首页 >出版文学> Paradise Regained>第1章
  Book1I,WHOerewhilethehappyGardensungByoneman’sdisobediencelost,nowsingRecoveredParadisetoallmankind,Byoneman’sfirmobediencefullytriedThroughalltemptation,andtheTempterfoiledInallhiswiles,defeatedandrepulsed,AndEdenraisedinthewasteWilderness。
  ThouSpirit,wholed’stthisgloriousEremiteIntothedesert,hisvictoriousfieldAgainstthespiritualfoe,andbrought’sthimthenceByprooftheundoubtedSonofGod,inspire,Asthouartwont,mypromptedsong,elsemute,AndbearthroughhighthordepthofNature’sbounds,Withprosperouswingfullsummed,totellofdeedsAboveheroic,thoughinsecretdone,Andunrecordedleftthroughmanyanage:
  Worthytohavenotremainedsolongunsung。
  NowhadthegreatProclaimer,withavoiceMoreawfulthanthesoundoftrumpet,criedRepentance,andHeaven’skingdomnighathandToallbaptized。TohisgreatbaptismflockedWithawetheregionsround,andwiththemcameFromNazareththesonofJosephdeemedTothefloodJordan——cameasthenobscure,Unmarked,unknown。ButhimtheBaptistsoonDescried,divinelywarned,andwitnessboreAstohisworthier,andwouldhaveresignedTohimhisheavenlyoffice。NorwaslongHiswitnessunconfirmed:onhimbaptizedHeavenopened,andinlikenessofaDoveTheSpiritdescended,whiletheFather’svoiceFromHeavenpronouncedhimhisbelovedSon。
  ThatheardtheAdversary,who,rovingstillAbouttheworld,atthatassemblyfamedWouldnotbelast,and,withthevoicedivineNighthunder-struck,theexaltedmantowhomSuchhighattestwasgivenawhilesurveyedWithwonder;then,withenvyfraughtandrage,Fliestohisplace,norrests,butinmidairTocouncilsummonsallhismightyPeers,Withinthickcloudsanddarktenfoldinvolved,Agloomyconsistory;andthemamidst,Withlooksaghastandsad,hethusbespake:——
  "OancientPowersofAirandthiswideWorld(FormuchmorewillinglyImentionAir,Thisouroldconquest,thanrememberHell,Ourhatedhabitation),wellyeknowHowmanyages,astheyearsofmen,ThisUniversewehavepossessed,andruledInmanneratourwilltheaffairsofEarth,SinceAdamandhisfacileconsortEveLostParadise,deceivedbyme,thoughsinceWithdreadattendingwhenthatfatalwoundShallbeinflictedbytheseedofEveUponmyhead。LongthedecreesofHeavenDelay,forlongesttimetoHimisshort;
  Andnow,toosoonforus,thecirclinghoursThisdreadedtimehavecompassed,whereinweMustbidethestrokeofthatlong-threatenedwound(Atleast,ifsowecan,andbytheheadBrokenbenotintendedallourpowerTobeinfringed,ourfreedomandourbeingInthisfairempirewonofEarthandAir)——
  ForthisillnewsIbring:TheWoman’sSeed,Destinedtothis,islateofwomanborn。
  Hisbirthtoourjustfeargavenosmallcause;
  Buthisgrowthnowtoyouth’sfullflower,displayingAllvirtue,graceandwisdomtoachieveThingshighest,greatest,multipliesmyfear。
  BeforehimagreatProphet,toproclaimHiscoming,issentharbinger,whoallInvites,andintheconsecratedstreamPretendstowashoffsin,andfitthemsoPurifiedtoreceivehimpure,orratherTodohimhonourastheirKing。Allcome,Andhehimselfamongthemwasbaptized——
  Notthencetobemorepure,buttoreceiveThetestimonyofHeaven,thatwhoheisThenceforththenationsmaynotdoubt。IsawTheProphetdohimreverence;onhim,risingOutofthewater,HeavenabovethecloudsUnfoldhercrystaldoors;thenceonhisheadAperfetDovedescend(whate’eritmeant);
  AndoutofHeaventhesovraignvoiceIheard,’ThisismySonbeloved,——inhimampleased。’
  Hismother,than,ismortal,buthisSireHewhoobtainsthemonarchyofHeaven;
  AndwhatwillHenotdotoadvancehisSon?
  Hisfirst-begotweknow,andsorehavefelt,WhenhisfiercethunderdroveustotheDeep;
  Whothisiswemustlearn,forManheseemsInallhislineaments,thoughinhisfaceTheglimpsesofhisFather’sgloryshine。
  YeseeourdangerontheutmostedgeOfhazard,whichadmitsnolongdebate,Butmustwithsomethingsuddenbeopposed(Notforce,butwell-couchedfraud,well-wovensnares),Ereintheheadofnationsheappear,Theirking,theirleader,andsupremeonEarth。
  I,whennootherdurst,soleundertookThedismalexpeditiontofindoutAndruinAdam,andtheexploitperformedSuccessfully:acalmervoyagenowWillwaftme;andthewayfoundprosperousonceInducesbesttohopeoflikesuccess。"
  Heended,andhiswordsimpressionleftOfmuchamazementtotheinfernalcrew,DistractedandsurprisedwithdeepdismayAtthesesadtidings。ButnotimewasthenForlongindulgencetotheirfearsorgrief:
  UnanimoustheyallcommitthecareAndmanagementofthismanenterpriseTohim,theirgreatDictator,whoseattemptAtfirstagainstmankindsowellhadthrivedInAdam’soverthrow,andledtheirmarchFromHell’sdeep-vaulteddentodwellinlight,Regents,andpotentates,andkings,yeagods,Ofmanyapleasantrealmandprovincewide。
  SotothecoastofJordanhedirectsHiseasysteps,girdedwithsnakywiles,Wherehemightlikeliestfindthisnew-declared,Thismanofmen,attestedSonofGod,Temptationandallguileonhimtotry——
  SotosubvertwhomhesuspectedraisedToendhisreignonEarthsolongenjoyed:
  But,contrary,unweetinghefulfilledThepurposedcounsel,pre-ordainedandfixed,OftheMostHigh,who,infullfrequencebrightOfAngels,thustoGabrielsmilingspake:——
  "Gabriel,thisday,byproof,thoushaltbehold,ThouandallAngelsconversantonEarthWithManormen’saffairs,howIbeginToverifythatsolemnmessagelate,OnwhichIsenttheetotheVirginpureInGalilee,thatsheshouldbearason,Greatinrenown,andcalledtheSonofGod。
  Thentold’sther,doubtinghowthesethingscouldbeToheravirgin,thatonhershouldcomeTheHolyGhost,andthepoweroftheHighestO’ershadowher。ThisMan,bornandnowupgrown,ToshewhimworthyofhisbirthdivineAndhighprediction,henceforthIexposeToSatan;lethimtempt,andnowassayHisutmostsubtlety,becauseheboastsAndvauntsofhisgreatcunningtothethrongOfhisApostasy。HemighthavelearntLessoverweening,sincehefailedinJob,WhoseconstantperseveranceovercameWhate’erhiscruelmalicecouldinvent。
  HenowshallknowIcanproduceaman,Offemaleseed,farablertoresistAllhissolicitations,andatlengthAllhisvastforce,anddrivehimbacktoHell——
  WinningbyconquestwhatthefirstmanlostByfallacysurprised。ButfirstImeanToexercisehimintheWilderness;
  ThereheshallfirstlaydowntherudimentsOfhisgreatwarfare,ereIsendhimforthToconquerSinandDeath,thetwograndfoes。
  ByhumiliationandstrongsufferanceHisweaknessshallo’ercomeSatanicstrength,Andalltheworld,andmassofsinfulflesh;
  ThatalltheAngelsandaetherealPowers——
  Theynow,andmenhereafter——maydiscernFromwhatconsummatevirtueIhavechoseThisperfetman,bymeritcalledmySon,Toearnsalvationforthesonsofmen。"
  SospaketheEternalFather,andallHeavenAdmiringstoodaspace;thenintohymnsBurstforth,andincelestialmeasuresmoved,Circlingthethroneandsinging,whilethehandSungwiththevoice,andthistheargument:——
  "VictoryandtriumphtotheSonofGod,Nowenteringhisgreatduel,notofarms,Buttovanquishbywisdomhellishwiles!
  TheFatherknowstheSon;thereforesecureVentureshisfilialvirtue,thoughuntried,Againstwhate’ermaytempt,whate’erseduce,Allure,orterrify,orundermine。
  Befrustrate,allyestratagemsofHell,And,devilishmachinations,cometonought!"
  SotheyinHeaventheirodesandvigilstuned。
  MeanwhiletheSonofGod,whoyetsomedaysLodgedinBethabara,whereJohnbaptized,MusingandmuchrevolvinginhisbreastHowbestthemightyworkhemightbeginOfSaviourtomankind,andwhichwayfirstPublishhisgodlikeofficenowmature,Onedayforthwalkedalone,theSpiritleadingAndhisdeepthoughts,thebettertoconverseWithsolitude,till,farfromtrackofmen,Thoughtfollowingthought,andstepbystepledon,HeenterednowtheborderingDesertwild,And,withdarkshadesandrocksenvironedround,Hisholymeditationsthuspursued:——
  "OwhatamultitudeofthoughtsatonceAwakenedinmeswarm,whileIconsiderWhatfromwithinIfeelmyself,andhearWhatfromwithoutcomesoftentomyears,Illsortingwithmypresentstatecompared!
  WhenIwasyetachild,nochildishplayTomewaspleasing;allmymindwassetSerioustolearnandknow,andthencetodo,Whatmightbepublicgood;myselfIthoughtBorntothatend,borntopromotealltruth,Allrighteousthings。Therefore,abovemyyears,TheLawofGodIread,andfounditsweet;
  Madeitmywholedelight,andinitgrewTosuchperfectionthat,ereyetmyageHadmeasuredtwicesixyears,atourgreatFeastIwentintotheTemple,theretohearTheteachersofourLaw,andtoproposeWhatmightimprovemyknowledgeortheirown,Andwasadmiredbyall。YetthisnotallTowhichmyspiritaspired。VictoriousdeedsFlamedinmyheart,heroicacts——onewhileTorescueIsraelfromtheRomanyoke;
  Thentosubdueandquell,o’eralltheearth,Bruteviolenceandproudtyrannicpower,Tilltruthwerefreed,andequityrestored:
  Yethelditmorehumane,moreheavenly,firstBywinningwordstoconquerwillinghearts,Andmakepersuasiondotheworkoffear;
  Atleasttotry,andteachtheerringsoul,Notwilfullymisdoing,butunwareMisled;thestubbornonlytosubdue。
  Thesegrowingthoughtsmymothersoonperceiving,Bywordsattimescastforth,inlyrejoiced,Andsaidtomeapart,’Higharethythoughts,OSon!butnourishthem,andletthemsoarTowhathighthsacredvirtueandtrueworthCanraisethem,thoughaboveexamplehigh;
  BymatchlessdeedsexpressthymatchlessSire。
  Forknow,thouartnosonofmortalman;
  Thoughmenesteemtheelowofparentage,ThyFatheristheEternalKingwhorulesAllHeavenandEarth,Angelsandsonsofmen。
  AmessengerfromGodforetoldthybirthConceivedinmeavirgin;heforetoldThoushouldstbegreat,andsitonDavid’sthrone,Andofthykingdomthereshouldbenoend。
  AtthynativityagloriousquireOfAngels,inthefieldsofBethlehem,sungToshepherds,watchingattheirfoldsbynight,AndtoldthemtheMessiahnowwasborn,Wheretheymightseehim;andtotheetheycame,Directedtothemangerwherethoulay’st;
  Forintheinnwasleftnobetterroom。
  AStar,notseenbefore,inheavenappearing,GuidedtheWiseMenthitherfromtheEast,Tohonourtheewithincense,myrrh,andgold;
  Bywhosebrightcourseledontheyfoundtheplace,Affirmingitthystar,new-graveninheaven,BywhichtheyknewtheeKingofIsraelborn。
  JustSimeonandpropheticAnna,warnedByvision,foundtheeintheTemple,andspake,Beforethealtarandthevestedpriest,Likethingsoftheetoallthatpresentstood。’
  Thishavingheart,straightIagainrevolvedTheLawandProphets,searchingwhatwaswritConcerningtheMessiah,toourscribesKnownpartly,andsoonfoundofwhomtheyspakeIam——thischiefly,thatmywaymustlieThroughmanyahardassay,eventothedeath,EreIthepromisedkingdomcanattain,Orworkredemptionformankind,whosesins’
  Fullweightmustbetransferreduponmyhead。
  Yet,neitherthusdisheartenedordismayed,ThetimeprefixedIwaited;whenbeholdTheBaptist(ofwhosebirthIofthadheard,Notknewbysight)nowcome,whowastocomeBeforeMessiah,andhiswayprepare!
  I,asallothers,tohisbaptismcame,WhichIbelievedwasfromabove;butheStraightknewme,andwithloudestvoiceproclaimedMehim(foritwasshewnhimsofromHeaven)——
  Mehimwhoseharbingerhewas;andfirstRefusedonmehisbaptismtoconfer,Asmuchhisgreater,andwashardlywon。
  But,asIroseoutofthelavingstream,Heavenopenedhereternaldoors,fromwhenceTheSpiritdescendedonmelikeaDove;
  Andlast,thesumofall,myFather’svoice,AudiblyheardfromHeaven,pronouncedmehis,MehisbelovedSon,inwhomaloneHewaswellpleased:bywhichIknewthetimeNowfull,thatInomoreshouldliveobscure,Butopenlybegin,asbestbecomesTheauthoritywhichIderivedfromHeaven。
  AndnowbysomestrongmotionIamledIntothiswilderness;towhatintentIlearnnotyet。PerhapsIneednotknow;
  ForwhatconcernsmyknowledgeGodreveals。"
  SospakeourMorningStar,theninhisrise,And,lookinground,oneverysidebeheldApathlessdesert,duskwithhorridshades。
  Thewayhecame,nothavingmarkedreturn,Wasdifficult,byhumanstepsuntrod;
  Andhestillonwasled,butwithsuchthoughtsAccompaniedofthingspastandtocomeLodgedinhisbreastaswellmightrecommendSuchsolitudebeforechoicestsociety。
  Fullfortydayshepassed——whetheronhillSometimes,anoninshadyvale,eachnightUnderthecovertofsomeancientoakOrcedartodefendhimfromthedew,Orharbouredinonecave,isnotrevealed;
  Nortastedhumanfood,norhungerfelt,Tillthosedaysended;hungeredthenatlastAmongwildbeasts。Theyathissightgrewmild,Norsleepinghimnorwakingharmed;hiswalkThefieryserpentfledandnoxiousworm;
  Thelionandfiercetigerglaredaloof。
  Butnowanagedmaninruralweeds,Following,asseemed,thequestofsomestrayeye,Orwitheredstickstogather,whichmightserveAgainstawinter’sday,whenwindsblowkeen,Towarmhimwetreturnedfromfieldateve,Hesawapproach;whofirstwithcuriouseyePerusedhim,thenwithwordsthusutteredspake:——
  "Sir,whatillchancehathbroughttheetothisplace,Sofarfrompathorroadofmen,whopassIntrooporcaravan?forsinglenoneDurstever,whoreturned,anddroptnothereHiscarcass,pinedwithhungerandwithdroughth。
  Iasktherather,andthemoreadmire,Forthattomethouseem’stthemanwhomlateOurnewbaptizingProphetatthefordOfJordanhonouredso,andcalledtheeSonOfGod。Isawandheard,forwesometimesWhodwellthiswild,constrainedbywant,comeforthTotownorvillagenigh(nighestisfar),Whereaughtwehear,andcuriousaretohear,Whathappensnew;famealsofindsusout。"
  TowhomtheSonofGod:——"WhobroughtmehitherWillbringmehence;nootherguideIseek。"
  "Bymiraclehemay,"repliedtheswain;
  "WhatotherwayIseenot;forwehereLiveontoughrootsandstubs,tothirstinuredMorethanthecamel,andtodrinkgofar——
  Mentomuchmiseryandhardshipborn。
  But,ifthoubetheSonofGod,commandThatoutofthesehardstonesbemadetheebread;
  Soshaltthousavethyself,andusrelieveWithfood,whereofwewretchedseldomtaste。"
  Heended,andtheSonofGodreplied:——
  "Think’stthousuchforceinbread?Isitnotwritten(ForIdiscerntheeotherthanthouseem’st),Manlivesnotbybreadonly,buteachwordProceedingfromthemouthofGod,whofedOurfathersherewithmanna?IntheMountMoseswasfortydays,noreatnordrank;
  AndfortydaysEliahwithoutfoodWanderedthisbarrenwaste;thesameInow。
  Whydostthou,then,suggesttomedistrustKnowingwhoIam,asIknowwhothouart?"
  WhomthusansweredtheArch-Fiend,nowundisguised:——
  "’Tistrue,IamthatSpiritunfortunateWho,leaguedwithmillionsmoreinrashrevolt,Keptnotmyhappystation,butwasdrivenWiththemfromblisstothebottomlessDeep——
  YettothathideousplacenotsoconfinedByrigourunconnivingbutthatoft,Leavingmydolorousprison,IenjoyLargelibertytoroundthisglobeofEarth,OrrangeintheAir;norfromtheHeavenofHeavensHathheexcludedmyresortsometimes。
  Icame,amongtheSonsofGod,whenheGaveupintomyhandsUzzeanJob,Toprovehim,andillustratehishighworth;
  And,whentoallhisAngelsheproposedTodrawtheproudkingAhabintofraud,ThathemightfallinRamoth,theydemurring,Iundertookthatoffice,andthetonguesOfallhisflatteringprophetsglibbedwithliesTohisdestruction,asIhadincharge:
  ForwhathebidsIdo。ThoughIhavelostMuchlustreofmynativebrightness,lostTobebelovedofGod,IhavenotlostTolove,atleastcontemplateandadmire,WhatIseeexcellentingood,orfair,Orvirtuous;Ishouldsohavelostallsense。
  WhatcanbethenlessinmethandesireToseetheeandapproachthee,whomIknowDeclaredtheSonofGod,tohearattentThywisdom,andbeholdthygodlikedeeds?
  MengenerallythinkmemuchafoeToallmankind。WhyshouldI?theytomeNeverdidwrongorviolence。BythemIlostnotwhatIlost;ratherbythemIgainedwhatIhavegained,andwiththemdwellCopartnerintheseregionsoftheWorld,Ifnotdisposer——lendthemoftmyaid,Oftmyadvicebypresagesandsigns,Andanswers,oracles,portents,anddreams,Wherebytheymaydirecttheirfuturelife。
  Envy,theysay,excitesme,thustogainCompanionsofmymiseryandwoe!
  Atfirstitmaybe;but,longsincewithwoeNeareracquainted,nowIfeelbyproofThatfellowshipinpaindividesnotsmart,Norlightensaughteachman’speculiarload;
  Smallconsolation,then,wereManadjoined。
  Thiswoundsmemost(whatcanitless?)thatMan,Manfallen,shallberestored,Inevermore。"
  TowhomourSavioursternlythusreplied:——
  "Deservedlythougriev’st,composedofliesFromthebeginning,andinlieswiltend,Whoboast’streleasefromHell,andleavetocomeIntotheHeavenofHeavens。Thoucom’st,indeed,AsapoormiserablecaptivethrallComestotheplacewherehebeforehadsatAmongtheprimeinsplendour,nowdeposed,Ejected,emptied,gazed,unpitied,shunned,Aspectacleofruin,orofscorn,ToallthehostofHeaven。ThehappyplaceImpartstotheenohappiness,nojoy——
  Ratherinflamesthytorment,representingLostbliss,totheenomorecommunicable;
  SonevermoreinHellthanwheninHeaven。
  ButthouartserviceabletoHeaven’sKing!
  WiltthouimputetoobediencewhatthyfearExtorts,orpleasuretodoillexcites?
  WhatbutthymalicemovedtheetomisdeemOfrighteousJob,thencruellytoafflicthimWithallinflictions?buthispatiencewon。
  Theotherservicewasthychosentask,Tobealiarinfourhundredmouths;
  Forlyingisthysustenance,thyfood。
  Yetthoupretend’sttotruth!alloraclesBytheearegiven,andwhatconfessedmoretrueAmongthenations?Thathathbeenthycraft,Bymixingsomewhattruetoventmorelies。
  Butwhathavebeenthyanswers?whatbutdark,Ambiguous,andwithdoublesensedeluding,Whichtheywhoaskedhaveseldomunderstood,And,notwellunderstood,asgoodnotknown?
  Whoever,byconsultingatthyshrine,Returnedthewiser,orthemoreinstructToflyorfollowwhatconcernedhimmost,Andrunnotsoonertohisfatalsnare?
  ForGodhathjustlygiventhenationsupTothydelusions;justly,sincetheyfellIdolatrous。But,whenhispurposeisAmongthemtodeclarehisprovidence,Totheenotknown,whencehastthouthenthytruth,Butfromhim,orhisAngelspresidentIneveryprovince,who,themselvesdisdainingToapproachthytemples,givetheeincommandWhat,tothesmallesttittle,thoushaltsayTothyadorers?Thou,withtremblingfear,Orlikeafawningparasite,obey’st;
  Thentothyselfascrib’stthetruthforetold。
  Butthisthygloryshallbesoonretrenched;
  NomoreshaltthoubyoraclingabuseTheGentiles;henceforthoraclesareceased,AndthounomorewithpompandsacrificeShaltbeenquiredatDelphosorelsewhere——
  Atleastinvain,fortheyshallfindtheemute。
  GodhathnowsenthislivingOracleIntotheworldtoteachhisfinalwill,AndsendshisSpiritofTruthhenceforthtodwellInpioushearts,aninwardoracleToalltruthrequisiteformentoknow。"
  SospakeourSaviour;butthesubtleFiend,Thoughinlystungwithangeranddisdain,Dissembled,andthisanswersmoothreturned:——
  "Sharplythouhastinsistedonrebuke,Andurgedmehardwithdoingswhichnotwill,Butmisery,hathwrestedfromme。WhereEasilycanstthoufindonemiserable,Andnotinforcedoft-timestopartfromtruth,Ifitmaystandhimmoreinsteadtolie,Sayandunsay,feign,flatter,orabjure?
  Butthouartplacedaboveme;thouartLord;
  FromtheeIcan,andmust,submiss,endureCheekorreproof,andgladtoscapesoquit。
  Hardarethewaysoftruth,androughtowalk,Smoothonthetonguediscoursed,pleasingtotheear,Andtunableassylvanpipeorsong;
  Whatwonder,then,ifIdelighttohearHerdictatesfromthymouth?mostmenadmireVirtuewhofollownotherlore。PermitmeToheartheewhenIcome(sincenomancomes),Andtalkatleast,thoughIdespairtoattain。
  ThyFather,whoisholy,wise,andpure,SuffersthehypocriteoratheouspriestTotreadhissacredcourts,andministerAbouthisaltar,handlingholythings,Prayingorvowing,andvoutsafedhisvoiceToBalaamreprobate,aprophetyetInspired:disdainnotsuchaccesstome。"
  TowhomourSaviour,withunalteredbrow:——
  "Thycominghither,thoughIknowthyscope,Ibidnot,orforbid。Doasthoufind’stPermissionfromabove;thoucanstnotmore。"
  Headdednot;andSatan,bowlinglowHisgraydissimulation,disappeared,Intothinairdiffused:fornowbeganNightwithhersullenwingtodouble-shadeThedesert;fowlsintheirclaynestswerecouched;
  Andnowwildbeastscameforththewoodstoroam。ParadiseRegained-book2ParadiseRegainedbyJohnMiltonBook2MEANWHILEthenew-baptized,whoyetremainedAtJordanwiththeBaptist,andhadseenHimwhomtheyheardsolateexpresslycalledJesusMessiah,SonofGod,declared,Andonthathighauthorityhadbelieved,Andwithhimtalked,andwithhimlodged——ImeanAndrewandSimon,famousafterknown,Withothers,thoughinHolyWritnotnamed——
  Nowmissinghim,theirjoysolatelyfound,Solatelyfoundandsoabruptlygone,Begantodoubt,anddoubtedmanydays,And,asthedaysincreased,increasedtheirdoubt。
  Sometimestheythoughthemightbeonlyshewn,AndforatimecaughtuptoGod,asonceMoseswasintheMountandmissinglong,AndthegreatThisbite,whoonfierywheelsRodeuptoHeaven,yetonceagaintocome。
  Therefore,asthoseyoungprophetsthenwithcareSoughtlostEliah,soineachplacetheseNightoBethabara——inJerichoThecityofpalms,AEnon,andSalemold,Machaerus,andeachtownorcitywalledOnthissidethebroadlakeGenezaret,OrinPeraea——butreturnedinvain。
  ThenonthebankofJordan,byacreek,Wherewindswithreedsandosierswhisperingplay,Plainfishermen(nogreatermenthemcall),Closeinacottagelowtogethergot,Theirunexpectedlossandplaintsoutbreathed:——
  "Alas,fromwhathighhopetowhatrelapseUnlookedforarewefallen!OureyesbeheldMessiahcertainlynowcome,solongExpectedofourfathers;wehaveheardHiswords,hiswisdomfullofgraceandtruth。
  ’Now,now,forsure,deliveranceisathand;
  ThekingdomshalltoIsraelberestored:’
  Thuswerejoiced,butsoonourjoyisturnedIntoperplexityandnewamaze。
  Forwhitherishegone?whataccidentHathrapthimfromus?willhenowretireAfterappearance,andagainprolongOurexpectation?GodofIsrael,SendthyMessiahforth;thetimeiscome。
  Beholdthekingsoftheearth,howtheyoppressThyChosen,towhathighththeirpowerunjustTheyhaveexalted,andbehindthemcastAllfearofThee;arise,andvindicateThyglory;freethypeoplefromtheiryoke!
  Butletuswait;thusfarHehathperformed——
  SenthisAnointed,andtousrevealedhimByhisgreatProphetpointedatandshownInpublic,andwithhimwehaveconversed。
  Letusbegladofthis,andallourfearsLayonhisprovidence;Hewillnotfail,Norwillwithdrawhimnow,norwillrecall——
  Mockuswithhisblestsight,thensnatchhimhence:
  Soonweshallseeourhope,ourjoy,return。"
  ThustheyoutoftheirplaintsnewhoperesumeTofindwhomatthefirsttheyfoundunsought。
  ButtohismotherMary,whenshesawOthersreturnedfrombaptism,notherSon,NorleftatJordantidingsofhimnone,Withinherbreastthoughcalm,herbreastthoughpure,Motherlycaresandfearsgothead,andraisedSometroubledthoughts,whichsheinsighsthusclad:——
  "Oh,whatavailsmenowthathonourhigh,TohaveconceivedofGod,orthatsalute,’Hail,highlyfavoured,amongwomenblest!’
  WhileItosorrowsamnolessadvanced,AndfearsaseminentabovethelotOfotherwomen,bythebirthIbore:
  Insuchaseasonborn,whenscarceashedCouldbeobtainedtoshelterhimormeFromthebleakair?Astablewasourwarmth,Amangerhis;yetsoonenforcedtoflyThenceintoEgypt,tillthemurderouskingWeredead,whosoughthislife,and,missing,filledWithinfantbloodthestreetsofBethlehem。
  FromEgypthomereturned,inNazarethHathbeenourdwellingmanyyears;hislifePrivate,unactive,calm,contemplative,Littlesuspicioustoanyking。Butnow,Fullgrowntoman,acknowledged,asIhear,ByJohntheBaptist,andinpublicshewn,SonownedfromHeavenbyhisFather’svoice,Ilookedforsomegreatchange。Tohonour?no;
  Buttrouble,asoldSimeonplainforetold,ThattothefallandrisingheshouldbeOfmanyinIsrael,andtoasignSpokenagainst——thatthroughmyverysoulAswordshallpierce。Thisismyfavouredlot,Myexaltationtoafflictionshigh!
  AfflictedImaybe,itseems,andblest!
  Iwillnotarguethat,norwillrepine。
  Butwheredelayshenow?SomegreatintentConcealshim。Whentwelveyearshescarcehadseen,Ilosthim,butsofoundaswellIsawHecouldnotlosehimself,butwentaboutHisFather’sbusiness。WhathemeantImused——
  Sinceunderstand;muchmorehisabsencenowThuslongtosomegreatpurposeheobscures。
  ButItowaitwithpatienceaminured;
  MyhearthathbeenastorehouselongofthingsAndsayingslaidup,pretendingstrangeevents。"
  ThusMary,ponderingoft,andofttomindRecallingwhatremarkablyhadpassedSincefirstherSalutationheard,withthoughtsMeeklycomposedawaitedthefulfilling:
  ThewhileherSon,tracingthedesertwild,Sole,butwithholiestmeditationsfed,Intohimselfdescended,andatonceAllhisgreatworktocomebeforehimset——
  Howtobegin,howtoaccomplishbestHisendofbeingonEarth,andmissionhigh。
  ForSatan,withslyprefacetoreturn,Hadlefthimvacant,andwithspeedwasgoneUptothemiddleregionofthickair,WhereallhisPotentatesincouncilsate。
  There,withoutsignofboast,orsignofjoy,Solicitousandblank,hethusbegan:——
  "Princes,Heaven’sancientSons,AEtherealThrones——
  DaemonianSpiritsnow,fromtheelementEachofhisreignallotted,rightliercalledPowersofFire,Air,Water,andEarthbeneath(SomayweholdourplaceandthesemildseatsWithoutnewtrouble!)——suchanenemyIsrisentoinvadeus,whonolessThreatensthanourexpulsiondowntoHell。
  I,asIundertook,andwiththevoteConsentinginfullfrequencewasimpowered,Havefoundhim,viewedhim,tastedhim;butfindFarotherlabourtobeundergoneThanwhenIdealtwithAdam,firstofmen,ThoughAdambyhiswife’sallurementfell,HowevertothisManinferiorfar——
  IfhebeManbymother’sside,atleastWithmorethanhumangiftsfromHeavenadorned,Perfectionsabsolute,gracesdivine,Andamplitudeofmindtogreatestdeeds。
  ThereforeIamreturned,lestconfidenceOfmysuccesswithEveinParadiseDeceiveyetopersuasionover-sureOflikesucceedinghere。IsummonallRathertobeinreadinesswithhandOrcounseltoassist,lestI,whoerstThoughtnonemyequal,nowbeovermatched。"
  SospaketheoldSerpent,doubting,andfromallWithclamourwasassuredtheirutmostaidAthiscommand;whenfromamidstthemroseBelial,thedissolutestSpiritthatfell,Thesensualest,and,afterAsmodai,ThefleshliestIncubus,andthusadvised:——
  "Setwomeninhiseyeandinhiswalk,Amongdaughtersofmenthefairestfound。
  ManyareineachregionpassingfairAsthenoonsky,moreliketogoddessesThanmortalcreatures,gracefulanddiscreet,Expertinamorousarts,enchantingtonguesPersuasive,virginmajestywithmildAndsweetallayed,yetterribletoapproach,Skilledtoretire,andinretiringdrawHeartsafterthemtangledinamorousnets。
  SuchobjecthaththepowertosoftenandtameSeveresttemper,smooththerugged’stbrow,Enerve,andwithvoluptuoushopedissolve,Drawoutwithcredulousdesire,andleadAtwillthemanliest,resolutestbreast,Asthemagnetichardestirondraws。
  Women,whennothingelse,beguiledtheheartOfwisestSolomon,andmadehimbuild,Andmadehimbow,tothegodsofhiswives。"
  TowhomquickanswerSatanthusreturned:——
  "Belial,inmuchunevenscalethouweigh’stAllothersbythyself。BecauseofoldThouthyselfdoat’stonwomankind,admiringTheirshape,theircolour,andattractivegrace,Noneare,thouthink’st,buttakenwithsuchtoys。
  BeforetheFlood,thou,withthylustycrew,FalsetitledSonsofGod,roamingtheEarth,Castwantoneyesonthedaughtersofmen,Andcoupledwiththem,andbegotarace。
  Havewenotseen,orbyrelationheard,Incourtsandregalchambershowthoulurk’st,Inwoodorgrove,bymossyfountain-side,Invalleyorgreenmeadow,towaylaySomebeautyrare,Calisto,Clymene,Daphne,orSemele,Antiopa,OrAmymone,Syrinx,manymoreToolong——thenlay’stthyscapesonnamesadored,Apollo,Neptune,Jupiter,orPan,Satyr,orFaun,orSilvan?ButthesehauntsDelightnotall。AmongthesonsofmenHowmanyhavewithasmilemadesmallaccountOfbeautyandherlures,easilyscornedAllherassaults,onworthierthingsintent!
  RememberthatPelleanconqueror,Ayouth,howallthebeautiesoftheEastHeslightlyviewed,andslightlyoverpassed;
  HowhesurnamedofAfricadismissed,Inhisprimeyouth,thefairIberianmaid。
  ForSolomon,helivedatease,and,fullOfhonour,wealth,highfare,aimednotbeyondHigherdesignthantoenjoyhisstate;
  Thencetothebaitofwomenlayexposed。
  ButhewhomweattemptiswiserfarThanSolomon,ofmoreexaltedmind,MadeandsetwhollyontheaccomplishmentOfgreatestthings。Whatwomanwillyoufind,Thoughofthisagethewonderandthefame,OnwhomhisleisurewillvoutsafeaneyeOffonddesire?Orshouldshe,confident,AssittingqueenadoredonBeauty’sthrone,DescendwithallherwinningcharmsbegirtToenamour,asthezoneofVenusonceWroughtthateffectonJove(sofablestell),Howwouldonelookfromhismajesticbrow,SeatedasonthetopofVirtue’shill,Discountenanceherdespised,andputtoroutAllherarray,herfemalepridedeject,Orturntoreverentawe!ForBeautystandsIntheadmirationonlyofweakmindsLedcaptive;ceasetoadmire,andallherplumesFallflat,andshrinkintoatrivialtoy,Ateverysuddenslightingquiteabashed。
  ThereforewithmanlierobjectswemusttryHisconstancy——withsuchashavemoreshewOfworth,ofhonour,glory,andpopularpraise(Rockswhereongreatestmenhaveoftestwrecked);
  OrthatwhichonlyseemstosatisfyLawfuldesiresofnature,notbeyond。
  AndnowIknowhehungers,wherenofoodIstobefound,inthewideWilderness:
  Therestcommittome;IshallletpassNoadvantage,andhisstrengthasoftassay。"
  Heceased,andheardtheirgrantinloudacclaim;
  ThenforthwithtohimtakesachosenbandOfSpiritslikesttohimselfinguile,Tobeathandandathisbeckappear,IfcauseweretounfoldsomeactivesceneOfvariouspersons,eachtoknowhispart;
  Thentothedeserttakeswiththesehisflight,Wherestill,fromshadetoshade,theSonofGod,Afterfortydays’fasting,hadremained,Nowhungeringfirst,andtohimselfthussaid:——
  "Wherewillthisend?FourtimestendaysIhavepassedWanderingthiswoodymaze,andhumanfoodNortasted,norhadappetite。ThatfastTovirtueIimputenot,orcountpartOfwhatIsufferhere。Ifnatureneednot,OrGodsupportnaturewithoutrepast,Thoughneeding,whatpraiseisittoendure?
  ButnowIfeelIhunger;whichdeclaresNaturehathneedofwhatsheasks。YetGodCansatisfythatneedsomeotherway,Thoughhungerstillremain。SoitremainWithoutthisbody’swasting,Icontentme,Andfromthestingoffaminefearnoharm;
  Normindit,fedwithbetterthoughts,thatfeedMehungeringmoretodomyFather’swill。"
  Itwasthehourofnight,whenthustheSonCommunedinsilentwalk,thenlaidhimdownUnderthehospitablecovertnighOftreesthickinterwoven。Thereheslept,Anddreamed,asappetiteiswonttodream,Ofmeatsanddrinks,nature’srefreshmentsweet。
  HimthoughthebythebrookofCherithstood,AndsawtheravenswiththeirhornybeaksFoodtoElijahbringingevenandmorn——
  Thoughravenous,taughttoabstainfromwhattheybrought;
  HesawtheProphetalso,howhefledIntothedesert,andhowtherehesleptUnderajuniper——thenhow,awaked,Hefoundhissupperonthecoalsprepared,AndbytheAngelwasbidriseandeat,Andeatthesecondtimeafterrepose,Thestrengthwhereofsufficedhimfortydays:
  SometimesthatwithElijahhepartook,OrasaguestwithDanielathispulse。
  Thusworeoutnight;andnowtheharaldLarkLefthisground-nest,hightoweringtodescryTheMorn’sapproach,andgreetherwithhissong。
  AslightlyfromhisgrassycouchuproseOurSaviour,andfoundallwasbutadream;
  Fastinghewenttosleep,andfastingwaked。
  Uptoahillanonhisstepshereared,Fromwhosehightoptokentheprospectround,Ifcottagewereinview,sheep-cote,orherd;
  Butcottage,herd,orsheep-cote,nonehesaw——
  Onlyinabottomsawapleasantgrove,Withchauntoftunefulbirdsresoundingloud。
  Thitherhebenthisway,determinedthereTorestatnoon,andenteredsoontheshadeHigh-roofed,andwalksbeneath,andalleysbrown,Thatopenedinthemidstawoodyscene;
  Nature’sownworkitseemed(NaturetaughtArt),And,toasuperstitiouseye,thehauntOfwood-godsandwood-nymphs。Hevieweditround;
  Whensuddenlyamanbeforehimstood,Notrusticasbefore,butseemlierclad,Asoneincityorcourtorpalacebred,Andwithfairspeechthesewordstohimaddressed:——
  "WithgrantedleaveofficiousIreturn,ButmuchmorewonderthattheSonofGodInthiswildsolitudesolongshouldbide,Ofallthingsdestitute,and,wellIknow,Notwithouthunger。Othersofsomenote,Asstorytells,havetrodthiswilderness:
  ThefugitiveBond-woman,withherson,OutcastNebaioth,yetfoundherereliefByaprovidingAngel;alltheraceOfIsraelherehadfamished,hadnotGodRainedfromheavenmanna;andthatProphetbold,NativeofThebez,wanderinghere,wasfedTwicebyavoiceinvitinghimtoeat。
  Oftheethosefortydaysnonehathregard,Fortyandmoredesertedhereindeed。"
  TowhomthusJesus:——"Whatconclud’stthouhence?
  Theyallhadneed;I,asthouseest,havenone。"
  "Howhastthouhungerthen?"Satanreplied。
  "Tellme,iffoodwerenowbeforetheeset,Wouldstthounoteat?""ThereafterasIlikethegiver,"answeredJesus。"WhyshouldthatCausethyrefusal?"saidthesubtleFiend。
  "Hastthounotrighttoallcreatedthings?
  Owenotallcreatures,byjustright,totheeDutyandservice,nortostaytillbid,Buttenderalltheirpower?NormentionI
  Meatsbythelawunclean,orofferedfirstToidols——thoseyoungDanielcouldrefuse;
  Norprofferedbyanenemy——thoughwhoWouldscruplethat,withwantoppressed?Behold,Natureashamed,or,bettertoexpress,Troubled,thatthoushouldsthunger,hathpurveyedFromalltheelementsherchoiceststore,Totreattheeasbeseems,andasherLordWithhonour。Onlydeigntositandeat。"
  Hespakenodream;for,ashiswordshadend,OurSaviour,liftinguphiseyes,beheld,Inamplespaceunderthebroadestshade,Atablerichlyspreadinregalmode,WithdishespiledandmeatsofnoblestsortAndsavour——beastsofchase,orfowlofgame,Inpastrybuilt,orfromthespit,orboiled,Grisamber-steamed;allfish,fromseaorshore,Freshetorpurlingbrook,ofshellorfin,Andexquisitestname,forwhichwasdrainedPontus,andLucrinebay,andAfriccoast。
  Alas!howsimple,tothesecatescompared,WasthatcrudeApplethatdivertedEve!
  Andatastatelysideboard,bythewine,Thatfragrantsmelldiffused,inorderstoodTallstriplingyouthsrich-clad,offairerhueThanGanymedorHylas;distantmore,Underthetreesnowtripped,nowsolemnstood,NymphsofDiana’strain,andNaiadesWithfruitsandflowersfromAmalthea’shorn,AndladiesoftheHesperides,thatseemedFairerthanfeignedofold,orfabledsinceOffaerydamselsmetinforestwideByknightsofLogres,orofLyones,Lancelot,orPelleas,orPellenore。
  AndallthewhileharmoniousairswereheardOfchimingstringsorcharmingpipes;andwindsOfgentlestgaleArabianodoursfannedFromtheirsoftwings,andFlora’searliestsmells。
  Suchwasthesplendour;andtheTempternowHisinvitationearnestlyrenewed:——
  "WhatdoubtstheSonofGodtositandeat?
  Thesearenotfruitsforbidden;nointerdictDefendsthetouchingoftheseviandspure;
  Theirtastenoknowledgeworks,atleastofevil,Butlifepreserves,destroyslife’senemy,Hunger,withsweetrestorativedelight。
  AlltheseareSpiritsofair,andwoods,andsprings,Thygentleministers,whocometopayTheehomage,andacknowledgetheetheirLord。
  Whatdoubt’stthou,SonofGod?Sitdownandeat。"
  TowhomthusJesustemperatelyreplied:——
  "Said’stthounotthattoallthingsIhadright?
  Andwhowithholdsmypowerthatrighttouse?
  ShallIreceivebygiftwhatofmyown,Whenandwherelikesmebest,Icancommand?
  Icanatwill,doubtnot,assoonasthou,Commandatableinthiswilderness,AndcallswiftflightsofAngelsministrant,Arrayedinglory,onmycuptoattend:
  Whyshouldstthou,then,obtrudethisdiligenceInvain,wherenoacceptanceitcanfind?
  Andwithmyhungerwhathastthoutodo?
  ThypompousdelicaciesIcontemn,Andcountthyspeciousgiftsnogifts,butguiles。"
  TowhomthusansweredSatan,male-content:——
  "ThatIhavealsopowertogivethouseest;
  IfofthatpowerIbringtheevoluntaryWhatImighthavebestowedonwhomIpleased,AndratheropportunelyinthisplaceChosetoimparttothyapparentneed,Whyshouldstthounotacceptit?ButIseeWhatIcandoorofferissuspect。
  Ofthesethingsothersquicklywilldispose,Whosepainshaveearnedthefar-fetspoil。"WiththatBothtableandprovisionvanishedquite,Withsoundofharpies’wingsandtalonsheard;
  OnlytheimportuneTempterstillremained,Andwiththesewordshistemptationpursued:——
  "Byhunger,thateachothercreaturetames,Thouartnottobeharmed,thereforenotmoved;
  Thytemperance,invinciblebesides,Fornoallurementyieldstoappetite;
  Andallthyheartissetonhighdesigns,Highactions。Butwherewithtobeachieved?
  Greatactsrequiregreatmeansofenterprise;
  Thouartunknown,unfriended,lowofbirth,Acarpenterthyfatherknown,thyselfBredupinpovertyandstraitsathome,Lostinadeserthereandhunger-bit。
  Whichway,orfromwhathope,dostthouaspireTogreatness?whenceauthorityderiv’st?
  Whatfollowers,whatretinuecanstthougain,Oratthyheelsthedizzymultitude,Longerthanthoucanstfeedthemonthycost?
  Moneybringshonour,friends,conquest,andrealms。
  WhatraisedAntipatertheEdomite,AndhissonHerodplacedonJuda’sthrone,Thythrone,butgold,thatgothimpuissantfriends?
  Therefore,ifatgreatthingsthouwouldstarrive,Getrichesfirst,getwealth,andtreasureheap——
  Notdifficult,ifthouhearkentome。
  Richesaremine,fortuneisinmyhand;
  TheywhomIfavourthriveinwealthamain,Whilevirtue,valour,wisdom,sitinwant。"
  TowhomthusJesuspatientlyreplied:——
  "YetwealthwithoutthesethreeisimpotentTogaindominion,ortokeepitgained——
  Witnessthoseancientempiresoftheearth,Inhighthofalltheirflowingwealthdissolved;
  Butmenenduedwiththesehaveoftattained,Inlowestpoverty,tohighestdeeds——
  Gideon,andJephtha,andtheshepherdladWhoseoffspringonthethroneofJudasateSomanyages,andshallyetregainThatseat,andreigninIsraelwithoutend。
  AmongtheHeathen(forthroughouttheworldTomeisnotunknownwhathathbeendoneWorthyofmemorial)canstthounotrememberQuintius,Fabricius,Curius,Regulus?
  ForIesteemthosenamesofmensopoor,Whocoulddomightythings,andcouldcontemnRiches,thoughofferedfromthehandofkings。
  AndwhatinmeseemswantingbutthatI
  MayalsointhispovertyassoonAccomplishwhattheydid,perhapsandmore?
  Extolnotriches,then,thetoiloffools,Thewiseman’scumbrance,ifnotsnare;moreaptToslackenvirtueandabateheredgeThanprompthertodoaughtmaymeritpraise。
  WhatifwithlikeaversionIrejectRichesandrealms!Yetnotforthatacrown,Goldeninshew,isbutawreathofthorns,Bringsdangers,troubles,cares,andsleeplessnights,Tohimwhowearstheregaldiadem,Whenonhisshoulderseachman’sburdenlies;
  Forthereinstandstheofficeofaking,Hishonour,virtue,merit,andchiefpraise,Thatforthepublicallthisweighthebears。
  Yethewhoreignswithinhimself,andrulesPassions,desires,andfears,ismoreaking——
  Whicheverywiseandvirtuousmanattains;
  Andwhoattainsnot,illaspirestoruleCitiesofmen,orheadstrongmultitudes,Subjecthimselftoanarchywithin,Orlawlesspassionsinhim,whichheserves。
  ButtoguidenationsinthewayoftruthBysavingdoctrine,andfromerrorleadToknow,and,knowing,worshipGodaright,Isyetmorekingly。Thisattractsthesoul,Governstheinnerman,thenoblerpart;
  Thatothero’erthebodyonlyreigns,Andoftbyforce——whichtoagenerousmindSoreigningcanbenosinceredelight。
  Besides,togiveakingdomhathbeenthoughtGreaterandnoblerdone,andtolaydownFarmoremagnanimous,thantoassume。
  Richesareneedless,then,bothforthemselves,Andforthyreasonwhytheyshouldbesought——
  Togainasceptre,oftestbettermissed。"ParadiseRegained-book3ParadiseRegainedbyJohnMiltonBook3SOspaketheSonofGod;andSatanstoodAwhileasmute,confoundedwhattosay,Whattoreply,confutedandconvincedOfhisweakarguingandfallaciousdrift;
  Atlength,collectingallhisserpentwiles,Withsoothingwordsrenewed,himthusaccosts:——
  "Iseethouknow’stwhatisofusetoknow,Whatbesttosaycanstsay,todocanstdo;
  Thyactionstothywordsaccord;thywordsTothylargeheartgiveutterancedue;thyheartContainsofgood,wise,just,theperfetshape。
  Shouldkingsandnationsfromthymouthconsult,ThycounselwouldbeastheoracleUrimandThummim,thoseoraculousgemsOnAaron’sbreast,ortongueofSeersoldInfallible;or,wertthousoughttodeedsThatmightrequirethearrayofwar,thyskillOfconductwouldbesuchthatalltheworldCouldnotsustainthyprowess,orsubsistInbattle,thoughagainstthyfewinarms。
  Thesegodlikevirtueswhereforedostthouhide?
  Affectingprivatelife,ormoreobscureInsavagewilderness,whereforedepriveAllEarthherwonderatthyacts,thyselfThefameandglory——glory,therewardThatsoleexcitestohighattemptstheflameOfmosterectedspirits,mosttemperedpureAEthereal,whoallpleasureselsedespise,Alltreasuresandallgainesteemasdross,Anddignitiesandpowers,allbutthehighest?
  Thyyearsareripe,andover-ripe。ThesonOfMacedonianPhiliphaderetheseWonAsia,andthethroneofCyrusheldAthisdispose;youngScipiohadbroughtdownTheCarthaginianpride;youngPompeyquelledThePonticking,andintriumphhadrode。
  Yetyears,andtoripeyearsjudgmentmature,Quenchnotthethirstofglory,butaugment。
  GreatJulius,whomnowalltheworldadmires,Themorehegrewinyears,themoreinflamedWithglory,weptthathehadlivedsolongIngloroious。Butthouyetartnottoolate。"
  TowhomourSaviourcalmlythusreplied:——
  "ThouneitherdostpersuademetoseekwealthForempire’ssake,norempiretoaffectForglory’ssake,byallthyargument。
  Forwhatisglorybuttheblazeoffame,Thepeople’spraise,ifalwayspraiseunmixed?
  Andwhatthepeoplebutaherdconfused,Amiscellaneousrabble,whoextolThingsvulgar,and,wellweighed,scarceworththepraise?
  Theypraiseandtheyadmiretheyknownotwhat,Andknownotwhom,butasoneleadstheother;
  Andwhatdelighttobebysuchextolled,Toliveupontheirtongues,andbetheirtalk?
  Ofwhomtobedispraisedwerenosmallpraise——
  Hislotwhodaresbesingularlygood。
  TheintelligentamongthemandthewiseArefew,andgloryscarceoffewisraised。
  Thisistruegloryandrenown——whenGod,LookingontheEarth,withapprobationmarksThejustman,anddivulgeshimthroughHeavenToallhisAngels,whowithtrueapplauseRecounthispraises。ThushedidtoJob,When,toextendhisfamethroughHeavenandEarth,Asthoutothyreproachmay’stwellremember,Heaskedthee,’HastthouseenmyservantJob?’
  FamoushewasinHeaven;onEarthlessknown,Wheregloryisfalseglory,attributedTothingsnotglorious,mennotworthyoffame。
  TheyerrwhocountitglorioustosubdueByconquestfarandwide,tooverrunLargecountries,andinfieldgreatbattleswin,Greatcitiesbyassault。WhatdotheseworthiesButrobandspoil,burn,slaughter,andenslavePeaceablenations,neighbouringorremote,Madecaptive,yetdeservingfreedommoreThanthosetheirconquerors,wholeavebehindNothingbutruinwheresoe’ertheyrove,Andalltheflourishingworksofpeacedestroy;
  Thenswellwithpride,andmustbetitledGods,Greatbenefactorsofmankind,Deliverers,Worshippedwithtemple,priest,andsacrifice?
  OneisthesonofJove,ofMarstheother;