ParaDise Lost (1667)
Books 11 & 12
paradiselost_books11_12.pdf | |
File Size: | 923 kb |
File Type: |
Text in the public domain. Copied from Bartleby.com [http://www.bartleby.com/4/401.html]. 31 July 2015.
Paradise Lost: The Tenth Book
THE ARGUMENT.—Man’s transgression known, the guardian Angels forsake Paradise, and return up to Heaven to approve their vigilance, and are approved; God declaring that the entrance of Satan could not be by them prevented. He sends his Son to judge the Transgressors; who descends, and gives sentence accordingly; then, in pity, clothes them both, and reascends. Sin and Death, sitting till then at the gates of Hell, by wondrous sympathy feeling the success of Satan in this new World, and the sin by Man there committed, resolve to sit no longer confined in Hell, but to follow Satan, their sire, up to the place of Man: to make the way easier from Hell to this World to and fro, they pave a broad highway or bridge over Chaos, according to the track that Satan first made; then, preparing for Earth, they meet him, proud of his success, returning to Hell; their mutual gratulation [SH59]. Satan arrives at Pandemonium[RC54]; in full assembly relates, with boasting, his success against Man; instead of applause is entertained with a general hiss by all his audience, transformed, with himself also, suddenly into Serpents, according to his doom given in Paradise; then, deluded with a shew of the Forbidden Tree springing up before them, they, greedily reaching to take of the Fruit, chew dust and bitter ashes. The proceedings of Sin and Death; God foretells the final victory of his Son over them, and the renewing of all things; but, for the present, commands his Angels to make several alterations in the Heavens and Elements. Adam, more and more perceiving his fallen condition, heavily bewails, rejects the condolement of Eve; she persists, and at length appeases him: then, to evade the curse likely to fall on their offspring, proposes to Adam violent ways; which he approves not, but, conceiving better hope, puts her in mind of the late promise made them, that her seed should be revenged on the Serpent, and exhorts her, with him, to seek peace of the offended Deity by repentance and supplication. Paradise Lost: The Eleventh Book THE ARGUMENT.—The Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first parents now repenting, and intercedes for them. God accepts them, but declares that they must no longer abide in Paradise; sends Michael with a band of Cherubim to dispossess them, but first to reveal to Adam future things: Michael’s coming down. Adam shews to Eve certain ominous signs: he discerns Michael’s approach; goes out to meet him: the Angel denounces their departure. Eve’s lamentation. Adam pleads, but submits: the Angel leads him up to a high hill; sets before him in vision what shall happen till the Flood. THUS they, in lowliest, plight, repentant stood Praying; for from the Mercy-seat above Prevenient[JH58] grace descending had removed The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed 5 Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight Than loudest oratory. Yet their port Not of mean suitors; nor important less Seemed their petition than when the ancient Pair 10 In fables old, less ancient yet than these, Deucalion[TK54] and chaste Pyrrha [DM54], to restore The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine Of Themis [DM55] stood devout. To Heaven their prayers Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds 15 Blown vagabond [CH58] or frustrate: in they passed Dimensionless through heavenly doors; then, clad With incense, where the Golden Altar fumed, By their great Intercessor, came in sight Before the Father’s Throne. Them the glad Son 20 Presenting thus to intercede began:— “See, Father, what first-fruits on Earth are sprung From thy implanted grace in Man—these sighs And prayers, which in this golden censer, mixed With incense, I, thy priest, before thee bring; 25 Fruits of more pleasing savour, from thy seed Sown with contribution in his heart, than those Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees Of Paradise could have produced, ere fallen From innocence. Now, therefore, bend[RC55] thine ear 30 To supplication; hear his sighs, though mute; Unskilful with what words to pray, let me Interpret for him, me his Advocate And propitiation[EG21]; all his works on me, Good or not good, ingraft; my merit those 35 Shall perfet, and for these my death shall pay. Accept me, and in me from these receive The smell of peace toward Mankind; let him live, Before thee reconciled, at least his days Numbered, though sad, till death, his doom (which I 40 To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse), To better life shall yield him, where with me All my redeemed may dwell in joy and bliss, Made one with me, as I with thee am one.” To whom the Father, without cloud, serene:— 45 “All thy request for Man, accepted Son, Obtain; all thy request was my decree. But longer in that Paradise to dwell The law I gave to Nature him forbids; Those pure immortal elements, that know 50 No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul, Eject him, tainted now, and purge him off, As a distemper, gross, to air as gross, And mortal food, as may dispose him best For dissolution wrought by sin, that first 55 Distempered all things, and of incorrupt Corrupted. I, at first, with two fair gifts Created him endowed—with Happiness And Immortality; that fondly lost, This other served but to eternize woe, 60 Till I provided Death: so Death becomes His final remedy, and, after life Tried in sharp tribulation, [SH60] and refined By faith and faithful works, to second life, Waked in the renovation of the just, 65 Resigns him up with Heaven and Earth renewed. But let us call to synod[RC56] all the Blest Through Heaven’s wide bounds; from them I will not hide My judgments—how with Mankind I proceed, As how with peccant [CH59] Angels late they saw, 70 And in their state, though firm, stood more confirmed.” He ended, and the Son gave signal high To the bright Minister that watched. He blew His trumpet, heard in Oreb since perhaps When God descended, and perhaps once more 75 To sound at general doom. The angelic blast Filled all the regions: from their blissful bowers Of amarantin [CH60] shade, fountain or spring, By the waters of life, where’er they sate In fellowships of joy, the Sons of Light 80 Hasted, resorting to the summons high, And took their seats, till from his Throne supreme The Almighty thus pronounced his sovran will:— “O Sons, like one of us Man is become To know both Good and Evil, since his taste 85 Of that defended Fruit; but let him boast His knowledge of good lost and evil got, Happier had it sufficed him to have known Good by itself and evil not at all. He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite— 90 My motions in him; longer than they move, His heart I know how variable and vain, Self—left. Lest, therefore, his now bolder hand Reach also of the Tree of Life, and eat, And live for ever, dream at least to live 95 For ever, to remove him I decree, And send him from the Garden forth, to till The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil, Michael, this my behest have thou in charge: Take to thee from among the Cherubim 100 Thy choice of flaming warriors, lest the Fiend, Or in behalf of Man, or to invade Vacant possessions, some new trouble raise; Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God Without remorse drive out the sinful pair, 105 From hallowed ground the unholy, and denounce To them, and to their progeny[RG54], from thence Perpetual banishment. Yet, lest they faint At the sad sentence rigorously urged (For I behold them softened, and with tears 110 Bewailing their excess), all terror hide. If patiently thy bidding they obey, Dismiss them not disconsolate reveal To Adam what shall come in future days, As I shall thee enlighten; intermix 115 My covenant in the Woman’s seed renewed. So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace; And on the east side of the Garden place, Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs, Cherubic watch, and of a Sword the flame 120 Wide—waving, all approach far off to fright, And guard all passage to the Tree of life; Lest Paradise a receptácle prove To Spirits foul, and all my trees their prey, With whose stolen fruit Man once more to delude.” 125 He ceased, and the Archangelic Power prepared For swift descent; with him the cohort bright Of watchful Cherubim[EG22]. Four faces each Had, like a double Janus[TK55]; all their shape Spangled with eyes more numerous than those 130 Of Argus, and more wakeful than to drowse, Charmed with Arcadian [JM58] pipe, the pastoral reed Of Hermes, or his opiate rod. Meanwhile, To resalute the World with sacred light, Leucothea [JM59] waked, and with fresh dews imbalmed 135 The Earth, when Adam and first matron Eve Had ended now their orisons,[MK59] and found Strength added from above, new hope to spring Out of despair, joy, but with fear yet linked; Which thus to Eve his welcome words renewed:— 140 “Eve, easily may faith admit that all The good which we enjoy from Heaven descends; But that from us aught should ascend to Heaven So prevalent as to concern the mind Of God high-blest, or to incline his will, 145 Hard to belief may seem. Yet this will prayer, Or one short sigh of human breath, upborne Even to the seat of God. For, since I sought By prayer the offended Deity to appease, Kneeled and before him humbled all my heart, 150 Methought I saw him placable and mild, Bending his ear; persuasion in me grew That I was heard with favour; peace returned Home to my breast, and to my memory His promise that thy seed shall bruise our Foe; 155 Which, then not minded in dismay, yet now Assures me that the bitterness of death Is past, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee! Eve rightly called, Mother of all Mankind, Mother of all things living, since by thee 160 Man is to live, and all things live for Man.” To whom thus Eve with sad demeanour meek:— “Ill-worthy I such title should belong To me transgressor, who, for thee ordained A help, became thy snare; to me reproach 165 Rather belongs, distrust and all dispraise. But infinite in pardon was my Judge, That I, who first brought death on all, am graced The source of life; next favourable thou, Who highly thus to entitle me voutsaf’st, 170 Far other name deserving. But the field To labour calls us, now with sweat imposed, Though after sleepless night; for see! the Morn, All unconcerned with our unrest, begins Her rosy progress smiling. Let us forth, 175 I never from thy side henceforth to stray, Where’er our day’s work lies, though now enjoined Laborious, till day droop. While here we dwell, What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks? Here let us live, though in fallen state, content.” 180 So spake, so wished, much-humbled Eve; but Fate Subscribed not. Nature first gave signs, impressed On bird, beast, air—air suddenly eclipsed, After short blush of morn. Nigh in her sight The bird of Jove, stooped from his aerie tour, 185 Two birds of gayest plume before him drove; Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods, First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace, Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind; Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight. 190 Adam observed, and, with his eye the chase Pursuing, not unmoved to Eve thus spake:— “O Eve, some further change awaits us nigh, Which Heaven by these mute signs in Nature shews, Forerunners of his purpose, or to warn 195 Us, haply too secure of our discharge From penalty because from death released Some days: how long, and what till then our life, Who knows, or more than this, that we are dust, And thither must return, and be no more? 200 Why else this double object in our sight, Of flight pursued in the air and o’er the ground One way the self-same hour? Why in the east Darkness ere day’s mid-course, and morning-light More orient in yon western cloud, that draws 205 O’er the blue firmament a radiant white, And slow descends, with something Heavenly fraught?” He erred not; for, by this, the Heavenly bands Down from a sky of jasper [JM60] lighted now In Paradise, and on a hill made halt— 210 A glorious Apparition, had not doubt And carnal fear that day dimmed Adam’s eye. Not that more glorious, when the Angels met Jacob in Mahanaim[EG23], where he saw The field pavilioned with his guardians bright; 215 Nor that which on the flaming Mount appeared In Dothan, covered with a camp of fire, Against the Syrian king, who, to surprise One man, assassin-like, had levied war, War unproclaimed. The princely Hierarch 220 In their bright stand there left his Powers to seize Possession of the Garden; he alone, To find where Adam sheltered, took his way, Not unperceived of Adam; who to Eve, While the great Visitant approached, thus spake:— 225 “Eve, now expect great tidings, which, perhaps, Of us will soon determine, or impose New laws to be observed; for I descry[JH61], From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill, One of the Heavenly host, and, by his gait, 230 None of the meanest—some great Potentate[JH60] Or of the Thrones above, such majesty Invests him coming; yet not terrible, That I should fear, nor sociably mild, As Raphael, that I should much confide, 235 But solemn and sublime; whom, not to offend, With reverence I must meet, and thou retire.” He ended; and the Archangel soon drew nigh, Not in his shape celestial[RG55], but as man Clad to meet man. Over his lucid arms 240 A military vest of purple flowed, Livelier than Melibœan, [JM57] or the grain Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old In time of truce; Iris had dipt the woof[JH59]. His starry helm unbuckled shewed him prime 245 In manhood where youth ended; by his side, As in glistering zodiac, hung the sword, Satan’s dire dread, and in his hand the spear. Adam bowed low; he, kingly, from his state Inclined not, but his coming thus declared:— 250 “Adam, Heaven’s high behest no preface needs. Sufficient that thy prayers are heard, and Death, Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress, Defeated of his seizure many days, Given thee of grace, wherein thou may’st repent, 255 And one bad act with many deeds well done May’st cover. Well may then thy Lord, appeased, Redeem thee quite from Death’s rapacious [CH61] claim; But longer in this Paradise to dwell Permits not. To remove thee I am come, 260 And send thee from the Garden forth, to till The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil.” He added not; for Adam, at the news Heart-strook, with chilling gripe of sorrow stood, That all his senses bound; Eve, who unseen 265 Yet all had heard, with audible lament Discovered soon the place of her retire:— “O unexpected stroke, worse than of Death! Must I thus leave thee, Paradise? thus leave Thee, native soil? these happy walks and shades, 270 Fit haunt of Gods, where I had hope to spend, Quiet, though sad, the respite of that day That must be mortal to us both? O flowers, That never will in other climate grow, My early visitation, and my last 275 At even, which I bred up with tender hand From the first opening bud, and gave ye names, Who now shall rear ye to the Sun, or rank Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount? Thee, lastly, nuptial bower, by me adorned 280 With what to sight or smell was sweet, from thee How shall I part, and whither wander down Into a lower world, to this obscure And wild? How shall we breathe in other air Less pure, accustomed to immortal fruits?” 285 Whom thus the Angel interrupted mild: “Lament not, Eve, but patiently resign What justly thou hast lost; nor set thy heart, Thus over-fond, on that which is not thine. Thy going is not lonely; with thee goes 290 Thy husband; him to follow thou art bound; Where he abides, think there thy native soil.” Adam, by this from the cold sudden damp Recovering, and his scattered spirits returned, To Michael thus his humble words addressed:— 295 “Celestial, whether among the Thrones, or named Of them the highest—for such of shape may seem Prince above princes—gently hast thou told Thy message, which might else in telling wound, And in performing end us. What besides 300 Of sorrow, and dejection, and despair, Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring— Departure from this happy place, our sweet Recess, and only consolation left Familiar to our eyes; all places else 305 Inhospitable appear, and desolate, Nor knowing us, nor known. And, if by prayer Incessant I could hope to change the will Of Him who all things can, I would not cease To weary him with my assiduous cries; 310 But prayer against his absolute decree No more avails than breath against the wind, Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth: Therefore to his great bidding I submit. This most afflicts me—that, departing hence, 315 As from his face I shall be hid, deprived His blessed countenance. Here I could frequent, With worship, place by place where he voutsafed Presence Divine, and to my sons relate, ‘On this mount He appeared; under this tree 320 Stood visible; among these pines his voice I heard; here with him at this fountain talked.’ So many grateful altars I would rear Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone Of lustre from the brook, in memory 325 Or monument to ages, and thereon Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers. In yonder nether world where shall I seek His bright appearances, or footstep trace? For, though I fled him angry, yet, recalled 330 To life prolonged and promised race, I now Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts Of glory, and far off his steps adore.” To whom thus Michael, with regard benign:— “Adam, thou know’st Heaven his, and all the Earth, 335 Not this rock only; his omnipresence fills Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives, Fomented by his virtual power and warmed. All the Earth he gave thee to possess and rule, No despicable gift; surmise not, then, 340 His presence to these narrow bounds confined Of Paradise or Eden. This had been Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread All generations, and had hither come, From all the ends of the Earth, to celebrate 345 And reverence thee their great progenitor. But this pre-eminence thou hast lost, brought down To dwell on even ground now with thy sons: Yet doubt not but in valley and in plain God is, as here, and will be found alike 350 Present, and of his presence many a sign Still following thee, still compassing thee round With goodness and paternal love, his face Express, and of his steps the track divine. Which that thou may’st believe, and be confirmed 355 Ere thou from hence depart, know I am sent To shew thee what shall come in future days To thee and to thy offspring. Good with bad Expect to hear, supernal grace contending With sinfulness of men—thereby to learn 360 True patience, and to temper joy with fear And pious sorrow, equally inured By moderation either state to bear, Prosperous or adverse: so shalt thou lead Safest thy life, and best prepared endure 365 Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend This hill; let Eve (for I have drenched her eyes) Here sleep below while thou to foresight wak’st, As once thou slept’st while she to life was formed.” To whom thus Adam gratefully replied:— 370 “Ascend, I follow thee, safe Guide, the path Thou lead’st me, and to the hand of Heaven submit, However chastening—to the evil turn My obvious breast, arming to overcome By suffering, and earn rest from labour won, 375 If so I may attain.” So both ascend In the Visions of God. It was a hill, Of Paradise the highest, from whose top The hemisphere of Earth is clearest ken Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect lay. 380 Not higher that hill, nor wider looking ground, Whereon for different cause the Tempter set Our second Adam, in the wilderness, To shew him all Earth’s kingdoms and their glory. His eye might there command wherever stood 385 City of old or modern fame, the seat Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls Of Cambalu, seat of Cathaian Can, And Samarchand by Oxus, Temir’s throne, To Pacquin, of Sinæan kings, and thence 390 To Agra and Lahor of Great Mogul, Down to the golden Chersonese, or where The Persian in Ecbatan sat, or since In Hispahan, or where the Russian Ksar In Mosco, or the Sultan in Bizance, 395 Turchestan—born; nor could his eye not ken The empire of Negus to his utmost port Ercoco, and the less maritime kings, Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind, And Sofala (thought Ophir), to the realm 400 Of Congo, and Angola fardest south, Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount, The kingdoms of Almansor, Fez and Sus, Marocco, and Algiers, and Tremisen; On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway, 405 The world: in spirit perhaps he also saw Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume, And Cusco in Peru, the richer seat Of Atabalipa, and yet unspoiled Guiana, whose great city Geryon’s sons 410 Call El Dorado. But to nobler sights Michael from Adam’s eyes the film removed Which that false fruit that promised clearer sight Had bred; then purged with euphrasy [MK60] and rue The visual nerve, for he had much to see, 415 And from the well of life three drops instilled. So deep the power of these ingredients pierced, Even to the inmost seat of mental sight, That Adam, now enforced to close his eyes, Sunk down, and all his spirits became intranced. 420 But him the gentle Angel by the hand Soon raised, and his attention thus recalled:— “Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold The effects which thy original crime hath wrought In some to spring from thee, who never touched 425 The excepted Tree, nor with the Snake conspired, Nor sinned thy sin, yet from that sin derive Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds.” His eyes he opened, and beheld a field, Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves 430 New-reaped, the other part sheep-walks and folds: I’ the midst an altar as the landmark stood, Rustic, of grassy sord. Thither anon A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought First-fruits, the green ear and the yellow sheaf, 435 Unculled, as came to hand. A shepherd next, More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock, Choicest and best; then, sacrificing, laid The inwards and their fat, with incense strewed, On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed. 440 His offering soon propitious fire from heaven Consumed, with nimble glance and grateful steam; The other’s not, for his was not sincere: Whereat he inly raged, and, as they talked, Smote him into the midriff with a stone 445 That beat out life; he fell, and, deadly pale, Groaned out his soul, with gushing blood effused. Much at that sight was Adam in his heart Dismayed, and thus in haste to the Angel cried:— “O Teacher, some great mischief hath befallen 450 To that meek man, who well had sacrificed: Is piety thus and pure devotion paid? To whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied:— “These two are brethren, Adam, and to come Out of thy loins. The unjust the just hath slain, 455 For envy that his brother’s offering found From Heaven acceptance; but the bloody fact Will be avenged, and the other’s faith approved Lose no reward, though here thou see him die, Rowling in dust and gore.” To which our Sire:— 460 “Alas, both for the deed and for the cause! But have I now seen Death? Is this the way I must return to native dust? O sight Of terror, foul and ugly to behold! Horrid to think, how horrible to feel! 465 To whom thus Michael:—“Death thou hast seen In his first shape on Man; but many shapes Of Death, and many are the ways that lead To his grim cave—all dismal, yet to sense More terrible at the entrance than within. 470 Some, as thou saw’st, by violent stroke shall die, By fire, flood, famine; by intemperance more In meats and drinks, which on the Earth shall bring Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew Before thee shall appear, that thou may’st know 475 What misery the inabstinence of Eve Shall bring on me.” Immediately a place Before his eyes appeared, sad, noisome, dark; A lazar-house [DM56] it seemed, wherein were laid Numbers of all diseased—all maladies[TK56] 480 Of ghastly spasm, of racking torture, qualms Of heart-sick agony, all feverous kinds, Convulsions, epilepsies, fierce catarrhs[MJ 60], Intestine stone and ulcer, colic pangs, Dæmoniac phrenzy, moping melancholy, 485 And moon-struck madness, pining atrophy, Marasmus[MJ 61], and wide-wasting pestilence, Dropsies and asthmas, and joint-racking rheums. Dire was the tossing, deep the groans; Despair Tended the sick, busiest from couch to couch; 490 And over them triumphant Death his dart Shook, but delayed to strike, though oft invoked With vows, as their chief good and final hope. Sight so deform what heart of rock could long Dry-eyed behold? Adam could not, but wept, 495 Though not of woman born: compassion quelled His best of man, and gave him up to tears A space, till firmer thoughts restrained excess, And, scarce recovering words, his plaint renewed:— “O miserable Mankind, to what fall 500 Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! Better end here unborn. Why is life given To be thus wrested from us? rather why Obtruded[EG24] on us thus? who, if we knew What we receive would either not accept 505 Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down, Glad to be so dismissed in peace. Can thus The image of God in Man, created once So goodly and erect, though faulty since, To such unsightly sufferings be debased 510 Under inhuman pains? Why should not Man, Retaining still divine similitude In part, from such deformities be free, And for his Maker’s image’ sake exempt?” “Their Maker’s image,” answered Michael, “then 515 Forsook them, when themselves they vilified To serve ungoverned Appetite, and took His image whom they served—a brutish vice, Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. Therefore so abject is their punishment, 520 Disfiguring not God’s likeness, but their own; Or, if his likeness, by themselves defaced While they pervert pure Nature’s healthful rules To loathsome sickness—worthily, since they God’s image did not reverence in themselves.” 525 “I yield it just,” said Adam, “and submit. But is there yet no other way, besides These painful passages, how we may come To death, and mix with our connatural dust?” “There is,” said Michael, “if thou well observe 530 The rule of Not too much, by temperance taught In what thou eat’st and drink’st, seeking from thence Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight, Till many years over thy head return. So may’st thou live, till, like ripe fruit, thou drop 535 Into thy mother’s lap, or be with ease Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature. This is old age; but then thou must outlive Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will change To withered, weak, and grey; thy senses then, 540 Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forgo To what thou hast; and, for the air of youth, Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign A melancholy damp of cold and dry, To weigh thy spirits down, and last consume 545 The balm of life.” To whom our Ancestor:— “Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong Life much—bent rather how I may be quit, Fairest and easiest, of this cumbrous charge, Which I must keep till my appointed day 550 Of rendering up, and patiently attend My dissolution.” Michael replied:— “Nor love thy life, nor hate; but what thou liv’st Live well, how long or short permit to Heaven. And now prepare thee for another sight.” 555 He looked, and saw a spacious plain, whereon Were tents of various hue: by some were herds Of cattle grazing: others whence the sound Of instruments that made melodious chime Was heard, of harp and organ, and who moved 560 Their stops and chords was seen: his volant touch Instinct through all proportions low and high Fled and pursued transverse the resonant fugue. In other part stood one who, at the forge Labouring, two massy clods of iron and brass 565 Had melted (whether found where casual fire Had wasted woods, on mountain or in vale, Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot To some cave’s mouth, or whether washed by stream From underground); the liquid ore he drained 570 Into fit moulds prepared; from which he formed First his own tools, then what might else be wrought Fusil or graven in metal. After these, But on the hither side, a different sort From the high neighbouring hills, which was their seat, 575 Down to the plain descended: by their guise Just men they seemed, and all their study bent To worship God aright, and know his works Not hid; nor those things last which might preserve Freedom and peace to men. They on the plain 580 Long had not walked when from the tents behold A bevy of fair women, richly gay In gems and wanton dress! to the harp they sung Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on. The men, though grave, eyed them, and let their eyes 585 Rove without rein, till, in the amorous net Fast caught, they liked, and each his liking chose. And now of love they treat, till the evening-star, Love’s harbinger, appeared; then, all in heat, They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke 590 Hymen, then first to marriage rites invoked: With feast and music all the tents resound. Such happy interview, and fair event Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flowers, And charming symphonies, attached the heart 595 Of Adam, soon inclined to admit delight, The bent of Nature; which he thus expressed: “True opener of mine eyes, prime Angel blest, Much better seems this vision, and more hope Of peaceful days portends, than those two past: 600 Those were of hate and death, or pain much worse; Here Nature seems fulfilled in all her ends.” To whom thus Michael:—“Judge not what is best By pleasure, though to Nature seeming meet, Created, as thou art, to nobler end, 605 Holy and pure, conformity divine. Those tents thou saw’st so pleasant were the tents Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his race Who slew his brother: studious they appear Of arts that polish life, inventors rare; 610 Unmindful of their Maker, though his Spirit Taught them; but they his gifts acknowledged none. Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget; For that fair female troop thou saw’st, that seemed Of goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay, 615 Yet empty of all good wherein consists Woman’s domestic honour and chief praise; Bred only and completed to the taste Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance, To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye:— 620 To these that sober race of men, whose lives Religious titled them the Sons of God, Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame, Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles Of these fair atheists, and now swim in joy 625 (Erelong to swim at large) and laugh; for which The world erelong a world of tears must weep.” To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft:— “O pity and shame, that they who to live well Entered so fair should turn aside to tread 630 Paths indirect, or in the midway faint! But still I see the tenor of Man’s woe Holds on the same, from Woman to begin.” “From Man’s effeminate[RG57] slackness it begins,” Said the Angel, “who should better hold his place 635 By wisdom, and superior gifts received. But now prepare thee for another scene.” He looked, and saw wide territory spread Before him—towns, and rural works between, Cities of men with lofty gates and towers, 640 Concourse in arms, fierce faces threatening war, Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise. Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed, Single or in array of battle ranged Both horse and foot, nor idly mustering stood. 645 One way a band select from forage drives A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine, From a fat meadow-ground, or fleecy flock, Ewes and their bleating lambs, over the plain, Their booty; scarce with life the shepherds fly, 650 But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray: With cruel tournament the squadrons join; Where cattle pastured late, now scattered lies With carcasses and arms the ensanguined [DM57] field Deserted. Others to a city strong 655 Lay siege, encamped, by battery, scale, and mine, Assaulting; others from the wall defend With dart and javelin, stones and sulphurous fire; On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds. In other parts the sceptred haralds call 660 To council in the city-gates: anon Grey-headed men and grave, with warriors mixed, Assemble, and harangues are heard; but soon In factious opposition, till at last Of middle age one rising, eminent 665 In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong, Of justice, of religion, truth, and peace, And judgment from above: him old and young Exploded, and had seized with violent hands, Had not a cloud descending snatched him thence, 670 Unseen amid the throng. So violence Proceeded, and oppression, and sword-law, Through all the plain, and refuge none was found. Adam was all in tears; and to his guide Lamenting turned full sad:—“Oh, what are these? 675 Death’s ministers, not men! who thus deal death Inhumanly to men, and multiply Ten thousandfold the sin of him who slew His brother; for of whom such massacre Make they but of their brethren, men of men? 680 But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost?” To whom thus Michael:—“These are the product’ Of those ill-mated marriages thou saw’st, Where good with bad were matched; who of themselves 685 Abhor to join, and, by imprudence mixed, Produce prodigious births of body or mind. Such were these Giants, men of high renown; For in those days might only shall be admired, And valour and heroic virtue called. 690 To overcome in battle, and subdue Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite Manslaughter, shall be held the highest pitch Of human glory, and, for glory done, Of triumph to be styled great conquerors, 695 Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods— Destroyers rightlier called, and Plagues of men. Thus fame shall be achieved, renown on earth, And what most merits fame in silence hid. But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou beheld’st 700 The only righteous in a world perverse, And therefore hated, therefore so beset With foes, for daring single to be just, And utter odious truth, that God would come To judge them with his Saints—him the Most High, 705 Rapt in a balmy cloud, with wingèd steeds, Did, as thou saw’st, receive, to walk with God High in salvation and the climes of bliss, Exempt from death, to show thee what reward Awaits the good, the rest what punishment; 710 Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold.” He looked, and saw the face of things quite changed. The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar; All now was turned to jollity and game, To luxury and riot, feast and dance, 715 Marrying or prostituting, as befell, Rape or adultery, where passing fair Allured them; thence form cups to civil broils. At length a reverend Sire among them came, And of their doings great dislike declared, 720 And testified against their ways. He oft Frequented their assemblies, whereso met, Triumphs or festivals, and to them preached Conversion and repentance, as to souls In prison, under judgments imminent; 725 But all in vain. Which when he saw, he ceased Contending, and removed his tents far off; Then, from the mountain hewing timber tall, Began to build a Vessel of huge bulk, Measured by cubit, length, and breadth, and highth, 730 Smeared round with pitch, and in the side a door Contrived, and of provisions laid in large For man and beast: when lo! a wonder strange! Of every beast, and bird, and insect small Came sevens and pairs, and entered in, as taught 735 Their order; last, the Sire and his three sons, With their four wives; and God made fast the door. Meanwhile the South-wind rose, and, with black wings Wide-hovering, all the clouds together drove From under heaven; the hills to their supply 740 Vapour, and exhalation dusk and moist, Sent up amain; and now the thickened sky Like a dark ceiling stood: down rushed the rain Impetuous, and continued till the earth No more was seen. The floating Vessel swum 745 Uplifted, and secure with beaked prow Rode tilting o’er the waves; all dwellings else Flood overwhelmed, and them with all their pomp Deep under water rowled; sea covered sea, Sea without shore: and in their palaces, 750 Where luxury late reigned, sea—monsters whelped And stabled: of mankind, so numerous late, All left in one small bottom swum imbarked. How didst thou grieve then, Adam, to behold The end of all thy offspring, end so sad, 755 Depopulation! Thee another flood, Of tears and sorrow a flood thee also drowned, And sunk thee as thy sons; till, gently reared By the Angel, on thy feet thou stood’st at last, Though comfortless, as when a father mourns 760 His children, all in view destroyed at once, And scarce to the Angel utter’dst thus thy plaint:— “O Visions ill foreseen! Better had I Lived ignorant of future—so had borne My part of evil only, each day’s lot 765 Enough to bear. Those now that were dispensed The burden of many ages on me light At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth Abortive, to torment me, ere their being, With thought that they must be. Let no man seek 770 Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall Him or his children—evil, he may be sure, Which neither his foreknowing can prevent, And he the future evil shall no less In apprehension than in substance feel 775 Grievous to bear. But that care now is past; Man is not whom to warn; those few escaped Famine and anguish will at last consume, Wandering that watery desert. I had hope, When violence was ceased and war on Earth, 780 All would have then gone well, peace would have crowned With length of happy days the race of Man; But I was far deceived, for now I see Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste. How comes it thus? Unfold, Celestial Guide, 785 And whether here the race of Man will end.” To whom thus Michael:—“Those whom last thou saw’st In triumph and luxurious wealth are they First seen in acts of powers eminent And great exploits, but of true virtue void; 790 Who, having split much blood, and done much waste, Subduing nations, and achieved thereby Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey, Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth, Surfeit, and lust, till wantonness and pride 795 Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace. The conquered, also, and enslaved by war, Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose, And fear of God—from whom their piety feigned In sharp contest of battle found no aid 800 Against invaders; therefore, cooled in zeal, Thenceforth shall practise how to live secure, Worldly, or dissolute, on what their lords Shall leave them to enjoy; for the Earth shall bear More than enough, that temperance may be tried. 805 So all shall turn degenerate, all depraved, Justice and temperance, truth and faith, forgot; One man except, the only son of light In a dark age, against example good, Against allurement, custom, and a world 810 Offended. Fearless of reproach and scorn, Or violence, he of their wicked ways Shall them admonish, and before them set The paths of righteousness, how much more safe And full of peace, denouncing wrauth to come 815 On their impenitence, and shall return Of them derided, but of God observed The one just man alive: by his command Shall build a wondrous Ark, as thou beheld’st, To save himself and household from amidst 820 A world devote to universal wrack. No sooner he, with them of man and beast Select for life, shall in the ark be lodged And sheltered round, but all the cataracts Of Heaven set open on the Earth shall pour 825 Rain day and night; all fountains of the deep, Broke up, shall heaven the ocean to usurp Beyond all bounds, till inundation rise Above the highest hills. Then shall this Mount Of Paradise by might of waves be moved 830 Out of his place, pushed by the horned flood, With all his verdure spoiled, and trees adrift, Down the great River to the opening Gulf, And there take root, and island salt and bare, The haunt of seals, and orcs, and sea—mews’ clang— 835 To teach thee that God at’tributes to place No sanctity, if none be thither brought By men who there frequent or therein dwell. And now what further shall ensue behold.” He looked, and saw the Ark hull on the flood, 840 Which now abated; for the clouds were fled. Driven by a keen North-wind, that, blowing dry, Wrinkled the face of Deluge, as decayed; And the clear sun on his wide watery glass Gazed hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew, 845 As after thirst; which made their flowing shrink From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole With soft foot towards the deep, who now had stopt His sluices, as the heaven his windows shut. . The Ark no more now floats, but seems on ground, 850 Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed. And now the tops of hills as rocks appear; With clamour thence the rapid currents drive Towards the retreating sea their furious tide. Forthwith from out the ark a Raven flies. 855 And, after him, the surer messenger, A Dove, sent forth once and again to spy Green tree or ground whereon his foot may light; The second time returning, in his bill An olive-leaf he brings, pacific sign. 860 Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark The ancient sire descends, with all this train; Then, with uplifted hands and eyes devout, Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a Bow 865 Conspicuous with three listed colours gay, Betokening peace from God, and covenant new. Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad, Greatly rejoiced; and thus his joy broke forth:— “O thou, who future things cants represent 870 As present, Heavenly Instructor, I revive At this last sight, assured that Man shall live, With all the creatures, and their seed preserve. Far less I now lament for one whole world Of wicked sons destroyed that I rejoice 875 For one man found so perfet and so just That God voutsafes to raise another world From him, and all his anger to forget. But say what mean those coloured streaks in Heaven: Distended as the brow of God appeased? 880 Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud, Lest it again dissolve and shower the Earth?” To whom the Archangel:—“Dextrously thou aim’st. So willingly doth God remit his ire: 885 Though late repenting him of Man depraved, Grieved at his heart, when, looking down, he saw The whole Earth filled with violence, and all flesh Corrupting each their way; yet, those removed, Such grace shall one just man find in his sight 890 That he relents, not to blot out mankind, And makes a covenant never to destroy The Earth again by flood, nor let the sea Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world With man therein or beast: but, when he brings 895 Over the Earth a cloud, with therein set His triple-coloured bow, whereon to look And call to mind his Covenant. Day and night, Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost, Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new 900 Both Heaven and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell.” Paradise Lost: The Twelfth Book THE ARGUMENT.—The Angel Michael continues, from the Flood, to relate what shall succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that Seed of the Woman shall be which was promised Adam and Eve in the Fall: his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension; the state of the Church till his second coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and recomforted by these relations and promises, descends the hill with Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams composed to quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand leads them out of Paradise, the fiery Sword waving behind them, and the Cherubim taking their stations to guard the place. AS one who, in his journey, bates[TK57] at noon, Though bent on speed, so here the Archangel paused Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored, If Adam ought perhaps might interpose; Then, with transition sweet, new speech resumes:— 5 “Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end, And Man as from a second stock proceed. Much thou hast yet to see; but I perceive Thy mortal sight to fail; objects divine Must needs impair and weary human sense. 10 Henceforth what is to come I will relate; Thou, therefore, give due audience, and attend. “This second source of men, while yet but few, And while the dread of judgment past remains Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, 15 With some regard to what is just and right Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace, Labouring the soil, and reaping plenteous crop, Corn, wine and oil; and, from the herd or flock Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid, 20 With large wine-offerings poured, and sacred feast, Shall spend their days in joy unblamed, and dwell Long time in peace, by families and tribes, Under paternal rule, till one shall rise, Of proud, ambitious heart, who, not content 25 With fair equality, fraternal state, Will arrogate dominion undeserved Over his brethren, and quite dispossess Concord and law of Nature from the Earth— Hunting (and men, not beasts, shall be his game) 30 With war and hostile snare such as refuse Subjection to his empire tyrannous. A mighty Hunter thence he shall be styled Before the Lord, as in despite of Heaven, Or from Heaven claiming second sovranty, 35 And from rebellion shall derive his name, Though of rebellion others he accuse. He, with a crew, whom like ambition joins With him or under him to tyrannize, Marching from Eden towards the west, shall find 40 The Plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge[RC57] Boils out from under ground, the mouth of Hell. Of brick, and of that stuff, they cast to build A city and tower, whose top may reach to Heaven; And get themselves a name, lest far dispersed 45 In foreign lands, their memory be lost— Regardless whether good or evil fame. But God, who oft descends to visit men Unseen, and through their habitations walks, To mark their doings, them beholding soon, 50 Comes down to see their city, ere the Tower Obstruct Heaven-towers, and in derision sets Upon their tongues a various spirit, to rase Quite out their native language, and, instead, To sow a jangling noise of words unknown. 55 Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud Among the builders; each to other calls, Not understood—till, hoarse and all in rage, As mocked they storm. Great laughter was in Heaven, And looking down to see the hubbub strange 60 And hear the din. Thus was the building left Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named.” Whereto thus Adam, fatherly displeased:— “O execrable son, so to aspire Above his brethren, to himself assuming 65 Authority usurped, from God not given! He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl, Dominion absolute; that right we hold By his donation: but man over men He made not lord—such title to himself 70 Reserving, human left from human free. But this Usurper his encroachment proud Stays not on Man; to God his Tower intends Siege and defiance. Wretched man! what food Will he convey up thither, to sustain 75 Himself and his rash army, where thin air Above the clouds will pine his entrails gross, And famish him of breath, if not of bread?” To whom thus Michael:—“Justly thou abhorr’st That son, who on the quiet state of men 80 Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue Rational liberty; yet know withal, Since thy original lapse, true liberty Is lost, which always with right reason dwells Twinned, and from her hath no dividual being. 85 Reason in Man obscured, or not obeyed, Immediately inordinate desires And upstart passions catch the government From Reason, and to servitude reduce Man, till then free. Therefore, since he permits 90 Within himself unworthy powers to reign Over free reason, God, in judgment just, Subjects him from without to violent lords, Who oft as undeservedly enthral His outward freedom. Tyranny must be, 95 Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse. Yet sometimes nations will decline so low From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong, But justice and some fatal curse annexed, Deprives them of their outward liberty, 100 Their inward lost: witness the irreverent son Of him who built the Ark, who, for the shame Done to his father, heard this heavy curse, Servant of servants, on his vicious race. Thus will this latter, as the former world, 105 Still tend from bad to worse, till God at last, Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw His presence from among them, and avert His holy eyes, resolving from thenceforth To leave them to their own polluted ways, 110 And one peculiar nation to select From all the rest, of whom to be invoked— A nation from one faithful man to spring. Him on this side Euphrates yet residing, Bred up in idol-worship—Oh, that men 115 (Canst thou believe?) should be so stupid grown, While yet the patriarch lived who scaped the Flood, As to forsake the living God, and fall To worship their own work in wood and stone For gods!—yet him God the Most High voutsafes 120 To call by vision from his father’s house, His kindred, and false gods into a land Which he will shew him, and from him will raise A mighty nation, and upon him shower His benediction so that in his seed 125 All Nations shall be blest. He straight obeys; Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes. I see him, but thou canst not, with what faith He leaves his gods, his friends, and native soil, Ur of Chaldæa, passing now the ford 130 To Haran—after him a cumbrous train Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude— Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth With God, who called him, in a land unknown Canaan he now attains; I see his tents 135 Pitched about Sechem, and the neighbouring plain Of Moreh. There, by promise, he receives Gift to his progeny of all that land, From Hamath northward to the Desert south (Things by their names I call, though yet unnamed), 140 From Hermon east to the great western sea; Mount Hermon, yonder sea, each place behold In prospect, as I point them: on the shore, Mount Carmel; here, the double-founted stream, Jordan, true limit eastward; but his sons 145 Shall dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills. This ponder, that all nations of the Earth Shall in his seed be blessèd. By that seed Is meant thy great Deliverer, who shall bruise The Serpent’s head; whereof to thee anon 150 Plainlier shall be revealed. This patriarch blest, Whom faithful Abraham due time shall call, A son, and of his son a grandchild, leaves, Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown. The grandchild, with twelve sons increased, departs 155 From Canaan to a land hereafter called Egypt, divided by the river Nile; See where it flows, disgorging at seven mouths Into the sea, To sojourn in that land He comes, invited by a younger son 160 In time of dearth—a son whose worthy deeds Raise him to be the second in that realm Of Pharaoh. There he dies, and leaves his race Growing into a nation, and now grown Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks 165 To stop their overgrowth, as inmate guests Too numerous; whence of guests he makes them slaves, Inhospitably, and kills their infant males: Till, by two brethren (those two brethren call Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim 170 His people from enthralment, they return, With glory and spoil, back to their promised land. But first the lawless tyrant, who denies To know their God, or message to regard, Must be compelled by signs and judgments dire: 175 To blood unshed the rivers must be turned; Frogs, lice, and flies must all his palace fill With loathed intrusion, and fill all the land; His cattle must of rot and murrain die; Botches and blains must all his flesh imboss, 180 And all his people; thunder mixed with hail, Hail mixed with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky, And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls; What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain, A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down 85 Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green; Darkness must overshadow all his bounds, Palpable darkness, and blot out three days; Last, with one midnight-stroke, all the first-born Of Egypt must lie dead.[HG54] Thus with ten wounds 190 The River-dragon tamed at length submits To let his sojourners depart, and oft Humbles his stubborn heart, but still as ice More hardened after thaw; till, in his rage Pursuing whom he late dismissed, the sea 195 Swallows him with his host, but them lets pass, As on dry land, between two crystal walls, Awed by the rod of Moses so to stand Divided till his rescued gain their shore: Such wondrous power God to his Saint will lend, 200 Though present in his Angel, who shall go Before them in a cloud, and pillar of fire— By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire— To guide them in their journey, and remove Behind them, while the obdúrate king pursues. 205 All night he will pursue, but his approach Darkness defends between till morning-watch; Then through the fiery pillar and the cloud God looking forth will trouble all his host, And craze their chariot-wheels: when, by command, 210 Moses once more his potent rod extends Over the sea; the sea his rod obeys; On their imbattled ranks the waves return, And overwhelm their war. The race elect Safe towards Canaan, from the shore, advance 215 Through the wild Desert—not the readiest way, Lest, entering on the Canaanite alarmed, War terrify them inexpert, and fear Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather Inglorious[HG55] life with servitude; for life 220 To noble and ignoble is more sweet Untrained in arms, where rashness leads not on. This also shall they gain by their delay In the wide wilderness: there they shall found Their government, and their great Senate choose 225 Through the twelve Tribes, to rule by laws ordained. God, from the Mount of Sinai, whose grey top Shall tremble, he descending, will himself, In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpet’s sound, Ordain them laws—part, such as appertain 230 To civil justice; part, religious rites Of sacrifice, informing them, by types And shadows, of that destined Seed to bruise The Serpent, by what means he shall achieve Mankind’s deliverance. But the voice of God 235 To mortal ear is dreadful: they beseech That Moses might report to them his will, And terror cease; he grants what they besought, Instructed that to God is no access Without Mediator, whose high office now 240 Moses in figure bears, to introduce One greater, of whose day he shall foretell, And all the Prophets, in their age, the times Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus laws and rites Established, such delight hath God in men 245 Obedient to his will that he voutsafes Among them to set up his Tabernacle— The Holy One with mortal men to dwell. By his prescript a sanctuary is framed Of cedar, overlaid with gold; therein 250 An ark, and in the Ark his testimony, The records of his covenant; over these A mercy-seat of gold, between the wings Of two bright Cherubim; before him burn Seven lamps, as in a zodiac representing 255 The heavenly fires. Over the tent a cloud Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night, Save when they journey; and at length they come, Conducted by his Angel, to the land Promised to Abraham and his seed. The rest 260 Were long to tell—how many battles fought; How many kings destroyed, and kingdoms won; Or how the sun shall in mid—heaven stand still A day entire, and night’s due course adjourn, Man’s voice commanding, ‘Sun, in Gibeon [MJ 58] stand, 265 And thou, Moon, in the vale of Aialon, Till Israel overcome!’—so call the third From Abraham, son of Isaac, and from him His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win.” Here Adam interposed:—“O sent from Heaven, 270 Enlightener of my darkness, gracious things Thou hast revealed, those chiefly which concern Just Abraham and his seed. Now first I find Mine eyes true opening, and my heart much eased, Erewhile perplexed with thoughts what would become 275 Of me and all mankind; but now I see His day, in whom all nations shall be blest— Favour unmerited by me, who sought Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. This yet I apprehend not—why to those 280 Among whom God will deign to dwell on Earth So many and so various laws are given. So many laws argue so many sins Among them; how can God with such reside?” To whom thus Michael:—“Doubt not but that sin 285 Will reign among them, as of thee begot; And therefore was law given them, to evince[HG56] Their natural pravity, by stirring up Sin against Law to fight, that, when they see Law can discover sin, but no remove, 290 Save by those shadowy expiations[HG57] weak, The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude Some blood more precious must be paid for Man, Just for unjust, that in such righteousness, To them by faith imputed, they may find 295 Justification towards God, and peace Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies Cannot appease, nor man the moral part Perform, and not performing cannot live. So Law appears imperfect, and but given 300 With purpose to resign them, in full time, Up to a better covenant, disciplined From shadowy types to truth, from flesh to spirit, From imposition of strict laws to free Acceptance of large grace, from servile fear 305 To filial[MJ 59], works of law to works of faith. And therefore shall not Moses, though of God Highly beloved, being but the minister Of Law, his people into Canaan lead; But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call, 310 His name and office bearing who shall quell The adversary Serpent, and bring back Through the world’s wilderness long-wandered Man Safe to eternal Paradise of rest. Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan placed, 315 Long time shall dwell and prosper, but when sins National interrupt their public peace, Provoking God to raise them enemies— From whom as oft he saves them penitent, [MK61] By Judges first, then under Kings; of whom 320 The second, both for piety renowned And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive Irrevocable, that his regal throne For ever shall endure. The like shall sing All Prophecy—that of the royal stock 325 Of David (so I name this king) shall rise A son, the Woman’s Seed to thee foretold, Foretold to Abraham as in whom shall trust All nations, and to kings foretold of kings The last, for of his reign shall be no end. 330 But first a long succession must ensue; And his next son, for wealth and wisdom famed, The clouded Ark of God, till then in tents Wandering, shall in a glorious Temple enshrine. Such follow him as shall be registered 335 Part good, part bad; of bad the longer scroll: Whose foul idolatries and other faults, Heaped to the popular sum, will so incense God, as to leave them, and expose their land, Their city, his Temple, and his holy Ark, 340 With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey To that proud city whose high walls thou saw’st Left in confusion, Babylon thence called. There in captivity he lets them dwell The space of seventy years; then brings them back, 345 Remembering mercy, and his covenant sworn To David, established as the days of Heaven. Returned from Babylon by leave of kings, Their lords, whom God disposed, the house of God They first re-edify, and for a while 350 In mean estate live moderate, till, grown In wealth and multitude, factious they grow. But first among the priests dissension springs— Men who attend the altar, and should most Endeavour peace: their strife pollution brings 355 Upon the Temple itself; at last they seize The sceptre, and regard not David’s sons; Then lose it to a stranger, that the true Anointed King Messiah might be born Barred of his right. Yet at his birth a Star, 360 Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come, And guides the eastern sages, who inquire His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold: His place of birth a solemn Angel tells To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night; 365 They gladly thither haste, and by a quire Of squadroned Angels hear his carol sung. A Virgin is his mother, but his sire The Power of the Most High. He shall ascend The throne hereditary, and bound his reign 370 With Earth’s wide bounds, his glory with the Heavens.” He ceased, discerning Adam with such joy Surcharged as had, like grief, been dewed in tears, Without the vent of words; which these he breathed:— “O prophet of glad tidings, finisher 375 Of utmost hope! now clear I understand What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched in vain— Why our great Expectation should be called The Seed of Woman. Virgin Mother, hail! High in the love of Heaven, yet from my loins 380 Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son Of God Most High; so God with Man unites. Needs must the Serpent now his capital bruise Except with mortal pain. Say where and when Their fight, what stroke shall bruise the Victor’s heel.” 385 To whom thus Michael:—“Dream not of their fight As of a duel, or the local wounds Of head or heel. Not therefore joins the Son Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil Thy enemy; nor so is overcome 390 Satan, whose fall from Heaven, a deadlier bruise, Disabled not to give thee thy death’s wound; Which he who comes thy Saviour shall recure, Not by destroying Satan, but his works In thee and in thy seed. Nor can this be, 395 But by fulfilling that which thou didst want, Obedience to the law of God, imposed On penalty of death, and suffering death, The penalty to thy transgression due, And due to theirs which out of thine will grow: 400 So only can high justice rest appaid. The Law of God exact he shall fulfil Both by obedience and by love, though love Alone fulfil the Law; thy punishment He shall endure, by coming in the flesh 405 To a reproachful life and cursed death, Proclaiming life to all who shall believe In his redemption, and that his obedience Imputed becomes theirs by faith—his merits To save them, not their own, though legal, works. 410 For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed, Seized on by force, judged, and to death condemned A shameful and accursed, nailed to the Cross By his own nation, slain for bringing life; But to the cross he nails thy enemies— 415 The Law that is against thee, and the sins Of all mankind, with him there crucified, Never to hurt them more who rightly trust In this his satisfaction. So he dies, But soon revives; Death over him no power 420 Shall long usurp. Ere the third dawning light Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light, Thy ransom paid, which Man from Death redeems— His death for Man, as many as offered life 425 Neglect not, and the benefit imbrace By faith not void of works. This godlike act Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have died, In sin for ever lost from life; this act Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength, 430 Defeating Sin and Death, his two main arms, And fix far deeper in his head their stings Than temporal death shall bruise the Victor’s heel, Or theirs whom he redeems—a death like sleep, A gentle wafting to immortal life. 435 Nor after resurrection shall he stay Longer on Earth than certain times to appear To his disciples—men who in his life Still followed him; to them shall leave in charge To teach all nations what of him they learned 440 And his salvation, them who shall believe Baptizing in the profluent stream—the sign Of washing them from guilt of sin to life Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befall, For death like that which the Redeemer died. 445 All nations they shall teach; for from that day Not only to the sons of Abraham’s loins Salvation shall be preached, but to the sons Of Abraham’s faith wherever through the world; So in his seed all nations shall be blest. 450 Then to the Heaven of Heavens he shall ascend With victory, triumphing through the air Over his foes and thine; there shall surprise The Serpent, Prince of Air, and drag in chains Through all his realm, and there confounded leave; 455 Then enter into glory and resume His seat at God’s right hand, exalted high Above all names in Heaven; and thence shall come, When this World’s dissolution shall be ripe, With glory and power, to judge both quick and dead— 460 To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward His faithful, and receive them into bliss, Whether in Heaven or Earth; for then the Earth Shall all be Paradise, far happier place Than this of Eden, and far happier days.” 465 So spake the Archangel Michaël; then paused, As at the World’s great period; and our Sire, Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied:— “O Goodness infinite, Goodness immense, That all this good of evil shall produce, 470 And evil turn to good—more wonderful Than that which by creation first brought forth Light out of darkness! Full of doubt I stand, Whether I should repent me now of sin By me done and occasioned, or rejoice 475 Much more that much more good thereof shall spring— To God more glory, more good-will to men From God—and over wrauth grace shall abound. But say, if our Deliverer up to Heaven Must reascend, what will betide the few, 480 His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd, The enemies of truth. Who then shall guide His people, who defend? Will they not deal Worse with his followers than with him they dealt?” “Be sure they will,” said the Angel; “but from Heaven 485 He to his own a Comforter will send, The promise of the Father, who shall dwell, His Spirit, within them, and the law of faith Working through love upon their hearts shall write, To guide them in all truth, and also arm 490 With spiritual armour, able to resist Satan’s assaults, and quench his fiery darts— What man can do against them not afraid, Though to the death; against such cruelties With inward consolations recompensed, 495 And often supported so as shall amaze Their proudest persecutors. For the Spirit, Poured first on his Apostles, whom he sends To evangelize the nations, then on all Baptized, shall them with wondrous gifts endue 500 To speak all tongues, and do all miracles, As did their Lord before them. Thus they win Great numbers of each nation to receive With joy the tidings brought from Heaven: at length, Their ministry performed, and race well run, 505 Their doctrine and their story written left, They die; but in their room, as they forewarn, Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves, Who all the sacred mysteries of Heaven To their own vile advantages shall turn 510 Of lucre and ambition, and the truth With superstitions and traditions taint, Left only in those written Records pure, Though not but by the Spirit understood. Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names, 515 Palaces, and titles, and with these to join Secular power, though feigning still to act By spiritual; to themselves appropriating The Spirit of God, promised alike and given To all believers; and, from that pretense, 520 Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force On every conscience—laws which none shall find Left them enrowled, or what the Spirit within Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then But force the Spirit of Grace itself, and bind 525 His consort, Liberty? what but unbuild His living temples, built by faith to stand— Their own faith, not another’s? for, on Earth, Who against faith and conscience can be heard Infallible? Yet many will presume: 530 Whence heavy persecution shall arise On all who in the worship persevere Of Spirit and Truth; the rest, far greater part, Will deem in outward rites and specious forms Religion satisfied; Truth shall retire 535 Bestuck with slanderous darts, and works of Faith Rarely be found. So shall the World go on, To good malignant, to bad men benign, Under her own weight groaning, till the day Appear of respiration to the just 540 And vengeance to the wicked, at return Of Him so lately promised to thy aid, The Woman’s Seed—obscurely then foretold, Now amplier known the Saviour and thy Lord; Last in the clouds from Heaven to be revealed 545 In glory of the Father, to dissolve Satan with his perverted World; then raise From the conflagrant [SH61] mass, purged and refined, New Heavens, new Earth, Ages of endless date Founded in righteousness and peace and love, 550 To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss.” He ended; and thus Adam last replied:— “How soon hath thy prediction, Seer blest, Measured this transient World, the race of Time, Till Time stand fixed! Beyond is all abyss— 555 Eternity, whose end no eye can reach. Greatly instructed I shall hence depart, Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain; Beyond which was my folly to aspire. 560 Henceforth I learn that to obey is best, And love with fear the only God, to walk As in his presence, ever to observe His providence, [MK62] and on him sole depend, Merciful over all his works, with good 565 Still overcoming evil, and by small Accomplishing great things—by things deemed weak Subverting worldly-strong, and worldly-wise By simply meek; that suffering for Truth’s sake Is fortitude to highest victory, 570 And to the faithful death the gate of life— Taught this by his example whom I now Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest.” To whom thus also the Angel last replied:— “This having learned, thou hast attained the sum 575 Of wisdom; hope no higher, though all the stars Thou knew’st by name, and all the ethereal powers, All secrets of the Deep, all Nature’s works, Or works of God in heaven, air, earth, or sea, And all the riches of this world enjoy’dst, 580 And all the rule, one empire. Only add Deeds to thy knowledge answerable; add faith; Add virtue, patience, temperance; add love, By name to come called Charity, the soul Of all the rest: then wilt thou not be loth 585 To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess A Paradise within thee, happier far. Let us descend now, therefore, from this top Of speculation; for the hour precise Exacts our parting hence; and, see! the guards, 590 By me encamped on yonder hill, expect Their motion, at whose front a flaming sword, In signal of remove, waves fiercely round. We may no longer stay. Go, waken Eve; Her also I with gentle dreams have calmed, 595 Portending good, and all her spirits composed To meek submission: thou, at season fit, Let her with thee partake what thou hast heard— Chiefly what may concern her faith to know, The great deliverance by her seed to come 600 (For by the Woman’s Seed) on all mankind— That ye may live, which will be many days, Both in one faith unanimous; though sad With cause for evils past, yet much more cheered With meditation on the happy end.” 605 He ended, and they both descend the hill. Descended, Adam to the bower where Eve Lay sleeping ran before, but found her waked; And thus with words not sad she him received:— “Whence thou return’st and whither went’st I know; 610 For God is also in sleep, and dreams advise, Which he hath sent propitious, some great good Presaging, since, with sorrow and heart’s distress Wearied, I fell asleep. But now lead on; In me is no delay; with thee to go 615 Is to stay here; without thee here to stay Is to go hence unwilling; thou to me Art all things under Heaven, all places thou, Who for my wilful crime art banished hence. This further consolation yet secure 620 I carry hence: though all by me is lost, Such favour I unworthy am voutsafed, By me the Promised Seed shall all restore.” So spake our mother Eve; and Adam heard Well pleased, by answered not; for now too nigh 625 The Archangel stood, and from the other hill To their fixed station, all in bright array, The Cherubim descended, on the ground Gliding meteorous, as evening mist Risen from a river o’er the marish glides, 630 And gathers ground fast at the labourer’s heel Homeward returning. High in front advanced, The brandished sword of God before them blazed, Fierce as a comet; which with torrid heat, And vapour at the Libyan air adust, 635 Began to parch that temperate clime; whereat In either hand the hastening Angel caught Our lingering Parents, and to the eastern gate Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast To the subjected plain—then disappeared. 640 They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand; the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms. Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; 645 The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence [MK62] their guide. They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way. |
[CH58]-vagabond-a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job. [CH59]-peccant-having committed a fault or sin; offending [CH60]-amarantin-means everlasting or immortal [CH61]-rapacious -aggressively greedy or grasping [EG21] "propitiation" process of winning over the favor of a God, Spirit or person [EG22] "Cherubim" a winged angelic creature that attends God as the second highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy [EG23] "Mahanaim" - A Camp that is said to be near Jabbok: Mahanaim is mentioned in the bible a few times but the definite location is uncertain [EG24] "Obtruded" means to become noticeable in an unpleasant way. [MK59] "Orisons," in line 137 of book 11, means a prayer. [MK60] "Euphrasy," in line 414 of book 11, means eyebright; any plant belonging to the genus Euphrasia. Often used to cure eye diseases. [MK61] "Penitent," in line 319 of book 12, means feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong. [MK62] "Providence," in lines 564 and 647 of book 12, means the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power. [JH58] "Prevenient" Adjective. Means coming before, anticipatory. [JH59] "Woof" Noun. Another word for "fabric". [JH60] "Potentate" Noun. Means a person who possesses great power as a sovereign, monarch, or ruler. [JH61] "Descry" Verb. Means to see by looking carefully. [MJ 58] Gibeon was a royal city in biblical times [MJ 59] filial: of or due to a son or daughter [MJ 60] catarrh: excessive buildup of mucus in the nose or throat [MJ 61] Marasmus: severe undernourishment causing an infant's or child's weight to be significantly low for their age [TK54] “Deucalion” in line 12 of book XI refers to a son of Prometheus who survived the Deluge to regenerate the human race [TK55] “Janus” in line 129 of Book XI refers to an ancient Roman god of doorways, of beginnings, and of the rising and setting of the sun, usually represented as having one head with two bearded faces back to back, looking in opposite directions [TK56] “malady” in line 480 of Book XI means any disorder or disesase of the body [TK57] “bate” in line 1 of Book XII means to moderate or restrain [RG54] Progeny- a child or offspring of someone or something; a descendant [RG55] Celestial- relating to Heaven or the divine, supremely good [RG56] Cumbrous- hard to manage or handle; complicated or cumbersome [RG57] Effeminate- possessing or showing qualities that are considered feminine, typical or a woman, and unmanly[DM54] Pyrrha: Wife of Deucalion; they are as Noah and his wife in the Bible, survived the flood and threw rocks that became children. Pyrrha's rocks became women, Deucalion's rocks became men. [DM55] Themis: The Titan goddess of divine law and order; also prophetic goddess who presided over the oracles. [DM56] lazar-house: a place to quarantine people with infectious diseases, lazar houses are most known for quarantining those with leprosy, also known as leper colonies, or lazarettos. [DM57] ensanguined: bloodstained; to cover or stain as with blood [SH59] gratulation - joy [SH60] tribulation - a cause of great trouble [SH61] conflagrant - burning intensely [JM57] “Melibœan” pertaining to Melibœa, a Syrian island (colonized from Thessaly), famous for its purple dye [JM58] “Arcadian” a person descended from Arcadia, a region in Greece https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f5/Nomos_Arkadias.png [JM59] “Leucothea” one of the aspects under which an ancient sea godess was recognized, in this case as a transformed nymph [JM60] “jasper” meaning an opaque reddish-brown variety of chalcedony [HG54] (book XII, lines 169-190) These lines describe the plagues God sent to Egypt when Pharaoh refused to let the slaves go. [HG55] (book XII, line 220) Inglorious- shameful [HG56] (book XII, line 287) Evince- reveal [HG57] (book XII, line 291) Expiation- act of making amends or repenting [RC54] Pandemonium is the capital of hell. [RC55] Bend means to direct one’s attention or energies to someone or something. [RC56] A synod refers to a council of any kind, but has changed to mean specifically, an assembly of ecclesiastics or other church delegates, convoked pursuant to the law of the church, for the discussion and decision of ecclesiastical affairs. [RC57] Gurge is a synonym for surge, can also mean swirl. |