TillconquerorDeathdiscoverthemscarcemen，Rowlinginbrutishvices，anddeformed，Violentorshamefuldeaththeirduereward。
But，iftherebeingloryaughtofgood；
Itmaybemeansfardifferentbeattained，Withoutambition，war，orviolence——
Bydeedsofpeace，bywisdomeminent，Bypatience，temperance。ImentionstillHimwhomthywrongs，withsaintlypatienceborne，Madefamousinalandandtimesobscure；
WhonamesnotnowwithhonourpatientJob？
PoorSocrates，（whonextmorememorable？）
Bywhathetaughtandsufferedforsodoing，Fortruth’ssakesufferingdeathunjust，livesnowEqualinfametoproudestconquerors。
Yet，ifforfameandgloryaughtbedone，Aughtsuffered——ifyoungAfricanforfameHiswastedcountryfreedfromPunicrage——
Thedeedbecomesunpraised，themanatleast，Andloses，thoughbutverbal，hisreward。
ShallIseekglory，then，asvainmenseek，Oftnotdeserved？Iseeknotmine，butHisWhosentme，andtherebywitnesswhenceIam。\"
TowhomtheTempter，murmuring，thusreplied：——
\"Thinknotsoslightofglory，thereinleastResemblingthygreatFather。Heseeksglory，Andforhisgloryallthingsmade，allthingsOrdersandgoverns；norcontentinHeaven，ByallhisAngelsglorified，requiresGloryfrommen，fromallmen，goodorbad，Wiseorunwise，nodifference，noexemption。
Aboveallsacrifice，orhallowedgift，Gloryherequires，andgloryhereceives，Promiscuousfromallnations，Jew，orGreek，OrBarbarous，norexceptionhathdeclared；
Fromus，hisfoespronounced，gloryheexacts。\"
TowhomourSaviourferventlyreplied：
\"Andreason；sincehisWordallthingsproduced，Thoughchieflynotforgloryasprimeend，Buttoshewforthhisgoodness，andimpartHisgoodcommunicabletoeverysoulFreely；ofwhomwhatcouldHelessexpectThangloryandbenediction——thatis，thanks——
Theslightest，easiest，readiestrecompenseFromthemwhocouldreturnhimnothingelse，And，notreturningthat，wouldlikeliestrenderContemptinstead，dishonour，obloquy？
Hardrecompense，unsuitablereturnForsomuchgood，somuchbeneficience！
Butwhyshouldmanseekglory，whoofhisownHathnothing，andtowhomnothingbelongsButcondemnation，ignominy，andshame——
Who，forsomanybenefitsreceived，TurnedrecreanttoGod，ingrateandfalse，Andsoofalltruegoodhimselfdespoiled；
Yet，sacrilegious，tohimselfwouldtakeThatwhichtoGodaloneofrightbelongs？
YetsomuchbountyisinGod，suchgrace，Thatwhoadvanceshisglory，nottheirown，Themhehimselftoglorywilladvance。\"
SospaketheSonofGod；andhereagainSatanhadnottoanswer，butstoodstruckWithguiltofhisownsin——forhehimself，Insatiableofglory，hadlostall；
Yetofanotherpleabethoughthimsoon：——
\"Ofglory，asthouwilt，\"saidhe，\"sodeem；
Worthornotworththeseeking，letitpass。
ButtoaKingdomthouartborn——ordainedTosituponthyfatherDavid’sthrone，Bymother’ssidethyfather，thoughthyrightBenowinpowerfulhands，thatwillnotpartEasilyfrompossessionwonwitharms。
JudaeanowandallthePromisedLand，ReducedaprovinceunderRomanyoke，ObeysTiberius，norisalwaysruledWithtemperatesway：ofthavetheyviolatedTheTemple，ofttheLaw，withfoulaffronts，Abominationsrather，asdidonceAntiochus。Andthink’stthoutoregainThyrightbysittingstill，orthusretiring？
SodidnotMachabeus。HeindeedRetireduntotheDesert，butwitharms；
Ando’eramightykingsooftprevailedThatbystronghandhisfamilyobtained，Thoughpriests，thecrown，andDavid’sthroneusurped，WithModinandhersuburbsoncecontent。
Ifkingdommovetheenot，letmovetheezealAndduty——zealanddutyarenotslow，ButonOccasion’sforelockwatchfulwait：
Theythemselvesratherareoccasionbest——
ZealofthyFather’shouse，dutytofreeThycountryfromherheathenservitude。
Soshaltthoubestfulfil，bestverify，TheProphetsold，whosungthyendlessreign——
Thehappierreignthesooneritbegins。
Reinthen；whatcanstthoubetterdothewhile？\"
TowhomourSaviouranswerthusreturned：——
\"Allthingsarebestfulfilledintheirduetime；
Andtimethereisforallthings，Truthhathsaid。
IfofmyreignPropheticWrithathtoldThatitshallneverend，so，whenbeginTheFatherinhispurposehathdecreed——
Heinwhosehandalltimesandseasonsrowl。
WhatifhehathdecreedthatIshallfirstBetriedinhumblestate，andthingsadverse，Bytribulations，injuries，insults，Contempts，andscorns，andsnares，andviolence，Suffering，abstaining，quietlyexpectingWithoutdistrustordoubt，thatHemayknowWhatIcansuffer，howobey？WhobestCansufferbestcando，bestreignwhofirstWellhathobeyed——justtrialereImeritMyexaltationwithoutchangeorend。
ButwhatconcernsittheewhenIbeginMyeverlastingKingdom？WhyartthouSolicitous？Whatmovesthyinquisition？
Know’stthounotthatmyrisingisthyfall，Andmypromotionwillbethydestruction？\"
TowhomtheTempter，inlyracked，replied：——
\"Letthatcomewhenitcomes。AllhopeislostOfmyreceptionintograce；whatworse？
Forwherenohopeisleftisleftnofear。
Iftherebeworse，theexpectationmoreOfworsetormentsmethanthefeelingcan。
Iwouldbeattheworst；worstismyport，Myharbour，andmyultimaterepose，TheendIwouldattain，myfinalgood。
Myerrorwasmyerror，andmycrimeMycrime；whatever，foritselfcondemned，Andwillalikebepunished，whetherthouReignorreignnot——thoughtothatgentlebrowWillinglyIcouldfly，andhopethyreign，Fromthatplacidaspectandmeekregard，Ratherthanaggravatemyevilstate，WouldstandbetweenmeandthyFather’sire（WhoseireIdreadmorethanthefireofHell）
AshelterandakindofshadingcoolInterposition，asasummer’scloud。
IfI，then，totheworstthatcanbehaste，Whymovethyfeetsoslowtowhatisbest？
Happiest，bothtothyselfandalltheworld，Thatthou，whoworthiestart，shouldstbetheirKing！
Perhapsthoulinger’stindeepthoughtsdetainedOftheenterprisesohazardousandhigh！
Nowonder；for，thoughintheebeunitedWhatofperfectioncaninManbefound，Orhumannaturecanreceive，considerThylifehathyetbeenprivate，mostpartspentAthome，scarceviewedtheGalileantowns，AndonceayearJerusalem，fewdays’
Shortsojourn；andwhatthencecouldstthouobserve？
Theworldthouhastnotseen，muchlessherglory，Empires，andmonarchs，andtheirradiantcourts——
Bestschoolofbestexperience，quickestinsightInallthingsthattogreatestactionslead。
Thewisest，unexperienced，willbeeverTimorous，andloth，withnovicemodesty（Ashewho，seekingasses，foundakingdom）
Irresolute，unhardy，unadventrous。
ButIwillbringtheewherethousoonshaltquitThoserudiments，andseebeforethineeyesThemonarchiesoftheEarth，theirpompandstate——
SufficientintroductiontoinformThee，ofthyselfsoapt，inregalarts，Andregalmysteries；thatthoumay’stknowHowbesttheiroppositiontowithstand。\"
Withthat（suchpowerwasgivenhimthen），hetookTheSonofGoduptoamountainhigh。
ItwasamountainatwhoseverdantfeetAspaciousplainoutstretchedincircuitwideLaypleasant；fromhissidetworiversflowed，Theonewinding，theotherstraight，andleftbetweenFairchampaign，withlessriversinterveined，Thenmeetingjoinedtheirtributetothesea。
Fertilofcorntheglebe，ofoil，andwine；
Withherdsthepasturethronged，withflocksthehills；
Hugecitiesandhigh-towered，thatwellmightseemTheseatsofmightiestmonarchs；andsolargeTheprospectwasthathereandtherewasroomForbarrendesert，fountainlessanddry。
Tothishighmountain-toptheTempterbroughtOurSaviour，andnewtrainofwordsbegan：——
\"Wellhavewespeeded，ando’erhillanddale，Forest，andfield，andflood，templesandtowers，Cutshortermanyaleague。Herethoubehold’stAssyria，andherempire’sancientbounds，AraxesandtheCaspianlake；thenceonAsfarasInduseast，Euphrateswest，Andoftbeyond；tosouththePersianbay，And，inaccessible，theArabiandrouth：
Here，Nineveh，oflengthwithinherwallSeveraldays’journey，builtbyNinusold，Ofthatfirstgoldenmonarchytheseat，AndseatofSalmanassar，whosesuccessIsraelinlongcaptivitystillmourns；
ThereBabylon，thewonderofalltongues，Asancient，butrebuiltbyhimwhotwiceJudahandallthyfatherDavid’shouseLedcaptive，andJerusalemlaidwaste，TillCyrussetthemfree；Persepolis，Hiscity，therethouseest，andBactrathere；
Ecbatanaherstructurevastthereshews，AndHecatompylosherhunderdgates；
ThereSusabyChoaspes，amberstream，Thedrinkofnonebutkings；oflaterfame，BuiltbyEmathianorbyParthianhands，ThegreatSeleucia，Nisibis，andthereArtaxata，Teredon，Ctesiphon，Turningwitheasyeye，thoumay’stbehold。
AllthesetheParthian（nowsomeagespastBygreatArsacesled，whofoundedfirstThatempire）underhisdominionholds，FromtheluxuriouskingsofAntiochwon。
Andjustintimethoucom’sttohaveaviewOfhisgreatpower；fornowtheParthiankingInCtesiphonhathgatheredallhishostAgainsttheScythian，whoseincursionswildHavewastedSogdiana；toheraidHemarchesnowinhaste。See，thoughfromfar，Histhousands，inwhatmartialequipageTheyissueforth，steelbowsandshaftstheirarms，Ofequaldreadinflightorinpursuit——
Allhorsemen，inwhichfighttheymostexcel；
Seehowinwarlikemustertheyappear，Inrhombs，andwedges，andhalf-moons，andwings。\"
Helooked，andsawwhatnumbersnumberlessThecitygatesoutpoured，light-armedtroopsIncoatsofmailandmilitarypride。
Inmailtheirhorsesclad，yetfleetandstrong，Prauncingtheirridersbore，theflowerandchoiceOfmanyprovincesfromboundtobound——
FromArachosia，fromCandaoreast，AndMargiana，totheHyrcaniancliffsOfCaucasus，anddarkIberiandales；
FromAtropatia，andtheneighbouringplainsOfAdiabene，Media，andthesouthOfSusiana，toBalsara’shaven。
Hesawthemintheirformsofbattleranged，Howquicktheywheeled，andflyingbehindthemshotSharpsleetofarrowyshowersagainstthefaceOftheirpursuers，andovercamebyflight；
Thefieldallironcastagleamingbrown。
Norwantedcloudsoffoot，nor，oneachhorn，Cuirassiersallinsteelforstandingfight，Chariots，orelephantsindorsedwithtowersOfarchers；noroflabouringpionersAmultitude，withspadesandaxesarmed，Tolayhillsplain，fellwoods，orvalleysfill，Orwhereplainwasraisehill，oroverlayWithbridgesriversproud，aswithayoke：
Mulesafterthese，camelsanddromedaries，Andwaggonsfraughtwithutensilsofwar。
Suchforcesmetnot，norsowideacamp，WhenAgrican，withallhisnorthernpowers，BesiegedAlbracea，asromancestell，ThecityofGallaphrone，fromthencetowinThefairestofhersex，Angelica，Hisdaughter，soughtbymanyprowestknights，BothPaynimandthepeersofCharlemane。
Suchandsonumerouswastheirchivalry；
AtsightwhereoftheFiendyetmorepresumed，AndtoourSaviourthushiswordsrenewed：——
\"Thatthoumay’stknowIseeknottoengageThyvirtue，andnoteverywaysecureOnnoslightgroundsthysafety，hearandmarkTowhatendIhavebroughttheehither，andshewAllthisfairsight。Thykingdom，thoughforetoldByProphetorbyAngel，unlessthouEndeavour，asthyfatherDaviddid，Thounevershaltobtain：predictionstillInallthings，andallmen，supposesmeans；
Withoutmeansused，whatitpredictsrevokes。
ButsaythouwertpossessedofDavid’sthroneByfreeconsentofall，noneopposite，SamaritanorJew；howcouldstthouhopeLongtoenjoyitquietandsecureBetweentwosuchenclosingenemies，RomanandParthian？ThereforeoneoftheseThoumustmakesurethyown：theParthianfirst，Bymyadvice，asnearer，andoflateFoundablebyinvasiontoannoyThycountry，andcaptiveleadawayherkings，AntigonusandoldHyrcanus，bound，MaugretheRoman。ItshallbemytaskTorendertheetheParthianatdispose，Choosewhichthouwilt，byconquestorbyleague。
Byhimthoushaltregain，withouthimnot，ThatwhichalonecantrulyreinstalltheeInDavid’sroyalseat，histruesuccessor——
Deliveranceofthybrethren，thoseTenTribesWhoseoffspringinhisterritoryyetserveInHabor，andamongtheMedesdispersed：
ThesonsofJacob，twoofJoseph，lostThuslongfromIsrael，serving，asofoldTheirfathersinthelandofEgyptserved，Thisoffersetsbeforetheetodeliver。
TheseiffromservitudethoushaltrestoreTotheirinheritance，then，nortillthen，ThouonthethroneofDavidinfullglory，FromEgypttoEuphratesandbeyond，Shaltreign，andRomeorCaesarnotneedfear。\"
TowhomourSaviouransweredthus，unmoved：——
\"MuchostentationvainoffleshlyarmAndfragilearms，muchinstrumentofwar，Longinpreparing，soontonothingbrought，Beforemineeyesthouhastset，andinmyearVentedmuchpolicy，andprojectsdeepOfenemies，ofaids，battles，andleagues，Plausibletotheworld，tomeworthnaught。
MeansImustuse，thousay’st；predictionelseWillunpredict，andfailmeofthethrone！
Mytime，Itoldthee（andthattimefortheeWerebetterfarthestoff），isnotyetcome。
Whenthatcomes，thinknotthoutofindmeslackOnmypartaughtendeavouring，ortoneedThypoliticmaxims，orthatcumbersomeLuggageofwarthereshewnme——argumentOfhumanweaknessratherthanofstrength。
Mybrethren，asthoucall’stthem，thoseTenTribes，Imustdeliver，ifImeantoreignDavid’strueheir，andhisfullsceptreswayTojustextentoverallIsrael’ssons！
Butwhencetotheethiszeal？WherewasitthenForIsrael，orforDavid，orhisthrone，Whenthoustood’stuphistemptertotheprideOfnumberingIsrael——whichcostthelivesofthreescoreandtenthousandIsraelitesBythreedays’pestilence？SuchwasthyzealToIsraelthen，thesamethatnowtome。
Asforthosecaptivetribes，themselvesweretheyWhowroughttheirowncaptivity，felloffFromGodtoworshipcalves，thedeitiesOfEgypt，BaalnextandAshtaroth，Andalltheidolatriesofheathenround，Besidestheirotherworsethanheathenishcrimes；
NorinthelandoftheircaptivityHumbledthemselves，orpenitentbesoughtTheGodoftheirforefathers，butsodiedImpenitent，andleftaracebehindLiketothemselves，distinguishablescarceFromGentiles，butbycircumcisionvain，AndGodwithidolsintheirworshipjoined。
ShouldIofthesethelibertyregard，Who，freed，astotheirancientpatrimony，Unhumbled，unrepentant，unreformed，Headlongwouldfollow，andtotheirgodsperhapsOfBethelandofDan？No；letthemserveTheirenemieswhoserveidolswithGod。
YetHeatlength，timetohimselfbestknown，RememberingAbraham，bysomewondrouscallMaybringthemback，repentantandsincere，AndattheirpassingcleavetheAssyrianflood，Whiletotheirnativelandwithjoytheyhaste，AstheRedSeaandJordanoncehecleft，WhentothePromisedLandtheirfatherspassed。
TohisduetimeandprovidenceIleavethem。\"
SospakeIsrael’strueKing，andtotheFiendMadeanswermeet，thatmadevoidallhiswiles。
Sofaresitwhenwithtruthfalsehoodcontends。ParadiseRegained-book4ParadiseRegainedbyJohnMiltonBook4PerplexedandtroubledathisbadsuccessTheTempterstood，norhadwhattoreply，Discoveredinhisfraud，thrownfromhishopeSooft，andthepersuasiverhetoricThatsleekedhistongue，andwonsomuchonEve，Solittlehere，naylost。ButEvewasEve；
Thisfarhisover-match，who，self-deceivedAndrash，beforehandhadnobetterweighedThestrengthhewastocopewith，orhisown。
But——asamanwhohadbeenmatchlessheldIncunning，over-reachedwhereleasthethought，Tosalvehiscredit，andforveryspite，Stillwillbetemptinghimwhofoilshimstill，Andnevercease，thoughtohisshamethemore；
Orasaswarmoffliesinvintage-time，Aboutthewine-presswheresweetmustispoured，Beatoff，returnsasoftwithhummingsound；
Orsurgingwavesagainstasolidrock，Thoughalltoshiversdashed，theassaultrenew，（Vainbattery！）andinfrothorbubblesend——
SoSatan，whomrepulseuponrepulseMetever，andtoshamefulsilencebrought，Yetgivesnoto’er，thoughdesperateofsuccess，Andhisvainimportunitypursues。
HebroughtourSaviourtothewesternsideOfthathighmountain，whencehemightbeholdAnotherplain，long，butinbreadthnotwide，Washedbythesouthernsea，andonthenorthToequallengthbackedwitharidgeofhillsThatscreenedthefruitsoftheearthandseatsofmenFromcoldSeptentrionblasts；thenceinthemidstDividedbyariver，offwhosebanksOneachsideanImperialCitystood，WithtowersandtemplesproudlyelevateOnsevensmallhills，withpalacesadorned，Porchesandtheatres，baths，aqueducts，Statuesandtrophies，andtriumphalarcs，Gardensandgroves，presentedtohiseyesAbovethehighthofmountainsinterposed——
Bywhatstrangeparallax，oropticskillOfvision，multipliedthroughair，orglassOftelescope，werecurioustoenquire。
AndnowtheTempterthushissilencebroke：——
\"ThecitywhichthouseestnootherdeemThangreatandgloriousRome，QueenoftheEarthSofarrenowned，andwiththespoilsenrichedOfnations。TheretheCapitolthouseest，AbovetherestliftinghisstatelyheadOntheTarpeianrock，hercitadelImpregnable；andthereMountPalatine，Theimperialpalace，compasshuge，andhighThestructure，skillofnoblestarchitects，Withgildedbattlements，conspicuousfar，Turrets，andterraces，andglitteringspires。
Manyafairedificebesides，morelikeHousesofgods——sowellIhavedisposedMyaeriemicroscope——thoumay’stbehold，Outsideandinsideboth，pillarsandroofsCarvedwork，thehandoffamedartificersIncedar，marble，ivory，orgold。
Thencetothegatescastroundthineeye，andseeWhatconfluxissuingforth，orenteringin：
Praetors，proconsulstotheirprovincesHasting，oronreturn，inrobesofstate；
Lictorsandrods，theensignsoftheirpower；
Legionsandcohorts，turmsofhorseandwings；
Orembassiesfromregionsfarremote，Invarioushabits，ontheAppianroad，OrontheAEmilian——somefromfarthestsouth，Syene，andwheretheshadowbothwayfalls，Meroe，Niloticisle，and，moretowest，TherealmofBocchustotheBlackmoorsea；
FromtheAsiankings（andParthianamongthese），FromIndiaandtheGoldenChersoness，AndutmostIndianisleTaprobane，Duskfaceswithwhitesilkenturbantswreathed；
FromGallia，Gades，andtheBritishwest；
Germans，andScythians，andSarmatiansnorthBeyondDanubiustotheTauricpool。
AllnationsnowtoRomeobediencepay——
ToRome’sgreatEmperor，whosewidedomain，Inampleterritory，wealthandpower，Civilityofmanners，artsandarms，Andlongrenown，thoujustlymay’stpreferBeforetheParthian。Thesetwothronesexcept，Therestarebarbarous，andscarceworththesight，Sharedamongpettykingstoofarremoved；
Thesehavingshewnthee，IhaveshewntheeallThekingdomsoftheworld，andalltheirglory。
ThisEmperorhathnoson，andnowisold，Oldandlascivious，andfromRomeretiredToCapreae，anislandsmallbutstrongOntheCampanianshore，withpurposethereHishorridlustsinprivatetoenjoy；
CommittingtoawickedfavouriteAllpubliccares，andyetofhimsuspicious；
Hatedofall，andhating。Withwhatease，Enduedwithregalvirtuesasthouart，Appearing，andbeginningnobledeeds，Might’stthouexpelthismonsterfromhisthrone，Nowmadeasty，and，inhisplaceascending，Avictor-peoplefreefromservileyoke！
Andwithmyhelpthoumay’st；tomethepowerIsgiven，andbythatrightIgiveitthee。
Aim，therefore，atnolessthanalltheworld；
Aimatthehighest；withoutthehighestattained，Willbefortheenositting，ornotlong，OnDavid’sthrone，beprophesiedwhatwill。\"
TowhomtheSonofGod，unmoved，replied：——
\"NordoththisgrandeurandmajesticshewOfluxury，thoughcalledmagnificence，Morethanofarmsbefore，alluremineeye，Muchlessmymind；thoughthoushould’staddtotellTheirsumptuousgluttonies，andgorgeousfeastsOncitrontablesorAtlanticstone（ForIhavealsoheard，perhapshaveread），TheirwinesofSetia，Cales，andFalerne，ChiosandCrete，andhowtheyquaffingold，Crystal，andmyrrhinecups，imbossedwithgemsAndstudsofpearl——tomeshould’sttell，whothirstAndhungerstill。Thenembassiesthoushew’stFromnationsfarandnigh！Whathonourthat，Buttediouswasteoftime，tositandhearSomanyhollowcomplimentsandlies，Outlandishflatteries？Thenproceed’sttotalkOftheEmperor，howeasilysubdued，Howgloriously。Ishall，thousay’st，expelAbrutishmonster：whatifIwithalExpelaDevilwhofirstmadehimsuch？
Lethistormentor，Conscience，findhimout；
ForhimIwasnotsent，noryettofreeThatpeople，victoronce，nowvileandbase，Deservedlymadevassal——who，oncejust，Frugal，andmild，andtemperate，conqueredwell，Butgovernillthenationsunderyoke，Peelingtheirprovinces，exhaustedallBylustandrapine；firstambitiousgrownOftriumph，thatinsultingvanity；
Thencruel，bytheirsportstobloodinuredOffightingbeasts，andmentobeastsexposed；
Luxuriousbytheirwealth，andgreedierstill，AndfromthedailySceneeffeminate。
WhatwiseandvaliantmanwouldseektofreeThese，thusdegenerate，bythemselvesenslaved，Orcouldofinwardslavesmakeoutwardfree？
Know，therefore，whenmyseasoncomestositOnDavid’sthrone，itshallbelikeatreeSpreadingandovershadowingalltheearth，OrasastonethatshalltopiecesdashAllmonarchiesbesidesthroughouttheworld；
AndofmyKingdomthereshallbenoend。
Meansthereshallbetothis；butwhatthemeansIsnotfortheetoknow，normetotell。\"
TowhomtheTempter，impudent，replied：——
\"IseealloffersmadebymehowslightThouvaluest，becauseoffered，andreject’st。
Nothingwillpleasethedifficultandnice，Ornothingmorethanstilltocontradict。
OntheothersideknowalsothouthatI
OnwhatIoffersetashighesteem，NorwhatIpartwithmeantogivefornaught，Allthese，whichinamomentthoubehold’st，Thekingdomsoftheworld，totheeIgive（For，giventome，IgivetowhomIplease），Notrifle；yetwiththisreserve，notelse——
Onthiscondition，ifthouwiltfalldown，AndworshipmeasthysuperiorLord（Easilydone），andholdthemallofme；
Forwhatcanlesssogreatagiftdeserve？\"
WhomthusourSaviouransweredwithdisdain：——
\"Ineverlikedthytalk，thyoffersless；
Nowbothabhor，sincethouhastdaredtoutterTheabominableterms，impiouscondition。
ButIendurethetime，tillwhichexpiredThouhastpermissiononme。Itiswritten，Thefirstofallcommandments，’ThoushaltworshipTheLordthyGod，andonlyHimshaltserve。’
Anddar’stthoutotheSonofGodpropoundToworshipthee，accursed？nowmoreaccursedForthisattempt，bolderthanthatonEve，Andmoreblasphemous；whichexpecttorue。
Thekingdomsoftheworldtotheeweregiven！
Permittedrather，andbytheeusurped；
Otherdonationnonethoucanstproduce。
Ifgiven，bywhombutbytheKingofkings，Godoverallsupreme？Ifgiventothee，BytheehowfairlyistheGivernowRepaid！ButgratitudeintheeislostLongsince。WertthousovoidoffearorshameAsofferthemtome，theSonofGod——
Tomemyown，onsuchabhorredpact，ThatIfalldownandworshiptheeasGod？
Gettheebehindme！Plainthounowappear’stThatEvilOne，Satanforeverdamned。\"
TowhomtheFiend，withfearabashed，replied：——
\"Benotsosoreoffended，SonofGod——
ThoughSonsofGodbothAngelsareandMen——
IfI，totrywhetherinhighersortThanthesethoubear’stthattitle，haveproposedWhatbothfromMenandAngelsIreceive，TetrarchsofFire，Air，Flood，andontheEarthNationsbesidesfromallthequarteredwinds——
GodofthisWorldinvoked，andWorldbeneath。
Whothenthouart，whosecomingisforetoldTomemostfatal，meitmostconcerns。
Thetrialhathindamagedtheenoway，Rathermorehonourleftandmoreesteem；
Menaughtadvantaged，missingwhatIaimed。
Thereforeletpass，astheyaretransitory，Thekingdomsofthisworld；IshallnomoreAdvisethee；gainthemasthoucanst，ornot。
Andthouthyselfseem’stotherwiseinclinedThantoaworldlycrown，addictedmoreTocontemplationandprofounddispute；
Asbythatearlyactionmaybejudged，When，slippingfromthymother’seye，thouwent’stAloneintotheTemple，therewastfoundAmongthegravestRabbies，disputantOnpointsandquestionsfittingMoses’chair，Teaching，nottaught。Thechildhoodshewstheman，Asmorningshewstheday。Befamous，then，Bywisdom；asthyempiremustextend，Soletextendthymindo’eralltheworldInknowledge；allthingsinitcomprehend。
AllknowledgeisnotcouchedinMoses’law，ThePentateuch，orwhattheProphetswrote；
TheGentilesalsoknow，andwrite，andteachToadmiration，ledbyNature’slight；
AndwiththeGentilesmuchthoumustconverse，Rulingthembypersuasion，asthoumean’st。
Withouttheirlearning，howwiltthouwiththem，Ortheywiththee，holdconversationmeet？
Howwiltthoureasonwiththem，howrefuteTheiridolisms，traditions，paradoxes？
Errorbyhisownarmsisbestevinced。
Lookoncemore，ereweleavethisspecularmount，Westward，muchnearerbysouth-west；beholdWhereontheAEgeanshoreacitystands，Builtnobly，puretheairandlightthesoil——
Athens，theeyeofGreece，motherofartsAndEloquence，nativetofamouswitsOrhospitable，inhersweetrecess，Cityorsuburban，studiouswalksandshades。
Seetheretheolive-groveofAcademe，Plato’sretirement，wheretheAtticbirdTrillsherthick-warblednotesthesummerlong；
There，floweryhill，Hymettus，withthesoundOfbees’industriousmurmur，oftinvitesTostudiousmusing；thereIlissusrowlsHiswhisperingstream。WithinthewallsthenviewTheschoolsofancientsages——hiswhobredGreatAlexandertosubduetheworld，Lyceumthere；andpaintedStoanext。
TherethoushalthearandlearnthesecretpowerOfharmony，intonesandnumbershitByvoiceorhand，andvarious-measuredverse，AEoliancharmsandDorianlyricodes，Andhiswhogavethembreath，buthighersung，BlindMelesigenes，thenceHomercalled，WhosepoemPhoebuschallengedforhisown。
ThencewhattheloftygraveTragedianstaughtInchorusoriambic，teachersbestOfmoralprudence，withdelightreceivedInbriefsententiousprecepts，whiletheytreatOffate，andchance，andchangeinhumanlife，Highactionsandhighpassionsbestdescribing。
ThencetothefamousOratorsrepair，ThoseancientwhoseresistlesseloquenceWieldedatwillthatfiercedemocraty，ShooktheArsenal，andfulminedoverGreeceToMacedonandArtaxerxes’throne。
TosagePhilosophynextlendthineear，Fromheavendescendedtothelow-roofedhouseOfSocrates——seetherehistenement——
Whom，wellinspired，theOraclepronouncedWisestofmen；fromwhosemouthissuedforthMellifluousstreams，thatwateredalltheschoolsOfAcademicsoldandnew，withthoseSurnamedPeripatetics，andthesectEpicurean，andtheStoicsevere。
Thesehererevolve，or，asthoulikest，athome，Tilltimematuretheetoakingdom’sweight；
TheseruleswillrendertheeakingcompleteWithinthyself，muchmorewithempirejoined。\"
TowhomourSavioursagelythusreplied：——
\"ThinknotbutthatIknowthesethings；or，thinkIknowthemnot，notthereforeamIshortOfknowingwhatIought。HewhoreceivesLightfromabove，fromtheFountainofLight，Nootherdoctrineneeds，thoughgrantedtrue；
Butthesearefalse，orlittleelsebutdreams，Conjectures，fancies，builtonnothingfirm。
ThefirstandwisestofthemallprofessedToknowthisonly，thathenothingknew；
Thenexttofablingfellandsmoothconceits；
Athirdsortdoubtedallthings，thoughplainsense；
Othersinvirtueplacedfelicity，Butvirtuejoinedwithrichesandlonglife；
Incorporalpleasurehe，andcarelessease；
TheStoiclastinphilosophicpride，Byhimcalledvirtue，andhisvirtuousman，Wise，perfectinhimself，andallpossessing，EqualtoGod，oftshamesnottoprefer，AsfearingGodnorman，contemningallWealth，pleasure，painortorment，deathandlife——
Which，whenhelists，heleaves，orboastshecan；
Forallhistedioustalkisbutvainboast，Orsubtleshiftsconvictiontoevade。
Alas！whatcantheyteach，andnotmislead，Ignorantofthemselves，ofGodmuchmore，AndhowtheWorldbegan，andhowManfell，Degradedbyhimself，ongracedepending？
MuchoftheSoultheytalk，butallawry；
Andinthemselvesseekvirtue；andtothemselvesAllgloryarrogate，toGodgivenone；
Ratheraccusehimunderusualnames，FortuneandFate，asoneregardlessquiteOfmortalthings。Who，therefore，seeksintheseTruewisdomfindshernot，or，bydelusionFarworse，herfalseresemblanceonlymeets，Anemptycloud。However，manybooks，Wisemenhavesaid，arewearisome；whoreadsIncessantly，andtohisreadingbringsnotAspiritandjudgmentequalorsuperior，（Andwhathebringswhatneedsheelsewhereseek？）
Uncertainandunsettledstillremains，Deep-versedinbooksandshallowinhimself，Crudeorintoxicate，collectingtoysAndtriflesforchoicematters，worthasponge，Aschildrengatheringpebblesontheshore。
Or，ifIwoulddelightmyprivatehoursWithmusicorwithpoem，wheresosoonAsinournativelanguagecanIfindThatsolace？AllourLawandStorystrewedWithhymns，ourPsalmswithartfultermsinscribed，OurHebrewsongsandharps，inBabylonThatpleasedsowellourvictor’sear，declareThatratherGreecefromustheseartsderived——
IllimitatedwhiletheyloudestsingThevicesoftheirdeities，andtheirown，Infable，hymn，orsong，sopersonatingTheirgodsridiculous，andthemselvespastshame。
Removetheirswellingepithetes，thick-laidAsvarnishonaharlot’scheek，therest，Thin-sownwithaughtofprofitordelight，WillfarbefoundunworthytocompareWithSion’ssongs，toalltruetastesexcelling，WhereGodispraisedarightandgodlikemen，TheHoliestofHoliesandhisSaints（SucharefromGodinspired，notsuchfromthee）；
UnlesswheremoralvirtueisexpressedBylightofNature，notinallquitelost。
Theiroratorsthouthenextoll’stasthoseThetopofeloquence——statistsindeed，Andloversoftheircountry，asmayseem；
ButhereintoourProphetsfarbeneath，Asmendivinelytaught，andbetterteachingThesolidrulesofcivilgovernment，Intheirmajestic，unaffectedstyle，ThanalltheoratoryofGreeceandRome。
Inthemisplainesttaught，andeasiestlearnt，Whatmakesanationhappy，andkeepsitso，Whatruinskingdoms，andlayscitiesflat；
Theseonly，withourLaw，bestformaking。\"
SospaketheSonofGod；butSatan，nowQuiteataloss（forallhisdartswerespent），ThustoourSaviour，withsternbrow，replied：——
\"Sinceneitherwealthnorhonour，armsnorarts，Kingdomnorempire，pleasesthee，noraughtBymeproposedinlifecontemplativeOractive，tendedonbygloryorfame，Whatdostthouinthisworld？TheWildernessFortheeisfittestplace：Ifoundtheethere，Andthitherwillreturnthee。YetrememberWhatIforetellthee；soonthoushalthavecauseTowishthouneverhadstrejected，thusNicelyorcautiously，myofferedaid，WhichwouldhavesettheeinshorttimewitheaseOnDavid’sthrone，orthroneofalltheworld，Nowatfullage，fulnessoftime，thyseason，Whenpropheciesoftheearebestfulfilled。
Now，contrary——ifIreadaughtinheaven，Orheavenwriteaughtoffate——bywhatthestarsVoluminous，orsinglecharactersIntheirconjunctionmet，givemetospell，Sorrowsandlabours，opposition，hate，Attendsthee；scorns，reproaches，injuries，Violenceandstripes，and，lastly，crueldeath。
Akingdomtheyportendthee，butwhatkingdom，Realorallegoric，Idiscernnot；
Norwhen：eternalsure——aswithoutend，Withoutbeginning；fornodateprefixedDirectsmeinthestarryrubricset。\"
Sosaying，hetook（forstillheknewhispowerNotyetexpired），andtotheWildernessBroughtback，theSonofGod，andlefthimthere，Feigningtodisappear。Darknessnowrose，Asdaylightsunk，andbroughtinlouringNight，Hershadowyoffspring，unsubstantialboth，Privationmereoflightandabsentday。
OurSaviour，meek，andwithuntroubledmindAfterhisaeriejaunt，thoughhurriedsore，Hungryandcold，betookhimtohisrest，Wherever，undersomeconcourseofshades，WhosebranchingarmsthickintertwinedmightshieldFromdewsanddampsofnighthisshelteredhead；
But，sheltered，sleptinvain；forathisheadTheTempterwatched，andsoonwithuglydreamsDisturbedhissleep。Andeithertropicnow’Ganthunder，andbothendsofheaven；thecloudsFrommanyahorridriftabortivepouredFiercerainwithlightningmixed，waterwithfire，Inruinreconciled；norsleptthewindsWithintheirstonycaves，butrushedabroadFromthefourhingesoftheworld，andfellOnthevexedwilderness，whosetallestpines，Thoughrooteddeepashigh，andsturdiestoaks，Bowedtheirstiffnecks，loadenwithstormyblasts，Ortornupsheer。Illwastthoushroudedthen，OpatientSonofGod，yetonlystood’stUnshaken！Noryetstaidtheterrorthere：
InfernalghostsandhellishfuriesroundEnvironedthee；somehowled，someyelled，someshrieked，Somebentattheetheirfierydarts，whilethouSat’stunappalledincalmandsinlesspeace。
Thuspassedthenightsofoul，tillMorningfairCameforthwithpilgrimsteps，inamicegrey，WhowithherradiantfingerstilledtheroarOfthunder，chasedtheclouds，andlaidthewinds，Andgrieslyspectres，whichtheFiendhadraisedTotempttheSonofGodwithterrorsdire。
AndnowthesunwithmoreeffectualbeamsHadcheeredthefaceofearth，anddriedthewetFromdroopingplant，ordroppingtree；thebirds，Whoallthingsnowbeholdmorefreshandgreen，Afteranightofstormsoruinous，Cleareduptheirchoicestnotesinbushandspray，Togratulatethesweetreturnofmorn。
Noryet，amidstthisjoyandbrightestmorn，Wasabsent，afterallhismischiefdone，ThePrinceofDarkness；gladwouldalsoseemOfthisfairchange，andtoourSaviourcame；
Yetwithnonewdevice（theyallwerespent），Ratherbythishislastaffrontresolved，Desperateofbettercourse，toventhisrageAndmaddespitetobesooftrepelled。
Himwalkingonasunnyhillhefound，Backedonthenorthandwestbyathickwood；
Outofthewoodhestartsinwontedshape，Andinacarelessmoodthustohimsaid：——
\"Fairmorningyetbetidesthee，SonofGod，Afteradismalnight。Iheardthewrack，Asearthandskywouldmingle；butmyselfWasdistant；andtheseflaws，thoughmortalsfearthem，AsdangeroustothepillaredframeofHeaven，OrtotheEarth’sdarkbasisunderneath，AretothemainasinconsiderableAndharmless，ifnotwholesome，asasneezeToman’slessuniverse，andsoonaregone。
Yet，asbeingofttimesnoxiouswheretheylightOnman，beast，plant，wastefulandturbulent，Liketurbulenciesintheaffairsofmen，Overwhoseheadstheyroar，andseemtopoint，Theyoftfore-signifyandthreatenill。
Thistempestatthisdesertmostwasbent；
Ofmenatthee，foronlythouheredwell’st。
DidInottellthee，ifthoudidstrejectTheperfectseasonofferedwithmyaidTowinthydestinedseat，butwiltprolongAlltothepushoffate，pursuethywayOfgainingDavid’sthronenomanknowswhen（Forboththewhenandhowisnowheretold），Thoushaltbewhatthouartordained，nodoubt；
ForAngelshaveproclaimedit，butconcealingThetimeandmeans？EachactisrightliestdoneNotwhenitmust，butwhenitmaybebest。
Ifthouobservenotthis，besuretofindWhatIforetoldthee——manyahardassayOfdangers，andadversities，andpains，ErethouofIsrael’ssceptregetfasthold；
Whereofthisominousnightthatclosedtheeround，Somanyterrors，voices，prodigies，Maywarnthee，asasureforegoingsign。\"
Sotalkedhe，whiletheSonofGodwenton，Andstaidnot，butinbriefhimansweredthus：——
\"Meworsethanwetthoufind’stnot；otherharmThoseterrorswhichthouspeak’stofdidmenone。
Ineverfearedtheycould，thoughnoisingloudAndthreateningnigh：whattheycandoassignsBetokeningorill-bodingIcontemnAsfalseportents，notsentfromGod，butthee；
Who，knowingIshallreignpastthypreventing，Obtrud’stthyofferedaid，thatI，accepting，Atleastmightseemtoholdallpowerofthee，AmbitiousSpirit！andwould’stbethoughtmyGod；
Andstorm’st，refused，thinkingtoterrifyMetothywill！Desist（thouartdiscerned，Andtoil’stinvain），normeinvainmolest。\"
TowhomtheFiend，nowswolnwithrage，replied：——
\"Thenhear，OSonofDavid，virgin-born！
ForSonofGodtomeisyetindoubt。
OftheMessiahIhaveheardforetoldByalltheProphets；ofthybirth，atlengthAnnouncedbyGabriel，withthefirstIknew，AndoftheangelicsonginBethlehemfield，Onthybirth-night，thatsungtheeSaviourborn。
FromthattimeseldomhaveIceasedtoeyeThyinfancy，thychildhood，andthyyouth，Thymanhoodlast，thoughyetinprivatebred；
Till，atthefordofJordan，whitherallFlockedtotheBaptist，Iamongtherest（Thoughnottobebaptized），byvoicefromHeavenHeardtheepronouncedtheSonofGodbeloved。
ThenceforthIthoughttheeworthmynearerviewAndnarrowerscrutiny，thatImightlearnInwhatdegreeormeaningthouartcalledTheSonofGod，whichbearsnosinglesense。
TheSonofGodIalsoam，orwas；
And，ifIwas，Iam；relationstands：
AllmenareSonsofGod；yettheeIthoughtInsomerespectfarhighersodeclared。
ThereforeIwatchedthyfootstepsfromthathour，Andfollowedtheestillontothiswastewild，Where，byallbestconjectures，IcollectThouarttobemyfatalenemy。
Goodreason，then，ifIbeforehandseekTounderstandmyadversary，whoAndwhatheis；hiswisdom，power，intent；
Byparleorcomposition，truceorleague，Towinhim，orwinfromhimwhatIcan。
AndopportunityIherehavehadTotrythee，siftthee，andconfesshavefoundtheeProofagainstalltemptation，asarockOfadamantandasacentre，firmTotheutmostofmeremanbothwiseandgood，Notmore；forhonours，riches，kingdoms，glory，Havebeenbeforecontemned，andmayagain。
Therefore，toknowwhatmorethouartthanman，WorthnamingtheSonofGodbyvoicefromHeaven，AnothermethodImustnowbegin。\"
Sosaying，hecaughthimup，and，withoutwingOfhippogrif，borethroughtheairsublime，Overthewildernessando’ertheplain，TillunderneaththemfairJerusalem，TheHolyCity，liftedhighhertowers，AndhigheryetthegloriousTemplerearedHerpile，faroffappearinglikeamountOfalablaster，toptwithgoldenspires：
There，onthehighestpinnacle，hesetTheSonofGod，andaddedthusinscorn：——
\"Therestand，ifthouwiltstand；tostanduprightWillasktheeskill。ItothyFather’shouseHavebroughtthee，andhighestplaced：highestisbest。
Nowshewthyprogeny；ifnottostand，Castthyselfdown。Safely，ifSonofGod；
Foritiswritten，’HewillgivecommandConcerningtheetohisAngels；intheirhandsTheyshallupliftthee，lestatanytimeThouchancetodashthyfootagainstastone。’\"
TowhomthusJesus：\"Alsoitiswritten，’TemptnottheLordthyGod。’\"Hesaid，andstood；
ButSatan，smittenwithamazement，fell。
AswhenEarth’sson，Antaeus（tocompareSmallthingswithgreatest），inIrassastroveWithJove’sAlcides，and，oftfoiled，stillrose，ReceivingfromhismotherEarthnewstrength，Freshfromhisfall，andfiercergrapplejoined，Throttledatlengthintheairexpiredandfell，So，aftermanyafoil，theTempterproud，Renewingfreshassaults，amidsthisprideFellwhencehestoodtoseehisvictorfall；
And，asthatThebanmonsterthatproposedHerriddle，andhimwhosolveditnotdevoured，Thatoncefoundoutandsolved，forgriefandspiteCastherselfheadlongfromtheIsmeniansteep，So，strookwithdreadandanguish，felltheFiend，Andtohiscrew，thatsatconsulting，broughtJoylesstriumphalsofhishopedsuccess，Ruin，anddesperation，anddismay，WhodurstsoproudlytempttheSonofGod。
SoSatanfell；andstraightafieryglobeOfAngelsonfullsailofwingflewnigh，WhoontheirplumyvansreceivedHimsoftFromhisuneasystation，andupbore，Asonafloatingcouch，throughtheblitheair；
Then，inafloweryvalley，sethimdownOnagreenbank，andsetbeforehimspreadAtableofcelestialfood，divineAmbrosialfruitsfetchedfromtheTreeofLife，AndfromtheFountofLifeambrosialdrink，Thatsoonrefreshedhimwearied，andrepairedWhathunger，ifaughthunger，hadimpaired，Orthirst；and，ashefed，AngelicquiresSungheavenlyanthemsofhisvictoryOvertemptationandtheTempterproud：——
\"TrueImageoftheFather，whetherthronedInthebosomofbliss，andlightoflightConceiving，or，remotefromHeaven，enshrinedInfleshlytabernacleandhumanform，Wanderingthewilderness——whateverplace，Habit，orstate，ormotion，stillexpressingTheSonofGod，withGodlikeforceenduedAgainsttheattempterofthyFather’sthroneAndthiefofParadise！HimlongofoldThoudidstdebel，anddownfromHeavencastWithallhisarmy；nowthouhastavengedSupplantedAdam，and，byvanquishingTemptation，hastregainedlostParadise，Andfrustratedtheconquestfraudulent。
HenevermorehenceforthwilldaresetfootInparadisetotempt；hissnaresarebroke。
For，thoughthatseatofearthlyblissbefailed，AfairerParadiseisfoundednowForAdamandhischosensons，whomthou，ASaviour，artcomedowntoreinstall；
Wheretheyshalldwellsecure，whentimeshallbe，Oftempterandtemptationwithoutfear。
Butthou，InfernalSerpent！shaltnotlongRuleintheclouds。Likeanautumnalstar，Orlightning，thoushaltfallfromHeaven，troddownUnderhisfeet。Forproof，erethisthoufeel’stThywound（yetnotthylastanddeadliestwound）
Bythisrepulsereceived，andhold’stinHellNotriumph；inallhergatesAbaddonruesThyboldattempt。HereafterlearnwithaweTodreadtheSonofGod。He，allunarmed，Shallchasethee，withtheterrorofhisvoice，Fromthydemoniacholds，possessionfoul——
Theeandthylegions；yellingtheyshallfly，Andbegtohidetheminaherdofswine，LesthecommandthemdownintotheDeep，Bound，andtotormentsentbeforetheirtime。
Hail，SonoftheMostHigh，heirofbothWorlds，QuellerofSatan！OnthygloriousworkNowenter，andbegintosaveMankind。\"
ThustheytheSonofGod，ourSaviourmeek，Sungvictor，and，fromheavenlyfeastrefreshed，Broughtonhiswaywithjoy。He，unobserved，Hometohismother’shouseprivatereturned。END。
