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'dWhotellsofsominfernalSpiritseenHitherwardbentwhocouldhavethought?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。ThereforewhathegivesWhosepraisebeeversungtomaninpartSpiritual,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,whenonadayForTime,thoughinEternitie,appli'dTomotion,measuresallthingsdurableBypresent,past,andfutureonsuchdayAsHeav'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。EevningapproachdForwehavealsoourEevningandourMorn,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'nhadchangdTogratefulTwilightforNightcomesnotthereIndarkerveileandroseatDewsdispos'dAllbuttheunsleepingeyesofGodtorest,WideoverallthePlain,andwiderfarrThenallthisglobousEarthinPlainoutspred,SucharetheCourtsofGodTh'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,socallThatStructureintheDialectofmenInterpretedwhichnotlongafter,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:thispausebetweenUnanswerdleastthouboasttolettheeknow;
AtfirstIthoughtthatLibertieandHeav'nToheav'nlySouleshadbinallone;butnowIseethatmostthroughslothhadratherserve,MinistringSpirits,traindupinFeastandSong;
Suchhastthouarm'd,theMinstrelsieofHeav'n,Servilitiewithfreedomtocontend,Asboththirdeedscompar'dthisdayshallprove。
TowhominbriefthusABDIELsternrepli'd。
第3章