第3章

类别:其他 作者:John Milton字数:28116更新时间:18/12/20 11:01:07
BetwixttheserockiePillarsGABRIELsatChiefofth\'AngelicGuards,awaitingnight; Abouthimexercis\'dHeroicGamesTh\'unarmedYouthofHeav\'n,butnighathandCelestialArmourie,Shields,Helmes,andSpearesHunghighwithDiamondflaming,andwithGold。 ThithercameURIEL,glidingthroughtheEevenOnaSunbeam,swiftasashootingStarrInAUTUMNthwartsthenight,whenvaporsfir\'dImpresstheAir,andshewstheMarinerFromwhatpointofhisCompasstobewareImpetuouswinds:hethusbeganinhaste。 GABRIEL,totheethycoursbyLothathgiv\'nChargeandstrictwatchthattothishappieplaceNoevilthingapproachorenterin; ThisdayathighthofNooncametomySpheareASpirit,zealous,asheseem\'d,toknowMoreofth\'Almightiesworks,andchieflyManGodslatestImage:Idescrib\'dhiswayBentallonspeed,andmarkthisAerieGate; ButintheMountthatliesfromEDENNorth,Wherehefirstlighted,soondiscerndhislooksAlienfromHeav\'n,withpassionsfoulobscur\'d: Mineeyepursu\'dhimstill,butundershadeLostsightofhim;oneofthebanishtcrewIfear,hathventur\'dfromthedeep,toraiseNewtroubles;himthycaremustbetofind。 TowhomthewingedWarriourthusreturnd: URIEL,nowonderifthyperfetsight,AmidtheSunsbrightcirclewherethousitst,Seefarrandwide:inatthisGatenonepassThevigilancehereplac\'t,butsuchascomeWellknownfromHeav\'n;andsinceMeridianhourNoCreaturethence:ifSpiritofothersort,Sominded,haveoreleapttheseearthieboundsOnpurpose,hardthouknowstittoexcludeSpiritualsubstancewithcorporealbarr。 ButifwithinthecircuitofthesewalksInwhatsoevershapehelurk,ofwhomThoutelst,bymorrowdawningIshallknow。 Sopromis\'dhee,andURIELtohischargeReturndonthatbrightbeam,whosepointnowraisdBorehimslopedownwardtotheSunnowfall\'nBeneathth\'AZORES;whithertheprimeOrb,Incrediblehowswift,hadthitherrowl\'dDiurnal,orthislessvolubilEarthByshorterflighttoth\'East,hadlefthimthereArrayingwithreflectedPurpleandGoldTheCloudsthatonhisWesternThroneattend: NowcamestillEevningon,andTwilightgrayHadinhersoberLiverieallthingsclad; Silenceaccompanied,forBeastandBird,TheytothirgrassieCouch,thesetothirNestsWereslunk,allbutthewakefulNightingale; Sheallnightlongheramorousdescantsung; Silencewaspleas\'d:nowglow\'dtheFirmamentWithlivingSaphirs:HESPERUSthatledThestarrieHost,rodebrightest,tilltheMoonRisingincloudedMajestie,atlengthApparentQueenunvaildherpeerlesslight,Ando\'rethedarkherSilverMantlethrew。 WhenADAMthustoEVE:FairConsort,th\'hourOfnight,andallthingsnowretir\'dtorestMindusoflikerepose,sinceGodhathsetLabourandrest,asdayandnighttomenSuccessive,andthetimelydewofsleepNowfallingwithsoftslumbrousweightinclinesOureye-lids;otherCreaturesalldaylongRoveidleunimploid,andlessneedrest; ManhathhisdailyworkofbodyormindAppointed,whichdeclareshisDignitie,AndtheregardofHeav\'nonallhiswaies; WhileotherAnimalsunactiverange,AndofthirdoingsGodtakesnoaccount。 TomorrowerefreshMorningstreaktheEastWithfirstapproachoflight,wemustberis\'n,Andatourpleasantlabour,toreformYonflourieArbors,yonderAlliesgreen,Ourwalksatnoon,withbranchesovergrown,Thatmockourscantmanuring,andrequireMorehandsthenourstolopthirwantongrowth: ThoseBlossomsalso,andthosedroppingGumms,Thatliebestrowneunsightlyandunsmooth,Askriddance,ifwemeantotreadwithease; Meanwhile,asNaturewills,Nightbidsusrest。 TowhomthusEVEwithperfetbeautyadornd。 MyAuthorandDisposer,whatthoubidstUnargu\'dIobey;soGodordains,GodisthyLaw,thoumine:toknownomoreIswomanshappiestknowledgeandherpraise。 WiththeeconversingIforgetalltime,Allseasonsandthirchange,allpleasealike。 Sweetisthebreathofmorn,herrisingsweet,WithcharmofearliestBirds;pleasanttheSunWhenfirstonthisdelightfulLandhespreadsHisorientBeams,onherb,tree,fruit,andflour,Glistringwithdew;fragrantthefertilearthAftersoftshowers;andsweetthecomingonOfgratefulEevningmilde,thensilentNightWiththishersolemnBirdandthisfairMoon,AndthesetheGemmsofHeav\'n,herstarrietrain: ButneitherbreathofMornwhensheascendsWithcharmofearliestBirds,norrisingSunOnthisdelightfulland,norherb,fruit,floure,Glistringwithdew,norfragranceaftershowers,NorgratefulEveningmild,norsilentNightWiththishersolemnBird,norwalkbyMoon,OrglitteringStarr-lightwithouttheeissweet。 Butwherforeallnightlongshinethese,forwhomThisglorioussight,whensleephathshutalleyes? TowhomourgeneralAncestorrepli\'d。 DaughterofGodandMan,accomplishtEVE,Thosehavethircoursetofinish,roundtheEarth,BymorrowEevning,andfromLandtoLandInorder,thoughtoNationsyetunborn,Ministringlightprepar\'d,theysetandrise; LeasttotaldarknessshouldbyNightregaineHeroldpossession,andextinguishlifeInNatureandallthings,whichthesesoftfiresNotonlyenlighten,butwithkindlyheateOfvariousinfluencefomentandwarme,Temperornourish,orinpartsheddownThirstellarvertueonallkindsthatgrowOnEarth,madeherebyaptertoreceivePerfectionfromtheSunsmorepotentRay。 Thesethen,thoughunbeheldindeepofnight,Shinenotinvain,northink,thoughmenwerenone,Thatheav\'nwouldwantspectators,Godwantpraise; MillionsofspiritualCreatureswalktheEarthUnseen,bothwhenwewake,andwhenwesleep: AllthesewithceaslesspraisehisworksbeholdBothdayandnight:howoftenfromthesteepOfechoingHillorThickethaveweheardCelestialvoicestothemidnightair,Sole,orresponsiveeachtoothersnoteSingingthirgreatCreator:oftinbandsWhiletheykeepwatch,ornightlyroundingwalkWithHeav\'nlytouchofinstrumentalsoundsInfullharmonicnumberjoind,thirsongsDividethenight,andliftourthoughtstoHeaven。 Thustalkinghandinhandalonetheypass\'dOntothirblissfulBower;itwasaplaceChos\'nbythesovranPlanter,whenhefram\'dAllthingstomansdelightfuluse;theroofeOfthickestcovertwasinwovenshadeLaurelandMirtle,andwhathighergrewOffirmandfragrantleaf;oneithersideACANTHUS,andeachodorousbushieshrubFenc\'duptheverdantwall;eachbeauteousflour,IRISallhues,Roses,andGessaminRear\'dhighthirflourishtheadsbetween,andwroughtMosaic;underfoottheViolet,Crocus,andHyacinthwithrichinlayBroiderdtheground,morecolour\'dthenwithstoneOfcostliestEmblem:otherCreaturehereBeast,Bird,Insect,orWormdurstenternone; Suchwasthiraweofman。InshadierBowerMoresacredandsequesterd,thoughbutfeignd,PANorSILVANUSneverslept,norNymph,NorFAUNUShaunted。HereincloserecessWithFlowers,Garlands,andsweet-smellingHerbsEspousedEVEdecktfirstherNuptialBed,Andheav\'nlyQuirestheHymenaeansung,WhatdaythegenialAngeltoourSireBroughtherinnakedbeautymoreadorn\'d,MorelovelythenPANDORA,whomtheGodsEndowdwithallthirgifts,andOtoolikeInsadevent,whentotheunwiserSonOfJAPHETbroughtbyHERMES,sheensnar\'dMankindwithherfairelooks,tobeaveng\'dOnhimwhohadstoleJOVESauthenticfire。 ThusatthirshadieLodgearriv\'d,bothstood,Bothturnd,andunderop\'nSkieador\'dTheGodthatmadebothSkie,Air,Earth&;Heav\'nWhichtheybeheld,theMoonsresplendentGlobeAndstarriePole:Thoualsomad\'sttheNight,MakerOmnipotent,andthoutheDay,WhichweinourappointedworkimploydHavefinishthappieinourmutualhelpAndmutuallove,theCrownofallourblissOrdain\'dbythee,andthisdeliciousplaceForustoolarge,wherethyabundancewantsPartakers,anduncroptfallstotheground。 Butthouhastpromis\'dfromustwoaRaceTofilltheEarth,whoshallwithusextollThygoodnessinfinite,bothwhenwewake,Andwhenweseek,asnow,thygiftofsleep。 Thissaidunanimous,andotherRitesObservingnone,butadorationpureWhichGodlikesbest,intothirinmostbowerHandedtheywent;andeas\'dtheputtingoffThesetroublesomdisguiseswhichweewear,Straitsidebysidewerelaid,norturndIweeneADAMfromhisfairSpouse,norEVEtheRitesMysteriousofconnubialLoverefus\'d: WhateverHypocritesausterelytalkOfpuritieandplaceandinnocence,DefamingasimpurewhatGoddeclaresPure,andcommandstosom,leavesfreetoall。 OurMakerbidsincrease,whobidsabstainButourDestroyer,foetoGodandMan? HaileweddedLove,mysteriousLaw,truesourceOfhumanofspring,soleproprietie,InParadiseofallthingscommonelse。 Bytheeadulterouslustwasdriv\'nfrommenAmongthebestialherdstoraunge,bytheeFoundedinReason,Loyal,Just,andPure,Relationsdear,andalltheCharitiesOfFather,Son,andBrotherfirstwereknown。 Farrbeit,thatIshouldwritetheesinorblame,Orthinktheeunbefittingholiestplace,PerpetualFountainofDomesticsweets,WhoseBedisundefil\'dandchastpronounc\'t,Present,orpast,asSaintsandPatriarchsus\'d。 HereLovehisgoldenshaftsimploies,herelightsHisconstantLamp,andwaveshispurplewings,Reignshereandrevels;notintheboughtsmileOfHarlots,loveless,joyless,unindeard,Casualfruition,norinCourtAmoursMixtDance,orwantonMask,orMidnightBal,OrSerenate,whichthestarv\'dLoversingsTohisproudfair,bestquittedwithdisdain。 TheselulldbyNightingalesimbraceingslept,AndonthirnakedlimbstheflourieroofShowrdRoses,whichtheMornrepair\'d。Sleepon,Blestpair;andOyethappiestifyeseekNohappierstate,andknowtoknownomore。 Nowhadnightmeasur\'dwithhershaddowieConeHalfwayupHillthisvastSublunarVault,AndfromthirIvoriePorttheCherubimForthissuingatth\'accustomdhourstoodarmdTothirnightwatchesinwarlikeParade,WhenGABRIELtohisnextinpowerthusspake。 UZZIEL,halfthesedrawoff,andcoasttheSouthWithstrictestwatch;theseotherwheeltheNorth,OurcircuitmeetsfullWest。AsflametheypartHalfwheelingtotheShield,halftotheSpear。 Fromthese,twostrongandsuttleSpiritshecalldThatneerhimstood,andgavethemthusincharge。 ITHURIELandZEPHON,withwingdspeedSearchthroughthisGarden,leavunsearchtnonook,ButchieflywherethosetwofairCreaturesLodge,Nowlaidperhapsasleepsecureofharme。 ThisEevningfromtheSun\'sdeclinearriv\'dWhotellsofsominfernalSpiritseenHitherwardbent(whocouldhavethought?)escap\'dThebarrsofHell,onerrandbadnodoubt: Suchwhereyefind,seisefast,andhitherbring。 Sosaying,onheledhisradiantFiles,Daz\'lingtheMoon;thesetotheBowerdirectInsearchofwhomtheysought:himtheretheyfoundSquatlikeaToad,closeattheeareofEVE; AssayingbyhisDevilisharttoreachTheOrgansofherFancie,andwiththemforgeIllusionsashelist,PhantasmsandDreams,Orif,inspiringvenom,hemighttaintTh\'animalSpiritsthatfrompurebloodariseLikegentlebreathsfromRiverspure,thenceraiseAtleastdistemperd,discontentedthoughts,Vainhopes,vainaimes,inordinatedesiresBlownupwithhighconceitsingendringpride。 HimthusintentITHURIELwithhisSpearTouch\'dlightly;fornofalshoodcanendureTouchofCelestialtemper,butreturnsOfforcetoitsownlikeness:uphestartsDiscoverdandsurpriz\'d。AswhenasparkLightsonaheapofnitrousPowder,laidFitfortheTunsomMagazintostoreAgainstarumordWarr,theSmuttiegraineWithsuddenblazediffus\'d,inflamestheAire: SostartedupinhisownshapetheFiend。 BacksteptthosetwofairAngelshalfamaz\'dSosuddentobeholdthegrieslieKing; Yetthus,unmovdwithfear,accosthimsoon。 WhichofthoserebellSpiritsadjudg\'dtoHellCom\'stthou,escap\'dthyprison,andtransform\'d,WhysatstthoulikeanenemieinwaiteHerewatchingattheheadofthesethatsleep? KnowyenotthensaidSATAN,filldwithscorn,Knowyenotme?yeknewmeoncenomateForyou,theresittingwhereyedurstnotsoare; Nottoknowmeearguesyourselvesunknown,Thelowestofyourthrong;orifyeknow,Whyaskye,andsuperfluousbeginYourmessage,liketoendasmuchinvain? TowhomthusZEPHON,answeringscornwithscorn。 Thinknot,revoltedSpirit,thyshapethesame,Orundiminishtbrightness,tobeknownAswhenthoustoodstinHeav\'nuprightandpure; ThatGloriethen,whenthounomorewastgood,Departedfromthee,andthouresembl\'stnowThysinandplaceofdoomobscureandfoule。 Butcome,forthou,besure,shaltgiveaccountTohimwhosentus,whosechargeistokeepThisplaceinviolable,andthesefromharm。 SospaketheCherube,andhisgraverebukeSevereinyouthfulbeautie,addedgraceInvincible:abashttheDevilstood,Andfelthowawfulgoodnessis,andsawVertueinhershapehowlovly,saw,andpin\'dHisloss;butchieflytofindhereobservdHislustrevisiblyimpar\'d;yetseemdUndaunted。IfImustcontend,saidhe,Bestwiththebest,theSendernotthesent,Orallatonce;moregloriewillbewonn,Orlessbelost。Thyfear,saidZEPHONbold,WillsaveustrialwhattheleastcandoeSingleagainsttheewicked,andthenceweak。 TheFiendrepli\'dnot,overcomewithrage; ButlikeaproudSteedreind,wenthautieon,Chaumpinghisironcurb:tostriveorflieHehelditvain;awefromabovehadquelldHisheart,notelsedismai\'d。NowdrewtheynighThewesternpoint,wherethosehalf-roundingguardsJustmet,&;closingstoodinsquadronjoindAwaitingnextcommand。TowhomthirChiefGABRIELfromtheFrontthuscalldaloud。 Ofriends,IhearthetreadofnimblefeetHastingthisway,andnowbyglimpsdiscerneITHURIELandZEPHONthroughtheshade,AndwiththemcomesathirdofRegalport,Butfadedsplendorwan;whobyhisgateAndfiercedemeanourseemsthePrinceofHell,Notlikelytoparthencewithoutcontest; Standfirm,forinhislookdefiancelours。 Hescarcehadended,whenthosetwoapproachdAndbriefrelatedwhomtheybrought,wherfound,Howbusied,inwhatformandposturecoucht。 TowhomwithsternregardthusGABRIELspake。 Whyhastthou,SATAN,broketheboundsprescrib\'dTothytransgressions,anddisturbdthechargeOfothers,whoapprovenottotransgressBythyexample,buthavepowerandrightToquestionthyboldentranceonthisplace; Imploi\'ditseemstoviolatesleep,andthoseWhosedwellingGodhathplantedhereinbliss? TowhomthusSATANwithcontemptuousbrow。 GABRIEL,thouhadstinHeav\'nth\'esteemofwise,AndsuchIheldthee;butthisquestionasktPutsmeindoubt。Livestherwholoveshispain? Whowouldnot,findingway,breakloosefromHell,Thoughthitherdoomd?Thouwouldstthyself,nodoubt,AndboldlyventuretowhateverplaceFarthestfrompain,wherethoumightsthopetochangeTormentwithease,&;soonestrecompenceDolewithdelight,whichinthisplaceIsought; Totheenoreason;whoknowstonlygood,Butevilhastnottri\'d:andwiltobjectHiswillwhoboundus?lethimsurerbarrHisIronGates,ifheintendsourstayInthatdarkdurance:thusmuchwhatwasaskt。 Therestistrue,theyfoundmewheretheysay; Butthatimpliesnotviolenceorharme。 Thusheeinscorn。ThewarlikeAngelmov\'d,Disdainfullyhalfsmilingthusrepli\'d。 OlossofoneinHeav\'ntojudgeofwise,SinceSATANfell,whomfollieoverthrew,Andnowreturnshimfromhisprisonscap\'t,GravelyindoubtwhethertoholdthemwiseOrnot,whoaskwhatboldnessbroughthimhitherUnlicenc\'tfromhisboundsinHellprescrib\'d; SowisehejudgesittoflyfrompainHowever,andtoscapehispunishment。 Sojudgethoustill,presumptuous,tillthewrauth,Whichthouincurr\'stbyflying,meetthyflightSeavenfold,andscourgethatwisdombacktoHell,Whichtaughttheeyetnobetter,thatnopainCanequalangerinfiniteprovok\'t。 Butwhereforethoualone?whereforewiththeeCamenotallHellbrokeloose?ispaintothemLesspain,lesstobefled,orthouthentheyLesshardietoendure?courageousChief,Thefirstinflightfrompain,had\'stthoualleg\'dTothydesertedhostthiscauseofflight,Thousurelyhadstnotcomesolefugitive。 TowhichtheFiendthusanswerdfrowningstern。 NotthatIlessendure,orshrinkfrompain,InsultingAngel,wellthouknowstIstoodThyfiercest,wheninBatteltothyaideTheblastingvoliedThundermadeallspeedAndsecondedthyelsenotdreadedSpear。 Butstillthywordsatrandom,asbefore,ArguethyinexperiencewhatbehoovesFromhardassaiesandillsuccessespastAfaithfulLeader,nottohazardallThroughwayesofdangerbyhimselfuntri\'d。 Itherefore,IalonefirstundertookTowingthedesolateAbyss,andspieThisnewcreatedWorld,whereofinHellFameisnotsilent,hereinhopetofindBetterabode,andmyafflictedPowersTosettlehereonEarth,orinmidAire; ThoughforpossessionputtotryoncemoreWhatthouandthygayLegionsdareagainst; WhoseeasierbusinessweretoservethirLordHighupinHeav\'n,withsongstohymnehisThrone,Andpractis\'ddistancestocringe,notfight。 TowhomthewarriourAngelsoonrepli\'d。 Tosayandstraitunsay,pretendingfirstWisetofliepain,professingnexttheSpie,ArguesnoLeader,butalyartrac\'t,SATAN,andcouldstthoufaithfuladd?Oname,Osacrednameoffaithfulnessprofan\'d! Faithfultowhom?tothyrebelliouscrew? ArmieofFiends,fitbodytofithead; Wasthisyourdisciplineandfaithingag\'d,Yourmilitaryobedience,todissolveAllegeancetoth\'acknowledg\'dPowersupream? Andthouslyhypocrite,whonowwouldstseemPatronofliberty,whomorethenthouOncefawn\'d,andcring\'d,andservillyador\'dHeav\'nsawfulMonarch?whereforebutinhopeTodispossesshim,andthyselftoreigne? ButmarkwhatIarreedetheenow,avant; Fliethitherwhencethoufledst:iffromthishoureWithinthesehallowdlimitsthouappeer,Backtoth\'infernalpitIdragtheechaind,AndSealetheeso,ashenceforthnottoscorneThefacilgatesofhelltooslightlybarrd。 Sothreatn\'dhee,butSATANtonothreatsGaveheed,butwaxingmoreinragerepli\'d。 ThenwhenIamthycaptivetalkofchaines,ProudlimitarieCherube,buterethenFarrheavierloadthyselfexpecttofeelFrommyprevailingarme,thoughHeavensKingRideonthywings,andthouwiththyCompeers,Us\'dtotheyoak,draw\'sthistriumphantwheelsInprogressthroughtherodeofHeav\'nStar-pav\'d。 Whilethushespake,th\'AngelicSquadronbrightTurndfieriered,sharpninginmoonedhornesThirPhalanx,andbegantohemmhimroundWithportedSpears,asthickaswhenafieldOfCERESripeforharvestwavingbendsHerbeardedGroveofears,whichwaythewindSwayesthem;thecarefulPlowmandoubtingstandsLeastonthethreshingfloorehishopefulsheavesProvechaff。Onth\'othersideSATANallarm\'dCollectingallhismightdilatedstood,LikeTENERIFForATLASunremov\'d: HisstaturereachttheSkie,andonhisCrestSathorrorPlum\'d;norwantedinhisgraspeWhatseemdbothSpearandShield:nowdreadfuldeedsMighthaveensu\'d,noronelyParadiseInthiscommotion,buttheStarrieCopeOfHeav\'nperhaps,oralltheElementsAtleasthadgontorack,disturbdandtorneWithviolenceofthisconflict,hadnotsoonTh\'EternaltopreventsuchhorridfrayHungforthinHeav\'nhisgoldenScales,yetseenBetwixtASTREAandtheSCORPIONsigne,Whereinallthingscreatedfirstheweighd,ThependulousroundEarthwithballanc\'tAireIncounterpoise,nowpondersallevents,BattelsandRealms:intheseheputtwoweightsThesequeleachofpartingandoffight; Thelatterquickupflew,andkicktthebeam; WhichGABRIELspying,thusbespaketheFiend。 SATAN,Iknowthystrength,andthouknowstmine,Neitherourownbutgiv\'n;whatfolliethenToboastwhatArmscandoe,sincethinenomoreThenHeav\'npermits,normine,thoughdoubldnowTotrampletheeasmire:forprooflookup,AndreadthyLotinyoncelestialSignWherethouartweigh\'d,&;shownhowlight,howweak,Ifthouresist。TheFiendlooktupandknewHismountedscalealoft:normore;butfledMurmuring,andwithhimfledtheshadesofnight。TheEndoftheFourthBookParadiseLost-Book5ParadiseLostbyJohnMiltonBook5NowMornherrosiestepsinth\'EasternClimeAdvancing,sow\'dtheEarthwithOrientPearle,WhenADAMwak\'t,socustomd,forhissleepWasAerielight,frompuredigestionbred,Andtemperatvaporsbland,whichth\'onlysoundOfleavesandfumingrills,AURORA\'sfan,Lightlydispers\'d,andtheshrillMatinSongOfBirdsoneverybough;somuchthemoreHiswonderwastofindunwak\'ndEVE WithTressesdiscompos\'d,andglowingCheek,Asthroughunquietrest:heonhissideLeaninghalf-rais\'d,withlooksofcordialLoveHungoverherenamour\'d,andbeheldBeautie,whichwhetherwakingorasleep,ShotforthpeculiarGraces;thenwithvoiceMilde,aswhenZEPHYRUSonFLORAbreathes,Herhandsofttouching,whisperdthus。AwakeMyfairest,myespous\'d,mylatestfound,Heav\'nslastbestgift,myevernewdelight,Awake,themorningshines,andthefreshfieldCallsus,welosetheprime,tomarkhowspringOurtendedPlants,howblowstheCitronGrove,WhatdropstheMyrrhe,&;whatthebalmieReed,HowNaturepaintshercolours,howtheBeeSitsontheBloomextractingliquidsweet。 Suchwhisperingwak\'dher,butwithstartl\'deyeOnADAM,whomimbracing,thusshespake。 OSoleinwhommythoughtsfindallrepose,MyGlorie,myPerfection,gladIseeThyface,andMornreturn\'d,forIthisNight,SuchnighttillthisIneverpass\'d,havedream\'d,Ifdream\'d,notasIoftamwont,ofthee,Worksofdaypass\'t,ormorrowsnextdesigne,Butofoffenceandtrouble,whichmymindKnewnevertillthisirksomnight;methoughtCloseatmineearonecall\'dmeforthtowalkWithgentlevoice,Ithoughtitthine;itsaid,WhysleepstthouEVE?nowisthepleasanttime,Thecool,thesilent,savewheresilenceyieldsTothenight-warblingBird,thatnowawakeTunessweetesthislove-labor\'dsong;nowreignesFullOrb\'dtheMoon,andwithmorepleasinglightShadowiesetsoffthefaceofthings;invain,Ifnoneregard;Heav\'nwakeswithallhiseyes,Whomtobeholdbutthee,Naturesdesire,Inwhosesightallthingsjoy,withravishmentAttractedbythybeautystilltogaze。 Iroseasatthycall,butfoundtheenot; TofindtheeIdirectedthenmywalk; Andon,methought,aloneIpass\'dthroughwaysThatbroughtmeonasuddentotheTreeOfinterdictedKnowledge:fairitseem\'d,MuchfairertomyFanciethenbyday: AndasIwondringlookt,besideitstoodOneshap\'d&;wing\'dlikeoneofthosefromHeav\'nByusoftseen;hisdewielocksdistill\'dAmbrosia;onthatTreehealsogaz\'d; AndOfairPlant,saidhe,withfruitsurcharg\'d,Deignsnonetoeasethyloadandtastethysweet,NorGod,norMan;isKnowledgesodespis\'d? Orenvie,orwhatreserveforbidstotaste? Forbidwhowill,noneshallfrommewithholdLongerthyofferdgood,whyelsesethere? Thissaidhepaus\'dnot,butwithventrousArmeHepluckt,hetasted;meedamphorrorchil\'dAtsuchboldwordsvouchtwithadeedsobold: Buthethusoverjoy\'d,OFruitDivine,Sweetofthyself,butmuchmoresweetthuscropt,Forbidd\'nhere,itseems,asonelyfitForGods,yetabletomakeGodsofMen: AndwhynotGodsofMen,sincegood,themoreCommunicated,moreabundantgrowes,TheAuthornotimpair\'d,buthonourdmore? Here,happieCreature,fairAngelicEVE,Partakethoualso;happiethoughthouart,Happierthoumaystbe,worthiercanstnotbe: Tastethis,andbehenceforthamongtheGodsThyselfaGoddess,nottoEarthconfind,ButsomtimesintheAir,aswee,somtimesAscendtoHeav\'n,bymeritthine,andseeWhatlifetheGodslivethere,andsuchlivethou。 Sosaying,hedrewnigh,andtomeheld,EventomymouthofthatsamefruitheldpartWhichhehadpluckt;thepleasantsavouriesmellSoquick\'ndappetite,thatI,methought,Couldnotbuttaste。ForthwithuptotheCloudsWithhimIflew,andunderneathbeheldTheEarthoutstretchtimmense,aprospectwideAndvarious:wondringatmyflightandchangeTothishighexaltation;suddenlyMyGuidewasgon,andI,methought,sunkdown,Andfellasleep;butOhowgladIwak\'dTofindthisbutadream!ThusEVEherNightRelated,andthusADAManswerdsad。 BestImageofmyselfanddearerhalf,ThetroubleofthythoughtsthisnightinsleepAffectsmeequally;norcanIlikeThisuncouthdream,ofevilsprungIfear; Yetevilwhence?intheecanharbournone,Createdpure。ButknowthatintheSouleAremanylesserFacultiesthatserveReasonaschief;amongtheseFansienextHerofficeholds;ofallexternalthings,WhichthefivewatchfulSensesrepresent,SheformsImaginations,Aerieshapes,WhichReasonjoyningordisjoyning,framesAllwhatweaffirmorwhatdeny,andcallOurknowledgeoropinion;thenretiresIntoherprivateCellwhenNaturerests。 OftinherabsencemimicFansiewakesToimitateher;butmisjoyningshapes,Wildeworkproducesoft,andmostindreams,Illmatchingwordsanddeedslongpastorlate。 SomsuchresemblancesmethinksIfindOfourlastEevningstalk,inthisthydream,Butwithadditionstrange;yetbenotsad。 EvilintothemindofGodorManMaycomeandgo,sounapprov\'d,andleaveNospotorblamebehind:WhichgivesmehopeThatwhatinsleepthoudidstabhorrtodream,Wakingthouneverwiltconsenttodo。 Benotdisheart\'ndthen,norcloudthoselooksThatwonttobemorechearfulandsereneThenwhenfairMorningfirstsmilesontheWorld,AndletustoourfreshimploymentsriseAmongtheGroves,theFountains,andtheFloursThatopennowthirchoicestbosom\'dsmellsReservdfromnight,andkeptfortheeinstore。 SocheardhehisfairSpouse,andshewascheard,ButsilentlyagentletearletfallFromeithereye,andwip\'dthemwithherhaire; Twootherpreciousdropsthatreadystood,Eachinthirchrystalsluce,heeeretheyfellKiss\'dasthegracioussignsofsweetremorseAndpiousawe,thatfeardtohaveoffended。 Soallwascleard,andtotheFieldtheyhaste。 Butfirstfromundershadiearborousroof,SoonastheyforthwerecometoopensightOfday-spring,andtheSun,whoscarceuprisenWithwheelsyethov\'ringo\'retheOceanbrim,Shotparaleltotheearthhisdewieray,DiscoveringinwideLantskipalltheEastOfParadiseandEDENShappiePlains,Lowlytheybow\'dadoring,andbeganThirOrisons,eachMorningdulypaidInvariousstyle,forneithervariousstyleNorholyrapturewantedtheytopraiseThirMaker,infitstrainspronounc\'torsungUnmeditated,suchprompteloquenceFlowdfromthirlips,inProseornumerousVerse,MoretuneablethenneededLuteorHarpToaddmoresweetness,andtheythusbegan。 Thesearethygloriousworks,Parentofgood,Almightie,thinethisuniversalFrame,Thuswondrousfair;thyselfhowwondrousthen! Unspeakable,whositstabovetheseHeavensTousinvisibleordimlyseenInthesethylowestworks,yetthesedeclareThygoodnessbeyondthought,andPowerDivine: Speakyeewhobestcantell,yeSonsoflight,Angels,foryeebeholdhim,andwithsongsAndchoralsymphonies,DaywithoutNight,CirclehisThronerejoycing,yeeinHeav\'n,OnEarthjoynallyeeCreaturestoextollHimfirst,himlast,himmidst,andwithoutend。 FairestofStarrs,lastinthetrainofNight,Ifbetterthoubelongnottothedawn,Surepledgeofday,thatcrownstthesmilingMornWiththybrightCirclet,praisehiminthySpheareWhiledayarises,thatsweethourofPrime。 ThouSun,ofthisgreatWorldbothEyeandSoule,AcknowledgehimthyGreater,soundhispraiseInthyeternalcourse,bothwhenthouclimb\'st,AndwhenhighNoonhastgaind,&;whenthoufallst。 Moon,thatnowmeetsttheorientSun,nowfli\'stWiththefixtStarrs,fixtinthirOrbthatflies,AndyeefiveotherwandringFiresthatmoveInmysticDancenotwithoutSong,resoundHispraise,whooutofDarknesscall\'dupLight。 Aire,andyeElementstheeldestbirthOfNaturesWomb,thatinquaternionrunPerpetualCircle,multiform;andmixAndnourishallthings,letyourceaslesschangeVarietoourgreatMakerstillnewpraise。 YeMistsandExhalationsthatnowriseFromHillorsteamingLake,duskieorgrey,TilltheSunpaintyourfleecieskirtswithGold,InhonourtotheWorldsgreatAuthorrise,WhethertodeckwithCloudstheuncolourdskie,OrwetthethirstieEarthwithfallingshowers,Risingorfallingstilladvancehispraise。 HispraiseyeWinds,thatfromfourQuartersblow,Breathsoftorloud;andwaveyourtops,yePines,WitheveryPlant,insignofWorshipwave。 Fountainsandyee,thatwarble,asyeflow,Melodiousmurmurs,warblingtunehispraise。 JoynvoicesallyelivingSouls,yeBirds,ThatsinginguptoHeavenGateascend,Bearonyourwingsandinyournoteshispraise; YeethatinWatersglide,andyeethatwalkTheEarth,andstatelytread,orlowlycreep; WitnessifIbesilent,MornorEeven,ToHill,orValley,Fountain,orfreshshadeMadevocalbymySong,andtaughthispraise。 HailuniversalLord,bebounteousstillTogiveusonelygood;andifthenightHavegatheredaughtofevilorconceald,Disperseit,asnowlightdispelsthedark。 Sopray\'dtheyinnocent,andtothirthoughtsFirmpeacerecoverdsoonandwontedcalm。 OntothirmorningsruralworktheyhasteAmongsweetdewesandflours;whereanyrowOfFruit-treesoverwoodiereachdtoofarrThirpamperdboughes,andneededhandstocheckFruitlessimbraces:ortheyledtheVineTowedherElm;shespous\'dabouthimtwinesHermariageablearms,andwithherbringsHerdowrth\'adoptedClusters,toadornHisbarrenleaves。ThemthusimploidbeheldWithpittieHeav\'nshighKing,andtohimcall\'dRAPHAEL,thesociableSpirit,thatdeign\'dTotravelwithTOBIAS,andsecur\'dHismarriagewiththeseaventimes-weddedMaid。 RAPHAEL,saidhee,thouhear\'stwhatstironEarthSATANfromHellscap\'tthroughthedarksomGulfHathraisdinParadise,andhowdisturbdThisnightthehumanpair,howhedesignesInthematoncetoruinallmankind。 Gotherefore,halfthisdayasfriendwithfriendConversewithADAM,inwhatBowreorshadeThoufind\'sthimfromtheheatofNoonretir\'d,Torespithisday-labourwithrepast,Orwithrepose;andsuchdiscoursebringon,Asmayadvisehimofhishappiestate,Happinessinhispowerleftfreetowill,LefttohisownfreeWill,hisWillthoughfree,Yetmutable;whencewarnehimtobewareHeswervenottoosecure:tellhimwithallHisdanger,andfromwhom,whatenemieLatefallnhimselffromHeav\'n,isplottingnowThefallofothersfromlikestateofbliss; Byviolence,no,forthatshallbewithstood,Butbydeceitandlies;thislethimknow,LeastwilfullytransgressinghepretendSurprisal,unadmonisht,unforewarnd。 Sospaketh\'EternalFather,andfulfilldAllJustice:nordelaidthewingedSaintAfterhischargereceivd,butfromamongThousandCelestialArdors,wherehestoodVaildwithhisgorgeouswings,upspringinglightFlewthroughthemidstofHeav\'n;th\'angelicQuiresOneachhandparting,tohisspeedgavewayThroughallth\'Empyrealroad;tillattheGateOfHeav\'narriv\'d,thegateself-opendwideOngoldenHingesturning,asbyworkDivinethesov\'ranArchitecthadfram\'d。 Fromhence,nocloud,or,toobstructhissight,Starrinterpos\'d,howeversmallhesees,NotunconformtoothershiningGlobes,EarthandtheGard\'nofGod,withCedarscrowndAboveallHills。AswhenbynighttheGlassOfGALILEO,lessassur\'d,observesImagindLandsandRegionsintheMoon: OrPilotfromamidsttheCYCLADES DELOSorSAMOSfirstappeeringkennsAcloudyspot。DownthitherproneinflightHespeeds,andthroughthevastEtherealSkieSailesbetweenworlds&;worlds,withsteddiewingNowonthepolarwindes,thenwithquickFannWinnowsthebuxomAir;tillwithinsoareOfTowringEagles,toalltheFowlesheseemsAPHOENIX,gaz\'dbyall,asthatsoleBirdWhentoenshrinehisreliquesintheSun\'sBrightTemple,toAEGYPTIANTHEB\'Sheflies。 Atonceonth\'EasterncliffofParadiseHelights,andtohispropershapereturnsASeraphwingd;sixwingshewore,toshadeHislineamentsDivine;thepairthatcladEachshoulderbroad,camemantlingo\'rehisbrestWithregalOrnament;themiddlepairGirtlikeaStarrieZonehiswaste,androundSkirtedhisloinesandthigheswithdownieGoldAndcoloursdiptinHeav\'n;thethirdhisfeetShaddowdfromeitherheelewithfeatherdmaileSkie-tinctur\'dgrain。LikeMAIA\'Ssonhestood,AndshookhisPlumes,thatHeav\'nlyfragrancefilldThecircuitwide。StraitknewhimallthebandsOfAngelsunderwatch;andtohisstate,Andtohismessagehighinhonourrise; Foronsommessagehightheyguessdhimbound。 ThirglitteringTentshepassd,andnowiscomeIntotheblissfulfield,throughGrovesofMyrrhe,AndflouringOdours,Cassia,Nard,andBalme; AWildernessofsweets;forNaturehereWantondasinherprime,andplaidatwillHerVirginFancies,pouringforthmoresweet,Wildeaboveruleorart;enormousbliss。 HimthroughthespicieForrestonwardcomADAMdiscernd,asinthedorehesatOfhiscooleBowre,whilenowthemountedSunShotdowndirecthisfervidRaies,towarmeEarthsinmostwomb,morewarmththenADAMneed; AndEVEwithin,dueatherhourprepar\'dFordinnersavouriefruits,oftastetopleaseTrueappetite,andnotdisrelishthirstOfnectarousdraughtsbetween,frommilkiestream,BerrieorGrape:towhomthusADAMcall\'d。 HastehitherEVE,andworththysightbeholdEastwardamongthoseTrees,whatgloriousshapeComesthiswaymoving;seemsanotherMornRis\'nonmid-noon;somgreatbehestfromHeav\'nTousperhapshebrings,andwillvoutsafeThisdaytobeourGuest。Butgoewithspeed,Andwhatthystorescontain,bringforthandpoureAbundance,fittohonourandreceiveOurHeav\'nlystranger;wellwemayaffordOurgiversthirowngifts,andlargebestowFromlargebestowd,whereNaturemultipliesHerfertilgrowth,andbydisburd\'ninggrowsMorefruitful,whichinstructsusnottospare。 TowhomthusEVE。ADAM,earthshallowdmould,OfGodinspir\'d,smallstorewillserve,wherestore,Allseasons,ripeforusehangsonthestalk; SavewhatbyfrugalstoringfirmnessgainsTonourish,andsuperfluousmoistconsumes: ButIwillhasteandfromeachboughandbreak,EachPlant&;juciestGourdwillplucksuchchoiceToentertainourAngelguest,asheeBeholdingshallconfessthathereonEarthGodhathdispensthisbountiesasinHeav\'n。 Sosaying,withdispatchfullooksinhasteSheturns,onhospitablethoughtsintentWhatchoicetochusefordelicaciebest,Whatorder,socontriv\'dasnottomixTastes,notwelljoynd,inelegant,butbringTasteaftertasteupheldwithkindliestchange,Bestirsherthen,andfromeachtenderstalkWhateverEarthall-bearingMotheryeildsInINDIAEastorWest,ormiddleshoareInPONTUSorthePUNICCoast,orwhereALCINOUSreign\'d,fruitofallkindes,incoate,Rough,orsmoothrin\'d,orbeardedhusk,orshellShegathers,Tributelarge,andontheboardHeapswithunsparinghand;fordrinktheGrapeShecrushes,inoffensivemoust,andmeathesFrommanyaberrie,andfromsweetkernelsprestShetempersdulcetcreams,northesetoholdWantsherfitvesselspure,thenstrewsthegroundWithRoseandOdoursfromtheshrubunfum\'d。 MeanwhileourPrimitivegreatSire,tomeetHisgod-likeGuest,walksforth,withoutmoretrainAccompani\'dthenwithhisowncompleatPerfections,inhimselfwasallhisstate,MoresolemnthenthetediouspompthatwaitsOnPrinces,whenthirrichRetinuelongOfHorsesled,andGroomsbesmeardwithGoldDazlesthecroud,andsetsthemallagape。 NeererhispresenceADAMthoughnotawd,Yetwithsubmissapproachandreverencemeek,AstoasuperiorNature,bowinglow,Thussaid。NativeofHeav\'n,forotherplaceNonecanthenHeav\'nsuchgloriousshapecontain; SincebydescendingfromtheThronesabove,ThosehappieplacesthouhastdeigndawhileTowant,andhonourthese,voutsafewithusTwoonely,whoyetbysov\'rangiftpossessThisspaciousground,inyondershadieBowreTorest,andwhattheGardenchoicestbearsTositandtaste,tillthismeridianheatBeover,andtheSunmorecooledecline。 WhomthustheAngelicVertueanswerdmilde。 ADAM,Ithereforecame,norartthousuchCreated,orsuchplacehastheretodwell,Asmaynotoftinvite,thoughSpiritsofHeav\'nTovisitthee;leadonthenwherethyBowreOreshades;forthesemid-hours,tillEevningriseIhaveatwill。SototheSilvanLodgeTheycame,thatlikePOMONA\'SArboursmil\'dWithflouretsdeck\'tandfragrantsmells;butEVE Undeckt,savewithherselfmorelovelyfairThenWood-Nymph,orthefairestGoddessfeign\'dOfthreethatinMountIDAnakedstrove,StoodtoentertainherguestfromHeav\'n;novaileSheeneeded,Vertue-proof,nothoughtinfirmeAlterdhercheek。OnwhomtheAngelHAILE Bestowd,theholysalutationus\'dLongaftertoblestMARIE,secondEVE。 HaileMotherofMankind,whosefruitfulWombShallfilltheWorldmorenumerouswiththySonsThenwiththesevariousfruitstheTreesofGodHaveheap\'dthisTable。Rais\'dofgrassieterfThirTablewas,andmossieseatshadround,AndonherampleSquarefromsidetosideAllAUTUMNpil\'d,thoughSPRINGandAUTUMNhereDanc\'dhandinhand。Awhilediscoursetheyhold; NofearlestDinnercoole;whenthusbeganOurAuthour。Heav\'nlystranger,pleasetotasteThesebountieswhichourNourisher,fromwhomAllperfetgoodunmeasur\'dout,descends,Tousforfoodandfordelighthathcaus\'dTheEarthtoyeild;unsavouriefoodperhapsTospiritualNatures;onlythisIknow,ThatoneCelestialFathergivestoall。 TowhomtheAngel。Thereforewhathegives(Whosepraisebeeversung)tomaninpartSpiritual,mayofpurestSpiritsbefoundNoingratefulfood:andfoodalikethosepureIntelligentialsubstancesrequireAsdothyourRational;andbothcontainWithinthemeverylowerfacultieOfsense,wherebytheyhear,see,smell,touch,taste,Tastingconcoct,digest,assimilate,Andcorporealtoincorporealturn。 Forknow,whateverwascreated,needsTobesustaindandfed;ofElementsThegrosserfeedsthepurer,earththesea,EarthandtheSeafeedAir,theAirthoseFiresEthereal,andaslowestfirsttheMoon; Whenceinhervisageroundthosespots,unpurg\'dVapoursnotyetintohersubstanceturnd。 NordoththeMoonnonourishmentexhaleFromhermoistContinenttohigherOrbes。 TheSunthatlightimpartstoall,receivesFromallhisalimentalrecompenceInhumidexhalations,andatEvenSupswiththeOcean:thoughinHeav\'ntheTreesOflifeambrosialfrutagebear,andvinesYeildNectar,thoughfromofftheboughseachMornWebrushmellifluousDewes,andfindthegroundCover\'dwithpearlygrain:yetGodhathhereVariedhisbountysowithnewdelights,AsmaycomparewithHeaven;andtotasteThinknotIshallbenice。Sodowntheysat,Andtothirviandsfell,norseeminglyTheAngel,norinmist,thecommonglossOfTheologians,butwithkeendispatchOfrealhunger,andconcoctiveheateTotransubstantiate;whatredounds,transpiresThroughSpiritswithease;norwonder;ifbyfireOfsootycoaltheEmpiricAlchimistCanturn,orholdsitpossibletoturnMetalsofdrossiestOretoperfetGoldAsfromtheMine。MeanwhileatTableEVE Ministerdnaked,andthirflowingcupsWithpleasantliquorscrown\'d:OinnocenceDeservingParadise!ifever,then,ThenhadtheSonsofGodexcusetohavebinEnamour\'datthatsight;butinthoseheartsLoveunlibidinousreign\'d,norjealousieWasunderstood,theinjur\'dLoversHell。 Thuswhenwithmeats&;drinkstheyhadsuffic\'d,Notburd\'ndNature,suddenmindaroseInADAM,nottoletth\'occasionpassGivenhimbythisgreatConferencetoknowOfthingsabovehisWorld,andofthirbeingWhodwellinHeav\'n,whoseexcellencehesawTranscendhisownsofarr,whoseradiantformsDivineeffulgence,whosehighPowersofarExceededhuman,andhiswaryspeechThustoth\'EmpyrealMinisterhefram\'d。 InhabitantwithGod,nowknowIwellThyfavour,inthishonourdonetoman,Underwhoselowlyroofthouhastvoutsaf\'tToenter,andtheseearthlyfruitstotaste,FoodnotofAngels,yetacceptedso,AsthatmorewillinglythoucouldstnotseemAtHeav\'nshighfeaststohavefed:yetwhatcompare? TowhomthewingedHierarchrepli\'d。 OADAM,oneAlmightieis,fromwhomAllthingsproceed,anduptohimreturn,Ifnotdeprav\'dfromgood,createdallSuchtoperfection,onefirstmatterall,Indu\'dwithvariousforms,variousdegreesOfsubstance,andinthingsthatlive,oflife; Butmorerefin\'d,morespiritous,andpure,Asneerertohimplac\'torneerertendingEachinthirseveralactiveSphearsassignd,Tillbodyuptospiritwork,inboundsProportiondtoeachkind。SofromtherootSpringslighterthegreenstalk,fromthencetheleavesMoreaerie,lastthebrightconsummatefloureSpiritsodorousbreathes:floursandthirfruitMansnourishment,bygradualscalesublim\'dTovitalSpiritsaspire,toanimal,Tointellectual,givebothlifeandsense,Fansieandunderstanding,whencethesouleReasonreceives,andreasonisherbeing,Discursive,orIntuitive;discourseIsoftestyours,thelattermostisours,Differingbutindegree,ofkindthesame。 Wondernotthen,whatGodforyousawgoodIfIrefusenot,butconvert,asyou,Topropersubstance;timemaycomewhenmenWithAngelsmayparticipate,andfindNoinconvenientDiet,nortoolightFare: AndfromthesecorporalnutrimentsperhapsYourbodiesmayatlastturnalltoSpiritImprov\'dbytractoftime,andwingdascendEthereal,aswee,ormayatchoiceHereorinHeav\'nlyParadisesdwell; Ifyebefoundobedient,andretainUnalterablyfirmhisloveentireWhoseprogenieyouare。MeanwhileenjoyYourfillwhathappinessthishappiestateCancomprehend,incapableofmore。 TowhomthePatriarchofmankindrepli\'d。 Ofavourablespirit,propitiousguest,WellhastthoutaughtthewaythatmightdirectOurknowledge,andthescaleofNaturesetFromcentertocircumference,whereonIncontemplationofcreatedthingsBystepswemayascendtoGod。Butsay,Whatmeantthatcautionjoind,IFYEBEFOUND OBEDIENT?canweewantobediencethenTohim,orpossiblyhislovedesertWhoformdusfromthedust,andplac\'dushereFulltotheutmostmeasureofwhatblissHumandesirescanseekorapprehend? TowhomtheAngel。SonofHeav\'nandEarth,Attend:Thatthouarthappie,owetoGod; Thatthoucontinu\'stsuch,owetothyself,Thatis,tothyobedience;thereinstand。 Thiswasthatcautiongiv\'nthee;beadvis\'d。 Godmadetheeperfet,notimmutable; Andgoodhemadethee,buttopersevereHeleftitinthypower,ordaindthywillBynaturefree,notover-rul\'dbyFateInextricable,orstrictnecessity; Ourvoluntarieserviceherequires,Notournecessitated,suchwithhimFindesnoacceptance,norcanfind,forhowCanhearts,notfree,betri\'dwhethertheyserveWillingorno,whowillbutwhattheymustByDestinie,andcannootherchoose? Myselfandallth\'AngelicHostthatstandInsightofGodenthron\'d,ourhappiestateHold,asyouyours,whileourobedienceholds; Onothersuretynone;freelyweserve。 Becauseweefreelylove,asinourwillToloveornot;inthiswestandorfall: Andsomarefall\'n,todisobediencefall\'n,AndsofromHeav\'ntodeepestHell;OfallFromwhathighstateofblissintowhatwoe! TowhomourgreatProgenitor。ThywordsAttentive,andwithmoredelightedeareDivineinstructer,Ihaveheard,thenwhenCherubicSongsbynightfromneighbouringHillsAerealMusicsend:norknewInotTobebothwillanddeedcreatedfree; YetthatwenevershallforgettoloveOurmaker,andobeyhimwhosecommandSingle,isyetsojust,myconstantthoughtsAssur\'dmeandstillassure:thoughwhatthoutellstHathpastinHeav\'n,somdoubtwithinmemove,Butmoredesiretohear,ifthouconsent,Thefullrelation,whichmustneedsbestrange,WorthyofSacredsilencetobeheard; Andwehaveyetlargeday,forscarcetheSunHathfinishthalfhisjourney,andscarcebeginsHisotherhalfinthegreatZoneofHeav\'n。 ThusADAMmaderequest,andRAPHAEL Aftershortpauseassenting,thusbegan。 Highmatterthouinjoinstme,Oprimeofmen,Sadtaskandhard,forhowshallIrelateTohumansenseth\'invisibleexploitsOfwarringSpirits;howwithoutremorseTheruinofsomanygloriousonceAndperfetwhiletheystood;howlastunfouldThesecretsofanotherworld,perhapsNotlawfultoreveal?yetforthygoodThisisdispenc\'t,andwhatsurmountsthereachOfhumansense,Ishalldelineateso,Bylik\'ningspiritualtocorporalforms,Asmayexpressthembest,thoughwhatifEarthBebuttheshaddowofHeav\'n,andthingsthereinEachtootherlike,morethenonearthisthought? Asyetthisworldwasnot,andCHAOSwildeReigndwheretheseHeav\'nsnowrowl,whereEarthnowrestsUponherCenterpois\'d,whenonaday(ForTime,thoughinEternitie,appli\'dTomotion,measuresallthingsdurableBypresent,past,andfuture)onsuchdayAsHeav\'nsgreatYearbringsforth,th\'EmpyrealHostOfAngelsbyImperialsummonscall\'d,Innumerablebeforeth\'AlmightiesThroneForthwithfromalltheendsofHeav\'nappeerdUnderthirHierarchsinordersbrightTenthousandthousandEnsigneshighadvanc\'d,Standards,andGonfalonstwixtVanandReareStreameintheAire,andfordistinctionserveOfHierarchies,ofOrders,andDegrees; OrinthirglitteringTissuesbearimblaz\'dHolyMemorials,actsofZealeandLoveRecordedeminent。ThuswheninOrbesOfcircuitinexpressibletheystood,OrbwithinOrb,theFatherinfinite,Bywhominblissimbosom\'dsattheSon,AmidstasfromaflamingMount,whoseopBrightnesshadmadeinvisible,thusspake。 HearallyeAngels,ProgenieofLight,Thrones,Dominations,Princedoms,Vertues,Powers,HearmyDecree,whichunrevok\'tshallstand。 ThisdayIhavebegotwhomIdeclareMyonelySon,andonthisholyHillHimhaveanointed,whomyenowbeholdAtmyrighthand;yourHeadIhimappoint; AndbymySelfhavesworntohimshallbowAllkneesinHeav\'n,andshallconfesshimLord: UnderhisgreatVice-gerentReignabideUnitedasoneindividualSouleForeverhappie:himwhodisobeyesMeedisobeyes,breaksunion,andthatdayCastoutfromGodandblessedvision,fallsIntoutterdarkness,deepingulft,hisplaceOrdaindwithoutredemption,withoutend。 Sospaketh\'Omnipotent,andwithhiswordsAllseemdwellpleas\'d,allseem\'d,butwerenotall。 Thatday,asothersolemdayes,theyspentInsonganddanceaboutthesacredHill,Mysticaldance,whichyonderstarrieSpheareOfPlanetsandoffixtinallherWheelesResemblesnearest,mazesintricate,Eccentric,intervolv\'d,yetregularThenmost,whenmostirregulartheyseem: AndinthirmotionsharmonieDivineSosmoothshercharmingtones,thatGodsownearListensdelighted。Eevningapproachd(ForwehavealsoourEevningandourMorn,Weoursforchangedelectable,notneed) ForthwithfromdancetosweetrepasttheyturnDesirous,allinCirclesastheystood,Tablesareset,andonasuddenpil\'dWithAngelsFood,andrubiedNectarflows: InPearl,inDiamond,andmassieGold,FruitofdeliciousVines,thegrowthofHeav\'n。 Theyeat,theydrink,andwithrefectionsweetArefill\'d,beforeth\'allbounteousKing,whoshowrdWithcopioushand,rejoycinginthirjoy。 NowwhenambrosialNightwithCloudsexhal\'dFromthathighmountofGod,whencelight&;shadeSpringboth,thefaceofbrightestHeav\'nhadchangdTogratefulTwilight(forNightcomesnotthereIndarkerveile)androseatDewsdispos\'dAllbuttheunsleepingeyesofGodtorest,WideoverallthePlain,andwiderfarrThenallthisglobousEarthinPlainoutspred,(SucharetheCourtsofGod)Th\'AngelicthrongDisperstinBandsandFilesthirCampextendBylivingStreamsamongtheTreesofLife,Pavilionsnumberless,andsuddenreard,CelestialTabernacles,wheretheysleptFanndwithcooleWinds,savethosewhointhircourseMelodiousHymnsaboutthesovranThroneAlternateallnightlong:butnotsowak\'dSATAN,socallhimnow,hisformernameIsheardnomoreHeav\'n;heofthefirst,IfnotthefirstArch-Angel,greatinPower,Infavourandpraeeminence,yetfraughtWithenvieagainsttheSonofGod,thatdayHonourdbyhisgreatFather,andproclaimdMESSIAHKinganointed,couldnotbeareThroughpridethatsight,andthoughthimselfimpaird。 Deepmalicethenceconceiving&;disdain,SoonasmidnightbroughtontheduskiehoureFriendliesttosleepandsilence,heresolv\'dWithallhisLegionstodislodge,andleaveUnworshipt,unobey\'dtheThronesupreamContemptuous,andhisnextsubordinateAwak\'ning,thustohiminsecretspake。 SleepstthouCompaniondear,whatsleepcancloseThyeye-lids?andremembrestwhatDecreeOfyesterday,solatehathpastthelipsOfHeav\'nsAlmightie。ThoutomethythoughtsWastwont,Iminetotheewaswonttoimpart; Bothwakingwewereone;howthencannowThysleepdissent?newLawsthouseestimpos\'d; NewLawsfromhimwhoreigns,newmindsmayraiseInuswhoserve,newCounsels,todebateWhatdoubtfulmayensue,moreinthisplaceToutterisnotsafe。AssemblethouOfallthoseMyriadswhichweleadthechief; Tellthemthatbycommand,ereyetdimNightHershadowieCloudwithdraws,Iamtohaste,AndallwhoundermethirBannerswave,HomewardwithflyingmarchwherewepossessTheQuartersoftheNorth,theretoprepareFitentertainmenttoreceiveourKingThegreatMESSIAH,andhisnewcommands,WhospeedilythroughalltheHierarchiesIntendstopasstriumphant,andgiveLaws。 SospakethefalseArch-Angel,andinfus\'dBadinfluenceintoth\'unwariebrestOfhisAssociate;heetogethercalls,Orseveralonebyone,theRegentPowers,UnderhimRegent,tells,ashewastaught,ThatthemostHighcommanding,nowereNight,NoweredimNighthaddisincumberdHeav\'n,ThegreatHierarchalStandardwastomove; Tellsthesuggestedcause,andcastsbetweenAmbiguouswordsandjealousies,tosoundOrtaintintegritie;butallobey\'dThewontedsignal,andsuperiorvoiceOfthirgreatPotentate;forgreatindeedHisname,andhighwashisdegreeinHeav\'n; Hiscount\'nance,astheMorningStarrthatguidesThestarrieflock,allur\'dthem,andwithlyesDrewafterhimthethirdpartofHeav\'nsHost: Meanwhileth\'Eternaleye,whosesightdiscernesAbstrusestthoughts,fromforthhisholyMountAndfromwithinthegoldenLampsthatburneNightlybeforehim,sawwithoutthirlightRebellionrising,sawinwhom,howspredAmongthesonsofMorn,whatmultitudesWerebandedtoopposehishighDecree; AndsmilingtohisonelySonthussaid。 Son,thouinwhommygloryIbeholdInfullresplendence,Heirofallmymight,NeerlyitnowconcernesustobesureOfourOmnipotence,andwithwhatArmsWemeantoholdwhatancientlyweclaimOfDeitieorEmpire,suchafoeIsrising,whointendstoerecthisThroneEqualtoours,throughoutthespaciousNorth; Norsocontent,hathinhisthoughttotrieInbattel,whatourPoweris,orourright。 Letusadvise,andtothishazarddrawWithspeedwhatforceisleft,andallimployInourdefence,lestunawaresweloseThisourhighplace,ourSanctuarie,ourHill。 TowhomtheSonwithcalmaspectandcleerLight\'ningDivine,ineffable,serene,Madeanswer。MightieFather,thouthyfoesJustlyhastinderision,andsecureLaugh\'statthirvaindesignesandtumultsvain,MattertomeeofGlory,whomthirhateIllustrates,whentheyseeallRegalPowerGiv\'nmetoquellthirpride,andineventKnowwhetherIbedextroustosubdueThyRebels,orbefoundtheworstinHeav\'n。 SospaketheSon,butSATANwithhisPowersFarrwasadvanc\'tonwingedspeed,anHostInnumerableastheStarrsofNight,OrStarrsofMorning,Dew-drops,whichtheSunImpearlsoneveryleafandeveryflouer。 Regionstheypass\'d,themightieRegenciesOfSeraphimandPotentatesandThronesInthirtripleDegrees,RegionstowhichAllthyDominion,ADAM,isnomoreThenwhatthisGardenistoalltheEarth,AndalltheSea,fromoneentiregloboseStretchtintoLongitude;whichhavingpass\'dAtlengthintothelimitsoftheNorthTheycame,andSATANtohisRoyalseatHighonaHill,farblazing,asaMountRais\'donaMount,withPyramidsandTowrsFromDiamondQuarrieshew\'n,&;RocksofGold,ThePalaceofgreatLUCIFER,(socallThatStructureintheDialectofmenInterpreted)whichnotlongafter,heeAffectingallequalitywithGod,InimitationofthatMountwhereonMESSIAHwasdeclar\'dinsightofHeav\'n,TheMountainoftheCongregationcall\'d; Forthitherheassembl\'dallhisTrain,PretendingsocommandedtoconsultAboutthegreatreceptionofthirKing,Thithertocome,andwithcalumniousArtOfcounterfetedtruththusheldthirears。 Thrones,Dominations,Princedomes,Vertues,Powers,IfthesemagnificTitlesyetremainNotmeerlytitular,sincebyDecreeAnothernowhathtohimselfingross\'tAllPower,anduseclipstunderthenameOfKinganointed,forwhomallthishasteOfmidnightmarch,andhurriedmeetinghere,ThisonelytoconsulthowwemaybestWithwhatmaybedevis\'dofhonoursnewReceivehimcomingtoreceivefromusKnee-tributeyetunpaid,prostrationvile,Toomuchtoone,butdoublehowendur\'d,Tooneandtohisimagenowproclaim\'d? ButwhatifbettercounselsmighterectOurmindsandteachustocastoffthisYoke? Willyesubmityournecks,andchusetobendThesuppleknee?yewillnot,ifItrustToknowyeright,orifyeknowyourselvesNativesandSonsofHeav\'npossestbeforeBynone,andifnotequalall,yetfree,Equallyfree;forOrdersandDegreesJarrnotwithliberty,butwellconsist。 WhocaninreasonthenorrightassumeMonarchieoversuchaslivebyrightHisequals,ifinpowerandsplendorless,Infreedomeequal?orcanintroduceLawandEdictonus,whowithoutlawErrenot,muchlessforthistobeourLord,Andlookforadorationtoth\'abuseOfthoseImperialTitleswhichassertOurbeingordain\'dtogovern,nottoserve? ThusfarrhisbolddiscoursewithoutcontrouleHadaudience,whenamongtheSeraphimABDIEL,thenwhomnonewithmorezealeador\'dTheDeitie,anddivinecommandsobei\'d,Stoodup,andinaflameofzealesevereThecurrentofhisfurythusoppos\'d。 Oargumentblasphemous,falseandproud! WordswhichnoeareevertohearinHeav\'nExpected,leastofallfromthee,ingrateInplacethyselfsohighabovethyPeeres。 CanstthouwithimpiousobloquiecondemneThejustDecreeofGod,pronounc\'tandsworn,ThattohisonlySonbyrightendu\'dWithRegalScepter,everySouleinHeav\'nShallbendtheknee,andinthathonourdueConfesshimrightfulKing?unjustthousaistFlatlyunjust,tobindewithLawsthefree,AndequaloverequalstoletReigne,Oneoverallwithunsucceededpower。 ShaltthougiveLawtoGod,shaltthoudisputeWithhimthepointsoflibertie,whomadeTheewhatthouart,&;formdthePow\'rsofHeav\'nSuchashepleasd,andcircumscrib\'dthirbeing? Yetbyexperiencetaughtweknowhowgood,Andofourgood,andofourdignitieHowprovidentheis,howfarrfromthoughtTomakeusless,bentrathertoexaltOurhappiestateunderoneHeadmoreneerUnited。Buttograntittheeunjust,ThatequaloverequalsMonarchReigne: Thyselfthoughgreat&;gloriousdostthoucount,OrallAngelicNaturejoindinone,EqualtohimbegottenSon,bywhomAsbyhisWordthemightyFathermadeAllthings,ev\'nthee,andalltheSpiritsofHeav\'nByhimcreatedinthirbrightdegrees,CrowndthemwithGlory,&;tothirGlorynam\'dThrones,Dominations,Princedoms,Vertues,PowersEssentialPowers,norbyhisReignobscur\'d,Butmoreillustriousmade,sincehetheHeadOneofournumberthusreduc\'tbecomes,HisLawsourLaws,allhonourtohimdoneReturnsourown。Ceasethenthisimpiousrage,Andtemptnotthese;buthast\'ntoappeaseTh\'incensedFather,andth\'incensedSon,WhilePardonmaybefoundintimebesought。 SospaketheferventAngel,buthiszealeNoneseconded,asoutofseasonjudg\'d,Orsingularandrash,whereatrejoic\'dTh\'Apostat,andmorehaughtythusrepli\'d。 Thatwewereformdthensaistthou?&;theworkOfsecondariehands,bytasktransferdFromFathertohisSon?strangepointandnew! Doctrinwhichwewouldknowwhencelearnt:whosawWhenthiscreationwas?rememberstthouThymaking,whiletheMakergavetheebeing? Weknownotimewhenwewerenotasnow; Knownonebeforeus,self-begot,self-rais\'dByourownquick\'ningpower,whenfatalcourseHadcircl\'dhisfullOrbe,thebirthmatureOfthisournativeHeav\'n,EtherealSons。 Ourpuissanceisourown,ourownrighthandShallteachushighestdeeds,byprooftotryWhoisourequal:thenthoushaltbeholdWhetherbysupplicationweintendAddress,andtobegirtth\'AlmightyThroneBeseechingorbesieging。Thisreport,Thesetidingscarrietoth\'anointedKing; Andfly,ereevilinterceptthyflight。 Hesaid,andasthesoundofwatersdeepHoarcemurmurecho\'dtohiswordsapplauseThroughtheinfiniteHost,norlessforthatTheflamingSeraphfearless,thoughaloneEncompass\'droundwithfoes,thusanswerdbold。 OalienatefromGod,Ospiritaccurst,Forsak\'nofallgood;IseethyfallDetermind,andthyhaplesscrewinvolv\'dInthisperfidiousfraud,contagionspredBothofthycrimeandpunishment:henceforthNomorebetroubl\'dhowtoquittheyokeOfGodsMESSIAH;thoseindulgentLawsWillnotbenowvoutsaf\'t,otherDecreesAgainsttheearegonforthwithoutrecall; ThatGoldenScepterwhichthoudidstrejectIsnowanIronRodtobruiseandbreakeThydisobedience。Wellthoudidstadvise,YetnotforthyadviseorthreatsIflyThesewickedTentsdevoted,leastthewrauthImpendent,ragingintosuddenflameDistinguishnot:forsoonexpecttofeelHisThunderonthyhead,devouringfire。 Thenwhocreatedtheelamentinglearne,Whenwhocanuncreatetheethoushaltknow。 SospaketheSeraphABDIELfaithfulfound,Amongthefaithless,faithfulonlyhee; Amonginnumerablefalse,unmov\'d,Unshak\'n,unseduc\'d,unterrifi\'dHisLoyaltiehekept,hisLove,hisZeale; Nornumber,norexamplewithhimwroughtToswervefromtruth,orchangehisconstantmindThoughsingle。Fromamidstthemforthhepassd,Longwaythroughhostilescorn,whichhesusteindSuperior,norofviolencefear\'daught; Andwithretortedscornhisbackheturn\'dOnthoseproudTowrstoswiftdestructiondoom\'d。TheEndoftheFifthBookParadiseLost-Book6ParadiseLostbyJohnMiltonBook6AllnightthedreadlessAngelunpursu\'dThroughHeav\'nswideChampainheldhisway,tillMorn,Wak\'tbythecirclingHours,withrosiehandUnbarr\'dthegatesofLight。ThereisaCaveWithintheMountofGod,fastbyhisThrone,WherelightanddarknessinperpetualroundLodgeanddislodgebyturns,whichmakesthroughHeav\'nGratefulvicissitude,likeDayandNight; Lightissuesforth,andattheotherdoreObsequiousdarknessenters,tillherhoureToveiletheHeav\'n,thoughdarknesstheremightwellSeemtwilighthere;andnowwentforththeMornSuchasinhighestHeav\'n,arraydinGoldEmpyreal,frombeforehervanishtNight,ShotthroughwithorientBeams:whenallthePlainCoverdwiththickembatteldSquadronsbright,ChariotsandflamingArmes,andfierieSteedsReflectingblazeonblaze,firstmethisview: Warrheperceav\'d,warrinprocinct,andfoundAlreadyknownwhathefornewshadthoughtTohavereported:gladlythenhemixtAmongthosefriendlyPowerswhohimreceav\'dWithjoyandacclamationsloud,thatoneThatofsomanyMyriadsfall\'n,yetoneReturndnotlost:OntothesacredhillTheyledhimhighapplauded,andpresentBeforetheseatsupream;fromwhenceavoiceFrommidstaGoldenCloudthusmildewasheard。 ServantofGod,welldone,wellhastthoufoughtThebetterfight,whosinglehastmaintaindAgainstrevoltedmultitudestheCauseOfTruth,inwordmightierthentheyinArmes; AndforthetestimonieofTruthhastbornUniversalreproach,farworsetobeareThenviolence:forthiswasallthycareTostandapprov\'dinsightofGod,thoughWorldsJudg\'dtheeperverse:theeasierconquestnowRemainsthee,aidedbythishostoffriends,BackonthyfoesmoreglorioustoreturnThenscorndthoudidstdepart,andtosubdueByforce,whoreasonforthirLawrefuse,RightreasonforthirLaw,andforthirKingMESSIAH,whobyrightofmeritReigns。 GoeMICHAELofCelestialArmiesPrince,AndthouinMilitaryprowessnextGABRIEL,leadforthtoBattelthesemySonsInvincible,leadforthmyarmedSaintsByThousandsandbyMillionsrang\'dforfight; EqualinnumbertothatGodlesscrewRebellious,themwithFireandhostileArmsFearlessassault,andtothebrowofHeav\'nPursuingdrivethemoutfromGodandbliss,Intothirplaceofpunishment,theGulfOfTARTARUS,whichreadyopenswideHisfieryCHAOStoreceavethirfall。 SospaketheSovranvoice,andCloudsbeganTodarkenalltheHill,andsmoaktorowlInduskiewreathes,reluctantflames,thesigneOfwrauthawak\'t:norwithlessdreadtheloudEtherealTrumpetfromonhighganblow: AtwhichcommandthePowersMilitant,ThatstoodforHeav\'n,inmightyQuadratejoyn\'dOfUnionirresistible,mov\'donInsilencethirbrightLegions,tothesoundOfinstrumentalHarmoniethatbreath\'dHeroicArdortoadvent\'rousdeedsUnderthirGod-likeLeaders,intheCauseOfGodandhisMESSIAH。OntheymoveIndissolublyfirm;norobviousHill,Norstreit\'ningVale,norWood,norStreamdividesThirperfetranks;forhighabovethegroundThirmarchwas,andthepassiveAirupboreThirnimbletread;aswhenthetotalkindOfBirdsinorderlyarrayonwingCamesummondoverEDENtoreceiveThirnamesofthee;soovermanyatractOfHeav\'ntheymarch\'d,andmanyaProvincewideTenfoldthelengthofthisterrene:atlastFarrinth\'HorizontotheNorthappeer\'dFromskirttoskirtafierieRegion,stretchtInbattailousaspect,andneererviewBristl\'dwithuprightbeamsinnumerableOfrigidSpears,andHelmetsthrong\'d,andShieldsVarious,withboastfulArgumentportraid,ThebandedPowersofSATANhastingonWithfuriousexpedition;fortheyweendThatselfsamedaybyfight,orbysurprizeTowintheMountofGod,andonhisThroneTosettheenvierofhisState,theproudAspirer,butthirthoughtsprov\'dfondandvainInthemidway:thoughstrangetousitseemdAtfirst,thatAngelshouldwithAngelwarr,Andinfiercehostingmeet,whowonttomeetSooftinFestivalsofjoyandloveUnanimous,assonsofonegreatSireHymningth\'EternalFather:buttheshoutOfBattelnowbegan,andrushingsoundOfonsetendedsooneachmilderthought。 HighinthemidstexaltedasaGodTh\'ApostatinhisSun-brightChariotsateIdolofMajestieDivine,enclos\'dWithFlamingCherubim,andgoldenShields; ThenlightedfromhisgorgeousThrone,fornow\'TwixtHostandHostbutnarrowspacewasleft,Adreadfulinterval,andFronttoFrontPresentedstoodinterriblearrayOfhideouslength:beforethecloudieVan,Ontheroughedgeofbattelereitjoyn\'d,SATANwithvastandhaughtiestridesadvanc\'t,Cametowring,armdinAdamantandGold; ABDIELthatsightendur\'dnot,wherehestoodAmongthemightiest,bentonhighestdeeds,Andthushisownundauntedheartexplores。 OHeav\'n!thatsuchresemblanceoftheHighestShouldyetremain,wherefaithandrealtieRemainnot;wherforeshouldnotstrength&;mightTherefailwhereVertuefails,orweakestproveWhereboldest;thoughtosightunconquerable? Hispuissance,trustinginth\'Almightie\'saide,Imeantotry,whoseReasonIhavetri\'dUnsoundandfalse;norisitaughtbutjust,ThathewhoindebateofTruthhathwon,ShouldwininArms,inbothdisputesalikeVictor;thoughbrutishthatcontestandfoule,WhenReasonhathtodealwithforce,yetsoMostreasonisthatReasonovercome。 Sopondering,andfromhisarmedPeersForthsteppingopposite,halfwayhemetHisdaringfoe,atthispreventionmoreIncens\'t,andthussecurelyhimdefi\'d。 Proud,artthoumet?thyhopewastohavereachtThehighthofthyaspiringunoppos\'d,TheThroneofGodunguarded,andhissideAbandondattheterrorofthyPowerOrpotenttongue;fool,nottothinkhowvainAgainstth\'OmnipotenttoriseinArms; WhooutofsmallestthingscouldwithoutendHaverais\'dincessantArmiestodefeatThyfolly;orwithsolitariehandReachingbeyondalllimit,atoneblowUnaidedcouldhavefinishtthee,andwhelmdThyLegionsunderdarkness;butthouseestAllarenotofthyTrain;therebewhoFaithPrefer,andPietietoGod,thoughthenTotheenotvisible,whenIaloneSeemdinthyWorlderroneoustodissentFromall:mySectthouseest,nowlearntoolateHowfewsomtimesmayknow,whenthousandserr。 WhomthegrandfoewithscornfuleyeaskanceThusanswerd。Illforthee,butinwishthoureOfmyrevenge,firstsoughtforthoureturnstFromflight,seditiousAngel,toreceaveThymeritedreward,thefirstassayOfthisrighthandprovok\'t,sincefirstthattongueInspir\'dwithcontradictiondurstopposeAthirdpartoftheGods,inSynodmetThirDeitiestoassert,whowhiletheyfeelVigourDivinewithinthem,canallowOmnipotencetonone。ButwellthoucomstBeforethyfellows,ambitioustowinFrommesomPlume,thatthysuccessmayshowDestructiontotherest:thispausebetween(Unanswerdleastthouboast)tolettheeknow; AtfirstIthoughtthatLibertieandHeav\'nToheav\'nlySouleshadbinallone;butnowIseethatmostthroughslothhadratherserve,MinistringSpirits,traindupinFeastandSong; Suchhastthouarm\'d,theMinstrelsieofHeav\'n,Servilitiewithfreedomtocontend,Asboththirdeedscompar\'dthisdayshallprove。 TowhominbriefthusABDIELsternrepli\'d。