
ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY
No. 1 O nightingale
No. 7 How soon hath time
No. 8 Captain or colonel
No. 9 Lady, that in the prime
No. 10 Daughter to that good earl
No. 11 I did but prompt the age
No. 12 A book was writ, of late
No. 13 Harry, whose tuneful
No. 14 When faith and love
No. 15 Fairfax, whose name in arms
No. 16 Cromwell, our chief of men
No. 17 Vane, young in years
No. 18 Avenge, O Lord
No. 19 When I consider
No. 20 Lawrence, of virtuous father
No. 21 Cyriack! Whose grandsire
No. 22 Cyriack, this three years day
No. 23 Methought I saw
AN EPITAPH ON THE MARCHIONESS OF WINCHESTER
THE FIFTH ODE OF HORACE, BOOK ONE
ON THE NEW FORCERS OF CONSCIENCE
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
Book I
Book II
Book III
Book IV
Book V
Book VI
Book VII
Book VIII
Book IX
Book X
Book XI
Book XII
Book I
Book II
Book III
Book IV
Suggestions for Further Reading
Ask your Bookseller for these Bantam Classics
1608
Milton born, 9 December, in London
1618?--20?
tutored by Thomas Young
1615?
1620?--25
St. Paul's School
1625
begins at Cambridge University, enrolled in Christ's College
1629
March, B.A. degree
1632
March, M.A. degree
1632--38
residence at his father's house
1634
September, Comus performed at Ludlow
1637
3 April, death of Milton's mother
1638--39
European tour: France, Italy, Switzerland
1640
schoolteacher, in London
1641
Of Reformation in England
Of Prelatical Episcopacy
Animadversions upon the Remonstrant's Defense
1642
May/June, married Mary Powell
The Reason of Church Government
An Apology for Smectymnuus
October, Civil War begins
1643
The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce
April, Milton's father comes to live with him
1644
Of Education
The Judgment of Martin Bucer Concerning Divorce
Areopagitica
Milton's sight begins to fail
1645
Tetrachordon
Colasterion
1646
Poems
29 July, daughter Anne born
1647
March, death of Milton's father
1648
25 October, daughter Mary born
1649
30 January, Charles I executed
The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates
March, appointed Secretary for Foreign Tongues, Council of State
1650
left eye fails
1651
Defensio pro Populo Anglicano
16 March, son John born
1652
February/March, complete blindness
2 May, daughter Deborah born
May, Mary Powell Milton's death
16 June, death of son, John
1654
Defensio Secunda
1655
Pro Se Defensio
1656
November, married Katherine Woodcock
1657
19 October, daughter Katherine born
1658
February, death of Katherine Woodcock Milton
17 March, death of daughter Katherine
3 September, Oliver Cromwell's death
1659
A Treatise of Civil Power in Ecclesiastical Causes
Likeliest Means to Remove Hirelings out of the Church
1660
The Ready and Easy Way to Establish a Free Commonwealth
May, Charles II restored to the throne
Milton arrested, released
1663
February, married Elizabeth Minshull
1665
resided at Chalfont St. Giles during plague
1667
February, ten-book edition of Paradise Lost
1669
Accidence Commenced Grammar
1670
History of Britain
1671
Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes
1672
Joannis Miltoni Angli, Artis Logicae Plenior Institutio
1673
Minor Poems (enlarged edition)Of True Religion, Heresy, Schism, Toleration
1674
Paradise Lost, twelve-book edition
8 November, Milton's death, in London
THE FIRST version of what would become this book was written into the pages of another editor's deservedly famous edition of Milton. Principally lexical and syntactic commentary, these early annotations stemmed directly from an extremely common quandary, namely, a teacher fundamentally (though by no means completely) dissatisfied with the textbook from which, for lack of anything better suited to his classroom, he goes on teaching. That sort of dissatisfaction can be lived with; it can finally be put to the side; or it can lead, as mine has, to a completely new book.
I teach Milton as an English poet, one of the very greatest, most influential, important, and deeply challenging the language has ever known. Although I firmly believe, like most scholars, that the more we know about any writer the more we can understand and also appreciate the resonating excellences and profundities of his or her work, I also believe that some of the things we can know are more useful than are others. Milton's English poetry seems to me so overwhelmingly primary to both appreciation and understanding of his place in English literature that his Latin poetry shrinks to tertiary significance, and his profusely vigorous prose to secondary significance. Accordingly, this edition of Milton contains none of the Latin (or the Italian) poems, either in the original language(s) or in translation. It contains none of Milton's prose.
The text of the English poems, however, is not only complete, but has been conservatively modernized and edited for maximum accessibility. Nothing has been done to interfere in any way whatever with the prosody of these poems. The vexing problem of syllabified versus unsyllabified vowels has been preempted by (1) the use of spelling to indicate each prosodically suppressed vowel (usually by means of an apostrophe, sometimes by such spellings as "shouldst" or "didst"), and (2) the addition of an accent mark each time a vowel is syllabified ("wingèd," "blessèd"). My prosodic markings are consistent throughout this book. When, therefore, a word such as "winged" is mono-rather than bisyllabic, I have added neither an apostrophe nor an accent mark; the reader can assume that any word without one of those marks does not in my judgment require one.
Rather too much has been made of Milton's spelling, much of which is conventional and, though appropriate to his time, without significance in ours. His punctuation is in general (though not universally) a reliable guide to verse movement. I have punctuated, and capitalized, as conservatively as possible. But I have not hesitated to interpret Milton's use of semicolons and colons as requiring, in our time, a sentence-ending period. Nor have I hesitated to add reader-friendly paragraphing.
I would have been happier had my annotations been able to be placed alongside the line they refer to. The economics of publishing makes this impossible. But since I do not believe that lexical annotations consisting only of a single word are truly satisfactory, I have often given three or four or even more words in each gloss. Placing all annotations at the bottom of the page does, therefore, have at least the advantage of clearly separating annotations one from the other.
Most of my lexical annotations are to words rather than to phrases, clauses, or sentences. As a teacher, I have found that students need to know what the components mean, just as much as they need to know the meaning of the finished product. Indeed, understanding syntax becomes a good deal easier when the components are clearly understood---and many of my annotations are syntactic as well as lexical. All syntactic material is placed in square brackets: [verb]. If, as is usually the case, annotations are both lexical and syntactic, the lexical portion always precedes the syntactic.
I have tried to annotate everything a student---any student, all students---might need to know. Not being able to predict on which page a student might first come upon material opaque to him or her, I have annotated repeatedly, tirelessly, and for some readers surely excessively. But I would much rather be safe than sorry.
Translations of the original (and it is striking how often Milton, though writing in a form of English, requires something very like translation) are always set in quotation marks. Renderings of anything more than a single word, however, are signaled first by a repetition of the words being annotated, and second by an equal sign placed immediately after that repetition:
evil store = an abundance of evil
those in servitude: servants
When the annotation is more commentary than rendering, the colon is replaced by an equal sign:
due time = in the time that, properly, it should take
When there are multiple meanings (and Milton is enormously fond of layered meaning, as also he is far fonder of wordplay, including puns, than his reputation would suggest) that are sufficiently distinct from one another, I have grouped them under numbered headings:
(1) perilous, rash, risky, (2) enterprising
Lexical glosses involving more than one word, but not involving semantic layering, simply employ commas: common, ordinary, uneducated
The slash is used to indicate that one of the words or phrases in a multiword annotative definition has distinct alternative possibilities:
having no material being/body
care for/prediction of the future
Note that the slash places in the alternative only the word immediately before it. Thus the first example above should be understood as "having no material being or body," and the second as "care for or prediction of the future." One additional example may make this clearer:
not maternal/the mother of
This should be understood, accordingly, as "not maternal, not the mother of."
Referential (informational) annotations use both the colon and, somewhat differently, the equal sign:
a Titan, daughter of Gaia (earth) by Zeus: goddess of justice
Horeb = Sinai, in Exodus and Deuteronomy
Nimrod ("hunter") : see Genesis 10:8--10
When I do not know with reasonable certainty what Milton is referring to or saying, I have said so, using a simple question mark:
not specified: the basic nature of the Godhead?
face (defiantly) ? await?
Although commentary, in the usual scholarly meaning, has been almost completely avoided in these annotations, it has sometimes been unavoidable. I have kept it as brief as possible, and have usually introduced it by the signal "i.e.":
i.e., the act of building, not the structure being built
The pronunciation of Greek names and, on occasion, of certain other words, often requires elucidation, which I have kept as minimal as possible:
Calliope [4 syllables, 2nd and 4th accented]
Hecate [trisyllabic], ghost-world goddess
One early reader commented that users of this book might sometimes find themselves dizzy, forced constantly to look up and down the page, from text to footnotes and back, on and on and on. Depending on the opacity of Milton's vocabulary, the turgidity of his syntax, and the frequency and insistence of his allusions, these pages necessarily vary enormously in their density of annotation. Lexically confident readers are advised to ignore as many of my annotations as they can. But it would be much appreciated if lexically well informed readers, and indeed anyone who finds any of the errors, omissions, and unclarities I have struggled to eliminate, would send me corrections.
UNDERSTANDING AND appreciating John Milton---Milton, that is, as an English poet---depends less on a knowledge of Christian doctrine or the rise and then the decline and fall of Puritanism as a governing force in British life, less on a wide-ranging familiarity with classical poetry and medieval and Renaissance European scholarship (including but certainly not limited to alchemy, astronomy, and astrology), and less on an awareness of the intellectual currents of seventeenth-century Europe than on the ability to understand why poetry such as the following---not by Milton, but written nearly a hundred years before the publication of Paradise Lost---maintained a continuing and sometimes worshipful readership well into the twentieth century:
Lo I the man, whose Muse whilom did mask,
As time her taught, in lowly Shepherd's weeds,
Am now enforced a far unfitter task,
For trumpets stern to change mine oaten reeds,
And sing of Knights' and Ladies' gentle deeds;
Whose praises having slept in silence long,
Me, all too mean, the sacred Muse areeds
[advises, teaches]
To blazon broad amongst her learnèd throng:
Fierce wars and faithful loves shall moralize my song.
Help then, O holy Virgin, chief of nine,
Thy weaker Novice to perform thy will,
Lay forth out of thine everlasting scryne [chest for books/documents]
The antique rolls which there lie hidden still,
Of Faery knights and fairest Tanaquil [wife of Tarquinius; here Queen Elizabeth]
Whom that most noble Briton Prince so long
Sought through the world, and suffered so much ill,
That I must rue his undeservèd wrong:
O help thou my weak wit, and sharpen my dull tongue.
The scholarly (but not necessarily merely literate) reader will immediately recognize these lines, and their author, and will know the massive and so long beloved English epic from which they come, Edmund Spenser's The Fairie Queene. And any reader at all, after a quarter of an hour's exposure to Paradise Lost in particular, will have at least some sense of the similarities of Milton's work to that of Spenser. These include:
• insistently lofty, elevated diction, expressive of the urgent conviction that poet and reader are engaged not in some casual, friendly dialogue or in mere entertainment, but in an activity at once both serious and highly moral; note that in line 7 the Muse is called "sacred"
• constant, even fundamental reference to past persons and events, including regular allusions to past intellectual belief structures (and note, please, the use of the plural; we here meet classical Muses and shepherds along with medieval knights, Roman along with British history, pagan along with Christian religion, and so on)
• frequent reliance on archaically tinted vocabulary (I have here modernized spelling, but the attentive reader will not be fooled)
• markedly convoluted syntax, with sentences being stretched (and bent) over many lines
• what modern poets and readers might call a long breath line---rhythms that elongate and tend to roll like the waves of the sea, rather than (as in much modern poetry) poke and dart even as they loll
• reliance on more or less objectified conventions, which are the very farthest thing from "personal" to either the poet or his poem: e.g., the confession in line 3 not only of the poet's incapacity for this task but of his general poetic ineptitude (he is here called to "a far unfitter task"---and see also "Me, all too mean," in line 7, and the reference to his "weak wit" and "dull tongue" in the final line of the second stanza)
• a set of assumptions, apparently fixed and settled for all time, about trumpets being "stern" (line 4), knights and ladies "gentle" (line 5) and their prior praises plainly insufficient (line 6), poets and their readers being "learnèd" (line 8), what is old being always good (the "antique rolls" of line 13), royalty invariably "noble" if male and "fair" or even "fairest" if female (lines 14 and 15), and princely suffering being both romantic and unfair (lines 16 and 17)
And there is more. But this is the introduction to a book about John Milton, not Edmund Spenser, vastly influential on Milton as Spenser clearly was. All the same, to nail the point home, let me quickly carry the story of Spenser's fame and influence into the nineteenth and, just barely, the twentieth century. William Wordsworth, at age thirty-one, was reported on Monday, the sixteenth of November, 1801, to be feeling "some what weakish," but in compensation (and perhaps as a curative) "now at 7 o'clock reading Spenser" (Journals of Dorothy Wordsworth, 59). Eight days later, "after tea William read Spenser[,] now and then a little aloud to us," his wife and sister (62). And on Thursday, the first of July, 1802, said to be "a very rainy day," we learn that "we had a nice walk, and afterwards sate by a nice snug fire and William read Spenser and I read 'As you like it'"(144). Plainly, Spenser traveled and was seen to belong in some pretty special company. Indeed, the very first poem in The Complete Poetical Works and Letters of John Keats, identified therein as "the earliest known composition of Keats," is an "Imitation of Spenser" (1). Spenser's tracks are all over the Keats volume, from a "Spenserian Stanza, written at the close of book v. of THE FAERIE QUEENE" (8--9), a sonnet "To Spenser" (42), and three more "Spenserian Stanzas" aimed in 1819 at Charles Armitrage Brown, in response (in Keats' own words) to "Brown this morning...writing some Spenserian stanzas against Mrs., Miss [Fanny] Brawne and me."
And Spenser's reach extends, as I have indicated, a good century further. In an 1858 letter to his sister, sent from Oxford, John Addington Symonds requests that he be sent his copy of Spenser (the request placed, in sequence, between Chaucer and "the large Milton" [The Letters of John Addington Symonds, I, 167]). In another letter home the next year, he asks, "Has a small Spenser in 6 diamond volumes, come for me from Jeffries in Redcliffe Street? I ordered it when I was last in Clifton" (I, 200). Nor did Symonds' interest flag in later years. Almost thirty years along, he writes to Edmund Gosse, 16 May 1886, from Germany, expressing genuine concern about the possible misattribution of a sixteenth-century poem the style of which "seems to me suspiciously like that of Spenser" (III, 139). Writing in 1896 from his prison cell in Reading, Oscar Wilde requested "Spenser's Poems," among other books (The Letters of Oscar Wilde, 405 n). And, finally, in August 1912 Edward Dowden writes that "most of my reading hours were given to Spenser, and once again I went through the 'Faerie Queene' (though I can't say, as Southey did, that I have read it once a year" [Letters of Edward Dowden, 381]).
Yet Milton not only participates in a long and strong tradition, connecting to it in more ways than I can here comment upon, but he has always been, and still remains, an immensely significant, powerful contributor to that tradition. He draws upon Shakespeare (he was born eight years before Shakespeare's death), as has everyone else. But he also adds to Shakespeare, as most others neither have done nor could do.
He scarce had ceased when the superior fiend
Was moving toward the shore, his ponderous shield,
Ethereal1 temper,2 massy, large, and round,
Behind him cast. The broad circumference
Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb
Through optic glass the Tuscan3 artist 4 views
At evening, from the top of Fesolé,
Or in Valdarno, to descry 5 new lands,
Rivers, or mountains in her spotty 6 globe.
His spear---to equal which the tallest pine
Hewn on Norwegian hills to be the mast
Of some great ammiral,7 were but a wand 8 ---
He walked with, to support uneasy9 steps
Over the burning marl,10 not like those steps
On Heaven's azure. And the torrid clime
Smote11 on him sore besides, vaulted 12 with fire.
PARADISE LOST, 1:284--98
The sweep and grandeur of this portrait of Satan, struggling to preserve his dignity (not to mention his power) even though newly fallen from the glories of heaven to the sulfurous and smoking fields of hell, is unmatchable in English verse. Virgil and even Homer, had they seen (or heard) Milton's description of the "ponderous shield, Ethereal temper, massy, large, and round, Behind him cast," the "broad circumference" of which "Hung on his shoulders like the moon," would have recognized and perhaps envied a colleague in and competitor for poetic glory. Milton's uniquely majestic rhetoric, his commanding poetic "voice," seem almost the effect of some marvelously benign Midas touch, turning even tawdriness into magnificent resonance.
It is not difficult, of course, to find this side of Milton, especially in Paradise Lost and Samson Agonistes but also, in different and younger ways, in Lycidas and, fittingly, in his quite early "On Shakespeare," probably written when he was only twenty-two. This is the Milton of whom Douglas Bush could declare, "Whoever the third of English poets may be [Shakespeare and Chaucer being overwhelming consensus choices for numbers I and 2], Milton's place has been next to the throne" (English Literature in the Earlier Seventeenth Century, 359). But whether writing about angels or demons, Milton's touch can also be delicate and lyrically shimmering:
...how he fell
From Heaven they fabled,13 thrown by angry Jove
Sheer14 o'er the crystal battlements.15From morn
To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve,
A summer's day, and with the setting sun
Dropt from the zenith,16 like a falling star....
PARADISE LOST, 1:740--45
His psychological insights, as well as his sense of inner drama, exceed those of every English poet or dramatist but Shakespeare. Here is Satan, newly arrived in view of the Garden of Eden:
...Horror and doubt distract
His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir
The Hell within him, for within him Hell
He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell
One step, no more than from himself, can fly
By change of place.
PARADISE LOST, 4:18--23
This patient, careful, almost tender delineation of devilish torment is a good deal more impressive even than that offered in Marlowe's fine play Doctor Faustus: "How comes it, then," asks Faustus of the devil, "that thou art out of hell?" And the devil replies, "Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it" (The Works of Christopher Marlowe, ed. Brooke, 155). Marlowe gives us high drama, as does Milton. But Milton gives us more.
And who can forget, once read, the achingly stupendous close to Lycidas, composed when Milton was twenty-nine:
Thus sang the uncouth17 swain to th' oaks and rills,18
While the still morn went out with sandals gray.
He touched the tender stops of various quills,19
With eager thought warbling his Doric 20 lay.
And now the sun had stretched out 21 all the hills,
And now was dropped into the western bay.
At last he rose and twitched 22 his mantle blue:
Tomorrow to fresh woods, and pastures new.
LYCIDAS, 186--93
The very moment he heard (by e-mail) that this edition was in preparation, a friend of mine, many years away from any connection with schools or colleges, promptly wrote out from memory a remarkably accurate transcript of almost fifty lines of Lycidas. That is exactly the sort of response, and the sort of tribute, that this edition of Milton's English poems is intended to elicit.
The principal function of the introduction to a book like this is to inform prospective readers of the editor's goals and intentions and of the nature of the material offered in support of those goals and intentions in the pages that follow. Introductions to editions of Milton customarily explain the editor's view of Milton's theological concerns, usually discussing the poetry's relationship to those concerns. Biographical information is often set out as well. (Biographical material is here offered, in capsule form, in the Chronology, which immediately follows the Contents listing above.) In this volume, however, much of the necessary theological and other informational material is spread throughout the book, being contained in the annotations (affixed to the poems for which such information is necessary), these comprising whatever value the book may possess. Those who employ this edition as a university textbook, which in all likelihood will be its chief use, will have an informed and communicative instructor to frame additionally needed contexts. And the brief list of suggested reading at the end of this volume offers, I trust, whatever further guidance may be required, at least in the initial stages of coming to know John Milton's English poetry. Most of the items there cited, of course, contain references to still further critical and historical materials.
A PARAPHRASE ON PSALM 114
1624
When the blest seed of Terah's faithful son23
After long toil their liberty had won,
And passed from Pharian 24
fields to Canaan land,
Led by the strength of the Almighty's hand,
Jehovah's wonders were in Israel shown,
His praise and glory was in Israel known.
That saw the troubled sea,25
and shivering fled,
And sought to hide his froth-becurlèd head
Low in the earth. Jordan's clear streams recoil,
As a faint 26 host 27 that hath received the foil.28
The high, huge-bellied mountains skip like rams
Amongst their ewes, the little hills like lambs.
Why fled the oceans and why skipped the mountains?
Why turned Jordan toward his crystal fountains?
Shake earth, and at the presence be aghast
Of Him that ever was, and aye29 shall last,
That 30 glassy floods from ruggèd rocks can crush,
And make soft rills31 from fiery flint-stones gush.
PSALM 136
1624
Let us with a gladsome mind
Praise the Lord, for He is kind,
For His mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
Let us blaze 32 His name abroad, 33
For of gods He is the God,
For His, etc.
O let us His praises tell,
Who doth the wrathful tyrants quell, 34
For His, etc.
That with His miracles doth make
Amazèd Heav'n and earth to shake,
For His, etc.
Who by His wisdom did create
The painted 35Heav'ns so full of state, 36
For His, etc.
Who did the solid earth ordain
To rise above the wat'ry plain,
For His, etc.
Who by His all-commanding might
Did fill the new-made world with light,
For His, etc.
And caused the golden-tressèd sun
All the day long his course to run,
For His, etc.
The hornèd moon to shine by night,
Amongst her spangled sisters bright,
For His, etc.
He with His thunder-clasping hand
Smote the firstborn of Egypt land,
For His, etc.
And in despite of Pharaoh fell,37
He brought from thence His Israel,38
For His, etc.
The ruddy waves He cleft in twain,
Of the Erythraean main,39
For His, etc.
The floods stood still like walls of glass
While the Hebrew bands did pass,
For His, etc.
But full soon they did devour
The tawny 40 king with all his power,
For His, etc.
His chosen people He did bless
In the wasteful 41wilderness,
For His, etc.
In bloody battle He brought down
Kings of prowess and renown,
For His, etc.
He foiled bold Seon and his host,
That ruled the Amorrean 42coast,
For His, etc.
And large-limbed Og 43He did subdue,
With all his over-hardy 44crew,
For His, etc.
And to His servant Israel 45
He gave their land, therein to dwell,
For His, etc.
He hath with a piteous eye
Beheld us in our misery,
For His, etc.
And freed us from the slavery
Of the invading enemy,
For His, etc.
All living creatures He doth feed,
And with full hand supplies their need,
For His, etc.
Let us therefore warble 46 forth
His mighty majesty and worth,
For His, etc.
That His mansion hath on high,
Above the reach of mortal eye,
For His mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
ON THE DEATH OF A FAIR INFANT DYING OF A COUGH
1625--26? 1628?
O fairest flower no sooner blown 47 but blasted,48
Soft silken primrose fading timelessly,
Summer's chief honor if thou hadst outlasted
Bleak winter's force, that made thy blossom dry,
For he being amorous on that lovely dye
That did thy cheek envermeil,49thought to kiss,
But killed, alas, and then bewailed his fatal bliss.
For since grim Aquilo,50his 51charioteer,
By boisterous 52rape th' Athenian damsel53got, He thought it touched 54his deity full near
If likewise he some fair one wedded not,55
Thereby to wipe away the infamous56blot
Of long-uncoupled bed and childless eld,57
Which 'mongst the wanton58gods a foul reproach was held.
So mounting up in icy-pearlèd car 59
Through middle empire of the freezing air
He wandered long, till thee he spied from far.
There ended was his quest, there ceased his care:
Down he descended from his snow-soft chair,
But all unwares with his cold-kind embrace
Unhoused thy virgin soul from her fair biding 60place.
Yet art thou not inglorious 61in thy fate,
For so Apollo, with unweeting62hand,
Whilom63did slay his dearly lovèd mate,64
Young Hyacinth, born on Eurotas' strand,65
Young Hyacinth, the pride of Spartan land,
But then transformed him to a purple flower:
Alack, that so to change thee winter had no power.
Yet can I not persuade me thou art dead
Or that thy corpse corrupts in earth's dark womb,
Or that thy beauties lie in wormy bed,
Hid from the world in a low-delved66tomb.
Could Heav'n, for pity, thee so strictly doom?
Oh no! for something in thy face did shine
Above mortality that showed thou wast divine.
Resolve67me, then, O soul most surely blest
(If so it be that thou these plaints68dost hear)!
Tell me, bright spirit, where'er thou hoverest,
Whether above that high, first-moving sphere
Or in the Elysian fields (if such there were),
Oh say me true if thou were mortal wight 69
And why from us so quickly thou didst take thy flight.
Were thou some star which from the ruined roof
Of shaked Olympus by mischance didst fall?
Which careful Jove in Nature's true behoof 70
Took up, and in fit71place did reinstall?
Or did, of late, earth's sons besiege the wall
Of shiny Heav'n, and thou some goddess fled
Amongst us here below to hide thy nectared head?
Or were thou that just maid who once before
Forsook the hated earth,72O tell me sooth,
And cam'st again to visit us once more?
Or wert thou Mercy, that sweet smiling youth?
Or that crowned matron, sage white-robèd Truth?
Or any other of that heav'nly brood
Let down in cloudy throne to do the world some good?
Or wert thou of the golden-wingèd host,
Who having clad thyself in human weed 73
To earth from thy prefixèd seat didst post,74
And after short abode fly back with speed,
As if to show what creatures Heav'n doth breed,
Thereby to set the hearts of men on fire
To scorn the sordid 75world, and unto Heav'n aspire?
But oh, why didst thou not stay here below
To bless us with thy Heav'n-loved innocence?
To slake his wrath, whom sin hath made our foe?
To turn swift-rushing black perdition hence,
Or drive away the slaughtering pestilence?
To stand 'twixt us and our deservèd smart? 76
But thou canst best perform that office where thou art.
Then thou, the mother of so sweet a child,
Her false-imagin'd loss cease to lament,
And wisely learn to curb thy sorrows wild.
Think what a present thou to God has sent,
And render Him with patience what he lent.
This if thou do, He will an offspring give
That till the world's last end shall make thy name to live.
AT A VACATION EXERCISE IN THE COLLEGE, PART LATIN, PART ENGLISH
1628
The Latin speeches ended, the English thus began:
Hail, native language, that by sinews weak
Didst move my first endeavoring tongue to speak
And mad'st imperfect words with childish trips,
Half unpronounced, slide through my infant lips,
Driving dumb silence from the portal door,
Where he had mutely sat two years before!
Here I salute thee, and thy pardon ask,
That now I use thee in my later task.
Small loss it is that hence can come unto thee:
I know my tongue but little grace can do thee.
Thou needst not be ambitious to be first:
Believe me, I have thither 77packed the worst---
And, if it happen, as I did forecast,
The daintiest dishes shall be served up last.
I pray thee, then, deny me not thy aid
For this same small neglect that I have made,
But haste thee straight to do me once a pleasure,
And from thy wardrobe bring thy chiefest treasure,
Not those new-fangled toys and trimming slight
Which takes our late fantastics with delight,
But cull those richest robes and gay'st attire
Which deepest spirits and choicest wits desire.
I have some naked 78thoughts that rove about
And loudly knock to have their passage out,
And, weary of their place, do only stay
Till thou has decked them in thy best array,
That so they may without suspect 79or fears
Fly swiftly to this fair assembly's ears.
Yet I had rather, if I were to choose,
Thy service in some graver subject use,
Such as may make thee search thy coffers80round 81
Before thou clothe my fancy in fit sound---
Such where the deep transported mind may soar
Above the wheeling poles, and at Heav'n's door
Look in, and see each blissful deity
How he before the thunderous throne doth lie,
Listening to what unshorn Apollo sings
To the touch of golden wires, while Hebe 82brings
Immortal nectar to her kingly sire.
Then passing through the spheres of watchful fire,
And misty regions of wide air next under,
And hills of snow and lofts 83of pilèd thunder,
May tell at length how green-eyed Neptune raves,
In Heav'n's defiance mustering all his waves.
Then sing of secret things that came to pass
When beldam 84Nature in her cradle was.
And last, of kings and queens and heroes old,
Such as the wise Demodocus85once told,
In solemn songs at king Alcinous' feast,
While sad Ulysses' soul and all the rest
Are held with his melodious harmony
In willing chains and sweet captivity.
But fie, my wand'ring muse! How thou dost stray!
Expectance calls thee now another way:
Thou know'st it must be now thy only bent
To keep in compass 86of thy predicament.87
Then quick, about thy purposed business come,
That to the next I may resign my room.88
Then Ens is represented as father of the [ten Aristotelian] predicaments, his ten sons, whereof the eldest stood for substance, with his canons, which Ens, thus speaking, explains:
Good luck befriend thee, son, for at thy birth
The fairy ladies danced upon the hearth.
Thy drowsy nurse hath sworn she did them spy
Come tripping to the room where thou didst lie,
And sweetly singing round about thy bed
Strew all their blessings on thy sleeping head.
She heard them give thee this: that thou should'st still
From eyes of mortals walk invisible.
Yet there is something that doth force my fear,
For once it was my dismal 89hap 90to hear
A sibyl91old, bow-bent with crooked age,
That far events full wisely could presage,
And in time's long and dark prospective glass
Foresaw what future days should bring to pass:
"Your son," said she, "(nor can you it prevent)
Shall be subject to many an accident.
O'er all his brethren he shall reign as king,
Yet every one shall make him underling,
And those that cannot live from him asunder92
Ungratefully shall strive to keep him under.
In worth and excellence he shall out-go93them, Yet being above them, he shall be below them.
From others he shall stand in need of nothing,
Yet on his brothers shall depend for clothing.
To find a foe it shall not be his hap,
And peace shall lull him in her flow'ry lap.
Yet shall he live in strife, and at his door
Devouring war shall never cease to roar.
Yea, it shall be his natural property94
To harbor those that are at enmity."
What power, what force, what mighty spell, if not
Your learned hands, can loose this Gordian knot?
The next, Quantity and Quality, spoke in prose. Then Relation was called by his name:
Rivers 95arise, whether thou be the son
Of utmost 96Tweed,97or Ouse, or gulfy Dun,98
Or Trent, who like some earth-born giant spreads
His thirty99arms along the indented meads,
Or sullen Mole, that runneth underneath,
Or Severn swift, guilty of maiden's death,100
Or rocky Avon, or of sedgy Lea,
Or coaly Tyne,101or ancient hallowed Dee,
Or Humber loud, that keeps 102the Scythian's name,
Or Medway smooth, or royal-towered Thame.103
ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY
1629
This is the month, and this the happy morn
Wherein the son of Heav'n's eternal king,
Of wedded maid and virgin mother born,
Our great redemption from above did bring.
For so the holy sages once did sing,
That he our deadly forfeit104should release,
And with his Father work us a perpetual peace.
That glorious form, that light unsufferable,105
And that far-beaming blaze of majesty
Wherewith he wont,106 at Heav'n's high council-table
To sit, the midst of Trinal Unity,
He laid aside, and here with us to be
Forsook the courts107of everlasting day,
And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay.
Say Heavenly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein108
Afford 109a present to the infant God?
Hast thou no verse, no hymn, or solemn strain,110
To welcome him to this his new abode,
Now while the Heav'n by the sun's team111untrod,
Hath took no print112of the approaching light
And all the spangled host keep watch in squadrons bright?
See how, from far, upon the eastern road
The star-led wizards 113haste, with odors sweet!
O run, prevent 114them with thy humble ode,
And lay it lowly at his blessèd feet!
Have thou the honor, first thy Lord to greet,
And join thy voice unto the Angel choir
From out his secret altar, touched with hallowed fire.
It was the winter wild,
While the Heav'n-born child
All meanly115wrapped in the rude 116manger117lies.
Nature in awe118to him
Had doffed 119her gaudy 120trim,121
With her great master so to sympathize.
It was no season then for her
To wanton with the sun, her lusty 122paramour.
Only with speeches fair
She woos the gentle air
To hide her guilty front123with innocent snow,
And on her naked shame,
Pollute 124with sinful blame,
The saintly veil of maiden white to throw,
Confounded125that her Maker's eyes
Should look so near upon her foul deformities.
But he, her fears to cease,
Sent down the meek-eyed Peace.
She, crowned with olive green, came softly sliding
Down through the turning sphere,
His ready harbinger,126
With turtle wing the amorous clouds dividing,
And waving wide her myrtle wand
She strikes a universal peace through sea and land.
No war or battle's sound
Was heard the world around.
The idle spear and shield were high up hung,
The hookèd 127chariot stood
Unstained with hostile blood,
The trumpet spoke not to the armèd throng,
And kings sat still, with awful128eye,
As if they surely knew their sov'reign Lord was by.
But peaceful was the night
Wherein the Prince of Light
His reign of peace upon the earth began.
The winds, with wonder whist,129
Smoothly the waters kissed,
Whispering new joys to the mild ocean,
Who now hath quite forgot to rave,130
While birds of calm sit brooding on the charmèd wave.
The stars with deep amaze
Stand fixed in steadfast gaze,
Bending one way their precious influence,
And will not take their flight,
For all the morning light,
Or Lucifer 131that often warned them thence,
But in their glimmering orbs did glow,
Until their Lord himself bespoke, and bid them go.
And though the shady gloom
Had given day her room,132
The sun himself withheld his wonted speed,
And hid his head for shame,
As 133his inferior flame
The new-enlightened world no more should need;
He saw a greater sun appear
Than his bright throne or burning axletree could bear.
The shepherds on the lawn,
Or ere the point 134of dawn,
Sat simply chatting in a rustic row.
Full little thought they then
That the mighty Pan
Was kindly come to live with them below.
Perhaps their loves, or else their sheep,
Was all that did their silly 135thoughts so busy keep.
When such music sweet
Their hearts and ears did greet,
As never was by mortal finger struck,
Divinely-warbled voice
Answering the stringèd noise
As all their souls in blissful rapture took.136
The air such pleasure loath to lose
With thousand echoes still prolongs each heavenly close.137
Nature that heard such sound
Beneath the hollow round
Of Cynthia's 138seat, the airy region thrilling,
Now was almost won
To think her part was done,
And that her reign had here its last fulfilling.
She knew such harmony alone
Could hold all Heav'n and earth in happier union.
At last surrounds their sight
A globe of circular light,
That with long beams the shame-faced night arrayed.139
The helmèd Cherubim
And swordèd Seraphim
Are seen in glittering ranks, with wings displayed,
Harping in loud and solemn choir,
With unexpressive 140notes to Heav'n's new-born heir.
Such music (as 'tis said)
Before was never made
But when of old the sons of morning sung,
While the Creator great
His constellations set,
And the well-balanced world on hinges hung,
And cast the dark foundations deep,
And bid the weltering141waves their oozy channel keep.
Ring out, ye crystal spheres,
Once bless our human ears
(If ye have power to touch our senses so),
And let your silver chime
Move in melodious time,
And let the bass of Heav'n's deep organ blow,
And with your ninefold harmony
Make up full consort to the angelic symphony.
For if such holy song
Enwrap our fancy long,
Time will run back and fetch the Age of Gold,
And speckled 142vanity
Will sicken soon, and die,
And leprous sin will melt from earthly mould,
And Hell itself will pass away,
And leave her dolorous143mansions144to the peering day.
Yea, Truth and Justice then
Will down return to men,
Orbed in a rainbow; and like145glories wearing
Mercy will sit between,
Throned in celestial sheen,
With radiant feet the tissued 146clouds down steering,
And Heav'n, as at some festival,
Will open wide the gates of her high palace hall.
But wisest Fate says no,
This must not yet be so,
The Babe lies yet in smiling infancy
That on the bitter cross
Must redeem our loss,
So both himself and us to glorify.
Yet first to those ychained in sleep
The wakeful trump of doom must thunder through the deep
With such a horrid clang
As on Mount Sinai rang
While the red fire and smoldering clouds out-break.
The aged earth aghast
With terror of that blast
Shall from the surface to the center shake;
When at the world's last session147
The dreadful 148Judge in middle air shall spread His throne,
And then at last our bliss
Full and perfect is---
But now begins, for from this happy day
Th' old dragon under ground
In straiter149limits bound
Not half so far casts his usurpèd sway,
And wroth 150to see his kingdom fail
Swinges151the scaly horror of his folded tail.
The oracles are dumb;
No voice or hideous hum
Runs through the archèd roof in words deceiving.
Apollo from his shrine
Can no more divine,152
With hollow shriek the steep153of Delphos leaving.
No nightly trance or breathèd spell
Inspires 154the pale-eyed priest from the prophetic cell.
The lonely mountains o'er,
And the resounding shore,
A voice of weeping heard, and loud lament.
From haunted spring and dale
Edged with poplar pale 155
The parting genius 156 is with sighing sent.
With flower-inwoven tresses torn
The Nymphs in twilight shade of tangled thickets mourn.
In consecrated earth,
And on the holy hearth,
The lars and lemures 157 moan with midnight plaint.
In urns and altars round,
A drear and dying sound
Affrights the flamens 158 at their service quaint,159
And the chill marble seems to sweat,
While each peculiar 160 power161 forgoes his wonted seat.
Forsake their temples dim,
With that twice-battered god of Palestine
And moonèd Ashtaroth,164
Heav'n's queen and mother both,
Now sits not girt 165 with tapers' holy shine.
The Libyc Hammon 166 shrinks167 his horn.
In vain the Tyrian maids their wounded Thammuz168 mourn,
And sullen Moloch,169 fled,
Hath left in shadows dread
His burning idol all of blackest hue.
In vain with cymbals' ring
They call the grisly king,
In dismal dance about the furnace170 blue.
The brutish 171 gods of Nile as fast,
Isis 172 and Orus,173 and the dog Anubis,174 haste.
Nor is Osiris175 seen
In Memphian grove or green,
Trampling th' unshowered grass with lowings loud,
Nor can he be at rest
Within his sacred chest:176
Nought but profoundest Hell can be his shroud.
In vain with timbreled 177 anthems 178 dark
The sable-stolèd179 sorcerers bear his worshipped ark.
He feels from Judah's land
The dreaded infant's hand,
The rays of Bethlehem blind his dusky eyn.180
Nor all the gods beside
Longer dare abide,
Not Typhon181 huge, ending in snaky twine.182
Our Babe, to show his Godhead true,
Can in his swaddling bands control the damnèd crew.
So when the sun in bed,
Curtained with cloudy red,
Pillows his chin upon an orient183 wave,
The flocking shadows pale
Troop to the infernal jail.
Each fettered ghost slips to his several184 grave
And the yellow-skirted fays185
Fly after the night-steeds, leaving their moon-loved maze.186
But see, the Virgin blest
Hath laid her Babe to rest.
Time is our tedious 187 song should here have ending.
Heav'n's youngest-teemèd 188 star
Hath fixed her polished car,
Her sleeping Lord with handmaid lamp attending,
And all about the courtly stable
1630: "This subject the author finding to be above the years he had when he wrote it, and nothing satisfied with what was begun, left it unfinished."
Erewhile 191 of music and ethereal mirth,
Wherewith the stage of air and earth did ring,
And joyous news of Heav'nly infant's birth,
My muse with Angels did divide to sing.192
But headlong joy is ever on the wing,
In wintry solstice like the shortened light
Soon swallowed up in dark and long outliving night.
For now to sorrow must I tune my song,
And set my harp to notes of saddest woe,
Which on our dearest Lord did seize193 ere long
Dangers, and snares, and wrongs, and worse than so,
Which he for us did freely undergo,
Most perfect hero, tried in heaviest 194 plight195
Of labors huge and hard, too hard for human wight.196
He sov'reign priest, stooping his regal head
That dropped with odorous oil down his fair eyes,
Poor fleshly tabernacle 197 entered,
His starry front low-roofed beneath the skies.
Oh what a mask was there, what a disguise!
Yet more: the stroke of death he must abide,198
Then lies him meekly down fast by his brethren's side.
These latter scenes confine my roving verse;
To this horizon is my Phoebus 199 bound:
His Godlike acts, and his temptations fierce,
And former sufferings otherwhere are found.
Loud o'er the rest Cremona's trump doth sound.200
Me softer airs befit,201 and softer strings
Of lute, or viol still,202 more apt for mournful things.
Befriend me, night, best patroness of grief,
Over the pole thy thickest mantle throw,
And work my flattered fancy to belief
That Heav'n and earth are colored with my woe,
My sorrows are too dark for day to know.
The leaves should all be black wheron I write,
And letters, where my tears have washed, a wannish white.
See, see the chariot, and those rushing wheels
That whirled the prophet 203 up, at Chebar flood!
My spirit some transporting Cherub feels,
To bear me where the towers of Salem204 stood,
Once glorious towers, now sunk in guiltless blood.
There doth my soul in holy vision sit,
In pensive205 trance,206 and anguish, and ecstatic fit.207
Mine eye hath found that sad sepulchral rock
That was the casket of Heav'n's richest store,208
And here though grief my feeble hands uplock209
Yet on the softened quarry 210 would I score211
My plaining212 verse, as lively213 as before,
For sure so well instructed are my tears
That they would fitly fall in ordered characters.214
Or should I, thence hurried on viewless wing,
Take up a weeping on the mountains wild,
The gentle neighborhood of grove and spring
Would soon unbosom all their echoes mild,
And I (for grief is easily beguiled)
Might think th' infection215 of my sorrows loud
Had got a race of mourners on some pregnant cloud.
SONG: ON MAY MORNING
1630--31
Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger,216
Comes dancing from the east, and leads with her
The flow'ry May, who from her green lap throws
The yellow cowslip, and the pale primrose.
Hail bounteous May, that dost inspire
Mirth and youth and warm desire,
Woods and groves are of thy dressing,217
Hill and dale218 doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.
SONNET 1
1628? 1630?
O nightingale, that on yon bloomy spray 221
Warblest at eve, when all the woods are still,
Thou with fresh hope the lover's heart dost fill,
While the jolly hours lead on propitious222 May.
Thy liquid notes that close the eye of day,
First heard before the shallow cuckoo's bill,
Portend success in love. O if Jove's will
Have linked that amorous power to thy soft lay 223
Now timely224 sing, ere the rude225 bird of hate226
Foretell my hopeless doom, in some grove nigh,
As thou from year to year hast sung too late
For my relief, yet hadst no reason why.
Whether the muse or love call thee his mate,
Both them I serve, and of their train227 am I.
SONNET 7
1632
How soon hath time, the subtle 228 thief of youth,
Stol'n on his wing my three and twentieth year!
My hasting days fly on, with full career,229
But my late spring no bud or blossom show'th.
Perhaps my semblance might deceive the truth
That I to manhood am arrived so near,
And inward ripeness doth much less appear,
That some more timely-happy spirits indu'th.230
Yet be it less or more, or soon or slow,
It shall be still 231 in strictest measure ev'n 232
To that same lot,233 however mean 234 or high,
Towards which time leads me, and the will of Heav'n.
All is, if I have grace to use it so,
As ever in my great task-master's eye.
SONNET 8
1642
Captain or colonel,235 or knight in arms,
Whose chance 236 on these defenseless doors may seize,237
If ever deed of honor did thee please
Guard them, and him within 238 protect from harms.
He can requite 239 thee, for he knows the charms
That call fame on such gentle240 acts as these,
And he can spread thy name o'er lands and seas,
Whatever clime the sun's bright circle warms.
Lift not thy spear against the muses' bow'r! 241
The great Emathian conqueror 242 bid spare
The house of Pindarus,243 when temple and tow'r
Went to the ground, and the repeated air 244
Of sad Electra's poet 245 had the power
To save th' Athenian walls from ruin bare.
SONNET 9
1643--45
Lady,246 that in the prime of earliest youth
Wisely hath shunned the broad way,247 and the green,
And with those few art eminently248 seen
That labor up the hill of Heav'nly truth,
The better part with Mary, and with Ruth,249
Chosen thou hast, and they that overween 250
And at thy growing virtues fret251 their spleen
No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth.252
Thy care253 is fixed, and zealously attends 254
To fill thy odorous lamp with deeds of light,
And hope that reaps not shame. Therefore be sure,
Thou, when the bridegroom with his feastful friends
Passes to bliss, at the mid hour of night,
Hast gained thy entrance, virgin wise and pure.
SONNET 10
1643--45
Daughter to that good earl,255 once president
Of England's Council and her Treasury,
Who lived in both unstained with gold or fee,
And left them both, more in himself content,
Till the sad breaking of that Parliament
Broke him,256 as that dishonest victory
At Chaeronéa,257 fatal to liberty
Killed with report that old man, eloquent.258
Though later born than to have known the days
Wherein your father flourished, yet by you,
Madam, methinks I see him living yet,
So well your words his noble virtues praise
That all both judge you to relate 259 them true
And to possess them, honored Margaret.
SONNET 11
1645?
I did but prompt the age to quit their clogs 260
By the known rules of ancient liberty 261
When straight a barbarous noise environs 262 me
Of owls and cuckoos, asses, apes, and dogs.
As when those hinds 263 that were transformed to frogs
Railed at Latona's twin-born progeny,264
Which after held the sun and moon in fee.
But this is got by casting pearl to hogs,
That bawl for freedom, in their senseless mood,
And still265 revolt when truth would set them free.
Licence, they mean, when they cry "liberty,"
For who loves that must first be wise and good.
But from that mark how far they rove we see
For all this waste of wealth and loss of blood.
SONNET 12
1647?
A book was writ, of late, called Tetrachordon,266
And woven close both matter, form, and style.
The subject new, it walked the town a while,
Numb'ring good intellects---now seldom pored on.267
Cries the stall-reader, "Bless us! What a word on
A title page is this!" And some in file 268
Stand spelling false, while 269 one might walk to Mile-
End Green. Why is it harder, sirs, than Gordon,270
Colkitto,271 or MacDonnell,272 or Galasp? 273
Those rugged names to our like mouths grow sleek,
That would have made Quintilian 274 stare and gasp!
Thy age, like ours---O soul of Sir John Cheek!---275
Hated not learning worse than toad or asp,
When thou taught'st Cambridge, and King Edward, Greek.
SONNET 13
1646
Harry,276 whose tuneful and well-measured 277 song
First taught our English music how to span 278
Words with just 279 note and accent, not to scan
With Midas ears,280 committing281 short and long.
Thy worth and skill exempts thee from the throng,
With praise enough for envy to look wan.
To after age thou shalt be writ the man
That with smooth air282 couldst humor best our tongue.
Thou honor'st verse, and verse must lend her wing
To honor thee, the priest of Phoebus choir,
That tun'st their happiest lines, in hymn or story.
Dante shall give Fame leave to set thee higher
Than his Casella,283 whom he wooed to sing,
Met in the milder shades of Purgatory.
SONNET 14
1646
When faith and love, which parted from thee284 never,
Had ripened thy just soul to dwell with God,
Meekly thou didst resign this earthly load
Of death, called life, which us from life doth sever.
Thy works and alms, and all thy good endeavor,
Stayed not behind nor in the grave were trod,
But as faith pointed with her golden rod
Followed thee up to joy and bliss forever.
Love led them on, and faith, who knew them best---
Thy handmaids---clad them o'er with purple beams
And azure wings, that up they flew, so dressed,
And spoke the truth of thee in glorious themes285
Before the judge, who thenceforth bid thee rest
And drink thy fill of pure immortal streams.
SONNET 15
1648
Fairfax,286 whose name in arms through Europe rings,
Filling each mouth with envy, or with praise,
And all her jealous monarchs with amaze
And rumors loud, that daunt remotest kings,
Thy firm unshaken virtue ever brings
Victory home, though new rebellions raise
Their hydra heads, and the false North287 displays
Her broken league,288 to imp 289 her serpent wings:290
O yet a nobler task awaits thy hand,
For what can wars but endless wars still breed,
Till truth and right from violence be freed,
And public faith cleared from the shameful brand
Of public fraud. In vain doth valor bleed
While avarice and rapine291 share the land.
SONNET 16
1652
Cromwell, our chief of men, who through a cloud
Not of war only, but detractions292 rude,293
Guided by faith and matchless fortitude
To peace and truth thy glorious way hath ploughed,
And on the neck of crownèd Fortune proud
Hast reared God's trophies, and His work pursued,
While Darwen294 stream with blood of Scots embru'd,295
And Dunbar296 field resounds thy praises loud,
And Worcester's297 laureat wreath, yet much remains
To conquer still. Peace hath her victories
No less renowned than war, new foes arise,
Threat'ning to bind our souls with secular chains!
Help us to save free conscience from the paw
Of hireling wolves, whose gospel is their maw.298
SONNET 17
1652
Vane,299 young in years but in sage counsel old,
Than whom a better senator ne'er held
The helm of Rome, when gowns,300
The fierce Epeirut 301 and th' African 302 bold:
Whether to settle peace, or to unfold
The drift 303 of hollow304 states, hard to be spelled;305
Then to advise how war may best, upheld,
Move by her two main nerves, iron and gold,
In all her equipage;306 besides, to know
Both spiritual power and civil, what each means,
What severs each---thou hast learned, which few have done.
The bounds of either sword to thee we owe.
Therefore, on thy firm hand religion leans
In peace, and reckons thee her eldest son.
SONNET 18
1655
Avenge, O Lord, Thy slaughtered Saints,307 whose bones
Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains cold---
Ev'n them who kept Thy truth so pure of old,
When all our fathers worshipped stocks and stones!
Forget not! In Thy book record 308 their groans,
Who were Thy sheep, and in their ancient fold 309
Slain by the bloody Piemontese, who rolled
Mother with infant down the rocks. Their moans
The vales redoubled to the hills, and they
To Heav'n. Their martyred blood and ashes sow
O'er all th' Italian fields where still doth sway
The triple tyrant,310 that from these may grow
A hundred-fold, who having learned Thy way
Early, may fly311 the Babylonian woe.312
SONNET 19
1655
When I consider how my life is spent,313
Ere 314 half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent315 which is death to hide
Lodged with me, useless, though my soul more bent 316
To serve therewith my Maker, and present 317
My true account, lest He, returning,318 chide---319
"Doth God exact day labor, light denied?"
I fondly ask, but patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or His own gifts. Who best
Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state
Is kingly. Thousands at His bidding speed
And post 320 o'er land and ocean, without rest.
They also serve who only stand and wait."
SONNET 20
1655
Lawrence,321 of virtuous father, virtuous son,
Now that the fields are dank, and ways 322 are mire,323
Where shall we sometimes meet, and by the fire
Help waste a sullen 324 day, what 325 may be won
From the hard season326 gaining? 327 Time will run
On smoother, till Favonius 328 re-inspire
The frozen earth, and clothe in fresh attire
The lily and rose, that neither sowed nor spun.329
What neat 330 repast shall feast us, light and choice,
Of Attic taste, with wine, whence we may rise
To hear the lute well touched, or artful voice
Warble immortal notes and Tuscan 331 air?
He who of those delights can judge, and spare 332
To interpose 333 them oft, is not unwise.
SONNET 21
1655
Cyriack! 334 Whose grandsire on the Royal Bench 335
Of British Themis,336 with no mean 337 applause
Pronounced 338 and in his volumes 339 taught our laws,
Which others at their Bar 340 so often wrench 341 ---
Today deep thoughts resolve with me to drench 342
In mirth, that after no repenting draws.343
Let Euclid rest, and Archimedes pause,
And what the Swede344 intends, and what the French!
To measure life, learn thou betimes345 and know
Toward solid 346 good what leads the nearest way.
For other things, mild Heav'n a time ordains,
And disapproves that care, though wise in show,
That with superfluous burden loads the day
And, when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains!
SONNET 22
1655
Cyriack, this three years day these eyes, though clear
To outward view of blemish or of spot,
Bereft 347 of light their seeing have forgot,
Nor to their idle 348 orbs doth sight appear
Of sun, or moon, or star throughout the year,
Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not
Against Heav'n's hand or will, nor bate 349 a jot 350
Of heart or hope, but still bear up and steer
Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?
The conscience, friend, t' have lost them overplied 351
In liberty's defense, my noble task,
Of which all Europe talks from side to side.
This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask,
Content, though blind, had I no better guide.
SONNET 23
1656--58?
Methought I saw my late espousèd saint 352
Brought to me, like Alcestis,353 from the grave,
Who Jove's great son to her glad husband gave,
Rescued from death by force, though pale and faint.
Mine as whom, washed from spot of childbed taint,354
Purification in th' old law 355 did save,
And such as yet once more I trust to have
Full sight of her in Heav'n, without restraint,356
Came vested 357 all in white, pure as her mind.
Her face was veiled, yet to my fancied sight
Love, sweetness, goodness in her person shined
So clear, as in no face with more delight.
But O, as to embrace me she inclined,358
I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night.
1630
What needs my Shakespeare, for his honored bones,
The labor of an age in pilèd stones,
Or that his hallowed relics should be hid
Under a star-ypointing pyramid?
Dear son of memory,359 great heir of fame, What need'st thou such weak witness of thy name?
Thou in our wonder and astonishment
Hast built thyself a livelong monument!
For whilst to th' shame of slow-endeavoring 360 art Thy easy numbers 361 flow, and that each heart Hath from the leaves of thy unvalued 362 book Those Delphic363 lines with deep 364 impression 365 took, Then thou our fancy, of itself bereaving,366
Dost make us marble 367 with too much conceiving,368
And so sepulchred 369 in such pomp 370 dost lie That kings for such a tomb would wish to die.
ON THE UNIVERSITY CARRIER371
1631
who sickened in the time of his vacancy,372 being forbid to go to London by reason of the Plague.
Here lies old Hobson.373 Death has broke his girt 374
And here, alas, hath laid him in the dirt,
Or else the ways 375 being foul, twenty to one He's here stuck in a slough,376 and overthrown.
'Twas such a shifter,377 that if truth were known, Death was half glad when he had got him down,
For he had any time this ten years full 378
Dodged379 with him, betwixt Cambridge and The Bull.380
And surely, Death could never have prevailed
Had not his weekly course of carriage 381 failed, But lately finding him so long at home,
And thinking now his journey's end was come,
And that he had ta'en up his latest inn,
In the kind office of a chamberlain 382
Showed him his room where he must lodge that night,
Pulled off his boots, and took away the light.383
If any ask for him, it shall be said,
"Hobson has supped, and's newly gone to bed."
1631
Here lieth one who did most truly prove
That he could never die while he could move,
So hung 384 his destiny never to rot 385
While he might still jog on and keep his trot,
Made of sphere-metal,386 never to decay Until his revolution387 was at stay.388
Time numbers389 motion, yet (without a crime 'Gainst old truth) motion numbered out his time,
And like an engine390 moved with wheel and weight, His principles391 being ceased, he ended straight.392
Rest that gives all men life, gave him his death,
And too much breathing393 put him out of breath.
Nor were it contradiction to affirm
Too long vacation hastened on his term.394
Merely to drive the time away 395 he sickened, Fainted, and died, nor would with ale be quickened.396
"Nay," quoth he, on his swooning bed outstretched,
"If I may not carry, sure I'll ne'er be fetched,397
But vow, though the cross doctors all stood hearers,
For one carrier put down398 to make six bearers." 399
Ease was his chief disease, and to judge right
He died for heaviness400 that his cart went light.
His leisure 401 told him that his time was come, And lack of load 402 made his life burdensome, That 403 even to his last breath (there be that say't) As 404 he were pressed to death,405 he cried, "More weight!"
But had his doings lasted as they were
He had been an immortal carrier.406
Obedient to the moon, he spent his date 407
In course reciprocal,408 and had his fate Linked to the mutual flowing of the seas,
Yet (strange to think) his wain409 was his increase.
His letters are delivered all and gone,
Only remains this superscription.410
AN EPITAPH ON THE MARCHIONESS OF WINCHESTER
1631
This rich marble doth inter 411
The honored wife of Winchester,412
A Viscount's daughter,413 an Earl's heir,414
Besides what her virtues fair
Added to her noble birth,
More than she could own from earth.
Summers three times eight save one
She had told 415 ---alas, too soon, And so short time of breath,
To house416 with darkness and with death.
Yet had the number of her days
Been as complete as was her praise,
Nature and Fate had had no strife
In giving limit to her life.
Her high birth and her graces sweet
Quickly found a lover meet;417
The virgin choir for her request
The god that sits at marriage feast.418
He at their invoking came
But with a scarce well-lighted flame,419
And in his garland as he stood
Ye might discern a cypress bud.420
Once had the early matrons run
To greet her of a lovely son,421
And now with second hope she goes,
And calls Lucina 422 to her throes.423
But whether by mischance or blame
Atropos 424 for Lucina came, And with remorseless cruelty
Spoiled at once both fruit and tree:
The hapless babe before his birth
Had burial, yet not laid in earth,
And the languished mother's womb
Was not long a living tomb.425
So have I seen some tender slip 426
Saved with care from winter's nip,
The pride of her carnation train,427
Plucked up by some unheedy 428 swain429
Who only thought to crop 430 the flower New shot up from vernal431 shower.
But the fair blossom hangs the head
Sideways as on a dying bed,
And those pearls of dew she wears
Prove to be presaging432 tears Which the sad morn had let fall
On her hastening funeral.
Gentle lady, may thy grave
Peace and quiet ever have.
After this, thy travail sore,
Sweet rest seize thee evermore,
That to give the world increase
Shortened hast thy own life's lease.
Here besides the sorrowing
That thy noble house doth bring,
Here be tears of perfect moan
Wept for thee in Helicon,433
And some flowers and some bays434
For thy hearse to strew the ways,435
Sent thee from the banks of Came,436
Devoted to thy virtuous name,
Whilst thou, bright Saint, high sitt'st in glory,
Next her much like to thee in story,
That fair Syrian shepherdess 437
Who after years of barrenness
The highly-favored Joseph bore
To him that served for her before,438
And at her next birth, much like thee,
Through pangs fled to felicity,439
Far within the bosom bright
Of blazing Majesty and Light.
There with thee, new-welcome Saint,
Like fortunes may her soul acquaint,
With thee there clad in radiant sheen,
No Marchioness, but now a Queen.
L'ALLEGRO440
1631?
Hence, loathèd melancholy,
Of Cerberus 441 and blackest midnight born,
In Stygian 442 cave forlorn
Mongst horrid shapes, and shrieks, and sights unholy!
Find out some uncouth 443 cell 444
Where brooding darkness spreads his jealous wings,
And the night-raven sings.
There under ebon shades and low-browed 445 rocks
As ragged as thy locks,
In dark Cimmerian446 desert ever dwell.
But come thou, goddess fair and free,
In Heaven yclept 447 Euphrosyne,448
And by men heart-easing mirth,
Whom lovely Venus at a birth
With two sister Graces more
To ivy-crownèd Bacchus bore---
Or whether (as some, sager, sing)
The frolic wind that breathes 449 the spring, Zephyr with Aurora playing,
As he met her once a-Maying,
There on beds of violets blue
And fresh-blown roses washed in dew,
Filled her with thee, a daughter fair,
So buxom,450 blithe,451 and debonair.452
Haste thee, nymph, and bring with thee
Jest and youthful jollity,
Quips and cranks,453 and wanton wiles,454
Nods, and becks,455 and wreathèd smiles Such as hang on Hebe's 456 cheek And love to live in dimple sleek,
Sport 457 that wrinkled care derides, And laughter, holding both its sides.
Come, and trip it as ye go
On the light-fantastic toe,
And in thy right hand lead with thee
The mountain nymph, sweet liberty.
And if I give thee honor due,
Mirth, admit me of thy crew
To live with her, and live with thee,
In unreprovèd 458 pleasures free, To hear the lark begin his flight
And, singing, startle the dull 459 night From his watch-tower in the skies,
Till the dappled 460 dawn doth rise, Then to come, in spite of sorrow,
And at my window bid good-morrow
Through the sweet-briar, or the vine,
Or the twisted eglantine,
While the cock, with lively din,
Scatters the rear of darkness thin,461
And to the stack 462 or the barn door Stoutly 463 fierce struts his dames before.464
Oft listening how the hounds and horn
Cheerly rouse the slumbering morn
From the side of some hoar 465 hill, Through the high wood echoing shrill.
Sometime walking not unseen 466
By hedgerow elms, on hillocks green,
Right against the eastern gate
Where the great 467 sun begins his state,468
Robed in flames and amber light,
The clouds in thousand liveries 469 dight,470
While the ploughman, near at hand,
Whistles o'er the furrowed land,
And the milkmaid singeth blithe,
And the mower whets 471 his scythe, And every shepherd tells his tale
Under the hawthorn in the dale.
Straight, mine eye hath caught new pleasures
Whilst the landscape round it measures,472
Russet 473 lawns, and fallows474 gray, Where the nibbling flocks do stray,
Mountains on whose barren breast
The laboring clouds do often rest,
Meadows trim with daisies pied,475
Shallow brooks and rivers wide.
Towers and battlements 476 it sees, Bosomed high in tufted trees,
Where perhaps some beauty 477 lies,478
The cynosure 479 of neighboring eyes.
Hard by, a cottage chimney smokes
From betwixt two agèd oaks,
Where Corydon and Thyrsis,480 met, Are at their savory dinner set
Of herbs 481 and other country messes,482
Which the neat-handed 483 Phyllis dresses.484
And then in haste her bow'r 485 she leaves, With Thestylis to bind 486 the sheaves,487
Or if the earlier season488 lead 489
To the tanned 490 haycock 491 in the mead,492
Sometimes with secure 493 delight The upland 494 hamlets 495 will invite, When the merry bells ring round,
And the jocund 496 rebecks497 sound To many a youth and many a maid,
Dancing in the checkered shade,
And young and old come forth to play
On a sunshine holiday,
Till the livelong daylight fail.
Then to the spicy nut-brown ale,
With stories told of many a feat,
How fairy Mab498 the junkets 499 eat.
She was pinched and pulled, she said,
And he, by friar's lantern led,
Tells how the drudging goblin sweat
To earn his cream-bowl, duly set,
When in one night, ere glimpse of morn,
His shadowy flail 500 hath threshed the corn 501
That ten day-laborers could not end,
Then lies him down (the lubber fend!)502
And, stretched out all the chimney's length,
Basks at the fire his hairy strength,
And, crop-full,503 out of doors he flings, Ere the first cock his matin504 rings.
Thus done the tales, to bed they creep,
By whispering winds soon lulled asleep.
Tow'red cities please us, then,
And the busy hum of men,
Where throngs of knights and barons bold
In weeds 505 of peace high triumphs506 hold, With store 507 of ladies, whose bright eyes Rain influence, and judge the prize
Of wit or arms, while both contend
To win her grace, whom all commend.
There let Hymen508 oft appear In saffron509 robe, with taper 510 clear, And pomp,511 and feast, and revelry, With masque and antique pageantry,
Such sights as youthful poets dream
On summer eves by haunted stream.
Then to the well-trod stage anon,
If Jonson's 512 learnèd sock be on,513
Or sweetest Shakespeare, Fancy's 514 child, Warble his native wood-notes wild.
And ever, against eating 515 cares, Lap me in soft Lydian airs,516
Married to immortal verse,
Such as the meeting 517 soul may pierce In notes, with many a winding bout 518
Of linkèd sweetness long drawn out,
With wanton 519 heed 520 and giddy 521 cunning,522
The melting voice through mazes running,
Untwisting all the chains that tie
The hidden soul of harmony,
That Orpheus 523 self may heave524 his head From golden slumber on a bed
Of heaped Elysian 525 flowers, and hear Such strains526 as would have won the ear Of Pluto,527 to have quite set free His half-regained Eurydice.528
These delights if thou canst give,
Mirth, with thee I mean to live.529
IL PENSEROSO530
1631?
Hence, vain deluding joys,
The brood of folly without father bred!
How little you bestead,531
Or fill the fixèd532 mind with all your toys! 533
Dwell in some idle brain,
And fancies fond534 with gaudy535 shapes possess
As thick and numberless
As the gay motes536 that people the sun beams,
Or likest hovering dreams,
The fickle pensioners 537 of Morpheus 538 train.
But hail thou, goddess, sage and holy,
Hail divinest Melancholy,
Whose saintly visage is too bright
To hit 539 the sense of human sight And, therefore, to our weaker view
O'er laid with black, staid wisdom's hue---
Black, but such as in esteem
Prince Memnon's 540 sister might beseem,541
Or that starr'd Ethiope 542 Queen that strove To set her beauty's praise above
The sea nymphs, and their powers offended.
Yet thou art higher far descended,
Thee, bright-haired Vesta,543 long of yore To solitary Saturn bore:
His daughter she (in Saturn's reign
Such mixture was not held a stain),
Oft in glimmering bow'rs and glades
He met her, and in secret shades
Of woody Ida's 544 inmost grove, While yet there was no fear of Jove.
Come, pensive nun,545 devout and pure,
Sober, steadfast, and demure,546
All in a robe of darkest grain,547
Flowing with majestic train,
And sable 548 stole 549 of cypress lawn 550
Over thy decent 551 shoulders drawn!
Come, but keep thy wonted 552 state With even step and musing gait,
And looks commercing 553 with the skies, Thy rapt 554 soul sitting in thine eyes.
There held in holy passion still,
Forget thyself to marble, till
With a sad,555 leaden 556 downward cast557
Thou fix them 558 on the earth as fast.559
And join with thee calm peace, and quiet,
Spare 560 fast,561 that oft with gods doth diet, And hears the Muses in a ring
Aye 562 round about Jove's altar sing.
And add to these retired 563 leisure, That in trim 564 gardens takes his pleasure.
But first, and chiefest, with thee bring
Him565 that yon soars on golden wing, Guiding the fiery-wheelèd throne,566
The cherub Contemplation,567
And the mute silence hist 568 along, 'Less 569 Philomel 570 will deign a song In her sweetest, saddest plight,571
Smoothing the rugged brow of night,
While Cynthia 572 checks573 her dragon yoke,574
Gently o'er th' accustomed oak---
Sweet bird that shunn'st the noise of folly,
Most musical, most melancholy!
Thee, chantress,575 oft the woods among, I woo 576 to hear thy even song, And missing thee, I walk unseen
On the dry, smooth-shaven577 green, To behold the wand'ring moon
Riding near her highest noon
Like one that had been led astray
Through the Heav'ns' wide pathless way,
And oft, as if her head she bowed,
Stooping through a fleecy cloud.
Oft on a plat 578 of rising ground I hear the far-off curfew sound
Over some wide-watered shore,
Swinging slow with sullen579 roar.
Or if the air will not permit,
Some still 580 removèd581 place will fit, Where glowing embers through the room
Teach light to counterfeit a gloom,582
Far from all resort of mirth,
Save the cricket on the hearth,
Or the bellman's 583 drowsy charm584
To bless the doors from nightly harm.
Or let my lamp, at midnight hour,
Be seen in some high lonely tow'r
Where I may oft out-watch the Bear,585
With thrice great Hermes,586 or unsphere The spirit of Plato587 to unfold 588
What worlds, or what vast regions, hold
The immortal mind that hath forsook
Her mansion589 in this fleshly nook,590
And of those daemons591 that are found In fire, air, flood, or under ground,
Whose power hath a true consent592
With planet, or with element.
Sometime let gorgeous593 tragedy In sceptered 594 pall 595 come sweeping by, Presenting Thebes',596 or Pelops' line,597
Or the tale of Troy divine.
Or what (though rare) of later age
Ennobled hath the buskined 598 stage.
But, O sad virgin, that thy power
Might raise Musaeus 599 from his bower, Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing
Such notes as, warbled to the string,
Drew iron tears down Pluto's cheek
And made Hell grant what love did seek.
Or call up him 600 that left half told The story of Cambuscan bold,
Of Camball, and of Algarsife,601
And who had Canace to wife,
That owned the virtuous ring and glass,
And who had Canace to wife, That owned the virtuous ring and glass,
And of the wondrous horse of brass
On which the Tartar king did ride.
And if ought else, great bards beside
In sage and solemn tunes have sung
Of tourneys,602 and of trophies hung, Of forests, and enchantments drear,
Where more is meant than meets the ear.603
Thus night oft see me in thy pale career,604
Till civil-suited 605 morn appear, Not tricked 606 and frounced,607 as she was wont With the Attic boy608 to hunt, But kerchiefed in a comely cloud
While rocking winds are piping loud,
Or ushered with a shower still,
When the gust hath blown his fill,
Ending on the rustling leaves,
With minute drops from off the eaves.
And when the sun begins to fling
His flaring beams, me, goddess, bring
To archèd walks of twilight groves
And shadows brown that Sylvan609 loves Of pine, or monumental oak,
Where the rude 610 ax, with heavèd 611 stroke, Was never heard the nymphs to daunt
Or fright them from their hallowed haunt.612
There in close covert,613 by some brook, Where no profaner614 eye may look, Hide me from day's garish615 eye, While the bee, with honeyed thigh,
That at her flow'ry work doth sing,
And the waters murmuring
With such consort 616 as they keep, Entice the dewy-feathered sleep.
And let some strange mysterious dream
Wave at his wings, in airy stream
Of lively portraiture displayed,
Softly on my eye-lids laid.
And as I wake, sweet music breathe
Above, about, or underneath,
Sent by some spirit to mortals good,
Or th' unseen genius 617 of the wood.
But let my due618 feet never fail To walk the studious cloisters' pale 619
And love the high embowèd620 roof, With antic pillars massy 621 -proof, And storied 622 windows richly dight,623
Casting a dim religious light.
There let the pealing 624 organ blow To the full voiced choir below,
In service high, and anthems clear,
As may with sweetness, through mine ear,
Dissolve me into ecstasies
And bring all Heav'n before mine eyes.
And may at last my weary age
Find out the peaceful hermitage,
The hairy gown and mossy cell
Where I may sit and rightly spell 625
Of every star that Heav'n doth shew,626
And every herb that sips the dew,
Till old experience do attain
To something like prophetic strain.
These pleasures, Melancholy, give,
And I with thee will choose to live.
1633--34?
Part of an entertainment presented to the Countess
Dowager of Darby, at Harefield, by some noble persons of
her family, who appear on the scene in pastoral habit,
moving toward the seat of state, with this song:
1. Song
Look, nymphs, and shepherds, look!
What sudden blaze of majesty
Is that which we from hence descry,627
Too divine to be mistook.
This, this is she
To whom our vows and wishes bend:
Here our solemn search hath end.
Fame, that her high worth to raise
Seemed erst so lavish and profuse,
We may justly now accuse
Of detraction from her praise.
Less than half we find expressed:
Envy bid conceal the rest.
Mark what radiant state she spreads
In circle round her shining throne,
Shooting her beams like silver threads!
This, this is she alone,
Sitting like a goddess bright
In the center of her light.
Might she the wise Latona 628 be, Or the towered Cybele,629
Mother of a hundred gods?
Juno dares not give her odds.630
Who had thought this clime had held
A deity so unparall'ed?
As they come forward, the Genius of the Wood appears
and, turning toward them, says:
Gen. Stay, gentle 631 swains,632 for though in this disguise
I see bright honor sparkle through your eyes.
Of famous Arcady 633 ye are, and sprung Of that renownèd flood 634 so often sung, Divine Alphéus, who by secret sluice
Stole under seas, to meet his Arethuse.635
And ye the breathing roses of the wood,
Fair silver-buskined 636 nymphs as great and good, I know this quest of yours, and free637 intent, Was all in honor and devotion meant
To the great mistress of yon princely shrine,
Whom with low reverence I adore as mine,
And with all helpful service will comply
To further this night's glad solemnity,
And lead ye where you may more near behold
What shallow-searching fame hath left untold,
Which I full oft, amidst these shades alone,
Have sat to wonder at and gaze upon.
For know, by lot 638 from Jove I am the pow'r
Of this fair wood and live in oaken bow'r
To nurse the saplings tall, and curl the grove
With ringlets quaint,639 and wanton 640 windings wove.
And all my plants I save from nightly ill
Of noisome 641 winds or blasting 642 vapors chill, And from the boughs brush off the evil dew
And heal the harms, of 643 thwarting 644 thunder blew, Or what the cross, dire-looking planet 645 smites, Or hurtful worm with cankered 646 venom bites.
When evening gray doth rise, I fetch647 my round Over the mount, and all this hallowed ground,
And early, ere the odorous breath of morn
Awakes the slumb'ring leaves, or tasseled horn 648
Shakes the high thicket, haste I all about,
Number649 my ranks,650 and visit every sprout With puissant 651 words, and murmurs made to bless.
But else, in deep of night, when drowsiness
Hath locked up mortal sense, then listen I
To the celestial sirens' harmony,
That sit upon the nine enfoldèd spheres
And sing to those that hold the vital shears 652
And turn the adamantine 653 spindle round,654
On which the fate of gods and men is wound.
Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie
To lull the daughters of Necessity
And keep unsteady 655 Nature to her law, And the low656 world in measured 657 motion draw After the heav'nly tune, which none can hear
Of human mould, with gross 658 unpurgèd 659 ear.
And yet such music worthiest were to blaze
The peerless height of her immortal praise,
Whose luster leads us, and for her most fit,
If my inferior hand or voice could hit
Inimitable sounds. Yet as we go
Whate'er the skill of lesser gods can show
I will assay,660 her worth to celebrate.
And so attend 661 ye toward her glittering state, Where ye may all (that are of noble stem)662
Approach, and kiss her sacred vesture's 663 hem.
2. Song
O'er the smooth enamelled 664 green Where no print of step hath been,
Follow me as I sing
And touch the warbled string.
Under the shady roof
Of branching elm, star-proof,665
Follow me:
I will bring you where she sits,
Clad in splendor as befits
Her deity.
Such a rural queen
All Arcadia hath not seen.
3. Song
Nymphs and shepherds, dance no more
By sandy Ladon's 666 lillied banks.
On old Lycaeus,667 or Cyllene 668 hoar,669
Trip no more in twilight ranks.
Though Erymanth670 your loss deplore
A better soil shall give you thanks.
From the stony Maenalus 671
Bring your flocks and live with us.
Here ye shall have greater grace
To serve the lady of this place.
Though Syrinx 672 your Pan's mistress were,
Yet Syrinx well might wait on her.
Such a rural queen
All Arcadia hath not seen.
COMUS: A MASQUE673
1634; revised 1637
the attendant spirit, afterwards in the habit of Thyrsis
Comus, with his crew
the lady
brother 1 [older]
brother 2 [younger]
Sabrina, the nymph
The first scene discovers a wild wood. The attendant spirit
descends (or enters):
Before the starry threshold of Jove's court
My mansion is, where those immortal shapes
Of bright aerial spirits live ensphered
In regions mild, of calm and serene air,
Above the smoke and stir of this dim spot
Which men call earth and, with low-thoughtèd care,
Confined and pestered in this pinfold 674 here,
Strive to keep up a frail and fev'rish being,
Unmindful of the crown that virtue gives,
After this mortal change, to her true servants,
Amongst the enthronèd gods, on sainted seats.
Yet some there be that by due steps aspire
To lay their just hands on that golden key
That opes the palace of eternity:
To such my errand is, and but for such
I would not soil these pure ambrosial weeds
With the rank vapors of this sin-worn mould.
But to my task. Neptune---besides the sway
Of every salt flood, and each ebbing stream---
Took in, by lot twixt high and nether Jove,675
Imperial rule of all the sea-girt isles
That, like to rich and various gems, inlay
The unadornèd bosom of the deep,
Which he, to grace his tributary gods,
By course676 commits to several government
And gives them leave to wear their sapphire crowns
And wield their little tridents. But this isle,
The greatest and the best of all the main,677
He quarters to his blue-haired deities,
And all this tract that fronts the falling sun
A noble peer, of mickle678 trust and power,
Has in his charge, with tempered679 awe680 to guide An old and haughty nation, proud in arms,
Where his fair offspring, nursed in princely lore,
Are coming to attend their father's state
And new-entrusted scepter. But their way
Lies through the perplex'd681 paths of this drear Wood,
The nodding horror of whose shady brows
Threats the forlorn and wand'ring passenger.
And here their tender age might suffer peril,
But that by quick command from sov'reign Jove
I was dispatched for their defence and guard.
And listen why, for I will tell you now
What never yet was heard in tale or song
From old or modern bard, in hall or bow'r.
Bacchus, that first from out the purple grape
Crushed the sweet poison of misused wine,
After the Tuscan mariners transformed,
Coasting the Tyrrhene shore, as the winds listed
On Circe's island fell (who knows not Circe,
The daughter of the sun? whose charmèd cup
Whoever tasted lost his upright shape
And downward fell, into a grovelling swine).
This nymph that gazed upon his682 clust'ring locks
With ivy berries wreathed, and his blithe youth,
Had by him, ere he parted thence, a son
Much like his father, but his mother more,
Whom therefore she brought up and Comus named,
Who ripe and frolic683 of 684 his full-grown age, Roving the Celtic and Iberian fields,
At last betakes him to this ominous 685 Wood
And, in thick shelter of black shade embow'red,
Excells his mother at her mighty art,
Off 'ring to every weary traveller
His orient686 liquor, in a crystal glass,
To quench the drought of Phoebus, which as they taste
(For most do taste, through fond,687 intemperate thirst),
Soon as the potion works, their human count'nance---
Th' express resemblance of the gods---is changed
Into some brutish form of wolf or bear
Or ounce,688 or tiger, hog, or bearded goat,
All other parts remaining as they were.
And they, so perfect is their misery,
Not once perceive their foul disfigurement,
But boast themselves more comely689 than before
And all their friends and native home forget,
To roll with pleasure in a sensual sty.
Therefore, when any favored of high Jove
Chances to pass through this advent'rous glade,
Swift as the sparkle of a glancing star
I shoot from Heav'n, to give him safe convoy---
As now I do. But first I must put off
These my sky robes, spun out of Iris690 woof,
And take the weeds691 and likeness of a swain692
That to the service of this house belongs,
Who with his soft pipe693 and smooth-dittied song
Well knows to still the wild winds when they roar,
And hush the waving woods, nor of less faith,
And in this office of his mountain watch
Likeliest and nearest to the present aid
Of this occasion.
But I hear the tread
Of hateful steps. I must be viewless, now.
Comus enters, with a charming694 rod in one hand, his glass in the other. With him a rout 695 of monsters headed 696 like sundry sorts of wild beasts, but otherwise like men and
women, their apparel glistening. They come in, making a
riotous and unruly noise, with torches in their hands.
COMUS. The star that bids697 the shepherd fold,698
Now the top of Heav'n doth hold,
And the gilded car of day
His glowing axle doth allay699
In the steep Atlantic stream,
And the slope700 sun his upward beam
Shoots against the dusky pole,
Pacing toward the other goal
Of his chamber in the east.
Meanwhile, welcome joy and feast,
Midnight shout and revelry,
Tipsy dance and jollity!
Braid your locks with rosy twine,701
Dropping 702 odors, dropping wine.
Rigor now is gone to bed,
And advice, with scrupulous head.
Strict age, and sour severity
With their grave saws703 in slumber lie.
We that are of purer fire
Imitate the starry choir
Who in their nightly watchful spheres
Lead in swift round the months and years.
The sounds704 and seas, with all their finny drove,705
Now to the moon in wavering morris706 move,
And on the tawny sands and shelves
Trip the pert707 fairies and the dapper 708 elves.
By dimpled709 brook and fountain brim
The wood nymphs, decked with daisies trim,
Their merry wakes710 and pastimes keep.
What has night to do with sleep?
Night has better sweets to prove:
Venus now wakes, and wakens love.
Come, let us our rites begin!
'Tis only daylight that makes sin---
Which these dun shades will ne'er report.
Hail, goddess of nocturnal sport,
Dark-veil'd Cotytto,711 t'whom the secret flame
Of midnight torches burns! Mysterious dame
That ne'er art called but712 when the dragon womb
Of Stygian darkness spits her thickest gloom
And makes one blot of all the air!
Stay thy cloudy ebon713 chair,
Wherein thou rid'st with Hecat,714 and befriend
Us, thy vowèd priests, till utmost end
Of all thy dues be done, and none left out,
Ere the blabbing715 eastern scout,716
The nice 717 morn on th' Indian steep
From her cabined loop-hole peep,
And to the tell-tale sun descry718
Our conceal'd solemnity.
Come, knit hands and beat the ground
In a light fantastic round!
The measure.719
Break off, break off! I feel the different pace
Of some chaste footing near about this ground.
Run to your shrouds,720 within these brakes721 and trees: Our number may affright. Some virgin, sure
(For so I can distinguish, by mine art),
Benighted722 in these woods. Now to my charms,
And to my wily trains.723 I shall ere long
Be well-stocked with as fair a herd as grazed
About my mother, Circe. Thus I hurl
My dazzling spells into the spongey724 air,
Of power to cheat the eye with blear 725 illusion
And give it false presentments,726 lest the place
And my quaint 727 habits breed astonishment
And put the damsel to suspicious flight,
Which must not be, for that's against my course.
I under fair pretence of friendly ends
And well-placed words of glozing 728 courtesy,
Baited with reasons not implausible,
Wind me into the easy-hearted man,
And hug him into snares. When once her eye
Hath met the virtue of this magic dust,
I shall appear some harmless villager
Whom thrift 729 keeps up about 730 his country gear.
But here she comes. I fairly731 step aside
And hearken, if I may, her business here.
The lady enters.
LADY. This way the noise was, if mine ear be true:
My best guide, now. Methought it was the sound
Of riot and ill-managed merriment,
Such as the jocund732 flute or gamesome 733 pipe Stirs up amongst the loose, unlettered hinds,734
When for their teeming flocks and granges full
In wanton735 dance they praise the bounteous Pan
And thank the gods amiss.736 I should be loath
To meet the rudeness 737 and swill'd insolence
Of such late wassailers.738 Yet where else
Shall I inform my unacquainted feet
In the blind maze of this tangled Wood?
My brothers, when they saw me wearied out
With this long way, resolving here to lodge
Under the spreading favor of these pines,
Stepped, as they said, to the next thicket side,
To bring me berries, or such cooling fruit
As the kind, hospitable woods provide.
They left me then, when the gray-hooded ev'n
Like a sad votarist 739 in palmer's 740 weeds 741
Rose from the hindmost wheels of Phoebus' wain.742
But where they are, and why they came not back,
Is now the labor of my thoughts. 'Tis likeliest
They had engaged their wand'ring steps too far,
And envious darkness, ere they could return,
Had stol'n them from me---else, O thievish night!
Why shouldst thou, but for some felonious end,
In thy dark lantern thus close up the stars
That Nature hung in Heav'n, and filled their lamps
With everlasting oil, to give due light
To the misled and lonely traveller?
This is the place, as well as I may guess,
Whence ev'n now the tumult of loud mirth
Was rife 743 and perfect 744 in my list'ning ear.
Yet nought but single 745 darkness do I find.
What might this be? A thousand fantasies
Begin to throng into my memory,
Of calling shapes and beck'ning shadows dire,
And airy tongues that syllable men's names
On sands and shores, and desert wildernesses.
These thoughts may startle well, but not astound
The virtuous mind, that ever walks attended
By a strong siding 746 champion, conscience---
O welcome, pure-eyed faith, white-handed hope,
Thou flittering Angel girt with golden wings!
And thou, unblemished form of chastity,
see ye visibly, and now believe
That He, the supreme good, t' whom all things ill
Are but as slavish officers of vengeance,
Would send a glist'ring 747 guardian, if need were,
To keep my life and honor unassailed.
Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud
Turn forth her silver lining on the night?
I did not err: there does a sable cloud
Turn forth her silver lining on the night,
And casts a gleam over this tufted grove.
I cannot halloo to my brothers, but
Such noise as I can make, to be heard farthest,
I'll venture, for my new-enlivened spirits
Prompt me, and they perhaps are not far off.
Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph that liv'st unseen
Within thy airy cell
By slow Maeander's 748 margent green, And in the violet-embroidered vale
Where the love-lorn nightingale
Nightly to thee her sad song mourneth well,
Canst thou not tell me of a gentle pair
That likest thy Narcissus 749 are?
O if thou have
Hid them in some flow'ry cave,
Tell me but where,
Sweet queen of parley,750 daughter of the sphere, So may'st thou be translated to the skies,
And give resounding grace to all Heav'n's harmonies.
COMUS. Can any mortal mixture of earth's mould
Breathe such divine, enchanting ravishment?
Sure, something holy lodges in that breast
And with these raptures moves the vocal 751 air
To testify his hidden residence!
How sweetly did they float upon the wings
Of silence, through the empty-vaulted night,
At every fall 752 smoothing the raven down753
Of darkness, till she smiled. I have oft heard
My mother, Circe, with the Sirens three,
Amidst the flow'ry-kirtled Naiades,754
Culling their potent 755 herbs and baleful drugs,
Who as they sung would take the prisoned soul
And lap it in Elysium. Scylla 756 wept
And chid her barking waves into attention,
And fell Charybdis 757 murmured soft applause!
Yet they in pleasing slumber lulled the sense,
And in sweet madness robbed it of itself.
But such a sacred and home-felt 758 delight,
Such sober certainty of waking bliss,
I never heard till now. I'll speak to her
And she shall be my queen.
Hail, foreign wonder!
Whom certain these rough shades did never breed---
Unless the goddess that in rural shrine
Dwell'st here with Pan 759 or Silvan,760 by blest song Forbidding every bleak unkindly fog
To touch the prosperous growth of this tall Wood!
LADY. Nay, gentle shepherd, ill is lost that praise
That is addressed to unattending ears.
Not any boast of skill, but extreme shift761
How to regain my severed company
Compelled me to awake the courteous Echo
To give me answer from her mossy couch.
COMUS. What chance, good lady, hath bereft you thus?
LADY. Dim darkness, and this leafy labyrinth.
COMUS. Could that divide you from near-ushering 762
guides?
LADY. They left me, weary, on a grassy turf.
COMUS. By falsehood, or discourtesy, or why?
LADY. To seek i' th' valley some cool friendly spring.
COMUS. And left your fair side all unguarded, lady?
LADY. They were but twain, and purposed quick return.
COMUS. Perhaps forestalling night prevented them?
LADY. How easy my misfortune is to hit! 763
COMUS. Imports 764 their loss, beside the present need?
LADY. No less than if I should my brothers lose.
COMUS. Were they of manly prime, or youthful bloom?
LADY. As smooth as Hebe's,765 their unrazored lips.
COMUS. Two such I saw, what time the labored ox
In his loose traces766 from the furrow came,
And the swinked 767 hedger 768 at his supper sat.
I saw 'em under a green mantling 769 vine
That crawls along the side of yon small hill,
Plucking ripe clusters from the tender shoots.
Their port 770 was more than human, as they stood:
I took it for a fairy vision
Of some gay 771 creatures of the element
That in the colors of the rainbow live
And play i' th' pleated clouds. I was awe-struck,
And as I passed I worshipped! If those you seek,
It were a journey like the path to Heav'n
To help you find them.
LADY. Gentle villager,
What readiest way would bring me to that place?
COMUS. Due west it rises, from this shrubby point.
LADY. To find out that, good shepherd, I suppose,
In such a scant allowance of star-light,
Would overtask the best land-pilot's art,
Without the sure guess of well-practiced feet.
COMUS. I know each lane, and every alley green,
Dingle772 or bushy dell773 of this wide wood, And every bosky774 bourn,775 from side to side My daily walks and ancient neighborhood,
And if your stray attendance776 be yet lodged777
Or shroud778 within these limits, I shall know
Ere morrow wake or the low-roosted lark
From her thatched pallet 779 rouse. If otherwise,
I can conduct you, lady, to a low780
But loyal781 cottage, where you may be safe
Till further quest.
LADY. Shepherd, I take thy word
And trust thy honest offered courtesy,
Which oft is sooner found in lowly sheds
With smoky rafters than in tap'stry halls
And courts of princes, where it first was named
And yet is most pretended. In a place
Less warranted782 than this, or less secure,
I cannot be, that I should fear to change it.
Eye me, blest providence, and square783 my trial
To my proportioned strength!
Shepherd, lead on.---
The two brothers.
BROTHER 1. Unmuffle, ye faint stars, and thou fair moon
That wont'st 784 to love the traveller's benison,785
Stoop thy pale visage through an amber cloud
And disinherit chaos, that reigns here
In double night of darkness and of shades!
Or if your influence be quite dammed up
With black, usurping mists, some gentle taper 786
Through a rush787 candle from the wicker hole788
Of some clay habitation visit us
With thy long levelled rule of streaming light,
And thou shalt be our star of Arcady789
BROTHER 2. Or if our eyes
Be barred that happiness, might we but hear
The folded792 flocks penned in their wattled793 cotes,794
Or sound of pastoral reed795 with oaten796 stops,797
Or whistle from the lodge, or village cock
Count the night watches to his feathery dames,
It would be some solace yet, some little cheering
In this close798 dungeon of innumerous boughs.
But O, that hapless virgin, our lost sister!
Where may she wander now? Whither betake her
From the chill dew, amongst rude burrs and thistles?
Perhaps some cold bank799 is her bolster,800 now, Or 'gainst the rugged bark of some broad elm
Leans her unpillowed head, fraught801 with sad fears.
What if in wild amazement and affright,
Or while we speak, within the direful grasp
Of savage hunger, or of savage heat?
BROTHER 1. Peace, brother: be not over-exquisite802
To cast803 the fashion804 of uncertain evils, For grant they be so, while they rest unknown
What need a man forestall his date of grief
And run to meet what he would most avoid?
Or if they be but false alarms of fear,
How bitter is such self-delusion?
I do not think my sister so to seek,805
Or so unprincipled in virtue's book
And the sweet peace that goodness bosoms806 ever,
As that the single want of light and noise
(Not being in danger, as I trust she is not)
Could stir the constant807 mood of her calm thoughts
And put them into misbecoming808 plight.809
Virtue could see to do what virtue would,
By her own radiant light, though sun and moon
Were in the flat sea sunk. And wisdom's self
Oft seeks to sweet, retired solitude,
Where with her best nurse, contemplation,810
She plumes811 her feathers and lets grow her wings
That in the various bustle of resort812
Were all too ruffled,813 and sometimes impaired.
He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i' th' center814 and enjoy bright day,
But he that hides a dark soul, and foul thoughts,
Benighted815 walks under the midday sun---
Himself is his own dungeon.
BROTHER 2. 'Tis most true
That musing meditation most affects816
The pensive secrecy of desert cell,817
Far from the cheerful haunt818 of men and herds,
And sits as safe as in a Senate house---
For who would rob a hermit of his weeds,819 390
His few books, or his beads,820 or maple dish,
Or do his gray hairs any violence?
But beauty, like the fair Hesperian tree
Laden with blooming gold, had need the guard
Of dragon watch with unenchanted eye,
To save her blossoms and defend her fruit
From the rash hand of bold incontinence.821
You may as well spread out the unsunned heaps
Of miser's treasure by an outlaw's den
And tell me it is safe, as bid me hope
Danger will wink on opportunity
And let a single helpless maiden pass
Uninjured, in this wild surrounding waste.
Of night or loneliness, it recks me not:
I fear the dread events that dog them both,
Lest some ill greeting touch attempt822 the person823
Of our unownèd824 sister.
BROTHER 1. I do not, brother,
Infer,825 as if I thought my sister's state
Secure without all doubt or controversy.
Yet where an equal poise826 of hope and fear
Does arbitrate 827 th' event, my nature is
That I incline to hope rather than fear
And banish, gladly, squint 828 suspicion.
My sister is not so defenceless left
As you imagine. She has a hidden strength
Which you remember not.
BROTHER 2. What hidden strength,
Unless the strength of Heav'n, if you mean that?
BROTHER 1. I mean that too, but yet a hidden strength
Which, if Heav'n gave it, may be termed her own.
'Tis chastity, my brother, chastity.
She that has that is clad in complete steel,
And like a quivered nymph with arrows keen
May trace 829 huge forests and unharbored 830 heaths,831
Infamous hills and sandy perilous wilds,
Where through the sacred rays of chastity
No savage fierce, bandit or mountaineer,
Will dare to soil her virgin purity.
Yea, there where very desolation dwells,
By grots 832 and caverns shagged 833 with horrid 834 shades, She may pass on with unblenched 835 majesty--- Be it not done in pride or in presumption.
Some say no evil thing that walks by night
In fog, or fire, by lake or moory836 fen,837
Blue meager hag or stubborn unlaid 838 ghost
That breaks his chains at curfew time,
No goblin or swart 839 fairy of the mine,840
Has hurtful power o'er true virginity.
Do you believe me yet, or shall I call
Antiquity from the old schools of Greece
To testify the arms841 of chastity?
Hence had the huntress Dian her dread bow,
Fair silver-shafted queen, forever chaste,
Wherewith she tamed the brinded 842 lioness
And spotted mountain pard,843 but set at naught
The frivolous bolt 844 of Cupid. Gods and men
Feared her stern frown, and she was queen o' th' woods.
What was that snaky-headed Gorgon shield
That wise Minerva wore, unconquered virgin,
Wherewith she freezed her foes to congealed stone,
But rigid looks of chaste austerity,
And noble grace that dashed 845 brute violence
With sudden adoration and blank 846 awe!
So dear to Heav'n is saintly chastity
That when a soul is found sincerely so
A thousand liveried 847 Angels lackey848 her, Driving far off each thing of sin and guilt,
And in clear dream and solemn vision
Tell her of things that no gross ear can hear,
Till oft converse with Heav'nly habitants
Begin to cast a beam on th' outward shape,
The unpolluted temple of the mind,
And turns it by degrees to the soul's essence,
Till all be made immortal. But when lust
By unchaste looks, loose gestures, and foul talk,
But most by lewd and lavish 849 act of sin
Lets in 850 defilement to the inward parts,
The soul grows clotted by contagion,851
Embodies 852 and embrutes 853 till she quite lose The divine property of her first being.
Such are those thick and gloomy shadows damp,
Oft seen in charnel854 vaults and sepulchers
Hovering, and sitting by a new-made grave,
As855 loath to leave the body that it loved
And linked itself, by carnal sensual'ty,
To a degenerate and degraded state.
BROTHER 2. How charming is divine856 philosophy!
Not harsh and crabbèd, as dull fools suppose,
But musical as is Apollo's lute,
And a perpetual feast of nectared sweets,
Where no crude surfeit reigns.
BROTHER 1. List, list! I hear
Some faroff halloo break the silent air.
BROTHER 2. Methought so too. What should it be?
BROTHER 1. For certain,
Either someone, like us night-foundered here,
Or else some neighbor woodman---or, at worst,
Some roving robber calling to his fellows.
BROTHER 2. Heav'n keep my sister! Again: again, and
near!
Best draw857 and stand upon our guard.
BROTHER 1. I'll halloo.
If he be friendly, he comes well. If not,
Defence is a good cause, and Heav'n be for us.
The attendant spirit [enters], habited like a shepherd.
That halloo I should know. What are you? Speak!
Come not too near: you fall on iron stakes,858 else!
SPIRIT. What voice is that, my young lord? Speak again.
BROTHER 2. O brother, 'tis my father's shepherd---sure!
BROTHER 1. Thyrsis? Whose artful strains859 have oft
delayed
The huddling 860 brook, to hear his madrigal,
And sweetened every muskrose of the dale.
How cam'st thou here, good swain? Hath any ram
Slipped from his fold, or young kid lost his dam,861
Or straggling862 weather the pent flock forsook?863
How could'st thou find this dark, sequestered nook?
SPIRIT. O my loved master's heir, and his next 864 joy,
I came not here on such a trivial toy
As a strayed ewe, or to pursue the stealth
Of pilfering wolf. Not all the fleecy wealth
That doth enrich these downs865 is worth a thought
To this my errand, and the care 866 it brought!
But O, my virgin lady: where is she?
How chance she is not in your company?
BROTHER 1. To tell thee sadly, shepherd, without blame
Or our neglect we lost her as we came.
SPIRIT. Aye me, unhappy! Then my fears are true.
BROTHER I. What fears, good Thyrsis? Prithee, briefly show.
SPIRIT. I'll tell you. 'Tis not vain or fabulous 867
(Though so esteemed by shallow ignorance),
What the sage poets, taught by th' Heav'nly Muse,
Storied 868 of old in high immortal verse
Of dire chimeras 869 and enchanted isles,
And rifted870 rocks whose entrance leads to Hell,
For such there be. But unbelief is blind.
Within the navel of this hideous Wood,
Immured in cypress shades, a sorcerer dwells,
Of Bacchus and of Circe born, great Comus,
Deep skilled in all his mother's witcheries,
And here to every thirsty wanderer
By sly enticement gives his baneful871 cup,
With many murmurs872 mixed, whose pleasing poison
The visage quite transforms of him who drinks,
And the inglorious likeness of a beast
Fixes instead, unmoulding 873 reason's mintage874
Charactered875 in the face. This have I learned,
Tending my flocks hard by, i' th' hilly crofts876
That brow this bottom glade, whence night by night
He and his monstrous rout877 are heard to howl
Like stabled878 wolves or tigers at their prey,
Doing abhorrèd rites to Hecate879
In their obscurèd haunts of inmost880 bow'rs.
Yet have they many baits and guileful spells
T' inveigle and invite th' unwary sense
Of them that pass, unweeting,881 by the way.
This evening, late---by then the chewing flocks
Had ta'n their supper on the savory herb---
I sat me down to watch, upon a bank
With ivy canopied and interwove
With flaunting882 honeysuckle, and began,
Wrapped in a pleasing fit of melancholy,
To meditate my rural minstrelsy
Till Fancy had her fill, but ere a close883
The wonted884 roar was up amidst the woods
And filled the air with barbarous dissonance,
At which I ceased and listened them a while,
Till an unusual stop of sudden silence
Gave respite to the drowsy, frightened steeds
That draw the litter of close-curtained sleep.
At last a soft and solemn breathing sound
Rose like a steam of rich distilled perfumes
And stole upon the air, that even silence
Was took, ere she was ware, and wished she might
Deny her nature and be never more
Still to be so displaced. I was all ear,
And took in strains that might create a soul
Under the ribs of Death. But O, ere long
Too well I did perceive it was the voice
Of my most honored lady, your dear sister.
Amazed I stood, harrowed with grief and fear,
And O, poor hapless nightingale, thought I,
How sweet thou sing'st, how near the deadly snare!
Then down the lawns I ran, with headlong haste,
Through paths and turnings often trod by day,
Till guided by mine ear I found the place
Where that damned wizard, hid in sly disguise
(For so by certain signs I knew), had met
Already, ere my best speed could prevent,885
The aidless innocent lady, his wished prey,
Who gently asked if he had seen such two,
Supposing him some neighbor villager.
Longer I durst not stay, but soon I guessed
Ye were the two she meant. With that I sprung
Into swift flight, till I had found you here.
But further know I not.
BROTHER 2. O night and shades,
How are ye joined with Hell in triple knot
Against the unarmed weakness of one virgin,
Alone and helpless! Is this the confidence
You gave me, brother?
BROTHER 1. Yes, and keep it still,
Lean on it safely: not a period886
Shall be unsaid for me! Against the threats
Of malice or of sorcery, or that power
Which erring men call chance, this I hold firm:
Virtue may be assailed, but never hurt,
Surprised by unjust force---but not enthralled.887
Yea, even that which mischief 888 meant most harm
Shall in the happy trial prove most glory,
But evil on itself shall back recoil
And mix no more with goodness, when at last
Gathered like scum, and settled to itself,
It shall be in eternal restless change
Self-fed and self-consumed. If this fail,
The pillared firmament is rottenness
And earth's base built on stubble. But come, let's on!
Against th' opposing will and arm of Heav'n
May never this just sword be lifted up
But for that damned magician, let him be girt
With all the grisly legions889 that troop
Under the sooty flag of Acheron,890
Harpies891 and hydras,892 or all the monstrous bugs893
'Twixt Africa and Ind! I'll find him out
And force him to restore his purchase894 back,
Or drag him by the curls and cleave his scalp
Down to the hips!
SPIRIT. Alas, good vent'rous youth,
I love thy courage yet, and bold emprise,895 610
But here thy sword can do thee little stead.896
Far other arms and other weapons must
Be those that quell the might of hellish charms.
He with his bare wand can unthread thy joints
And crumble all thy sinews!
BROTHER 1. Why prithee, shepherd,
How durst thou then thyself approach so near
As to make this relation?897
SPIRIT. Care and utmost shifts!898
How to secure the lady from surprisal
Brought to my mind a certain shepherd lad
Of small regard899 to see to, yet well skilled
In every virtuous900 plant and healing herb
That spreads her verdant leaf to th' morning ray.
He loved me well, and oft would beg me sing,
Which when I did, he on the tender grass
Would sit and hearken e'en to ecstasy,
And in requital ope his leathern scrip901
And show me simples902 of a thousand names,
Telling their strange and vigorous faculties.
Amongst the rest a small unsightly root,
But of divine effect, he culled903 me out.
The leaf was darkish and had prickles on it,
But in another country, as he said,
Bore a bright golden flow'r---but not in this soil---
Unknown, and like esteemed---and the dull swain
Treads on it daily with his clouted904 shoon.
And yet more med'cinal is it than that Moly905
Which Hermes906 once to wise Ulysses gave.
He907 called it Haemony, and gave it me,
And bade me keep it as of sov'reign908 use
'Gainst all enchantments, mildew blast,909 or damp,
Or ghastly Furies apparition.910
I pursed it up, but little reck'ning made,
Till now that this extremity compelled.
But now I find it true, for by this means
I knew the foul enchanter, though disguised---
Entered the very lime-twigs911 of his spells
And yet came off.912 If you have this about you
(As I will give you when we go) you may
Boldly assault the necromancer's hall---
Where if he be, with dauntless hardihood
And brandished blade rush on him, break his glass
And shed the luscious913 liquor on the ground.
But seize his wand. Though he and his cursed crew
Fierce sign of battle make, and menace high,
Or like the sons of Vulcan vomit smoke,
Yet will they soon retire,914 if he but shrink.915
BROTHER I. Thyrsis, lead on apace.916 I'll follow thee.
And some good Angel bear a shield before us!
The scene changes to a stately palace, set out with all
manner of deliciousness: soft music, tables spread with all
dainties. Comus appears, with his rabble, and the lady set
in an enchanted chair, to whom he offers his glass, which
she puts by and goes about to rise.
COMUS. Nay, lady. Sit. If I but wave this wand
Your nerves are all chained up in alabaster
And you a statue---or as Daphne was,
Root-bound, that fled Apollo.
LADY. Fool, do not boast.
Thou canst not touch the freedom of my mind
With all thy charms, although this corporal rind
Thou has emmanacled, while Heav'n sees good.
COMUS. Why are you vexed, lady? Why do you frown?
Here dwell no frowns, nor anger. From these gates
Sorrow flies far. See here be all the pleasures
That Fancy can beget on youthful thoughts,
When the fresh blood grows lively and returns
Brisk as the April buds in primrose season.
And first behold this cordial917 julip,918 here, That flames and dances in his crystal bounds,919
With spirits of balm and fragrant syrups mixed.
Not that nepenthes920 which the wife of Thon921
In Egypt gave to Jove-born Helena
Is of such power to stir up joy as this---
To life so friendly, or so cool to thirst.
Why should you be so cruel to yourself,
And to those dainty limbs which Nature lent
For gentle usage and soft delicacy?
But you invert the cov'nants922 of her trust,
And harshly deal like an ill borrower
With that which you received on other terms,
Scorning the unexempt 923 condition 924
By which all mortal frailty must subsist,
Refreshment after toil, ease after pain,
That 925 have been tired all day without repast,
And timely rest have wanted. But, fair virgin,
This will restore all soon.926
LADY. 'Twill not, false traitor!
'Twill not restore the truth and honesty
That thou hast banished from thy tongue with lies.
Was this the "cottage," and the "safe abode"
Thou toldst me of? What grim aspects 927 are these,
These ugly-headed monsters? Mercy guard me!
Hence with thy brewed enchantments, foul deceiver!
Hast thou betrayed my credulous innocence
With visored 928 falsehood and base forgeries
And wouldst thou seek again to trap me, here,
With liquorish baits, fit to ensnare a brute?
Were it a draught for Juno, when she banquets,
I would not taste thy treasonous offer! None
But such as are good men can give good things,
And that which is not good is not delicious
To a well-governed and wise appetite.
COMUS. O foolishness of men! that lend their ears
To those budge 929 doctors of the stoic fur,
And fetch their precepts from the cynic tub,930
Praising the lean and sallow abstinence.
Wherefore did Nature pour her bounties forth
With such a full and unwithdrawing hand,
Covering the earth with odors, fruits, and flocks,
Thronging the seas with spawn931 innumerable,
But all to please and sate the curious taste?
And set to work millions of spinning worms
That in their green shops weave the smooth-haired silk
To deck her sons. And that no corner might
Be vacant of her plenty in her own loins
She hutched932 th' all-worshipped ore and precious gems
To store 933 her children with. If all the world
Should in a pet 934 of temperance feed on pulse,935
Drink the clear stream, and nothing wear but frieze,936
Th' all-giver would be unthanked, would be unpraised,
Not half His riches known, and yet despised,
And we would serve Him as a grudging master,
As a penurious niggard 937 of His wealth,
And live like Nature's bastards, not her sons,
Who938 would be quite surcharged 939 with her own weight And strangled with her waste fertility,
Th' earth cumbered, and the winged air darked with plumes.940
The herds would over-multitude their lords,
The sea o'er-fraught 941 would swell, and th' unsought diamonds Would so emblaze the forehead of the deep,
And so be-stud with stars, that they below
Would grow inured to light, and come at last
To gaze upon the sun with shameless brows.
List, lady. Be not coy, and be not cozened 942
With that same vaunted 943 name, virginity.
Beauty is Nature's coin, must not be hoarded,
But must be current,944 and the good thereof
Consists in mutual and partaken bliss,
Unsavory in th' enjoyment of itself.
If you let slip time, like a neglected rose
It withers on the stalk, with languished head.
Beauty is Nature's brag,945 and must be shown
In courts, at feasts, on high solemnities
Where most may wonder at the workmanship.
It is for homely946 features to keep home:
They had their name thence. Coarse complexions 947
And cheeks of sorry948 grain 949 will serve to ply950
The sampler 951 or to tease 952 the housewife's wool.
What need a vermeil-tinctured lip for that?
Love-darting eyes, or tresses like the morn?
There was another meaning in those gifts!
Think what, and be advised.953 You are but young yet.
LADY. I had not thought to have unlocked my lips
In this unhallowed air, but 954 that this juggler 955
Would think to charm my judgment as956 mine eyes,
Obtruding957 false rules pranked958 in reason's garb!
I hate when vice can bolt 959 her arguments
And virtue has no tongue to check her 960 pride.
Impostor! Do not charge961 most innocent Nature,
As if she would962 her children should be riotous
With her abundance! She, good cateress,963
Means her provision only to the good
That live according to her sober laws
And holy dictate of spare temperance.
If every just man that now pines with want
Had but a moderate and beseeming964 share
Of that which lewdly-pampered luxury
Now heaps upon some few with vast excess,
Nature's full blessings would be well dispensed
In unsuperfluous,965 ev'n proportion,966
And she no whit encumbered with her store.
And then the giver would be better thanked,
His praise due paid---for winish gluttony
N'er looks to Heav'n, amidst his gorgeous967 feast,
But with besotted base ingratitude
Crams, and blasphemes his feeder.
Shall I go on?
Or have I said enough? To him that dares
Arm his profuse tongue with contemptuous words
Against the sun-clad power of chastity
Fain would I something say---yet to what end?
Thou hast nor ear nor soul to apprehend
The sublime notion and high mystery 968
That must be uttered, to unfold the sage
And serious doctrine of virginity.
And thou art worthy that thou shouldst not know
More happiness than this thy present lot.
Enjoy your dear wit and gay rhetoric
That hath so well been taught her dazzling fence!969
Thou art not fit to hear thyself convinced.
Yet should I try, the uncontrollèd worth
Of this pure cause would kindle my rapt spirits
To such a flame of sacred vehemence
That dumb things would be moved to sympathize,
And the brute earth would lend her nerves,970 and shake
Till all thy magic structures reared so high
Were shattered into heaps o'er thy false head!
COMUS. She fables not. I feel that I do fear
Her words, set off by some superior power.
And, though not mortal, yet a cold shudd'ring dew
Dips me all o'er, as when the wrath of Jove
Speaks thunder and the chains of Erebus971
To some of Saturn's crew. I must dissemble
And try972 her yet more strongly.
Come, no more.
This is mere moral babble and direct
Against the canon laws of our foundation.973
I must not suffer this, yet 'tis but the lees974
And settlings of a melancholy blood.
But this will cure all straight!975 One sip of this
Will bathe the drooping spirits in delight
Beyond the bliss of dreams. Be wise, and taste.
The brothers rush in, with swords drawn, wrest his glass
out of his hand, and break it against the ground. His rout
makes sign of resistance, but all are driven in. The
attendant spirit comes in.
SPIRIT. What? Have you let the false enchanter scape?
O ye mistook, ye should have snatched his wand
And bound him fast. Without his rod reversed,
And backward mutters of dissevering976 power,
We cannot free the lady that sits here,
In stony fetters fixed and motionless.
Yet stay,977 be not disturbed. Now I bethink me:
Some other means I have which may be used,
Which once of Melibaeus978 old I learned---
The soothest979 shepherd that e'er piped980 on plains.
There is a gentle nymph, not far from hence,
That with moist curb981 sways982 the smooth Severn983 stream.
Sabrina is her name, a virgin pure.
Whilom984 she was the daughter of Locrine,985
That had the scepter from his father Brute.986
She, guiltless damsel, flying the mad pursuit
Of her enragèd stepdam, Gwendolen,
Commended her fair innocence to the flood987
That stayed her flight with his cross-flowing course.
The water nymphs that in the bottom988 played
Held up their pearlèd wrists, and took her in,
Bearing her straight to agèd Nereus989 hall,
Who, piteous of her woes, reared her lank990 head
And gave her to his daughters to embathe
In nectared lavers,991 strewn with asphodil,
And through the porch992 and inlet of each sense
Dropped in ambrosial oils, till she revived
And underwent a quick immortal change,
Made goddess of the river. Still she retains
Her maiden gentleness, and oft at eve
Visits the herds along the twilight meadows,
Helping all urchin993 blasts994 and ill luck signs That the shrewd meddling elf delights to make,
Which she with precious vialed liquors heals.
For which the shepherds at their festivals
Carol995 her goodness, loud in rustic lays,996
And throw sweet garland wreaths into her stream,
Of pansies, pinks, and gaudy daffodils.
And, as the old swain said, she can unlock
The clasping997 charm and thaw the numbing spell,
If she be right invoked in warbled song,
For maidenhood she loves, and will be swift
To aid a virgin such as was herself,
In hard besetting998 need. This will I try
And add the power of some adjuring999 verse.
Sabrina, fair,
Listen where thou are sitting
Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave,
In twisted braids of lillies knitting
The loose train of the amber-dropping hair.
Listen for dear honor's sake,
Goddess of the silver lake,
Listen and save.
Listen and appear to us
In name of great Oceanus1000 ---
By th' earth-shaking Neptune's mace,
And Tethys' grave, majestic pace---
By hoary Nereus' wrinkled look,
And the Carpathian wizard's hook---
By scaly Triton's winding1001 shell,
And old sooth-saying Glaucus' spell---
By Leucothea's1002 lovely hands,
And her son that rules the strands1003 ---
By Thetis' tinsel-slippered feet,
And the songs of Sirens' sweet---
By dead Parthenope's1004 dear tomb,
And fair Ligéa's golden comb,
Wherewith she sits on diamond rocks,
Sleeking her soft, alluring locks---
By all the nymphs that nightly dance
Upon thy streams, with wily1005 glance!
Rise, rise, and heave1006 thy rosy head
From thy coral-paven bed,
And bridle1007 in thy headlong wave
Till thou our summons answered have.
Listen and save.
Sabrina rises, attended by water-nymphs, and sings:
By the rushy-fringèd bank,
Where grows the willow and the osier dank,
My sliding chariot stays,
Thick set with agate and the azure sheen
Of turquoise blue, and emerald green
That in the channel strays,
Whilst from off the waters fleet 1008
Thus I set my printless feet
O'er the cowslips' velvet head,
That bends not as I tread.
Gentle swain, at thy request
I am here.
SPIRIT. Goddess dear,
We implore thy powerful hand
To undo the charmèd band1009
Of true virgin, here distressed1010
Through the force and through the wile
Of unblessed enchanter vile.
SABRINA. Shepherd, it is my office1011 best
To help ensnarèd chastity.
Brightest lady, look on me!
Thus I sprinkle on thy breast
Drops that from my fountain pure
I have kept, of precious cure.1012
Thrice upon thy finger's tip,
Thrice upon thy rubied lip!
Next, this marble-venomed seat
Smeared with gums1013 of glutinous 1014 heat I touch with chaste palms, moist and cold.
Now the spell hath lost his hold---
And I must haste, ere morning hour,
To wait 1015 in Amphitrite's 1016 bow'r.
Sabrina descends, and the lady rises out of her seat.
SPIRIT. Virgin, daughter of Locrine,
Sprung of old Anchises'1017 line,
May thy brimmèd waves, for this,
Their full tribute never miss
From a thousand petty1018 rills1019
That tumble down the snowy hills.
Summer drought or singèd air
Never scorch thy tresses fair,
Nor wet October's torrent flood
Thy molten crystal fill1020 with mud.
May thy billows roll ashore
The beryl1021 and the golden ore.
May thy lofty head be crowned
With many a tow'r and terrace round,
And here and there thy banks upon
With groves of myrrh and cinnamon.
Come lady, while Heav'n lends us grace
Let us fly this cursèd place,
Lest the sorcerer us entice
With some other new device.
Not a taste or needless sound
Till we come to holier ground.
I shall be your faithful guide
Through this gloomy covert 1022 wide,
And not many furlongs thence
Is your father's residence,
Where this night are met in state
Many a friend to gratulate
His wishèd presence, and beside
All the swains that there abide,
With jigs and rural dance resort.1023
We shall catch them at their sport,
And our sudden coming there
Will double all their mirth and cheer.
Come, let us haste! The stars grow high---
But night sits monarch yet in the mid-sky.
The scene changes, presenting Ludlow Town and the [Lord] President's castle. Then come in country dancers. After them, the attendant spirit, with the two brothers and the lady.
SPIRIT. Back, shepherds, back! Enough, your play,
Till next sunshine holiday.
Here be, without duck 1024 or nod, Other trippings to be trod
Of lighter toes, and such court guise 1025
As Mercury did first devise 1026
With the mincing 1027 Dryades,1028
On the lawns and on the leas.1029
This second song presents them to their father and mother:
[SONG 2]
Noble lord, and lady bright,
I have brought ye new delight.
Here behold so goodly grown
Three fair branches of your own.
Heav'n hath timely tried their youth,
Their faith, their patience, and their truth,
And sent them here, through hard assays,1030
With a crown of deathless praise,
To triumph in victorious dance
O'er sensual folly and intemperance.
The dances ended, the spirit epiloguizes:
SPIRIT. To the ocean now I fly,
And those happy climes that lie
Where day never shuts his eye,
Up in the broad fields of the sky.
There I suck the liquid air
All amidst the gardens fair
Of Hesperus and his daughters three,
That sing about the golden tree.
Along the crispèd 1031 shades and bow'rs
Revels the spruce 1032 and jocund spring.
The Graces, and the rosy-bosomed Hours,
Thither all their bounties bring,
That 1033 there eternal summer dwells,
And west winds, with musky wing,
About the cedarn alleys 1034 fling
Nard,1035 and cassia's balmy smells.
Iris 1036 there with humid bow
Waters the odorous banks that blow1037
Flowers of more mingled hue
Than her purflèd 1038 scarf can shew,
And drenches with Elysian dew
(List, mortals, if your ears be true)
Beds of hyacinth and roses,
Where young Adonis 1039 oft reposes,
Waxing 1040 well of his deep wound
In slumber soft, and on the ground
Sadly sits the Assyrian queen.1041
But far above, in spangled sheen,
Celestial Cupid, her fair son advanced,1042
Holds his dear Psyche,1043 sweet 1044 entranced After her wand'ring labors long,
Till free consent the gods among
Make her his eternal bride
And from her fair, unspotted side
Two blissful twins are to be born,
Youth and Joy. So Jove hath sworn.
But now my task is smoothly 1045 done.
I can fly or I can run
Quickly to the green earth's end,
Where the bowed welkin 1046 slow doth bend,
And from thence can soar as soon
To the corners 1047 of the moon.
Mortals that would follow me,
Love virtue: she alone is free.
She can teach ye how to climb
Higher than the sphery chime---1048
Or, if virtue feeble 1049 were,
Heav'n itself would stoop to her.
ON TIME1050
1633--37?
Fly, envious time, till thou run out thy race!
Call on the lazy leaden-stepping 1051 hours, Whose speed is but the heavy plummet's 1052 pace, And glut thyself with what thy womb1053 devours--- Which is no more than what is false and vain
And merely mortal dross.1054
So little is our loss,
So little is thy gain.
For when as each thing bad thou hast entombed,
And last of all thy greedy self consumed,
Then long eternity shall greet our bliss
With an individual kiss.1055
And joy shall overtake us as a flood
When everything that is sincerely good
And perfectly divine
With truth, and peace, and love shall ever shine
About the supreme throne
Of Him t' whose happy-making sight alone,
When once our Heav'nly-guided soul shall climb,
Then all this earthy grossness quit,1056
Attired with stars we shall forever sit,
Triumphing over death, and chance, and thee, O time!
1633--37
Ye flaming powers 1057 and wingèd warriors bright
That erst with music and triumphant song
First heard by happy watchful shepherd's ear,
So sweetly sung your joy the clouds along,
Through the soft silence of the list'ning night,
Now mourn, and if sad share with us to bear
Your fiery essence can distill no tear,
Burn in your sighs and borrow
Seas wept from our deep sorrow.
He who with all Heav'n's heraldry 1058 whilere1059
Entered the world, now bleeds to give us ease.
Alas, how soon our sin
Sore1060 doth begin
His infancy to cease!1061
O more exceeding love or law more just?
Just law, indeed---but more exceeding love!
For we, by rightful doom1062 remediless, Were lost in death till He that dwelt above,
High-throned in secret bliss, for us frail dust
Emptied His glory, ev'n to nakedness,
And that great cov'nant 1063 which we still transgress Entirely satisfied,
And the full wrath beside
Of vengeful justice bore for our excess,
And seals obedience, first, with wounding smart
This day, but O, ere long
Huge pangs, and strong,
Will pierce more near His heart.
1637
Blest pair of Sirens, pledges of Heav'n's joy,
Sphere-born, harmonious sisters, voice and verse,
Wed your divine sounds, and mixed power employ,
Dead things with inbreathed sense able to pierce
And to our high-raised fantasy present
That undisturbèd song of pure content 1064
Aye1065 sung before the sapphire-colored throne To Him that sits thereon,
With saintly shout and solemn jubilee,
Where the bright Seraphim in burning row
Their loud uplifted Angel trumpets blow
And the Cherubic host, in thousand choirs,
Touch their golden harps of immortal wires,
With those just Spirits that wear victorious palms
Hymns devout and holy psalms
Singing everlastingly,
That we on earth with undiscording 1066 voice May rightly answer that melodious noise,
As once we did, till disproportioned sin
Jarred against Nature's chime and with harsh din
Broke the fair music that all creatures made
To their great Lord, whose love their motion swayed
In perfect diapason,1067 whilst they stood In first1068 obedience and their state of good.
O may we soon again renew that song
And keep in tune with Heav'n, till God erelong
To His celestial consort 1069 us unite
To live with Him, and sing in endless morn of light.
LYCIDAS1070
1637
In this monody1071 the author bewails a learnèd friend,1072 unfortunately drowned in his passage from Chester [in W. England] on the Irish seas, 1637. And by occasion1073 foretells the ruin of our corrupted clergy, then in their height.
Yet once more, O ye laurels,1074 and once more,
Ye myrtles 1075 brown, with ivy 1076 never sear,1077
I come to pluck your berries harsh and crude1078
And with forced 1079 fingers rude 1080
Shatter your leaves before the mellowing 1081 year.
Bitter constraint,1082 and sad occasion dear, Compels me to disturb your season due,
For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime,
Young Lycidas, and hath not left his peer.
Who would not sing for Lycidas? He well knew
Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme.
He must not float upon his wat'ry bier
Unwept, and welter 1083 to the parching1084 wind, Without the meed 1085 of some melodious tear.
Begin then, sisters of the sacred well,1086
That from beneath the seat of Jove doth spring,
Begin, and somewhat 1087 loudly sweep the string.
Hence with denial vain, and coy1088 excuse!
So may1089 some gentle1090 muse With lucky1091 words favor 1092 my destined 1093 urn1094
And, as he passes, turn
And bid fair peace be to my sable shroud.1095
For we were nursed upon the self-same hill,
Fed the same flock, by fountain, shade, and rill.1096
Together both, ere the high lawns1097 appeared Under the opening eye-lids of the morn,
We drove1098 afield, and both together heard What time1099 the gray-fly 1100 winds1101 her sultry1102 horn, Batt'ning1103 our flocks with the fresh dews of night, Oft till the star1104 that rose at ev'ning bright Toward Heav'n's descent had sloped his westering wheel.1105
Meanwhile, the rural ditties were not mute,
Tempered 1106 to th' oaten1107 flute.
Rough satyrs1108 danced, and fauns with clov'n heel From the glad sound would not be absent long.
And old Damoetas1109 loved to hear our song.
But O the heavy change, now thou art gone,
Now thou art gone and never must return!
Thee, shepherd, thee the woods and desert caves,
With wild thyme and the gadding 1110 vine o'ergrown, And all their echoes mourn.
The willows, and the hazel copses green,
Shall now no more be seen
Fanning their joyous leaves to thy soft lays.1111
As killing as the canker 1112 to the rose, Or taint-worm1113 to the weanling 1114 herds that graze, Or frost to flow'rs, that their gay wardrobe wear,
When first the white thorn blows---1115
Such, Lycidas, thy loss to shepherd's ear.
Where were ye, nymphs, when the remorseless deep
Closed o'er the head of your loved Lycidas?
For neither were ye playing on the steep,1116
Where your old bards,1117 the famous Druids lie, Nor on the shaggy top of Mona1118 high, Nor yet where Deva 1119 spreads her wizard 1120 stream: Aye me, I fondly dream!
Had ye been there, for what could that have done?
What could the muse 1121 herself, that 1122 Orpheus bore,1123
The muse herself, for her enchanting 1124 son Whom universal 1125 nature did lament, When by the rout 1126 that made the hideous roar His goary visage 1127 down the stream was sent, Down the swift Hebrus to the Lesbian shore.
Alas! What boots 1128 it, with incessant care
To tend the homely 1129 slighted shepherd's trade, And strictly meditate the thankless muse?
Were it not better done, as others use,
To sport 1130 with Amaryllis 1131 in the shade, Or with the tangles of Neaera's 1132 hair?
Fame is the spur that the clear 1133 spirit doth raise 1134
(That last infirmity of noble mind!)
To scorn delights, and live laborious days.
But the fair guerdon,1135 when we hope to find,1136
And think to burst out into sudden blaze,
Comes the blind Fury 1137 with th' abhorrèd shears And slits the thin-spun life. But not the praise,
Phoebus 1138 replied, and touched my trembling ears.
Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil,
Nor in the glistering 1139 foil 1140
Set off to th' world, nor in broad rumor 1141 lies, But lives and spreads aloft by those pure eyes
And perfect witness of all-judging Jove,
As he pronounces lastly 1142 on each deed.
Of so much fame in Heav'n expect thy meed.1143
O fountain Arethuse,1144 and thou honored flood,1145
Smooth-sliding Mincius,1146 crowned with vocal reeds, That strain I heard was of a higher mood.
But now my oat 1147 proceeds And listens to the herald of the sea 1148
That came in Neptune's plea.
He asked the waves, and asked the felon 1149 winds, What hard mishap hath doomed this gentle swain?
And questioned every gust of rugged 1150 wings1151
That blows from off each beakèd 1152 promontory.
They knew not of his story,
And sage Hippotades 1153 their answer brings; That not a blast was from his dungeon strayed,
The air was calm, and on the level brine
Sleek Panope 1154 with all her sisters played.
It was that fatal and perfidious bark,
Built in1155 th' eclipse1156 and rigged with curses dark,1157
That sunk so low that sacred head of thine.
Next Camus,1158 reverend sire, went footing slow,
His mantle hairy, and his bonnet 1159 sedge,1160
Inwrought1161 with figures dim, and on the edge Like to that sanguine flower 1162 inscribed with woe.
"Ah! Who hath reft 1163 (quoth he) my dearest pledge?"1164
Last came, and last did go,
The pilot of the Galilean lake.1165
Two massy keys he bore, of metals twain,
(The golden opes, the iron shuts amain).1166
He shook his mitered locks, and stern bespake:
"How well could I have spared for thee, young swain,
Anow1167 of such as for their belly's sake Creep and intrude, and climb into the fold?
Of other care they little reck'ning make
Than how to scramble at the shearers' feast
And shove away the worthy bidden1168 guest.
Blind mouths! that scarce themselves know how to hold
A sheep-hook, or have learned ought else the least
That to the faithfull herdsman's art belongs!
What recks it them? What need they? They are 1169 sped,1170
And when they list,1171 their lean and flashy1172 songs Grate on their scrannel 1173 pipes of wretched straw.
The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed,
But swoll'n with wind and the rank 1174 mist 1175 they draw,1176
Rot inwardly, and foul contagion1177 spread, Besides what the grim1178 wolf with privy 1179 paw Daily devours apace,1180 and nothing said!
But that two-handed engine1181 at the door Stands ready to smite once, and smite no more."
Return, Alpheus,1182 the dread1183 voice is past
That shrunk thy streams. Return, Sicilian muse,1184
And call the vales1185 and bid them hither cast Their bells1186 and flowrets1187 of a thousand hues.
Ye valleys low, where the mild whispers use1188
Of shades and wanton1189 winds, and gushing brooks, On whose fresh1190 lap1191 the swart star 1192 sparely 1193 looks, Throw hither all your quaint1194 enamelled eyes1195
That on the green turf suck the honeyed show'rs
And purple all the ground with vernal 1196 flow'rs.
Bring the rath1197 primrose that forsaken dies, The tufted crow-toe, and pale gessamine,
The white pink, and the pansy freaked1198 with jet, The glowing violet,
The muskrose, and the well attired woodbine,
With cowslips wan that hang the pensive head
And every flower that sad 1199 embroidery wears: Bid amaranthus all his beauties shed,
And daffodillies fill their cups with tears,
To strew the laureate 1200 hearse1201 where Lycid' lies.
For so to interpose1202 a little ease Let our frail thoughts dally with false surmise.
Aye me! Whilst thee the shores and sounding seas
Wash far away, where'er thy bones are hurled,
Whether beyond the stormy Hebrides1203
Where thou perhaps under the whelming1204 tide Visit'st the bottom of the monstrous1205 world, Or whether thou to our moist 1206 vows denied 1207
Sleep'st, by the fable of Bellerus1208 old, Where the great vision of the guarded mount1209
Looks toward Namancos1210 and Bayona's 1211 hold--- Look homeward, Angel, now, and melt with ruth,1212
And O, ye dolphins, waft 1213 the hapless youth.
Weep no more, woeful shepherds, weep no more,
For Lycidas your sorrow is not dead,
Sunk though he be beneath the wat'ry floor!
So sinks the day-star 1214 in the ocean bed And yet anon1215 repairs 1216 his drooping head And tricks1217 his beams, and with new spangled ore 1218
Flames in the forehead of the morning sky.
So Lycidas sunk low, but mounted high,
Through the dear might of Him that walked the waves!
Where other groves and other streams along
With nectar pure his oozy 1219 locks he laves1220
And hears the unexpressive 1221 nuptial song In the blest kingdoms meek, of joy and love.
There entertain him all the saints above,
In solemn 1222 troops,1223 and sweet societies 1224
That sing, and singing in their glory move,1225
And wipe the tears forever from his eyes.
Now, Lycidas, the shepherds weep no more!
Henceforth thou art the genius 1226 of the shore In thy large 1227 recompense,1228 and shalt be good To all that wander in that perilous flood.
Thus sang the uncouth 1229 swain to th' oaks and rills,1230
While the still morn went out with sandals gray.
He touched the tender stops of various quills,1231
With eager thought warbling his Doric 1232 lay.
And now the sun had stretched out 1233 all the hills, And now was dropped into the western bay.
At last he rose and twitched 1234 his mantle blue: Tomorrow to fresh woods, and pastures new.
THE FIFTH ODE OF HORACE, BOOK ONE
1646--48?
Quis multa gracilis te puer in rosa, rendered almost word for word, without rhyme, according to the Latin measure,1235 as near as the [English] language will permit.
What slender youth, bedewed with liquid odors,
Courts 1236 thee on roses in some pleasant cave,
Pyrrha? For whom bind'st thou
In wreaths thy golden hair,
Plain 1237 in thy neatness? 1238 O how oft shall he On faith and changèd gods complain, and seas
Rough with black winds and storms
Unwonted 1239 shall admire,1240
Who now enjoys thee credulous 1241 all gold?
Who always vacant,1242 always amiable,
Hopes thee, of flattering gales
Unmindful? Hapless 1243 they
To whom thou, untried,1244 seem'st fair. Me in my vowed 1245
Picture 1246 the sacred wall declares t' have hung 1247
My dank and drooping weeds 1248
To the stern god of sea.
ON THE NEW FORCERS OF CONSCIENCE, UNDER THE LONG PARLIAMENT
1647?
Because you have thrown off your prelate 1249 lord
And with stiff 1250 vows renounced his liturgy,1251
To seize the widowed whore, plurality 1252
From them whose sin ye envied, not abhorred,
Dare ye for this adjure1253 the civil sword
To force our consciences that Christ set free,
And ride us with a classic1254 hierarchy
Taught ye by mere A.S.1255 and Rutherford?1256
Men whose life, learning, faith, and pure intent
Would have been held in high esteem with Paul
Must now be named and printed heretics
By shallow Edwards1257 and Scotch what d'ye call.1258
But we do hope to find out all your tricks,
Your plots and packings, worse than those of Trent,1259
That so the Parliament
May with their wholesome and preventive shears
Clip your phylactries1260 (though bauk1261 your ears),
And succor our just fears
When they shall read this clearly in your charge:
New presbyter is but old priest writ large.
PSALMS 1--81262
August 1653
1
Blessed is the man who hath not walked astray
In counsel of the wicked, and i' th' way
Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat
Of scorners hath not sat. But in the great
Jehovah's Law is ever his delight,
And in His Law he studies day and night.
He shall be as a tree which, planted, grows
By wat'ry streams, and in his season knows
To yield his fruit, and his leaf shall not fall,
And what he takes in hand shall prosper all.
Not so the wicked, but as chaff 1263 which fanned 1264
The wind drives, so the wicked shall not stand 1265
In judgment, or abide 1266 their trial then, Nor sinners in the assembly of just men.
For the Lord knows th' upright way of the just,
And the way of bad men to ruin1267 must.
2
Why do the gentiles1268 tumult,1269 and the nations
Muse1270 a vain thing? The kings of the earth upstand 1271
With power, and princes in their congregations 1272
Lay deep their plots together, through each land,
Against the Lord and His Messiah dear.
Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand,
Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear,
Their twisted cords. He who in Heav'n doth dwell
Shall laugh. The Lord shall scoff 1273 them, then, severe,1274
Speak to them in His wrath, and in His fell 1275
And fierce 1276 ire 1277 trouble 1278 them. But I saith He
Anointed hath my King (though ye rebel)
On Sion, my holy hill. A firm decree
I will declare. The Lord to me hath said
Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee
This day. Ask of me, and the grant is made.
As thy possession I on thee bestow
Th' heathen, and as thy conquest (to be swayed 1279 )
Earth's utmost bounds. Them shalt thou bring full low,
With iron scepters bruised,1280 and them disperse
Like to a potter's vessel, shivered so.
And now be wise at length,1281 ye kings averse,1282
Be taught, ye judges of the earth---with fear
Jehovah serve, and let your joy converse1283
With trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he appear
In anger and ye perish in the way,1284
If once his wrath take fire, like fuel sere.1285
Happy all those who have him in their stay.1286
3
When he1287 fled from Absalom.1288
Lord, how many are my foes,
How many those
That in arms against me rise.
Many are they
That of my life distrustfully thus say:
No help for him in God there lies.
But thou, Lord, art my shield, my glory,
Thee through my story1289
Th' exalter of my head I count.
Aloud I cried
Unto Jehovah. He full soon1290 replied
And heard me from His holy mount.
I lay and slept, I waked again,
For my sustain
Was the Lord. Of many millions
The populous rout 1291
I fear not, though encamping round about
They pitch1292 against me their pavilions.1293
Rise, Lord. Save me, my God, for Thou
Hast smote 1294 ere now
On the cheek-bone all my foes,
Of men abhorred
Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Lord,
Thy blessing on Thy people flows.
4
Answer me when I call,
God of my righteousness.1295
In straits1296 and in distress Thou didst me disenthrall 1297
And set at large.1298 Now spare,
Now pity me, and hear my earnest prayer.
Great ones, how long will ye
My glory have in scorn?
How long be this forborn1299
Still to love vanity,
To love, to seek, to prize
Things false and nothing else but lies?
Yet know the Lord hath chose,
Chose to Himself apart
The good and meek of heart
(For whom to choose He knows).
Jehovah from on high
Will hear my voice, what time1300 to Him I cry.
Be awed,1301 and do not sin.
Speak to your hearts alone,
Upon your beds, each one,
And be at peace within.
Offer the offerings just1302
Of righteousness, and in Jehovah trust.
Many there be that say
"Who yet will show us good?"
Talking like this world's brood! 1303
But Lord, thus let me pray:
On us lift up the light,
Lift up the favor of Thy count'nance bright.
Into my heart more joy
And gladness Thou has put
Than when a year of glut1304
Their stores1305 doth over-cloy1306
And from their plenteous grounds1307
With vast increase their corn1308 and wine abounds.
In peace at once will I
Both lay me down and sleep,
For Thou alone dost keep
Me safe, where ere I lie.
As in a rocky cell
Thou, Lord, alone in safety mak'st me dwell.
5
Jehovah, to my words give ear,
My meditation1309 weigh,1310
The voice of my complaining hear,
My King and God, for unto Thee I pray.
Jehovah, Thou my early voice
Shalt in the morning hear.
I' th' morning I to Thee, with choice,1311
Will rank 1312 my prayers and watch till Thou appear.
For Thou art not a God that takes
In wickedness delight.
Evil with Thee no biding 1313 makes.
Fools or madmen stand 1314 not within Thy sight.
All workers of iniquity 1315
Thou hat'st, and them unblessed
Thou wilt destroy that speak a lie.
The bloodi' and guileful 1316 man God doth detest.
But I will in Thy mercies dear,
Thy numerous mercies go
Into Thy house, I in Thy fear 1317
Will towards Thy holy temple worship low.1318
Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness,
Lead me because of those
That do observe 1319 if I transgress.1320
Set Thy right ways before 1321 where my step goes.
For in his 1322 falt'ring mouth unstable 1323
No word is firm or sooth:1324
Their inside troubles miserable,
An open grave their throat; their tongue they smooth.
God, find them guilty, let them fall
By their own counsels quelled,1325
Push them in their rebellions all
Still on, for against Thee they have rebelled.
Then all who trust in Thee shall bring
Their joy, while Thou from blame
Defend'st them. They shall ever sing
And shall triumph in Thee, who love Thy name.
For Thou, Jehovah, wilt be found
To bless the just man still,1326
As with a shield. Thou will surround
Him with Thy lasting favor and good will.
6
Lord, in Thine anger do not reprehend 1327 me,
Nor in Thy hot displeasure me correct.
Pity me, Lord, for I am much deject,
Am very weak and faint. Heal and amend me,
For all my bones that even with anguish ache
Are troubled, yea, my soul is troubled sore.
And Thou, O Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, restore 1328
My soul, O save me for Thy goodness sake,
For in death is no remembrance of Thee.
Who in the grave can celebrate Thy praise?
Wearied I am with sighing out my days,
Nightly my couch1329 I make a kind of sea,
My bed I water with my tears, mine eye
Through grief consumes,1330 is waxen 1331 old and dark
I' th' midst of all mine enemies, that mark.1332
Depart all ye that work iniquity! 1333
Depart from me, for the voice of my weeping
The Lord hath heard, the Lord hath heard my prayer,
My supplication 1334 with acceptance fair
The Lord will own,1335 and have me in His keeping.
Mine enemies shall be all blank 1336 and dashed 1337
With much confusion, then grown red with shame
They shall return in haste the way they came,
And in a moment shall be quite abashed.1338
7
Upon the words of Chush, the Benjamite,1339 against him.1340
Lord, my God, to Thee I fly,
Save me and secure me under
Thy protection, while I cry,
Lest as a lion (and no wonder)
He haste to tear my soul asunder---
Tearing, and no rescue nigh.
Lord, my God, if I have thought
Or done this, if wickedness
Be in my hands, if I have wrought 1341
Ill to him that meant me peace,
Or to him have rendered 1342 less And not freed my foe for naught,1343
Let th' enemy pursue my soul
And overtake it, let me tread 1344
My life down to the earth and roll
In the dust my glory dead---
In the dust, and there outspread
Lodge 1345 it with dishonor foul.
Rise, Jehovah, in Thine ire,1346
Rouse Thyself amidst the rage
Of my foes, that urge 1347 like fire, And wake 1348 for me, their furi'1349 assuage.1350
Judgment here1351 thou didst engage1352
And command, which I desire.
So th' assemblies of each nation
Will surround Thee, seeking right.
Thence to Thy glorious habitation
Return on high, and in their sight.
Jehovah judgeth most upright
All people, from this world's foundation.1353
Judge me, Lord, be judge in this
According to my righteousness
And the innocence which is
Upon me. Cause at length to cease
Of evil men the wickedness,
And their power, that do amiss.1354
But the just establish1355 fast,1356
Since Thou art the just God that tries1357
Hearts and reins.1358 On God is cast My defence, and in Him lies,
In Him who both just and wise
Saves th' upright of heart at last.1359
God is a just judge, and severe,1360
And God is every day offended.
If th' unjust will not forbear 1361
His sword He whets,1362 His bow hath bended Already, and for him intended
The tools of death, that waits1363 Him near.
(His arrows purposely made He
For them that persecute.)1364 Behold, He1365 travels big 1366 with vanity, Trouble he hath conceived of old
As in a womb, and from that mould
Hath at length brought forth a lie.
He digged a pit, and delved 1367 it deep, And fell into the pit he made.
His mischief that due1368 course1369 doth keep, Turns on his head, and his ill trade 1370
Of violence will undelayed
Fall on his crown1371 with ruin steep.1372
Then will I Jehovah's praise
According to His justice raise,1373
And sing the name and deity
Of Jehovah, the most high.
8
O Jehovah, our Lord, how wondrous great
And glorious is Thy name through all the earth!
So as above the Heav'ns Thy praise to set
Out of the tender mouths of latest birth.
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou
Hast founded 1374 strength, because of all Thy foes,
To stint 1375 th' enemy and slack 1376 th' avenger's brow
That bends his rage Thy providence t' oppose.
When I behold Thy Heav'ns, Thy fingers' art,
The moon and stars which Thou so bright hast set
In the pure firmament, then saith my heart:
O what is man, that Thou remembrest yet
And think'st upon him, or of man begot 1377
That him Thou visit'st and of 1378 him art found.
Scarce to be less than gods Thou mad'st his lot,
With honor and with state1379 Thou hast him crowned.
O'er the works of Thy hand Thou mad'st him lord.
Thou hast put all under his lordly feet
All flocks, and herds, by Thy commanding word,
All beasts that in the field or forest meet,1380
Fowl of the Heav'ns, and fish that through the wet
Sea-paths in shoals do slide. And know no dearth.1381
O Jehovah, our Lord, how wondrous great
And glorious is Thy name through all the earth.
The measure1382 is English heroic verse1383 without rhyme, as that of Homer in Greek and of Virgil in Latin, rhyme being no necessary adjunct or true ornament of poem or good verse (in longer works especially) but the invention of a barbarous Age, to set off wretched matter1384 and lame meter---graced indeed, since, by the use of some famous modern poets, carried away by custom, but much to their own vexation, hindrance, and constraint to express many things otherwise1385 and for the most part worse than they would have expressed them. Not without cause, therefore, some both Italian and Spanish poets of prime note have rejected rhyme both in longer and shorter works, as have also long since our best English tragedies, as a thing of itself to all judicious ears trivial and of no musical delight, which [delight] consists only in apt numbers,1386 fit 1387 quantity of syllables, and the sense variously drawn out from one verse into another, not in the jingling sound of like endings, a fault avoided by the ancients both in poetry and all good oratory. This neglect, then, of rhyme so little is to be taken for a defect---though it may seem so, perhaps, to vulgar1388 readers---that it rather is to be esteemed1389 an example set, the first in English, of ancient liberty recovered to heroic poem from the troublesome and modern bondage of rhyming.
This first Book proposes first in brief the whole subject, man's disobedience, and the loss thereupon of Paradise wherein he was placed; then touches the prime cause of his fall, the Serpent, or rather Satan in the Serpent, who, revolting from God, and drawing to his side many legions of Angels, was by the command of God driven out of Heaven with all his crew into the great deep. Which action past over, the poem hastes into the midst of things, presenting Satan with his Angels now fallen into Hell, described here not in the center (for Heaven and Earth may be supposed as yet not made, certainly not yet accursed) but in a place of utter darkness, fitliest1390 called Chaos. Here Satan with his Angels lying on the burning lake, thunder-struck and astonished, after a certain space1391 recovers, as from confusion, calls up him who next in order and dignity lay by him.
They confer of1392 their miserable fall. Satan awakens all his legions, who lay till then in the same manner confounded. They rise, their numbers, array of battle, their chief leaders named, according to the idols known afterwards in Canaan1393 and the countries adjoining. To these Satan directs his speech, comforts them with hope yet of regaining Heaven, but tells them lastly of a new world and new kind of creature to be created, according to an ancient prophecy or report in Heaven---for that Angels were, long before this visible Creation, was the opinion of many ancient Fathers. To find out the truth of this prophecy, and what to determine thereon, he refers to a full council.
What his associates thence attempt. Pandemonium, the palace of Satan, rises, suddenly built out of the deep. The infernal peers there sit in council.
1
Of man's first disobedience, and the fruit
2
Of that forbidden tree whose mortal 1394 taste
3
Brought Death into the world, and all our woe
4
With loss of Eden, till one greater Man1395
5
Restore us and regain the blissful seat
6
Sing, Heavenly Muse, that on the secret top
7
Of Oreb,1396 or of Sinai, didst inspire
9
In the beginning how the heavens and earth
10
Rose out of Chaos. Or if Sion hill1399
11
Delight thee more, and Siloa's1400 brook that flowed
13
Invoke thy aid to my adventurous1403 song
14
That with no middle flight intends to soar
15
Above th'Aonian mount,1404 while it pursues
16
Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme
17
And chiefly thou, O Spirit,1405 that dost prefer
18
Before 1406 all temples th' upright heart and pure
19
Instruct me, for Thou know'st, Thou from the first
20
Wast present and, with mighty wings outspread
2
Dove-like sat'st brooding 1407 on the vast abyss
22
And mad'st it pregnant. What in me is dark 1408
23
Illumine, what is low raise and support
24
That, to the height of this great argument
25
I may assert Eternal Providence
26
And justify the ways of God to men
27
Say first---for Heav'n hides nothing from thy view
28
Nor the deep tract of Hell---say first what cause
29
Moved our grand 1409 parents, in that happy state
30
Favored of Heav'n so highly, to fall off 1410
31
From their Creator and transgress His will
32
For1411 one restraint, lords of the world besides
33
Who first seduced them to that foul revolt
34
Th' infernal Serpent, he it was whose guile
35
Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived
36
The mother of mankind, what time his pride
37
Had cast him out from Heav'n, with all his host
38
Of rebel Angels, by whose aid, aspiring
39
To set himself in glory above his peers
40
He trusted to have equalled the Most High
41
If he opposed and with ambitious aim
42
Against the throne and monarchy of God
43
Raised impious war in Heav'n and battle proud
44
With vain attempt. Him the Almighty Power
45
Hurled headlong flaming from th' ethereal 1412 sky
47
To bottomless perdition,1415 there to dwell
49
Who durst defy th' Omnipotent to arms
50
Nine times the space that measures day and night
52
Lay vanquished, rolling in the fiery gulf, 1420
54
Reserved 1423 him to more wrath, for now the thought
55
Both of lost happiness and lasting pain
56
Torments him. Round he throws his baleful1424 eyes
57
That witnessed 1425 huge affliction and dismay
58
Mixed with obdurate 1426 pride and steadfast hate
59
At once, as far as Angels ken,1427 he views
61
A dungeon horrible, on all sides round
62
As one great furnace flamed, yet from those flames
63
No light but rather darkness visible
64
Served only to discover 1431 sights of woe
65
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace
66
And rest can never dwell, hope never comes
67
That comes to all, but torture without end
68
Still urges,1432 and a fiery deluge, fed
69
With ever-burning sulphur unconsumed.1433
70
Such place Eternal Justice had prepared
71
For those rebellious, here their prison ordained
72
In utter darkness, and their portion1434 set
73
As far removed from God and light of Heav'n
74
As from the center thrice to th' utmost pole
75
Oh how unlike the place from whence they fell
76
There the companions of his fall, o'erwhelmed
77
With floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous fire
78
He soon discerns and, weltering1435 by his side
79
One next himself in power, and next in crime
80
Long after known in Palestine, and named
81
Beelzebub. 1436 To whom th' arch-enemy
82
And thence in Heav'n called Satan, with bold words
83
Breaking the horrid silence, thus began
84
"If thou beest he---but O how fallen! how changed
85
From him who, in the happy1437 realms of light
86
Clothed with transcendent brightness, didst outshine
88
United thoughts and counsels, equal hope
89
And hazard in the glorious enterprise
90
Joined with me once, now misery hath joined
91
In equal ruin---into what pit thou seest
92
From what height fall'n, so much the stronger proved
93
He with His thunder. And till then who knew
94
The force of those dire arms? Yet not for those
95
Nor what the potent victor in His rage
96
Can else inflict, do I repent, or change
97
(Though changed in outward luster) that fixed mind
98
And high disdain from sense of injured merit
99
That with the Mightiest raised me to contend
100
And to the fierce contentions1440 brought along
101
Innumerable 1441 force of Spirits armed
102
That durst dislike His reign and, me preferring
103
His utmost power with adverse1442 power opposed
104
In dubious1443 battle on the plains of Heav'n,
105
And shook His throne. What though the field be lost
106
All is not lost---the unconquerable will
107
And study 1444 of revenge, immortal hate
108
And courage never to submit or yield
109
And what is else not to be overcome
110
That glory never shall His wrath or might
112
With suppliant 1447 knee, and deify His power
114
Doubted 1451 His empire: that were low indeed
115
That were an ignominy and shame beneath
116
This downfall, since, by fate, the strength of gods
117
And this empyreal 1452 substance, cannot fail
118
Since, through experience of this great event
120
We may with more successful hope resolve
121
To wage by force or guile eternal war
122
Irreconcilable to our grand foe
123
Who now triumphs, and in th' excess of joy
124
Sole reigning holds the tyranny of Heav'n."
125
So spoke th' apostate Angel, though in pain
126
Vaunting 1455 aloud, but racked with deep despair
127
And him thus answered, soon, his bold compeer:1456
128
"O Prince, O chief of many thronèd Powers1457
129
That led th' embattled Seraphim1458 to war
130
Under thy conduct 1459 and, in dreadful deeds
131
Fearless, endangered Heav'n's perpetual 1460 King
132
And put to proof 1461 His high supremacy
133
Whether upheld by strength, or chance, or fate
134
Too well I see and rue 1462 the dire event
135
That, with sad overthrow and foul defeat
136
Hath lost us Heav'n, and all this mighty host
137
In horrible destruction laid thus low
138
As far as gods and Heav'nly Essences 1463
139
Can perish---for the mind and spirit remains
140
Invincible, 1464 and vigor soon returns
141
Though all our glory extinct, and happy state
142
Here swallowed up in endless misery
143
But what if He our conqueror (whom I now
144
Of force1465 believe almighty, since no less
145
Than such could have o'erpowered such force as ours
146
Have left us this our spirit and strength entire, 1466
148
That we may so suffice1469 His vengeful ire
149
Or do Him mightier service as His thralls1470
150
By right of war, whate'er His business be,
151
Here in the heart of Hell to work in fire
152
Or do His errands in the gloomy deep
153
What can it then avail, though yet we feel
154
Strength undiminished, or eternal being
155
To undergo eternal punishment
156
Whereto with speedy words th' arch-fiend replied
157
"Fall'n Cherub, to be weak is miserable
158
Doing or suffering. But of this be sure
159
To do aught 1471 good never will be our task
160
But ever to do ill our sole delight
161
As being the contrary to His high will
162
Whom we resist. If then His providence
163
Out of our evil seek to bring forth good
164
Our labor must be to pervert that end
165
And out of good still 1472 to find means of evil
166
Which oft-times may succeed so as, perhaps
167
Shall grieve Him, if I fail not, and disturb1473
169
"But see! the angry victor hath recalled
170
His ministers of vengeance and pursuit
171
Back to the gates of Heav'n. The sulphurous hail
173
The fiery surge1478 that from the precipice
174
Of Heav'n received us falling, and the thunder
175
Winged with red lightning and impetuous rage
176
Perhaps hath spent his shafts, and ceases now
177
To bellow through the vast and boundless deep
178
Let us not slip 1479 th' occasion, whether scorn
179
Or satiate1480 fury yield it from our foe
180
"Seest thou yon dreary plain, forlorn and wild
181
The seat of desolation, void of light
182
Save what the glimmering of these livid 1481 flames
183
Casts pale and dreadful? Thither let us tend 1482
184
From off the tossing of these fiery waves
185
There rest, if any rest can harbor 1483 there
186
And, re-assembling our afflicted 1484 Powers
187
Consult how we may henceforth most offend 1485
188
Our enemy, our own loss how repair
189
How overcome this dire calamity
190
What reinforcement we may gain from hope
191
If not, what resolution from despair
192
Thus Satan, talking to his nearest mate, 1486
193
With head uplift above the wave, and eyes
194
That sparkling blazed, his other parts besides
195
Prone on the flood,1487 extended long and large
196
Lay floating many a rood,1488 in bulk as huge
197
As whom the fables name of monstrous size
199
Briareos or Typhon, whom the den
201
Leviathan,1493 which God of all His works
202
Created hugest that swim th' ocean-stream
204
The pilot of some small night-foundered 1496 skiff
205
Deeming1497 some island, oft, as seamen tell
206
With fixed anchor in his scaly rind,1498
207
Moors by his side under the lee, 1499 while night
208
Invests1500 the sea, and wishèd morn delays
209
So stretched out huge in length the arch-fiend lay
210
Chained on the burning lake, nor ever thence
211
Had risen or heaved 1501 his head, but that the will
212
And high permission of all-ruling Heav'n
213
Left him at large to his own dark designs
214
That with reiterated crimes he might
215
Heap on himself damnation, while he sought
216
Evil to others, and enraged might see
217
How all his malice served but to bring forth
218
Infinite goodness, grace, and mercy, shown
219
On man by him seduced, but on himself
220
Treble confusion,1502 wrath, and vengeance poured
221
Forthwith1503 upright he rears from off the pool
222
His mighty stature. On each hand the flames
223
Driv'n backward slope their pointing spires and, rolled
224
In billows, leave in th' midst a horrid vale
225
Then with expanded 1504 wings he steers his flight
226
Aloft, incumbent1505 on the dusky air
227
That felt unusual weight, till on dry land
228
He lights1506 ---if it were land that ever burned
229
With solid, as the lake with liquid fire
231
Of subterranean wind transports a hill
232
Torn from Pelorus,1509 or the shattered side
233
Of thundering Etna, whose combustible
234
And fuellèd entrails thence conceiving fire
235
Sublimed 1510 with mineral fury, aid the winds
237
With stench and smoke. Such resting found the sole
238
Of unblest feet. Him followed his next mate
240
As1515 gods, and by their own recovered strength
242
"Is this the region, this the soil, the clime
243
Said then the lost Archangel, "this the seat1518
244
That we must change for Heav'n?---this mournful gloom
245
For that celestial light? Be it so, since He
247
What shall be right. Farthest from Him is best
248
Whom reason hath equalled, force hath made supreme
249
Above His equals. Farewell, happy fields
250
Where joy forever dwells! Hail, horrors! hail
251
Infernal world! and thou, profoundest1521 Hell
252
Receive thy new possessor---one who brings
253
A mind not to be changed by place or time
254
The mind is its own place, and in itself
255
Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.
256
What matter where, if I be still the same
257
And what I should be, all but 1522 less than He
258
Whom thunder hath made greater? Here at least
259
We shall be free. Th'Almighty hath not built
260
Here for His envy, will not drive us hence
261
Here we may reign secure and, in my choice
262
To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell
263
Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heav'n!
264
"But wherefore let we then our faithful friends
265
Th' associates and copartners of our loss
267
And call them not to share with us their part
268
In this unhappy mansion,1525 or once more
269
With rallied arms to try what may be yet
270
Regained in Heav'n, or what more lost in Hell
271
So Satan spoke; and him Beelzebub
272
Thus answered: "Leader of those armies bright
273
Which, but th' Omnipotent, none could have foiled!1526
274
If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge1527
275
Of hope in fears and dangers---heard so oft
276
In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge
277
Of battle, when it raged, in all assaults
278
Their surest signal---they will soon resume
279
New courage and revive, though now they lie
280
Grovelling and prostrate on yon lake of fire
282
No wonder, fall'n such a pernicious1530 height
283
He scarce had ceased when the superior fiend
284
Was moving toward the shore, his ponderous shield
286
Behind him cast. The broad circumference
287
Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb
289
At evening, from the top of Fesolé
290
Or in Valdarno, to descry1535 new lands
291
Rivers, or mountains in her spotty1536 globe
292
His spear---to equal which the tallest pine
293
Hewn on Norwegian hills to be the mast
295
He walked with, to support uneasy1539 steps
296
Over the burning marl,1540 not like those steps
297
On Heaven's azure. And the torrid clime
299
Nathless1543 he so endured, till on the beach
300
Of that inflamèd 1544 sea he stood, and called
301
His legions, Angel forms, who lay entranced 1545
302
Thick as autumnal leaves that strew the brooks
305
Afloat, when with fierce winds Orion armed 1550
306
Hath vexed 1551 the Red-Sea coast, whose waves o'erthrew
308
While with perfidious1555 hatred they pursued
310
From the safe shore their floating carcases
311
And broken chariot-wheels. So thick bestrewn
312
Abject 1558 and lost, lay these, covering the flood
314
He called so loud that all the hollow deep
315
Of Hell resounded: "Princes, Potentates,1561
316
Warriors, the Flow'r of Heav'n---once yours, now lost
317
If such astonishment1562 as this can seize
318
Eternal Spirits! Or have ye chosen this place
319
After the toil of battle to repose
320
Your wearied virtue, 1563 for the ease you find
321
To slumber here, as in the vales of Heav'n?
322
Or in this abject posture have ye sworn
323
To adore the conqueror, who now beholds
324
Cherub and Seraph rolling in the flood
326
His swift pursuers from Heav'n-gates discern
327
Th' advantage, and descending, tread us down
328
Thus drooping, or with linkèd thunderbolts
330
Awake, arise, or be for ever fall'n!"
331
They heard, and were abashed, and up they sprung
333
On duty, sleeping found by whom they dread
334
Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake
335
Nor did they not perceive the evil plight
336
In which they were, or the fierce pains not feel
337
Yet to their general's voice they soon obeyed
338
Innumerable. As when the potent rod
339
Of Amram's son,1570 in Egypt's evil day
340
Waved round the coast, up-called a pitchy1571 cloud
341
Of locusts, warping1572 on the eastern wind
342
That o'er the realm of impious Pharaoh hung
343
Like night, and darkened all the land of Nile
344
So numberless were those bad Angels seen
345
Hovering on wing under the cope1573 of Hell
346
'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires
347
Till, as a signal giv'n, th' uplifted spear
348
Of their great sultan waving to direct
349
Their course, in even balance down they light1574
351
A multitude like which the populous North1577
352
Poured never from her frozen loins to pass
353
Rhine or the Danau,1578 when her barbarous sons
354
Came like a deluge on the South and spread
355
Beneath1579 Gibraltar to the Libyan sands
356
Forthwith,1580 from every squadron and each band
357
The heads and leaders thither haste, where stood
358
Their great commander---godlike shapes, and forms
359
Excelling 1581 human; princely Dignities
360
And Powers that erst 1582 in Heav'n sat on thrones
361
Though of their names in Heav'nly records now
362
Be no memorial, blotted out and razed
363
By their rebellion, from the Books of Life. 1583
364
Nor had they yet among the sons of Eve
365
Got them new names, till wand'ring o'er the earth
367
By falsities and lies the greatest part
368
Of mankind they corrupted to forsake
369
God their Creator, and th' invisible
370
Glory of Him that made them to transform
371
Oft to the image of a brute, adorned
372
With gay 1586 religions full of pomp and gold
373
And devils to adore for deities
374
Then were they known to men by various names
375
And various idols through the heathen world
376
Say, Muse, their names then known, who first, who last
377
Roused from their slumber on that fiery couch,1587
378
At their great emperor's call, as next in worth
379
Came singly where he stood on the bare strand,1588
381
The chief 1591 were those who, from the pit of Hell
382
Roaming to seek their prey on Earth, durst fix1592
383
Their seats, long after, next the seat of God
384
Their altars by His altar, gods adored
385
Among the nations round, and durst abide1593
386
Jehovah thundering out of Sion, throned
387
Between the Cherubim, yea, often placed
388
Within His sanctuary itself their shrines
389
Abominations!---and with cursèd things
390
His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned,1594
391
And with their darkness durst affront 1595 His light
392
First, Moloch, horrid king, besmeared with blood
393
Of human sacrifice, and parents' tears
394
Though, for the noise of drums and timbrels1596 loud
395
Their children's cries unheard that passed through fire
397
Worshipped in Rabba1599 and her wat'ry plain
399
Of utmost Arnon.1602 Nor content with such
400
Audacious 1603 neighborhood, the wisest heart
401
Of Solomon he led by fraud to build
402
His1604 temple right against the temple of God
403
On that opprobrious 1605 hill, and made his grove
410
The flow'ry dale of Sibma1620 clad with vines
412
Peor 1623 his other name, when he enticed
414
To do him wanton1626 rites, which cost them woe
415
Yet thence his lustful orgies he enlarged
416
Ev'n to that hill of scandal,1627 by the grove
417
Of Moloch homicide, lust hard by 1628 hate
418
Till good Josiah1629 drove them thence to Hell
419
With these came they who, from the bord'ring flood
421
Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names
423
These feminine. For Spirits, when they please
424
Can either sex assume, or both, so soft
425
And uncompounded 1634 is their essence pure
426
Not tied or manacled with joint or limb
427
Nor founded 1635 on the brittle strength of bones
428
Like cumbrous1636 flesh, but in what shape they choose
429
Dilated 1637 or condensed, bright or obscure
430
Can execute their airy purposes
431
And works of love or enmity 1638 fulfil
432
For those the race of Israel oft forsook
433
Their Living Strength, and unfrequented 1639 left
434
His righteous altar, bowing lowly down
435
To bestial gods, for which their heads as low
436
Bowed down in battle, sunk before the spear
437
Of despicable 1640 foes.
With these in troop
438
Came Astoreth,1641 w
439
Astarté, queen of heaven, with crescent horns
440
To whose bright image nightly by the moon
441
Sidonian1642 virgins paid their vows and songs
442
In Sion1643 also not unsung, where stood
443
Her temple on th' offensive1644 mountain, built
445
Beguiled by fair idolatresses, fell
446
To idols foul.
Thammuz 1647 came next behind
447
Whose annual wound in Lebanon allured
448
The Syrian damsels to lament his fate
449
In amorous ditties all a summer's day
450
While smooth Adonis1648 from his native rock
451
Ran purple to the sea, supposed with blood
452
Of Thammuz yearly wounded. The love-tale
453
Infected Sion's daughters with like heat
454
Whose wanton passions in the sacred porch1649
455
Ezekiel 1650 saw, when by the vision led
456
His eye surveyed the dark idolatries
457
Of alienated Judah.1651
Next came one
458
Who mourned in earnest, when the captive ark 1652
459
Maimed his brute image, head and hands lopped off
461
Where he fell flat and shamed his worshippers
462
Dagon his name, sea-monster, upward man
463
And downward fish, yet 1655 had his temple high
464
Reared in Azotus,1656 dreaded through the coast
467
Him followed Rimmon,1661 whose delightful seat
468
Was fair Damascus, on the fertile banks
470
He also against the house of God was bold
471
A leper 1666 once he lost, and gained a king
473
God's altar to disparage and displace
474
For one of Syrian mode, whereon to burn
475
His odious offerings, and adore the gods
476
Whom he1671 had vanquished.
After these appeared
477
A crew who, under names of old renown
478
Osiris, Isis, Orus, and their train---1672
479
With monstrous shapes and sorceries abused 1673
480
Fanatic Egypt and her priests to seek
481
Their wand'ring gods disguised in brutish forms
482
Rather than human. Nor did Israel scape
483
Th' infection, when their borrowed gold composed 1674
486
Lik'ning his Maker to the grazèd ox---1680
487
Jehovah, who in one night, when he1681 passed
489
Both her firstborn and all her bleating gods
490
Belial 1684 came last, than whom a Spirit more lewd
491
Fell not from Heaven, or more gross1685 to love
492
Vice for itself. To him no temple stood
493
Or altar smoked, yet who more oft than he
494
In temples and at altars, when the priest
495
Turns atheist, as did Eli's sons, who filled
496
With lust and violence the house of God?1686
497
In courts and palaces he also reigns
498
And in luxurious1687 cities, where the noise
499
Of riot 1688 ascends above their loftiest tow'rs,
501
Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons
503
Witness the streets of Sodom,1693 and that night
504
In Gibeah,1694 when the hospitable door
506
These were the prime 1698 in order and in might.
508
Th' Ionian gods---of Javan's issue1701 held
509
Gods, yet confessed 1702 later than Heav'n and Earth,
510
Their boasted parents; Titan,1703 Heav'n's firstborn,
511
With his enormous brood, and birthright seized
512
By younger Saturn. He1704 from mightier Jove,
514
So Jove usurping reigned. These first in Crete
515
And Ida1707 known, thence on the snowy top
519
Of Doric land,1714 or who with Saturn old
521
And o'er the Celtic roamed the utmost isles.1717
522
All these and more came flocking, but with looks
523
Downcast and damp,1718 yet such wherein appeared
525
Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost
526
In loss itself, which on his countenance cast
528
Soon recollecting, with high words that bore
529
Semblance1725 of worth, not substance, gently raised
530
Their fainting courage and dispelled their fears
531
Then straight 1726 commands that, at the warlike sound
533
His mighty standard.1729 That proud honor claimed
534
Azazel 1730 as his right, a Cherub tall
535
Who forthwith from the glittering staff 1731 unfurled
536
Th' imperial ensign, which, full high advanced,1732
537
Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind
538
With gems and golden luster rich emblazed
539
Seraphic arms and trophies, all the while
540
Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds
541
At which the universal host up-sent
542
A shout that tore Hell's concave, 1733 and beyond
543
Frighted the reign1734 of Chaos and old Night
544
All in a moment through the gloom were seen
545
Ten thousand banners rise into the air
546
With orient1735 colors waving. With them rose
547
A forest huge of spears, and thronging helms1736
548
Appeared, and serried1737 shields in thick array
549
Of depth immeasurable. Anon1738 they move
551
Of flutes and soft recorders1741 ---such as raised
552
To height of noblest temper1742 heroes old
553
Arming to battle, and instead of rage
554
Deliberate valour breathed, firm, and unmoved
555
With dread of death to flight or foul retreat
557
With solemn touches troubled thoughts, and chase
558
Anguish and doubt and fear and sorrow and pain
559
From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they
560
Breathing united force with fixèd thought
561
Moved on in silence to soft pipes that charmed
562
Their painful steps o'er the burnt soil.
And now
565
Of warriors old, with ordered 1751 spear and shield
566
Awaiting what command their mighty chief
568
Darts his experienced eye, and soon traverse1754
569
The whole battalion views---their order due, 1755
570
Their visages and stature as of gods
571
Their number last he sums.1756 And now his heart
572
Distends1757 with pride and hard'ning in his strength
573
Glories, for never since created man
576
Warred on by cranes1762 ---though all the giant brood
577
Of Phlegra1763 with th' heroic race were joined
580
In fable or romance of Uther's son,1768
582
And all who since, baptized or infidel
585
Or whom Biserta1777 sent from Afric shore
586
When Charlemain with all his peerage fell
587
By Fontarabbia.1778 Thus far these, beyond
588
Compare of 1779 mortal prowess, yet observed
589
Their dread 1780 commander. He, above the rest
590
In shape and gesture proudly eminent
591
Stood like a tow'r. His form had yet not lost
592
All her original brightness, nor appeared
593
Less than Archangel ruined, and th' excess
594
Of glory obscured, as when the sun new-ris'n
595
Looks through the horizontal misty air
596
Shorn of his beams, or from behind the moon
598
On half the nations, and with fear of change
599
Perplexes1783 monarchs. Darkened so, yet shone
600
Above them all th'Archangel, but his face
601
Deep scars of thunder had intrenched,1784 and care
602
Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows
603
Of dauntless courage, and considerate1785 pride
604
Waiting revenge. Cruel his eye, but cast1786
605
Signs of remorse and passion, to behold
606
The fellows1787 of his crime, the followers rather
607
(Far other once beheld in bliss), condemned
608
For ever now to have their lot 1788 in pain
609
Millions of Spirits for his fault amerced1789
610
Of heav'n, and from eternal splendors flung
611
For his revolt, yet faithful how they stood
612
Their glory withered---as when Heaven's fire
613
Hath scathed 1790 the forest oaks or mountain pines
614
With singèd top their stately 1791 growth, though bare
615
Stands on the blasted1792 heath. He now prepared
616
To speak, whereat their doubled ranks they bend
617
From wing to wing, and half enclose him round
618
With all his peers. Attention held them mute
620
Tears, such as Angels weep, burst forth. At last
621
Words interwove with sighs found out their way
622
"O myriads of immortal Spirits! O Powers
623
Matchless, but 1795 with th'Almighty! And that strife
625
As this place testifies, and this dire change
626
Hateful to utter. But what power of mind
627
Foreseeing or presaging, 1798 from the depth
628
Of knowledge past or present, could have feared
629
How such united force of gods, how such
630
As stood like these, could ever know repulse?1799
631
For who can yet believe, though after loss
633
Hath emptied Heav'n, shall fail to reascend
634
Self-raised, and repossess their native seat
635
For me, be witness all the host of Heav'n,
636
If counsels1802 different, or danger shunned
637
By me, have lost our hopes. But He who reigns
638
Monarch in Heav'n till then as one secure
639
Sat on His throne, upheld by old repute
640
Consent or custom, and His regal state
641
Put forth at full,1803 but still His strength concealed
642
Which tempted our attempt, and wrought1804 our fall
643
Henceforth His might 1805 we know, and know our own
644
So as not either to provoke, or dread
645
New war provoked. Our better part 1806 remains
647
What force effected1809 not, that He no less
648
At length from us may find:1810 who overcomes
649
By force hath overcome but half his foe
650
Space may produce new worlds---whereof so rife1811
651
There went a fame 1812 in Heav'n that He ere long
652
Intended to create, and therein plant
654
Should favor equal to the sons of Heav'n.
655
Thither, if but to pry, shall be perhaps
656
Our first eruption1815 ---thither, or elsewhere
657
For this infernal pit shall never hold
658
Celestial Spirits in bondage, nor th' abyss
659
Long under darkness cover. 1816
"But these thoughts
660
Full counsel must mature. Peace is despaired
661
For who can think submission? War, then, war
662
Open or understood, must be resolved
663
He spoke and, to confirm his words, outflew
664
Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs1817
665
Of mighty Cherubim: the sudden blaze
666
Far round illumined Hell. Highly 1818 they raged
667
Against the Highest, and fierce with graspèd 1819 arms
668
Clashed on their sounding1820 shields the din of war
669
Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heav'n.
670
There stood a hill not far, whose grisly 1821 top
671
Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire1822
672
Shone with a glossy scurf 1823 ---undoubted sign
673
That in his womb was hid metallic ore
674
The work of sulphur. 1824 Thither, winged with speed
675
A numerous brigade hastened: as when bands
676
Of pioneers,1825 with spade and pickaxe armed
679
Mammon, the least erected 1830 Spirit that fell
680
From Heav'n, for even in Heav'n his looks and thoughts
681
Were always downward bent, admiring more
682
The riches of Heav'n's pavement, trodden gold
683
Than aught divine or holy else1831 enjoyed
684
In vision beatific.1832 By him first
685
Men also, and by his suggestion taught
686
Ransacked the center, 1833 and with impious hands
687
Rifled1834 the bowels of their mother earth
688
For treasures better hid. Soon had his crew
689
Opened into the hill a spacious wound
691
That riches grow in Hell: that soil may best
692
Deserve the precious bane. 1837 And here let those
693
Who boast in1838 mortal things, and wond'ring tell
694
Of Babel, and the works of Memphian1839 kings
695
Learn how their greatest monuments of fame
696
And strength, and art, are easily outdone
697
By Spirits reprobate, 1840 and in an hour
698
What in an age they, 1841 with incessant toil
699
And hands innumerable, scarce perform
701
That underneath had veins of liquid fire
702
Sluiced1844 from the lake, a second multitude
705
A third as soon1851 had formed within the ground
706
A various1852 mould, and from the boiling cells
707
By strange1853 conveyance filled each hollow nook
708
As in an organ, from one blast of wind
709
To many a row of pipes the sound-board breathes
711
Rose like an exhalation with the sound
713
Built like a temple, where pilasters1858 round
714
Were set, and Doric1859 pillars overlaid
717
The roof was fretted 1865 gold. Not Babylon
718
Nor great Alcairo1866 such magnificence
719
Equaled in all their glories, to enshrine
721
Their kings, when Egypt with Assyria strove
722
In wealth and luxury. Th' ascending pile1869
723
Stood fixed 1870 her stately height, and straight the doors
725
Within, her ample spaces o'er the smooth
726
And level pavement. From the archèd roof
728
Of starry lamps and blazing cressets,1875 fed
729
With naphtha and asphaltus, yielded light
730
As from a sky. The hasty 1876 multitude
731
Admiring entered, and the work some praise
732
And some the architect. His hand was known
733
In Heav'n by many a tow'red structure high
734
Where sceptered Angels held their residence
735
And sat as Princes, whom the supreme King
736
Exalted to such power, and gave to rule
737
Each in his hierarchy, the Orders bright
738
Nor was his name unheard or unadored
739
In ancient Greece. And in Ausonian1877 land
740
Men called him Mulciber, 1878 and how he fell
741
From Heav'n they fabled,1879 thrown by angry Jove
743
To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve
744
A summer's day, and with the setting sun
745
Dropt from the zenith1882 like a falling star
746
On Lemnos, th'Aegean isle. Thus they relate, 1883
747
Erring, for he with this rebellious rout 1884
748
Fell long before, nor aught availed him now
749
To have built in Heav'n high tow'rs, nor did he scape
750
By all his engines,1885 but was headlong sent
751
With his industrious1886 crew, to build in Hell
752
Meanwhile the wingèd heralds, by command
753
Of sov'reign power, with awful 1887 ceremony
754
And trumpet's sound throughout the host 1888 proclaim
755
A solemn council forthwith to be held
756
At Pandemonium, the high capital
757
Of Satan and his peers.1889 Their summons called
758
From every band and squarèd 1890 regiment
760
With hundreds and with thousands trooping came
762
And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall
763
(Though like a covered field, where champions bold
765
Defied the best of Paynim1897 chivalry
766
To mortal combat, or career1898 with lance
767
Thick swarmed, both on the ground and in the air
768
Brushed with the hiss of rustling wings. As bees
769
In springtime, when the sun with Taurus rides
770
Pour forth their populous youth about the hive
771
In clusters, they among fresh dews and flowers
772
Fly to and fro, or on the smoothèd plank
773
The suburb1899 of their straw-built citadel
774
New rubbed with balm, expatiate1900 and confer
775
Their state-affairs. So thick the airy crowd
776
Swarmed and were straitened,1901 till, the signal given
777
Behold a wonder! They but now who seemed
778
In bigness to surpass earth's giant sons
779
Now less than smallest dwarfs in narrow room
780
Throng numberless---like that pygmean race
781
Beyond the Indian mount,1902 or faery elves
782
Whose midnight revels 1903 by a forest-side
783
Or fountain some belated 1904 peasant sees
784
Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon
785
Sits arbitress,1905 and nearer to the earth
788
At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds
789
Thus incorporeal Spirits to smallest forms
790
Reduced their shapes immense, and were at large, 1910
791
Though without number still, amidst the hall
792
Of that infernal court.1911 But far within
793
And in their own dimensions like themselves
794
The great Seraphic Lords and Cherubim
795
In close recess and secret conclave1912 sat
796
A thousand demi-gods on golden seats
797
Frequent 1913 and full. After short silence, then
798
And summons read, the great consult began
The End of the First Book
The consultation begun, Satan debates whether another battle be1914 to be hazarded for the recovery of Heaven. Some advise it, others dissuade. A third proposal is preferred,1915 mentioned before by Satan, to search the truth of that prophesy or tradition in Heaven concerning another world, and another kind of creature equal or not much inferior to themselves, about this time to be created.
Their doubt who shall be sent on this difficult search. Satan, their chief, undertakes alone the voyage, is honored and applauded. The council thus ended, the rest betake them several ways and to several employments, as their inclinations lead them, to entertain1916 the time till Satan return. He passes on his journey to Hell Gates, finds them shut, and who sat there to guard them, by whom at length they are opened, and discover to him the great gulf1917 between Hell and Heaven.
With what difficulty he passes through, directed by Chaos, the Power of that place, to the sight of this new world which he sought.
1
High on a throne of royal state, which far
3
Or where the gorgeous1920 East with richest hand
4
Show'rs on her kings barbaric pearl and gold
5
Satan exalted sat, by merit raised
6
To that bad eminence and, from despair
7
Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires
8
Beyond thus high, insatiate1921 to pursue
9
Vain war with Heav'n and, by success1922 untaught
10
His proud imaginations thus displayed
11
"Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heav'n!---
12
For since no deep within her gulf 1923 can hold
13
Immortal vigor, 1924 though oppressed and fall'n,
14
I give not Heav'n for lost. From this descent
15
Celestial Virtues1925 rising will appear
16
More glorious and more dread than from no fall
17
And trust themselves to fear no second fate
18
Me, though, just right 1926 and the fixed laws of Heav'n
19
Did first create your leader, next free choice
20
With what besides in council or in fight
21
Hath been achieved of merit, yet this loss
22
Thus far at least recovered,1927 hath much more
23
Established in a safe, unenvied throne
24
Yielded with full consent. The happier1928 state
26
Envy from each inferior. But who here
27
Will envy whom the highest place exposes
28
Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim
29
Your bulwark,1931 and condemns to greatest share
30
Of endless pain? Where there is then no good
31
For which to strive, no strife can grow up there
32
From faction,1932 for none sure will claim in Hell
33
Precedence, none whose portion is so small
34
Of present pain that with ambitious mind
35
Will covet more! With this advantage, then
36
To union, and firm faith, and firm accord
37
More than can be in Heav'n, we now return
38
To claim our just inheritance of old
39
Surer to prosper than prosperity
40
Could have assured us. And by what best way
41
Whether of open war or covert guile
42
We now debate. Who can advise may speak
43
He ceased. And next 1933 him Moloch, sceptered king,
44
Stood up---the strongest and the fiercest Spirit
45
That fought in Heav'n, now fiercer by despair
46
His trust1934 was with th' Eternal to be deemed
47
Equal in strength, and rather than be less
48
Cared not to be at all. With that care lost
49
Went all his fear---of God, or Hell, or worse
50
He recked1935 not---and these words thereafter spoke:
51
My sentence1936 is for open war. Of wiles
52
More unexpert, I boast not. Then let those
53
Contrive who need, or when they need; not now
54
For while they sit contriving, shall the rest
55
Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait
56
The signal to ascend---sit ling'ring here
57
Heav'n's fugitives? and for their dwelling-place
58
Accept this dark opprobrious1937 den of shame
59
The prison of His tyranny who reigns
60
By our delay? No! Let us rather choose
61
Armed with Hell-flames and fury, all at once
62
O'er Heav'n's high tow'rs to force resistless way
63
Turning our tortures into horrid arms
64
Against the Torturer! When to meet the noise
65
Of His almighty engine, 1938 He shall hear
66
Infernal thunder and, for lightning, see
67
Black fire and horror shot with equal rage
68
Among His Angels, and His throne itself
70
His own invented torments. But perhaps
71
The way seems difficult, and steep to scale
72
With upright wing against a higher foe
73
Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench1941
74
Of that forgetful 1942 lake benumb not still
75
That in our proper1943 motion we ascend
76
Up to our native seat; descent and fall
77
To us is adverse. 1944 Who but felt of late
78
When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear 1945
79
Insulting, 1946 and pursued us through the deep
80
With what compulsion and laborious flight
81
We sunk thus low? Th' ascent is easy, then
82
Th' event1947 is feared! Should we again provoke
83
Our stronger, some worse way His wrath may find
84
To our destruction, if there be in Hell
85
Fear to be worse destroyed! What can be worse
86
Than to dwell here, driv'n out from bliss condemned
88
Where pain of unextinguishable fire
89
Must exercise1950 us without hope of end
90
The vassals1951 of His anger, when the scourge
91
Inexorably, and the torturing hour
92
Calls us to penance? More destroyed than thus
93
We should be quite abolished, and expire
94
What fear we then? What doubt we to incense1952
95
His utmost ire? which, to the height enraged
96
Will either quite consume us, and reduce
97
To nothing this essential1953 ---happier far
98
Than miserable to have eternal being
99
Or if our substance be indeed divine
100
And cannot cease to be, we are at worst
101
On this side nothing. And by proof we feel
102
Our power sufficient to disturb His Heav'n,
103
And with perpetual inroads to alarm
104
Though inaccessible, His fatal throne
105
Which if not victory, is yet revenge
106
He ended frowning, and his look denounced1954
107
Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous
108
To less than gods. On th' other side up rose
109
Belial, in act more graceful and humane
110
A fairer person lost not Heav'n. He seemed
111
For dignity composed, and high exploit
112
But all was false and hollow, though his tongue
113
Dropped manna1955 and could make the worse appear
115
Maturest counsels, for his thoughts were low
116
To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds
117
Timorous and slothful. Yet he pleased the ear
118
And with persuasive accent thus began
119
"I should be much for open war, O peers,1958
120
As not behind in hate, if what was urged
121
Main reason to persuade immediate war
122
Did not dissuade me most, and seem to cast
124
When he who most excels in fact1961 of arms
125
In what he counsels and in what excels
126
Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair
128
Of all his aim,1964 after some dire revenge
129
First, what revenge? The tow'rs of Heav'n are filled
130
With armèd watch that render all access
131
Impregnable. Oft on the bordering deep
132
Encamp their legions, or with obscure1965 wing
133
Scout far and wide into the realm of Night
134
Scorning surprise. Or could 1966 we break our way
135
By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise
136
With blackest insurrection to confound1967
137
Heav'n's purest light, yet our great enemy
138
All incorruptible, would on His throne
140
Incapable of stain, would soon expel
142
Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope
143
Is flat1972 despair: we must exasperate
144
Th'Almighty victor to spend1973 all His rage
145
And that must end us, that must be our cure
146
To be no more. Sad cure! for who would lose, 1974
147
Though full of pain, this intellectual being, 1975
148
Those thoughts that wander through eternity
149
To perish rather, swallowed up and lost
150
In the wide womb of uncreated Night
151
Devoid of sense and motion? And who knows
152
Let this be good, whether our angry foe
153
Can give it, or will ever? How He can
154
Is doubtful; that He never will is sure
155
Will He, so wise, let loose at once His ire
156
Belike1976 through impotence or unaware
157
To give His enemies their wish, and end
158
Them in His anger, whom His anger saves
159
To punish endless? 'Wherefore cease we, then
160
Say they who counsel war: 'we are decreed,1977
161
Reserved,1978 and destined to eternal woe
162
Whatever doing, what can we suffer more
163
What can we suffer worse?' Is this, then, worst
164
Thus sitting, thus consulting, thus in arms
165
What when we fled amain,1979 pursued and struck
166
With Heav'n's afflicting thunder, and besought
167
The deep to shelter us? This Hell then seemed
168
A refuge from those wounds. Or when we lay
169
Chained on the burning lake? That sure was worse.
170
What if the breath that kindled those grim fires
171
Awaked, should blow them into sevenfold rage
172
And plunge us in the flames? Or from above
173
Should intermitted 1980 vengeance arm again
174
His red right hand to plague us? What if all
175
Her stores were opened, and this firmament
176
Of Hell should spout her cataracts of fire
177
Impendent1981 horrors, threat'ning hideous fall
178
One day upon our heads, while we, perhaps
179
Designing or exhorting glorious war
180
Caught in a fiery tempest, shall be hurled
181
Each on his rock transfixed, the sport and prey
182
Of racking1982 whirlwinds, or for ever sunk
183
Under yon boiling ocean, wrapped in chains
184
There to converse with everlasting groans
185
Unrespited,1983 unpitied, unreprieved
186
Ages of hopeless end? This would be worse
187
War, therefore, open or concealed, alike
188
My voice dissuades. For what can force or guile
189
With Him, or who deceive His mind, whose eye
190
Views all things at one view? He from Heav'n's height
191
All these our motions vain sees and derides
192
Not more Almighty to resist our might
193
Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles
194
Shall we, then, live thus vile---the race of Heav'n
195
Thus trampled, thus expelled, to suffer here
196
Chains and these torments? Better these than worse,
197
By my advice, since fate inevitable
198
Subdues us, and omnipotent decree
199
The victor's will. To suffer, as to do,
200
Our strength is equal, nor the law unjust
201
That so ordains. This was at first resolved
202
If we were wise, against so great a foe
204
I laugh when those who at the spear are bold
205
And vent'rous, if that fail them, shrink, and fear
206
What yet they know must follow---to endure
207
Exile, or ignominy, 1987 or bonds, or pain
208
The sentence of their conqueror. This is now
209
Our doom,1988 which if we can sustain and bear
210
Our Supreme foe in time may much remit1989
211
His anger, and perhaps, thus far removed,1990
212
Not mind1991 us, not offending, satisfied
213
With what is punished, whence these raging fires
214
Will slacken, if His breath stir not their flames
215
Our purer essence then will overcome
217
Or, changed at length, and to the place conformed 1994
218
In temper and in nature, will receive
219
Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain
220
This horror will grow mild, this darkness light
221
Besides what hope the never-ending flight
222
Of future days may bring, what chance, what change
223
Worth waiting---since our present lot appears
224
For happy though but ill, for ill not worst
225
If we procure not to ourselves more woe
226
Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb
227
Counselled ignoble ease and peaceful sloth
228
Not peace. And after him thus Mammon spoke
229
"Either to disenthrone the King of Heav'n
230
We war, if war be best, or to regain
231
Our own right lost. Him to unthrone we then
232
May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield
233
To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife
234
The former, vain to hope, argues as vain
235
The latter---for what place can be for us
236
Within Heav'n's bound, unless Heav'n's Lord supreme
237
We overpower? Suppose He should relent
238
And publish1995 grace to all, on promise made
239
Of new subjection?1996 With what eyes could we
240
Stand in His presence humble, and receive
241
Strict laws imposed, to celebrate His throne
242
With warbled hymns, and to His Godhead sing
243
Forced hallelujahs, while He lordly sits
244
Our envied sov'reign, and His altar breathes
245
Ambrosial odors and ambrosial flowers
246
Our servile offerings? This must be our task
247
In Heav'n, this our delight. How wearisome
248
Eternity so spent in worship paid
249
To whom we hate! Let us not then pursue
250
By force impossible, by leave obtained
251
Unacceptable, though in Heav'n, our state
252
Of splendid vassalage, but rather seek
253
Our own good from ourselves, and from our own
254
Live to1997 ourselves, though in this vast recess
255
Free and to none accountable, preferring
256
Hard liberty before the easy yoke
257
Of servile pomp. Our greatness will appear
258
Then most conspicuous when great things of 1998 small,
259
Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse, 1999
260
We can create, and in what place soe'er
261
Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain
262
Through labor and endurance. This deep world
263
Of darkness do we dread? How oft amidst
264
Thick clouds and dark doth Heav'n's all-ruling Sire
265
Choose to reside, His glory unobscured
266
And with the majesty of darkness round
267
Covers His throne, from whence deep thunders roar,
268
Must'ring2000 their rage, and Heav'n resembles Hell!
269
As He our darkness, cannot we His light
270
Imitate when we please? This desert soil
271
Wants2001 not her hidden luster, gems and gold,
272
Nor want 2002 we skill or art from whence to raise
273
Magnificence. And what can Heav'n show more?
274
Our torments also may, in length of time,
275
Become our elements,2003 these piercing fires
276
As soft as now severe, our temper changed
277
Into their temper, which must needs remove
278
The sensible2004 of pain. All things invite
279
To peaceful counsels, and the settled state
280
Of order, how in safety best we may
281
Compose2005 our present evils, with regard
282
Of what we are and where, dismissing quite
283
All thoughts of war. Ye have what I advise.
284
He scarce had finished, when such murmur filled
285
Th' assembly as when hollow rocks retain
286
The sound of blust'ring winds, which all night long
287
Had roused the sea, now with hoarse cadence lull
289
Or pinnace, 2008 anchors in a craggy bay
290
After the tempest. Such applause was heard
291
As Mammon ended, and his sentence2009 pleased,
292
Advising peace, for such another field 2010
293
They dreaded worse than Hell, so much the fear
294
Of thunder and the sword of Michael
295
Wrought2011 still within them, and no less desire
299
Which when Beelzebub perceived---than whom,
300
Satan except, none higher sat---with grave
301
Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemed
302
A pillar of state. Deep on his front2018 engrav'n
303
Deliberation sat, and public care,
304
And princely counsel in his face yet shone,
305
Majestic, though in ruin. Sage he stood
306
With Atlantean2019 shoulders, fit to bear
307
The weight of mightiest monarchies. His look
308
Drew audience2020 and attention still as night
309
Or summer's noontide air, while thus he spoke:
310
"Thrones and Imperial Powers, offspring of Heav'n,
311
Ethereal Virtues! Or these titles now
312
Must we renounce and, changing style, be called
313
Princes of Hell? For so the popular vote
314
Inclines---here to continue, and build up here
315
A growing empire. Doubtless! While we dream,
316
And know not that the King of Heav'n hath doomed2021
317
This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat
318
Beyond His potent arm, to live exempt
319
From Heav'n's high jurisdiction, in new league
320
Banded against His throne, but to remain
321
In strictest bondage, though thus far removed,
323
His captive multitude. For He, to be sure,
324
In height or depth, still first and last will reign
325
Sole king, and of His Kingdom lose no part
326
By our revolt, but over Hell extend
327
His empire, and with iron scepter rule
328
Us here, as with His golden2025 those in Heav'n.
329
What sit we then projecting peace and war?
331
Irreparable; terms of peace yet none
332
Vouchsafed 2028 or sought. For what peace will be giv'n
333
To us enslaved, but custody severe,
334
And stripes2029 and arbitrary punishment
335
Inflicted? And what peace can we return,2030
336
But, to our power, hostility and hate,
337
Untamed reluctance, 2031 and revenge, though slow,
338
Yet ever plotting how the conqueror least
339
May reap2032 His conquest, and may least rejoice
340
In doing what we most in suffering feel?
342
With dangerous expedition2035 to invade
343
Heav'n, whose high walls fear no assault or siege,
344
Or ambush from the deep. What if we find
345
Some easier enterprise?2036 There is a place
346
(If ancient and prophetic fame2037 in Heav'n
347
Err not)---another world, the happy seat
348
Of some new race, called man, about this time
349
To be created like to us, though less
350
In power and excellence, but favored more
351
Of Him who rules above. So was His will
352
Pronounced among the gods, and by an oath
353
That shook Heav'n's whole circumference2038 confirmed.
354
Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn
355
What creatures there inhabit, of what mould 2039
356
Or substance, how endued,2040 and what their power
357
And where their weakness: how attempted best,
358
By force or subtlety. Though Heav'n be shut,
359
And Heav'n's high arbitrator2041 sit secure
360
In His own strength, this place2042 may lie exposed,
361
The utmost border of His Kingdom, left
362
To their defence who hold it. Here, perhaps,
363
Some advantageous act may be achieved
364
By sudden onset2043 ---either with Hell-fire
365
To waste2044 His whole creation, or possess
366
All as our own, and drive, 2045 as we were driven,
367
The puny2046 habitants, or if not drive,
368
Seduce them to our party, that their God
369
May prove their foe, and with repenting hand
370
Abolish His own works. This would surpass
371
Common revenge, and interrupt His joy
372
In our confusion, and our joy upraise
373
In His disturbance, when His darling sons,
374
Hurled headlong to partake with us, shall curse
375
Their frail original,2047 and faded bliss---
376
Faded so soon! Advise if this be worth
377
Attempting, or to sit in darkness here
378
Hatching vain empires." Thus Beelzebub
379
Pleaded his devilish counsel---first devised
380
By Satan, and in part proposed, for whence
381
But from the author of all ill could spring
382
So deep a malice, to confound2048 the race
383
Of mankind in one root,2049 and earth with Hell
384
To mingle and involve, done all to spite
385
The great Creator? But their spite still serves
386
His glory to augment. The bold design
387
Pleased highly those infernal States,2050 and joy
388
Sparkled in all their eyes. With full assent
389
They vote, whereat his speech he thus renews:
390
"Well have ye judged, well ended long debate,
391
Synod2051 of gods, and, like to what ye are,
392
Great things resolved, which from the lowest deep
393
Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate,
394
Nearer our ancient seat---perhaps in view
395
Of those bright confines, whence, with neighboring arms,
396
And opportune2052 excursion, we may chance
397
Re-enter Heav'n, or else in some mild zone
398
Dwell not unvisited of Heav'n's fair light
400
Purge off this gloom. The soft delicious air,
401
To heal the scar of these corrosive fires,
402
Shall breathe her balm. But first, whom shall we send
403
In search of this new world? whom shall we find
404
Sufficient? who shall tempt 2055 with wand'ring feet
405
The dark, unbottomed, infinite abyss,
407
His uncouth2058 way, or spread his airy flight,
408
Upborne with indefatigable wings
409
Over the vast abrupt,2059 ere he arrive
410
The happy isle?2060 What strength, what art, can then
411
Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe,
412
Through the strict senteries2061 and stations thick
413
Of Angels watching round? Here he had need
414
All circumspection, and we now no less
415
Choice in our suffrage, 2062 for on whom we send
416
The weight of all, and our last hope, relies.
417
This said, he sat, and expectation held
418
His look suspense, 2063 awaiting who appeared
419
To second, or oppose, or undertake
420
The perilous attempt. But all sat mute,
421
Pondering the danger with deep thoughts, and each
422
In other's count'nance read his own dismay,
424
Of those Heav'n-warring champions could be found
425
So hardy2067 as to proffer or accept,
426
Alone, the dreadful voyage, till at last
427
Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised
428
Above his fellows, with monarchal pride
429
Conscious of highest worth, unmoved2068 thus spoke:
431
With reason hath deep silence and demur2071
432
Seized us, though undismayed. Long is the way
433
And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light.
434
Our prison strong, this huge convex2072 of fire,
436
Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant,2075
439
Of unessential2080 Night receives him next,
440
Wide-gaping, and with utter loss of being
442
If thence he scape, into whatever world
443
Or unknown region, what remains him less
444
Than unknown dangers, and as hard escape?
445
But I should ill become this throne, O peers,
446
And this imperial sov'reignty, adorned
447
With splendor, armed with power, if aught proposed
448
And judged of public moment2083 in the shape
449
Of difficulty or danger, could deter
450
Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume
451
These royalties,2084 and not refuse to reign,
452
Refusing to accept as great a share
453
Of hazard as of honor, due alike
454
To him who reigns, and so much to him due
455
Of hazard more as he above the rest
456
High honored sits? Go therefore, mighty Powers,
457
Terror of Heav'n, though fall'n. Intend2085 at home,
458
While here shall be our home, what best may ease
459
The present misery, and render Hell
463
Against a wakeful foe, while I abroad
464
Through all the coasts2094 of dark destruction seek
465
Deliverance for us all. This enterprise
466
None shall partake2095 with me." Thus saying, rose
467
The monarch, and prevented all reply,
469
Others among the chief might offer now,
470
Certain to be refused, what erst they feared,
471
And so refused, might in opinion2098 stand
472
His rivals, winning cheap the high repute
473
Which he through hazard huge must earn. But they
474
Dreaded not more th' adventure than his voice
475
Forbidding, and at once with him they rose.
476
Their rising all at once was as the sound
477
Of thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend
478
With awful2099 reverence prone, and as a god
479
Extol him equal to the Highest in Heav'n.
480
Nor failed they to express how much they praised
481
That for the general safety he despised
482
His own, for neither do the Spirits damned
483
Lose all their virtue, lest bad men should boast
485
Or close2102 ambition varnished o'er with zeal.
486
Thus they their doubtful consultations dark2103
487
Ended, rejoicing in their matchless chief---
488
As when from mountain-tops the dusky clouds
489
Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'erspread
491
Scowls o'er the darkened landscape, snow or shower.
492
If chance the radiant sun, with farewell sweet,
493
Extend 2106 his evening beam, the fields revive,
494
The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds
495
Attest2107 their joy, that hill and valley rings.
496
O shame to men! Devil with devil damned
498
Of creatures rational, though under2111 hope
499
Of Heav'nly grace. And God proclaiming peace,
500
Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife
501
Among themselves, and levy2112 cruel wars,
502
Wasting the earth, each other to destroy,
503
As if (which might induce us to accord2113 )
504
Man had not hellish foes enow2114 besides,
505
That day and night for his destruction wait!
506
The Stygian2115 council thus dissolved, and forth
507
In order came the grand infernal peers.
508
Midst came their mighty Paramount,2116 and seemed
509
Alone th' antagonist of Heav'n, nor less
510
Than Hell's dread emperor, with pomp supreme,
511
And godlike imitated state. Him round
512
A globe2117 of fiery Seraphim enclosed
514
Then of their session ended they bid cry, 2120
515
With trumpet's regal 2121 sound, the great result.
516
Toward the four winds four speedy Cherubim
518
By herald's voice explained. The hollow abyss
519
Heard far and wide, and all the host of Hell
520
With deaf 'ning shout returned 2124 them loud acclaim.
521
Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat raised
522
By false presumptuous hope, the rangèd 2125 Powers
523
Disband and, wand'ring, each his several way
524
Pursues, as inclination or sad choice
525
Leads him, perplexed,2126 where he may likeliest find
526
Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain
527
The irksome hours till his great chief return.
528
Part on the plain, or in the air sublime, 2127
529
Upon the wing or in swift race contend,2128
532
With rapid wheels, or fronted 2134 brigades form---
533
As when, to warn proud cities, war appears,
534
Waged in the troubled sky, and armies rush
535
To battle in the clouds. Before each van2135
538
From either end of Heav'n the welkin2140 burns.
540
Rend2143 up both rocks and hills, and ride the air
541
In whirlwind. Hell scarce holds the wild uproar,
543
With conquest, felt th' envenomed robe, 2146 and tore
544
Through pain up by the roots Thessalian2147 pines,
546
Into th' Euboic sea.2150 Others, more mild,
547
Retreated 2151 in a silent valley, sing
548
With notes angelical to many a harp
549
Their own heroic deeds and hapless2152 fall
550
By doom2153 of battle, and complain that Fate
552
Their song was partial,2156 but the harmony
553
(What could it less when Spirits immortal sing?
555
The thronging audience. In discourse2159 more sweet
556
(For eloquence the soul,2160 song charms the sense)
557
Others apart sat on a hill retired,2161
558
In thoughts more elevate, and reasoned high
559
Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate
560
Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute,
561
And found no end, in wand'ring mazes lost.
562
Of good and evil much they argued then,
563
Of happiness and final misery,
564
Passion and apathy, and glory and shame:
565
Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy
566
Yet with a pleasing sorcery could charm
567
Pain for a while, or anguish, and excite
568
Fallacious hope, or arm th' obdurèd 2162 breast
569
With stubborn patience, as with triple steel.
570
Another part, in squadrons and gross2163 bands,
572
That dismal world, if any clime perhaps
573
Might yield them easier habitation, bend
574
Four ways their flying 2167 march, along the banks
575
Of four infernal rivers, that disgorge
576
Into the burning lake their baleful 2168 streams---
577
Abhorrèd Styx, the flood 2169 of deadly hate;
578
Sad Acheron of sorrow, black and deep;
582
Far off from these, a slow and silent stream,
583
Lethe, 2177 the river of oblivion, rolls
584
Her wat'ry labyrinth,2178 whereof who drinks
585
Forthwith2179 his former state and being forgets---
586
Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain.
587
Beyond this flood 2180 a frozen continent
588
Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms
589
Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm land
590
Thaws not, but gathers heap,2181 and ruin seems
591
Of ancient pile, 2182 all else deep snow and ice,
594
Where armies whole have sunk. The parching2188 air
596
Thither, by harpy-footed Furies haled,2191
597
At certain revolutions2192 all the damned
598
Are brought and feel by turns the bitter change
599
Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce,
601
Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine2195
602
Immovable, infixed, and frozen round,
603
Periods2196 of time, thence hurried back to fire.
604
They ferry over this Lethean sound
605
Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment,
606
And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach
607
The tempting stream, with one small drop to lose
608
In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe,
609
All in one moment, and so near the brink.
610
But Fate withstands2197 and, to oppose th' attempt,
611
Medusa,2198 with Gorgonian terror, guards
612
The ford, and of itself the water flies2199
613
All taste of living wight,2200 as once it fled
614
The lip of Tantalus.2201 Thus roving on
615
In confused 2202 march forlorn, th' adventurous bands,
616
With shuddering horror pale and eyes aghast,
617
Viewed first their lamentable2203 lot, and found
618
No rest. Through many a dark and dreary vale
619
They passed, and many a region dolorous,
620
O'er many a frozen, many a fiery alp,
621
Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens, and shades of death---
622
A universe of death, which God by curse
623
Created evil, for evil only good,2204
624
Where all life dies, death lives, and Nature breeds,
625
Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious2205 things,
626
Abominable, inutterable, and worse
627
Than fables yet have feigned 2206 or fear conceived,
629
Meanwhile the adversary of God and man,
630
Satan, with thoughts inflamed of highest design,2210
631
Puts on2211 swift wings, and toward the gates of Hell
632
Explores2212 his solitary flight. Sometimes
633
He scours2213 the right-hand coast, sometimes the left,
634
Now shaves2214 with le
635
Up to the fiery concave2215 towering high.
636
As when far off at sea a fleet descried 2216
639
Of Ternate and Tidore, 2221 whence merchants bring
643
Far off the flying fiend. At last appear
644
Hell-bounds,2229 high reaching to the horrid roof,
645
And thrice threefold the gates. Three folds2230 were brass,
646
Three iron, three of adamantine rock,
647
Impenetrable, impaled 2231 with circling fire,
648
Yet unconsumed. Before the gates there sat
649
On either side a formidable2232 shape.
650
The one seemed woman to the waist, and fair,
651
But ended foul in many a scaly fold,
652
Voluminous and vast---a serpent armed
653
With mortal sting. About her middle round
654
A cry 2233 of Hell-hounds never-ceasing barked
655
With wide Cerberean mouths full loud, and rung
657
If aught disturbed their noise, into her womb,
658
And kennel 2236 there, yet there still barked and howled
659
Within unseen. Far less abhorred than these
663
In secret, riding through the air she comes,
664
Lured with the smell of infant blood, to dance
666
Eclipses at 2246 their charms. The other shape
667
If shape it might be called, that shape had none
668
Distinguishable in member, 2247 joint, or limb,
669
Or substance might be called that shadow seemed,2248
670
For each seemed either---black it stood as Night,
671
Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell,
672
And shook a dreadful dart.2249 What seemed his head
673
The likeness of a kingly crown had on.
674
Satan was now at hand, and from his seat
675
The monster moving onward came as fast2250
676
With horrid strides. Hell trembled as he strode.
677
Th' undaunted fiend what this might be admired---2251
678
Admired, not feared (God and His Son except,
680
And with disdainful look thus first began:
681
"Whence and what art thou, execrable2254 shape,
682
That dar'st, though grim2255 and terrible, advance
684
To yonder gates? Through them I mean to pass,
685
That be assured, without leave asked of thee.
686
Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof,
687
Hell-born, not to contend with Spirits of Heav'n.
688
To whom the goblin,2259 full of wrath, replied:
689
"Art thou that traitor Angel? Art thou he
690
Who first broke peace in Heav'n, and faith, till then
691
Unbroken, and in proud rebellious arms
692
Drew after him the third part of Heav'n's sons,
693
Conjured2260 against the Highest---for which both thou
694
And they, outcast from God, are here condemned
695
To waste2261 eternal days in woe and pain?
696
And reckon'st2262 thou thyself with Spirits of Heav'n,
697
Hell-doomed, and breath'st defiance here and scorn,
698
Where I reign king and, to enrage thee more,
699
Thy king and lord? Back to thy punishment,
700
False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings,
701
Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue
702
Thy ling'ring, or with one stroke of this dart
703
Strange2263 horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt before.
704
So spoke the grisly terror, and in shape,
705
So speaking and so threat'ning, grew tenfold
706
More dreadful and deform. On th' other side,
707
Incensed with indignation, Satan stood
708
Unterrified, and like a comet burned,
709
That fires the length of Ophiuchus2264 huge
710
In th' arctic sky, and from his horrid hair
711
Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head
712
Levelled his deadly aim. Their fatal 2265 hands
713
No second stroke intend. And such a frown
714
Each cast at th' other as when two black clouds,
715
With Heav'n's artillery fraught,2266 come rattling on
716
Over the Caspian,2267 then stand front to front,
717
Hov'ring a space, 2268 till winds the signal blow
718
To join2269 their dark encounter in mid-air.
719
So frowned the mighty combatants, that Hell
720
Grew darker at their frown. So matched they stood,
721
For never but once more was either like
722
To meet so great a foe. 2270 And now great deeds
723
Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung,
724
Had not the snaky sorceress, that sat
725
Fast by 2271 Hell-gate and kept the fatal key,
726
Ris'n, and with hideous outcry rushed between.
727
"O father, what intends thy hand," she cried,
728
"Against thy only son? What fury, O son,
730
Against thy father's head? And know'st for whom?
731
For Him who sits above, and laughs the while
732
At thee, ordained His drudge to execute
733
Whate'er His wrath, which He calls justice, bids---
734
His wrath, which one day will destroy ye both!
735
She spoke, and at her words the hellish pest 2274
737
"So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange
739
Prevented, spares2279 to tell thee yet by deeds
740
What it intends, till first I know of thee
741
What thing thou art, thus double-formed, and why,
742
In this infernal vale first met, thou call'st
743
Me father, and that phantasm call'st my son?
744
I know thee not, nor ever saw till now
745
Sight more detestable than him and thee.
746
T' whom thus the portress2280 of Hell-gate replied:
747
"Hast thou forgot me, then? and do I seem
748
Now in thine eye so foul?---once deemed so fair
749
In Heav'n when at th' assembly, and in sight
750
Of all the Seraphim with thee combined
751
In bold conspiracy against Heav'n's King,
752
All on a sudden miserable pain
753
Surprised thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzy swum
754
In darkness, while thy head flames2281 thick and fast
755
Threw forth, till on the left side op'ning wide,
756
Likest to thee in shape and count'nance bright,
757
Then shining heavenly fair, a goddess armed,
758
Out of thy head I sprung. Amazement seized
759
All th' host of Heav'n. Back they recoiled, afraid
760
At first, and called me Sin, and for a sign
761
Portentous2282 held me. But, familiar grown,
762
I pleased, and with attractive graces won
763
The most averse---thee chiefly, who full oft
764
Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing,
765
Becam'st enamored, and such joy thou took'st
766
With me in secret that my womb conceived
767
A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose,
768
And fields were fought in Heav'n, wherein remained
769
(For what could else?) to our Almighty foe
770
Clear victory, to our part loss and rout2283
771
Through all the Empyrean.2284 Down they fell,
772
Driv'n headlong from the pitch2285 of Heaven, do
773
Into this deep, and in the general fall
774
I also, at which time this powerful key
775
Into my hands was giv'n, with charge to keep
776
These gates forever shut, which none can pass
777
Without my op'ning. Pensive2286 here I sat
778
Alone, but long I sat not, till my womb,
779
Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown,
781
At last this odious2290 offspring whom thou seest,
782
Thine own begotten, breaking violent way, 2291
783
Tore through my entrails that,2292 with fear and pain
784
Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew
785
Transformed. But he my inbred enemy
786
Forth issued, brandishing2293 his fatal dart,
787
Made to destroy. I fled, and cried out 'Death!
788
Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sighed
789
From all her caves, and back resounded 'Death!
790
I fled, but he pursued (though more, it seems,
791
Inflamed with lust than rage), and swifter far,
792
Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed,2294
793
And in embraces forcible and foul
794
Engend'ring2295 with me, of that rape begot
795
These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry
796
Surround me, as thou saw'st---hourly conceived
797
And hourly born, with sorrow infinite
798
To me, for when they list 2296 into the womb
799
That bred them they return, and howl, and gnaw
800
My bowels, their repast.2297 Then bursting forth
801
Afresh, with conscious terrors vex me round,
802
That rest or intermission none I find.
803
Before mine eyes in opposition2298 sits
804
Grim Death, my son and foe, who set them on,
805
And me, his parent, would full soon devour
806
For want of other prey, but that he knows
807
His end with mine involved, and knows that I
808
Should prove a bitter morsel, and his bane, 2299
809
Whenever that shall be. So Fate pronounced.
810
But thou, O father, I forewarn thee, shun
811
His deadly arrow. Neither 2300 vainly hope
812
To be invulnerable in those bright arms,2301
814
Save He who reigns above, none can resist.
815
She finished, and the subtle fiend, his lore2304
816
Soon learned, now milder, and thus answered smooth:
817
"Dear daughter---since thou claim'st me for thy sire,
818
And my fair son here show'st me, the dear pledge2305
819
Of dalliance2306 had with thee in Heav'n, and joys
820
Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change
821
Befall'n us unforeseen, unthought-of---know
822
I come no enemy, but to set free
823
From out this dark and dismal house of pain
824
Both him and thee, and all the Heav'nly host
825
Of Spirits that, in our just pretences2307 armed,
826
Fell with us from on high. From them I go
828
Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread
829
Th' unfounded 2310 deep, and through the void immense
830
To search, with wand'ring quest, a place foretold
831
Should be---and by concurring signs, ere now
832
Created vast and round---a place of bliss
833
In the purlieus2311 of Heav'n, and therein placed
834
A race of upstart creatures, to supply
838
Than this more secret, now designed,2318 I haste
839
To know, and this once known shall soon return
840
And bring ye to the place where thou and Death
841
Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen
842
Wing silently the buxom2319 air, embalmed
843
With odors. There ye shall be fed and filled
844
Immeasurably; all things shall be your prey.
845
He ceased, for both seemed highly pleased, and Death
846
Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, to hear
848
Destined to that good hour. No less rejoiced
849
His mother bad, and thus bespoke2322 her sire:
850
"The key of this infernal pit, by due2323
851
And by command of Heav'n's all-powerful King,
852
I keep, by Him forbidden to unlock
853
These adamantine gates. Against all force
855
Fearless to be o'ermatched by living might.
856
But what owe I to His commands above,
857
Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down
859
To sit in hateful office here confined,
860
Inhabitant of Heav'n and Heav'nly born---
861
Here in perpetual agony and pain,
862
With terrors and with clamors compassed round 2328
863
Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed?
864
Thou art my father, thou my author, thou
865
My being gav'st me. Whom should I obey
866
But thee? whom follow? Thou wilt bring me soon
867
To that new world of light and bliss, among
868
The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign
870
Thy daughter and thy darling, without end.
871
Thus saying, from her side the fatal key,
872
Sad instrument of all our woe, she took,
873
And towards the gate rolling her bestial train,2331
874
Forthwith the huge portcullis2332 high up-drew,
875
Which, but herself, not all the Stygian2333 Powers
876
Could once have moved, then in the key-hole turns
877
Th' intricate wards,2334 and every bolt and bar
878
Of massy iron or solid rock with ease
879
Unfastens. On a sudden, open fly
880
(With impetuous2335 recoil and jarring sound)
881
Th' infernal doors, and on their hinges grate
882
Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook
883
Of Erebus.2336 She opened---but to shut
884
Excelled 2337 her power. The gates wide open stood,
885
That with extended wings a bannered host,
886
Under spread ensigns marching, might pass through
887
With horse and chariots ranked in loose array.
888
So wide they stood, and like a furnace-mouth
889
Cast forth redounding 2338 smoke and ruddy flame.
890
Before their eyes in sudden view appear
891
The secrets of the hoary deep---a dark
892
Illimitable ocean, without bound,
893
Without dimension, where length, breadth, and height,
894
And time, and place, are lost, where eldest Night
895
And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold
896
Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise
897
Of endless wars, and by confusion2339 stand.
898
For hot, cold, moist, and dry, four champions fierce,
899
Strive here for mast'ry, and to battle bring
900
Their embryon2340 atoms. They around the flag
901
Of each his faction, in their several clans,
902
Light-armed or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift, or slow,
903
Swarm populous, unnumbered as the sands
906
Their lighter wings. To whom these most adhere, 2345
907
He rules a moment. Chaos umpire sits,
908
And by decision more embroils2346 the fray
909
By which he reigns. Next him, high arbiter,
910
Chance governs all. Into this wild abyss,
911
The womb of Nature, and perhaps her grave,
912
Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
913
But all these in their pregnant causes mixed
914
Confus'dly, and which thus must ever fight,
915
Unless th'Almighty Maker them ordain2347
916
His dark materials to create more worlds---
917
Into this wild abyss the wary2348 fiend
918
Stood on the brink of Hell and looked a while,
919
Pondering his voyage, for no narrow frith2349
920
He had to cross. Nor was his ear less pealed 2350
921
With noises loud and ruinous2351 (to compare
922
Great things with small) than when Bellona2352 storms
924
Some capital city; or less than if this frame
925
Of Heav'n were falling, and these elements
926
In mutiny had from her axle torn
927
The steadfast earth. At last his sail-broad vans 2356
928
He spread for flight and, in the surging smoke
929
Uplifted, spurns2357 the ground, thence many a league,
930
As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides
931
Audacious,2358 but that seat soon failing, meets
932
A vast vacuity. All unawares,
934
Ten thousand fathom deep, and to this hour
935
Down had been falling, had not, by ill chance,
936
The strong rebuff 2361 of some tumultuous cloud,
939
Quenched in a boggy Syrtis,2366 neither sea,
942
Half flying. Behoves him now2371 both oar and sail.
943
As when a gryphon2372 through the wilderness
944
With wingèd course, o'er hill or moory dale,
945
Pursues the Arimaspian,2373 who by stealth
947
The guarded gold, so eagerly the fiend
948
O'er bog or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare,
949
With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his way,
950
And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies.
951
At length a universal hubbub wild
952
Of stunning sounds, and voices all confused,
953
Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear
955
Undaunted, to meet there whatever Power
956
Or Spirit of the nethermost abyss
957
Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask
958
Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies,
959
Bord'ring on light. When straight behold the throne
960
Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread
961
Wide on the wasteful deep! With him enthroned
962
Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of things,
963
The consort 2379 of his reign; and by them stood
964
Orcus and Adès,2380 and the dreaded name
965
Of Demogorgon,2381 Rumor next, and Chance,
966
And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled,2382
967
And Discord with a thousand various 2383 mouths.
968
T' whom Satan, turning boldly, thus: "Ye Powers
969
And Spirits of this nethermost abyss,
970
Chaos and ancient Night, I come no spy
971
With purpose to explore or to disturb
972
The secrets of your realm, but by constraint
973
Wand'ring this darksome desert, as my way
974
Lies through your spacious empire up to light,
975
Alone and without guide, half lost, I seek
976
What readiest path leads where your gloomy bounds
977
Confine 2384 with Heav'n, or if some other place
978
From your dominion won,2385 th' Ethereal King
979
Possesses lately, thither to arrive
981
Directed, no mean2388 recompense it brings
983
All usurpation2391 thence expelled, reduce
984
To her original darkness, and your sway
985
(Which is my present journey), and once more
986
Erect the standard2392 there of ancient Night.
987
Yours be th' advantage all, mine the revenge!
988
Thus Satan; and him thus the Anarch2393 old,
989
With falt'ring speech and visage incomposed,2394
990
Answered: "I know thee, stranger, who thou art---
991
That mighty leading Angel, who of late
992
Made head 2395 against Heav'n's King, though overthrown.
993
I saw and heard, for such a numerous host
994
Fled not in silence through the frighted deep,
995
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout,2396
996
Confusion worse confounded.2397 And Heav'n-gates
997
Poured out by millions her victorious bands,
998
Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here
999
Keep residence; if all I can2398 will serve
1000
That little which is left so2399 to def
1002
Weakening the scepter of old Night. First Hell,
1003
Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath;
1004
Now lately Heav'n and earth, another world
1005
Hung o'er my realm, linked in a golden chain
1006
To that side Heav'n from whence your legions fell!
1007
If that way be your walk, you have not far;
1008
So much the nearer danger. Go, and speed;2402
1009
Havoc, and spoil, and ruin, are my gain.
1010
He ceased, and Satan stayed not to reply,
1011
But glad that now his sea should find a shore,
1012
With fresh alacrity and force renewed
1013
Springs upward like a pyramid of fire,
1014
Into the wild expanse, and through the shock2403
1015
Of fighting elements, on all sides round
1017
And more endangered than when Argo2406 passed
1018
Through Bosphorus betwixt the jostling rocks,
1019
Or when Ulysses on the larboard 2407 shunned
1020
Charybdis, and by th' other whirlpool steered.
1021
So he2408 with difficulty and labor hard
1022
Moved on, with difficulty and labor he. 2409
1023
But he once passed,2410 soon after, when man fell,
1024
Strange alteration! Sin and Death amain2411
1025
Following his track (such was the will of Heav'n)
1026
Paved after him a broad and beaten way
1027
Over the dark abyss, whose boiling gulf
1028
Tamely endured a bridge of wondrous length,
1029
From Hell continued, reaching th' utmost orb2412
1030
Of this frail world, by which the Spirits perverse2413
1031
With easy intercourse pass to and fro
1032
To tempt or punish mortals, except whom
1033
God and good Angels guard by special grace.
1034
But now at last the sacred influence2414
1035
Of light appears, and from the walls of Heav'n
1036
Shoots far into the bosom of dim Night
1037
A glimmering dawn. Here Nature first begins
1039
As from her outmost works, a broken foe,
1040
With tumult less and with less hostile din,
1041
That Satan with less toil, and now with ease,
1043
And like a weather-beaten vessel holds
1045
Or in the emptier waste, resembling air,
1046
Weighs2421 his spread wings, at leisure to behold
1047
Far off th' empyreal Heav'n, extended wide
1048
In circuit, undetermined 2422 square or round,
1049
With opal towers and battlements adorned
1050
Of living sapphire, once his native seat,
1051
And fast by, 2423 hanging in a golden chain,
1052
This pendant world, in bigness as a star
1053
Of smallest magnitude close by the moon.
1054
Thither, full fraught 2424 with mischievous revenge,
1055
Accursed, and in a cursèd hour, he hies.2425
The End of the Second Book
God sitting on His throne sees Satan flying towards this world, then newly created; shews him to the Son who sat at His right hand; foretells the success of Satan in perverting mankind; clears His own justice and wisdom from all imputation, having created man free and able enough to have withstood his tempter; yet declares His purpose of grace towards him, in regard he fell not of his own malice, as did Satan, but by him seduced.
The Son of God renders praises to His Father for the manifestation of His gracious purpose towards man, but God again declares that grace cannot be extended towards man without the satisfaction of divine justice. Man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to Godhead, and therefore with all his progeny devoted to Death must die, unless some one can be found sufficient to answer for his offence, and undergo his punishment.
The Son of God freely offers himself a ransom for man. The Father accepts him, ordains his incarnation, pronounces his exaltation above all names in Heaven and earth; commands all the Angels to adore him. They obey, and hymning to their harps in full choir, celebrate the Father and the Son.
Meanwhile Satan alights upon the bare convex of this world's outermost orb, where wandring he first finds a place since called the Limbo of Vanity; what persons and things fly up thither. Thence [Satan] comes to the Gate of Heaven, described ascending by stairs, and the waters above the firmament that flow about it. His passage thence to the orb of the sun; he finds there Uriel the Regent of that orb, but first changes himself into the shape of a meaner Angel and, pretending a zealous desire to behold the new creation, and man whom God had placed here, inquires of him the place of his habitation, and is directed; alights first on Mount Niphates.
1
Hail holy light, offspring of Heav'n firstborn,
2
Or of the Eternal Coeternal beam
3
May I express thee unblamed? since God is light,
4
And never but in unapproachèd light
5
Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee
7
Or hear'st 2428 thou rather pure ethereal stream,
8
Whose fountain who shall tell? Before the sun,
9
Before the Heav'ns thou wert, and at the voice
10
Of God, as with a mantle, didst invest2429
11
The rising world of waters dark and deep,
12
Won from the void and formless infinite.
13
Thee I re-visit now with bolder wing,
14
Escaped the Stygian2430 pool, though long detained
15
In that obscure sojourn,2431 while in my flight
16
Through utter and through middle darkness borne,
18
I sung of Chaos and eternal Night,
19
Taught by the Heav'nly Muse to venture down
20
The dark descent, and up to reascend,
21
Though hard and rare. 2434 Thee I re-visit safe,
22
And feel thy sov'reign vital lamp,2435 but thou
23
Re-visit'st not these eyes, that roll in vain
24
To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn,
27
Cease I to wander where the Muses haunt,
28
Clear spring, or shady grove, or sunny hill,
29
Smit2440 with the love of sacred song. But chief
30
Thee, Sion,2441 and the flow'ry brooks beneath
31
That wash thy hallowed feet, and warbling flow,
32
Nightly I visit, nor sometimes forget
33
Those other two, equaled with2442 me in fate
34
(So were I equaled with them in renown)
37
Then feed 2447 on thoughts, that voluntary move
40
Tunes her nocturnal note. Thus with the year
41
Seasons return, but not to me returns
42
Day, or the sweet approach of ev'n or morn,
43
Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose,
44
Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine,
45
But cloud instead, and ever-during 2452 dark
46
Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men
47
Cut off, and for the book of knowledge fair
48
Presented with a universal blank
50
And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out.
51
So much the rather thou, celestial light,
52
Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers
54
Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell
55
Of things invisible to mortal sight.
56
Now had the Almighty Father from above,
57
From the pure empyrean where He sits
58
High throned above all height, bent down His eye,
59
His own works and their works at once to view.
60
About Him all the Sanctities of Heav'n
61
Stood thick as stars, and from His sight received
63
The radiant image of His glory sat,
64
His only Son. On earth He first beheld
65
Our two first parents, yet 2459 the only two
66
Of mankind in the happy garden placed,
67
Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love,
68
Uninterrupted joy, unrivaled love,
69
In blissful solitude. He then surveyed
70
Hell and the gulf between, and Satan there
71
Coasting the wall of Heav'n on this side Night
73
To stoop with wearied wings and willing feet
74
On the bare outside of this world, that seemed
76
Uncertain which, in ocean or in air.
77
Him God beholding, from His prospect2464 high,
78
Wherein past, present, future, He beholds,
79
Thus to His only Son foreseeing spoke:
8
"Only-begotten Son, seest thou what rage
81
Transports2465 our adversary? whom no bounds
82
Prescribed, no bars of Hell, nor all the chains
83
Heaped on him there, nor yet the main abyss
84
Wide interrupt,2466 can hold, so bent he seems
85
On desperate revenge, that shall redound
86
Upon his own rebellious head. And now,
87
Through all restraint broke2467 loose, he wings his way
88
Not far off Heav'n, in the precincts2468 of light,
89
Directly towards the new created world,
90
And man there placed, with purpose to assay2469
91
If him by force he can destroy or, worse,
92
By some false guile pervert. And shall pervert,
93
For man will hearken to his glozing2470 lies,
94
And easily transgress2471 the sole command,
95
Sole pledge2472 of his obedience: So will fall
96
He and his faithless progeny. Whose fault?
97
Whose but his own? Ingrate, he had of me
98
All he could have. I made him just and right,
99
Sufficient to have stood,2473 though free to fall.
100
Such I created all the ethereal Powers
101
And Spirits, both them who stood and them who failed.
102
Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell.
103
Not free, what proof could they have given sincere
104
Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love,
105
Where only what they needs must do appeared,
106
Not what they would? What praise could they receive?
107
What pleasure I, from such obedience paid,
108
When will and reason (reason also is choice)
109
Useless and vain, of freedom both despoiled,2474
110
Made passive both, had served necessity,
111
Not me? They therefore, as to right belonged,
112
So were created, nor can justly accuse
113
Their Maker, or their making, or their fate,
114
As if predestination overruled
115
Their will, disposed 2475 by absolute decree
116
Or high foreknowledge. They themselves decreed
117
Their own revolt, not I: if I foreknew,
118
Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault,
119
Which had no less proved certain unforeknown.
120
So without least impulse or shadow of Fate,
121
Or aught by me immutably 2476 foreseen,
122
They trespass, authors2477 to themselves in all
123
Both what they judge and what they choose. For so
124
I formed them free, and free they must remain,
125
Till they enthrall2478 themselves. I else must change
126
Their nature, and revoke the high decree
127
Unchangeable, eternal, which ordained
128
Their freedom. They themselves ordained their fall.
129
The first sort 2479 by their own suggestion fell,
130
Self-tempted, self-depraved. Man falls deceived
131
By the other first. Man therefore shall find grace,
132
The other none. In mercy and justice both,
133
Through Heav'n and earth, so shall my glory excel,
134
But mercy, first and last, shall brightest shine.
135
Thus while God spoke, 2480 ambrosial fragrance filled
136
All Heav'n, and in the blessèd Spirits elect
137
Sense of new joy ineffable diffused.
138
Beyond compare, the Son of God was seen
139
Most glorious. In him all His Father shone,
140
Substantially2481 expressed, and in his face
141
Divine compassion visibly appeared,
142
Love without end, and without measure grace,
143
Which uttering thus he to his Father spoke:
144
"O Father, gracious was that word which closed
146
For which both Heav'n and earth shall high extol
147
Thy praises, with th' innumerable sound
148
Of hymns and sacred songs, wherewith Thy throne
150
For should man finally be lost? Should man,
151
Thy creature late so loved, Thy youngest son,
152
Fall circumvented 2486 thus by fraud, though joined
153
With his own folly? That be from Thee far,
154
That far be from Thee, Father, who art judge
155
Of all things made, and judgest only right.
156
Or shall the adversary 2487 thus obtain
157
His end, and frustrate Thine? Shall he fulfill
158
His malice, and Thy goodness bring to nought?
159
Or proud return, though to his heavier doom,2488
160
Yet with revenge accomplished, and to Hell
161
Draw after him the whole race of mankind,
162
By him corrupted? Or wilt Thou Thyself
163
Abolish Thy creation, and unmake
164
For him, what for Thy glory Thou hast made?
165
So should Thy goodness and Thy greatness both
166
Be questioned and blasphemed without defence.
167
To whom the great Creator thus replied:
168
"O Son, in whom my soul hath chief delight,
169
Son of my bosom, Son who art alone
170
My word, my wisdom, and effectual 2489 might,
171
All hast thou spoken as my thoughts are, all
172
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
173
Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will,
174
Yet not of will in him, but grace in me
175
Freely vouchsafed.2490 Once more I will renew
177
By Sin to foul exorbitant desires.
178
Upheld by me, yet once more he shall stand
179
On even ground against his mortal foe,
180
By me upheld, that he may know how frail
181
His fall'n condition is, and to me owe
182
All his deliverance, and to none but me.
183
Some I have chosen of peculiar2493 grace,
184
Elect2494 above the rest; so is my will.
185
The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warned
186
Their sinful state, and to appease betimes2495
188
Invites, for I will clear their senses dark,
189
What may suffice, and soften stony hearts
190
To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. 2498
191
To prayer, repentance, and obedience due,
192
Though but endeavored with sincere intent,
193
Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut.
194
And I will place within them as a guide
195
My umpire2499 Conscience, whom if they will hear,
196
Light 2500 after light, well used, they shall attain,
197
And to the end, persisting, safe arrive.
198
This my long sufferance, 2501 and my day of grace,
199
They who neglect and scorn shall never taste,
200
But hard be hardened, blind be blinded more,
201
That they may stumble on, and deeper fall.
202
And none but such from mercy I exclude.
203
"But yet all is not done. Man disobeying,
204
Disloyal, breaks his fealty2502 and sins
205
Against the high supremacy of Heav'n,
206
Affecting2503 Godhead and, so losing all,
207
To expiate his treason hath nought left,
208
But to destruction sacred2504 and devote,
209
He, with his whole posterity, must die.
210
Die he or justice must; unless for him
211
Some other able, and as willing, pay
213
Say, Heav'nly Powers, where shall we find such love?
214
Which of you will be mortal, to redeem
215
Man's mortal crime and, just, the unjust to save?
216
Dwells in all Heav'n charity 2507 so dear?
217
He asked, but all the Heav'nly choir2508 stood mute,
218
And silence was in Heav'n: on man's behalf
220
Much less that durst upon his own head draw
221
The deadly forfeiture and ransom set.
222
And now without redemption all mankind
223
Must have been lost, adjudged to Death and Hell
224
By doom2511 severe, had not the Son of God,
225
In whom the fullness dwells of love divine,
226
His dearest mediation thus renewed:
227
"Father, Thy word is past, man shall find grace;
228
And shall grace not find means? that finds her way,
229
The speediest of Thy wingèd messengers,
230
To visit all Thy creatures, and to all
231
Comes unprevented,2512 unimplored, unsought?
232
Happy for man, so coming. He her aid
233
Can never seek, once dead in sins, and lost:
234
Atonement for himself, or offering meet,2513
235
Indebted and undone, hath none to bring.
236
Behold me, then: me for him, life for life
237
I offer. On me let Thine anger fall;
238
Account2514 me man. I for his sake will leave
239
Thy bosom, and this glory next to Thee
240
Freely put off, and for him lastly2515 die
241
Well pleased. On me let Death wreak2516 all his rage.
242
Under his gloomy power I shall not long
243
Lie vanquished. Thou hast giv'n me to possess
244
Life in myself forever. By Thee I live,
245
Though now to Death I yield, and am his due2517
246
(All that of me can die), yet that debt paid,
247
Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsome grave
248
His prey, nor suffer my unspotted soul
249
Forever with corruption there to dwell,
250
But I shall rise victorious, and subdue
251
My vanquisher, spoiled of his vaunted 2518 spoil.
252
Death his Death's wound shall then receive, and stoop2519
253
Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarmed.
254
I through the ample2520 air in triumph high
256
The powers of darkness bound. Thou, at the sight
257
Pleased, out of Heaven shalt look down and smile,
258
While, by Thee raised, I ruin2523 all my foes,
259
Death last, and with his carcass glut2524 the grave.
260
Then with the multitude of my redeemed
261
Shall enter Heav'n, long absent, and return,
262
Father, to see Thy face, wherein no cloud
263
Of anger shall remain, but peace assured
264
And reconcilement. Wrath shall be no more,
265
Thenceforth, but in Thy presence joy entire."2525
266
His words here ended, but his meek aspect,
267
Silent, yet spoke, and breathed immortal love
268
To mortal men, above which only shone
269
Filial obedience. As a sacrifice
270
Glad to be offered, he attends the will
271
Of his great Father. Admiration2526 seized
272
All Heav'n, what this might mean, and whither tend,2527
273
Wond'ring. But soon2528 th'Almighty thus replied:
274
"O thou, in Heav'n and earth the only peace
275
Found out for mankind under wrath, O thou
276
My sole complacence!2529 Well thou know'st how dear
277
To me are all my works, nor man the least,
278
Though last created, that for him I spare
279
Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save,
280
By losing thee a while, the whole race lost.
281
Thou, therefore, whom thou only canst redeem,2530
282
Their nature also to thy nature join,
283
And be thyself man among men on earth,
284
Made flesh, when time shall be, of virgin seed,
285
By wondrous birth. Be thou in Adam's room2531
286
The head of all mankind, though Adam's son.
287
As in him perish all men, so in thee,
288
As from a second root, shall be restored
289
As many as are restored, without thee none.
290
His crime makes guilty all his sons: thy merit,
292
Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds,
293
And live in thee transplanted, and from thee
294
Receive new life. So man, as is most just,
295
Shall satisfy for man, be judged and die,
296
And dying rise, and rising with him raise
297
His brethren, ransomed with his own dear life.
298
So Heav'nly love shall outdo hellish hate,
299
Giving to death, and dying to redeem,
300
So dearly2534 to redeem what hellish hate
301
So easily destroyed, and still destroys
302
In those who, when they may, accept not grace.
303
Nor shalt thou, by descending to assume
304
Man's nature, lessen or degrade thine own.
305
Because thou hast, though throned in highest bliss
306
Equal to God, and equally enjoying
308
A world from utter loss, and hast been found
309
By merit more than birthright Son of God,
310
Found worthiest to be so by being good,
311
Far more than great or high---because in thee
312
Love hath abounded more than glory abounds.
313
Therefore thy humiliation shall exalt
314
With thee thy manhood also to this throne.
315
Here shalt thou sit incarnate, 2537 here shalt reign
316
Both God and man, Son both of God and man,
317
Anointed universal King. All power
318
I give thee: reign forever, and assume
319
Thy merits.2538 Under thee, as head supreme,
320
Thrones, Princedoms, Powers, Dominions, I reduce. 2539
321
All knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide2540
322
In Heav'n, or earth, or under earth in Hell.
323
When thou, attended gloriously from Heav'n
324
Shalt in the sky appear, and from thee send
325
The summoning ArchAngels to proclaim
326
Thy dread tribunal, forthwith from all winds
327
The living, and forthwith the cited 2541 dead
328
Of all past ages, to the general doom2542
329
Shall hasten. Such a peal2543 shall rouse their sleep.
330
Then all thy Saints assembled, thou shalt judge
331
Bad men and Angels. They, arraigned,2544 shall sink
332
Beneath thy sentence. Hell, her numbers full,
333
Thenceforth shall be forever shut. Meanwhile
334
The world shall burn, and from her ashes spring
335
New Heav'n and earth, wherein the just shall dwell
336
And after all their tribulations long
337
See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds,
338
With joy and peace triumphing, and fair truth.
339
Then thou thy regal scepter shalt lay by,
340
For regal scepter then no more shall need:
341
God shall be all in all. But all ye gods,
342
Adore him, who to compass2545 all this dies,
343
Adore the Son, and honor him as me.
344
No sooner had the Almighty ceased, but all
345
The multitude of Angels, with a shout
346
Loud as from numbers without number, sweet
347
As from blest voices, uttering joy, Heav'n rung
349
The eternal regions. Lowly reverent
350
Towards either throne they bow, and to the ground
351
With solemn adoration down they cast
352
Their crowns inwove with amarant2548 and gold,
353
Immortal amarant, a flower which once
354
In Paradise, fast by the Tree of Life,
355
Began to bloom, but soon for man's offence
356
To Heav'n removed, where first it grew, there grows,
357
And flow'rs aloft, shading the Fount of Life,
358
And where the river of bliss through midst of Heav'n
359
Rolls o'er Elysian flow'rs her amber stream.
360
With these that never fade the Spirits elect 2549
361
Bind their resplendent locks inwreathed with beams,
362
Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright
363
Pavement,2550 that like a sea of jasper shone,
364
Impurpled with celestial roses smiled.
365
Then, crowned again, their golden harps they took,
366
Harps ever tuned, that glittering by their side
367
Like quivers hung, and with preamble sweet
368
Of charming symphony 2551 they introduce
369
Their sacred song, and waken raptures high.
370
No voice exempt, no voice but well could join
371
Melodious part, such concord2552 is in Heav'n.
372
Thee, Father, first they sung Omnipotent,
373
Immutable, Immortal, Infinite,
374
Eternal King, Thee Author of all being,
375
Fountain of light, Thyself invisible
376
Amidst the glorious brightness where Thou sit'st
377
Throned inaccessible, but 2553 when Thou shad'st
378
The full blaze of thy beams and, through a cloud
379
Drawn round about Thee like a radiant shrine,
380
Dark with excessive bright Thy skirts2554 appear,
381
Yet2555 dazzle Heav'n, that brightest Seraphim
382
Approach not, but with both wings veil their eyes.
383
Thee2556 next they sang of all creation first,
384
Begotten Son, Divine Similitude,
385
In whose conspicuous2557 count'nance, without cloud
386
Made visible, the Almighty Father shines,
387
Whom else no creature can behold. On thee
389
Transfused on thee His ample2560 Spirit rests.
390
He Heav'n of Heav'ns and all the Powers therein
391
By thee created; and by thee threw down
392
Th' aspiring Dominations.2561 Thou that day
393
Thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare,
394
Nor stop thy flaming chariot-wheels, that shook
395
Heav'n's everlasting frame, while o'er the necks
396
Thou drov'st of warring Angels disarrayed.
397
Back from pursuit, thy Powers2562 with loud acclaim
398
Thee only extolled, Son of thy Father's might,
399
To execute fierce vengeance on His foes,
400
Not so on man. Him through their2563 malice fallen,
401
Father of mercy and grace, Thou didst not doom2564
402
So strictly, but much more to pity inclined.
403
No sooner did Thy dear and only Son
404
Perceive Thee purposed not to doom frail man
405
So strictly, but much more to pity inclined,
406
He to appease Thy wrath, and end the strife
407
Of mercy and justice in Thy face discerned,
408
Regardless of the bliss wherein he sat
409
Second to Thee, offered himself to die
410
For man's offence. O unexampled love,
411
Love nowhere to be found less than Divine!
412
Hail, Son of God, Savior of men! Thy name
413
Shall be the copious matter of my song
414
Henceforth, and never shall my heart thy praise
415
Forget, nor from thy Father's praise disjoin.2565
416
Thus they in Heav'n, above the starry sphere,
417
Their happy hours in joy and hymning spent.
418
Meanwhile, upon the firm opacious2566 globe
419
Of this round world, whose first convex2567 divides
420
The luminous inferior orbs, enclosed 2568
421
From Chaos and th' inroad 2569 of Darkness old,
422
Satan alighted walks. A globe far off
423
It seemed, now seems a boundless continent
424
Dark, waste, and wild, under the frown of Night
425
Starless exposed, and ever-threat'ning storms
426
Of Chaos blust'ring round, inclement 2570 sky,
427
Save on that side which from the wall of Heav'n,
428
Though distant far, some small reflection gains
429
Of glimmering air less vexed with tempest loud.
430
Here walked the fiend at large2571 in spacious field.
431
As when a vulture on Imaus2572 bred,
432
Whose snowy ridge the roving Tartar bounds,2573
433
Dislodging2574 from a region scarce of prey
434
To gorge the flesh of lambs or yeanling2575 kids,
435
On hills where flocks are fed, flies toward the springs2576
436
Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams,
438
Of Sericana,2579 where Chineses drive
440
So on this windy sea of land, the fiend
441
Walked up and down alone, bent on his prey---
442
Alone, for other creature in this place,
443
Living or lifeless, to be found was none,
444
None yet, but store2582 hereafter from the earth
445
Up hither like aereal vapors flew
446
Of all things transitory and vain, when Sin
447
With vanity had filled the works of men:
448
Both all things vain, and all who in vain things
449
Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame,
450
Or2583 happiness in this or th' other life,
451
All who have their reward on earth, the fruits
452
Of painful superstition and blind zeal,
453
Nought seeking but the praise of men, here find
454
Fit retribution, empty as their deeds.
455
All th' unaccomplished 2584 works of Nature's hand,
456
Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly2585 mixed,
457
Dissolved on earth, fleet2586 hither, and in vain,
458
Till final dissolution, wander here,
459
Not in the neighboring moon, as some have dreamed.
460
Those argent2587 fields' more likely habitants,
462
Betwixt th' angelical and human kind.
463
Hither of ill-joined sons and daughters born
464
First from the ancient world those giants came,
465
With many a vain exploit, though then renowned.
466
The builders next of Babel on the plain
467
Of Sennaär, 2590 and still with vain design,
470
A god, leaped fondly2596 into Aetna's flames,
471
Empedocles; and he, 2597 who to enjoy
472
Plato's Elysium,2598 leaped into the sea,
473
Cleombrotus; and many more too long, 2599
474
Embryos and idiots, eremites,2600 and friars
476
Here pilgrims roam, that strayed so far to seek
477
In Golgotha2605 him dead who lives in Heav'n,
478
And they who to be sure of Paradise,
480
Or in Franciscan2608 think to pass disguised.
481
They pass the planets seven, and pass the fixed,
482
And that crystalline sphere whose balance weighs
484
And now Saint Peter at Heav'n's wicket2611 seems
485
To wait 2612 them with his keys, and now at foot
486
Of Heav'n's ascent they lift their feet, when lo!
487
A violent2613 cross wind from either coast
489
Into the devious2617 air. Then might ye see
490
Cowls, hoods, and habits, with their wearers, tossed
491
And fluttered into rags, then relics, beads,
492
Indulgences, dispenses,2618 pardons, bulls,
493
The sport of winds. All these, upwhirled aloft,
494
Fly o'er the backside2619 of the world far off
495
Into a limbo large and broad, since called
496
The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown
497
Long after, now unpeopled, and untrod.
498
All this dark globe the fiend found as he passed,
499
And long he wandered, till at last a gleam
500
Of dawning light2620 turned thitherward in haste
501
His travelled steps. Far distant he descries,2621
502
Ascending by degrees2622 magnificent
503
Up to the wall of Heav'n, a structure high
504
At top whereof, but far more rich, appeared
505
The work as of a kingly palace-gate,
506
With frontispiece2623 of diamond and gold
507
Embellished. Thick with sparkling orient2624 gems
508
The portal 2625 shone, inimitable on earth
509
By model or by shading2626 pencil drawn.
510
These stairs were such as whereon Jacob saw
511
Angels ascending and descending, bands
512
Of guardians bright, when he from Esau fled
514
Dreaming by night under the open sky
515
And waking cried, "This is the gate of Heav'n!
516
Each stair mysteriously 2629 was meant, nor stood
517
There always, but drawn up2630 to Heav'n sometimes,
518
Viewless.2631 And underneath a bright sea flowed
519
Of jasper, or of liquid pearl, whereon
520
Who after came from earth, sailing arrived,
521
Wafted by Angels, or flew o'er the lake
522
Rapt2632 in a chariot drawn by fiery steeds.
523
The stairs were then let down, whether to dare
524
The fiend by easy ascent, or aggravate2633
525
His sad exclusion from the doors of bliss,
526
Direct against which opened from beneath,
527
Just o'er the blissful seat of Paradise,
528
A passage down to th' earth, a passage wide,
529
Wider by far than that of after-times
530
Over Mount Sion and, though that were large,
531
Over the Promised Land, to God so dear,
532
By which, to visit oft those happy tribes,
533
On high behests2634 His Angels to and fro
534
Passed frequent, and His eye with choice regard2635
536
To Beersaba,2639 where the Holy Land
537
Borders on Egypt and th'Arabian shore.
538
So wide the op'ning seemed, where bounds were set
539
To darkness, such as bound the ocean wave.
540
Satan from hence, now on the lower stair
541
That scaled by steps of gold to Heav'n-gate,
542
Looks down with wonder at the sudden view
543
Of all this world at once. As when a scout,2640
544
Through dark and desert ways with peril gone
545
All night, at last by break of cheerful dawn
546
Obtains the brow of some high-climbing hill,
547
Which to his eye discovers2641 unaware
549
First seen, or some renowned metropolis
550
With glistering spires and pinnacles adorned,
551
Which now the rising sun gilds with his beams,
552
Such wonder seized, though after Heaven seen,
553
The Spirit malign, but much more envy seized,
554
At sight of all this world beheld so fair.
555
Round he surveys (and well might, where he stood
556
So high above the circling canopy
557
Of Night's extended shade), from eastern point
559
Andromeda 2646 far off Atlantic seas
560
Beyond th' horizon. Then from pole to pole
561
He views in breadth, and without longer pause
562
Down right into the world's first region throws
564
Through the pure marble2649 air his oblique way
565
Amongst innumerable stars, that shone
566
Stars distant, but nigh hand seemed other worlds---
567
Or 2650 other worlds they seemed, or happy isles,
568
Like those Hesperian gardens2651 famed of old,
569
Fortunate fields, and groves, and flowery vales,
570
Thrice happy isles. But who dwelt happy there
571
He stayed2652 not to inquire. Above them all
572
The golden sun, in splendor likest Heav'n,
573
Allured his eye. Thither his course he bends
574
Through the calm firmament, but up or down,
576
Or longitude, where the great luminary2655
579
Dispenses light from far. They as they move
580
Their starry dance in numbers that compute
581
Days, months, and years, towards his all-cheering lamp
582
Turn swift their various2661 motions, or are turned
583
By his magnetic beam, that gently warms
584
The universe, and to each inward part
585
With gentle penetration, though unseen,
586
Shoots invisible virtue2662 ev'n to the deep,
587
So wondrously was set his station bright.
588
There lands the fiend, a spot like which perhaps
589
Astronomer in the sun's lucent2663 orb
591
The place he found beyond expression2666 bright,
592
Compared with aught on earth, metal or stone,
593
Not all parts like, but all alike informed2667
594
With radiant light, as glowing iron with fire.
595
If metal, part seemed gold, part silver clear;
596
If stone, carbuncle most or chrysolite,
597
Ruby or topaz, to the twelve that shone
598
In Aaron's breastplate, 2668 and a stone besides
599
Imagined rather oft than elsewhere seen,2669
600
That stone, or like to that which here below
601
Philosophers in vain so long have sought---
602
In vain, though by their powerful art they bind
603
Volatile Hermes,2670 and call up unbound
604
In various shapes old Proteus2671 from the sea,
605
Drained through a limbic 2672 to his native form.
606
What wonder then if fields and regions here
607
Breathe forth elixir 2673 pure, and rivers run
610
Produces, with terrestrial humor2678 mixed,
611
Here in the dark so many precious things
612
Of color glorious, and effect so rare?
613
Here matter new to gaze the Devil met,
614
Undazzled. Far and wide his eye commands,
615
For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade,
616
But all sunshine, as when his beams at noon
617
Culminate2679 from th'equator, as they now
618
Shot upward still direct, whence no way round
619
Shadow from body opaque can fall, and the air,
621
To objects distant far, whereby he soon
622
Saw within ken2682 a glorious Angel stand,
623
The same whom John saw also in the sun.2683
624
His back was turned, but not his brightness hid.
625
Of beaming sunny rays a golden tiar2684
626
Circled his head, nor less his locks behind
628
Lay waving round. On some great charge2687 employed
629
He seemed, or fixed in cogitation2688 deep.
630
Glad was the Spirit impure, as now in hope
631
To find who might direct his wandering flight
632
To Paradise, the happy seat of man,
633
His journey's end and our beginning woe.
634
But first he casts2689 to change his proper shape,
635
Which else might work him danger or delay.
636
And now a stripling2690 Cherub he appears,
637
Not of the prime, 2691 yet such as in his face
638
Youth smiled celestial, and to every limb
639
Suitable grace diffused,2692 so well he feigned.
640
Under a coronet 2693 his flowing hair
641
In curls on either cheek played; wings he wore
642
Of many a colored plume, 2694 sprinkled with gold;
643
His habit fit for speed succinct,2695 and held
644
Before his decent 2696 steps a silver wand.
645
He drew not nigh unheard. The Angel bright,
646
Ere he2697 drew nigh, his radiant visage turned,
647
Admonished by his ear, and straight was known
648
The ArchAngel Uriel, one of the seven
649
Who in God's presence, nearest to His throne,
650
Stand ready at command, and are His eyes
651
That run through all the Heav'ns, or down to th' earth
652
Bear His swift errands over moist and dry,
653
O'er sea and land. Him Satan thus accosts:2698
654
"Uriel, for thou of those sev'n Spirits that stand
655
In sight of God's high throne, gloriously bright,
657
Interpreter 2701 through highest Heav'n to bring,
658
Where all His sons thy embassy2702 attend,
659
And here art likeliest by supreme decree
660
Like honor to obtain, and as His eye
661
To visit oft this new creation round.
662
Unspeakable desire to see, 2703 and know
663
All these His wondrous works, but chiefly man,
664
His chief delight and favor, him for whom
665
All these His works so wondrous He ordained,
666
Hath brought me from the choirs2704 of Cherubim
667
Alone thus wand'ring. Brightest Seraph, tell
668
In which of all these shining orbs hath man
669
His fixèd seat, or fixèd seat hath none,
670
But all these shining orbs his choice to dwell,
671
That I may find him, and with secret gaze
672
Or open admiration2705 him behold,
673
On whom the great Creator hath bestowed
674
Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces poured,
675
That both in him and all things, as is meet,2706
676
The universal Maker we may praise,
677
Who justly hath driven out His rebel foes
678
To deepest Hell and, to repair that loss,
679
Created this new happy race of men
680
To serve Him better. Wise are all His ways.
681
So spoke the false dissembler unperceived,
682
For neither man nor Angel can discern
683
Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks
684
Invisible, except to God alone,
685
By His permissive will, through Heav'n and earth,
686
And oft, though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps
687
At wisdom's gate, and to simplicity2707
688
Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill
689
Where no ill seems. Which now for once beguiled
691
The sharpest-sighted Spirit of all in Heav'n,
692
Who to the fraudulent impostor foul,
694
"Fair Angel, thy desire, which tends to know
695
The works of God, thereby to glorify
696
The great work-master, leads to no excess
697
That reaches2712 blame, but rather merits praise
698
The more it seems excess, that led thee hither
700
To witness with thine eyes what some perhaps,
701
Contented with report, hear only in Heav'n.
702
For wonderful indeed are all His works,
703
Pleasant 2715 to know, and worthiest to be all
704
Had in remembrance always with delight.
705
But what created mind can comprehend
706
Their number, or the wisdom infinite
707
That brought them forth, but hid their causes deep?
708
I saw when at His word the formless mass,
709
This world's material mould, came to a heap.2716
710
Confusion heard His voice, and wild uproar
712
Till at His second bidding darkness fled,
713
Light shone, and order from disorder sprung.
714
Swift to their several quarters hasted then
715
The cumbrous2719 elements, earth, flood, air, fire,
717
Flew upward, spirited 2722 with various forms,
718
That rolled orbicular, 2723 and turned to stars
719
Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move.
720
Each had his place appointed, each his course.
721
The rest, in circuit, walls2724 this universe.
722
Look downward on that globe, whose hither side
723
With light from hence, though but reflected, shines.
724
That place is earth, the seat of man, that light
725
His day, which else, as th' other hemisphere,
726
Night would invade, but there the neighboring moon
727
(So call that opposite fair star) her aid
728
Timely interposes,2725 and her monthly round
729
Still ending, still renewing, through mid Heav'n,
730
With borrowed light her countenance triform2726
731
Hence fills and empties to enlighten2727 th' earth,
733
That spot, to which I point, is Paradise,
734
Adam's abode; those lofty shades, his bow'r.
735
Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires.
736
Thus said, he turned, and Satan, bowing low,
737
As to superior Spirits is wont 2730 in Heav'n,
738
Where honor due2731 and reverence none neglects,
739
Took leave, and toward the coast of earth beneath,
740
Down from th' ecliptic,2732 sped with hoped success,
The End of the Third Book
Satan now in prospect2737 of Eden, and nigh the place where he must now attempt the bold enterprize which he undertook alone against God and man, falls into many doubts with himself, and many passions, fear, envy, and despair, but at length confirms himself in evil. Journey[ing] on to Paradise, whose outward prospect and situation is described, [he] overleaps the bounds2738 [and] sits in the shape of a cormorant on the Tree of Life, as highest in the Garden, [in order] to look about him. The Garden described; Satan's first sight of Adam and Eve; his wonder at their excellent form and happy state, but with resolution to work their fall; [he] overhears their discourse, thence gathers that the Tree of Knowledge was forbidden them to eat of, under penalty of death; and thereon intends to found his temptation, by seducing them to transgress. Then [he] leaves them a while, to know further of their state by some other means.
Meanwhile Uriel descending on a Sun-beam warns Gabriel, who had in charge the Gate of Paradise, that some evil spirit had escaped the deep, and passed at Noon, by his sphere, in the shape of a good Angel, down to Paradise, [as] discovered2739 after[wards] by his2740 furious gestures in the Mount. Gabriel promises to find him out ere morning.
Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse of going to their rest; their bower describ'd; their evening worship. Gabriel drawing forth his bands of night-watch to walk the round of Paradise, appoints2741 two strong Angels to Adam's bower, lest the evil spirit should be there doing some harm to Adam or Eve sleeping. There they find him at the ear of Eve, tempting her in a dream, and bring him, though unwilling, to Gabriel, by whom questioned, he scornfully answers, prepares resistance, but hindered by a sign from Heaven, flies out of Paradise.
1
O, for that warning voice, which he, who saw
2
The Apocalypse, heard cry in Heaven aloud,
3
Then when the dragon, put to second rout,
4
Came furious down to be revenged on men,
6
While time was,2744 our first parents had been warned
7
The coming of their secret foe, and 'scaped,
8
Haply2745 so 'scaped, his mortal snare. For now
9
Satan, now first inflamed with rage, came down,
10
The tempter ere2746 the accuser of mankind,
12
Of that first battle, and his flight to Hell.
13
Yet, not rejoicing in his speed, though bold,
14
Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast,
15
Begins his dire attempt, which night the birth
16
Now rolling, 2749 boils in his tumultuous breast,
17
And like a devilish engine2750 back recoils
18
Upon himself. Horror and doubt distract
19
His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir
20
The Hell within him, for within him Hell
21
He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell
22
One step, no more than from himself, can fly
23
By change of place. Now conscience wakes despair
24
That slumbered, wakes the bitter memory
25
Of what he what must be
27
Sometimes towards Eden, which now in his view
28
Lay pleasant, his grieved look he fixes sad,
29
Sometimes towards Heav'n and the full-blazing sun,
32
"O thou,2757 that with surpassing glory crowned,
33
Look'st from thy sole dominion like the god
34
Of this new world, at whose sight all the stars
35
Hide their diminished heads, to thee I call,
36
But with no friendly voice, and add thy name,
37
O Sun! to tell thee how I hate thy beams,
38
That bring to my remembrance from what state
39
I fell, how glorious once above thy sphere, 2758
40
Till pride and worse ambition threw me down,
41
Warring in Heav'n against Heav'n's matchless King.
42
Ah, wherefore! He deserved no such return
43
From me, whom He created what I was
44
In that bright eminence, 2759 and with His good
45
Upbraided 2760 none. Nor was His service hard.
46
What could be less than to afford 2761 Him praise,
47
The easiest recompence, 2762 and pay Him thanks---
48
How due! 2763 Yet all His good proved ill in me,
49
And wrought 2764 but malice. Lifted up so high
51
Would set me highest, and in a moment quit2767
52
The debt immense of endless gratitude,
53
So burdensome still 2768 paying, still to owe,
54
Forgetful what from Him I still received,
55
And understood not that a grateful mind
56
By owing owes not, but still pays, at once
57
Indebted and discharged. What burden then?
58
O, had His powerful destiny ordained
59
Me some inferior Angel, I had stood 2769
60
Then happy: no unbounded 2770 hope had raised
61
Ambition! Yet why not? Some other Power 2771
62
As great might have aspired, and me, though mean,2772
64
Fell not, but stand unshaken from within
65
Or from without, to all temptations armed.2775
66
Hadst thou the same free will and power to stand?2776
67
Thou hadst: whom hast thou then or what t' accuse,
68
But Heav'n's free2777 love dealt equally to all?
69
Be then His love accursed, since love or hate,
70
To me alike, it deals2778 eternal woe.
71
Nay, cursed be thou,2779 since against His thy will
74
Infinite wrath, and infinite despair?
75
Which2784 way I fly is Hell. Myself am Hell,
76
And in the lowest deep a lower deep
77
Still threat'ning to devour me opens wide,
78
To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heav'n.
79
O then, at last relent! 2785 Is there no place
80
Left for repentance, none for pardon left?
81
None left but by submission, and that word
82
Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame
83
Among the Spirits beneath, whom I seduced
84
With other promises and other vaunts2786
85
Than to submit, boasting I could subdue
86
The Omnipotent. Ay me! they little know
88
Under what torments inwardly I groan,
89
While they adore me on the throne of Hell!
90
With diadem and scepter high advanced2789
91
The lower still I fall, only supreme
92
In misery. Such joy ambition finds!2790
93
But say I could repent, and could obtain,
94
By act of grace, my former state, how soon
95
Would height recall high thoughts, how soon unsay
97
Vows made in pain, as violent2793 and void.
98
For never can true reconcilement grow
99
Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep,
100
Which would but lead me to a worse relapse
101
And heavier fall. So should I purchase dear2794
102
Short intermission, bought with double smart.2795
103
This knows my punisher, therefore as far
104
From granting He, as I from begging, peace.
105
All hope excluded thus, behold, instead
106
Of us 2796 outcast, exiled, his new delight,
107
Mankind created, and for him 2797 this world.
108
So farewell hope and, with hope, farewell fear,
109
Farewell remorse! All good to me is lost.
110
Evil, be thou my good: by thee at least
111
Divided empire with Heav'n's King I hold---
112
By thee, and more than half 2798 perhaps will reign,
113
As man ere long, and this new world, shall know.
114
Thus while he spoke, each passion dimmed his face
116
Which marred2801 his borrowed visage, and betrayed
117
Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld.
118
For Heav'nly minds from such distempers2802 foul
119
Are ever clear. 2803 Whereof he soon aware,
120
Each perturbation2804 smoothed with outward calm,
122
That practised falsehood under saintly show,
123
Deep malice to conceal, couched2807 with revenge.
124
Yet not enough had practised 2808 to deceive
125
Uriel, once warned, whose eye pursued him down
126
The way he went, and on the Assyrian mount
127
Saw him disfigured, more than could befall 2809
128
Spirit of happy sort. His gestures fierce
129
He marked, and mad demeanor, 2810 then alone,
130
As he supposed, all unobserved, unseen.
131
So on he fares,2811 and to the border comes
132
Of Eden, where delicious Paradise,
133
Now nearer, crowns with her enclosure green,
135
Of a steep wilderness, whose hairy sides
136
With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild,
137
Access denied.2814 And overhead up grew
138
Insuperable2815 height of loftiest shade,
139
Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm,
141
Shade above shade, a woody theater 2818
142
Of stateliest 2819 view. Yet higher than their tops
143
The verdurous wall of Paradise upsprung,
146
And higher than that wall a circling row
147
Of goodliest2824 trees, loaden with fairest fruit,
148
Blossoms and fruits at once2825 of golden hue
149
Appeared, with gay enamelled 2826 colors mixed,
150
On which the sun more glad impressed 2827 his beams
151
Than in fair evening cloud, or humid bow, 2828
152
When God hath show'red the earth. So lovely seemed
153
That landscape. And of pure now purer 2829 air
154
Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires
156
All sadness but despair. Now gentle gales,2832
158
Native2835 perfumes, and whisper whence they stole
159
Those balmy spoils.2836 As when to them who sail
160
Beyond the Cape of Hope, 2837 and now are past
161
Mozambique, 2838 off at sea northeast winds blow
162
Sabean2839 odors from the spicy shore
163
Of Araby the blest,2840 with such delay
165
Cheered with the grateful 2844 smell old ocean smiles.
166
So entertained 2845 those odorous sweets the fiend,
167
Who came their bane, 2846 though with them better pleased
169
That drove him, though enamored, from the spouse
170
Of Tobit's son, and with a vengeance sent 2849
172
Now to the ascent of that steep savage2852 hill
173
Satan had journeyed on, pensive and slow,
174
But further way found none, so thick entwined,
175
As one continued brake, 2853 the undergrowth
176
Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplexed 2854
177
All path of man or beast that passed that way.
178
One gate there only was, and that looked east
179
On th' other side. Which when the arch-felon saw,
180
Due entrance he disdained and, in contempt,
181
At one slight2855 bound high overleaped all bound
182
Of hill or highest wall, and sheer2856 within
183
Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf,
184
Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey,
185
Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve
187
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold---
188
Or as a thief, bent to unhoard 2859 the cash
189
Of some rich burgher, whose substantial doors,
190
Cross-barred and bolted fast, fear no assault,
191
In at the window climbs, or o'er the tiles,2860
192
So clomb2861 this first grand thief into God's fold.
193
So since into His church lewd hirelings climb.
194
Thence up he flew, and on the Tree of Life,
195
The middle tree and highest there that grew,
196
Sat like a cormorant, yet not true life
197
Thereby regained, but sat devising death
198
To them who lived, nor on the virtue thought
199
Of that life-giving plant, but only used
201
Of immortality. So little knows
202
Any, but God alone, to value right
203
The good before him, but perverts best things
204
To worst abuse, or to their meanest 2865 use.
205
Beneath him with new wonder now he views,
206
To all delight of human sense exposed
207
In narrow room,2866 Nature's whole wealth, yea more,
208
A Heav'n on earth. For blissful Paradise
209
Of God the garden was, by Him in th' east
210
Of Eden planted. Eden stretched her line2867
211
From Auran2868 eastward to the royal tow'rs
212
Of great Seleucia,2869 built by Grecian kings,
213
Or where the sons of Eden long before
214
Dwelt in Telassar. 2870 In this pleasant soil
215
His far more pleasant garden God ordained.
216
Out of the fertile ground He caused to grow
217
All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste,
218
And all amid them stood the Tree of Life,
219
High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit
220
Of vegetable2871 gold. And next to life
221
Our death, the Tree of Knowledge, grew fast by,
222
Knowledge of good bought dear by knowing ill.
223
Southward through Eden went a river large,
224
Nor changed his course, but through the shaggy2872 hill
226
That mountain as His garden-mold 2875 high raised
227
Upon the rapid current, which through veins
228
Of porous earth with kindly 2876 thirst up-drawn,
229
Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill2877
230
Watered the garden, thence united fell
232
Which from his darksome passage now appears,
233
And now, divided into four main streams,
234
Runs diverse, 2880 wand'ring many a famous realm
235
And country, whereof here needs no account,
236
But rather to tell how, if art 2881 could tell,
237
How from that sapphire fount the crispèd2882 brooks,
238
Rolling on orient2883 pearl and sands of gold,
240
Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed
241
Flow'rs worthy of Paradise, which not nice2886 art
243
Poured forth profuse on hill and dale and plain,
244
Both where the morning sun first warmly smote
245
The open field, and where the unpierced shade
246
Imbrowned 2889 the noontide bow'rs. Thus was this place
247
A happy rural seat of various view,
248
Groves whose rich trees wept odorous gums and balm,
249
Others whose fruit, burnished with golden rind,
251
If true, here onl, and of delicious taste.
252
Betwixt them lawns, or level downs,2892 and flocks
253
Grazing the tender herb,2893 were interposed,
255
Of some irriguous2896 valley spread her store,
256
Flow'rs of all hue, and without thorn the rose.
257
Another side, umbrageous2897 grots and caves
258
Of cool recess, o'er which the mantling2898 vine
259
Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps
260
Luxuriant. Meanwhile murmuring waters fall
261
Down the slope hills, dispersed, or in a lake,
262
That to the fringèd bank with myrtle crowned
263
Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams.
265
Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune2901
266
The trembling leaves, while universal Pan,
268
Led on th' eternal Spring. Not that fair field
269
Of Enna,2905 where Proserpine, gath'ring flow'rs,
270
Herself a fairer flow'r by gloomy Dis2906
271
Was gathered, which cost Ceres2907 all that pain
272
To seek her through the world. Nor that sweet grove
274
Castalian spring, 2911 might with this Paradise
277
Whom gentiles Ammon call, and Libyan Jove,
279
Young Bacchus from his stepdame Rhea's eye,
281
Mount Amara,2920 though this by some supposed
282
True Paradise under the Ethiop line2921
284
A whole day's journey high, but wide remote
285
From this Assyrian garden, where the fiend
286
Saw, undelighted, all delight, all kind
287
Of living creatures, new to sight, and strange.
288
Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall,
289
Godlike erect, with native honor clad
290
In naked majesty, seemed lords of all.
291
And worthy seemed, for in their looks divine
292
The image of their glorious Maker shone,
293
Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure
294
(Severe, but in true filial freedom placed)
295
Whence true authority in men. Though both
296
Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed:
297
For contemplation he, and valor, formed;
298
For softness she and sweet attractive grace;
299
He for God only, she for God in him.
301
Absolute rule, and hyacinthine2927 locks
302
Round from his parted forelock 2928 manly hung
303
Clust'ring, but not beneath his shoulders broad.
304
She as a veil down to the slender waist
305
Her unadornèd golden tresses wore
307
As the vine curls her tendrils, which implied
309
And by her yielded, by him best received,
310
Yielded with coy 2933 submission, modest pride,
311
And sweet, reluctant, amorous delay.
312
Nor those mysterious parts2934 were then concealed.
313
Then was not guilty shame, dishonest2935 shame
314
Of Nature's works. Honor dishonorable,
315
Sin-bred, how have ye troubled all mankind
316
With shows2936 instead, mere shows of seeming pure,
317
And banished from man's life his happiest life,
318
Simplicity and spotless innocence!
319
So passed they naked on, nor shunned the sight
320
Of God or Angel, for they thought no ill:
321
So hand in hand they passed, the loveliest pair
322
That ever since in love's embraces met,
323
Adam the goodliest man of men, since born
324
His sons, the fairest of her daughters Eve.
326
Stood whispering soft, by a fresh fountain side
327
They sat them down and, after no more toil
328
Of their sweet gardening labor than sufficed
330
More easy, wholesome thirst and appetite
331
More grateful, to their supper-fruits they fell,
333
Yielded them, sidelong as they sat recline
334
On the soft downy bank, damasked 2943 with flow'rs.
335
The savory pulp they chew, and in the rind,
336
Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream,
337
Nor gentle purpose, 2944 nor endearing smiles
338
Wanted,2945 nor youthful dalliance, as beseems
339
Fair couple, linked in happy nuptial league,
340
Alone as they. About them frisking played
341
All beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all chase2946
342
In wood or wilderness, forest or den.
345
Gambolled2952 before them; the unwieldy elephant,
346
To make them mirth, used all his might, and wreathed 2953
350
Gave proof unheeded; others on the grass
352
Or bedward ruminating, 2965 for the sun,
355
Of Heav'n the stars that usher evening rose.
356
When Satan still in gaze, as first he stood,
357
Scarce thus at length failed speech recovered, sad:
358
"O Hell! What do mine eyes with grief behold!
359
Into our room2971 of bliss thus high advanced
360
Creatures of other mould, earth-born perhaps,
361
Not Spirits, yet to Heav'nly Spirits bright
362
Little inferior, whom my thoughts pursue
363
With wonder, and could love, so lively shines
364
In them divine resemblance, and such grace
365
The hand that formed them on their shape hath poured.2972
367
Your change approaches, when all these delights
368
Will vanish, and deliver ye to woe,
369
More woe, the more your taste is now of joy,
370
Happy, but for so happy ill secured 2975
371
Long to continue, and this high seat your Heav'n
372
Ill fenced for Heav'n to keep out such a foe
373
As now is entered. Yet no purposed 2976 foe
374
To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn,2977
376
And mutual amity, so straight,2980 so close,
377
That I with you must dwell, or you with me
378
Henceforth. My dwelling haply 2981 may not please
379
(Like this fair Paradise) your sense, yet such
380
Accept your Maker's work. He gave it me,
381
Which I as freely give: Hell shall unfold,
382
To entertain2982 you two, her widest-gates,
383
And send forth all her kings. There will be room,
384
Not like these narrow limits, to receive
385
Your numerous offspring. If no better place,
386
Thank Him who puts me, loath, to this revenge
387
On you (who wrong me not), for Him who wronged.2983
388
And should I at your harmless innocence
390
Honor and empire with revenge enlarged,
391
By conquering this new world, compels me now
392
To do what else, though damned, I should abhor.
393
So spoke the fiend, and with necessity
394
(The tyrant's plea) excused his devilish deeds.
395
Then from his lofty stand on that high tree
396
Down he alights among the sportful 2986 herd
397
Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one,
398
Now other, as their shape served best his end
399
Nearer to view his prey, and unespied
400
To mark what of their state2987 he more might learn,
401
By word or action marked.2988 About them round
402
A lion 2989 now he stalks with fiery glare,
403
Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied
404
In some purlieu2990 two gentle fawns at play,
405
Straight couches2991 close, then rising, changes oft
406
His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground,
407
Whence rushing, he might surest seize them both,
408
Gripped in each paw: When Adam, first of men,
409
To first of women Eve, thus moving 2992 speech,
411
"Sole partner, and sole part,2995 of all these joys,
412
Dearer thyself than all! Needs must the Power
413
That made us, and for us this ample world,
414
Be infinitely good, and of His good
415
As liberal and free as infinite,
416
That raised us from the dust, and placed us here
417
In all this happiness, who at His hand
418
Have nothing merited,2996 nor can perform
419
Aught whereof He hath need, He who requires
420
From us no other service than to keep
421
This one, this easy charge:2997 of all the trees
422
In Paradise that bear delicious fruit
423
So various, not to taste that only Tree
424
Of Knowledge, planted by 2998 the Tree of Life.
425
So near grows death to life, whate'er death is,
426
Some dreadful thing no doubt, for well thou know'st
427
God hath pronounced it death to taste that tree,
428
The only sign of our obedience left
429
Among so many signs of power and rule
430
Conferred upon us, and dominion2999 giv'n
431
Over all other creatures that possess
432
Earth, air, and sea. Then let us not think hard
433
One easy prohibition, who enjoy
434
Free leave so large to all things else, and choice
435
Unlimited of manifold delights,
436
But let us ever praise Him, and extol
437
His bounty, following our delightful task,
438
To prune these growing plants, and tend these flow'rs,
439
Which were it toilsome, yet with thee were sweet.
440
To whom thus Eve replied: "O thou for whom
441
And from whom I was formed, flesh of thy flesh,
442
And without whom am to no end,3000 my guide
443
And head! What thou hast said is just and right.
444
For we to Him indeed all praises owe,
445
And daily thanks---I chiefly, who enjoy
446
So far the happier lot, enjoying thee
447
Preeminent by so much odds,3001 while thou
449
That day I oft remember, when from sleep
450
I first awaked, and found myself reposed
451
Under a shade 3004 on flow'rs, much wond'ring where
452
And what I was, whence thither brought, and how.
453
Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound
454
Of waters issued from a cave, and spread
455
Into a liquid plain, then stood unmoved,3005
456
Pure as th' expanse of Heav'n. I thither 3006 went
457
With unexperienced 3007 thought, and laid me down
458
On the green bank, to look into the clear
459
Smooth lake, that to me seemed another sky.
460
As I bent down to look, just opposite
461
A shape within the wat'ry gleam appeared,
462
Bending to look on me. I started back---
463
It started back---but pleased I soon returned,
464
Pleased it returned as soon, with answering looks
465
Of sympathy and love. There I had fixed
466
Mine eyes till now, and pined 3008 with vain desire,
467
Had not a voice thus warned me: 'What thou see'st,
468
What there thou see'st, fair creature, is thyself.
469
With thee it came and goes. But follow me
470
And I will bring thee where no shadow stays3009
471
Thy coming, and thy soft embraces, he
472
Whose image thou art, him thou shalt enjoy
473
Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear
474
Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called
475
Mother of human race. 'What could I do,
476
But follow straight,3010 invisibly thus led?
477
Till I espied thee, fair indeed and tall,
478
Under a platane, 3011 yet methought less fair,
479
Less winning soft, less amiably mild,
480
Than that smooth wat'ry image. Back I turned.
481
Thou following cried'st aloud, 'Return, fair Eve.
482
Whom fly'st 3012 thou? Whom thou fly'st, of him thou art,
483
His flesh, his bone. To give thee being I lent
484
Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart,
487
Part of my soul, I seek thee! and thee claim3017
488
My other half. 'With that thy gentle hand
489
Seized mine, I yielded, and from that time see
490
How beauty is excelled by manly grace,
491
And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.
492
So spoke our general 3018 mother, and with eyes
493
Of conjugal attraction unreproved,
494
And meek surrender, half-embracing leaned
495
On our first father. Half her swelling breast
496
Naked met his, under the flowing gold
497
Of her loose tresses hid. He in delight
498
Both of her beauty and submissive charms,
499
Smiled with superior love, as Jupiter
500
On Juno smiles, when he impregns 3019 the clouds
501
That shed May flowers, and pressed her matron lip
502
With kisses pure. Aside the Devil turned
503
For envy, yet with jealous leer malign
504
Eyed them askance, and to himself thus plained:3020
505
"Sight hateful, sight tormenting! Thus these two,
506
Imparadised in one another's arms,
507
The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill
508
Of bliss on bliss, while I to Hell am thrust,
509
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,
510
Among our other torments not the least,
511
Still unfulfilled with pain of longing pines.3021
512
Yet let me not forget what I have gained
513
From their own mouths. All is not theirs, it seems.
514
One fatal tree there stands, of knowledge called,
515
Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden?
516
Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord
517
Envy them that? Can it be sin to know?
518
Can it be death? And do they only stand 3022
519
By ignorance? Is that their happy state,
520
The proof of their obedience and their faith?
521
O fair foundation laid whereon to build
522
Their ruin! Hence I will excite3023 their minds
523
With more desire to know, and to reject
524
Envious commands, invented with design
525
To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt
526
Equal with gods. Aspiring to be such,
527
They taste and die. What likelier can ensue?
528
But first with narrow 3024 search I must walk round
529
This garden, and no corner leave unspied.
530
A chance (but chance)3025 may lead where I may meet
531
Some wand'ring Spirit of Heav'n by fountain side,
532
Or in thick shade retired, from him to draw
533
What further would be learned. Live while ye may,
534
Yet happy pair---enjoy, till I return,
535
Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed!"3026
536
So saying, his proud step he scornful turned,
537
But with sly circumspection,3027 and began
539
Meanwhile in utmost longitude, 3030 where Heav'n
540
With earth and ocean meets, the setting sun
541
Slowly descended, and with right aspect 3031
542
Against the eastern gate of Paradise
543
Leveled his evening rays. It was a rock
544
Of alabaster, piled up to the clouds,
545
Conspicuous3032 far, winding with one ascent
546
Accessible from earth, one entrance high.
547
The rest was craggy cliff, that overhung
548
Still as it rose, impossible to climb.
549
Betwixt these rocky pillars, Gabriel sat,
550
Chief of the Angelic guards, awaiting night.
551
About him exercised 3033 heroic games
552
Th' unarmed youth of Heav'n, but nigh3034 at hand
553
Celestial armory---shields, helms, and spears,
554
Hung high with diamond flaming, and with gold.
555
Thither came Uriel, gliding through the ev'n3035
556
On a sun-beam, swift as a shooting star
558
Impress3038 the air) and shows the mariner
559
From what point of his compass to beware
560
Impetuous3039 winds. He thus began in haste:
561
"Gabriel, to thee thy course by lot 3040 hath given
562
Charge3041 and strict watch, that to this happy place
563
No evil thing approach or enter in.
564
This day at height of noon came to my sphere
565
A Spirit, zealous, as he seemed, to know
566
More of the Almighty's works, and chiefly man,
567
God's latest image. I described 3042 his way
569
But in the mount that lies from Eden north,
570
Where he first lighted, soon discerned his looks
572
Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade
573
Lost sight of him. One of the banished crew,
574
I fear, hath ventured from the deep, to raise 3047
575
New troubles. Him thy care must be to find.
576
To whom the wingèd warrior thus returned:
577
"Uriel, no wonder if thy perfect sight,
578
Amid the sun's bright circle where thou sit'st,
579
See far and wide. In at this gate none pass
580
The vigilance3048 here placed, but such as come
581
Well known from Heav'n. And since meridian hour 3049
582
No creature thence. If Spirit of other sort,
583
So minded,3050 have o'erleaped these earthly bounds
584
On purpose, hard thou know'st it to exclude
585
Spiritual substance with corporeal bar.
586
But if within the circuit of these walks,
587
In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom
588
Thou tell'st, by morrow dawning I shall know.
589
So promised he, and Uriel to his charge3051
590
Returned on that bright beam, whose point now raised
591
Bore him slope downward to the sun now fall'n
592
Beneath the Azores, whither the prime orb,
593
Incredible how swift, had thither rolled
595
By shorter flight to the east, had left him there,
596
Arraying with reflected purple and gold
597
The clouds that on his western throne attend.
598
Now came still 3055 ev'ning on, and twilight gray
600
Silence accompanied, for beast and bird,
601
They to their grassy couch, these to their nests
602
Were slunk, all but the wakeful nightingale:
603
She all night long her amorous descant 3058 sung.
604
Silence was pleased. Now glowed the firmament
605
With living sapphires. Hesperus,3059 that led
606
The starry host, rode brightest, till the moon,
607
Rising in clouded majesty, at length
608
(Apparent 3060 queen) unveiled her peerless light,
609
And o'er the dark her silver mantle threw.
610
When Adam thus to Eve: "Fair consort, th' hour
611
Of night, and all things now retired to rest,
613
Labor and rest, as day and night, to men
614
Successive, 3063 and the timely dew of sleep,
615
Now falling with soft slumbrous weight, inclines3064
616
Our eye-lids. Other creatures all day long
617
Rove idle, unemployed, and less need rest;
618
Man hath his daily work of body or mind
619
Appointed, which declares3065 his dignity,
620
And the regard 3066 of Heav'n on all his ways,
621
While other animals unactive range, 3067
622
And of their doings God takes no account.
623
Tomorrow, ere fresh morning streak the east
624
With first approach of light, we must be ris'n,
625
And at our pleasant labor, to reform3068
626
Yon flow'ry arbors, yonder alleys3069 green,
627
Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown,
628
That mock our scant manuring, 3070 and require
629
More hands than ours to lop their wanton3071 growth.
630
Those blossoms also, and those dropping gums,
631
That lie bestrewn, unsightly and unsmooth,
632
Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease.
633
Meanwhile, as Nature wills, night bids us rest.
634
To whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty adorned:
635
"My author and disposer, what thou bid'st
636
Unargued I obey. So God ordains:
637
God is thy law, thou mine. To know no more
638
Is woman's happiest knowledge, and her praise.
639
With thee conversing I forget all time;
640
All seasons, and their change, all please alike.
641
Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet,
642
With charm 3072 of earliest birds. Pleasant the sun,
643
When first on this delightful land he spreads
644
His orient 3073 beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flow'r,
645
Glistering with dew. Fragrant the fertile earth
646
After soft showers, and sweet the coming on
647
Of grateful3074 evening mild, then silent night,
648
With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon,
649
And these the gems of Heav'n, her starry train.
650
But neither breath of morn, when she ascends
651
With charm3075 of earliest birds, nor rising sun
652
On this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, flow'r,
653
Glistering with dew, nor fragrance after showers,
654
Nor grateful ev'ning mild, nor silent night,
655
With this her solemn bird, nor walk by moon,
656
Or glittering star-light, without thee is sweet.
657
"But wherefore all night long shine these? For whom
658
This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes?
659
To whom our general 3076 ancestor replied:
660
"Daughter of God and man, accomplished 3077 Eve,
661
These have their course to finish round the earth,
662
By morrow ev'ning, and from land to land
663
In order, though to nations yet unborn.
665
Lest total darkness should by night regain
666
Her old possession, and extinguish life
667
In Nature and all things, which these soft fires
670
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down
672
On earth, made hereby apter 3087 to receive
673
Perfection from the sun's more potent 3088 ray.
674
These then, though unbeheld in deep of night,
675
Shine not in vain, nor think,3089 though men were
676
That Heav'n would want3090 spectators, God want praise.
677
Millions of spiritual creatures walk the earth
678
Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep:
679
All these with ceaseless praise His works behold
680
Both day and night. How often from the steep3091
681
Of echoing hill or thicket have we heard
682
Celestial voices to the midnight air,
683
Sole, or responsive each to others' note,
684
Singing their great Creator? Oft in bands
685
While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk,3092
686
With Heav'nly touch of instrumental sounds
687
In full harmonic number 3093 joined, their songs
688
Divide3094 the night, and lift our thoughts to Heav'n.
689
Thus talking, hand in hand alone they passed
690
On to their blissful bower. It was a place
691
Chosen by the sov'reign Planter, 3095 when He framed
692
All things to man's delightful use. The roof
693
Of thickest covert 3096 was inwoven shade,
694
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew
695
Of firm and fragrant leaf, on either side
696
Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub,
697
Fenced up the verdant wall. Each beauteous flow'r,
698
Iris all hues, roses, and jessamin,
700
Mosaic. Underfoot the violet,
701
Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay
702
Broidered3099 the ground, more colored than with stone
703
Of costliest emblem.3100 Other creature here,
704
Bird, beast, insect, or worm, durst enter none,
705
Such was their awe of man. In shadier bower
706
More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned,3101
707
Pan or Sylvanus never slept, nor nymph
709
With flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs,
710
Espousèd 3105 Eve decked first her nuptial bed,
711
And Heav'nly choirs the hymenaean3106 sung,
713
Brought her in naked beauty more adorned,
714
More lovely, than Pandora,3109 whom the gods
715
Endowed with all their gifts, and O! too like
716
In sad event, when to the unwiser son3110
718
Mankind with her fair looks, to be3113 avenged
720
Thus at their shady lodge 3116 arrived, both stood,
721
Both turned, and under open sky adored3117
722
The God that made both sky, air, earth, and Heav'n,
723
Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe
724
And starry pole: "Thou also mad'st the night,
725
Maker Omnipotent, and Thou the day,
726
Which we, in our appointed work employed,
727
Have finished, happy in our mutual help
728
And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss
729
Ordained by Thee. And this delicious3118 place
730
For us too large, where thy abundance wants3119
731
Partakers, and uncropped 3120 falls to the ground.
732
But thou hast promised from us two a race
733
To fill the earth, who shall with us extol
734
Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake,
735
And when we seek, as now, Thy gift of sleep.
736
This said unanimous, and other rites
737
Observing none, but adoration pure
738
(Which God likes best), into their inmost bow'r
740
These troublesome disguises which we wear,
741
Straight side by side were laid, nor turned, I ween,3123
742
Adam from his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites
743
Mysterious of connubial love refused,
744
Whatever hypocrites austerely talk
745
Of purity, and place, and innocence,
746
Defaming as impure what God declares
747
Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all.
748
Our Maker bids increase: who bids abstain
749
But our destroyer, foe to God and man?
750
Hail, wedded love, mysterious law, true source
751
Of human offspring, sole propriety3124
752
In Paradise of all things common3125 else!
753
By thee adulterous lust was driv'n from men
754
Among the bestial herds to range. 3126 By thee
755
Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure,
757
Of father, son, and brother, first were known.
758
Far be it, that I should write3129 thee sin or blame,
759
Or think thee unbefitting holiest place,
760
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets,
761
Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced,
762
Present, or past, as saints and patriarchs used.
763
Here love his golden shafts3130 employs, here lights
764
His constant 3131 lamp, and waves his purple wings,
765
Reigns here and revels, not in the bought smile
766
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendeared,
767
Casual fruition,3132 nor in court-amours,
768
Mixed dance, or wanton3133 masque, or midnight ball,
769
Or serenade, which the starved lover sings
770
To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.
771
These, lulled by nightingales, embracing slept,
772
And on their naked limbs the flow'ry roof
773
Show'red roses, which the morn repaired.3134 Sleep on,
774
Blest pair! and O! yet happiest, if ye seek
775
No happier state, and know to know no more!
776
Now had night measured with her shadowy cone3135
777
Halfway up hill this vast sublunar vault,3136
778
And from their ivory port3137 the Cherubim,
779
Forth issuing at the accustomed hour, stood armed
780
To their night watches in warlike parade,
781
When Gabriel to his next in power thus spoke:
782
"Uzziel,3138 half these draw off, and coast the south
783
With strictest watch. These other wheel 3139 the north;
784
Our circuit meets full west." As3140 flame they part,
785
Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. 3141
786
From these, two strong and subtle Spirits he called
787
That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge:
789
Search through this garden, leave unsearched no nook,
790
But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge,
791
Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of 3144 harm.
792
This ev'ning from3145 the sun's decline arrived
793
Who tells3146 of some infernal Spirit seen
794
Hitherward bent3147 (who could have thought?), escaped
795
The bars of Hell, on errand bad no doubt.
796
Such, where ye find, seize fast, and hither bring.
797
So saying, on he led his radiant files,3148
798
Dazzling the moon. These to the bower direct
799
In search of whom they sought, him3149 there they found
801
Assaying3152 by his devilish art to reach
802
The organs of her fancy, and with them forge
803
Illusions, as he list,3153 phantasms and dreams,
805
The animal spirits that from pure blood arise
806
Like gentle breaths from rivers pure, thence raise
807
At least distempered,3157 discontented thoughts,
808
Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires,
809
Blown up with high conceits engend'ring pride.
810
Him thus intent, Ithuriel with his spear
811
Touched lightly, for no falsehood can endure
812
Touch of celestial temper, 3158 but returns
814
Discovered and surprised.3161 As when a spark
818
With sudden blaze diffused,3168 inflames the air,
819
So started up in his own shape the fiend.
820
Back stepped those two fair Angels, half amazed 3169
821
So sudden to behold the grisly 3170 king,
823
"Which of those rebel Spirits adjudged 3173 to Hell
824
Com'st thou, escaped thy prison? And, transformed,
825
Why sat'st thou like an enemy in wait,
826
Here watching at the head of these that sleep?
827
"Know ye not then," said Satan, filled with scorn,
828
"Know ye not me? Ye knew me once no mate3174
829
For you, there3175 sitting where ye durst not soar.
830
Not to know me argues3176 yourselves unknown,
831
The lowest of your throng. Or if ye know,
832
Why ask ye, and superfluous begin
833
Your message, like to end as much in vain?
834
To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn:
835
"Think not, revolted 3177 Spirit, thy shape the same,
836
Or undiminished brightness, to be known
837
As when thou stood'st in Heav'n upright and pure.
838
That glory then, when thou no more wast good,
839
Departed from thee, and thou resembl'st now
840
Thy sin and place of doom,3178 obscure and foul.
841
But come, for thou, be sure, shalt give account
842
To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep
843
This place inviolable, and these from harm.
844
So spoke the Cherub, and his grave rebuke,
845
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace
846
Invincible. Abashed the Devil stood,
847
And felt how awful 3179 goodness is, and saw
848
Virtue in her shape how lovely, saw and pined 3180
849
His loss, but chiefly to find here observed
850
His luster visibly impaired, yet seemed
851
Undaunted. "If I must contend,"3181 said he,
852
"Best with the best, the sender, not the sent,
853
Or all at once. More glory will be won,
854
Or less be lost." "Thy fear," said Zephon bold,
855
"Will save us trial what the least can do
856
Single against thee wicked, and thence weak.
857
The fiend replied not, overcome with rage,
858
But like a proud steed reined, went haughty on,
861
His heart, not else dismayed. Now drew they nigh
862
The western point, where those half-rounding guards
863
Just met, and closing stood in squadron joined,
864
Awaiting next command. To whom their chief,
865
Gabriel, from the front3187 thus called aloud:
866
"O friends! I hear the tread of nimble3188 feet
867
Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern
868
Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade,
870
But faded splendor wan,3191 who by his gait
871
And fierce demeanor seems the Prince of Hell,
872
Not likely to part 3192 hence without contest.
873
Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours."3193
874
He scarce had ended, when those two approached
875
And brief related whom they brought, where found,
876
How busied, in what form and posture couched.3194
877
To whom with stern regard3195 thus Gabriel spoke:
878
"Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribed
879
To thy transgressions, and disturbed the charge3196
880
Of others, who approve 3197 not to transgress
881
By thy example, but have power and right
882
To question thy bold entrance on this place,
883
Employed, it seems, to violate sleep, and those
884
Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss!
885
To whom thus Satan, with contemptuous brow:
886
"Gabriel, thou had'st in Heav'n th' esteem3198 of wise,
887
And such I held thee. But this question asked
888
Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain?
889
Who would not, finding way, break loose from Hell,
890
Though thither doomed?3199 Thou would'st thyself, no doubt,
891
And boldly venture to whatever place
892
Farthest from pain, where thou might'st hope to change3200
893
Torment with ease, and soonest recompense3201
894
Dole3202 with delight, which in this place I sought.
895
To thee no reason, who know'st only good,
896
But evil hast not tried. And wilt object
897
His will who bound us? Let him surer3203 bar
898
His iron gates, if he intends our stay
899
In that dark durance. 3204 Thus much what was asked.
900
The rest is true, they found me where they say,
901
But that implies not violence or harm.
902
Thus he in scorn. The warlike Angel, moved,3205
903
Disdainfully half smiling, thus replied:
904
"O loss of one in Heav'n to judge of wise,3206
905
Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew,
906
And now returns him from his prison 'scaped,
907
Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise
908
Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither
910
So wise he judges it to fly3209 from pain,
911
However, 3210 and to 'scape his punishment!
912
So judge thou still, presumptuous! till the wrath,
913
Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet 3211 thy flight
914
Sevenfold, and scourge 3212 that wisdom back to Hell,
915
Which taught thee yet no better, than no pain
916
Can equal anger infinite provoked.
917
But wherefore thou alone? Wherefore with thee
918
Came not all Hell broke loose? Is pain to them
919
Less pain, less to be fled, or thou than they
920
Less hardy 3213 to endure? Courageous chief,
921
The first in flight from pain! Had'st thou alleged 3214
922
To thy deserted host this cause of flight,
923
Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive.
924
To which the fiend thus answered, frowning stern:
925
"Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain,
926
Insulting Angel! Well thou know'st I stood
927
Thy fiercest, when in battle to thy aid
928
The blasting vollied thunder made all speed 3215
930
But still thy words at random,3218 as before,
933
A faithful leader, not to hazard all
934
Through ways3223 of danger by himself untried.
935
I, therefore, I alone first undertook
936
To wing3224 the desolate abyss, and spy
937
This new created world, whereof in Hell
938
Fame3225 is not silent, here in hope to find
939
Better abode, and my afflicted Powers
940
To settle here on earth, or in mid air,
942
What thou and thy gay legions dare against,
943
Whose easier business were to serve their Lord
944
High up in Heav'n, with songs to hymn His throne,
945
And practised distances to cringe, not fight.
946
To whom the warrior Angel soon3228 replied:
947
"To say and straight unsay, pretending first
950
Satan---and couldst thou faithful add? O name,
951
O sacred name of faithfulness profaned!
952
Faithful to whom? To thy rebellious crew?
953
Army of fiends, fit body to fit head!
954
Was this your discipline and faith engaged,
955
Your military obedience, to dissolve
956
Allegiance to th' acknowledged Power supreme?
957
And thou, sly hypocrite, who now would'st seem
958
Patron of liberty, who more than thou
959
Once fawned, and cringed, and servilely 3233 adored
961
To dispossess Him, and thyself to reign?
963
Fly thither whence thou fled'st! If from this hour
964
Within these hallowed limits3238 thou appear,
965
Back to the infernal pit I drag thee chained,
966
And seal 3239 thee so as henceforth not to scorn
967
The facile3240 gates of Hell too slightly barred.
968
So threatened he, but Satan to no threats
970
"Then when I am thy captive, talk of chains,
971
Proud limitary3243 Cherub! But ere then
972
Far heavier load 3244 thyself expect to feel
973
From my prevailing3245 arm, though Heaven's King
974
Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy compeers,3246
975
Used to the yoke, draw'st His triumphant wheels
976
In progress through the road of Heav'n star-
pav
977
While thus he spoke, the angelic squadron bright
978
Turned fiery red, sharp'ning in moonèd horns3247
979
Their phalanx,3248 and began to hem him round
980
With ported 3249 spears, as thick as when a field
982
Her bearded grove of ears which way the wind
983
Sways3252 them. The careful ploughman doubting stands,
984
Lest on the threshing floor his hopeful sheaves3253
985
Prove chaff. On th' other side, Satan, alarmed,3254
986
Collecting all his might, dilated 3255 stood,
988
His stature reached the sky, and on his crest
990
What seemed both spear and shield. Now dreadful deeds
991
Might have ensued, nor only Paradise
993
Of Heav'n, perhaps, or all the elements
994
At least had gone to wrack,3263 disturbed and torn
995
With violence of this conflict, had not soon3264
996
Th' Eternal, to prevent such horrid fray,
998
Betwixt Astrea3267 and the Scorpion sign,
999
Wherein all things created first He weighed,
1000
The pendulous round earth with balanced air
1001
In counterpoise, now ponders 3268 all events,
1002
Battles and realms. In these 3269 he put two weights,
1004
The latter quick up flew, and kicked the beam,3272
1005
Which Gabriel spying, thus bespoke3273 the fiend:
1006
"Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know'st mine
1007
Neither our own, but giv'n. What folly then
1008
To boast what arms can do? since thine no more
1009
Than Heav'n permits, nor mine, though doubled now
1010
To trample thee as mire. 3274 For proof look up,
1011
And read thy lot 3275 in yon celestial sign,
1012
Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, how weak,
1013
If thou resist." The fiend looked up, and knew3276
1014
His mounted scale aloft: nor more, but fled
1015
Murmuring, 3277 and with him fled the shades of
The End of the Fourth Book
Morning approached, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream; he likes it not, yet comforts her. They come forth to their day labors; their morning hymn at the door of their bower.
God to render man inexcusable3278 sends Raphael to admonish him of his obedience, of his free estate, of his enemy near at hand; who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise, his appearance described, his coming discerned by Adam afar off, sitting at the door of his bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got together by Eve; their discourse at table.
Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his state and of his enemy; relates at Adam's request who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning from his first revolt in Heaven, and the occasion thereof; how he drew his legions after him to the parts of the North, and there incited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only Abdiel, a Seraph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes him.
1
Now morn, her rosy steps in the eastern clime3279
2
Advancing, sowed the earth with orient3280 pearl,
3
When Adam waked, so customed,3281 for his sleep
4
Was airy-light, from pure digestion bred,3282
8
Of birds on every bough, so much the more
9
His wonder was to find unwakened Eve
10
With tresses discomposed, and glowing cheek,
11
As through unquiet rest. He, on his side
12
Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial 3290 love
13
Hung over her enamored, and beheld
14
Beauty which, whether waking or asleep,
15
Shot forth peculiar3291 graces. Then with voice
17
Her hand soft touching, whispered thus: "Awake,
18
My fairest, my espoused, my latest found,
19
Heav'n's last best gift, my ever new delight!
20
Awake. The morning shines, and the fresh field
22
Our tender plants, how blows the citron grove,
24
How Nature paints her colors, how the bee
25
Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet.
26
Such whispering waked her, but with startled eye
27
On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spoke:
28
"O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose,
29
My glory, my perfection! Glad I see
30
Thy face, and morn returned, for I this night
31
(Such night till this I never passed) have dreamed
32
(If dreamed) not, as I oft am wont,3299 of thee,
33
Works of day past, or morrow's next design,3300
34
But of offence and trouble, which my mind
35
Knew never till this irksome3301 night. Methought
36
Close at mine ear one called me forth to walk,
37
With gentle voice; I thought it thine. It said,
38
'Why sleep'st thou, Eve? Now is the pleasant time,
39
The cool, the silent, save 3302 where silence yields
40
To the night-warbling bird, that now awake
41
Tunes sweetest his love-labored song. Now reigns
42
Full-orbed the moon, and with more pleasing light
43
Shadowy sets off the face of things. In vain,
44
If none regard.3303 Heav'n wakes with all his eyes,
45
Whom to behold but thee, Nature's desire?
47
Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze.
48
I rose as at thy call, but found thee not;
49
To find thee I directed then my walk,
50
And on, methought, alone I passed through ways
51
That brought me on a sudden to the tree
52
Of interdicted3306 knowledge. Fair it seemed,
53
Much fairer to my fancy than by day,
54
And as I wond'ring looked, beside it stood
55
One shaped and winged like one of those from Heav'n
56
By us oft seen. His dewy locks distilled3307
57
Ambrosia. On that tree he also gazed,
58
And 'O fair plant,' said he, 'with fruit surcharged,3308
59
Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet,
60
Nor god, nor man? Is knowledge so despised?
61
Or envy, or what reserve3309 forbids to taste?
62
Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold
63
Longer thy offered good: why else set 3310 here?
64
This said, he paused not, but with venturous3311 arm
65
He plucked, he tasted; me damp3312 horror chilled
66
At such bold words vouched 3313 with a deed so bold,
67
But he thus, overjoyed: 'O fruit divine,
68
Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropped,3314
69
Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit
70
For gods, yet able to make gods of men.
71
And why not gods of men? Since good, the more
72
Communicated, more abundant grows,
73
The author3315 not impaired, but honored more?
74
Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve!
75
Partake thou also. Happy though thou art,
76
Happier thou may'st be, worthier canst not be.
77
Taste this, and be henceforth among the gods
78
Thyself a goddess, not to earth confined,
79
But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes
80
Ascend to Heav'n, by merit thine, and see
81
What life the gods live there, and such live thou!
82
"So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held,
83
Ev'n to my mouth of that same fruit held part3316
84
Which he had plucked. The pleasant savory smell
85
So quickened appetite that I, methought,
86
Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds
87
With him I flew, and underneath beheld
88
The earth outstretched immense, a prospect wide
89
And various, wond'ring at my flight and change
90
To this high exaltation. Suddenly
91
My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down,
92
And fell asleep. But O, how glad I waked
93
To find this but a dream!" Thus Eve her night
94
Related, and thus Adam answered, sad:3317
95
"Best image of myself, and dearer half,
96
The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep
97
Affects me equally, nor can I like
98
This uncouth3318 dream, of evil sprung, I fear.
99
Yet evil whence? In thee can harbor none,
100
Created pure. But know that in the soul
101
Are many lesser faculties, that serve
103
Her office 3321 holds. Of all external things
105
She forms imaginations, airy shapes,
106
Which reason, joining or disjoining, frames
107
All what we affirm or what deny, and call 3324
108
Our knowledge or opinion, then retires
109
Into her private cell, when Nature rests.
110
Oft, in her absence, mimic Fancy wakes
111
To imitate her but, misjoining shapes,
112
Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams,
113
Ill matching words and deeds long past or late. 3325
114
Some such resemblances, methinks, I find
115
Of our last evening's talk, in this thy dream,
116
But with addition strange. Yet be not sad.3326
117
Evil into the mind of god or man
118
May come and go, so unapproved, and leave
119
No spot or blame behind. Which gives me hope
120
That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream,
121
Waking thou never will consent to do.
122
Be not disheartened, then, nor cloud those looks
123
That wont to be more cheerful and serene
124
Than when fair morning first smiles on the world.
125
And let us to our fresh employments rise
126
Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers
127
That open now their choicest bosomed3327 smells,
128
Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store.
129
So cheered he his fair spouse, and she was cheered.
130
But silently a gentle tear let fall
131
From either eye, and wiped them with her hair.
132
Two other precious drops that ready stood,
133
Each in their crystal sluice, 3328 he ere they fell
134
Kissed, as the gracious signs of sweet remorse
135
And pious awe, that feared to have offended.
136
So all was cleared, and to the field they haste.
137
But first, from under shady arborous roof
138
Soon as they forth were come to open sight
139
Of day-spring, and the sun, who scarce up-risen,
140
With wheels yet hov'ring o'er the ocean-brim,
141
Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray,
142
Discovering 3329 in wide landscape all the east
143
Of Paradise and Eden's happy plains,
144
Lowly they bowed adoring, and began
145
Their orisons,3330 each morning duly paid
146
In various3331 style, for neither various style
147
Nor holy rapture wanted 3332 they to praise
149
Unmeditated, such prompt3335 eloquence
150
Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous3336 verse,
151
More tuneable 3337 than needed lute or harp
152
To add more sweetness. And they thus began:
153
"These are Thy glorious works, Parent of good,
154
Almighty! Thine this universal frame, 3338
155
Thus wondrous fair. Thyself how wondrous then!
156
Unspeakable, who sit'st above these. Heav'ns
157
To us invisible, or dimly seen
158
In these Thy lowest works. Yet these declare
159
Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine.
160
Speak ye who best can tell, ye sons of light,
161
Angels, for ye behold Him, and with songs
162
And choral symphonies,3339 day without night,
163
Circle His throne rejoicing, ye in Heav'n!
164
On earth join all ye creatures to extol
165
Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end!
166
Fairest of stars,3340 last in the train of night
167
(If better thou belong not to the dawn)
168
Sure pledge3341 of day that crown'st the smiling morn
169
With thy bright circlet,3342 praise Him in thy sphere,
170
While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. 3343
171
Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul,
172
Acknowledge Him thy greater, sound His praise
173
In thse, both when thou climb'st
174
And when high noon hast gained,3344 and when thou fall'st.
176
With the fixed stars, fixed in their orb that flies,3347
178
In mystic dance not without song, resound
179
His praise, who out of darkness called up light.
180
Air, and ye Elements, the eldest birth
181
Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion3350 run
182
Perpetual circle, multiform, and mix
183
And nourish all things: let your ceaseless change
184
Vary, 3351 to our great Maker still new praise.
185
Ye mists and exhalations that now rise
186
From hill or steaming lake, dusky or gray,
187
Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold,
188
In honor to the world's great Author rise,
189
Whether to deck with clouds the uncolored 3352 sky,
190
Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers,
191
Rising or falling still advance His praise.
192
His praise, ye winds, that from four quarters blow,
193
Breathe soft or loud. And wave your tops, ye pines,
194
With every plant, in sign of worship wave!
195
Fountains,3353 and ye that warble as ye flow,
196
Melodious murmurs, warbling tune3354 His praise.
197
Join voices, all ye living souls! Ye birds,
198
That singing up to Heaven-gate ascend,
199
Bear on your wings, and in your notes, His praise.
200
Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk
201
The earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep,
202
Witness3355 if I be silent, morn or ev'n,
203
To hill, or valley, fountain, or fresh shade,
204
Made vocal3356 by my song, and taught His praise.
205
Hail, universal Lord, be bounteous still3357
206
To give us only good. And if the night
207
Have gathered aught of evil, or concealed,
208
Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark!
209
So prayed they innocent, and to their thoughts
210
Firm peace recovered soon, and wonted3358 calm.
211
On to their morning's rural 3359 work they haste,
212
Among sweet dews and flow'rs, where any row
213
Of fruit-trees over-woody reached too far
214
Their pampered boughs,3360 and needed hands to check
216
To wed her elm; she, spoused, about him twines
217
Her marriageable arms, and with him brings
219
His barren3365 leaves. Them thus employed beheld
220
With pity Heav'n's high King, 3366 and to him called
221
Raphael, the sociable Spirit that deigned
222
To travel with Tobias, and secured
223
His marriage with the seven-times-wedded maid.3367
224
"Raphael," said He, "thou hear'st what stir on earth
225
Satan, from Hell 'scaped through the darksome gulf,
226
Hath raised in Paradise, and how disturbed
227
This night the human pair, how he designs3368
228
In them at once to ruin all mankind.
229
Go, therefore: half this day as friend with friend
230
Converse with Adam, in what bow'r or shade
231
Thou find'st him from the heat of noon retired,
233
Or with repose, and such discourse bring on
234
As may advise him of his happy state,
235
Happiness in his power left free to will,
236
Left to his own free will, his will though free,
237
Yet mutable. 3371 Whence warn him to beware
239
His danger, and from whom---what enemy,
240
Late fall'n himself from Heav'n, is plotting now
241
The fall of others from like state of bliss.
242
By violence? No, for that shall be withstood,3374
243
But by deceit and lies. This let him know
244
Lest, wilfully transgressing, he pretend 3375
245
Surprisal, unadmonished,3376 unforewarned.
246
So spoke the Eternal Father, and fulfilled3377
247
All justice. Nor delayed the wingèd Saint
248
After his charge3378 received, but from among
249
Thousand celestial Ardors,3379 where he stood
251
Flew through the midst of Heav'n. Th' angelic choirs,
252
On each hand parting, to his speed gave way
253
Through all th' empyreal road, till at the gate
254
Of Heav'n arrived, the gate self-opened wide
255
On golden hinges turning, as by work
256
Divine the sov'reign Architect had framed.3382
257
From hence no cloud, or to obstruct his sight,
258
Star interposed,3383 however small, he sees,
259
Not unconform3384 to other shining globes,
260
Earth, and the garden of God, with cedars crowned
261
Above all hills. As when by night the glass
262
Of Galileo, less assured,3385 observes
263
Imagined lands and regions in the moon,
264
Or pilot from amidst the Cyclades3386
266
A cloudy spot. Down thither prone3390 in flight
267
He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sky
268
Sails between worlds and worlds, with steady wing
269
Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan3391
271
Of tow'ring eagles, to all the fowls he seems
273
When, to enshrine his3398 relics in the sun's
274
Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies.
275
At once on th' eastern cliff of Paradise
276
He3399 lights, and to his proper shape returns,
277
A Seraph winged. Six wings he wore, to shade
278
His lineaments3400 divine. The pair that clad
279
Each shoulder broad, came mantling3401 o'er his breast
280
With regal ornament; the middle pair
281
Girt like a starry zone3402 his waist, and round
283
And colors dipped 3405 in Heav'n; the third his feet
284
Shadowed from either heel with feathered mail,
287
The circuit wide. 3411 Straight knew him all the bands
288
Of Angels under3412 watch, and to his state,
289
And to his message high, in honor rise,
290
For on some message high they guessed him bound.
291
Their glittering tents he passed, and now is come
292
Into the blissful 3413 field, through groves of myrrh,
293
And flowering odors, cassia, nard,3414 and balm---
294
A wilderness of sweets. For Nature here
295
Wantoned 3415 as in her prime, and played at will
296
Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet,
297
Wild above3416 rule or art, enormous bliss.
298
Him through the spicy3417 forest onward come
299
Adam discerned, as in the door he sat
300
Of his cool bow'r, while now the mounted sun
301
Shot down direct his fervid 3418 rays to warm
302
Earth's inmost womb, more warmth than Adam needs.
303
And Eve within, due3419 at her hour prepared
304
For dinner savory fruits, of taste to please
305
True appetite, and not disrelish3420 thirst
306
Of nectarous draughts between, from milky stream,
307
Berry or grape. To whom thus Adam called:
308
"Haste hither, Eve, and worth thy sight behold
309
Eastward among those trees, what glorious shape
310
Comes this way moving, seems another morn
311
Ris'n on mid-noon! Some great behest3421 from Heav'n
312
To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe3422
313
This day to be our guest. But go with speed,
314
And what thy stores contain bring forth, and pour
315
Abundance, fit to honor and receive
316
Our Heav'nly stranger. Well we may afford
317
Our givers their own gifts, and large bestow3423
318
From large3424 bestowed, where Nature multiplies
319
Her fertile growth, and by disburthening3425 grows
320
More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare."3426
321
To whom thus Eve:
"Adam, earth's hallowed 3427
mold,3428
323
All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk,
326
But I will haste, and from each bough and brake, 3435
327
Each plant and juiciest gourd, will pluck such choice
328
To entertain our Angel-guest, as he
329
Beholding shall confess, that here on earth
330
God hath dispensed His bounties as in Heav'n.
331
So saying, with dispatchful 3436 looks in haste
332
She turns, on hospitable3437 thoughts intent
333
What choice to choose for delicacy best,
334
What order, so contrived as not to mix
335
Tastes not well joined, inelegant, but bring
337
Bestirs3440 her then, and from each tender stalk
338
Whatever earth, all-bearing mother, yields
339
In India east or west, or middle shore3441
341
Alcinous3444 reigned, fruit of all kinds, in coat
342
Rough, or smooth rind, or bearded husk, or shell,
344
Heaps with unsparing hand. For drink the grape
345
She crushes, inoffensive must,3447 and mead
346
From many a berry, and from sweet kernels pressed
349
With rose and odors from the shrub unfumed.3453
350
Meanwhile our primitive3454 great sire, to meet
351
His godlike guest, walks forth, without more train
352
Accompanied than with his own complete
353
Perfections. In himself was all his state,
354
More solemn3455 than the tedious pomp that waits
355
On princes, when their rich retinue long
356
Of horses led, and grooms besmeared with gold,
357
Dazzles the crowd, and sets them all agape.
358
Nearer his presence Adam, though not awed,
359
Yet with submiss3456 approach and reverence meek,
360
As to a superior nature bowing low,
361
Thus said:
"Native of Heav'n, for other pla
362
None can than Heav'n such glorious shape contain,
363
Since by descending from the thrones above
364
Those happy places thou hast deigned a while
366
Two only, who yet by sov'reign gift possess
367
This spacious ground, in yonder shady bow'r
368
To rest, and what the garden choicest bears
369
To sit and taste, till this meridian3459 heat
370
Be over, and the sun more cool decline."3460
371
Whom thus the angelic Virtue3461 answered mild:
372
"Adam, I therefore came, nor art thou such
373
Created, or such place hast here to dwell,
374
As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heav'n,
375
To visit thee. Lead on, then, where thy bow'r
376
O'ershades, for these mid-hours, till evening rise,
379
With flow'rets decked, and fragrant smells. But Eve,
380
Undecked save with herself, more lovely fair
381
Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feigned 3466
382
Of three that in mount Ida naked strove,3467
383
Stood to entertain her guest from Heav'n. No veil3468
384
She needed, virtue-proof: no thought infirm3469
385
Altered her cheek. On whom the Angel "Hail"
386
Bestowed, the holy salutation used
387
Long after to blest Mary, second Eve:
388
"Hail, mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb
389
Shall fill the world more numerous with thy sons,
390
Than with these various fruits the trees of God
391
Have heaped this table!
---Raised of grassy tur
392
Their table was, and mossy seats had round,
393
And on her ample square3470 from side to side
394
All autumn piled, though spring and autumn here
395
Danced hand in hand. A while discourse they hold---
396
No fear lest dinner cool---when thus began
397
Our author:3471
"Heav'nly stranger, please to taste
398
These bounties,3472 which our Nourisher, from whom
399
All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends,
400
To us for food and for delight hath caused
401
The earth to yield---unsavory food perhaps
402
To spiritual natures. Only this I know,
403
That one celestial Father gives to all.
404
To whom the Angel:
"Therefore what He gives
405
(Whose praise be ever sung) to man in part 3473
406
Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found
407
No ungrateful3474 food. And food alike those pure
408
Intelligential substances require,
410
Within them every lower faculty
411
Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste,
412
Tasting concoct,3477 digest, assimilate,
413
And corporeal to incorporeal turn.
414
For know, whatever was created, needs
415
To be sustained and fed. Of elements
416
The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea,
417
Earth and the sea feed air, the air those fires
418
Ethereal, and as lowest first the moon,
420
Vapors not yet into her substance turned.
421
Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale
422
From her moist continent3480 to higher orbs.
423
The sun, that light imparts to all, receives
425
In humid exhalations, and at ev'n3483
426
3484 with the ocean. Though in Heav'n the trees
427
Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines
428
Yield nectar; though from off the boughs each morn
429
We brush mellifluous3485 dews, and find the ground
430
Covered with pearly grain; yet God hath here3486
431
Varied His bounty so with new delights
432
As may compare with Heaven, and to taste
433
Think not I shall be nice."3487 So down they sat,
436
Of theologians, but with keen dispatch
439
Through Spirits with ease---nor wonder, if by fire
440
Of sooty coal the empiric3497 alchemist
441
Can turn, or holds it possible to turn,
442
Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold,
443
As from3498 the mine. Meanwhile at table Eve
444
Ministered 3499 naked, and their flowing cups
445
With pleasant liquors crowned.3500 O innocence
446
Deserving Paradise! If ever, then,
447
Then had the sons of God excuse to have been
448
Enamored at that sight. But in those hearts
449
Love unlibidinous3501 reigned, nor jealousy
450
Was understood, the injured lover's hell.
451
Thus when with meats3502 and drinks they had sufficed,
452
Not burdened Nature, 3503 sudden mind arose
453
In Adam, not to let th' occasion pass
454
Giv'n him by this great conference3504 to know
455
Of things above his world, and of their being
456
Who dwell in Heav'n, whose excellence he saw
457
Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms,
458
Divine effulgence, 3505 whose high power, so far
459
Exceeded human. And his wary 3506 speech
460
Thus to the empyreal minister he framed:3507
461
"Inhabitant with God, now know I well
462
Thy favor, in this honor done to man,
463
Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafed 3508
464
To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste,
465
Food not of Angels, yet accepted so
466
As that more willingly thou could'st not seem
467
At Heav'n's high feasts t' have fed. Yet what compare?
468
To whom the wingèd Hierarch3509 replied:
469
"O Adam, one Almighty is, from whom
470
All things proceed, and up to Him return,
471
If not depraved 3510 from good, created all
472
Such to perfection, one first3511 matter all,
473
Endued 3512 with various forms, various degrees
474
Of substance and, in things that live, of life,
475
But more refined, more spiritous, and pure,
476
As nearer to Him placed, or nearer tending
477
Each in their several active spheres assigned,
478
Till body up to spirit work, in bounds3513
479
Proportioned to each kind. So from the root
480
Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves
481
More airy, last the bright consummate 3514 flower
482
Spirits odorous breathes. Flow'rs and their fruit,
483
Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed,3515
484
To vital spirits aspire, to animal,
485
To intellectual, give both life and sense,
486
Fancy and understanding, whence the soul
487
Reason receives, and reason is her being,
488
Discursive, or intuitive. 3516 Discourse
489
Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours,
490
Differing but in degree, of kind the same.
491
Wonder not then, what God for you saw good
492
If I refuse not, but convert, as you,
493
To proper substance. Time may come when men
494
With Angels may participate, and find
495
No inconvenient 3517 diet, nor too light fare.
496
And from these corporal nutriments perhaps
497
Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit,
498
Improved by tract3518 of time and, winged, ascend
499
Ethereal, as we. Or may, at choice,
500
Here or in Heav'nly Paradises dwell,
501
If ye be found obedient, and retain
502
Unalterably firm His love entire,
504
Your fill what 3521 happiness this happy state
505
Can comprehend, incapable of more.
506
To whom the patriarch of mankind replied:
507
"O favorable Spirit, propitious3522 guest,
508
Well hast thou taught the way that might direct
509
Our knowledge, and the scale of Nature set
510
From center to circumference, whereon,
511
In contemplation of created things,
512
By steps we may ascend to God. But say,
513
What meant that caution joined,3523 'If ye be found
514
Obedient?' Can we want 3524 obedience then
515
To Him, or possibly His love desert,
516
Who formed us from the dust and placed us here
517
Full to the utmost measure of what bliss
518
Human desires can seek or apprehend?
519
To whom the Angel:
"Son of Heav'n and ear
520
Attend:3525 that thou art happy, owe to God;
521
That thou continuest such, owe to thyself---
522
That is, to thy obedience: therein stand.3526
523
This was that caution given thee: be advised.3527
525
And good He made thee, but to persevere
526
He left it in thy power, ordained thy will
527
By nature free, not overruled by fate
528
Inextricable, 3530 or strict necessity.
529
Our voluntary service He requires,
530
Not our necessitated. Such with Him
531
Finds no acceptance, nor can find, for how
532
Can hearts, not free, be tried 3531 whether they serve
533
Willing or no, who will but what they must 3532
534
By destiny, and can no other choose?
535
Myself, and all th'Angelic host that stand
536
In sight of God enthroned, our happy state
537
Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds,
538
On other surety 3533 none. Freely we serve,
539
Because we freely love, as in our will
540
To love or not. In this we stand or fall,
541
And some are fall'n, to disobedience fall'n,
542
And so from Heav'n to deepest Hell. O fall 3534
543
From what high state of bliss, into what woe!
544
To whom our great progenitor:3535
"Thy words
545
Attentive, and with more delighted ear,
546
Divine instructor, I have heard, than when
547
Cherubic songs by night from neighboring hills
548
Aerial music send. Nor knew I not
549
To be both will and deed created free.
550
Yet that we never shall forget to love
551
Our Maker, and obey Him whose command,
552
Single, 3536 is yet so just, my constant thoughts
553
Assured me, and still assure. Though what thou tellest
554
Hath passed in Heav'n, some doubt within me move,3537
555
But more desire to hear, if thou consent,
556
The full relation,3538 which must needs be strange,
557
Worthy of sacred 3539 silence to be heard.
559
Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins
560
His other half in the great zone 3542 of Heav'n.
561
Thus Adam made request, and Raphael,
562
After short pause assenting, thus began:
564
Sad 3545 task and hard. For how shall I relate
565
To human sense the invisible exploits
566
Of warring Spirits? How, without remorse, 3546
567
The ruin of so many, glorious once,
568
And perfect while they stood? How last 3547 unfold
569
The secrets of another world, perhaps
570
Not lawful to reveal? Yet for thy good
571
This is dispensed,3548 and what surmounts the reach
572
Of human sense I shall delineate 3549 so,
573
By lik'ning spiritual to corporal forms,
574
As may express them best. Though what if earth
575
Be but a shadow 3550 of Heav'n, and things therein
576
Each t' other like, more than on earth is thought?
577
"As yet this world was not, and Chaos wild
578
Reigned where these Heav'ns now roll, where earth now rests
579
Upon her center poised, when on a day
580
(For time, though in eternity, applied
581
To motion, measures all things durable
582
By present, past, and future), on such day
584
Of Angels by imperial summons called,
585
Innumerable before the Almighty's throne
586
Forthwith, from all the ends of Heav'n, appeared
587
Under their Hierarchs 3553 in orders bright.
588
Ten thousand thousand ensigns 3554 high advanced,
590
Stream in the air, and for distinction serve3558
591
Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees,
593
Holy memorials,3561 acts of zeal and love
594
Recorded eminent.3562 Thus when in orbs
595
Of circuit inexpressible they stood,
596
Orb within orb, the Father Infinite,
597
By whom in bliss embosomed3563 sat the Son,
598
Amidst as 3564 from a flaming mount whose top
599
Brightness had made invisible, thus spoke:
600
"'Hear, all ye Angels, progeny 3565 of light,
601
Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers!
602
Hear my decree, which unrevoked shall stand.3566
604
My only Son, and on this holy hill
605
Him have anointed, whom ye now behold
606
At my right hand. Your head I him appoint,
607
And by myself have sworn, to him shall bow
608
All knees in Heav'n, and shall confess3569 him Lord.
609
Under his great vice-gerent3570 reign abide
610
United, as one individual soul,
611
Forever happy. Him who disobeys,
612
Me disobeys, breaks union, and that day,
613
Cast out from God and blessèd vision, falls
614
Into utter darkness, deep engulfed,3571 his place
615
Ordained without redemption, without end.
616
"So spoke the Omnipotent, and with His words
617
All seemed well pleased---all seemed, but were not all.
618
That day, as other solemn days, they spent
619
In song and dance about the sacred hill,
620
Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere
621
Of planets, and of fixed,3572 in all her wheels
622
Resembles nearest, mazes intricate,
624
Then most when most irregular they seem.
625
And in their motions harmony divine
627
Listens delighted. Ev'ning now approached
628
(For we have also our ev'ning and our morn,
629
We ours for change delectable, 3578 not need)
630
Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn
631
Desirous, all in circles as they stood.
632
Tables are set, and on a sudden piled
633
With Angels' food, and rubied nectar flows
634
In pearl, in diamond,3579 and massy gold,
635
Fruit of delicious vines, the growth3580 of Heav'n.
636
On flow'rs reposed,3581 and with fresh flow'rets crowned,
637
They eat, they drink, and in communion3582 sweet
638
Quaff 3583 immortality and joy, secure
640
Excess, before the all-bounteous King, who show'red
641
With copious3586 hand, rejoicing in their joy.
642
Now when ambrosial3587 night with clouds exhaled
643
From that high mount of God, whence light and shade
644
Spring both, the face of brightest Heav'n had changed
645
To grateful 3588 twilight ( for night comes not there
647
All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest.
648
Wide over all the plain, and wider far
649
Than all this globous3591 earth in plain outspread
650
(Such are the courts of God), th'Angelic throng,
651
Dispersed in bands and files, their camp extend
652
By living3592 streams among the trees of life,
653
Pavilions3593 numberless, and sudden reared,
654
Celestial tabernacles3594 where they slept,
655
Fanned with cool winds, save those who, in their course, 3595
656
Melodious hymns about the sov'reign throne
657
Alternate all night long. But not so waked
658
Satan---so call him now, his former name
659
Is heard no more in Heav'n. He of 3596 the first,
660
If not the first ArchAngel, great in power,
661
In favor and preeminence, yet fraught3597
662
With envy against the Son of God, that day
663
Honored by his great Father, and proclaimed
664
Messiah, King anointed, could not bear
665
Through pride that sight, and thought himself impaired.3598
666
Deep malice thence conceiving, and disdain,
667
Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour
668
Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolved
669
With all his legions to dislodge, 3599 and leave
670
Unworshipped, unobeyed, the throne supreme,
671
Contemptuous. And his next subordinate3600
672
Awak'ning, thus to him in secret spoke:
673
"'Sleep'st thou, companion dear? What sleep can close
674
Thy eye-lids, and 3601 rememb'rest what decree
675
Of yesterday, so late hath passed the lips
676
Of Heav'n's Almighty? Thou to me thy thoughts
678
Both waking, 3604 we were one. How then can now
679
Thy sleep dissent?3605 New laws thou see'st imposed:
680
New laws from Him who reigns, new minds may raise
681
In us who serve, new counsels to debate
682
What doubtful may ensue. More in this place
683
To utter is not safe. Assemble thou
685
Tell them that by command, ere yet dim night
686
Her shadowy cloud withdraws, I am to haste, 3608
687
And all who under me their banners wave,
689
The quarters3611 of the North, there to prepare
690
Fit entertainment to receive our King,
691
The great Messiah, and his new commands,
692
Who speedily through all the hierarchies3612
693
Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws.
694
"So spoke the false ArchAngel, and infused 3613
695
Bad influence3614 into th' unwary breast
696
Of his associate. He3615 together calls,
698
Under him Regent;3619 tells, as he was taught,
699
That the Most High commanding, now ere night,
700
Now ere dim night had disincumbered 3620 Heav'n,
701
The great hierarchal standard3621 was to move;
702
Tells the suggested cause, and casts between
703
Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound 3622
704
Or taint 3623 integrity. But all obeyed
706
Of their great Potentate, 3626 for great indeed
707
His name, and high was his degree3627 in Heav'n.
708
His count'nance, as the morning-star that guides
709
The starry flock, allured 3628 them, and with lies
710
Drew after him the third part of Heav'n's host.
711
Meanwhile th' Eternal eye, whose sight discerns
712
Abstrusest 3629 thoughts, from forth His holy mount
713
And from within the golden lamps that burn
714
Nightly before Him, saw without their light
715
Rebellion rising, saw in whom, how spread
716
Among the sons of morn, what multitudes
717
Were banded to oppose His high decree
718
And, smiling, to His only Son thus said:
719
"'Son, thou in whom my glory I behold
720
In full resplendence, heir of all my might,
721
Nearly 3630 it now concerns us to be sure
722
Of our omnipotence, and with what arms
723
We mean to hold what anciently 3631 we claim
724
Of deity or empire. Such a foe
725
Is rising who intends t' erect his throne
726
Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North,
727
Nor so content, hath in his thought to try
728
In battle what our power is, or our right.
730
With speed what force is left, and all employ
731
In our defence, lest unawares we lose
732
This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.
733
To whom the Son with calm aspect and clear,
734
Ligh'tning divine, ineffable, 3634 serene,
735
Made answer:
'Mighty Father, Thou Thy foe
736
Justly hast in derision and, secure, 3635
737
Laugh'st at their vain designs and tumults3636 vain,
738
Matter to me of glory, whom their hate
739
Illustrates,3637 when they see all regal power
741
Know whether I be dextrous3641 to subdue
742
Thy rebels, or be found the worst in Heav'n.
743
"So spoke the Son. But Satan, with his Powers,
744
Far was advanced on3642 wingèd speed, an host
745
Innumerable3643 as the stars of night,
746
Or stars of morning, dew-drops, which the sun
747
Impearls on every leaf and every flower.
748
Regions they passed, the mighty regencies
749
Of Seraphim, and Potentates, and Thrones
750
In their triple degrees3644 ---regions to which
751
All thy dominion, Adam, is no more
752
Than what this garden is to all the earth
753
And all the sea, from one entire globose3645
754
Stretched into longitude3646 ---which, having passed,
755
At length into the limits3647 of the North
756
They came. And Satan to his royal seat
757
High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount
758
Raised on a mount, with pyramids and tow'rs
759
From diamond quarries hewn, and rocks of gold,
760
The palace of great Lucifer (so call
761
That structure, in the dialect of men
762
Interpreted)3648 which, not long after, he
763
(Affecting all equality with God)
764
In imitation of that mount whereon
765
Messiah was declared, in sight of Heav'n,
766
The Mountain of the Congregation called,
767
For thither he assembled all his train,
768
Pretending3649 so commanded to consult
769
About the great reception of their King,
770
Thither to come, and with calumnious3650 art
771
Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears:
772
"'Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers---
773
If these magnific titles yet remain
774
Not merely titular, 3651 since by decree
775
Another now hath to himself engrossed 3652
776
All power, and us eclipsed under the name
777
Of King anointed, for whom all this haste
778
Of midnight-march and hurried meeting here,
779
This only to consult how we may best,
780
With what may be devised of honors new,
781
Receive him coming to receive from us
782
Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile!
783
Too much to one! But double how endured,
784
To one and to His image3653 now proclaimed?
785
But what if better counsels might erect 3654
786
Our minds, and teach us to cast off this yoke?
787
Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend
788
The supple knee? Ye will not, if I trust
789
To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves
790
Natives and sons of Heav'n, possessed before
791
By none, and if not equal all, yet free,
792
Equally free, for orders and degrees
793
Jar not with liberty, but well consist.3655
794
Who can in reason, then, or right, assume
795
Monarchy over such as live by right
796
His equals, if in power and splendor less,
797
In freedom equal? Or can introduce
798
Law and edict on us, who without law
799
Err not? Much less for this to be our Lord
800
And look for adoration, to th' abuse3656
801
Of those imperial titles which assert
802
Our being ordained to govern, not to serve.
803
"Thus far his bold discourse without control3657
804
Had audience, when among the Seraphim
805
Abdiel,3658 than whom none with more zeal adored
806
The Deity, and divine commands obeyed,
807
Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe3659
808
The current 3660 of his fury thus opposed:
809
"'O argument blasphemous, false, and proud!
810
Words which no ear ever to hear in Heav'n
811
Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate,
812
In place thyself so high above thy peers.
813
Canst thou with impious obloquy3661 condemn
814
The just decree of God, pronounced and sworn,
815
That to His only Son, by right endued3662
816
With regal scepter, every soul in Heav'n
817
Shall bend the knee, and in that honor due3663
818
Confess3664 him rightful King? Unjust, thou say'st,
819
Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free,
820
And equal over equals to let reign,
821
One over all with unsucceeded 3665 power.
822
Shalt thou give law to God? Shalt thou dispute
823
With Him the points of liberty, who made
824
Thee what thou art, and formed the Powers of Heav'n
825
Such as He pleased, and circumscribed3666 their being?
826
Yet, by experience taught, we know how good,
827
And of our good and of our dignity
828
How provident 3667 He is, how far from thought
829
To make us less, bent3668 rather to exalt
830
Our happy state, under one head more near3669
831
United. But to grant it thee unjust3670
832
That equal over equals monarch reign:
833
Thyself, though great and glorious, dost thou count---
834
Or all Angelic nature joined in one
835
Equal to him, begotten Son? By whom,
836
As by His Word, the Mighty Father made
837
All things, ev'n thee, and all the Spirits of Heav'n
838
By Him created in their bright degrees,
839
Crowned them with glory, and to their glory named
840
Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers,
841
Essential Powers, nor by His reign obscured 3671
842
But more illustrious made, since He the head
843
One of our number thus reduced becomes,
844
His laws our laws, all honor to Him done
845
Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage,
847
Th' incensèd Father and th' incensèd Son,
848
While pardon may be found, in time3674 besought.
849
"So spoke the fervent 3675 Angel, but his zeal
850
None seconded, as out of season3676 judged,
852
Th' apostate and, more haughty, thus replied:
853
"'That we were formed then, say'st thou? And the work
854
Of secondary 3679 hands, by task transferred
855
From Father to His Son? Strange3680 point and new!
856
Doctrine which we would know whence learned. Who saw
857
When this creation was? Remember'st thou
858
Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being?
859
We know no time when we were not as now,
860
Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised
862
Had circled his full orb, the birth mature3683
863
Of this our native Heav'n, ethereal3684 sons.
864
Our puissance3685 is our own: our own right hand
865
Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try
866
Who is our equal. Then thou shalt behold
867
Whether by supplication we intend
869
Beseeching or besieging. This report,
870
These tidings carry to th' anointed King,
871
And fly, 3688 ere evil intercept thy flight.
872
"He said, and as the sound of waters deep
873
Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause, 3689
874
Through the infinite host. Nor less for that
875
The flaming Seraph fearless, though alone,
876
Encompassed round with foes, thus answered bold:
877
"'O alienate3690 from God, O Spirit accursed,
878
Forsaken of all good! I see thy fall
880
In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread
881
Both of thy crime and punishment. Henceforth
882
No more be troubled how to quit the yoke
883
Of God's Messiah. Those indulgent 3693 laws
884
Will not be now vouchsafed;3694 other decrees
885
Against thee are gone forth without recall.
886
That golden scepter, which thou did'st reject,
887
Is now an iron rod to bruise3695 and break
888
Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise. 3696
889
Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly
890
These wicked tents devoted,3697 lest the wrath
891
Impendent,3698 raging into sudden flame,
892
Distinguish not.3699 For soon expect to feel
893
His thunder on thy head, devouring fire.
894
Then who created thee lamenting learn,
895
When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know.
896
"So spoke the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found
897
Among the faithless, faithful only he,
898
Among innumerable false. Unmoved,
899
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified,
900
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal,
901
Nor number, nor example, with him wrought 3700
902
To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind,
903
Though single. 3701 From amidst them forth he passed,
904
Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained
905
Superior, nor of violence3702 feared aught,
906
And with retorted 3703 scorn, his back he turned
907
On those proud tow'rs to swift destruction doomed.
The End of the Fifth Book
Raphael continues to relate how Michael and Gabriel were sent forth to battle against Satan and his Angels. The first fight described: Satan and his Powers retire under night; he calls a council, invents devilish engines,3704 which in the second day's fight put Michael and his Angels to some disorder, but they at length, pulling up mountains, overwhelmed both the force and machines of Satan.
Yet the tumult not so ending, God on the third day sends Messiah his Son, for whom he had reserved the glory of that victory. He in the power of his Father coming to the place, and causing all his legions to stand still on either side, with his chariot and thunder driving into the midst of his enemies, pursues them unable to resist towards the wall of Heaven; which opening, they leap down with horror and confusion into the place of punishment prepared for them in the deep. Messiah returns with triumph to his Father.
2
Through Heav'n's wide champaign3707 held his way, till morn,
3
Waked by the circling hours, with rosy hand
4
Unbarred the gates of light. There is a cave
5
Within the mount of God, fast by3708 His throne,
6
Where light and darkness in perpetual round
9
Light issues forth, and at the other door
10
Obsequious3713 darkness enters, till her hour
11
To veil the Heav'n, though darkness there might well
12
Seem twilight here. And now went forth the morn
13
Such as3714 in highest Heav'n, arrayed in gold
14
Empyreal.3715 From before her vanished night,
16
Covered with thick embattled squadrons bright,
17
Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds,
18
Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his3718 view,
19
War he perceived, war in procinct,3719 and found
20
Already known what he for news had thought
21
To have reported. Gladly then he mixed
22
Among those friendly Powers, who him received
23
With joy and acclamations loud---that one
24
That of so many myriads3720 fall'n---yet one
25
Returned not lost. On to the sacred hill
26
They led him, high applauded, and present3721
27
Before the seat supreme, from whence a voice,
28
From midst a golden cloud, thus mild was heard:
29
"'Servant of God, well done, well hast thou fought
30
The better fight, who single hast maintained
31
Against revolted multitudes the cause
32
Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms,
33
And for the testimony of truth hast borne
34
Universal reproach, far worse to bear
35
Than violence. For this was all thy care,
36
To stand approved 3722 in sight of God, though worlds
37
Judged thee perverse. 3723 The easier conquest now
38
Remains3724 thee, aided by this host of friends,
39
Back on thy foes more glorious to return
40
Than, scorned, thou didst depart, and to subdue
41
By force, who reason for their law refuse,
42
Right reason for their law, and for their King
43
Messiah, who by right of merit reigns.
44
"'Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince,
45
And thou, in military prowess next,
46
Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons
47
Invincible, lead forth my armèd Saints,
48
By thousands and by millions, ranged for fight,
49
Equal in number to that Godless crew
50
Rebellious. Them with fire and hostile arms
52
Pursuing, drive them out from God and bliss,
53
Into their place of punishment, the gulf
54
Of Tartarus,3727 which ready opens wide
55
His fiery chaos to receive their fall.
56
"So spoke the Sov'reign Voice, and clouds began
57
To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll
58
In dusky wreaths, reluctant 3728 flames, the sign
59
Of wrath awaked, nor with less dread 3729 the loud
60
Ethereal trumpet from on high 'gan blow.
61
At which command the Powers militant
63
Of union irresistible, moved on
64
In silence their bright legions, to the sound
65
Of instrumental harmony that breathed
66
Heroic ardor to advent'rous deeds
67
Under their godlike leaders, in the cause
68
Of God and His Messiah. On they move
70
Nor straitening3734 vale, nor wood, nor stream, divides
71
Their perfect ranks, for high above the ground
72
Their march was, and the passive 3735 air upbore
74
Of birds, in orderly array on wing,
75
Came summoned over Eden to receive
77
Of Heav'n they marched, and many a province wide,
78
Tenfold the length of this terrene. 3740 At last,
79
Far in the horizon to the north appeared
80
From skirt 3741 to skirt a fiery region, stretched
82
Bristled with upright beams3744 innumerable
83
Of rigid spears, and helmets thronged,3745 and shields
85
The banded Powers of Satan hasting on
87
That self-same day, by fight or by surprise,
88
To win the mount of God, and on His throne
89
To set the envier of His state, the proud
90
Aspirer. But their thoughts proved fond 3751 and vain
91
In the mid way, 3752 though strange to us it seemed
92
At first, that Angel should with Angel war,
94
So oft in festivals of joy and love
95
Unanimous,3755 as sons of one great Sire,
96
Hymning th' Eternal Father. But the shout
97
Of battle now began, and rushing sound
98
Of onset ended soon each milder thought.
99
High in the midst, exalted as a god,
100
Th' apostate in his sun-bright chariot sat,
101
Idol of majesty divine, enclosed
102
With flaming Cherubim, and golden shields.
103
Then lighted 3756 from his gorgeous throne, for now
104
'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left,
106
Presented stood in terrible array
108
On the rough3761 edge of battle ere it joined,
109
Satan, with vast and haughty strides advanced,
110
Came tow'ring, armed in adamant and gold.
111
Abdiel that sight endured not, where he stood
112
Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds,
113
And thus his own undaunted heart explores:
114
"'O Heav'n! that such resemblance of the Highest
115
Should yet remain, where faith and realty3762
116
Remain not. Wherefore should not strength and might
117
There fail where virtue fails, or weakest prove
118
Where boldest, though to fight unconquerable?
119
His puissance, trusting3763 in th'Almighty's aid,
120
I mean to try, 3764 whose reason I have tried
121
Unsound and false, nor is it aught but just
122
That he, who in debate of truth hath won,
123
Should win in arms, in both disputes alike
125
When reason hath to deal with force, yet so
126
Most reason is that reason overcome.
127
So pondering, and from his armèd peers
128
Forth stepping opposite, halfway he met
129
His daring foe, at this prevention3768 more
131
"'Proud, art thou met? Thy hope was to have reached
132
The height of thy aspiring unopposed,
133
The throne of God unguarded, and His side
134
Abandoned, at the terror of thy power
135
Or potent tongue. Fool! Not to think how vain
136
Against the Omnipotent to rise in arms,
137
Who out of smallest things could, without end,
138
Have raised incessant armies to defeat
139
Thy folly, or with solitary hand,
140
Reaching beyond all limit, at one blow
141
Unaided could have finished thee, and whelmed 3771
142
Thy legions under darkness. But thou see'st
144
Prefer, and piety to God, though then
145
To thee not visible when I alone
146
Seemed in thy world erroneous3774 to dissent
147
From all. My sect 3775 thou see'st. Now learn too late
148
How few3776 sometimes may know, when thousands err.
150
Thus answered: "'Ill for thee, but in wished hour
151
Of my revenge, first sought for. Thou return'st
152
From flight, seditious3779 Angel! to receive
153
Thy merited reward, the first assay3780
154
Of this right hand provoked, since first that tongue,
155
Inspired with contradiction, durst oppose
156
A third part of the gods, in synod met
157
Their deities to assert,3781 who while they feel
158
Vigor divine within them, can allow
159
Omnipotence to none. But well thou com'st
160
Before thy fellows, ambitious to win
162
Destruction3784 to the rest. This pause between
163
(Unanswered lest thou boast) to let thee know:
164
At first I thought that liberty and Heav'n
165
To Heav'nly souls had been all one, but now
166
I see that most through sloth had rather serve,
167
Minist'ring Spirits, trained up in feast and song!
168
Such hast thou armed, the minstrelsy of Heav'n,
169
Servility with freedom to contend,
170
As both their deeds compared this day shall prove.
171
To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern replied:
172
"'Apostate! Still thou err'st, nor end wilt find
173
Of erring, from the path of truth remote.
174
Unjustly thou deprav'st 3785 it with the name
175
Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains,
176
Or Nature: God and Nature bid 3786 the same,
177
When he who rules is worthiest, and excels
178
Them whom he governs. This is servitude,
179
To serve the unwise, or him who hath rebelled
180
Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee,
181
Thyself not free, but to thyself enthralled.3787
183
Reign thou in Hell, thy kingdom! Let me serve
184
In Heav'n God ever blest, and His divine
185
Behests3791 obey, worthiest to be obeyed.
186
Yet chains in Hell, not realms, expect. Meanwhile,
187
From me returned, as erst thou saidst, from flight,
188
This greeting on thy impious crest 3792 receive.
189
"So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high,
190
Which hung not, but so swift with tempest 3793 fell
191
On the proud crest of Satan, that no sight
192
Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield,
194
He back recoiled; the tenth on bended knee,
195
His massy spear upstaid,3796 as if on earth
196
Winds under ground, or waters forcing way,
197
Sidelong had pushed a mountain from his seat,
198
Half sunk with all his pines. Amazement seized
199
The rebel Thrones, but greater rage, to see
200
Thus foiled 3797 their mightiest; ours joy filled, and shout,
201
Presage of victory, 3798 and fierce desire
202
Of battle. Whereat Michael 3799 bid sound
203
The ArchAngel trumpet. Through the vast 3800 of Heav'n
204
It sounded, and the faithful armies rung
205
Hosanna to the Highest.
"Nor stood at gaze3801
206
The adverse legions, nor less hideous, joined,3802
207
The horrid shock. Now storming fury rose,
208
And clamor such as heard in Heav'n till now
209
Was never. Arms on armor clashing brayed3803
210
Horrible discord, and the madding3804 wheels
212
Of conflict. Overhead the dismal hiss
213
Of fiery darts3807 in flaming vollies flew,
214
And flying vaulted 3808 either host with fire.
215
So under fiery cope3809 together rushed
217
And inextinguishable rage. All Heav'n
218
Resounded, and had earth been then, all earth
219
Had to her center shook.
"What wonder, when
220
Millions of fierce encount'ring Angels fought
221
On either side, the least of whom could wield
222
These elements, and arm him with the force
223
Of all their regions? How much more of power
224
Army against army numberless to raise
225
Dreadful combustion3812 warring, and disturb,
226
Though not destory, their happy native seat,
227
Had not the Eternal King Omnipotent,
228
From His stronghold of Heav'n high, overruled3813
229
And limited their might, though numbered 3814 such
230
As each divided3815 legion might have seemed
231
A numerous host, in strength each armèd band
232
A legion. Led in fight, yet leader seemed
233
Each warrior single as in chief, expert
234
When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway
235
Of battle, open when, and when to close
237
None of retreat, no unbecoming deed
238
That argued fear. Each on himself relied,
240
Of victory. Deeds of eternal fame
241
Were done, but infinite, for wide was spread
242
That war and various. Sometimes on firm ground
243
A standing fight; then soaring on main3820 wing
244
Tormented 3821 all the air. All air seemed then
245
Conflicting3822 fire.
"Long time in even scale
246
The battle hung, till Satan, who that day
247
Prodigious3823 power had shown, and met in arms
248
No equal, ranging through the dire attack
249
Of fighting Seraphim confused,3824 at length
250
Saw where the sword of Michael smote, and felled
251
Squadrons at once: with huge two-handed sway 3825
252
Brandished aloft, the horrid 3826 edge came down
253
Wide-wasting. Such destruction to withstand
254
He hasted, and opposed 3827 the rocky orb
255
Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield,
256
A vast circumference. At his approach
257
The great ArchAngel from his warlike toil
258
Surceased,3828 and glad, as hoping here to end
259
Intestine3829 war in Heav'n, th' arch-foe subdued
260
Or captive dragged in chains, with hostile frown
261
And visage all inflamed first thus began:
262
"'Author of evil, unknown till thy revolt,
263
Unnamed in Heav'n, now plenteous, as thou see'st---
264
These acts of hateful strife, hateful to all,
265
Though heaviest by just measure3830 on thyself
266
And thy adherents! How hast thou disturbed
267
Heav'n's blessèd peace, and into Nature brought
268
Misery, uncreated till the crime
269
Of thy rebellion! How hast thou instilled
270
Thy malice into thousands, once upright
271
And faithful, now proved false! But think not here
272
To trouble holy rest.3831 Heav'n casts thee out
273
From all her confines.3832 Heav'n, the seat of bliss,
274
Brooks3833 not the works of violence and war.
275
Hence then, and evil go with thee along,
276
Thy offspring, to the place of evil, Hell,
278
Ere this avenging sword begin thy doom,
279
Or some more sudden vengeance, winged from God,
280
Precipitate thee with augmented pain.
281
"So spoke the Prince of Angels, to whom thus
282
The adversary:
"'Nor think thou with wind
283
Of airy threats to awe whom yet with deeds
284
Thou canst not. Hast thou turned the least of these
285
To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise
286
Unvanquished? Easier to transact 3836 with me
287
That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with threats
288
To chase me hence? Err not, that so shall end
289
The strife which thou call'st evil, but we style
290
The strife of glory, which we mean to win,
291
Or turn this Heav'n itself into the Hell
292
Thou fablest, here however to dwell free,
293
If not to reign. Meanwhile, thy utmost force
294
(And join Him named Almighty to thy aid)
295
I fly not, but have sought thee far and nigh.
297
Unspeakable, for who, though with the tongue
298
Of Angels, can relate, or to what things
299
Liken on earth conspicuous,3839 that may lift
300
Human imagination to such height
301
Of godlike power? For likest gods they seemed,
302
Stood they or moved, in stature, motion, arms,
303
Fit to decide the empire of great Heav'n.
304
Now waved their fiery swords, and in the air
305
Made horrid circles: two broad suns their shields
306
Blazed opposite, while expectation stood
307
In horror. From each hand 3840 with speed retired,
308
Where erst was thickest3841 fight, th'Angelic throng,
310
Of such commotion---such as, to set forth
311
Great things by small, if Nature's concord broke,
312
Among the constellations war were sprung,
313
Two planets, rushing from aspect3844 malign
314
Of fiercest opposition, in mid sky
315
Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound.3845
316
Together both with next to almighty arm
317
Uplifted imminent, one stroke they aimed
318
That might determine, 3846 and not need repeat,
319
As not of power at once, nor odds3847 appeared
320
In might or swift prevention.3848 But the sword
321
Of Michael from the armory of God
322
Was giv'n him tempered so that neither keen
323
Nor solid might resist that edge. It met
324
The sword of Satan, with steep force to smite
325
Descending, and in half cut sheer, 3849 nor stayed,
326
But with swift wheel reverse, deep ent'ring, shared 3850
327
All his right side. Then Satan first knew pain,
328
And writhed him to and fro convolved,3851 so sore
330
Passed through him. But the ethereal substance closed,
331
Not long divisible, and from the gash
332
A stream of nectarous humor 3854 issuing flowed
333
Sanguine, 3855 such as celestial Spirits may bleed,
334
And all his armor stained, erewhile so bright.
335
Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run
336
By Angels many and strong, who interposed
337
Defence, while others bore him on their shields
338
Back to his chariot, where it stood retired 3856
339
From off the files of war. 3857 There they him laid
340
Gnashing for anguish and despite3858 and shame
341
To find himself not matchless, and his pride
342
Humbled by such rebuke, 3859 so far beneath
343
His confidence to equal God in power.
344
Yet soon he healed, for Spirits that live throughout
345
Vital in every part, not as frail man
346
In entrails, heart or head, liver or reins,3860
347
Cannot but3861 by annihilating die,
348
Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound
349
Receive, no more than can the fluid air.
350
All heart they live, all head, all eye, all ear,
351
All intellect, all sense, and as they please
352
They limb themselves, and color, shape, or size
353
Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare.
354
"Meanwhile in other parts like3862 deeds deserved
355
Memorial, where the might of Gabriel fought,
357
Of Moloch, furious king, who him defied,
358
And at his chariot-wheels to drag him bound
359
Threat'ned, nor from the Holy One of Heav'n
360
Refrained his tongue blasphemous. But anon3865
361
Down cloven to the waist, with shattered arms
364
Though huge and in a rock of diamond armed,
366
Two potent Thrones,3872 that to be less than gods
367
Disdained, but meaner 3873 thoughts learned in their flight,
368
Mangled 3874 with ghastly wounds through plate and mail.
369
Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy
370
The atheist crew, but with redoubled blow
372
Of Ramiel 3877 scorched and blasted, overthrew.
373
"I might relate of thousands, and their names
374
Eternize here on earth, but those elect
375
Angels, contented with their fame in Heav'n,
376
Seek not the praise of men. The other sort,
377
In might though wondrous and in acts of war,
378
Nor of renown less eager, yet by doom3878
379
Cancelled from Heav'n and sacred memory,
380
Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell.
381
For strength from truth divided, and from just,3879
382
Illaudable, 3880 nought merits but dispraise
383
And ignominy, 3881 yet to glory aspires,
384
Vain-glorious, and through infamy seeks fame.
385
Therefore eternal silence be their doom.3882
388
Entered, and foul disorder, all the ground
389
With shivered armor strewn, and on a heap
390
Chariot and charioteer lay overturned,
391
And fiery-foaming steeds. What stood, recoiled
392
O'er-wearied, through the faint3888 Satanic host
394
(Then first with fear surprised, and sense of pain)
395
Fled ignominious, to such evil brought
396
By sin of disobedience, till that hour
397
Not liable to fear, or flight, or pain.
398
Far otherwise th' inviolable3891 Saints,
400
Invulnerable, impenetrably armed,
401
Such high advantages their innocence
402
Gave them above their foes, not to have sinned,
403
Not to have disobeyed. In fight they stood
404
Unwearied, unobnoxious3894 to be pained
405
By wound, though from their place by violence moved.
406
"Now Night her course began and, over Heav'n
407
Inducing darkness, grateful truce imposed,
408
And silence on the odious3895 din of war.
409
Under her cloudy covert both retired,
410
Victor and vanquished. On the foughten field
411
Michael and his Angels prevalent3896
412
Encamping, placed in guard their watches round,3897
414
Satan with his rebellious disappeared,
416
His potentates to council called by night,
417
And in the midst thus, undismayed, began:
418
"'O now in danger tried, now known in arms
419
Not to be overpowered, companions dear,
420
Found worthy not of liberty alone,
422
Honor, dominion, glory, and renown,
423
Who have sustained one day in doubtful 3904 fight
424
(And if one day, why not eternal days?
425
What Heaven's Lord had powerfullest to send
426
Against us from about His throne, and judged
427
Sufficient to subdue us to His will,
428
But proves not so. Then fallible, it seems,
429
Of future we may deem Him, though till now
430
Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly armed,
431
Some disadvantage we endured and pain,
432
Till now not known, but known, as soon contemned,3905
433
Since now we find this our empyreal 3906 form
434
Incapable of mortal injury,
435
Imperishable, and though pierced with wound,
436
Soon closing, and by native vigor healed.
437
Of evil then so small, as easy think 3907
438
The remedy. Perhaps more valid 3908 arms,
439
Weapons more violent, when next we meet,
440
May serve to better us, and worse our foes,
441
Or equal what between us made the odds,
442
In Nature none. If other hidden cause
443
Left them superior, while we can preserve
444
Unhurt our minds, and understanding sound,
445
Due search and consultation will disclose.
446
"He sat; and in the assembly next upstood
448
As one he stood escaped from cruel fight,
451
"'Deliverer from new Lords, leader to free
452
Enjoyment of our right as gods! Yet hard
453
For gods, and too unequal work we find,
454
Against unequal arms to fight in pain,
455
Against unpained, impassive, 3918 from which evil
456
Ruin must needs ensue. For what avails
457
Valor or strength, though matchless, quelled 3919 with pain
458
Which all subdues, and makes remiss3920 the hands
459
Of mightiest? Sense of pleasure we may well
461
But live content, which is the calmest life.
462
But pain is perfect misery, the worst
463
Of evils and, excessive, overturns
464
All patience. He who therefore can invent3923
465
With what more forcible we may offend 3924
466
Our yet unwounded enemies, or arm
467
Ourselves with like defence, to me deserves
468
No less than for deliverance what we owe.
469
Whereto with look composed Satan replied:
470
"'Not uninvented that, which thou aright 3925
471
Believ'st so main3926 to our success, I bring.
472
Which of us who beholds the bright surface
474
This continent of spacious Heav'n, adorned
475
With plant, fruit, flow'r ambrosial, gems, and gold---
476
Whose eye so superficially 3929 surveys
477
These things, as not to mind 3930 from whence they grow
478
Deep under ground, materials dark and crude,
479
Of spiritous and fiery spume, 3931 till touched
480
With Heav'n's ray, and tempered,3932 they shoot forth
481
So beauteous, opening to the ambient 3933 light?
482
These in their dark nativity3934 the deep
483
Shall yield us, pregnant with infernal flame,
484
Which into hollow engines, long and round,
486
Dilated 3937 and infuriate, shall send forth
487
From far, with thund'ring noise, among our foes
488
Such implements of mischief as shall dash
489
To pieces and o'erwhelm whatever stands
490
Adverse, 3938 that they shall fear we have disarmed
491
The Thunderer of His only dreaded bolt.
492
Nor long shall be our labor: yet ere dawn,
493
Effect 3939 shall end our wish. Meanwhile revive,
494
Abandon fear, to strength and counsel joined
495
Think nothing hard, much less to be despaired.
496
"He ended, and his words their drooping cheer 3940
498
Th' invention all admired, and each, how he
499
To be the inventer missed, so easy it seemed
500
Once found, which yet unfound most would have thought
501
Impossible. Yet, haply, 3943 of thy race
502
In future days, if malice should abound,
503
Someone intent on mischief, or inspired
504
With devilish machination,3944 might devise
505
Like 3945 instrument to plague the sons of men
506
For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent.
507
Forthwith from council to the work they flew.
508
None arguing stood; innumerable hands
509
Were ready. In a moment up they turned
510
Wide the celestial soil, and saw beneath
511
The originals3946 of Nature in their crude
512
Conception. Sulphurous and nitrous foam
513
They found, they mingled and, with subtle art,
515
To blackest grain,3949 and into store conveyed.
516
Part 3950 hidden veins digged up (nor hath this earth
517
Entrails unlike) of mineral and stone,
518
Whereof to found3951 their engines and their balls
520
Provide, pernicious3954 with one touch to fire.
521
So all ere day-spring, under conscious Night,3955
522
Secret they finished, and in order set,
523
With silent circumspection,3956 unespied.
524
"Now when fair morn orient 3957 in Heav'n appeared,
525
Up rose the victor-Angels, and to arms
526
The matin trumpet sung. In arms they stood
528
Soon banded.3961 Others from the dawning hills
529
Look round, and scouts each coast light-armèd scour,
530
Each quarter to descry 3962 the distant foe,
531
Where lodged, or whither fled, or if for fight,
532
In motion or in halt. Him soon they met
533
Under spread ensigns moving nigh, in slow
534
But firm battalion. Back with speediest sail
535
Zophiel,3963 of Cherubim the swiftest wing,
536
Came flying, and in mid air aloud thus cried:
537
"'Arm, warriors, arm for fight! The foe at hand,
538
Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit
539
This day. Fear not his flight: so thick a cloud
540
He comes, and settled in his face I see
542
His adamantine coat gird 3966 well, and each
543
Fit well his helm, grip fast his orbèd shield,
544
Borne ev'n3967 or high, for this day will pour down,
545
If I conjecture 3968 aught, no drizzling shower,
546
But rattling storm of arrows barbed with fire.
547
"So warned he them, aware themselves, and soon
548
In order, quit of all impediment,
549
Instant without disturb they took alarm,3969
550
And onward moved embattled.3970 When behold!
551
Not distant far with heavy 3971 pace the foe
554
On every side with shadowing squadrons deep,
555
To hide the fraud. At interview 3976 both stood
556
A while, but suddenly at head appeared
557
Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud:
558
"'Vanguard, to right and left the front unfold,3977
559
That all may see, who hate us, how we seek
560
Peace and composure, 3978 and with open breast
561
Stand ready to receive them, if they like
563
But that I doubt. However, witness, Heav'n!
564
Heav'n, witness thou anon! 3981 while we discharge
565
Freely our part. Ye who appointed stand
566
Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch
567
What we propound,3982 and loud that all may hear!
568
"So scoffing in ambiguous words, he scarce
569
Had ended, when to right and left the front
570
Divided, and to either flank retired,
571
Which to our eyes discovered, new and strange,
572
A triple mounted row of pillars laid
573
On wheels ( for like to pillars most they seemed,
574
Or hollowed bodies made of oak or fir,
575
With branches lopped, in wood or mountain felled)
576
Brass, iron, stony mould,3983 had not their mouths
577
With hideous orifice3984 gaped on us wide,
578
Portending hollow truce. At each, behind,
579
A Seraph stood, and in his hand a reed
580
Stood waving, tipped with fire, while we, suspense, 3985
581
Collected stood, within our thoughts amused.3986
582
Not long, for sudden all at once their reeds
583
Put forth, and to a narrow vent 3987 applied
584
With nicest 3988 touch. Immediate in a flame,
585
But soon obscured with smoke all Heav'n appeared,
586
From those deep-throated engines belched,3989 whose roar
588
And all her entrails tore, disgorging foul
589
Their devilish glut,3992 chained thunderbolts and hail
590
Of iron globes which, on the victor host
591
Levelled, with such impetuous3993 fury smote
592
That, whom they hit, none on their feet might stand,
593
Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell
c
596
Have easily, as Spirits, evaded swift
597
By quick contraction or remove, but now
598
Foul dissipation3996 followed, and forced rout,
600
What should they do? If on they rushed, repulse
601
Repeated, and indecent 4000 overthrow
602
Doubled, would render them yet more despised,
603
And to their foes a laughter, for in view
604
Stood ranked of Seraphim another row,
606
Of thunder. Back defeated to return
607
They worse abhorred. Satan beheld their plight,
608
And to his mates thus in derision called:
609
"'O friends! Why come not on, these victors proud?
610
Erewhile they fierce were coming, and when we,
611
To entertain them fair, with open front
612
And breast (what could we more?), propounded terms
613
Of composition, straight they changed their minds,
614
Flew off, and into strange vagaries4003 fell,
615
As they would dance. Yet for a dance they seemed
616
Somewhat extravagant and wild---perhaps
617
For joy of offered peace. But I suppose,
618
If our proposals once again were heard,
619
We should compel them to a quick result.
620
To whom thus Belial, in like gamesome mood:
621
"'Leader! the terms we sent were terms of weight,
622
Of hard contents, and full of force urged home,
623
Such as we might perceive amused 4004 them all,
624
And stumbled 4005 many. Who receives them right
625
Had need from head to foot well understand.4006
626
Not understood, this gift they have besides,
627
They show us when our foes walk not upright.
628
"So they among themselves in pleasant vein
629
Stood scoffing, heightened 4007 in their thoughts beyond
630
All doubt of victory. Eternal Might
631
To match with their inventions they presumed
632
So easy, and of His thunder made a scorn,
633
And all His host derided, while they stood
634
A while in trouble. But they 4008 stood not long.
635
Rage prompted them at length, and found them arms
636
Against such hellish mischief fit t' oppose.
637
Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power,
638
Which God hath in His mighty Angels placed!
639
Their arms away they threw, and to the hills
640
(For earth hath this variety from Heav'n,
641
Of pleasure situate4009 in hill and dale)
642
Light 4010 as the lightning glimpse they ran, they flew.
643
From their foundations loos'ning to and fro,
644
They plucked the seated hills, with all their load,
645
Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops
646
Uplifting bore them in their hands. Amaze,
647
Be sure, and terror, seized the rebel host,
648
When coming towards them so dread they saw4011
649
The bottom of the mountains upward turned,
650
Till on those cursed engines' triple-row
651
They saw them whelmed,4012 and all their confidence
652
Under the weight of mountains buried deep,
653
Themselves invaded 4013 next, and on their heads
655
Came shadowing, and oppressed 4016 whole legions armed.
656
Their armor helped their harm, crushed in and bruised
657
Into their substance pent,4017 which wrought them pain
658
Implacable, 4018 and many a dolorous groan,
659
Long struggling underneath, ere they could wind
660
Out of such prison, though Spirits of purest light,
661
Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown.
662
The rest, in imitation, to like arms
663
Betook them, and the neighboring hills uptore.
664
So hills amid the air encountered hills,
666
That under ground they fought in dismal shade.
667
Infernal noise! War seemed a civil game
668
To this uproar. Horrid confusion heaped
669
Upon confusion rose.
"And now all Heav'n
670
Had gone to wrack,4021 with ruin overspread,
671
Had not th'Almighty Father, where He sits
672
Shrined in His sanctuary of Heav'n secure,
673
Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen
674
This tumult, and permitted all, advised,4022
675
That His great purpose He might so fulfil,
676
To honor His anointed Son avenged
677
Upon his enemies, and to declare
678
All power on him transferred. Whence to His Son,
679
The assessor 4023 of His throne, He thus began:
680
"'Effulgence4024 of my glory, Son belov'd,
681
Son, in whose face invisible is beheld
682
Visibly, what by Deity I am,
683
And in whose hand what by decree I do,
684
Second Omnipotence! Two days are past,
685
Two days, as we compute the days of Heav'n,
686
Since Michael and his Powers went forth to tame
687
These disobedient. Sore hath been their fight,
688
As likeliest was, when two such foes met armed,
689
For to themselves I left them, and thou know'st
690
Equal in their creation they were formed,
691
Save what sin hath impaired, which yet hath wrought
692
Insensibly, for I suspend their doom.4025
693
Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last 4026
694
Endless, and no solution will be found.
695
War wearied hath performed what war can do,
696
And to disordered rage let loose the reins
697
With mountains, as with weapons, armed, which makes
698
Wild work in Heav'n, and dangerous to the main.4027
699
Two days are therefore past, the third is thine,
700
For thee I have ordained it, and thus far
701
Have suffered 4028 that the glory may be thine
702
Of ending this great war, since none but thou
703
Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace
704
Immense I have transfused,4029 that all may know
705
In Heav'n and Hell thy power above compare
707
To manifest thee worthiest to be heir
708
Of all things, to be heir, and to be King
709
By sacred unction,4033 thy deservèd right.
710
Go then, thou mightiest, in thy Father's might.
711
Ascend my chariot, guide the rapid wheels
712
That shake Heav'n's basis, bring forth all my war,
713
My bow and thunder. My almighty arms
714
Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh.
715
Pursue these sons of darkness, drive them out
716
From all Heav'n's bounds into the utter deep.
717
There let them learn, as likes them,4034 to despise
718
God, and Messiah his anointed King.
719
"He said, and on His Son with rays direct
720
Shone full. He all his Father full expressed
721
Ineffably 4035 into his face received,
722
And thus the Filial Godhead, answering, spoke:
723
"'O Father, O Supreme of Heav'nly Thrones,
724
First, Highest, Holiest, Best! Thou always seek'st
725
To glorify Thy Son, I always Thee,
726
As is most just. This I my glory account,4036
727
My exaltation, and my whole delight,
728
That Thou, in me well pleased, declar'st Thy will
729
Fulfilled, which to fulfil is all my bliss.
730
Scepter and power, Thy giving, I assume,
731
And gladlier shall resign, when in the end
732
Thou shalt be all in all, and I in Thee
733
Forever, and in me all whom Thou lov'st.
734
But whom Thou hat'st, I hate, and can put on
735
Thy terrors, as I put Thy mildness on,
736
Image of Thee in all things, and shall soon,
737
Armed with Thy might, rid Heav'n of these rebelled,
738
To their prepared ill mansion driven down,
739
To chains of darkness, and th' undying worm,4037
740
That from Thy just obedience could revolt,
741
Whom to obey is happiness entire.
742
Then shall Thy Saints unmixed,4038 and from th' impure
743
Far separate, circling Thy holy mount,
744
Unfeignèd Halleluiahs to Thee sing,
745
Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief.
746
"So said, he o'er his scepter bowing, rose
747
From the right hand of Glory where he sat.
748
And the third sacred morn began to shine,
749
Dawning through Heav'n. Forth rushed with whirlwind sound
750
The chariot of paternal Deity,
751
Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawn,4039
753
By four Cherubic shapes. Four faces each
754
Had wondrous. As with stars, their bodies all
755
And wings were set with eyes, with eyes the wheels
756
Of beryl, and careering 4042 fires between.
757
Over their heads a crystal firmament,
758
Whereon a sapphire throne, inlaid with pure
760
He in celestial panoply all armed
761
Of radiant Urim,4045 work divinely wrought,
762
Ascended. At his right hand victory
763
Sat eagle-winged; beside him hung his bow
764
And quiver with three-bolted thunder stored,
765
And from about him fierce effusion4046 rolled
766
Of smoke, and bickering 4047 flame, and sparkles dire.
767
Attended with ten thousand thousand Saints,
768
He onward came. Far off his coming shone,
769
And twenty thousand (I their number heard)
770
Chariots of God, half on each hand, were seen.
771
He on the wings of Cherub rode sublime4048
772
On the crystalline sky, in sapphire throned,
773
Illustrious4049 far and wide, but by his own
774
First seen. Them unexpected joy surprised,
775
When the great ensign of Messiah blazed
776
Aloft, by Angels borne, his sign in Heav'n,
777
Under whose conduct Michael soon reduced 4050
778
His army, circumfused 4051 on either wing,
780
Before him Power Divine his way prepared;
781
At his command the uprooted hills retired 4054
782
Each to his place. They heard his voice, and went
784
And with fresh flow'rets hill and valley smiled.
786
And to rebellious fight rallied their Powers,
788
"In Heav'nly Spirits could such perverseness dwell?
789
But to convince the proud what signs avail,
790
Or wonders move th' obdurate to relent?
791
They, hardened more by what might most reclaim, 4061
792
Grieving to see his glory, at the sight
793
Took envy and, aspiring to his height,
794
Stood re-embattled fierce, by force or fraud
795
Weening4062 to prosper, and at length prevail
796
Against God and Messiah, or to fall
797
In universal ruin last.4063 And now
798
To final battle drew, disdaining flight,
799
Or faint retreat. When the great Son of God
800
To all his host on either hand thus spoke:
801
"'Stand still in bright array, ye Saints; here stand,
802
Ye Angels armed; this day from battle rest.
803
Faithful hath been your warfare, and of God
804
Accepted, fearless in His righteous cause,
805
And as ye have received, so have ye done,
806
Invincibly. But of this cursèd crew
807
The punishment to other hand belongs.
808
Vengeance is His, or whose He sole appoints.
809
Number to this day's work is not ordained,
810
Nor multitude. Stand only, and behold
811
God's indignation on these godless poured
812
By me. Not you, but me, they have despised,
813
Yet envied. Against me is all their rage,
814
Because the Father, to whom in Heav'n supreme
815
Kingdom, and power, and glory appertains,
816
Hath honored me, according to His will.
817
Therefore to me their doom4064 He hath assigned,
818
That they may have their wish, to try 4065 with me
819
In battle which the stronger proves, they all,
82
Or I alone against them, since by strength
821
They measure all, of other excellence
822
Not emulous,4066 nor care who them excels.
823
Nor other strife with them do I vouchsafe. '4067
824
"So spoke the Son, and into terror changed
825
His count'nance, too severe to be beheld,
826
And full of wrath bent on his enemies.
827
At once the Four spread out their starry wings
828
With dreadful shade contiguous, and the orbs
829
Of his fierce chariot rolled, as with the sound
830
Of torrent floods, or of a numerous host.4068
831
He on his impious foes right onward drove,
832
Gloomy 4069 as night. Under his burning wheels
833
The steadfast empyrean4070 shook throughout,
834
All but the throne itself of God. Full soon
835
Among them he arrived, in his right hand
836
Grasping ten thousand thunders, which he sent
837
Before him, such as in their souls infixed
839
All courage. Down their idle 4073 weapons dropped.
840
O'er shields, and helms, and helmèd heads he rode
841
Of Thrones and mighty Seraphim prostrate,
842
That wished the mountains now might be again
843
Thrown on them, as a shelter from his ire. 4074
844
Nor less on either side tempestuous fell
845
His arrows, from the fourfold-visaged Four
846
Distinct 4075 with eyes, and from the living wheels
847
Distinct alike with multitude of eyes.
848
One Spirit in them ruled; and every eye
849
Glared lightning, and shot forth pernicious4076 fire
850
Among the accursed, that withered all their strength,
851
And of their wonted 4077 vigor left them drained,
852
Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fall'n.
853
Yet half his strength he put not forth, but checked
854
His thunder in mid volley, for he meant
855
Not to destroy, but root them out of Heav'n.
856
The overthrown he raised, and as a herd
857
Of goats or timorous flock together thronged
858
Drove them before him thunder-struck, pursued
859
With terrors, and with furies, to the bounds
860
And crystal wall of Heav'n, which op'ning wide,
861
Rolled inward, and a spacious gap disclosed
862
Into the wasteful 4078 deep. The monstrous sight
863
Struck them with horror backward, but far worse
864
Urged them behind. Headlong themselves they threw
865
Down from the verge4079 of Heav'n. Eternal wrath
866
Burnt after them to the bottomless pit.
867
"Hell heard th' unsufferable4080 noise, Hell saw
868
Heav'n ruining4081 from Heav'n, and would have fled
869
Affrighted, but strict 4082 Fate had cast too deep
870
Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound.
871
Nine days they fell. Confounded 4083 Chaos roared,
872
And felt tenfold confusion in their fall
873
Through his wild anarchy, so huge a rout4084
874
Encumbered him with ruin. Hell at last
875
Yawning 4085 received them whole, and on them closed,
876
Hell their fit habitation, fraught 4086 with fire
877
Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain.
878
Disburdened Heav'n rejoiced, and soon repaired
879
Her mural 4087 breach, returning whence it rolled.
880
"Sole victor, from th' expulsion of his foes,
881
Messiah his triumphal chariot turned.
882
To meet him all his Saints, who silent stood
883
Eye-witnesses of his almighty acts,
884
With jubilee4088 advanced and, as they went,
885
Shaded with branching palm, each Order bright
886
Sung triumph, and him sung victorious King,
887
Son, heir, and Lord, to him dominion giv'n,
888
Worthiest to reign. He celebrated rode
889
Triumphant through mid Heav'n, into the courts
890
And temple of his Mighty Father throned
891
On high, who into glory him received,
892
Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss.
893
"Thus, measuring things in Heav'n by things on earth,
895
By what is past, to thee I have revealed
896
What might have else to human race been hid,
897
The discord which befell,4091 and war in Heav'n
898
Among th' angelic Powers, and the deep fall
899
Of those too high aspiring, who rebelled
900
With Satan---he who envies now thy state,
901
Who now is plotting how he may seduce
903
Bereaved 4094 of happiness, thou may'st partake
904
His punishment, eternal misery,
905
Which would be all his solace and revenge,
906
As a despite 4095 done against the Most High,
908
But listen not to his temptations, warn
909
Thy weaker. 4098 Let it profit thee t' have heard,
910
By terrible example, the reward
911
Of disobedience. Firm they might have stood,
912
Yet fell. Remember, and fear to transgress.
The End of the Sixth Book
Raphael at the request of Adam relates how and wherefore this world was first created; that God, after the expelling of Satan and his Angels out of Heaven, declared His pleasure to create another world and other creatures to dwell therein; sends His Son with glory and attendance of Angels to perform the work of Creation in six days.
The Angels celebrate with hymns the performance thereof, and his4099 reascention into Heaven.
1
Descend from Heav'n, Urania,4100 by that name
2
If rightly thou art called, whose voice divine
3
Following, above the Olympian hill I soar,
5
The meaning, not the name, I call, for thou
6
Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top
7
Of old Olympus, dwell'st, but Heav'nly-born,
8
Before the hills appeared, or fountain flowed,
9
Thou with eternal wisdom didst converse, 4103
10
Wisdom thy sister, and with her did'st play
11
In presence of th'Almighty Father, pleased
12
With thy celestial song. Up led by thee
13
Into the Heav'n of Heav'ns I have presumed,
14
An earthly guest, and drawn4104 empyreal air,
15
Thy temp'ring. 4105 With like safety guided down,
16
Return me to my native element,4106
17
Lest from this flying steed unreined (as once
18
Bellerophon, though from a lower clime)
21
Half yet remains unsung, but narrower bound 4111
22
Within the visible diurnal sphere:4112
24
More safe I sing with mortal voice, unchanged
25
To hoarse or mute, though fall'n on evil days,
26
On evil days though fall'n, and evil tongues,
27
In darkness, and with dangers compassed round,4115
28
And solitude. Yet not alone while thou
29
Visit'st my slumbers nightly, or when morn
30
Purples the east. Still govern thou my song,
31
Urania, and fit audience find, though few.
32
But drive far off the barbarous dissonance
33
Of Bacchus and his revellers, the race4116
34
Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard4117
35
In Rhodopé,4118 where woods and rocks had ears
36
To rapture, 4119 till the savage clamor drowned
37
Both harp and voice. Nor could the Muse defend
38
Her son.4120 So fail not thou, who thee implores,
39
For thou art Heav'nly, she an empty dream.
40
Say, goddess, what ensued when Raphael,
41
The affable ArchAngel, had forewarned
42
Adam, by dire example, to beware
43
Apostasy, by what befell 4121 in Heav'n
44
To those apostates, lest the like befall
45
In Paradise to Adam or his race,
46
Charged not to touch the interdicted tree,
47
If they transgress, and slight 4122 that sole command,
48
So easily obeyed amid the choice
49
Of all tastes else to please their appetite,
51
The story heard, attentive, and was filled
54
So unimaginable, as hate in Heav'n,
55
And war so near the peace of God in bliss,
56
With such confusion,4129 but the evil, soon
57
Driv'n back, redounded 4130 as a flood on those
58
From whom it sprung, impossible to mix
59
With blessedness. Whence Adam soon repealed4131
60
The doubts that in his heart arose, and now
61
Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know
62
What nearer might concern him, how this world
63
Of Heav'n and earth conspicuous 4132 first began,
64
When, and whereof created, for what cause,
65
What within Eden, or without, was done
66
Before his memory---as one whose drought
67
Yet scarce allayed, still eyes the current 4133 stream,
68
Whose liquid murmur heard, new thirst excites,
69
Proceeded thus to ask his Heav'nly guest:
70
"Great things, and full of wonder in our ears,
71
Far differing from this world, thou hast revealed,
72
Divine interpreter!4134 by favor sent
73
Down from the empyrean, to forewarn
74
Us timely of what might else have been our loss,
75
Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach.
76
For which to the infinitely Good we owe
77
Immortal thanks, and His admonishment
78
Receive, with solemn purpose to observe
79
Immutably His sov'reign will, the end4135
80
Of what we are. But since thou hast vouchsafed 4136
81
Gently, 4137 for our instruction, to impart
82
Things above earthly thought, which yet concerned
83
Our knowing, as to highest wisdom seemed,
84
Deign to descend now lower, and relate
85
What may no less perhaps avail us, known,
86
How first began this Heav'n which we behold
87
Distant so high, with moving fires adorned
88
Innumerable, and this which yields or fills
90
Embracing round this florid4140 earth. What cause
91
Moved the Creator, in His holy rest 4141
92
Through all eternity, so late 4142 to build
93
In Chaos, and the work begun, how soon
94
Absolved.4143 If unforbid thou may'st unfold
95
What we, not to explore the secrets, ask
96
Of His eternal empire, but the more
97
To magnify His works, the more we know.
98
And the great light of day yet wants4144 to run
99
Much of his race, though steep. Suspense in Heav'n,
100
Held by thy voice, thy potent voice he hears,
101
And longer will delay to hear thee tell
102
His generation,4145 and the rising birth
104
Or if the star of ev'ning and the moon
105
Haste to thy audience, night with her will bring
106
Silence---and sleep, list'ning to thee, will watch,4148
107
Or we can bid 4149 his absence till thy song
108
End, and dismiss4150 thee ere the morning shine.
109
Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought,4151
110
And thus the godlike Angel answered mild:
111
"This also thy request, with caution asked,
112
Obtain, though to recount Almighty works
113
What words or tongue of Seraph can suffice,
114
Or heart of man suffice to comprehend?
115
Yet what thou canst attain,4152 which best may serve
116
To glorify the Maker, and infer 4153
117
Thee also happier, shall not be withheld
118
Thy hearing. Such commission from above
119
I have received, to answer thy desire
120
Of knowledge within bounds. Beyond,4154 abstain
121
To ask, nor let thine own inventions4155 hope
122
Things not revealed, which the invisible King,
124
To none communicable in earth or Heaven:
125
Enough is left besides to search and know.
126
But knowledge is as food, and needs no less
127
Her temp'rance over appetite, to know
128
In measure what the mind may well contain,
129
Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns
130
Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind.
131
"Know then, that after Lucifer from Heav'n
132
(So call him, brighter once amidst the host
133
Of Angels than that star 4158 the stars among)
134
Fell with his flaming legions through the deep
135
Into his place, and the great Son returned
136
Victorious with his Saints, the Omnipotent
137
Eternal Father from His throne beheld
138
Their multitude, and to His Son thus spoke:
139
"'At last our envious foe hath failed, who thought
140
All4159 like himself rebellious, by whose aid
141
This inaccessible high strength, the seat
142
Of Deity supreme, us dispossessed,
143
He trusted to have seized, and into fraud
144
Drew many, whom their place knows here no more.
145
Yet far the greater part have kept, I see,
146
Their station.4160 Heaven, yet populous, retains
147
Number sufficient to possess4161 her realms
148
Though wide, and this high temple to frequent4162
149
With ministeries4163 due, and solemn rites.
150
But lest his heart exalt him in the harm
151
Already done, to have dispeopled Heav'n,
153
That detriment,4166 if such it be to lose
154
Self-lost, and in a moment will create
155
Another world, out of one man a race
156
Of men innumerable, there to dwell,
157
Not here, till by degrees of merit raised
158
They open to themselves at length the way
159
Up hither, under long obedience tried,4167
160
And earth be changed to Heav'n, and Heav'n to earth,
161
One kingdom, joy and union without end.
162
Meanwhile inhabit lax,4168 ye Powers of Heav'n,
163
And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee
164
This I perform. Speak thou, and be it done!
165
My overshadowing4169 Spirit and Might with thee
166
I send along. Ride forth, and bid the deep
167
Within appointed bounds be Heav'n and earth---
168
Boundless the deep, because I Am who fill
169
Infinitude, nor vacuous the space.
170
Though I, uncircumscribed myself, retire,
171
And put not forth my goodness, which is free
172
To act or not, necessity and chance
173
Approach not me, and what I will is fate.
174
"So spoke th'Almighty and, to what He spoke,
175
His Word, the Filial Godhead gave effect.
176
Immediate are the acts of God, more swift
177
Than time or motion, but to human ears
178
Cannot without process of speech be told,
179
So told as earthly notion can receive.
180
Great triumph and rejoicing was in Heav'n,
181
When such was heard declared th'Almighty's will.
182
Glory they sung to the Most High, good will
183
To future men, and in their dwellings peace
184
Glory to Him, whose just avenging ire
185
Had driven out the ungodly from His sight
186
And th' habitations of the just; to Him
187
Glory and praise, whose wisdom had ordained
188
Good out of evil to create, instead
189
Of Spirits malign a better race to bring
190
Into their vacant room,4170 and thence diffuse
191
His good to worlds and ages infinite.
192
So sang the Hierarchies.4171
"Meanwhile the Son
193
On his great expedition now appeared,
194
Girt with Omnipotence, with radiance crowned
195
Of Majesty Divine. Sapience4172 and love
196
Immense, and all his Father in him shone.
197
About his chariot numberless were poured
198
Cherub, and Seraph, Potentates, and Thrones,
199
And Virtues, wingèd Spirits, and chariots winged
200
From th' armory4173 of God, where stand of old
202
Against a solemn day, harnessed at hand,
203
Celestial equipage, 4176 and now came forth
204
Spontaneous,4177 for within them Spirit lived,
205
Attendant on their Lord. Heav'n op'ned wide
206
Her ever-during4178 gates, harmonious sound
207
On golden hinges moving, to let forth
208
The King of Glory, in his powerful Word
209
And Spirit, coming to create new worlds.
210
On Heav'nly ground they stood, and from the shore
211
They viewed the vast immeasurable abyss
213
Up from the bottom turned by furious winds
214
And surging waves, as mountains, to assault
215
Heav'n's height, and with the center mix the pole.
216
"'Silence, ye troubled waves, and thou, deep: peace!
217
Said then the Omnific 4181 Word. 'Your discord end!
218
Nor stayed but on the wings of Cherubim
219
Uplifted, in paternal glory rode
220
Far into Chaos and the world unborn,
221
For Chaos heard His voice. Him all his train
222
Followed in bright procession, to behold
223
Creation, and the wonders of His might.
224
Then stayed the fervid 4182 wheels, and in His hand
225
He took the golden compasses, prepared
226
In God's eternal store, to circumscribe4183
227
This universe, and all created things.
228
One foot He centered, and the other turned
229
Round through the vast profundity4184 obscure.
230
And said: 'Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds,
231
This be thy just circumference, O world!
232
Thus God the Heav'n created, thus the earth,
233
Matter unformed and void. Darkness profound4185
234
Covered the abyss, but on the wat'ry calm
235
His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspread,
236
And vital virtue infused, and vital warmth
237
Throughout the fluid mass, but downward purged 4186
238
The black tartareous4187 cold infernal dregs,
240
Like things to like; the rest to several place
242
And earth self-balanced on her center hung.
243
'Let there be light,' said God, and forthwith light
245
Sprung from the deep, and from her native east
246
To journey through the airy gloom began,
247
Sphered in a radiant cloud, for yet the sun
249
Sojourned 4196 the while. God saw the light was good,
250
And light from darkness by the hemisphere
251
Divided; light the Day, and darkness Night
252
He named. Thus was the first day, ev'n and morn,
253
Nor passed uncelebrated, nor unsung
254
By the celestial choirs, when orient4197 light
255
Exhaling4198 first from darkness they beheld,
256
Birth-day of Heav'n and earth. With joy and shout
257
The hollow universal orb they filled,
258
And touched their golden harps, and hymning praised
259
God and His works. Creator Him they sung,
260
Both when first ev'ning was, and when first morn.
261
Again, God said: 'Let there be firmament4199
262
Amid the waters, and let it divide
263
The waters from the waters. 'And God made
264
The firmament, expanse of liquid, pure,
265
Transparent, elemental air, diffused
266
In circuit to the uttermost convex
267
Of this great round, partition4200 firm and sure,
268
The waters underneath from those above
269
Dividing, for as earth, so He the world
270
Built on circumfluous4201 waters calm, in wide
272
Of Chaos far removed,4204 lest fierce extremes
274
And Heav'n He named the firmament. So ev'n
275
And morning chorus sung the second day.
276
"The earth was formed, but in the womb as yet
278
Appeared not. Over all the face of earth
279
Main ocean flowed, not idle4209 but with warm
281
Fermented 4212 the great mother to conceive,
282
Satiate with genial4213 moisture, when God said:
283
'Be gathered now ye waters under Heav'n
284
Into one place, and let dry land appear.
285
Immediately the mountains huge appear
286
Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave
287
Into the clouds, their tops ascend the sky,
288
So high as heaved the tumid 4214 hills, so low
289
Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep,
290
Capacious bed of waters. Thither they4215
292
As drops on dust conglobing4218 from the dry.
293
Part rise in crystal wall, or ridge4219 direct,
294
For haste: such flight the great command impressed
295
On the swift floods. As armies at the call
296
Of trumpet (for of armies thou hast heard)
297
Troop4220 to their standard, so the wat'ry throng,
298
Wave rolling after wave, where way they found,
300
Soft-ebbing, 4223 nor withstood them rock or hill,
301
But they, or 4224 under ground, or circuit wide
302
With serpent error4225 wand'ring, found their way,
303
And on the washy4226 ooze deep channels wore
304
Easy, 4227 ere God had bid the ground be dry,
305
All but within those banks, where rivers now
306
Stream and perpetual draw their humid train.4228
307
The dry land, earth,4229 and the great receptacle
308
Of congregated waters, He called seas,
309
And saw that it was good. And said: 'Let th' earth
310
Put forth the verdant4230 grass, herb yielding seed,
311
And fruit-tree yielding fruit after her kind,
312
Whose seed is in herself upon the earth.
313
He scarce had said, when the bare earth, till then
314
Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorned,
315
Brought forth the tender grass, whose verdure clad
316
Her universal face with pleasant green.
317
Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flowered
318
Op'ning their various colors, and made gay
319
Her bosom, smelling sweet, and these scarce blown,4231
320
Forth flourished thick the clust'ring vine, forth crept
321
The swelling gourd, up stood the corny4232 reed
322
Embattled 4233 in her field, and the humble shrub,
323
And bush with frizzled hair implicit.4234 Last
324
Rose, as in dance, the stately trees, and spread
325
Their branches hung with copious fruit, or gemmed 4235
326
Their blossoms. With high woods the hills were crowned,
327
With tufts4236 the valleys, and each fountain-side,
328
With borders long4237 the rivers, that earth now
329
Seemed like to Heav'n, a seat where gods might dwell,
330
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt4238
331
Her sacred shades, though God had yet not rained
332
Upon the earth, and man to till the ground
333
None was. But from the earth a dewy mist
334
Went up, and watered all the ground, and each
335
Plant of the field, which ere it was in th' earth
336
God made, and every herb, before it grew
337
On the green stem. God saw that it was good.
338
So ev'n and morn recorded the third day.
339
"Again th'Almighty spoke: 'Let there be lights
340
High in th' expanse of Heaven, to divide
341
The day from night, and let them be for signs,
342
For seasons, and for days, and circling years,
343
And let them be for lights, as I ordain
344
Their office in the firmament of Heav'n,
345
To give light on the earth. 'And it was so.
346
And God made two great lights, great for their use
347
To man, the greater to have rule by day,
348
The less by night, altern.4239 And made the stars,
349
And set them in the firmament of Heav'n
350
T' illuminate the earth, and rule the day
351
In their vicissitude, 4240 and rule the night,
352
And light from darkness to divide. God saw,
353
Surveying His great work, that it was good,
354
For of celestial bodies first the sun
356
Though of ethereal mould, then formed the moon
357
Globose, 4243 and every magnitude of stars,
358
And sowed with stars the Heav'n, thick as a field.
35
Of light by far the greater part He took,
360
Transplanted from her cloudy shrine, and placed
361
In the sun's orb, made porous to receive
362
And drink the liquid light, firm to retain
363
Her gathered beams, great palace4244 now of light.
364
Hither, as to their fountain, other stars
365
Repairing, 4245 in their golden urns draw light,
367
By tincture4248 or reflection they augment
368
Their small peculiar, 4249 though from human sight
369
So far remote, with diminution seen.4250
370
First in his east the glorious lamp was seen,
371
Regent4251 of day, and all th' horizon round
373
His longitude4254 through Heav'n's high road. The gray
374
Dawn and the Pleiades before him danced,
375
Shedding sweet influence. 4255 Less bright the moon,
376
But opposite in levelled 4256 west was set,
377
His4257 mirror, with full face borrowing her light
378
From him, for other light she needed none
379
In that aspect,4258 and still that distance keeps
380
Till night, then in the east her turn she shines,
381
Revolved on Heav'n's great axle, and her reign
382
With thousand lesser lights dividual 4259 holds,
383
With thousand thousand stars, that then appeared
384
Spangling4260 the hemisphere. Then first adorned
385
With their bright luminaries that set and rose,
386
Glad ev'ning and glad morn crowned the fourth day.
387
"And God said: 'Let the waters generate
388
Reptile with spawn abundant, living soul,
389
And let fowl fly above the earth, with wings
390
Displayed on the open firmament of Heav'n.
391
And God created the great whales, and each
392
Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously
393
The waters generated by their kinds,
394
And every bird of wing after his kind,
395
And saw that it was good, and blessed them, saying:
396
'Be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas,
397
And lakes, and running streams, the waters fill,
398
And let the fowl be multiplied on th' earth.
399
Forthwith the sounds4261 and seas, each creek and bay,
400
With fry4262 innumerable swarm, and shoals
401
Of fish that with their fins, and shining scales,
402
Glide under the green wave, in sculls4263 that oft
403
Bank4264 the mid sea, part single, or with mate,
404
Graze the sea-weed their pasture, and through groves
405
Of coral stray, or sporting4265 with quick glance,
406
Show to the sun their waved coats dropped 4266 with gold,
407
Or in their pearly shells at ease, attend 4267
408
Moist nutriment, or under rocks their food
410
And bended 4270 dolphins play, part huge of bulk,
412
Tempest4273 the ocean. There Leviathan,
413
Hugest of living creatures, on the deep
414
Stretched like a promontory sleeps or swims,
415
And seems a moving land, and at his gills
416
Draws in, and at his trunk spouts out, a sea.
418
Their brood as numerous hatch, from th' egg that soon
419
Bursting with kindly 4276 rupture forth disclosed
423
In prospect.4284 There the eagle and the stork
424
On cliffs and cedar tops their eyries build.
425
Part loosely wing the region,4285 part more wise
427
Intelligent4289 of seasons, and set forth
428
Their airy caravan, high over seas
429
Flying, and over lands, with mutual 4290 wing
430
Easing their flight. So steers the prudent crane
431
Her annual voyage, borne on winds. The air
432
Floats4291 as they pass, fanned with unnumbered plumes.
433
From branch to branch the smaller birds with song
434
Solaced 4292 the woods, and spread their painted wings
436
Ceased warbling, but all night tuned her soft lays.4295
437
Others, on silver lakes and rivers, bathed
438
Their downy breast; the swan with archèd neck,
439
Between her white wings mantling4296 proudly, rows
440
Her state with oary feet; yet oft they quit
442
The mid aereal sky. Others on ground
443
Walked firm, the crested cock whose clarion4299 sounds
444
The silent hours, and th' other 4300 whose gay train
445
Adorns him, colored with the florid hue
446
Of rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thus
447
With fish replenished,4301 and the air with fowl,
448
Ev'ning and morn solemnized 4302 the fifth day.
449
"The sixth, and of Creation last, arose
450
With ev'ning harps, and matin,4303 when God said:
451
'Let th' earth bring forth soul living, in her kind,4304
452
Cattle, and creeping things, and beast of th' earth,
453
Each in their kind. 'The earth obeyed, and straight
454
Op'ning her fertile womb teemed 4305 at a birth
455
Innumerous living creatures, perfect forms,
456
Limbed and full grown. Out of the ground up rose,
457
As from his lair, the wild beast where he wons4306
458
In forest wild, in thicket, brake, 4307 or den.
459
Among the trees in pairs they rose, they walked,
460
The cattle in the fields and meadows green,
462
Pasturing at once, and in broad herds upsprung. 4310
463
The grassy clods 4311 now calved: now half appeared
464
The tawny lion, pawing to get free
465
His hinder parts, then springs as broke from bonds,
467
The libbard,4315 and the tiger, as the mole
468
Rising, the crumbled earth above them threw
469
In hillocks. The swift stag from under ground
470
Bore up his branching head. Scarce from his mould
471
Behemoth,4316 biggest born of earth, upheaved
472
His vastness. Fleeced the flocks, and bleating rose
474
The river-horse,4320 and scaly crocodile.
475
At once came forth whatever creeps the ground,
478
In all the liveries decked of summer's pride
479
With spots of gold and purple, azure and green.
480
These as a line their long dimension drew,
482
Minims4327 of Nature: some of serpent-kind,
484
Their snaky folds, and added 4330 wings. First crept
485
The parsimonious emmet,4331 provident
486
Of future, in small room large heart enclosed,
487
Pattern of just equality perhaps
488
Hereafter, joined in her popular4332 tribes
489
Of commonalty. Swarming, next appeared
490
The female bee, that feeds her husband drone
491
Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells
492
With honey stored. The rest are numberless,
493
And thou their natures know'st, and gav'st them names,
494
Needless to thee repeated. Nor unknown
495
The serpent, subtlest4333 beast of all the field,
496
Of huge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes
497
And hairy mane terrific,4334 though to thee
498
Not noxious,4335 but obedient at thy call.
499
"Now Heav'n in all her glory shone, and rolled
500
Her motions, as the great first Mover's hand
501
First wheeled their course. Earth in her rich attire
502
Consummate4336 lovely smiled. Air, water, earth,
503
By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swum, was walked,
504
Frequent, and of the sixth day yet remained.
505
There wanted yet the master-work, the end 4337
506
Of all yet done, a creature who not prone4338
507
And brute 4339 as other creatures, but endued
508
With sanctity 4340 of reason, might erect
509
His stature, and upright with front 4341 serene
510
Govern the rest, self-knowing, and from thence
512
But grateful to acknowledge whence his good
513
Descends, thither with heart, and voice, and eyes
514
Directed in devotion, to adore
515
And worship God Supreme, who made him chief
516
Of all His works. Therefore th' Omnipotent
517
Eternal Father (for where is not He
518
Present?) thus to His Son audibly spoke:
519
"'Let us make now man in our image, man
521
Over the fish and fowl of sea and air,
522
Beast of the field, and over all the earth,
523
And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.
524
This said, He formed thee, Adam, thee, O man,
525
Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breathed
526
The breath of life. In His own image He
527
Created thee, in the image of God
528
Express,4346 and thou becam'st a living soul.
529
Male He created thee, but thy consort
530
Female, for race, 4347 then blessed mankind, and said:
531
'Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth;
532
Subdue 4348 it, and throughout dominion hold
533
Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air,
534
And every living thing that moves on th' earth.
535
Wherever thus created, for no place
536
Is yet distinct4349 by name, thence, as thou know'st,
537
He brought thee into this delicious grove,
538
This garden, planted with the trees of God,
539
Delectable both to behold and taste,
540
And freely all their pleasant fruit for food
541
Gave thee. All sorts are here that all th' earth yields,
542
Variety without end. But of the tree
543
Which tasted, works knowledge of good and evil,
544
Thou may'st not. In the day thou eat'st, thou di'st.4350
545
Death is the penalty imposed. Beware,
546
And govern well thy appetite, lest Sin
547
Surprise thee, and her black attendant, Death.
548
"Here finished He, and all that He had made
549
Viewed, and behold all was entirely good.
550
So ev'n and morn accomplished the sixth day.
551
"Yet not till the Creator from His work
552
Desisting, though unwearied, up returned,
553
Up to the Heav'n of Heav'ns, His high abode,
554
Thence to behold this new created world,
555
Th' addition of His empire, how it showed
556
In prospect from His throne, how good, how fair,
558
Followed with acclamation, and the sound
559
Symphonious of ten thousand harps, that tuned
560
Angelic harmonies. The earth, the air
561
Resounded (thou rememb'rest, for thou heard'st)
562
The Heav'ns and all the constellations rung,
563
The planets in their station listening stood,
564
While the bright pomp4353 ascended jubilant.
565
'Open, ye everlasting gates!' they sung,
566
'Open, ye Heav'ns! your living doors! Let in
567
The great Creator from His work returned
568
Magnificent, His six days work, a world!
569
Open, and henceforth oft, for God will deign
570
To visit oft the dwellings of just men,
571
Delighted, and with frequent intercourse
572
Thither will send His wingèd messengers
573
On errands of supernal 4354 grace. ' So sung
574
The glorious train4355 ascending. He through Heav'n,
575
That opened wide her blazing portals, led
576
To God's eternal house direct the way,
577
A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold
578
And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear,
579
Seen in the galaxy, that milky way
580
Which nightly, as a circling zone, 4356 thou see'st
581
Powdered with stars. And now on earth the seventh
582
Ev'ning arose in Eden, for the sun
583
Was set, and twilight from the east came on,
584
Forerunning night, when at the holy mount
585
Of Heav'n's high-seated top, the imperial throne
586
Of Godhead, fixed for ever firm and sure,
587
The Filial Power arrived, and sat him down
588
With his great Father, for he also went
589
Invisible, yet stayed 4357 (such privilege
590
Hath Omnipresence), and the work ordained,
591
Author and End of all things, and from work
592
Now resting, blessed and hallowed the sev'nth day,
593
As resting on that day from all His work,
594
But not in silence holy kept. The harp
595
Had work and rested not, the solemn pipe,
596
And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop,
597
All sounds on fret 4358 by string or golden wire,
598
Tempered 4359 soft tunings, intermixed with voice
599
Choral or unison. Of incense clouds,
600
Fuming from golden censers, hid the mount.
601
Creation and the six days acts they sung:
602
"'Great are thy works, Jehovah! Infinite
603
Thy power! What thought can measure Thee, or tongue
604
Relate thee? Greater now in Thy return
605
Than from the giant Angels. Thee that day
606
Thy thunders magnified, but to create
607
Is greater than created 4360 to destroy.
609
Thy empire? Easily the proud attempt
610
Of Spirits apostate, and their counsels vain,
611
Thou hast repelled, while impiously they thought
612
Thee to diminish, and from Thee withdraw
613
The number of Thy worshippers. Who seeks
614
To lessen Thee, against his purpose serves
615
To manifest the more Thy might. His evil
616
Thou usest, and from thence creat'st more good.
617
Witness this new-made world, another Heav'n
618
From Heaven-gate not far, founded in view
619
On the clear hyaline, 4363 the glassy sea,
620
Of amplitude almost immense, 4364 with stars
621
Numerous, and every star perhaps a world
622
Of destined habitation. But thou know'st
623
Their seasons. Among 4365 these the seat of men,
625
Their pleasant dwelling-place. Thrice happy men,
626
And sons of men, whom God hath thus advanced!4368
627
Created in His image, there to dwell
628
And worship Him, and in reward to rule
629
Over His works, on earth, in sea, or air,
630
And multiply a race of worshippers
631
Holy and just. Thrice happy, if they know
632
Their happiness, and persevere upright!
633
"So sung they, and the empyrean rung
634
With hallelujahs. Thus was sabbath kept.
635
And thy request think now fulfilled, that asked
636
How first this world and face 4369 of things began,
637
And what before thy memory was done
638
From the beginning, that4370 posterity,
639
Informed by thee, might know. If else thou seek'st
640
Aught, not surpassing human measure, 4371 say.
The End of the Seventh Book
Adam inquires concerning celestial motions, is doubtfully answered, and exhorted to search rather things more worthy of knowledge. Adam assents, and still desirous to detain Raphael, relates to him what he remembered since his own creation, his placing in Paradise, his talk with God concerning solitude and fit society, his first meeting and nuptials with Eve, his discourse with the Angel thereupon, who after admonitions repeated departs.
1
The Angel ended, and in Adam's ear
2
So charming4372 left his voice, that he a while
3
Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed 4373 to hear,
4
Then, as new waked, thus gratefully replied:
5
"What thanks sufficient, or what recompence
6
Equal, have I to render thee, divine
8
The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsafed
9
This friendly condescension to relate
10
Things else by me unsearchable?4376 now heard
11
With wonder, but delight, and as is due
12
With glory attributed to the high
13
Creator! Something yet of doubt remains,
14
Which only thy solution4377 can resolve.
15
When I behold this goodly frame, 4378 this world,
16
Of Heav'n and earth consisting, and compute
17
Their magnitudes, this earth, a spot, a grain,
18
An atom, with the firmament compared
19
And all her numbered stars, that seem to roll
20
Spaces incomprehensible ( for such
21
Their distance argues,4379 and their swift return
24
One day and night, in all her vast survey 4384
25
Useless besides, reasoning I oft admire4385
26
How Nature wise and frugal could commit
27
Such disproportions, with superfluous hand
28
So many nobler bodies to create,
29
Greater so manifold, to this one use
30
(For aught appears), and on their orbs impose
32
Repeated, while the sedentary4388 earth,
33
That better might with far less compass4389 move,
34
Served by more4390 noble than herself, attains
35
Her end without least motion, and receives,
37
Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light---
38
Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails.
39
So spoke our sire, and by his count'nance seemed
40
Entering on studious thoughts abstruse, 4393 which Eve
41
Perceiving, where she sat retired in4394 sight,
42
With lowliness4395 majestic from her seat,
44
Rose and went forth among her fruits and flow'rs,
45
To visit 4398 how they prospered, bud and bloom,
46
Her nursery. They at her coming sprung
47
And, touched by her fair tendance, 4399 gladlier grew.
48
Yet went she not, as not with such discourse
49
Delighted, or not capable her ear
50
Of what was high: such pleasure she reserved,4400
52
Her husband the relater she preferred
53
Before the Angel, and of him to ask
54
Chose4403 rather. He, she knew, would intermix
55
Grateful4404 digressions, and solve high dispute
56
With conjugal caresses: from his lip
57
Not words alone pleased her. (O! when meet 4405 now
58
Such pairs, in love and mutual honor joined?
59
With goddess-like demeanor forth she went,
60
Not unattended, for on her, as queen,
61
A pomp4406 of winning graces waited still,
62
And from about her shot darts of desire
63
Into all eyes, to wish her still in sight.
64
And Raphael now, to Adam's doubt proposed,
65
Benevolent and facile, 4407 thus replied:
66
"To ask or search, I blame thee not, for Heav'n
67
Is as the book of God before thee set,
68
Wherein to read His wondrous works, and learn
69
His seasons, hours, or days, or months, or years.
70
This to attain,4408 whether Heav'n move or earth,
72
From man or Angel the great Architect
73
Did wisely to conceal, and not divulge
74
His secrets to be scanned4412 by them who ought
76
Conjecture, He His fabric of the Heav'ns
77
Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move
79
Hereafter. When they come to model 4417 Heav'n
80
And calculate the stars, how they will wield 4418
81
The mighty frame, how build, unbuild, contrive
85
Already by thy reasoning this I guess,
86
Who4427 art to lead thy offspring, and supposest
87
That bodies bright and greater should not serve
88
The less not bright, nor Heav'n such journeys run,
89
Earth sitting still, when she alone receives
90
The benefit.
"Consider, first, that great
91
Or bright infers4428 not excellence. The earth,
92
Though in comparison of Heav'n so small,
93
Nor glistering, 4429 may of solid good contain
94
More plenty than the sun that barren shines,
95
Whose virtue4430 on itself works no effect,
96
But in the fruitful earth, there first received,
98
Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries
99
Officious,4434 but to thee, earth's habitant.
100
And for the Heav'n's wide circuit, let it speak
101
The Maker's high magnificence, who built
102
So spacious, and His line stretched out so far
103
That man may know he dwells not in his own,
104
An edifice too large for him to fill,
105
Lodged in a small partition,4435 and the rest
106
Ordained for uses to his Lord best known.
107
The swiftness of those circles attribute, 4436
108
Though numberless, to His Omnipotence,
109
That to corporeal substances could add
110
Speed almost spiritual. Me thou think'st not slow,
111
Who since the morning-hour set out from Heav'n
112
Where God resides, and ere mid-day arrived
113
In Eden---distance inexpressible
114
By numbers that have name. But this I urge, 4437
115
Admitting4438 motion in the Heav'ns, to show
116
Invalid that which thee to doubt it moved.4439
117
Not that I so affirm,4440 though so it seem
118
To thee who hast thy dwelling here on earth.
119
God, to remove His ways from human sense,
120
Placed Heav'n from earth so far, that earthly sight,
121
If it presume, might err in things too high,
122
And no advantage gain. What if the sun
123
Be center to the world? and other stars,
125
Incited, dance about him various rounds?
126
Their wand'ring course now high, now low, then hid,
128
In six4446 thou see'st? And what if sev'nth to these
129
The planet earth, so steadfast though she seem,
130
Insensibly three different motions move,
131
Which else to several spheres thou must ascribe,
133
Or save the sun his labor, and that swift
134
Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb4449 supposed,
135
Invisible4450 else above all stars, the wheel
136
Of day and night, which needs not thy belief
138
Travelling east, and with her part averse
139
From the sun's beam meet night, her other part
140
Still luminous by his4453 ray? What if that light,
142
To the terrestrial moon be as a star,
144
This earth, reciprocal, if land be there,
145
Fields and inhabitants? Her spots thou see'st
146
As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce
147
Fruits in her softened soil for some to eat
148
Allotted 4458 there. And other suns perhaps,
149
With their attendant moons, thou wilt descry,
150
Communicating male and female light,4459
151
Which two great sexes animate the world,
152
Stored in each orb perhaps with some that live.
153
For such vast room4460 in Nature unpossessed
154
By living soul, desert 4461 and desolate,
155
Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute4462
156
Each orb a glimpse of light, conveyed so far
157
Down to this habitable, 4463 which returns
158
Light back to them, is obvious to dispute. 4464
159
But whether thus these things, or whether not---
160
But whether the sun, predominant in Heav'n,
161
Rise on the earth, or earth rise on the sun---
162
He from the east his flaming road begin,
163
Or she from west her silent course advance,
164
With inoffensive4465 pace that spinning sleeps
165
On her soft axle, while she paces ev'n,4466
166
And bears thee soft with the smooth air along---
167
Solicit4467 not thy thoughts with matters hid.
168
Leave them to God above. Him serve, and fear!
169
Of other creatures, as Him pleases best,
170
Wherever placed, let Him dispose. Joy thou
171
In what He gives to thee, this Paradise
172
And thy fair Eve. Heav'n is for thee too high
173
To know what passes there. Be lowly 4468 wise,
174
Think only what concerns thee, and thy being.
175
Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there
177
Contented that thus far hath been revealed
178
Not of earth only, but of highest Heav'n.
179
To whom thus Adam, cleared of doubt, replied:
180
"How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure
181
Intelligence of Heav'n, Angel serene!
182
And, freed from intricacies,4472 taught to live
183
The easiest way, nor with perplexing thoughts
184
To interrupt the sweet of life, from which
185
God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares,
186
And not molest4473 us, unless we ourselves
187
Seek them with wand'ring thoughts, and notions vain.
188
But apt the mind or fancy is to rove
189
Unchecked, and of her roving is no end,
190
Till warned, or by experience taught, she learn
191
That not to know at large4474 of things remote
192
From use, obscure and subtle, 4475 but to know
193
That which before us lies in daily life,
194
Is the prime wisdom. What is more, is fume4476
196
And renders us, in things that most concern
197
Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek.
199
A lower flight, and speak of things at hand
200
Useful, whence haply, 4481 mention may arise
201
Of something not unseasonable to ask,
203
"Thee I have heard relating what was done
204
Ere my remembrance. Now, hear me relate
205
My story, which perhaps thou hast not heard.
206
And day is not yet spent---till then thou see'st
207
How subtly to detain thee I devise,
208
Inviting thee to hear while I relate.
209
Fond! 4484 were it not in hope of thy reply,
210
For while I sit with thee, I seem in Heav'n,
211
And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear
212
Than fruits of palm-tree pleasantest to thirst
213
And hunger both, from4485 labor, at the hour
215
Though pleasant, but thy words, with grace divine
217
To whom thus Raphael answered, Heav'nly meek:4490
218
"Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men,
219
Nor tongue ineloquent. For God on thee
220
Abundantly His gifts hath also poured
221
Inward and outward both, His image fair.
222
Speaking or mute, 4491 all comeliness and grace
224
Nor less think we in Heav'n of thee on earth
225
Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire
226
Gladly into the ways of God with man,
227
For God, we see, hath honored thee, and set
228
On man His equal love. Say therefore on,
229
For I that day was absent, as befell,4494
231
Far on excursion4497 toward the gates of Hell,
233
To see that none thence issued forth a spy
234
Or enemy, while God was in His work,
235
Lest He, incensed at such eruption4500 bold,
236
Destruction with creation might have mixed.
237
Not that they durst without His leave attempt---
238
But us He sends upon His high behests
239
For state, as Sov'reign King, and to inure4501
240
Our prompt obedience. 4502 Fast we found, fast shut,
241
The dismal gates, and barricado'd 4503 strong,
242
But long ere our approaching heard within
243
Noise, other than the sound of dance or song,
244
Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage.
245
Glad we returned up to the coasts of light
246
Ere sabbath-ev'ning: so we had in charge. 4504
248
Pleased with thy words no less than thou with mine.
249
So spoke the godlike Power, and thus our sire:
250
"For man to tell how human life began
251
Is hard, for who himself beginning knew?
252
Desire with thee still longer to converse
253
Induced 4507 me. As new waked from soundest sleep,
254
Soft on the flow'ry herb4508 I found me laid,
255
In balmy4509 sweat, which with his beams the sun
256
Soon dried, and on the reeking4510 moisture fed.
257
Straight toward Heav'n my wond'ring eyes I turned,
258
And gazed a while the ample sky, till raised
259
By quick instinctive motion, up I sprung,
260
As thitherward endeavoring, and upright
261
Stood on my feet. About me round I saw
262
Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains,
264
Creatures that lived and moved, and walked, or flew,
265
Birds on the branches warbling---all things smiled.
266
With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflowed.
267
Myself I then perused, and limb by limb
268
Surveyed, and sometimes went,4513 and sometimes ran
269
With supple joints, as lively vigor led.
270
But who I was, or where, or from what cause,
271
Knew not. To speak I tried, and forthwith spoke.
272
My tongue obeyed, and readily could name
273
Whate'er I saw. 'Thou Sun,' said I, 'fair light,
274
And thou enlight'ned 4514 earth, so fresh and gay,
275
Ye hills and dales, ye rivers, woods, and plains,
276
And ye that live and move, fair creatures, tell,
277
Tell, if ye saw, how I came thus, how here?
278
Not of myself---by some great Maker, then,
279
In goodness and in power preëminent.
280
Tell me, how may I know Him, how adore,
281
From whom I have that thus I move and live,
282
And feel that I am happier than I know.
283
While thus I called, and strayed I knew not whither
284
From where I first drew air, and first beheld
285
This happy light---when, answer none returned,
286
On a green shady bank, profuse of flowers,
287
Pensive I sat me down. There gentle sleep
288
First found me, and with soft oppression4515 seized
289
My drowsèd 4516 sense, untroubled, though I thought
290
I then was passing to my former state
291
Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve.
292
When suddenly stood at my head a dream,
293
Whose inward apparition4517 gently moved
294
My fancy to believe I yet had being,
295
And lived. One came, methought, of shape divine,
297
First man, of men innumerable ordained
298
First father! Called by thee, I come thy guide
299
To the garden of bliss, thy seat prepared.
300
So saying, by the hand He took me raised,
301
And over fields and waters, as in air
302
Smooth-sliding without step, last led me up
303
A woody mountain, whose high top was plain,
304
A circuit wide, enclosed with goodliest trees
305
Planted, with walks, and bowers, that what I saw
306
Of earth before scarce pleasant seemed. Each tree,
307
Loaden with fairest fruit that hung to the eye
308
Tempting, stirred in me sudden appetite
309
To pluck and eat, whereat I waked, and found
310
Before mine eyes all real,4520 as the dream
312
My wand'ring, had not He, who was my guide
313
Up hither, from among the trees appeared,
314
Presence Divine. Rejoicing, but with awe,
315
In adoration at His feet I fell
316
Submiss. He reared me, and 'Whom thou sought'st I am,
317
Said mildly, 'Author of all this thou see'st
318
Above, or round about thee, or beneath.
319
This Paradise I give thee, count it thine
320
To till 4523 and keep, and of the fruit to eat.
321
Of every tree that in the garden grows
322
Eat freely with glad heart, fear here no dearth.4524
323
But of the tree whose operation4525 brings
324
Knowledge of good and ill, which I have set
325
The pledge4526 of thy obedience and thy faith,
326
Amid the garden by4527 the Tree of Life,
327
Remember what I warn thee: shun to taste,
328
And shun the bitter consequence. For know,
329
The day thou eat'st thereof, my sole command
330
Transgressed, inevitably4528 thou shalt die,
331
From that day mortal, and this happy state
332
Shalt lose, expelled from hence into a world
333
Of woe and sorrow. ' Sternly He pronounced
334
The rigid interdiction, which resounds
335
Yet dreadful in mine ear, though in my choice
336
Not to incur. But soon His clear aspect4529
337
Returned, and gracious purpose4530 thus renewed:
338
'Not only these fair bounds,4531 but all the earth
339
To thee and to thy race I give. As lords
340
Possess it, and all things that therein live,
341
Or live in sea, or air, beast, fish, and fowl.
342
In sign whereof each bird and beast behold
343
After their kinds; I bring them to receive
344
From thee their names, and pay thee fealty4532
345
With low subjection. Understand the same
346
Of fish within their wat'ry residence,
347
Not hither summoned, since they cannot change
348
Their element, to draw4533 the thinner air.
349
As thus he spoke, each bird and beast behold
350
Approaching two and two, these4534 cowering low
351
With blandishment,4535 each bird stooped on his wing.
352
I named them, as they passed, and understood
353
Their nature, with such knowledge God endued 4536
354
My sudden apprehension.4537 But in these
355
I found not what methought I wanted still,
356
And to the Heav'nly vision thus presumed:4538
357
"'O by what name, for Thou above all these,
358
Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher,
359
Surpassest far my naming? How may I
360
Adore Thee, Author of this universe,
361
And all this good to man? for whose well being
362
So amply, and with hands so liberal,
363
Thou hast provided all things. But with me
364
I see not who partakes. In solitude
365
What happiness? Who can enjoy alone,
366
Or all enjoying, what contentment find?
367
Thus I presumptuous, and the Vision bright,
368
As with a smile more bright'ned, thus replied:
369
"'What call'st thou solitude? Is not the earth
370
With various living creatures, and the air
371
Replenished,4539 and all these at thy command
372
To come and play4540 before thee? Know'st thou not
373
Their language and their ways? They also know,
374
And reason not contemptibly. With these
376
So spoke the Universal Lord, and seemed
377
So ordering. I, with leave of speech implored,
378
And humble deprecation,4543 thus replied:
379
"'Let not my words offend Thee, Heav'nly Power.
380
My Maker, be propitious4544 while I speak.
381
Hast Thou not made me here Thy substitute,
382
And these inferior far beneath me set?
383
Among inequals what society
384
Can sort,4545 what harmony or true delight?
385
Which must be mutual, in proportion due
386
Giv'n and received. But in disparity
388
Cannot well suit with either, but soon prove
390
Such as I seek, fit to participate4550
391
All rational delight, wherein the brute
392
Cannot be human consort.4551 They rejoice
393
Each with their kind, lion with lioness,
394
So fitly4552 them in pairs Thou hast combined.
395
Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl
396
So well converse, 4553 nor with the ox the ape.
397
Worse then can man with beast, and least of
398
Whereto the Almighty answer
399
"'A nice4554 and subtle happiness, I see,
400
Thou to thyself proposest, in the choice
401
Of thy associates, Adam! And wilt taste
402
No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary.
403
What think'st thou then of me, and this m
404
Seem I to thee sufficiently possessed
405
Of happiness, or not? who am alone
406
From all eternity? For none I know
407
Second to me or like, equal much less.
408
How have I then with whom to hold converse, 4555
409
Save with the creatures which I made
410
To me inferior, infinite descents
411
Beneath what other creatures are to thee?
412
He ceased; I lowly answered:
"'To attain
413
The height and depth of Thy eternal ways
414
All human thoughts come short, Supreme of things!
415
Thou in Thyself art perfect, and in Thee
416
Is no deficience found. Not so is man,
417
But in degree, the cause of his desire
418
By conversation4556 with his like to help
419
Or solace4557 his defects. No need that Thou
420
Should'st propagate, already Infinite,
421
And through all numbers Absolute, 4558 though One.
422
But man by number is to manifest4559
423
His single imperfection,4560 and beget
424
Like of his like, his image multiplied,
425
In unity defective, which requires
427
Thou in Thy secrecy4563 although alone,
428
Best with Thyself accompanied, seek'st not
429
Social communication, yet, so pleased,
430
Canst raise Thy creature to what height Thou wilt
431
Of union or communion, deified.
432
I by conversing cannot these4564 erect
433
From prone, nor in their ways complacence4565 find.
434
Thus I embold'ned spoke, and freedom used
435
Permissive, and acceptance found, which gained
436
This answer from the gracious voice Divine:
437
"'Thus far to try4566 thee, Adam, I was pleased,
438
And find thee knowing, not of beasts alone,
439
Which thou hast rightly named, but of thyself,
440
Expressing well the spirit within thee free,
441
My image, not imparted to the brute,
442
Whose fellowship therefore unmeet 4567 for thee
443
Good reason was thou freely should'st dislike,
444
And be so minded still.4568 I ere thou spok'st
445
Knew it not good for man to be alone,
446
And no such company as then thou saw'st
447
Intended thee---for trial only brought,4569
448
To see how thou could'st judge of fit and meet.
449
What next I bring shall please thee, be assured,
550
Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self,
451
Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire.
452
He ended, or I heard no more, for now
453
My earthly by His Heav'nly overpowered,
454
Which it had long stood 4570 under, strained to the height
456
As with an object that excels4573 the sense,
457
Dazzled and spent, sunk down, and sought repair 4574
458
Of sleep, which instantly fell on me, called
459
By Nature as in aid, and closed mine eyes.
460
"Mine eyes He closed, but open left the cell
461
Of fancy, my internal sight, by which,
463
Though sleeping where I lay, and saw the shape
464
Still glorious before whom awake I stood,
465
Who stooping op'ned my left side, and took
466
From thence a rib, with cordial 4577 spirits warm,
467
And life-blood streaming fresh. Wide was the wound,
468
But suddenly with flesh filled up and healed.
469
The rib He formed and fashioned with His hands.
470
Under His forming hands a creature grew,
471
Man-like, but different sex, so lovely fair
472
That what seemed fair in all the world seemed now
473
Mean4578 or in her summed up, in her contained
474
And in her looks, which from that time infused 4579
475
Sweetness into my heart, unfelt before,
476
And into all things from her air 4580 inspired
477
The spirit of love and amorous delight.
478
She disappeared, and left me dark; I waked
479
To4581 find her, or for ever to deplore
480
Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure---4582
481
When, out of hope, behold her, not far off,
482
Such as I saw her in my dream, adorned
483
With what all earth or Heav'n could bestow
484
To make her amiable. 4583 On she came,
485
Led by her Heav'nly Maker, though unseen,
486
And guided by His voice, nor uninformed
487
Of nuptial sanctity and marriage rites.
488
Grace was in all her steps, Heav'n in her eye,
489
In every gesture dignity and love.
490
I overjoyed could not forbear 4584 aloud:
491
"'This turn4585 hath made amends! Thou hast fulfilled
492
Thy words, Creator bounteous and benign,
493
Giver of all things fair! But fairest this
494
Of all Thy gifts, nor enviest.4586 I now see
495
Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, myself
496
Before me. Woman is her name, of man
497
Extracted.4587 For this cause he shall forego
498
Father and mother, and to his wife adhere,
499
And they shall be one flesh, one heart, one soul.
500
"She heard me thus, and though divinely brought4588
501
Yet innocence, and virgin modesty,
502
Her virtue, and the conscience 4589 of her worth,
503
That would be wooed, and not unsought be won,
505
The more desirable---or, to say all,
506
Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought,
507
Wrought 4593 in her so that, seeing me, she turned.
508
I followed her. She what was honor knew,
511
I led her blushing like the morn. All Heav'n,
512
And happy constellations, on that hour
513
Shed their selected 4598 influence, the earth
514
Gave sign of gratulation,4599 and each hill;
515
Joyous the birds; fresh gales and gentle airs
516
Whispered it to the woods, and from their wings
517
Flung rose, flung odors from the spicy 4600 shrub,
520
On his hill top, to light the bridal lamp.
521
"Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought
522
My story to the sum of earthly bliss
523
Which I enjoy, and must confess to find
524
In all things else delight indeed, but such
525
As, used or not, works in the mind no change,
526
Nor vehement 4605 desire---these delicacies
527
I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flow'rs,
528
Walks, and the melody of birds. But here
529
Far otherwise, transported 4606 I behold,
530
Transported touch;4607 here passion first I felt,
531
Commotion 4608 strange! in all enjoyments else
532
Superior and unmoved, here only weak
533
Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance.
534
Or 4609 Nature failed in me, and left some part
535
Not proof enough such object to sustain,4610
536
Or, from my side subducting, 4611 took perhaps
537
More than enough, at least on her bestowed
538
Too much of ornament, in outward show
539
Elaborate, 4612 of inward less exact.
540
For well I understand in the prime end4613
541
Of Nature her th' inferior, in the mind
542
And inward faculties, which most excel.4614
543
In outward also her resembling less
544
His image who made both, and less expressing
545
The character of that dominion giv'n
546
O'er other creatures. Yet when I approach
547
Her loveliness, so absolute4615 she seems
548
And in herself complete, so well to know
549
Her own, that what she wills to do or say
550
Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best.
551
All higher knowledge in her presence falls
552
Degraded,4616 wisdom in discourse with her
554
Authority and reason on her wait,
557
Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat
558
Build in her loveliest, and create an awe
559
About her, as 4624 a guard Angelic placed.
560
To whom the Angel with contracted brow:
561
"Accuse not Nature. She hath done her part;
562
Do thou but thine, and be not diffident4625
563
Of wisdom. She deserts thee not, if thou
564
Dismiss 4626 not her, when most thou need'st her nigh,
565
By attributing 4627 overmuch to things
566
Less excellent, as thou thyself perceiv'st.
567
For what admir'st thou, what transports thee so?
568
An outside? Fair, no doubt, and worthy well
569
Thy cherishing, thy honoring, and thy love.
570
Not thy subjection. Weigh with her thyself,
571
Then value. Oft-times nothing profits more
572
Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right
573
Well managed. Of that skill 4628 the more thou know'st
574
The more she will acknowledge thee her head,4629
575
And to realities yield all her shows,4630
576
Made so adorn for thy delight the more,
577
So awful 4631 that with honor thou may'st love
578
Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise.
579
But if the sense of touch, whereby mankind
580
Is propagated, seem such dear delight
581
Beyond all other, think the same vouchsafed
582
To cattle and each beast, which would not be
583
To them made common and divulged, if aught
584
Therein enjoyed were worthy to subdue
585
The soul of man, or passion in him move.
586
What higher in her society thou find'st
587
Attractive, human, rational, love still.4632
588
In loving thou dost well, in passion not,
589
Wherein true love consists not. Love refines
590
The thoughts, and heart enlarges, hath his seat
591
In reason, and is judicious, is the scale
592
By which to Heav'nly love thou may'st ascend,
593
Not sunk in carnal pleasure. For which cause
594
Among the beasts no mate for thee was found.
595
To whom thus, half abashed, Adam replied:
596
"Neither her outside formed so fair, nor aught
597
In procreation common to all kinds
598
( Though higher of the genial 4633 bed by far,
599
And with mysterious reverence, I deem)4634
600
So much delights me as those graceful4635 acts,
601
Those thousand decencies,4636 that daily flow
602
From all her words and actions, mixed with love
603
And sweet compliance, which declare unfeigned
604
Union of mind, or in us both one soul.
605
Harmony to behold in wedded pair
606
More grateful 4637 than harmonious sound to th' ear.
607
Yet these subject4638 not. I to thee disclose
608
What inward thence I feel, not therefore foiled,4639
609
Who meet with various objects4640 from the sense
610
Variously representing, 4641 yet still free
611
Approve the best, and follow what I approve.
612
To love, thou blam'st me not, for love, thou say'st,
613
Leads up to Heav'n, is both the way and guide.
614
Bear with me, then, if lawful what I ask:
615
Love not the Heav'nly Spirits, and how their love
616
Express they? by looks only? or do they mix
618
To whom the Angel, with a smile that glowed
619
Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue,
620
Answered:
"Let it suffice thee that thou know'st
621
Us happy, and without love no happiness.
622
Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st
623
(And pure thou wert created), we enjoy
624
In eminence, 4644 and obstacle find none
625
Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive4645 bars.
626
Easier than air with air, if Spirits embrace:
627
Total they mix, union of pure with pure
629
As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul.
630
But I can now no more. The parting sun
631
Beyond the earth's green cape and verdant isles4648
632
Hesperian4649 sets: my signal to depart.
633
Be strong, live happy, and love! But first of all 4650
634
Him whom to love is to obey, and keep
635
His great command. Take heed lest passion sway
636
Thy judgment to do aught which else free will
637
Would not admit.4651 Thine, and of all thy sons,
638
The weal 4652 or woe in thee is placed. Beware!
639
I in thy persevering shall rejoice,
640
And all the Blest. Stand fast! To stand or fall
641
Free in thine own arbitrement 4653 it lies.
642
Perfect 4654 within, no outward aid require,
643
And all temptation to transgress repel.
644
So saying, he arose, whom Adam thus
645
Followed with benediction. "Since to part,
646
Go, Heav'nly guest, ethereal messenger,
647
Sent from whose sov'reign goodness I adore!
648
Gentle4655 to me and affable hath been
649
Thy condescension, and shall be honored ever
650
With grateful memory. Thou to mankind
651
Be good and friendly still,4656 and oft return!
652
So parted they, the Angel up to Heav'n
653
From the thick shade, and Adam to his bow'r.
The End of the Eighth Book
Satan having compassed4657 the earth, with meditated guile returns as a mist by night into Paradise, enters into the serpent sleeping.4658 Adam and Eve in the morning go forth to their labors, which Eve proposes to divide in4659 several places, each laboring apart. Adam consents not, alleging the danger, lest that enemy, of whom they were forewarned, should attempt4660 her, found alone. Eve, loath to be thought not circumspect or firm enough, urges her going apart, the rather desirous to make trial of her strength. Adam at last yields.
The serpent finds her alone; his subtle approach, first gazing, then speaking, with much flattery extolling Eve above all other creatures. Eve wondering to hear the serpent speak, asks how he attained to human speech and such understanding not till now. The serpent answers that by tasting of a certain tree in the garden he attained both to speech and reason, till then void of both. Eve requires him to bring her to that tree, and finds it to be the Tree of Knowledge, forbidden.
The serpent, now grown bolder, with many wiles and arguments induces her at length4661 to eat. She, pleased with the taste, deliberates awhile whether to impart thereof to Adam or not, at last brings him of the fruit, relates what persuaded her to eat thereof. Adam at first amaz'd, but perceiving her lost, resolves through vehemence4662 of love to perish with her and, extenuating the trespass, eats also of the fruit.
The effects thereof in them both; they seek to cover their nakedness, then fall to variance4663 and accusation of one another.
1
No more of talk where God or Angel guest
7
Disloyal on the part of man, revolt,
8
And disobedience; on the part of Heav'n,
9
Now alienated,4674 distance and distaste,
10
Anger and just rebuke, and judgment giv'n,
11
That brought into this world a world of woe,
12
Sin and her shadow Death, and misery,
14
Not less but more heroic than the wrath
16
Thrice fugitive 4679 about Troy wall, or rage
20
If answerable4688 style I can obtain
22
Her nightly visitation unimplored,
23
And dictates to me slumb'ring, or inspires
25
Since first this subject for heroic song
26
Pleased me, long choosing, and beginning late, 4694
28
Wars, hitherto the only argument4697
30
With long and tedious havoc4701 fabled knights
31
In battles feigned 4702 ---the better fortitude
32
Of patience and heroic martyrdom
33
Unsung---or to describe races and games,
37
At joust and tournament, then marshalled 4712 feast
40
Not that which justly gives heroic name
41
To person or to poem. Me, of these
42
Nor skilled nor studious, higher argument
43
Remains, sufficient of itself to raise4718
44
That name, 4719 unless an age too late, or cold
45
Climate, or years, damp my intended wing4720
46
Depressed.4721 And much they may, if all be mine,
47
Not hers, who brings it nightly to my ear.
48
The sun was sunk, and after him the star
50
Twilight upon the earth, short arbiter 4724
51
'Twixt day and night. And now from end to end
52
Night's hemisphere had veiled th' horizon round,
53
When Satan, who late4725 fled before the threats
54
Of Gabriel out of Eden, now improved4726
55
In meditated fraud and malice, bent
57
Of heavier on himself, fearless returned.
58
By night he fled, and at midnight returned
59
From compassing4729 the earth, cautious of day,
60
Since Uriel, regent of the sun, descried 4730
61
His entrance, and forewarned the Cherubim
62
That kept their watch. Thence full of anguish driv'n,
63
The space of seven continued nights he rode4731
64
With darkness. Thrice the equinoctial4732 line
65
He circled, four times crossed the car4733 of night
66
From pole to pole, traversing each colure. 4734
67
On the eighth returned and, on the coast averse4735
68
From entrance or Cherubic watch, by stealth
70
Now not, though Sin, not time, first wrought the change,
71
Where Tigris,4738 at the foot of Paradise,
73
Rose up a fountain by the Tree of Life.
74
In with the river sunk, and with it rose
75
Satan, involved4741 in rising mist, then sought
76
Where to lie hid. Sea he had searched, and land,
77
From Eden over Pontus4742 and the pool
79
Downward as far Antarctic, and in length
80
West from Orontes4745 to the ocean barred
81
At Darien,4746 thence to the land where flows
82
Ganges and Indus. Thus the orb4747 he roamed
83
With narrow4748 search, and with inspection deep
84
Considered every creature, which of all
85
Most opportune might serve his wiles, and found
86
The serpent, subtlest beast of all the field.
87
Him after long debate, irresolute
88
Of thoughts revolved, his final sentence4749 chose
89
Fit vessel, fittest imp4750 of fraud, in whom
90
To enter, and his dark suggestions hide
91
From sharpest sight, for in the wily snake,
93
As from his wit and native subtlety
94
Proceeding, which in other beasts observed
95
Doubt might beget 4753 of diabolic power
96
Active within, beyond the sense4754 of brute.
97
Thus he resolved, but first from inward grief
98
His bursting passion into plaints4755 thus poured:
99
"O earth, how like to Heav'n, if not preferred
100
More justly, seat worthier of gods, as built
101
With second thoughts, reforming4756 what was old!
102
For what god, after better, worse would build?
103
Terrestrial Heav'n, danced round by other Heav'ns
104
That shine, yet bear their bright officious4757 lamps,
105
Light above light, for thee4758 alone, as seems,
106
In thee concent'ring all their precious beams
107
Of sacred influence! As God in Heav'n
108
Is center, yet extends to all, so thou,
109
Cent'ring, receiv'st from all those orbs. In thee,
110
Not in themselves, all their known virtue4759 appears
111
Productive in herb, plant, and nobler birth
112
Of creatures animate with gradual 4760 life
113
Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man.
114
With what delight could I have walked thee round
115
( If I could joy in aught), sweet interchange4761
116
Of hill, and valley, rivers, woods, and plains,
117
Now land, now sea and shores with forest crowned,
118
Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these
119
Find place or refuge, and the more I see
120
Pleasures about me, so much more I feel
121
Torment within me, as from the hateful siege
122
Of contraries.4762 All good to me becomes
123
Bane4763 ---and in Heav'n much worse would be my state,
124
"But neither here seek I, no, nor in Heav'n
125
To dwell, unless by mast'ring Heav'n's Supreme, 4764
126
Nor hope to be myself less miserable
127
By what I seek, but others to make such
128
As I, though thereby worse to me redound.4765
129
For only in destroying I find ease
130
To my relentless thoughts and, him4766 destroyed,
131
Or won to what may work his utter loss,
132
For whom all this was made, all this will soon
133
Follow, as to him linked in weal 4767 or woe.
134
In woe then. That destruction wide may range:4768
135
To me shall be the glory sole among
136
Th' infernal Powers, in one day to have marred 4769
137
What He, Almighty styled, six nights and days
138
Continued making---and who knows how long
139
Before had been contriving? Though perhaps
140
Not longer than since I, in one night, freed
141
From servitude inglorious well nigh half
142
Th'Angelic name, and thinner left the throng
143
Of His adorers. He, to be avenged,
144
And to repair His numbers thus impaired,
145
Whether such virtue spent of old now failed
146
More Angels to create (if they at least
147
Are His created) or, to spite us more,
148
Determined to advance into our room4770
149
A creature formed of earth, and him endow,
150
Exalted from so base original,4771
151
With Heav'nly spoils---our spoils. What He decreed,
152
He effected. Man He made, and for him built
153
Magnificent this world, and earth his seat,
154
Him lord pronounced and, O indignity!
155
Subjected to his service angel-wings,
156
And flaming ministers4772 to watch and tend
157
Their earthly charge. Of these the vigilance
158
I dread and, to elude, thus wrapped in mist
161
The serpent sleeping, in whose mazy folds4777
162
To hide me, and the dark intent I bring.
163
"O foul descent! that I, who erst contended
164
With gods to sit the highest, am now constrained 4778
165
Into a beast and, mixed with bestial slime,
167
That4781 to the height of Deity aspired!
168
But what will not ambition and revenge
170
As high he soared, obnoxious,4784 first or last,
171
To basest things. Revenge, at first though sweet,
172
Bitter ere long, back on itself recoils.
174
Since higher I fall short, on him who next
175
Provokes my envy, this new favorite
176
Of Heav'n, this man of clay, son of despite4787
177
Whom us the more to spite his Maker raised
178
From dust. Spite then with spite is best repaid.
179
So saying, through each thicket dank or dry,
180
Like a black mist low-creeping, he held 4788 on
181
His midnight-search, where soonest he might find
182
The serpent. Him fast-sleeping soon he found
183
In labyrinth of many a round 4789 self-rolled,
184
His head the midst, well stored with subtle wiles,
186
Nor nocent4792 yet, but on the grassy herb,
187
Fearless unfeared he slept. In at his mouth
188
The Devil entered and his4793 brutal sense,
189
In heart or head, possessing, soon inspired
190
With act intelligential, but his sleep
191
Disturbed not, waiting close4794 the approach of morn.
192
Now when as sacred light began to dawn
193
In Eden on the humid flow'rs, that breathed
194
Their morning incense, 4795 when all things that breathe
195
From th' earth's great altar send up silent praise
196
To the Creator, and His nostrils fill
197
With grateful 4796 smell, forth came the human pair
198
And joined their vocal worship to the choir
200
The season prime for sweetest scents and airs,
202
Their growing work, for much their work out-grew
204
And Eve first to her husband thus began:
206
This garden, still to tend plant, herb, and flow'r,
207
Our pleasant task enjoined,4805 but till more hands
208
Aid us the work under our labor grows
209
Luxurious4806 by restraint. What we by day
210
Lop overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind,
213
Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present.
214
Let us divide our labors---thou where choice
215
Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind
216
The woodbine round this arbor, or direct
217
The clasping ivy where to climb, while I,
218
In yonder spring4811 of roses intermixed
219
With myrtle, find what to redress4812 till noon.
220
For while so near each other thus all day
221
Our task we choose, what wonder if so near
222
Looks intervene and smiles, or object new
223
Casual discourse draw on, which intermits4813
224
Our day's work, brought to little, though begun
225
Early, and th' hour of supper comes unearned?
226
To whom mild answer Adam thus returned:
227
"Sole Eve, associate sole, to me beyond
228
Compare above all living creatures dear!
229
Well hast thou motioned,4814 well thy thoughts employed,
230
How we might best fulfil the work which here
231
God hath assigned us, nor of me shalt pass
232
Unpraised, for nothing lovelier can be found
233
In woman, than to study houshold good,
234
And good works in her husband to promote.
235
Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed
236
Labor, as to debar us when we need
237
Refreshment, whether food, or talk between,
238
Food of the mind, or this sweet intercourse
239
Of looks and smiles, for smiles from reason flow,
240
To brute denied, and are of love the food---
241
Love, not the lowest end 4815 of human life.
242
For not to irksome4816 toil, but to delight
243
He made us, and delight to reason joined.
244
These paths and bowers4817 doubt not but our joint hands
245
Will keep from wilderness with ease, as wide
246
As we need walk, till younger hands ere long
247
Assist us. But if much converse perhaps
248
Thee satiate, to short absence I could yield,4818
249
For solitude sometimes is best society,
250
And short retirement 4819 urges sweet return.
251
"But other doubt possesses me, lest harm
252
Befall thee, severed from me, for thou know'st
253
What hath been warned us, what malicious foe
254
Envying our happiness, and of his own
255
Despairing, seeks to work us woe and shame
256
By sly assault. And somewhere nigh at hand
257
Watches, no doubt, with greedy hope to find
258
His wish and best advantage, us asunder.
259
Hopeless to circumvent us joined, where each
260
To other speedy aid might lend at need,
261
Whether his first design be to withdraw
262
Our fealty from God, or to disturb
263
Conjugal love, than which perhaps no bliss
264
Enjoyed by us excites his envy more.
265
Or4820 this, or worse, leave not the faithful side
266
That gave thee being, still shades thee, and protects.
267
The wife, where danger or dishonor lurks,
268
Safest and seemliest4821 by her husband stays,
269
Who guards her, or with her the worst endures.
270
To whom the virgin4822 majesty of Eve,
271
As one who loves, and some unkindness meets,
272
With sweet austere4823 composure thus replied:
273
"Offspring of Heav'n and earth, and all earth's lord!
274
That such an enemy we have, who seeks
275
Our ruin, both by thee informed I learn,
276
And from the parting Angel over-heard,
277
As in a shady nook I stood behind,
278
Just then returned at shut of evening flow'rs.
279
But that thou should'st my firmness4824 therefore doubt
280
To God or thee, because we have a foe
281
May tempt it, I expected not to hear.
282
His violence thou fear'st not, being such
283
As we, not capable of death or pain,
284
Can either not receive, or can repel.
285
His fraud is then thy fear, which plain infers
286
Thy equal fear that my firm faith and love
287
Can by his fraud be shaken or seduced,
288
Thoughts which how found they harbor in thy breast,
289
Adam, mis-thought of her to thee so dear?
290
To whom with healing words Adam replied:
291
"Daughter of God and man, immortal Eve!
292
For such thou art, from sin and blame entire. 4825
293
Not diffident 4826 of thee do I dissuade
294
Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid
295
Th' attempt itself, intended by our foe.
296
For he who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses4827
297
The tempted with dishonor foul, supposed
298
Not incorruptible of faith, not proof
299
Against temptation. Thou thyself with scorn
300
And anger would'st resent the offered wrong,
301
Though ineffectual found. Misdeem not, then,
302
If such affront I labor to avert
303
From thee alone, which on us both at once
304
The enemy, though bold, will hardly dare,
305
Or daring, first on me th' assault shall light.
306
Nor thou his malice and false guile contemn.4828
307
Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce
308
Angels, nor think superfluous others' aid.
309
I, from the influence of thy looks, receive
310
Access4829 in every virtue, in thy sight
311
More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were
312
Of outward strength, while shame, thou looking on,
313
Shame to be overcome or over-reached,4830
314
Would utmost vigor raise, and raised unite. 4831
315
Why should'st not thou like4832 sense within thee feel
316
When I am present, and thy trial4833 choose
317
With me, best witness of thy virtue tried?
318
So spoke domestic4834 Adam in his care
319
And matrimonial love. But Eve, who thought
320
Less attributed 4835 to her faith sincere,
321
Thus her reply with accent sweet renewed:
322
"If this be our condition, thus to dwell
323
In narrow circuit, straitened 4836 by a foe,
324
Subtle or violent, we not endued
326
How are we happy, still in fear of harm?
327
But harm precedes not sin. Only our foe
329
Of our integrity. His foul esteem
330
Sticks no dishonor on our front,4841 but turns
331
Foul on himself. Then wherefore shunned or feared
332
By us? who rather double honor gain
333
From his surmise4842 proved false, find peace within,
334
Favor from Heav'n, our witness, from th' event.
335
And what is faith, love, virtue, unassayed
336
Alone, without exterior help sustained?
337
Let us not then suspect4843 our happy state
338
Left so imperfect by the Maker wise
340
Frail is our happiness, if this be so,
341
And Eden were no Eden, thus exposed.
342
To whom thus Adam fervently4846 replied:
343
"O woman, best are all things as the will
344
Of God ordained them! His creating hand
345
Nothing imperfect or deficient left
346
Of all that He created, much less man,
347
Or aught that might his4847 happy state secure,
348
Secure from outward force. Within himself
349
The danger lies, yet lies within his power.
350
Against his will he can receive no harm.
351
But God left free the will, for what obeys
352
Reason, is free; and reason He made right,
353
But bid her well beware, and still erect,4848
354
Lest, by some fair-appearing good surprised,
355
She dictate4849 false, and mis-inform the will
356
To do what God expressly hath forbid.
357
Not then mistrust, but tender love, enjoins4850
358
That I should mind4851 thee oft, and mind thou me.
359
Firm we subsist,4852 yet possible to swerve,
360
Since reason not impossibly may meet
362
And fall into deception unaware,
363
Not keeping strictest watch, as she4855 was warned.
364
Seek not temptation, then, which to avoid
365
Were better, and most likely if from me
366
Thou sever not. Trial will come unsought.
368
First thy obedience. Th' other who can know,
369
Not seeing thee attempted, who attest?
370
But if thou think trial unsought may find
371
Us both securer4858 than thus warned thou seem'st,
372
Go, for thy stay not free absents thee more.
373
Go in thy native innocence, rely
374
On what thou hast of virtue, summon all!
375
For God towards thee hath done His part. Do thine.
376
So spoke the patriarch of mankind. But Eve
378
"With thy permission, then, and thus forewarned
379
Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words
380
Touched 4861 only, that our trial, when least sought,
381
May find us both perhaps far less prepared,
382
The willinger I go, nor much expect
383
A foe so proud will first the weaker seek.
384
So bent,4862 the more shall shame him his repulse.
385
Thus saying, from her husband's hand her hand
386
Soft she withdrew and, like a wood-nymph light,
388
Betook her to the groves, but Delia's self
389
In gait surpassed, and goddess-like deport,4866
390
Though not as she with bow and quiver armed,
392
Guiltless4869 of fire, had formed, or Angels brought.
394
Likest she seemed, Pomona when she fled
396
Yet virgin4874 of Proserpina from Jove.
397
Her long with ardent look his eye pursued,
398
Delighted, but desiring more her stay.
399
Oft he to her his charge4875 of quick return
400
Repeated; she to him as oft engaged4876
401
To be returned by noon amid the bow'r,
402
And all things in best order to invite4877
403
Noontide repast, or afternoon's repose.
404
O much deceived, much failing, hapless4878 Eve,
406
Thou never from that hour in Paradise
407
Found'st either sweet repast, or sound repose.
408
Such ambush, hid among sweet flow'rs and shades,
409
Waited with hellish rancor 4881 imminent
410
To intercept thy way, or send thee back
411
Despoiled of innocence, of faith, of bliss!
412
For now, and since first break of dawn the fiend,
413
Mere serpent in appearance, forth was come,
414
And on his quest, where likeliest he might find
415
The only two of mankind, but in them
416
The whole included race, his purposed prey.
417
In bow'r and field he sought, where any tuft
418
Of grove or garden-plot more pleasant lay,
419
Their tendance or plantation4882 for delight.
420
By fountain or by shady rivulet
421
He sought them both, but wished his hap4883 might find
422
Eve separate. He wished, but not with hope
423
Of what so seldom chanced, when to his wish,
424
Beyond his hope, Eve separate he spies,
425
Veiled in a cloud of fragrance, where she stood,
426
Half spied, so thick the roses bushing round
427
About her glowed, oft stooping to support
428
Each flower of slender stalk, whose head, though gay
429
Carnation, purple, azure, or specked with gold,
430
Hung drooping unsustained. Them she upstays
431
Gently with myrtle band, mindless the while
432
Herself, though fairest unsupported flower,
433
From her best prop so far, and storm so nigh.
434
Nearer he drew, and many a walk traversed
435
Of stateliest covert,4884 cedar, pine, or palm,
436
Then voluble 4885 and bold, now hid, now seen
437
Among thick-woven arborets,4886 and flow'rs
438
Imbordered on each bank, the hand 4887 of Eve
439
Spot more delicious than those gardens feigned 4888
444
Much he the place admired,4898 the person more.
445
As one who long in populous city pent,4899
446
Where houses thick and sewers annoy4900 the air,
447
Forth issuing on a summer's morn to breathe
448
Among the pleasant villages and farms
449
Adjoined, from each thing met conceives delight,
451
Or dairy, 4903 each rural sight, each rural sound.
452
If chance, with nymph-like step, fair virgin pass,
453
What pleasing seemed, for her4904 now pleases more,
454
She most, and in her look sums all delight.
455
Such pleasure took the serpent to behold
457
Thus early, thus alone. Her Heav'nly form
458
Angelic, but more soft, and feminine,
459
Her graceful innocence, her every air
460
Of gesture, or least action, overawed4907
462
His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought.
464
From his own evil, and for the time remained
465
Stupidly 4912 good, of enmity disarmed,
466
Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge.
467
But the hot Hell that always in him burns,
468
Though in mid Heav'n, soon ended his delight,
469
And tortures him now more, the more he sees
470
Of pleasure, not for him ordained. Then soon
471
Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts
473
"Thoughts, whither have ye led me! with what sweet
474
Compulsion thus transported, to forget
475
What hither brought us! Hate, not love, nor hope
476
Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste
477
Of pleasure, but all pleasure to destroy,
478
Save what is in destroying. Other joy
479
To me is lost. Then let me not let pass4915
480
Occasion4916 which now smiles. Behold alone
481
The woman, opportune 4917 to all attempts,
482
Her husband, for I view far round, not nigh,
483
Whose higher intellectual 4918 more I shun,
484
And strength, of courage haughty, 4919 and of limb
485
Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould,
486
Foe not informidable! 4920 exempt from wound,
487
I not, so much hath Hell debased, and pain
488
Enfeebled me, to what I was in Heav'n.
489
She fair, divinely fair, fit love for Gods!
490
Not terrible, though terror be in love
492
Hate stronger, under show of love well feigned,
493
The way which to her ruin now I tend."4923
494
So spoke the enemy of mankind, enclosed
495
In serpent, inmate4924 bad! and toward Eve
497
Prone on the ground, as since, but on his rear,
498
Circular base of rising folds, that tow'red
499
Fold above fold, a surging maze! His head
500
Crested aloft, and carbuncle 4927 his eyes,
501
With burnished neck of verdant gold, erect
502
Amidst his circling spires,4928 that on the grass
504
And lovely, never since of serpent-kind
505
Lovelier, not those that in Illyria changed 4931
507
In Epidaurus,4934 nor to which transformed
509
He with Olympias, this with her who bore
511
At first, as one who sought access 4940 but feared
512
To interrupt, sidelong he works his way.
513
As when a ship, by skilful steersman wrought
514
Nigh river's mouth or foreland,4941 where the wind
515
Veers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail,
516
So varied he, and of his tortuous 4942 train
518
To lure her eye. She, busied, heard the sound
519
Of rustling leaves, but minded not, as used
520
To such disport before 4945 her through the field,
521
From every beast, more duteous4946 at her call
522
Than at Circean call the herd disguised.4947
523
He, bolder now, uncalled before her stood,
524
But as in gaze admiring. Oft he bowed
525
His turret crest, and sleek enamelled neck,
526
Fawning, and licked the ground whereon she trod.
527
His gentle dumb expression turned at length
528
The eye of Eve to mark his play. He, glad
529
Of her attention gained, with serpent-tongue
531
His fraudulent temptation thus began:
532
"Wonder not, sov'reign mistress, if perhaps
533
Thou canst, who art sole 4950 wonder! Much less arm
534
Thy looks, the Heav'n of mildness, with disdain,
535
Displeased that I approach thee thus, and gaze
536
Insatiate, 4951 I thus single, nor have feared
538
Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair,
539
Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine
540
By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore
541
With ravishment 4954 beheld! There best beheld,
542
Where universally admired, but here
543
In this enclosure wild, these beasts among,
544
Beholders rude, and shallow 4955 to discern
545
Half what in thee is fair, one man except,
546
Who sees thee? And what is one? Who should be seen
547
A goddess among gods, adored and served
548
By Angels numberless, thy daily train.
550
Into the heart of Eve his words made way,
551
Though at the voice much marvelling. At length,
552
Not unamazed, she thus in answer spoke:
553
"What may this mean? Language of man pronounced
554
By tongue of brute, and human sense expressed?
555
The first, at least, of these I thought denied
556
To beasts, whom God, on their creation-day,
557
Created mute to all articulate sound.
558
The latter I demur, 4959 for in their looks
559
Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears.
560
Thee, serpent, subtlest beast of all the field
561
I knew, but not with human voice endued.
562
Redouble then this miracle, and say
564
To me so friendly grown above the rest
565
Of brutal kind, that daily are in sight?
566
Say, for such wonder 4962 claims attention due.
567
To whom the guileful Tempter thus replied:
568
"Empress of this fair world, resplendent Eve!
569
Easy to me it is to tell thee all
570
What thou command'st, and right thou should'st be obeyed.
571
I was at first as other beasts that graze
572
The trodden herb, of abject 4963 thoughts and low,
573
As was my food, nor aught but food discerned,
574
Or sex, and apprehended nothing high.
575
Till on a day, roving the field, I chanced
576
A goodly tree far distant to behold,
577
Loaden with fruit of fairest colors mixed,
578
Ruddy and gold. I nearer drew to gaze,
579
When from the boughs a savory odor blown,
580
Grateful 4964 to appetite, more pleased my sense
581
Than smell of sweetest fennel,4965 or the teats
582
Of ewe or goat dropping with milk at ev'n,4966
583
Unsucked of lamb or kid, that tend 4967 their play.
584
To satisfy the sharp desire I had
585
Of tasting those fair apples, I resolved
586
Not to defer. Hunger and thirst at once,
587
Powerful persuaders, quick'ned at the scent
588
Of that alluring4968 fruit, urged me so keen.
589
About the mossy trunk I wound me soon,4969
590
For high from ground the branches would require
591
Thy utmost reach, or Adam's. Round the tree
592
All other beasts that saw, with like desire
593
Longing and envying stood, but could not reach.
594
Amid the tree now got, where plenty hung
595
Tempting so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill
596
I spared not, for such pleasure till that hour,
597
At feed 4970 or fountain never had I found.
598
Sated at length, ere long I might 4971 perceive
599
Strange alteration in me, to degree
600
Of reason in my inward powers, and speech
602
Thenceforth to speculations high or deep
603
I turned my thoughts, and with capacious mind
604
Considered all things visible in Heav'n,
605
Or earth, or middle, 4974 all things fair and good.
606
But all that fair and good in thy divine
607
Semblance, and in thy beauty's Heav'nly ray,
608
United I beheld: no fair to thine
609
Equivalent or second! Which compelled
610
Me thus, though importune4975 perhaps, to come
611
And gaze, and worship thee of right declared
612
Sov'reign of creatures, universal Dame!"4976
613
So talked the spirited 4977 sly snake, and Eve,
614
Yet more amazed, unwary thus replied:
615
"Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt
617
But say, where grows the tree? from hence how far?
618
For many are the trees of God that grow
619
In Paradise, and various, yet unknown
620
To us. In such abundance lies our choice,
621
As leaves a greater store of fruit untouched,
622
Still hanging incorruptible, till men
623
Grow up to their provision,4980 and more hands
624
Help to disburden Nature of her birth." 4981
625
To whom the wily adder, blithe and glad:
626
"Empress, the way is ready, and not long.
627
Beyond a row of myrtles, on a flat,4982
628
Fast 4983 by a fountain, one small thicket past
629
Of blowing myrrh and balm. If thou accept
630
My conduct,4984 I can bring thee thither soon.
631
"Lead then," said Eve. He, leading, swiftly rolled
632
In tangles, and made intricate seem straight,
633
To mischief swift. Hope elevates, and joy
634
Bright'ns his crest, as when a wand'ring fire,
636
Condenses, and the cold environs4987 round,
637
Kindled through agitation4988 to a flame,
638
Which oft, they say, some evil Spirit attends,4989
639
Hovering and blazing with delusive light,
640
Misleads th' amazed night-wanderer from his way
641
To bogs and mires, and oft through pond or pool,
642
There swallowed up and lost, from succor far.
643
So glistered the dire snake, and into fraud
644
Led Eve, our credulous mother, to the tree
645
Of prohibition,4990 root of all our woe,
646
Which when she saw, thus to her guide she spoke:
647
"Serpent, we might have spared our coming hither,
648
Fruitless4991 to me, though fruit be here to excess,
649
The credit 4992 of whose virtue rest with thee,
650
Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects.
651
But of this tree we may not taste nor touch.
652
God so commanded, and left that command
653
Sole daughter 4993 of His voice. The rest, we live
654
Law to ourselves. Our reason is our law.
655
To whom the Tempter guilefully replied:
656
"Indeed! Hath God then said that of the fruit
657
Of all these garden-trees ye shall not eat,
658
Yet lords declared of all in earth or air?
659
To whom thus Eve, yet sinless:
"Of the fruit
660
Of each tree in the garden we may eat,
661
But of the fruit of this fair tree amidst
662
The garden, God hath said, 'Ye shall not eat
663
Thereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
664
She scarce had said, though brief, when now more bold
665
The Tempter, but with show of zeal and love
666
To man, and indignation at his wrong,
669
Raised as of some great matter to begin.4999
670
As when of old some orator renowned,
671
In Athens or free Rome, where eloquence
672
Flourished, since mute! to some great cause addressed,5000
673
Stood in himself collected, while each part,
674
Motion, each act, won audience ere the tongue,
675
Sometimes in height began, as no delay
676
Of preface brooking, through his zeal of right.5001
677
So standing, moving, or to height up grown,
678
The Tempter, all impassioned, thus began:
679
"O sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant,
680
Mother of science! 5002 Now I feel thy power
681
Within me clear, not only to discern
682
Things in their causes, but to trace the ways
684
Queen of this universe! Do not believe
685
Those rigid threats of death. Ye shall not die.
686
How should you? By the fruit? It gives you life
687
To knowledge. By the threat'ner?5005 Look on me,
688
Me, who have touched and tasted, yet both live,
689
And life more perfect have attained than Fate
690
Meant me, by vent'ring5006 higher than my lot.
691
Shall that be shut to man, which to the beast
692
Is open? Or will God incense5007 His ire
693
For such a petty trespass? and not praise
694
Rather your dauntless virtue, whom the pain
695
Of death denounced,5008 whatever thing death be,
696
Deterred not from achieving what might lead
697
To happier life, knowledge of good and evil?
698
Of good, how just? Of evil, if what is evil
699
Be real, why not known, since easier shunned?
700
God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just---
701
Not just, not God. Not feared then, nor obeyed:
702
Your fear itself of death removes the fear.
703
Why then was this forbid? Why but to awe?
704
Why but to keep ye low and ignorant,
705
His worshippers? He knows that in the day
706
Ye eat thereof, your eyes that seem so clear,
707
Yet are but dim, shall perfectly be then
708
Op'ned and cleared, and ye shall be as gods,
709
Knowing both good and evil, as they know.
710
That ye should be as gods, since I as man,
711
Internal man, is but proportion meet---5009
712
I of brute, human; ye of human, gods.
713
So ye shall die, perhaps, by putting off
714
Human, to put on gods---death to be wished,
715
Though threat'ned, which no worse than this can bring.
716
And what are gods, that man may not become
717
As they, participating 5010 godlike food?
718
The gods are first, and that advantage use5011
719
On our belief that all from them proceeds.
720
I question it, for this fair earth I see,
721
Warmed by the sun, producing every kind,
722
Them5012 nothing. If they all things, who enclosed
723
Knowledge of good and evil in this tree,
724
That whoso eats thereof, forthwith attains
725
Wisdom without their leave? And wherein lies
726
Th' offence, that man should thus attain to know?
727
What can your knowledge hurt Him, or this tree
728
Impart against His will, if all be His?
729
Or is it envy? and can envy dwell
730
In Heav'nly breasts? These, these, and many more
732
Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste!
733
He ended, and his words replete5015 with guile
734
Into her heart too easy entrance won.
735
Fixed on the fruit she gazed, which to behold
736
Might tempt alone, 5016 and in her ears the sound
737
Yet rung of his persuasive words, impregned5017
738
With reason (to her seeming) and with truth.
739
Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked
740
An eager appetite, raised by the smell
741
So savory of that fruit, which with desire,
742
Inclinable5018 now grown to touch or taste,
743
Solicited 5019 her longing eye. Yet first
744
Pausing a while, thus to herself she mused:
745
"Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits,
746
Though kept from man, and worthy to be admired,
747
Whose taste, too long forborn, at first assay5020
748
Gave elocution5021 to the mute, and taught
749
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise.
750
Thy praise He also, who forbids thy use,
751
Conceals not from us, naming thee the Tree
752
Of Knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil,
753
Forbids us then to taste! But His forbidding
754
Commends thee more, while it infers the good
755
By thee communicated, and our want.5022
756
For good unknown sure is not had or, had
757
And yet unknown, is as not had at all.
758
In plain5023 then, what forbids He but to know,
759
Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise?
760
Such prohibitions bind not. But if death
761
Bind us with after-bands, what profits then
762
Our inward freedom? In the day we eat
763
Of this fair fruit, our doom is, we shall die!
764
How dies the serpent? He hath eaten and lives,
765
And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discerns,
766
Irrational5024 till then. For us alone
767
Was death invented? Or to us denied
768
This intellectual food, for beasts reserved?
769
For beasts it seems. Yet that one beast which first
770
Hath tasted envies not, but brings with joy
771
The good befall'n him, author unsuspect,5025
772
Friendly to man, far from deceit or guile.
773
What fear I then? Rather, what know to fear
774
Under this ignorance of good and evil,
775
Of God or death, of law or penalty?
776
Here grows the cure of all, this fruit divine,
777
Fair to the eye, inviting to the taste,
778
Of virtue to make wise. What hinders then
779
To reach, and feed at once both body and mind?"
780
So saying, her rash hand in evil hour
781
Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she ate!5026
782
Earth felt the wound, and Nature from her seat,
783
Sighing through all her works, gave signs of woe,
784
That all was lost. Back to the thicket slunk
785
The guilty 5027 serpent, and well might, for Eve,
786
Intent now wholly on her taste, nought else
787
Regarded.5028 Such delight till then, as seemed,
788
In fruit she never tasted, whether true
789
Or fancied so, through expectation high
790
Of knowledge, nor was godhead from her thought.
791
Greedily she ingorged without restraint,
792
And knew not eating death. Satiate at length,
793
And heightened as with wine, jocund and boon,5029
794
Thus to herself she pleasingly began:
795
"O sov'reign, virtuous, precious of all trees
796
In Paradise! Of operation5030 blest
799
Created. But henceforth my early care,
800
Not without song, each morning, and due praise,
801
Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease
802
Of thy full branches offered free to all,
803
Till dieted 5036 by thee I grow mature
804
In knowledge, as the gods, who all things know,
805
Though others envy what they cannot give---
806
For had the gift been theirs, it had not here
807
Thus grown. Experience, next, to thee I owe,
808
Best guide. Not following thee, I had remained
809
In ignorance. Thou op'nest wisdom's way,
810
And giv'st access, though secret she retire.
811
And I perhaps am secret.5037 Heav'n is high,
812
High and remote to see from thence distinct
813
Each thing on earth. And other care perhaps
814
May have diverted from continual watch
815
Our great Forbidder, safe with all His spies
816
About him. But to Adam in what sort5038
817
Shall I appear? Shall I to him make known
818
As yet my change, and give him to partake5039
819
Full happiness with me, or rather not,
820
But keep the odds of knowledge in my power
821
Without copartner? So to add what wants5040
822
In female sex, the more to draw his love,
823
And render me more equal, and perhaps,
824
A thing not undesirable, sometime
825
Superior---for inferior, who is free?
826
This may be well. But what if God have seen,
827
And death ensue?5041 Then I shall be no more!
828
And Adam, wedded to another Eve,
829
Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct:
830
A death to think! 5042 Confirmed then I resolve,
831
Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe!
832
So dear I love him, that with him all deaths
833
I could endure, without him live no life."
834
So saying, from the tree her step she turned,
835
But first low reverence done, as to the power
836
That dwelt within, whose presence had infused
837
Into the plant sciential 5043 sap, derived
838
From nectar, drink of gods. Adam the while,
839
Waiting desirous her return, had wove
840
Of choicest flow'rs a garland, to adorn
841
Her tresses, and her rural labors crown,
842
As reapers oft are wont their harvest-queen.
843
Great joy he promised to his thoughts, and new
844
Solace in her return, so long delayed,
845
Yet oft his heart, divine5044 of something ill,
847
And forth to meet her went, the way she took
848
That morn when first they parted. By the Tree
849
Of Knowledge he must pass. There he her met,
850
Scarce from the tree returning, in her hand
851
A bough of fairest fruit, that downy smiled,
852
New gathered, and ambrosial smell diffused.
853
To him she hasted. In her face excuse
854
Came prologue,5048 and apology too prompt,
856
"Hast thou not wondered, Adam, at my stay?
857
Thee I have missed, and thought it long, deprived5051
858
Thy presence. Agony of love till now
859
Not felt, nor shall be twice, for never more
860
Mean I to try, what rash untried I sought,
861
The pain of absence from thy sight. But strange
862
Hath been the cause, and wonderful to hear.
863
This tree is not, as we are told, a tree
864
Of danger tasted, nor to evil unknown
865
Op'ning the way, but of divine effect
866
To open eyes, and make them gods who taste,
867
And hath been tasted such. The serpent wise,
868
Or not restrained as we, or not obeying,
869
Hath eaten of the fruit, and is become---
870
Not dead, as we are threat'ned, but thenceforth
871
Endued5052 with human voice and human sense,
872
Reasoning to admiration,5053 and with me
873
Persuasively hath so prevailed, that I
874
Have also tasted, and have also found
875
Th' effects to correspond.5054 Opener mine eyes,
876
Dim erst, dilated 5055 spirits, ampler heart,
877
And growing up to godhead---which for thee
878
Chiefly I sought---without thee can despise.
880
Tedious, unshared with thee, and odious soon.
881
Thou therefore also taste, that equal lot5058
882
May join us, equal joy, as equal love,
883
Lest thou not tasting, different degree
884
Disjoin us, and I then too late renounce
88
Deity for thee, when Fate will not permit."
886
Thus Eve with count'nance blithe5059 her story told,
887
But in her cheek distemper5060 flushing glowed.
888
On th' other side Adam, soon as he heard
889
The fatal trespass done by Eve, amazed,
891
Ran through his veins, and all his joints relaxed.5063
892
From his slack hand the garland wreathed for Eve
893
Down dropped, and all the faded roses shed.5064
894
Speechless he stood and pale, till thus at length
895
First to himself he inward silence broke:
896
"O fairest of Creation, last and best
897
Of all God's works, creature in whom excelled
898
Whatever can to sight or thought be formed,
899
Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet!
900
How art thou lost! How on a sudden lost,
901
Defaced, deflow'red, and now to death devote! 5065
902
Rather, how hast thou yielded to transgress
903
The strict forbiddance, how to violate
904
The sacred fruit forbidden! Some cursèd fraud
905
Of enemy hath beguiled thee, yet unknown,
906
And me with thee hath ruined, for with thee
907
Certain my resolution is to die!
908
How can I live without thee? How forego
909
Thy sweet converse,5066 and love so dearly joined,
910
To live again in these wild woods forlorn?5067
911
Should God create another Eve, and I
912
Another rib afford, yet loss of thee
913
Would never 5068 from my heart. No, no, I feel
914
The link of Nature draw me. Flesh of flesh,
915
Bone of my bone thou art, and from thy state5069
916
Mine never shall be parted, bliss or woe."
917
So having said, as one from sad dismay
918
Recomforted,5070 and after thoughts disturbed
919
Submitting to what seemed remediless,
920
Thus in calm mood his words to Eve he turned:
921
"Bold deed thou hast presumed, advent'rous Eve,
922
And peril great provoked, who thus hast dared,
923
Had it been only coveting to eye
924
That sacred fruit, sacred to abstinence,
925
Much more to taste it under ban to touch.
926
But past who can recall, or done undo?
927
Not God Omnipotent, nor Fate. Yet so
928
Perhaps thou shalt not die, perhaps the fact
930
Profaned5073 first by the serpent, by him first
932
Nor yet on him found deadly. Yet he lives,
933
Lives, as thou said'st, and gains to live, as man,
934
Higher degree of life---inducement strong
935
To us, as likely tasting to attain
936
Proportional ascent, which cannot be
937
But to be gods, or Angels, demi-gods.
938
Nor can I think that God, Creator wise,
939
Though threat'ning, will in earnest so destroy
940
Us His prime creatures, dignified so high,
941
Set over all His works, which in our fall,
942
For us created, needs with us must fail,
943
Dependent made. So God shall uncreate,
944
Be frustrate, do, undo, and labor lose---
945
Not well conceived of God, who though His power
946
Creation could repeat, yet would be loath
947
Us to abolish, lest the adversary
948
Triumph, and say: 'Fickle their state whom God
949
Most favors. Who can please Him long? Me first
950
He ruined, now mankind. Whom will He next?'
951
Matter of scorn, not to be giv'n the foe.
952
However, I with thee have fixed my lot,
954
Consort5078 with thee, death is to me as life,
955
So forcible 5079 within my heart I feel
956
The bond of Nature draw me to my own,
957
My own in thee, for what thou art is mine,
958
Our state cannot be severed. We are one,
959
One flesh. To lose thee were to lose myself."
960
So Adam, and thus Eve to him replied:
961
"O glorious trial of exceeding5080 love,
962
Illustrious evidence,5081 example high!
963
Engaging me to emulate. But short 5082
964
Of thy perfection, how shall I attain,5083
965
Adam, from whose dear side I boast me sprung,
966
And gladly of our union hear thee speak,
967
One heart, one soul in both---whereof good proof
968
This day affords, declaring thee resolved,
969
Rather than death, or aught than death more dread,
970
Shall separate us, linked in love so dear,
971
To undergo with me one guilt, one crime,
972
If any be, of tasting this fair fruit,
973
Whose virtue, for of good still good proceeds,
974
Direct, or by occasion,5084 hath presented
975
This happy trial of thy love, which else
976
So eminently 5085 never had been known?
978
This my attempt, I would sustain5089 alone
979
The worst, and not persuade thee, rather die
980
Deserted, than oblige thee with a fact 5090
981
Pernicious5091 to thy peace, chiefly assured
982
Remarkably so late5092 of thy so true,
983
So faithful, love unequalled. But I feel
984
Far otherwise th' event. Not death, but life
985
Augmented, opened eyes, new hopes, new joys,
986
Taste so divine, that what of sweet before
987
Hath touched my sense, flat seems to this, and harsh.
988
On my experience, Adam, freely taste,
989
And fear of death deliver to the winds.
990
So saying, she embraced him, and for joy
991
Tenderly wept, much won5093 that he his love
992
Had so ennobled, as of choice to incur
993
Divine displeasure for her sake, or death.
994
In recompence ( for such compliance bad,
995
Such recompence best merits) from the bough
996
She gave him of that fair enticing fruit
997
With liberal hand. He scrupled not to eat,
998
Against his better knowledge, not deceived,
999
But fondly5094 overcome with female charm.
1000
Earth trembled from her entrails, as again
1001
In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan,
1002
Sky loured 5095 and, muttering thunder, some sad drops
1003
Wept at completing5096 of the mortal sin
1004
Original 5097 ---while Adam took no thought,
1005
Eating his fill, nor Eve to iterate5098
1006
Her former trespass feared, the more to soothe
1007
Him with her loved society, that now,
1008
As with new wine intoxicated both,
1009
They swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel
1010
Divinity within them breeding wings
1011
Wherewith to scorn the earth. But that false fruit
1012
Far other operation5099 first displayed,
1013
Carnal desire inflaming. He on Eve
1014
Began to cast lascivious eyes, she him
1015
As wantonly repaid. In lust they burn,
1016
Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance5100 move:
1017
"Eve, now I see thou art exact 5101 of taste,
1019
Since to each meaning savor 5105 we apply,
1021
Yield thee, so well this day thou hast purveyed.5108
1022
Much pleasure we have lost, while we abstained
1023
From this delightful fruit, nor known till now
1024
True relish,5109 tasting. If such pleasure be
1025
In things to us forbidden, it might be wished
1026
For this one tree had been forbidden ten.
1027
But come, so well refreshed, now let us play,
1028
As meet is, after such delicious fare,
1029
For never did thy beauty, since the day
1030
I saw thee first and wedded thee, adorned
1031
With all perfections, so inflame my sense
1032
With ardor to enjoy thee, fairer now
1034
So said he, and forbore not glance or toy 5112
1035
Of amorous intent, well understood
1036
Of Eve, whose eye darted contagious fire.
1037
Her hand he seized, and to a shady bank,
1038
Thick overhead with verdant roof embow'red,
1039
He led her, nothing loath. Flow'rs were the couch,
1040
Pansies, and violets, and asphodel,
1041
And hyacinth, earth's freshest softest lap.5113
1042
There they their fill of love and love's disport 5114
1043
Took largely, 5115 of their mutual guilt the seal,
1044
The solace of their sin, till dewy5116 sleep
1045
Oppressed 5117 them, wearied with their amorous play.
1046
Soon as the force of that fallacious5118 fruit,
1047
That with exhilarating vapor bland 5119
1048
About their spirits had played, and inmost powers
1049
Made err, was now exhaled, and grosser sleep,
1050
Bred of unkindly5120 fumes, with conscious dreams
1051
Encumbered,5121 now had left them, up they rose
1052
As from unrest 5122 and, each the other viewing,
1053
Soon found their eyes how opened, and their minds
1054
How darkened. Innocence, that as a veil
1055
Had shadowed them from knowing ill, was gone,
1057
And honor, from5125 about them, naked left
1058
To guilty shame. He covered,5126 but his robe
1059
Uncovered more. So rose the Danite5127 strong,
1060
Herculean Samson, from the harlot-lap
1062
Shorn of his strength. They destitute and bare
1063
Of all their virtue, silent, and in face
1064
Confounded,5130 long they sat, as stricken mute,
1065
Till Adam, though not less than Eve abashed,
1066
At length gave utterance to these words constrained:5131
1067
"O Eve, in evil hour thou did'st give ear
1068
To that false worm, of whomsoever taught
1069
To counterfeit man's voice, true in our fall,
1070
False in our promised rising, since our eyes
1071
Op'ned we find, indeed, and find we know
1072
Both good and evil---good lost, and evil got!
1073
Bad fruit of knowledge, if this be to know,
1074
Which leaves us naked thus, of honor void,
1075
Of innocence, of faith, of purity,
1076
Our wonted 5132 ornaments now soiled and stained,
1077
And in our faces evident the signs
1079
Ev'n shame, the last 5135 of evils. Of the first
1080
Be sure then. How shall I behold the face
1081
Henceforth of God or Angel, erst with joy
1082
And rapture so oft beheld? Those Heav'nly shapes
1083
Will dazzle now this earthly with their blaze
1084
Insufferably bright. O! might I here
1085
In solitude live savage, in some glade
1086
Obscured,5136 where highest woods, impenetrable
1087
To star or sunlight, spread their umbrage5137 broad
1088
And brown as evening. Cover me, ye pines!
1089
Ye cedars, with innumerable boughs
1090
Hide me, where I may never see them5138 more!
1091
"But let us now, as in bad plight,5139 devise
1092
What best may for the present serve to hide
1093
The parts of each from other, that seem most
1095
Some tree, whose broad smooth leaves together sewed,
1096
And girded on our loins, may cover round
1097
Those middle parts, that this newcomer, shame,
1098
There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.
1099
So counselled he, and both together went
1100
Into the thickest wood. There soon they chose
1101
The fig-tree---not that kind for fruit renowned,
1102
But such5142 as at this day, to Indians known,
1104
Branching so broad and long, that in the ground
1105
The bended twigs take root, and daughters grow
1106
About the mother tree, a pillared shade
1107
High over-arched, and echoing walks between.
1108
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat,
1109
Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds
1110
At loop-holes cut through thickest shade. Those leaves
1111
They gathered, broad as Amazonian targe5145
1112
And, with what skill they had, together sewed,
1113
To gird their waist---vain covering, if to hide
1114
Their guilt and dreaded shame! O how unlike
1115
To that first naked glory! Such of late
1116
Columbus found th'American, so girt5146
1117
With feathered cincture, 5147 naked else, and wild
1118
Among the trees on isles and woody shores.
1119
Thus fenced 5148 and, as they thought, their shame in part
1120
Covered, but not at rest or ease of mind,
1121
They sat them down to weep, nor only tears
1122
Rained at their eyes, but high winds worse within
1123
Began to rise, high passions, anger, hate,
1124
Mistrust, suspicion, discord, and shook sore
1125
Their inward state of mind, calm region once
1126
And full of peace, now tossed and turbulent,
1127
For understanding ruled not, and the will
1129
To sensual appetite, who from beneath
1130
Usurping over sov'reign reason claimed
1133
Speech intermitted 5156 thus to Eve renewed:
1134
"Would thou had'st hearkened to my words, and stayed
1135
With me, as I besought 5157 thee, when that strange
1136
Desire of wand'ring, this unhappy morn,
1137
I know not whence possessed thee. We had then
1138
Remained still happy---not, as now, despoiled5158
1139
Of all our good, shamed, naked, miserable!
1140
Let none henceforth seek needless causet' approve
1141
The faith they owe!5159 When earnestly they seek
1142
Such proof, conclude they then begin to fail."
1143
To whom, soon5160 moved with touch of blame, thus Eve:
1144
"What words have passed thy lips, Adam severe!
1145
Imput'st thou that to my default, or will
1146
Of wand'ring, as thou call'st it, which who knows
1147
But might as ill have happened thou being by---
1148
Or to thyself perhaps? Had'st thou been there,
1149
Or here th' attempt, thou could'st not have discerned
1150
Fraud in the serpent, speaking as he spoke.
1151
No ground of enmity between us known,
1152
Why he should mean me ill, or seek to harm?
1153
Was I t' have never parted from thy side?
1154
As good have grown there still, a lifeless rib.
1155
Being as I am, why did'st not thou, the head,
1156
Command me absolutely not to go,
1157
Going into such danger as thou said'st?
1160
Had'st thou been firm and fixed in thy dissent,
1161
Neither had I transgressed, nor thou with me.
1162
To whom, then first incensed, Adam replied:
1163
"Is this the love, is this the recompence
1164
Of mine to thee, ungrateful Eve! expressed
1165
Immutable, 5165 when thou wert lost, not I,
1166
Who might have lived, and joyed 5166 immortal bliss,
1167
Yet willingly chose rather death with thee?
1168
And am I now upbraided as the cause
1169
Of thy transgressing? Not enough severe,
1170
It seems, in thy restraint. What could I more?
1171
I warned thee, I admonished thee, foretold
1172
The danger, and the lurking enemy
1173
That lay in wait. Beyond this had been force,
1174
And force upon free will hath here no place.
1175
But confidence then bore thee on, secure5167
1176
Either to meet no danger, or to find
1178
I also erred, in overmuch admiring
1179
What seemed in thee so perfect that I thought
1180
No evil durst attempt thee. But I rue5170
1181
The error now, which is become my crime,
1182
And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall5171
1183
Him who, to worth in women overtrusting,
1184
Lets her will 5172 rule. Restraint she will not brook
1185
And left t' herself, if evil thence ensue, 5173
1186
She first his weak indulgence will accuse.
1187
Thus they in mutual accusation spent
1188
The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning,
1189
And of their vain contest 5174 appeared no end.
The End of the Ninth Book
Man's transgression known, the Guardian Angels forsake Paradise, and return up to Heaven to approve5175 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.
Satan arrives at Pandemonium, 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 show 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.
2
Of Satan, done in Paradise, and how
3
He, in the serpent, had perverted 5178 Eve,
4
Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit,
5
Was known in Heav'n, for what can 'scape the eye
6
Of God all-seeing, or deceive His heart
7
Omniscient? Who, in all things wise and just,
8
Hindered not Satan to attempt the mind
9
Of man, with strength entire5179 and free will armed,
10
Complete to have discovered and repulsed
11
Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend.
13
The high injunction not to taste that fruit,
14
Whoever tempted, which they not obeying,
15
Incurred (what could they less?) the penalty
16
And, manifold 5182 in sin, deserved to fall.
17
Up into Heav'n from Paradise in haste
18
The Angelic guards ascended, mute, and sad
19
For man, for of his state by this they knew,
20
Much wond'ring how the subtle fiend had stol'n
21
Entrance unseen. Soon as th' unwelcome news
22
From earth arrived at Heaven-gate, displeased
23
All were who heard. Dim sadness did not spare,
24
That time, celestial visages, yet mixed
25
With pity violated 5183 not their bliss.
26
About the new-arrived in multitudes
27
The ethereal people ran, to hear and know
28
How all befell.5184 They towards the Throne Supreme
30
With righteous5187 plea their utmost vigilance,
31
And easily approved,5188 when the Most High
32
Eternal Father, from His secret cloud,
33
Amidst in thunder, uttered thus His voice:
34
"Assembled Angels, and ye Powers returned
35
From unsuccessful charge, 5189 be not dismayed,
36
Nor troubled at these tidings from the earth,
37
Which your sincerest5190 care could not prevent,
39
When first this Tempter crossed the gulf from Hell.
40
I told ye then he should prevail, and speed 5193
41
On his bad errand. Man should 5194 be seduced
42
And flattered out of all, believing lies
43
Against his Maker, no decree of mine
44
Concurring to necessitate his fall
46
His free will, to her 5197 own inclining left
47
In ev'n scale. But fall'n he is. And now
49
On his transgression, death denounced 5202 that day,
50
Which he presumes already vain and void
51
Because not yet inflicted, as he feared,
52
By some immediate stroke, but soon shall find
54
Justice shall not return as bounty scorned.5205
55
But whom send I to judge them? Whom but thee,
56
Vice-gerent5206 Son? To thee I have transferred
57
All judgment, whether in Heav'n, or earth, or Hell.
58
Easy it may be seen that I intend
59
Mercy colleague5207 with justice, sending thee
60
Man's friend, his mediator, his designed 5208
61
Both ransom and redeemer voluntary,
62
And destined, man himself, to judge man fallen.
63
So spoke the Father and, unfolding bright
64
Toward the right hand His glory, on the Son
65
Blazed forth unclouded Deity. He full
66
Resplendent all his Father manifest
67
Expressed, and thus divinely answered mild:
68
"Father Eternal, Thine is to decree,
69
Mine, both in Heav'n and earth, to do Thy will
70
Supreme, that Thou in me, Thy Son beloved,
71
May'st ever rest well pleased. I go to judge
72
On earth these Thy transgressors, but Thou know'st,
73
Whoever judged, the worst on me must light,5209
74
When time shall be, for so I undertook
75
Before Thee, and not repenting, this obtain5210
77
On me derived.5213 Yet I shall temper so
78
Justice with mercy, as may illustrate5214 most
81
Are to behold the judgment but the judged,
83
Convict 5221 by flight, and rebel to all law.
85
Thus saying, from his radiant seat he rose
86
Of high collateral 5224 glory. Him Thrones, and Powers,
87
Princedoms, and Dominations ministrant 5225
88
Accompanied to Heaven-gate, from whence
89
Eden, and all the coast, in prospect lay.
90
Down he descended straight: the speed of gods
91
Time counts not, though with swiftest minutes winged.
92
Now was the sun in western cadence5226 low
93
From noon, and gentle airs, due at their hour,
94
To fan the earth now waked, and usher in
95
The ev'ning cool, when He, from wrath more cool,
96
Came the mild Judge and Intercessor5227 both,
97
To sentence man. The voice of God they heard
98
Now walking in the garden, by soft winds
99
Brought to their ears, while day decline. They heard,
100
And from His presence hid themselves among
101
The thickest trees, both man and wife, till God,
102
Approaching, thus to Adam called aloud:
103
"Where art thou, Adam, wont with joy to meet
104
My coming seen far off? I miss thee here,
105
Not pleased, thus entertained 5228 with solitude,
106
Where obvious duty erewhile appeared unsought.
108
Absents thee, or what chance detains? Come forth.
109
He came, and with him Eve, more loath, though first
111
Love was not in their looks, either to God
112
Or to each other, but apparent5233 guilt,
113
And shame, and perturbation, and despair,
114
Anger, and obstinacy, and hate, and guile.
115
Whence Adam, falt'ring long, thus answered brief:
116
"I heard Thee in the garden, and of Thy voice
117
Afraid, being naked hid myself." To whom
118
The gracious Judge, without revile, 5234 replied:
119
"My voice thou oft hast heard, and hast not feared,
120
But still rejoiced, How is it now become
121
So dreadful to thee? That thou art naked, who
122
Hath told thee? Hast thou eaten of the tree
123
Whereof I gave thee charge5235 thou should'st not eat?
124
To whom thus Adam sore beset 5236 replied:
125
"O Heav'n! In evil strait 5237 this day I stand
126
Before my Judge, either to undergo5238
127
Myself the total crime, or to accuse
128
My other self, the partner of my life,
129
Whose failing, while her faith to me remains,
130
I should conceal, and not expose to blame
131
By my complaint. But strict necessity
132
Subdues me, and calamitous5239 constraint,
133
Lest on my head both sin and punishment,
134
However insupportable, 5240 be all
135
Devolved.5241 Though should I hold my peace, yet Thou
136
Would'st easily detect what I conceal.
137
"This woman, whom Thou mad'st to be my help,
138
And gav'st me as Thy perfect gift, so good,
139
So fit, so acceptable, 5242 so divine,
140
That from her hand I could suspect no ill,
141
And what she did, whatever in itself,
142
Her doing seemed to justify the deed.
143
She gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
144
To whom the sov'reign Presence thus replied:
145
"Was she thy God, that her thou did'st obey
146
Before His voice? Or was she made thy guide,
148
Thou did'st resign thy manhood, and the place
149
Wherein God set thee above her, made of thee
150
And for thee, whose perfection far excelled
152
She was indeed, and lovely, to attract
153
Thy love, not thy subjection, and her gifts
154
Were such, as under government5247 well seemed,
155
Unseemly 5248 to bear rule, which was thy part
156
And person,5249 had'st thou known thyself aright.
157
So having said, He thus to Eve in few:
158
"Say, woman, what is this which thou hast done?
159
To whom sad Eve, with shame nigh overwhelmed,
160
Confessing soon,5250 yet not before her Judge
161
Bold or loquacious,5251 thus abashed replied:
162
"The serpent me beguiled, and I did eat.
163
Which when the Lord God heard, without delay
164
To judgment He proceeded on th' accused
165
Serpent (though brute, unable to transfer
166
The guilt on him who made him instrument
167
Of mischief, and polluted from the end5252
168
Of his creation), justly then accursed,
169
As vitiated5253 in Nature. More to know
170
Concerned not man (since he no further knew)
171
Nor altered his offense. Yet God at last5254
172
To Satan ( first in sin) his doom5255 applied,
173
Though in mysterious5256 terms, judged
174
And on the serpent thus His curse let fall:
175
"Because thou hast done this, thou art accursed
176
Above all cattle, 5257 each beast of the field.
177
Upon thy belly groveling thou shalt go,
178
And dust shalt eat all the days of thy life.
179
Between thee and the woman I will put
180
Enmity, and between thine and her seed.
181
Her seed shall bruise5258 thy head, thou bruise his heel.
182
So spoke this oracle, then verified
183
When Jesus, Son of Mary, second Eve,
184
Saw Satan fall, like lightning, down from Heav'n,
185
Prince of the air. Then rising from his5259 grave
186
Spoiled 5260 Principalities and Powers, triumphed
187
In open show5261 and, with ascension bright,
188
Captivity led captive through the air,
189
The realm itself of Satan, long usurped,5262
190
Whom he 5263 shall tread at last under our feet,
192
And to the woman thus His sentence turned:
193
"Thy sorrow I will greatly multiply
194
By thy conception.5267 Children thou shalt bring
195
In sorrow forth, and to thy husband's will
196
Thine shall submit. He over thee shall rule.
197
On Adam last thus judgment He pronounced:
198
"Because thou hast heark'ned to the voice of thy wife,
199
And eaten of the tree, concerning which
200
I charged thee, saying, 'Thou shalt not eat thereof,
201
Cursed is the ground for thy sake. Thou in sorrow
202
Shalt eat thereof all the days of thy life.
203
Thorns also and thistles it shall bring thee forth
204
Unbid,5268 and thou shalt eat th' herb of the field.
205
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,
206
Till thou return unto the ground, for thou
207
Out of the ground wast taken: know thy birth,
208
For dust thou art, and shalt to dust return.
209
So judged He man, both Judge and Savior sent,
210
And th' instant stroke of death denounced 5269 that day,
211
Removed far off. Then pitying how they stood
212
Before Him, naked to the air, that now
213
Must suffer change, disdained not to begin
214
Thenceforth the form of servant to assume,
215
As when He washed His servant's feet. So now,
216
As Father of His family, He clad
217
Their nakedness with skins of beasts, or slain,
219
And thought not much5272 to clothe His enemies.
220
Nor He their outward only with the skins
221
Of beasts, but inward nakedness, much more
222
Opprobrious,5273 with His robe of righteousness
223
Arraying, covered from His Father's sight.
224
To Him with swift ascent he up returned,
225
Into His blissful bosom reassumed
226
In glory, as of old. To Him appeased,5274
227
All (though all-knowing) what had passed with man
228
Recounted, mixing intercession sweet.
229
Meanwhile, ere thus was sinned and judged on earth,
230
Within the gates of Hell sat Sin and Death,
231
In counterview5275 within the gates, that now
232
Stood open wide, belching outrageous5276 flame
233
Far into Chaos, since the fiend passed through,
234
Sin opening, 5277 who thus now to Death began:
235
"O son, why sit we here, each other viewing
236
Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives
237
In other worlds, and happier seat5278 provides
238
For us, his offspring dear? It cannot be
239
But that success attends him. If mishap,
240
Ere this he had returned, with fury driv'n
241
By his avengers, since no place like this
242
Can fit his punishment, or their revenge.
243
Methinks I feel new strength within me rise,
245
Beyond this deep. Whatever draws me on,5281
247
Powerful 5285 at greatest distance to unite,
248
With secret amity, things of like kind,
249
By secretest conveyance. Thou, my shade
250
Inseparable, must with me along,
251
For Death from Sin no power can separate.
252
But lest the difficulty of passing back
253
Stay his return, perhaps, over this gulf 5286
254
Impassable, impervious,5287 let us try
255
Advent'rous5288 work, yet to thy power and mine
256
Not unagreeable, to found 5289 a path
257
Over this main5290 from Hell to that new world
258
Where Satan now prevails, a monument
259
Of merit high to all th' infernal host,
260
Easing their passage hence, for intercourse5291
261
Or transmigration, as their lot shall lead.
262
Nor can I miss5292 the way, so strongly drawn
263
By this new-felt attraction and instinct.
264
Whom thus the meager shadow answered soon:
265
"Go whither Fate and inclination strong
266
Leads thee. I shall not lag behind, nor err5293
267
The way, thou leading---such a scent I draw5294
268
Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste5295
269
The savor of death from all things there that live.
270
Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest5296
271
Be wanting, 5297 but afford thee equal aid.
272
So saying, with delight he snuffed the smell
273
Of mortal 5298 change on earth. As when a flock
274
Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote,
275
Against the day of battle, to a field
276
Where armies lie encamped, come flying, lured
277
With scent of living carcasses designed
278
For death the following day, in bloody fight,
279
So scented the grim feature, 5299 and upturned
280
His nostril wide into the murky air,
281
Sagacious5300 of his quarry from so far.
282
Then both from out Hell-gates, into the waste,
283
Wide anarchy of Chaos, damp and dark,
284
Flew diverse, 5301 and with power (their power was great)
286
Solid or slimy, as in raging sea
287
Tossed up and down, together crowded drove,
288
From each side shoaling5304 towards the mouth of Hell,
289
As when two polar winds, blowing adverse
290
Upon the Cronian5305 sea, together drive
292
Beyond Petsora5308 eastward, to the rich
294
Death with his mace petrific,5311 cold and dry,
295
As with a trident,5312 smote, and fixed as firm
296
As Delos,5313 floating once. The rest his look
298
And with asphaltic5316 slime, broad as the gate,
299
Deep to the roots of Hell the gathered beach5317
301
Over the foaming deep high-arched, a bridge
302
Of length prodigious, joining to the wall
304
Forfeit5322 to Death. From hence a passage broad,
305
Smooth, easy, inoffensive, 5323 down to Hell.
306
So (if great things to small may be compared)
307
Xerxes,5324 the liberty of Greece to yoke,
308
From Susa,5325 his Memnonian palace high,
309
Came to the sea, and over Hellespont 5326
310
Bridging his way, Europe with Asia joined,
311
And scourged 5327 with many a stroke th' indignant waves.
312
Now had they brought the work by wondrous art
314
Over the vexed 5330 abyss, following the track
315
Of Satan to the self-same place where he
317
From out of Chaos, to the outside bare
318
Of this round world. With pins of adamant
319
And chains they made all fast---too fast they made
320
And durable! And now in little space
321
The confines5333 met of empyrean Heav'n
322
And of this world, and on the left hand Hell
324
In sight, to each of these three places led.
325
And now their way to earth they had descried,5337
326
To Paradise first tending 5338 ---when, behold!
327
Satan, in likeness of an Angel bright,
328
Betwixt the Centaur and the Scorpion steering
330
Disguised he came, but those his children dear
331
Their parent soon discerned,5341 though in disguise.
332
He, after Eve seduced, unminded5342 slunk
333
Into the wood fast by and, changing shape
334
T' observe the sequel, saw his guileful act
335
By Eve, though all unweeting, 5343 seconded
336
Upon her husband, saw their shame that sought
337
Vain covertures,5344 but when he saw descend
338
The Son of God to judge them, terrified
339
He fled, not hoping to escape, but shun
340
The present, fearing, guilty, what His5345 wrath
341
Might suddenly inflict. That past, returned 5346
342
By night, and list'ning where the hapless5347 pair
343
Sat in their sad discourse and various plaint,
344
Thence gathered his own doom, which understood
345
Not instant, but of future time. With joy
346
And tidings fraught,5348 to Hell he now returned,
347
And at the brink of Chaos, near the foot
348
Of this new wondrous pontifice, unhoped
349
Met who to meet him came, his offspring dear.
350
Great joy was at their meeting, and at sight
351
Of that stupendious bridge his joy increased.
352
Long he admiring stood, till Sin, his fair
353
Enchanting daughter, thus the silence broke:
354
"O parent, these are thy magnific deeds,
355
Thy trophies! which thou view'st as not thine own.
356
Thou art their author and prime architect,
357
For I no sooner in my heart divined
358
(My heart, which by a secret harmony
359
Still moves with thine, joined in connection sweet)
360
That thou on earth had'st prospered, which thy looks
361
Now also evidence, but straight I felt
362
(Though distant from thee worlds between), yet felt
363
That I must after5349 thee, with this thy son,
365
Hell could no longer hold us in our bounds,
366
Nor this unvoyageable gulf obscure
367
Detain from following thy illustrious track.
368
Thou hast achieved our liberty, confined
369
Within Hell-gates till now. Thou us empowered
370
To fortify5352 thus far, and overlay,
371
With this portentous5353 bridge, the dark abyss.
372
Thine now is all this world. Thy virtue hath won
373
What thy hands builded not, thy wisdom gained
374
With odds5354 what war hath lost, and fully avenged
375
Our foil 5355 in Heav'n. Here thou shalt monarch reign,
376
There did'st not. There let Him still victor sway, 5356
377
As battle hath adjudged, from this new world
379
And henceforth monarchy with thee divide
380
Of all things, parted by the empyreal bounds,
382
Or try5361 thee, now more dang'rous to His throne.
383
Whom thus the Prince of darkness answered glad:
384
"Fair daughter, and thou son and grandchild both:
385
High proof ye now have giv'n to be the race
386
Of Satan (for I glory in the name,
387
Antagonist of Heaven's Almighty King)
388
Amply have merited of me, of all
389
Th' infernal empire, that so near Heav'n's door
390
Triumphal with triumphal act have met,
391
Mine5362 with this glorious work, and made one realm,
392
Hell and this world, one realm, one continent
393
Of easy thoroughfare. Therefore, while I
394
Descend through darkness, on your road with ease,
395
To my associate Powers, them to acquaint
396
With these successes, and with them rejoice,
397
You two this way, among these numerous orbs,
398
All yours, right down to Paradise descend.
399
There dwell, and reign in bliss, thence on the earth
400
Dominion exercise and in the air,
401
Chiefly on man, sole lord of all declared.
402
Him first make sure your thrall,5363 and lastly kill.
403
My substitutes I send ye, and create
404
Plenipotent5364 on earth, of matchless might
405
Issuing from me. On your joint vigor now
406
My hold of this new kingdom all depends,
408
If your joint power prevail, th' affairs of Hell
409
No detriment5367 need fear. Go, and be strong!
410
So saying he dismissed them. They with speed
411
Their course through thickest constellations held,
414
Then suffered. Th' other way Satan went down
415
The causey5373 to Hell-gate. On either side
417
And with rebounding surge the bars5376 assailed,
418
That scorned his indignation. Through the gate,
419
Wide open and unguarded, Satan passed,
420
And all about found desolate, for those
421
Appointed to sit there had left their charge,
422
Flown to the upper world. The rest were all
423
Far to the inland retired,5377 about the walls
424
Of Pandemonium, city and proud seat
425
Of Lucifer, so by allusion called
426
Of that bright star to Satan paragoned.5378
427
There kept their watch the legions, while the grand
428
In council sat, solicitous5379 what chance
430
Departing gave5382 command, and they observed.
431
As when the Tartar from his Russian foe
432
By Astrakhan5383 over the snowy plains
433
Retires, or Bactrin Sophi,5384 from the horns
434
Of Turkish crescent, leaves all waste beyond
435
The realm of Aladule, 5385 in his retreat
438
Many a dark league, reduced 5391 in careful watch
439
Round their metropolis, and now expecting
440
Each hour their great adventurer, from the search
441
Of foreign worlds. He through the midst unmarked,5392
443
Of lowest order, passed, and from the door
444
Of that Plutonian hall, invisible
445
Ascended his high throne, which under state5396
446
Of richest texture spread, at th' upper end
447
Was placed in regal luster. Down a while
448
He sat, and round about him saw unseen.
449
At last, as from a cloud, his fulgent5397 head
450
And shape star-bright appeared, or brighter, clad
451
With what permissive glory since his fall
452
Was left him, or false glitter. All amazed
453
At that so sudden blaze, the Stygian5398 throng
455
Their mighty chief returned. Loud was th' acclaim!
456
Forth rushed in haste the great consulting peers,
457
Raised from their dark divan,5401 and with like joy
458
Congratulant approached him, who with hand
459
Silence, and with these words attention won:
460
"Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers!
461
For in possession such, not only of right,
462
I call ye and declare ye now, returned
463
Successful beyond hope, to lead ye forth
464
Triumphant out of this infernal pit
465
Abominable, accursed, the house of woe
466
And dungeon of our tyrant. Now possess,
467
As lords, a spacious world, t' our native Heav'n
468
Little inferior, by my adventure hard
469
With peril great achieved. Long were to tell
470
What I have done, what suffered, with what pain
471
Voyaged th' unreal,5402 vast, unbounded deep
472
Of horrible confusion, over which
473
By Sin and Death a broad way now is paved,
474
To expedite your glorious march. But I
476
The untractable5405 abyss, plunged in the womb
477
Of unoriginal 5406 Night and Chaos wild
478
That, jealous of their secrets, fiercely opposed
479
My journey strange, 5407 with clamorous uproar
480
Protesting Fate supreme. Thence how I found
481
The new created world, which fame5408 in Heav'n
482
Long had foretold, a fabric 5409 wonderful
483
Of absolute5410 perfection, therein man
484
Placed in a Paradise, by our exile
485
Made happy. Him by fraud I have seduced 5411
486
From his Creator and, the more to increase
488
Offended (worth your laughter!) hath given up
489
Both His belovèd man and all his world
490
To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us,
491
Without our hazard, labor, or alarm,5414
492
To range5415 in, and to dwell, and over man
493
To rule, as over all He should have ruled.
494
"True is, me also He hath judged, or rather
495
Me not, but the brute serpent in whose shape
496
Man I deceived. That which to me belongs
497
Is enmity, which He will put between
498
Me and mankind. I am to bruise5416 his heel.
499
His seed (when is not set5417 ) shall bruise my head.
500
A world who would not purchase with a bruise,
501
Or much more grievous pain?
"Ye have th' acc
502
Of my performance. What remains, ye Gods,
503
But up, and enter now into full bliss?
504
So having said, a while he stood, expecting
505
Their universal shout and high applause
506
To fill his ear---when, contrary, he hears
507
On all sides, from innumerable tongues,
508
A dismal universal hiss, the sound
509
Of public scorn. He wondered, but not long
510
Had leisure, wond'ring at himself now more.
511
His visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare;
512
His arms clung to his ribs, his legs entwining
513
Each other, till supplanted 5418 down he fell,
514
A monstrous serpent on his belly prone,
515
Reluctant,5419 but in vain. A greater power
516
Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned,
517
According to his doom.5420 He would have spoke,
518
But hiss for hiss returned with forkèd tongue
519
To forkèd tongue, for now were all transformed
520
Alike, to serpents all, as accessories
522
Of hissing through the hall, thick swarming now
523
With complicated 5423 monsters head and tail,
524
Scorpion, and asp, and amphisbaena5424 dire,
526
And dipsas5428 (not so thick swarmed once the soil
527
Bedropped with blood of Gorgon,5429 or the isle
528
Ophiusa),5430 but still greatest he the midst,
529
Now dragon grown, larger than whom5431 the sun
531
Huge python, and his 5434 power no less he seemed
532
Above the rest still to retain. They all
533
Him followed, issuing forth to th' open field,
534
Where all yet left of that revolted rout,5435
536
Sublime5438 with expectation when to see
537
In triumph issuing forth their glorious chief.
538
They saw, but other sight instead! a crowd
539
Of ugly serpents. Horror on them fell,
540
And horrid sympathy, for what they saw
541
They felt themselves now changing. Down their arms,
542
Down fell both spear and shield, down they as fast,
543
And the dire hiss renewed, and the dire form
545
As in their crime. Thus was th' applause they meant
546
Turned to exploding hiss, triumph to shame
547
Cast on themselves from their own mouths.
There stood
548
A grove hard by, sprung up with5441 this their change
549
(His will who reigns above, to aggravate5442
550
Their penance), laden with fair fruit, like that
551
Which grew in Paradise, the bait of Eve
552
553
Their earnest eyes they fixed, imagining
554
For one forbidden tree a multitude
555
Now ris'n, to work them further woe or shame.
556
Yet parched with scalding thirst and hunger fierce,
557
Though to delude them sent, could not abstain,
558
But on they rolled in heaps, and up the trees
559
Climbing, sat thicker than the snaky locks
560
That curled Megaera.5445 Greedily they plucked
561
The fruitage fair to sight, like that which grew
563
This more delusive, not the touch, but taste
564
Deceived. They fondly5448 thinking to allay
565
Their appetite with gust,5449 instead of fruit
566
Chewed bitter ashes, which th' offended taste
567
With spattering noise rejected. Oft they assayed,
568
Hunger and thirst constraining, drugged 5450 as oft,
569
With hatefullest disrelish5451 writhed their jaws,
570
With soot and cinders filled. So oft they fell
571
Into the same illusion, not as man
573
And worn with famine, 5454 long and ceaseless hiss,
574
Till their lost shape, permitted, they resumed,
575
Yearly enjoined, some say, to undergo
576
This annual humbling certain5455 numbered days,
577
To dash5456 their pride and joy for man seduced.
579
Among the heathen, of their purchase5459 got,
580
And fabled how the serpent, whom they called
582
Encroaching Eve, 5462 perhaps), had first the rule
583
Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driv'n
585
Meanwhile in Paradise the hellish pair
586
Too soon arrived, Sin there in power before,
588
Habitual habitant; behind her Death,
589
Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet
590
On his pale horse. 5467 To whom Sin thus began:
591
"Second of Satan sprung, all-conquering Death!
592
What think'st thou of our empire now, though earned
593
With travel difficult, not better far
594
Than still at Hell's dark threshold to have sat watch,
595
Unnamed, undreaded, and thyself half starved?
596
Whom thus the Sin-born monster answered soon:5468
597
"To me, who with eternal famine pine, 5469
598
Alike is Hell, or Paradise, or Heaven---
599
There best, where most with ravine5470 I may meet,
600
Which here, though plenteous, all too little seems
602
To whom th' incestuous mother thus replied:
603
"Thou therefore on these herbs, and fruits, and flow'rs
604
Feed first. On each beast next, and fish, and fowl---
605
No homely 5473 morsels! And whatever thing
606
The scythe of Time mows down, devour unspared,5474
607
Till I, in man residing through the race,
608
His thoughts, his looks, words, actions, all infect,
609
And season him thy last and sweetest prey.
610
This said, they both betook them several 5475 ways,
611
Both to destroy, or unimmortal make
612
All kinds, and for destruction to mature5476
613
Sooner or later. Which th'Almighty seeing,
614
From His transcendent seat the Saints among,
615
To those bright orders uttered thus His voice:
616
"See with what heat these dogs of Hell advance
618
So fair and good created, and had still
619
Kept in that state, had not the folly of man
620
Let in these wasteful Furies, who impute5479
621
Folly to me! So doth the Prince of Hell
622
And his adherents, that with so much ease
623
I suffer 5480 them to enter and possess
624
A place so Heav'nly, and conniving5481 seem
625
To gratify 5482 my scornful enemies,
626
That laugh, as if transported 5483 with some fit
627
Of passion, I to them had quitted5484 all,
628
At random5485 yielded up to their misrule,
629
And know not that I called, and drew them thither,
630
My Hell-hounds, to lick up the draff 5486 and filth
631
Which man's polluting sin with taint hath shed
634
Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son,
635
Both Sin and Death, and yawning5495 grave at last
636
Through Chaos hurled, obstruct 5496 the mouth of Hell
637
Forever, and seal up his ravenous jaws.
638
Then Heav'n and earth renewed shall be made pure
639
To sanctity5497 that shall receive no stain:
640
Till then, the curse pronounced on both precedes."5498
641
He ended, and the Heav'nly audience loud
642
Sung Hallelujah, as5499 the sound of seas,
643
Through multitude that sung:
"Just are Thy way
644
Righteous are Thy decrees on all Thy works.
646
Destined Restorer of mankind, by whom
647
New Heav'n and earth shall to the ages rise,
648
Or down from Heav'n descend.
Such was their song,
649
While the Creator, calling forth by name
650
His mighty Angels, gave them several charge5502
651
As sorted 5503 best with present things. The sun
652
Had first his precept 5504 so to move, so shine,
653
As might affect the earth with cold and heat
654
Scarce tolerable, and from the north to call
655
Decrepit 5505 winter, from the south to bring
657
Her office they prescribed; to th' other five5508
658
Their planetary motions, and aspects,5509
660
Of noxious5514 efficacy, and when to join
662
Their influence malignant when to shower,
663
Which of them rising with the sun, or falling,
664
Should prove tempestuous.5517 To the winds they set
666
Sea, air, and shore; the thunder when to roll
667
With terror through the dark aereal hall.
668
Some say He bid his Angels turn askance5521
669
The poles of earth, twice ten degrees and more
670
From the sun's axle. They with labor pushed
672
Was bid turn reins from th' equinoctial 5525 road
677
As deep as Capricorn, to bring in change
678
Of seasons to each clime. Else 5535 had the Spring
679
Perpetual smiled on earth with vernant 5536 flowers,
680
Equal in days and nights, except to those
681
Beyond the polar circles: to them day
682
Had unbenighted 5537 shone, while the low sun,
683
To recompense5538 his distance, in their sight
684
Had rounded still the horizon, and not known
685
Or east or west, which had forbid the snow
686
From cold Estotiland,5539 and south as far
688
The sun, as from Thyestean banquet,5542 turned
689
His course intended: else how had the world
690
Inhabited,5543 though sinless more than now,
691
Avoided pinching5544 cold and scorching heat?
692
These changes in the heav'ns, though slow, produced
694
Vapor, and mist, and exhalation hot,
695
Corrupt and pestilent. Now from the north
697
Bursting their brazen dungeon,5549 armed with ice,
698
And snow, and hail, and stormy gust and flaw, 5550
700
And Thrascias,5554 rend the woods, and seas upturn.
701
With adverse 5555 blast upturns them from the south
707
Outrage5567 from lifeless things, but Discord first,
708
Daughter of Sin, among th' irrational 5568
709
Death introduced, through fierce antipathy. 5569
710
Beast now with beast 'gan war, and fowl with fowl,
711
And fish with fish. To graze the herb all leaving, 5570
712
Devoured each other, nor stood much in awe
713
Of man, but fled him or, with count'nance grim,5571
714
Glared on him passing.
These were from without5572
715
The growing miseries, which Adam saw
716
Already in part, though hid in gloomiest shade,
717
To sorrow abandoned, but worse felt within,
718
And in a troubled sea of passion tossed,
719
Thus to disburden sought5573 with sad complaint:
720
"O miserable of 5574 happy! Is this the end
721
Of this new glorious world, and me so late5575
722
The glory of that glory, who now become
723
Accursed, of 5576 blessèd? Hide me from the face
724
Of God, whom to behold was then my height
725
Of happiness! Yet well,5577 if here would end
726
The misery. I deserved it, and would 5578 bear
727
My own deservings. But this will not serve:5579
728
All that I eat or drink, or shall beget,
729
Is propagated 5580 curse. O voice, once heard
730
Delightfully, 'Increase and multiply,
731
Now death to hear! For what can I increase
732
Or multiply, but curses on my head?
733
Who of all ages to succeed,5581 but feeling
734
The evil on him brought by me, will curse
735
My head? 'Ill fare our ancestor impure,
736
For this we may thank Adam!' But his thanks
737
Shall be the execration.5582 So, besides
740
On me, as on their natural center, light 5587
741
Heavy, though in their place. 5588 O fleeting joys
742
Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes!
743
Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay
744
To mould me man? Did I solicit Thee
745
From darkness to promote5589 me, or here place
746
In this delicious5590 garden? As my will
747
Concurred 5591 not to my being, it were but right
748
And equal to reduce me to my dust,
749
Desirous to resign5592 and render back
750
All I received, unable to perform
751
Thy terms too hard, by which I was to hold
752
The good I sought not. To the loss of that,
753
Sufficient penalty: why hast Thou added
754
The sense of endless woes? Inexplicable
755
Thy Justice seems. Yet to say truth, too late
756
I thus contest. Then should have been refused
757
Those terms whatever, when they were proposed.
759
Then cavil 5595 the conditions? And though God
761
Prove disobedient, and reproved, retort,
762
'Wherefore did'st thou beget me? I sought it not.
763
Would'st thou admit 5598 for his contempt of thee
764
That proud excuse? Yet him not thy election5599
765
But natural necessity begot.5600
766
God made thee of choice His own, and of His own
767
To serve Him: thy reward was of His grace,
768
Thy punishment then justly is at His will.
769
"Be it so, for I submit: His doom5601 is fair,
770
That dust I am, and shall to dust return.
771
O welcome hour whenever! Why delays
772
His hand to execute what His decree
774
Why am I mocked with death, and lengthened out
775
To deathless pain? How gladly would I meet
776
Mortality, my sentence, and be earth
777
Insensible!5605 How glad would lay me down
778
As in my mother's lap! There I should rest,
779
And sleep secure. 5606 His dreadful voice no more
780
Would thunder in my ears. No fear of worse
781
To me, and to my offspring, would torment me
782
With cruel expectation.
"Yet one doubt
783
Pursues me still, lest all 5607 I cannot die,
784
Lest that pure breath of life, the spirit of man
785
Which God inspired, cannot together perish
786
With this corporeal clod.5608 Then in the grave,
787
Or in some other dismal place, who knows
788
But I shall die a living death? O thought
789
Horrid, if true! Yet why? It was but breath
790
Of life that sinned. What dies but what had life
791
And sin? The body properly had neither.
792
All of me then shall die: let this appease5609
793
The doubt, since human reach no further knows.
794
For though the Lord of all be infinite,
795
Is His wrath also? Be it, man is not so,
796
But mortal doomed.5610 How can He exercise
797
Wrath without end on man, whom death must end?
798
Can He make deathless death? That were to make
799
Strange contradiction, which to God Himself
801
Of weakness, not of power. Will He draw out,
802
For anger's sake, finite to infinite,
803
In punished man, to satisfy His rigor, 5613
804
Satisfied never? That were to extend
805
His sentence beyond dust and Nature's law,
806
By which all causes else, 5614 according still
808
Not to th' extent of their own sphere.
"But say
809
That death be not one stroke, as I supposed,
810
Bereaving5617 sense, but endless misery
811
From this day onward, which I feel begun
813
To perpetuity. Aye me, that fear
814
Comes thundering back with dreadful revolution5620
815
On my defenceless head. Both Death and I
816
Am found eternal, and incorporate 5621 both,
817
Nor I on my part single. 5622 In me all
818
Posterity stands cursed: fair patrimony
819
That I must leave ye, sons. O were I able
820
To waste5623 it all myself, and leave ye none!
821
So disinherited, how would you bless
822
Me, now your curse! Ah, why should all mankind,
823
For one man's fault, thus guiltless be condemned---
824
If guiltless? But from me what can proceed,
825
But all corrupt, both mind and will depraved5624
826
Not to do only, but to will the same
827
With5625 me? How can they then acquitted stand
828
In sight of God? Him after all disputes,
829
Forced 5626 I absolve. All my evasions vain,
830
And reasonings, though through mazes, lead me still
831
But to my own conviction: first and last
832
On me, me only, as the source and spring
833
Of all corruption, all the blame lights5627 due.
835
That burden, heavier than the earth to bear,
836
Than all the world much heavier, though divided 5630
837
With that bad woman?5631 Thus what thou desir'st,
838
And what thou fear'st, alike destroys all hope
839
Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable
840
Beyond all past example and future.
842
O Conscience! Into what abyss of fears
843
And horrors hast thou5634 driv'n me, out of which
844
I find no way, from deep to deeper plunged!
845
Thus Adam to himself lamented loud
846
Through the still night---not now, as ere5635 man fell,
847
Wholesome, and cool, and mild, but with black air
848
Accompanied, with damps,5636 and dreadful gloom,
850
All things with double terror. On the ground
851
Outstretched he lay, on the cold ground, and oft
852
Cursed his creation, Death as oft accused
853
Of tardy execution, since denounced5639
854
The day of his offence. "Why comes not Death,
855
Said he, "with one thrice-acceptable5640 stroke
856
To end me? Shall truth fail to keep her word,
857
Justice Divine not hasten to be just?
858
But Death comes not at call, Justice Divine
859
Mends5641 not her slowest pace for prayers or cries.
860
O woods, O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bow'rs!
861
With other echo late 5642 I taught your shades
862
To answer, and resound 5643 far other song!
863
Whom thus afflicted when sad Eve beheld,
864
Desolate where she sat, approaching nigh
865
Soft words to his fierce passion she assayed,5644
866
But her with stern regard he thus repelled:
867
"Out of my sight, thou serpent! That name best
870
Like his, and color serpentine, may show
871
Thy inward fraud, to warn all creatures from thee
872
Henceforth, lest that too Heav'nly form, pretended5649
873
To hellish falsehood, snare them! But 5650 for thee
875
And wand'ring 5653 vanity, when least was safe,
876
Rejected my forewarning and disdained
877
Not to be trusted---longing to be seen,
878
Though by the Devil himself, him overweening5654
879
To over-reach,5655 but with the serpent meeting
880
Fooled and beguiled. By him, thou, I by thee.
881
To trust thee from my side, imagined 5656 wise,
882
Constant, mature, proof against all assaults,
883
And understood not 5657 all was but a show
884
Rather than solid virtue, all but a rib
885
Crookèd by nature, bent, as now appears,
887
Well if thrown out, as supernumerary5660
888
To my just number found.5661 O why did God,
889
Creator wise, that peopled highest Heav'n
890
With Spirits masculine, create at last
891
This novelty on earth, this fair defect
892
Of Nature, and not fill the world at once
893
With men, as5662 Angels without feminine,
894
Or find some other way to generate5663
895
Mankind? This mischief had not been befallen,5664
896
And more that shall befall, innumerable
897
Disturbances on earth through female snares,
898
And strait conjunction5665 with this sex. For either
899
He never shall find out fit 5666 mate, but such
900
As some misfortune brings him, or mistake,
901
Or whom5667 he wishes most shall seldom gain,
902
Through her perverseness,5668 but shall see her gained
904
By parents, or his happiest choice too late
905
Shall meet, already linked and wedlock-bound
907
Which infinite calamity shall cause
908
To human life, and household peace confound."5673
909
He added not, and from her turned, but Eve,
910
Not so5674 repulsed, with tears that ceased not flowing
911
And tresses all disordered, at his feet
912
Fell humble and, embracing them, besought5675
913
His peace, 5676 and thus proceeded in her plaint:
914
"Forsake5677 me not thus, Adam! Witness Heav'n
915
What love sincere, and reverence in my heart
916
I bear thee, and unweeting5678 have offended,
917
Unhappily deceived! Thy suppliant
918
I beg, and clasp thy knees. Bereave5679 me not
920
Thy counsel, in this uttermost 5682 distress,
923
While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps,
924
Between us two let there be peace, both joining,
925
As joined in injuries, one enmity
926
Against a foe by doom express5687 assigned us,
927
That cruel serpent. On me exercise not
928
Thy hatred for this misery befall'n,
929
On me already lost, me than thyself
930
More miserable! Both have sinned, but thou
931
Against God only, I against God and thee,
932
And to the place of judgment will return,
933
There with my cries importune Heav'n that all
934
The sentence, from thy head removed, may light5688
935
On me, sole cause to thee of all this woe
936
Me, me only, just object of His ire!
938
Immoveable, 5691 till peace obtained from fault
940
Commiseration.5694 Soon his heart relented
941
Towards her, his life so late, 5695 and sole delight,
942
Now at his feet submissive in distress,
943
Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking,
944
His counsel, whom she had displeased, his aid.
945
As one disarmed, his anger all he lost,
946
And thus with peaceful words upraised her soon:5696
947
"Unwary, and too desirous, as before,
948
So now of what thou know'st not, who desir'st
949
The punishment all on thyself! Alas!
950
Bear thine own first, ill able to sustain
951
His full wrath, whose thou feel'st as yet least part,
952
And my displeasure bear'st so ill. If prayers
953
Could alter high decrees, I to that place
954
Would speed before thee, and be louder heard,
955
That on my head all might be visited,
958
But rise, let us no more contend,5701 nor blame
959
Each other, blamed enough elsewhere, but strive
960
In offices5702 of love, how we may lighten
961
Each other's burden in our share of woe,
963
Will prove no sudden but a slow-paced evil,
964
A long day's dying, to augment our pain,
965
And to our seed (O hapless Seed!) derived."5705
966
To whom thus Eve, recovering heart, replied:
967
"Adam, by sad experiment I know
968
How little weight my words with thee can find,
969
Found so erroneous, thence by just event 5706
970
Found so unfortunate. Nevertheless,
971
Restored by thee, vile as I am, to place
972
Of new acceptance, hopeful to regain
973
Thy love, the sole contentment of my heart
974
Living or dying, from thee I will not hide
975
What thoughts in my unquiet breast are ris'n,
976
Tending to some relief of our extremes,
977
Or end, though sharp and sad, yet tolerable,
978
As in our evils, and of easier choice.
979
If care of our descent perplex us most,
980
Which must be born to certain woe, devoured
981
By Death at last (and miserable it is
982
To be to others cause of misery,
983
Our own begotten, and of our loins to bring
984
Into this cursèd world a woeful race,
985
That after wretched life must be at last
986
Food for so foul a monster), in thy power
987
It lies, yet ere conception, to prevent
988
The race unblest, to being yet unbegot.
989
Childless thou art: childless remain. So Death
990
Shall be deceived 5707 his glut, and with us two
991
Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw.
992
But if thou judge it hard and difficult,
993
Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain
994
From love's due5708 rites, nuptial embraces sweet,
995
And with desire to languish5709 without hope,
996
Before the present object 5710 languishing
997
With like desire, which would be misery
998
And torment less than none of what we dread,
999
Then both ourselves and seed at once to free
1000
From what we fear for both, let us make short 5711 ---
1001
Let us seek Death, or he not found, supply
1002
With our own hands his office5712 on ourselves.
1003
Why stand we longer shivering under fears
1004
That show no end but death, and have the power
1005
Of many ways to die the shortest choosing,
1006
Destruction with destruction to destroy?
1007
She ended here, or vehement 5713 despair
1008
Broke off the rest: so much of death her thoughts
1009
Had entertained 5714 as dyed her cheeks with pale.
1010
But Adam, with such counsel nothing swayed,5715
1011
To better hopes his more attentive5716 mind
1012
Laboring had raised, and thus to Eve replied:
1013
"Eve, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems
1014
To argue in thee something more sublime
1015
And excellent than what thy mind contemns.5717
1016
But self-destruction therefore sought refutes
1017
That excellence thought in thee, and implies,
1018
Not thy contempt, but anguish and regret
1019
For loss of life and pleasure overloved.
1020
Or if thou covet death, as utmost end
1021
Of misery, so thinking to evade
1022
The penalty pronounced, doubt not but God
1023
Hath wiselier armed His vengeful ire, than so
1024
To be forestalled. Much more I fear lest death,
1025
So snatched, will not exempt us from the pain
1026
We are by doom5718 to pay. Rather, such acts
1027
Of contumacy5719 will provoke the Highest
1028
To make death in us live. Then let us seek
1029
Some safer resolution, which methinks
1030
I have in view, calling to mind with heed
1031
Part of our sentence, that thy seed shall bruise5720
1032
The serpent's head. Piteous amends! unless
1033
Be meant, whom I conjecture, our grand foe,
1034
Satan, who in the serpent hath contrived
1035
Against us this deceit. To crush his head
1036
Would be revenge indeed! Which will be lost
1037
By death brought on ourselves, or childless days
1039
Shall 'scape his punishment ordained, and we
1040
Instead shall double ours upon our heads.
1041
No more be mentioned then of violence
1042
Against ourselves, and wilful barrenness,
1043
That cuts us off from hope, and savors5723 only
1045
Reluctance5726 against God and His just yoke
1046
Laid on our necks. Remember with what mild
1047
And gracious temper He both heard and judged,
1048
Without wrath or reviling. We expected
1049
Immediate dissolution,5727 which we thought
1050
Was meant by death that day, when lo, to thee
1051
Pains only in child-bearing were foretold,
1052
And bringing forth, soon recompensed with joy,
1053
Fruit of thy womb. On me the curse aslope5728
1054
Glanced5729 on the ground: with labor I must earn
1055
My bread. What harm? Idleness had been worse.
1056
My labor will sustain me and, lest cold
1057
Or heat should injure us, His timely5730 care
1058
Hath, unbesought, provided, and His hands
1059
Clothed us unworthy, pitying while He judged.
1060
How much more, if we pray Him, will His ear
1061
Be open, and His heart to pity incline,
1062
And teach us further by what means to shun
1063
Th' inclement5731 seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow,
1064
Which now the sky, with various5732 face, begins
1065
To show us in this mountain, while the winds
1066
Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks
1067
Of these fair spreading trees---which bids us seek
1068
Some better shroud,5733 some better warmth to cherish
1070
Leave cold the night, how we his gathered beams
1072
Or, by collision of two bodies, grind 5738
1076
Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine
1077
And sends a comfortable heat from far,
1078
Which might supply the sun. Such fire to use,
1079
And what may else be remedy or cure
1080
To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought,
1081
He will instruct us, praying,5745 and of grace
1082
Beseeching Him, so as we need not fear
1083
To pass commodiously5746 this life, sustained
1084
By Him with many comforts, till we end
1085
In dust, our final rest and native home.
1086
What better can we do than, to the place
1087
Repairing5747 where He judged us, prostrate fall
1088
Before Him reverent, and there confess
1089
Humbly our faults, and pardon beg, with tears
1090
Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air
1091
Frequenting,5748 sent from hearts contrite, in sign
1092
Of sorrow unfeigned and humiliation5749 meek?
1093
Undoubtedly He will relent and turn
1094
From His displeasure, in whose look serene,
1095
When angry most He seemed, and most severe,
1096
What else but favor, grace, and mercy shone?"
1097
So spoke our father penitent, nor Eve
1098
Felt less remorse. They forthwith to the place
1099
Repairing where He judged them, prostrate fell
1100
Before Him reverent, and both confessed
1101
Humbly their faults, and pardon begged, with tears
1102
Watering the ground, and with their sighs the air
1103
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign
1104
Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek.
The End of the Tenth Book
The son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first parents, now repenting, and intercedes for them. God accepts them,5750 but declares they5751 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.
1
Thus they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood
2
Praying, for from the mercy-seat 5752 above
3
Prevenient5753 grace descending had removed
4
The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh
5
Regenerate5754 grow instead, that sighs now breathed
6
Unutterable,5755 which the spirit of prayer
7
Inspired, and winged for Heav'n with speedier flight
8
Than loudest oratory. Yet their port5756
9
Not of mean5757 suitors, nor important less
10
Seemed their petition than when the ancient pair
11
In fables old, less ancient yet than these,
13
The race of mankind drowned,5760 before the shrine
14
Of Themis5761 stood devout. To Heav'n their prayers
15
Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds
17
Dimensionless5764 through Heav'nly doors, then clad
18
With incense, where the golden altar fumed5765
20
Before the Father's throne. Them the glad Son
21
Presenting, thus to intercede began:
22
"See, Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung
23
From Thy implanted grace in man! These sighs
24
And prayers, which in this golden censer5768 mixed
25
With incense, I Thy priest, before Thee bring,
26
Fruits of more pleasing savor ( from Thy seed,
27
Sown with contrition in his heart) than those
28
Which, his own hand manuring,5769 all the trees
29
Of Paradise could have produced, ere fall'n
30
From innocence. Now therefore bend Thine ear
31
To supplication. Hear his sighs, though mute.
32
Unskilful with what words to pray, let me
33
Interpret for him---me, his advocate
34
And propitiation.5770 All his works on me,
36
Shall perfect, and for these 5773 my death shall pay.
37
Accept me5774 and, in me, from these receive
38
The smell of peace toward mankind. Let him live
39
Before Thee reconciled, at least his days
40
Numbered, though sad, till death, his doom (which I
41
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse),
42
To better life shall yield him, where with me
43
All my redeemed may dwell in joy and bliss,
44
Made one with me, as I with Thee am one."
45
To whom the Father, without cloud,5775 serene:
46
"All thy request for man, accepted, Son,
47
Obtain. All thy request was my decree.
48
But longer in that Paradise to dwell
49
The law I gave to Nature him5776 forbids.
50
Those pure immortal elements that know
51
No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul,
52
Eject him, tainted now, and purge him off5777
53
As a distemper,5778 gross---to air as gross,
54
And mortal food---as may dispose him5779 best
55
For dissolution, wrought by sin, that first
56
Distempered all things, and of incorrupt
57
Corrupted. I, at first, with two fair gifts
58
Created him endowed: with happiness
61
Till I provided death. So death becomes
62
His final remedy and, after life
64
By faith and faithful works, to second life,
65
Waked in the renovation5786 of the just,
66
Resigns5787 him up with Heav'n and earth renewed.
67
"But let us call to synod all the Blest
68
Through Heav'n's wide bounds. From them I will not hide
69
My judgments, how with mankind I proceed,
71
And in their state,5790 though firm, stood more confirmed."
72
He ended, and the Son gave signal high
73
To the bright minister that watched. He blew
74
His trumpet, heard in Oreb5791 since perhaps
75
When God descended, and perhaps once more
76
To sound at general doom.5792 The Angelic blast
77
Filled all the regions. From their blissful bow'rs
78
Of amarantine5793 shade, fountain or spring,
79
By the waters of life, where'er they sat
80
In fellowships of joy, the sons of light
81
Hasted, resorting 5794 to the summons high,
82
And took their seats, till from His throne supreme
83
Th' Almighty thus pronounced His sov'reign will:
84
"O Sons, like one of us man is become
85
To know both good and evil, since his taste
86
Of that defended5795 fruit. But let him boast
87
His knowledge of good lost, and evil got,
88
Happier, had it sufficed him to have known
89
Good by itself, and evil not at all.
90
He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite,
92
His heart I know,5798 how variable and vain,
93
Self-left.5799 Lest therefore his now bolder hand
94
Reach also of the Tree of Life, and eat,
95
And live forever---dream at least to live
96
Forever---to remove him I decree,
97
And send him from the Garden forth to till
98
The ground whence he was taken: fitter soil.
99
"Michael, this my behest5800 have thou in charge.
100
Take to thee from among the Cherubim
101
Thy choice of flaming warriors, lest the fiend,
102
Or in5801 behalf of man, or to invade
103
Vacant possession,5802 some new trouble raise.
104
Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God
105
Without remorse5803 drive out the sinful pair,
106
From hallowed ground th' unholy, and denounce5804
107
To them, and to their progeny, from thence
108
Perpetual banishiment. Yet, lest they faint5805
110
(For I behold them softened, and with tears
111
Bewailing their excess), all terror hide.
112
If patiently thy bidding they obey,
113
Dismiss them not disconsolate.5808 Reveal
114
To Adam what shall come in future days,
115
As I shall thee enlighten; intermix5809
116
My cov'nant in the Woman's seed renewed.
117
So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace,
118
And on the east side of the garden place,
119
Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs,
120
Cherubic watch, and of a sword the flame
121
Wide-waving, all approach far off to fright,
122
And guard all passage to the Tree of Life,
123
Lest Paradise a receptacle5810 prove
124
To Spirits foul, and all my trees their prey,
125
With those stolen fruit man once more to delude."
126
He ceased, and th' Arch-Angelic Power prepared
127
For swift descent, with him the cohort 5811 bright
128
Of watchful Cherubim. Four faces each
129
Had, like a double Janus,5812 all their shape
130
Spangled with eyes more numerous than those
131
Of Argus,5813 and more wakeful than to drowse,
132
Charmed with Arcadian pipe, the pastoral reed
134
To re-salute the world with sacred light,
136
The earth, when Adam and first matron Eve
137
Had ended now their orisons,5818 and found
138
Strength added from above, new hope to spring
139
Out of despair, joy, but with fear yet linked,
140
Which thus to Eve his5819 welcome words renewed:
141
"Eve, easily may faith admit that all
142
The good which we enjoy from Heav'n descends;
143
But that from us aught should ascend to Heav'n
144
So prevalent5820 as to concern the mind
145
Of God high-blest, or to incline His will,
146
Hard to belief may seem, yet this will5821 prayer
147
Or one short sigh of human breath, upborne
148
Ev'n to the seat of God. For since I sought
149
By prayer th' offended5822 Deity to appease,
150
Kneeled and before Him humbled all my heart,
151
Methought I saw him placable5823 and mild,
152
Bending his ear. Persuasion in me grew
153
That I was heard with favor, peace returned
154
Home to my breast, and to my memory
155
His promise, that thy seed shall bruise5824 our foe---
156
Which, then not minded5825 in dismay, yet now
157
Assures me that the bitterness of death
158
Is past, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee,
159
Eve rightly called, mother of all mankind,
160
Mother of all things living, since by thee
161
Man is to live, and all things live for man."
162
To whom thus Eve, with sad 5826 demeanor meek:
163
"Ill-worthy I such title should belong,
164
To me transgressor, who for thee ordained
165
A help, became thy snare. To me reproach
166
Rather belongs, distrust, all dispraise.
167
But infinite in pardon was my Judge,
168
That I, who first brought death on all, am graced
171
Far other name deserving. But the field
172
To labor calls us, now5832 with sweat imposed,
173
Though after sleepless night, for see! the morn,
174
All unconcerned with our unrest, begins
175
Her rosy progress smiling. Let us forth,
176
I never from thy side henceforth to stray,
177
Where'er our day's work lies, though now enjoined5833
178
Laborious, till day droop. While here we dwell,
179
What can be toilsome5834 in these pleasant walks?
180
Here let us live, though in fall'n state, content."
181
So spoke, so wished much humbled Eve, but Fate
183
On bird, beast, air---air suddenly eclipsed,5837
184
After short blush5838 of morn. Nigh in her sight
186
Two birds of gayest plume before him drove.
187
Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods,5842
188
First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace,5843
189
Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind.5844
190
Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight.
191
Adam observed, and with his eye the chase
192
Pursuing, not unmoved, to Eve thus spoke:
193
"O Eve, some further change awaits us nigh,
194
Which Heav'n, by these mute signs in Nature, shows
195
Forerunners of His purpose, or to warn
197
From penalty, because from death released
198
Some days. How long, and what till then our life,
199
Who knows? Or more than this, that we are dust,
200
And thither must return, and be no more?
201
Why else this double object in our sight
202
Of flight pursued in th' air, and o'er the ground,
203
One way the self-same hour? Why in the east
204
Darkness ere day's mid-course, and morning-light
205
More orient5849 in yon western cloud, that draws
206
O'er the blue firmament a radiant white,
207
And slow descends with something Heavenly fraught?"5850
208
He erred not, for by this5851 the Heav'nly bands
209
Down from a sky of jasper5852 lighted now
210
In Paradise, and on a hill made halt---
211
A glorious apparition,5853 had not doubt
212
And carnal5854 fear that day dimmed Adam's eye.
213
Not that more glorious5855 when the Angels met
214
Jacob in Mahanaim,5856 where he saw
216
Nor that, which on the flaming mount appeared
217
In Dothan,5859 covered with a camp of fire,
218
Against the Syrian king, who to surprise
220
War unproclaimed. The princely Hierarch5863
221
In their bright stand 5864 there left his Powers, to seize
222
Possession of the Garden. He alone,
223
To find where Adam sheltered, took his way,
224
Not unperceived of Adam, who to Eve,
225
While the great visitant approached, thus spoke:
226
"Eve, now expect great tidings, which perhaps
227
Of us will soon determine,5865 or impose
228
New laws to be observed, for I descry,
229
From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill,
230
One of the Heav'nly host and, by his gait,
231
None of the meanest,5866 some great Potentate
232
Or of the Thrones above, such majesty
233
Invests5867 him coming, yet not terrible
234
(That I should fear) nor sociably5868 mild
235
As Raphael (that I should much confide)5869
236
But solemn and sublime,5870 whom not t' offend
237
With reverence I must meet, and thou retire."
238
He ended, and the ArchAngel soon drew nigh,
239
Not in his shape celestial, but as man
241
A military vest 5873 of purple flowed,
243
Of Sarra,5877 worn by kings and heroes old
245
His starry helm,5880 unbuckled, showed him prime
246
In manhood where youth ended; by his side,
247
As in a glistering zodiac,5881 hung the sword,
248
Satan's dire dread,5882 and in his hand the spear.
250
Inclined not, but his coming thus declared:
251
"Adam, Heav'n's high beh'est 5885 no preface needs.
252
Sufficient that thy prayers are heard, and Death,
253
Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress,
254
Defeated of his seizure many days
255
Giv'n thee of grace, wherein thou may'st repent,
256
And one bad act with many deeds well done
257
May'st cover.5886 Well may then thy Lord, appeased,
259
But longer in this Paradise to dwell
260
Permits not: to remove thee I am come,
261
And send thee from the garden forth to till 5889
262
The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil."
263
He added not, for Adam at the news
264
Heart-struck with chilling grip of sorrow stood,
265
That all his senses bound.5890 Eve, who unseen
266
Yet all had heard, with audible lament
268
"O unexpected stroke, worse than of Death!
269
Must I thus leave thee, Paradise? Thus leave
270
Thee, native soil, these happy walks and shades,
271
Fit haunt of Gods? Where I had hope to spend,
272
Quiet though sad, the respite5894 of that day
273
That must be mortal 5895 to us both. O flow'rs
274
That never will in other climate grow,
275
My early visitation,5896 and my last
276
At ev'n, which I bred up with tender5897 hand
277
From the first op'ning bud, and gave ye names,
278
Who now shall rear ye to the sun? or rank5898
279
Your tribes, and water 5899 from th' ambrosial fount?
280
Thee lastly, nuptial bow'r, by me adorned
281
With what to sight or smell was sweet: from thee
282
How shall I part? and whither wander down
284
And wild? How shall we breathe in other air
285
Less pure, accustomed5902 to immortal fruits?"
286
Whom thus the Angel interrupted mild:
287
"Lament not, Eve, but patiently resign
288
What justly thou hast lost, nor set thy heart,
289
Thus over-fond,5903 on that which is not thine.
290
Thy going is not lonely; with thee goes
291
Thy husband, whom to follow thou art bound.
292
Where he abides, think there thy native soil."
293
Adam, by this from the cold sudden damp5904
294
Recovering, and his scattered spirits returned,
295
To Michael thus his humble words addressed:
296
"Celestial, whether among the Thrones, or named
297
Of them the highest, for such of shape may seem
298
Prince above Princes, gently hast thou told
299
Thy message, which might else in telling wound,
300
And in performing5905 end us. What besides
301
Of sorrow, and dejection, and despair,
302
Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring,
303
Departure from this happy place, our sweet
304
Recess,5906 and only consolation left
305
Familiar to our eyes. All places else
306
Inhospitable appear, and desolate,
307
Nor knowing us, nor known. And if by prayer
308
Incessant I could hope to change the will
309
Of Him who all things can, I would not cease
310
To weary Him with my assiduous5907 cries.
311
But prayer against His absolute decree
312
No more avails than breath against the wind,
313
Blown stifling5908 back on him that breathes it forth.
314
Therefore to His great bidding I submit.
315
"This most afflicts me that, departing hence,
316
As from His face I shall be hid, deprived
317
His blessèd count'nance. Here I could frequent5909
318
With worship place by place where He vouchsafed
319
Presence Divine, and to my sons relate
320
On this mount He appeared, under this tree
321
Stood visible, among these pines His voice
322
I heard, here with Him at this fountain talked.
323
So many grateful 5910 altars I would rear
324
Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone
325
Of luster from the brook, in memory,
326
Or monument to ages, and theron
327
Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flow'rs.
328
In yonder nether5911 world where shall I seek
329
His bright appearances, or footstep trace?
330
For though I fled Him angry, yet recalled
331
To life, prolonged and promised race,5912 I now
333
Of glory, and far off His steps adore."
334
To whom thus Michael, with regard benign:
335
"Adam, thou know'st Heav'n His, and all the earth,
336
Not this rock only. His omnipresence fills
337
Land, sea, and air, and every kind5915 that lives,
339
All th' earth He gave thee to possess and rule:
340
No despicable5918 gift. Surmise not then
341
His presence to these narrow bounds confined
342
Of Paradise, or Eden. This had been
343
Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread
344
All generations, and had hither come
345
From all the ends of th' earth, to celebrate
346
And reverence thee, their great progenitor.
347
But this preeminence thou hast lost, brought down
348
To dwell on even5919 ground now with thy sons.
349
Yet doubt not but in valley, and in plain,
350
God is as here, and will be found alike
351
Present, and of His presence many a sign
352
Still following thee, still compassing thee round
353
With goodness and paternal love, His face
354
Express,5920 and of His steps the track divine.
355
Which that thou may'st believe, and be confirmed
356
Ere thou from hence depart, know I am sent
357
To show thee what shall come in future days
358
To thee, and to thy offspring. Good with bad
360
With sinfulness of men, thereby to learn
361
True patience, and to temper 5923 joy with fear
362
And pious sorrow, equally inured
363
By moderation either state to bear,
364
Prosperous or adverse. So shalt thou lead
365
Safest thy life, and best prepared endure
366
Thy mortal5924 passage when it comes.
"Ascend
367
This hill. Let Eve ( for I have drenched5925 her eyes)
368
Here sleep below, while thou to foresight 5926 wak'st,
369
As once thou slept'st, while she to life was formed."
370
To whom thus Adam gratefully replied:
371
"Ascend, I follow thee, safe guide, the path
372
Thou lead'st me, and to th' hand of Heav'n submit,
373
However chast'ning. To the evil turn5927
374
My obvious5928 breast, arming to overcome
375
By suffering, and earn rest from labor won,
376
If so I may attain."
So both ascend
377
In the visions of God.5929 It was a hill,
378
Of Paradise the highest, from whose top
379
The hemisphere of earth, in clearest ken,5930
381
Not higher that hill, nor wider looking round,
382
Whereon, for different cause, the Tempter set
383
Our second Adam,5933 in the wilderness,
384
To show him all earth's kingdoms, and their glory.
385
His5934 eye might there command wherever stood
386
City of old or modern fame, the seat
387
Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls
392
Down to the golden Chersonese,5943 or where
393
The Persian in Ecbatan5944 sat, or since
394
In Hispahan,5945 or where the Russian Tsar
395
In Moscow, or the Sultan in Bizance,5946
397
The empire of Negus5949 to his utmost port
398
Ercoco,5950 and the less maritime kings
401
Of Congo, and Angola farthest south,
404
Morocco, and Algiers, and Tremisen,5961
405
On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway
406
The world. In spirit perhaps he also saw
407
Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume,5962
408
And Cusco5963 in Peru, the richer seat
409
Of Atabalipa,5964 and yet unspoiled
410
Guiana, whose great city Geryon's5965 sons
411
Call El Dorado. But to nobler sights
412
Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed,
413
Which that false fruit that promised clearer sight
415
The visual nerve, for he had much to see,
416
And from the well of life three drops instilled.
417
So deep the power of these ingredients pierced,
418
Ev'n to the inmost seat of mental sight,
419
That Adam, now enforced5968 to close his eyes,
420
Sunk down, and all his spirits became entranced.
421
But him the gentle Angel by the hand
422
Soon raised, and his attention thus recalled:
423
"Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold
424
Th' effects, which thy original crime hath wrought
425
In some to spring from thee, who never touched
426
Th' excepted 5969 tree, nor with the snake conspired,
427
Nor sinned thy sin, yet from that sin derive5970
428
Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds."
429
His eyes he opened, and beheld a field,
431
New reaped, the other part sheep-walks and folds.
432
In th' midst an altar as the landmark stood,
434
A sweaty reaper5976 from his tillage brought
435
First fruits, the green ear, and the yellow sheaf,
437
More meek,5979 came with the firstlings of his flock,
438
Choicest and best, then sacrificing, laid
439
The inwards5980 and their fat, with incense strewn,
440
On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed.
441
His offering soon propitious5981 fire from Heav'n
443
The other's5984 not, for his was not sincere,
444
Whereat he inly raged and, as they talked,
445
Smote him5985 into the midriff with a stone
446
That beat out life. He fell, and deadly pale
447
Groaned out his soul with gushing blood effused.5986
448
Much at that sight was Adam in his heart
449
Dismayed, and thus in haste to th' Angel cried:
450
"O Teacher, some great mischief 5987 hath befall'n
451
To that meek man, who well had sacrificed.
452
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid?"
453
T' whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied:
454
"These two are brethren, Adam, and to come
455
Out of thy loins. Th' unjust the just hath slain,
456
For envy that his brother's offering found
457
From Heav'n acceptance. But the bloody fact5988
458
Will be avenged, and th' other's faith, approved,5989
459
Lose no reward, though here thou see him die,
460
Rolling in dust and gore."5990 To which our sire:
461
"Alas! both for the deed, and for the cause!
462
But have I now seen Death? Is this the way
463
I must return to native 5991 dust? O sight
464
Of terror, foul and ugly to behold,
465
Horrid to think, how horrible to feel!"
466
To whom thus Michael:5992
"Death thou hast seen
467
In his first shape on man, but many shapes5993
468
Of Death, and many are the ways that lead
469
To his grim cave, all dismal, yet to sense
470
More terrible at th' entrance, than within.
471
Some, as thou saw'st, by violent stroke shall die,
472
By fire, flood, famine, by intemperance more
473
In meats and drinks, which on the earth shall bring
474
Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew
475
Before thee shall appear, that thou may'st know
476
What misery th' inabstinence5994 of Eve
477
Shall bring on men."
Immediately a place
478
Before his eyes appeared, sad, noisome,5995 dark,
479
A lazar 5996 -house it seemed, wherein were laid
480
Numbers of all diseased, all maladies
482
Of heart-sick agony, all feverous kinds,
483
Convulsions, epilepsies, fierce catarrhs,5999
484
Intestine stone and ulcer, colic 6000 pangs,
485
Daemoniac frenzy, moping melancholy,
488
Dropsies,6006 and asthmas, and joint-racking rheums.
489
Dire was the tossing, deep the groans. Despair
490
Tended the sick, busiest from couch to couch,
491
And over them triumphant Death his dart
492
Shook, but delayed to strike, though oft invoked
493
With vows, as their chief good and final hope.
494
Sight so deform6007 what heart of rock could long
495
Dry-eyed behold? Adam could not, but wept,
496
Though not of woman born. Compassion quelled6008
497
His best of man, and gave him up to tears
498
A space, till firmer thoughts restrained excess
499
And, scarce recovering words, his plaint renewed:
500
"O miserable mankind, to what fall
501
Degraded, to what wretched state reserved!
502
Better end here unborn. Why is life giv'n
503
To be thus wrested 6009 from us? Rather, why
504
Obtruded6010 on us thus? Who, if we knew
505
What we receive, would either not accept
506
Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down,
507
Glad to be so dismissed in peace. Can thus
508
The image of God in man, created once
509
So goodly6011 and erect, though faulty since,
510
To such unsightly sufferings be debased
511
Under inhuman pains? Why should not man,
512
Retaining still divine similitude6012
513
In part, from such deformities be free
514
And, for his Maker's image sake, exempt?"
515
"Their Maker's image," answered Michael, "then
516
Forsook them, when themselves they vilified 6013
517
To serve ungoverned appetite, and took
518
His image whom they served, a brutish6014 vice,
519
Inductive6015 mainly to the sin of Eve.
520
Therefore so abject is their punishment,
521
Disfiguring not God's likeness, but their own,
522
Or if His likeness, by themselves defaced,
523
While they pervert pure Nature's healthful rules
524
To loathsome sickness---worthily, since they
525
God's image did not reverence in themselves."
526
"I yield it just," said Adam, "and submit.
527
But is there yet no other way, besides
528
These painful passages,6016 how we may come
529
To Death, and mix with our connatural 6017 dust?"
530
"There is," said Michael, "if thou well observe
531
The rule of not too much, by temperance taught,
532
In what thou eat'st and drink'st, seeking from thence
533
Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,
534
Till many years over thy head return.6018
535
So may'st thou live till, like ripe fruit, thou drop
536
Into thy mother's lap, or be with ease
537
Gathered, nor harshly plucked, for Death mature:
538
This is old age. But then thou must outlive
539
Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will change
540
To withered, weak, and gray. Thy senses, then
542
To what thou hast 6021 and, for the air of youth,
543
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign
544
A melancholy damp6022 of cold and dry
545
To weigh thy spirits down, and last6023 consume
546
The balm of life." To whom our ancestor:
547
"Henceforth I fly not Death, nor would prolong
550
Which I must keep till my appointed day
552
My dissolution." Michael6030 replied:
553
"Nor6031 love thy life, nor hate, but what thouliv'st
554
Live well. How long, or short, permit 6032 to Heav'n.
555
And now prepare thee for another sight."
556
He looked, and saw a spacious plain whereon
557
Were tents of various hue. By some,6033 were herds
558
Of cattle grazing; others, whence the sound
559
Of instruments, that made melodious chime,6034
560
Was heard, of harp and organ, and who6035 moved
561
Their stops and chords was seen, his volant 6036 touch,
562
Instinct 6037 through all proportions, low and high,
563
Fled and pursued transverse the resonant fugue.
564
In other part stood one who, at the forge
565
Laboring, two massy clods of iron and brass
566
Had melted (whether found where casual6038 fire
567
Had wasted woods on mountain or in vale,
568
Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot
569
To some cave's mouth, or whether washed by stream
570
From underground). The liquid ore he drained
571
Into fit moulds prepared, from which he formed
572
First his own tools, then what might else be wrought,6039
574
But on the hither 6042 side, a different sort
575
From the high neighboring hills, which was their seat,
576
Down to the plain descended. By their guise6043
577
Just 6044 men they seemed, and all their study bent
578
To worship God aright, and know His works
579
Not hid, nor those things last 6045 which might preserve
580
Freedom and peace to men. They on the plain
581
Long had not walked when, from the tents, behold!
582
A bevy6046 of fair women, richly gay
583
In gems and wanton6047 dress! To th' harp they sung
585
The men, though grave,6050 eyed them, and let their eyes
586
Rove without rein till, in the amorous net
587
Fast caught, they liked, and each his liking chose,
589
Love's harbinger,6053 appeared. Then all in heat
592
With feast and music all the tents resound.
594
Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flow'rs,
596
Of Adam, soon inclined t' admit 6063 delight,
597
The bent6064 of Nature, which he thus expressed:
598
"True opener of mine eyes, prime Angel blest,
599
Much better seems this vision, and more hope
600
Of peaceful days portends,6065 than those two past.
601
Those were of hate and Death, or pain much worse.
602
Here Nature seems fulfilled in all her ends."6066
603
To whom thus Michael:
"Judge not what is best
604
By pleasure, though to Nature seeming meet,6067
605
Created, as thou art, to nobler end
606
Holy and pure, conformity6068 divine.
607
Those tents thou saw'st so pleasant were the tents
608
Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his race
609
Who slew his brother. Studious they appear
611
Unmindful of their Maker, though His Spirit
612
Taught them, but they His gifts acknowledged none.
613
Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget,
614
For that fair female troop thou saw'st, that seemed
615
Of goddesses, so blithe,6071 so smooth, so gay,
616
Yet empty of all good wherein consists
617
Woman's domestic honor and chief praise,
618
Bred only and completed6072 to the taste
619
Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance,
620
To dress, and troll 6073 the tongue, and roll the eye.
621
To these that sober race of men, whose lives
622
Religious titled them the sons of God,
623
Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame
624
Ignobly, to the trains,6074 and to the smiles
625
Of these fair atheists, and now swim in joy
626
(Erelong to swim at large),6075 and laugh, for which
627
The world erelong a world of tears must weep."
628
To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft:6076
629
"O pity and shame, that they who to live well
630
Entered6077 so fair, should turn aside to tread
632
But still I see the tenor 6080 of man's woe
633
Holds on the same, from woman6081 to begin."
634
"From man's effeminate slackness it begins,"
635
Said th' Angel, "who should better hold his place
636
By wisdom, and superior gifts received.
637
But now prepare thee for another scene."
638
He looked, and saw wide territory spread
639
Before him, towns, and rural6082 works between,
640
Cities of men with lofty gates and tow'rs,
641
Concourse6083 in arms, fierce faces threat'ning war,
642
Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise.6084
643
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed,
644
Single or in array of battle ranged
645
Both horse and foot, nor idly must'ring6085 stood.
646
One way a band select 6086 from forage drives
648
From a fat meadow ground, or fleecy flock,
649
Ewes and their bleating lambs over the plain,
650
Their booty. Scarce with life6089 the shepherds fly,
651
But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray;
653
Where cattle pastured late,6092 now scattered lies
654
With carcasses and arms th' ensanguined6093 field,
655
Deserted. Others to a city strong
657
Assaulting; others from the wall defend
659
On each hand slaughter, and gigantic deeds.
660
In other part the sceptered heralds call
661
To council, in the city-gates. Anon6099
662
Gray-headed men and grave, with warriors mixed,
663
Assemble, and harangues6100 are heard, but soon
664
In factious 6101 opposition, till at last
665
Of middle age one6102 rising, eminent
666
In wise deport,6103 spoke much of right and wrong,
667
Of justice, or religion, truth, and peace,
668
And judgment from above. Him old and young
669
Exploded,6104 and had seized with violent hands,
670
Had not a cloud descending snatched him thence
671
Unseen amid the throng. So violence
672
Proceeded, and oppression, and sword-law,
673
Through all the plain, and refuge none was found.
674
Adam was all in tears, and to his guide
675
Lamenting turned full sad:
"O what are these,
676
Death's ministers, not men, who thus deal death
677
Inhumanly to men, and multiply
678
Ten thousandfold the sin of him who slew
679
His brother, for of whom such massacre
680
Make they, but of their brethren, men of men?
681
But who was that just man, whom had not Heav'n
682
Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost?"6105
683
To whom thus Michael:6106
"These are the product
684
Of those ill-mated marriages thou saw'st,
685
Where good with bad were matched, who of themselves
687
Produce prodigious births of body or mind.
688
Such were these giants, men of high renown,
689
For in those days might6110 only shall be admired,
690
And valor and heroic virtue called.6111
691
To overcome in battle, and subdue
692
Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite
693
Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch
694
Of human glory, and for glory done
695
Of triumph, to be styled great conquerors,
696
Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods---
697
Destroyers rightlier called, and plagues of men.
698
Thus fame shall be achieved, renown on earth,
699
And what most merits fame, in silence hid.
700
But he6112 the seventh from thee, whom thou beheld'st
701
The only righteous in a world perverse,
703
With foes, for daring single6115 to be just
704
And utter odious truth: that God would come
705
To judge them with His Saints. Him the Most High,
707
Did, as thou saw'st, receive6118 to walk with God,
708
High in salvation6119 and the climes of bliss,
709
Exempt from death. To show thee what reward
710
Awaits the good, the rest what punishment,
711
Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold."
712
He looked, and saw the face of things quite changed.
713
The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar,
714
All now was turned to jollity and game,
715
To luxury and riot, feast and dance,
716
Marrying or prostituting, as befel,6120
717
Rape or adultery, where passing6121 fair
718
Allured them, thence from cups to civil broils.6122
719
At length a reverend sire6123 among them came,
720
And of their doings great dislike declared,
721
And testified against their ways. He oft
722
Frequented their assemblies, whereso6124 met,
723
Triumphs or festivals, and to them preached
724
Conversion and repentance, as to souls
725
In prison, under judgments imminent.
726
But all in vain. Which when he saw, he ceased
727
Contending,6125 and removed his tents far off.
728
Then from the mountain hewing timber tall,
729
Began to build a vessel of huge bulk,
730
Measured by cubit, length, and breadth, and height,
731
Smeared round with pitch, and in the side a door
732
Contrived, and of provisions laid in large6126
733
For man and beast, when lo, a wonder strange!
734
Of every beast, and bird, and insect small,
735
Came sevens, and pairs, and entered in as6127 taught
736
Their order. Last the sire and his three sons,
737
With their four wives. And God made fast the door.
738
Meanwhile the south-wind rose, and with black wings
739
Wide-hovering all the clouds together drove
740
From under Heav'n. The hills, to their 6128 supply,
741
Vapor and exhalation, dusk and moist,
742
Sent up amain,6129 and now the thickened sky
743
Like a dark ceiling stood, down rushed the rain
744
Impetuous,6130 and continued till the earth
745
No more was seen. The floating vessel swum
746
Uplifted, and secure with beakèd prow
747
Rode tilting o'er the waves. All dwellings else
748
Flood overwhelmed, and them with all their pomp
749
Deep under water rolled. Sea covered sea,
750
Sea without shore, and in their palaces,
751
Where luxury late reigned, sea-monsters whelped6131
753
All left, in one small bottom6134 swum embarked.
754
How didst thou grieve then, Adam, to behold
755
The end of all thy offspring, end so sad,
756
Depopulation? Thee another flood,
757
Of tears and sorrow a flood, thee also drowned,
758
And sunk thee as thy sons, till gently reared
759
By th' Angel, on thy feet thou stood'st at last,
760
Though comfortless, as when a father mourns
761
His children, all in view destroyed at once,
762
And scarce6135 to th' Angel utter'dst thus thy plaint:
763
"O visions ill foreseen! Better had I
764
Lived ignorant of future, so had borne
765
My part of evil only, each day's lot
766
Enough to bear. Those now, that were dispensed6136
767
The burden of many ages, on me light 6137
768
At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth
769
Abortive, to torment me ere their being,
770
With thought that they must be. Let no man seek
771
Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall
772
Him or his children---evil, he may be sure,
773
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent,
774
And he the future evil shall no less
775
In apprehension than in substance feel,
776
Grievous to bear. But that care now is past:
777
Man is not whom to warn.6138 Those few escaped
778
Famine and anguish will at last consume,6139
779
Wand'ring that wat'ry desert. I had hope,
780
When violence was ceased, and war on earth,
781
All would have then gone well, peace would have crowned
782
With length of happy days the race of man.
783
But I was far deceived, for now I see
784
Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste.
785
How comes it thus? Unfold, celestial guide,
786
And whether here the race of man will end."
787
To whom thus Michael:
"Those, whom last thou saw'st
788
In triumph and luxurious wealth, are they
789
First seen in acts of prowess eminent
790
And great exploits, but of true virtue void,
791
Who having spilled much blood, and done much waste,
792
Subduing nations, and achieved thereby
793
Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey,6140
794
Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth,
796
Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace.
797
The conquered also, and enslaved by war,
798
Shall with their freedom lost all virtue lose
799
And fear of God, from whom their piety feigned
800
In sharp contest6143 of battle found no aid
801
Against invaders. Therefore cooled in zeal,
802
Thenceforth shall practice how to live secure,6144
803
Worldly or dissolute, on what their lords
804
Shall leave them to enjoy, for th' earth shall bear
807
Justice and temperance, truth and faith, forgot---
808
One man6149 except, the only son of light
809
In a dark age, against example good,6150
811
Offended.6153 Fearless of reproach and scorn,
812
Or violence, he of their wicked ways
813
Shall them admonish, and before them set
814
The paths of righteousness, how much more safe
815
And full of peace, denouncing6154 wrath to come
816
Of their impenitence,6155 and shall return
817
Of them derided, but of God observed
818
The one just man alive. By His command
819
Shall build a wondrous ark, as thou beheld'st,
820
To save himself, and household, from amidst
821
A world devote to universal wrack.6156
822
No sooner he, with them of man and beast
823
Select 6157 for life shall in the ark be lodged,
824
And sheltered round, but all the cataracts6158
825
Of Heav'n set open on the earth shall pour
826
Rain, day and night. All fountains of the deep,
827
Broke up, shall heave the ocean to usurp
828
Beyond all bounds, till inundation rise
829
Above the highest hills. Then shall this mount
830
Of Paradise by might of waves be moved
831
Out of his place, pushed by the hornèd6159 flood,
832
With all his verdure spoiled,6160 and trees adrift,
834
And there take root an island salt and bare,
836
To teach thee that God attributes 6166 to place
837
No sanctity, if none6167 be thither brought
838
By men who there frequent, or therein dwell.
839
And now, what further shall ensue, behold."
840
He looked, and saw the ark hull 6168 on the flood,
841
Which now abated, for the clouds were fled,
842
Driven by a keen north-wind that, blowing dry,
844
And the clear sun on his wide wat'ry glass
846
As after thirst, which made their flowing shrink
847
From standing lake to tripping6173 ebb, that stole
848
With soft foot towards the deep, who now had stopped6174
849
His sluices,6175 as the Heav'n his windows shut.
850
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground,
851
Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed.
852
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear.
853
With clamor6176 thence the rapid currents drive
855
Forthwith6179 from out the ark a raven flies,
856
And after him the surer 6180 messenger,
857
A dove sent forth once and again6181 to spy
858
Green tree or ground, whereon his foot may light.6182
859
The second time returning, in his bill
860
An olive leaf he brings, pacific6183 sign.
861
Anon6184 dry ground appears, and from his ark
862
The ancient sire descends, with all his train,
863
Then with uplifted hands and eyes devout,
864
Grateful to Heav'n, over his head beholds
865
A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow6185
867
Betok'ning6188 peace from God, and cov'nant new.
868
Whereat the heart of Adam, erst 6189 so sad,
869
Greatly rejoiced, and thus his joy broke forth:
870
"O thou, who future things canst represent
871
As present, Heav'nly instructor, I revive
872
At this last sight, assured that man shall live,
873
With all the creatures and their seed preserve.6190
874
Far less I now lament for one whole world
875
Of wicked sons destroyed, than I rejoice
876
For one man found so perfect, and so just,
877
That God vouchsafes to raise another world
878
From him, and all His anger to forget.
879
But say, what mean those colored streaks in Heav'n
881
Or serve they, as a flow'ry verge,6193 to bind
882
The fluid skirts of that same wat'ry cloud,
883
Lest it again dissolve and show'r the earth?"
884
To whom the ArchAngel:
"Dextrously6194 thou aim'st.
885
So willingly doth God remit6195 His ire,
887
Grieved at His heart, when looking down He saw
888
The whole earth filled with violence, and all flesh
889
Corrupting each their way. Yet, those removed,
890
Such grace shall one just man find in His sight,
892
And makes a covenant never to destroy
893
The earth again by flood, nor let the sea
894
Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world,
895
With man therein or beast. But when He brings
896
Over the earth a cloud, will therein set
897
His triple-colored bow, whereon to look,
898
And call to mind His cov'nant. Day and night,
899
Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary6202 frost,
900
Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new,
901
Both Heav'n and earth, wherein the just shall dwell."
The End of the Eleventh Book
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.
1
As one who in his journey bates6203 at noon,
2
Though bent6204 on speed, so here the ArchAngel paused
3
Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored,
4
If Adam aught perhaps might interpose.6205
5
Then with transition sweet,6206 new speech resumes:
6
"Thus thou hast seen one world begin, and end,
7
And man, as from a second stock, proceed.
8
Much thou hast yet to see, but I perceive
9
Thy mortal sight to fail; objects divine
10
Must needs impair6207 and weary human sense.
11
Henceforth what is to come I will relate.
12
Thou therefore give due audience, and attend.
13
"This second source6208 of men, while yet but few,
14
And while the dread of judgment past remains
15
Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity,
16
With some6209 regard to what is just and right
17
Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace,6210
18
Laboring the soil, and reaping plenteous crop,
19
Corn, wine, and oil, and from the herd or flock
20
Oft sacrificing bullock,6211 lamb, or kid,
21
With large wine-offerings poured, and sacred feast,
22
Shall spend their days in joy unblamed,6212 and dwell
23
Long time in peace, by families and tribes,
24
Under paternal rule. Till one6213 shall rise
25
Of proud ambitious heart, who not content
26
With fair equality, fraternal state,
27
Will arrogate dominion undeserved
28
Over his brethren, and quite dispossess6214
29
Concord6215 and law of nature from the earth,
30
Hunting (and men not beasts shall be his game)
31
With war, and hostile snare, such as refuse
32
Subjection to his empire tyrannous.
33
A mighty hunter thence he shall be styled
34
Before the Lord, as in despite6216 of Heav'n,
35
Or from Heav'n claiming second sov'reignty,
36
And from rebellion shall derive his name,
37
Though of rebellion others he accuse.
38
"He with a crew, whom like ambition joins
39
With him or under him to tyrannize,
40
Marching from Eden towards the west, shall find
42
Boils out from under ground, the mouth of Hell.
43
Of brick, and of that stuff, they cast 6220 to build
44
A city and tow'r,6221 whose top may reach to Heav'n,
45
And get themselves a name, lest far dispersed
46
In foreign lands, their memory be lost,
47
Regardless whether good or evil fame.
48
But God, who oft descends to visit men
49
Unseen, and through their habitations walks
50
To mark their doings, them beholding soon,
51
Comes down to see their city, ere the tower
52
Obstruct Heav'n-tow'rs, and in derision sets
54
Quite out their native language and, instead,
56
Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud
57
Among the builders; each to other calls
58
Not understood; till hoarse, and all in rage,
59
As mocked they storm.6226 Great laughter was in Heav'n
60
And looking down, to see the hubbub strange
61
And hear the din. Thus was the building6227 left
62
Ridiculous, and the work Confusion6228 named."
63
Whereto thus Adam, fatherly displeased:
64
"O execrable son! so to aspire
65
Above his brethren, to himself assuming
66
Authority usurped, from God not giv'n.
67
He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl,
68
Dominion absolute; that right we hold
69
By His donation.6229 But man over men
70
He made not lord, such title to Himself
71
Reserving, human left from human free.
72
But this usurper his encroachment6230 proud
73
Stays6231 not on man! To God his tower intends
74
Siege6232 and defiance. Wretched man! What food
75
Will he convey up thither, to sustain
76
Himself and his rash army, where thin air
77
Above the clouds will pine6233 his entrails gross,
78
And famish6234 him of breath, if not of bread?"
79
To whom thus Michael:
"Justly thou abhorr'st
80
That son, who on the quiet state of men
81
Such trouble brought, affecting 6235 to subdue
82
Rational liberty. Yet know withal,6236
83
Since thy original lapse true liberty
84
Is lost, which always with right reason dwells
85
Twinned, and from her hath no dividual being.
86
Reason in man obscured, or not obeyed,
87
Immediately inordinate desires,
89
From reason, and to servitude reduce
90
Man, till then free. Therefore, since he permits
91
Within himself unworthy powers to reign
92
Over free reason, God, in judgment just,
93
Subjects him from without to violent lords,
94
Who oft as undeservedly enthrall 6239
95
His outward freedom. Tyranny must be---
96
Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse.
97
Yet sometimes nations will decline so low
98
From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong,
99
But justice, and some fatal curse annexed,
100
Deprives them of their outward liberty,
101
Their inward lost. Witness th' irreverent son6240
102
Of him who built the ark, who for the shame
103
Done to his father,6241 heard this heavy curse,
104
'Servant of servants,' on his vicious6242 race.
105
Thus will this latter, as the former world,
106
Still tend from bad to worse, till God at last,
107
Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw
108
His presence from among them, and avert
109
His holy eyes, resolving from thenceforth
110
To leave them to their own polluted ways,
112
From all the rest, of whom to be invoked,
113
A nation from one faithful man6245 to spring,
114
Him on this side Euphrates yet residing,
115
Bred up in idol-worship. O that men
116
(Canst thou believe?) should be so stupid grown,
117
While yet the patriarch lived who 'scaped the Flood,
118
As to forsake the living God, and fall
119
To worship their own work in wood and stone
120
For gods! Yet him God the Most High vouchsafes6246
121
To call by vision from his father's house,
122
His kindred and false gods, into a land
123
Which He will show him, and from him will raise
124
A mighty nation, and upon him show'r
125
His benediction so that in his seed
126
All nations shall be blest. He straight6247 obeys,
127
Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes.
128
"I see him, but thou canst not, with what faith
129
He leaves his gods, his friends, and native soil,
130
Ur6248 of Chaldaea, passing now the ford
131
To Haran,6249 after him a cumbrous train
132
Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude,6250
133
Not wand'ring poor, but trusting all his wealth
134
With God, who called him, in a land unknown.
135
Canaan he now attains; I see his tents
136
Pitched about Sechem,6251 and the neighboring plain
137
Of Moreh. There by promise he receives
138
Gift to his progeny of all that land,
139
From Hamath6252 northward to the desert south
140
( Things by their names I call, though yet unnamed),
142
Mount Hermon---yonder sea---each place behold
143
In prospect, as I point them. On the shore,
146
Shall dwell to Senir,6259 that long ridge of hills.
147
"This ponder, that all nations of the earth
148
Shall in his seed be blessèd. By that seed
150
The serpent's head, whereof to thee anon6262
151
Plainlier shall be revealed. This patriarch blest,
152
Whom 'faithful Abraham' due time6263 shall call,
154
Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown.
155
The grandchild, with twelve sons increased, departs
156
From Canaan to a land hereafter called
157
Egypt, divided by the river Nile.
158
See where it flows, disgorging6266 at seven mouths
159
Into the sea. To sojourn 6267 in that land
160
He comes, invited by a younger son6268
161
In time of dearth,6269 a son whose worthy deeds
162
Raise him to be the second in that realm
163
Of Pharaoh. There he dies, and leaves his race
164
Growing into a nation, and now grown
165
Suspected to a sequent6270 king, who seeks
166
To stop their overgrowth, as inmate 6271 guests
168
Inhospitably, and kills their infant males.
169
Till by two brethren (these two brethren call
170
Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim
171
His people from enthralment,6274 they return,
172
With glory and spoil, back to their promised land.
173
"But first, the lawless tyrant, who denies6275
174
To know their God, or message to regard,
175
Must be compelled by signs and judgments dire.
176
To blood unshed6276 the rivers must be turned.
177
Frogs, lice, and flies, must all his palace fill
178
With loath'd intrusion,6277 and fill all the land.
179
His cattle must of rot and murren6278 die,
181
And all 6282 his people. Thunder mixed with hail,
182
Hail mixed with fire, must rend th' Egyptian sky,
183
And wheel 6283 on th' earth, devouring where it rolls.
184
What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain,
185
A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down
186
Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green.
187
Darkness must overshadow all his6284 bounds,
188
Palpable 6285 darkness, and blot out three days.
189
Last, with one midnight stroke all the firstborn
190
Of Egypt must lie dead. Thus with ten wounds
191
The river-dragon6286 tamed at length submits
192
To let his sojourners depart, and oft
193
Humbles his stubborn heart, but still as ice
194
More hardened after thaw, till in his rage
197
As6291 on dry land, between two crystal walls,
198
Awed6292 by the rod of Moses so to stand
199
Divided, till his rescued gain their shore.
200
"Such wondrous power God to His saint will lend,
201
Though present in His Angel, who shall go
202
Before them in a cloud and pillar 6293 of fire,
203
By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire,
204
To guide them in their journey, and remove6294
205
Behind them, while the obdurate6295 king pursues.
206
All night he will pursue, but his approach
208
Then through the fiery pillar, and the cloud,
210
And craze6300 their chariot-wheels, when by command
211
Moses once more his potent rod extends
212
Over the sea. The sea his rod obeys;
213
On their embattled 6301 ranks the waves return,
215
Safe toward Canaan from the shore6304 advance
216
Through the wild desert, not the readiest6305 way,
219
Return them6310 back to Egypt, choosing rather
220
Inglorious life with servitude, for life
221
To noble (and ignoble) is more sweet
222
Untrained in arms, where rashness leads not on.6311
223
"This also shall they gain by their delay
224
In the wide wilderness. There they shall found6312
225
Their government, and their great senate6313 choose
226
Through the twelve tribes,6314 to rule by laws ordained.
227
God from the mount of Sinai, whose gray top
228
Shall tremble, He descending, will Himself
229
In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpets' sound
230
Ordain them laws, part such as appertain6315
231
To civil justice, part religious rites
232
Of sacrifice, informing them, by types6316
234
The serpent, by what means he shall achieve
235
Mankind's deliverance. But the voice of God
236
To mortal ear is dreadful. They beseech
237
That Moses might report6320 to them His will,
238
And terror cease. He grants what they besought,
239
Instructed that to God is no access
240
Without mediator, whose high office now
241
Moses in figure6321 bears, to introduce
242
One greater, of whose day he shall foretell,
243
And all the prophets in their age the times
244
Of great Messiah shall sing.
"Thus, laws and rites
245
Established, such delight hath God in men
246
Obedient to His will, that he vouchsafes
247
Among them to set up His tabernacle,
248
The Holy One with mortal men to dwell.
249
By His prescript 6322 a sanctuary is framed
250
Of cedar, overlaid with gold, therein
252
The records of His cov'nant. Over these
253
A mercy-seat of gold,6325 between the wings
254
Of two bright Cherubim. Before him6326 burn
255
Seven lamps as in a zodiac6327 representing
256
The Heav'nly fires. Over the tent a cloud
257
Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night,
258
Save when they journey. And at length they come,
259
Conducted by His Angel, to the land
260
Promised to Abraham and his seed.
"The rest
261
Were long to tell, how many battles fought,
262
How many kings destroyed, and kingdoms won,
263
Or how the sun shall in mid Heav'n stand still
264
A day entire, and night's due course adjourn,
265
Man's voice commanding, 'Sun, in Gibeon stand,
266
And thou moon in the vale of Aialon,
268
From Abraham, son of Isaac, and from him
269
His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win."
270
Here Adam interposed:
"O sent from Heav'n,
271
Enlight'ner of my darkness, gracious things
272
Thou hast revealed, those chiefly which concern
273
Just Abraham and his seed. Now first I find
274
Mine eyes true-op'ning, and my heart much eased,
275
Erewhile perplexed with thoughts what would become
276
Of me and all mankind. But now I see
277
His day, in whom all nations shall be blest---
278
Favor unmerited by me, who sought
279
Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means.
280
This yet I apprehend not: why to those
281
Among whom God will deign to dwell on earth
282
So many and so various laws are giv'n?
283
So many laws argue so many sins
284
Among them. How can God with such reside?"
285
To whom thus Michael:
"Doubt not but that sin
286
Will reign among them, as of thee begot,
287
And therefore was law giv'n them, to evince6330
288
Their natural pravity,6331 by stirring up
289
Sin against law to fight, that when they see
290
Law can discover 6332 sin, but not remove
292
The blood of bulls and goats), they may conclude
293
Some blood more precious must be paid for man,
294
Just for unjust, that 6335 in such righteousness
295
To them by faith imputed they may find
296
Justification6336 towards God, and peace
297
Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies6337
298
Cannot appease, nor man the moral part
299
Perform6338 and, not performing, cannot live.
301
With purpose to resign6341 them, in full time,
302
Up to a better cov'nant, disciplined 6342
303
From shadowy types6343 to truth, from flesh to spirit,
304
From imposition of strict laws to free
305
Acceptance of large grace, from servile fear
306
To filial, works of law to works of faith.
307
And therefore shall not Moses, though of God
308
Highly belov'd, being but the minister
309
Of law, his people into Canaan lead,
310
But Joshua, whom the gentiles Jesus call,
311
His name and office bearing, who6344 shall quell
312
The adversary-serpent, and bring back
313
Through the world's wilderness long-wand'red man
314
Safe to eternal Paradise of rest.
315
Meanwhile, they in their earthly Canaan placed,
316
Long time shall dwell and prosper, but6345 when sins
317
National interrupt their public peace,
318
Provoking God to raise them enemies,
319
From whom as oft He saves them penitent
320
By Judges first, then under Kings. Of whom
321
The second,6346 both for piety renowned
322
And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive
323
Irrevocable, that his regal throne
325
All prophecy, that of the royal stock
326
Of David (so I name this king) shall rise
327
A son, the woman's seed to thee foretold,
328
Foretold to Abraham, as in whom shall trust
329
All nations, and to kings foretold, of kings
330
The last, for of his reign shall be no end.
331
But first a long succession must ensue,
333
The clouded ark of God, till then in tents
334
Wand'ring, shall in a glorious temple enshrine.
335
Such follow him as shall be registered6351
336
Part good, part bad---of bad the longer scroll,
337
Whose foul idolatries and other faults
338
Heaped to the popular sum,6352 will so incense
339
God, as to6353 leave them, and expose their land,
340
Their city, His temple, and His holy ark,
341
With all His sacred things, a6354 scorn and prey.
342
To that proud city, whose high walls thou saw'st
343
Left in confusion, Babylon thence called.
344
There in captivity He lets them dwell
345
The space of seventy years,6355 then brings them back,
346
Rememb'ring6356 mercy and His cov'nant sworn
347
To David, stablished 6357 as the days of Heav'n.
348
Returned from Babylon by leave of kings6358
349
Their lords, whom God disposed,6359 the house of God
350
They first re-edify,6360 and for a while
352
In wealth and multitude, factious they grow.
353
But first among the priests dissention springs,
354
Men who attend 6363 the altar, and should most
355
Endeavor6364 peace. Their strife pollution brings
356
Upon the temple itself. At last they6365 seize
357
The scepter, and regard not David's sons,
358
Then lose it to a stranger,6366 that the true
359
Anointed King Messiah might be born
360
Barred6367 of his right. Yet at his birth a star,
361
Unseen before in Heav'n, proclaims him come,
362
And guides the eastern sages, who inquire
363
His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold.
364
His place of birth a solemn6368 Angel tells
365
To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night.
366
They gladly thither 6369 haste, and by a choir
367
Of squadroned6370 Angels hear his carol sung.
368
A virgin is his mother, but his sire
369
The power of the Most High. He shall ascend
370
The throne hereditary, and bound his reign
371
With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the Heav'ns."
372
He ceased, discerning Adam with such joy
373
Surcharged6371 as had, like grief, been dewed in tears,
374
Without the vent 6372 of words, which these he breathed:
375
"O prophet of glad tidings, finisher6373
376
Of utmost hope! Now clear I understand
377
What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched in vain,
378
Why our great expectation should be called
379
The seed of woman. Virgin Mother, hail,
380
High in the love of Heav'n! Yet from my loins
381
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the son
382
Of God Most High: so God with man unites!
383
Needs must the serpent now his capital bruise6374
384
Expect with mortal6375 pain. Say where and when
385
Their fight, what stroke shall bruise the victor's heel."
386
To whom thus Michael:
"Dream not of their fight
388
Of head or heel. Not therefore joins the Son
389
Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil 6378
390
Thy enemy, nor so is overcome
391
Satan, whose fall from Heav'n, a deadlier bruise,
392
Disabled not to give thee thy death's wound,
394
Not by destroying Satan but his6381 works
395
In thee, and in thy seed. Nor can this be
396
But by fulfilling that which thou did'st want,6382
397
Obedience to the law of God, imposed
398
On penalty of death, and suffering death,
399
The penalty to thy transgression due,
400
And due to theirs which out of thine will grow.
401
So only can high Justice rest appaid.6383
402
The law of God exact he6384 shall fulfill
403
Both by obedience and by love, though love
404
Alone fulfill the law. Thy punishment
405
He shall endure, by coming in the flesh
406
To a reproachful 6385 life and cursèd death,
407
Proclaiming life to all who shall believe
408
In his redemption, and that his obedience,
409
Imputed,6386 becomes theirs by faith, his merits
411
For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed,6390
412
Seized on by force, judged and to death condemned,
413
A shameful and accursed, nailed to the cross
414
By his own nation, slain for bringing life.
415
But to the cross he nails thy enemies,
416
The law that is against thee, and the sins
417
Of all mankind, with him there crucified,
418
Never to hurt them more who rightly trust
419
In this his satisfaction.6391 So he dies,
420
But soon revives: Death over him no power
421
Shall long usurp.6392 Ere the third dawning light
422
Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise
423
Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light,
424
Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems,
425
His death for man, as many as offered6393 life
427
By faith not void of works. This Godlike act
428
Annuls thy doom, the death thou should'st have died,
429
In sin forever lost from life. This act
430
Shall bruise6396 the head of Satan, crush his strength,
431
Defeating Sin and Death, his two main arms,
432
And fix far deeper in his head their stings
433
Than temporal 6397 death shall bruise the victor's heel,
434
Or theirs6398 whom he redeems---a death like sleep,
435
A gentle wafting 6399 to immortal life.
436
Nor after resurrection shall he stay
437
Longer on earth than certain6400 times to appear
438
To his disciples, men who in his life
439
Still 6401 followed him. To them shall leave in charge
440
To teach all nations what of him they learned
441
And his salvation,6402 them who shall believe
442
Baptizing in the profluent6403 stream, the sign
443
Of washing them from guilt of sin to life
444
Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befall,
445
For death, like that which the Redeemer died.
446
All nations they shall teach. For from that day,
447
Not only to the sons of Abraham's loins
448
Salvation shall be preached, but to the sons
449
Of Abraham's faith wherever through the world.
450
So in his seed all nations shall be blest.
451
Then to the Heav'n of Heav'ns he6404 shall ascend
452
With victory, triumphing 6405 through the air
453
Over his foes and thine. There shall surprise
454
The serpent, prince of air, and drag in chains
456
Then enter into glory, and resume
457
His seat at God's right hand, exalted high
458
Above all names6409 in Heav'n, and thence shall come,
459
When this world's dissolution shall be ripe,
460
With glory and power to judge both quick6410 and dead---
461
To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward
462
His faithful, and receive them into bliss,
463
Whether in Heav'n or earth, for then the earth
464
Shall all be Paradise, far happier place
465
Than this of Eden, and far happier days."
466
So spoke the ArchAngel Michael, then paused,
467
As at the world's great period;6411 and our sire,
468
Replete6412 with joy and wonder, thus replied:
469
"O goodness infinite, goodness immense!
471
And evil turn to good, more wonderful
472
Than that which by creation first brought forth
473
Light out of darkness! Full of doubt I stand,
474
Whether I should repent me now of sin
475
By me done and occasioned,6415 or rejoice
476
Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring,
477
To God more glory, more good-will to men
478
From God, and over wrath grace shall abound.6416
479
But say, if our Deliverer up to Heav'n
480
Must reascend, what will betide6417 the few
481
His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd,
482
The enemies of truth? Who then shall guide
483
His people, who defend? Will they not deal
484
Worse with his followers than with him they dealt?"
485
"Be sure they will," said the Angel, "but from Heav'n
486
He to his own a comforter 6418 will send,
487
The promise of the Father, who shall dwell
488
His Spirit within them, and the law of faith,
489
Working through love, upon their hearts shall write,
490
To guide them in all truth, and also arm
491
With spiritual armor, able to resist
492
Satan's assaults, and quench6419 his fiery darts---
493
What man can do against them, not afraid,
494
Though to the death, against such cruelties
495
With inward consolations recompensed,
496
And oft supported 6420 so as shall amaze
497
Their proudest persecutors. For the Spirit,
498
Poured first on his Apostles, whom he sends
499
T' evangelize the nations, then on all
500
Baptized, shall them with wond'rous gifts endue6421
501
To speak all tongues,6422 and do all miracles,
502
As did their Lord before them. Thus they win
503
Great numbers of each nation to receive
504
With joy the tidings brought from Heav'n.
"At length
505
Their ministry performed, and race well run,
506
Their doctrine and their story written left,
507
They die, but in their room,6423 as they forewarn,
508
Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves,
509
Who all the sacred mysteries of Heav'n
510
To their own vile advantages shall turn
511
Of lucre6424 and ambition, and the truth
512
With superstitions and traditions taint,
513
Left only in those written records pure,
514
Though not but 6425 by the Spirit understood.
515
Then shall they6426 seek to avail themselves of names,
516
Places, and titles, and with these to join
517
Secular power, though feigning still to act
518
By spiritual, to themselves appropriating
519
The Spirit of God, promised alike and giv'n
520
To all believers; and from that pretence,
521
Spiritual laws by carnal 6427 power shall force
522
On every conscience, laws which none shall find
523
Left them enrolled6428 or what the Spirit within
524
Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then
525
But force the spirit of grace itself, and bind
526
His consort liberty? What but unbuild
527
His living temples, built by faith to stand,
528
Their own faith, not another's---for on earth
529
Who against faith and conscience can be heard
530
Infallible?
"Yet many will presume.6429
531
Whence heavy persecution shall arise
532
On all who in the worship persevere
533
Of spirit and truth. The rest, far greater part,
536
Bestuck with sland'rous darts, and works of faith
537
Rarely be found.
"So shall the world go on,
538
To good malignant, to bad men benign,
539
Under her own weight groaning, till the day
540
Appear of respiration6435 to the just
541
And vengeance to the wicked, at return
542
Of him so lately promised to thy aid,
543
The woman's seed, obscurely then foretold,
544
Now ampler known thy Savior and thy Lord,
545
Last6436 in the clouds from Heav'n to be revealed
546
In glory of the Father, to dissolve
547
Satan with his perverted world, then raise
548
From the conflagrant6437 mass, purged and refined,
549
New Heav'ns, new earth, ages of endless date,6438
550
Founded in righteousness, and peace, and love---
551
To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss."
552
He ended, and thus Adam last6439 replied:
553
"How soon hath thy prediction, seer 6440 blest,
555
Till time stand fixed! Beyond is all abyss,
556
Eternity, whose end no eye can reach.
557
Greatly-instructed I shall hence depart,
558
Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill
559
Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain,
560
Beyond which was my folly to aspire.
561
Henceforth I learn that to obey is best,
562
And love with fear the only God; to walk
563
As in His presence, ever to observe
564
His providence, and on Him sole depend,
565
Merciful over 6443 all His works, with good
566
Still 6444 overcoming evil, and by small
567
Accomplishing great things, by things deemed weak
568
Subverting6445 worldly strong, and worldly wise
569
By simply meek; that suffering for truth's sake
570
Is fortitude to highest victory
571
And, to the faithful, death the gate of life,
572
Taught this by his example, whom I now
573
Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest."
574
To whom thus also th' Angel last6446 replied:
575
"This having learned, thou hast attained the sum
576
Of wisdom. Hope no higher, though all the stars
577
Thou knew'st by name, and all the ethereal powers,
578
All secrets of the deep, all Nature's works,
579
Or works of God in Heav'n, air, earth, or sea,
580
And all the riches of this world enjoyd'st,
581
And all the rule, one empire. Only add
582
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable,6447 add faith,
583
Add virtue, patience, temperance, add love,
584
By name to come called charity, the soul
585
Of all the rest. Then wilt thou not be loath
586
To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
587
A Paradise within thee, happier far.
588
"Let us descend now therefore from this top6448
590
Exacts6451 our parting hence. And see the guards,
591
By me encamped on yonder hill! Expect6452
592
Their motion, at whose front 6453 a flaming sword,
594
We may no longer stay. Go, waken Eve.
595
Her also I with gentle dreams have calmed,
598
Let her with thee partake6460 what thou hast heard,
599
Chiefly what may concern her faith to know,
600
The great deliverance by her seed to come
601
(For by the woman's seed) on all mankind,
602
That ye may live, which will be many days,
603
Both in one faith unanimous,6461 though sad,
604
With cause, for evils past, yet much more cheered
605
With meditation6462 on the happy end."
606
He ended, and they both descend the hill.
607
Descended Adam to the bow'r where Eve
608
Lay sleeping, ran before, but found her waked,
609
And thus with words not sad she him received:
610
"Whence thou return'st, and whither went'st, I know,
611
For God is also in sleep, and dreams advise,6463
612
Which He hath sent propitious,6464 some great good
613
Presaging, since with sorrow and heart's distress
614
Wearied I fell asleep. But now lead on:
615
In me is no delay. With thee to go
616
Is to stay here. Without thee here to stay
617
Is to go hence unwilling. Thou to me
618
Art all things under Heav'n, all places thou,
619
Who for my wilful crime art banished hence.
620
This further consolation yet secure
621
I carry hence, though all by me is lost,
622
Such favor I unworthy am vouchsafed,6465
623
By me the promised seed shall all restore."
624
So spoke our mother Eve, and Adam heard
625
Well pleased, but answered not. For now, too nigh
626
The ArchAngel stood and, from the other hill
627
To their fixed station, all in bright array
628
The Cherubim descended, on the ground
629
Gliding meteorous,6466 as ev'ning-mist
630
Ris'n from a river o'er the marish6467 glides,
631
And gathers ground fast at the laborer's heel
632
Homeward returning. High in front advanced,6468
633
The brandished sword of God before them blazed,
634
Fierce6469 as a comet, which with torrid heat,
637
In either hand the hast'ning Angel caught
638
Our ling'ring6476 parents, and to the eastern gate
639
Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast
641
They looking back, all th' eastern side beheld
642
Of Paradise, so late their happy seat,
643
Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate
644
With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms.
645
Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon.
646
The world was all before them, where to choose
647
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide.
648
They hand in hand, with wand'ring steps and slow,
649
Through Eden took their solitary way.
The End
I, who erewhile6479 the happy Garden sung
By one man's disobedience lost, now sing
Recovered Paradise to all mankind,
By one man's firm obedience fully tried6480
Through all temptation, and the Tempter foiled
In all his wiles, defeated and repulsed,
And Eden raised in the waste wilderness.
Thou Spirit, who led'st this glorious Eremite6481
Into the desert, his victorious field
Against the spiritual foe, and brought'st him thence
By proof th' undoubted Son of God, inspire,
As thou art wont,6482 my prompted6483 song, else mute, And bear through height or depth of Nature's bounds,
With prosperous6484 wing full summed,6485 to tell of deeds Above6486 heroic, though in secret done, And unrecorded left through many an age--- Worthy t' have not remained so long unsung.
Now had the great Proclaimer,6487 with a voice
More awful 6488 than the sound of trumpet, cried "Repentance, and Heav'n's kingdom nigh at hand
To all baptized!" To his great baptism flocked
With awe6489 the regions round, and with them came From Nazareth, the son of Joseph deemed,6490
To the flood Jordan---came as then obscure,
Unmarked,6491 unknown. But him the Baptist soon Descried,6492 divinely warned, and witness bore As to his worthier,6493 and would have resigned To him his Heav'nly office. Nor was long
His witness unconfirmed: on him6494 baptized Heav'n opened, and in likeness of a dove
The Spirit descended, while the Father's voice
From Heav'n pronounced him His belovèd Son.
That heard the Adversary,6495 who roving still About the world, at that assembly famed6496
Would not be last, and with the voice divine
Nigh thunder-struck,6497 th' exalted man to whom Such high attest was giv'n a while surveyed6498
With wonder. Then with envy fraught,6499 and rage, Flies to his place,6500 nor rests, but in mid air To council summons all his mighty Peers,6501
Within thick clouds and dark tenfold involved,6502
A gloomy consistory,6503 and them amidst, With looks aghast6504 and sad,6505 he thus bespoke:
"O ancient Powers of air and this wide world
(For much more willingly I mention air,
This our old conquest, than remember Hell,
Our hated habitation), well ye know
How many ages, as6506 the years of men, This universe6507 we have possessed, and ruled In manner at our will th' affairs of earth,
Since Adam and his facile6508 consort Eve Lost Paradise, deceived by me, though since
With dread attending 6509 when that fatal wound Shall6510 be inflicted by the seed of Eve Upon my head. Long the decrees of Heav'n
Delay, for longest time to Him is short.
And now, too soon for us, the circling hours
This dreaded time have compassed,6511 wherein we Must bide6512 the stroke of that long-threat'ned wound (At least, if so we can, and by the head
Broken6513 be not intended all our power To be infringed,6514 our freedom and our being In this fair empire won of earth and air),
For this ill news I bring: the woman's seed,
Destined to this, is late of woman born.
His birth to our just fear gave no small cause,
But his growth now to youth's full flow'r, displaying
All virtue, grace and wisdom to achieve
Things highest, greatest, multiplies my fear.
Before him a great prophet, to proclaim
His coming, is sent harbinger,6515 who all Invites, and in the consecrated stream
Pretends6516 to wash off sin, and fit them so Purified to receive him pure, or rather
To do him honor as their King. All come,
And he6517 himself among them was baptized--- Not thence to be more pure, but to receive
The testimony of Heav'n, that who he is
Thenceforth the nations may not doubt. I saw
The prophet do him reverence. On him, rising
Out of the water, Heav'n above the clouds
Unfold her crystal doors, thence on his head
A perfect dove descend (whate'er it meant),
And out of Heav'n the sov'reign voice I heard,
'This is my Son beloved---in him am pleased. '
His mother, then, is mortal, but his sire
He6518 who obtains6519 the monarchy of Heav'n, And what will He not do t' advance His Son?
His first-begot we know,6520 and sore have felt, When his fierce thunder drove us to the deep.
Who this is we must learn, for man he seems
In all his lineaments,6521 though in his face The glimpses of his Father's glory shine.
Ye see our danger on the utmost edge
Of hazard,6522 which admits6523 no long debate, But must with something sudden be opposed
(Not force, but well-couched6524 fraud, well-woven snares), Ere in the head 6525 of nations he appear, Their king, their leader, and supreme on earth.
I, when no other durst, sole undertook
The dismal6526 expedition6527 to find out And ruin Adam, and the exploit performed
Successfully. A calmer voyage now
Will waft 6528 me, and the way found prosperous once Induces best to hope of like success."
He ended, and his words impression left
Of much amazement to th' infernal crew,
Distracted and surprised with deep dismay
At these sad tidings. But no time was then6529
For long indulgence to their fears or grief:
Unanimous they all commit the care
And management of this main enterprise
To him, their great dictator,6530 whose attempt At first against mankind so well had thrived 6531
In Adam's overthrow, and led their march
From Hell's deep-vaulted den to dwell in light,
Regents, and potentates, and kings, yea gods,
Of many a pleasant realm and province wide.
So to the coast of Jordan he directs
His easy6532 steps, girded6533 with snaky wiles, Where he might likeliest find this new-declared,
This man of men, attested Son of God,
Temptation and all guile on him to try---
So to subvert 6534 whom6535 he suspected raised To end his6536 reign on earth so long enjoyed.
But contrary unweeting,6537 he fulfilled The purposed counsel, pre-ordained and fixed,
Of the Most High, who in full frequence6538 bright Of Angels, thus to Gabriel smiling spoke:
"Gabriel, this day, by proof, thou shalt behold,
Thou and all Angels conversant6539 on earth With man or men's affairs, how I begin
To verify that solemn message late,
On which I sent thee to the virgin pure
In Galilee, that she should bear a son,
Great in renown, and called the Son of God.
Then told'st her (doubting6540 how these things could be To her a virgin) that on her should come
The Holy Ghost, and the power of the Highest
O'ershadow6541 her. This man, born and now upgrown, To show him worthy of his birth divine
And high prediction, henceforth I expose 6542
To Satan. Let him tempt, and now assay6543
His utmost subtlety, because he boasts
And vaunts of his great cunning to the throng
Of his apostasy. He might have learned
Less overweening,6544 since he failed in Job, Whose constant perseverance overcame
Whate'er his6545 cruel malice could invent.
He now shall know I can produce a man
Of female seed, far abler 6546 to resist All his solicitations, and at length
All his vast force, and drive him back to Hell,
Winning by conquest what the first man lost
By fallacy 6547 surprised.
"But first I mean
To exercise6548 him6549 in the wilderness.
There he shall first lay down the rudiments6550
Of his great warfare, ere I send him forth
To conquer Sin and Death, the two grand foes.
By humiliation6551 and strong sufferance6552
His weakness shall o'ercome Satanic strength,
And all the world, and mass6553 of sinful flesh, That6554 all the Angels and aethereal Powers--- They now, and men hereafter---may discern
From what consummate virtue I have chose
This perfect man, by merit called my Son,
To earn salvation for the sons of men."
So spoke th' Eternal Father, and all Heav'n
Admiring6555 stood a space, then into hymns Burst forth, and in celestial measures6556 moved, Circling the throne and singing while the hand
Sung with the voice, and this the argument:6557
"Victory and triumph to the Son of God,
Now ent'ring his great duel,6558 not of arms, But to vanquish by wisdom hellish wiles!
The Father knows the Son, therefore secure
Ventures his filial virtue, though untried,
Against whate'er may tempt, whate'er seduce,6559
Allure, or terrify, or undermine.
Be frustrate, all ye stratagems of Hell,
And devilish machinations come to nought!"
So they in Heav'n their odes6560 and vigils 6561 tuned.6562
Meanwhile the Son of God, who yet some days
Lodged in Bethabara,6563 where John baptized, Musing and much revolving in his breast
How best the mighty work he might begin
Of Savior to mankind, and which way first
Publish6564 his godlike office now mature,6565
One day forth walked alone, the Spirit leading,
And his deep thoughts, the better to converse
With6566 solitude, till far from track6567 of men, Thought following thought, and step by step led on,
He entered now the bord'ring desert wild,
And with dark shades and rocks environed round
His holy meditations thus pursued:
"O what a multitude of thoughts at once
Awakened in me swarm, while I consider
What from within I feel myself, and hear
What from without comes often to my ears,
Ill sorting6568 with my present state compared!
When I was yet a child, no childish play
To me was pleasing. All my mind was set
Serious to learn and know, and thence to do,
What might be public good. Myself I thought6569
Born to that end, born to promote all truth,
All righteous things. Therefore, above my years,
The Law of God I read, and found it sweet,
Made it my whole delight, and in it grew
To such perfection that, ere yet my age
Had measured twice six years, at our6570 great feast I went into the Temple, there to hear
The teachers of our Law, and to propose
What might improve my knowledge or their own,
And was admired6571 by all.
"Yet this not all
To which my spirit aspired. Victorious deeds
Flamed in my heart, heroic acts---one while6572
To rescue Israel from the Roman yoke,
Then to subdue and quell,6573 o'er all the earth, Brute violence and proud tyrannic power,
Till truth were freed, and equity6574 restored--- Yet held it more humane, more Heav'nly,6575 first By winning words to conquer willing hearts,
And make persuasion do the work of fear,
At least to try, and teach the erring soul,
Not wilfully misdoing, but unaware
Misled. The stubborn only to subdue.
"These growing thoughts my mother soon perceiving,
By words at times cast forth, inly rejoiced,
And said to me apart,6576 'High are thy thoughts, O Son! But nourish them, and let them soar
To what height sacred virtue and true worth
Can raise them, though above example6577 high.
By matchless deeds express thy matchless sire.
For know, thou art no son of mortal man,
Though men esteem thee low of parentage.
Thy Father is th' Eternal King who rules
All Heav'n and earth, Angels and sons of men.
A messenger from God foretold thy birth
Conceived in me a virgin. He foretold
Thou should'st be great, and sit on David's throne,
And of thy kingdom there should be no end.
At thy nativity a glorious choir
Of Angels, in the fields of Bethlehem, sung
To shepherds, watching at their folds6578 by night, And told them the Messiah now was born,
Where they might see him, and to thee they came,
Directed to the manger 6579 where thou lay'st, For in the inn was left no better room.6580
A star, not seen before, in Heav'n appearing,
Guided the Wise Men thither from the East,
To honor thee with incense, myrrh, and gold,
By whose6581 bright course led on they found the place, Affirming it thy star, new-graven6582 in Heav'n, By which they knew thee King of Israel born.
Just Simeon6583 and prophetic Anna,6584 warned By vision, found thee in the Temple, and spoke
Before the altar and the vested priest
Like6585 things of thee to all that present stood. '
"This having heard, straight I again revolved6586
The Law and prophets, searching what was writ
Concerning the Messiah, to our scribes
Known partly, and soon found of whom they spoke
I am---this chiefly, that my way must lie
Through many a hard assay,6587 ev'n to the death, Ere I the promised kingdom can attain
Or work redemption for mankind, whose sins'
Full weight must be transferred upon my head.
Yet neither thus disheart'ned or dismayed,
The time prefixed6588 I waited, when behold The Baptist (of whose birth I oft had heard,
Not knew by sight) now come, who was to come
Before Messiah, and his way prepare.
I, as all others, to his baptism came,
Which I believed was from above, but he
Straight knew me, and with loudest voice proclaimed
Me him (for it was shewn him so from Heav'n)---
Me him whose harbinger 6589 he was, and first Refused on me his baptism to confer,
As much his greater, and was hardly6590 won.6591
But as I rose out of the laving6592 stream Heav'n op'ned her eternal doors, from whence
The Spirit descended on me like a dove,
And last---the sum6593 of all---my Father's voice, Audibly heard from Heav'n, pronounced me His,
Me His belovèd Son, in whom alone
He was well pleased. By which I knew the time
Now full,6594 that I no more should live obscure,6595
But openly begin, as best becomes
Th' authority which I derived from Heav'n.
"And now by some strong motion I am led
Into this wilderness, to what intent
I learn not yet. Perhaps I need not know,
For what concerns my knowledge God reveals."
So spoke our morning star, then in his rise,
And looking round on every side beheld
A pathless desert, dusk6596 with horrid shades.6597
The way he came, not having marked return,
Was difficult, by human steps untrod,
And he still on was led, but with such thoughts
Accompanied of things past and to come
Lodged in his breast as well might recommend6598
Such solitude before choicest6599 society.
Full forty days he passed---whether on hill
Sometimes, anon6600 in shady vale, each night Under the covert6601 of some ancient oak Or cedar to defend6602 him from the dew, Or harbored6603 in one cave, is not revealed.
Nor6604 tasted human food, nor hunger felt, Till those days ended. Hungered then at last
Among wild beasts. They at his sight grew mild,6605
Nor sleeping him nor waking harmed. His walk
The fiery serpent fled and noxious6606 worm, The lion and fierce tiger glared6607 aloof.6608
But now an agèd man in rural weeds,
Following, as seemed, the quest of some stray ewe,
Or withered sticks to gather, which might serve
Against a winter's day when winds blow keen
To warm him, wet returned from field at eve,
He6609 saw approach, who first with curious eye Perused him, then with words thus uttered spoke:
"Sir, what ill chance hath brought thee to this place,
So far from path or road of men, who pass
In troop or caravan? For single6610 none Durst ever, who returned, and dropped not here
His carcass, pined 6611 with hunger and with drought?
I ask the rather, and the more admire,
For that6612 to me thou seem'st the man whom late Our new baptizing prophet at the ford
Of Jordan honored so, and called thee Son
Of God. I saw and heard, for we sometimes
Who dwell this wild,6613 constrained6614 by want, come forth To town or village nigh (nighest is far),
Where aught we hear, and curious are to hear,
What happens new. Fame6615 also finds us out."
To whom the Son of God:
"Who brought me hither
Will bring me hence. No other guide I seek."
"By miracle he may," replied the swain.6616
"What other way I see not, for we here
Live on tough roots and stubs,6617 to thirst inured More than the camel, and to drink go far--- Men to much misery and hardship born.
But if thou be the Son of God, command
That out of these hard stones be made thee bread,
So shalt thou save thyself, and us relieve
With food, whereof we wretched seldom taste."
He ended, and the Son of God replied:
"Think'st thou such force in bread? Is it not written
(For I discern thee other than thou seem'st),
Man lives not by bread only, but each word
Proceeding from the mouth of God, who fed
Our fathers here with manna? In the mount
Moses was forty days, nor ate nor drank,
And forty days Elijah without food
Wandered this barren waste. The same I now.
Why dost thou, then, suggest to me distrust,6618
Knowing who I am, as I know who thou art?"
Whom thus answered th' arch-fiend, now undisguised:
"'Tis true, I am that Spirit unfortunate
Who, leagued with millions more in rash revolt,
Kept not my happy station, but was driv'n
With them from bliss to the bottomless deep.
Yet to that hideous place not so confined
By rigor6619 unconniving6620 but that oft, Leaving my dolorous6621 prison, I enjoy Large liberty to round6622 this globe of earth, Or range6623 in the air, nor from the Heav'n of Heav'ns Hath He excluded my resort6624 sometimes.
I came among the Sons of God when He
Gave up into my hands Uzzean6625 Job, To prove6626 him, and illustrate6627 his high worth.
And when to all His Angels He proposed
To draw the proud King Ahab6628 into fraud, That he might fall in Ramoth,6629 they demurring,6630
I undertook that office, and the tongues
Of all his6631 flattering prophets glibbed 6632 with lies To his destruction, as I had in charge.6633
For what He bids I do. Though I have lost
Much luster of my native brightness, lost
To be beloved of God, I have not lost
To love, at least contemplate6634 and admire, What I see excellent in good, or fair,
Or virtuous.6635 I should so have lost all sense.
"What can be then less in me than desire6636
To see thee and approach thee, whom I know
Declared the Son of God, to hear attent6637
Thy wisdom, and behold thy godlike deeds?
Men generally think me much a foe
To all mankind. Why should I? They to me
Never did wrong or violence. By them
I lost not what I lost. Rather by them
I gained what I have gained, and with them dwell
Copartner in these regions of the world,
If not disposer6638 ---lend them oft my aid, Oft my advice by presages6639 and signs, And answers, oracles, portents, and dreams,
Whereby they may direct their future life.
"Envy, they say, excites me, thus to gain
Companions of my misery and woe!
At first it may be but, long since with woe
Nearer acquainted, now I feel by proof
That fellowship in pain divides6640 not smart,6641
Nor lightens aught each man's peculiar6642 load.
Small consolation, then, were man adjoined.6643
This wounds me most (what can it less?) that man,
Man fall'n, shall be restored, I never more."
To whom our Savior sternly thus replied:
"Deservedly thou griev'st, composed6644 of lies From the beginning, and in lies wilt end,
Who boast'st release from Hell, and leave to come
Into the Heav'n of Heav'ns! Thou com'st indeed,
As a poor miserable6645 captive thrall6646
Comes to the place where he before had sat
Among the prime in splendor, now deposed,
Ejected, emptied, gazed,6647 unpitied, shunned, A spectacle of ruin, or of scorn,
To all the host of Heav'n. The happy place
Imparts to thee no happiness, no joy,
Rather inflames thy torment, representing
Lost bliss, to thee no more communicable---
So never more in Hell than when in Heav'n.
"But thou art serviceable to Heav'n's King!
Wilt thou impute t' obedience what thy fear
Extorts, or pleasure to do ill excites?
What but thy malice moved thee to misdeem6648
Of righteous Job, then cruelly to afflict him
With all inflictions? But his patience won.
The other service was thy chosen task,
To be a liar in four hundred mouths,
For lying is thy sustenance, thy food.
Yet thou pretend'st to truth! All oracles
By thee are giv'n, and what confessed more true
Among the nations? That hath been thy craft,
By mixing somewhat true to vent more lies.
But what have been thy answers? What but dark,
Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding,
Which they who asked have seldom understood,
And not well understood, as good not known?6649
Who ever, by consulting at thy shrine,
Returned the wiser, or the more instruct
To fly6650 or follow what concerned him most, And run not sooner to his fatal snare?
For God hath justly giv'n the nations up
To thy delusions---justly, since they fell
Idolatrous.
"But when His purpose is
Among them to declare His providence,
To thee not known, whence hast thou then thy truth,
But from Him, or his Angels president6651
In every province, who themselves disdaining
T' approach thy temples, give thee in command
What, to the smallest tittle,6652 thou shalt say To thy adorers? Thou, with trembling fear,
Or like a fawning6653 parasite, obey'st, Then to thyself ascrib'st the truth foretold.
But this thy glory shall be soon retrenched.6654
No more shalt thou by oracling abuse6655
The gentiles:6656 henceforth oracles are ceased, And thou no more with pomp and sacrifice
Shalt be inquired at Delphos or elsewhere---
At least 6657 in vain, for they shall find thee mute.
God hath now sent His living oracle
Into the world to teach His final will,
And sends His Spirit of truth henceforth to dwell
In pious hearts, an inward oracle
To all truth requisite for men to know."
So spoke our Savior. But the subtle fiend,
Though inly stung with anger and disdain,6658
Dissembled, and this answer smooth returned:
"Sharply thou hast insisted on rebuke,
And urged me hard with doings which not will 6659
But misery hath wrested 6660 from me. Where Easily canst thou find one6661 miserable, And not enforced oft-times to part from truth,
If it may stand him more in stead 6662 to lie, Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or abjure?6663
But thou art placed above me, thou art Lord.
From thee I can, and must, submiss, endure
Check6664 or reproof, and glad to scape so quit.6665
Hard are the ways of truth, and rough to walk,
Smooth on the tongue discoursed,6666 pleasing to th' ear, And tunable6667 as sylvan6668 pipe6669 or song.
What wonder, then, if I delight to hear
Her dictates6670 from thy mouth? Most men admire6671
Virtue who follow not her lore. Permit me
To hear thee when I come (since no man comes),
And talk at least, though I despair t' attain.
Thy Father, who is holy, wise, and pure,
Suffers the hypocrite or atheous priest
To tread His sacred courts,6672 and minister6673
About His altar, handling holy things,
Praying or vowing, and vouchsafed His voice
To Balaam,6674 reprobate,6675 a prophet yet6676
Inspired. Disdain6677 not such access to me."
To whom our Savior, with unaltered brow:
"Thy coming hither, though I know thy scope,6678
I bid not, or forbid. Do as thou find'st
Permission from above. Thou canst not more."
He added not, and Satan, bowing low
His gray dissimulation,6679 disappeared, Into thin air diffused. For now began
Night with her sullen wing to double-shade
The desert. Fowls in their clay 6680 nests were couched,6681
And now wild beasts came forth, the woods to roam.
Meanwhile the new-baptized, who yet remained
At Jordan with the Baptist, and had seen
Him whom they heard so late6682 expressly6683 called Jesus Messiah, Son of God declared,
And on that high authority had believed,
And with him talked, and with him lodged6684 ---I mean Andrew6685 and Simon,6686 famous after 6687 known, With others, though in Holy Writ not named--- Now missing him, their joy so lately found,
So lately found and so abruptly gone,
Began to doubt, and doubted many days,
And as the days increased, increased their doubt.
Sometimes they thought he might be only shown6688
And for a time caught up6689 to God, as once Moses was in the mount and missing long,
And the great Thisbite,6690 who on fiery wheels Rode up to Heav'n, yet once again to come.
Therefore, as those young prophets then with care
Sought lost Elijah, so in each place these
Nigh to Bethabara6691 ---in Jericho6692
The city of palms, Aenon,6693 and Salem6694 old, Machaerus,6695 and each town or city walled On this side the broad lake Genezaret,6696
Or in Peraea6697 ---but returned in vain.
Then on the bank of Jordan, by a creek,
Where winds with reeds and osiers6698 whispering play, Plain fishermen (no greater, men them call),
Close in a cottage low together got,
Their unexpected loss and plaints6699 outbreathed:
"Alas, from what high hope to what relapse
Unlooked for are we fall'n! Our eyes beheld
Messiah certainly now come, so long
Expected of our fathers. We have heard
His words, his wisdom full of grace and truth.
'Now, now, for sure, deliverance is at hand!
The kingdom shall to Israel be restored!'
Thus we rejoiced, but soon our joy is turned
Into perplexity and new amaze.
For whither is he gone? What accident
Hath rapt6700 him from us? Will he now retire6701
After appearance, and again prolong
Our expectation? God of Israel,
Send Thy Messiah forth. The time is come.
Behold the kings of the earth, how they oppress
Thy chosen, to what height their pow'r unjust
They have exalted, and behind them cast
All fear of Thee. Arise, and vindicate6702
Thy glory, free Thy people from their yoke!
"But let us wait. Thus far He hath performed,6703
Sent His anointed,6704 and to us revealed him By His great prophet pointed at and shown
In public, and with him we have conversed.
Let us be glad of this, and all our fears
Lay on His providence.6705 He will not fail, Nor will withdraw him6706 now, nor will recall--- Mock us with his blest sight, then snatch him hence.
Soon we shall see our hope, our joy, return."
Thus they out of their plaints new hope resume
To find whom at the first they found unsought.
But to his mother Mary, when she saw
Others returned from baptism, not her son,
Nor left at Jordan tidings of him none,
Within her breast though calm, her breast though pure,
Motherly cares and fears got head,6707 and raised Some troubled thoughts, which she in sighs thus clad:
"Oh what avails me now, that honor high,
To have conceived of God, or that salute,6708
'Hail, highly favored, among women blest'?
While I to sorrows am no less advanced,6709
And fears as eminent6710 above the lot Of other women, by the birth I bore--- In such a season born, when scarce a shed
Could be obtained to shelter him or me
From the bleak6711 air. A stable was our warmth, A manger his, yet soon enforced to fly
Thence into Egypt, till the murd'rous king 6712
Were dead, who sought his life and, missing,6713 filled With infant blood the streets of Bethlehem.
From Egypt home returned, in Nazareth
Hath been our dwelling many years, his life
Private, unactive, calm, contemplative,
Little suspicious to any king. But now,
Full grown to man, acknowledged, as I hear,
By John the Baptist, and in public shown,
Son owned6714 from Heav'n by his Father's voice, I looked for some great change. To honor? No,
But trouble, as old Simeon6715 plain foretold, That to the fall and rising he should be
Of many in Israel, and to a sign
Spoken against---that through my very soul
A sword shall pierce, this my favored lot,
My exaltation to afflictions high!
Afflicted I may be, it seems, and blest!
I will not argue that, nor will repine.6716
"But where delays he now? Some great intent
Conceals him. When twelve years he scarce had seen,
I lost him, but so found as well I saw
He could not lose himself, but went about
His Father's business. What he meant I mused,6717
Since understand: much more his absence now
Thus long to some great purpose he obscures.6718
But I to wait with patience am inured,
My heart hath been a storehouse long of things
And sayings laid up, portending strange events."
Thus Mary, pondering oft, and oft to mind
Recalling what remarkably6719 had passed Since first her salutation6720 heard, with thoughts Meekly composed awaited the fulfilling,6721
The while her son, tracing6722 the desert wild, Sole,6723 but with holiest meditations fed, Into himself descended, and at once
All his great work to come before him set---
How to begin, how to accomplish best
His end6724 of being on earth, and mission high.
For Satan, with sly preface 6725 to return, Had left him vacant,6726 and with speed was gone Up to the middle region of thick air,
Where all his Potentates in council sat.
There, without sign of boast, or sign of joy,
Solicitous and blank,6727 he thus began:
"Princes, Heav'n's ancient Sons, Ethereal Thrones---
Daemonian Spirits now, from the element
Each of his reign allotted, rightlier called,
Powers of fire, air, water, and earth beneath
(So may we hold our place and these mild seats
Without new trouble!)---such an enemy
Is ris'n to invade us, who no less
Threat'ns than our expulsion down to Hell.
I, as I undertook, and with the vote
Consenting in full frequence6728 was empowered, Have found him, viewed him, tasted6729 him, but find Far other labor to be undergone
Than when I dealt with Adam, first of men,
Though Adam by his wife's allurement6730 fell, However to this man inferior far--- If he be man by mother's side, at least,
With more than human gifts from Heav'n adorned,
Perfections absolute, graces divine,
And amplitude of mind to greatest deeds.
Therefore I am returned, lest confidence
Of my success with Eve in Paradise
Deceive ye to persuasion over-sure
Of like6731 succeeding here. I summon all Rather to be in readiness with hand
Or counsel to assist, lest I, who erst
Thought none my equal, now be overmatched."
So spoke the old serpent, doubting, and from all
With clamor was assured their utmost aid
At his command, when from amidst them rose
Belial, the dissolutest Spirit that fell,
The sensualest, and after Asmodai6732
The fleshliest incubus,6733 and thus advised:
"Set women in his eye and in his walk,
Among daughters of men the fairest found.
Many are in each region passing 6734 fair As the noon sky, more like to goddesses
Than mortal creatures, graceful and discreet,6735
Expert in amorous arts, enchanting tongues
Persuasive, virgin majesty with mild
And sweet allayed,6736 yet terrible6737 to approach, Skilled to retire, and in retiring draw
Hearts after them tangled in amorous nets.
Such object hath the power to soft'n and tame
Severest temper,6738 smooth the rugged'st brow, Enerve6739 and with voluptuous hope dissolve,6740
Draw out with credulous desire, and lead
At will the manliest, resolutest breast,
As the magnetic6741 hardest iron draws.
Women, when nothing else, beguiled the heart
Of wisest Solomon, and made him build
And made him bow to the gods of his wives."
To whom quick answer Satan thus returned:
"Belial, in much uneven6742 scale thou weigh'st All others by thyself. Because of old
Thou thyself doat'st on6743 womankind, admiring Their shape, their color,6744 and attractive grace, None are, thou think'st, but taken with such toys.6745
Before the Flood, thou with thy lusty crew,
False titled sons of God, roaming the earth,
Cast wanton eyes on the daughters of men,
And coupled with them, and begot a race.
Have we not seen, or by relation6746 heard, In courts and regal chambers how thou lurk'st,
In wood or grove, by mossy fountain-side,
In valley or green meadow, to waylay
Some beauty rare? Callisto,6747 Clymene,6748
Daphne,6749 or Semele,6750 Antiopa,6751
Or Amymone,6752 Syrinx6753 ---many more Too long. Then lay'st thy scapes6754 on names adored, Apollo, Neptune, Jupiter, or Pan,
Satyr, or Faun, or Silvan!6755 But these haunts6756
Delight not all. Among the sons of men
How many have with a smile made small account
Of beauty and her lures, easily scorned
All her assaults, on worthier things intent?
"Remember that Pellean6757 conqueror,
A youth, how all the beauties of the East
He slightly6758 viewed, and slightly overpassed.
"How he surnamed of Africa6759 dismissed,6760
In his prime youth, the fair Iberian maid.6761
"For Solomon he lived at ease, and full
Of honor, wealth, high fare,6762 aimed not beyond Higher design6763 than to enjoy his state,6764
Thence to the bait of women lay exposed.
"But he whom we attempt is wiser far
Than Solomon, of more exalted mind,
Made and set wholly on the accomplishment
Of greatest things. What woman will you find,
Though of this age the wonder and the fame,
On whom his leisure6765 will vouchsafe an eye Of fond6766 desire? Or should she, confident As sitting queen adored on beauty's throne,
Descend with all her winning charms begirt 6767
To enamor, as the zone6768 of Venus once Wrought that effect on Jove (so fables tell),6769
How would one look from his majestic brow6770
Discount'nance6771 her despised, and put to rout All her array, her female pride deject,6772
Or turn to reverent awe? For beauty stands
In th' admiration only of weak minds
Led captive. Cease to admire, and all her plumes6773
Fall flat and shrink into a trivial toy,6774
At every sudden slighting6775 quite abashed.6776
"Therefore with manlier objects we must try
His constancy---with such as have more show
Of worth, of honor, glory, and popular praise
(Rocks whereon greatest men have oftest wrecked),
Or that which only seems to satisfy
Lawful desires of nature, not beyond.
And now I know he hungers,6777 where no food Is to be found, in the wide wilderness.
The rest commit to me. I shall let pass
No advantage, and his strength as oft assay."
He ceased, and heard their grant6778 in loud acclaim,
Then forthwith to him takes a chosen band
Of Spirits likest to himself in guile,
To be at hand and at his beck6779 appear If cause were6780 to unfold some active6781 scene Of various persons, each to know his part,
Then to the desert takes with these his flight,
Where still, from shade to shade, the Son of God,
After forty days' fasting, had remained,
Now hung'ring first,6782 and to himself thus said:
"Where will this end? Four times ten days I have passed,
Wand'ring this woody maze, and human food
Nor tasted, nor had appetite. That fast
To virtue I impute6783 not, or count part Of what I suffer here. If Nature need not,
Or God support Nature without repast,
Though needing, what praise is it to endure?
But now I feel I hunger, which declares
Nature hath need of what she asks. Yet God
Can satisfy that need some other way,
Though hunger still remain. So6784 it remain Without this body's wasting, I content me,
And from the sting of famine6785 fear no harm, Nor mind it, fed with better thoughts, that feed
Me hung'ring more to do my Father's will."
It was the hour of night, when thus the Son
Communed6786 in silent walk, then laid him down Under the hospitable covert nigh
Of trees thick interwoven. There he slept,
And dreamed, as appetite is wont to dream,
Of meats and drinks, Nature's refreshment sweet.
Him thought he by the brook of Cherith6787 stood, And saw the ravens with their horny beaks
Food to Elijah bringing, even and morn,
Though ravenous, taught t' abstain from what they brought.
He saw the prophet also, how he fled
Into the desert, and how there he slept
Under a juniper, then how, awaked,
He found his supper on the coals prepared,
And by the Angel was bid rise and eat,
And ate the second time after repose,
The strength whereof sufficed him forty days.
Sometimes that with Elijah he partook,6788
Or as a guest with Daniel at his pulse.6789
Thus wore out night; and now the herald lark
Left his ground-nest, high tow'ring to descry
The morn's approach, and greet her with his song.
As lightly from his grassy couch up rose
Our Savior, and found all was but a dream:
Fasting he went to sleep, and fasting waked.
Up to a hill anon6790 his steps he reared,6791
From whose high top to ken6792 the prospect6793 round, If cottage were in view, sheep-cote,6794 or herd.
But cottage, herd, or sheep-cote none he saw,
Only in a bottom6795 saw a pleasant grove, With chant6796 of tuneful birds resounding loud.
Thither he bent his way, determined there
To rest at noon, and entered soon the shade
High-roofed, and walks beneath, and alleys6797 brown, That opened6798 in the midst a6799 woody scene.
Nature's own work it seemed (Nature taught6800 art), And, to a superstitious eye, the haunt
Of wood-gods and wood-nymphs. He viewed it round---
When suddenly a man before him stood,
Not rustic as before, but seemlier 6801 clad, As one in city or court or palace bred,
And with fair speech these words to him addressed:
"With granted leave officious6802 I return,
But much more wonder that the Son of God
In this wild solitude so long should bide,6803
Of all things destitute and, well I know,
Not without hunger. Others of some note,
As story tells, have trod this wilderness:
The fugitive bond-woman,6804 with her son, Outcast Nebaioth,6805 yet found here relief By a providing Angel. All the race
Of Israel here had6806 famished, had not God Rained from Heav'n manna. And that prophet bold,
Native of Thebez,6807 wand'ring here, was fed Twice by a voice inviting him to eat.
Of thee those forty days none hath regard,
Forty and more deserted here indeed."
To whom thus Jesus:
"What conclud'st thou hence?
They all had need. I, as thou see'st, have none."
"How hast thou hunger then?" Satan replied.
"Tell me, if food were now before thee set,
Would'st thou not eat?"
The giver," answered Jesus.
"Why should that
Cause thy refusal?" said the subtle fiend.
"Hast thou not right to all created things?
Owe not all creatures, by just right, to thee
Duty and service, nor to stay till bid,
But tender 6810 all their power?6811 Nor mention I Meats by the law unclean, or offered first
To idols---those young Daniel6812 could refuse.
Nor proffered by an enemy---though who
Would scruple6813 that, with want 6814 oppressed? Behold!
Nature ashamed (or, better to express,
Troubled) that thou shouldst hunger, hath purveyed6815
From all the elements her choicest store,
To treat thee as beseems, and as her Lord
With honor. Only deign to sit and eat."
He spoke no dream, for as his words had end
Our Savior, lifting up his eyes, beheld
In ample space under the broadest shade
A table richly spread in regal mode,
With dishes piled and meats of noblest sort
And savor,6816 beasts of chase, or fowl of game, In pastry built,6817 or from the spit, or boiled, Grisamber6818 steamed---all fish, from sea or shore, Freshet6819 or purling6820 brook, of shell or fin, And exquisitest name,6821 for which was drained Pontus,6822 and Lucrine Bay,6823 and Afric coast.
Alas! how simple,6824 to these cates6825 compared, Was that crude apple that diverted6826 Eve!
And at a stately6827 sideboard,6828 by the wine That fragrant smell diffused,6829 in order stood Tall stripling6830 youths rich-clad, of fairer hue Than Ganymede6831 or Hylas.6832 Distant more, Under the trees now6833 tripped,6834 now solemn stood6835
Nymphs of Diana's train, and Naiades
With fruits and flowers from Amalthea's horn,6836
And ladies of the Hesperides,6837 that seemed Fairer than feigned6838 of old, or fabled since Of fairy damsels met in forest wide
By knights of Logres,6839 or of Lyonesse,6840
Lancelot, or Pelléas, or Pellenore.6841
And all the while harmonious airs were heard
Of chiming6842 strings or charming pipes, and winds Of gentlest gale6843 Arabian odors fanned From their soft wings, and Flora's6844 earliest smells.
Such was the splendor. And the Tempter now
His invitation earnestly renewed:
"What doubts6845 the Son of God to sit and eat?
These are not fruits forbidd'n. No interdict6846
Defends6847 the touching of these viands6848 pure.
Their taste no knowledge works (at least of evil)
But life preserves, destroys life's enemy,
Hunger, with sweet restorative delight.
All these are Spirits of air, and woods, and springs,
Thy gentle6849 ministers,6850 who come to pay Thee homage, and acknowledge thee their Lord.
What doubt'st thou, Son of God? Sit down and eat."
To whom thus Jesus temperately6851 replied:
"Said'st thou not that to all things I had right?
And who withholds my pow'r that right to use?
Shall I receive by gift what of my own,
When and where likes me best, I can command?
I can at will, doubt not, as soon as thou,
Command a table in this wilderness,
And call swift flights of Angels ministrant,
Arrayed in glory, on my cup t' attend.
Why should'st thou, then, obtrude6852 this diligence6853
In vain, where no acceptance it can find?
And with my hunger what hast thou to do?
Thy pompous6854 delicacies6855 I contemn,6856
And count thy specious6857 gifts no gifts, but guiles."
To whom thus answered Satan, malcontent:6858
"That I have also power to give thou see'st.
If of that pow'r I bring thee voluntary
What I might have bestowed on whom I pleased,
And, rather,6859 opportunely6860 in this place Chose to impart to thy apparent6861 need, Why should'st thou not accept it? But I see
What I can do or offer is suspect.
Of these things others quickly will dispose,
Whose pains have earned the far-fet 6862 spoil."
With that
Both table and provision vanished quite,6863
With sound of harpies' wings and talons heard.
Only the importune6864 Tempter still remained, And with these words his temptation pursued:
"By hunger, that each other creature tames,
Thou art not to be harmed, therefore not moved.
Thy temperance,6865 invincible besides, For no allurement yields to appetite,
And all thy heart is set on high designs,
High actions. But wherewith to be achieved?
Great acts require great means of enterprise.6866
Thou art unknown, unfriended, low of birth,
A carpenter thy father known, thyself
Bred up in poverty and straits6867 at home, Lost in a desert here and hunger-bit.
Which way, or from what hope, dost thou aspire
To greatness? Whence authority deriv'st?6868
What followers, what retinue6869 canst thou gain, Or6870 at thy heels the dizzy 6871 multitude, Longer than thou canst feed them on6872 thy cost?
Money brings honor, friends, conquest, and realms.
What raised Antipater 6873 the Edomite, 6874
And his son Herod, placed on Judah's throne
(Thy throne), but gold, that got him puissant friends?
Therefore, if at great things thou would'st arrive,
Get riches first, get wealth, and treasure heap6875 --- Not difficult, if thou hearken to me.
Riches are mine, fortune is in my hand.
They whom I favor thrive in wealth amain,6876
While virtue, valor, wisdom, sit in want."
To whom thus Jesus patiently replied:
"Yet wealth without these three6877 is impotent To gain dominion, or to keep it, gained.6878
Witness those ancient empires of the earth,
In height of all their flowing wealth dissolved,
But men endued with these6879 have oft attained, In lowest poverty, to highest deeds:
Gideon,6880 and Jephtha,6881 and the shepherd lad6882
Whose offspring on the throne of Judah sat
So many ages, and shall yet regain
That seat, and reign in Israel without end.
Among the heathen (for throughout the world
To me is not unknown what hath been done,
Worthy of memorial) canst thou not remember
Quintius,6883 Fabricius,6884 Curius,6885 Regulus?6886
For I esteem those names of men so poor
Who could do mighty things, and could contemn
Riches, though offered from the hand of kings.
And what in me seems wanting6887 but that I May also, in this poverty, as soon
Accomplish what they did, perhaps, and more?
Extol not riches, then, the toil 6888 of fools, The wise man's cumbrance, if not snare, more apt
To slacken virtue and abate6889 her edge6890
Than prompt her to do aught6891 may merit praise.
What if with like 6892 aversion I reject Riches and realms! Yet not for that6893 a crown, Golden in show, is but a wreath of thorns--- Brings dangers, troubles, cares, and sleepless nights
To him who wears the regal diadem,6894
When on his shoulders each6895 man's burden lies.
For therein stands6896 the office of a king, His honor, virtue, merit, and chief praise
That for the public all this weight he bears.
"Yet he who reigns within himself, and rules6897
Passions, desires, and fears, is more a king---
Which every wise and virtuous man attains.
And who attains not, ill aspires to rule
Cities of men, or headstrong multitudes,
Subject 6898 himself to anarchy within, Or lawless passions in him, which he serves.
But to guide nations in the way of truth
By saving6899 doctrine, and from error lead To know and, knowing, worship God aright,
Is yet more kingly. This attracts the soul,
Governs the inner man, the nobler part;
That other o'er the body only reigns,
And oft by force, which to a generous6900 mind So reigning can be no sincere delight.
"Besides, to give a kingdom hath been thought
Greater and nobler done, and to lay down6901
Far more magnanimous,6902 than to assume.6903
Riches are needless, then, both for themselves
And for thy reason why they should be sought,
To gain a scepter, oftest better missed."6904
So spoke the Son of God, and Satan stood
A while as mute, confounded6905 what to say, What to reply, confuted 6906 and convinced6907
Of his weak arguing and fallacious6908 drift.6909
At length, collecting 6910 all his serpent wiles, With soothing words renewed, him6911 thus accosts:
"I see thou know'st what is of use to know,
What best to say canst say, to do canst do.
Thy actions to thy words accord, thy words
To thy large heart give utterance due: thy heart
Contains of good, wise, just, the perfect shape.
Should kings and nations from thy mouth consult 6912
Thy counsel would be as the oracle
Urim and Thummim,6913 those oraculous gems On Aaron's breast, or tongue of seers6914 old Infallible. Or wert thou sought to deeds
That might require the array6915 of war, thy skill Of conduct would be such that all the world
Could not sustain thy prowess, or subsist 6916
In battle, though against thy few in arms.6917
"These godlike virtues wherefore dost thou hide?
Affecting6918 private life, or more obscure In savage wilderness, wherefore deprive
All earth her wonder at thy acts, thyself
The fame and glory---glory, the reward
That sole excites to high attempts the flame
Of most erected6919 spirits, most tempered6920 pure Ethereal, who all pleasures else despise,
All treasures and all gain esteem as dross,
And dignities and powers, all but the highest?
Thy years are ripe, and over-ripe. The son
Of Macedonian Philip6921 had ere these Won Asia, and the throne of Cyrus6922 held At his dispose. Young Scipio had brought down
The Carthaginian pride;6923 young Pompey quelled The Pontic king,6924 and in triumph had rode.
Yet years, and to ripe years judgment mature,
Quench not the thirst of glory, but augment.
Great Julius,6925 whom now all the world admires, The more he grew in years, the more inflamed
With glory, wept that he had lived so long
Inglorious. But thou yet art not too late."
To whom our Savior calmly thus replied:
"Thou neither dost persuade me to seek wealth
For empire's sake, nor empire to affect 6926
For glory's sake, by all thy argument.
For what is glory but the blaze6927 of fame, The people's praise---if always praise unmixed?
And what 6928 the people but a herd confused, A miscellaneous rabble,6929 who extol Things vulgar and, well weighed,6930 scarce worth the praise?
They praise and they admire they know not what,
And know not whom, but as one leads the other.
And what delight to be by such extolled,
To live upon their tongues, and be their talk?
Of whom to be dispraised were no small praise---
His lot who dares be singularly6931 good.
Th' intelligent among them and the wise
Are few, and glory scarce of few is raised.6932
This is true glory and renown---when God,
Looking on the earth, with approbation marks
The just man, and divulges6933 him through Heav'n To all His Angels, who with true applause
Recount his praises. Thus He did to Job,
When to extend his fame through Heav'n and earth
(As thou to thy reproach may'st well remember)
He asked thee, 'Hast thou seen my servant Job?'
Famous he was in Heav'n; on earth less known,
Where glory is false glory, attributed
To things not glorious, men not worthy of fame.
"They err who count it glorious to subdue
By conquest far and wide, to overrun
Large countries, and in field great battles win,
Great cities by assault. What do these worthies
But rob and spoil, burn, slaughter, and enslave
Peaceable nations, neighboring or remote?
Made captive, yet deserving freedom more
Than those their conquerors, who leave behind
Nothing but ruin wheresoe'er they rove,
And all the flourishing works of peace destroy,
Then swell with pride, and must be titled gods,
Great benefactors of mankind, deliverers,
Worshipped with temple, priest, and sacrifice!
One is the son of Jove,6934 of Mars6935 the other, Till conqueror Death discover 6936 them scarce men, Rolling in brutish vices, and deformed,6937
Violent or shameful Death their due reward.
"But if there be in glory aught of good,
It may by means far different be attained,
Without ambition, war, or violence---
By deeds of peace, by wisdom eminent,
By patience, temperance. I mention still
Him whom thy wrongs with saintly patience borne,
Made famous in a land and times obscure:
Who names not now with honor patient Job?
Poor Socrates (who next more memorable?)
By what he taught and suffered for so doing,
For truth's sake suffering death unjust, lives now
Equal in fame to proudest conquerors.
Yet if for fame and glory aught be done,
Aught suffered---if young African6938 for fame His wasted country freed from Punic6939 rage--- The deed becomes unpraised, the man at least,
And loses, though but verbal, his reward.
Shall I seek glory, then, as vain men seek,
Oft not deserved? I seek not mine, but His
Who sent me, and thereby witness6940 whence I am."6941
To whom the Tempter, murmuring, thus replied:
"Think not so slight of glory, therein least
Resembling thy great Father. He seeks glory,
And for His glory all things made, all things
Orders and governs, nor content in Heav'n,
By all His Angels glorified, requires
Glory from men, from all men, good or bad,
Wise or unwise, no difference, no exemption.
Above all sacrifice, or hallowed gift,
Glory He requires, and glory He receives,
Promiscuous6942 from all nations, Jew, or Greek, Or barbarous, nor exception hath declared.
From us, His foes pronounced, glory He exacts."
To whom our Savior fervently replied:
"And reason,6943 since His Word all things produced, Though chiefly not for glory as prime end,
But to show forth His goodness, and impart
His good communicable to every soul
Freely. Of whom what could He less expect
Than glory and benediction6944 ---that is, thanks--- The slightest, easiest, readiest recompense
From them who could return Him nothing else?
And not returning that, would likeliest render
Contempt instead, dishonor, obloquy?
Hard recompense, unsuitable return
For so much good, so much beneficence!
"But why should man seek glory, who of his own
Hath nothing, and to whom nothing belongs
But condemnation, ignominy, and shame?
Who for so many benefits received
Turned recreant6945 to God, ingrate and false, And so of all true good himself despoiled,6946
Yet sacrilegious, to himself would take
That which to God alone of right belongs?
Yet so much bounty6947 is in God, such grace, That who advances His glory, not their own,
Them He Himself to glory will advance."
So spoke the Son of God, and here again.
Satan had not to answer, but stood struck
With guilt of his own sin---for he himself,
Insatiable of glory, had lost all.
Yet of another plea bethought him soon:
"Of glory, as thou wilt," said he, "so deem,
Worth or not worth the seeking. Let it pass.
But to a kingdom thou art born---ordained
To sit upon thy father David's throne,
By mother's side thy father, though thy right
Be now in powerful hands that will not part
Easily from possession won with arms.
Judaea now, and all the promised land
Reduced a province under Roman yoke,
Obeys Tiberius,6948 nor is always ruled With temperate sway. Oft have they violated
The Temple, oft the Law, with foul affronts,
Abominations rather, as did once
Antiochus.6949 And think'st thou to regain Thy right by sitting still, or thus retiring?
So did not Machabeus.6950 He indeed Retired unto the desert, but with arms,
And o'er a mighty king so oft prevailed
That by strong hand his family obtained,
Though priests, the crown, and David's throne usurped,
With Modin and her suburbs once content.
"If kingdom move thee not, let move thee zeal
And duty. Zeal and duty are not slow,
But on occasion's 6951 forelock watchful wait.
They themselves, rather, are occasion best,
Zeal of thy Father's house, duty to free
Thy country from her heathen servitude.
So shalt thou best fulfill, best verify,
The prophets old, who sung thy endless reign---
The happier reign the sooner it begins.
Reign then. What canst thou better do the while?"
To whom our Savior answer thus returned:
"All things are best fulfilled in their due time,
And time there is for all things, truth hath said.
If of my reign prophetic writ hath told
That it shall never end, so when begin
The Father in His purpose hath decreed,
He in whose hand all times and seasons roll.
What if He hath decreed that I shall first
Be tried in humble state, and things adverse,
By tribulations, injuries, insults,
Contempts, and scorns, and snares, and violence,
Suffering, abstaining, quietly expecting
Without distrust or doubt, that He may know
What I can suffer, how obey? Who best
Can suffer, best can do, best reign who first
Well hath obeyed---just trial ere I merit
My exaltation without change or end.
"But what concerns it thee when I begin
My everlasting kingdom? Why art thou
Solicitous? What moves thy inquisition?
Know'st thou not that my rising is thy fall,
And my promotion will be thy destruction?"
To whom the Tempter, inly racked,6952 replied:
"Let that come when it comes. All hope is lost
Of my reception into grace. What worse?
For where no hope is left, is left no fear.
If there be worse, the expectation more
Of worse torments me than the feeling can.
I would be at the worst. Worst is my port,
My harbor, and my ultimate repose,
The end I would attain, my final good.
My error was my error, and my crime
My crime, whatever for itself condemned,
And will alike be punished whether thou
Reign or reign not---though to that gentle brow
Willingly I could fly, and hope thy reign,
From that placid6953 aspect and meek regard, Rather than aggravate my evil state
Would stand between me and thy Father's ire
(Whose ire I dread more than the fire of Hell),
A shelter and a kind of shading cool
Interposition,6954 as a summer's cloud.
"If I, then, to the worst that can be haste,
Why move thy feet so slow to what is best?
Happiest, both to thyself and all the world
That thou, who worthiest art, should'st be their king!
Perhaps thou linger'st in deep thoughts detained
Of the enterprise so hazardous and high!
No wonder, for though in thee be united
What of perfection can in man be found,
Or human nature can receive, consider
Thy life hath yet been private, most part spent
At home, scarce viewed the Galilean towns,
And once a year Jerusalem, few days'
Short sojourn---and what thence could'st thou observe?
The world thou hast not seen, much less her glory,
Empires, and monarchs, and their radiant courts,
Best school of best experience, quickest in sight
In all things that to greatest actions lead.
The wisest, unexperienced, will be ever
Timorous, and loath, with novice modesty
(As he who, seeking asses, found a kingdom),6955
Irresolute, unhardy, unadvent'rous.
But I will bring thee where thou soon shalt quit6956
Those rudiments,6957 and see before thine eyes The monarchies of th' earth, their pomp and state,
Sufficient introduction to inform
Thee, of thyself so apt, in regal arts
And regal mysteries, that thou may'st know
How best their opposition to withstand."
With that (such power was giv'n him then), he took
The Son of God up to a mountain high.
It was a mountain at whose verdant feet
A spacious plain, outstretched in circuit wide,
Lay pleasant. From his6958 side two rivers6959 flowed, The one winding, th' other straight, and left between
Fair champaign,6960 with less6961 rivers interveined, Then meeting joined their tribute to the sea.
Fertile of corn6962 the glebe,6963 of oil, and wine; With herds the pasture thronged, with flocks the hills;
Huge cities and high-tower'd, that well might seem
The seats of mightiest monarchs; and so large
The prospect 6964 was that here and there was room For barren desert, fountainless6965 and dry.
To this high mountain-top the Tempter brought
Our Savior, and new train of words began:
"Well have we speeded,6966 and o'er hill and dale,
Forest, and field and flood, temples and towers,
Cut shorter many a league. Here thou behold'st
Assyria, and her empire's ancient bounds,
Araxes6967 and the Caspian lake. Thence on As far as Indus east, Euphrates west,
And oft beyond. To south the Persian Bay,
And, inaccessible,6968 th' Arabian drought.6969
Here Nineveh,6970 of length within her walls Several days' journey, built by Ninus 6971 old, Of that first golden monarchy the seat,
And seat of Salmanassar,6972 whose success6973
Israel in long captivity still mourns.
There Babylon,6974 the wonder of all tongues, As6975 ancient, but rebuilt by him6976 who twice Judah and all thy father David's house
Led captive, and Jerusalem laid waste,
Till Cyrus6977 set them free. Persepolis,6978
His city, there thou see'st, and Bactra6979 there.
Ecbatana6980 her structure vast there shows, And Hecatompylos6981 her hundred gates.
There Susa6982 by Choaspes,6983 amber stream, The drink of none but kings. Of later fame,
Built by Emathian6984 or by Parthian6985 hands, The great Seleucia,6986 Nisibis,6987 and there Artaxata,6988 Teredon,6989 Ctesiphon,6990
Turning with easy eye, thou may'st behold.
"All these the Parthian (now some ages past
By great Arsaces6991 led, who founded first That empire) under his dominion holds,
From the luxurious6992 kings of Antioch6993 won.
And just in time thou com'st to have a view
Of his great power, for now the Parthian king
In Ctesiphon hath gathered all his host
Against the Scythian,6994 whose incursions wild Have wasted Sogdiana.6995 To her aid He marches now in haste. See, though from far,
His thousands, in what martial equipage
They issue forth, steel bows and shafts their arms,
Of equal dread 6996 in flight or in pursuit--- All horsemen, in which fight they most excel.
See how in warlike muster they appear,
In rhombs,6997 and wedges,6998 and half-moons6999 and wings."
He7000 looked, and saw what numbers numberless
The city gates outpoured, light-armèd troops
In coats of mail and military pride.7001
In mail their horses clad, yet fleet7002 and strong, Prancing their riders bore, the flower and choice
Of many provinces from bound7003 to bound, From Arachosia,7004 from Candaor7005 east, And Margiana,7006 to the Hyrcanian7007 cliffs Of Caucasus, and dark Iberian7008 dales--- From Atropatia,7009 and the neighboring plains Of Adiabeen,7010 Media,7011 and the south Of Susiana7012 to Balsara's7013 hav'n.7014
He saw them in their forms of battle ranged,
How quick they wheeled, and flying behind them shot
Sharp sleet of arrowy showers against the face
Of their pursuers, and overcame by flight.
The field all iron cast a gleaming brown,
Nor wanted7015 clouds of foot,7016 nor on each horn7017
Cuirassiers7018 all in steel for standing fight, Chariots, or elephants endorsed7019 with towers Of archers, nor of laboring pioneers7020
A multitude, with spades and axes armed,
To lay hills plain,7021 fell woods, or valleys fill, Or where plain was, raise hill, or overlay
With bridges rivers proud, as with a yoke.
Mules after these, camels and dromedaries,7022
And wagons fraught7023 with utensils of war.
Such forces met not, nor so wide a camp,
When Agrican7024 with all his northern powers Besieged Albracca,7025 as romances tell, The city of Gallaphrone, from thence to win
The fairest of her sex, Angelica,
His daughter, sought by many prowest 7026 knights, Both paynim7027 and the peers7028 of Charlemagne.
Such and so numerous was their chivalry,
At sight whereof the fiend yet more presumed,7029
And to our Savior thus his words renewed:
"That thou may'st know I seek not to engage7030
Thy virtue, and not every way secure7031
On no slight 7032 grounds thy safety, hear and mark7033
To what end I have brought thee hither, and show
All this fair sight. Thy kingdom, though foretold
By prophet or by Angel, unless thou
Endeavor, as thy father7034 David did, Thou never shalt obtain. Prediction still
In all things, and all men, supposes means;
Without means used, what it predicts revokes.
But say thou wert possessed of David's throne
By free consent of all, none opposite,
Samaritan7035 or Jew, how could'st thou hope Long to enjoy it quiet and secure
Between two such enclosing enemies,
Roman and Parthian? Therefore one of these
Thou must make sure thy own. The Parthian first,
By my advice, as nearer, and of late
Found able by invasion to annoy7036
Thy country, and captive lead away her kings,
Antigonus,7037 and old Hyracanus---bound, Maugre7038 the Roman. It shall be my task To render thee the Parthian at dispose,
Choose which thou wilt, by conquest or by league.7039
By him thou shalt regain, without him not,
That which alone can truly reinstall thee
In David's royal seat, his true successor---
Deliverance of thy brethren, those Ten Tribes
Whose offspring in his territory yet serve
In Habor,7040 and among the Medes7041 dispersed: Ten sons of Jacob, two of Joseph,7042 lost Thus long from Israel, serving as of old
Their fathers in the land of Egypt served,
This offer sets before thee to deliver.
These if from servitude thou shalt restore
To their inheritance, then, nor till then,
Thou on the throne of David in full glory,
From Egypt to Euphrates and beyond,
Shalt reign, and Rome or Caesar not need fear."
To whom our Savior answered thus, unmoved:
"Much ostentation vain of fleshly arm
And fragile arms, much instrument of war,
Long in preparing, soon to nothing brought,
Before mine eyes thou hast set, and in my ear
Vented much policy,7043 and projects deep Of enemies, of aids, battles, and leagues,
Plausible7044 to the world, to me worth naught.
Means I must use, thou say'st. Prediction else
Will unpredict, and fail me of the throne!
My time, I told thee (and that time for thee
Were better farthest off ), is not yet come.
When that comes, think not thou to find me slack7045
On my part aught endeavoring, or to need
Thy politic7046 maxims, or that cumbersome Luggage of war there shown me, argument7047
Of human weakness rather than of strength.
My brethren, as thou call'st them, those Ten Tribes,
I must deliver, if I mean to reign
David's true heir, and his full scepter sway7048
To just extent over all Israel's sons!
But whence to thee this zeal? Where was it then
For Israel, or for David, or his throne,
When thou stood'st up7049 his tempter 7050 to the pride Of numbering7051 Israel, which cost the lives Of threescore and ten thousand Israelites
By three days' pestilence? Such was thy zeal
To Israel then, the same that now to me.
"As for those captive tribes, themselves were they
Who wrought their own captivity, fell off
From God to worship calves, the deities
Of Egypt, Baal next and Ashtaroth,
And all th' idolatries of heathen round,
Besides their other worse than heathenish crimes.
Nor in the land of their captivity
Humbled themselves, or penitent besought
The God of their forefathers, but so died
Impenitent, and left a race behind
Like to themselves, distinguishable scarce
From gentiles but 7052 by circumcision vain,7053
And God with idols in their worship joined.
Should I of these the liberty regard7054
Who, freed, as to their ancient patrimony
Unhumbled, unrepentant, unreformed,
Headlong7055 would follow,7056 and to their gods perhaps Of Bethel and of Dan? No, let them serve
Their enemies who serve idols with God.
Yet He at length, time to Himself best known,
Remembering Abraham, by some wondrous call
May bring them back, repentant and sincere,
And at their passing cleave th' Assyrian flood,
While to their native land with joy they haste,
As the Red Sea and Jordan once He cleft
When to the promised land their fathers passed.
To His due time and providence I leave them."
So spoke Israel's true king, and to the fiend
Made answer meet,7057 that made void all his wiles.
So fares it when with truth falsehood contends.
Perplexed and troubled at his bad success
The Tempter stood, nor had what to reply,
Discovered in his fraud, thrown from his hope
So oft, and the persuasive rhetoric
That sleeked 7058 his tongue, and won so much on Eve, So little 7059 here---nay lost! But Eve was Eve.
This far his overmatch, who self-deceived
And rash, beforehand had no better weighed
The strength he was to cope with, or his own.
But as a man who had been matchless held
In cunning, over-reached where least he thought,
To salve7060 his credit, and for very spite, Still will be tempting him who foils 7061 him still, And never cease, though to his shame the more--- Or as a swarm of flies in vintage-time,
About the wine-press where sweet must 7062 is poured, Beat off, returns as oft with humming sound--- Or surging waves against a solid rock,
Though all to shivers 7063 dashed, th' assault renew (Vain battery! 7064 ) and in froth or bubbles end--- So Satan, whom repulse upon repulse
Met ever, and to shameful silence brought,
Yet gives not o'er, though desperate 7065 of success, And his vain importunity pursues.
He brought our Savior to the western side
Of that high mountain, whence he might behold
Another plain,7066 long, but in breadth not wide, Washed by the southern sea, and on the north
To equal length backed with a ridge of hills
That screened the fruits of th' earth and seats of men
From cold Septentrion7067 blasts, thence in the midst Divided by a river, off whose banks
On each side an imperial city7068 stood, With towers and temples proudly elevate
On seven small hills, with palaces adorned,
Porches7069 and theaters,7070 baths, aqueducts, Statues and trophies,7071 and triumphal arcs,7072
Gardens and groves, presented to his eyes
Above the height of mountains interposed
(By what strange parallax, or optic skill
Of vision, multiplied through air, or glass
Of telescope, were curious7073 to enquire).
And now the Tempter thus his silence broke:
"The city which thou see'st no other deem
Than great and glorious Rome, queen of the earth
So far renowned, and with the spoils enriched
Of nations. There the capitol 7074 thou see'st, Above the rest lifting his stately7075 head On the Tarpeian rock,7076 her citadel Impregnable, and there Mount Palatine,
Th' imperial palace, compass7077 huge, and high The structure, skill of noblest architects,
With gilded battlements, conspicuous7078 far, Turrets and terraces, and glittering spires.
Many a fair edifice besides, more like
Houses of gods (so well I have disposed 7079
My airy microscope7080 ) thou may'st behold, Outside and inside both, pillars and roofs
Carved work, the hand of famed artificers7081
In cedar, marble, ivory, or gold.
"Thence to the gates cast round thine eye, and see
What conflux7082 issuing forth, or entering in: Praetors,7083 proconsuls7084 to their provinces Hasting, or on return, in robes of state,
Lictors7085 and rods, the ensigns7086 of their power; Legions and cohorts,7087 turms7088 of horse and wings, Or embassies from regions far remote,
In various habits,7089 on the Appian road,7090
Or on the Emilian,7091 some from farthest south, Syene,7092 and where the shadow both way falls, Meroë,7093 Nilotic isle, and more to west The realm of Bocchus7094 to the Blackmoor sea.7095
From th' Asian kings (and Parthian among these),
From India and the golden Chersoness,7096
And utmost Indian isle, Taprobane,7097
Dusk faces with white silken turbants7098 wreathed.
From Gallia,7099 Gades,7100 and the British west, Germans, and Scythians, and Sarmatians7101 north Beyond Danubius to the Tauric pool.7102
All nations now to Rome obedience pay,
To Rome's great Emperor, whose wide domain,
In ample territory, wealth and power,
Civility7103 of manners, arts and arms, And long renown, thou justly may'st prefer
Before the Parthian. These two thrones except,
The rest are barbarous, and scarce worth the sight,
Shared among petty kings too far removed.7104
These having shown thee, I have shown thee all
The kingdoms of the world, and all their glory.
"This Emperor7105 hath no son, and now is old,
Old and lascivious, and from Rome retired
To Capri,7106 an island small but strong On the Campanian7107 shore, with purpose there His horrid lusts in private to enjoy,
Committing to a wicked favorite 7108
All public cares, and yet of him suspicious---
Hated of all, and hating. With what ease,
Endued with regal virtues as thou art,
Appearing, and beginning noble deeds,
Might'st thou expel this monster from his throne,
Now made a sty, and in his place ascending,
A victor-people free7109 from servile yoke!
"And with my help thou may'st. To me the power
Is giv'n, and by that right I give it thee.
Aim, therefore, at no less than all the world.
Aim at the highest: without the highest attained
Will be for thee no sitting, or not long,
On David's throne, be prophesied what will."
To whom the Son of God, unmoved, replied:
"Nor doth this grandeur and majestic show
Of luxury, though called magnificence,
More than of arms, before, allure mine eye,
Much less my mind, though thou should'st add to tell
Their sumptuous gluttonies, and gorgeous7110 feasts On citron7111 tables or Atlantic stone7112
(For I have also heard, perhaps have read),
Their wines of Setia, Cales, and Falerne,7113
Chios and Crete,7114 and how they quaff in gold, Crystal, and myrrhine cups embossed with gems
And studs7115 of pearl---to me should'st tell, who thirst And hunger still. Then embassies thou show'st
From nations far and nigh! What honor that?
But tedious waste of time, to sit and hear
So many hollow compliments and lies,
Outlandish7116 flatteries. Then proceed'st to talk Of the Emperor, how easily subdued,
How gloriously. I shall, thou say'st, expel
A brutish monster. What if I withal
Expel a Devil who first made him such?
Let his tormentor, conscience, find him out.
For him I was not sent, nor yet to free
That people, victor once, now vile and base,
Deservedly made vassal---who, once just,
Frugal, and mild, and temperate, conquered well,
But govern ill the nations under yoke,
Peeling7117 their provinces, exhausted all By lust and rapine---first ambitious grown
Of triumph, that insulting7118 vanity, Then cruel, by their sports to blood inured
Of fighting beasts, and men to beasts exposed,
Luxurious7119 by7120 their wealth, and greedier still, And from7121 the daily scene 7122 effeminate.7123
What wise and valiant man would seek to free
These, thus degenerate, by themselves enslaved,
Or could of inward slaves make outward free?
"Know, therefore, when my season comes to sit
On David's throne, it shall be like a tree
Spreading and overshadowing all the earth,
Or as a stone that shall to pieces dash
All monarchies besides 7124 throughout the world, And of my kingdom there shall be no end.
Means there shall be to this, but what the means
Is not for thee to know, nor me to tell."
To whom the Tempter, impudent,7125 replied:
"I see all offers made by me how slight
Thou valu'st, because offered and reject'st.
Nothing will please the difficult and nice,7126
Or nothing more than still 7127 to contradict.
On th' other side, know also thou that I
On what I offer set as high esteem,
Nor what I part with mean to give for naught.
All these, which in a moment thou behold'st,
The kingdoms of the world, to thee I give
(For, giv'n to me, I give to whom I please),
No trifle; yet with this reserve, not else---
On this condition, if thou wilt fall down
And worship me as thy superior Lord
(Easily done), and hold them all of me.
For what can less so great a gift deserve?"
Whom thus our Savior answered with disdain:
"I never liked thy talk, thy offers less,
Now both abhor, since thou hast dared to utter
Th' abominable terms, impious condition.
But I endure7128 the time, till which expired Thou hast permission7129 on me. It is written, The first of all commandments, 'Thou shalt worship
The Lord thy God, and only Him shalt serve. ' 7130
And dar'st thou to the Son of God propound7131
To worship thee, accursed? Now more accursed
For this attempt, bolder than that on Eve,
And more blasphemous, which expect to rue.
The kingdoms of the world to thee were giv'n!
Permitted, rather, and by thee usurped.
Other donation7132 none thou canst produce.
If given, by whom but by the King of kings,
God over all supreme? If giv'n to thee,
By thee how fairly is the giver now
Repaid? But gratitude in thee is lost
Long since. Wert thou so void of fear or shame
As offer them to me, the Son of God---
To me my own, on such abhorrèd pact,
That I fall down and worship thee as God?
Get thee behind me! Plain thou now appear'st
That Evil One, Satan, forever damned."
To whom the fiend, with fear abashed, replied:
"Be not so sore offended, Son of God---
Though Sons of God both Angels are and men---
If I, to try7133 whether in higher sort 7134
Than these thou bear'st that title, have proposed
What both from men and Angels I receive,
Tetrachs7135 of fire, air, flood, and on the earth Nations besides, from all the quartered winds---7136
God of this world invoked,7137 and world beneath.
Who then thou art, whose coming is foretold
To me so fatal, me it most concerns.
The trial 7138 hath endamaged thee no way--- Rather more honor left, and more esteem---
Me naught advantaged, missing what I aimed.
Therefore let pass, as they are transitory,
The kingdoms of this world. I shall no more
Advise thee. Gain them as thou canst, or not.
"And thou thyself seem'st otherwise inclined
Than to a worldly crown, addicted 7139 more To contemplation and profound dispute,
As by that early action may be judged,
When slipping from thy mother's eye, thou went'st
Alone into the Temple. There wast found
Among the gravest7140 rabbis disputant On points and questions fitting Moses' chair,7141
Teaching, not taught.7142 The childhood shows the man, As morning shows the day. Be famous, then,
By wisdom. As thy empire must extend,
So let extend thy mind o'er all the world
In knowledge, all things in it comprehend.
All knowledge is not couched7143 in Moses' law, The Pentateuch,7144 or what the prophets wrote.
The gentiles7145 also know, and write, and teach To admiration,7146 led by Nature's light, And with the gentiles much thou must converse,
Ruling them by persuasion, as thou mean'st.
Without their learning, how wilt thou with them,
Or they with thee, hold conversation meet?7147
How wilt thou reason with them, how refute
Their idolisms, traditions, paradoxes?
Error by his own arms7148 is best evinced.7149
"Look once more, ere we leave this specular 7150 mount,
Westward, much nearer by southwest. Behold
Where on th' Aegean shore a city stands,
Built nobly, pure the air and light the soil---
Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts
And eloquence, native to famous wits
Or hospitable,7151 in her sweet recess,7152
City or suburban, studious walks and shades.
See there the olive-grove of Academe,7153
Plato's retirement,7154 where the Attic bird7155
Trills her thick-warbled notes the summer long.
There flow'ry hill, Hymettus,7156 with the sound Of bees' industrious murmur, oft invites
To studious musing; there Ilissus7157 rolls His whispering stream. Within the walls then view
The schools of ancient sages---his7158 who bred7159
Great Alexander to subdue the world,
Lyceum7160 there, and painted Stoa7161 next.
There thou shalt hear and learn the secret power
Of harmony, in tones and numbers7162 hit7163
By voice or hand, and various-measured verse,
Aeolian7164 charms7165 and Dorian7166 lyric odes, And his who gave them breath, but higher sung,
Blind Melesigenes,7167 thence Homer called, Whose poem Phoebus7168 challenged7169 for his own.
Thence what the lofty grave tragedians taught
In chorus or iambic,7170 teachers best Of moral prudence,7171 with delight received In brief sententious7172 precepts, while they treat Of fate, and chance, and change in human life,
High actions and high passions best describing.
Thence to the famous orators repair,7173
Those ancient whose resistless eloquence
Wielded7174 at will that fierce democraty, Shook the Arsenal,7175 and fulmined7176 over Greece To Macedon7177 and Artaxerxes'7178 throne.
To sage philosophy next lend thine ear,
From Heav'n descended to the low-roofed house
Of Socrates---see there his tenement,7179
Whom well inspired the oracle pronounced
Wisest of men, from whose mouth issued forth
Mellifluous7180 streams, that watered all the schools Of Academics old and new, with those
Surnamed7181 Peripatetics,7182 and the sect Epicurean,7183 and the Stoic severe.
"These here revolve7184 or, as thou lik'st, at home,
Till time mature thee to a kingdom's weight.
These rules will render thee a king complete
Within thyself, much more with empire joined."
To whom our Savior sagely thus replied:
"Think not but that I know these things, or think
I know them not. Not therefore am I short7185
Of knowing what I ought. He who receives
Light from above, from the Fountain of Light,
No other doctrine needs, though7186 granted7187 true.
But these are false, or little else but dreams,
Conjectures, fancies, built on nothing firm.
The first and wisest7188 of them all professed To know this only, that he nothing knew.
The next7189 to fabling fell and smooth conceits.
A third sort 7190 doubted all things, though plain sense.
Others in virtue placed felicity,
But virtue joined with riches and long life.
In corporal pleasure he,7191 and careless ease.
The Stoic last, in philosophic pride
(By him called virtue) and his virtuous man,
Wise, perfect in himself, and all possessing
Equal to God, oft shames not to prefer,
As fearing God nor man, contemning7192 all Wealth, pleasure, pain or torment, death and life--- Which, when he lists,7193 he leaves, or boasts he can, For all his tedious talk is but vain boast,
Or subtle shifts,7194 conviction to evade.
"Alas! what can they teach, and not mislead,
Ignorant of themselves, of God much more,
And how the world began, and how man fell,
Degraded by himself, on grace depending?
Much of the soul they talk, but all awry,
And in themselves seek virtue, and to themselves
All glory arrogate,7195 to God give none, Rather accuse Him under usual names,
Fortune and Fate, as one regardless quite
Of mortal things. Who, therefore, seeks in these
True wisdom finds her not, or by delusion
Far worse, her false resemblance only meets,
An empty cloud. However many books,
Wise men have said, are wearisome. Who7196 reads Incessantly, and to his reading brings not
A spirit and judgment equal or superior
(And what he brings what needs he elsewhere seek?),
Uncertain and unsettled still remains,
Deep-versed in books and shallow in himself,
Crude or intoxicate, collecting toys
And trifles for7197 choice7198 matters, worth a sponge,7199
As7200 children gathering pebbles on the shore.
Or if I would delight my private hours
With music or with poem, where so soon
As in our native language7201 can I find That solace? All our Law and story strewn7202
With hymns, our Psalms with artful terms inscribed,
Our Hebrew songs and harps, in Babylon
That pleased so well our victor's ear, declare
That rather Greece from us these arts derived---
Ill imitated while they loudest sing
The vices of their deities, and their own,
In fable, hymn, or song, so personating7203
Their gods ridiculous, and themselves past shame.
Remove their swelling epithets, thick-laid
As varnish7204 on a harlot's cheek, the rest, Thin-sown with aught of profit or delight,
Will far be found unworthy to compare
With Sion's songs, to all true tastes excelling,
Where God is praised aright and godlike men,
The Holiest of Holies and His Saints.
Such are from God inspired, not such from thee,7205
Unless where7206 moral virtue is expressed By light of Nature, not in all quite lost.
Their orators thou then extoll'st as those
The top of eloquence---statists7207 indeed, And lovers of their country, as may seem.
But herein to our prophets far beneath,
As men divinely taught, and better teaching
The solid rules of civil government,
In their majestic, unaffected style,
Than all the oratory of Greece and Rome.
In them is plainest taught, and easiest learnt,
What makes a nation happy, and keeps it so,
What ruins kingdoms, and lays cities flat.
These only, with our Law, best form a king."
So spoke the Son of God. But Satan, now
Quite at a loss ( for all his darts were spent),7208
Thus to our Savior, with stern brow, replied:
"Since neither wealth nor honor, arms nor arts,
Kingdom nor empire, pleases thee, nor aught
By me proposed in life contemplative
Or active, tended on by glory or fame,
What dost thou in this world? The wilderness
For thee is fittest place! I found thee there,
And thither will return thee. Yet remember
What I foretell thee. Soon thou shalt have cause
To wish thou never had'st rejected, thus
Nicely7209 or cautiously, my offered aid, Which would have set thee in short time with ease
On David's throne, or throne of all the world,
Now at full age, fulness of time, thy season,
When prophecies of thee are best fulfilled.
Now, contrary, if I read aught in Heav'n,
Or Heav'n write aught of Fate, by what the stars
Voluminous,7210 or single characters In their conjunction met, give me to spell,7211
Sorrows and labors, opposition, hate,
Attends thee, scorns, reproaches, injuries,
Violence and stripes7212 and, lastly, cruel death.
A kingdom they portend7213 thee, but what kingdom, Real or allegoric, I discern7214 not, Nor when. Eternal sure---as without end,
Without beginning, for no date prefixed
Directs7215 me in the starry rubric7216 set."
So saying, he took ( for still he knew his power
Not yet expired), and to the wilderness
Brought back the Son of God, and left him there,
Feigning to disappear. Darkness now rose,
As daylight sunk, and brought in louring7217 night, Her shadowy offspring, unsubstantial both,
Privation mere7218 of light and absent day.
Our Savior, meek,7219 and with untroubled mind After his airy jaunt,7220 though hurried sore,7221
Hungry and cold betook him to his rest,
Wherever, under some concourse7222 of shades Whose branching arms thick intertwined might shield
From dews and damps of night his sheltered head,
But sheltered, slept in vain, for at his head
The Tempter watched, and soon with ugly dreams
Disturbed his sleep. And either Tropic7223 now 'Gan thunder, and both ends of Heav'n. The clouds
From many a horrid rift abortive7224 poured Fierce rain with lightning mixed, water with fire,
In ruin7225 reconciled,7226 nor slept the winds Within their stony caves, but rushed abroad
From the four hinges of the world and fell
On the vexed7227 wilderness, whose tallest pines, Though rooted deep as high,7228 and sturdiest oaks, Bowed their stiff necks, loaden with stormy blasts,
Or torn up sheer.7229 Ill wast thou shrouded7230 then, O patient Son of God, yet only stood'st
Unshaken! Nor yet stayed7231 the terror there.
Infernal ghosts and hellish furies round
Environed thee: some howled, some yelled, some shrieked,
Some bent at thee their fiery darts, while thou
Sat'st unappalled 7232 in calm and sinless peace.
Thus passed the night so foul, till morning fair
Came forth with pilgrim steps, in amice7233 gray, Who with her radiant finger stilled the roar
Of thunder, chased the clouds, and laid 7234 the winds And grisly7235 specters, which the fiend had raised To tempt7236 the Son of God with terrors dire.
And now the sun with more effectual7237 beams
Had cheered the face of earth, and dried the wet
From drooping plant, or dropping tree. The birds,
Who all things now behold more fresh and green,
After a night of storm so ruinous,
Cleared up7238 their choicest notes in bush and spray,7239
To gratulate7240 the sweet return of morn.
Nor yet, amidst this joy and brightest morn,
Was absent, after all his mischief done,
The Prince of darkness---glad would also seem
Of this fair change, and to our Savior came,
Yet with no new device7241 (they all were spent), Rather by this his last affront 7242 resolved,7243
Desperate of better course, to vent his rage
And mad despite7244 to be so oft repelled.
Him walking on a sunny hill he found,
Backed on the north and west by a thick wood.
Out of the wood he starts in wonted7245 shape, And in a careless7246 mood thus to him said:
"Fair morning yet betides7247 thee, Son of God,
After a dismal night. I heard the wrack,7248
As earth and sky would mingle, but myself
Was distant, and these flaws,7249 though mortals fear them As dangerous to the pillared frame of Heav'n,
Or to the earth's dark basis underneath,
Are to the main7250 as inconsiderable And harmless, if not wholesome, as a sneeze
To man's lesser universe,7251 and soon are gone.
Yet, as being oft-times noxious7252 where they light On man, beast, plant, wasteful and turbulent,
Like turbulencies in the affairs of men
(Over whose heads they roar, and seem to point),7253
They oft fore-signify and threaten ill.
"This tempest at this desert most was bent,7254
Of men at thee, for only thou here dwell'st.
Did I not tell thee, if thou didst reject
The perfect season7255 offered with my aid To win thy destined seat, but wilt prolong
All to the push7256 of Fate, pursue thy way Of gaining David's throne no man knows when
(For both the when and how is nowhere told):
Thou shalt be what thou art ordained, no doubt,
For Angels have proclaimed it, but concealing
The time and means. Each act is rightliest done
Not when it must, but when it may be best.
If thou observe not this, be sure to find
What I foretold thee, many a hard assay7257
Of dangers, and adversities, and pains,
Ere thou of Israel's scepter get fast hold,
Whereof this ominous7258 night that closed thee round,
So many terrors, voices, prodigies,7259
May warn thee, as a sure foregoing sign."
So talked he, while the Son of God went on,
And stayed not, but in brief him answered thus:
"Me worse than wet thou find'st not. Other harm
Those terrors which thou speak'st of did me none.
I never feared they could, though noising loud
And threat'ning nigh. What they can do as signs
Betokening or ill-boding I contemn
As false portents, not sent from God, but thee,
Who knowing I shall reign past thy preventing,
Obtrud'st thy offered aid, that I, accepting,
At least might seem to hold all power of thee,
Ambitious Spirit, and would'st be thought my God,
And storm'st,7260 refused, thinking to terrify Me to thy will! Desist (thou art discerned,
And toil'st in vain), nor me in vain molest."
To whom the fiend, now swoll'n with rage, replied:
"Then hear, O Son of David, virgin-born!
For Son of God to me is yet in doubt.
Of the Messiah I have heard foretold
By all the prophets; of thy birth, at length
Announced by Gabriel, with the first I knew,
And of th' Angelic song in Bethlehem field
On thy birth-night, that sung thee Savior born.
"From that time seldom have I ceased to eye
Thy infancy, thy childhood, and thy youth,
Thy manhood last, though yet in private bred,
Till at the ford of Jordan, whither all
Flocked to the Baptist, I among the rest
(Though not to be baptized), by voice from Heav'n
Heard thee pronounced the Son of God beloved.
Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view
And narrower scrutiny, that I might learn
In what degree7261 or meaning thou art called The Son of God, which bears no single sense.
The Son of God I also am, or was,
And if I was, I am. Relation stands:
All men are Sons of God. Yet thee I thought
In some respect far higher so declared.
"Therefore I watched thy footsteps from that hour,
And followed thee still on to this waste wild,
Where by all best conjectures I collect
Thou art to be my fatal enemy.
Good reason, then, if I beforehand seek
To understand my adversary, who
And what he is, his wisdom, power, intent,
By parle 7262 or composition,7263 truce or league, To win him, or win from him what I can.
"And opportunity I here have had
To try thee, sift 7264 thee, and confess have found thee Proof against all temptation, as a rock
Of adamant and as a center, firm
To th' utmost of mere man both wise and good,
Not more, for honors, riches, kingdoms, glory,
Have been before contemned,7265 and may again.
Therefore, to know what more thou art than man,
Worth naming the Son of God by voice from Heav'n,
Another method I must now begin."
So saying, he caught him up and, without wing
Of hippogrif,7266 bore through the air sublime,7267
Over the wilderness and o'er the plain,
Till underneath them fair Jerusalem,
The Holy City, lifted high her towers,
And higher yet the glorious Temple reared
Her pile,7268 far off appearing like a mount Of alabaster, topped with golden spires.
There on the highest pinnacle, he set
The Son of God, and added thus in scorn:
"There stand, if thou wilt stand. To stand upright
Will ask 7269 thee skill. I to thy Father's house Have brought thee, and highest placed: highest is best.
Now show thy progeny! 7270 If not to stand, Cast thyself down---safely, if Son of God,
For it is written, 'He will give command
Concerning thee to His Angels; in their hands
They shall uplift thee, lest at any time
Thou chance to dash7271 thy foot against a stone. '"7272
To whom thus Jesus: "Also it is written,
'Tempt not the Lord thy God. '" He said, and stood,
But Satan, smitten with amazement, fell.
As when Earth's son, Antaeus7273 (to compare Small things with greatest), in Irassa7274 strove With Jove's Alcides7275 and, oft foiled,7276 still rose, Receiving from his mother Earth new strength,
Fresh from his fall, and fiercer grapple joined,
Throttled at length in th' air, expired and fell,
So after many a foil, the Tempter proud,
Renewing fresh assaults, amidst his pride
Fell whence he stood to see 7277 his victor fall.
And as that Theban monster7278 that proposed Her riddle and, him who solved it not, devoured,
That7279 once found out and solved, for grief and spite Cast herself headlong from the Ismenian7280 steep, So strook7281 with dread and anguish fell the fiend, And to his crew, that sat consulting, brought
Joyless triumphals7282 of his hoped success, Ruin, and desperation, and dismay,
Who durst so proudly tempt the Son of God.
So Satan fell, and straight a fiery globe7283
Of Angels on full sail of wing flew nigh,
Who on their plumey vans7284 received him7285 soft From his uneasy7286 station,7287 and upbore, As on a floating couch, through the blithe7288 air, Then, in a flow'ry valley, set him down
On a green bank, and set before him spread
A table of celestial food, divine
Ambrosial fruits fetched from the Tree of Life,
And from the fount of life ambrosial drink,
That soon refreshed him, wearied, and repaired7289
What hunger, if aught hunger, had impaired,7290
Or thirst. And, as he fed, Angelic choirs
Sung Heavenly anthems7291 of his victory Over temptation and the Tempter proud:
"True Image of the Father, whether throned
In the bosom of bliss, and light of light
Conceiving, or remote from Heav'n, enshrined
In fleshly tabernacle 7292 and human form, Wand'ring the wilderness---whatever place,
Habit, or state, or motion, still expressing
The Son of God, with Godlike force endued7293
Against th' attempter of thy Father's throne
And thief of Paradise! Him long of old
Thou didst debel,7294 and down from Heav'n cast With all his army. Now thou hast avenged
Supplanted7295 Adam and, by vanquishing Temptation, hast regained lost Paradise,
And frustrated the conquest fraudulent.
He never more henceforth will dare set foot
In Paradise to tempt. His snares are broke.
For though that seat of earthly bliss be failed,
A fairer Paradise is founded now
For Adam and his chosen sons, whom thou,
A Savior, art come down to reinstall,
Where they shall dwell secure, when time shall be,
Of Tempter and temptation without fear.
"But thou, Infernal Serpent! shalt not long
Rule in the clouds. Like an autumnal star,
Or lightning, thou shalt fall from Heav'n, trod down
Under his feet. For proof, ere this thou feel'st
Thy wound (yet not thy last and deadliest wound)
By this repulse received, and hold'st in Hell
No triumph. In all her gates7296 Abaddon7297 rues Thy bold attempt. Hereafter learn with awe
To dread the Son of God. He, all unarmed,
Shall chase thee, with the terror of his voice,
From thy demoniac holds, possession foul---
Thee and thy legions. Yelling they shall fly,
And beg to hide them in a herd of swine,
Lest he command them down into the deep,
Bound, and to torment7298 sent before their time.
"Hail, Son of the Most High, heir of both worlds,
Queller7299 of Satan! On thy glorious work Now enter, and begin to save mankind."
Thus they the Son of God, our Savior meek,
Sung victor and, from Heav'nly feast refreshed,
Brought on his way with joy. He, unobserved,
Home to his mother's house private7300 returned.
SAMSON AGONISTES7301
date uncertain: everything from 1646 to 1670 has been proposed
OF THAT SORT OF DRAMATIC POEMWHICH IS CALLED TRAGEDY
Tragedy, as it was anciently composed, hath been ever held the gravest,7302 moralest, and most profitable of all other poems---therefore said by Aristotle to be of power by raising pity and fear, or terror, to purge the mind of those and such like passions. That is, to temper7303 and reduce7304 them to just,7305 with a kind of delight, stirred up by reading or seeing those passions well imitated.
Nor is Nature wanting7306 in her own effects7307 to make good his assertion, for so, in physic,7308 things of melancholic hue and quality are used against melancholy, sour against sour, salt to remove salt humors.7309 Hence philosophers and other gravest writers, as Cicero, Plutarch and others, frequently cite out of 7310 tragic poets, both to adorn and illustrate their discourse. The Apostle Paul himself thought it not unworthy to insert a verse of Euripides7311 into the text of Holy Scripture (I Cor. 15:33 ), and Paraeus,7312 commenting on the Revelation, divides the whole book as a tragedy, into acts distinguished each by a chorus of Heavenly harpings and song between.7313
Heretofore men in highest dignity have labored not a little to be thought able to compose a tragedy. Of that honour Dionysius the elder was no less ambitious, then7314 before of his attaining to the Tyranny.7315 Augustus Caesar also had begun his Ajax, but unable to please his own judgment with what he had begun, left it unfinished. Seneca the philosopher is by some thought the author of those tragedies (at least the best of them) that go under that name. Gregory Nazianzen,7316 a Father of the Church, thought it not unbe-seeming the sanctity of his person to write a tragedy, which he entitled, Christ Suffering.
This is mentioned to vindicate tragedy from the small esteem, or rather infamy, which in the account of many it undergoes at this day, with other common interludes7317 ---happening through the poets' error of intermixing comic stuff with tragic sadness7318 and gravity, or introducing trivial and vulgar persons, which by all judicious7319 hath been counted absurd, and brought in without discretion, corruptly to gratify the people. And though ancient tragedy use no prologue (yet using sometimes, in case of self defense or explanation, that which Martial calls an "epistle"), in behalf of this tragedy coming forth after the ancient manner, much different from what among us passes for best, thus much beforehand may be "epistled."
The chorus is here introduced after the Greek manner, not ancient only but modern, and still in use among the Italians. In the modelling therefore of this poem, with good reason, the ancients and Italians are rather followed, as of much more authority and fame. The measure7320 of verse used in the chorus is of all sorts, called by the Greeks monostrophic, or rather apolelymenon,7321 without regard had to strophe, antistrophe or epode (which were a kind of stanza framed only for the music, then7322 used with the chorus that sung; not essential to the poem, and therefore not material)7323 or being divided into stanzas or pauses, they may be call'd allaeostropha.7324 Division into act and scene, referring chiefly to the stage (to which this work never was intended), is here omitted.
It suffices if the whole drama be found7325 not produced7326 beyond the fifth act, of the style and uniformity, and that7327 commonly called the plot, whether intricate or explicit, which is nothing indeed but such economy7328 or disposition7329 of the fable7330 as may stand best with verisimilitude and decorum. They only will best judge who are not unacquainted with Aeschulus, Sophocles, and Euripides, the three tragic poets unequalled yet by any, and the best rule to all who endeavor to write tragedy. The circumscription7331 of time wherein the whole drama begins and ends is, according to ancient rule and best example, within the space of 24 hours.
Samson (made captive, blind, and now in the prison at Gaza, there to labor as in a common work-house), on a festival day, in the general cessation from labor, comes forth into the open air, to a place nigh,7332 somewhat retired,7333 there to sit a while and bemoan his condition. Where he happens at length to be visited by certain friends and equals of his tribe, which make7334 the chorus, who seek to comfort him what7335 they can, then7336 by his old father, Manoa, who endeavors the like, and withal7337 tells him his purpose to procure his liberty by ransom, [and] lastly, that this feast was proclaimed by the Philistines as a day of thanksgiving for their deliverance from the hands of Samson, which yet more troubles him.
Manoa then departs to prosecute7338 his endeavor 7339 with the Philistian lords for Samson's redemption, who in the meanwhile is visited by other persons, and lastly by a public officer to require his coming to the feast, before7340 the lords and people, to play7341 or show his strength in their presence. He at first refuses, dismissing the public officer with absolute denial to come. At length, persuaded inwardly that this was from God, he yields to go along with him, who came now, the second time, with great threatenings, to fetch him.
The chorus yet remaining on the place, Manoa returns full of joyful hope to procure, ere long, his son's deliverance, in the midst of which discourse an Hebrew comes in haste, confusedly at first, and afterward more distinctly, relating the catastrophe: what Samson had done to the Philistines, and by accident to himself, wherewith the tragedy ends.
Samson.
Harapha of Gath.
Manoa, the father of Samson.
Public officer.
Messenger.
Dalila, his wife.
Chorus of Danites.7342
The scene: before the prison in Gaza.
SAM. A little onward lend thy guiding hand
To these dark steps, a little further on,
For yonder bank7343 hath choice of sun or shade.
There I am wont 7344 to sit, when any chance
Relieves me from my task of servile7345 toil,
Daily in the common prison else enjoined7346 me,
Where I, a prisoner chained, scarce freely draw7347
The air---imprisoned also, close and damp,
Unwholesome7348 draught.7349 But here I feel amends,7350
The breath of Heav'n fresh-blowing, pure and sweet,
With day-spring born. Here leave me to respire.7351
This day a solemn feast the people hold
To Dagon7352 their sea-Idol, and forbid
Laborious7353 works. Unwillingly this rest
Their superstition7354 yields me. Hence with leave7355
Retiring from the popular7356 noise, I seek
This unfrequented7357 place to find some ease,
Ease to the body some, none to the mind
From restless thoughts, that like a deadly swarm
Of hornets armed, no sooner found alone
But rush upon me thronging,7358 and present7359
Times past, what once I was, and what am now.
O wherefore was my birth from Heav'n foretold
Twice, by an Angel, who at last in sight
Of both my parents all in flames ascended
From off the altar, where an off 'ring burned,
As in a fiery column charioting
His godlike presence, and from some great act
Or benefit revealed to Abraham's race?
Why was my breeding7360 ordered and prescribed
As of a person separate7361 to God,
Designed for great exploits, if I must die
Betrayed, captived, and both my eyes put out,
Made of my enemies the scorn and gaze?
To grind7362 in brazen7363 fetters7364 under task7365
With this Heav'n-gifted strength? O glorious strength
Put to the labor of a beast, debased
Lower than bondslave! Promise was that I
Should Israel from Philistian yoke deliver.
Ask for this great deliverer now, and find him
Eyeless in Gaza at the mill7366 with slaves,
Himself in bonds under Philistian yoke.
Yet stay, let me not rashly call in doubt
Divine prediction. What if all foretold
Had been fulfilled but7367 through mine own default,7368
Whom have I to complain of but myself?
Who this high gift of strength, committed to me,
In what part lodged, how easily bereft 7369 me,
Under the seal of silence could not keep
But weakly to a woman must reveal it,
O'ercome with importunity and tears.
O impotence of mind, in body strong!
But what is strength without a double share
Of wisdom, vast, unwieldy,7370 burdensome,
Proudly secure,7371 yet liable to fall
By weakest subtleties, not made to rule
But to subserve7372 where wisdom bears7373 command.
God, when He gave me strength, to show withal
How slight the gift was, hung it in my hair.
But peace! I must not quarrel with the will
Of highest dispensation,7374 which herein
Happ'ly7375 had ends7376 above my reach to know.
Suffices that to me strength is my bane,7377
And proves the source of all my miseries,
So many, and so huge, that each apart
Would ask7378 a life to wail---but of all,
O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!
Blind among enemies, O worse than chains,
Dungeon, or beggary, or decrepit age!
Light, the prime work of God, to me is extinct,
And all her various objects of delight
Annulled,7379 which might in part my grief have eased,
Inferior to the vilest now become
Of man or worm. The vilest here excel me,
They creep, yet see, I dark in light exposed
To daily fraud, contempt, abuse and wrong,
Within doors, or without, still7380 as a fool,
In power of others, never in my own.
Scarce half I seem to live, dead more than half.
O dark, dark, dark, dark, dark, amid the blaze of noon,
Irrecoverably dark, total eclipse
Without all 7381 hope of day!
O first created beam, and thou great Word,
"Let there be light, and light was over all,"7382
Why am I thus bereaved thy prime7383 decree?
The sun to me is dark
And silent as the moon
When she deserts the night,
Hid in her vacant7384 interlunar cave.7385
Since light so necessary is to life,
And almost life itself, if it be true
That light is in the soul,
She all in every part, why was the sight
To such a tender ball as th' eye confined?7386
So obvious7387 and so easy to be quenched,7388
And not, as feeling, through all parts diffused
That she might look at will7389 through every pore?
Then had I not been thus exiled from light,
As in the land of darkness, yet in light,
To live a life half dead, a living death,
And buried, but O yet more miserable!
Myself my sepulcher,7390 a moving grave,
Buried, yet not exempt
By privilege of death and burial
From worst of other evils, pains and wrongs,
But made hereby obnoxious7391 more
To all the miseries of life,
Life in captivity
Among inhuman foes.
But who are these? For with joint 7392 pace7393 I hear
The tread of many feet steering this way---
Perhaps my enemies who come to stare
At my affliction, and perhaps to insult,
Their daily practice to afflict me more.
CHOR. This, this is he. Softly a while,
Let us not break in upon him.
O change beyond report, thought, or belief!
See how he lies at random, carelessly diffused,7394
With languished7395 head unpropped,
As one past hope, abandoned
And by himself given over,
In slavish habit,7396 ill-fitted weeds7397
O'er worn and soiled.
Or do my eyes misrepresent? Can this be he,
That heroic, that renowned,
Irresistible Samson? Whom unarmed
No strength of man or fiercest wild beast could withstand?
Who tore the lion, as the lion tears the kid?
Ran on embattled7398 armies clad in iron,
And weaponless himself
Made arms ridiculous, useless the forgery7399
Of brazen7400 shield and spear, the hammered cuirass,7401
Chalybean7402 tempered steel, and frock7403 of mail Adamantean proof?
But safest he who stood aloof,
When insupportably7404 his foot advanced
In scorn of their proud arms and warlike tools,
Spurned7405 them to death---by troops! The bold Ascalonite7406
Fled from his lion ramp,7407 old warriors turned7408
Their plated7409 backs under his heel
Or, grov'ling, soiled 7410 their crested helmets in the dust.
Then with what7411 trivial 7412 weapon came to hand--- The jaw of a dead ass, his sword of bone---
A thousand foreskins7413 fell, the flower of Palestine,
In Ramath-lechi,7414 famous to this day.
Then by main7415 force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore
The Gates of Azza7416 ---post7417 and massy bar---7418
Up to the hill by Hebron,7419 seat of giants old,7420
No journey of a sabbath day,7421 and7422 loaded so: Like7423 whom7424 the gentiles feign7425 to bear up Heav'n.7426
Which shall I first bewail,
Thy bondage or lost sight,
Prison within prison
Inseparably dark?
Thou art become (O worst imprisonment!)
The dungeon of thyself! Thy soul
(Which men enjoying sight oft without cause complain)
Imprisoned now indeed,
In real darkness of the body dwells,
Shut up from outward light
T' incorporate7427 with gloomy night,
For inward light alas
Puts forth no visual beam.
O mirror of our fickle7428 state,
Since man7429 on earth unparalleled!
The rarer7430 thy example stands
By how much from the top of wondrous glory,
Strongest of mortal men,
To lowest pitch of abject fortune thou art fall'n.
For him I reckon not in high estate
Whom long descent of birth
Or the sphere of fortune raises,
But thee whose strength, while virtue was her mate,
Might have subdued the earth,
Universally crowned with highest praises.
SAM. I hear the sound of words; their sense the air
Dissolves unjointed7431 ere it reach my ear.
CHOR. He speaks: let us draw nigh.
Matchless in might,
The glory late of Israel, now the grief!
We come thy friends and neighbours not unknown
From Eshtaol and Zora's fruitful vale7432
To visit or bewail thee or, if better,
Counsel or consolation we may bring,
Salve to thy sores. Apt words have power to suage
The tumors7433 of a troubled mind,
And are as balm to festered wounds.
SAM. Your coming, friends, revives me, for I learn
Now of my own experience, not by talk,
How counterfeit a coin they are who friends
Bear in their superscription7434 (of the most,7435
I would be understood): in prosperous days
They swarm, but in adverse withdraw their head,
Not to be found, though sought. Ye see, O friends,
How many evils have enclosed me round.
Yet that which was the worst now least afflicts me,
Blindness, for had I sight, confused with shame,
How could I once look up, or heave7436 the head,
Who like a foolish pilot have shipwracked
My vessel, trusted to me from above,
Gloriously rigged, and for a word, a tear
---Fool!---have divulged the secret gift of God
To a deceitful woman? Tell me, friends,
Am I not sung and proverbed for a fool
In every street? Do they not say how well
Are come upon him his deserts? Yet why?
Immeasurable strength they might behold
In me, of wisdom nothing more than mean.7437
This with the other should, at least, have paired;7438
These two, proportioned ill, drove me transverse.7439
CHOR. Tax7440 not divine disposal.7441 Wisest men Have erred, and by bad women been deceived,
And shall again, pretend they ne're so wise.
Deject not then so overmuch thyself,
Who hast of sorrow thy full load besides.
Yet truth to say, I oft have heard men wonder
Why thou should'st wed Philistian women rather
Than of thine own tribe---fairer, or as fair,
At least of thy own nation, and as noble.
SAM. The first I saw at Timna,7442 and she pleased
Me (not my parents), that7443 I sought to wed,
The daughter of an infidel. They7444 knew not
That what I motioned7445 was of God; I knew
From intimate7446 impulse,7447 and therefore urged7448
The marriage on, that by occasion7449 hence7450
I might begin Israel's deliverance,
The work to which I was divinely called.
She proving false, the next I took to wife
(O that I never had! fond7451 wish, too late)
Was in the Vale of Sorec, Dalila,7452
That specious7453 monster, my accomplished7454 snare.
I thought it lawful, from7455 my former act
And the same end, still watching to oppress
Israel's oppressors. Of what now I suffer
She was not the prime cause, but I myself
Who, vanquished with a peal7456 of words (O weakness!),
Gave up7457 my fort of silence to a woman.
CHOR. In seeking just occasion to provoke7458
The Philistine, thy country's enemy,
Thou never wast remiss:7459 I bear thee witness.
Yet Israel still serves,7460 with all his sons.
SAM. That fault I take not on me, but transfer
On Israel's governors and heads of tribes,
Who seeing those great acts which God had done
Singly7461 by me against their conquerors
Acknowledged not, or not at all considered
Deliverance offered. I on th' other side
Used7462 no ambition7463 to commend7464 my deeds: The deeds themselves, though mute, spoke loud the doer.
But they7465 persisted deaf, and would not seem
To count them things worth notice, till at length
Their lords the Philistines with gathered7466 powers
Entered Judea, seeking me, who then
Safe to the rock of Etham7467 was retired,
Not flying,7468 but forecasting7469 in what place To set upon them, what advantaged7470 best.
Meanwhile the men of Judah, to prevent
The harass of their land, beset 7471 me round.
I willingly (on some7472 conditions) came
Into their hands, and they as gladly yield me
To the uncircumcised, a welcome prey,7473
Bound with two cords7474 ---but cords to me were threads
Touched with the flame. On their whole host I flew,
Unarmed, and with a trivial7475 weapon felled
Their choicest youth; they only lived who fled.
Had Judah that day joined, or one whole tribe,
They had by this possessed the towers of Gath,7476
And lorded over them whom now they serve.
But what more oft, in nations grown corrupt
And by their vices brought to servitude,
Than to love bondage more than liberty,
Bondage with ease than7477 strenuous liberty,
And to despise, or envy, or suspect
Whom God hath of his special favor raised
As their deliverer? If he aught begin,
How frequent to desert him, and at last
To heap ingratitude on worthiest deeds?
CHOR. Thy words to my remembrance bring
How Succoth and the fort of Penuel7478
Their great deliverer contemned,
The matchless Gideon, in pursuit
Of Madian and her vanquished kings.
And how ungrateful Ephraim7479
Had dealt with Jephtha,7480 who by argument
Not worse than by his shield and spear,
Defended Israel from the Ammonite,7481
Had not his prowess quelled their pride
In that sore battle when so many died,
Without reprieve adjudged to death
For want of well-pronouncing "shibboleth."7482
SAM. Of such examples add me to the roll.
Me easily indeed mine may neglect,7483
But God's proposed deliverance not so.
CHOR. Just are the ways of God,
And justifiable to men,
Unless there be who think not God at all.7484
If any be, they walk obscure,7485
For of such doctrine never was there school,
But the heart of the fool,
And no man therein doctor7486 but himself.
Yet more there be who doubt7487 His ways not just,
As to His own edicts found contradicting,
Then give the reins to wand'ring7488 thought,
Regardless of His glory's diminution,
Till by their own perplexities involved7489
They ravel7490 more, still less resolved,
But never find self-satisfying solution.
As if they would confine th' interminable,7491
And tie Him to His own prescript,7492
Who made our Laws to bind us, not Himself,
And hath full right t' exempt
Whom so it pleases Him by choice
From national obstriction,7493 without taint
Of sin, or legal debt,
For with His own Laws He can best dispense.
He would not else (who never wanted7494 means,
Nor in respect of th' enemy just cause
To set His people free)
Have prompted this heroic Nazarite,7495
Against his vow of strictest purity,
To seek in marriage that fallacious7496 bride,
Unclean, unchaste.
Down7497 reason, then---at least, vain reasonings down,
Though reason here aver7498
That moral verdict quits7499 her7500 of unclean: Unchaste was subsequent, her stain not his.
But see, here comes thy reverend sire
With careful7501 step, locks white as down,
Old Manoa. Advise7502
Forthwith how thou ought'st to receive him.
SAM. Aye me, another inward grief awaked:
With mention of that name, renews th' assault.
MAN. Brethren and men of Dan, for such ye seem,
Though in this uncouth7503 place: if old respect,
As I suppose, towards your once gloried friend,
My son now captive, hither hath informed7504
Your younger feet, while mine, cast7505 back with age,
Came lagging after, say if he be here.
CHOR. As signal7506 now, in low dejected state,
As erst in highest, behold him where he lies.
MAN. O miserable change! Is this the man,
That invincible Samson, far renowned,
The dread of Israel's foes, who with a strength
Equivalent to Angels walked their streets,
None offering fight? who single combatant
Duelled their armies, ranked in proud array,
Himself an army, now unequal match
To save himself against a coward, armed,
At one spear's length? O ever failing trust
In mortal strength! and oh what not in man
Deceivable and vain! Nay, what thing good
Prayed for, but often proves our woe, our bane?7507
I prayed for children, and thought barrenness
In wedlock a reproach. I gained a son,
And such a son as all men hailed me happy.
Who would be now a father in my stead?
O wherefore did God grant me my request,
And as a blessing with such pomp7508 adorned?
Why are His gifts desirable,7509 to tempt
Our earnest prayers, then giv'n with solemn hand
As graces, draw a scorpion's tail behind?
For this did th' Angel twice descend? For this
Ordained thy nurture holy, as of a plant
Select and sacred, glorious for a while,
The miracle of men, then in an hour
Ensnared, assaulted, overcome, led bound,
Thy foes' derision, captive, poor, and blind,
Into a dungeon thrust, to work with slaves?
Alas, methinks whom God hath chosen once
To worthiest deeds, if he through frailty err
He7510 should not so oerwhelm, and as a thrall7511
Subject him to so foul indignities,
Be it but for honor's sake, of former deeds.
SAM. Appoint7512 not Heav'nly disposition, father.
Nothing of all these evils hath befall'n me
But justly. I myself have brought them on,
Sole author I, sole cause. If aught seem vile,
As7513 vile hath been my folly, who have profaned
The mystery of God giv'n me under pledge
Of vow, and have betrayed it to a woman,
A Canaanite, my faithless enemy.
This well I knew, nor was at all surprised,
But warned by oft experience. Did not she
Of Timna7514 first betray me, and reveal
The secret wrested from me in her height
Of nuptial love professed, carrying it straight
To them who had corrupted her, my spies
And rivals? In this other was there found
More faith? who also in her prime of love,
Spousal embraces, vitiated7515 with gold,
Though offered only, by the scent7516 conceived
Her spurious7517 firstborn, treason against me?
Thrice she assayed, with flattering prayers and sighs,
And amorous reproaches, to win from me
My capital7518 secret, in what part my strength
Lay stored, in what part summed, that she might know.
Thrice I deluded7519 her, and turned to sport7520
Her importunity, each time perceiving
How openly and with what impudence
She purposed to betray me, and (which was worse
Than undissembled hate) with what contempt
She sought to make me traitor to myself.
Yet the fourth time, when must'ring all her wiles,
With blandished7521 parleys,7522 feminine assaults, Tongue-batteries,7523 she surceased not day nor night
To storm7524 me, over-watched7525 and wearied out.
At times when men seek most repose and rest
I yielded, and unlocked her all my heart,
Who with a grain of manhood well resolved7526
Might easily have shook off all her snares.
But foul effeminacy7527 held me yoked
Her bondslave. O indignity, O blot
To honor and religion! Servile mind
Rewarded well with servile punishment!
The base degree to which I now am fall'n,
These rags, this grinding,7528 is not yet so base
As was my former servitude, ignoble,
Unmanly, ignominious, infamous,
True slavery, and that blindness worse than this,
That saw not how degenerately I served.
MAN. I cannot praise thy marriage choices, son---
Rather approved them not. But thou didst plead
Divine impulsion7529 prompting how thou might'st
Find some occasion to infest7530 our foes.
I state not that. This I am sure: our foes
Found soon occasion thereby to make thee
Their captive, and their triumph. Thou the sooner
Temptation found'st, or over-potent charms
To violate the sacred trust of silence
Deposited within thee, which t' have kept
Tacit 7531 was in thy power. True: and thou bear'st
Enough, and more, the burden of that fault.
Bitterly hast thou paid, and still art paying
That rigid7532 score.7533 A worse thing yet remains.
This day the Philistines a popular feast
Here celebrate in Gaza, and proclaim
Great pomp, and sacrifice, and praises loud
To Dagon, as their god who hath delivered
Thee, Samson, bound and blind into their hands,
Them out of thine, who slew'st them many a slain.
So Dagon shall be magnified, and God,
Besides whom is no God, compared with idols,
Disglorified, blasphemed, and had in scorn
By th' idolatrous rout7534 amidst their wine,
Which to have come to pass by means of thee,
Samson, of all thy sufferings think the heaviest,
Of all reproach the most with shame that ever
Could have befall'n thee and thy father's house.7535
SAM. Father, I do acknowledge and confess
That I this honor, I this pomp have brought
To Dagon, and advanced his praises high
Among the heathen round7536 ---to God have brought
Dishonor, obloquy,7537 and op't7538 the mouths Of idolists, and atheists, have brought scandal
To Israel, diffidence7539 of God, and doubt
In feeble hearts, propense7540 enough before
To waver, or fall off and join with idols.
Which is my chief affliction, shame and sorrow,
The anguish of my soul, that suffers not
Mine eye to harbor7541 sleep, or thoughts to rest.
This only hope relieves me, that the strife
With me hath end: all the contest is now
'Twixt God and Dagon. Dagon hath presumed
(Me overthrown) to enter lists7542 with God,
His deity comparing and preferring
Before the God of Abraham. He,7543 be sure,
Will not connive,7544 or linger, thus provoked,
But will arise and His great name assert.
Dagon must stoop,7545 and shall ere long receive
Such a discomfit7546 as shall quite despoil7547 him Of all these boasted trophies won on me,
And with confusion blank7548 his worshippers.
MAN. With cause7549 this hope relieves thee, and these words
I as a prophecy receive, for God---
Nothing more certain---will not long defer
To vindicate the glory of His name
Against all competition, nor will long
Endure it, doubtful7550 whether God be Lord
Or Dagon. But for thee what shall be done?
Thou must not in the meanwhile here forgot
Lie, in this miserable, loathsome plight
Neglected. I already have made way7551
To some Philistian lords, with whom to treat7552
About thy ransom. Well they may by this7553
Have satisfied their utmost of revenge
By pains and slaveries worse than death inflicted
On thee, who now no more canst do them harm.
SAM. Spare7554 that proposal, father, spare the trouble
Of that solicitation. Let me here,
As I deserve, pay on my punishment,
And expiate, if possible, my crime,
Shameful garrulity. To have revealed
Secrets of men, the secrets of a friend,
How heinous had the fact been, how deserving
Contempt, and scorn of all, to be excluded
All friendship, and avoided as a blab,
The mark of fool set on his front?7555 But I
God's counsel have not kept, His holy secret
Presumptuously have published,7556 impiously,
Weakly at least, and shamefully, a sin
That gentiles in their parables7557 condemn7558
To their abyss and horrid pains confined.7559
MAN. Be penitent and for thy fault contrite,
But act not in thy own affliction, son.
Repent the sin, but if the punishment
Thou canst avoid, self-preservation bids,
Or th' execution leave to high disposal,7560
And let another hand, not thine, exact
Thy penal forfeit7561 from thyself. Perhaps
God will relent, and quit7562 thee all His debt,
Who evermore approves and more accepts
(Best pleased with humble and filial submission)
Him who imploring mercy sues7563 for life,
Than who, self-rigorous, chooses death as due,
Which argues over-just, and self-displeased
For self-offence, more than for God offended.
Reject not then what offered means7564 (who knows
But God hath set before us) to return thee
Home to thy country and His sacred house,
Where thou may'st bring thy off 'rings, to avert
His further ire with prayers and vows renewed.
SAM. His pardon I implore. But as for life,
To what end should I seek it? When in strength
All mortals I excelled, and great in hopes
With youthful courage and magnanimous7565 thoughts
Of birth from Heav'n foretold and high exploits,
Full of divine instinct,7566 after some proof
Of acts indeed heroic, far beyond
The sons of Anac,7567 famous now and blazed,7568
Fearless of danger, like a petty god
I walked about, admired of all and dreaded
On hostile ground, none daring my affront.7569
Then swoll'n with pride into the snare I fell
Of fair fallacious7570 looks, venereal trains,7571
Softn'd with pleasure and voluptuous life,
At length to lay my head and hallowed pledge7572
Of all my strength in the lascivious lap
Of a deceitful concubine, who shore me
Like a tame wether, all my precious fleece,
Then turned me out ridiculous, despoiled,
Shav'n, and disarmed among my enemies.
CHOR. Desire of wine and all delicious drinks,
Which many a famous warrior overturns,
Thou could'st repress, nor did the dancing ruby7573
Sparkling, outpoured, the flavor, or the smell,
Or taste that cheers the heart of gods and men,
Allure thee from7574 the cool crystalline stream.
SAM. Wherever fountain or fresh current flowed
Against the eastern ray, translucent, pure
With touch aetherial of Heav'ns fiery rod,7575
I drank, from the clear milky7576 juice7577 allaying Thirst, and refreshed, nor envied them the grape
Whose heads that turbulent liquor fills with fumes.
CHOR. O madness, to think use of strongest wines
And strongest drinks our chief support of health,
When God with these forbidd'n made choice to rear
His mighty champion, strong above compare,
Whose drink was only from the liquid brook.
SAM. But what availed this temperance, not complete
Against another object more enticing?
What boots it at one gate to make defence
And at another to let in the foe,
Effeminately vanquished? By which means,
Now blind, disheart'ned, shamed, dishonored, quelled,7578
To what can I be useful? wherein serve
My nation, and the work from Heav'n imposed,
But to sit idle on the household hearth,
A burdenous drone? to visitants a gaze,7579
Or pitied object, these redundant7580 locks
Robustious7581 to no purpose clust'ring down,
Vain monument of strength, till length of years
And sedentary numbness craze7582 my limbs
To a contemptible old age obscure.
Here rather let me drudge and earn my bread,
Till vermin or the draff 7583 of servile food
Consume me, and oft-invocated death
Hast'n the welcome end of all my pains.
MAN. Wilt thou then serve the Philistines with that gift
Which was expressly giv'n thee to annoy7584 them?
Better at home lie bed-rid, not only idle---
Inglorious, unemployed,7585 with age out-worn.
But God who caused a fountain at thy prayer
From the dry ground to spring, thy thirst to allay
After the brunt7586 of battle,7587 can as easy Cause light again within thy eyes to spring,
Wherewith to serve Him better than thou hast.
And I persuade me so. Why else this strength
Miraculous yet remaining in those locks?
His might continues in thee, not for naught,
Nor shall His wondrous gifts be frustrate thus.
SAM. All otherwise to me my thoughts portend,7588
That these dark orbs no more shall treat7589 with light,
Nor th' other light of life continue long,
But yield to double darkness nigh at hand.
So much I feel my genial7590 spirits droop,
My hopes all flat. Nature within me seems
In all her functions weary of herself,
My race of glory run, and race of shame,
And I shall shortly be with them that rest.
MAN. Believe not these suggestions, which proceed
From anguish of the mind and humors7591 black,
That mingle with thy fancy.7592 I however
Must not omit a father's timely care
To prosecute7593 the means of thy deliverance,
By ransom or how else. Meanwhile be calm,
And healing words from these thy friends admit.7594
SAM. O that torment7595 should not be confined 7596
To the body's wounds and sores,
With maladies innumerable
In heart, head, breast, and reins,7597
But must secret passage find
To th' inmost mind,
There exercise7598 all his fierce accidents,7599
And on her purest spirits prey,
As on entrails, joints, and limbs,
With answerable7600 pains, but more intense,
Though void of corporal sense.7601
My griefs not only pain me
As a ling'ring disease,
But finding no redress, ferment7602 and rage,
Nor less than wounds immedicable7603
Rankle,7604 and fester, and gangrene7605
To black mortification.7606
Thoughts (my tormentors) armed with deadly stings
Mangle my apprehensive7607 tenderest parts,
Exasperate,7608 exulcerate, and raise
Dire inflammation which no cooling herb
Or med'cinal liquor can assuage,7609
Nor breath of vernal air from snowy Alp.
Sleep hath forsook and giv'n me o'er
To death's benumbing opium as my only cure.
Thence faintings, swoonings of despair,
And sense of Heav'n's desertion.
I was His nursling once, and choice delight,
His destined7610 from the womb,
Promised by Heav'nly message twice descending.
Under His special7611 eye
Abstemious7612 I grew up and thrived amain.7613
He led me on to mightiest deeds
(Above the nerve7614 of mortal arm)
Against th' uncircumcised, our enemies,
But now hath cast me off as7615 never known,
And to those cruel enemies,
Whom I by His appointment7616 had provoked,7617
Left me all helpless with th' irreparable loss
Of sight, reserved alive to be repeated7618
The subject of their cruelty, or scorn.
Nor am I in the list7619 of them that hope.
Hopeless are all my evils, all remediless.
This one prayer yet remains, might I be heard:
No long petition, speedy death,
The close of all my miseries, and the balm.
CHOR. Many are the sayings of the wise,
In ancient and in modern books enrolled,7620
Extolling patience as the truest fortitude,7621
And to the bearing well of all calamities,
All chances incident to man's frail life,
Consolatories writ
With studied 7622 argument, and much persuasion7623 sought,7624
Lenient7625 of grief and anxious thought.
But with th' afflicted in his pangs their sound
Little prevails, or rather seems a tune
Harsh, and of dissonant mood from his complaint,
Unless he feel within
Some source of consolation from above,
Secret refreshings, that repair7626 his strength,
And fainting spirits uphold.
God of our fathers, what is man!
That Thou towards him with hand so various,7627
Or might I say contrarious,
Temper'st Thy providence through his short course7628
Not evenly, as thou rul'st
The Angelic orders and inferior creatures mute,
Irrational and brute.
Nor do I name of men the common rout,7629
That wand'ring loose7630 about
Grow up and perish, as7631 the summer fly,
Heads without name no more remembered!
But such as Thou hast solemnly7632 elected,7633
With gifts and graces eminently adorned
To some great work, Thy glory
And people's safety,7634 which in part they effect.
Yet toward these thus dignified,7635 Thou oft
Amidst their height of noon
Changest Thy countenance and Thy hand, with no regard
Of highest favors past
From Thee on them, or them to Thee of service.
Nor only dost degrade them, or remit7636
To life obscured, which were a fair dismission,
But throw'st them lower than Thou did'st exalt them high,
Unseemly falls,7637 in human eye,
Too grievous for the trespass or omission---
Oft leav'st them to the hostile sword
Of heathen and profane,7638 their carcasses
To dogs and fowls a prey, or else captived,
Or to the unjust tribunals, under change of times,
And condemnation of the ungrateful multitude.
If these they scape, perhaps in poverty
With sickness and disease Thou bow'st them down,
Painful diseases and deformed,
In crude7639 old age,
Though not disordinate,7640 yet causeless suff 'ring
The punishment of dissolute days. In fine,7641
Just or unjust alike seem miserable,
For oft alike both come to evil end.
So7642 deal not, with this once Thy glorious champion,
The image of Thy strength, and mighty minister.7643
What do I beg? How hast Thou dealt7644 already?
Behold him in this state calamitous, and turn
His labors---for Thou canst---to peaceful end.
But who is this, what thing of sea or land?
Female of sex it seems,
That so bedecked, ornate, and gay,
Comes this way sailing
Like a stately ship
Of Tarsus,7645 bound for th' Isles
With all her bravery7648 on, and tackle7649 trim,7650
Sails filled, and streamers7651 waving
(Courted by all the winds that hold them play),7652
An amber scent of odorous perfume
Her harbinger,7653 a damsel train7654 behind.
Some rich Philistian matron she may seem,
And now at nearer view, no other, certain,
Than Dalila, thy wife.
SAM. My wife, my traitress, let her not come near me.
CHOR. Yet on she moves, now stands and eyes thee fixed,7655
About t' have spoke, but now, with head declined
Like a fair flower surcharged7656 with dew, she weeps
And words addressed7657 seem into tears dissolved,
Wetting the borders of her silken veil.
But now again she makes address7658 to speak.
DAL. With doubtful feet and wavering resolution
I came, still dreading thy displeasure, Samson,
Which to have merited, without excuse,
I cannot but acknowledge. Yet if tears
May expiate (though the fact more evil drew7659
In the perverse7660 event than I foresaw)
My penance hath not slack'ned, though my pardon
No way assured. But conjugal affection
Prevailing over fear and timorous doubt,
Hath led me on, desirous to behold
Once more thy face, and know of thy estate.7661
If aught in my ability may serve
To lighten what thou suffer'st, and appease
Thy mind with what amends is in my power,
Though late, yet in some part to recompense
My rash but more unfortunate misdeed.
SAM. Out, out hyena! These are thy wonted7662 arts,
And arts of every woman false like thee,
To break all faith, all vows, deceive, betray,
Then as7663 repentant to submit, beseech
And reconcilement move7664 with feigned remorse,
Confess, and promise wonders in her change,
Not truly penitent, but chief 7665 to try7666
Her husband, how far urged7667 his patience bears,
His virtue or weakness which way t' assail,
Then with more cautious and instructed7668 skill
Again transgresses, and again submits,
That7669 wisest and best men full oft beguiled
With goodness, principled7670 not to reject
The penitent, but ever to forgive,
Are drawn to wear out miserable days,
Entangled with a pois'nous bosom7671 snake,
If not by quick destruction soon cut off,
As I by thee, to ages an example.
DAL. Yet hear me Samson. Not that I endeavor
To lessen or extenuate my offence,
But that on th' other side if it be weighed
By itself, with aggravations7672 not surcharged,7673
Or else with just allowance counterpoised,7674
I may, if possible, thy pardon find
The easier towards me, or thy hatred less.
First granting, as I do, it was a weakness
In me, but incident7675 to all our sex,
Curiosity, inquisitive, importune7676
Of secrets, then with like infirmity
To publish7677 them, both common female faults.
Was it not weakness also to make known,
For7678 importunity (that is, for naught),
Wherein consisted all thy strength and safety?
To what I did thou showd'st me first the way.
But I to enemies revealed, and should not.
Nor should'st thou have trusted that to woman's frailty:
Ere I to thee, thou to thyself wast cruel.
Let weakness then with weakness come to parle,7679
So near related, or the same of kind,
Thine forgive mine, that men may censure thine
The gentler, if severely thou exact not
More strength from me than in thyself was found.
And what if love, which thou interpret'st7680 hate,
The jealousy of love, powerful of sway
In human hearts, nor less in mine towards thee,
Caused what I did? I saw thee mutable7681
Of fancy,7682 feared lest one day thou would'st leave me
As her at Timna,7683 sought by all means therefore
How to endear, and hold thee to me firmest.
No better way I saw than by importuning
To learn thy secrets, get into my power
Thy key of strength and safety. Thou wilt say,
Why then revealed? I was assured by those
Who tempted me that nothing was designed7684
Against thee but safe custody, and hold.7685
That made for me.7686 I knew that liberty
Would draw thee forth to perilous enterprises,
While I at home sat full of cares and fears,
Wailing thy absence in my widowed bed.
Here7687 I should still enjoy thee day and night,
Mine and love's prisoner, not the Philistines',
Whole7688 to myself, unhazarded7689 abroad, Fearless7690 at home of partners7691 in my love.
These reasons in love's law have passed for good,
Though fond7692 and reasonless to some, perhaps.
And love hath oft, well meaning, wrought much woe,
Yet always pity or pardon hath obtained.
Be not unlike all others, not austere7693
As thou art strong, inflexible as steel.
If thou in strength all mortals dost exceed,
In uncompassionate anger do not so.
SAM. How cunningly the sorceress displays
Her own transgressions, to upbraid me mine!
That malice, not repentance, brought thee hither,
By this appears. I gave, thou say'st, th' example,
I led the way. Bitter reproach, but true.
I to myself was false ere thou to me.
Such pardon therefore as I give my folly,
Take to thy wicked deed, which when thou see'st
Impartial, self-severe, inexorable,
Thou wilt renounce thy seeking, and much rather
Confess it feigned. Weakness is thy excuse,
And I believe it---weakness to resist
Philistian gold! If weakness may excuse,
What murderer, what traitor, parricide,
Incestuous, sacrilegious, but may plead it?
All wickedness is weakness: that plea therefore
With God or man will gain thee no remission.
But love constrain'd7694 thee! Call it furious7695 rage7696
To satisfy thy lust. Love seeks to have love.
My love how could'st thou hope, who took'st the way
To raise in me inexpiable7697 hate,
Knowing,7698 as needs I must, by thee betrayed?
In vain thou striv'st to cover shame with shame,
Or by evasions thy crime uncover'st more.
DAL. Since thou determin'st7699 weakness for no plea
In man or woman, though to thy own condemning,
Hear what assaults I had, what snares besides,
What sieges girt me round, ere I consented,
Which might have awed the best resolved of men,
The constantest t' have yielded without blame.
It was not gold, as to my charge thou lay'st,
That wrought7700 with me. Thou know'st the magistrates7701
And princes of my country came in person,
Solicited, commanded, threatened, urged,
Adjured7702 by all the bonds of civil duty
And of religion, pressed7703 how just it was,
How honorable, how glorious to entrap
A common7704 enemy, who had destroyed
Such numbers of our nation. And the priest
Was not behind,7705 but ever at my ear,
Preaching how meritorious with the gods
It would be to ensnare an irreligious
Dishonorer of Dagon. What had I
T' oppose against such powerful arguments?
Only my love of thee held long debate,
And combated in silence all these reasons
With hard contest.7706 At length that grounded7707 maxim, So rife7708 and celebrated in the mouths
Of wisest men, that to the public good
Private respects7709 must yield, with grave authority
Took full possession of me, and prevailed,
Virtue, as I thought---truth---duty so enjoining.7710
SAM. I thought where all thy circling wiles would end!
In feigned religion, smooth hypocrisy.
But had thy love, still odiously7711 pretended,
Been, as it ought, sincere, it would have taught thee
Far other reasonings, brought forth other deeds.
I before7712 all the daughters of my tribe
And of my nation chose thee from among
My enemies, loved thee, as too well thou knew'st---
Too well---unbosomed all my secrets to thee,
Not out of levity,7713 but overpow'red
By thy request, who7714 could deny thee nothing,
Yet now am judged an enemy. Why then
Didst thou at first receive me for thy husband,
Then, as since then, thy country's foe professed?7715
Being once a wife, for me thou wast to leave
Parents and country, nor was I their7716 subject,7717
Nor under their protection, but my own,
Thou mine,7718 not theirs. If aught against my life
Thy country sought of thee, it sought unjustly,
Against the law of Nature, law of nations,
No more thy country, but an impious crew
Of men conspiring to uphold their state
By worse than hostile deeds, violating the ends
For which our country is a name so dear,
Not therefore to be obeyed. But zeal moved thee!
To please thy gods thou didst it---gods unable
To acquit7719 themselves and prosecute their foes.
But by ungodly deeds, the contradiction
Of their own deity, gods cannot be---
Less therefore to be pleased, obeyed, or feared.
These false pretexts and varnished colors failing,
Bare in thy guilt how foul must thou appear!
DAL. In argument with men a woman ever
Goes by the worse,7720 whatever be her cause.
SAM. For want of words no doubt, or lack of breath!
Witness when I was worried with7721 thy peals.7722
DAL. I was a fool, too rash, and quite mistaken
In what I thought would have succeeded best.
Let me obtain forgiveness of thee, Samson!
Afford7723 me place7724 to show what recompense Towards thee I intend for what I have misdone,
Misguided. Only what remains past cure
Bear not too sensibly,7725 nor still insist
T' afflict thyself in vain. Though sight be lost,
Life yet hath many solaces, enjoyed
Where other senses want7726 not their delights,
At home in leisure and domestic ease,
Exempt from many a care and chance7727 to which
Eyesight exposes, daily, men abroad.7728
I to the lords will intercede, not doubting
Their favorable ear,7729 that I may fetch thee
From forth this loathsome prison-house, t' abide
With me, where my redoubled love and care,
With nursing diligence (to me glad office),7730
May ever tend about thee to7731 old age
With all things grateful7732 cheered, and so supplied
That what by me thou hast lost thou least shalt miss.
SAM. No, no, of my condition take no care!
It fits not.7733 Thou and I long since are twain,7734
Nor think me so unwary or accurst
To bring my feet again into the snare
Where once I have been caught. I know thy trains,7735
Though dearly to my cost! Thy ginns,7736 and toils.7737
Thy fair enchanted cup, and warbling charms
No more on me have power, their force is nulled.7738
So much of adders' wisdom7739 I have learned
To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
If in my flower of youth and strength, when all men
Loved, honored, feared me, thou alone could hate me,
Thy husband, slight7740 me, sell7741 me, and forego7742 me, How would'st thou use me now, blind, and thereby
Deceiveable, in most things as a child
Helpless, thence easily contemned,7743 and scorned,
And last7744 neglected? How would'st thou insult7745
When I must live uxorious7746 to thy will
In perfect7747 thraldom?7748 How again betray me, Bearing my words and doings to the lords
To gloss7749 upon, and censuring,7750 frown or smile?
This jail I count7751 the house of liberty
To thine, whose doors my feet shall never enter!
DAL. Let me approach, at least, and touch thy hand.
SAM. Not for thy life, lest fierce remembrance wake
My sudden rage to tear thee joint by joint.
At distance I forgive thee, go with that.
Bewail thy falsehood, and the pious works
It hath brought forth to make thee memorable
Among illustrious women, faithful wives.
Cherish thy hast'ned widowhood with the gold
Of matrimonial treason. So farewell.
DAL. I see thou art implacable,7752 more deaf
To prayers than winds and seas. Yet winds to seas
Are reconciled at length, and sea to shore.
Thy anger, unappeasable, still rages,
Eternal tempest never to be calmed.
Why do I humble thus myself, and suing7753
For peace, reap nothing but repulse and hate---
Bid go,7754 with evil omen and the brand
Of infamy upon my name denounced?
To mix with thy concernments7755 I desist
Henceforth, nor too much disapprove my own.
Fame if not double-faced is double-mouthed,
And with contrary blast proclaims most deeds.
On both his wings, one black, th' other white,
Bears greatest names in his wild airy flight.
My name perhaps among the circumcised7756
In Dan, in Judah, and the bordering tribes,
To all posterity may stand defamed,
With malediction mentioned, and the blot
Of falsehood most unconjugal traduced.7757
But in my country, where I most desire,
In Ecron, Gaza, Asdod, and in Gath
I shall be named among the famousest
Of women, sung at solemn festivals,
Living and dead recorded,7758 who to save
Her country from a fierce destroyer chose
Above7759 the faith of wedlock-bands7760 ---my tomb With odors7761 visited and annual flowers.
Not less renowned than in Mount Ephraim
Jael, who with inhospitable guile
Smote Sisera sleeping through the temples nailed.7762
Nor shall I count it heinous7763 to enjoy
The public marks of honor and reward
Conferred upon me, for the piety
Which to my country I was judged t' have shown.
At this whoever envies or repines7764
I leave him to his lot, and like my own.
CHOR. She's gone, a manifest7765 serpent by her sting
Discovered in the end, till now concealed.
SAM. So let her go. God sent her to debase me
And aggravate my folly, who committed 1000
To such a viper his most sacred trust
Of secrecy, my safety, and my life.
CHOR. Yet beauty, though injurious, hath strange power,
After offence returning, to regain
Love once possessed, nor can be easily
Repulsed, without much inward passion felt
And secret sting of amorous remorse.
SAM. Love-quarrels oft in pleasing concord end.
Not wedlock-treachery, endangering life.
CHOR. It is not virtue, wisdom, valor, wit, 1010
Strength, comeliness of shape, or amplest merit
That woman's love can win or long inherit,7766
But what it is, hard is to say,
Harder to hit7767
(Which way soever men refer7768 it),
Much like thy riddle, Samson,7769 in one day
Or seven, though one should musing sit.
If any of these or all, the Timnian bride
Had not so soon preferred
Thy paranymph,7770 worthless to thee compared, 1020
Successor in thy bed,
Nor both7771 so loosely disallied
Their nuptials, nor this last so treacherously
Had shorn the fatal7772 harvest of thy head.
Is it for that7773 such outward ornament
Was lavished on their sex, that inward gifts
Were left for haste unfinished, judgment scant,7774
Capacity not raised7775 to apprehend
Or value what is best
In choice, but oftest to affect7776 the wrong? 1030
Or was too much of self-love mixed,
Of constancy no root7777 infixed,7778
That either they love nothing, or not long?
What e'er it be, to wisest men and best
Seeming at first all Heav'nly under virgin veil,
Soft, modest, meek, demure,7779
Once joined the contrary she proves, a thorn
Intestine, far within defensive7780 arms
A cleaving7781 mischief, in7782 his way to virtue Adverse and turbulent,7783 or by her charms 1040
Draws him awry,7784 enslaved
With dotage,7785 and his sense depraved7786
To folly and shameful deeds which ruin ends.
What pilot so expert but needs must wreck,
Embarked with such a steer-mate at the helm?
Favored of Heav'n who finds
One7787 virtuous (rarely found),
That in domestic good combines.7788
Happy that house! His way to peace is smooth.
But virtue which breaks through all opposition, 1050
And all temptation can remove
Most shines and most is acceptable above.
Therefore God's universal Law
Gave to the man despotic7789 power
Over his female in due7790 awe,7791
Nor from that right to part7792 an hour,
So shall he least confusion draw
On his whole life, not swayed
By female usurpation, nor dismayed. 1060
But had we best retire, I see a storm?
SAM. Fair days have oft contracted7795 wind and rain.
CHOR. But this another kind of tempest brings.
SAM. Be less abstruse,7796 my riddling days are past.
CHOR. Look now for no enchanting voice, nor fear
The bait of honeyed words. A rougher tongue
Draws hitherward. I know him by his stride,
The giant Harapha7797 of Gath, his look
Haughty as is his pile7798 high-built and proud.
Comes he in peace? What wind hath blown him hither 1070
I less conjecture7799 than when first I saw
The sumptuous7800 Dalila floating this way.
His habit7801 carries peace, his brow defiance.
SAM. Or7802 peace or not, alike to me he comes.
CHOR. His fraught7803 we soon shall know. He now arrives.
HAR. I come not, Samson, to condole thy chance,7804
As these perhaps, yet wish it had not been,
Though for no friendly intent. I am of Gath.
Men call me Harapha, of stock renowned
As Og7805 or Anak7806 and the Emims7807 old 1080
That Kiriathaim7808 held: thou knowst me now,
If thou at all art known. Much I have heard
Of thy prodigious7809 might and feats performed,
Incredible to me, in this displeased,
That I was never present on the place
Of those encounters, where we might have tried7810
Each other's force in camp7811 or listed field:7812
And now am come to see of whom such noise
Hath walked about, and each limb to survey,
If thy appearance answer loud report.7813 1090
SAM. The way to know were not to see but taste.
HAR. Dost thou already single7814 me? I thought
Gyves7815 and the mill had tamed thee. O that fortune
Had brought me to the field where thou art famed
T' have wrought such wonders with an ass's jaw!
I should have forced thee soon wish other arms,
Or left thy carcass where the ass lay thrown.
So had the glory of prowess been recovered
To Palestine, won by a Philistine
From7816 the unforeskinned race,7817 of whom thou bear'st 1100
The highest name for valiant acts. That honor
Certain t' have won by mortal7818 duel from thee,
I lose, prevented by thy eyes put out.
SAM. Boast not of what thou would'st have done, but do
What then thou would'st. Thou see'st it in thy hand.
HAR. To combat with a blind man I disdain.
And thou hast need much washing to be7819 touched.
SAM. Such usage as your honorable lords
Afford me, assassinated7820 and betrayed,
Who durst not with their whole united powers 1110
In fight withstand me single and unarmed,
Nor in the house with chamber7821 ambushes
Close-banded7822 durst attack me---no, not sleeping---
Till they had hired a woman with their gold,
Breaking her marriage faith to circumvent7823 me.
Therefore without feigned shifts7824 let be assigned
Some narrow place enclosed, where sight may give thee
(Or rather flight) no great advantage on me.
Then put on all thy gorgeous7825 arms,7826 thy helmet And brigandine7827 of brass, thy broad habergeon,7828 1120
Vant-brass7829 and greves,7830 and gauntlet,7831 add thy spear, A weaver's beam,7832 and seven-times-folded7833 shield.
I only with an oaken staff will meet thee,
And raise such outcries on thy clattered7834 iron
Which long shall not withhold me from thy head,
That in a little time, while breath remains thee,
Thou oft shalt wish thyself at Gath to boast
Again in safety what thou would'st have done
To Samson, but shalt never see Gath more.
HAR. Thou durst not thus disparage glorious arms, 1130
Which greatest heroes have in battle worn,
Their ornament and safety, had not spells
And black enchantments, some magician's art
Armed thee or charmed thee strong, which thou from Heav'n
Feignd'st at thy birth was giv'n thee in thy hair,
Where strength can least abide, though all thy hairs
Were bristles ranged like those that ridge the back
Of chafed7835 wild boars or ruffled7836 porcupines.
SAM. I know no spells, use no forbidden arts.
My trust is in the living God who gave me 1140
At my nativity this strength, diffused
No less through all my sinews, joints and bones,
Than thine, while7837 I preserved these locks unshorn,
The pledge of my unviolated vow.
For proof hereof, if Dagon be thy god,
Go to his temple, invocate7838 his aid
With solemnest devotion, spread before him
How highly it concerns his glory now
To frustrate and dissolve these magic spells,
Which I to be the power of Israel's God 1150
Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test,
Offering to combat thee, his champion bold,
With th' utmost of his godhead seconded:7839
Then thou shalt see, or rather to thy sorrow
Soon feel, whose God is strongest, thine or mine.
HAR. Presume not on thy God, what e'er He be.
Thee He regards7840 not, owns7841 not, hath cut off Quite from his7842 people and delivered up
Into thy enemies' hand, permitted them
To put out both thine eyes, and fettered send thee 1160
Into the common prison, there to grind7843
Among the slaves and asses, thy comrades,
As good for nothing else, no better service
With those thy boist'rous7844 locks. No worthy match
For valor to assail, nor by the sword
Of noble warrior, so to stain his honor,
But by the barber's razor best subdued.7845
SAM. All these indignities, for such they are
From thine,7846 these evils I deserve and more,
Acknowledge them from God inflicted on me 1170
Justly, yet despair not of His final pardon
Whose ear is ever open, and His eye
Gracious7847 to re-admit the suppliant.
In confidence whereof I once again
Defy7848 thee to the trial of mortal fight,
By combat to decide whose god is God,
Thine or whom I with Israel's sons adore.
HAR. Fair honor that thou dost thy God, in trusting
He will accept thee to defend his cause---
A murderer, a revolter,7849 and a robber. 1180
SAM. Tongue-doughty7850 giant, how dost thou prove me these?
HAR. Is not thy nation subject to our lords?
Their magistrates confessed it, when they took thee
As a league7851 breaker and delivered, bound,
Into our hands---for hadst thou not committed
Notorious7852 murder on those thirty men
At Askalon, who never did thee harm,
Then like a robber strip'dst them of their robes?7853
The Philistines, when thou hadst broke the league,
Went up with armèd powers, thee only seeking, 1190
To others did no violence nor spoil.7854
SAM. Among the daughters of the Philistines
I chose a wife, which argued7855 me no foe,
And in your city held my nuptial feast.
But your ill-meaning politician7856 lords,
Under pretence of bridal friends and guests,
Appointed to await me thirty spies,
Who threat'ning cruel death constrained7857 the bride
To wring from me and tell to them my secret
That solved the riddle which I had proposed. 1200
When I perceived all set on enmity,
As7858 on my enemies, wherever chanced,
I used7859 hostility, and took their spoil
To pay my underminers7860 in their coin.
My nation was subjected to your lords.
It was the force of conquest; force with force
Is well ejected when the conquered can.
But I a private7861 person, whom my country
As a league7862 -breaker gave up,7863 bound, presumed7864
Single7865 rebellion and did hostile acts? 1210
I was no private but a person raised
With strength sufficient, and command from Heav'n,
To free my country. If their servile minds
Me their deliverer sent would not receive,
But to their masters gave me up for nought,
Th' unworthier they. Whence to this day they serve.
I was to do my part from Heav'n assigned,
And had performed it if my known7866 offense
Had not disabled me7867 ---not all your force.
These shifts7868 refuted, answer thy appellant7869 1220
(Though by his blindness maimed for high attempts)
Who now defies7870 thee thrice7871 to single fight, As a petty7872 enterprise7873 of small7874 enforce.7875
HAR. With thee, a man condemned, a slave enrolled,
Due by the law to capital punishment?
To fight with thee no man of arms will deign.
SAM. Cam'st thou for this, vain boaster, to survey7876 me,
To descant7877 on my strength, and give thy verdict?
Come nearer, part not hence so slight informed---
But take good heed my hand survey not thee. 1230
HAR. O Baal-zebub!7878 Can my ears, unused,7879
Hear these dishonors and not render7880 death?
SAM. No man withholds thee, nothing from thy hand
Fear I incurable: bring up thy van!7881
My heels are fettered, but my fist is free.
HAR. This insolence7882 other kind of answer fits.7883
SAM. Go, baffled7884 coward, lest I run upon thee,
Though in these chains---bulk7885 without spirit vast!---7886
And with one buffet7887 lay thy structure7888 low, Or swing thee in the air, then dash thee down 1240
To th' hazard7889 of thy brains and shattered sides.
HAR. By Astaroth, ere long thou shalt lament
These braveries,7890 in irons loaden on thee.
CHOR. His giantship is gone, somewhat crestfall'n,
Stalking7891 with less unconscionable7892 strides And lower looks, but in a sultry7893 chafe.7894
SAM. I dread him not, nor all his giant-brood,
Though fame7895 divulge7896 him father of five sons, All of gigantic size, Goliath chief.7897
CHOR. He will directly to the lords, I fear,
And with malicious counsel stir them up
Some way or other yet further to afflict thee.
SAM. He must allege some cause, and offered fight
Will not dare mention, lest a question rise
Whether he durst accept the offer or not,
And that he durst not plain enough appeared.
Much more affliction than already felt
They cannot well impose, nor I sustain,
If they intend advantage7898 of my labors,
The work of many hands, which earns my keeping 1260
With no small profit daily to my owners.
But come what will, my deadliest foe will prove
My speediest friend, by death to rid me hence:
The worst that he can give, to me the best.
Yet so it may fall out, because their end
Is hate, not help to me, it may---with mine---7899
Draw their own ruin who attempt the deed.
CHOR. Oh how comely7900 it is, and how reviving
To the spirits of just men long oppressed,
When God into the hands of their deliverer 1270
Puts invincible might
To quell7901 the mighty of the earth, th' oppressor,
The brute and boist'rous7902 force of violent men,
Hardy7903 and industrious7904 to support Tyrannic power, but raging7905 to pursue
The righteous and all such as honor truth!
He7906 all their ammunition7907
And feats of war defeats
With plain heroic magnitude of mind
And celestial vigor armed,
Their armories and magazines contemns,7908
Renders them useless, while
With wingèd expedition,7909
Swift as the lightning glance,7910 he executes7911
His errand on the wicked, who surprised
Lose their defence, distracted7912 and amazed.7913
But patience is more oft the exercise7914
Of Saints, the trial of their fortitude,7915
Making them each his own deliverer,
And victor over all7916
That tyranny or fortune can inflict.
Either of these is in thy lot,
Samson, with might endued7917
Above the sons of men. But sight bereaved7918
May chance to number thee with those
Whom patience finally must crown.
This idol's day hath been to thee no day of rest, Laboring thy mind
More than the working day thy hands.
And yet perhaps more trouble is behind.7919
For I descry this way
Some other tending.7920 In his hand
A scepter or quaint7921 staff he bears,
Comes on amain,7922 speed in his look.
By his habit I discern him now
A public officer, and now at hand.
His message will be short and voluble.7923
OFF. Hebrews, the pris'ner Samson here I seek.
CHOR. His manacles remark7924 him. There he sits.
OFF. Samson, to thee our lords thus bid me say:
This day to Dagon is a solemn feast,
With sacrifices, triumph, pomp,7925 and games.
Thy strength they know surpassing human rate,7926
And now some public proof7927 thereof require
To honor this great feast and great assembly.
Rise therefore with all speed and come along,
Where I will see thee heartn'd7928 and fresh clad
To appear as fits before th' illustrious lords.
SAM. Thou know'st I am an Hebrew. Therefore tell them
Our Law forbids at their religious rites 1320
My presence. For that cause I cannot come.
OFF. This answer, be assured, will not content them.
SAM. Have they not sword-players, and every sort
Of gymnic artists, wrestlers, riders, runners,
Jugglers and dancers, antics,7929 mummers,7930 mimics,7931
But they must pick me out, with shackles tired
And over-labored at their public mill,
To make7932 them sport7933 with blind activity?
Do they not seek occasion of new quarrels
On my refusal to distress7934 me more, 1330
Or make a game of my calamities?
Return the way thou cam'st. I will not come.
OFF. Regard7935 thyself: this will offend them highly.
SAM. Myself? My conscience and internal peace!
Can they think me so broken, so debased
With corporal servitude, that my mind ever
Will condescend to such absurd commands?
Although their drudge,7936 to be their fool or jester,
And in my midst of sorrow and heart-grief
To show them feats, and play7937 before their god, 1340
The worst of all indignities, yet on me
Joined7938 with extreme contempt? I will not come.
OFF. My message was imposed on me with speed,
Brooks no delay: is this thy resolution?7939
SAM. So take it, with what speed thy message needs.
OFF. I am sorry7940 what this stoutness7941 will produce.
SAM. Perhaps thou shalt have cause to sorrow indeed.
CHOR. Consider, Samson. Matters now are strained
Up to the height, whether to hold or break.
He's gone, and who knows how he may report 1350
Thy words by adding fuel to the flame?
Expect another message more imperious,
More lordly thund'ring than thou well wilt bear.
SAM. Shall I abuse this consecrated gift
Of strength, again returning with my hair
After my great transgression? So requite7942
Favor7943 renewed, and add a greater sin
By prostituting holy things to idols?
A Nazarite7944 in place abominable
Vaunting7945 my strength in honor to their Dagon? 1360
Besides, how vile, contemptible, ridiculous,
What act more execrably unclean, profane?
CHOR. Yet with this strength thou serv'st the Philistines,
Idolatrous, uncircumcised, unclean.
SAM. Not in their idol-worship, but by labor
Honest and lawful to deserve my food
Of those who have me in their civil7946 power.
CHOR. Where the heart joins not, outward acts defile not.
SAM. Where outward force constrains,7947 the sentence7948 holds.
But who constrains me to the temple of Dagon,
Not dragging? The Philistian lords command!
Commands are no constraints. If I obey them,
I do it freely, venturing to displease
God for the fear of man, and man prefer,
Set God behind---which in His jealousy7949
Shall never, unrepented, find forgiveness.
Yet that He may dispense7950 with me or thee,
Present in temples at idolatrous rites
For some important cause, thou need'st not doubt.
CHOR. How thou wilt here come off surmounts my reach. 1380
SAM. Be of good courage. I begin to feel
Some rousing7951 motions in me which dispose7952
To something extraordinary my thoughts.
I with this messenger will go along---
Nothing to do, be sure, that may dishonor
Our Law, or stain my vow of Nazarite.
If there be aught of presage7953 in the mind,
This day will be remarkable in my life
By some great act, or of my days the last.
CHOR. In time thou hast resolved: the man returns. 1390
OFF. Samson, this second message from our lords
To thee I am bid say. Art thou our slave,
Our captive, at the public mill our drudge,
And dar'st thou at our sending and command
Dispute thy coming? Come without delay,
Or we shall find7954 such engines7955 to assail7956
And hamper7957 thee, as thou shalt come of force,
Though thou wert firmlier fast'ned than a rock.
SAM. I could be well content to try7958 their art,7959
Which to no few of them would prove pernicious.7960 1400
Yet knowing their advantages too many,
Because they shall7961 not trail7962 me through their streets Like a wild beast, I am content to go.
Masters' commands come with a power resistless
To such as owe them absolute subjection,
And for a life who will not change his purpose?
(So mutable are all the ways of men)
Yet this be sure, in nothing to comply
Scandalous or forbidden in our Law.
OFF. I praise thy resolution. Doff 7963 these links:7964 1410
By this compliance thou wilt win the lords
To favor, and perhaps to set thee free.
SAM. Brethren, farewell. Your company along
I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them
To see me girt7965 with friends. And how the sight
Of me as of a common enemy,
So dreaded once, may now exasperate7966 them
I know not. Lords are lordliest in their wine,
And the well-feasted priest then soonest fired
With zeal, if aught religion seem concerned. 1420
No less the people on their holy-days
Impetuous,7967 insolent,7968 unquenchable.
Happ'n what may, of me expect to hear
Nothing dishonorable, impure, unworthy
Our God, our Law, my nation, or myself.
The last of me or no, I cannot warrant.7969
CHOR. Go, and the Holy One
Of Israel be thy guide
To what may serve
His glory best, and spread His name
Great among the heathen round---7970 1430
Send thee the Angel of thy birth, to stand
Fast by thy side, who from thy father's field
Rode up in flames after his message told
Of thy conception, and be now a shield
Of fire---that Spirit that first rushed on thee
In the camp of Dan
Be efficacious in thee, now at need.
For never was from Heav'n imparted
Measure7971 of strength so great to mortal seed,
As in thy wond'rous actions hath been seen. 1440
But wherefore comes old Manoa in such haste,
With youthful steps? Much livelier than erewhile
He seems: supposing here to find his son,
Or of him bringing to us some glad news?
MAN. Peace with you, brethren. My inducement7972 hither
Was not at present here to find my son,
By order of the lords new parted hence
To come and play7973 before them at their feast.
I heard all as I came, the city rings
And numbers thither flock. I had no will,7974 1450
Lest I should see him forced to things unseemly.
But that which moved my coming, now, was chiefly
To give ye part7975 with me what hope I have
With good success to work his liberty.
CHOR. That hope would much rejoice us to partake7976
With thee. Say reverend Sire, we thirst to hear.
MAN. I have attempted7977 one by one the lords,
Either at home, or through the high street passing,
With supplication prone and father's tears,
T' accept of ransom for my son, their pris'ner. 1460
Some much averse7978 I found, and wondrous harsh,
Contemptuous, proud, set on revenge and spite;
That part most reverenc'd Dagon and his priests.
Others more moderate seeming, but their aim
Private reward, for which both god and state
They easily would set to sale. A third
More generous7979 far and civil,7980 who confessed They had enough revenged, having reduced
Their foe to misery beneath their fears.
The rest7981 was7982 magnanimity7983 to remit,7984 1470
If some convenient7985 ransom were proposed.
What noise or shout was that? It tore the sky.
CHOR. Doubtless the people shouting, to behold
Their once great dread, captive and blind before them,
Or at some proof of strength before them shown.
MAN. His ransom, if my whole inheritance7986
May compass7987 it, shall willingly be paid
And numbered down.7988 Much rather I shall choose
To live the poorest in my tribe, than richest,
And he in that calamitous7989 prison left. 1480
No, I am fixed7990 not to part hence without him.
For his redemption all my patrimony,
If need be, I am ready to forego
And quit: not wanting7991 him, I shall want nothing.
CHOR. Fathers are wont7992 to lay up7993 for their sons: Thou for thy son art bent to lay out all.
Sons wont to nurse their parents in old age:
Thou in old age car'st how to nurse thy son,
Made older than thy age, through eyesight lost.
MAN. It shall be my delight to tend his eyes, 1490
And view him sitting in the house, enobled7994
With all those high exploits by him achieved,
And on his shoulders waving down those locks,
That of a nation armed7995 the strength contained.
And I persuade me God had not permitted
His strength again to grow up, with his hair
Garrisoned7996 round about him like a camp7997
Of faithful soldiery, were not His purpose
To use him further yet in some great service,
Not to sit idle with so great a gift 1500
Useless, and thence ridiculous7998 about him.
And since his strength with eyesight was not lost,
God will restore him eyesight to his strength.
CHOR. Thy hopes are not ill founded nor seem vain7999
Of His delivery,8000 and thy joy thereon
Conceived,8001 agreeable8002 to a father's love, In both which we, as next,8003 participate.
MAN. I know your friendly minds and---O what noise!
Mercy of Heav'n, what hideous noise was that!
Horribly loud, unlike the former shout. 1510
CHOR. Noise call you it? or universal groan,
As if the whole inhabitation8004 perished.
Blood, death, and deathful deeds are in that noise,
Ruin, destruction at the utmost point.
MAN. Of ruin indeed methought I heard the noise.
Oh it continues, they have slain my son!
CHOR. Thy son is rather slaying them: that outcry
From slaughter of one foe could not ascend.
MAN. Some dismal8005 accident8006 it needs must be.
What shall we do, stay here or run and see? 1520
CHOR. Best keep together here, lest running thither
We unawares run into danger's mouth.
This evil on the Philistines is fall'n:
From whom could else a general cry be heard?
The sufferers then will scarce molest us here;
From other hands we need not much to fear.
What if his eyesight (for to Israel's God
Nothing is hard) by miracle restored,
He now be dealing dole8007 among his foes,
And over heaps of slaughtered walk his way?
MAN. That were a joy presumptuous to be thought.
CHOR. Yet God hath wrought things as incredible
For His people of old. What hinders now?
MAN. He can, I know, but doubt to think He will,
Yet hope would fain subscribe,8008 and tempts belief.
A little stay8009 will bring some notice hither.
CHOR. Of good or bad so great, of bad the sooner,
For evil news rides post,8010 while good news baits.8011
And to our wish I see one hither speeding,
An Hebrew, as I guess, and of our tribe.
MESS. O whither shall I run, or which way fly8012
The sight of this so horrid spectacle
Which erst my eyes beheld and yet behold,
For dire8013 imagination still pursues me?
But providence or instinct of nature seems,
Or reason (though disturbed, and scarce consulted)
To have guided me aright, I know not how,
To thee first, reverend Manoa, and to these
My countrymen, whom here I knew remaining,
As at some distance from the place of horror,
So in the sad event too much concerned.
MAN. The accident8014 was loud, and here before thee,
With rueful cry, yet what it was we hear not.
No preface needs: thou see'st we long to know.
MESS. It would burst forth, but I recover breath
And sense distract,8015 to know well what I utter.
MAN. Tell us the sum,8016 the circumstance8017 defer.
MESS. Gaza yet stands, but all her sons are fall'n,
All in a moment overwhelmed and fall'n.
MAN. Sad, but thou know'st to Israelites not saddest, 1560
The desolation of a hostile city.
MESS. Feed on that first, there may in grief be surfeit.8018
MAN. Relate by whom.
MESS. By Samson.
MAN. That still lessens
The sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.
MESS. Ah Manoa, I refrain too suddenly8019
To utter what will come at last too soon,8020
Lest evil tidings with too rude eruption8021
Hitting thy agèd ear should pierce too deep.
MAN. Suspense in news is torture: speak them out.
MESS. Then take the worst in brief: Samson is dead. 1570
MAN. The worst indeed. O all my hope's defeated
To free him hence! But death who sets all free
Hath paid his ransom now and full discharge.
What windy8022 joy this day had I conceived,
Hopeful of his delivery, which now proves
Abortive as the firstborn bloom of spring
Nipped with the lagging rear of winter's frost.
Yet ere I give the reins to grief, say first,
How died he? Death to life is crown or shame.
All by him fell, thou say'st. By whom fell he? 1580
What glorious hand gave Samson his death's wound?
MESS. Unwounded of his enemies he fell.
MAN. Wearied with slaughter, then, or how? Explain.
MESS. By his own hands.
MAN. Self-violence? What cause
Brought him so soon at variance8023 with himself,
Among his foes?
MESS. Inevitable cause
At once both to destroy and be destroyed.
The edifice where all were met to see him
Upon their heads and on his own he pulled.
MAN. O lastly8024 over-strong against thyself! 1590
A dreadful way thou took'st to thy revenge.
More than enough we know, but while things yet
Are in confusion, give us, if thou canst,
Eye-witness of what first or last was done,
Relation8025 more particular and distinct.
MESS. Occasions8026 drew me early to this city,
And as the gates I entered with sun-rise,
The morning trumpets festival proclaimed
Through each high street.8027 Little I had dispatched8028
When all abroad8029 was rumored that this day 1600
Samson should be brought forth to show the people
Proof of his mighty strength in feats and games.
I sorrowed at his captive state, but minded8030
Not to be absent at that spectacle.
The building was a spacious theater8031
Half round on two main pillars vaulted high,
With seats where all the lords and each degree
Of sort8032 might sit in order to behold.
The other side was open, where the throng
On banks8033 and scaffolds under sky might stand.
I among these aloof 8034 obscurely8035 stood.
The feast and noon grew high, and sacrifice
Had filled their hearts with mirth, high cheer, and wine,
When to their sports8036 they turned. Immediately
Was Samson as a public servant brought,
In their state livery8037 clad. Before him pipes8038
And timbrels,8039 on each side went armèd guards,
Both horse and foot before him, and behind
Archers, and slingers, cataphracts8040 and spears.
At sight of him the people with a shout
Rifted8041 the air, clamoring8042 their god with praise, Who had made their dreadful8043 enemy their thrall.8044
He patient but undaunted where they led him
Came to the place, and what was set before him
Which without help of eye, might be assayed,
To heave, pull, draw, or break, he still performed
All with incredible, stupendous force,
None daring to appear antagonist.8045
At length for intermission sake they led him
Between the pillars. He his guide requested
(For so from such as nearer stood we heard)
As over-tired to let him lean a while
With both his arms on those two massy pillars
That to the archèd roof gave main support.
He8046 unsuspicious led him, which when Samson
Felt in his arms, with head a while inclined8047
And eyes fast fixed he stood, as one who prayed,
Or some great matter in his mind revolved.
At last with head erect thus cried aloud,
"Hitherto, lords, what your commands imposed
I have performed, as reason was, obeying,
Not without wonder or delight beheld.
Now of my own accord such other trial8048
I mean to show you of my strength, yet greater,
As with amaze shall strike all who behold."
This uttered, straining all his nerves8049 he bowed.
As with the force of winds and waters pent8050
When mountains tremble, those two massy pillars
With horrible convulsion8051 to and fro
He tugged, he shook, till down they came and drew
The whole roof after them, with burst of thunder
Upon the heads of all who sat beneath,
Lords, ladies, captains, councillors, or priests,
Their choice nobility and flower, not only
Of this but each Philistian city round,
Met from all parts to solemnize this feast.
Samson with these immixed,8052 inevitably
Pulled down the same destruction on himself.
The vulgar8053 only scaped, who stood without.8054
CHOR. O dearly-bought revenge, yet glorious! 1660
Living or dying thou hast fulfilled
The work for which thou wast foretold
To Israel, and now ly'st victorious
Among thy slain, self-killed
Not willingly, but tangled in the fold8055
Of dire necessity, whose law in death conjoined
Thee with thy slaughtered foes, in number more
Than all thy life had slain before.
SEMICHOR. While their hearts were jocund8056 and sublime,8057
Drunk with idolatry, drunk with wine 1670
And fat regorged8058 of bulls and goats,
Chanting their idol, and preferring8059
Before our living Dread who dwells
In Silo8060 His bright sanctuary:
Among them He a Spirit of frenzy8061 sent,
Who8062 hurt8063 their minds, And urged them on with mad desire
To call in haste for their destroyer.
They only set on sport8064 and play
Unweetingly8065 importuned
Their own destruction to come speedy upon them.
So fond8066 are mortal men
Fallen into8067 wrath divine,
As their own ruin on themselves t' invite,
Insensate left, or to sense reprobate,8068
And with blindness internal struck.
SEMICHOR. But he though blind of sight,
Despised and thought extinguished quite,
With inward eyes illuminated,
His fiery virtue8069 roused 1690
From under ashes into sudden flame,
And as an ev'ning dragon8070 came,
Assailant on the perchèd roosts
And nests, in order ranged
Of tame villatic8071 fowl, but as an eagle
His cloudless thunder bolted8072 on their heads.
So virtue giv'n for lost,
Depressed,8073 and overthrown (as seemed),
Like that self-begotten bird8074
In th' Arabian woods embossed,8075 1700
That no second knows nor third,
And lay erewhile a holocaust,8076
From out her ashy womb now teemed---8077
Revives, reflourishes, then8078 vigorous most
When most unactive deemed.
And though her body die, her fame survives
(A secular8079 bird) ages of lives.
MAN. Come, come, no time for lamentation now,
Nor much more cause. Samson hath quit8080 himself
Like Samson, and heroically hath finished
A life heroic, on his enemies
Fully revenged, hath left them years of mourning,
And lamentation to the sons of Caphtor8081
Through all Philistian bounds.8082 To Israel
Honor hath left, and freedom. Let but them
Find courage to lay hold8083 on this occasion---
To himself and father's house8084 eternal fame.
And which is best and happiest yet, all this
With God not parted from him, as was feared,
But favoring and assisting to the end. 1720
Nothing is here for tears, nothing to wail
Or knock the breast, no weakness, no contempt,
Dispraise, or blame, nothing but well and fair,
And what may quiet us in a death so noble.
Let us go find the body where it lies
Soaked in his enemies' blood, and from the stream
With lavers8085 pure, and cleansing herbs, wash off
The clotted gore.8086 I with what speed the while
(Gaza is not in plight8087 to say us nay)
Will send for all my kindred, all my friends 1730
To fetch him hence and solemnly attend
With silent obsequy8088 and funeral train8089
Home to his father's house. There will I build him
A monument, and plant it round with shade
Of laurel ever green, and branching palm,
With all his trophies hung, and acts enrolled8090
In copious legend8091 or sweet lyric song.
Thither shall all the valiant youth resort,8092
And from his memory inflame their breasts
To matchless valor, and adventures high. 1740
The virgins also shall on feastful days
Visit his tomb with flowers, only bewailing
His lot unfortunate in nuptial choice,
From whence captivity and loss of eyes.
CHOR. All is best, though we oft doubt,
What th' unsearchable8093 dispose8094
Of highest wisdom brings about,
And ever best found in the close.
Oft He seems to hide His face,
But unexpectedly returns---1750
And to His faithful champion hath in place
Bore witness gloriously. Whence Gaza mourns
And all that band8095 them to resist
His uncontrollable8096 intent,8097
His servants He with new acquist8098
Of true experience from this great event
With peace and consolation hath dismissed,8099
And calm of mind, all passion spent.
This cannot be more than a brief, more or less representative glimpse of what Carrithers and Hardy (below, at p. 15) call "the prodigious landscape of relevant scholarship." All of the listed books contain useful citations to a much wider portion of the landscape.
Bush, Douglas, ed. The Complete Poetical Works of John Milton. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1965 [poetically the most sensitive edition].
Flannagan, Roy, ed. The Riverside Milton. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1998 [the most capacious edition---1,213 pages, many double-columned---bristling with information: early biographies; poems English and Latin; much prose].
Shawcross, John T., ed. The Complete English Poetry of John Milton. New York: Doubleday Anchor, 1963 [handy, inexpensive, far-ranging].
Fallon, Robert Thomas. Milton in Government. University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1993.
Hill, Christopher. The Century of Revolution, 1603--1714. London: Nelson, 1961. 2nd ed., Sphere paperback, 1972.
------. Milton and the English Revolution. New York: Viking, 1977.
------. The Experience of Defeat: Milton and Some Contemporaries. New York: Viking, 1984.
------. The English Bible and the Seventeenth-Century Revolution. London: Allan Lane, 1993. Penguin, 1994.
The Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles. 10 vols. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1933.
Barker, Arthur E., ed. Milton: Modern Essays in Criticism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1965.
Danielson, Dennis, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Milton. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1989.
Patrides, C. A., and Joseph Wittreich. The Apocalypse in English Renaissance Thought and Literature. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1984.
Carrithers, Gale H., and James D. Hardy Jr. Milton and the Hermeneutic Journey. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1994.
Ferry, Anne D. Milton's Epic Voice: The Narrator in Paradise Lost. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1963.
Lewis, C. S. "A Note on Comus." In C. S. Lewis, Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1966.
------. A Preface to Paradise Lost. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1942. Rev. ed., 1960.
Marotti, Arthur F. Manuscript, Print, and the English Renaissance Lyric. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1995.
Martz, Louis I. Poet of Exile: A Study of Milton's Poetry. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1980.
Nicolson, Marjorie Hope. John Milton: A Reader's Guide to His Poetry. New York: Farrar, 1963.
Rumrich, John Peter. Matter of Glory: A New Preface to Paradise Lost. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1987.
Steadman, John M. The Wall of Paradise: Essays on Milton's Poetics. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1985.
Stein, Arnold. The Art of Presence: The Poet and Paradise Lost. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1977.
ASK YOUR BOOKSELLER FOR THESE BANTAM CLASSICS
BEOWULF AND OTHER ENGLISH POEMS, 978-0-553-21347-8
THE BHAGAVAD-GITA: KRISHNA'S COUNSEL IN TIME OF WAR, 978-0-553-21365-2
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE and THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, 978-0-553-21482-6
THE FEDERALIST PAPERS, 978-0-553-21340-9
FOUR GREAT AMERICAN CLASSICS (THE SCARLET LETTER; THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN; THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE; BILLY BUDD, SAILOR), 978-0-553-21362-1
GREEK DRAMA, 978-0-553-21221-1
JO'S BOYS, Louisa May Alcott, 978-0-553-21449-9
LITTLE WOMEN, Louisa May Alcott, 978-0-553-21275-4
WINESBURG, OHIO, Sherwood Anderson, 978-0-553-21439-0
THE COMPLETE PLAYS, Aristophanes, 978-0-553-21343-0
EMMA, Jane Austen, 978-0-553-21273-0
MANSFIELD PARK, Jane Austen, 978-0-553-21276-1
NORTHANGER ABBEY, Jane Austen, 978-0-553-21197-9
PERSUASION, Jane Austen, 978-0-553-21137-5
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, Jane Austen, 978-0-553-21310-2
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, Jane Austen, 978-0-553-21334-8
PETER PAN, J. M. Barrie, 978-0-553-21178-8
BRADBURY CLASSIC STORIES, Ray Bradbury, 978-0-553-28637-3
THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, Ray Bradbury, 978-0-553-27822-4
JANE EYRE, Charlotte Brontë, 978-0-553-21140-5
VILLETTE, Charlotte Brontë, 978-0-553-21243-3
WUTHERING HEIGHTS, Emily Brontë, 978-0-553-21258-7
THE SECRET GARDEN, Frances Hodgson Burnett, 978-0-553-21201-3
ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND and
THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS, Lewis Carroll, 978-0-553-21345-4
MY ÁNTONIA, Willa Cather, 978-0-553-21418-5
O PIONEERS!, Willa Cather, 978-0-553-21358-4
THE CANTERBURY TALES, Geoffrey Chaucer, 978-0-553-21082-8
STORIES, Anton Chekhov, 978-0-553-38100-9
THE AWAKENING, Kate Chopin, 978-0-553-21330-0
THE WOMAN IN WHITE, Wilkie Collins, 978-0-553-21263-1
HEART OF DARKNESS and THE SECRET SHARER, Joseph Conrad, 978-0-553-21214-3
LORD JIM, Joseph Conrad, 978-0-553-21361-4
THE DEERSLAYER, James Fenimore Cooper, 978-0-553-21085-9
THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, James Fenimore Cooper, 978-0-553-21329-4
MAGGIE: A GIRL OF THE STREETS AND OTHER SHORT FICTION, Stephen Crane, 978-0-553-21355-3
THE RED BADGE OF COURAGE, Stephen Crane, 978-0-553-21011-8
THE INFERNO, Dante, 978-0-553-21339-3
PARADISO, Dante, 978-0-553-21204-4
PURGATORIO, Dante, 978-0-553-21344-7
THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES, Charles Darwin, 978-0-553-21463-5
MOLL FLANDERS, Daniel Defoe, 978-0-553-21328-7
ROBINSON CRUSOE, Daniel Defoe, 978-0-553-21373-7
BLEAK HOUSE, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21223-5
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21244-0
DAVID COPPERFIELD, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21189-4
GREAT EXPECTATIONS, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21342-3
HARD TIMES, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21016-3
OLIVER TWIST, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21102-3
THE PICKWICK PAPERS, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21123-8
A TALE OF TWO CITIES, Charles Dickens, 978-0-553-21176-4
THREE SOLDIERS, John Dos Passos, 978-0-553-21456-7
THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV, Fyodor Dostoevsky, 978-0-553-21216-7
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, Fyodor Dostoevsky, 978-0-553-21175-7
THE ETERNAL HUSBAND AND OTHER STORIES, Fyodor Dostoevsky, 978-0-553-21444-4
THE IDIOT, Fyodor Dostoevsky, 978-0-553-21352-2
NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND, Fyodor Dostoevsky, 978-0-553-21144-3
SHERLOCK HOLMES VOL I, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 978-0-553-21241-9
SHERLOCK HOLMES VOL II, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 978-0-553-21242-6
SISTER CARRIE, Theodore Dreiser, 978-0-553-21374-4
THE SOULS OF BLACK FOLK, W. E. B. Du Bois, 978-0-553-21336-2
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, Alexandre Dumas, 978-0-553-21350-8
THE THREE MUSKETEERS, Alexandre Dumas, 978-0-553-21337-9
MIDDLEMARCH, George Eliot, 978-0-553-21180-1
SILAS MARNER, George Eliot, 978-0-553-21229-7
SELECTED ESSAYS, LECTURES, AND POEMS, Ralph Waldo Emerson, 978-0-553-21388-1
TEN PLAYS BY EURIPIDES, Euripides, 978-0-553-21363-8
APRIL MORNING, Howard Fast, 978-0-553-27322-9
MADAME BOVARY, Gustave Flaubert, 978-0-553-21341-6
HOWARDS END, E. M. Forster, 978-0-553-21208-2
A ROOM WITH A VIEW, E. M. Forster, 978-0-553-21323-2
THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL, Anne Frank, 978-0-553-57712-9
ANNE FRANK'S TALES FROM THE SECRET ANNEX, Anne Frank, 978-0-553-58638-1
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND OTHER WRITINGS, Benjamin Franklin, 978-0-553-21075-0
THE YELLOW WALLPAPER AND OTHER WRITINGS, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, 978-0-553-21375-1
FAUST: FIRST PART, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 978-0-553-21348-5
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS, Kenneth Grahame, 978-0-553-21368-3
THE COMPLETE FAIRY TALES OF THE BROTHERS GRIMM, translated by Jack Zipes, 978-0-553-38216-7
ROOTS, Alex Haley, 978-0-440-17464-6
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, Thomas Hardy, 978-0-553-21331-7
JUDE THE OBSCURE, Thomas Hardy, 978-0-553-21191-7
THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE, Thomas Hardy, 978-0-553-21024-8
THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE, Thomas Hardy, 978-0-553-21269-3
TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES, Thomas Hardy, 978-0-553-21168-9
THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 978-0-553-21270-9
THE SCARLET LETTER, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 978-0-553-21009-5
THE FAIRY TALES OF HERMANN HESSE, Hermann Hesse, 978-0-553-37776-7
SIDDHARTHA, Hermann Hesse, 978-0-553-20884-9
THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER, Homer, 978-0-553-21399-7
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, Victor Hugo, 978-0-553-21370-6
FOUR GREAT PLAYS: A DOLL'S HOUSE, GHOSTS, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, and THE WILD DUCK, Henrik Ibsen, 978-0-553-21280-8
THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY, Henry James, 978-0-553-21127-6
THE TURN OF THE SCREW AND OTHER SHORT FICTION, Henry James, 978-0-553-21059-0
A COUNTRY DOCTOR, Sarah Orne Jewett, 978-0-553-21498-7
DUBLINERS, James Joyce, 978-0-553-21380-5
A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN, James Joyce, 978-0-553-21404-8
THE METAMORPHOSIS, Franz Kafka, 978-0-553-21369-0
THE STORY OF MY LIFE, Helen Keller, 978-0-553-21387-4
CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS, Rudyard Kipling, 978-0-553-21190-0
THE JUNGLE BOOK, Rudyard Kipling, 978-0-553-21199-3
KIM, Rudyard Kipling, 978-0-553-21332-4
LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER, D. H. Lawrence, 978-0-553-21262-4
SONS AND LOVERS, D. H. Lawrence, 978-0-553-21192-4
WOMEN IN LOVE, D. H. Lawrence, 978-0-553-21454-3
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Gaston Leroux, 978-0-553-21376-8
BABBITT, Sinclair Lewis, 978-0-553-21486-4
MAIN STREET, Sinclair Lewis, 978-0-553-21451-2
THE CALL OF THE WILD and WHITE FANG, Jack London, 978-0-553-21233-4
THE SEA WOLF, Jack London, 978-0-553-21225-9
TO BUILD A FIRE AND OTHER STORIES, Jack London, 978-0-553-21335-5
THE PRINCE, Niccolò Machiavelli, 978-0-553-21278-5
DEATH IN VENICE AND OTHER STORIES, Thomas Mann, 978-0-553-21333-1
THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, 978-0-553-21406-2
OF HUMAN BONDAGE, W. Somerset Maugham, 978-0-553-21392-8
THE BALLAD OF THE SAD CAFÉ AND OTHER STORIES, Carson McCullers, 978-0-553-27254-3
THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER, Carson McCullers, 978-0-553-26963-5
THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING, Carson McCullers, 978-0-553-25051-0
BILLY BUDD, SAILOR AND OTHER STORIES, Herman Melville, 978-0-553-21274-7
MOBY-DICK, Herman Melville, 978-0-553-21311-9
ON LIBERTY and UTILITARIANISM, John Stuart Mill, 978-0-553-21414-7
THE ANNOTATED MILTON, John Milton, 978-0-553-58110-2
THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, Baroness Emmuska Orczy, 978-0-553-21402-4
COMMON SENSE, Thomas Paine, 978-0-553-21465-9
THE DIALOGUES OF PLATO, Plato, 978-0-553-21371-3
THE TELL-TALE HEART AND OTHER WRITINGS, Edgar Allan Poe, 978-0-553-21228-0
CYRANO DE BERGERAC, Edmond Rostand, 978-0-553-21360-7
IVANHOE, Sir Walter Scott, 978-0-553-21326-3
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKESPEARE (29 vols.), William Shakespeare
PYGMALION and MAJOR BARBARA, George Bernard Shaw, 978-0-553-21408-6
FRANKENSTEIN, Mary Shelley, 978-0-553-21247-1
THE JUNGLE, Upton Sinclair, 978-0-553-21245-7
THE WEALTH OF NATIONS, Adam Smith, 978-0-553-58597-1
ONE DAY IN THE LIFE OF IVAN DENISOVICH, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, 978-0-553-24777-0
THE COMPLETE PLAYS OF SOPHOCLES, Sophocles, 978-0-553-21354-6
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, Robert Louis Stevenson, 978-0-553-21277-8
KIDNAPPED, Robert Louis Stevenson, 978-0-553-21260-0
TREASURE ISLAND, Robert Louis Stevenson, 978-0-553-21249-5
DRACULA, Bram Stoker, 978-0-553-21271-6
UNCLE TOM'S CABIN, Harriet Beecher Stowe, 978-0-553-21218-1
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS AND OTHER WRITINGS, Jonathan Swift, 978-0-553-21232-7
VANITY FAIR, William Makepeace Thackeray, 978-0-553-21462-8
WALDEN AND OTHER WRITINGS, Henry David Thoreau, 978-0-553-21246-4
DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, Alexis de Tocqueville, 978-0-553-21464-2
ANNA KARENINA, Leo Tolstoy, 978-0-553-21346-1
THE DEATH OF IVAN ILYICH, Leo Tolstoy, 978-0-553-21035-4
THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN, Mark Twain, 978-0-553-21079-8
THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER, Mark Twain, 978-0-553-21128-3
THE COMPLETE SHORT STORIES OF MARK TWAIN, Mark Twain, 978-0-553-21195-5
A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT, Mark Twain, 978-0-553-21143-6
LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI, Mark Twain, 978-0-553-21349-2
THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, Mark Twain, 978-0-553-21256-3
PUDD'NHEAD WILSON, Mark Twain, 978-0-553-21158-0
20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, Jules Verne, 978-0-553-21252-5
AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS, Jules Verne, 978-0-553-21356-0
FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON, Jules Verne, 978-0-553-21420-8
THE AENEID OF VIRGIL, Virgil, 978-0-553-21041-5
CANDIDE, Voltaire, 978-0-553-21166-5
THE INVISIBLE MAN, H. G. Wells, 978-0-553-21353-9
THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU, H. G. Wells, 978-0-553-21432-1
THE TIME MACHINE, H. G. Wells, 978-0-553-21351-5
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, H. G. Wells, 978-0-553-21338-6
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE, Edith Wharton, 978-0-553-21450-5
THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY, Edith Wharton, 978-0-553-21393-5
ETHAN FROME AND OTHER SHORT FICTION, Edith Wharton, 978-0-553-21255-6
THE HOUSE OF MIRTH, Edith Wharton, 978-0-553-21320-1
SUMMER, Edith Wharton, 978-0-553-21422-2
LEAVES OF GRASS, Walt Whitman, 978-0-553-21116-0
THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY AND OTHER WRITINGS, Oscar Wilde, 978-0-553-21254-9
THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON, Johann David Wyss, 978-0-553-21403-1
EARLY AFRICAN-AMERICAN CLASSICS, edited by Anthony Appiah, 978-0-553-21379-9
FIFTY GREAT SHORT STORIES, edited by Milton Crane, 978-0-553-27745-6
FIFTY GREAT AMERICAN SHORT STORIES, edited by Milton Crane, 978-0-553-27294-9
SHORT SHORTS, edited by Irving Howe, 978-0-553-27440-0
GREAT AMERICAN SHORT STORIES, edited by Wallace & Mary Stegner, 978-0-440-33060-8
AMERICAN SHORT STORY MASTERPIECES, edited by Raymond Carver & Tom Jenks, 978-0-440-20423-7
SHORT STORY MASTERPIECES, edited by Robert Penn Warren, 978-0-440-37864-8
THE VOICE THAT IS GREAT WITHIN US, edited by Hayden Carruth, 978-0-553-26263-6
THE BLACK POETS, edited by Dudley Randal, 978-0-553-27563-6
THREE CENTURIES OF AMERICAN POETRY, edited by Allen Mandelbaum, (Trade) 978-0-553-37518-3, (Hardcover) 978-0-553-10250-5
JOHN MILTON was born on December 9, 1608. A brilliant scholar, he received his B.A. and M.A. from Christ's College, Cambridge, and began writing poetry. Instead of entering the ministry, he retired to his father's country house and for the next five years read day and night, devouring most of the existing written works in English, Greek, Latin, and Italian. During this period he wrote the masque Comus (1634) and "Lycidas" (1637), an elegy memorializing a college classmate. In 1638 he went on a tour of Europe, spending most of his time in Italy. He returned home prematurely because of the religious unrest in England and began writing tracts that branded him a radical. In 1642 he married Mary Powell, a seventeen-year-old girl. Within six weeks, she returned to her parents' home, and Milton wrote a series of angry pamphlets advocating divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. Eventually, she returned and bore him four children, three of whom survived. By 1651 Milton's poor eyesight failed completely, leaving him blind. After his wife's death, he remarried, only to have his second wife die some months after childbirth. His third marriage, to Elizabeth Minshull, was a longer and happier one. At the Restoration, Milton narrowly escaped execution because of his politics, but was left impoverished. Now he returned to writing poetry and created the masterpieces for which he will be forever remembered, beginning with Paradise Lost (1667). He followed this epic with Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (jointly published in 1671). Milton died in 1674. Along with Chaucer and Shakespeare, Milton is one of the true giants of our language.
A Bantam Book
Bantam Classic edition published September 1999
Bantam Classic reissue / December 2008
Published by
Bantam Dell
A Division of Random House, Inc.
New York, New York
All rights reserved
Translation copyright © 1999 by Burton Raffel
Bantam Books and the rooster colophon are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.
eISBN: 978-0-553-90582-3
v1.0
1 celestialReturn to text.
2 hardnessReturn to text.
3 Italian: GalileoReturn to text.
4 practical scientist, learned manReturn to text.
5 discover, make knownReturn to text.
6 spotted, patchyReturn to text.
7 admiral's ship, flagshipReturn to text.
8 straight slender stickReturn to text.
9 difficult, troublesomeReturn to text.
10 soilReturn to text.
1111 beat/shone stronglyReturn to text.
12 covered, roofedReturn to text.
13 talked idly, lied aboutReturn to text.
14 steeply, perpendicularlyReturn to text.
15 fortifications placed on top of wallsReturn to text.
16 directly overheadReturn to text.
17 unpolished, roughReturn to text.
18 streamsReturn to text.
19 reeds, pipes, flutesReturn to text.
20 pastoralReturn to text.
21 extended acrossReturn to text.
22 pulled around himReturn to text.
23 Terah = Abraham's fatherReturn to text.
24 EgyptianReturn to text.
25 i.e., the sea saw the strength of the Almighty's handReturn to text.
26 cowardlyReturn to text.
27 armyReturn to text.
28 defeatReturn to text.
29 always, foreverReturn to text.
30 whoReturn to text.
31 streams, brooksReturn to text.
32 proclaimReturn to text.
33 widely, at largeReturn to text.
34 destroy, kill, overcomeReturn to text.
35 brightly coloredReturn to text.
36 greatness, power, dignityReturn to text.
37 cruel, terrible, savage [adjective]Return to text.
38 the Hebrew peopleReturn to text.
39 the Red SeaReturn to text.
40 brown-skinnedReturn to text.
41 desolateReturn to text.
42 the Amorites, pre-Israelite dwellers in CanaanReturn to text.
43 Amorite king, and an exceedingly large manReturn to text.
44 excessively bold, daringReturn to text.
45 JacobReturn to text.
46 to sing, celebrate in songReturn to text.
47 blossomedReturn to text.
48 witheredReturn to text.
49 color vermilionReturn to text.
50 the north wind (Aquilo = "eagle")Return to text.
51 winter'sReturn to text.
52 rough, coarse, violentReturn to text.
53 Orythia, daughter of the king of AthensReturn to text.
54 affected injuriouslyReturn to text.
55 i.e., unless he too wedded some fair oneReturn to text.
56 notoriousReturn to text.
57 maturity, old ageReturn to text.
58 frisky, sportiveReturn to text.
59 carriage, chariotReturn to text.
60 dwellingReturn to text.
61 shamed, disgracedReturn to text.
62 unknowing, unwittingReturn to text.
63 onceReturn to text.
64 Zephyr, the west wind, also loved Hyacinth, and in revenge caused a quoit (iron ring thrown at a peg in the ground) thrown by Apollo to swerve, hit, and kill HyacinthReturn to text.
65 Eurotas = Laconian river; strand = bank, shoreReturn to text.
66 shallowly dug? or an in-ground grave rather than a properly elevated tomb structure?Return to text.
67 explain, clarifyReturn to text.
68 verses, poemReturn to text.
69 creature, beingReturn to text.
70 benefit, behalfReturn to text.
71 appropriate, properReturn to text.
72 Astraea ("starry maiden"), goddess of justice and the last god to leave the earthReturn to text.
73 clothingReturn to text.
74 travel quicklyReturn to text.
75 dirty, repulsiveReturn to text.
76 pain, griefReturn to text.
77 i.e., in the preceding part, which is a pun-filled "Prolusion"Return to text.
78 obvious, bare, plainReturn to text.
79 suspicionReturn to text.
80 boxes, chestsReturn to text.
81 thoroughly, all overReturn to text.
82 Zeus and Hera's daughter; cupbearer to the godsReturn to text.
83 layersReturn to text.
84 old woman, grandmotherReturn to text.
85 see Homer's Odyssey 8:499ff.Return to text.
86 within the boundaryReturn to text.
87 an academic pun: predicament = (1) term used in Aristotelian rhetoric, (2) Milton's difficulty with his "wand'ring muse"Return to text.
88 placeReturn to text.
89 unlucky, disastrous, dreadfulReturn to text.
90 chance, luckReturn to text.
91 prophetess, fortune-teller, witchReturn to text.
92 apartReturn to text.
93 outdistance, surpassReturn to text.
94 attribute, quality, natureReturn to text.
95 one George Rivers (or his brother, Nizell) played the part of RelationReturn to text.
96 outermostReturn to text.
97 on the border of England and ScotlandReturn to text.
98 the Don, in YorkshireReturn to text.
99trente= "thirty," in French, and the Trent takes its name therefromReturn to text.
100 see the story of the river nymph Sabrina in Comus, lines 824ff.Return to text.
101 the river runs past Newcastle, proverbial for its coalReturn to text.
102 i.e., is supposedly named for a Scythian chief who drowned in that riverReturn to text.
103 the Thames, which runs past various royal castlesReturn to text.
104 crime, fault, penaltyReturn to text.
105 unbearable, intolerableReturn to text.
106 was accustomedReturn to text.
107 residence/offices of a sovereignReturn to text.
108 style, talentReturn to text.
109 effect, accomplishReturn to text.
110 style, toneReturn to text.
111 the horses pulling the sun god's chariotReturn to text.
112 impression, stampReturn to text.
113 the three Magi/wise menReturn to text.
114 come before [pre= before, venir= come]Return to text.
115 poorly, shabbilyReturn to text.
116 rough, coarse, inelegantReturn to text.
117 feeding trough in stable/barnReturn to text.
118 reverential wonderReturn to text.
119 laid aside, taken away, taken offReturn to text.
120 brilliant, fineReturn to text.
121 adornmentReturn to text.
122 joyful, lively, lustfulReturn to text.
123 forehead, faceReturn to text.
124 corrupted, foul, filthy, stained [adjective]Return to text.
125 abashed, ashamedReturn to text.
126 forerunner (advance person)Return to text.
127 with hook/scythelike protrusions? a hook-shaped chariot?Return to text.
128 respectful, reverentialReturn to text.
129 hushed, silentReturn to text.
130 rage, roarReturn to text.
131 the morning star, not (in this usage) SatanReturn to text.
132 placeReturn to text.
133 as ifReturn to text.
134 moment, instantReturn to text.
135 simple, humbleReturn to text.
136 gripped, seized, charmed (the "stringèd noise" took "all their souls in blissful rapture")Return to text.
137 cadenceReturn to text.
138 the moonReturn to text.
139 prepared, dressedReturn to text.
140 inexpressibleReturn to text.
141 rolling, tossing, tumblingReturn to text.
142 full of moral blemishes/defectsReturn to text.
143 suffering, mourningReturn to text.
144 houses, tentsReturn to text.
145 similarReturn to text.
146 delicate, gauzy textureReturn to text.
147 meeting of a deliberative council [trisyllabic]Return to text.
148 fearful, awe-inspiringReturn to text.
149 narrower, tighterReturn to text.
150 wrathful, indignantReturn to text.
151 lashes, brandishes, whipsReturn to text.
152 prognosticateReturn to text.
153 slopeReturn to text.
154 prompts, animatesReturn to text.
155 silver-leafed?Return to text.
156 local spirit (pagan)Return to text.
157 Roman household and hearth godsReturn to text.
158 Roman priestsReturn to text.
159 odd, strangeReturn to text.
160 separateReturn to text.
161 spiritual/divine beingReturn to text.
162 mountain/Phoenician sun godReturn to text.
163 followers of BaalReturn to text.
164 Phoenician moon goddessReturn to text.
165 encircledReturn to text.
166 Ammon, Egyptian god with the head of a ramReturn to text.
167 withersReturn to text.
168 Phoenician AdonisReturn to text.
169 deity associated with BaalReturn to text.
170 into which babies were thrown, as sacrifices to MolochReturn to text.
171 animal-like/shapedReturn to text.
172 Egyptian earth goddess, horned like a cowReturn to text.
173 Egyptian sun god, Isis' sonReturn to text.
174 son of Orus, dog/ jackal-headedReturn to text.
175 chief of the Egyptian gods, portrayed as a black bullReturn to text.
176 see line 220, belowReturn to text.
177 percussion instrument, tambourinelikeReturn to text.
178 songs of praise/gladnessReturn to text.
179 robedReturn to text.
180 eyesReturn to text.
181 hundred-headed fire-breathing giant, a serpent below the waistReturn to text.
182 coilsReturn to text.
183 easternReturn to text.
184 separate, individualReturn to text.
185 fairiesReturn to text.
186 labyrinth (as in a fairy ring?)Return to text.
187 long and wearisome (used in a jocund rather than literal sense)Return to text.
188 youngest-born/producedReturn to text.
189 i.e., wearing gleaming body armorReturn to text.
190 ready to be useful [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
191 once, formerly, some time agoReturn to text.
192 to sing in counterpointReturn to text.
193 fasten upon, clutch, take hold ofReturn to text.
194 gravest, most severeReturn to text.
195 peril, danger, riskReturn to text.
196 creature, beingReturn to text.
197 temporary dwelling, place, abodeReturn to text.
198 put up with, endureReturn to text.
199 Phoebus Apollo, god of (among other things) poetryReturn to text.
200 Marco Girolamo Vida's Christiad; he was a native of CremonaReturn to text.
201 proper toReturn to text.
202 subduedReturn to text.
203 EzekielReturn to text.
204 Jerusalem (Shalem = ancient Semitic god)Return to text.
205 anxiously thoughtfulReturn to text.
206 absorptionReturn to text.
207 mood? seizure?Return to text.
208 treasuresReturn to text.
209 i.e., as in prayerReturn to text.
210 mass of stoneReturn to text.
211 mark, engraveReturn to text.
212 lamentingReturn to text.
213 vivid, fresh, brightly gayReturn to text.
214 letters of the alphabetReturn to text.
215 i.e., infections being carried by some germlike agent, the poet's tears of sorrow, like a sort of sickly semen, spawn "a race of mourners" on that which carries water down on men, namely, a cloudReturn to text.
216 forerunner (literally)Return to text.
217 attiring, arrayingReturn to text.
218 valley, hollowReturn to text.
219 Sonnets 2--6, written in Italian, are not here includedReturn to text.
220 arranged by compositional order rather than chronologically; dates of composition are, as usual, indicated with the title of each poemReturn to text.
221 twig, shootReturn to text.
222 gracious, favorably inclinedReturn to text.
223 songReturn to text.
224 soon/soon enough (opportunely)Return to text.
225 barbarous, ignorantReturn to text.
226 the cuckoo, linked to sexual jealousy/betrayalReturn to text.
227 retinue, attendantsReturn to text.
228 ingenious, cunning, trickyReturn to text.
229 speed, impetusReturn to text.
230 are invested withReturn to text.
231 yet? always?Return to text.
232 equal, proportionateReturn to text.
233 destinyReturn to text.
234 lowReturn to text.
235 [trisyllabic]Return to text.
236 luck, fortuitous circumstanceReturn to text.
237 In October 1642, during the early days of England's civil war, the royalist army almost reached London; Milton's house lay just outside the city wallsReturn to text.
238 Milton himselfReturn to text.
239 repayReturn to text.
240 noble, honorable, gentlemanlyReturn to text.
241 dwellingReturn to text.
242 Alexander the Great: Emathia was a Macedonian provinceReturn to text.
243 Pindar, Greek poetReturn to text.
244 music: in Athenian Greece, the chorus referred to in the next footnote would have been sungReturn to text.
245 Euripides: a chorus from the play is said to have persuaded the Spartans not to sack Athens, in 404B.C.Return to text.
246 the lady is unknownReturn to text.
247 "I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him" (Song of Solomon 3:2)Return to text.
248 conspicuouslyReturn to text.
249 "And Jesus...said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one good thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:41--42); see also Ruth 1:8--18Return to text.
250 are arrogant, presumptuousReturn to text.
251 gnaw, wear away atReturn to text.
252 compassion, pityReturn to text.
253 concernReturn to text.
254 follows, waits uponReturn to text.
255 Lady Margaret, daughter of the Earl of MarlboroughReturn to text.
256 Marlborough died four days after King Charles dissolved his third Parliament, in 1629Return to text.
257 Philip of Macedon's defeat of Thebes and Athens in 338 B.C.Return to text.
258 Chaeronéa marked the end of Greek independence; Isocrates committed suicide four days after hearing the newsReturn to text.
259 recount, tellReturn to text.
260 block of wood attached to the feet of men or horses, to impede movementReturn to text.
261 by the writing of two tracts on divorce, one of which was entitled Tetrachordon: see Sonnet 12, belowReturn to text.
262 surrounds, besieges, besetsReturn to text.
263 rustics, boorsReturn to text.
264 Apollo and Diana, twin children of Latona and Jupiter; peasants who refused water to Latona were turned into frogs by JupiterReturn to text.
265 yetReturn to text.
266 Milton's 1645 book on divorce was shaped by the "foure chief places in Scripture which treat of Marriage"Return to text.
267 read, studiedReturn to text.
268 lineReturn to text.
269 in the time thatReturn to text.
270 James Gordon, Lord Aboyne, Scots royalistReturn to text.
271 Alexander MacDonnell, known also as MacColkitto and MacGillespie, general in the royalist army of James Graham, Earl MontroseReturn to text.
272 see footnote 50, aboveReturn to text.
273 see footnote 50, aboveReturn to text.
274 Roman rhetoricianReturn to text.
275 first professor of Greek at Cambridge, and tutor to Prince (later King) EdwardReturn to text.
276 Henry Lawes, 1596--1662, master musician, who composed the music for ComusReturn to text.
277 rhythmicalReturn to text.
278 measure out, extendReturn to text.
279 proper, right, correctReturn to text.
280 Midas having judged Pan a better flutist than Apollo, Apollo gave him donkey earsReturn to text.
281 perpetratingReturn to text.
282 melody, tuneReturn to text.
283 musician of Florence, Dante's friend, who appears, and sings, in Purgatorio 2:76ff.Return to text.
284 Catherine, wife of George Thomason, London bookseller and publisher; died in 1646Return to text.
285 melodiesReturn to text.
286 Sir Thomas Fairfax, commander in chief of the Parliamentarian armyReturn to text.
287 ScotlandReturn to text.
288 a covenant of friendship made in 1643 between Parliament and the Scots was broken a month later by a Scottish invasionReturn to text.
289 to engraft new feathers onto damaged wingsReturn to text.
290 the covenant with Parliament, being unserpentlike, broke Scotland's "serpent wings," but invading England and breaking that covenant restored her native serpentlike qualitiesReturn to text.
291 plunder, pillage, robberyReturn to text.
292 slander, defamations, calumniesReturn to text.
293 coarseReturn to text.
294 battle of 1648Return to text.
295 soakedReturn to text.
296 battle of 1650Return to text.
297 battle of 1651 [bisyllabic, as if written "WOOS ter"]Return to text.
298 mouth, appetiteReturn to text.
299 Sir Henry Vane (the Younger), statesman and councilorReturn to text.
300 i.e., the togas worn by the senators of RomeReturn to text.
301 Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, invaded Rome in the third century B.C.Return to text.
302 Hannibal of Carthage, in Africa, also invaded Rome in the third century B.C.Return to text.
303 purpose, intentReturn to text.
304 pun on "Holland"Return to text.
305 gibe at the spelling and pronunciation of DutchReturn to text.
306 equipmentReturn to text.
307 the Vaudois, Swiss Protestants, attacked and killed by Catholic partisans in 1655Return to text.
308 [verb]Return to text.
309 sheep pen: here, of course, metaphoricalReturn to text.
310 the PopeReturn to text.
311 fleeReturn to text.
312 the papacyReturn to text.
313 used up, exhaustedReturn to text.
314 beforeReturn to text.
315 in biblical times, "talent" also meant a monetary unit: see Matthew 25:14ff, the parable of the talentsReturn to text.
316 devoted, boundReturn to text.
317 bring/show to God [verb]Return to text.
318 as per the parable of the talentsReturn to text.
319 scold, rebukeReturn to text.
320 hurryReturn to text.
321 Edward Lawrence, member of Parliament; his father, Henry Lawrence, was president of Cromwell's Council of StateReturn to text.
322 roads, lanes, pathsReturn to text.
323 boggy, slushy, muddyReturn to text.
324 gloomy, dark, dismal, dullReturn to text.
325 a day thatReturn to text.
326 winter, with its iceReturn to text.
327 which is gaining on us/coming closer and closerReturn to text.
328 the west windReturn to text.
329 "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin": Matthew 6:28Return to text.
330 dainty, elegantReturn to text.
331 ItalianReturn to text.
332 afford? spare time for? leave off, forbear?Return to text.
333 introduce, or delayReturn to text.
334 Cyriack Skinner, 1627--1700, Milton's student, friend, helper, and more than likely his amanuensisReturn to text.
335 Sir Edward Coke, 1552--1634, chief justice of the King's Bench and a legendary figure in the law to this dayReturn to text.
336 goddess of justiceReturn to text.
337 petty, insignificantReturn to text.
338 as a judge handing down ("pronouncing") decisionsReturn to text.
339 notably The Institutes of the Law of EnglandReturn to text.
340 i.e., other lawyers, members of the barReturn to text.
341 twist, stretch, alterReturn to text.
342 soak, drownReturn to text.
343 movesReturn to text.
344 SwedenReturn to text.
345 speedily, in good timeReturn to text.
346 sober, sound, practicalReturn to text.
347 deprivedReturn to text.
348 useless, inactive; unemployedReturn to text.
349 lessen, reduceReturn to text.
350 the smallest of small amountsReturn to text.
351 overworked/employed/worked/usedReturn to text.
352 probably, but not certainly, Milton's second wife, Katherine Woodcock, to whom he was married in 1656, and who died in 1658, not long after giving birth to a daughterReturn to text.
353 Admetus, her husband, had his life extended in return for her voluntarily dying in his stead; Hercules, Jove's son, successfully wrestled with Death, and then brought her back to lifeReturn to text.
354 stain, blemishReturn to text.
355 see Leviticus 12:5Return to text.
356 limitation, reserveReturn to text.
357 clothed, dressedReturn to text.
358 bent, leanedReturn to text.
359 the Muses were the daughters of MemoryReturn to text.
360 slow-strivingReturn to text.
361 prosodyReturn to text.
362 invaluable, pricelessReturn to text.
363 inspired by Apollo, god of poetry, who lived in the city of DelphiReturn to text.
364 (1) heavy, (2) profound: see footnote 46, belowReturn to text.
365 (1) mold, cast, copy (as in printing), (2) effect, influenceReturn to text.
366 depriving, strippingReturn to text.
367 (1) stone, such as is used in tombs and gravestones, or rigid/cold/white like marble, (2) the marbled pattern or paper used in ornamenting/binding booksReturn to text.
368 imaginingReturn to text.
369 buried (metaphorical: "absorbed")Return to text.
370 splendor, magnificenceReturn to text.
371 deliverymanReturn to text.
372 temporary idlenessReturn to text.
373 also a renter of horses: the proverbial phrase "Hobson's choice" stems from his insisting that a would-be customer either accepted whatever horse was nearest to the door or else got no horse at allReturn to text.
374 belt or band (leather or cloth) around a horse's body, securing saddle/pack/etc.; possibly also a pun on Hobson's own girt(h) and Death having broken himReturn to text.
375 roadsReturn to text.
376 muddy ditchReturn to text.
377 trickster, con manReturn to text.
378 entireReturn to text.
379 to dodge = to give (someone) the slip, to avoid, to baffleReturn to text.
380 inn in London, located on a main thoroughfareReturn to text.
381 habitual path, routeReturn to text.
382 Death = the "kind...chamberlain," or inn servantReturn to text.
383 a candle---but Death extinguishes a person's lightReturn to text.
384 remained?Return to text.
385 decompose, dieReturn to text.
386 the indestructible stuff of which stars and other heavenly bodies are formedReturn to text.
387 just as the stars revolve, so too did Hobson, back and forth, back and forth, back and forth....Return to text.
388 stoppedReturn to text.
389 measures, assigns values toReturn to text.
390 any mechanical contrivance/machineReturn to text.
391 primary cause, which was movementReturn to text.
392 at once---but also "straight" in the sense of no longer revolvingReturn to text.
393 one sense of the word "breathe," as in "to take breath," is "to rest"Return to text.
394 "term" = when college is in session, "vacation" = when college is not in sessionReturn to text.
395 "drive the time away" as in "killing time"---but he was literally a "driver" (coachman)Return to text.
396 (1) brought to life, (2) made to go fasterReturn to text.
397 "fetch and carry" = common phraseologyReturn to text.
398 abolished, done away with---but also "put down" in the ground, buriedReturn to text.
399 i.e., six men will be required/used to carry him to his graveReturn to text.
400 boredom, sorrowReturn to text.
401 involving unconcern with timeReturn to text.
402 load = burdenReturn to text.
403 so thatReturn to text.
404 as ifReturn to text.
405 a form of tortureReturn to text.
406 transformed, like so many classical figures, into a star/constellation?Return to text.
407 the "date" of a document is the "time" assigned to it (by the calendar)Return to text.
408 i.e., as regular as the moonReturn to text.
409 "wain" = wagon; "wane" = decreaseReturn to text.
410 written on his tomb, or as his funereal inscription generally, just as letters too have their "superscriptions," or inside addressesReturn to text.
411 hold/enclose the corpse ofReturn to text.
412 dead in childbirth, together with her child, in 1631, at age twenty-threeReturn to text.
413 Thomas, Viscount of Rock-SavageReturn to text.
414 on her mother's side, heir of Lord Darcy, Earl of RiversReturn to text.
415 counted, reckoned upReturn to text.
416 dwellReturn to text.
417 proper, fitReturn to text.
418 HymenReturn to text.
419 she had been married at sixteen; at twenty-three she diedReturn to text.
420 cypress = a funereal wood, its branches and twigs a symbol of mourningReturn to text.
421 born in 1629Return to text.
422 goddess of childbirthReturn to text.
423 childbirth laborReturn to text.
424 one of the three Fates, who cut the thread of lifeReturn to text.
425 the child was dead before deliveryReturn to text.
426 a cutting from a plant/flowerReturn to text.
427 retinue?Return to text.
428 carelessReturn to text.
429 youth, rustic, loverReturn to text.
430 pluck, cutReturn to text.
431 springtime, like springtimeReturn to text.
432 predictive, warningReturn to text.
433 the mountain where the Muses dwelledReturn to text.
434 twigs/sprays used as wreathsReturn to text.
435 roadsReturn to text.
436 the River Cam, for which Cambridge is namedReturn to text.
437 RachelReturn to text.
438 the child she bore was BenjaminReturn to text.
439 happiness (in heaven)Return to text.
440 (in Italian) lively, cheerful, gay, merryReturn to text.
441 monstrous dog, guardian of the entrance to HadesReturn to text.
442 Styx = underground river across which Charon ferried the souls of the dead into HadesReturn to text.
443 unknownReturn to text.
444 small, solitary chamberReturn to text.
445 projecting cliff edgesReturn to text.
446 according to Homer, a people who live at the outer edge of the world and thus are in perpetual darknessReturn to text.
447 named, calledReturn to text.
448 the three Graces are Agalia, Thalia, and Euphrosyne [four syllables, the second and fourth accented]Return to text.
449 exhalesReturn to text.
450 jolly, lively, unresistingReturn to text.
451 merry, gayReturn to text.
452 affable, gracefulReturn to text.
453 fanciful turns of speech, conceitsReturn to text.
454 sportive/cunning/amorous tricksReturn to text.
455 nod of the head, signaling either assent or commandReturn to text.
456 goddess of youth [bisyllabic]Return to text.
457 frolic, diversionReturn to text.
458 uncensuredReturn to text.
459 slow, listlessReturn to text.
460 speckledReturn to text.
461 "rear" as in "rear guard": the image is militaryReturn to text.
462 as in "haystack"Return to text.
463 brave, fierce, vigorousReturn to text.
464 "struts his dames before" = struts in front of his lady folkReturn to text.
465 light grayReturn to text.
466 in plain view, openlyReturn to text.
467 elevated, distinguished, of high rankReturn to text.
468 display of high dignity/rank/wealthReturn to text.
469 elaborate costumes/uniformsReturn to text.
470 equipped, orderedReturn to text.
471 sharpensReturn to text.
472 appraisesReturn to text.
473 reddish brownReturn to text.
474 farmland ploughed and harrowed but left uncultivated for a period (usually a year)Return to text.
475 spotted, variegatedReturn to text.
476 indented parapets at the tops of wallsReturn to text.
477 i.e., some beautiful womanReturn to text.
478 dwellsReturn to text.
479 center of attractionReturn to text.
480 Corydon and Thyrsis = prototypical names for characters in Greek pastoralsReturn to text.
481 leafy edible plantsReturn to text.
482 foodReturn to text.
483 deft, dexterousReturn to text.
484 preparesReturn to text.
485 abode, cottageReturn to text.
486 tie upReturn to text.
487 bundles made after reaping (usually of grains)Return to text.
488 i.e., before harvest time (autumn)Return to text.
489 conduct, guide, show the wayReturn to text.
490 browned by exposureReturn to text.
491 conical heaps of hay, in the fields/pasturesReturn to text.
492 meadowReturn to text.
493 free from care/doubt/worryReturn to text.
494 highlandReturn to text.
495 small villages or groups of houses, having no churchReturn to text.
496 merry, joyful, light-heartedReturn to text.
497 primitive three-stringed fiddleReturn to text.
498 a principal fairyReturn to text.
499 cakes, sweetmeats, daintiesReturn to text.
500 threshing tool: a wooden handle to which is tied a free-swinging clublike swingle (or "swipple")Return to text.
501 grainReturn to text.
502 beneficent goblinReturn to text.
503 stuffed with foodReturn to text.
504 morning callReturn to text.
505 garmentsReturn to text.
506 public spectacle/festivityReturn to text.
507 sufficient/abundant supplyReturn to text.
508 god of marriageReturn to text.
509 orange-red/yellowReturn to text.
510 wax candleReturn to text.
511 splendor, magnificenceReturn to text.
512 Ben Jonson, 1572--1637, poet, dramatist, critic; friend/colleague of ShakespeareReturn to text.
513 comedy (in which the actors wore low-heeled slippers, or "socks")Return to text.
514 imaginationReturn to text.
515 corrosiveReturn to text.
516 the Lydian (ancient Greek) mode (musical scale) was soft, often melancholy; air = melodiesReturn to text.
517 gentleReturn to text.
518 roundReturn to text.
519 see footnote 36 to line 27, aboveReturn to text.
520 attention, careReturn to text.
521 whirling, intoxicatedReturn to text.
522 skill, craftReturn to text.
523 legendary poet/musicianReturn to text.
524 raise, liftReturn to text.
525 Elysian Fields/Elysium = legendary island of the blessedReturn to text.
526 melodiesReturn to text.
527 lord of the underworldReturn to text.
528 Orpheus had won her right to live again, provided he not look back at her as she followed him up into the world of the living. He finally did look back, at her urgent request, and she disappeared forever [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
529 The reference is to Marlowe's "Passionate Shepherd" see also lines 37--40, aboveReturn to text.
530 (in Italian) thoughtful, serious, graveReturn to text.
531 help, assistReturn to text.
532 resolved, determinedReturn to text.
533 whimsReturn to text.
534 foolish, credulous, idioticReturn to text.
535 showyReturn to text.
536 minute particle (of dust)Return to text.
537 hirelings, mercenaries, tools, creaturesReturn to text.
538 son of Hypnos (Sleep), and god of dreamsReturn to text.
539 reach, light uponReturn to text.
540 a handsome Ethiopian prince; his sister's name is Himera---but the allusion remains obscureReturn to text.
541 suitReturn to text.
542 Cassiopeia, queen of Ethiopia, boasted that Andromeda, her daughter, was more beautiful than the Nereids, who responded by turning Andromeda into a constellation ["Ethiope" = bisyllable---i.e., first syllable stressed, second syllable elided]Return to text.
543 virgin daughter of Saturn (Chronos) and goddess of the hearthReturn to text.
544 in Crete? where Jove (Zeus) lived---and plotted against Saturn (Chronos)Return to text.
545 priestess of a pagan deityReturn to text.
546 sober, grave, serious, reservedReturn to text.
547 colorReturn to text.
548 sable-colored: blackReturn to text.
549 mantlelike vestment, worn over the shouldersReturn to text.
550 fine linen fabric; unlike most linens, cypress lawn is blackReturn to text.
551 comelyReturn to text.
552 usual, habitual, customaryReturn to text.
553 to communicate/hold intercourse withReturn to text.
554 transported, carried away, enrapturedReturn to text.
555 steadfast, firm, grave, seriousReturn to text.
556 heavyReturn to text.
557 glance, lookReturn to text.
558 i.e., her eyesReturn to text.
559 with equal firmnessReturn to text.
560 leanReturn to text.
561 fasting (abstinence from food)Return to text.
562 alwaysReturn to text.
563 withdrawnReturn to text.
564 well-orderedReturn to text.
565 "the Cherub Contemplation" (line 54, below)Return to text.
566 Ezekiel's vision of a heavenly chariot: see Ezekiel 10:1--2 and 9--22Return to text.
567 [five syllables, first, third, and fifth accented]Return to text.
568 summon (with a whisper)Return to text.
569 unlessReturn to text.
570 the nightingaleReturn to text.
571 mood, mannerReturn to text.
572 moon goddessReturn to text.
573 curbs, restrainsReturn to text.
574 yoke = wooden device for coupling more than one horse or other dray animal to one vehicleReturn to text.
575 singer (the nightingale)Return to text.
576 solicit, entreatReturn to text.
577 not by lawn cutting but by sheep nibblingReturn to text.
578 a piece/patch of ground, usually smallReturn to text.
579 deep mournful toneReturn to text.
580 quietReturn to text.
581 remote, secludedReturn to text.
582 darknessReturn to text.
583 the night watchman/town crierReturn to text.
584 incantationReturn to text.
585 the constellation Ursa Major ("Great Bear"), which never setsReturn to text.
586 Hermes Trismegistus ("thrice great Hermes"), third-century NeoplatonistReturn to text.
587 Plato's spirit is assumed, here, to now reside in a planetary sphere: Plato argued that great men's souls do in fact so ascend after their bodies dieReturn to text.
588 explainReturn to text.
589 dwellingReturn to text.
590 corner, outlying/remote regionReturn to text.
591 a being intermediate between god and man: an inferior deityReturn to text.
592 accord, agreementReturn to text.
593 brilliant, showyReturn to text.
594 scepter = ornamental rod/wandReturn to text.
595 rich purple clothReturn to text.
596 of which Oedipus was kingReturn to text.
597 i.e., Agamemnon, Orestes, Electra, IphigeniaReturn to text.
598 high thick-soled boots worn in tragedies, as opposed to the "sock" (low slipper) worn in comediesReturn to text.
599 mythical Greek poet, said to have been taught by OrpheusReturn to text.
600 Geoffrey Chaucer, "Squire's Tale" (in Canterbury Tales): the first two parts were finished, but we have only the first two lines of part threeReturn to text.
601 [three syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
602 tournamentsReturn to text.
603 not ironic, but a reference to Spenser, one of Milton's favorite poets, who (in Book IV, canto 2, of The Fairie Queene) added allegory to the tale Chaucer left unfinishedReturn to text.
604 pathReturn to text.
605 soberReturn to text.
606 decked, adornedReturn to text.
607 pleated, curledReturn to text.
608 Cephalus, husband of Procris, trapped in an ultimately fatal human-deity triangle when Eos ("dawn") fell in love with himReturn to text.
609 god of forestsReturn to text.
610 harsh, violent, ruggedReturn to text.
611 lifted, raisedReturn to text.
612 frequently visited placeReturn to text.
613 shelter, coveringReturn to text.
614 unhallowed, polluted, alienReturn to text.
615 glaringly brightReturn to text.
616 company? harmony?Return to text.
617 tutelary god/spiritReturn to text.
618 properReturn to text.
619 bounds [noun]Return to text.
620 arched, vaultedReturn to text.
621 "massily" [adverb]Return to text.
622 ornamented with scenes ("stories") from history, legend, etc.Return to text.
623 made, ordered, arrayedReturn to text.
624 resounding, sounding forthReturn to text.
625 ponderReturn to text.
626 showReturn to text.
627 catch sight ofReturn to text.
628 Leto, a Titan, mother of twins, Apollo and Artemis, whose father is ZeusReturn to text.
629 the Great Mother [trisyllabic, first and third syllables accented]Return to text.
630 i.e., give her any further competitive advantageReturn to text.
631 gentlemanly, noble, high-born, aristocraticReturn to text.
632 shepherds, rusticsReturn to text.
633 Arcadia: region of Greece which Virgil's Eclogues made the traditional locale of the pastoral idealReturn to text.
634 river, streamReturn to text.
635 river that fell in love with the nymph Arethusa and, after Diana transformed her into a fountain, flowed under the sea to reach herReturn to text.
636 buskin halfbootReturn to text.
637 generous, noble, honorableReturn to text.
638 choice ofReturn to text.
639 skillful, dainty, pretty, elegantReturn to text.
640 profuse, extravagant, sportive, fancifulReturn to text.
641 noxious, harmfulReturn to text.
642 blighting, infectiousReturn to text.
643 fromReturn to text.
644 crossing, traversing (the sky)Return to text.
645 SaturnReturn to text.
646 ulcerative, decayingReturn to text.
647 goReturn to text.
648 hunting hornReturn to text.
649 countReturn to text.
650 rowsReturn to text.
651 potent, powerfulReturn to text.
652 vital shears = shears of lifeReturn to text.
653 unbreakableReturn to text.
654 the Fates, daughters of NecessityReturn to text.
655 fickle, changeableReturn to text.
656 (1) below, (2) of humble rankReturn to text.
657 rhythmical, regularReturn to text.
658 coarseReturn to text.
659 unpurifiedReturn to text.
660 try, attemptReturn to text.
661 direct one's attentionReturn to text.
662 stockReturn to text.
663 clothingReturn to text.
664 glossy, variegatedReturn to text.
665 i.e., providing shelter against the malign influence of evil starsReturn to text.
666 the River Ladon runs through Arcadia and joins the AlpheusReturn to text.
667 Arcadian mountain, birthplace of Pan, associated with the worship of ZeusReturn to text.
668 Arcadian mountainReturn to text.
669 gray/grayish whiteReturn to text.
670 Arcadian mountain range, where Hercules hunted and killed a fierce wild boarReturn to text.
671 Arcadian mountain, associated with PanReturn to text.
672 nymph beloved by PanReturn to text.
673 written to celebrate the Earl of Bridgewater's election as Lord President of Wales. As performed at Lord Bridgewater's Ludlow castle, 29 September 1634, the lady was played by Bridgewater's daughter and the brothers by her brothers. Thyrsis/attendant spirit was played by the composer of the masque's music (and music tutor to the family), Henry Lawes.Return to text.
674 cattle penReturn to text.
675 Pluto, lord of the underworld, as Jove was lord of that above groundReturn to text.
676 custom, practiceReturn to text.
677 i.e., the mainsea, the oceanReturn to text.
678 much, greatReturn to text.
679 temperateReturn to text.
680 powerReturn to text.
681 intricate, entangledReturn to text.
682 BacchusReturn to text.
683 freeReturn to text.
684 withReturn to text.
685 menacing, inauspiciousReturn to text.
686 brilliant, preciousReturn to text.
687 foolishReturn to text.
688 lynxReturn to text.
689 fair, pleasing, properReturn to text.
690 goddess of the rainbowReturn to text.
691 garmentsReturn to text.
692 male servant, attendant, rustic, shepherdReturn to text.
693 reed fluteReturn to text.
694 magical, enchantingReturn to text.
695 band, crowd, herdReturn to text.
696 having the heads ofReturn to text.
697 commandsReturn to text.
698 to shut up sheep in a fold (pen, enclosure)Return to text.
699 (1) temper, abate, mitigate, (2) lay downReturn to text.
700 sloping, slantingReturn to text.
701 threads, cordsReturn to text.
702 sprinkling downReturn to text.
703 proverbs, maximsReturn to text.
704 channels, inletsReturn to text.
705 herd, flock, multitudeReturn to text.
706 morris dance: traditional English country dance, especially associated with May Day celebrationsReturn to text.
707 lively, skilledReturn to text.
708 lively, spruceReturn to text.
709 ripplingReturn to text.
710 festivals, holidaysReturn to text.
711 Thracian goddess of orgiesReturn to text.
712 exceptReturn to text.
713 blackReturn to text.
714 Hecate [trisyllabic], ghost-world goddessReturn to text.
715 blabberingReturn to text.
716 spyReturn to text.
717 fussy, overly refinedReturn to text.
718 announceReturn to text.
719 i.e., they danceReturn to text.
720 shelter, hiding placeReturn to text.
721 thicketsReturn to text.
722 overtaken by darknessReturn to text.
723 tricks, traps, snaresReturn to text.
724 elastic, impressionableReturn to text.
725 dimReturn to text.
726 appearances, formReturn to text.
727 crafty, clever, skillfulReturn to text.
728 flattering, coaxing, speciousReturn to text.
729 prosperityReturn to text.
730 maintains in connection withReturn to text.
731 (1) completely, (2) becominglyReturn to text.
732 merryReturn to text.
733 sportiveReturn to text.
734 rustics, farmhandsReturn to text.
735 frisky, unregulatedReturn to text.
736 in errorReturn to text.
737 uncivilized/coarse behaviorReturn to text.
738 drinkersReturn to text.
739 devoteeReturn to text.
740 pilgrimReturn to text.
741 clothing, garments, dressReturn to text.
742 wagonReturn to text.
743 abundantReturn to text.
744 completeReturn to text.
745 unbroken, absoluteReturn to text.
746 supportingReturn to text.
747 glittering, gleamingReturn to text.
748 river in western Asia Minor, flowing into the AegeanReturn to text.
749 beloved by Echo, and punished for rejecting herReturn to text.
750 speechReturn to text.
751 resoundingReturn to text.
752 drop in pitchReturn to text.
753 [noun]Return to text.
754 water nymphs [trisyllabic, first and third syllables accented]Return to text.
755 powerful, mightyReturn to text.
756 multiheaded, voracious monsterReturn to text.
757 deadly whirlpool, located opposite ScyllaReturn to text.
758 felt intimately/in the heartReturn to text.
759 god of shepherds, flocks, and their fertility; half human, half goatReturn to text.
760 god of wildernessesReturn to text.
761 expedient deviceReturn to text.
762 ushering = escortingReturn to text.
763 hit/come upon, guessReturn to text.
764 to be important, to signify/matterReturn to text.
765 daughter of Zeus and Hera, cupbearer of the gods [bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
766 straps, ropes, harnessReturn to text.
767 wearied, overworkedReturn to text.
768 tender/cutter of hedgesReturn to text.
769 covering, as by a mantle/cloakReturn to text.
770 bearing, carriageReturn to text.
771 airy, joyful, bright, etc.Return to text.
772 dell, hollow, cleft between hillsReturn to text.
773 shallow hollow or pitReturn to text.
774 bushyReturn to text.
775 brookReturn to text.
776 escortReturn to text.
777 residingReturn to text.
778 shelteredReturn to text.
779 straw bedReturn to text.
780 poor, humble, inferiorReturn to text.
781 dutiful, faithfulReturn to text.
782 guaranteed, attestedReturn to text.
783 adapt, regulateReturn to text.
784 are in the habit/practice ofReturn to text.
785 blessingReturn to text.
786 (1) wax wick/candle, (2) a lightReturn to text.
787 reedReturn to text.
788 small doorReturn to text.
789 Arcadia (site of proverbial pastoral simplicity)Return to text.
790 Tyre = ancient Phoenician cityReturn to text.
791 Callisto, raped and impregnated by Jupiter, is turned by Juno into Ursa Minor: the Pole Star is in its tailReturn to text.
792 shut into their folds/enclosures/pensReturn to text.
793 interlaced twigs, sprigs, and the likeReturn to text.
794 sheds, stallsReturn to text.
795 fluteReturn to text.
796 made of oat stems/strawReturn to text.
797 that which forms/encloses a fingerholeReturn to text.
798 narrow, enclosed, confinedReturn to text.
799 ridgeReturn to text.
800 large pillowReturn to text.
801 filledReturn to text.
802 overexcited/intenseReturn to text.
803 reckon, resolveReturn to text.
804 form, shapeReturn to text.
805 i.e., I do not plan to look for her in that spiritReturn to text.
806 embraces, hidesReturn to text.
807 fixed, steadfastReturn to text.
808 unsuitableReturn to text.
809 peril, danger, riskReturn to text.
810 [five syllables, first, third, and fifth accented]Return to text.
811 preensReturn to text.
812 quotidian activitiesReturn to text.
813 confusedReturn to text.
814 of the earthReturn to text.
815 blinded, cloudedReturn to text.
816 likes, seeksReturn to text.
817 single-person solitary dwellingReturn to text.
818 place of frequent resortReturn to text.
819 garmentsReturn to text.
820 prayer beadsReturn to text.
821 unchastityReturn to text.
822 assaultReturn to text.
823 bodyReturn to text.
824 unacknowledged? unaccompanied?Return to text.
825 concludeReturn to text.
826 balanceReturn to text.
827 governReturn to text.
828 indirect, obliqueReturn to text.
829 travel, treadReturn to text.
830 having no shelterReturn to text.
831 open uncultivated groundReturn to text.
832 grotto = cave, excavationReturn to text.
833 coveredReturn to text.
834 bristling, frightfulReturn to text.
835 not disconcerted/deceivedReturn to text.
836 marshy, moorlikeReturn to text.
837 swampland, marshReturn to text.
838 unexorcisedReturn to text.
839 dark, swarthyReturn to text.
840 from undergroundReturn to text.
841 weaponsReturn to text.
842 tawny-spotted/streakedReturn to text.
843 leopard, pantherReturn to text.
844 arrowReturn to text.
845 to frustrate, destroyReturn to text.
846 absolute, sheerReturn to text.
847 dressed in livery (distinctive uniform of servants)Return to text.
848 serve, wait uponReturn to text.
849 unrestrained, profuseReturn to text.
850 admitsReturn to text.
851 [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
852 incorporatesReturn to text.
853 degrade, make bestialReturn to text.
854 cemeteryReturn to text.
855 as ifReturn to text.
856 sacred, holy, religiousReturn to text.
857 unsheathe a swordReturn to text.
858 i.e., swordsReturn to text.
859 melodies, tunesReturn to text.
860 pushing, hurryingReturn to text.
861 motherReturn to text.
862 irregularReturn to text.
863 caused to be abandonedReturn to text.
864 nearest, closestReturn to text.
865 open expanse of uplandReturn to text.
866 concern, fearReturn to text.
867 fanciful, incredibleReturn to text.
868 [verb]Return to text.
869 monsters with lion heads, goat bodies, and serpent tailsReturn to text.
870 splitReturn to text.
871 poisonous, life-destroyingReturn to text.
872 whispered charms/spellsReturn to text.
873 undoingReturn to text.
874 coinage, stampReturn to text.
875 engraved, writtenReturn to text.
876 pastures, fieldsReturn to text.
877 crowdReturn to text.
878 domesticatedReturn to text.
879 [trisyllabic]Return to text.
880 most remote (farthest in)Return to text.
881 unwittingReturn to text.
882 wavingReturn to text.
883 conclusion, endReturn to text.
884 familiarReturn to text.
885 forestallReturn to text.
886 a sentence [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
887 enslavedReturn to text.
888 evilReturn to text.
889 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
890 the underworld, HadesReturn to text.
891 monsters, part woman, part birdReturn to text.
892 many-headed snakesReturn to text.
893 hobgoblinsReturn to text.
894 bootyReturn to text.
895 prowessReturn to text.
896 profit, advantageReturn to text.
897 "as to tell us this story/narrative"Return to text.
898 tricks, stratagemsReturn to text.
899 value, meritReturn to text.
900 strong, powerful, magically endowedReturn to text.
901 pouchReturn to text.
902 herbs, medicinal plantsReturn to text.
903 picked, choseReturn to text.
904 studdedReturn to text.
905 a fabled and fabulous plantReturn to text.
906 fabulous plant given to Odysseus by the god Hermes [bisyllabic]Return to text.
907 the shepherd ladReturn to text.
908 supremeReturn to text.
909 blasting influence, curseReturn to text.
910 [five syllables, first, third, and fifth accented]Return to text.
911 entanglementsReturn to text.
912 retired, came awayReturn to text.
913 sweet, pleasingReturn to text.
914 withdraw, vanishReturn to text.
915 retreat, recoil, slip awayReturn to text.
916 quickly, at onceReturn to text.
917 stimulating, envigoratingReturn to text.
918 sweet drinkReturn to text.
919 boundaries, limitsReturn to text.
920 grief-banishing drugReturn to text.
921 wife of Thon = PolydamnaReturn to text.
922 terms, promisesReturn to text.
923 not privileged, not freed fromReturn to text.
924 [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
925 those whoReturn to text.
926 quicklyReturn to text.
927 looks, facesReturn to text.
928 masked, disguisedReturn to text.
929 pompous, formal, solemnReturn to text.
930 Diogenes, Cynic philosopher who lived in a tubReturn to text.
931 offspringReturn to text.
932 storedReturn to text.
933 furnishReturn to text.
934 sulkReturn to text.
935 peas, beans, lentils, etc.Return to text.
936 coarse woolReturn to text.
937 miserReturn to text.
938 NatureReturn to text.
939 overburdenedReturn to text.
940 feathers [the line, having ten syllables, can be scanned as iambic pentameter---but not easily]Return to text.
941 overfreighted, overloadedReturn to text.
942 dupedReturn to text.
943 boasted of, praisedReturn to text.
944 in general use, passing/flowing from hand to handReturn to text.
945 showReturn to text.
946 plain, simple, unpolishedReturn to text.
947 [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
948 vile, wretched, worthlessReturn to text.
949 colorReturn to text.
950 work busily atReturn to text.
951 embroideryReturn to text.
952 to separate, to cardReturn to text.
953 judiciousReturn to text.
954 exceptReturn to text.
955 magician, trickster, buffoonReturn to text.
956 as he hasReturn to text.
957 thrusting forward, intrudingReturn to text.
958 decked, dressedReturn to text.
959 sift, examineReturn to text.
960 vice'sReturn to text.
961 blame, burdenReturn to text.
962 wishedReturn to text.
963 providerReturn to text.
964 suitable, seemlyReturn to text.
965 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
966 [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
967 showy, dazzlingReturn to text.
968 holy secretReturn to text.
969 the practice of swordplayReturn to text.
970 sinewsReturn to text.
971 i.e., Jove consigns the rebels against him to "the chains" of HellReturn to text.
972 test, afflictReturn to text.
973 i.e., creationReturn to text.
974 sediments, dregsReturn to text.
975 at onceReturn to text.
976 disjoining, parting, separatingReturn to text.
977 stopReturn to text.
978 character in Spenser's Fairie QueeneReturn to text.
979 truest, most genuineReturn to text.
980 played his pipe/fluteReturn to text.
981 check, restraintReturn to text.
982 governsReturn to text.
983 river flowing out of Wales, ending in Bristol ChannelReturn to text.
984 once upon a timeReturn to text.
985 son of Brutus, legendary founder of BritainReturn to text.
986 BrutusReturn to text.
987 riverReturn to text.
988 depthsReturn to text.
989 sea god, father of the NereidsReturn to text.
990 limp, looseReturn to text.
991 spiritual cleansersReturn to text.
992 vestibuleReturn to text.
993 elf, goblinReturn to text.
994 breaths of malignant air, curses, infectionsReturn to text.
995 sing joyouslyReturn to text.
996 songsReturn to text.
997 encirclingReturn to text.
998 surrounding, hemming inReturn to text.
999 exorcisingReturn to text.
1000 [four syllables, second and fourth accented] Oceanus' wife, mother of rivers, is Tethys; Neptune = Poseidon, god of the sea and of earthquakes; Nereus is father of the Nereids, one of whom is Thetis; the "Carpathian wizard" is Proteus, a shape-shifter; Triton is son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, human from the waist up, fish below; Glaucus is a fisherman who became immortal and a sea god; Leucothea is a Greek sea goddess; Parthenope is a Siren, as is Ligéa.Return to text.
1001 blown, soundedReturn to text.
1002 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
1003 beaches, shoresReturn to text.
1004 [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
1005 sly, artfulReturn to text.
1006 raise, liftReturn to text.
1007 toss one's headReturn to text.
1008 [adjective]Return to text.
1009 shackle, chain, fetter, etc.Return to text.
1010 constrained, pressed tightlyReturn to text.
1011 dutyReturn to text.
1012 healing effectReturn to text.
1013 viscous resinlike secretionsReturn to text.
1014 stickyReturn to text.
1015 serveReturn to text.
1016 Neptune's wife [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
1017 Trojan prince, father of AeneasReturn to text.
1018 small, minorReturn to text.
1019 small streams, brooksReturn to text.
1020 headwatersReturn to text.
1021 transparent pale green precious stoneReturn to text.
1022 thicketReturn to text.
1023 come, congregateReturn to text.
1024 quick, abrupt lowering of head or bodyReturn to text.
1025 customs, behaviorReturn to text.
1026 prepare, inventReturn to text.
1027 affectedly elegant or daintyReturn to text.
1028 tree nymphs [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
1029 open ground, grassy pastureReturn to text.
1030 tests, trialsReturn to text.
1031 ripplingReturn to text.
1032 trim, dapper, neatReturn to text.
1033 so thatReturn to text.
1034 walkways, passagesReturn to text.
1035 aromatic balsamReturn to text.
1036 goddess of the rainbowReturn to text.
1037 cause to blossom/bloomReturn to text.
1038 embroidered, trimmedReturn to text.
1039 wonderfully handsome youth: one day while he was hunting, he was seen by Aphrodite/Venus, who fell in love with him---and when he was killed by a wild boar, from his blood grew the rose, and from her tears, the anemoneReturn to text.
1040 growingReturn to text.
1041 Aphrodite/VenusReturn to text.
1042 raisedReturn to text.
1043 Cupid falls in love with Psyche, a mortal; she disobeys him and is deserted by him; thereafter she goes through trial after trial and, eventually, reclaims and is married to him [bisyllabic; the first letter is silent]Return to text.
1044 [adverb]Return to text.
1045 pleasantlyReturn to text.
1046 skyReturn to text.
1047 endsReturn to text.
1048 the music of the spheresReturn to text.
1049 weak, infirmReturn to text.
1050 the poem was intended to be "set on a clock case"Return to text.
1051 see footnote 40 immediately belowReturn to text.
1052 the leaden weight that animates the clock's worksReturn to text.
1053 (1) womb, (2) stomach, bellyReturn to text.
1054 scum, rubbish, dregsReturn to text.
1055 indivisible?Return to text.
1056 left behind [adjective]Return to text.
1057 sixth order in the nine ranks of the celestial hierarchyReturn to text.
1058 heraldic pomp ("herald" = officer who makes state pronouncements and delivers state messages)Return to text.
1059 erewhile, onceReturn to text.
1060 [adjective, modifying "sin"]Return to text.
1061 spelled in Milton's manuscript "sease," this word could be either "seize" or "cease"Return to text.
1062 judgment, sentenceReturn to text.
1063 "And I [God] will establish my covenant between me and thee [Abraham] and thy seed after thee in their generations, for an everlasting covenant" (Genesis 17:7)Return to text.
1064 [adjective]Return to text.
1065 alwaysReturn to text.
1066 not discordantReturn to text.
1067 concord, harmony [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
1068 primal, originalReturn to text.
1069 (1) fellowship, (2) company of musiciansReturn to text.
1070 a generic shepherd's name---announcing, as it were, that the genre of the poem is the classic pastoralReturn to text.
1071 lyric ode sung by a single voice; in the pastoral tradition, an interior monologue or soliloquyReturn to text.
1072 Edward King, a fellow student at CambridgeReturn to text.
1073 by occasion = the poem, written because of this fatal occasion....Return to text.
1074 (1) symbolic of poetry, (2) symbolic of fame: the laurel, an evergreen, is sacred to Apollo, god of poetryReturn to text.
1075 sacred to VenusReturn to text.
1076 sacred to Bacchus, the god of wineReturn to text.
1077 dry, witheredReturn to text.
1078 unripeReturn to text.
1079 constrainedReturn to text.
1080 inexperienced, unskilledReturn to text.
1081 ripeningReturn to text.
1082 obligation, necessityReturn to text.
1083 roll to and froReturn to text.
1084 withering, shrivelingReturn to text.
1085 recompense, reward, honorReturn to text.
1086 the MusesReturn to text.
1087 a bitReturn to text.
1088 disdainfulReturn to text.
1089 so may = in the future, when Milton dies, he too may be thus mourned by "some gentle muse"Return to text.
1090 noble, excellent, honorableReturn to text.
1091 fortunate, successfulReturn to text.
1092 approve of, regard with kindnessReturn to text.
1093 ordained, predetermined, fatedReturn to text.
1094 holding funereal ashesReturn to text.
1095 black burial sheetReturn to text.
1096 brook, streamReturn to text.
1097 meadows, gladesReturn to text.
1098 their flocksReturn to text.
1099 what time = when, at the time whenReturn to text.
1100 a brownish beetle known as a cockchafer or dorfly/dorhawkReturn to text.
1101 blows (strictly, "hums" or "buzzes")Return to text.
1102 summertime/ hot-weather heatReturn to text.
1103 fattening? feeding? watering?Return to text.
1104 Hesperus (Venus)Return to text.
1105 "wheel" because heavenly objects were thought to be located in "spheres"Return to text.
1106 tuned, in harmony withReturn to text.
1107 oat stems/strawsReturn to text.
1108 woodland gods/demons, part human, part beastReturn to text.
1109 a tutor at Cambridge?Return to text.
1110 stragglingReturn to text.
1111 poems, songsReturn to text.
1112 plant-disease of an ulcerous sortReturn to text.
1113 worm or crawling larva, an intestinal parasite thought to infect sheep, cattle, etc.Return to text.
1114 recently weanedReturn to text.
1115 blossomsReturn to text.
1116 slopes, hills, mountains, cliffs, etc.Return to text.
1117 Celtic minstrel-poetsReturn to text.
1118 the island of Anglesey, in the Irish SeaReturn to text.
1119 the River DeeReturn to text.
1120 magicReturn to text.
1121 Calliope [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
1122 i.e., she who bore OrpheusReturn to text.
1123 was mother toReturn to text.
1124 (1) performing magic, (2) entrancing, charmingReturn to text.
1125 all ofReturn to text.
1126 mob, throng, crowd, rabble, etc., all female, though it is unclear whether they were (1) Thracian women jealous of Eurydice or (2) Maenads angry that Orpheus did not properly honor their god, DionysusReturn to text.
1127 his head had been cut off; in some versions of the story, the severed head continued to singReturn to text.
1128 profits, availsReturn to text.
1129 simple, plainReturn to text.
1130 frolicReturn to text.
1131 generic shepherdess nameReturn to text.
1132 see footnote 20, immediately aboveReturn to text.
1133 positive, determined, unobstructed, pureReturn to text.
1134 stimulate, inciteReturn to text.
1135 rewardReturn to text.
1136 find itReturn to text.
1137 Atropus ("irresistible")Return to text.
1138 Phoebus Apollo, god of poetryReturn to text.
1139 glitteringReturn to text.
1140 metal hammered into very thin sheets and used to set off some gem or glittering stoneReturn to text.
1141 talkReturn to text.
1142 ultimatelyReturn to text.
1143 recompense, rewardReturn to text.
1144 the nymph Arethusa fled from a sea god, Alpheus; Diana turned her into a fountain, but he---a river---flowed under the sea and was thus united with herReturn to text.
1145 river, streamReturn to text.
1146 river running through Mantua, home of VirgilReturn to text.
1147 pastoral songReturn to text.
1148 Triton, a merman, son of Poseidon and Amphitrite, a NereidReturn to text.
1149 cruel, terrible, wickedReturn to text.
1150 rough, stormy, strongReturn to text.
1151 winds represented as great birdsReturn to text.
1152 pointed, hookedReturn to text.
1153 god of the winds [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
1154 water nymph [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
1155 during, subject toReturn to text.
1156 "Eclipses are misfortunes.... Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend, ed. Maria Leach (New York: Harper, 1972), p. 337Return to text.
1157 secret, foul, evilReturn to text.
1158 River Cam, which flows through Cambridge (and from which, of course, the town takes its name)Return to text.
1159 capReturn to text.
1160 made of reedlike plantsReturn to text.
1161 workedReturn to text.
1162 the hyacinthReturn to text.
1163 robbedReturn to text.
1164 childReturn to text.
1165 St. Peter, wearing a bishop's miter (headdress) and carrying the keys to Heaven's gatesReturn to text.
1166 violentlyReturn to text.
1167 enoughReturn to text.
1168 invitedReturn to text.
1169 the prosody is helped if "they are" is contracted: did Milton perhaps intend it to be sounded as spoken?Return to text.
1170 successful, prosperousReturn to text.
1171 likeReturn to text.
1172 trifling, showyReturn to text.
1173 feebleReturn to text.
1174 corrupt, foul, festering, virulentReturn to text.
1175 vaporReturn to text.
1176 breatheReturn to text.
1177 plague, pestilence, moral corruptionReturn to text.
1178 savage, cruelReturn to text.
1179 secretReturn to text.
1180 at a rapid pace, swiftly, right awayReturn to text.
1181 as Roy Flannagan has said, "perhaps the most famous crux in English literature"Return to text.
1182 see note 33 to line 85, aboveReturn to text.
1183 revered, authoritativeReturn to text.
1184 uncertain: perhaps Theocritus, pastoral poet, who may have been born in SicilyReturn to text.
1185 valleysReturn to text.
1186 as in "bluebells,""harebells," etc.Return to text.
1187 small flowersReturn to text.
1188 are customaryReturn to text.
1189 playful, sportiveReturn to text.
1190 new, greenReturn to text.
1191 a hollow among hillsReturn to text.
1192 the Dog Star, SiriusReturn to text.
1193 frugally, abstemiouslyReturn to text.
1194 clever, lovely, daintyReturn to text.
1195 the colored center of flowersReturn to text.
1196 spring, springlikeReturn to text.
1197 earlyReturn to text.
1198 fleckedReturn to text.
1199 sober, steadfast, constant, mournfulReturn to text.
1200 crowned with laurelReturn to text.
1201 wood frame to hold flowers; funeral carriageReturn to text.
1202 introduce, put forwardReturn to text.
1203 islands off the Scottish coastReturn to text.
1204 engulfing, submergingReturn to text.
1205 the sea was thought to be full of monstersReturn to text.
1206 tear-strewnReturn to text.
1207 i.e., we pray for you to be returned, but our prayers ("vows") are deniedReturn to text.
1208 the Roman name for Land's End, in Cornwall; perhaps a reference to some Cornish giant---or perhaps (since Milton first wrote and then crossed out "Corineus") inserted strictly for prosodic reasonsReturn to text.
1209 Mount St. Michael's, near Land's End in Cornwall, and across the English Channel from Mont-St.-Michel, in FranceReturn to text.
1210 in SpainReturn to text.
1211 a fortress ("hold") near Cape Finisterre, in SpainReturn to text.
1212 pity, compassionReturn to text.
1213 carry, transportReturn to text.
1214 i.e., the sunReturn to text.
1215 soon, in a little whileReturn to text.
1216 to restore, renew, mendReturn to text.
1217 dressesReturn to text.
1218 precious metal, here clearly "gold"Return to text.
1219 muddy, dampReturn to text.
1220 bathes, washesReturn to text.
1221 inexpressibleReturn to text.
1222 grand, sacred, formalReturn to text.
1223 companies, groups, bandsReturn to text.
1224 fellowshipsReturn to text.
1225 goReturn to text.
1226 guardian spiritReturn to text.
1227 ampleReturn to text.
1228 reparation, compensationReturn to text.
1229 unpolished, roughReturn to text.
1230 streamsReturn to text.
1231 reeds, pipes, flutesReturn to text.
1232 pastoralReturn to text.
1233 extended acrossReturn to text.
1234 pulled around himReturn to text.
1235 prosodyReturn to text.
1236 the Latin urget, which Horace uses here, means "presses down on"Return to text.
1237 simpleReturn to text.
1238 elegance, styleReturn to text.
1239 unaccustomedReturn to text.
1240 to be surprised, astonished, to marvel atReturn to text.
1241 too readily believedReturn to text.
1242 at leisure, unoccupiedReturn to text.
1243 lucklessReturn to text.
1244 untestedReturn to text.
1245 votive offeringReturn to text.
1246 [noun: the Latin is tabula sacer votiva]: David Ferry's 1997 translation renders these lines "The votive tablet on the temple wall Is witness that in tribute to the god I have hung up my sea-soaked garment there."Return to text.
1247 i.e., dedicated/given them to the godReturn to text.
1248 clothingReturn to text.
1249 (1) episcopacy had been formally abolished in 1643 (bishops having been members of the House of Lords); (2) in addition, the chief prelate had been the much-hated Archbishop William Laud---whose name, in British English, is virtually a homonym of "lord"Return to text.
1250 resolute, inflexibleReturn to text.
1251 in 1645 the House of Commons banned either public or private use of the Book of Common PrayerReturn to text.
1252 i.e., holding more than one clerical post at a time, as Anglicans had, was a practice being indulged in by Presbyterian clergymen as wellReturn to text.
1253 swear an oath (to)Return to text.
1254 presbyterian synod (unit of administration)Return to text.
1255 Adam Stewart, member of Parliament and propagandist for orthodox Pres byterianism; he affixed only his initials to the pamphlets he publishedReturn to text.
1256 Samuel Rutherford, a Scot, author of Plea for Presbytery (1642)Return to text.
1257 Thomas Edwards, author of Gangraena: a catalogue and discovery of many of the errors, heresies, blasphemies, and pernicious practices of the sectaries of this time (1646)Return to text.
1258 Robert Baillie, a Scot who attacked the IndependentsReturn to text.
1259 the Council of Trent, 1545--63, attempted but failed to effect Church reformsReturn to text.
1260 leather accouterments worn, at prayer, by Jews: here, a symbol of open hypocrisyReturn to text.
1261 already cropped: William Prynne (a barrister), the onetime Puritan pamphleteer and then member of the House of Commons, had been thus punished in 1634 (and punished again, for the same offense, in 1637, at which time his cheeks were branded) for criticizing the bishopsReturn to text.
1262 Psalms 80--88, rather dully translated in 1648---that is, five years earlier than Psalms 1--8---are here omitted; they make no significant contribution either to Milton's English poetry or to the study thereofReturn to text.
1263 grain husks, separated out by threshing or winnowingReturn to text.
1264 winnowed, threshedReturn to text.
1265 endure, withstandReturn to text.
1266 put up with, endureReturn to text.
1267 [noun]Return to text.
1268 heathen, pagansReturn to text.
1269 [verb]Return to text.
1270 ponderReturn to text.
1271 stand erectReturn to text.
1272 meetings, assembliesReturn to text.
1273 deride, mockReturn to text.
1274 rigorous, unsparingReturn to text.
1275 fierce, terrible, direReturn to text.
1276 mercilessReturn to text.
1277 anger, wrathReturn to text.
1278 afflictReturn to text.
1279 ruled, governedReturn to text.
1280 crushedReturn to text.
1281 (1) fully, (2) finally, at lastReturn to text.
1282 disinclinedReturn to text.
1283 be conversant withReturn to text.
1284 in the way = therebyReturn to text.
1285 dryReturn to text.
1286 support, relianceReturn to text.
1287 King DavidReturn to text.
1288 his rebellious sonReturn to text.
1289 lifeReturn to text.
1290 quicklyReturn to text.
1291 mob, rabble, herdReturn to text.
1292 set, arrangeReturn to text.
1293 tentsReturn to text.
1294 struckReturn to text.
1295 righteous deeds, conformity to the requirements of divine lawReturn to text.
1296 sore need, difficultiesReturn to text.
1297 liberate, deliver from bondageReturn to text.
1298 freeReturn to text.
1299 tolerated, enduredReturn to text.
1300 what time = whenReturn to text.
1301 terrified, filled with reverential fearReturn to text.
1302 faithful, rightful, correct, appropriate [adjective]Return to text.
1303 kind, crowdReturn to text.
1304 excessive quantityReturn to text.
1305 supplies, stocksReturn to text.
1306 clogReturn to text.
1307 landsReturn to text.
1308 grainsReturn to text.
1309 devotional/contemplative exerciseReturn to text.
1310 i.e., "give weight to my meditations"Return to text.
1311 deliberate judgmentReturn to text.
1312 arrangeReturn to text.
1313 tarrying, expectationReturn to text.
1314 endureReturn to text.
1315 wickednessReturn to text.
1316 deceitful, treacherousReturn to text.
1317 in Thy fear = in fear of YouReturn to text.
1318 humblyReturn to text.
1319 watch, notice, inspectReturn to text.
1320 sinReturn to text.
1321 in front of (the place)Return to text.
1322 i.e., he who has a....Return to text.
1323 unreliable, vacillatingReturn to text.
1324 trueReturn to text.
1325 destroyed, crushedReturn to text.
1326 continually, alwaysReturn to text.
1327 rebuke, find fault withReturn to text.
1328 set right, repairReturn to text.
1329 bedReturn to text.
1330 wastes, burns awayReturn to text.
1331 grownReturn to text.
1332 watch, noticeReturn to text.
1333 wickednessReturn to text.
1334 petition, entreatyReturn to text.
1335 acknowledgeReturn to text.
1336 nonplussed, prostratedReturn to text.
1337 struck, destroyed, confounded, frustratedReturn to text.
1338 disconcertedReturn to text.
1339 belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of ancient IsraelReturn to text.
1340 King David, the PsalmistReturn to text.
1341 worked, doneReturn to text.
1342 given in returnReturn to text.
1343 nothing---i.e., without any fee or ransomReturn to text.
1344 crushReturn to text.
1345 deposit, placeReturn to text.
1346 anger, wrathReturn to text.
1347 press forward, drive, pursueReturn to text.
1348 keep watchReturn to text.
1349 furyReturn to text.
1350 appease, soften, mitigateReturn to text.
1351 i.e., on earthReturn to text.
1352 pledge, promiseReturn to text.
1353 creationReturn to text.
1354 wrongly ("do" = "act")Return to text.
1355 set up, placeReturn to text.
1356 securelyReturn to text.
1357 separates, distinguishesReturn to text.
1358 kidneysReturn to text.
1359 ultimately, in the endReturn to text.
1360 strict, rigorous, unsparingReturn to text.
1361 desist, abstainReturn to text.
1362 sharpensReturn to text.
1363 remainsReturn to text.
1364 pursue (maliciously), hunt, harass, oppressReturn to text.
1365 he who ( not God)Return to text.
1366 pompousReturn to text.
1367 dugReturn to text.
1368 appropriate, fittingReturn to text.
1369 pathReturn to text.
1370 track, way of lifeReturn to text.
1371 headReturn to text.
1372 precipitous, headlongReturn to text.
1373 stir up, incite, stimulateReturn to text.
1374 moldedReturn to text.
1375 cut short, checkReturn to text.
1376 weakenReturn to text.
1377 called into beingReturn to text.
1378 byReturn to text.
1379 (1) high rank, power, (2) pomp, dignityReturn to text.
1380 i.e., are metReturn to text.
1381 scarcityReturn to text.
1382 metricReturn to text.
1383 iambic pentameterReturn to text.
1384 substance, contentReturn to text.
1385 differentlyReturn to text.
1386 prosodyReturn to text.
1387 proper, appropriateReturn to text.
1388 common, ordinary, uneducatedReturn to text.
1389 consideredReturn to text.
1390 most appropriatelyReturn to text.
1391 timeReturn to text.
1392 aboutReturn to text.
1393 ancient IsraelReturn to text.
1394 deadly, fatalReturn to text.
1395 ChristReturn to text.
1396 Horeb = Sinai, in Exodus and DeuteronomyReturn to text.
1397 Moses, who was thought to have been the author of GenesisReturn to text.
1398 the JewsReturn to text.
1399 site of the Temple, in JerusalemReturn to text.
1400 Siloam, near JerusalemReturn to text.
1401 fast by = close, very nearReturn to text.
1402 the templeReturn to text.
1403 (1) perilous, rash, risky, (2) enterprisingReturn to text.
1404 Mount Parnassus, sacred to Apollo and to the MusesReturn to text.
1405 not specified: the basic nature of the Godhead?Return to text.
1406 in preference to, rather thanReturn to text.
1407 (1) hatching eggs by sitting on them, (2) meditatingReturn to text.
1408 ignorant, obscure, blindReturn to text.
1409 great, originalReturn to text.
1410 move awayReturn to text.
1411 on account ofReturn to text.
1412 celestialReturn to text.
1413 horrible, frightful, terrificReturn to text.
1414 conflagration, burningReturn to text.
1415 final damnationReturn to text.
1416 unbreakableReturn to text.
1417 (1) punishing, (2) severeReturn to text.
1418 detestable, abominableReturn to text.
1419 army, band, gang, mobReturn to text.
1420 abyssReturn to text.
1421 brought to nought, shamedReturn to text.
1422 sentence, judgment (punishment)Return to text.
1423 kept, retained, preservedReturn to text.
1424 (1) full of active evil, (2) full of pain and sufferingReturn to text.
1425 attested to, were evidence ofReturn to text.
1426 hardened to evil, unyieldingReturn to text.
1427 power of visionReturn to text.
1428 disastrous, dreadful, calamitousReturn to text.
1429 barrenReturn to text.
1430 (1) desolate, (2) fantasticReturn to text.
1431 reveal, showReturn to text.
1432 presses forwardReturn to text.
1433 never used upReturn to text.
1434 lot, destiny, fateReturn to text.
1435 rolling, tumblingReturn to text.
1436 BeèlzebubReturn to text.
1437 blessèd, fortunateReturn to text.
1438 countless numbersReturn to text.
1439 covenantReturn to text.
1440 strifeReturn to text.
1441 [five syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
1442 hostileReturn to text.
1443 uncertain, undeterminedReturn to text.
1444 cultivationReturn to text.
1445 to petition, begReturn to text.
1446 favor, pardon, mercyReturn to text.
1447 humbly petitioning, bentReturn to text.
1448 because ofReturn to text.
1449 fearReturn to text.
1450 recentlyReturn to text.
1451 feared forReturn to text.
1452 heavenly, pure fireReturn to text.
1453 care for/prediction of the futureReturn to text.
1454 raised, moved forwardReturn to text.
1455 boasting, braggingReturn to text.
1456 comrade, of equal rankReturn to text.
1457 sixth of the nine angelic ordersReturn to text.
1458 first of the nine angelic ordersReturn to text.
1459 guidance, leadershipReturn to text.
1460 eternal, everlastingReturn to text.
1461 test, trialReturn to text.
1462 regretReturn to text.
1463 entities, beingsReturn to text.
1464 unconquerableReturn to text.
1465 perforce, of necessityReturn to text.
1466 wholeReturn to text.
1467 permit, allowReturn to text.
1468 strengthenReturn to text.
1469 satisfyReturn to text.
1470 slaves, bondsmenReturn to text.
1471 anythingReturn to text.
1472 alwaysReturn to text.
1473 interfere with, interruptReturn to text.
1474 purposes, directionsReturn to text.
1475 intended, designedReturn to text.
1476 dischargeReturn to text.
1477 caused to subside, laid to restReturn to text.
1478 billows, wavesReturn to text.
1479 wasteReturn to text.
1480 satiated, gluttedReturn to text.
1481 bluish leaden-coloredReturn to text.
1482 direct our course, move towardReturn to text.
1483 lodge, take shelter, be containedReturn to text.
1484 mortified, troubledReturn to text.
1485 attack, hurt, damageReturn to text.
1486 companion, associateReturn to text.
1487 waterReturn to text.
1488 rod = 5 / yardsReturn to text.
1489 Titans: Briareos, in the next line, is oneReturn to text.
1490 giants: Typhon, in the next line, is oneReturn to text.
1491 biblical city in Cilicia (Asia Minor), north of CyprusReturn to text.
1492 hadReturn to text.
1493 (1) sea monster often analogized and linked to Satan, (2) whaleReturn to text.
1494 perhaps, by chanceReturn to text.
1495 foaming water, the seaReturn to text.
1496 "foundered" can mean "sunk" here, it may mean "stuck, mired"Return to text.
1497 concluding, considering, thinking that it (i.e., Leviathan)Return to text.
1498 skin, outer surfaceReturn to text.
1499 on the sheltered side, the side away from the windReturn to text.
1500 covers, clothesReturn to text.
1501 lifted, raisedReturn to text.
1502 discomfiture, ruin, perplexityReturn to text.
1503 immediately, at onceReturn to text.
1504 spread outReturn to text.
1505 lying his weight uponReturn to text.
1506 descends, settlesReturn to text.
1507 so, the likeReturn to text.
1508 form, appearanceReturn to text.
1509 Sicilian promontory, near Mount Etna (an active volcano, then and now)Return to text.
1510 (1) vaporized, (2) transmutedReturn to text.
1511 lowlandReturn to text.
1512 wrapped, enfoldedReturn to text.
1513 infernal, hellishReturn to text.
1514 (1) literally, the River Styx, but metaphorically death, (2) by analogy, this particular burning lakeReturn to text.
1515 still beingReturn to text.
1516 consent, tolerationReturn to text.
1517 heavenlyReturn to text.
1518 residenceReturn to text.
1519 regulate, controlReturn to text.
1520 commandReturn to text.
1521 deepestReturn to text.
1522 just barelyReturn to text.
1523 stunned, bewilderedReturn to text.
1524 unmindful: this is not Lethe, which induces forgetting (oblivion), as Milton makes clear, later, in Book 2, lines 606--10Return to text.
1525 abodeReturn to text.
1526 defeated, overthrown, balked, frustratedReturn to text.
1527 a guarantee, securityReturn to text.
1528 stunnedReturn to text.
1529 overwhelmedReturn to text.
1530 wicked, fatalReturn to text.
1531 celestialReturn to text.
1532 hardnessReturn to text.
1533 Italian: GalileoReturn to text.
1534 practical scientist, learned manReturn to text.
1535 discover, make knownReturn to text.
1536 spotted, patchyReturn to text.
1537 admiral's ship, flagshipReturn to text.
1538 straight slender stickReturn to text.
1539 difficult, troublesomeReturn to text.
1540 soilReturn to text.
1541 beat/shone stronglyReturn to text.
1542 covered, roofedReturn to text.
1543 neverthelessReturn to text.
1544 burning, glowingReturn to text.
1545 in a trance, overpoweredReturn to text.
1546 monastery south of FlorenceReturn to text.
1547 EtruscanReturn to text.
1548 give shelterReturn to text.
1549 rushlike/reedlike plantsReturn to text.
1550 the constellation of Orion is associated with winter stormsReturn to text.
1551 troubled, agitatedReturn to text.
1552 Egyptian pharaoh who oppressed the captive IsraelitesReturn to text.
1553 Egyptian (Memphis = city in ancient Egypt)Return to text.
1554 knights, horsemenReturn to text.
1555 treacherousReturn to text.
1556 temporary residentsReturn to text.
1557 where the captive Israelites lived, in EgyptReturn to text.
1558 brought low, cast downReturn to text.
1559 stupefactionReturn to text.
1560 revolting, immenseReturn to text.
1561 rulersReturn to text.
1562 insensibility, mental prostrationReturn to text.
1563 power, force, strengthReturn to text.
1564 banners, flagsReturn to text.
1565 soonReturn to text.
1566 impale, pierce throughReturn to text.
1567 abyssReturn to text.
1568 briskly, quicklyReturn to text.
1569 accustomedReturn to text.
1570 MosesReturn to text.
1571 blackReturn to text.
1572 floating/whirling through the airReturn to text.
1573 vaultReturn to text.
1574 descend, settleReturn to text.
1575 solidReturn to text.
1576 burning stone, sulfurReturn to text.
1577 Goths and VikingsReturn to text.
1578 DanubeReturn to text.
1579 down fromReturn to text.
1580 at onceReturn to text.
1581 surpassingReturn to text.
1582 at first, originallyReturn to text.
1583 God's record of the righteousReturn to text.
1584 toleration, consentReturn to text.
1585 testingReturn to text.
1586 showyReturn to text.
1587 bedReturn to text.
1588 shoreReturn to text.
1589 of mixed and disorderly compositionReturn to text.
1590 at a distanceReturn to text.
1591 most, the bulkReturn to text.
1592 placeReturn to text.
1593 to face (defiantly)? await?Return to text.
1594 desecrated, violatedReturn to text.
1595 to insult, defyReturn to text.
1596 percussion instrument, tambourinelikeReturn to text.
1597 savage, cruel, fierce, harshReturn to text.
1598 a Semitic people who lived in Jordan; they were related to the Israelites but often at war with themReturn to text.
1599 now AmmanReturn to text.
1600 in Bashan region; included in the sixth province of Solomon's kingdomReturn to text.
1601 modern BashanReturn to text.
1602 river flowing into the Dead SeaReturn to text.
1603 shameless, daringReturn to text.
1604 Moloch'sReturn to text.
1605 scandalous, disgracefulReturn to text.
1606 Gehinnom, valley SW of JerusalemReturn to text.
1607 high place in the valley of Hinnom, where children were sacrificed to MolochReturn to text.
1608 place of future torment, hellReturn to text.
1609 symbol, modelReturn to text.
1610 the Moabites' godReturn to text.
1611 filthyReturn to text.
1612 object of fear/reverenceReturn to text.
1613 like the Ammonites, the Moabites were located in Jordan and related to the Israelites, with whom they often warredReturn to text.
1614 see Deuteronomy 3:12Return to text.
1615 a mountain in the Moabite region: see Isaiah 15:2Return to text.
1616 linked to Nebo (see footnote 219, above)Return to text.
1617 Hesebon = Moabite cityReturn to text.
1618 see Isaiah 15:5Return to text.
1619 Sehon = king of the Amorites, the pre-Israelite people of CanaanReturn to text.
1620 Moabite townReturn to text.
1621 Moabite cityReturn to text.
1622 the Dead SeaReturn to text.
1623 Peor = Baal-Peor, Canaanite god associated with sexual orgies on Mt. Peor, in the Moabite regionReturn to text.
1624 Israelite campsite near JerichoReturn to text.
1625 i.e., EgyptReturn to text.
1626 lewd, lasciviousReturn to text.
1627 the Mount of Olives: see also line 403, above, and the footnote theretoReturn to text.
1628 hard by = close toReturn to text.
1629 king of Judea, 637--608 B.C., a religious reformerReturn to text.
1630 a major Mesopotamian riverReturn to text.
1631 the River EsorReturn to text.
1632 plural of "Baal," in HebrewReturn to text.
1633 plural of "Ashtoreth," in HebrewReturn to text.
1634 uncombined, unmixedReturn to text.
1635 basedReturn to text.
1636 cumbersome: clumsy, unwieldyReturn to text.
1637 expandedReturn to text.
1638 ill will, hatredReturn to text.
1639 unfilled, uncrowdedReturn to text.
1640 vile, wretched [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
1641 see line 422, aboveReturn to text.
1642 Sidon, Syrian city of the Phoenicians; now in LebanonReturn to text.
1643 hill in Jerusalem, site of the TempleReturn to text.
1644 displeasingReturn to text.
1645 excessively fond of one's wifeReturn to text.
1646 SolomonReturn to text.
1647 or Tammuz, Babylonian-Sumerian god (known elsewhere as Adonis, Osiris, etc.), carried off to the underworld but redeemed by Ishtar, chief Babylonian-Sumerian goddess, because life on earth had withered in his absenceReturn to text.
1648 the river, which originates in LebanonReturn to text.
1649 antechamber/entranceway to the templeReturn to text.
1650 prophet of the Babylonian exile of the Israelites, sixth century B.C.Return to text.
1651 the southern of the two kingdoms into which Israel was divided, after Sol omon's death; the northern kingdom retained the name IsraelReturn to text.
1652 captured by the PhilistinesReturn to text.
1653 placed in Dagon's temple, overnight the ark toppled Dagon's statue, knocking off the head and both handsReturn to text.
1654 threshold-edgeReturn to text.
1655 (1) still, at that time, (2) neverthelessReturn to text.
1656 Ashdod, major Philistine cityReturn to text.
1657 a major Philistine cityReturn to text.
1658 a major Philistine cityReturn to text.
1659 Ekron: a major Philistine cityReturn to text.
1660 a major Philistine cityReturn to text.
1661 Syrian godReturn to text.
1662 river in Damascus [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
1663 river near DamascusReturn to text.
1664 clear, pellucid, translucent, shiningReturn to text.
1665 riversReturn to text.
1666 Naaman, cured by Elisha, ninth century B.C. prophet of Israel, disciple of and successor to ElijahReturn to text.
1667 Ahaz, king of Judah, eighth century B.C.Return to text.
1668 i.e., Rimmon'sReturn to text.
1669 stupid, foolishReturn to text.
1670 inducedReturn to text.
1671 i.e., AhazReturn to text.
1672 Osiris was husband to Isis; Horus (Orus) was their sonReturn to text.
1673 tricked, deceived, imposed uponReturn to text.
1674 produced, made upReturn to text.
1675 linked to Apis, the sacred bull of EgyptReturn to text.
1676 Horeb: the mountain where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments; the Israelites waiting below demanded an idol to worship and Aaron, taking their gold jewelry, melted it and made them a golden calfReturn to text.
1677 Jeroboam, king of Judah, 930--910 B.C., made not one but two golden calves for his people to worshipReturn to text.
1678 holy site, north of JerusalemReturn to text.
1679 holy site in far northern PalestineReturn to text.
1680 "They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped the molten [golden] image,/Thus they changed their glory [i.e., God] into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass." Psalm 106:19--20Return to text.
1681 by extension, the IsraelitesReturn to text.
1682 made equalReturn to text.
1683 "For I [the Lord] will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast, and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment." Exodus 12:12Return to text.
1684 "wickedness"Return to text.
1685 monstrous, flagrantReturn to text.
1686 see I Samuel 2:12--17Return to text.
1687 (1) lecherous, unchaste, outrageous, (2) given to luxuryReturn to text.
1688 debauchery, dissipation, extravagance, loose living, etc.Return to text.
1689 wrongful treatment, violation of another's rightsReturn to text.
1690 intemperance, excess, violent/disorderly behaviorReturn to text.
1691 a common Puritan insult, borrowed from the Hebrew bene Belial,"sons of Belial"Return to text.
1692 inflatedReturn to text.
1693 a city in the Jordan plain, destroyed by God because of its wickednessReturn to text.
1694 see Judges 19:22--30Return to text.
1695 cast outReturn to text.
1696 married woman (though in fact the woman was a concubine)Return to text.
1697 i.e., homosexual rape of a manReturn to text.
1698 primaryReturn to text.
1699 widelyReturn to text.
1700 celebrated, famousReturn to text.
1701 Javan = Ion: his issue were the Ionian (western Asia Minor) GreeksReturn to text.
1702 admitted, acknowledgedReturn to text.
1703 Uranus' oldest son, Saturn's older brotherReturn to text.
1704 Saturn, overthrown by JoveReturn to text.
1705 Uranus' daughter, Cronus' wifeReturn to text.
1706 like measure = equal treatmentReturn to text.
1707 Mount Ida (in Crete)Return to text.
1708 mountain in Thessaly: the gods' homeReturn to text.
1709 true heaven is the highest; the middle air is for demons---and for the Greek gods, according to Milton; in the lower air is the earth (and Hades underneath it)Return to text.
1710 or = whetherReturn to text.
1711 the oracle of Apollo at DelphiReturn to text.
1712 the oracle of Zeus at DodonaReturn to text.
1713 boundaries, limitsReturn to text.
1714 Doric land = southern GreeceReturn to text.
1715 the Adriatic SeaReturn to text.
1716 western, ItalianReturn to text.
1717 i.e., Britain and IrelandReturn to text.
1718 dejectedReturn to text.
1719 hiddenReturn to text.
1720 SatanReturn to text.
1721 a similarReturn to text.
1722 uncertain, unsettledReturn to text.
1723 appearanceReturn to text.
1724 accustomedReturn to text.
1725 appearanceReturn to text.
1726 immediatelyReturn to text.
1727 a form of trumpet, shrill-soundingReturn to text.
1728 raisedReturn to text.
1729 banner, flagReturn to text.
1730 in Judaism, the very personification of impurity, an archdemonReturn to text.
1731 flagpoleReturn to text.
1732 presented, put forwardReturn to text.
1733 vault, hollowReturn to text.
1734 realmReturn to text.
1735 brilliant, sparkling, radiant, lustrousReturn to text.
1736 helmetsReturn to text.
1737 pressed close togetherReturn to text.
1738 quicklyReturn to text.
1739 close-packed battle array, sixteen-man-deep square, perfected by the RomansReturn to text.
1740 mode, scaleReturn to text.
1741 wooden flutes, not held transversely, as is the flute properly so calledReturn to text.
1742 composure, state of mindReturn to text.
1743 lackingReturn to text.
1744 mollify, appeaseReturn to text.
1745 assuage: soften, pacifyReturn to text.
1746 bristling, frightfulReturn to text.
1747 battle lineReturn to text.
1748 fearfully/exceedingly longReturn to text.
1749 weaponsReturn to text.
1750 semblance, external appearanceReturn to text.
1751 arrangedReturn to text.
1752 lay on, giveReturn to text.
1753 rowsReturn to text.
1754 passing across, side to side (in ranks) rather than front to back (in files)Return to text.
1755 properReturn to text.
1756 counts upReturn to text.
1757 swells, expandsReturn to text.
1758 (1) actual, concrete, (2) joined in one group/bodyReturn to text.
1759 mentioned (for purposes of comparison)Return to text.
1760 be entitled to, be deserving ofReturn to text.
1761 i.e., any more thanReturn to text.
1762 pygmies: the battle is in Homer's Iliad, III:1--5; Milton returns to it in lines 780--81, belowReturn to text.
1763 in Chalcidice, where the giants warred with the godsReturn to text.
1764 part of the Oedipus story: see Aeschylus, The Seven Against ThebesReturn to text.
1765 TroyReturn to text.
1766 auxiliaryReturn to text.
1767 echoes, ringsReturn to text.
1768 King ArthurReturn to text.
1769 surrounded byReturn to text.
1770 of BrittanyReturn to text.
1771 knightly combat (pronounced "justed")Return to text.
1772 castle near Nice, where Charlemagne foughtReturn to text.
1773 Rinaldo's castle: see Ariosto, Orlando FuriosoReturn to text.
1774 Damascus, where Moslem and Christian knights jousted, in Orlando FuriosoReturn to text.
1775 Morocco (city): see footnote 396, belowReturn to text.
1776 on the southern coast of the Black SeaReturn to text.
1777 Bizerta, in Tunisia, like Morocco a famous site of knightly tournamentsReturn to text.
1778 in La Chanson de Roland, it is Roland rather than Charlemagne who dies at Roncevaux, not far from FontarabbiaReturn to text.
1779 with (merely)Return to text.
1780 revered, fearedReturn to text.
1781 ominous, ill-bodingReturn to text.
1782 sprinkles, lets fall on, pours out, dropsReturn to text.
1783 confuses, makes uncertainReturn to text.
1784 furrowedReturn to text.
1785 deliberate, prudentReturn to text.
1786 droppedReturn to text.
1787 partners, colleaguesReturn to text.
1788 fate, destinyReturn to text.
1789 punishedReturn to text.
1790 blast/scorch/sear with fire/heatReturn to text.
1791 noble, majestic, imposingReturn to text.
1792 blighted, witheredReturn to text.
1793 tried, attemptedReturn to text.
1794 in spite of = with contempt forReturn to text.
1795 exceptReturn to text.
1796 outcomeReturn to text.
1797 dreadful, terribleReturn to text.
1798 predictingReturn to text.
1799 rebuff, being forced/driven backReturn to text.
1800 powerfulReturn to text.
1801 armiesReturn to text.
1802 judgment, opinion, directionReturn to text.
1803 at full = completelyReturn to text.
1804 workedReturn to text.
1805 "His strength"Return to text.
1806 act, businessReturn to text.
1807 secret, confidentialReturn to text.
1808 plan, schemeReturn to text.
1809 brought about, accomplishedReturn to text.
1810 discoverReturn to text.
1811 common, prevalentReturn to text.
1812 rumorReturn to text.
1813 special, select [adjective]Return to text.
1814 attention, considerationReturn to text.
1815 breaking/bursting forthReturn to text.
1816 hide, wrapReturn to text.
1817 i.e., from scabbards strapped to their thighsReturn to text.
1818 (1) very much, (2) proudly, arrogantlyReturn to text.
1819 clutched and held firmlyReturn to text.
1820 reverberating, sonorousReturn to text.
1821 ugly, horribleReturn to text.
1822 "the whole rest"Return to text.
1823 a scale/crust (of hardened sulfur, combined with volcanic flow)Return to text.
1824 current science taught that metals formed by mercury combining with sulfurReturn to text.
1825 soldiers with shovels and axesReturn to text.
1826 run in front of, precedeReturn to text.
1827 dig trenches inReturn to text.
1828 to throw up, with shovels or spadesReturn to text.
1829 defensive mound, usually of earthReturn to text.
1830 upright, elevatedReturn to text.
1831 aught...else = anyone elseReturn to text.
1832 blessedReturn to text.
1833 (of the earth)Return to text.
1834 plundered, robbedReturn to text.
1835 veins (of ore)Return to text.
1836 be surprised/amazed/astonishedReturn to text.
1837 curseReturn to text.
1838 (1) brag of, (2) glory inReturn to text.
1839 EgyptianReturn to text.
1840 condemned, depraved, rejected by GodReturn to text.
1841 i.e., Memphian kings et al.Return to text.
1842 nearReturn to text.
1843 pitsReturn to text.
1844 drawnReturn to text.
1845 skillReturn to text.
1846 meltedReturn to text.
1847 denseReturn to text.
1848 separatingReturn to text.
1849 skimmedReturn to text.
1850 golden dregsReturn to text.
1851 as soon = quicklyReturn to text.
1852 versatileReturn to text.
1853 unknownReturn to text.
1854 soonReturn to text.
1855 structure, buildingReturn to text.
1856 sweet, pleasingReturn to text.
1857 harmonious musicReturn to text.
1858 pillars, columnsReturn to text.
1859 a form of Greek architectureReturn to text.
1860 support beams of various typesReturn to text.
1861 lackReturn to text.
1862 ornamental moldingReturn to text.
1863 decoration applied between the architrave and the corniceReturn to text.
1864 bossy sculptures = bas-relief sculpturesReturn to text.
1865 adorned, carvedReturn to text.
1866 ancient Memphis, near modern CairoReturn to text.
1867 Belus or Serapis = Baal or OsirisReturn to text.
1868 enthrone, establishReturn to text.
1869 lofty/large building/structureReturn to text.
1870 (1) located, established, (2) firm, stableReturn to text.
1871 (1) brass, (2) hardened in their effronteryReturn to text.
1872 revealReturn to text.
1873 suspended, hungReturn to text.
1874 intricate, delicate, skillful, expert, ingeniousReturn to text.
1875 firepotsReturn to text.
1876 swift, hurryingReturn to text.
1877 ItalianReturn to text.
1878 Mulciber = Hephaestus/VulcanReturn to text.
1879 talked idly, lied aboutReturn to text.
1880 steeply, perpendicularlyReturn to text.
1881 fortifications placed on top of wallsReturn to text.
1882 directly overheadReturn to text.
1883 tell, recountReturn to text.
1884 mob, rabbleReturn to text.
1885 machines, devicesReturn to text.
1886 hardworking, skillful, ingeniousReturn to text.
1887 solemnly impressive/majesticReturn to text.
1888 multitudeReturn to text.
1889 i.e., all the spirits/demonsReturn to text.
1890 precisely formedReturn to text.
1891 position, post, rankReturn to text.
1892 soon, quicklyReturn to text.
1893 escortedReturn to text.
1894 approachesReturn to text.
1895 were in the habit, accustomed toReturn to text.
1896 Sultan'sReturn to text.
1897 paganReturn to text.
1898 encounter, chargeReturn to text.
1899 outskirtsReturn to text.
1900 walk and speakReturn to text.
1901 closed in, compactedReturn to text.
1902 the HimalayasReturn to text.
1903 merrymakingReturn to text.
1904 tardy, late-comingReturn to text.
1905 person in chargeReturn to text.
1906 revolves, turns, rolls, movesReturn to text.
1907 way, onward movementReturn to text.
1908 joyfulReturn to text.
1909 i.e., the watching peasantReturn to text.
1910 at large = at liberty, freeReturn to text.
1911 sovereign establishmentReturn to text.
1912 assemblyReturn to text.
1913 crowdedReturn to text.
1914 isReturn to text.
1915 put forwardReturn to text.
1916 occupyReturn to text.
1917 abyssReturn to text.
1918 Persian Gulf city of great wealthReturn to text.
1919 IndiaReturn to text.
1920 showy, magnificentReturn to text.
1921 unsatisfiableReturn to text.
1922 (1) failure, misfortune, (2) result, sequel (to the first attempt)Return to text.
1923 abyssReturn to text.
1924 (1) strength, energy, (2) mental acuityReturn to text.
1925 the seventh of the nine angelic ordersReturn to text.
1926 "Although just right [fair law] at first created me....Return to text.
1927 regainedReturn to text.
1928 luckier, more fortunateReturn to text.
1929 goes along with, depends onReturn to text.
1930 rank, worth, honor, excellenceReturn to text.
1931 defensive structure, rampartReturn to text.
1932 political parties, intrigue, strifeReturn to text.
1933 afterReturn to text.
1934 (1) hope, (2) confidence, confident expectationReturn to text.
1935 caredReturn to text.
1936 opinion, judgmentReturn to text.
1937 injurious, abusive, disgracefulReturn to text.
1938 engine = mechanical device: God's chariot?Return to text.
1939 the deepest region of HadesReturn to text.
1940 unknown, unfamiliarReturn to text.
1941 drug, potionReturn to text.
1942 in book 1, line 266, an "oblivious pool"Return to text.
1943 intrinsic---i.e., that which inheres in Spirits/Angels, etc.Return to text.
1944 actively opposed (i.e., unnatural)Return to text.
1945 the hindmost portion of their armyReturn to text.
1946 attacking, assaultingReturn to text.
1947 result, outcomeReturn to text.
1948 horrible, disgustingReturn to text.
1949 [adjective]Return to text.
1950 harass, oppressReturn to text.
1951 slaves, serfsReturn to text.
1952 kindle, inflameReturn to text.
1953 essence, beingReturn to text.
1954 proclaimed, threatenedReturn to text.
1955 as God had dropped manna to the Israelites, in the desert, when they fled from EgyptReturn to text.
1956 complicate, confuseReturn to text.
1957 frustrate, destroyReturn to text.
1958 (1) companions, (2) high lordsReturn to text.
1959 prognosticationReturn to text.
1960 resultReturn to text.
1961 feats, deeds, actionsReturn to text.
1962 being brought to an end, deathReturn to text.
1963 goal, purposeReturn to text.
1964 objectReturn to text.
1965 dark, secretReturn to text.
1966 "if we could"Return to text.
1967 overthrow, defeatReturn to text.
1968 celestialReturn to text.
1969 distinctive nature/shapeReturn to text.
1970 evil, harmReturn to text.
1971 low, inferior, degradedReturn to text.
1972 absolute, lifeless, spiritlessReturn to text.
1973 employ, exerciseReturn to text.
1974 undo, releaseReturn to text.
1975 (1) intelligent existence, (2) superior intelligent existenceReturn to text.
1976 possibly, probablyReturn to text.
1977 ordainedReturn to text.
1978 set apartReturn to text.
1979 in full force of numbersReturn to text.
1980 interruptedReturn to text.
1981 overhanging, nearReturn to text.
1982 afflicting, shakingReturn to text.
1983 without reprieve/delayReturn to text.
1984 struggling, fightingReturn to text.
1985 thereforeReturn to text.
1986 occur, come to pass, resultReturn to text.
1987 dishonor, disgraceReturn to text.
1988 sentence, judgment, destinyReturn to text.
1989 discharge, withdraw, cancelReturn to text.
1990 distantReturn to text.
1991 remember, noticeReturn to text.
1992 unwholesomeReturn to text.
1993 habituated, accustomedReturn to text.
1994 adaptedReturn to text.
1995 announce, proclaimReturn to text.
1996 submission, obedience, homageReturn to text.
1997 for/byReturn to text.
1998 fromReturn to text.
1999 unfavorableReturn to text.
2000 showing, displaying, exhibitingReturn to text.
2001 lacksReturn to text.
2002 lackReturn to text.
2003 component partsReturn to text.
2004 perception, awareness, feeling [noun]Return to text.
2005 arrange, adjustReturn to text.
2006 exhausted after watching all nightReturn to text.
2007 sailing vessel (usually small)Return to text.
2008 small boat, schooner-rigged, often with two mastsReturn to text.
2009 opinion, judgmentReturn to text.
2010 battlefieldReturn to text.
2011 workedReturn to text.
2012 create, begin the building ofReturn to text.
2013 lowerReturn to text.
2014 statecraft, stratagemReturn to text.
2015 course, lapseReturn to text.
2016 ambitious rivalryReturn to text.
2017 opposed, hostileReturn to text.
2018 faceReturn to text.
2019 the Titan Atlas, on whose shoulders the entire world restedReturn to text.
2020 (1) the state of hearing, (2) receptionReturn to text.
2021 pronounced, judgedReturn to text.
2022 [five syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
2023 chain or strap fastened to the bit of a horse, in order to restrain itReturn to text.
2024 kept, storedReturn to text.
2025 golden scepterReturn to text.
2026 settled, fixed, resolvedReturn to text.
2027 overthrown, defeated, repulsedReturn to text.
2028 conferred, granted, allowed, permittedReturn to text.
2029 whip-strokes/lashesReturn to text.
2030 exchange, give backReturn to text.
2031 resistance, oppositionReturn to text.
2032 harvest, gain fromReturn to text.
2033 opportunityReturn to text.
2034 be lackingReturn to text.
2035 speed, promptnessReturn to text.
2036 bold/daring taskReturn to text.
2037 report, talkReturn to text.
2038 [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
2039 formReturn to text.
2040 endowedReturn to text.
2041 (1) judge, (2) sole and absolute rulerReturn to text.
2042 the world of manReturn to text.
2043 attack, assaultReturn to text.
2044 ruin, destroyReturn to text.
2045 direct (like cattle)Return to text.
2046 (1) inexperienced, (2) undersizedReturn to text.
2047 i.e., the first man, AdamReturn to text.
2048 overthrow, defeatReturn to text.
2049 Adam and Eve combined, metaphorically the root of all mankindReturn to text.
2050 high-ranking powers, beings of rank/status/importanceReturn to text.
2051 assemblyReturn to text.
2052 suitable, timelyReturn to text.
2053 safeReturn to text.
2054 precious, lustrousReturn to text.
2055 testReturn to text.
2056 touchable, tangible, perceptibleReturn to text.
2057 darknessReturn to text.
2058 unknownReturn to text.
2059 abyssReturn to text.
2060 (metaphorical)Return to text.
2061 sentries [Milton's spelling = prosodically necessary]Return to text.
2062 vote, collective decisionReturn to text.
2063 cautious, doubtful, uncertainReturn to text.
2064 stunned, paralyzedReturn to text.
2065 worthy, selectReturn to text.
2066 first in rank/degreeReturn to text.
2067 boldReturn to text.
2068 calm, collectedReturn to text.
2069 descendantsReturn to text.
2070 celestialReturn to text.
2071 hesitancyReturn to text.
2072 the high vault of hellReturn to text.
2073 excessive, cruelReturn to text.
2074 walls in, surrounds, imprisonsReturn to text.
2075 material of impregnable hardnessReturn to text.
2076 shutReturn to text.
2077 exitReturn to text.
2078 emptiness, vacuumReturn to text.
2079 vast, deepReturn to text.
2080 immaterialReturn to text.
2081 miscarrying, bringing to nothingReturn to text.
2082 great depth, abyssReturn to text.
2083 weight, importanceReturn to text.
2084 sovereignty, pompReturn to text.
2085 consider assiduously, apply oneself to thinking aboutReturn to text.
2086 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
2087 remedyReturn to text.
2088 incantation, spellReturn to text.
2089 relieve, delay, suspendReturn to text.
2090 reduce/diminishReturn to text.
2091 wretched, difficult, troublesomeReturn to text.
2092 abodeReturn to text.
2093 omitReturn to text.
2094 border (-lands)Return to text.
2095 participate in, shareReturn to text.
2096 byReturn to text.
2097 restored, roused, stirred up, animated, stimulatedReturn to text.
2098 esteem, reputationReturn to text.
2099 profoundly respectfulReturn to text.
2100 plausible but false [by A.D. 1651 the modern meaning]Return to text.
2101 incites, sets in motionReturn to text.
2102 secret, hiddenReturn to text.
2103 somber, wickedReturn to text.
2104 frowning, sullenReturn to text.
2105 atmospheric agency (the weather)Return to text.
2106 spreads out, stretches forthReturn to text.
2107 bear witness toReturn to text.
2108 settled, secure, steadfast, unwaveringReturn to text.
2109 harmony, agreement, peaceReturn to text.
2110 aloneReturn to text.
2111 possessed of, protected byReturn to text.
2112 undertake, imposeReturn to text.
2113 reconciliation, agreementReturn to text.
2114 enoughReturn to text.
2115 infernal, hellishReturn to text.
2116 overlordReturn to text.
2117 having a spherical form (or, in this case, a spherical arrangement/order)Return to text.
2118 heraldic devicesReturn to text.
2119 bristlingReturn to text.
2120 pronounce, announceReturn to text.
2121 kingly, magnificentReturn to text.
2122 resonant, sonorousReturn to text.
2123 trumpet made of a composite brass-based metal, shining like goldReturn to text.
2124 sent back, reflectedReturn to text.
2125 drawn up in ranksReturn to text.
2126 anxious, in doubt, troubledReturn to text.
2127 high upReturn to text.
2128 compete, strive earnestlyReturn to text.
2129 i.e., the games held at Olympia, in ElisReturn to text.
2130 second most important site of Greek games, held at Pythia, in Delphi, and in honor of ApolloReturn to text.
2131 practice checking/managing/controllingReturn to text.
2132 avoidReturn to text.
2133 column making a turn, in a chariot raceReturn to text.
2134 facingReturn to text.
2135 vanguardReturn to text.
2136 spur/urge forward their horsesReturn to text.
2137 lower (into fighting position)Return to text.
2138 densestReturn to text.
2139 come together, grappleReturn to text.
2140 skyReturn to text.
2141 Typhon/Typhoeus, a hundred-serpent-headed giant with a great voice, who fought against and was killed by Jove as soon as he was bornReturn to text.
2142 fierce, savage, cruel, terribleReturn to text.
2143 tearReturn to text.
2144 HerculesReturn to text.
2145 a kingdom on the large Greek island of Euboea, ruled by Eurytus, whose daughter, Iolé, was beloved by Hercules; Hercules was married and neither the girl's father nor Hercules' wife was pleasedReturn to text.
2146 sent to him by his wife, Deianeira, who believed (erroneously) it would win her back his loveReturn to text.
2147 Thessaly, in NE GreeceReturn to text.
2148 the innocent messenger who had brought him the poisoned robeReturn to text.
2149 mountain in south ThessalyReturn to text.
2150 the southern AegeanReturn to text.
2151 withdrawn, retired [adjective]Return to text.
2152 unluckyReturn to text.
2153 judgmentReturn to text.
2154 enslaveReturn to text.
2155 they complained that, at Fate's hands, free virtue was put in bondage to force or chanceReturn to text.
2156 prejudiced, biasedReturn to text.
2157 riveted the attention ofReturn to text.
2158 seizedReturn to text.
2159 communication of thought by speechReturn to text.
2160 "eloquence charms the soul, but....Return to text.
2161 secludedReturn to text.
2162 unyielding, hardened in evil, insensible to moral influenceReturn to text.
2163 dense, compactReturn to text.
2164 confident, daringReturn to text.
2165 reconnoiterReturn to text.
2166 extensively [adverb]Return to text.
2167 swift, rapidReturn to text.
2168 full of active evilReturn to text.
2169 riverReturn to text.
2170 [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
2171 forReturn to text.
2172 sorrowfulReturn to text.
2173 [trisyllabic, first---with "ph" pronounced as "f"---and third accented]Return to text.
2174 swift-flowing [adjective]Return to text.
2175 blaze upReturn to text.
2176 with rage = violentlyReturn to text.
2177 [bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
2178 like error, the river follows "a devious or wandering course" labyrinth = a mazeReturn to text.
2179 at onceReturn to text.
2180 riverReturn to text.
2181 mass, formReturn to text.
2182 large structure, buildingReturn to text.
2183 abyssReturn to text.
2184 deepReturn to text.
2185 Egyptian lake, bordered by quicksandReturn to text.
2186 Damietta/Tamiathis: city at the mouth of the NileReturn to text.
2187 mountain range bordering on EgyptReturn to text.
2188 to dry/shrivel/wither with coldReturn to text.
2189 intensely cold, frostlikeReturn to text.
2190 brings about, works, achievesReturn to text.
2191 draggedReturn to text.
2192 turnings of celestial bodies, timesReturn to text.
2193 i.e., going fromReturn to text.
2194 wither, perishReturn to text.
2195 suffer, languishReturn to text.
2196 for periodsReturn to text.
2197 resists, stands in the way, opposesReturn to text.
2198 one of three Gorgons; there are writhing serpents all over her head; those who look at her are turned to stoneReturn to text.
2199 fleesReturn to text.
2200 creature, living beingReturn to text.
2201 condemned to remain in a pool filled with water that moves away whenever he attempts to drinkReturn to text.
2202 [first syllable accented]Return to text.
2203 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
2204 for evil only good = good only for evilReturn to text.
2205 abnormal, unnaturalReturn to text.
2206 pretended, inventedReturn to text.
2207 see line 611, aboveReturn to text.
2208 many-headed serpent; the heads immediately grow back if cut offReturn to text.
2209 fire-breathing monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tailReturn to text.
2210 purpose, intentionReturn to text.
2211 brings to bear (as one "puts on" speed)Return to text.
2212 conductsReturn to text.
2213 moves rapidly alongReturn to text.
2214 comes exceedingly closeReturn to text.
2215 vault of hellReturn to text.
2216 caught sight ofReturn to text.
2217 by means ofReturn to text.
2218 equatorialReturn to text.
2219 i.e., close to the wind, with sail tacks hauled closeReturn to text.
2220 BengalReturn to text.
2221 Ternate and Tidore = Moluccan (spice) islandsReturn to text.
2222 winds that blow steadily in one direction are "trade winds"---i.e., useful for trading vesselsReturn to text.
2223 moving water, "tide" (metaphorical)Return to text.
2224 Indian Ocean, near northeastern AfricaReturn to text.
2225 Cape of Good Hope, at the southern tip of AfricaReturn to text.
2226 steer, direct their courseReturn to text.
2227 making headwayReturn to text.
2228 the South PoleReturn to text.
2229 hell's boundariesReturn to text.
2230 leaves of a folding door, gatesReturn to text.
2231 enclosedReturn to text.
2232 alarmingReturn to text.
2233 packReturn to text.
2234 outburst of soundReturn to text.
2235 wanted toReturn to text.
2236 [verb]Return to text.
2237 grieved, distressed, agitatedReturn to text.
2238 six-headed monster, each head having triple rows of teethReturn to text.
2239 the extreme south of ItalyReturn to text.
2240 roughReturn to text.
2241 SicilianReturn to text.
2242 is ("comes after")Return to text.
2243 Hecate [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
2244 extreme north of Scandinavia, associated with storm-causing witches and wizardsReturn to text.
2245labores lunæ (Latin) = the moon in eclipseReturn to text.
2246 because ofReturn to text.
2247 part (of the body)Return to text.
2248 "or might be called a substance: it seemed a shadow"Return to text.
2249 spearReturn to text.
2250 i.e., as fast as SatanReturn to text.
2251 wonderedReturn to text.
2252 took account of, heeded, was worried aboutReturn to text.
2253 fled from, avoidedReturn to text.
2254 detestableReturn to text.
2255 fierce, cruel, savageReturn to text.
2256 misshapenReturn to text.
2257 (1) impudence, effrontery, (2) faceReturn to text.
2258 acrossReturn to text.
2259 ugly demonReturn to text.
2260 sworn, conspiringReturn to text.
2261 spend, use up, consumeReturn to text.
2262 count, considerReturn to text.
2263 unknown, unfamiliar, never experiencedReturn to text.
2264 Ophiuchus = "serpent-bearer," a vast northern constellationReturn to text.
2265 deadlyReturn to text.
2266 filledReturn to text.
2267 the Caspian Sea, between Iran and TurkestanReturn to text.
2268 a space = a time, a whileReturn to text.
2269 engage inReturn to text.
2270 i.e., ChristReturn to text.
2271 fast by = close, very nearReturn to text.
2272 aim, directReturn to text.
2273 fatalReturn to text.
2274 scourge, plague ("pestilence")Return to text.
2275 desistedReturn to text.
2276 these = these wordsReturn to text.
2277 puts forth, interrupts withReturn to text.
2278 quick, speedyReturn to text.
2279 refrains, abstainsReturn to text.
2280 female porter, gatekeeperReturn to text.
2281 [noun]Return to text.
2282 ominous, warningReturn to text.
2283 complete overthrow, disorderly retreatReturn to text.
2284 heavenReturn to text.
2285 highest pointReturn to text.
2286 (1) melancholy, sorrowful, (2) reflectiveReturn to text.
2287 vast, enormous, powerfulReturn to text.
2288 dismal, pitiableReturn to text.
2289 labor pangsReturn to text.
2290 repulsive, hatefulReturn to text.
2291 pathReturn to text.
2292 so thatReturn to text.
2293 waving, flourishingReturn to text.
2294 paralyzed with fearReturn to text.
2295 copulatingReturn to text.
2296 wishReturn to text.
2297 food, mealReturn to text.
2298 in opposition = placed oppositeReturn to text.
2299 destruction, ruin, deathReturn to text.
2300 norReturn to text.
2301 those bright arms = that bright armorReturn to text.
2302 constituted, endowedReturn to text.
2303 violence, forceReturn to text.
2304 lessonReturn to text.
2305 (1) love token, (2) hostage given to fortuneReturn to text.
2306 amorous playReturn to text.
2307 claimsReturn to text.
2308 unknown, strangeReturn to text.
2309 aloneReturn to text.
2310 bottomlessReturn to text.
2311 outskirtsReturn to text.
2312 placeReturn to text.
2313 distantReturn to text.
2314 overstocked, overpopulatedReturn to text.
2315 mighty, powerfulReturn to text.
2316 actuateReturn to text.
2317 quarrels, tumultsReturn to text.
2318 intendedReturn to text.
2319 unresistingReturn to text.
2320 extreme scarcity of food, hungerReturn to text.
2321 throat, stomachReturn to text.
2322 said toReturn to text.
2323 rightReturn to text.
2324 put forwardReturn to text.
2325 spearReturn to text.
2326 underworld place of punishment for the sinfulReturn to text.
2327 deepReturn to text.
2328 compassed round = surroundedReturn to text.
2329 luxuriously sensuousReturn to text.
2330 suits, becomes, fitsReturn to text.
2331 as per lines 651--53, above, she has a serpentine tailReturn to text.
2332 lattice gateReturn to text.
2333 infernal, hellishReturn to text.
2334 notches cut in the keyReturn to text.
2335 rapid, violentReturn to text.
2336 HellReturn to text.
2337 surpassedReturn to text.
2338 surging, overflowingReturn to text.
2339 tumult, civil commotionReturn to text.
2340 embryonic, not yet createdReturn to text.
2341 Egyptian/Tunisian desertReturn to text.
2342 city located near modern Tripoli [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
2343 enlisted, enrolledReturn to text.
2344 to add weight to ("avoir du pois" = to have weight)Return to text.
2345 follow, side with, cleave/cling toReturn to text.
2346 heats up, adds discord/hostility/dissension toReturn to text.
2347 decree, order [verb]Return to text.
2348 cautiousReturn to text.
2349 estuary, arm of the seaReturn to text.
2350 assailedReturn to text.
2351 crashingReturn to text.
2352 Roman goddess of warReturn to text.
2353 contrivances, machinesReturn to text.
2354 leveled, wound upReturn to text.
2355 destroyReturn to text.
2356 wingsReturn to text.
2357 kicks off fromReturn to text.
2358 daring, confidentReturn to text.
2359 wingsReturn to text.
2360 [adjective]Return to text.
2361 blowReturn to text.
2362 imbued, chargedReturn to text.
2363 saltpeter, potassium nitrateReturn to text.
2364 infernal spirit (Satan)Return to text.
2365 checkedReturn to text.
2366 stretch of sandbanks off North AfricaReturn to text.
2367 almostReturn to text.
2368 sent to the bottom, sunkReturn to text.
2369 not fully developedReturn to text.
2370 material coherenceReturn to text.
2371 behoves him now = now he neededReturn to text.
2372 half lion, half eagleReturn to text.
2373 ScythianReturn to text.
2374 the gryphon'sReturn to text.
2375 vigilantReturn to text.
2376 stolenReturn to text.
2377 intensity, strengthReturn to text.
2378 steersReturn to text.
2379 partnerReturn to text.
2380 Orcus = Pluto/Hades, Adès = Pluto/HadesReturn to text.
2381 ancestor of all the godsReturn to text.
2382 entangled in disorderReturn to text.
2383 changing, unstableReturn to text.
2384 have a border withReturn to text.
2385 reachedReturn to text.
2386 depth [noun]Return to text.
2387 "guide (if you would/please)"Return to text.
2388 small, pettyReturn to text.
2389 benefitReturn to text.
2390 loosed, freed [adjective]Return to text.
2391 unlawful seizureReturn to text.
2392 flagReturn to text.
2393 author of anarchyReturn to text.
2394 agitatedReturn to text.
2395 insurrectionReturn to text.
2396 fleeing bandsReturn to text.
2397 mixed upReturn to text.
2398 can doReturn to text.
2399 thusReturn to text.
2400 internal, innerReturn to text.
2401 quarrelsReturn to text.
2402 be successfulReturn to text.
2403 clashingReturn to text.
2404 surroundedReturn to text.
2405 closed round, hemmed inReturn to text.
2406 ship of Jason and the ArgonautsReturn to text.
2407 the left side of a ship, when looking forwardReturn to text.
2408 UlyssesReturn to text.
2409 SatanReturn to text.
2410 having passedReturn to text.
2411 rapidlyReturn to text.
2412 sphere, circleReturn to text.
2413 wickedReturn to text.
2414 emanationReturn to text.
2415 rim, edge, borderReturn to text.
2416 to retire = begins to retireReturn to text.
2417 sails, floatsReturn to text.
2418 vague, uncertainReturn to text.
2419 mainmast ropesReturn to text.
2420 riggingReturn to text.
2421 balancesReturn to text.
2422 not fixed, not settledReturn to text.
2423 fast by = close byReturn to text.
2424 filledReturn to text.
2425 hastensReturn to text.
2426 a flowing out, emanationReturn to text.
2427 uncreatedReturn to text.
2428 "would you rather hear"Return to text.
2429 coverReturn to text.
2430 infernal, hellishReturn to text.
2431 visitReturn to text.
2432 Orphean = belonging to OrpheusReturn to text.
2433 harplike musical instrument used to accompany poetryReturn to text.
2434 unusual, uncommonReturn to text.
2435 the sunReturn to text.
2436 pure, clearReturn to text.
2437 extinguished, killedReturn to text.
2438 a fluid that spreads over some part of the bodyReturn to text.
2439 i.e., veiled them (his eyes)Return to text.
2440 struck, impressed, inspiredReturn to text.
2441 site of the Temple, in JerusalemReturn to text.
2442 equaled with = the same asReturn to text.
2443 legendary Thracian poetReturn to text.
2444 HomerReturn to text.
2445 blind seer of ThebesReturn to text.
2446 Thracian king and prophetReturn to text.
2447 "I feed"Return to text.
2448 poetryReturn to text.
2449 the nightingale, which does not sleep at nightReturn to text.
2450 in the dark [adverb]Return to text.
2451 coverReturn to text.
2452 during = lasting, continuingReturn to text.
2453 blotted out, erasedReturn to text.
2454 destroyedReturn to text.
2455 illuminate, shine light upon [three syllables, second accented]Return to text.
2456 [verb]Return to text.
2457 supreme blessing/happinessReturn to text.
2458 [bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
2459 as yet, stillReturn to text.
2460 dark, dusky, murkyReturn to text.
2461 high upReturn to text.
2462 enclosedReturn to text.
2463 substratum, supportReturn to text.
2464 a place affording an open viewReturn to text.
2465 carries awayReturn to text.
2466 broken openReturn to text.
2467 having brokenReturn to text.
2468 environs, neighborhoods, districtsReturn to text.
2469 try, attemptReturn to text.
2470 specious, flatteringReturn to text.
2471 violate, breakReturn to text.
2472 (1) vow, promise, (2) suretyReturn to text.
2473 stayed erect, enduredReturn to text.
2474 plundered, robbedReturn to text.
2475 controlledReturn to text.
2476 unalterablyReturn to text.
2477 founder, instigator, father, ancestorReturn to text.
2478 enslaveReturn to text.
2479 Satan and his followersReturn to text.
2480 "while God spoke thus"Return to text.
2481 (1) not imaginary, (2) real, (3) amplyReturn to text.
2482 paramount, supremeReturn to text.
2483 authoritative decisionReturn to text.
2484 encircledReturn to text.
2485 proclaim, celebrateReturn to text.
2486 surroundedReturn to text.
2487 SatanReturn to text.
2488 sentence, final fateReturn to text.
2489 conclusiveReturn to text.
2490 conferred, bestowedReturn to text.
2491 fallenReturn to text.
2492 lost by misconductReturn to text.
2493 particular, specialReturn to text.
2494 chosenReturn to text.
2495 (1) in good time, (2) at an early time, speedilyReturn to text.
2496 inflamed, angeredReturn to text.
2497 [adjective]Return to text.
2498 proper, fitting, rightReturn to text.
2499 arbitratorReturn to text.
2500 enlightenment, the brightness of HeavenReturn to text.
2501 patient endurance/tolerationReturn to text.
2502 sworn fidelityReturn to text.
2503 lovingReturn to text.
2504 consecratedReturn to text.
2505 unyielding, strict, firmReturn to text.
2506 payment of a debt [legal/theological]Return to text.
2507 love, spontaneous goodness, benevolenceReturn to text.
2508 companyReturn to text.
2509 protector, advocateReturn to text.
2510 mediatorReturn to text.
2511 sentence, judgmentReturn to text.
2512 not anticipated, not won by prayerReturn to text.
2513 fit, suitable, appropriate [adjective]Return to text.
2514 hold, reckonReturn to text.
2515 ultimatelyReturn to text.
2516 give vent toReturn to text.
2517 tribute, rightReturn to text.
2518 boasted ofReturn to text.
2519 bow, submitReturn to text.
2520 broad, spaciousReturn to text.
2521 in spite ofReturn to text.
2522 exhibit, displayReturn to text.
2523 destroyReturn to text.
2524 overfill, surfeitReturn to text.
2525 completeReturn to text.
2526 wonder mixed with reverenceReturn to text.
2527 to lead, resultReturn to text.
2528 quickly, at onceReturn to text.
2529 pleasure, delightReturn to text.
2530 ransomReturn to text.
2531 placeReturn to text.
2532 transferredReturn to text.
2533 those among themReturn to text.
2534 expensively, at such a high priceReturn to text.
2535 pleasurable possessionReturn to text.
2536 renounced, given upReturn to text.
2537 embodiedReturn to text.
2538 rewardReturn to text.
2539 make subject, subdue, constrain, lowerReturn to text.
2540 dwellReturn to text.
2541 summonedReturn to text.
2542 judgmentReturn to text.
2543 outburst/volley of soundReturn to text.
2544 called to accountReturn to text.
2545 accomplishReturn to text.
2546 wild cries, shoutsReturn to text.
2547 cries of praise to GodReturn to text.
2548 mythical flower that never fadesReturn to text.
2549 [adjective]Return to text.
2550 floor [noun, and grammatical subject; the verb is "smiled," at the end of the next line]Return to text.
2551 harmony, music in partsReturn to text.
2552 harmoniousnessReturn to text.
2553 exceptReturn to text.
2554 lower part of a robeReturn to text.
2555 stillReturn to text.
2556 ChristReturn to text.
2557 eminentReturn to text.
2558 stampedReturn to text.
2559 splendid radianceReturn to text.
2560 full wholeReturn to text.
2561 fourth of the nine orders of angelsReturn to text.
2562 sixth of the nine orders of angelsReturn to text.
2563 the fallen angelsReturn to text.
2564 sentence, judgeReturn to text.
2565 separateReturn to text.
2566 opaqueReturn to text.
2567 curved surfaceReturn to text.
2568 fenced inReturn to text.
2569 (1) sudden incursion, raid, (2) a road in, entrancewayReturn to text.
2570 harsh, severe, pitilessReturn to text.
2571 at large = unconfined, at libertyReturn to text.
2572 Himalayan mountainReturn to text.
2573 leaps, often on horseback [verb]Return to text.
2574 leaving his usual surroundings, shiftingReturn to text.
2575 springtimeReturn to text.
2576 origins, sourcesReturn to text.
2577 on, alongReturn to text.
2578 descendsReturn to text.
2579 partly in China, partly in TibetReturn to text.
2580 cane, bambooReturn to text.
2581 [adjective]Return to text.
2582 plenty, abundanceReturn to text.
2583 whetherReturn to text.
2584 incompleteReturn to text.
2585 unnaturallyReturn to text.
2586 hurry [verb]Return to text.
2587 silveryReturn to text.
2588 transportedReturn to text.
2589 Enoch and Elijah: see Genesis 5:24 and 2 Kings 2:11Return to text.
2590 Shinar, in BabyloniaReturn to text.
2591 if they hadReturn to text.
2592 means, resourcesReturn to text.
2593 singly, one by oneReturn to text.
2594 he = as per line 471, below: EmpedoclesReturn to text.
2595 considered, judged, thoughtReturn to text.
2596 foolishly credulous/sanguineReturn to text.
2597 he = as per line 473, below: CleombrotusReturn to text.
2598 as described in Plato's Phaedo, which he had just readReturn to text.
2599 too long to tell ofReturn to text.
2600 hermitsReturn to text.
2601 CarmeliteReturn to text.
2602 DominicanReturn to text.
2603 FranciscanReturn to text.
2604 frauds, trashReturn to text.
2605 where Christ was crucifiedReturn to text.
2606 clothes, habitsReturn to text.
2607 DominicansReturn to text.
2608 i.e., in Franciscan garmentsReturn to text.
2609 i.e., "or so they said," proposed, pratedReturn to text.
2610 all as in Ptolemaic astronomy: the "trepidation" was the shaking of the spheresReturn to text.
2611 small door/gateReturn to text.
2612 awaitReturn to text.
2613 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
2614 sideways, acrossReturn to text.
2615 one league = ca. three milesReturn to text.
2616 askew, out of the right courseReturn to text.
2617 remoteReturn to text.
2618 dispensationsReturn to text.
2619 [the pun is surely deliberate]Return to text.
2620 [noun, and subject of the verb "turned," immediately following]Return to text.
2621 seesReturn to text.
2622 stepsReturn to text.
2623 the decorated entrance of a buildingReturn to text.
2624 lustrousReturn to text.
2625 gatewayReturn to text.
2626 i.e., making the distinctions of dark and light that indicate depth, color, etc.Return to text.
2627 [both bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
2628 see Genesis 28Return to text.
2629 mystically, allegoricallyReturn to text.
2630 i.e., this is Jacob's "ladder"Return to text.
2631 invisibleReturn to text.
2632 carriedReturn to text.
2633 worsenReturn to text.
2634 commands, injunctionsReturn to text.
2635 (1) choice regard = well-chosen/careful attention or (less likely) (2) choice regard = deliberately observedReturn to text.
2636 Paneas = "spring of Dan" a city near Mt. Hermon, in northern Palestine, at a spring of the River Jordan; now BaniasReturn to text.
2637 sourceReturn to text.
2638 riverReturn to text.
2639 Beersheba, in southern PalestineReturn to text.
2640 spyReturn to text.
2641 revealsReturn to text.
2642 (1) of good appearance, (2) largeReturn to text.
2643 viewReturn to text.
2644 constellation, the ScalesReturn to text.
2645 Aries, the RamReturn to text.
2646 nebulaReturn to text.
2647 headlongReturn to text.
2648 [verb; rhymes with "finds, minds, binds," etc.]Return to text.
2649 smooth as marbleReturn to text.
2650 eitherReturn to text.
2651 in which the Hesperides, daughters of Night and Darkness, guarded a tree that bore golden applesReturn to text.
2652 stoppedReturn to text.
2653 "away from the center," which in this astronomy = the earthReturn to text.
2654 i.e., whether Ptolemaic or CopernicanReturn to text.
2655 the sunReturn to text.
2656 at a distance fromReturn to text.
2657 commonReturn to text.
2658 denseReturn to text.
2659 the sun'sReturn to text.
2660 proper, fittingReturn to text.
2661 changingReturn to text.
2662 powers, qualitiesReturn to text.
2663 luminousReturn to text.
2664 made of glassReturn to text.
2665 telescope: Milton had visited Galileo and looked through his telescopeReturn to text.
2666 utteranceReturn to text.
2667 stamped, impressedReturn to text.
2668 see Exodus 28:17--20Return to text.
2669 i.e., the so-called philosopher's stoneReturn to text.
2670 the god also known as Mercury, "volatile" because fond of trickery and furtivenessReturn to text.
2671 sea god, a shape-shifterReturn to text.
2672 glass vessel with a beak, used by alchemists for distilling operationsReturn to text.
2673 mythical essenceReturn to text.
2674 liquid, drinkableReturn to text.
2675 powerfulReturn to text.
2676 master chemist (or alchemist)Return to text.
2677 distantReturn to text.
2678 fluidReturn to text.
2679 reachReturn to text.
2680 Satan'sReturn to text.
2681 line (of sight)Return to text.
2682 identifiable distanceReturn to text.
2683 see Revelation 19:17Return to text.
2684 tiara, headdressReturn to text.
2685 luminous, shining brightlyReturn to text.
2686 furnishedReturn to text.
2687 commission, mandate, responsibilityReturn to text.
2688 thought, reflectionReturn to text.
2689 contrivesReturn to text.
2690 youthfulReturn to text.
2691 fully grown, matureReturn to text.
2692 spread, shed [verb]Return to text.
2693 a small, inferior crownReturn to text.
2694 featherReturn to text.
2695 not cut full, close-fittingReturn to text.
2696 respectableReturn to text.
2697 SatanReturn to text.
2698 addressesReturn to text.
2699 usuallyReturn to text.
2700 authoritativeReturn to text.
2701 one who makes another's will known, a messengerReturn to text.
2702 message, businessReturn to text.
2703 "unspeakable desire to see" = subject; the verb is "hath brought me," in line 666, belowReturn to text.
2704 companiesReturn to text.
2705 wonder, marvelingReturn to text.
2706 properReturn to text.
2707 sincerity, innocence, ignoranceReturn to text.
2708 controllerReturn to text.
2709 consideredReturn to text.
2710 Uriel'sReturn to text.
2711 integrityReturn to text.
2712 attains to, bringsReturn to text.
2713 celestialReturn to text.
2714 home, residenceReturn to text.
2715 pleasingReturn to text.
2716 collected into a formReturn to text.
2717 stopped in its tracksReturn to text.
2718 controlledReturn to text.
2719 cumbersomeReturn to text.
2720 airy, impalpableReturn to text.
2721 the fifth essence, of which substance the heavenly bodies were thought to be composedReturn to text.
2722 infused, animatedReturn to text.
2723 in a circleReturn to text.
2724 furnishes walls for [verb]Return to text.
2725 puts forth, introducesReturn to text.
2726 the goddess of the moon, Diana, had three distinct shapes ("triform"), representing the moon's three phases: Luna, Diana, and Hecate/ProserpineReturn to text.
2727 to give light toReturn to text.
2728 control, ruleReturn to text.
2729 holds back, retardsReturn to text.
2730 customaryReturn to text.
2731 (1) appropriate, (2) owedReturn to text.
2732 the orbit of the sun around the earth; earth's great circleReturn to text.
2733 twistsReturn to text.
2734 circular movementReturn to text.
2735 stoppedReturn to text.
2736 Armenian mountain, near the Assyrian/Mesopotamian border; it is the source of the River TigrisReturn to text.
2737 expectation, looking forward toReturn to text.
2738 boundary markersReturn to text.
2739 shown, disclosedReturn to text.
2740 i.e., Satan'sReturn to text.
2741 ordersReturn to text.
2742 see Revelation 12:10--12Return to text.
2743 so thatReturn to text.
2744 while there was still timeReturn to text.
2745 perhapsReturn to text.
2746 before he becameReturn to text.
2747 (1) give vent to, (2) take revenge onReturn to text.
2748 Satan'sReturn to text.
2749 moving, forming, advancing, sweeping upwardReturn to text.
2750 a cannonReturn to text.
2751 fromReturn to text.
2752 result, followReturn to text.
2753 the sun'sReturn to text.
2754 noontimeReturn to text.
2755 many things/thoughtsReturn to text.
2756 turning over in his mindReturn to text.
2757 the sunReturn to text.
2758 above thy sphere = (1) above your position/status, (2) literally, in Heaven above the sphere which you are inReturn to text.
2759 (1) height, (2) distinctionReturn to text.
2760 He (God) reproached/scolded/censuredReturn to text.
2761 to give/yieldReturn to text.
2762 repaymentReturn to text.
2763 (1) owed, (2) right, properReturn to text.
2764 workedReturn to text.
2765 disdained [probably from the Italian sdegnare,"to disdain/despise/scorn"]Return to text.
2766 submission, obedienceReturn to text.
2767 get rid of, releaseReturn to text.
2768 (1) yet, (2) alwaysReturn to text.
2769 remainedReturn to text.
2770 unlimited, uncontrolledReturn to text.
2771 sixth of the nine angelic ordersReturn to text.
2772 lowlyReturn to text.
2773 might have been drawnReturn to text.
2774 side, causeReturn to text.
2775 (1) having weapons, (2) having protective qualities/characteristicsReturn to text.
2776 to remain steadfast/firmReturn to text.
2777 honorable, generousReturn to text.
2778 gives, bringsReturn to text.
2779 himselfReturn to text.
2780 rightfully, properlyReturn to text.
2781 regretsReturn to text.
2782 i.e., "O how miserable I am!" [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
2783 fleeReturn to text.
2784 whicheverReturn to text.
2785 yieldReturn to text.
2786 boastsReturn to text.
2787 at a high priceReturn to text.
2788 face, put up withReturn to text.
2789 raisedReturn to text.
2790 obtains, gainsReturn to text.
2791 pretendedReturn to text.
2792 withdraw, disavow, retractReturn to text.
2793 forcedReturn to text.
2794 at high cost, great expenseReturn to text.
2795 pain, sufferingReturn to text.
2796 instead of us = replacing usReturn to text.
2797 manReturn to text.
2798 more than half of the empireReturn to text.
2799 pallorReturn to text.
2800 angerReturn to text.
2801 spoiled, disfiguredReturn to text.
2802 ill tempers, ill humors, disorders, derangementsReturn to text.
2803 innocentReturn to text.
2804 agitationReturn to text.
2805 mechanic-inventorReturn to text.
2806 i.e., "who"Return to text.
2807 hidden, joined in concealmentReturn to text.
2808 put into practiceReturn to text.
2809 happen toReturn to text.
2810 conduct, behaviorReturn to text.
2811 travelsReturn to text.
2812 expanse of open landReturn to text.
2813 topReturn to text.
2814 access denied to him (Satan)Return to text.
2815 impossible to overcome/surmountReturn to text.
2816 rusticReturn to text.
2817 rowsReturn to text.
2818 place where action occursReturn to text.
2819 noble, majesticReturn to text.
2820 commonReturn to text.
2821 prospect large = extensive viewReturn to text.
2822 Adam'sReturn to text.
2823 lowerReturn to text.
2824 handsome, largeReturn to text.
2825 at the same time, simultaneouslyReturn to text.
2826 any smooth, lustrous surfaceReturn to text.
2827 imprinted, stampedReturn to text.
2828 rainbowReturn to text.
2829 of pure now purer = purer stillReturn to text.
2830 springlikeReturn to text.
2831 chase, expelReturn to text.
2832 a wind not much stronger than a breezeReturn to text.
2833 fragrantReturn to text.
2834 bestow, distributeReturn to text.
2835 naturalReturn to text.
2836 loot, plunder, bootyReturn to text.
2837 Cape of Good Hope, at the southern tip of AfricaReturn to text.
2838 [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
2839 Saba, in modern YemenReturn to text.
2840 Arabia, called at the time, in Latin, Arabia felix,"happy/blessed Arabia"Return to text.
2841 abate, let slackenReturn to text.
2842 onward movementReturn to text.
2843 one league = ca. three milesReturn to text.
2844 pleasing, agreeableReturn to text.
2845 experienced with pleasureReturn to text.
2846 slayerReturn to text.
2847 evil demon in Apocryphal book of the Bible, Tobit, who has seven times killed the husbands of Sarah, daughter of Tobit's relative, with whom the demon is in love; he is finally driven off by fish smellsReturn to text.
2848 vaporReturn to text.
2849 sent him, the demon, away from Media, where Tobit, his son, and his wife livedReturn to text.
2850 hurriedlyReturn to text.
2851 by the Angel Raphael, sent by GodReturn to text.
2852 wild, uncultivatedReturn to text.
2853 thicketReturn to text.
2854 troubled, entangledReturn to text.
2855 easyReturn to text.
2856 completelyReturn to text.
2857 made of interwoven branchesReturn to text.
2858 stalls, pensReturn to text.
2859 reduce the store of moneyReturn to text.
2860 of the roofReturn to text.
2861 climbedReturn to text.
2862 the view it afforded himReturn to text.
2863 had been = would have beenReturn to text.
2864 guarantee, promiseReturn to text.
2865 lowestReturn to text.
2866 spaceReturn to text.
2867 contoursReturn to text.
2868 Haran, city on the River Euphrates, in MesopotamiaReturn to text.
2869 city near Babylon, on the River TigrisReturn to text.
2870 city in EdenReturn to text.
2871 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
2872 tangled, heavily woodedReturn to text.
2873 swallowed upReturn to text.
2874 formed, fashioned (as a potter "throws" a pot)Return to text.
2875 garden topsoilReturn to text.
2876 naturalReturn to text.
2877 brookReturn to text.
2878 undergroundReturn to text.
2879 riverReturn to text.
2880 in different directions [bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
2881 skillReturn to text.
2882 ripplingReturn to text.
2883 gleamingReturn to text.
2884 winding, labyrinthineReturn to text.
2885 wanderingReturn to text.
2886 fussy, fastidiousReturn to text.
2887 skillful, choice, exquisiteReturn to text.
2888 gracious, bountiful, jollyReturn to text.
2889 i.e., darkenedReturn to text.
2890 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
2891 legendary garden in which the Hesperides, daughters of Night and Darkness, guarded a tree that bore golden applesReturn to text.
2892 open expanse of treeless pasturelandReturn to text.
2893 grassReturn to text.
2894 bearing palm treesReturn to text.
2895 a hollow among hillsReturn to text.
2896 irrigated [probably trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
2897 shadyReturn to text.
2898 coveringReturn to text.
2899 chorusReturn to text.
2900 bring into operationReturn to text.
2901 make tuneful/harmoniousReturn to text.
2902 joinedReturn to text.
2903 Aglaia (brilliance), Euphrosyne (joy), Thalia (blossoming)Return to text.
2904 female divinities presiding over seasonal changesReturn to text.
2905 in SicilyReturn to text.
2906 Dis = Pluto = HadesReturn to text.
2907 Nature/earth goddess, later Demeter; mother of Proserpine/PersephoneReturn to text.
2908 like Proserpine, pursued by lustful godsReturn to text.
2909 river in SyriaReturn to text.
2910 the grove of Daphne contained an oracle dedicated to ApolloReturn to text.
2911 named after the spring at the oracle in Delphi, also dedicated to ApolloReturn to text.
2912 competeReturn to text.
2913 the island of Nysa, in the River Triton in TunisiaReturn to text.
2914 encircled, surroundedReturn to text.
2915 AmmonReturn to text.
2916 Zeus' nurse, mother of Bacchus by AmmonReturn to text.
2917 red-faced (from wine)Return to text.
2918 Abyssinian/EthiopianReturn to text.
2919 offspring, childrenReturn to text.
2920 in AbyssiniaReturn to text.
2921 contoursReturn to text.
2922 River NileReturn to text.
2923 sourceReturn to text.
2924 foreheadReturn to text.
2925 exalted, loftyReturn to text.
2926 manifested, made plain/clearReturn to text.
2927 (1) curled, or (2) scented, or (3) dark-coloredReturn to text.
2928 lock of hair in frontReturn to text.
2929 loosenedReturn to text.
2930 frisky, sportiveReturn to text.
2931 requested, demandedReturn to text.
2932 authority, ruleReturn to text.
2933 shy, modestReturn to text.
2934 mysterious parts = genitaliaReturn to text.
2935 i.e., unchasteReturn to text.
2936 externals, displaysReturn to text.
2937 patchReturn to text.
2938 grassy spotReturn to text.
2939 commendReturn to text.
2940 the west windReturn to text.
2941 sweet as nectar [adjective]Return to text.
2942 obliging, yieldingReturn to text.
2943 variegatedReturn to text.
2944 discourse, speechReturn to text.
2945 lackedReturn to text.
2946 animals that are hunted [noun]Return to text.
2947 playingReturn to text.
2948 boundedReturn to text.
2949 moving lightly up and downReturn to text.
2950 (1) lynx, (2) pantherReturn to text.
2951 leopardsReturn to text.
2952 capered, dancedReturn to text.
2953 coiled, twistedReturn to text.
2954 flexible, pliant, suppleReturn to text.
2955 trunk, noseReturn to text.
2956 close byReturn to text.
2957 sinuouslyReturn to text.
2958 intricateReturn to text.
2959 rope, twine, knotsReturn to text.
2960 intertwined, braidedReturn to text.
2961 tail, long dragging bodyReturn to text.
2962 destined, fatedReturn to text.
2963 layReturn to text.
2964 i.e., with eating the grass that grows on pasturelandReturn to text.
2965 (1) digesting, as ruminants do, (2) reflectingReturn to text.
2966 slanting downReturn to text.
2967 steeply downwardReturn to text.
2968 racelike, galloping speedReturn to text.
2969 the Azores, to the westReturn to text.
2970 with a scale having two weighing pans, when one (lighter) goes up the other (heavier) necessarily goes down made deviceReturn to text.
2971 place, positionReturn to text.
2972 "hath poured on their shape"Return to text.
2973 noble, excellentReturn to text.
2974 closeReturn to text.
2975 firmly fixed, safeReturn to text.
2976 deliberateReturn to text.
2977 abandoned, lost, doomedReturn to text.
2978 I am myselfReturn to text.
2979 allianceReturn to text.
2980 direct, honestReturn to text.
2981 perhapsReturn to text.
2982 hold, keepReturn to text.
2983 did wrong meReturn to text.
2984 softenReturn to text.
2985 common, community, patrioticReturn to text.
2986 frolickingReturn to text.
2987 condition, circumstancesReturn to text.
2988 noted, observedReturn to text.
2989 as a lionReturn to text.
2990 rangelandReturn to text.
2991 liesReturn to text.
2992 utteringReturn to text.
2993 SatanReturn to text.
2994 all ear = eagerly attentiveReturn to text.
2995 participantReturn to text.
2996 deservedReturn to text.
2997 mandate, order, instruction, admonitionReturn to text.
2998 near, alongsideReturn to text.
2999 rule, control, governmentReturn to text.
3000 purposeReturn to text.
3001 preeminent by so much odds = superior by such a high percentage/amountReturn to text.
3002 similarReturn to text.
3003 companionReturn to text.
3004 shady cover (from the sun)Return to text.
3005 unmoving, fixedReturn to text.
3006 i.e., to the poolReturn to text.
3007 inexperiencedReturn to text.
3008 languishedReturn to text.
3009 awaitsReturn to text.
3010 at onceReturn to text.
3011 plane tree (e.g., the sycamore)Return to text.
3012 fleeReturn to text.
3013 solid, true, realReturn to text.
3014 in order toReturn to text.
3015 inseparable, indivisible, specialReturn to text.
3016 (1) comfort, pleasure, delight, (2) entertainment, recreation, amusementReturn to text.
3017 claim asReturn to text.
3018 universal, commonReturn to text.
3019 impregnatesReturn to text.
3020 complainedReturn to text.
3021 wastes awayReturn to text.
3022 endureReturn to text.
3023 rouse/stir upReturn to text.
3024 close, carefulReturn to text.
3025 but only a chanceReturn to text.
3026 followReturn to text.
3027 vigilant/cautious observationReturn to text.
3028 wild, uncultivated landReturn to text.
3029 [noun]Return to text.
3030 extreme/outermost westReturn to text.
3031 astronomical orientation: directly oppositeReturn to text.
3032 visibleReturn to text.
3033 practicedReturn to text.
3034 closeReturn to text.
3035 evening, twilightReturn to text.
3036 crosses, traversesReturn to text.
3037 burningReturn to text.
3038 stamp, imprint onReturn to text.
3039 violently forcefulReturn to text.
3040 destinyReturn to text.
3041 responsibilityReturn to text.
3042 tracedReturn to text.
3043 notedReturn to text.
3044 (1) course, (2) carriage: i.e., through the air, as spirits moveReturn to text.
3045 foreign, inconsistent, repugnantReturn to text.
3046 darkenedReturn to text.
3047 stir up, causeReturn to text.
3048 watch, guardReturn to text.
3049 meridian hour = noonReturn to text.
3050 disposed, thinking, intendingReturn to text.
3051 responsibility: i.e., to his postReturn to text.
3052 daily: i.e., as it does every dayReturn to text.
3053 or elseReturn to text.
3054 rolling, revolvingReturn to text.
3055 silent, quiet [adjective]Return to text.
3056 sober livery = grave/solemn/sedate uniform/style of dressReturn to text.
3057 "had clad all things in her sober livery"Return to text.
3058 melodious songReturn to text.
3059 brightest of the early evening starsReturn to text.
3060 manifest, obviousReturn to text.
3061 think, remindReturn to text.
3062 similarReturn to text.
3063 one after anotherReturn to text.
3064 bends downwardReturn to text.
3065 makes knownReturn to text.
3066 observant attentionReturn to text.
3067 move hither and thitherReturn to text.
3068 pruneReturn to text.
3069 passages, walksReturn to text.
3070 tilling, cultivatingReturn to text.
3071 luxuriantReturn to text.
3072 blended song, of multiple originReturn to text.
3073 brightReturn to text.
3074 pleasingReturn to text.
3075 see footnote 336, aboveReturn to text.
3076 universal, commonReturn to text.
3077 perfect, fulfilledReturn to text.
3078 furnishing, supplyingReturn to text.
3079 ready [adjective]Return to text.
3080 illuminateReturn to text.
3081 (1) natural, (2) benevolentReturn to text.
3082 variable, varyingReturn to text.
3083 disposition, temperament (i.e., astrologically)Return to text.
3084 rouse/stir up with heatReturn to text.
3085 qualities, powersReturn to text.
3086 the speciesReturn to text.
3087 better fit/suitedReturn to text.
3088 powerful, mightyReturn to text.
3089 should you thinkReturn to text.
3090 lackReturn to text.
3091 height, slopeReturn to text.
3092 rounding walk = walking roundReturn to text.
3093 musical periods/groups of notesReturn to text.
3094 into watchesReturn to text.
3095 proprietorReturn to text.
3096 coveringReturn to text.
3097 adornedReturn to text.
3098 made, shapedReturn to text.
3099 embroideredReturn to text.
3100 i.e., inlaid with precious gemsReturn to text.
3101 though but feigned = even if only in fablesReturn to text.
3102 pastoral god of vegetation and agriculture, who had goat horns and legsReturn to text.
3103 intimateReturn to text.
3104 seclusion, withdrawal, retirementReturn to text.
3105 marriedReturn to text.
3106 wedding hymnReturn to text.
3107 what day = on the dayReturn to text.
3108 (1) festive, kindly, (2) nuptialReturn to text.
3109 Pandora ("all gifts"), whose box of gifts, when opened, let loose all ills upon the worldReturn to text.
3110 she was brought to Epimetheus ("afterthought"), brother of Prometheus ("fore-thought")Return to text.
3111 Iapetus, a TitanReturn to text.
3112 Jove's messengerReturn to text.
3113 to be = in order to beReturn to text.
3114 PrometheusReturn to text.
3115 truly created by JoveReturn to text.
3116 hut, cottage, houseReturn to text.
3117 veneratedReturn to text.
3118 wonderfully pleasantReturn to text.
3119 lacksReturn to text.
3120 unreapedReturn to text.
3121 joined hand in handReturn to text.
3122 relieved/set free ofReturn to text.
3123 believe, supposeReturn to text.
3124 propertyReturn to text.
3125 held in commonReturn to text.
3126 wanderReturn to text.
3127 kinshipReturn to text.
3128 natural affectionsReturn to text.
3129 describe, callReturn to text.
3130 arrowsReturn to text.
3131 steadfast, faithful, trueReturn to text.
3132 enjoymentReturn to text.
3133 unchaste, lasciviousReturn to text.
3134 renewed, replacedReturn to text.
3135 the earth's shadowReturn to text.
3136 arch (the sky)Return to text.
3137 Paradise's eastern gateReturn to text.
3138 "Strength of God"Return to text.
3139 move, turn toReturn to text.
3140 likeReturn to text.
3141 the shield was worn on the left arm; the spear was held in the rightReturn to text.
3142 "Discovery of God"Return to text.
3143 "Searcher of Secrets"Return to text.
3144 secure of = protected/safe fromReturn to text.
3145 from the time ofReturn to text.
3146 who tells = one (Uriel) who tellsReturn to text.
3147 headed, boundReturn to text.
3148 ranks/rows of armed angelsReturn to text.
3149 SatanReturn to text.
3150 crouchingReturn to text.
3151 close at = nearReturn to text.
3152 tryingReturn to text.
3153 desired, wishedReturn to text.
3154 whetherReturn to text.
3155 blowing, breathingReturn to text.
3156 infect, corruptReturn to text.
3157 disordered, ill-humored, derangedReturn to text.
3158 hardeningReturn to text.
3159 necessityReturn to text.
3160 leaps, bounds, jumpsReturn to text.
3161 caught unawaresReturn to text.
3162 nitrous powder = gunpowderReturn to text.
3163 piled up, heapedReturn to text.
3164 barrel, caskReturn to text.
3165 military warehouseReturn to text.
3166 blackenedReturn to text.
3167 powder of a granular texture: i.e., gunpowderReturn to text.
3168 sent forthReturn to text.
3169 overwhelmedReturn to text.
3170 horrible, ghastlyReturn to text.
3171 addressReturn to text.
3172 quickly, without delayReturn to text.
3173 sentenced, condemnedReturn to text.
3174 suitable companionReturn to text.
3175 i.e., in HeavenReturn to text.
3176 indicatesReturn to text.
3177 rebelReturn to text.
3178 judgmentReturn to text.
3179 sublime, majestic, impressiveReturn to text.
3180 mournedReturn to text.
3181 fightReturn to text.
3182 gnashing, rattlingReturn to text.
3183 the strap/chain of a horse's bitReturn to text.
3184 strive or fly = fight or fleeReturn to text.
3185 dread combined with wonderReturn to text.
3186 overcomeReturn to text.
3187 front lineReturn to text.
3188 quickReturn to text.
3189 royal, statelyReturn to text.
3190 carriage, bearingReturn to text.
3191 pallid, gloomyReturn to text.
3192 departReturn to text.
3193 scowlsReturn to text.
3194 crouching, lurkingReturn to text.
3195 lookReturn to text.
3196 responsibilityReturn to text.
3197 commendReturn to text.
3198 reputationReturn to text.
3199 sentencedReturn to text.
3200 exchangeReturn to text.
3201 compensate, repayReturn to text.
3202 grief, sorrowReturn to text.
3203 more firmly/securelyReturn to text.
3204 forced confinement, imprisonmentReturn to text.
3205 provokedReturn to text.
3206 "What a loss in Heaven is one who can judge what wisdom is!"Return to text.
3207 unauthorized, without permissionReturn to text.
3208 boundaries, limitsReturn to text.
3209 fleeReturn to text.
3210 however he canReturn to text.
3211 opposeReturn to text.
3212 whip, lashReturn to text.
3213 courageousReturn to text.
3214 declaredReturn to text.
3215 hurryReturn to text.
3216 reinforcedReturn to text.
3217 otherwiseReturn to text.
3218 thy words at random = thy careless/heedless wordsReturn to text.
3219 as to whatReturn to text.
3220 is needful/required of.... faithful leaderReturn to text.
3221 attempts, experimentsReturn to text.
3222 resultsReturn to text.
3223 courses, directions, roads, pathsReturn to text.
3224 flyReturn to text.
3225 rumor, reportReturn to text.
3226 even ifReturn to text.
3227 forced, pushedReturn to text.
3228 quicklyReturn to text.
3229 fleeReturn to text.
3230 declare oneselfReturn to text.
3231 indicatesReturn to text.
3232 found, searched outReturn to text.
3233 slavelike, meanlyReturn to text.
3234 dreadReturn to text.
3235 whyReturn to text.
3236 counselReturn to text.
3237 leave!Return to text.
3238 boundariesReturn to text.
3239 fastenReturn to text.
3240 (1) easy, (2) courteousReturn to text.
3241 growingReturn to text.
3242 in rage = enragedReturn to text.
3243 guardian of boundariesReturn to text.
3244 material forceReturn to text.
3245 superior, strongerReturn to text.
3246 comradesReturn to text.
3247 moonèd horns = crescent formationReturn to text.
3248 close-packed battle array, sixteen-man-deep square, perfected by the RomansReturn to text.
3249 raised/lifted and at the readyReturn to text.
3250 grain (metaphorical use of the goddess' name)Return to text.
3251 [adverb]Return to text.
3252 swingsReturn to text.
3253 bundlesReturn to text.
3254 alertReturn to text.
3255 (1) wings extended, (2) expanded in sizeReturn to text.
3256 high peak in the Canary IslandsReturn to text.
3257 Mt. Atlas in Mauritania, AfricaReturn to text.
3258 (1) holding his ground, (2) unremovableReturn to text.
3259 helmetedReturn to text.
3260 was lackingReturn to text.
3261 involved inReturn to text.
3262 vaultReturn to text.
3263 crash, collision, destructionReturn to text.
3264 quicklyReturn to text.
3265 the constellation Libra ("the Scales") is between Scorpio and Virgo/AstreaReturn to text.
3266 stillReturn to text.
3267 VirgoReturn to text.
3268 reflects upon, weighsReturn to text.
3269 i.e., the two pans of the scaleReturn to text.
3270 resultReturn to text.
3271 separating, breaking offReturn to text.
3272 the balance beamReturn to text.
3273 addressedReturn to text.
3274 mudReturn to text.
3275 destinyReturn to text.
3276 recognizedReturn to text.
3277 grumbling, complaining, mutteringReturn to text.
3278 i.e., responsible, without any excuseReturn to text.
3279 region, realmReturn to text.
3280 bright, gleamingReturn to text.
3281 accustomed, in the habitReturn to text.
3282 produced, developedReturn to text.
3283 moderateReturn to text.
3284 exhalations of a digestive kindReturn to text.
3285 soft, mildReturn to text.
3286 giving off vapors---mist and evaporationReturn to text.
3287 goddess of morningReturn to text.
3288 Adam's exhalations were easily "dispersed" (dissipated, scattered) by the "fanning" motion of leaves and the "fuming" of running waterReturn to text.
3289 morningReturn to text.
3290 heartfeltReturn to text.
3291 singular, specialReturn to text.
3292 west wind/spring breezeReturn to text.
3293 goddess of flowersReturn to text.
3294 early morning (either dawn or about 6 A.M.)Return to text.
3295 note, observeReturn to text.
3296 [verb]Return to text.
3297 "what the myrrh tree (a gum resin) drops"Return to text.
3298 here, a balsam (pine) treeReturn to text.
3299 accustomedReturn to text.
3300 plan, aimReturn to text.
3301 wearisome, irritating, tiring, annoyingReturn to text.
3302 exceptReturn to text.
3303 lookReturn to text.
3304 [verb]Return to text.
3305 ecstasyReturn to text.
3306 forbiddenReturn to text.
3307 exuded, let fallReturn to text.
3308 overloadedReturn to text.
3309 imposition of a limitationReturn to text.
3310 is it setReturn to text.
3311 venturesomeReturn to text.
3312 dazed, depressingReturn to text.
3313 declaredReturn to text.
3314 pluckedReturn to text.
3315 instigator, the CreatorReturn to text.
3316 a portion ofReturn to text.
3317 firmly, soberlyReturn to text.
3318 unusual, unfamiliar, strangeReturn to text.
3319 imaginationReturn to text.
3320 closest, nearestReturn to text.
3321 functionReturn to text.
3322 vigilantReturn to text.
3323 bring before the mindReturn to text.
3324 what we callReturn to text.
3325 recentReturn to text.
3326 dismalReturn to text.
3327 hidden, confinedReturn to text.
3328 a dam or any device holding back waterReturn to text.
3329 disclosing (i.e., making visible, after the darkness of night)Return to text.
3330 prayersReturn to text.
3331 different, variable, changingReturn to text.
3332 lackedReturn to text.
3333 suitable, appropriateReturn to text.
3334 (1) flow of impassioned language, (2) styleReturn to text.
3335 ready and willingReturn to text.
3336 metricalReturn to text.
3337 tuneful, musicalReturn to text.
3338 structure, fabricReturn to text.
3339 harmonious musicReturn to text.
3340 Venus (as morning star, called Lucifer; as evening star, called Hesperus)Return to text.
3341 promiseReturn to text.
3342 gemlike headbandReturn to text.
3343 early morning (either dawn or about 6 A.M.)Return to text.
3344 attained, achieved, reachedReturn to text.
3345 gleaming, brightReturn to text.
3346 flees (it)Return to text.
3347 moves quickly (rotating once every twenty-four hours)Return to text.
3348 i.e., not having fixed orbitsReturn to text.
3349 the known planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn, JupiterReturn to text.
3350 in fourfold combinationReturn to text.
3351 exhibit divergenceReturn to text.
3352 not of different colors, but only of oneReturn to text.
3353 more usually used for "streams, brooks," than in the modern meaning of a man-Return to text.
3354 singReturn to text.
3355 testify, give evidenceReturn to text.
3356 made vocal = sounded, turned into/endowed with musicReturn to text.
3357 alwaysReturn to text.
3358 accustomed, usual, habitualReturn to text.
3359 agricultural, pastoralReturn to text.
3360 pampered boughs = crammed with boughsReturn to text.
3361 without offspringReturn to text.
3362 entangled branches?Return to text.
3363 the elm becomes the stepparent of the vine's "children," her bunches of grapesReturn to text.
3364 bunches (of grapes)Return to text.
3365 unproductiveReturn to text.
3366 "With pity, Heaven's High King (God) beheld Adam and Eve thus employed"Return to text.
3367 see Book IV, above, at lines 168--71Return to text.
3368 plans, schemesReturn to text.
3369 relieveReturn to text.
3370 food, a mealReturn to text.
3371 unsettled, fickle, variable, subject to change or alterationReturn to text.
3372 confidentReturn to text.
3373 moreover, in additionReturn to text.
3374 resistedReturn to text.
3375 claim, put forward as an excuseReturn to text.
3376 unexhorted, uninformedReturn to text.
3377 satisfied, did, performedReturn to text.
3378 order, responsibilityReturn to text.
3379 radiant spiritsReturn to text.
3380 shrouded, coveredReturn to text.
3381 brilliant, magnificentReturn to text.
3382 contrived, built, intendedReturn to text.
3383 placed betweenReturn to text.
3384 correspondingReturn to text.
3385 competentReturn to text.
3386 islands in the south Aegean SeaReturn to text.
3387 Greek islandReturn to text.
3388 island off the coast of Asia MinorReturn to text.
3389 sees, identifiesReturn to text.
3390 headlongReturn to text.
3391 wingReturn to text.
3392 beatsReturn to text.
3393 flexible, unresistingReturn to text.
3394 the altitude attained in soaringReturn to text.
3395 mythical bird that perpetually renews its life, first burning its old body, then being reborn from the ashesReturn to text.
3396 stared atReturn to text.
3397 solitaryReturn to text.
3398 the phoenix'sReturn to text.
3399 RaphaelReturn to text.
3400 featuresReturn to text.
3401 drapedReturn to text.
3402 beltReturn to text.
3403 covered, bordered, edgedReturn to text.
3404 softReturn to text.
3405 dyed (by immersion)Return to text.
3406 coloredReturn to text.
3407 dyeReturn to text.
3408 HermesReturn to text.
3409 plumage, feathersReturn to text.
3410 so thatReturn to text.
3411 circuit wide = wide surrounding spaceReturn to text.
3412 participating in, performingReturn to text.
3413 blessed, beatifiedReturn to text.
3414 an aromatic balsamReturn to text.
3415 sported, playedReturn to text.
3416 beyondReturn to text.
3417 aromaticReturn to text.
3418 burning, glowingReturn to text.
3419 properlyReturn to text.
3420 render distastefulReturn to text.
3421 commandReturn to text.
3422 condescendReturn to text.
3423 confer as a giftReturn to text.
3424 liberality, bountyReturn to text.
3425 discharging its loadReturn to text.
3426 hoardReturn to text.
3427 holy, sanctifiedReturn to text.
3428 soilReturn to text.
3429 supplyReturn to text.
3430 sufficeReturn to text.
3431 carefulReturn to text.
3432 laying byReturn to text.
3433 (1) unneeded, (2) excessiveReturn to text.
3434 moistureReturn to text.
3435 thicketReturn to text.
3436 hurried, quickReturn to text.
3437 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
3438 sustained, supported, confirmedReturn to text.
3439 most naturalReturn to text.
3440 busiesReturn to text.
3441 MediterraneanReturn to text.
3442 the Black SeaReturn to text.
3443 Carthaginian/Phoenician (North African)Return to text.
3444 king of the Phaeacian island, now CorfuReturn to text.
3445 homage, taxReturn to text.
3446 tableReturn to text.
3447 unfermented juiceReturn to text.
3448 mixesReturn to text.
3449 sweetReturn to text.
3450 smooth (creamy) and frothing liquidsReturn to text.
3451 lacksReturn to text.
3452 suitable, appropriateReturn to text.
3453 not burned, as incense would be, since there was as yet no fire available to burn themReturn to text.
3454 originalReturn to text.
3455 grand, imposingReturn to text.
3456 submissive, subduedReturn to text.
3457 lackReturn to text.
3458 condescendReturn to text.
3459 noontime, middayReturn to text.
3460 sink downReturn to text.
3461 seventh of the nine angelic ordersReturn to text.
3462 at will = as I pleaseReturn to text.
3463 pastoralReturn to text.
3464 Roman goddess of fruitsReturn to text.
3465 orchard, bowerReturn to text.
3466 (1) from fables rather than real, (2) sham, because paganReturn to text.
3467 a beauty competition among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite; Paris, son of King Priam of Troy, gave the prize to AphroditeReturn to text.
3468 "veil" could then mean "cloak" or "mantle"Return to text.
3469 weak, shakyReturn to text.
3470 tableReturn to text.
3471 AdamReturn to text.
3472 generous giftsReturn to text.
3473 in part = who is in partReturn to text.
3474 distasteful, unwelcomeReturn to text.
3475 as "rational" creatures, human beings are required to (and can) think in order to know; their knowledge is therefore of necessity partial. "Intelligential" creatures, however, are endowed with complete knowledge that is of their very essenceReturn to text.
3476 both angels and menReturn to text.
3477 heat for digestive purposesReturn to text.
3478 [adjective]Return to text.
3479 unpurifiedReturn to text.
3480 landReturn to text.
3481 everything elseReturn to text.
3482 nutritionalReturn to text.
3483 eveningReturn to text.
3484 dinesReturn to text.
3485 flowing as sweet as honeyReturn to text.
3486 on earth, in the Garden of EdenReturn to text.
3487 fussyReturn to text.
3488 foodReturn to text.
3489 so far as one can judgeReturn to text.
3490 in mist = blurred (as an immaterial object)Return to text.
3491 interpretation, explanationReturn to text.
3492 [bisyllabic]Return to text.
3493 see footnote 200, aboveReturn to text.
3494 to turn corporeal to incorporeal, i.e., to make spiritual that which was materialReturn to text.
3495 is excessive, superfluousReturn to text.
3496 is emitted/breathed/vaporized (i.e., passes through their "bodies," is excreted)Return to text.
3497 lower-ranking, merely experimentally oriented (rather than the higher, theoretically oriented)Return to text.
3498 as from = just as if it had come fromReturn to text.
3499 servedReturn to text.
3500 filled to overflowingReturn to text.
3501 unlustful, unlecherousReturn to text.
3502 foodReturn to text.
3503 i.e., their naturesReturn to text.
3504 conversation, meeting [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
3505 splendid radianceReturn to text.
3506 carefulReturn to text.
3507 shaped, articulatedReturn to text.
3508 condescendedReturn to text.
3509 member of the hierarch (order) of angels [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
3510 perverted, corruptedReturn to text.
3511 earliest (primeval)Return to text.
3512 invested, suppliedReturn to text.
3513 upward jumpsReturn to text.
3514 completed, perfected, supremeReturn to text.
3515 elevated, refined, purifiedReturn to text.
3516 complete instantaneous knowledge requiring no prior thoughtReturn to text.
3517 unsuitable, inappropriateReturn to text.
3518 durationReturn to text.
3519 He whoseReturn to text.
3520 offspringReturn to text.
3521 of whatReturn to text.
3522 gracious, helpfulReturn to text.
3523 added, annexedReturn to text.
3524 lackReturn to text.
3525 listen, follow me closely/carefullyReturn to text.
3526 remain firm/steadyReturn to text.
3527 hereby notified, warnedReturn to text.
3528 completeReturn to text.
3529 unalterableReturn to text.
3530 from which one cannot extricate oneselfReturn to text.
3531 testedReturn to text.
3532 must willReturn to text.
3533 guaranteeReturn to text.
3534 [noun]Return to text.
3535 ancestor, forefatherReturn to text.
3536 command, single = single commandReturn to text.
3537 raise, stir upReturn to text.
3538 narrativeReturn to text.
3539 dedicatedReturn to text.
3540 ample, abundantReturn to text.
3541 daylight hours (since the angel has said, in line 376, that he will stay on earth "till evening rise")Return to text.
3542 region, encircling bandReturn to text.
3543 impose onReturn to text.
3544 first, originalReturn to text.
3545 sober, seriousReturn to text.
3546 regretful remembranceReturn to text.
3547 finally, last of allReturn to text.
3548 permittedReturn to text.
3549 sketch, draw, portrayReturn to text.
3550 for men, a foreshadowingReturn to text.
3551 calculated by Plato, in his Republic, as approximately thirty-six thousand years (i.e., when all the heavenly bodies have returned to their created starting points)Return to text.
3552 celestialReturn to text.
3553 archangelsReturn to text.
3554 banners, flagsReturn to text.
3555 military banner or flagReturn to text.
3556 banners with tails/streamers, suspended from a crossbar rather than a poleReturn to text.
3557 front, foremostReturn to text.
3558 for distinction serve = used in order to distinguishReturn to text.
3559 fabric, clothReturn to text.
3560 inscribedReturn to text.
3561 [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
3562 prominentlyReturn to text.
3563 enclosedReturn to text.
3564 as ifReturn to text.
3565 offspringReturn to text.
3566 unrevoked shall stand = shall stand unrevoked (not rescinded/annulled/withdrawn, etc.)Return to text.
3567 called into beingReturn to text.
3568 he whomReturn to text.
3569 acknowledge, avowReturn to text.
3570 gerent = ruler, managerReturn to text.
3571 swallowed, buriedReturn to text.
3572 fixed starsReturn to text.
3573 elliptical, irregularReturn to text.
3574 interwoundReturn to text.
3575 frees from difficulties, invests with calm/placidityReturn to text.
3576 harmony divine'sReturn to text.
3577 musical intervalsReturn to text.
3578 delightfulReturn to text.
3579 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
3580 produce, productReturn to text.
3581 inclining, restingReturn to text.
3582 fellowship, sharingReturn to text.
3583 drink deeply ofReturn to text.
3584 secure of = safe fromReturn to text.
3585 limitsReturn to text.
3586 abundantReturn to text.
3587 (1) celestial, (2) divinely fragrantReturn to text.
3588 pleasing, agreeableReturn to text.
3589 (1) rose-colored, (2) rose-scentedReturn to text.
3590 inclined, preparedReturn to text.
3591 spherical, globularReturn to text.
3592 (1) constantly flowing, (2) refreshingReturn to text.
3593 a kind of large tentReturn to text.
3594 tentsReturn to text.
3595 turn, customary practiceReturn to text.
3596 amongReturn to text.
3597 filledReturn to text.
3598 lessenedReturn to text.
3599 leave one's place of lodging (break camp)Return to text.
3600 BeelzebubReturn to text.
3601 if youReturn to text.
3602 in the habit ofReturn to text.
3603 make known, communicateReturn to text.
3604 both waking = both of us awakeReturn to text.
3605 disagree, be at varianceReturn to text.
3606 countless numbersReturn to text.
3607 the chief = the best partReturn to text.
3608 I am to haste...homeward = I will hurry...homeReturn to text.
3609 (1) swift, (2) literally flying (through the air)Return to text.
3610 hold, occupyReturn to text.
3611 (1) headquarters, (2) regionsReturn to text.
3612 angelic ordersReturn to text.
3613 insinuatedReturn to text.
3614 [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
3615 BeelzebubReturn to text.
3616 separatelyReturn to text.
3617 "He calls together, or else speaks to them separately, or one by one"Return to text.
3618 controlling, governingReturn to text.
3619 under him Regent = which were Regents under himReturn to text.
3620 freedReturn to text.
3621 ensign of the hierarchyReturn to text.
3622 testReturn to text.
3623 corruptReturn to text.
3624 familiarReturn to text.
3625 command, will, rightReturn to text.
3626 person with great and independent power, a rulerReturn to text.
3627 rankReturn to text.
3628 charmed, temptedReturn to text.
3629 the most hiddenReturn to text.
3630 particularlyReturn to text.
3631 of long standingReturn to text.
3632 consider, reflectReturn to text.
3633 perilReturn to text.
3634 inexpressibleReturn to text.
3635 safeReturn to text.
3636 commotions, agitationsReturn to text.
3637 makes illustriousReturn to text.
3638 put an end to, suppress, destroyReturn to text.
3639 matter to me of glory...to quell their prideReturn to text.
3640 in event = in the occurrenceReturn to text.
3641 adroit, skillfulReturn to text.
3642 withReturn to text.
3643 [five syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
3644 the nine angelic orders were at one time said to be divided into three sub-groupingsReturn to text.
3645 having the form of a globeReturn to text.
3646 stretched into longitude = stretched lengthwiseReturn to text.
3647 territories, boundsReturn to text.
3648 explained, translatedReturn to text.
3649 claiming, feigningReturn to text.
3650 false, slanderousReturn to text.
3651 having the name, but not the realityReturn to text.
3652 collectedReturn to text.
3653 artificial representation, copy, counterpart, portraitReturn to text.
3654 raiseReturn to text.
3655 well consist = are consistentReturn to text.
3656 perversion, corruption, misuseReturn to text.
3657 checkReturn to text.
3658 "to boil"Return to text.
3659 stringent, rigorousReturn to text.
3660 flowingReturn to text.
3661 speaking evilReturn to text.
3662 investedReturn to text.
3663 fit, proper, owedReturn to text.
3664 acknowledge, avowReturn to text.
3665 uninheritedReturn to text.
3666 marked out the limits ofReturn to text.
3667 carefulReturn to text.
3668 inclinedReturn to text.
3669 nearlyReturn to text.
3670 to be unjustReturn to text.
3671 dimmed, darkenedReturn to text.
3672 these othersReturn to text.
3673 pacify, mollifyReturn to text.
3674 in time = if in timeReturn to text.
3675 ardent, intensely earnestReturn to text.
3676 out of season = inopportune, unseasonable, not at the right timeReturn to text.
3677 just himReturn to text.
3678 hasty, impetuousReturn to text.
3679 second-best, second-class, subsidiary, auxiliaryReturn to text.
3680 unfamiliarReturn to text.
3681 life-giving, animatingReturn to text.
3682 destined, fatedReturn to text.
3683 completeReturn to text.
3684 celestialReturn to text.
3685 powerReturn to text.
3686 the act of addressing someoneReturn to text.
3687 surroundReturn to text.
3688 (1) flee, (2) fly on wingsReturn to text.
3689 "hoarse murmur echoed applause to his words"Return to text.
3690 estrangedReturn to text.
3691 settled, decidedReturn to text.
3692 lucklessReturn to text.
3693 lenientReturn to text.
3694 bestowed, conferredReturn to text.
3695 crush, smashReturn to text.
3696 advise me (to leave)Return to text.
3697 (1) dedicated (to evil), (2) doomedReturn to text.
3698 overhanging, imminentReturn to text.
3699 distinguish not = not distinguish between you and meReturn to text.
3700 workedReturn to text.
3701 aloneReturn to text.
3702 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
3703 returned, cast backReturn to text.
3704 machines, mechanical devicesReturn to text.
3705 fearlessReturn to text.
3706 AbdielReturn to text.
3707 open countryReturn to text.
3708 fast by = very nearReturn to text.
3709 resideReturn to text.
3710 go awayReturn to text.
3711 pleasingReturn to text.
3712 mutationReturn to text.
3713 obedient, dutifulReturn to text.
3714 as it isReturn to text.
3715 celestialReturn to text.
3716 brightly shiningReturn to text.
3717 [when all the plain (lines 15 ff.) = subject; met his view (line 18) = verb]Return to text.
3718 Abdiel'sReturn to text.
3719 readiness, preparationReturn to text.
3720 countless numbersReturn to text.
3721 pre sent him [verb, in the present tense]Return to text.
3722 valued, goodReturn to text.
3723 incorrect, wickedReturn to text.
3724 remains toReturn to text.
3725 [verb]Return to text.
3726 cliff edgeReturn to text.
3727 lowest region of Hades/HellReturn to text.
3728 writhingReturn to text.
3729 fear, awe, reverenceReturn to text.
3730 were drawn up for battleReturn to text.
3731 square formationReturn to text.
3732 and neitherReturn to text.
3733 obstructingReturn to text.
3734 constrictingReturn to text.
3735 quiescent, unresistingReturn to text.
3736 quickReturn to text.
3737 race, speciesReturn to text.
3738 AdamReturn to text.
3739 stretch/extent of land, regionReturn to text.
3740 earthReturn to text.
3741 borderReturn to text.
3742 ready/eager for battle [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
3743 on nearer viewReturn to text.
3744 upright beams = the upright polesReturn to text.
3745 crowdedReturn to text.
3746 statements, slogans, argumentsReturn to text.
3747 painted, adornedReturn to text.
3748 wild, madReturn to text.
3749 speedReturn to text.
3750 thought, expectedReturn to text.
3751 foolishReturn to text.
3752 "when they were halfway there"Return to text.
3753 hostile encounterReturn to text.
3754 wont to = usuallyReturn to text.
3755 like-mindedReturn to text.
3756 descendedReturn to text.
3757 fearful, terribleReturn to text.
3758 open spaceReturn to text.
3759 darkened by ignorance, anger, etc.Return to text.
3760 foremost partReturn to text.
3761 bristlingReturn to text.
3762 loyalty, devotion, honesty [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
3763 (Abdiel, not Satan, is trusting in God)Return to text.
3764 test, probeReturn to text.
3765 savageReturn to text.
3766 [second syllable accented]Return to text.
3767 wicked, dirty, offensiveReturn to text.
3768 (1) obstruction, obstacle, (2) confrontationReturn to text.
3769 is Abdiel incensed at Satan? or Satan at Abdiel?Return to text.
3770 SatanReturn to text.
3771 submerged, buried, completely coveredReturn to text.
3772 (1) course, (2) followingReturn to text.
3773 those whoReturn to text.
3774 misguided, mistakenReturn to text.
3775 partyReturn to text.
3776 a fewReturn to text.
3777 principal, greatReturn to text.
3778 (1) sideways, (2) askew, asquintReturn to text.
3779 rebellingReturn to text.
3780 (1) assault, (2) testReturn to text.
3781 (1) free, (2) claimReturn to text.
3782 rewardReturn to text.
3783 result, outcomeReturn to text.
3784 slaughterReturn to text.
3785 corruptReturn to text.
3786 commandReturn to text.
3787 enslavedReturn to text.
3788 wickedly, baselyReturn to text.
3789 servingReturn to text.
3790 censure, reproachReturn to text.
3791 commandsReturn to text.
3792 heraldic device on the top of his helmetReturn to text.
3793 violent speedReturn to text.
3794 injury, damageReturn to text.
3795 "ten large paces"Return to text.
3796 held upReturn to text.
3797 discomfited, overthrownReturn to text.
3798 [trisyllabic]Return to text.
3799 [trisyllabic?]Return to text.
3800 vastnessReturn to text.
3801 in wonder/amazementReturn to text.
3802 met, now engaged in combatReturn to text.
3803 made a harsh, clashing soundReturn to text.
3804 frenzied, turning furiouslyReturn to text.
3805 brasslike, brass-hardReturn to text.
3806 horrible, dreadfulReturn to text.
3807 spears, javelins, arrowsReturn to text.
3808 coveredReturn to text.
3809 canopyReturn to text.
3810 armiesReturn to text.
3811 mightyReturn to text.
3812 tumultuous conflagrationReturn to text.
3813 controlled, ruled againstReturn to text.
3814 of such numbersReturn to text.
3815 split into factions, discordantReturn to text.
3816 battle linesReturn to text.
3817 fierce, cruelReturn to text.
3818 as ifReturn to text.
3819 cause, influence, turning pointReturn to text.
3820 mighty, vigorousReturn to text.
3821 shaking, stirringReturn to text.
3822 battlingReturn to text.
3823 marvelous, amazingReturn to text.
3824 disorderlyReturn to text.
3825 motion, forceReturn to text.
3826 frightfulReturn to text.
3827 set in opposition, put in the wayReturn to text.
3828 left offReturn to text.
3829 internalReturn to text.
3830 quantity, degree, proportionReturn to text.
3831 spiritual/mental peaceReturn to text.
3832 bordersReturn to text.
3833 puts up withReturn to text.
3834 join togetherReturn to text.
3835 quarrelsReturn to text.
3836 negotiateReturn to text.
3837 parleyReturn to text.
3838 readiedReturn to text.
3839 visibleReturn to text.
3840 side, directionReturn to text.
3841 most denseReturn to text.
3842 space, roomReturn to text.
3843 (1) wind, (2) violenceReturn to text.
3844 bearing, relative positionReturn to text.
3845 destroy one another?Return to text.
3846 settle/put an end to/decide/resolveReturn to text.
3847 advantageReturn to text.
3848 blocking, parryingReturn to text.
3849 completelyReturn to text.
3850 dividedReturn to text.
3851 coiling, twistingReturn to text.
3852 piercingReturn to text.
3853 breaking the organic continuity of Satan's bodily substanceReturn to text.
3854 fluid, essenceReturn to text.
3855 bloodyReturn to text.
3856 withdrawnReturn to text.
3857 files of war = rows/ranks of fightersReturn to text.
3858 outrage, angerReturn to text.
3859 disgraceReturn to text.
3860 kidneysReturn to text.
3861 exceptReturn to text.
3862 similar [adjective]Return to text.
3863 troops serving under a single ensign/banner/flagReturn to text.
3864 ranksReturn to text.
3865 soon, at onceReturn to text.
3866 unfamiliar, never experiencedReturn to text.
3867 of the army: military formationReturn to text.
3868 their: i.e., each of them vanquished "his" boasting opponentReturn to text.
3869 boastingReturn to text.
3870 Assyrian sun godReturn to text.
3871 Asmodeus, the demon in the Apocryphal Book of Tobit: see Book 4, line 168, aboveReturn to text.
3872 third of the nine angelic ordersReturn to text.
3873 inferior, lowerReturn to text.
3874 cut, hackedReturn to text.
3875 "lion of God"Return to text.
3876 a Spirit of revenge; Arioch is mentioned in Genesis 14:1 as a "king of Ellasar"Return to text.
3877 "exaltation of God"---although in the Apocryphal Book of Enoch, Ramiel's lustfulness with mortal women causes him to fall from HeavenReturn to text.
3878 judgment, sentenceReturn to text.
3879 that which is justReturn to text.
3880 unworthyReturn to text.
3881 dishonor, disgraceReturn to text.
3882 fate, destinyReturn to text.
3883 crushedReturn to text.
3884 changedReturn to text.
3885 raidReturn to text.
3886 stuck, stabbed, pierced: i.e., into the rebel ranksReturn to text.
3887 hideousReturn to text.
3888 spiritless, feebleReturn to text.
3889 ashenReturn to text.
3890 attacked, capturedReturn to text.
3891 unable to be violated/broken/injured [five syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
3892 close-packed battle array, sixteen-man-deep square, perfected by the RomansReturn to text.
3893 as a wholeReturn to text.
3894 not exposed/liableReturn to text.
3895 hatefulReturn to text.
3896 victorious, dominantReturn to text.
3897 aroundReturn to text.
3898 redReturn to text.
3899 sideReturn to text.
3900 gone awayReturn to text.
3901 devoidReturn to text.
3902 claimReturn to text.
3903 seek, aim atReturn to text.
3904 uncertainReturn to text.
3905 disdainedReturn to text.
3906 celestialReturn to text.
3907 ponderReturn to text.
3908 effective, technically perfectReturn to text.
3909 an Assyrian deityReturn to text.
3910 fifth of the nine angelic ordersReturn to text.
3911 principal, firstReturn to text.
3912 fatiguedReturn to text.
3913 split, cracked openReturn to text.
3914 weapons, armorReturn to text.
3915 destructionReturn to text.
3916 darkenedReturn to text.
3917 countenance, faceReturn to text.
3918 invulnerableReturn to text.
3919 vanquished, crushedReturn to text.
3920 weakReturn to text.
3921 dispense withReturn to text.
3922 complainReturn to text.
3923 find, discover, produceReturn to text.
3924 attackReturn to text.
3925 correctlyReturn to text.
3926 importantReturn to text.
3927 composed of ether or similar celestial material [trisyllabic, second accented, "-eous" elided]Return to text.
3928 groundReturn to text.
3929 only seeing the surface (an erudite pun)Return to text.
3930 thinkReturn to text.
3931 foamReturn to text.
3932 modified, workedReturn to text.
3933 surroundingReturn to text.
3934 birthplaceReturn to text.
3935 stuffedReturn to text.
3936 aperture, holeReturn to text.
3937 (1) distended, amplified, enlarged, (2) spread abroadReturn to text.
3938 (1) opposite, (2) hostileReturn to text.
3939 accomplishmentReturn to text.
3940 countenancesReturn to text.
3941 lit up, illuminatedReturn to text.
3942 droopingReturn to text.
3943 perhapsReturn to text.
3944 contrivanceReturn to text.
3945 similarReturn to text.
3946 original elementsReturn to text.
3947 mixedReturn to text.
3948 arranged, systematizedReturn to text.
3949 granulesReturn to text.
3950 some of themReturn to text.
3951 melt and mold, buildReturn to text.
3952 missive ruin = missilelike destructionReturn to text.
3953 kindlingReturn to text.
3954 swiftReturn to text.
3955 conscious Night = Night, aware of what they were doingReturn to text.
3956 cautionReturn to text.
3957 brightReturn to text.
3958 armorReturn to text.
3959 gleaming, radiant, resplendentReturn to text.
3960 armyReturn to text.
3961 joined/formed into a companyReturn to text.
3962 discoverReturn to text.
3963 "spy of God"Return to text.
3964 sober, serious, firmReturn to text.
3965 confident [adjective, modifying "resolution"]Return to text.
3966 buckleReturn to text.
3967 level, horizontalReturn to text.
3968 can predictReturn to text.
3969 the call to armsReturn to text.
3970 in battle orderReturn to text.
3971 slowReturn to text.
3972 massiveReturn to text.
3973 of great sizeReturn to text.
3974 pullingReturn to text.
3975 surrounded, enclosedReturn to text.
3976 their face-to-face meetingReturn to text.
3977 openReturn to text.
3978 agreement, settlementReturn to text.
3979 opening, revelationReturn to text.
3980 obstinateReturn to text.
3981 at onceReturn to text.
3982 bring forwardReturn to text.
3983 formsReturn to text.
3984 opening, apertureReturn to text.
3985 uncertain, doubtfulReturn to text.
3986 staring, puzzledReturn to text.
3987 vent = hole, here the "touch-hole"Return to text.
3988 most precise, delicateReturn to text.
3989 vomitedReturn to text.
3990 filledReturn to text.
3991 enormousReturn to text.
3992 overflowing amountReturn to text.
3993 violent, forceful, rapidReturn to text.
3994 because ofReturn to text.
3995 armorReturn to text.
3996 scatteringReturn to text.
3997 loosen, openReturn to text.
3998 pressed close togetherReturn to text.
3999 ranksReturn to text.
4000 unseemlyReturn to text.
4001 discharge, explodeReturn to text.
4002 volleyReturn to text.
4003 frolickingReturn to text.
4004 amazedReturn to text.
4005 overthrewReturn to text.
4006 (1) comprehend, (2) be supported ("stand under")Return to text.
4007 excitedReturn to text.
4008 the angelsReturn to text.
4009 locatedReturn to text.
4010 swiftly/easilyReturn to text.
4011 [prosodically, "When coming towards them so dread they saw"]Return to text.
4012 thrown, so as to coverReturn to text.
4013 attacked, intruded uponReturn to text.
4014 great, solidReturn to text.
4015 headlandsReturn to text.
4016 weighed down, crushedReturn to text.
4017 distendedReturn to text.
4018 inexorableReturn to text.
4019 hurling, throwingReturn to text.
4020 horribleReturn to text.
4021 disaster, wreck, ruinReturn to text.
4022 judicious, deliberateReturn to text.
4023 associate, sharerReturn to text.
4024 radianceReturn to text.
4025 sentence, judgmentReturn to text.
4026 hold outReturn to text.
4027 the whole, the rest of HeavenReturn to text.
4028 tolerated, allowedReturn to text.
4029 poured, instilledReturn to text.
4030 wicked, stubbornReturn to text.
4031 disturbance, seditionReturn to text.
4032 curbed, checkedReturn to text.
4033 anointingReturn to text.
4034 as likes them = as they pleaseReturn to text.
4035 beyond the power of wordsReturn to text.
4036 consider, valueReturn to text.
4037 serpent, snakeReturn to text.
4038 purifiedReturn to text.
4039 undreamedReturn to text.
4040 innateReturn to text.
4041 carried, conveyedReturn to text.
4042 racingReturn to text.
4043 i.e., resembling a showerReturn to text.
4044 the heavensReturn to text.
4045 the jewels on the high priest Aaron's breastplate: see Exodus 28:30Return to text.
4046 pouring-outReturn to text.
4047 flashing, glistening, quiveringReturn to text.
4048 exaltedReturn to text.
4049 luminous, gleamingReturn to text.
4050 drew/led backReturn to text.
4051 diffused aroundReturn to text.
4052 leaderReturn to text.
4053 unitedReturn to text.
4054 withdrewReturn to text.
4055 dutiful, obedientReturn to text.
4056 usual, habitual, familiarReturn to text.
4057 unluckyReturn to text.
4058 unyieldingReturn to text.
4059 foolishReturn to text.
4060 forming, takingReturn to text.
4061 reform, win backReturn to text.
4062 thinkingReturn to text.
4063 finally, in the endReturn to text.
4064 fateReturn to text.
4065 testReturn to text.
4066 desirousReturn to text.
4067 grantReturn to text.
4068 armyReturn to text.
4069 dark, dismalReturn to text.
4070 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
4071 scourges, wounds, afflictionsReturn to text.
4072 stunnedReturn to text.
4073 uselessReturn to text.
4074 wrathReturn to text.
4075 adornedReturn to text.
4076 rapidReturn to text.
4077 customaryReturn to text.
4078 emptyReturn to text.
4079 edgeReturn to text.
4080 unbearable, intolerableReturn to text.
4081 falling headlong, falling into ruins [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
4082 rigorousReturn to text.
4083 disordered, confusedReturn to text.
4084 defeated armyReturn to text.
4085 opening wideReturn to text.
4086 filledReturn to text.
4087 walledReturn to text.
4088 joyful shoutsReturn to text.
4089 Adam'sReturn to text.
4090 be cautious, take warningReturn to text.
4091 occurredReturn to text.
4092 so thatReturn to text.
4093 like him, together with himReturn to text.
4094 deprivedReturn to text.
4095 spiteful injuryReturn to text.
4096 once and for all, foreverReturn to text.
4097 as companionReturn to text.
4098 weaker partner, EveReturn to text.
4099 i.e., ChristReturn to text.
4100 "heavenly": muse of astronomyReturn to text.
4101 Bellerophon's flying horseReturn to text.
4102 i.e., "above" (beyond) pagan inspirationReturn to text.
4103 live, keep companyReturn to text.
4104 breathed inReturn to text.
4105 of thy blending/alloying/preparationReturn to text.
4106 surroundingsReturn to text.
4107 Bellerophon was unhorsed by Zeus, when attempting to fly up to the gods' homeReturn to text.
4108 to which Bellerophon fell when unhorsedReturn to text.
4109 wandering aimless, straying (as Bellerophon had done)Return to text.
4110 lost, abandonedReturn to text.
4111 enclosed, contained, confinedReturn to text.
4112 diurnal sphere: the sphere that revolves daily around the earthReturn to text.
4113 swept away, carriedReturn to text.
4114 above the pole = into HeavenReturn to text.
4115 compassed round = surroundedReturn to text.
4116 group or class of persons, here Bacchantes or worshipers of BacchusReturn to text.
4117 OrpheusReturn to text.
4118 mountain range in Thrace, sacred to BacchusReturn to text.
4119 ecstasyReturn to text.
4120 Calliope, muse of epic poetryReturn to text.
4121 happenedReturn to text.
4122 ignore, disdainReturn to text.
4123 unsteady, not fixedReturn to text.
4124 partner in marriageReturn to text.
4125 wonderReturn to text.
4126 pensivenessReturn to text.
4127 exaltedReturn to text.
4128 astonishing, unknownReturn to text.
4129 disorder, commotionReturn to text.
4130 turned backReturn to text.
4131 dismissed, abandonedReturn to text.
4132 visibleReturn to text.
4133 flowingReturn to text.
4134 messengerReturn to text.
4135 purposeReturn to text.
4136 deigned, condescendedReturn to text.
4137 courteously, generouslyReturn to text.
4138 encompassingReturn to text.
4139 interspersed, poured inReturn to text.
4140 flowering, blooming, brightReturn to text.
4141 reposeReturn to text.
4142 recentlyReturn to text.
4143 completedReturn to text.
4144 lacksReturn to text.
4145 creating, begettingReturn to text.
4146 invisibleReturn to text.
4147 ChaosReturn to text.
4148 stay awakeReturn to text.
4149 askReturn to text.
4150 send away, allow to departReturn to text.
4151 supplicatedReturn to text.
4152 gain, reachReturn to text.
4153 make, show, proveReturn to text.
4154 furtherReturn to text.
4155 imaginingReturn to text.
4156 the onlyReturn to text.
4157 hidden, kept secretReturn to text.
4158 Lucifer, the morning starReturn to text.
4159 all wereReturn to text.
4160 position, placeReturn to text.
4161 occupy, holdReturn to text.
4162 [fre quent]Return to text.
4163 services (in the religious sense)Return to text.
4164 foolishlyReturn to text.
4165 surmisedReturn to text.
4166 lossReturn to text.
4167 testedReturn to text.
4168 loosely, at easeReturn to text.
4169 protectingReturn to text.
4170 placeReturn to text.
4171 of angelsReturn to text.
4172 wisdomReturn to text.
4173 arsenalReturn to text.
4174 like brassReturn to text.
4175 depositedReturn to text.
4176 apparatusReturn to text.
4177 naturally [trisyllabic, second accented, "-eous" elided]Return to text.
4178 enduringReturn to text.
4179 enormousReturn to text.
4180 desolateReturn to text.
4181 all-creatingReturn to text.
4182 glowingReturn to text.
4183 inscribe/draw a circular line/boundaryReturn to text.
4184 depthReturn to text.
4185 deepReturn to text.
4186 removedReturn to text.
4187 (1) earthy, gritty, sedimentary, (2) hellishReturn to text.
4188 createdReturn to text.
4189 collected and compactedReturn to text.
4190 separatedReturn to text.
4191 in betweenReturn to text.
4192 spiritlikeReturn to text.
4193 the fifth essence, of which substance the heavenly bodies were thought to be composedReturn to text.
4194 the sunReturn to text.
4195 tentReturn to text.
4196 stayed for a while, tarriedReturn to text.
4197 gleamingReturn to text.
4198 blowing, sent outReturn to text.
4199 firm or solid structureReturn to text.
4200 division, distributionReturn to text.
4201 ambient, flowing aroundReturn to text.
4202 offensiveReturn to text.
4203 disorderReturn to text.
4204 took awayReturn to text.
4205 [trisyllabic, second accented, "-uous" elided]Return to text.
4206 disturb, disorder, derangeReturn to text.
4207 embryo [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
4208 reservedReturn to text.
4209 uselessly, pointlessReturn to text.
4210 fertilizingReturn to text.
4211 fluids, essencesReturn to text.
4212 stirredReturn to text.
4213 generativeReturn to text.
4214 swelling, bulgingReturn to text.
4215 the watersReturn to text.
4216 great speedReturn to text.
4217 rolled upReturn to text.
4218 collectingReturn to text.
4219 beds, linesReturn to text.
4220 [verb]Return to text.
4221 rushing [adjective]Return to text.
4222 force of movementReturn to text.
4223 flowing backReturn to text.
4224 whether, eitherReturn to text.
4225 windingReturn to text.
4226 waterloggedReturn to text.
4227 comfortableReturn to text.
4228 currentReturn to text.
4229 "He called the dry land 'earth'"Return to text.
4230 greenReturn to text.
4231 formedReturn to text.
4232 grainlikeReturn to text.
4233 crenellated, having battlementsReturn to text.
4234 entangled, entwinedReturn to text.
4235 buddedReturn to text.
4236 groups of trees/shrubsReturn to text.
4237 alongReturn to text.
4238 visit, habituateReturn to text.
4239 alternatelyReturn to text.
4240 mutation, sequenceReturn to text.
4241 not luminousReturn to text.
4242 at firstReturn to text.
4243 of globular shapeReturn to text.
4244 residenceReturn to text.
4245 going, resortingReturn to text.
4246 VenusReturn to text.
4247 Galileo discovered that Venus, like the moon, had phases (then commonly spoken of as "horns")Return to text.
4248 extraction, infusion, absorptionReturn to text.
4249 private propertyReturn to text.
4250 with diminution seen = seen with lessened lightReturn to text.
4251 ruler, governor, controllerReturn to text.
4252 clothed, vestedReturn to text.
4253 gladReturn to text.
4254 east-west courseReturn to text.
4255 flowing forcesReturn to text.
4256 horizontalReturn to text.
4257 the sun'sReturn to text.
4258 positionReturn to text.
4259 divided, separateReturn to text.
4260 decoratingReturn to text.
4261 channels, inletsReturn to text.
4262 smaller fishReturn to text.
4263 schoolsReturn to text.
4264 form a mass/mound inReturn to text.
4265 frolickingReturn to text.
4266 sprinkled, fleckedReturn to text.
4267 look forReturn to text.
4268 watch forReturn to text.
4269 smooth waterReturn to text.
4270 stripedReturn to text.
4271 rolling, surgingReturn to text.
4272 ungracefulReturn to text.
4273 disturb violently [verb]Return to text.
4274 lukewarmReturn to text.
4275 marshesReturn to text.
4276 naturalReturn to text.
4277 downy, unfledgedReturn to text.
4278 maturely featheredReturn to text.
4279 collectReturn to text.
4280 full-grown feathersReturn to text.
4281 highReturn to text.
4282 harsh birdcallsReturn to text.
4283 looked down onReturn to text.
4284 in visual survey from the ground, the mass of birds resembles a cloudReturn to text.
4285 i.e., of the skyReturn to text.
4286 arrangedReturn to text.
4287 a patternReturn to text.
4288 cleave, drive (as per their wedgelike, triangular formation)Return to text.
4289 understandingReturn to text.
4290 reciprocal: those behind, it was said, rested their heads on those in frontReturn to text.
4291 moves gently, undulatesReturn to text.
4292 made a cheerful place ofReturn to text.
4293 eveningReturn to text.
4294 grave, impressiveReturn to text.
4295 songsReturn to text.
4296 spread out, one after the otherReturn to text.
4297 wet spot, wetnessReturn to text.
4298 [verb]Return to text.
4299 trumpetlike call [noun]Return to text.
4300 the peacockReturn to text.
4301 filledReturn to text.
4302 proclaimed, honoredReturn to text.
4303 (1) birdsong [if a noun], or (2) morning [if an adjective modifying "harps"]Return to text.
4304 of her sort/kind/speciesReturn to text.
4305 brought forthReturn to text.
4306 dwellsReturn to text.
4307 brushwoodReturn to text.
4308 the wild beasts of the woodReturn to text.
4309 cattleReturn to text.
4310 come into beingReturn to text.
4311 earthReturn to text.
4312 rearingReturn to text.
4313 brindled, streakedReturn to text.
4314 lynxReturn to text.
4315 leopardReturn to text.
4316 see Job 40:15--24Return to text.
4317 likeReturn to text.
4318 hesitatingReturn to text.
4319 [ between]Return to text.
4320 hippo = horse, potamus = of the river: Milton here translates the GreekReturn to text.
4321 flexibleReturn to text.
4322 tailsReturn to text.
4323 parts of the bodyReturn to text.
4324 finished, perfectReturn to text.
4325 marking with stripesReturn to text.
4326 tracksReturn to text.
4327 very small creaturesReturn to text.
4328 sizeReturn to text.
4329 enwrappedReturn to text.
4330 [adjective]Return to text.
4331 antReturn to text.
4332 crowded [popular?]Return to text.
4333 most artful, trickiestReturn to text.
4334 frightful, terrorizingReturn to text.
4335 hurtfulReturn to text.
4336 supremely, perfectedReturn to text.
4337 goal, purposeReturn to text.
4338 face downReturn to text.
4339 savageReturn to text.
4340 holy feelingsReturn to text.
4341 faceReturn to text.
4342 nobleReturn to text.
4343 be harmonious with, answer toReturn to text.
4344 likenessReturn to text.
4345 menReturn to text.
4346 exact [adjective]Return to text.
4347 breeding, generationReturn to text.
4348 control, cultivateReturn to text.
4349 differentiated, distinguishableReturn to text.
4350 die-estReturn to text.
4351 fulfillingReturn to text.
4352 [the syntax here is uncertain, though the intended meaning is not]Return to text.
4353 processionReturn to text.
4354 heavenly, exaltedReturn to text.
4355 processionReturn to text.
4356 belt, girdleReturn to text.
4357 abidedReturn to text.
4358 the stop on a stringed instrumentReturn to text.
4359 producedReturn to text.
4360 that which is createdReturn to text.
4361 injureReturn to text.
4362 limitReturn to text.
4363 the waters above the firmamentReturn to text.
4364 boundless, immeasurable: the reference is to the new world, not to the hyalineReturn to text.
4365 [first syllable accented]Return to text.
4366 lowerReturn to text.
4367 surroundedReturn to text.
4368 raisedReturn to text.
4369 visible state, external appearanceReturn to text.
4370 so thatReturn to text.
4371 needReturn to text.
4372 under a spell: i.e., "charm," as in magic spellsReturn to text.
4373 immobileReturn to text.
4374 (1) teller of history, (2) teller of storiesReturn to text.
4375 amply, fullyReturn to text.
4376 inscrutableReturn to text.
4377 solvingReturn to text.
4378 structure, fabricReturn to text.
4379 indicatesReturn to text.
4380 dailyReturn to text.
4381 provide, supplyReturn to text.
4382 dark ("opaque")Return to text.
4383 like a point, a dotReturn to text.
4384 viewingReturn to text.
4385 wonderReturn to text.
4386 constant, unceasingReturn to text.
4387 revolving, turningReturn to text.
4388 inactiveReturn to text.
4389 ingenuity, craft, artificeReturn to text.
4390 those moreReturn to text.
4391 immeasurableReturn to text.
4392 causedReturn to text.
4393 remote from understanding, reconditeReturn to text.
4394 from ("out of")Return to text.
4395 humilityReturn to text.
4396 won overReturn to text.
4397 whoeverReturn to text.
4398 examine, inspectReturn to text.
4399 careReturn to text.
4400 held back, kept apartReturn to text.
4401 tellingReturn to text.
4402 hearer, listenerReturn to text.
4403 [verb]Return to text.
4404 pleasingReturn to text.
4405 [verb]Return to text.
4406 processionReturn to text.
4407 mild of mannerReturn to text.
4408 find outReturn to text.
4409 matters, signifiesReturn to text.
4410 whether or notReturn to text.
4411 calculate, estimateReturn to text.
4412 analyze, scrutinize, examine carefullyReturn to text.
4413 wonder, marvel atReturn to text.
4414 desire, wishReturn to text.
4415 clever, ingeniousReturn to text.
4416 mistakenReturn to text.
4417 portrayReturn to text.
4418 expressReturn to text.
4419 preserve, keepReturn to text.
4420 likelihoodReturn to text.
4421 encircleReturn to text.
4422 at the centerReturn to text.
4423 not centrally placedReturn to text.
4424 recurrent sequenceReturn to text.
4425 small circle, with its center on the circumference of another circleReturn to text.
4426 circleReturn to text.
4427 you whoReturn to text.
4428 impliesReturn to text.
4429 gleaming, brightReturn to text.
4430 powerReturn to text.
4431 ineffectiveReturn to text.
4432 otherwiseReturn to text.
4433 active forceReturn to text.
4434 in service/officeReturn to text.
4435 partReturn to text.
4436 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
4437 allege, sayReturn to text.
4438 conceding (arguendo: for the purposes of argument)Return to text.
4439 saidReturn to text.
4440 confirm, ratifyReturn to text.
4441 the sun'sReturn to text.
4442 magneticReturn to text.
4443 powerReturn to text.
4444 continually moving forward/largerReturn to text.
4445 continually moving backward/smallerReturn to text.
4446 six planetsReturn to text.
4447 transverse, crosswaysReturn to text.
4448 anglesReturn to text.
4449 the tenth and outermost sphere, the primum mobile, which kept the other spheres in motionReturn to text.
4450 [trisyllabic, second accented, "-ible" elided]Return to text.
4451 zealousReturn to text.
4452 reaches, meetsReturn to text.
4453 the sun'sReturn to text.
4454 the earthReturn to text.
4455 clear, transparentReturn to text.
4456 the moonReturn to text.
4457 the moonReturn to text.
4458 assigned, destinedReturn to text.
4459 male light = original, female light = reflectedReturn to text.
4460 spaceReturn to text.
4461 deserted [de sert]Return to text.
4462 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
4463 habitable earth [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
4464 obvious to dispute = obviously disputableReturn to text.
4465 harmlessReturn to text.
4466 evenlyReturn to text.
4467 disturb, make anxiousReturn to text.
4468 humblyReturn to text.
4469 mannerReturn to text.
4470 circumstances (i.e., rich or poor)Return to text.
4471 a point on some scale of measurementReturn to text.
4472 complicationsReturn to text.
4473 afflict, troubleReturn to text.
4474 at large = fully, amplyReturn to text.
4475 abstruseReturn to text.
4476 smoke, vaporReturn to text.
4477 foolishReturn to text.
4478 irrelevance, presumptionReturn to text.
4479 point, elevationReturn to text.
4480 descend toReturn to text.
4481 perhapsReturn to text.
4482 permission [bisyllabic: suffrance]Return to text.
4483 usual, customary, habitualReturn to text.
4484 foolishReturn to text.
4485 afterReturn to text.
4486 meal, foodReturn to text.
4487 [bisyllabic: satiate]Return to text.
4488 permeated, inspiredReturn to text.
4489 [trisyllabic, second accented: satiety]Return to text.
4490 courteous, indulgentReturn to text.
4491 silentReturn to text.
4492 propositionReturn to text.
4493 is in order/form/a structureReturn to text.
4494 it happenedReturn to text.
4495 unfamiliar, strange [ uncouth]Return to text.
4496 dark, hiddenReturn to text.
4497 a journeyReturn to text.
4498 arranged, formedReturn to text.
4499 military formationReturn to text.
4500 breaking outReturn to text.
4501 accustomReturn to text.
4502 [trisyllabic, second accented, "-ience" elided]Return to text.
4503 barricadedReturn to text.
4504 ordered, commandedReturn to text.
4505 narrationReturn to text.
4506 listenReturn to text.
4507 led, prevailed uponReturn to text.
4508 herbage, grassReturn to text.
4509 mild, softReturn to text.
4510 steamingReturn to text.
4511 gliding flowReturn to text.
4512 near, alongsideReturn to text.
4513 moved, walkedReturn to text.
4514 illuminated (literally: by sunlight)Return to text.
4515 weightReturn to text.
4516 soporific, sleepyReturn to text.
4517 manifestationReturn to text.
4518 dwelling, habitationReturn to text.
4519 needs, requiresReturn to text.
4520 [bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
4521 vividly, lifelikeReturn to text.
4522 depictedReturn to text.
4523 cultivateReturn to text.
4524 famine, shortageReturn to text.
4525 effect, powerReturn to text.
4526 guaranteeReturn to text.
4527 close by, nearReturn to text.
4528 [five syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
4529 look, countenanceReturn to text.
4530 discourseReturn to text.
4531 lands, territoryReturn to text.
4532 oath/acknowledgment of loyaltyReturn to text.
4533 breatheReturn to text.
4534 some (the land-bound animals)Return to text.
4535 whatever pleaseReturn to text.
4536 invested, endowedReturn to text.
4537 understandingReturn to text.
4538 pressed forward, presumptuouslyReturn to text.
4539 filled, fully stockedReturn to text.
4540 exercise, frolicReturn to text.
4541 diversion, entertainmentReturn to text.
4542 wield, sustainReturn to text.
4543 intercessory prayerReturn to text.
4544 favorably inclinedReturn to text.
4545 be suitableReturn to text.
4546 eager, ardentReturn to text.
4547 lacking force/energyReturn to text.
4548 wearisome, annoying, disagreeableReturn to text.
4549 mutually, to eachReturn to text.
4550 shareReturn to text.
4551 companion, partnerReturn to text.
4552 suitablyReturn to text.
4553 liveReturn to text.
4554 closely reasoned, discriminatingReturn to text.
4555 communionReturn to text.
4556 discourse, interchange of thoughts and wordsReturn to text.
4557 comfort, alleviate, sootheReturn to text.
4558 complete, perfectReturn to text.
4559 display, proveReturn to text.
4560 imperfection in being single/solitaryReturn to text.
4561 parallelReturn to text.
4562 friendshipReturn to text.
4563 seclusion, mysteriousnessReturn to text.
4564 birds, beasts, fish, etc.Return to text.
4565 pleasureReturn to text.
4566 testReturn to text.
4567 unsuitableReturn to text.
4568 alwaysReturn to text.
4569 adduced, proposedReturn to text.
4570 remained, enduredReturn to text.
4571 dialogueReturn to text.
4572 loftyReturn to text.
4573 surpasses, is superior toReturn to text.
4574 restorationReturn to text.
4575 held apart, separatedReturn to text.
4576 was able to seeReturn to text.
4577 restorativeReturn to text.
4578 inferior, poorReturn to text.
4579 instilled, insinuatedReturn to text.
4580 manner, appearanceReturn to text.
4581 in order toReturn to text.
4582 renounceReturn to text.
4583 lovableReturn to text.
4584 desistReturn to text.
4585 changeReturn to text.
4586 "given (by You) grudgingly/with reluctance"Return to text.
4587 drawn forth, obtainedReturn to text.
4588 brought forth, produced, createdReturn to text.
4589 knowledgeReturn to text.
4590 open, boldReturn to text.
4591 forwardReturn to text.
4592 reservedReturn to text.
4593 workedReturn to text.
4594 dutiful, compliantReturn to text.
4595 confirmedReturn to text.
4596 urgedReturn to text.
4597 statement/speech/discourseReturn to text.
4598 most choiceReturn to text.
4599 joyous feelingReturn to text.
4600 aromaticReturn to text.
4601 frolicking, gambolingReturn to text.
4602 nightingaleReturn to text.
4603 a marriage poemReturn to text.
4604 VenusReturn to text.
4605 strong, passionateReturn to text.
4606 enrapturedReturn to text.
4607 I touchReturn to text.
4608 agitationReturn to text.
4609 eitherReturn to text.
4610 supportReturn to text.
4611 removingReturn to text.
4612 highly finishedReturn to text.
4613 principal goalReturn to text.
4614 which most excel = which are by and large those that are superiorReturn to text.
4615 perfectReturn to text.
4616 reduced, loweredReturn to text.
4617 loosens, goes slackReturn to text.
4618 shamedReturn to text.
4619 appearsReturn to text.
4620 as if she wereReturn to text.
4621 createdReturn to text.
4622 incidentallyReturn to text.
4623 finish, completeReturn to text.
4624 likeReturn to text.
4625 distrusting, lacking confidence inReturn to text.
4626 discard, reject, send awayReturn to text.
4627 ascribing, assigningReturn to text.
4628 i.e., self-esteemReturn to text.
4629 masterReturn to text.
4630 appearancesReturn to text.
4631 worthy of/commanding profound respectReturn to text.
4632 alwaysReturn to text.
4633 procreativeReturn to text.
4634 judge, considerReturn to text.
4635 full of divine graceReturn to text.
4636 acts of decorum, proprietiesReturn to text.
4637 pleasingReturn to text.
4638 [verb, second syllable accented]Return to text.
4639 frustrated, defeatedReturn to text.
4640 statements, argumentsReturn to text.
4641 lines 609--10: "I who deal with all sorts of arguments, presented to me (my mind) by my bodily senses....Return to text.
4642 emitted radianceReturn to text.
4643 having virtues/powersReturn to text.
4644 in eminence = in eminent measure (i.e., even more)Return to text.
4645 exclusionary, excludingReturn to text.
4646 restricting, limitedReturn to text.
4647 (1) conducting way, passage, (2) management, skill, artificeReturn to text.
4648 Cape Verde Islands, in the Atlantic off northwestern AfricaReturn to text.
4649 in the westReturn to text.
4650 first of all = primarilyReturn to text.
4651 allow, permit, consent toReturn to text.
4652 happiness, welfareReturn to text.
4653 free choiceReturn to text.
4654 [verb]Return to text.
4655 courteous, nobleReturn to text.
4656 alwaysReturn to text.
4657 circled aroundReturn to text.
4658 i.e., while the serpent is sleepingReturn to text.
4659 amongReturn to text.
4660 attack, assault, try to seduceReturn to text.
4661 finallyReturn to text.
4662 intensity, strength, ardorReturn to text.
4663 i.e., quarrel, disagreeReturn to text.
4664 i.e., God or an Angel guest "sitting indulgent" with Adam, as with a friendReturn to text.
4665 familiar used = treated affably, intimately, courteouslyReturn to text.
4666 good-humoredReturn to text.
4667 AdamReturn to text.
4668 country-styleReturn to text.
4669 AdamReturn to text.
4670 pardonableReturn to text.
4671 unreprovedReturn to text.
4672 (of poetry/music)Return to text.
4673 breaking of relationsReturn to text.
4674 estrangedReturn to text.
4675 forerunnerReturn to text.
4676 theme, subjectReturn to text.
4677 fierce, hard, mercilessReturn to text.
4678 Hector, prince of TroyReturn to text.
4679 Hector, in great fear, tried to escape Achilles by running away, and was caught after a chase that went three times around Troy's wallsReturn to text.
4680 Italian kingReturn to text.
4681 Turnus' promised bride, given to Aeneas insteadReturn to text.
4682 betrothal (engagement) broken offReturn to text.
4683 Neptune's ire = Neptune's anger at Odysseus for killing Neptune's son, PolyphemusReturn to text.
4684 Juno's anger stems from (1) the beauty contest, which she did not win, and which Venus did, the judge being Aeneas' brother, Paris, and (2) the peril Aeneas poses to Carthage, a city sacred to JunoReturn to text.
4685 puzzled, entangledReturn to text.
4686 OdysseusReturn to text.
4687 Cytherea = Venus; Aeneas was her sonReturn to text.
4688 appropriate [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
4689 fromReturn to text.
4690 Urania, muse of epic poetryReturn to text.
4691 condescends, vouchsafesReturn to text.
4692 quietly, comfortablyReturn to text.
4693 not planned out in advanceReturn to text.
4694 i.e., taking a long time to choose his course, his subject matter, and starting late in lifeReturn to text.
4695 diligent, assiduousReturn to text.
4696 write about, in a literary compositionReturn to text.
4697 theme, subjectReturn to text.
4698 judged, consideredReturn to text.
4699 skill, knowledgeReturn to text.
4700 analyze, anatomizeReturn to text.
4701 destructionReturn to text.
4702 imaginary, not realReturn to text.
4703 knightly combat, joustingReturn to text.
4704 equipment, furnishingsReturn to text.
4705 adorned (painted)Return to text.
4706 devices/insignia painted on shieldsReturn to text.
4707 ingenious, skillfulReturn to text.
4708 harnessesReturn to text.
4709 the lower part of a shieldReturn to text.
4710 showy, glitteringReturn to text.
4711 magnificent, richReturn to text.
4712 properly orderedReturn to text.
4713 attendantsReturn to text.
4714 stewardsReturn to text.
4715 clever trickery/devicesReturn to text.
4716 duty, serviceReturn to text.
4717 lowReturn to text.
4718 inspireReturn to text.
4719 i.e., "heroic poem"Return to text.
4720 flightReturn to text.
4721 held/forced downReturn to text.
4722 evening starReturn to text.
4723 duty, functionReturn to text.
4724 mediatorReturn to text.
4725 not long beforeReturn to text.
4726 enhanced, advanced, made betterReturn to text.
4727 despiteReturn to text.
4728 come about, happenReturn to text.
4729 circlingReturn to text.
4730 had observedReturn to text.
4731 traveledReturn to text.
4732 equatorialReturn to text.
4733 chariotReturn to text.
4734 great circleReturn to text.
4735 coast averse = side oppositeReturn to text.
4736 that which does not arouse suspicionReturn to text.
4737 pathReturn to text.
4738 Mesopotamian river, which watered EdenReturn to text.
4739 profound depth in a body of waterReturn to text.
4740 passing swiftly/suddenlyReturn to text.
4741 enwrappedReturn to text.
4742 the Black SeaReturn to text.
4743 the Sea of Azov (a lake, in fact)Return to text.
4744 flowing into the Arctic SeaReturn to text.
4745 Syrian riverReturn to text.
4746 Isthmus of Panama, northeastern (Atlantic) sideReturn to text.
4747 sphere, globeReturn to text.
4748 close, carefulReturn to text.
4749 judgment, opinionReturn to text.
4750 urchin, little devil/demonReturn to text.
4751 tricksReturn to text.
4752 note, noticeReturn to text.
4753 createReturn to text.
4754 mental capacityReturn to text.
4755 complaintsReturn to text.
4756 correctingReturn to text.
4757 dutifulReturn to text.
4758 earthReturn to text.
4759 powerReturn to text.
4760 graded, degrees ofReturn to text.
4761 successionReturn to text.
4762 enemiesReturn to text.
4763 destruction, ruin, woeReturn to text.
4764 GodReturn to text.
4765 come backReturn to text.
4766 i.e., manReturn to text.
4767 happiness, welfareReturn to text.
4768 extendReturn to text.
4769 harmed, spoiledReturn to text.
4770 placeReturn to text.
4771 an originReturn to text.
4772 attendantsReturn to text.
4773 hidden, secretReturn to text.
4774 peerReturn to text.
4775 thicketReturn to text.
4776 chance, fortuneReturn to text.
4777 mazy folds = mazelike object, bent/foldedReturn to text.
4778 forcibly compressedReturn to text.
4779 convert into fleshReturn to text.
4780 degrade to the level of an animalReturn to text.
4781 he whomReturn to text.
4782 whoeverReturn to text.
4783 go downReturn to text.
4784 liable, subjectReturn to text.
4785 careReturn to text.
4786 descend, fallReturn to text.
4787 insult, contemptReturn to text.
4788 continuedReturn to text.
4789 circleReturn to text.
4790 frightful, detestableReturn to text.
4791 wild beast's lairReturn to text.
4792 harmfulReturn to text.
4793 the serpent'sReturn to text.
4794 secretlyReturn to text.
4795 perfumeReturn to text.
4796 (1) pleasing, (2) thankfulReturn to text.
4797 lackingReturn to text.
4798 they partake, share inReturn to text.
4799 discussReturn to text.
4800 work at, continueReturn to text.
4801 getting, doingReturn to text.
4802 widely, extensivelyReturn to text.
4803 continuallyReturn to text.
4804 make straight/rightReturn to text.
4805 prescribed authoritativelyReturn to text.
4806 luxuriantReturn to text.
4807 rebellious, unmanageableReturn to text.
4808 mocks usReturn to text.
4809 incliningReturn to text.
4810 considerReturn to text.
4811 bursting forthReturn to text.
4812 set rightReturn to text.
4813 interrupts, stopsReturn to text.
4814 proposedReturn to text.
4815 purposeReturn to text.
4816 tediousReturn to text.
4817 shady pathsReturn to text.
4818 assentReturn to text.
4819 withdrawalReturn to text.
4820 whetherReturn to text.
4821 most appropriatelyReturn to text.
4822 pure, innocent, unstainedReturn to text.
4823 grave, soberReturn to text.
4824 steadiness, constancyReturn to text.
4825 intact, free, untouchedReturn to text.
4826 wanting confidenceReturn to text.
4827 bespattersReturn to text.
4828 despiseReturn to text.
4829 increaseReturn to text.
4830 overpoweredReturn to text.
4831 bring to bearReturn to text.
4832 similar, equivalentReturn to text.
4833 test, endeavor, effortReturn to text.
4834 attached to his homeReturn to text.
4835 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
4836 made narrowerReturn to text.
4837 aloneReturn to text.
4838 equivalent, equalReturn to text.
4839 insults, confrontsReturn to text.
4840 judgment, estimateReturn to text.
4841 forehead, faceReturn to text.
4842 allegation, suspicionReturn to text.
4843 imagine, fancyReturn to text.
4844 certain, safeReturn to text.
4845 to eitherReturn to text.
4846 intensely earnestReturn to text.
4847 man'sReturn to text.
4848 alertReturn to text.
4849 prescribe, directReturn to text.
4850 prescribesReturn to text.
4851 (1) attend to, take care of, (2) remindReturn to text.
4852 remain, existReturn to text.
4853 outwardly respectable but in fact notReturn to text.
4854 bribedReturn to text.
4855 reasonReturn to text.
4856 if you wouldReturn to text.
4857 attest, demonstrateReturn to text.
4858 more certain/confidentReturn to text.
4859 though stillReturn to text.
4860 i.e., Eve has the last wordReturn to text.
4861 mentioned, noticed in passingReturn to text.
4862 inclined, determinedReturn to text.
4863 a mountain nymphReturn to text.
4864 a tree nymphReturn to text.
4865 Diana'sReturn to text.
4866 deportment, mannerReturn to text.
4867 skill [noun]Return to text.
4868 coarse, inelegantReturn to text.
4869 innocentReturn to text.
4870 goddess of flocks and herdsReturn to text.
4871 goddess of fruitReturn to text.
4872 god of the orchards and fruit, husband of PomonaReturn to text.
4873 Ceres/Demeter, goddess of Nature's generative powerReturn to text.
4874 not maternal/the mother ofReturn to text.
4875 injunctionReturn to text.
4876 promised, pledgedReturn to text.
4877 ask him to come toReturn to text.
4878 luckless, unfortunateReturn to text.
4879 anticipatedReturn to text.
4880 wicked, wrong, stubbornReturn to text.
4881 bitter grudgeReturn to text.
4882 plantingReturn to text.
4883 chance, luck, fortuneReturn to text.
4884 cover, overhang, shelterReturn to text.
4885 glidingReturn to text.
4886 shrubberyReturn to text.
4887 workReturn to text.
4888 imaginary, fabledReturn to text.
4889 whetherReturn to text.
4890 for whom, and in whose honor, "gardens of Adonis" were plantedReturn to text.
4891 king of the Phaeacians, in ScheriaReturn to text.
4892 OdysseusReturn to text.
4893 mythical, fabledReturn to text.
4894 wiseReturn to text.
4895 SolomonReturn to text.
4896 amorous playReturn to text.
4897 see 1 Kings 3:1; Solomon's wife is not namedReturn to text.
4898 marveled atReturn to text.
4899 confined, shut upReturn to text.
4900 injure, troubleReturn to text.
4901 tedded grass = grass spread out for dryingReturn to text.
4902 cattleReturn to text.
4903 place where milk and cream are stored, butter and cheese are madeReturn to text.
4904 for her = on her accountReturn to text.
4905 plotReturn to text.
4906 hidden placeReturn to text.
4907 restrained/suppressed/controlled by aweReturn to text.
4908 pillage, robbery [noun]Return to text.
4909 deprived, robbedReturn to text.
4910 intervalReturn to text.
4911 withdrawn, absent in mindReturn to text.
4912 dully, stupefiedlyReturn to text.
4913 (1) in compensation, (2) joyously, welcomingReturn to text.
4914 stirs, rousesReturn to text.
4915 diverge/depart fromReturn to text.
4916 opportunityReturn to text.
4917 convenientReturn to text.
4918 mindReturn to text.
4919 exalted, eminentReturn to text.
4920 unformidable, to be dreadedReturn to text.
4921 if notReturn to text.
4922 equaledReturn to text.
4923 turnReturn to text.
4924 lodgerReturn to text.
4925 directedReturn to text.
4926 zigzag, wavyReturn to text.
4927 fiery redReturn to text.
4928 spirals? (spires = stems, stalks)Return to text.
4929 moved gentlyReturn to text.
4930 copiousReturn to text.
4931 transformed into serpentsReturn to text.
4932 Hermione/Harmonia = daughter of Ares/Mars and Aphrodite/Venus; Cadmus' wife [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
4933 founder and king of Thebes; he and his wife were both turned into snakes by ZeusReturn to text.
4934 Aesculapius, god of healing, portrayed as a serpent at his temple in Epidaurus, in Argos, GreeceReturn to text.
4935 Ammonian Jove = Egyptian/African Jove, supposed to be the biological father of Alexander the Great, having slept with Olympias, wife of Philip of Macedonia, in the form of a serpentReturn to text.
4936 Capitoline (Jove) = Roman Jove, supposed to have fathered Scipio AfricanusReturn to text.
4937 eminenceReturn to text.
4938 trackReturn to text.
4939 at an angle, indirectReturn to text.
4940 a way to approach [second syllable accented]Return to text.
4941 cape, promontoryReturn to text.
4942 crooked, twistingReturn to text.
4943 extravagantReturn to text.
4944 ring, band, circleReturn to text.
4945 aroundReturn to text.
4946 obedient [bisyllabic, first accented, "-eous" elided]Return to text.
4947 herd disguised = Odysseus/Ulysses' men, turned by Circe into swineReturn to text.
4948 like an organ or other similar instrumentReturn to text.
4949 thrust, forceReturn to text.
4950 unrivaledReturn to text.
4951 insatiableReturn to text.
4952 majestic, commandingReturn to text.
4953 secludedReturn to text.
4954 ecstasyReturn to text.
4955 deficientReturn to text.
4956 veiled with specious commentsReturn to text.
4957 prelude, preface, introductionReturn to text.
4958 uttered, gave forthReturn to text.
4959 (1) hesitate, (2) disagree aboutReturn to text.
4960 capable of speechReturn to text.
4961 from beingReturn to text.
4962 a marvel, extraordinary eventReturn to text.
4963 despicableReturn to text.
4964 pleasingReturn to text.
4965 snakes were thought to improve their eyesight by rubbing their eyes on fennelReturn to text.
4966 snakes were reputed to suck milk from sheep and goatsReturn to text.
4967 are engaged inReturn to text.
4968 tempting, charmingReturn to text.
4969 quicklyReturn to text.
4970 feeding groundReturn to text.
4971 was able toReturn to text.
4972 lackedReturn to text.
4973 kept, confinedReturn to text.
4974 in betweenReturn to text.
4975 vexatiousReturn to text.
4976 mistress, woman of rank and powerReturn to text.
4977 having a Spirit in his bodyReturn to text.
4978 power, qualityReturn to text.
4979 demonstrated, tested, learned aboutReturn to text.
4980 due numberReturn to text.
4981 that which is born of Nature, Nature's offspringReturn to text.
4982 a flat = level groundReturn to text.
4983 close, nearReturn to text.
4984 guidance [second syllable accented]Return to text.
4985 composed, made [second syllable accented]Return to text.
4986 oilyReturn to text.
4987 envelopsReturn to text.
4988 a shaking movementReturn to text.
4989 accompaniesReturn to text.
4990 i.e., the order forbidding that its fruit be eatenReturn to text.
4991 useless, wastedReturn to text.
4992 credibilityReturn to text.
4993 offspringReturn to text.
4994 roleReturn to text.
4995 as ifReturn to text.
4996 rises and falls [bisyllabic?]Return to text.
4997 proper, decorousReturn to text.
4998 actionsReturn to text.
4999 [raised as of some great matter to begin]Return to text.
5000 standing up, rising (to speak)Return to text.
5001 of right = rightfulReturn to text.
5002 knowledgeReturn to text.
5003 natural forces/substances that are productive of active phenomenaReturn to text.
5004 no matter howReturn to text.
5005 GodReturn to text.
5006 venturingReturn to text.
5007 kindleReturn to text.
5008 uttered denunciations againstReturn to text.
5009 fitting, suitable, properReturn to text.
5010 sharingReturn to text.
5011 they employ/make use ofReturn to text.
5012 the godsReturn to text.
5013 reasons [noun]Return to text.
5014 signifyReturn to text.
5015 filledReturn to text.
5016 all by itselfReturn to text.
5017 impregnatedReturn to text.
5018 favorably disposed, incliningReturn to text.
5019 incitedReturn to text.
5020 test, tasteReturn to text.
5021 oral utteranceReturn to text.
5022 lack, needReturn to text.
5023 plain language/termsReturn to text.
5024 not rationalReturn to text.
5025 not to be suspectedReturn to text.
5026 [pronounced, in British English both then and now, et]Return to text.
5027 criminalReturn to text.
5028 noticed, paid attention toReturn to text.
5029 convivialReturn to text.
5030 influence, power, effectReturn to text.
5031 wisdom, understandingReturn to text.
5032 hiddenReturn to text.
5033 defamedReturn to text.
5034 left, allowed toReturn to text.
5035 purposeReturn to text.
5036 fedReturn to text.
5037 concealedReturn to text.
5038 wayReturn to text.
5039 shareReturn to text.
5040 is lackingReturn to text.
5041 followReturn to text.
5042 considerReturn to text.
5043 knowledge-containingReturn to text.
5044 divining, prefiguringReturn to text.
5045 wrongdoingReturn to text.
5046 actionReturn to text.
5047 perceived, was conscious ofReturn to text.
5048 prefaceReturn to text.
5049 soft, coaxingReturn to text.
5050 at will = readyReturn to text.
5051 deprived ofReturn to text.
5052 endowed, supplied, investedReturn to text.
5053 to admiration = marvelouslyReturn to text.
5054 to be as he has said they would beReturn to text.
5055 amplified, expandedReturn to text.
5056 to the extent that, ifReturn to text.
5057 a shareReturn to text.
5058 fortune, destinyReturn to text.
5059 cheerful, gayReturn to text.
5060 intoxication, derangementReturn to text.
5061 stunned, astonishedReturn to text.
5062 prostrateReturn to text.
5063 went slackReturn to text.
5064 fell off, scatteredReturn to text.
5065 doomedReturn to text.
5066 companyReturn to text.
5067 abandoned, forsaken, desolate, lostReturn to text.
5068 never beReturn to text.
5069 condition, manner of existingReturn to text.
5070 strengthened, soothedReturn to text.
5071 criminal, infamousReturn to text.
5072 already tastedReturn to text.
5073 pollutedReturn to text.
5074 accessible, general, freeReturn to text.
5075 unsanctifiedReturn to text.
5076 resolved, determinedReturn to text.
5077 equivalent, equalReturn to text.
5078 accompany, attendReturn to text.
5079 powerful, convincing, unavoidableReturn to text.
5080 extremely great, surpassing excellenceReturn to text.
5081 manifestationReturn to text.
5082 but short = but since I am short (have less of)Return to text.
5083 achieve (such emulation)Return to text.
5084 circumstanceReturn to text.
5085 conspicuously [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5086 were it = were it thatReturn to text.
5087 as threatenedReturn to text.
5088 followReturn to text.
5089 undergo, endure, bear, experienceReturn to text.
5090 deed, actionReturn to text.
5091 destructive, fatalReturn to text.
5092 recentlyReturn to text.
5093 influenced, won overReturn to text.
5094 foolishlyReturn to text.
5095 darkened, threatenedReturn to text.
5096 finishingReturn to text.
5097 primary, firstReturn to text.
5098 repeatReturn to text.
5099 effectReturn to text.
5100 amorous playReturn to text.
5101 strictReturn to text.
5102 correct, delicate, graceful, politeReturn to text.
5103 which is ofReturn to text.
5104 wisdomReturn to text.
5105 quality, characterReturn to text.
5106 sense of tasteReturn to text.
5107 sensible, wise, having sound judgmentReturn to text.
5108 furnished, providedReturn to text.
5109 enjoyment of tasteReturn to text.
5110 gift, kindnessReturn to text.
5111 potent, powerfulReturn to text.
5112 caressReturn to text.
5113 a hollow among hillsReturn to text.
5114 diversion, sport, gamesReturn to text.
5115 amply, at lengthReturn to text.
5116 moistReturn to text.
5117 pressed down onReturn to text.
5118 deceitfulReturn to text.
5119 genialReturn to text.
5120 unnaturalReturn to text.
5121 burdened, hampered, embarrassed, cloggedReturn to text.
5122 turmoil, disturbanceReturn to text.
5123 rightful, properReturn to text.
5124 quality of conforming to moral or divine lawReturn to text.
5125 had gone fromReturn to text.
5126 covered himselfReturn to text.
5127 of the tribe of DanReturn to text.
5128 Philistine [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5129 Samson's traitorous wife [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
5130 defeated, overthrown, brought to noughtReturn to text.
5131 afflictedReturn to text.
5132 customaryReturn to text.
5133 lustReturn to text.
5134 evil store = an abundance of evilReturn to text.
5135 worst, finalReturn to text.
5136 hiddenReturn to text.
5137 (1) shade, (2) the foliage that produces shadeReturn to text.
5138 God or AngelsReturn to text.
5139 peril, dangerReturn to text.
5140 offensiveReturn to text.
5141 most improperlyReturn to text.
5142 the banyanReturn to text.
5143 western IndiaReturn to text.
5144 southern IndiaReturn to text.
5145 shieldReturn to text.
5146 beltedReturn to text.
5147 beltReturn to text.
5148 screened, shielded, protectedReturn to text.
5149 understanding'sReturn to text.
5150 counsel, adviceReturn to text.
5151 both of them (Adam and Eve)Return to text.
5152 power, authority, ruleReturn to text.
5153 disorderedReturn to text.
5154 alienatedReturn to text.
5155 toneReturn to text.
5156 interruptedReturn to text.
5157 begged earnestly, supplicatedReturn to text.
5158 robbed, strippedReturn to text.
5159 ownReturn to text.
5160 quicklyReturn to text.
5161 easily persuadedReturn to text.
5162 oppose, contradictReturn to text.
5163 clearly, distinctly, openlyReturn to text.
5164 send awayReturn to text.
5165 as unchangeableReturn to text.
5166 enjoyedReturn to text.
5167 confidentReturn to text.
5168 thing, affair, events, circumstancesReturn to text.
5169 test, endeavor, experimentReturn to text.
5170 regret, repentReturn to text.
5171 happen, occurReturn to text.
5172 [noun]Return to text.
5173 followReturn to text.
5174 [con test]Return to text.
5175 confirm, pronounceReturn to text.
5176 infamousReturn to text.
5177 spitefulReturn to text.
5178 corruptedReturn to text.
5179 completeReturn to text.
5180 Adam and EveReturn to text.
5181 alwaysReturn to text.
5182 complexly, in multiple fashionReturn to text.
5183 corrupted, injured, broke, destroyedReturn to text.
5184 had happened/occurredReturn to text.
5185 responsibleReturn to text.
5186 clearReturn to text.
5187 guiltlessReturn to text.
5188 demonstratedReturn to text.
5189 responsibility, trustReturn to text.
5190 truest, purestReturn to text.
5191 predictedReturn to text.
5192 recentlyReturn to text.
5193 succeedReturn to text.
5194 had to beReturn to text.
5195 weightReturn to text.
5196 forceReturn to text.
5197 his will'sReturn to text.
5198 remainsReturn to text.
5199 exceptReturn to text.
5200 deadlyReturn to text.
5201 be passedReturn to text.
5202 proclaimedReturn to text.
5203 lenity, mercy, indulgenceReturn to text.
5204 release (from a debt)Return to text.
5205 "Justice must not be scorned (treated with contempt) as the free gift of kindness (bounty) has been"Return to text.
5206 one who rules by deputed power, appointed by a ruler to exercise certain powersReturn to text.
5207 joinedReturn to text.
5208 planned, intendedReturn to text.
5209 descend, fallReturn to text.
5210 I possess/holdReturn to text.
5211 alleviate, abateReturn to text.
5212 judgment, sentenceReturn to text.
5213 conveyed, transferredReturn to text.
5214 explain, make clear, elucidateReturn to text.
5215 set free from doubt, convincedReturn to text.
5216 pacifyReturn to text.
5217 escort, attending companyReturn to text.
5218 be neededReturn to text.
5219 SatanReturn to text.
5220 i.e., from the process of judgment, as applied to Adam and EveReturn to text.
5221 proved guiltyReturn to text.
5222 proof, demonstrationReturn to text.
5223 i.e., the animal whose body was appropriated, wrongly and without consent, by SatanReturn to text.
5224 parallel, side by sideReturn to text.
5225 attendantReturn to text.
5226 descentReturn to text.
5227 mediatorReturn to text.
5228 receivedReturn to text.
5229 eitherReturn to text.
5230 visibleReturn to text.
5231 disconcerted, abashedReturn to text.
5232 disturbed, unsettled, agitatedReturn to text.
5233 visibleReturn to text.
5234 abusive languageReturn to text.
5235 instruction, order, mandateReturn to text.
5236 assailedReturn to text.
5237 narrow pathwayReturn to text.
5238 suffer, bearReturn to text.
5239 miserableReturn to text.
5240 (1) unbearable, unendurable, (2) unjustifiableReturn to text.
5241 come uponReturn to text.
5242 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5243 [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
5244 merely, simplyReturn to text.
5245 trueReturn to text.
5246 worth, excellence, honorReturn to text.
5247 rule, directionReturn to text.
5248 unfit, improperReturn to text.
5249 office, roleReturn to text.
5250 quicklyReturn to text.
5251 babbling, talkativeReturn to text.
5252 polluted from the end = corrupted away from the purposeReturn to text.
5253 faulty, corruptReturn to text.
5254 finallyReturn to text.
5255 judgment, sentenceReturn to text.
5256 occult, obscureReturn to text.
5257 creaturesReturn to text.
5258 crush, smash, breakReturn to text.
5259 Christ'sReturn to text.
5260 capturedReturn to text.
5261 display (of force)Return to text.
5262 wrongfully appropriatedReturn to text.
5263 ChristReturn to text.
5264 ChristReturn to text.
5265 the serpent'sReturn to text.
5266 his fatal bruise = the CrucifixionReturn to text.
5267 action of conceiving (becoming pregnant)Return to text.
5268 unasked, uninvited, uncommandedReturn to text.
5269 proclaimedReturn to text.
5270 youthful coat = sloughed-off skinReturn to text.
5271 exchangedReturn to text.
5272 not much = not at allReturn to text.
5273 shameful, injuriousReturn to text.
5274 satisfied [adjective]Return to text.
5275 view from opposite sidesReturn to text.
5276 extraordinary, enormous, excessive, hyperviolent/gross/wrongReturn to text.
5277 i.e., opening the way (and the gates) for SatanReturn to text.
5278 place, abodeReturn to text.
5279 rule, controlReturn to text.
5280 [adjective, modifying "dominion"]Return to text.
5281 draws me on = leads me onReturn to text.
5282 whether, eitherReturn to text.
5283 affinity, harmonyReturn to text.
5284 congenialReturn to text.
5285 is powerfulReturn to text.
5286 profound depthReturn to text.
5287 not affording passageReturn to text.
5288 enterprisingReturn to text.
5289 createReturn to text.
5290 mainlandReturn to text.
5291 communication, passageReturn to text.
5292 mistakeReturn to text.
5293 miss, mistakeReturn to text.
5294 breatheReturn to text.
5295 I tasteReturn to text.
5296 take in hand, attemptReturn to text.
5297 absentReturn to text.
5298 fatalReturn to text.
5299 shapeReturn to text.
5300 perceiving by smellReturn to text.
5301 separatelyReturn to text.
5302 fluttering, flappingReturn to text.
5303 whateverReturn to text.
5304 swimming togetherReturn to text.
5305 Arctic, Satanian: frozen, northernReturn to text.
5306 block, close upReturn to text.
5307 fanciedReturn to text.
5308 the River Pechora, in Siberia, flowing down from the Urals into the Arctic OceanReturn to text.
5309 Cathay = ChinaReturn to text.
5310 muddy/wet placesReturn to text.
5311 causing things to be petrified/turned to stoneReturn to text.
5312 three-pronged fish spear or scepter: wielded by Neptune in creating the Cyclades (islands in the Aegean)Return to text.
5313 one of the Cyclades: it floated until Zeus fixed it in place, for the birth of Apollo and Diana/ArtemisReturn to text.
5314 the most famous (and the only mortal) Gorgon, Medusa, turned to stone anyone who looked at herReturn to text.
5315 harshness, strictnessReturn to text.
5316 blackish mineral, containing among other things pitchReturn to text.
5317 seashoreReturn to text.
5318 mass, massive structureReturn to text.
5319 workedReturn to text.
5320 the primum mobile or other shell of the universeReturn to text.
5321 (1) without a safeguarding fence, (2) defenselessReturn to text.
5322 given upReturn to text.
5323 easyReturn to text.
5324 Persian king who invaded Greece in 480 B.C.Return to text.
5325 biblical Shushan, founded by Tithonus, Memnon's fatherReturn to text.
5326 the Dardenelles, the strait between Turkey and southeastern EuropeReturn to text.
5327 beat, whipReturn to text.
5328 bridge-makingReturn to text.
5329 suspended, hangingReturn to text.
5330 disturbedReturn to text.
5331 descendedReturn to text.
5332 flying, flightReturn to text.
5333 regions, bordersReturn to text.
5334 pushed itself inReturn to text.
5335 differentReturn to text.
5336 roads, pathsReturn to text.
5337 discoveredReturn to text.
5338 turning, movingReturn to text.
5339 i.e., steering a central course, through the high point of the skyReturn to text.
5340 the sun (Uriel) rises under the sign of Aries; it is opposite to Scorpio, which is near CentaurusReturn to text.
5341 recognizedReturn to text.
5342 unnoticedReturn to text.
5343 unknowingReturn to text.
5344 coveringReturn to text.
5345 Christ's/God'sReturn to text.
5346 he (Satan) returnedReturn to text.
5347 lucklessReturn to text.
5348 filledReturn to text.
5349 follow afterReturn to text.
5350 inevitable, deadlyReturn to text.
5351 relationship, connectionReturn to text.
5352 (1) to build/establish a position/structure of defense, (2) to become powerfulReturn to text.
5353 (1) marvelous, prodigious, (2) bearing portents, omens, signsReturn to text.
5354 with odds = and more ("and then some!")Return to text.
5355 defeat, repulseReturn to text.
5356 ruleReturn to text.
5357 decision, judgmentReturn to text.
5358 turned awayReturn to text.
5359 Heaven is squareReturn to text.
5360 the earth and all our world/universe is round/globularReturn to text.
5361 testReturn to text.
5362 i.e., on earthReturn to text.
5363 slaveReturn to text.
5364 invested with full power/authorityReturn to text.
5365 i.e., the "new kingdom" has, by his action, been exposed to sin and deathReturn to text.
5366 actionReturn to text.
5367 loss, damageReturn to text.
5368 poison, destructionReturn to text.
5369 suddenly infectedReturn to text.
5370 (though planets usually influence the earth, they are now struck, in their turn, by the activities of Sin and Death)Return to text.
5371 [bisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
5372 darkening, loss of splendorReturn to text.
5373 causewayReturn to text.
5374 divided-into-partsReturn to text.
5375 cried outReturn to text.
5376 walls, gatesReturn to text.
5377 withdrawnReturn to text.
5378 comparedReturn to text.
5379 anxious, apprehensiveReturn to text.
5380 cut off, stop, hinderReturn to text.
5381 [adjective, modifying "emperor"]Return to text.
5382 i.e., had earlier commandedReturn to text.
5383 near the mouth of the VolgaReturn to text.
5384 Persian rulerReturn to text.
5385 greater ArmeniaReturn to text.
5386 Tabriz, in northwestern PersiaReturn to text.
5387 Kazvin, in northern PersiaReturn to text.
5388 recentlyReturn to text.
5389 desertedReturn to text.
5390 outermostReturn to text.
5391 drawing togetherReturn to text.
5392 unnoticedReturn to text.
5393 appearanceReturn to text.
5394 of low rankReturn to text.
5395 soldierReturn to text.
5396 canopyReturn to text.
5397 gleamingReturn to text.
5398 hellishReturn to text.
5399 directed, turnedReturn to text.
5400 gazeReturn to text.
5401 (1) hall of state, (2) raised floor area, used (with pillows) as a kind of couch or sofaReturn to text.
5402 unformedReturn to text.
5403 unknownReturn to text.
5404 travelReturn to text.
5405 stubborn, difficult, unmanageableReturn to text.
5406 possessing no creator, since existing from the very beginningReturn to text.
5407 unfamiliarReturn to text.
5408 rumor, reportReturn to text.
5409 productReturn to text.
5410 completeReturn to text.
5411 beguiled, led astrayReturn to text.
5412 (although there are no stage directions, this being an epic poem and not a drama, Milton clearly intends at this point a burst of laughter from Satan's devilish audience)Return to text.
5413 GodReturn to text.
5414 sudden attackReturn to text.
5415 move hither and thitherReturn to text.
5416 break, smash, crushReturn to text.
5417 ordained, established, fixedReturn to text.
5418 brought low, stumblingReturn to text.
5419 strugglingReturn to text.
5420 sentenceReturn to text.
5421 presumptuous, audaciousReturn to text.
5422 tumult, disorder, violenceReturn to text.
5423 twisted/twined togetherReturn to text.
5424 mythical serpent with a head at each endReturn to text.
5425 mythical water snakeReturn to text.
5426 swordfish?Return to text.
5427 dismal, melancholyReturn to text.
5428 the bite of which caused intense thirstReturn to text.
5429 serpents grew from Gorgon bloodReturn to text.
5430 "full of snakes": one of the Balearic IslandsReturn to text.
5431 the dragon whomReturn to text.
5432 the Pythia = the prophetess of ApolloReturn to text.
5433 i.e., the sun's heat engenders the monster in the mud ("slime") of the Nile RiverReturn to text.
5434 SatanReturn to text.
5435 mob, crowdReturn to text.
5436 in station = at their proper postReturn to text.
5437 properReturn to text.
5438 proud, erectReturn to text.
5439 corruptionReturn to text.
5440 alikeReturn to text.
5441 along withReturn to text.
5442 make worse, weigh down, exasperateReturn to text.
5443 viewReturn to text.
5444 unfamiliarReturn to text.
5445 a Fury, all three of whom had snakes in their hairReturn to text.
5446 pitchyReturn to text.
5447 the Dead SeaReturn to text.
5448 foolishlyReturn to text.
5449 gustoReturn to text.
5450 nauseatedReturn to text.
5451 aversion, disgustReturn to text.
5452 triumphed overReturn to text.
5453 i.e., only onceReturn to text.
5454 extreme hungerReturn to text.
5455 on certainReturn to text.
5456 depress, frustrateReturn to text.
5457 relate/transmit as a tradition [verb]Return to text.
5458 spread aboutReturn to text.
5459 bootyReturn to text.
5460 "snake": a Titan, first ruler of OlympusReturn to text.
5461 "wide-ruling": Ophion's wifeReturn to text.
5462 i.e., more or less the pagan equivalent of Eve?Return to text.
5463 Ops/Rhea/Cybele: wife of CronosReturn to text.
5464 Dictaean Jove = Dicte, mountain in Crete, where Jove/Jupiter/Zeus grew upReturn to text.
5465 at one timeReturn to text.
5466 actuated/made actual by Adam and EveReturn to text.
5467 see Revelation 6:8Return to text.
5468 quicklyReturn to text.
5469 suffer, am tormented/troubledReturn to text.
5470 preyReturn to text.
5471 not limited/bound by his bodyReturn to text.
5472 a body, living or deadReturn to text.
5473 plain, rudeReturn to text.
5474 mercilesslyReturn to text.
5475 in differentReturn to text.
5476 ripenReturn to text.
5477 consume, diminish, destroyReturn to text.
5478 devastate, destroyReturn to text.
5479 attribute, ascribeReturn to text.
5480 permit, allowReturn to text.
5481 winking, tactly permittingReturn to text.
5482 reward, obligeReturn to text.
5483 carried awayReturn to text.
5484 renounced, abandonedReturn to text.
5485 at random = without consideration/care/control, purposelessly, heedlesslyReturn to text.
5486 dregs, refuseReturn to text.
5487 till the time whenReturn to text.
5488 filled/stuffed to excessReturn to text.
5489 glutted, satiatedReturn to text.
5490 almostReturn to text.
5491 sucked-dry?Return to text.
5492 chokingly/sickeningly overfilledReturn to text.
5493 garbage, rubbish, putrid fleshReturn to text.
5494 throw, flingReturn to text.
5495 gapingReturn to text.
5496 will obstructReturn to text.
5497 saintliness, holinessReturn to text.
5498 takes precedenceReturn to text.
5499 likeReturn to text.
5500 weaken, lessenReturn to text.
5501 i.e., next they sangReturn to text.
5502 different tasks/responsibilities/mandatesReturn to text.
5503 fittedReturn to text.
5504 order, authoritative commandReturn to text.
5505 feeble, worn outReturn to text.
5506 connected with the solstice, i.e., when the sun is halfway between the two equinoxes and, in the summer, at its farthest point from the equatorReturn to text.
5507 pale, whiteReturn to text.
5508 planetsReturn to text.
5509 relative positions of the planets, as seen from the earthReturn to text.
5510 two heavenly bodies at 60-degree angles from one another (60 degrees = one-sixth of the whole zodiac)Return to text.
5511 two heavenly bodies at 90-degree angles from one anotherReturn to text.
5512 two heavenly bodies at 120-degree angles from one anotherReturn to text.
5513 two heavenly bodies at 180-degree angles from one anotherReturn to text.
5514 harmful, unwholesomeReturn to text.
5515 conjunctionReturn to text.
5516 the fixed = the fixed stars, in the eighth of the heavenly spheresReturn to text.
5517 stormy, passionate [trisyllabic, second accented, "-uous" elided]Return to text.
5518 north, east, south, westReturn to text.
5519 storming, ragingReturn to text.
5520 throw into confusion/disorderReturn to text.
5521 sidewaysReturn to text.
5522 at a slanting angleReturn to text.
5523 centric globe = the earth, which was at the centerReturn to text.
5524 Apollo's chariotReturn to text.
5525 celestial equatorReturn to text.
5526 equallyReturn to text.
5527 the BullReturn to text.
5528 the PleiadesReturn to text.
5529 GeminiReturn to text.
5530 CancerReturn to text.
5531 (1) without delay, rapidly, (2) exceedinglyReturn to text.
5532 the LionReturn to text.
5533 VirgoReturn to text.
5534 LibraReturn to text.
5535 otherwiseReturn to text.
5536 blossomingReturn to text.
5537 undarkenedReturn to text.
5538 make up forReturn to text.
5539 LabradorReturn to text.
5540 strait at the extreme southern tip of South AmericaReturn to text.
5541 i.e., when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruitReturn to text.
5542 Atreus, Thyestes' brother, killed Thyestes' sons and served them to their father at a banquetReturn to text.
5543 world inhabited = inhabited worldReturn to text.
5544 nipping, painfulReturn to text.
5545 equivalentReturn to text.
5546 from the malign starsReturn to text.
5547 New EnglandReturn to text.
5548 Samoed shore = SiberiaReturn to text.
5549 i.e., the cave of the winds, in which Aeolus, god of the winds, kept the winds in confinement, when they were not blowingReturn to text.
5550 burst of windReturn to text.
5551 a north windReturn to text.
5552 a north windReturn to text.
5553 a north windReturn to text.
5554 a north windReturn to text.
5555 the oppositeReturn to text.
5556 a south windReturn to text.
5557 a south windReturn to text.
5558 Sierra Leone, in AfricaReturn to text.
5559 thwart of = acrossReturn to text.
5560 equallyReturn to text.
5561 Euras/Levant is an east windReturn to text.
5562 Ponent/Zephyr is a west windReturn to text.
5563 coming from the horizon: east/west rather than north/southReturn to text.
5564 clamor, loud/harsh soundReturn to text.
5565 a southeast windReturn to text.
5566 a southwest windReturn to text.
5567 riot, violenceReturn to text.
5568 irrational creatures [probably, from Latin influence, four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5569 settled aversion, contrariety of feeling/dispositionReturn to text.
5570 leaving offReturn to text.
5571 fierce, savageReturn to text.
5572 from without = in addition toReturn to text.
5573 "he, Adam, sought"Return to text.
5574 from, instead ofReturn to text.
5575 recentlyReturn to text.
5576 from, instead ofReturn to text.
5577 it would be well/all rightReturn to text.
5578 want toReturn to text.
5579 satisfy, be useful, answer the requirements, meet the needs of the case, suit, fitReturn to text.
5580 multiplied, spreadReturn to text.
5581 followReturn to text.
5582 curseReturn to text.
5583 mine own = mine own cursesReturn to text.
5584 remain, continueReturn to text.
5585 flowing backReturn to text.
5586 surge, turn backReturn to text.
5587 fall, descendReturn to text.
5588 proper orderReturn to text.
5589 advanceReturn to text.
5590 luxurious, highly pleasingReturn to text.
5591 agreedReturn to text.
5592 surrenderReturn to text.
5593 himself, AdamReturn to text.
5594 himself, AdamReturn to text.
5595 captiously object to/find fault withReturn to text.
5596 permissionReturn to text.
5597 himself, AdamReturn to text.
5598 receive, permitReturn to text.
5599 choiceReturn to text.
5600 procreated, generatedReturn to text.
5601 judgmentReturn to text.
5602 settled, determinedReturn to text.
5603 this day = todayReturn to text.
5604 live too longReturn to text.
5605 deprived of sensation, unconsciousReturn to text.
5606 confident, safe, free from fear/anxietyReturn to text.
5607 completely, entirelyReturn to text.
5608 corporeal clod = earthen bodyReturn to text.
5609 relieve, calmReturn to text.
5610 fated, destinedReturn to text.
5611 considered, thoughtReturn to text.
5612 fact, proofReturn to text.
5613 severityReturn to text.
5614 all causes else = all other causesReturn to text.
5615 absorption, taking inReturn to text.
5616 i.e., causes act according to the capacity of what they work upon; what the cause of something may be capable of is, in this sense, irrelevantReturn to text.
5617 depriving, taking awayReturn to text.
5618 insideReturn to text.
5619 outsideReturn to text.
5620 turning/spinning motionReturn to text.
5621 immaterial (spiritual) rather than material (bodily)Return to text.
5622 aloneReturn to text.
5623 use up, consumeReturn to text.
5624 corruptedReturn to text.
5625 along with me, just as I do/haveReturn to text.
5626 of necessityReturn to text.
5627 fallsReturn to text.
5628 foolishReturn to text.
5629 himself, AdamReturn to text.
5630 sharedReturn to text.
5631 EveReturn to text.
5632 similarReturn to text.
5633 sentence, judgmentReturn to text.
5634 conscienceReturn to text.
5635 beforeReturn to text.
5636 noxious exhalations/vaporsReturn to text.
5637 Adam'sReturn to text.
5638 exhibited, showedReturn to text.
5639 already announced/proclaimedReturn to text.
5640 [four syllables, first and third accented: ACCepTABle]Return to text.
5641 sets rightReturn to text.
5642 not long agoReturn to text.
5643 ring out, reëchoReturn to text.
5644 attemptedReturn to text.
5645 suitsReturn to text.
5646 alliedReturn to text.
5647 as Satan isReturn to text.
5648 is missingReturn to text.
5649 held, as if a mask or screen, in front of her, to conceal the "hellish falsehood" behind itReturn to text.
5650 exceptReturn to text.
5651 would haveReturn to text.
5652 remainedReturn to text.
5653 vagrant, wanton, uncertainReturn to text.
5654 thinking arrogantly/presumptuouslyReturn to text.
5655 overpower, outdo, get the better ofReturn to text.
5656 imagined by meReturn to text.
5657 not understood by meReturn to text.
5658 (1) the left side, (2) darkly suspicious/dishonest/corruptReturn to text.
5659 withdrawn, takenReturn to text.
5660 unnecessary, superfluous [five syllables, first, third, and fifth accented]Return to text.
5661 i.e., his correct/right/true number is one (only himself), not two (with her---superfluously---added)Return to text.
5662 likeReturn to text.
5663 procreateReturn to text.
5664 been befallen = happened, occurredReturn to text.
5665 strait conjunction = narrow connection ("conjunction" carrying heavy sexual overtones)Return to text.
5666 proper, suitableReturn to text.
5667 the womanReturn to text.
5668 obstinacy, contrariness, wickednessReturn to text.
5669 a far worse = a far worse man than himselfReturn to text.
5670 himReturn to text.
5671 (1) fierce, cruel, (2) cleverReturn to text.
5672 antagonist, enemyReturn to text.
5673 destroyReturn to text.
5674 thus, therebyReturn to text.
5675 begged earnestly forReturn to text.
5676 amity, end of hostilitiesReturn to text.
5677 renounce, abandonReturn to text.
5678 unknowinglyReturn to text.
5679 depriveReturn to text.
5680 whereon I live = of that upon which I liveReturn to text.
5681 mild, generous, courteousReturn to text.
5682 extreme, greatestReturn to text.
5683 supportReturn to text.
5684 forsaken, abandonedReturn to text.
5685 go, turnReturn to text.
5686 exist, liveReturn to text.
5687 definite, fixed, exactReturn to text.
5688 fall, descendReturn to text.
5689 abject, humbleReturn to text.
5690 (1) condition, state, (2) pledge, undertakingReturn to text.
5691 (1) stationary, fixed, (2) unalterable, not subject to changeReturn to text.
5692 lamented, deeply regrettedReturn to text.
5693 workedReturn to text.
5694 compassion, pity, sorrowReturn to text.
5695 recentlyReturn to text.
5696 quicklyReturn to text.
5697 moral weakness, instability of mindReturn to text.
5698 weakerReturn to text.
5699 entrustedReturn to text.
5700 imperiled, made subject/open to danger (since he allowed her to go to her labor alone that day)Return to text.
5701 fightReturn to text.
5702 services, duties, attentionsReturn to text.
5703 proclaimedReturn to text.
5704 apprehend, understandReturn to text.
5705 transmittedReturn to text.
5706 just event = equitable/impartial/rightful result/outcomeReturn to text.
5707 defrauded, beguiled ofReturn to text.
5708 (1) proper, (2) necessary, (3) owedReturn to text.
5709 to be depressed/sick/weakReturn to text.
5710 person, body: Eve herselfReturn to text.
5711 short work (of it)Return to text.
5712 function, serviceReturn to text.
5713 intense, passionate, excitedReturn to text.
5714 maintained, experiencedReturn to text.
5715 moved, ruled, diverted (turned)Return to text.
5716 more attentive = steadierReturn to text.
5717 despisesReturn to text.
5718 sentence, judgmentReturn to text.
5719 willful disobedience, perversityReturn to text.
5720 smash, destroy, breakReturn to text.
5721 resolved/decided onReturn to text.
5722 thusReturn to text.
5723 (1) concerns [verb], (2) pleases [verb]Return to text.
5724 bitterness, spitefulnessReturn to text.
5725 spiteReturn to text.
5726 resistanceReturn to text.
5727 disintegration, decompositionReturn to text.
5728 slantwiseReturn to text.
5729 struck and glided, passed quicklyReturn to text.
5730 (1) well-timed, (2) earlyReturn to text.
5731 harsh, pitilessReturn to text.
5732 unstable, changeableReturn to text.
5733 dwelling, coverReturn to text.
5734 of/belonging to the dayReturn to text.
5735 the sunReturn to text.
5736 dryReturn to text.
5737 rouse, exciteReturn to text.
5738 rub, harassReturn to text.
5739 by frictionReturn to text.
5740 recentlyReturn to text.
5741 pushing, shoving, knocking againstReturn to text.
5742 violent, harshReturn to text.
5743 kindleReturn to text.
5744 transverseReturn to text.
5745 if we pray to HimReturn to text.
5746 convenientlyReturn to text.
5747 goingReturn to text.
5748 often, habituallyReturn to text.
5749 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5750 i.e., the prayersReturn to text.
5751 i.e., Adam and EveReturn to text.
5752 golden covering placed over the Ark of the Covenant; regarded as God's resting place and thus the seat of mercyReturn to text.
5753 anticipatoryReturn to text.
5754 reborn, reformed, restoredReturn to text.
5755 [five syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
5756 demeanorReturn to text.
5757 inferior, poorReturn to text.
5758 Prometheus' son, and the "Noah" of classical mythReturn to text.
5759 Deucalion's wifeReturn to text.
5760 [adjective]Return to text.
5761 a Titan, daughter of Gaia (earth) by Zeus: goddess of justiceReturn to text.
5762 straying, wanderingReturn to text.
5763 the prayersReturn to text.
5764 having no material being/bodyReturn to text.
5765 smokedReturn to text.
5766 nearReturn to text.
5767 ChristReturn to text.
5768 container in which incense is burnedReturn to text.
5769 tilling, cultivatingReturn to text.
5770 atonement, expiation, sacrificeReturn to text.
5771 implant, transferReturn to text.
5772 i.e., the good works of manReturn to text.
5773 i.e., the not good works of manReturn to text.
5774 accept me = receive me with favorReturn to text.
5775 darkening of His countenanceReturn to text.
5776 AdamReturn to text.
5777 purge him off = purify him awayReturn to text.
5778 disorder, derangementReturn to text.
5779 dispose him = make him fitReturn to text.
5780 happinessReturn to text.
5781 foolishlyReturn to text.
5782 immortalityReturn to text.
5783 make eternal/everlastingReturn to text.
5784 testedReturn to text.
5785 misery, distress, vexationReturn to text.
5786 renewal of the body at the ResurrectionReturn to text.
5787 restores (yields up), repays, rewards, producesReturn to text.
5788 sinningReturn to text.
5789 not long agoReturn to text.
5790 rank, positionReturn to text.
5791 Horeb/Mt. SinaiReturn to text.
5792 general doom = Judgment DayReturn to text.
5793 mythical flower that never fadesReturn to text.
5794 going, proceedingReturn to text.
5795 forbiddenReturn to text.
5796 inward promptings, workingsReturn to text.
5797 but for a longer periodReturn to text.
5798 have knownReturn to text.
5799 left to itselfReturn to text.
5800 commandReturn to text.
5801 or in = whether onReturn to text.
5802 i.e., the Garden of Eden, about to become vacantReturn to text.
5803 pityReturn to text.
5804 proclaim, announceReturn to text.
5805 lose heart/courage, droopReturn to text.
5806 mournfulReturn to text.
5807 stated, pressedReturn to text.
5808 miserableReturn to text.
5809 intermingle, blend inReturn to text.
5810 welcoming place [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5811 bandReturn to text.
5812 double-faced god of gatesReturn to text.
5813 hundred-eyed spy for Jove/Jupiter/ZeusReturn to text.
5814 messenger of JoveReturn to text.
5815 opiate rod = sleep-inducing staffReturn to text.
5816 goddess of dawn [trisyllabic, second accented, "-thea" elided]Return to text.
5817 anointedReturn to text.
5818 prayersReturn to text.
5819 Adam'sReturn to text.
5820 efficaciously, powerfullyReturn to text.
5821 will doReturn to text.
5822 sinned againstReturn to text.
5823 gentle, forgivingReturn to text.
5824 smash, crush, destroyReturn to text.
5825 thought of, rememberedReturn to text.
5826 (1) sad, (2) soberReturn to text.
5827 pleasing, graciousReturn to text.
5828 to thouReturn to text.
5829 so high, thus highReturn to text.
5830 titleReturn to text.
5831 granted, deigned, condescendedReturn to text.
5832 "now the labor is....Return to text.
5833 imposedReturn to text.
5834 tired, laboriousReturn to text.
5835 assented, agreedReturn to text.
5836 produced on, communicated throughReturn to text.
5837 darkened, obscuredReturn to text.
5838 rosy gleamReturn to text.
5839 the eagleReturn to text.
5840 swiftly descendedReturn to text.
5841 circuitReturn to text.
5842 the lionReturn to text.
5843 pairReturn to text.
5844 hart and hind = stag and doe (male and female deer)Return to text.
5845 perhapsReturn to text.
5846 confidentReturn to text.
5847 because ofReturn to text.
5848 liberationReturn to text.
5849 more bright = brighterReturn to text.
5850 filledReturn to text.
5851 this timeReturn to text.
5852 jasper is a highly variegated colored form of quartzReturn to text.
5853 manifestation, appearanceReturn to text.
5854 bodilyReturn to text.
5855 "that 'apparition' was not more glorious when....Return to text.
5856 "tents of angels"Return to text.
5857 pavilioned = covered with the tents ofReturn to text.
5858 "And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host"---Genesis 32:1--2Return to text.
5859 see 2 Kings 6Return to text.
5860 the prophet ElishaReturn to text.
5861 treacherouslyReturn to text.
5862 made, commencedReturn to text.
5863 MichaelReturn to text.
5864 the formation in which the Cherubim had haltedReturn to text.
5865 decide, resolve, endReturn to text.
5866 lowest rankReturn to text.
5867 clothesReturn to text.
5868 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5869 trust, have confidence inReturn to text.
5870 lofty, exaltedReturn to text.
5871 luminous, brightReturn to text.
5872 armorReturn to text.
5873 loose robeReturn to text.
5874 more brilliant/vividReturn to text.
5875 Thessalian town famous for its bright purple dyeReturn to text.
5876 dyed clothReturn to text.
5877 Tyre, Phoenician seaport, now in LebanonReturn to text.
5878 goddess of the rainbowReturn to text.
5879 threadReturn to text.
5880 helmetReturn to text.
5881 belt of starsReturn to text.
5882 see Book 6, lines 320--27, aboveReturn to text.
5883 i.e., the archangel MichaelReturn to text.
5884 high rank, dignityReturn to text.
5885 commandReturn to text.
5886 compensate forReturn to text.
5887 completelyReturn to text.
5888 greedy, graspingReturn to text.
5889 cultivateReturn to text.
5890 held fast, tied upReturn to text.
5891 disclosed, revealedReturn to text.
5892 quicklyReturn to text.
5893 withdrawalReturn to text.
5894 delay, temporary extension of timeReturn to text.
5895 fatalReturn to text.
5896 stop, visitReturn to text.
5897 gentleReturn to text.
5898 arrangeReturn to text.
5899 water youReturn to text.
5900 compared toReturn to text.
5901 darkReturn to text.
5902 accustomed as we areReturn to text.
5903 over-fond = over-affectionateReturn to text.
5904 daze, stupor, depressionReturn to text.
5905 carrying out, executingReturn to text.
5906 secluded placeReturn to text.
5907 persistentReturn to text.
5908 smotheringReturn to text.
5909 visit often [verb, second syllable accented]Return to text.
5910 (1) pleasing, (2) feeling gratitudeReturn to text.
5911 lowerReturn to text.
5912 offspring, descendantsReturn to text.
5913 outermostReturn to text.
5914 (1) bottom part of God's robe, (2) outlying boundaries of His kingdomReturn to text.
5915 speciesReturn to text.
5916 bathed with warm lotions, cherished/roused/stirred upReturn to text.
5917 nourishingReturn to text.
5918 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
5919 flat, levelReturn to text.
5920 exact, unmistakableReturn to text.
5921 lofty, exaltedReturn to text.
5922 disputing, struggling, fightingReturn to text.
5923 alloyReturn to text.
5924 fatalReturn to text.
5925 steeped (drugged)Return to text.
5926 sight of the futureReturn to text.
5927 [verb]Return to text.
5928 open, visibleReturn to text.
5929 "...the hand of the Lord was upon me, and brought me thither. In the visions of God brought He me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain....---Ezekiel 40:1--2Return to text.
5930 range of visionReturn to text.
5931 [the full verb is "lay stretched out"]Return to text.
5932 viewReturn to text.
5933 ChristReturn to text.
5934 Adam'sReturn to text.
5935 Peiping (Beijing), capital of Cathay/ChinaReturn to text.
5936 khan, emperorReturn to text.
5937 capital of Temir/Tamerlane's Tatar empireReturn to text.
5938 Asian river, flowing from Turkey/Afghanistan to the Aral Sea in SiberiaReturn to text.
5939 Peiping (Beijing)Return to text.
5940 ChineseReturn to text.
5941 a Mogul capital in southern IndiaReturn to text.
5942 a Mogul capital in northern IndiaReturn to text.
5943 MalaccaReturn to text.
5944 Hamadan, ancient summer capital of Persian kingsReturn to text.
5945 Isfahan, city in what is now MalaysiaReturn to text.
5946 Byzantium/IstanbulReturn to text.
5947 Turkestan is a country in central AsiaReturn to text.
5948 seeReturn to text.
5949 name of Abyssinian kingReturn to text.
5950 now Archico, port city on the Red SeaReturn to text.
5951 Mombasa, in modern KenyaReturn to text.
5952 Kilwa, in modern TanzaniaReturn to text.
5953 Malindi, in modern KenyaReturn to text.
5954 port city in what is now MozambiqueReturn to text.
5955 thought to beReturn to text.
5956 biblical land from which King Solomon obtained gold for the building of the TempleReturn to text.
5957 riverReturn to text.
5958 in modern MauritaniaReturn to text.
5959 d. 1002, Muslim ruler in Spain and northern AfricaReturn to text.
5960 Fez and Sus are both in MoroccoReturn to text.
5961 modern Tlemcen, in AlgeriaReturn to text.
5962 Montezuma, Aztec emperor of MexicoReturn to text.
5963 capital of the Inca empire; now Cuzco, in modern PeruReturn to text.
5964 Atahuallpa, Inca ruler [five syllables, first, third, and fifth accented]Return to text.
5965 the Spanish: Geryon = monster, native to Cadiz, in Spain, who was killed by HerculesReturn to text.
5966 herb used for treatment of eye diseasesReturn to text.
5967 medicinal herbReturn to text.
5968 obliged, forcedReturn to text.
5969 forbiddenReturn to text.
5970 obtain by descentReturn to text.
5971 ploughlandReturn to text.
5972 under cultivationReturn to text.
5973 sward, turfReturn to text.
5974 to the altarReturn to text.
5975 at onceReturn to text.
5976 CainReturn to text.
5977 unselected, a random choiceReturn to text.
5978 such as first "came to hand"Return to text.
5979 courteousReturn to text.
5980 internal organs, entrailsReturn to text.
5981 favorable, graciousReturn to text.
5982 quick, suddenReturn to text.
5983 flash/movementReturn to text.
5984 other's (Cain's) = other's offeringReturn to text.
5985 AbelReturn to text.
5986 poured out freelyReturn to text.
5987 harm, evil, misfortuneReturn to text.
5988 (1) action, deed, (2) crimeReturn to text.
5989 attested, confirmedReturn to text.
5990 thickened bloodReturn to text.
5991 (1) natural, (2) of his birthplaceReturn to text.
5992 [here, though usually bisyllabic, trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
5993 "but there are many shapes"Return to text.
5994 failure to abstainReturn to text.
5995 noxious, ill-smelling, offensiveReturn to text.
5996 leperReturn to text.
5997 violent stretching/strainingReturn to text.
5998 fitsReturn to text.
5999 nasal dischargeReturn to text.
6000 bellyReturn to text.
6001 deranged, lunaticReturn to text.
6002 languishing, wastingReturn to text.
6003 wasting, emaciationReturn to text.
6004 a wasting diseaseReturn to text.
6005 bubonic plagueReturn to text.
6006 swelling up of body partsReturn to text.
6007 hideousReturn to text.
6008 overcameReturn to text.
6009 dragged, wrenchedReturn to text.
6010 thrustReturn to text.
6011 beautiful, gracefulReturn to text.
6012 likenessReturn to text.
6013 degradedReturn to text.
6014 animal-likeReturn to text.
6015 dueReturn to text.
6016 transitions, journeysReturn to text.
6017 natural, congenitalReturn to text.
6018 come, goReturn to text.
6019 bluntedReturn to text.
6020 go/leave firstReturn to text.
6021 now has (in old age)Return to text.
6022 depression, stuporReturn to text.
6023 finallyReturn to text.
6024 concerned, intendingReturn to text.
6025 released, freedReturn to text.
6026 oppressiveReturn to text.
6027 duty, responsibilityReturn to text.
6028 rendering up = giving backReturn to text.
6029 wait forReturn to text.
6030 [trisyllabic]Return to text.
6031 neitherReturn to text.
6032 submit, allowReturn to text.
6033 "near some of the tents"Return to text.
6034 harmony, accordReturn to text.
6035 he whoReturn to text.
6036 rapid, flyingReturn to text.
6037 imbuedReturn to text.
6038 accidentalReturn to text.
6039 workedReturn to text.
6040 fused, castReturn to text.
6041 carvedReturn to text.
6042 otherReturn to text.
6043 appearanceReturn to text.
6044 upright, righteousReturn to text.
6045 finalReturn to text.
6046 companyReturn to text.
6047 frivolous, lewd, unchasteReturn to text.
6048 songsReturn to text.
6049 came on = advanced, came forwardReturn to text.
6050 serious, weighty, somberReturn to text.
6051 negotiate, dealReturn to text.
6052 VenusReturn to text.
6053 forerunnerReturn to text.
6054 offered toReturn to text.
6055 summonReturn to text.
6056 god of marriageReturn to text.
6057 before anything else?Return to text.
6058 fortunateReturn to text.
6059 meetingReturn to text.
6060 outcomeReturn to text.
6061 pieces of musicReturn to text.
6062 seized sympatheticallyReturn to text.
6063 confess, acknowledgeReturn to text.
6064 propensityReturn to text.
6065 foreshadowsReturn to text.
6066 goals, purposesReturn to text.
6067 proper, fittingReturn to text.
6068 complianceReturn to text.
6069 smoothenReturn to text.
6070 unusual, uncommonReturn to text.
6071 merryReturn to text.
6072 perfectedReturn to text.
6073 wagReturn to text.
6074 snares, tricksReturn to text.
6075 at large = fully, when God sends down the FloodReturn to text.
6076 robbed, deprivedReturn to text.
6077 beganReturn to text.
6078 crooked, deviousReturn to text.
6079 spiritless, oppressiveReturn to text.
6080 courseReturn to text.
6081 man's woe = wo-manReturn to text.
6082 country, rusticReturn to text.
6083 assembledReturn to text.
6084 prowess, fameReturn to text.
6085 assemblingReturn to text.
6086 choice [adjective]Return to text.
6087 oxenReturn to text.
6088 cattleReturn to text.
6089 with life = aliveReturn to text.
6090 [bisyllabic]Return to text.
6091 fightingReturn to text.
6092 recentlyReturn to text.
6093 bloodyReturn to text.
6094 battering ramsReturn to text.
6095 laddersReturn to text.
6096 underground passages filled with gunpowder, which is then set offReturn to text.
6097 spearReturn to text.
6098 [bisyllabic]Return to text.
6099 at onceReturn to text.
6100 speechesReturn to text.
6101 i.e., split into partiesReturn to text.
6102 Enoch: see Genesis 5:21--24Return to text.
6103 behavior, deportmentReturn to text.
6104 hooted atReturn to text.
6105 perished, been destroyedReturn to text.
6106 [trisyllabic]Return to text.
6107 shrinkReturn to text.
6108 join in marriageReturn to text.
6109 muddledReturn to text.
6110 strength, powerReturn to text.
6111 proclaimedReturn to text.
6112 EnochReturn to text.
6113 therefore hated = who was therefore hatedReturn to text.
6114 assailed, invested, surroundedReturn to text.
6115 aloneReturn to text.
6116 envelopedReturn to text.
6117 fragrantReturn to text.
6118 was givenReturn to text.
6119 eternal blissReturn to text.
6120 it came about, happened, occurredReturn to text.
6121 surpassingReturn to text.
6122 quarrelsReturn to text.
6123 NoahReturn to text.
6124 wherever theyReturn to text.
6125 strugglingReturn to text.
6126 in large = a great dealReturn to text.
6127 as ifReturn to text.
6128 i.e., the clouds'Return to text.
6129 violently, with full forceReturn to text.
6130 with great force [trisyllabic, second accented, "-uous" elided]Return to text.
6131 brought forth youngReturn to text.
6132 dwelledReturn to text.
6133 not long beforeReturn to text.
6134 boatReturn to text.
6135 barely, with difficultyReturn to text.
6136 dealt out, givenReturn to text.
6137 descend, fallReturn to text.
6138 whom to warn = able to be warnedReturn to text.
6139 be destroyedReturn to text.
6140 booty, spoil, plunderReturn to text.
6141 gluttonyReturn to text.
6142 self-indulgence, capriciousnessReturn to text.
6143 [contest]Return to text.
6144 safelyReturn to text.
6145 moderationReturn to text.
6146 testedReturn to text.
6147 debased, degradedReturn to text.
6148 corruptReturn to text.
6149 NoahReturn to text.
6150 "good against that which is being done"Return to text.
6151 enticementReturn to text.
6152 fashionReturn to text.
6153 sinfulReturn to text.
6154 proclaimingReturn to text.
6155 stubbornnessReturn to text.
6156 wreck, ruinReturn to text.
6157 chosenReturn to text.
6158 waterfallsReturn to text.
6159 producing hornlike branches, as it divides and each branch flows onReturn to text.
6160 destroyedReturn to text.
6161 the Euphrates?Return to text.
6162 (1) the Perisan Gulf, in particular, or (2) the deep, in generalReturn to text.
6163 whalesReturn to text.
6164 seagullsReturn to text.
6165 harsh screams [noun]Return to text.
6166 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
6167 no sanctityReturn to text.
6168 floatingReturn to text.
6169 as ifReturn to text.
6170 declined, dwindledReturn to text.
6171 fromReturn to text.
6172 copiouslyReturn to text.
6173 quick-movingReturn to text.
6174 closedReturn to text.
6175 channelsReturn to text.
6176 loud noiseReturn to text.
6177 agingReturn to text.
6178 flowing water, here ebbingReturn to text.
6179 at onceReturn to text.
6180 more trustworthy/steadfast/reliableReturn to text.
6181 then againReturn to text.
6182 fall, descendReturn to text.
6183 calm, tranquilReturn to text.
6184 quicklyReturn to text.
6185 rainbowReturn to text.
6186 visibleReturn to text.
6187 banded, stripedReturn to text.
6188 signalingReturn to text.
6189 at firstReturn to text.
6190 kept aliveReturn to text.
6191 extended, spread outReturn to text.
6192 likeReturn to text.
6193 border, edgeReturn to text.
6194 cleverlyReturn to text.
6195 give up, resign, surrenderReturn to text.
6196 not long beforeReturn to text.
6197 regrettingReturn to text.
6198 i.e., of having created man in the first placeReturn to text.
6199 corruptedReturn to text.
6200 softensReturn to text.
6201 obliterateReturn to text.
6202 grayReturn to text.
6203 leaves off, breaks awayReturn to text.
6204 determined, setReturn to text.
6205 put forwardReturn to text.
6206 pleasingReturn to text.
6207 weakenReturn to text.
6208 origin, fountainheadReturn to text.
6209 a certain (substantial)Return to text.
6210 swiftlyReturn to text.
6211 young bull, bull calfReturn to text.
6212 unreprovedReturn to text.
6213 Nimrod ("hunter"): see Genesis 10:8--10Return to text.
6214 cast out, get rid ofReturn to text.
6215 peace, harmonyReturn to text.
6216 contempt, scornReturn to text.
6217 ShinarReturn to text.
6218 pitchyReturn to text.
6219 whirlpoolReturn to text.
6220 determine, decideReturn to text.
6221 the Tower of Babel: see Genesis 10:10 and 11:1--9Return to text.
6222 differing, unstableReturn to text.
6223 erase, obliterate, sweep away, destroyReturn to text.
6224 scatterReturn to text.
6225 discordant, babblingReturn to text.
6226 rage, complainReturn to text.
6227 i.e., the act of building, not the structure being builtReturn to text.
6228 "babble" (Babel)Return to text.
6229 giftReturn to text.
6230 intrusionReturn to text.
6231 stops, remainsReturn to text.
6232 assaultReturn to text.
6233 waste, painReturn to text.
6234 starve to deathReturn to text.
6235 seekingReturn to text.
6236 notwithstandingReturn to text.
6237 capture, seize, snatchReturn to text.
6238 authority, directionReturn to text.
6239 enslaveReturn to text.
6240 Ham, father of CanaanReturn to text.
6241 see Genesis 9:22--27Return to text.
6242 depraved, corrupt, malignantReturn to text.
6243 special, singularReturn to text.
6244 the JewsReturn to text.
6245 AbrahamReturn to text.
6246 deigns, condescendsReturn to text.
6247 immediatelyReturn to text.
6248 west of the Euphrates and south of Babylon; the Chaldeans, a Semitic tribe, had migrated to southern BabyloniaReturn to text.
6249 east of the Euphrates, in northwestern MesopotamiaReturn to text.
6250 those in servitude: servantsReturn to text.
6251 Shechem, a city in central Palestine, north of JerusalemReturn to text.
6252 in Syria, on the River OrontesReturn to text.
6253 Mt. Hermon, to the north: the highest peak in PalestineReturn to text.
6254 the MediterraneanReturn to text.
6255 in Haifa, now in IsraelReturn to text.
6256 double-sourcedReturn to text.
6257 landmark, boundary, borderReturn to text.
6258 Abraham'sReturn to text.
6259 see I Chronicles 5:23Return to text.
6260 ChristReturn to text.
6261 crush, smash, breakReturn to text.
6262 soonReturn to text.
6263 due time = in the time that, properly, it should takeReturn to text.
6264 IsaacReturn to text.
6265 JacobReturn to text.
6266 emptyingReturn to text.
6267 to lodge, to dwell temporarilyReturn to text.
6268 JosephReturn to text.
6269 scarcity, famineReturn to text.
6270 subsequent, followingReturn to text.
6271 (1) occupant, (2) stranger, foreignReturn to text.
6272 [bisyllabic]Return to text.
6273 fromReturn to text.
6274 enslavementReturn to text.
6275 refusesReturn to text.
6276 not poured out from bodiesReturn to text.
6277 thrusting/forcing inReturn to text.
6278 plagueReturn to text.
6279 boilsReturn to text.
6280 blistersReturn to text.
6281 cover, bulge withReturn to text.
6282 also allReturn to text.
6283 turn, sweepReturn to text.
6284 darknessReturn to text.
6285 potent, obviousReturn to text.
6286 PharaohReturn to text.
6287 not long beforeReturn to text.
6288 sent awayReturn to text.
6289 armyReturn to text.
6290 his former guests, the JewsReturn to text.
6291 as ifReturn to text.
6292 controlledReturn to text.
6293 columnReturn to text.
6294 take away, clear off, disappear (make disappear)Return to text.
6295 unyielding, hardened in evil, insensible to moral influenceReturn to text.
6296 prevents, wards off, prohibitsReturn to text.
6297 in the space between the two groups, Egyptians and JewsReturn to text.
6298 derangeReturn to text.
6299 Pharaoh'sReturn to text.
6300 shatter, smash, breakReturn to text.
6301 in battle formationReturn to text.
6302 troops, soldiersReturn to text.
6303 [adjective]Return to text.
6304 of the Red SeaReturn to text.
6305 quickest, shortest, most directReturn to text.
6306 penetratingReturn to text.
6307 thus called to armsReturn to text.
6308 the JewsReturn to text.
6309 not experienced (as the Canaanites definitely were) in warReturn to text.
6310 lead/send themReturn to text.
6311 "not trained (or, by implication, not having anything to do with) weapons and armor (warfare), unless people are drawn on (led on) by reckless impetuosity"Return to text.
6312 create, initiate, begin buildingReturn to text.
6313 council of seventy elders, chosen by Moses: see Exodus 24:1--9Return to text.
6314 derived from the twelve sons of JacobReturn to text.
6315 belongReturn to text.
6316 symbolsReturn to text.
6317 imagesReturn to text.
6318 ChristReturn to text.
6319 smash, crushReturn to text.
6320 narrate, tell, speakReturn to text.
6321 image, emblemReturn to text.
6322 commandReturn to text.
6323 coffer, chestReturn to text.
6324 divine lawReturn to text.
6325 mercy-seat of gold = golden coveringReturn to text.
6326 the ark? God Himself?Return to text.
6327 i.e., one lamp for each of the seven known planetsReturn to text.
6328 see Joshua 10:12Return to text.
6329 IsraelReturn to text.
6330 subdue, overcomeReturn to text.
6331 depravityReturn to text.
6332 expose, reveal, showReturn to text.
6333 (1) insubstantial, (2) foreshadowing (Christ)Return to text.
6334 atonementsReturn to text.
6335 so thatReturn to text.
6336 verification, i.e., freeing (justifying) man from the penalty of (original) sin, man being thus made righteousReturn to text.
6337 outward ritesReturn to text.
6338 carry out, execute, accomplishReturn to text.
6339 (1) can be plainly seen, shown, (2) is declaredReturn to text.
6340 onlyReturn to text.
6341 confidently yield themselves up toReturn to text.
6342 trained, educatedReturn to text.
6343 imagesReturn to text.
6344 ChristReturn to text.
6345 exceptReturn to text.
6346 DavidReturn to text.
6347 sameReturn to text.
6348 tell, declare, relateReturn to text.
6349 David'sReturn to text.
6350 SolomonReturn to text.
6351 recordedReturn to text.
6352 "added (heaped) to the sum (total: large) of the people's (the popular) faults"Return to text.
6353 as to = so as to make HimReturn to text.
6354 to be aReturn to text.
6355 the Babylonian Captivity, 606--536 B. C.Return to text.
6356 bearing in mindReturn to text.
6357 established: as fixed asReturn to text.
6358 Cyrus, Darius, ArtaxerxesReturn to text.
6359 made ready, so inclinedReturn to text.
6360 rebuildReturn to text.
6361 poor/lowReturn to text.
6362 condition, degree of prosperityReturn to text.
6363 watch over, look afterReturn to text.
6364 strive forReturn to text.
6365 priestsReturn to text.
6366 Antipater (a Roman appointee), father of HerodReturn to text.
6367 obstructed, hindered, excludedReturn to text.
6368 majesticReturn to text.
6369 BethlehemReturn to text.
6370 in military formationReturn to text.
6371 overburdenedReturn to text.
6372 outletReturn to text.
6373 perfectorReturn to text.
6374 capital bruise = injury to his headReturn to text.
6375 fatal ("capital" also = "fatal, mortal")Return to text.
6376 [bisyllabic]Return to text.
6377 having spatial positionReturn to text.
6378 defeat, trampleReturn to text.
6379 ChristReturn to text.
6380 remedyReturn to text.
6381 Satan'sReturn to text.
6382 lackReturn to text.
6383 satisfied, repaidReturn to text.
6384 ChristReturn to text.
6385 shamefulReturn to text.
6386 credited (to them)Return to text.
6387 though their merits are based onReturn to text.
6388 lawfulReturn to text.
6389 actions, deedsReturn to text.
6390 reviledReturn to text.
6391 full payment of a debtReturn to text.
6392 seize wrongfullyReturn to text.
6393 [adjective]Return to text.
6394 profit, good thing, favor, kind deedReturn to text.
6395 (1) accept, (2) submit toReturn to text.
6396 crush, smash, break, destroyReturn to text.
6397 temporary, in merely human timeReturn to text.
6398 their deathReturn to text.
6399 lifting/floating/carrying through the airReturn to text.
6400 definite, fixedReturn to text.
6401 alwaysReturn to text.
6402 his salvation = the saving of the soul which Christ brings to menReturn to text.
6403 fully flowingReturn to text.
6404 ChristReturn to text.
6405 (1) celebrating, (2) being victoriousReturn to text.
6406 Satan'sReturn to text.
6407 in HellReturn to text.
6408 defeated, overthrown, brought to noughtReturn to text.
6409 those with distinguished reputationsReturn to text.
6410 the livingReturn to text.
6411 finish, final stageReturn to text.
6412 filled with, full ofReturn to text.
6413 fromReturn to text.
6414 be brought forth/producedReturn to text.
6415 induced (in others)Return to text.
6416 be plentiful, overflowReturn to text.
6417 become of, happen toReturn to text.
6418 the Holy SpiritReturn to text.
6419 destroyReturn to text.
6420 endured, sustained, maintainedReturn to text.
6421 endow, invest, supplyReturn to text.
6422 languagesReturn to text.
6423 placeReturn to text.
6424 profit, gainReturn to text.
6425 exceptReturn to text.
6426 the "wolves" of the Roman Catholic ChurchReturn to text.
6427 bodily, fleshly, corporealReturn to text.
6428 left them enrolled = were (had been) left them in written form (recorded)Return to text.
6429 venture, dareReturn to text.
6430 consider, judgeReturn to text.
6431 fallacious, outwardly respectableReturn to text.
6432 formalities, ceremoniesReturn to text.
6433 fulfilledReturn to text.
6434 withdrawReturn to text.
6435 respiteReturn to text.
6436 at last, finallyReturn to text.
6437 flaming, burningReturn to text.
6438 durationReturn to text.
6439 in conclusionReturn to text.
6440 [bisyllabic? (the etymology being "see" + "er," and Michael being, by God's specific direction, here a seer into the future)]Return to text.
6441 traversedReturn to text.
6442 course, movementReturn to text.
6443 (1) through all, (2) even more thanReturn to text.
6444 alwaysReturn to text.
6445 overthrowingReturn to text.
6446 in conclusionReturn to text.
6447 suitable, corresponding [adjective]Return to text.
6448 highest place, peakReturn to text.
6449 visionReturn to text.
6450 strictly defined/expressedReturn to text.
6451 demands, requires, insists onReturn to text.
6452 look atReturn to text.
6453 at whose front = in front of whomReturn to text.
6454 the act of departureReturn to text.
6455 activelyReturn to text.
6456 foretellingReturn to text.
6457 arranged, adjusted, orderedReturn to text.
6458 humble, submissiveReturn to text.
6459 season fit = appropriate timeReturn to text.
6460 shareReturn to text.
6461 agreed, of one mindReturn to text.
6462 serious and sustained reflectionReturn to text.
6463 inform, give counselReturn to text.
6464 favorable, graciousReturn to text.
6465 grantedReturn to text.
6466 brilliant, flashing, swift [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
6467 marshReturn to text.
6468 raised [adjective]Return to text.
6469 vehement, intense, mercilessReturn to text.
6470 waves (of heat)Return to text.
6471 likeReturn to text.
6472 scorchedReturn to text.
6473 scorchReturn to text.
6474 (of Eden)Return to text.
6475 moderateReturn to text.
6476 reluctant, tardy, dawdlingReturn to text.
6477 lying belowReturn to text.
6478 i.e., then the angel (and his troop) disappearedReturn to text.
6479 some time agoReturn to text.
6480 testedReturn to text.
6481 hermitReturn to text.
6482 accustomed to, in the habit ofReturn to text.
6483 readyReturn to text.
6484 favored, fortunateReturn to text.
6485 full summed = feathers fully formed/grown, i.e., poetic capacity fully maturedReturn to text.
6486 beyondReturn to text.
6487 John the BaptistReturn to text.
6488 sublimely majestic, commanding reverenceReturn to text.
6489 reverent wonderReturn to text.
6490 consideredReturn to text.
6491 unnoticedReturn to text.
6492 discoveredReturn to text.
6493 his worthier = (1) Christ being worthier than John, or (2) one who is his (John's) worthier; the meaning is unchanged either wayReturn to text.
6494 ChristReturn to text.
6495 SatanReturn to text.
6496 celebrated [adjective]---but does it mean that the assembly is "famed" or that Satan did not want to be ("would not be") less famed?Return to text.
6497 Satan is "nigh thunder-struck" by God's voiceReturn to text.
6498 Satan "surveys" (looks carefully at, examines) Christ, who is "the exalted man"Return to text.
6499 filledReturn to text.
6500 residence, dwelling, citadelReturn to text.
6501 of the highest rank (not"equals")Return to text.
6502 wreathedReturn to text.
6503 councilReturn to text.
6504 frightenedReturn to text.
6505 serious, moroseReturn to text.
6506 as are countedReturn to text.
6507 world, earthReturn to text.
6508 easily ledReturn to text.
6509 awaitingReturn to text.
6510 in Milton's time, "shall" still carried the sense of "will have to, must"Return to text.
6511 attained, accomplishedReturn to text.
6512 endure, undergoReturn to text.
6513 "bruised"Return to text.
6514 shattered, brokenReturn to text.
6515 as a forerunnerReturn to text.
6516 claims, aspiresReturn to text.
6517 ChristReturn to text.
6518 is HeReturn to text.
6519 holdsReturn to text.
6520 Satan does not yet identify this Son of God with ChristReturn to text.
6521 features, characteristicsReturn to text.
6522 perilReturn to text.
6523 allows, permitsReturn to text.
6524 well put together/hiddenReturn to text.
6525 position of leadership/chief importanceReturn to text.
6526 somber, malignReturn to text.
6527 warlike enterpriseReturn to text.
6528 convey, carryReturn to text.
6529 no time was then = at that moment there was no timeReturn to text.
6530 absolute rulerReturn to text.
6531 prospered, been successfulReturn to text.
6532 smoothReturn to text.
6533 equippedReturn to text.
6534 corrupt, undermineReturn to text.
6535 he whomReturn to text.
6536 Satan'sReturn to text.
6537 contrary unweeting = not knowing to the contraryReturn to text.
6538 assemblyReturn to text.
6539 occupied, familiar with [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
6540 she doubtingReturn to text.
6541 coverReturn to text.
6542 exhibit, set forthReturn to text.
6543 try, attemptReturn to text.
6544 to be less arrogant/pridefulReturn to text.
6545 Satan'sReturn to text.
6546 than JobReturn to text.
6547 trickery, deceitReturn to text.
6548 employReturn to text.
6549 ChristReturn to text.
6550 beginningsReturn to text.
6551 [four syllables, first and third accented, third elided]Return to text.
6552 patient/long-suffering enduranceReturn to text.
6553 body, bulkReturn to text.
6554 so thatReturn to text.
6555 marvelingReturn to text.
6556 rhythmsReturn to text.
6557 theme, subjectReturn to text.
6558 combatReturn to text.
6559 lead astrayReturn to text.
6560 hymnsReturn to text.
6561 prayersReturn to text.
6562 sangReturn to text.
6563 Bet ha-Arabah, biblical site near the north shore of the Dead Sea [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
6564 proclaim, make publicReturn to text.
6565 ripe, full-grownReturn to text.
6566 keep company/live withReturn to text.
6567 the pathsReturn to text.
6568 consorting, fitting, harmonizingReturn to text.
6569 Christ too seems unsure of his prior existenceReturn to text.
6570 the Jews'Return to text.
6571 wondered atReturn to text.
6572 time, periodReturn to text.
6573 extinguish, destroyReturn to text.
6574 justiceReturn to text.
6575 divine, celestialReturn to text.
6576 privatelyReturn to text.
6577 above example = unprecedentedReturn to text.
6578 sheep pensReturn to text.
6579 feeding trough in a stableReturn to text.
6580 placeReturn to text.
6581 the star'sReturn to text.
6582 formed, carved, setReturn to text.
6583 see Luke 2:25--35Return to text.
6584 see Luke 2:36--38Return to text.
6585 similarReturn to text.
6586 considered, studied, meditated uponReturn to text.
6587 learning experience, endeavor, affliction, temptationReturn to text.
6588 established previouslyReturn to text.
6589 forerunnerReturn to text.
6590 not easily, with difficulty, barelyReturn to text.
6591 prevailed uponReturn to text.
6592 pouring, washingReturn to text.
6593 highest pointReturn to text.
6594 completeReturn to text.
6595 hidden, retired, unknownReturn to text.
6596 dark, gloomyReturn to text.
6597 (1) shadows, (2) dark figures, ghosts, spectersReturn to text.
6598 commend, adviseReturn to text.
6599 the bestReturn to text.
6600 soon, in a little whileReturn to text.
6601 covering, shelterReturn to text.
6602 keep, protectReturn to text.
6603 lodged, shelteredReturn to text.
6604 he neitherReturn to text.
6605 tame, gentleReturn to text.
6606 hurtful, harmfulReturn to text.
6607 looked fixedly/fiercelyReturn to text.
6608 at a distanceReturn to text.
6609 ChristReturn to text.
6610 aloneReturn to text.
6611 consumed, exhaustedReturn to text.
6612 for that = becauseReturn to text.
6613 desert, wildernessReturn to text.
6614 forced, compelledReturn to text.
6615 public report, rumorReturn to text.
6616 rusticReturn to text.
6617 stubble, stumpsReturn to text.
6618 doubtReturn to text.
6619 strict discipline, harshnessReturn to text.
6620 not permissiveReturn to text.
6621 dismalReturn to text.
6622 travel aroundReturn to text.
6623 roamReturn to text.
6624 recourseReturn to text.
6625 of Uz, in eastern PalestineReturn to text.
6626 testReturn to text.
6627 make clear [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
6628 king of Israel, who meets his death after a weltering confusion of prophecies: see I Kings 22Return to text.
6629 Ramoth-Gilead, fortified position east of JordanReturn to text.
6630 hesitating, balkingReturn to text.
6631 Ahab'sReturn to text.
6632 caused to chatterReturn to text.
6633 had in charge = was supposed to doReturn to text.
6634 [trisyllabic, accent on second]Return to text.
6635 [bisyllabic, second elided]Return to text.
6636 "What can I feel less than desire....? (reading "less" as an adverb) or "How could anything make me do less than desire....? (reading "less" not as an adverb but as a verb, said by the O.E.D. to have become obsolete when Milton was twenty-five years old)Return to text.
6637 attentivelyReturn to text.
6638 i.e., copartner if not "disposer" (one who controls)Return to text.
6639 predictions, omensReturn to text.
6640 sharesReturn to text.
6641 griefReturn to text.
6642 private, individualReturn to text.
6643 united with meReturn to text.
6644 constitutedReturn to text.
6645 [four syllables, first and third accented?]Return to text.
6646 slaveReturn to text.
6647 stared atReturn to text.
6648 think evil ofReturn to text.
6649 as good = they might/just as well not have known at allReturn to text.
6650 fleeReturn to text.
6651 superintendingReturn to text.
6652 tiny pointReturn to text.
6653 whiningReturn to text.
6654 cut shortReturn to text.
6655 [verb]Return to text.
6656 heathenReturn to text.
6657 "at least, if you are inquired for, it shall be"Return to text.
6658 indignationReturn to text.
6659 volition [noun]Return to text.
6660 wrung, extortedReturn to text.
6661 someone who isReturn to text.
6662 profit, advantageReturn to text.
6663 renounce, recant, disclaimReturn to text.
6664 (1) restraint, (2) rebuffReturn to text.
6665 freeReturn to text.
6666 spoken, utteredReturn to text.
6667 sweet-soundingReturn to text.
6668 characteristic of/belonging to forests or woodsReturn to text.
6669 fluteReturn to text.
6670 authoritative direction/admonitionReturn to text.
6671 marvel atReturn to text.
6672 courtyards, groundsReturn to text.
6673 help, serveReturn to text.
6674 see Numbers 22:5 through 24:25Return to text.
6675 corruptReturn to text.
6676 stillReturn to text.
6677 scornReturn to text.
6678 purposeReturn to text.
6679 feigned semblanceReturn to text.
6680 earthyReturn to text.
6681 lying down, restingReturn to text.
6682 recentlyReturn to text.
6683 clearly, distinctlyReturn to text.
6684 lived in lodgingsReturn to text.
6685 see John 1:40Return to text.
6686 see John 1:41Return to text.
6687 afterwardReturn to text.
6688 displayed, exhibitedReturn to text.
6689 caught up = takenReturn to text.
6690 Elijah: see 2 Kings 2:1--12Return to text.
6691 Bet ha-Arabah, north of the Dead Sea: see John 1:28Return to text.
6692 north of the Dead Sea: see Deuteronomy 34:3Return to text.
6693 in Samaria: see John 3:23Return to text.
6694 Salim, in Samaria: see John 3:23Return to text.
6695 stronghold east of the Dead Sea, earlier destroyed but rebuilt by HerodReturn to text.
6696 the Sea of GalileeReturn to text.
6697 region east of the Jordan River, between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead SeaReturn to text.
6698 willowsReturn to text.
6699 laments, complaintsReturn to text.
6700 carried/swept awayReturn to text.
6701 withdraw, disappearReturn to text.
6702 uphold, maintain, justifyReturn to text.
6703 completed, brought about, doneReturn to text.
6704 consecratedReturn to text.
6705 (1) foreknowledge, beneficent care, (2) divine interventionReturn to text.
6706 ChristReturn to text.
6707 strengthReturn to text.
6708 greetingReturn to text.
6709 raisedReturn to text.
6710 remarkableReturn to text.
6711 coldReturn to text.
6712 HerodReturn to text.
6713 not foundReturn to text.
6714 acknowledgedReturn to text.
6715 see Luke 2:34Return to text.
6716 murmur, complainReturn to text.
6717 ponderedReturn to text.
6718 hides, keeps darkReturn to text.
6719 extraordinarilyReturn to text.
6720 heavenly greetingReturn to text.
6721 completionReturn to text.
6722 traversing, traveling, treadingReturn to text.
6723 aloneReturn to text.
6724 purpose, aimReturn to text.
6725 statement made in a preliminary way, hintReturn to text.
6726 undisturbedReturn to text.
6727 resourcelessReturn to text.
6728 assemblyReturn to text.
6729 examined, testedReturn to text.
6730 enticementReturn to text.
6731 similarReturn to text.
6732 a "womanizing" demon: Asmodeus in Paradise Lost, Book 4, line 146, and Asmodai, in Paradise Lost, Book 6, line 365Return to text.
6733 demonic womanizer/seducer, who usually descended upon sleeping womenReturn to text.
6734 surpassingReturn to text.
6735 well-spokenReturn to text.
6736 mixedReturn to text.
6737 dreadful, frightfulReturn to text.
6738 temperamentReturn to text.
6739 enervate, weakenReturn to text.
6740 bring to nought, destroyReturn to text.
6741 magnetReturn to text.
6742 irregularReturn to text.
6743 dote on = be infatuated withReturn to text.
6744 complexionReturn to text.
6745 dallianceReturn to text.
6746 narrationReturn to text.
6747 nymph, attendant on Artemis, twin sister of Apollo [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
6748 daughter of Oceanus, mother of Atlas [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
6749 nymph-huntress who fled from all would-be lovers [bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
6750 mother of Dionysus, by Zeus [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
6751 Antiopé, seduced and impregnated by Zeus [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
6752 rescued from a satyr by Poseidon, who then seduced her [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
6753 nymph pursued by Pan and transformed into a reed to escape him [bisyllabic, first accented]Return to text.
6754 transgressions, escapadesReturn to text.
6755 god of the wild woodsReturn to text.
6756 habits, practicesReturn to text.
6757 Alexander the Great [trisyllabic, second accented]Return to text.
6758 carelesslyReturn to text.
6759 Scipio Africanus, 236--183 B. C., who triumphed in Spain and in the Second Punic WarReturn to text.
6760 sent awayReturn to text.
6761 a young Spanish captive to whom, it was said, he had been attracted; she loved someone elseReturn to text.
6762 foodReturn to text.
6763 intention, planReturn to text.
6764 (1) condition, (2) greatness, powerReturn to text.
6765 deliberationReturn to text.
6766 foolish, insipidReturn to text.
6767 encompassedReturn to text.
6768 girdle/beltReturn to text.
6769 see Homer's Iliad, 14:214--18Return to text.
6770 i.e., "how one look from his majestic brow (seated as on the top of virtue's hill) would....Return to text.
6771 shame, disapproveReturn to text.
6772 dejectedReturn to text.
6773 ostentatious ornament not necessarily composed of, but resembling, feathersReturn to text.
6774 whim, capriceReturn to text.
6775 display of disregardReturn to text.
6776 confused, destroyedReturn to text.
6777 is starvingReturn to text.
6778 consentReturn to text.
6779 signalReturn to text.
6780 "if there were reason (cause)"Return to text.
6781 energeticReturn to text.
6782 for the first timeReturn to text.
6783 ascribe/attribute toReturn to text.
6784 as long asReturn to text.
6785 extreme hunger, starvationReturn to text.
6786 held intimate mental intercourseReturn to text.
6787 where God directed Elijah to hide from King Ahab: see 1 Kings 17:2--3Return to text.
6788 i.e., in his dreamReturn to text.
6789 lentils, peas, beans ("plain/simple food")Return to text.
6790 at onceReturn to text.
6791 lifted (went up)Return to text.
6792 have knowledge ofReturn to text.
6793 view, landscapeReturn to text.
6794 shed, stallReturn to text.
6795 hollow, valleyReturn to text.
6796 singingReturn to text.
6797 walks, passagewaysReturn to text.
6798 spread outReturn to text.
6799 of aReturn to text.
6800 having been taughtReturn to text.
6801 more decorouslyReturn to text.
6802 dutifullyReturn to text.
6803 remain, wait, continueReturn to text.
6804 Hagar: see Genesis 21:14--19Return to text.
6805 her son was Ishmael, whose son was Nebaioth: see Genesis 25:12--13Return to text.
6806 would haveReturn to text.
6807 ElijahReturn to text.
6808 thereafter as = according to howReturn to text.
6809 approve ofReturn to text.
6810 offer, presentReturn to text.
6811 vigor, energy, capacityReturn to text.
6812 see Daniel 1:8--16Return to text.
6813 hesitate, be reluctantReturn to text.
6814 needReturn to text.
6815 supplied, furnishedReturn to text.
6816 taste, qualityReturn to text.
6817 framed (contained)Return to text.
6818 ambergris, at one time used in cookingReturn to text.
6819 small freshwater streamReturn to text.
6820 flowingReturn to text.
6821 reputationReturn to text.
6822 the Black SeaReturn to text.
6823 near NaplesReturn to text.
6824 plain, lowReturn to text.
6825 daintiesReturn to text.
6826 deflected, turned asideReturn to text.
6827 splendid, magnificentReturn to text.
6828 tablelike boardReturn to text.
6829 spread abroad, poured outReturn to text.
6830 slenderReturn to text.
6831 Trojan youth taken by Zeus as his cupbearerReturn to text.
6832 handsome prince carried off by HerculesReturn to text.
6833 now...now = first this, then thatReturn to text.
6834 dancedReturn to text.
6835 stood as if they wereReturn to text.
6836 horn of plenty (corum copiae): Amalthea was the all-bountiful goat that suckled infant ZeusReturn to text.
6837 daughters of Night and guardians of the tree that bore golden applesReturn to text.
6838 told, relatedReturn to text.
6839 middle region of Britain: see Chrétien de Troyes, LancelotReturn to text.
6840 mythical region west of Cornwall, in BritainReturn to text.
6841 knights of King Arthur's courtReturn to text.
6842 concordant, harmonizingReturn to text.
6843 a gentle wind, but not so soft as a breezeReturn to text.
6844 goddess of flowersReturn to text.
6845 hesitates, fears [verb]Return to text.
6846 act of prohibitionReturn to text.
6847 prohibits (under Jewish law)Return to text.
6848 food, sustenance, victualsReturn to text.
6849 courteous, excellent, nobleReturn to text.
6850 attendants, servantsReturn to text.
6851 moderately, restrainedlyReturn to text.
6852 push forwardReturn to text.
6853 careful attentionReturn to text.
6854 splendid, pretentiousReturn to text.
6855 [four syllables, first and third accented]Return to text.
6856 scorn, disdainReturn to text.
6857 showyReturn to text.
6858 dissatisfiedReturn to text.
6859 insteadReturn to text.
6860 appropriatelyReturn to text.
6861 obviousReturn to text.
6862 fetched-from-afarReturn to text.
6863 completely, entirelyReturn to text.
6864 troublesome, persistentReturn to text.
6865 (1) temperament, (2) moderationReturn to text.
6866 managementReturn to text.
6867 poor circumstancesReturn to text.
6868 draw, obtainReturn to text.
6869 suite, train, company of servantsReturn to text.
6870 or keepReturn to text.
6871 foolish, stupid, giddyReturn to text.
6872 atReturn to text.
6873 ruler of Judea, 63--43 B.C., and Herod's father [four syllables, second and fourth accented?]Return to text.
6874 Semitic tribe located south of the Dead Sea; traditionally, descendants of Esau, son of Isaac and elder twin of JacobReturn to text.
6875 heap up [verb]Return to text.
6876 exceedinglyReturn to text.
6877 virtue, valor, wisdomReturn to text.
6878 once gainedReturn to text.
6879 virtue, valor, wisdomReturn to text.
6880 see Judges 6--8Return to text.
6881 see Judges 11--12Return to text.
6882 DavidReturn to text.
6883 Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, legendary hero, called from farming in 458 B.C. and, for urgent military reasons, made dictator; sixteen days later, having won the war, he resigned as dictator and went back to his farmReturn to text.
6884 Gaius Fabricius Luscinus, consul in the early third century B.C., who refused all bribes, gifts, and favors; after his death, since he left nothing for his daughter's dowry, it was provided by the SenateReturn to text.
6885 Manius Curius Dentatus, also early third centuryB.C., was a successful general who gave all booty to the Roman republic and then, like Cincinnatus, retired to his farmReturn to text.
6886 Marcus Atilius Regulus, captured in the First Punic War (with Carthage) was paroled on condition he present Carthage's demands to Rome and then return; he advised rejection of Carthage's terms, then returned as he had agreed, and was tortured to death: see Horace, Odes3:5Return to text.
6887 lacking, missingReturn to text.
6888 snare, trapReturn to text.
6889 diminishReturn to text.
6890 sharpnessReturn to text.
6891 anything thatReturn to text.
6892 similarReturn to text.
6893 "yet not for that reason is"Return to text.
6894 crownReturn to text.
6895 everyReturn to text.
6896 shows, remainsReturn to text.
6897 governs, controlsReturn to text.
6898 [adjective, accent on first syllable]Return to text.
6899 protecting, guardingReturn to text.
6900 nobleReturn to text.
6901 i.e., to give up a kingdomReturn to text.
6902 high-souled, nobly valiantReturn to text.
6903 receive, lay claim to: i.e., nobler to give or refuse than to take a kingdomReturn to text.
6904 to be without, omittedReturn to text.
6905 confused, perplexedReturn to text.
6906 (1) proven wrong, (2) futileReturn to text.
6907 (1) convicted, (2) vanquished, overcomeReturn to text.
6908 flawed, unsoundReturn to text.
6909 directionReturn to text.
6910 summoning up, regaining control ofReturn to text.
6911 ChristReturn to text.
6912 ask advice/counsel ofReturn to text.
6913 see Leviticus 8:8: sacred means of divination attached to (not necessarily set into) the high priest's breastplate, though exactly what the Urim and Thummim were (both words = grammatically plural) is not knownReturn to text.
6914 [bisyllabic]Return to text.
6915 special preparation/readinessReturn to text.
6916 stand firm, hold outReturn to text.
6917 i.e., though there are many fighting "against thy few in arms"Return to text.
6918 professingReturn to text.
6919 upright, uplifted, exaltedReturn to text.
6920 having been brought to the temperament/state of mindReturn to text.
6921 Alexander the GreatReturn to text.
6922 kingdom of Persia, founded by Cyrus and overthrown by Alexander at Arbela in 331 B.C.Return to text.
6923 in Spain, when Scipio was probably less than thirty years oldReturn to text.
6924 Mithradates---though by then (66 B.C.) Pompey had reached the age of fortyReturn to text.
6925 Julius CaesarReturn to text.
6926 seekReturn to text.
6927 splendid displayReturn to text.
6928 what areReturn to text.
6929 swarmReturn to text.
6930 valuedReturn to text.
6931 separately, individuallyReturn to text.
6932 producedReturn to text.
6933 declaresReturn to text.
6934 Alexander the Great was so identifiedReturn to text.
6935 Romulus was so identifiedReturn to text.
6936 reveal, showReturn to text.
6937 morally ugly/pervertedReturn to text.
6938 Scipio AfricanusReturn to text.
6939 CarthaginianReturn to text.
6940 proveReturn to text.
6941 am from, cameReturn to text.
6942 en masse, without distinctionReturn to text.
6943 i.e., and with reasonReturn to text.
6944 thankful blessingReturn to text.
6945 falseReturn to text.
6946 strippedReturn to text.
6947 goodness, kindnessReturn to text.
6948 Roman emperor, A.D. 14--37Return to text.
6949 He caused the Hasmonean uprising by plundering Temple treasures, desecrating the altar, and moreReturn to text.
6950 Judah Maccabeus, who led the Hasmonean uprising; he was born in ModinReturn to text.
6951 opportunity'sReturn to text.
6952 torturedReturn to text.
6953 peacefulReturn to text.
6954 intervention, mediationReturn to text.
6955 Saul: see I Samuel 9ff.Return to text.
6956 leave, give upReturn to text.
6957 beginningsReturn to text.
6958 i.e., the mountain'sReturn to text.
6959 the Tigris and the EuphratesReturn to text.
6960 open, level countryReturn to text.
6961 lesser, smallerReturn to text.
6962 grainReturn to text.
6963 soilReturn to text.
6964 viewReturn to text.
6965 without springs or headsprings (sources of rivers)Return to text.
6966 (1) hastened, (2) gotten where we wanted to goReturn to text.
6967 Armenian river, flowing into the Caspian SeaReturn to text.
6968 unapproachableReturn to text.
6969 desertReturn to text.
6970 capital city of Assyrian empire after about 1100B.C.Return to text.
6971 king of Assyria, husband of SemiramisReturn to text.
6972 king of Assyria, d. 722 B.C.Return to text.
6973 in 726B.C.Return to text.
6974 immense city on the EuphratesReturn to text.
6975 just asReturn to text.
6976 Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylonia, 605--562B.C.Return to text.
6977 king of Persia: Cyrus captured Babylon in 538B.C. and released the captive JewsReturn to text.
6978 in southern Persia: residence and burial place of Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes, etc.Return to text.
6979 northeast of Persepolis, ancient capital of Bactria, now in AfghanistanReturn to text.
6980 summer residence of DariusReturn to text.
6981 Parthian capital, southeast of the Caspian Sea [five syllables, first, third, and fifth accented]Return to text.
6982 Shushan, city at northwestern tip of Persian Gulf, capital of Susiana/Elam and later of PersiaReturn to text.
6983 river east of Tigris, flowing through Susa/ShushanReturn to text.
6984 MacedonianReturn to text.
6985 seminomadic culture in western Asia, famous for bow-wielding cavalryReturn to text.
6986 capital of Selucid empire, founded by Seleucus I Nicator; located on the TigrisReturn to text.
6987 city in northwestern Mesopotamia, south of the TigrisReturn to text.
6988 city in Armenia, southeast of the Black Sea; located on the Araxes RiverReturn to text.
6989 town at northeastern end of Persian Gulf, near the juncture of the Tigris and the EuphratesReturn to text.
6990 city on the Tigris, near Seleucia [trisyllabic, first and third accented; first letter silent]Return to text.
6991 founder of Parthian empire, ca. 248 B.C.Return to text.
6992 (1) extravagant, (2) unchaste, lewdReturn to text.
6993 city on the Orontes River, capital of SyriaReturn to text.
6994 fierce "barbarian" people living north and east of the Black and Caspian SeasReturn to text.
6995 region northeast of ParthiaReturn to text.
6996 fearsomenessReturn to text.
6997 lozenge/diamond-shaped military formationReturn to text.
6998 half-rhomb military formationReturn to text.
6999 i.e., with most of the army concentrated in the centerReturn to text.
7000 ChristReturn to text.
7001 splendor, pomp, displayReturn to text.
7002 swiftReturn to text.
7003 borderReturn to text.
7004 eastern Parthia, a region west of the Indus RiverReturn to text.
7005 Kandahar, in modern AfghanistanReturn to text.
7006 northern Parthia, between Bactria and ParthiaReturn to text.
7007 Hyrcania: province of ancient Persian empire, southeast of the Caspian SeaReturn to text.
7008 region in the Caucasus, not SpainReturn to text.
7009 Media-Atropatenia, west of Parthia, between the Caspian Sea and ArmeniaReturn to text.
7010 near Nineveh, south of Armenia, on the Tigris: part of AssyriaReturn to text.
7011 see footnote 104, aboveReturn to text.
7012 southeastern Persia: Susa was its capitalReturn to text.
7013 Basra, north of Persian Gulf, south of SusaReturn to text.
7014 port, harborReturn to text.
7015 lackedReturn to text.
7016 foot soldiersReturn to text.
7017 an army had two horns/wingsReturn to text.
7018 soldiers in armorReturn to text.
7019 loadedReturn to text.
7020 soldier-diggersReturn to text.
7021 flat, level, smooth, evenReturn to text.
7022 one-humped swift camelsReturn to text.
7023 filledReturn to text.
7024 Tatar king in Boiardo's romance Orlando Innamorato ("Roland in Love")Return to text.
7025 fortress of King Gallophrone, Angelica's fatherReturn to text.
7026 bravest, most chivalricReturn to text.
7027 paganReturn to text.
7028 high noblesReturn to text.
7029 pressed forwardReturn to text.
7030 win overReturn to text.
7031 make secure/safe [verb]Return to text.
7032 contemptible, smallReturn to text.
7033 noteReturn to text.
7034 progenitor, ancestorReturn to text.
7035 descendants of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, religiously and politically at odds with the JewsReturn to text.
7036 molest, injureReturn to text.
7037 Hyrcanus II, made king of Judah by Rome; he was attacked by Antigonus; both were abducted by ParthiansReturn to text.
7038 in spite ofReturn to text.
7039 alliance, treatyReturn to text.
7040 modern Khabar, near the Euphrates: see 2 Kings 17:6, 18:11Return to text.
7041 inhabitants of Media, in ParthiaReturn to text.
7042 i.e., those of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh: see note 130, aboveReturn to text.
7043 political cunningReturn to text.
7044 praiseworthy, fair-seemingReturn to text.
7045 remiss, neglectfulReturn to text.
7046 scheming, craftyReturn to text.
7047 evidenceReturn to text.
7048 wieldReturn to text.
7049 confronted (him) asReturn to text.
7050 see 1 Chronicles 21:1ff.Return to text.
7051 counting, making a census ofReturn to text.
7052 exceptReturn to text.
7053 idle, useless, of no significance/valueReturn to text.
7054 look to, have a care forReturn to text.
7055 with blind speedReturn to text.
7056 go after, pursueReturn to text.
7057 fit, suitableReturn to text.
7058 polishedReturn to text.
7059 little wonReturn to text.
7060 heal, make goodReturn to text.
7061 defeats, frustratesReturn to text.
7062 new wine in processReturn to text.
7063 splinters, chipsReturn to text.
7064 batteringReturn to text.
7065 despairingReturn to text.
7066 central Italy: Tyrrhenian Sea to the south, Apennine Range to the northwest, the plain split by the River TiberReturn to text.
7067 northernReturn to text.
7068 RomeReturn to text.
7069 galleries, colonnadesReturn to text.
7070 [trisyllabic, first and third accented]Return to text.
7071 memorial structures, commemorating military successReturn to text.
7072 archesReturn to text.
7073 noteworthy (interesting)Return to text.
7074 citadel (fortress) built on top of a hillReturn to text.
7075 majestic, dignifiedReturn to text.
7076 part of the Capitoline HillReturn to text.
7077 of limits/boundsReturn to text.
7078 visibleReturn to text.
7079 adjusted, placedReturn to text.
7080 optical instrumentReturn to text.
7081 craftsmen [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
7082 stream, flowingReturn to text.
7083 magistratesReturn to text.
7084 governors of provincesReturn to text.
7085 attendants carrying bundles of rods with an ax wrapped inside, the blade projectingReturn to text.
7086 symbolsReturn to text.
7087 one-tenth of a legionReturn to text.
7088 cavalry: one-tenth of a wing (flank)Return to text.
7089 garments, dress, clothingReturn to text.
7090 from Rome to Brindisi, seaport in southern ItalyReturn to text.
7091 from Rome north to the Adriatic SeaReturn to text.
7092 Aswan, in southern Egypt on the Upper NileReturn to text.
7093 region in the Upper Nile, considered (but in fact not) an islandReturn to text.
7094 North African king, ca. 105B.C.Return to text.
7095 i.e., the Mediterranean Sea off the northwest African coastReturn to text.
7096 Chersonese: the Malay PeninsulaReturn to text.
7097 Ceylon or SumatraReturn to text.
7098 turbansReturn to text.
7099 Gaul (now France)Return to text.
7100 CadizReturn to text.
7101 people east of Germany, between the Vistula and the VolgaReturn to text.
7102 the Sea of Azov, northeast of and connected to the Black SeaReturn to text.
7103 politenessReturn to text.
7104 distant, remote, secludedReturn to text.
7105 TiberiusReturn to text.
7106 island south of NaplesReturn to text.
7107 Roman province (Naples, Pompeii, etc.)Return to text.
7108 Sejanus, finally executed in A.D. 29Return to text.
7109 [verb]Return to text.
7110 showyReturn to text.
7111 of citrus woodReturn to text.
7112 marble from the Atlas mountains in North AfricaReturn to text.
7113 three then-famous Italian wines, from Sezza, near Rome, and Cales and Falernia, near Mt. VesuviusReturn to text.
7114 two then-famous Greek wines: see Horace, Odes 3:19Return to text.
7115 ornamentsReturn to text.
7116 foreign, bizarre, uncouthReturn to text.
7117 pillagingReturn to text.
7118 (1) arrogant, (2) outrageousReturn to text.
7119 unchasteReturn to text.
7120 because ofReturn to text.
7121 because ofReturn to text.
7122 (1) theatrical performances, (2) their daily existenceReturn to text.
7123 overly refined, softReturn to text.
7124 "besides my own"Return to text.
7125 shamelessReturn to text.
7126 fussy, fastidiousReturn to text.
7127 alwaysReturn to text.
7128 submit toReturn to text.
7129 liberty, licenceReturn to text.
7130 see Exodus 20:2--3, Deuteronomy 6:12--15, and Matthew 4:8--10Return to text.
7131 proposeReturn to text.
7132 grant, giftReturn to text.
7133 testReturn to text.
7134 stateReturn to text.
7135 the lesser rulersReturn to text.
7136 i.e., blowing from the four quarters of the earthReturn to text.
7137 called: that is, Satan is currently called god both of earth and of HellReturn to text.
7138 testReturn to text.
7139 devotedReturn to text.
7140 most authoritativeReturn to text.
7141 "Then spake Jesus.... saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.... Matthew 23:1--2Return to text.
7142 see Luke 2:42--49Return to text.
7143 containedReturn to text.
7144 the first five books of the Old TestamentReturn to text.
7145 heathen, pagansReturn to text.
7146 to admiration: wonderfullyReturn to text.
7147 appropriate [adjective]Return to text.
7148 weaponsReturn to text.
7149 convincedReturn to text.
7150 affording a wide viewReturn to text.
7151 i.e., either "native" or "hospitable" to those not nativeReturn to text.
7152 (1) niche, coastal indentation, (2) privacyReturn to text.
7153 public park northwest of AthensReturn to text.
7154 secluded placeReturn to text.
7155 nightingaleReturn to text.
7156 mountain near AthensReturn to text.
7157 river running from Mt. Hymettus south into the seaReturn to text.
7158 AristotleReturn to text.
7159 developed, produced (as Alexander's tutor)Return to text.
7160 park east of AthensReturn to text.
7161 Athenian colonnade, with painted frescoes, where Zeno the Stoic taughtReturn to text.
7162 measures, rhythms: the term was used both in music and in poetryReturn to text.
7163 attainedReturn to text.
7164 Aeolic: Greek dialect used by Sappho, Alcaeus, and othersReturn to text.
7165 songsReturn to text.
7166 (1) the Doric dialect of Greek, (2) the choral lyric poetry written in that dialect (as, e.g., by Pindar, who was himself a speaker of the Boeotian dialect)Return to text.
7167 "born in/of Meles": the River Meles, in Asia Minor, was one of Homer's supposed birthplaces [five syllables, first, third, and fifth accented]Return to text.
7168 ApolloReturn to text.
7169 claimedReturn to text.
7170 iambic trimeter, used in dramatic scenesReturn to text.
7171 wisdomReturn to text.
7172 full of wisdomReturn to text.
7173 make one's way, go, resortReturn to text.
7174 ruled, commanded, controlled, directedReturn to text.
7175 Athenian harbor building, construction of which was suspended in 339 B.C. because of Demosthenes, 384--322, famous Athenian oratorReturn to text.
7176 thunderedReturn to text.
7177 region between Balkans and Greece: famous for Philip II and his son, Alexander the GreatReturn to text.
7178 Persian king; on Sparta's side in the war against AthensReturn to text.
7179 dwellingReturn to text.
7180 sweetly flowingReturn to text.
7181 given an additional name, title, or epithetic descriptionReturn to text.
7182 Aristotle and his pupils were peripatetic ("walking about")Return to text.
7183 Epicurus and his followersReturn to text.
7184 consider, meditate uponReturn to text.
7185 inadequateReturn to text.
7186 even ifReturn to text.
7187 acknowledged, admittedReturn to text.
7188 SocratesReturn to text.
7189 PlatoReturn to text.
7190 Pyrrho, Sceptic founderReturn to text.
7191 EpicurusReturn to text.
7192 disdainingReturn to text.
7193 wishes, desiresReturn to text.
7194 stratagems, contrivancesReturn to text.
7195 claim, assumeReturn to text.
7196 whoeverReturn to text.
7197 as if they wereReturn to text.
7198 select, of special excellenceReturn to text.
7199 eraserReturn to text.
7200 likeReturn to text.
7201 HebrewReturn to text.
7202 sprinkled, spreadReturn to text.
7203 impersonating, playing the part ofReturn to text.
7204 means of adornment/embellishment, veneer, paintReturn to text.
7205 SatanReturn to text.
7206 in those cases whereReturn to text.
7207 politiciansReturn to text.
7208 used up, exhaustedReturn to text.
7209 fussilyReturn to text.
7210 massive, copiousReturn to text.
7211 utter, discourseReturn to text.
7212 whip lashesReturn to text.
7213 foretellReturn to text.
7214 perceive distinctlyReturn to text.
7215 guides, gives directionsReturn to text.
7216 instructive red-lettered text printed in prayer book marginsReturn to text.
7217 sullen, darkReturn to text.
7218 absolute, entireReturn to text.
7219 calm, patientReturn to text.
7220 excursion, journeyReturn to text.
7221 severely, very muchReturn to text.
7222 flowing together, meetingReturn to text.
7223 either Tropic: both circles of the celestial sphereReturn to text.
7224 prematureReturn to text.
7225 fallingReturn to text.
7226 equivalentReturn to text.
7227 agitatedReturn to text.
7228 roots extending as far into the earth as the tree extends into the airReturn to text.
7229 completelyReturn to text.
7230 coveredReturn to text.
7231 stoppedReturn to text.
7232 undismayedReturn to text.
7233 hood with gray fur, worn by clericsReturn to text.
7234 caused to subsideReturn to text.
7235 horrible, uglyReturn to text.
7236 make trial ofReturn to text.
7237 effectiveReturn to text.
7238 i.e., clearly sounded/uttered/brought forthReturn to text.
7239 twig, shoot, slender branchesReturn to text.
7240 welcome, greet, give thanks forReturn to text.
7241 plan, trick, stratagemReturn to text.
7242 encounter, meetingReturn to text.
7243 (1) relaxed, calmed, (2) determinedReturn to text.
7244 outrage [noun]Return to text.
7245 his usualReturn to text.
7246 unconcerned, artlessReturn to text.
7247 befallsReturn to text.
7248 stormingReturn to text.
7249 gusts, blastsReturn to text.
7250 the larger universeReturn to text.
7251 i.e., the human bodyReturn to text.
7252 harmful, injuriousReturn to text.
7253 point to, markReturn to text.
7254 directedReturn to text.
7255 time, period, occasionReturn to text.
7256 exerted influenceReturn to text.
7257 assaultReturn to text.
7258 ill-omenedReturn to text.
7259 portents, omensReturn to text.
7260 rageReturn to text.
7261 in what degree = at what level/rankReturn to text.
7262 parleyReturn to text.
7263 agreement, treatyReturn to text.
7264 examineReturn to text.
7265 disdainedReturn to text.
7266 winged beast, half horse, half griffin (head and wings of an eagle)Return to text.
7267 loftyReturn to text.
7268 a large buildingReturn to text.
7269 need, demand, call uponReturn to text.
7270 lineageReturn to text.
7271 knock, strikeReturn to text.
7272 see Psalms 91:11--12 and Matthew 4:5--7Return to text.
7273 son of Poseidon and Gaia (earth)Return to text.
7274 in North AfricaReturn to text.
7275 HerculesReturn to text.
7276 defeatedReturn to text.
7277 stood to see = stood intending/hoping to seeReturn to text.
7278 sphinxReturn to text.
7279 i.e., the riddleReturn to text.
7280 a riverReturn to text.
7281 struckReturn to text.
7282 celebrationsReturn to text.
7283 a compact body of personsReturn to text.
7284 wingsReturn to text.
7285 JesusReturn to text.
7286 difficult, uncomfortableReturn to text.
7287 standing place, positionReturn to text.
7288 joyous, well-pleasedReturn to text.
7289 restored, renewed, mendedReturn to text.
7290 weakened, injuredReturn to text.
7291 hymnsReturn to text.
7292 temporary dwellingReturn to text.
7293 endowed, suppliedReturn to text.
7294 expel, vanquishReturn to text.
7295 dispossessedReturn to text.
7296 streets, roadsReturn to text.
7297 hellReturn to text.
7298 [noun]Return to text.
7299 destroyer, slayer, conquerorReturn to text.
7300 alone, unseenReturn to text.
7301 contestant, actor, champion (of God)Return to text.
7302 authoritative, importantReturn to text.
7303 modify, moderate [verb]Return to text.
7304 bring to, change, restoreReturn to text.
7305 right, proper, correctReturn to text.
7306 lackingReturn to text.
7307 operative influences, accomplishmentsReturn to text.
7308 medical science/art/practiceReturn to text.
7309 physical/mental statesReturn to text.
7310 fromReturn to text.
7311 now considered to be by Menander rather than EuripidesReturn to text.
7312 David Pareus, 1548--1622, German Protestant theologianReturn to text.
7313 i.e., (1) act, (2) chorus, (3) act, (4) chorus, etc.Return to text.
7314 in the timeReturn to text.
7315 a state governed by an absolute ruler/dictatorReturn to text.
7316 d. ca. A.D. 389; he probably was not the author of Christ SufferingReturn to text.
7317 stage plays, usually comicReturn to text.
7318 seriousnessReturn to text.
7319 [noun]Return to text.
7320 meterReturn to text.
7321 having no stanzaic patterningReturn to text.
7322 at that timeReturn to text.
7323 importantReturn to text.
7324 having stanzas (strophes) of varying formReturn to text.
7325 created?Return to text.
7326 extendedReturn to text.
7327 i.e., that which isReturn to text.
7328 organization, managementReturn to text.
7329 arrangement, orderingReturn to text.
7330 narrative, storyReturn to text.
7331 boundary, limitReturn to text.
7332 nearbyReturn to text.
7333 withdrawnReturn to text.
7334 form, composeReturn to text.
7335 as much asReturn to text.
7336 i.e., then visitedReturn to text.
7337 in additionReturn to text.
7338 follow up on, pursueReturn to text.
7339 attemptReturn to text.
7340 in front ofReturn to text.
7341 exerciseReturn to text.
7342 tribe of Dan (Manoa and Samson's tribe), northwest of JudahReturn to text.
7343 ridge, elevationReturn to text.
7344 accustomed, in the habit ofReturn to text.
7345 enslavedReturn to text.
7346 imposed onReturn to text.
7347 breatheReturn to text.
7348 unhealthyReturn to text.
7349 flow, current of airReturn to text.
7350 improvementReturn to text.
7351 (1) draw breath, (2) recoverReturn to text.
7352 Philistine national godReturn to text.
7353 hardwork-requiringReturn to text.
7354 ignorant/irrational/false beliefReturn to text.
7355 permissionReturn to text.
7356 plebeian, common, generalReturn to text.
7357 unvisited, uncrowdedReturn to text.
7358 crowding, pressingReturn to text.
7359 [verb]Return to text.
7360 development, training, educationReturn to text.
7361 specialReturn to text.
7362 work laboriouslyReturn to text.
7363 brass, brasslike, as strong as brassReturn to text.
7364 chains, shacklesReturn to text.
7365 assigned compulsionReturn to text.
7366 building containing machinery (here water-driven) for processing, manufacturing, etc.Return to text.
7367 exceptReturn to text.
7368 defect, failure, guiltReturn to text.
7369 robbed, strippedReturn to text.
7370 clumsy, awkwardReturn to text.
7371 confidentReturn to text.
7372 be subordinatedReturn to text.
7373 wieldsReturn to text.
7374 ordering, managementReturn to text.
7375 (1) probably, (2) appropriatelyReturn to text.
7376 goals, purposesReturn to text.
7377 curse, poison, slayer, ruinReturn to text.
7378 demand, call forReturn to text.
7379 ended, destroyedReturn to text.
7380 (1) silent, (2) alwaysReturn to text.
7381 every, any, allReturn to text.
7382 see Genesis 1:3Return to text.
7383 (1) first, beginning, (2) primaryReturn to text.
7384 empty, destitute of life/activityReturn to text.
7385 in which the moon was thought to hide between its old and new phasesReturn to text.
7386 relegated, fastenedReturn to text.
7387 visibleReturn to text.
7388 extinguished, destroyedReturn to text.
7389 at will = at pleasure/choiceReturn to text.
7390 tomb, burial placeReturn to text.
7391 susceptible, amenable, exposedReturn to text.
7392 two or moreReturn to text.
7393 stepsReturn to text.
7394 sprawled, spread outReturn to text.
7395 slack, feebleReturn to text.
7396 clothesReturn to text.
7397 garmentsReturn to text.
7398 in battle formationReturn to text.
7399 (1) forging, (2) inventionReturn to text.
7400 brassReturn to text.
7401 upper-body armorReturn to text.
7402 from the Black Sea region, famous for their metalworking [four syllables, second and fourth accented]Return to text.
7403 tunic, upper garmentReturn to text.
7404 too strongly to be resisted/endured ("supported")Return to text.
7405 thrust, struck, trampledReturn to text.
7406 Ascalon: ancient Philistine port cityReturn to text.
7407 rearing and ragingReturn to text.
7408 twisted, writhed, bent, reversedReturn to text.
7409 covered with layer(s) of metalReturn to text.
7410 dirtied, fouled, pollutedReturn to text.
7411 whateverReturn to text.
7412 commonReturn to text.
7413 unlike the Jews, the Philistines were not circumcisedReturn to text.
7414 the suffix "lechi" = lifting up/casting away of the jawbone: see Judges 15:14--17Return to text.
7415 mightyReturn to text.
7416 GazaReturn to text.
7417 gatepost/stakeReturn to text.
7418 used to lock the gatesReturn to text.
7419 south of Jerusalem, more than thirty miles from GazaReturn to text.
7420 see Numbers 13:22 ("anak" = "giant," in Hebrew)Return to text.
7421 on which day only very short journeys were permittedReturn to text.
7422 and in additionReturn to text.
7423 i.e., loaded likeReturn to text.
7424 he whomReturn to text.
7425 tell in myths/fablesReturn to text.
7426 the giant AtlasReturn to text.
7427 unite, combineReturn to text.
7428 uncertain, changeableReturn to text.
7429 man has beenReturn to text.
7430 more unusualReturn to text.
7431 incoherentReturn to text.
7432 Eshtaol and Zora: west of Jerusalem, in the valley of Sorec (Sorek) (see line 229, below)Return to text.
7433 swellingsReturn to text.
7434 name, inscription on coinsReturn to text.
7435 i.e., most of themReturn to text.
7436 raise, upliftReturn to text.
7437 poor, inferiorReturn to text.
7438 have paired = been equalReturn to text.
7439 crosswise, sidewaysReturn to text.
7440 blame, accuse, challengeReturn to text.
7441 ordering, arrangingReturn to text.
7442 Timnath, Philistine cityReturn to text.
7443 so thatReturn to text.
7444 Samson's parentsReturn to text.
7445 proposed, plannedReturn to text.
7446 inmostReturn to text.
7447 influence, incitementReturn to text.
7448 pressed, pushedReturn to text.
7449 opportunity, the course of eventsReturn to text.
7450 stemming from (the marriage)Return to text.
7451 foolishReturn to text.
7452 [three syllables, second stressed]Return to text.
7453 showily beautifulReturn to text.
7454 accomplished: completed, perfectedReturn to text.
7455 because ofReturn to text.
7456 outburstReturn to text.
7457 gave up = surrenderedReturn to text.
7458 challenge, fightReturn to text.
7459 negligentReturn to text.
7460 is in servitudeReturn to text.
7461 all aloneReturn to text.
7462 engaged inReturn to text.
7463 canvassing: soliciting (as for votes, in an election)Return to text.
7464 praise, adornReturn to text.
7465 "Israel's governors and heads of tribes"Return to text.
7466 assembledReturn to text.
7467 see Judges 15:8Return to text.
7468 fleeingReturn to text.
7469 planning, considering, estimatingReturn to text.
7470 benefited, profitedReturn to text.
7471 besiegedReturn to text.
7472 certainReturn to text.
7473 victim, quarryReturn to text.
7474 small ropes, braided for strengthReturn to text.
7475 commonReturn to text.
7476 a principal Philistine cityReturn to text.
7477 rather thanReturn to text.
7478 Succoth and Penuel: Israelite cities (see Judges 8:4--9)Return to text.
7479 the tribe of Ephraim, in the hill region north of BethelReturn to text.
7480 see Judges 12:1--4Return to text.
7481 Semitic tribe frequently hostile to IsraelReturn to text.
7482 the Ephraimites were identified by their inability to pronounce the "sh" in "shibboleth": see Judges 12:5--6Return to text.
7483 "my nation/people ("mine") may easily neglect me"Return to text.
7484 "unless there be those who think God does not exist"Return to text.
7485 hidden, unknownReturn to text.
7486 teacher, learned manReturn to text.
7487 suspectReturn to text.
7488 disorderedReturn to text.
7489 enwrappedReturn to text.
7490 are confused/perplexed/entangledReturn to text.
7491 endless, everlastingReturn to text.
7492 commands, lawsReturn to text.
7493 obligation (see Deuteronomy 7:2--5)Return to text.
7494 lackedReturn to text.
7495 a person who had vowed to abstain from sex: see Numbers 6:2ff.Return to text.
7496 deceitfulReturn to text.
7497 put/go downReturn to text.
7498 plead, claimReturn to text.
7499 frees, releases, acquitsReturn to text.
7500 DalilaReturn to text.
7501 heavy, full of careReturn to text.
7502 considerReturn to text.
7503 strange, unfamiliarReturn to text.
7504 guided, ledReturn to text.
7505 bentReturn to text.
7506 notableReturn to text.
7507 destroyer, poisonReturn to text.
7508 splendorReturn to text.
7509 wished forReturn to text.
7510 GodReturn to text.
7511 slaveReturn to text.
7512 decide, declareReturn to text.
7513 equallyReturn to text.
7514 biblical Timnath: see Judges 14:1--20Return to text.
7515 corruptedReturn to text.
7516 i.e., of goldReturn to text.
7517 falseReturn to text.
7518 majorReturn to text.
7519 eludedReturn to text.
7520 a jest/jokeReturn to text.
7521 flatteringReturn to text.
7522 speechReturn to text.
7523 batteries = (1) battering rams, (2) artilleryReturn to text.
7524 to make a military assaultReturn to text.
7525 exhausted (from "watching" too long/much)Return to text.
7526 firm, steadfastReturn to text.
7527 addiction to womenReturn to text.
7528 working laboriouslyReturn to text.
7529 instigation, incitementReturn to text.
7530 attackReturn to text.
7531 unspokenReturn to text.
7532 harsh, unyieldingReturn to text.
7533 accountReturn to text.
7534 mob, crowdReturn to text.
7535 lineageReturn to text.
7536 assemblage [noun]Return to text.
7537 reproachReturn to text.
7538 openedReturn to text.
7539 mistrust, distrustReturn to text.
7540 ready, willingReturn to text.
7541 find room for, hold, shelterReturn to text.
7542 literally, the enclosed space where jousting took place; metaphorically, "enter lists" = to fight/challengeReturn to text.
7543 GodReturn to text.
7544 shut His eyesReturn to text.
7545 bowReturn to text.
7546 defeatReturn to text.
7547 deprive, stripReturn to text.
7548 frustrate, confoundReturn to text.
7549 reasonReturn to text.
7550 that it be unsettled/uncertainReturn to text.
7551 connection, opportunityReturn to text.
7552 deal, negotiateReturn to text.
7553 this timeReturn to text.
7554 leave, abstain, refrainReturn to text.
7555 foreheadReturn to text.
7556 made publicReturn to text.
7557 fictitious narrativesReturn to text.
7558 Tantalus, Zeus' son, was thus punished for telling the gods' secrets to his friendsReturn to text.
7559 [adjective]Return to text.
7560 ordering, arrangingReturn to text.
7561 a fine/penaltyReturn to text.
7562 free, releaseReturn to text.
7563 pleads, petitionsReturn to text.
7564 instrumentality [noun]Return to text.
7565 lofty, high-souledReturn to text.
7566 impulseReturn to text.
7567 sons of Anak: the race of giantsReturn to text.
7568 celebrated, proclaimedReturn to text.
7569 confrontationReturn to text.
7570 falseReturn to text.
7571 venereal trains = love's tricks/snaresReturn to text.
7572 sign of favorReturn to text.
7573 i.e., red wineReturn to text.
7574 away fromReturn to text.
7575 the sun's beams?Return to text.
7576 soft?Return to text.
7577 fluidReturn to text.
7578 ruined, destroyedReturn to text.
7579 something to stare atReturn to text.
7580 plentiful, flowing, excessiveReturn to text.
7581 healthy-looking, strongReturn to text.
7582 break down, destroyReturn to text.
7583 garbage, refuse, offalReturn to text.
7584 to trouble, molest, injureReturn to text.
7585 unoccupiedReturn to text.
7586 violence, shockReturn to text.
7587 see Judges 15:18--19Return to text.
7588 point to, indicate, foretellReturn to text.
7589 entertain, deal withReturn to text.
7590 naturalReturn to text.
7591 state of mind, dispositionReturn to text.
7592 fantasy, whim, inclinationReturn to text.
7593 pursue, performReturn to text.
7594 receiveReturn to text.
7595 that which produces pain/sufferingReturn to text.
7596 limitedReturn to text.
7597 kidneysReturn to text.
7598 employ, performReturn to text.
7599 appearances, symptomsReturn to text.
7600 correspondingReturn to text.
7601 sensation, feelingReturn to text.
7602 excite, stir upReturn to text.
7603 incurableReturn to text.
7604 continue to cause pain, festerReturn to text.
7605 [verb]Return to text.
7606 necrosis, destructionReturn to text.
7607 consciousReturn to text.
7608 irritateReturn to text.
7609 abateReturn to text.
7610 [adjective]Return to text.
7611 particular, intimateReturn to text.
7612 temperate, abstinentReturn to text.
7613 exceedinglyReturn to text.
7614 strengthReturn to text.
7615 as ifReturn to text.
7616 assignmentReturn to text.
7617 defied, incitedReturn to text.
7618 repeatedly [adverb]Return to text.
7619 roll, catalogueReturn to text.
7620 written, placed, enteredReturn to text.
7621 strengthReturn to text.
7622 learned, carefully thought out, practicedReturn to text.
7623 belief, convictionReturn to text.
7624 searched for, obtainedReturn to text.
7625 mild, soothingReturn to text.
7626 restoreReturn to text.
7627 (1) changing, (2) unstable, fickleReturn to text.
7628 pathReturn to text.
7629 crowd, mobReturn to text.
7630 lax, stray, randomReturn to text.
7631 likeReturn to text.
7632 formally, seriouslyReturn to text.
7633 chosen, pickedReturn to text.
7634 protection, safeguardReturn to text.
7635 honoredReturn to text.
7636 abandonReturn to text.
7637 [noun]Return to text.
7638 unclean, pollutedReturn to text.
7639 roughReturn to text.
7640 excessiveReturn to text.
7641 conclusionReturn to text.
7642 in that wayReturn to text.
7643 servant, officerReturn to text.
7644 actedReturn to text.
7645 biblical Tarshish: see 2 Chronicles 9:21 ("the ships of Tarshish bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks")Return to text.
7646 Javan, son of Japhet, was the founder of Ionia: the islands of GreeceReturn to text.
7647 CadizReturn to text.
7648 show, display, fineryReturn to text.
7649 apparatus, rigging, implements of warReturn to text.
7650 beautiful, smartly madeReturn to text.
7651 flags, bannersReturn to text.
7652 strut, flutterReturn to text.
7653 forerunnerReturn to text.
7654 retinue, suite: i.e., maids, female attendantsReturn to text.
7655 unchanging, firmly resolvedReturn to text.
7656 overloadedReturn to text.
7657 preparedReturn to text.
7658 preparationReturn to text.
7659 pulled after it, led toReturn to text.
7660 wicked, evilReturn to text.
7661 conditionReturn to text.
7662 accustomedReturn to text.
7663 as ifReturn to text.
7664 propose, urgeReturn to text.
7665 chiefly, principallyReturn to text.
7666 testReturn to text.
7667 pushed, drivenReturn to text.
7668 skillfulReturn to text.
7669 so thatReturn to text.
7670 trained, habituatedReturn to text.
7671 interior, inwardReturn to text.
7672 exaggerationsReturn to text.
7673 overloadedReturn to text.
7674 counterbalancedReturn to text.
7675 likely, naturalReturn to text.
7676 pressing, persistentReturn to text.
7677 make public, proclaimReturn to text.
7678 because ofReturn to text.
7679 discussionReturn to text.
7680 interpret asReturn to text.
7681 unsettled, variable, fickleReturn to text.
7682 (1) mind, (2) affection, loveReturn to text.
7683 his first wife: see lines 219--27, aboveReturn to text.
7684 intended, plannedReturn to text.
7685 confinementReturn to text.
7686 "that was sufficient/did it for me"Return to text.
7687 this wayReturn to text.
7688 wholly, entirelyReturn to text.
7689 not riskedReturn to text.
7690 not afraidReturn to text.
7691 sharersReturn to text.
7692 foolishReturn to text.
7693 harsh, grim, bitterReturn to text.
7694 forced, compelledReturn to text.
7695 franticReturn to text.
7696 passion, appetiteReturn to text.
7697 irreconcilableReturn to text.
7698 knowing that I had beenReturn to text.
7699 decides, ordainsReturn to text.
7700 worked, prevailedReturn to text.
7701 officers of the executive governmentReturn to text.
7702 swore, solemnly entreatedReturn to text.
7703 insisted, urgedReturn to text.
7704 communal, generalReturn to text.
7705 backwardReturn to text.
7706 struggleReturn to text.
7707 well-foundedReturn to text.
7708 common, widespreadReturn to text.
7709 considerationsReturn to text.
7710 prescribing, imposingReturn to text.
7711 offensivelyReturn to text.
7712 over, in preference toReturn to text.
7713 frivolity, lack of serious thoughtReturn to text.
7714 I whoReturn to text.
7715 acknowledged, openly declaredReturn to text.
7716 the Philistines'Return to text.
7717 subject of a realm, citizenReturn to text.
7718 thou mine = thou under my protectionReturn to text.
7719 freeReturn to text.
7720 goes by the worse = gets the worst of itReturn to text.
7721 byReturn to text.
7722 outbursts/volleys of sound (words)Return to text.
7723 spare, give, yieldReturn to text.
7724 occasion, opportunityReturn to text.
7725 acutelyReturn to text.
7726 lackReturn to text.
7727 accidentReturn to text.
7728 out of their housesReturn to text.
7729 attentionReturn to text.
7730 duty, functionReturn to text.
7731 up to, untilReturn to text.
7732 pleasantReturn to text.
7733 fits not = is not suitableReturn to text.
7734 separated, disunited, estrangedReturn to text.
7735 tricksReturn to text.
7736 devices, contrivancesReturn to text.
7737 nets and snaresReturn to text.
7738 annulledReturn to text.
7739 "they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear, which will not hearken to the voice of charmers" (Psalm 58:4--5)Return to text.
7740 disdainReturn to text.
7741 betrayReturn to text.
7742 leaveReturn to text.
7743 despisedReturn to text.
7744 finally, at lastReturn to text.
7745 affront, exultReturn to text.
7746 displaying excessive affection/regard for one's wifeReturn to text.
7747 complete, unqualifiedReturn to text.
7748 slaveryReturn to text.
7749 explain, interpretReturn to text.
7750 judging, criticizingReturn to text.
7751 hold, reckonReturn to text.
7752 inexorable, irreconcilableReturn to text.
7753 pursuing, petitioningReturn to text.
7754 bid (directed) to go (to leave)Return to text.
7755 affairsReturn to text.
7756 the JewsReturn to text.
7757 slanderedReturn to text.
7758 recited, sung, narratedReturn to text.
7759 higher thanReturn to text.
7760 ties, agreementsReturn to text.
7761 incense, perfumeReturn to text.
7762 Sisera, a Canaanite hostile to the Jews, fled their pursuit; Jael, wife of Sisera's host, drove a nail through his head as he lay sleeping: see Judges 4, 5Return to text.
7763 criminalReturn to text.
7764 is discontentedReturn to text.
7765 evident, obviousReturn to text.
7766 receive, holdReturn to text.
7767 find, light uponReturn to text.
7768 consult uponReturn to text.
7769 the "secret" referred to in line 384, aboveReturn to text.
7770 best man at a wedding: Samson's first wife was subsequently married to his former best manReturn to text.
7771 neither would both wives haveReturn to text.
7772 destined, ruinous, deadlyReturn to text.
7773 for that = becauseReturn to text.
7774 limited, very littleReturn to text.
7775 formed, created, producedReturn to text.
7776 preferReturn to text.
7777 basis, inner/essential partReturn to text.
7778 implantedReturn to text.
7779 serious, calmReturn to text.
7780 defendingReturn to text.
7781 (1) sundering, separating, (2) clinging, adheringReturn to text.
7782 on, alongReturn to text.
7783 disorderly, troublingReturn to text.
7784 out of the right pathReturn to text.
7785 excessive fondnessReturn to text.
7786 corruptedReturn to text.
7787 a womanReturn to text.
7788 joins/unites (with her virtue)Return to text.
7789 arbitrarily/absolutely authoritativeReturn to text.
7790 properReturn to text.
7791 dread mixed with venerationReturn to text.
7792 sever, quitReturn to text.
7793 smile she = whether she smilesReturn to text.
7794 frown, scowlReturn to text.
7795 been involved inReturn to text.
7796 hidden, secret, reconditeReturn to text.
7797 "the giant"Return to text.
7798 homeReturn to text.
7799 can guess/predictReturn to text.
7800 magnificent, splendidReturn to text.
7801 dressReturn to text.
7802 whetherReturn to text.
7803 freightReturn to text.
7804 mischance, luckReturn to text.
7805 see Deuteronomy 3:1--11Return to text.
7806 see Numbers 13:33Return to text.
7807 a race of giants dwelling east of the River Jordan: see Deuteronomy 2:10--11Return to text.
7808 see Genesis 14:5Return to text.
7809 unnatural, amazing, vast, monstrousReturn to text.
7810 testedReturn to text.
7811 in camp: on a campaignReturn to text.
7812 listed field: battlefield divided into lists (areas for jousting tournaments)Return to text.
7813 rumor, common talkReturn to text.
7814 challenge to single combatReturn to text.
7815 shackles, fettersReturn to text.
7816 away fromReturn to text.
7817 the circumcised, the JewsReturn to text.
7818 deadlyReturn to text.
7819 in order to beReturn to text.
7820 destroyed by treacheryReturn to text.
7821 room (in a house)Return to text.
7822 close-banded = closely joinedReturn to text.
7823 get the better ofReturn to text.
7824 expedients, stratagemsReturn to text.
7825 showyReturn to text.
7826 armorReturn to text.
7827 body armor: rings (or plates) of metal covered with canvas, linen, or leatherReturn to text.
7828 upper-body armorReturn to text.
7829 vant-brace: armor for forearmsReturn to text.
7830 leg armorReturn to text.
7831 glove of leather, covered with metal platesReturn to text.
7832 weaver's beam: wooden cylinder in a loom, on which, before weaving, the warp is wound (see 1 Samuel 7:7)Return to text.
7833 i.e., seven laminations (layers) of leatherReturn to text.
7834 rattling, noisyReturn to text.
7835 ragingReturn to text.
7836 stiff-spinedReturn to text.
7837 as long asReturn to text.
7838 invokeReturn to text.
7839 supportedReturn to text.
7840 notices, cares aboutReturn to text.
7841 acknowledgesReturn to text.
7842 Samson'sReturn to text.
7843 laborReturn to text.
7844 coarse-growing, rank, roughReturn to text.
7845 conquered, overcomeReturn to text.
7846 thine (your) peopleReturn to text.
7847 indulgent, beneficentReturn to text.
7848 challengeReturn to text.
7849 rebelReturn to text.
7850 tongue-valiantReturn to text.
7851 treatyReturn to text.
7852 well-known (and bad)Return to text.
7853 see Judges 14:10--19Return to text.
7854 booty, lootReturn to text.
7855 indicated, provedReturn to text.
7856 crafty intriguersReturn to text.
7857 forced, compelledReturn to text.
7858 soReturn to text.
7859 engaged in, employedReturn to text.
7860 secret enemiesReturn to text.
7861 holding no official positionReturn to text.
7862 treatyReturn to text.
7863 gave up = surrenderedReturn to text.
7864 undertook, ventured, daredReturn to text.
7865 solitaryReturn to text.
7866 familiar, well-knownReturn to text.
7867 i.e., revealing the secret of his strength to Dalila, who then cut off his hairReturn to text.
7868 tricks, sophistries, evasionsReturn to text.
7869 challengerReturn to text.
7870 challengesReturn to text.
7871 for the third time, three times in successionReturn to text.
7872 trivial, minor, unimportantReturn to text.
7873 undertaking, businessReturn to text.
7874 little, slight, no greatReturn to text.
7875 exerciseReturn to text.
7876 examine, inspect, evaluateReturn to text.
7877 comment on, carp aboutReturn to text.
7878 Philistine godReturn to text.
7879 unaccustomedReturn to text.
7880 give in return, causeReturn to text.
7881 front line of battle formationsReturn to text.
7882 offensive arroganceReturn to text.
7883 is appropriate forReturn to text.
7884 bewilderedReturn to text.
7885 huge/massy frameReturn to text.
7886 largeReturn to text.
7887 blow (of the hand)Return to text.
7888 frame, bodyReturn to text.
7889 perilReturn to text.
7890 acts of bravado/defianceReturn to text.
7891 marchingReturn to text.
7892 unconcerned, indifferent, uncaringReturn to text.
7893 passionateReturn to text.
7894 temperReturn to text.
7895 common talkReturn to text.
7896 publicly declareReturn to text.
7897 the greatestReturn to text.
7898 benefit, profitReturn to text.
7899 my deathReturn to text.
7900 pleasing, properReturn to text.
7901 overcome, vanquishReturn to text.
7902 violent, truculentReturn to text.
7903 boldReturn to text.
7904 zealous, assiduousReturn to text.
7905 frenzied, furiousReturn to text.
7906 their delivererReturn to text.
7907 military stores/equipmentReturn to text.
7908 disdainsReturn to text.
7909 speedReturn to text.
7910 flashReturn to text.
7911 performs, fulfills, dischargesReturn to text.
7912 perplexed, confused, disorderedReturn to text.
7913 panicked, overwhelmed, astonishedReturn to text.
7914 act of worship, religious observanceReturn to text.
7915 moral strength/courageReturn to text.
7916 everythingReturn to text.
7917 endowedReturn to text.
7918 deprived, strippedReturn to text.
7919 in reserve, still to comeReturn to text.
7920 making his wayReturn to text.
7921 skillfully workedReturn to text.
7922 at full speedReturn to text.
7923 fluentReturn to text.
7924 distinguish, mark outReturn to text.
7925 pageants, parades, displaysReturn to text.
7926 standard, degreeReturn to text.
7927 evidenceReturn to text.
7928 strengthened, cheered (often by alcohol)Return to text.
7929 clownsReturn to text.
7930 actorsReturn to text.
7931 mimes, burlesque actorsReturn to text.
7932 furnishReturn to text.
7933 diversionReturn to text.
7934 afflict, strain, make miserableReturn to text.
7935 look toReturn to text.
7936 worker at low/servile/hard/distasteful tasksReturn to text.
7937 frolic, exerciseReturn to text.
7938 enjoined, commandedReturn to text.
7939 formal decisionReturn to text.
7940 painedReturn to text.
7941 defianceReturn to text.
7942 pay backReturn to text.
7943 God's favorReturn to text.
7944 one pledged to abstinenceReturn to text.
7945 glorifyingReturn to text.
7946 legalReturn to text.
7947 compelsReturn to text.
7948 saying, maximReturn to text.
7949 angerReturn to text.
7950 relax rules, grant dispensations/permissionReturn to text.
7951 waking, stirringReturn to text.
7952 incline toward, prepareReturn to text.
7953 prognostication, predictionReturn to text.
7954 obtain, invent, provide forReturn to text.
7955 devices, usually but not necessarily mechanicalReturn to text.
7956 assault, attackReturn to text.
7957 confineReturn to text.
7958 testReturn to text.
7959 technical skillReturn to text.
7960 fatalReturn to text.
7961 mustReturn to text.
7962 dragReturn to text.
7963 take off, lay asideReturn to text.
7964 chainsReturn to text.
7965 surroundedReturn to text.
7966 irritateReturn to text.
7967 violentReturn to text.
7968 arrogant, immoderateReturn to text.
7969 guarantee, promiseReturn to text.
7970 round about, all aroundReturn to text.
7971 quantity, degreeReturn to text.
7972 my inducement = what has led/brought meReturn to text.
7973 frolic, exerciseReturn to text.
7974 desireReturn to text.
7975 shareReturn to text.
7976 share, participate inReturn to text.
7977 tried to make use ofReturn to text.
7978 disinclined, opposedReturn to text.
7979 liberal, magnanimousReturn to text.
7980 courteousReturn to text.
7981 of his sentence/punishmentReturn to text.
7982 would beReturn to text.
7983 high-souled kindnessReturn to text.
7984 pardon, forgive, releaseReturn to text.
7985 agreeableReturn to text.
7986 property, estateReturn to text.
7987 accomplishReturn to text.
7988 numbered down = counted out, paid downReturn to text.
7989 miserableReturn to text.
7990 firm, settled, determinedReturn to text.
7991 lacking, missingReturn to text.
7992 accustomedReturn to text.
7993 lay up = saveReturn to text.
7994 elevated, dignifiedReturn to text.
7995 [adjective]Return to text.
7996 on garrison (protection, defense) dutyReturn to text.
7997 body of troopsReturn to text.
7998 laughable, absurdReturn to text.
7999 empty, unavailingReturn to text.
8000 action, accomplishingReturn to text.
8001 formedReturn to text.
8002 consistent/harmonious withReturn to text.
8003 of the same tribe, they are in a sense next of kinReturn to text.
8004 place, populationReturn to text.
8005 disastrous, evilReturn to text.
8006 happeningReturn to text.
8007 sorrow, griefReturn to text.
8008 assentReturn to text.
8009 wait, delayReturn to text.
8010 express (fast)Return to text.
8011 abates, stops for a whileReturn to text.
8012 fleeReturn to text.
8013 dreadful, terribleReturn to text.
8014 eventReturn to text.
8015 confused, disordered, derangedReturn to text.
8016 upshot, conclusionReturn to text.
8017 details, particularsReturn to text.
8018 excess, more than enoughReturn to text.
8019 promptly, hastilyReturn to text.
8020 quicklyReturn to text.
8021 bursting outReturn to text.
8022 worthless, vainReturn to text.
8023 discord, quarrelReturn to text.
8024 finally, in the endReturn to text.
8025 narrationReturn to text.
8026 businessReturn to text.
8027 high street = main roadReturn to text.
8028 gotten doneReturn to text.
8029 all abroad = widelyReturn to text.
8030 thought, decidedReturn to text.
8031 hall, amphitheaterReturn to text.
8032 quality, rankReturn to text.
8033 benchesReturn to text.
8034 at a distanceReturn to text.
8035 inconspicuous, unnoticedReturn to text.
8036 diversionsReturn to text.
8037 distinctive clothing, uniformReturn to text.
8038 flutesReturn to text.
8039 tambourinesReturn to text.
8040 soldiers in full armorReturn to text.
8041 splitReturn to text.
8042 raising an outcry forReturn to text.
8043 fearful, terribleReturn to text.
8044 slaveReturn to text.
8045 as opponent/adversaryReturn to text.
8046 the guardReturn to text.
8047 bowedReturn to text.
8048 testReturn to text.
8049 sinewsReturn to text.
8050 confined, shut inReturn to text.
8051 wrenchingReturn to text.
8052 commingledReturn to text.
8053 common/ordinary peopleReturn to text.
8054 outsideReturn to text.
8055 (1) coils, wrappings, (2) pen, enclosureReturn to text.
8056 happyReturn to text.
8057 proud, loftyReturn to text.
8058 swallowedReturn to text.
8059 preferring him (their idol)Return to text.
8060 ShilohReturn to text.
8061 derangement, madnessReturn to text.
8062 i.e., the spirit of frenzyReturn to text.
8063 injuredReturn to text.
8064 diversionReturn to text.
8065 unknowinglyReturn to text.
8066 foolish, stupidReturn to text.
8067 ontoReturn to text.
8068 corruptReturn to text.
8069 powersReturn to text.
8070 serpentReturn to text.
8071 rural, farmhouseReturn to text.
8072 dischargedReturn to text.
8073 rendered weakReturn to text.
8074 the phoenixReturn to text.
8075 wrappedReturn to text.
8076 sacrificial fire, complete destructionReturn to text.
8077 brought forth, generatedReturn to text.
8078 at the timeReturn to text.
8079 long-lived (for centuries)Return to text.
8080 (1) redeemed, acquitted, (2) endedReturn to text.
8081 original location of the PhilistinesReturn to text.
8082 (1) boundaries, (2) landsReturn to text.
8083 lay hold = graspReturn to text.
8084 lineageReturn to text.
8085 vessels of waterReturn to text.
8086 dried bloodReturn to text.
8087 condition, stateReturn to text.
8088 rites (funereal)Return to text.
8089 processionReturn to text.
8090 recorded, writtenReturn to text.
8091 storyReturn to text.
8092 come, proceedReturn to text.
8093 inscrutableReturn to text.
8094 dispositionReturn to text.
8095 organize [verb]Return to text.
8096 absoluteReturn to text.
8097 will, purpose, pleasureReturn to text.
8098 acquisitionReturn to text.
8099 sent awayReturn to text.
Table of Contents
ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY
No. 10 Daughter to that good earl
No. 11 I did but prompt the age
No. 12 A book was writ, of late
No. 15 Fairfax, whose name in arms
No. 16 Cromwell, our chief of men
No. 20 Lawrence, of virtuous father
No. 21 Cyriack! Whose grandsire
No. 22 Cyriack, this three years day
AN EPITAPH ON THE MARCHIONESS OF WINCHESTER
THE FIFTH ODE OF HORACE, BOOK ONE
ON THE NEW FORCERS OF CONSCIENCE
Suggestions for Further Reading
Ask your Bookseller for these Bantam Classics

