,thoughthatwerelarge,OverthePROMIS\'DLANDtoGodsodear,Bywhich,tovisitoftthosehappyTribes,OnhighbehestshisAngelstoandfroPass\'dfrequent,andhiseyewithchoiceregardFromPANEASthefountofJORDANSfloodToBEERSABA,wheretheHOLYLAND
BordersonAEGYPTandtheARABIANshoare;
Sowidetheop\'ningseemd,whereboundsweresetTodarkness,suchasboundtheOceanwave。
SATANfromhencenowonthelowerstairThatscal\'dbystepsofGoldtoHeav\'nGateLooksdownwithwonderatthesuddenviewOfallthisWorldatonce。AswhenaScoutThroughdarkanddesartwayeswithperilgoneAllnight;atlastbybreakofchearfuldawneObtainsthebrowofsomehigh-climbingHill,WhichtohiseyediscoversunawareThegoodlyprospectofsomeforeinlandFirst-seen,orsomerenowndMetropolisWithglisteringSpiresandPinnaclesadornd,WhichnowtheRisingSunguildswithhisbeams。
Suchwonderseis\'d,thoughafterHeavenseen,TheSpiritmaligne,butmuchmoreenvyseis\'dAtsightofallthisWorldbeheldsofaire。
Roundhesurveys,andwellmight,wherehestoodSohighabovethecirclingCanopieOfNightsextendedshade;fromEasternPointOfLIBRAtothefleecieStarrthatbearsANDROMEDAfarroffATLANTICKSeasBeyondth\'HORIZON;thenfromPoletoPoleHeviewsinbredth,andwithoutlongerpauseDownrightintotheWorldsfirstRegionthrowsHisflightprecipitant,andwindeswitheaseThroughthepuremarbleAirhisobliquewayAmongstinnumerableStarrs,thatshonStarsdistant,butnighhandseemdotherWorlds,OrotherWorldstheyseemd,orhappyIles,LikethoseHESPERIANGardensfam\'dofold,FortunateFields,andGrovesandflourieVales,ThricehappyIles,butwhodwelthappythereHestaydnottoenquire:abovethemallThegoldenSuninsplendorlikestHeavenAllur\'dhiseye:ThitherhiscoursehebendsThroughthecalmFirmament;butupordowneBycenter,oreccentric,hardtotell,OrLongitude,wherethegreatLuminarieAlooffthevulgarConstellationsthick,ThatfromhisLordlyeyekeepdistancedue,DispensesLightfromfarr;theyastheymoveThirSarrydanceinnumbersthatcomputeDays,months,andyears,towardshisall-chearingLampTurnswifttheirvariousmotions,orareturndByhisMagneticbeam,thatgentlywarmsTheUnivers,andtoeachinwardpartWithgentlepenetration,thoughunseen,Shootsinvisiblevertueeventothedeep:
SowondrouslywassethisStationbright。
TherelandstheFiend,aspotlikewhichperhapsAstronomerintheSun\'slucentOrbeThroughhisglaz\'dOpticTubeyetneversaw。
Theplacehefoundbeyondexpressionbright,Compar\'dwithaughtonEarth,MedalorStone;
Notallpartslike,butallalikeinformdWhichradiantlight,asglowingIronwithfire;
Ifmettal,partseemdGold,partSilvercleer;
Ifstone,CarbunclemostorChrysolite,RubieorTopaz,totheTwelvethatshonInAARONSBrest-plate,andastonebesidesImagindratheroftthenelsewhereseen,Thatstone,orliketothatwhichherebelowPhilosophersinvainsolonghavesought,Invain,thoughbythirpowerfulArttheybindeVolatilHERMES,andcallupunboundInvariousshapesoldPROTEUSfromtheSea,DraindthroughaLimbectohisNativeforme。
WhatwondertheniffieldsandregionshereBreatheforthELIXIRpure,andRiversrunPotableGold,whenwithonevertuoustouchTh\'Arch-chimicSunsofarrfromusremoteProduceswithTerrestrialHumormixtHereinthedarksomanypreciousthingsOfcolourgloriousandeffectsorare?
HerematternewtogazetheDevilmetUndazl\'d,farrandwidehiseyecommands,Forsightnoobstaclefoundhere,norshade,ButallSun-shine,aswhenhisBeamsatNoonCulminatefromth\'AEQUATOR,astheynowShotupwardstilldirect,whencenowayroundShadowfrombodyopaquecanfall,andtheAire,Nowheresocleer,sharp\'ndhisvisualrayToobjectsdistantfarr,wherebyhesoonSawwithinkennagloriousAngelstand,ThesamewhomJOHNsawalsointheSun:
Hisbackwasturnd,butnothisbrightnesshid;
OfbeamingsunnieRaies,agoldentiarCircl\'dhisHead,norlesshisLocksbehindIllustriousonhisShouldersfledgewithwingsLaywavinground;onsomgreatchargeimploy\'dHeeseemd,orfixtincogitationdeep。
GladwastheSpiritimpureasnowinhopeTofindwhomightdirecthiswandringflightToParadisethehappieseatofMan,Hisjourniesendandourbeginningwoe。
Butfirsthecaststochangehispropershape,Whichelsemightworkhimdangerordelay:
AndnowastriplingCherubeheappeers,Notoftheprime,yetsuchasinhisfaceYouthsmil\'dCelestial,andtoeveryLimbSutablegracediffus\'d,sowellhefeignd;
UnderaCoronethisflowinghaireIncurlesoneithercheekplaid,wingsheworeOfmanyacolourdplumesprinkl\'dwithGold,Hishabitfitforspeedsuccinct,andheldBeforehisdecentstepsaSilverwand。
Hedrewnotnighunheard,theAngelbright,Erehedrewnigh,hisradiantvisageturnd,Admonishtbyhiseare,andstraitwasknownTh\'Arch-AngelURIEL,oneoftheseav\'nWhoinGodspresence,neeresttohisThroneStandreadyatcommand,andarehisEyesThatrunthroughalltheHeav\'ns,ordowntoth\'EarthBearhisswifterrandsovermoistanddry,O\'reSeaandLand:himSATANthusaccostes;
URIEL,forthouofthoseseav\'nSpiritsthatstandInsightofGod\'shighThrone,gloriouslybright,ThefirstartwonthisgreatauthenticwillInterpreterthroughhighestHeav\'ntobring,WhereallhisSonsthyEmbassieattend;
AndhereartlikeliestbysupreamdecreeLikehonourtoobtain,andashisEyeTovisitoftthisnewCreationround;
Unspeakabledesiretosee,andknowAllthesehiswondrousworks,butchieflyMan,Hischiefdelightandfavour,himforwhomAllthesehisworkssowondrousheordaind,HathbroughtmefromtheQuiresofCherubimAlonethuswandring。BrightestSeraphtellInwhichofalltheseshiningOrbeshathManHisfixedseat,orfixedseathathnone,ButalltheseshiningOrbeshischoicetodwell;
ThatImayfindhim,andwithsecretgaze,OropenadmirationhimbeholdOnwhomthegreatCreatorhathbestowdWorlds,andonwhomhathallthesegracespowrd;
Thatbothinhimandallthings,asismeet,TheUniversalMakerwemaypraise;
WhojustlyhathdrivnouthisRebellFoesTodeepestHell,andtorepairthatlossCreatedthisnewhappieRaceofMenToservehimbetter:wiseareallhiswayes。
Sospakethefalsedissemblerunperceivd;
ForneitherMannorAngelcandiscernHypocrisie,theonlyevilthatwalksInvisible,excepttoGodalone,Byhispermissivewill,throughHeav\'nandEarth:
Andoftthoughwisdomwake,suspicionsleepsAtwisdomsGate,andtosimplicitieResignshercharge,whilegoodnessthinksnoillWherenoillseems:Whichnowforoncebeguil\'dURIEL,thoughRegentoftheSun,andheldThesharpestsightedSpiritofallinHeav\'n;
WhotothefraudulentImpostorfouleInhisuprightnessanswerthusreturnd。
FaireAngel,thydesirewhichtendstoknowTheworksofGod,therebytoglorifieThegreatWork-Maister,leadstonoexcessThatreachesblame,butrathermeritspraiseThemoreitseemsexcess,thatledtheehitherFromthyEmpyrealMansionthusalone,TowitnesswiththineeyeswhatsomeperhapsContentedwithreportheareonelyinheav\'n:
Forwonderfulindeedareallhisworks,Pleasanttoknow,andworthiesttobeallHadinremembrancealwayeswithdelight;
ButwhatcreatedmindcancomprehendThirnumber,orthewisdominfiniteThatbroughtthemforth,buthidthircausesdeep。
IsawwhenathisWordtheformlessMass,Thisworldsmaterialmould,cametoaheap:
Confusionheardhisvoice,andwildeuproarStoodrul\'d,stoodvastinfinitudeconfin\'d;
Tillathissecondbiddingdarknessfled,Lightshon,andorderfromdisordersprung:
SwifttothirseveralQuartershastedthenThecumbrousElements,Earth,Flood,Aire,Fire,AndthisEtherealquintessenceofHeav\'nFlewupward,spiritedwithvariousforms,Thatrowldorbicular,andturndtoStarrsNumberless,asthouseest,andhowtheymove;
Eachhadhisplaceappointed,eachhiscourse,TherestincircuitwallesthisUniverse。
LookdownwardonthatGlobewhosehithersideWithlightfromhence,thoughbutreflected,shines;
ThatplaceisEarththeseatofMan,thatlightHisday,whichelseasth\'otherHemisphereNightwouldinvade,buttheretheneighbouringMoon(SocallthatoppositefairStarr)heraideTimelyinterposes,andhermonthlyroundStillending,stillrenewing,throughmidHeav\'n;
WithborrowdlighthercountenancetriformHencefillsandemptiestoenlightenth\'Earth,Andinherpaledominionchecksthenight。
ThatspottowhichIpointisPARADISE,ADAMSabode,thoseloftieshadeshisBowre。
Thywaythoucanstnotmiss,meminerequires。
Thussaid,heturnd,andSATANbowinglow,AstosuperiorSpiritsiswontinHeaven,Wherehonourdueandreverencenoneneglects,Tookleave,andtowardthecoastofEarthbeneath,Downfromth\'Ecliptic,spedwithhop\'dsuccess,ThrowshissteepflightwithmanyanAeriewheele,Norstaid,tillonNIPHATEStophelights。TheEndoftheThirdBookParadiseLost-Book4ParadiseLostbyJohnMiltonBook4OForthatwarningvoice,whichhewhosawTh\'APOCALYPS,heardcryinHeavenaloud,ThenwhentheDragon,puttosecondrout,Camefuriousdowntobereveng\'donmen,WOTOTHEINHABITANTSONEARTH!thatnow,Whiletimewas,ourfirstParentshadbinwarndThecomingofthirsecretfoe,andscap\'dHaplysoscap\'dhismortalsnare;fornowSATAN,nowfirstinflam\'dwithrage,camedown,TheTempterereth\'Accuserofman-kind,TowreckoninnocentfrailmanhislossOfthatfirstBattel,andhisflighttoHell:
Yetnotrejoycinginhisspeed,thoughbold,Faroffandfearless,norwithcausetoboast,Beginshisdireattempt,whichnighthebirthNowrowling,boilesinhistumultuousbrest,AndlikeadevillishEnginebackrecoilesUponhimself;horroranddoubtdistractHistroubl\'dthoughts,andfromthebottomstirrTheHellwithinhim,forwithinhimHellHebrings,androundabouthim,norfromHellOnestepnomorethenfromhimselfcanflyBychangeofplace:NowconsciencewakesdespairThatslumberd,wakesthebittermemorieOfwhathewas,whatis,andwhatmustbeWorse;ofworsedeedsworsesufferingsmustensue。
SometimestowardsEDENwhichnowinhisviewLaypleasant,hisgrievdlookhefixessad,SometimestowardsHeav\'nandthefull-blazingSun,WhichnowsathighinhisMeridianTowre:
Thenmuchrevolving,thusinsighsbegan。
OthouthatwithsurpassingGlorycrownd,Look\'stfromthysoleDominionliketheGodOfthisnewWorld;atwhosesightalltheStarrsHidethirdiminishtheads;totheeIcall,Butwithnofriendlyvoice,andaddthynameOSun,totelltheehowIhatethybeamsThatbringtomyremembrancefromwhatstateIfell,howgloriousonceabovethySpheare;
TillPrideandworseAmbitionthrewmedownWarringinHeav\'nagainstHeav\'nsmatchlessKing:
Ahwherefore!hedeservdnosuchreturnFromme,whomhecreatedwhatIwasInthatbrighteminence,andwithhisgoodUpbraidednone;norwashisservicehard。
Whatcouldbelessthentoaffordhimpraise,Theeasiestrecompence,andpayhimthanks,Howdue!yetallhisgoodprov\'dillinme,Andwroughtbutmalice;liftedupsohighIsdeindsubjection,andthoughtonestephigherWouldsetmehighest,andinamomentquitThedebtimmenseofendlessgratitude,Soburthensome,stillpaying,stilltoow;
ForgetfulwhatfromhimIstillreceivd,AndunderstoodnotthatagratefulmindByowingowesnot,butstillpays,atonceIndebtedanddischargd;whatburdenthen?
OhadhispowerfulDestinyordaindMesomeinferiourAngel,IhadstoodThenhappie;nounboundedhopehadrais\'dAmbition。Yetwhynot?somotherPowerAsgreatmighthaveaspir\'d,andmethoughmeanDrawntohispart;butotherPowersasgreatFellnot,butstandunshak\'n,fromwithinOrfromwithout,toalltemptationsarm\'d。
HadstthouthesamefreeWillandPowertostand?
Thouhadst:whomhastthouthenorwhattoaccuse,ButHeav\'nsfreeLovedealtequallytoall?
BethenhisLoveaccurst,sinceloveorhate,Tomealike,itdealseternalwoe。
Naycurs\'dbethou;sinceagainsthisthywillChosefreelywhatitnowsojustlyrues。
Memiserable!whichwayshallIflieInfinitewrauth,andinfinitedespaire?
WhichwayIflieisHell;myselfamHell;
AndinthelowestdeepalowerdeepStillthreatningtodevourmeopenswide,TowhichtheHellIsufferseemsaHeav\'n。
Othenatlastrelent:istherenoplaceLeftforRepentance,noneforPardonleft?
Noneleftbutbysubmission;andthatwordDISDAINforbidsme,andmydreadofshameAmongthespiritsbeneath,whomIseduc\'dWithotherpromisesandothervauntsThentosubmit,boastingIcouldsubdueTh\'Omnipotent。Ayme,theylittleknowHowdearlyIabidethatboastsovaine,UnderwhattormentsinwardlyIgroane;
WhiletheyadoremeontheThroneofHell,WithDiademandScepterhighadvanc\'dThelowerstillIfall,onelySupreamInmiserie;suchjoyAmbitionfindes。
ButsayIcouldrepentandcouldobtaineByActofGracemyformerstate;howsoonWouldhighthrecalhighthoughts,howsoonunsayWhatfeign\'dsubmissionswore:easewouldrecantVowsmadeinpain,asviolentandvoid。
FornevercantruereconcilementgrowWherewoundsofdeadlyhatehavepeirc\'dsodeep:
WhichwouldbutleadmetoaworserelapseAndheavierfall:soshouldIpurchasedeareShortintermissionboughtwithdoublesmart。
Thisknowsmypunisher;thereforeasfarrFromgrantinghee,asIfrombeggingpeace:
Allhopeexcludedthus,beholdinsteadOfusout-cast,exil\'d,hisnewdelight,Mankindcreated,andforhimthisWorld。
SofarwelHope,andwithHopefarwelFear,FarwelRemorse:allGoodtomeislost;
EvilbethoumyGood;bytheeatleastDividedEmpirewithHeav\'nsKingIholdBythee,andmorethenhalfperhapswillreigne;
AsManerelong,andthisnewWorldshallknow。
Thuswhilehespake,eachpassiondimm\'dhisfaceThricechang\'dwithpale,ire,envieanddespair,Whichmarrdhisborrow\'dvisage,andbetraidHimcounterfet,ifanyeyebeheld。
Forheav\'nlymindesfromsuchdistempersfouleAreevercleer。Whereofheesoonaware,Eachperturbationsmooth\'dwithoutwardcalme,Artificeroffraud;andwasthefirstThatpractisdfalshoodundersaintlyshew,Deepmalicetoconceale,couch\'twithrevenge:
YetnotanoughhadpractisdtodeceiveURIELoncewarnd;whoseeyepursu\'dhimdownThewayhewent,andonth\'ASSYRIANmountSawhimdisfigur\'d,morethencouldbefallSpiritofhappiesort:hisgesturesfierceHemarkdandmaddemeanour,thenalone,Ashesuppos\'d,allunobserv\'d,unseen。
Soonhefares,andtothebordercomesOfEDEN,wheredeliciousParadise,Nownearer,Crownswithherenclosuregreen,AswitharuralmoundthechampainheadOfasteepwilderness,whosehairiesidesWiththicketovergrown,grottesqueandwilde,Accessdeni\'d;andoverheadupgrewInsuperablehighthofloftiestshade,Cedar,andPine,andFirr,andbranchingPalm,ASilvanScene,andastheranksascendShadeaboveshade,awoodieTheatreOfstateliestview。YethigherthenthirtopsTheverdurouswallofParadiseupsprung:
WhichtoourgeneralSiregaveprospectlargeIntohisneatherEmpireneighbouringround。
AndhigherthenthatWallacirclingrowOfgoodliestTreesloadenwithfairestFruit,BlossomsandFruitsatonceofgoldenhueAppeerd,withgayenameldcoloursmixt:
OnwhichtheSunmoregladimpress\'dhisbeamsTheninfairEveningCloud,orhumidBow,WhenGodhathshowrdtheearth;solovelyseemdThatLantskip:AndofpurenowpureraireMeetshisapproach,andtotheheartinspiresVernaldelightandjoy,abletodriveAllsadnessbutdespair:nowgentlegalesFanningthirodoriferouswingsdispenseNativeperfumes,andwhisperwhencetheystoleThosebalmiespoiles。AswhentothemwhosaileBeyondtheCAPEOFHOPE,andnowarepastMOZAMBIC,offatSeaNorth-EastwindesblowSABEANOdoursfromthespicieshoareOfARABIEtheblest,withsuchdelayWellpleas\'dtheyslackthircourse,andmanyaLeagueCheardwiththegratefulsmelloldOceansmiles。
SoentertaindthoseodoroussweetstheFiendWhocamethirbane,thoughwiththembetterpleas\'dThenASMODEUSwiththefishiefume,Thatdrovehim,thoughenamourd,fromtheSpouseOfTOBITSSon,andwithavengeancesentFromMEDIAposttoAEGYPT,therefastbound。
Nowtoth\'ascentofthatsteepsavageHillSATANhadjourniedon,pensiveandslow;
Butfurtherwayfoundnone,sothickentwin\'d,Asonecontinu\'dbrake,theundergrowthOfshrubsandtanglingbusheshadperplextAllpathofManorBeastthatpastthatway:
OneGatethereonelywas,andthatlook\'dEastOnth\'otherside:whichwhenth\'arch-fellonsawDueentrancehedisdaind,andincontempt,Atoneslightboundhighoverleap\'dallboundOfHillorhighestWall,andsheerwithinLightsonhisfeet。AswhenaprowlingWolfe,Whomhungerdrivestoseeknewhauntforprey,WatchingwhereShepherdspenthirFlocksateeveInhurdl\'dCotesamidthefieldsecure,Leapso\'rethefencewitheaseintotheFould:
OrasaThiefbenttounhoordthecashOfsomerichBurgher,whosesubstantialdores,Cross-barrdandboltedfast,fearnoassault,Inatthewindowclimbes,oro\'rethetiles;
SoclombthisfirstgrandThiefintoGodsFould:
SosinceintohisChurchlewdHirelingsclimbe。
Thenceupheflew,andontheTreeofLife,ThemiddleTreeandhighesttherethatgrew,SatlikeaCormorant;yetnottrueLifeTherebyregaind,butsatdevisingDeathTothemwholiv\'d;noronthevertuethoughtOfthatlife-givingPlant,butonlyus\'dForprospect,whatwellus\'dhadbinthepledgeOfimmortalitie。SolittleknowsAny,butGodalone,tovaluerightThegoodbeforehim,butpervertsbestthingsToworstabuse,ortothirmeanestuse。
BeneathhimwithnewwondernowheviewsToalldelightofhumansenseexpos\'dInnarrowroomNatureswholewealth,yeamore,AHeavenonEarth,forblissfulParadiseOfGodtheGardenwas,byhimintheEastOfEDENplanted;EDENstretchdherLineFromAURANEastwardtotheRoyalTowrsOfgreatSELEUCIA,builtbyGRECIANKings,OrwheretheSonsofEDENlongbeforeDweltinTELASSAR:inthispleasantsoileHisfarrmorepleasantGardenGodordaind;
Outofthefertilgroundhecaus\'dtogrowAllTreesofnoblestkindforsight,smell,taste;
AndallamidthemstoodtheTreeofLife,Higheminent,bloomingAmbrosialFruitOfvegetableGold;andnexttoLifeOurDeaththeTreeofKnowledgegrewfastby,KnowledgeofGoodboughtdearbyknowingill。
SouthwardthroughEDENwentaRiverlarge,Norchang\'dhiscourse,butthroughtheshaggiehillPass\'dunderneathingulft,forGodhadthrownThatMountainashisGardenmouldhighrais\'dUpontherapidcurrent,whichthroughveinsOfporousEarthwithkindlythirstupdrawn,RoseafreshFountain,andwithmanyarillWaterdtheGarden;thenceunitedfellDownthesteepglade,andmettheneatherFlood,Whichfromhisdarksompassagenowappeers,AndnowdividedintofourmainStreams,Runsdivers,wandringmanyafamousRealmeAndCountrywhereofhereneedsnoaccount,Butrathertotellhow,ifArtcouldtell,HowfromthatSaphireFountthecrispedBrooks,RowlingonOrientPearlandsandsofGold,WithmazieerrorunderpendantshadesRanNectar,visitingeachplant,andfedFloursworthyofParadisewhichnotniceArtInBedsandcuriousKnots,butNatureboonPowrdforthprofuseonHillandDaleandPlaine,BothwherethemorningSunfirstwarmlysmoteTheopenfield,andwheretheunpierc\'tshadeImbroundthenoontideBowrs:Thuswasthisplace,Ahappyruralseatofvariousview;
GroveswhoserichTreesweptodorousGummsandBalme,OtherswhosefruitburnishtwithGoldenRindeHungamiable,HESPERIANFablestrue,Iftrue,hereonely,andofdelicioustaste:
BetwixtthemLawns,orlevelDowns,andFlocksGrasingthetenderherb,wereinterpos\'d,Orpalmiehilloc,ortheflourielapOfsomirriguousValleyspreadherstore,Floursofallhue,andwithoutThorntheRose:
Anotherside,umbrageousGrotsandCavesOfcoolerecess,o\'rewhichthemantlingVineLayesforthherpurpleGrape,andgentlycreepsLuxuriant;meanwhilemurmuringwatersfallDowntheslopehills,disperst,orinaLake,ThattothefringedBankwithMyrtlecrownd,Herchrystallmirrorholds,unitethirstreams。
TheBirdsthirquireapply;aires,vernalaires,Breathingthesmelloffieldandgrove,attuneThetremblingleaves,whileUniversalPAN
KnitwiththeGRACESandtheHOURSindanceLedonth\'EternalSpring。NotthatfairefieldOfENNA,wherePROSERPINgathringfloursHerselfafairerFlourebygloomieDIS
Wasgatherd,whichcostCERESallthatpainToseekherthroughtheworld;northatsweetGroveOfDAPHNEbyORONTES,andth\'inspir\'dCASTALIANSpringmightwiththisParadiseOfEDENstrive;northatNYSEIANIleGirtwiththeRiverTRITON,whereoldCHAM,WhomGentilesAMMONcallandLIBYANJOVE,HidAMALTHEAandherFloridSonYoungBACCHUSfromhisStepdameRHEA\'Seye;
NorwhereABASSINKingsthirissueGuard,MountAMARA,thoughthisbysomsuppos\'dTrueParadiseundertheETHIOPLineByNILUShead,enclos\'dwithshiningRock,Awholedayesjourneyhigh,butwideremoteFromthisASSYRIANGarden,wheretheFiendSawundelightedalldelight,allkindOflivingCreaturesnewtosightandstrange:
Twooffarnoblershapeerectandtall,Godlikeerect,withnativeHonourcladInnakedMajestieseemdLordsofall,Andworthieseemd,forinthirlooksDivineTheimageofthirgloriousMakershon,Truth,Wisdome,Sanctitudesevereandpure,Severe,butintruefilialfreedomplac\'t;
Whencetrueautoritieinmen;thoughbothNotequal,asthirsexnotequalseemd;
Forcontemplationheeandvalourformd,ForsoftnesssheeandsweetattractiveGrace,HeeforGodonly,sheeforGodinhim:
HisfairlargeFrontandEyesublimedeclar\'dAbsoluterule;andHyacinthinLocksRoundfromhispartedforelockmanlyhungClustring,butnotbeneathhisshouldersbroad:
SheeasavaildowntotheslenderwasteHerunadornedgoldentressesworeDissheveld,butinwantonringletswav\'dAstheVinecurleshertendrils,whichimpli\'dSubjection,butrequir\'dwithgentlesway,Andbyheryeilded,byhimbestreceivd,Yeildedwithcoysubmission,modestpride,Andsweetreluctantamorousdelay。
Northosemysteriouspartswerethenconceald,Thenwasnotguiltieshame,dishonestshameOfnaturesworks,honordishonorable,Sin-bred,howhaveyetroubl\'dallmankindWithshewsinstead,meershewsofseemingpure,Andbanishtfrommanslifehishappiestlife,Simplicitieandspotlessinnocence。
Sopassdtheynakedon,norshundthesightOfGodorAngel,fortheythoughtnoill:
Sohandinhandtheypassd,thelovliestpairThateversinceinlovesimbracesmet,ADAMthegoodliestmanofmensinceborneHisSons,thefairestofherDaughtersEVE。
UnderatuftofshadethatonagreenStoodwhisperingsoft,byafreshFountainsideTheysatthemdown,andafternomoretoilOfthirsweetGardninglabourthensuffic\'dTorecommendcooleZEPHYR,andmadeeaseMoreeasie,wholsomthirstandappetiteMoregrateful,tothirSupperFruitstheyfell,NectarineFruitswhichthecompliantboughesYeildedthem,side-longastheysatreclineOnthesoftdownieBankdamasktwithflours:
Thesavouriepulptheychew,andintherindeStillastheythirstedscoopthebrimmingstream;
Norgentlepurpose,norendearingsmilesWanted,noryouthfuldallianceasbeseemsFaircouple,linktinhappienuptialLeague,Aloneasthey。AboutthemfriskingplaydAllBeastsofth\'Earth,sincewilde,andofallchaseInWoodorWilderness,ForrestorDen;
SportingtheLionrampd,andinhispawDandl\'dtheKid;Bears,Tygers,Ounces,PardsGamboldbeforethem,th\'unwieldyElephantTomakethemmirthus\'dallhismight,&;wreathdHisLitheProboscis;closetheSerpentslyInsinuating,wovewithGordiantwineHisbreadedtrain,andofhisfatalguileGaveproofunheeded;othersonthegrassCoucht,andnowfildwithpasturegazingsat,OrBedwardruminating:fortheSunDeclin\'dwashastingnowwithpronecarreerToth\'OceanIles,andinth\'ascendingScaleOfHeav\'ntheStarrsthatusherEveningrose:
WhenSATANstillingaze,asfirsthestood,Scarcethusatlengthfaildspeechrecoverdsad。
OHell!whatdoemineeyeswithgriefbehold,Intoourroomofblissthushighadvanc\'tCreaturesofothermould,earth-bornperhaps,NotSpirits,yettoheav\'nlySpiritsbrightLittleinferior;whommythoughtspursueWithwonder,andcouldlove,solivelyshinesInthemDivineresemblance,andsuchgraceThehandthatformdthemonthirshapehathpourd。
Ahgentlepair,yeelittlethinkhownighYourchangeapproaches,whenallthesedelightsWillvanishanddeliveryetowoe,Morewoe,themoreyourtasteisnowofjoy;
Happie,butforsohappieillsecur\'dLongtocontinue,andthishighseatyourHeav\'nIllfenc\'tforHeav\'ntokeepoutsuchafoeAsnowisenterd;yetnopurpos\'dfoeToyouwhomIcouldpittiethusforlorneThoughIunpittied:LeaguewithyouIseek,Andmutualamitiesostreight,soclose,ThatIwithyoumustdwell,oryouwithmeHenceforth;mydwellinghaplymaynotpleaseLikethisfairParadise,yoursense,yetsuchAcceptyourMakerswork;hegaveitme,WhichIasfreelygive;Hellshallunfould,Toentertainyoutwo,herwidestGates,AndsendforthallherKings;therewillberoom,Notlikethesenarrowlimits,toreceiveYournumerousofspring;ifnobetterplace,ThankhimwhoputsmeloathtothisrevengeOnyouwhowrongmenotforhimwhowrongd。
AndshouldIatyourharmlessinnocenceMelt,asIdoe,yetpublicreasonjust,HonourandEmpirewithrevengeenlarg\'d,ByconqueringthisnewWorld,compelsmenowTodowhatelsethoughdamndIshouldabhorre。
SospaketheFiend,andwithnecessitie,TheTyrantsplea,excus\'dhisdevilishdeeds。
ThenfromhisloftiestandonthathighTreeDownhealightsamongthesportfulHerdOfthosefourfootedkindes,himselfnowone,Nowother,asthirshapeservdbesthisendNeerertoviewhisprey,andunespi\'dTomarkwhatofthirstatehemoremightlearnBywordoractionmarkt:aboutthemroundALionnowhestalkeswithfierieglare,ThenasaTiger,whobychancehathspi\'dInsomePurlieutwogentleFawnesatplay,Straitcouchesclose,thenrisingchangesoftHiscouchantwatch,asonewhochosehisgroundWhencerushinghemightsurestseisethembothGrip\'tineachpaw:whenADAMfirstofmenTofirstofwomenEVEthusmovingspeech,Turndhimallearetohearenewutteranceflow。
Solepartnerandsolepartofallthesejoyes,Dearerthyselfthenall;needsmustthePowerThatmadeus,andforusthisampleWorldBeinfinitlygood,andofhisgoodAsliberalandfreeasinfinite,Thatrais\'dusfromthedustandplac\'tushereInallthishappiness,whoathishandHavenothingmerited,norcanperformeAughtwhereofheehathneed,heewhorequiresFromusnootherservicethentokeepThisone,thiseasiecharge,ofalltheTreesInParadisethatbearedeliciousfruitSovarious,nottotastethatonelyTreeOfknowledge,plantedbytheTreeofLife,SoneergrowsDeathtoLife,whatereDeathis,Somdreadfulthingnodoubt;forwellthouknowstGodhathpronounc\'titdeathtotastethatTree,TheonlysignofourobedienceleftAmongsomanysignesofpowerandruleConferrduponus,andDominiongiv\'nOverallotherCreaturesthatpossesseEarth,Aire,andSea。ThenletusnotthinkhardOneeasieprohibition,whoenjoyFreeleavesolargetoallthingselse,andchoiceUnlimitedofmanifolddelights:
Butletuseverpraisehim,andextollHisbountie,followingourdelightfultaskToprunethesegrowingPlants,&;tendtheseFlours,Whichwereittoilsom,yetwiththeeweresweet。
TowhomthusEverepli\'d。OthouforwhomAndfromwhomIwasformdfleshofthyflesh,Andwithoutwhomamtonoend,myGuideAndHead,whatthouhastsaidisjustandright。
Forweetohimindeedallpraisesowe,Anddailythanks,IchieflywhoenjoySofarrthehappierLot,enjoyingtheePreeminentbysomuchodds,whilethouLikeconsorttothyselfcanstnowherefind。
ThatdayIoftremember,whenfromsleepIfirstawak\'t,andfoundmyselfrepos\'dUnderashadeonflours,muchwondringwhereAndwhatIwas,whencethitherbrought,andhow。
NotdistantfarfromthenceamurmuringsoundOfwatersissu\'dfromaCaveandspreadIntoaliquidPlain,thenstoodunmov\'dPureasth\'expanseofHeav\'n;IthitherwentWithunexperienc\'tthought,andlaidmedowneOnthegreenbank,tolookintothecleerSmoothLake,thattomeseemdanotherSkie。
AsIbentdowntolook,justopposite,AShapewithinthewatrygleamappeerdBendingtolookonme,Istartedback,Itstartedback,butpleasdIsoonreturnd,Pleas\'ditreturndassoonwithansweringlooksOfsympathieandlove,thereIhadfixtMineeyestillnow,andpin\'dwithvaindesire,Hadnotavoicethuswarndme,Whatthouseest,WhattherethouseestfairCreatureisthyself,Withtheeitcameandgoes:butfollowme,AndIwillbringtheewherenoshadowstaiesThycoming,andthysoftimbraces,heeWhoseimagethouart,himthoushallenjoyInseparabliethine,tohimshaltbeareMultitudeslikethyself,andthencebecall\'dMotherofhumanRace:whatcouldIdoe,Butfollowstrait,invisiblythusled?
TillIespi\'dthee,fairindeedandtall,UnderaPlatan,yetmethoughtlessfaire,Lesswinningsoft,lessamiabliemilde,Thenthatsmoothwatryimage;backIturnd,Thoufollowingcryd\'staloud,ReturnfairEVE,Whomfli\'stthou?whomthoufli\'st,ofhimthouart,Hisflesh,hisbone;togivetheebeingIlentOutofmysidetothee,neerestmyheartSubstantialLife,tohavetheebymysideHenceforthanindividualsolacedear;
PartofmySoulIseekthee,andtheeclaimMyotherhalf:withthatthygentlehandSeisdmine,Iyeilded,andfromthattimeseeHowbeautyisexcelldbymanlygraceAndwisdom,whichaloneistrulyfair。
SospakeourgeneralMother,andwitheyesOfconjugalattractionunreprov\'d,Andmeeksurrender,halfimbracingleandOnourfirstFather,halfherswellingBreastNakedmethisundertheflowingGoldOfherloosetresseshid:heindelightBothofherBeautyandsubmissiveCharmsSmil\'dwithsuperiorLove,asJUPITER
OnJUNOsmiles,whenheimpregnstheCloudsThatshedMAYFlowers;andpress\'dherMatronlipWithkissespure:asidetheDevilturndForenvie,yetwithjealousleermaligneEy\'dthemaskance,andtohimselfthusplaind。
Sighthateful,sighttormenting!thusthesetwoImparadis\'tinoneanothersarmsThehappierEDEN,shallenjoythirfillOfblissonbliss,whileItoHellamthrust,Whereneitherjoynorlove,butfiercedesire,Amongourothertormentsnottheleast,Stillunfulfill\'dwithpainoflongingpines;
YetletmenotforgetwhatIhavegain\'dFromthirownmouths;allisnottheirsitseems:
OnefatalTreetherestandsofKnowledgecall\'d,Forbiddenthemtotaste:Knowledgeforbidd\'n?
Suspicious,reasonless。WhyshouldthirLordEnviethemthat?canitbesintoknow,Canitbedeath?anddotheyonelystandByIgnorance,isthatthirhappiestate,Theproofofthirobedienceandthirfaith?
OfairfoundationlaidwhereontobuildThirruine!HenceIwillexcitethirmindsWithmoredesiretoknow,andtorejectEnviouscommands,inventedwithdesigneTokeepthemlowwhomknowledgemightexaltEqualwithGods;aspiringtobesuch,Theytasteanddie:whatlikeliercanensue?
ButfirstwithnarrowsearchImustwalkroundThisGarden,andnocornerleaveunspi\'d;
AchancebutchancemayleadwhereImaymeetSomewandringSpiritofHeav\'n,byFountainside,Orinthickshaderetir\'d,fromhimtodrawWhatfurtherwouldbelearnt。Livewhileyemay,Yethappiepair;enjoy,tillIreturn,Shortpleasures,forlongwoesaretosucceed。
Sosaying,hisproudstephescornfulturn\'d,Butwithslycircumspection,andbeganThroughwood,throughwaste,o\'rehil,o\'redalehisroam。
MeanwhileinutmostLongitude,whereHeav\'nWithEarthandOceanmeets,thesettingSunSlowlydescended,andwithrightaspectAgainsttheeasternGateofParadiseLeveldhiseevningRayes:itwasaRockOfAlablaster,pil\'duptotheClouds,Conspicuousfarr,windingwithoneascentAccessiblefromEarth,oneentrancehigh;
Therestwascraggiecliff,thatoverhungStillasitrose,impossibletoclimbe。