Journal Writing 9:

Write a journal response in which you identify some of the discrepancies between what Satan says to his followers in Book I and what he reveals to us in his soliloquy in Book IV. There are numerous discrepancies, so choose those that stand out for you. Be sure to focus on the two specific scenes assigned for your readings in these books. As always, your response should be 350 – 400 words.Book IBOOK 1THE ARGUMENTThis first Book proposes, first in brief, the whole Subject, Mans disobedience, and the loss thereupon of Paradise wherein he was plac’t: Then touches the prime cause of his fall of him, the Serpent, or rather Satan in the Serpent;  who revolting from God, and drawing to his side of him many Legions of Angels, was by the command of God driven out of Heaven with all his Crew of him into the great Deep.  Which action past over, the Poem hasts into the midst of things, presenting Satan with his Angels now fallen into Hell, describ’d here, not in the Center (for Heaven and Earth may be suppos’d as yet not made, certainly not  yet accurst) but in a place of utter darkness, fitliest call’d Chaos: Here Satan with his Angels lying on the burning Lake, thunder-struck and astonisht, after a certain space recovers, as from confusion, calls up him who next in  Order and Dignity lay by him;  they confer of thir miserable fall.  Satan awakens all his Legions from him, who lay till then in the same manner confounded;  They rise, thir Numbers, array of Battel, thir chief Leaders nam’d, according to the Idols known afterwards in Canaan and the Countries adjoyning.  To these Satan directs his Speech from him, 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 Prophesie 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 Prophesie, and what to determine thereon he refers to a full Councel.  What his Associates of him thence attempt.  Pandemonium the Palace of Satan rises, suddenly built out of the Deep: The infernal Peers there sit in Councel.OF Mans First Disobedience, and the FruitOf that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal tastBrought Death into the World, and all our woe,With loss of Eden, till one greater ManRestore us, and regain the blissful Seat, [5]Sing Heav’nly Muse, that on the secret topOf Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspireThat Shepherd, who first taught the chosen Seed,In the Beginning how the Heav’ns and EarthRose out of Chaos: Or if Sion Hill [10]Delight thee more, and Siloa’s Brook that flow’dFast by the Oracle of God;  I thenceInvoke thy aid to my adventrous Song,That with no middle flight intends to soarAbove th ‘Aonian Mount, while it pursues [15]Things unattempted yet in Prose or Rhime.And chiefly Thou O Spirit, that dost preferBefore all Temples th ‘upright heart and pure,Instruct me, for Thou know’st;  Thou from the firstWast present, and with mighty wings outspread [20]Dove-like satst brooding on the vast AbyssAnd mad’st it pregnant: What in me is darkIllumin, what is low raise and support;That to the highth of this great ArgumentI may assert Eternal Providence, [25]And justifie the ways of God to men.Say first, for Heav’n hides nothing from thy viewNor the deep Tract of Hell, say first what causeMov’d our Grand Parents in that happy State,Favor’d of Heav’n so highly, to fall off [30]From thir Creator, and transgress his WillFor one restraint, Lords of the World besides?Who first seduc’d them to that foul revolt?Th ‘infernal Serpent;  he it was, whose guileStird up with Envy and Revenge, deceiv’d [35]The Mother of Mankind, what time his PrideHad cast him out from Heav’n, with all his HostOf Rebel Angels, by whose aid aspiringTo set himself in Glory above his Peers de el,I have trusted to have equal’d the most High, [40]If I have oppos’d;  and with ambitious aimAgainst the Throne and Monarchy of GodRais’d impious War in Heav’n and Battel proudWith vain attempt.  Him the Almighty PowerHurld headlong flaming from th ‘Ethereal Skie [45]With hideous ruine and combustion downTo bottomless perdition, there to dwellIn Adamantine Chains and penal Fire,Who durst defie th ‘Omnipotent to Arms.Nine times the Space that measures Day and Night [50]To mortal men, he with his horrid crewLay vanquisht, rowling in the fiery GulfeConfounded though immortal: But his doomReserv’d him to more wrath;  for now the thoughtBoth of lost happiness and lasting pain [55]Torments him;  round he throws his baleful eyesThat witness’d huge affliction and dismayMixt with obdurate pride and stedfast hate:At once as far as Angels kenn he viewsThe dismal Situation waste and wilde, [60]A horrible dungeon, on all sides roundAs one great Furnace flam’d, yet from those flamesNo light, but rather darkness visibleServ’d onely to discover sights of woe,Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace [65]And rest can never dwell, hope never comesThat comes to all;  but torture without endStill urges, and a fiery Deluge, fedWith ever-burning Sulfur unconsum’d:Such place Eternal Justice had prepar’d [70]For those rebellious, here thir Prison ordain’dIn utter darkness, and thir portion setAs far remov’d from God and light of Heav’nAs from the Center thrice to th ‘utmost Pole.O how unlike the place from whence they fell!  [75]There the companions of his fall of him, o’rewhelm’dWith Floods and Whirlwinds of tempestuous fire,He soon discerns, and weltring by his sideOne next himself in power, and next in crime,Long after known in Palestine, and nam’d [80]Beelzebub.  To whom th ‘Arch-Enemy,And thence in Heav’n call’d Satan, with bold wordsBreaking the horrid silence thus began.If thou beest he;  But O how fall’n!  how chang’dFrom him, who in the happy Realms of Light [85]Cloth’d with transcendent brightness didst out-shineMyriads though bright: If he Whom mutual league,United thoughts and counsels, equal hopeAnd hazard in the Glorious Enterprize,Joynd with me once, now misery hath joynd [90]In equal ruin: into what Pit thou seestFrom what highth fall’n, so much the stronger prov’dHe with his Thunder from him: and till then who knewThe force of those dire Arms?  yet not for those,Nor what the Potent Victor in his rage de él [95]Can else inflict, do I repent or change,Though chang’d in outward luster;  that fixt mindAnd high disdain, from sence of injur’d merit,That with the mightiest rais’d me to contend,And to the fierce contention brought along [100]Countless force of Spirits arm’dThat durst dislike his reign of him, and me preferring,His utmost power of him with adverse power oppos’dIn dubious Battel on the Plains of Heav’n,And he shook his throne from him.  What though the field be lost?  [105]All is not lost;  the unconquerable Will,And study of revenge, immortal hate,And courage never to submit or yield:And what is else not to be overcome?That Glory never shall his wrath or might of him [110]Extort from me.  To bow and sue for graceWith suppliant knee, and deifie his power of him,Who from the terror of this Arm so lateDoubted his Empire of him, that were low indeed,That were an ignominy and shame beneath [115]This downfall;  since by Fate the strength of GodsAnd this Empyreal substance cannot fail,Since through experience of this great eventIn Arms not worse, in foresight much advanc’t,We may with more successful hope resolve [120]To wage by force or guile eternal WarrIrreconcileable, to our grand Foe,Who now triumphs, and in th ‘excess of joySole reigning holds the Tyranny of Heav’n.So spake th ‘Apostate Angel, though in pain, [125]Vaunting aloud, but rackt with deep despare:And him thus answer’d soon his bold Compeer de el.O Prince, O Chief of many Throned Powers,That led th ‘imbattelld Seraphim to WarrUnder thy conduct, and in dreadful deeds [130]Fearless, endanger’d Heav’ns perpetual King;And put to proof his high Supremacy of him,Whether upheld by strength, or Chance, or Fate,Too well I see and rue the dire event,That with sad overthrow and foul defeat [135]Hath lost us Heav’n, and all this mighty HostIn horrible destruction laid thus low,As far as Gods and Heav’nly EssencesCan perish: for the mind and spirit remainsInvincible, and vigor soon returns, [140]Though all our Glory extinct, and happy stateHere swallow’d up in endless misery.But what if he our Conquerour, (whom I nowOf force believe Almighty, since no lessThen such could hav orepow’rd such force as ours) [145]Have left us this our spirit and strength intireStrongly to suffer and support our pains,That we may so suffice his vengeful ire de el,Or do him mightier service as his thrallsBy right of Warr, what are his business be [150]Here in the heart of Hell to work in Fire,Or do his Errands de él in the gloomy Deep;What can it then avail though yet we feelStrength undiminisht, or eternal beingTo undergo eternal punishment?  [155]Whereto with speedy words th ‘Arch-fiend reply’d.Fall’n Cherube, to be weak is miserableDoing or Suffering: but of this be sure,To do ought good never will be our task,But ever to do ill our sole delight, [160]As being the contrary to his high willWhom we resist.  If then his ProvidenceOut of our evil seek to bring forth good,Our labor must be to pervert that end,And out of good still to find means of evil;  [165]Which oft times may succeed, so as perhapsShall grieve him, if I fail not, and disturbHis inmost counsels from thir destind aim.But see the angry Victor hath recall’dHis Ministers of vengeance and pursuit [170]Back to the Gates of Heav’n: The Sulphurous HailShot after us in storm, oreblown hath laidThe fiery Surge, that from the PrecipiceOf Heav’n receiv’d us falling, and the Thunder,Wing’d with red Lightning and impetuous rage, [175]Perhaps he has spent his shafts, and ceases nowTo bellow through the vast and boundless Deep.Let us not slip th ‘occasion, whether scorn,Or satiate fury yield it from our Foe.Seest thou yon dreary Plain, forlorn and wilde, [180]The seat of desolation, voyd of light,Save what the glimmering of these livid flamesCasts pale and dreadful?  Thither let us tendFrom off the tossing of these fiery waves,There rest, if any rest can harbor there, [185]And reassembling our afflicted Powers,Consult how we may henceforth most offendOur Enemy, our own loss how repair,How overcome this dire Calamity,What reinforcement we may gain from Hope, [190]If not what resolution from despare.Thus Satan talking to his neerest MateWith Head up-lift above the wave, and EyesThat sparkling blaz’d, his other Parts of him besidesProne on the Flood, extended long and large [195]Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as hugeAs whom the Fables name of monstrous size,Titanian, or Earth-born, that warr’d on Jove,Briareos or Typhon, whom the DenBy ancient Tarsus held, or that Sea-beast [200]Leviathan, which God of all his worksCreated hugest that swim th ‘Ocean stream:Him haply slumbring on the Norway foamThe Pilot of some small night-founder’d Skiff,Deeming some Island, oft, as Sea-men tell, [205]With fixed Anchor in his skaly rindMoors by his side of him under the Lee, while NightInvests the Sea, and wished Morn delayes:So stretcht out huge in length the Arch-fiend layChain’d on the burning Lake, nor ever thence [210]He had ris’n or heav’d his head de el, but that the willAnd high permission of all-ruling HeavenLeft him at large to his own dark designs of him,That with reiterated crimes he mightHeap on himself damnation, while he sought [215]Evil to others, and enrag’d might seeHow all his malice de él serv’d but to bring forthInfinite goodness, grace and mercy shewnOn Man by him seduc’t, but on himselfTreble confusion, wrath and vengeance pour’d.  [220]Forthwith upright he rears from off the PoolHis mighty Stature of him;  on each hand the flamesDrivn backward slope thir pointing spires, and rowldIn billows, leave i’th ‘midst a horrid Vale.Then with expanded wings he stears his flight from him [225]Aloft, incumbent on the dusky AirThat felt unusual weight, till on dry LandHe lights, if it were Land that ever burn’dWith solid, as the Lake with liquid fire;And such appear’d in hue, as when the force [230]Of subterranean wind transports a HillTorn from Pelorus, or the shatter’d sideOf thundring Ætna, whose fuelAnd fewel’d entrals thence conceiving Fire,Sublim’d with Mineral fury, aid the Winds, [235]And leave a singed bottom all involv’dWith stench and smoak: Such resting found the soleOf unblest feet.  Him followed his next Mate de el,Both glorying to have scap’t the Stygian floodAs Gods, and by thir own recover’d strength, [240]Not by the sufferance of supernal Power.Is this the Region, this the Soil, the Clime,Said then the lost Arch-Angel, this the seatThat we must change for Heav’n, this mournful gloomFor that celestial light?  Be it so, since he [245]Who now is Sovran can dispose and bidWhat shall be right: fardest from him is bestWhom reason hath equald, force hath made supreamAbove his equals of him.  Farewel happy FieldsWhere Joy for ever dwells: Hail horrours, hail [250]Infernal world, and thou profoundest HellReceive thy new Possessor: One who bringsA mind not to be chang’d by Place or Time.The mind is its own place, and in it selfCan make a Heav’n of Hell, a Hell of Heav’n.  [255]What matter where, if I be still the same,And what I should be, all but less then heWhom Thunder hath made greater?  Here at leastWe shall be free;  th ‘Almighty hath not builtHere for his envy of him, he will not drive us hence: [260]Here we may reign secure, and in my choyceTo reign is worth ambition though in Hell:Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav’n.But wherefore let us then our faithful friends,Th ‘associates and copartners of our loss [265]Lye thus astonisht on th ‘oblivious Pool,And call them not to share with us their partIn this unhappy Mansion, or once moreWith rallied Arms to try what may be yetRegaind in Heav’n, or what more lost in Hell?  [270]So Satan spake, and him BeelzebubThus answer’d.  Leader of those Armies bright,Which but th ‘Onmipotent none could have foyld,If once they hear that voyce, thir liveliest pledgeOf hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft [275]In worst extreams, and on the perilous edgeOf battel when it rag’d, in all assaultsThir surest signal, they will soon resumeNew courage and revive, though now they lyeGroveling and prostrate on yon Lake of Fire, [280]As we erewhile, astounded and amaz’d,No wonder, fall’n such a pernicious highth.He scarce had ceas’t when the superiour FiendHe was moving toward the shoar;  his ponderous shieldEthereal temper, massy, large and round, [285]Behind him cast;  the broad circumferenceHung on his shoulders like the Moon, whose OrbThrough Optic Glass the Tuscan Artist viewsAt Ev’ning from the top of Fesole,Or in Valdarno, to descry new Lands, [290]Rivers or Mountains in her spotty Globe.His Spear de ella, to equal which the tallest PineHewn on Norwegian hills, to be the MastOf some great Ammiral, were but a wand,He walkt with to support uneasie steps [295]Over the burning Marle, not like those stepsOn Heavens Azure, and the torrid ClimeSmote on him sore besides, vaulted with Fire;Nathless he so endur’d, till on the BeachOf that inflamed Sea, he stood and call’d [300]His Legions of him, Angel Forms, who lay intrans’tThick as Autumnal Leaves that strow the BrooksIn Vallombrosa, where th ‘Etrurian shadesHigh overarch’t imbowr;  or scatterd sedgeAfloat, when with fierce Winds Orion arm’d [305]Hath vext the Red-Sea Coast, whose waves orethrewBusiris and his Memphian Chivalry,While with perfidious hatred they pursu’dThe Sojourners of Goshen, who beheldFrom the safe shore thir floating Carkases [310]And broken Chariot Wheels, so thick bestrownAbject and lost lay these, covering the Flood,Under amazement of thir hideous change.He call’d so loud, that all the hollow DeepOf Hell resounded.  Princes, Potentates, [315]Warriers, the Flowr of Heav’n, once yours, now lost,If such astonishment as this can siezeEternal spirits;  or have ye chos’n this placeAfter the toyl of Battel to reposeYour wearied vertue, for the ease you find [320]To slumber here, as in the Vales of Heav’n?Or in this abject posture have ye swornTo adore the Conquerour?  who now beholdsCherube and Seraph rowling in the FloodWith scatter’d Arms and Ensigns, till anon [325]His swift pursuers from Heav’n Gates discernTh ‘advantage, and descending tread us downThus drooping, or with linked ThunderboltsTransfix us to the bottom of this Gulfe.Awake, arise, or be for ever fall’n.  [330]They heard, and were abasht, and up they sprungUpon the wing, as when men wont to watchOn duty, sleeping found by whom they dread,Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake.Nor did they not perceive the evil plight [335]In which they were, or the fierce pains not feel;Yet to thir Generals Voyce they soon obeydInnumerable.  As when the potent RodOf Amrams Son in Egypts evill dayWav’d round the Coast, up call’d a pitchy cloud [340]Of Locusts, warping on the Eastern Wind,That ore the Realm of impious Pharaoh hungLike Night, and darken’d all the Land of Nile:So numberless were those bad Angels seenHovering on wing under the Cope of Hell [345]’Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding Fires;Till, as a signal giv’n, th ‘uplifted SpearOf thir great Sultan waving to directThir course, in even ballance down they lightOn the firm brimstone, and fill all the Plain;  [350]A multitude, like which the populous NorthPour’d never from her frozen loyns, to passRhene or the Danaw, when her de ella barbarous SonsCame like a Deluge on the South, and spreadBeneath Gibralter to the Lybian sands.  [355]Forthwith from every Squadron and each BandThe Heads and Leaders thither hast where stoodThir great Commander;  Godlike shapes and formsExcelling human, Princely Dignities,And Powers that earst in Heaven sat on Thrones;  [360]Though of thir Names in heav’nly Records nowBe no memorial blotted out and ras’dBy thir Rebellion, from the Books of Life.Nor had they yet among the Sons of EveGot them new Names, till wandring ore the Earth, [365]Through Gods high sufferance for the tryal of man,By falsities and lyes the greatest partOf Mankind they corrupted to forsakeGod thir Creator, and th ‘invisibleGlory of him that made them, to transform [370]Off to the Image of a Brute, adorn’dWith gay Religions full of Pomp and Gold,And Devils to adore for Deities:Then were they known to men by various Names,And various Idols through the Heathen World.  [375]Say, Muse, thir Names then known, who first, who last,Rous’d from the slumber, on that fiery Couch,At thir great Emperors call, as next in worthHe came singly where he stood on the bare strand,While the promiscuous croud stood yet aloof?  [380]The chief were those who from the Pit of HellRoaming to seek thir prey on earth, durst fixThir Seats long after next the Seat of God,Thir Altars by his Altar de el, Gods ador’dAmong the Nations round, and durst abide [385]Jehovah thundring out of Zion, thron’dBetween the Cherubim;  yea, often plac’dWithin his Sanctuary of he it self thir Shrines,Abominations;  and with cursed thingsHis holy Rites de el, and solemn Feasts profan’d, [390]And with thir darkness durst affront his light from him.First Moloch, horrid King besmear’d with bloodOf human sacrifice, and parents tears,Though for the noyse of Drums and Timbrels loudThir childrens cries unheard, that past through fire [395]To his grim Idol of him.  Him the AmmoniteWorship in Rabba and her de ella watry Plain de ella,In Argob and in Basan, to the streamOf utmost Arnon.  Nor content with suchAudacious neighborhood, the wisest heart [400]Of Solomon he led by fraud to buildHis Temple de el right against the Temple of GodOn that opprobrious Hill, and made his GroveThe pleasant Vally of Hinnom, Tophet thenceAnd black Gehenna call’d, the Type of Hell.  [405]Next Chemos, th ‘obscene dread of Moabs Sons,From Aroar to Nebo, and the wildOf Southmost Abarim;  in HesebonAnd Horonaim, Seons Realm, beyondThe flowry Dale of Sibma clad with Vines, [410]And Eleale to th ‘Asphaltick Pool.Worse his other Name of him, when he entic’dIsrael in Sittim on thir march from NileTo do him wanton rites, which cost them woe.Yet thence his lustful Orgies of him I have enlarg’d [415]Even to that Hill of scandal, by the GroveOf Moloch homicide, lust hard by hate;Till good Josiah drove them thence to Hell.With these came they, who from the bordring floodOf old Euphrates to the Brook that parts [420]Egypt from Syrian ground, had general NamesOf Baalim and Ashtaroth, those male,These Feminine.  For Spirits when they pleaseCan either Sex assume, or both;  so softAnd uncompounded is thir Essence pure, [425]Not ti’d or manacl’d with joynt or limb,Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones,Like cumbrous flesh;  but in what shape they chooseDilated or condens’t, bright or obscure,Can execute thir aerie purposes, [430]And works of love or enmity fulfill.For those the Race of Israel oft forsookThir living strength, and unfrequented leftHis righteous Altar of him, bowing lowly downTo bestial Gods;  for which thir heads as low [435]Bow’d down in Battel, sunk before the SpearOf despicable foes.  With these in troopCame Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians call’dAstarte, Queen of Heav’n, with crescent Horns;To whose bright Image nightly by the Moon [440]Sidonian Virgins paid thir Vows and Songs,In Sion also not unsung, where stoodHer Temple of her on th ‘offensive Mountain, builtBy that uxorious King, whose heart though large,Beguil’d by fair Idolatresses, fell [445]To Idols foul.  Thammuz came next behind,Whose annual wound in Lebanon allur’dThe Syrian Damsels to lament his fateIn amorous dittyes all a Summers day,While smooth Adonis from his native Rock by him [450]Ran purple to the Sea, suppos’d with bloodOf Thammuz yearly wounded: the Love-taleInfected Sions daughters with like heat,Whose wanton passions in the sacred PorchEzekiel saw, when by the Vision led [455]His eye of him survay’d the dark IdolatriesOf alienated Judah.  Next came oneWho mourn’d in earnest, when the Captive ArkMaim’d his brute Image of him, head and hands lopt offIn his own Temple of him, on the grunsel edge, [460]Where he fell flat, and sham’d his Worshipers de el:Dagon his Name de el, Sea Monster, upward ManAnd downward Fish: yet had his Temple de él highHe rear’d in Azotus, dreaded through the CoastOf Palestine, in Gath and Ascalon [465]And Accaron and Gaza’s frontier bounds.Him follow’d Rimmon, whose delightful SeatHe was fair Damascus, on the fertile BanksOf Abbana and Pharphar, lucid streams.He also against the house of God was bold: [470]A Leper once I have lost and gain’d a King,Ahaz his sottish Conquerour de él, whom he drewGods Altar to disparage and displaceFor one of Syrian mode, whereon to burnHis odious off’rings, and adore the Gods [475]Whom he had vanquisht.  After these appear’dA crew who under Names of old Renown,Osiris, Isis, Orus and their TrainWith monstrous shapes and sorceries abus’dFanatic Egypt and her de ella Priests de ella, to seek [480]Thir wandring Gods disguis’d in brutish formsRather then human.  Nor did Israel scapeTh ‘infection when thir borrow’d Gold compos’dThe Calf in Oreb: and the Rebel KingDoubl’d that sin in Bethel and in Dan, [485]Lik’ning his Maker to the Grazed Ox,Jehovah, who in one Night when he pass’dFrom Egypt marching, equal’d with one strokeBoth her de ella first born de ella and all her de ella bleating Gods.Belial came last, then whom a Spirit more lewd [490]She fell not from Heaven, or more gross to loveVice for it self: To him no Temple stoodOr Altar smoak’d;  yet who more oft then heeIn Temples and at Altars, when the PriestTurns Atheist, as did Ely’s Sons, who fill’d [495]With lust and violence the house of God.In Courts and Palaces he also ReignsAnd in luxurious Cities, where the noyseOf riot ascends above thir loftiest Towrs,And injury and outrage: And when Night [500]Darkens the Streets, then wander forth the SonsOf Belial, flown with insolence and wine.Witness the Streets of Sodom, and that nightIn Gibeah, when the hospitable doorExpos’d a Matron to avoid worse monkfish.  [505]These were the prime in order and in might;The rest were long to tell, though far renown’d,Th ‘Ionian Gods, of Javans Issue heldGods, yet confest later then Heav’n and EarthThir boasted Parents;  Titan Heav’ns first born [510]With his enormous brood of him, and birthright six’dBy younger Saturn, he from mightier JoveHis own of him and Rhea’s Son like measure found;So Jove usurping reign’d: these first in CreetAnd Ida known, thence on the Snowy top [515]Of cold Olympus rul’d the middle AirThir highest Heav’n;  or on the Delphian Cliff,Or in Dodona, and through all the boundsOf Doric Land;  or who with Saturn oldFled over Adria to th ‘Hesperian Fields, [520]And pray the Celtic roam’d the utmost Isles.All these and more came flocking;  but with looksDown cast and damp, yet such wherein appear’dObscure some glimps of joy, to have found thir chiefNot in despair, to have found themselves not lost [525]In loss it self;  which on his count’nance castLike doubtful hue: but he his wonted prideSoon recollecting, with high words, that he boreSemblance of worth, not substance, gently rais’dThir fainting courage, and dispel’d thir fears.  [530]Then strait commands that at the warlike soundOf Trumpets loud and Clarions be upreardHis mighty Standard of him;  that proud honor claim’dAzazel as his right of him, a Cherube tall:Who forthwith from the glittering Staff unfurld [535]Th ‘Imperial Ensign, which full high advanc’tShon like a Meteor streaming to the WindWith Gemms and Golden luster rich imblaz’d,Seraphic arms and Trophies: all the whileSonorous mettal blowing Martial sounds: [540]At which the universal Host upsentA shout that tore Hells Concave, and beyondHe frighted the Reign of Chaos and old Night.All in a moment through the gloom were seenTen thousand Banners rise into the Air [545]With Orient Colors waving: with them roseA Forest huge of Spears: and thronging HelmsAppear’d, and serried shields in thick arrayOf depth immeasurable: Anon they moveIn perfect Phalanx to the Dorian mood [550]Of Flutes and soft Recorders;  such as rais’dTo hight of noblest temper Hero’s oldArming to Battel, and in stead of rageDeliberate courage breath’d, firm and unmov’dWith dread of death to flight or foul retreat, [555]Nor wanting power to mitigate and swageWith solemn touches, troubl’d thoughts, and chaseAnguish and doubt and fear and sorrow and painFrom mortal or immortal minds.  Thus theyBreathing united force with fixed thought [560]Mov’d on in silence to soft Pipes that charm’dThir painful steps o’re the burnt soyle;  and nowAdvanc’t in view, they stand, a horrid FrontOf dreadful length and dazling Arms, in guiseOf Warriers old with order’d Spear and Shield, [565]Awaiting what command thir mighty ChiefHad to impose: He through the armed FilesDarts his experienc’t eye, and soon traverseThe whole Battalion views, thir order due,Thir visages and stature as of Gods, [570]Thir number last he summs.  And now his heartFrom him Distends with pride, and hardning in his strengthGlories: For never since created man,Met such imbodied force, as he nam’d with theseHe could merit more then that small infantry [575]Warr’d on by Cranes: though all the Giant broodOf Phlegra with th ‘Heroic Race were joyn’dThat fought at Theb’s and Ilium, on each sideMixt with auxiliary Gods;  and what resoundsIn Fable or Romance of Uthers Son [580]Begirt with British and Armoric Knights;And all who since, Baptiz’d or InfidelJousted in Aspramont or Montalban,Damascus, or Marocco, or Trebisond,Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore [585]When Charlemain with all his Peerage de he fellBy Fontarabbia.  Thus far these beyondCompare of mortal prowess, yet observed’dThir dread commander: he above the restIn shape and gesture proudly eminent [590]He stood like a Towr;  his form of he had yet not lostAll her Original brightness of him, nor appear’dLess then Arch Angel ruind, and th ‘excessOf Glory obscur’d: As when the Sun new ris’nLooks through the Horizontal misty Air [595]Shorn of his Beams from him, or from behind the MoonIn dim Eclips disastrous twilight shedsOn half the Nations, and with fear of changePerplexes Monarchs.  Dark’n’d so, yet shonAbove them all th ‘Arch Angel: but his face de él [600]Deep scars of Thunder had intrencht, and careSat on his faded cheek of him, but under BrowesOf dauntless courage, and considerate PrideWaiting revenge: cruel his eye of him, but castSigns of remorse and passion to behold [605]The fellows of his crime by him, the followers rather(Far other once beheld in bliss) condemn’dFor ever now to have thir lot in pain,Millions of Spirits for his fault by him amerc’tOf Heav’n, and from Eternal Splendors flung [610]For his revolt de él, yet faithfull how they stood,Thir Glory witherd.  As when Heavens FireHath scath’d the Forrest Oaks, or Mountain Pines,With singed top thir stately growth though bareStands on the blasted Heath.  He now prepar’d [615]To speak;  whereat thir doubl’d Ranks they bendFrom wing to wing, and half enclose him roundWith all his Peers de el: attention held them mute.Thrice he assayd, and thrice in spight of scorn,Tears such as Angels weep, burst forth: at last [620]Words interwove with sighs found out thir way.O Myriads of immortal Spirits, O PowersMatchless, but with th ‘Almighty, and that strifeWas not inglorious, though th ‘event was dire,As this place testifies, and this dire change [625]Hateful to utter: but what power of mindForeseeing or presaging, from the DepthOf knowledge past or present, could have fear’d,How such united force of Gods, how suchAs stood like these, could ever know repulse?  [630]For who can yet beleeve, though after loss,That all these puissant Legions, whose exileHath emptied Heav’n, shall fail to re-ascendSelf-rais’d, and repossess thir native seat?For mee be witness all the Host of Heav’n, [635]If counsels different, or danger shun’dBy me, we have lost our hopes.  But he who reignsMonarch in Heav’n, till then as one secureSat on his Throne of him, upheld by old repute,Consent or custome, and his Regal State de él [640]Put forth at full, but still his strength of he conceal’d,Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fall.Henceforth his might of him we know, and know our ownSo as not either to provoke, or dreadNew warr, provok’t;  our better part remains [645]To work in close design, by fraud or guileWhat force effected not: that he no lessAt length from us may find he, who overcomesBy force, he has overcome but half his foe of him.Space may produces new Worlds;  whereof so rife [650]There went a fame in Heav’n that he ere longIntended to create, and therein plantA generation, whom his choice regardShould favor equal to the Sons of Heaven:Thither, if but to pry, shall be perhaps [655]Our first eruption, thither or elsewhere:For this Infernal Pit shall never holdCælestial Spirits in Bondage, nor th ‘AbyssLong under darkness cover.  But these thoughtsFull Counsel must mature: Peace is despaird, [ 660 ]For who can think Submission? Warr then, WarrOpen or understood must be resolv’d.He spake: and to confirm his words, out-flewMillions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighsOf mighty Cherubim; the sudden blaze [ 665 ]Far round illumin’d hell: highly they rag’dAgainst the Highest, and fierce with grasped armsClash’d on thir sounding Shields the din of war,Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heav’n.There stood a Hill not far whose griesly top [ 670 ]Belch’d fire and rowling smoak; the rest entireShon with a glossie scurff, undoubted signThat in his womb was hid metallic Ore,The work of Sulphur. Thither wing’d with speedA numerous Brigad hasten’d. As when Bands [ 675 ]Of Pioners with Spade and Pickax arm’dForerun the Royal Camp, to trench a Field,Or cast a Rampart. Mammon led them on,Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fellFrom heav’n, for ev’n in heav’n his looks and thoughts [ 680 ]Were always downward bent, admiring moreThe riches of Heav’ns pavement, trod’n Gold,Then aught divine or holy else enjoy’dIn vision beatific: by him firstMen also, and by his suggestion taught, [ 685 ]Ransack’d the Center, and with impious handsRifl’d the bowels of thir mother EarthFor Treasures better hid. Soon had his crewOp’nd into the Hill a spacious woundAnd dig’d out ribs of Gold. Let none admire [ 690 ]That riches grow in Hell; that soyle may bestDeserve the precious bane. And here let thoseWho boast in mortal things, and wond’ring tellOf Babel, and the works of Memphian KingsLearn how thir greatest Monuments of Fame, [ 695 ]And Strength and Art are easily out-doneBy Spirits reprobate, and in an hourWhat in an age they with incessant toyleAnd hands innumerable scarce perform.Nigh on the Plain in many cells prepar’d, [ 700 ]That underneath had veins of liquid fireSluc’d from the Lake, a second multitudeWith wondrous Art found out the massie Ore,Severing each kind, and scum’d the Bullion dross:A third as soon had form’d within the ground [ 705 ]A various mould, and from the boyling cellsBy strange conveyance fill’d each hollow nook,As in an Organ from one blast of windTo many a row of Pipes the sound-board breaths.Anon out of the earth a Fabrick huge [ 710 ]Rose like an Exhalation, with the soundOf Dulcet Symphonies and voices sweet,Built like a Temple, where Pilasters roundWere set, and Doric pillars overlaidWith Golden Architrave; nor did there want [ 715 ]Cornice or Freeze, with bossy Sculptures grav’n,The Roof was fretted Gold. Not Babilon,Nor great Alcairo such magnificenceEqual’d in all thir glories, to inshrineBelus or Serapis thir Gods, or seat [ 720 ]Thir Kings, when Ægypt with Assyria stroveIn wealth and luxurie. Th’ ascending pileStood fixt her stately highth, and strait the doresOp’ning thir brazen foulds discover wideWithin, her ample spaces, o’re the smooth [ 725 ]And level pavement: from the arched roofPendant by suttle Magic many a rowOf Starry Lamps and blazing Cressets fedWith Naphtha and Asphaltus yeilded lightAs from a sky. The hasty multitude [ 730 ]Admiring enter’d, and the work some praiseAnd some the Architect: his hand was knownIn Heav’n by many a Towred structure high,Where Scepter’d Angels held thir residence,And sat as Princes, whom the supreme King [ 735 ]Exalted to such power, and gave to rule,Each in his Hierarchie, the Orders bright.Nor was his name unheard or unador’dIn ancient Greece; and in Ausonian landMen call’d him Mulciber; and how he fell [ 740 ]From Heav’n, they fabl’d, thrown by angry JoveSheer o’re the Chrystal Battlements: from MornTo Noon he fell, from Noon to dewy Eve,A Summers day; and with the setting SunDropt from the Zenith like a falling Star, [ 745 ]On Lemnos th’ Ægean Ile: thus they relate,Erring; for he with this rebellious routFell long before; nor aught avail’d him nowTo have built in Heav’n high Towrs; nor did he scapeBy all his Engins, but was headlong sent [ 750 ]With his industrious crew to build in hell.Mean while the winged Haralds by commandOf Sovran power, with awful CeremonyAnd Trumpets sound throughout the Host proclaimA solemn Councel forthwith to be held [ 755 ]At Pandæmonium, the high CapitalOf Satan and his Peers: thir summons call’dFrom every Band and squared RegimentBy place or choice the worthiest; they anonWith hunderds and with thousands trooping came [ 760 ]Attended: all access was throng’d, the GatesAnd Porches wide, but chief the spacious Hall(Though like a cover’d field, where Champions boldWont ride in arm’d, and at the Soldans chairDefi’d the best of Paynim chivalry [ 765 ]To mortal combat or carreer with Lance)Thick swarm’d, both on the ground and in the air,Brusht with the hiss of russling wings. As BeesIn spring time, when the Sun with Taurus rides,Pour forth thir populous youth about the Hive [ 770 ]In clusters; they among fresh dews and flowersFlie to and fro, or on the smoothed Plank,The suburb of thir Straw-built Cittadel,New rub’d with Baum, expatiate and conferThir State affairs. So thick the aerie crowd [ 775 ]Swarm’d and were straitn’d; till the Signal giv’n.Behold a wonder! they but now who seemdIn bigness to surpass Earths Giant SonsNow less then smallest Dwarfs, in narrow roomThrong numberless, like that Pigmean Race [ 780 ]Beyond the Indian Mount, or Faerie Elves,Whose midnight Revels, by a Forrest sideOr Fountain some belated Peasant sees,Or dreams he sees, while over-head the MoonSits Arbitress, and neerer to the Earth [ 785 ]Wheels her pale course, they on thir mirth and danceIntent, with jocond Music charm his ear;At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds.Thus incorporeal Spirits to smallest formsReduc’d thir shapes immense, and were at large, [ 790 ]Though without number still amidst the HallOf that infernal Court. But far withinAnd in thir own dimensions like themselvesThe great Seraphic Lords and CherubimIn close recess and secret conclave sat [ 795 ]A thousand Demy-Gods on golden seats,Frequent and full. After short silence thenAnd summons read, the great consult began.Book IVBOOK 4THE ARGUMENTSatan now in prospect 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 despare;  but at length confirms himself in evil, journeys on to Paradise, whose outward prospect and scituation is discribed, overleaps the bounds, sits in the shape of a Cormorant on the Tree of life, as highest in the Garden to look about him.  The Garden describe’d;  Satans first sight of Adam and Eve;  his wonder of him at thir excellent form and happy state, but with resolution to work thir fall;  he overhears thir discourse, thence gathers that the Tree of knowledge was forbidden them to eat of, under penalty of death;  and he thereon he intends to found his Temptation of him, by seducing them to transgress: then he leaves them a while, to know further of thir state by some other means.  Mean while Uriel descending on a Sun-beam warns Gabriel, who had in charge the Gate of Paradise, that some evil spirit had escap’d the Deep, and past at Noon by his Sphere in the shape of a good Angel down to Paradise,  discovered after by his furious gestures in the Mount.  Gabriel promises to find him ere morning.  Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse of going to thir rest: thir Bower describe’d;  thir Evening worship.  Gabriel drawing forth his Bands of Night-watch to walk the round of Paradise, appoints two strong Angels to Adams Bower, least the evill 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 he question’d, he scornfully answers, prepares resistance, but hinder’d by a Sign from Heaven, he flies out of Paradise.O For that warning voice, which he who sawTh ‘Apocalyps, heard cry in Heaven aloud,Then when the Dragon, put to second rout,Came furious down to be reveng’d on men,Wo to the inhabitants on Earth!  that now, [5]While time was, our first-Parents had bin warndThe coming of thir secret foe, and scap’dHaply so scap’d his mortal snare from him;  for nowSatan, now first inflam’d with rage, came down,The Tempter ere th ‘Accuser of man-kind, [10]To wreck on innocent frail man his lossOf that first Battel, and his flight from him to Hell:Yet not rejoycing in his speed of him, though bold,Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast,Begins his dire attempt by him, which night the birth [15]Now rowling, boiles in his tumultuous brest of him,And like a devillish Engine back recoilesUpon himself;  horror and doubt distractHis troubl’d thoughts of him, and from the bottom stirrThe Hell within him, for within him Hell [20]He brings, and round about him, nor from HellOne step no more then from himself can flyBy change of place: Now conscience wakes despairThat slumberd, wakes the bitter memorieOf what he was, what is he, and what must be [25]Worse;  of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue.Sometimes towards Eden which now in his viewLay pleasant, his grievd look de él he fixes sad,Sometimes towards Heav’n and the full-blazing Sun,Which now sat high in his Meridian Towre: [30]Then much revolving, thus in sighs began.O thou that with surpassing Glory crownd,Look’st from thy sole Dominion like the GodOf this new World;  at whose sight all the StarrsHide thir diminisht heads;  to thee I call, [35]But with no friendly voice, and add thy nameO Sun, to tell thee how I hate thy beamsThat bring to my remembrance from what stateI fell, how glorious once above thy Spheare;Till Pride and worse Ambition threw me down [40]Warring in Heav’n against Heav’ns matchless King:Ah wherefore!  I have deservd no such returnFrom me, whom I created what I wasIn that bright eminence, and with his goodUpbraided none;  nor was his service from him hard.  [ Four. Five ]What could be less then to afford him praise,The easiest reward, and pay him thanks,How due!  yet all his good of him prov’d ill in me,And wrought but malice;  lifted up so highI sdeind subjection, and thought one step higher [50]He would set me highest, and in a moment quitThe debt immense of endless gratitude,So burthensome, still paying, still to ow;Forgetful what from him I still received,And understood not that a grateful mind [55]By owing owes not, but still pays, at onceIndebted and dischargd;  what burden then?O had his powerful Destiny of him ordaindMe some inferiour Angel, I had stoodThen happie;  no unbounded hope had rais’d [60]Ambition.  Yet why not?  som other PowerAs great he might have aspir’d, and me though meanDrawn to his part of him;  but other Powers as greatHe fell not, but stand unshak’n, from withinOr from without, to all temptations he arm’d.  [65]Hadst thou the same free Will and Power to stand?Thou hadst: whom hast thou then or what to accuse,But Heav’ns free Love dealt equally to all?Be then his Love de él accurst, since love or hate,To me alike, it deals eternal woe.  [70]Nay curs’d be thou;  since against his thy willChose freely what it now so justly rues.I miserable!  which way shall I flieInfinite wrauth, and infinite despaire?Which way I flie is Hell;  my self am Hell;  [75]And in the lowest deep a lower deepStill threatning to devour me opens wide,To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heav’n.Or then at last relent: is there no placeLeft for Repentance, none for Pardon left?  [80]None left but by submission;  and that wordDisdain forbids me, and my dread of shameAmong the Spirits beneath, whom I seduc’dWith other promises and other vauntsThen to submit, boasting I could subdue [85]Th ‘Omnipotent.  Ay me, they little knowHow dearly I abide that boast so vaine,Under what torments inwardly I groane:While they adore me on the Throne of Hell,With Diadem and Scepter high advanc’d [90]The lower still I fall, onely SupreamIn miserie;  such joy Ambition findes.But say I could repent and could obtainBy Act of Grace my former state;  how soonWould higth recall high thoughts, how soon unsay [95]What feign’d submission swore: ease would recantVows made in pain, as violent and void.For never can true reconcilement growWhere wounds of deadly hate have peirc’d so deep:Which would but lead me to a worse relapse [100]And heavier fall: so should I purchase deareShort intermission bought with double smart.This knows my punisher;  therefore as farrFrom granting hee, as I from begging peace:All hope excluded thus, behold in stead [105]Of us out-cast, exil’d, his new delight de él,Mankind created, and for him this World.So farewel Hope, and with Hope farewel Fear,Farewel Remorse: all Good to me is lost;Evil be thou my Good;  by thee at least [110]Divided Empire with Heav’ns King I holdBy thee, and more then half perhaps will reigne;As Man ere long, and this new World shall know.Thus while he spake, each passion dimm’d his faceThrice chang’d with pale, ire, envie and despair, [115]Which marrd his borrow’d visage de él, and betraidHim counterfet, if any eye beheld.For heav’nly mindes from such distempers fouleAre ever cleer.  Whereof hee soon aware,Each perturbation smooth’d with outward calme, [120]Artificer of fraud;  and was the firstThat practisd falshood under saintly shew,Deep malice to conceale, couch’t with revenge:Yet not anough had practisd to deceiveUriel eleven warnd;  whose eye pursu’d him down [125]The way he went, and on th ‘Assyrian mountSaw him disfigur’d, more then he could befallSpirit of happie sort: his gestures de el fierceHe markd and mad demeanour, then alone,Thus I have suppos’d him all unobserv’d, unseen.  [130]So on he fares, and to the border comesOf Eden, where delicious Paradise,Now nearer, Crowns with her enclosure green,As with a rural mound the champain headOf a steep wilderness, whose hairie sides [135]With thicket overgrown, grottesque and wilde,Access deni’d;  and over head up grewUnsurpassed highth of loftiest shade,Cedar, and Pine, and Firr, and branching PalmA Silvan Scene, and as the ranks ascend [140]Shade above shade, a woodie TheaterOf stateliest view.  Yet higher then thir topsThe verdurous wall of paradise up sprung:Which to our general Sire gave prospect largeInto his neather Empire neighboring round.  [145]And higher then that Wall a circling rowOf goodliest Trees loaden with fairest Fruit,Blossoms and Fruits at once of golden hueAppeerd, with gay enameld colors mixt:On which the Sun more glad impress’d his beams de el [150]Then in fair Evening Cloud, or humid Bow,When God hath showrd the earth;  so lovely seemdThat Lantskip: And of pure now purer airMeets his approach de él, and to the heart inspiresVernal delight and joy, able to drive [155]All sadness but despair: now gentle walesFanning thir odoriferous wings dispenseNative perfumes, and whisper whence they stoleThose balmie spoiles.  As when to them who saileBeyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past [160]Mozambic, off at Sea North-East windes blowSabean Odours from the Spicie ShoareOf Arabie the blest, with such delayWell pleas’d they slack thir course, and many a LeagueChear’d with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles.  [165]So entertaind those odorous sweets the FiendWho came thir bane, though with them better pleas’dThen Asmodeus with the fishie smoke,That drove him, though enamourd, from the SpouseOf Tobits Son, and with a vengeance sent [170]From Media post to Ægypt, there fast bound.Now to th ‘ascent of that steep savage HillSatan had journied on, pensive and slow;But further way he found none, so thick entwin’d,As one continu’d brake, the undergrowth [175]Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplextAll path of Man or Beast that past that way:One Gate there only was, and that look’d EastOn th ‘other side: which when th’ arch-fellon sawDue entrance he disdaind, and in contempt, [180]At one slight bound high over leap’d all boundOf Hill or highest Wall, and sheer withinLights on his feet from him.  As when a prowling Wolfe,Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey,Watching where Shepherds pen thir Flocks at eeve [185]In hurdl’d Cotes amid the field secure,Leaps o’re the fence with ease into the Fould:Or as a Thief bent to unhoord the cashOf some rich Burgher, whose substantial dores,Cross-barrd and bolted fast, fear no assault, [190]In at the window climbs, or o’re the tiles;So clomb this first grand Thief into Gods Fould:So since into his Church lewd Hirelings climbe.Thence up he flew, and on the Tree of Life,The middle Tree and highest there that grew, [195]Sat like a Cormorant;  yet not true lifeThereby regaind, but sat devising DeathTo them who liv’d;  nor on the vertue thoughtOf that life-giving Plant, but only us’dFor prospect, what well us’d had bin the pledge [200]Of immortality.  So little knowsAny, but God alone, to value rightThe good before him, but perverts best thingsTo worst abuse, or to thir meanest use.Beneath him with new wonder now he views [205]To all delight of human sense expos’dIn narrow room Natures whole wealth, yea more,A Heaven on Earth, for blissful ParadiseOf God the Garden was, by him in the EastOf Eden planted;  Eden stretchd her Line [210]From Auran Eastward to the Royal TowrsOf Great Seleucia, built by Grecian Kings,Or where the Sons of Eden long beforeDwelt in Telassar: in this pleasant soileHis farr more pleasant Garden God ordaind;  [215]Out of the fertil ground he caus’d to growAll Trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste;And all amid them stood the Tree of Life,High eminent, blooming Ambrosial FruitOf vegetable Gold;  and next to Life [220]Our Death the Tree of Knowledge grew fast by,Knowledge of Good bought dear by knowing ill.Southward through Eden went a River large,Nor chang’d his course, but through the shaggie hillPass’d underneath ingulft, for God had thrown [225]That Mountain as his Garden by him mold high rais’dUpon the rapid current, which through veinsOf porous Earth with kindly thirst up drawn,Rose a fresh Fountain, and with many a rillWaterd the Garden;  thence united fell [230]Down the steep glade, and met the neather Flood,Which from his darksom passage de él now appeers,And now divided into four main Streams,Runs divers, wandring many a famous RealmeAnd Country whereof here needs no account, [235]But rather to tell how, if Art could tell,How from that Saphire Fount the crisped Brooks,Rowling on Orient Pearl and sands of Gold,With mazie error under pendant shadesRan Nectar, visiting each plant, and fed [240]Flours worthy of Paradise which not nice ArtIn Beds and curious Knots, but Nature boonPowrd forth profuse on Hill and Dale and Plaine,Both where the morning Sun first warmly smoteThe open field, and where the unpierc’t shade [245]Imbround the noontide Bowrs: Thus was this place,A happy rural seat of various view;Groves whose rich Trees wept odorous Gumms and Balme,Others whose fruit burnisht with Golden RindeHung amiable, Hesperian Fables true, [250]If true, here only, and of delicious taste:Betwixt them Lawns, or level Downs, and FlocksGrasing the tender herb, were interpos’d,Or palmie hilloc, or the flourie lapOf som irriguous Valley spred her store de ella, [255]Flours of all hue, and without Thorn the Rose:Another side, umbrageous Grots and CavesOf coole recess, o’re which the mantling vineLayes forth her de ella purple Grape, and gently creepsLuxuriant;  mean while murmuring waters fall [260]Down the slope hills, disperst, or in a Lake,That to the fringed Bank with Myrtle crownd,Her chrystal mirror holds, unite thir streams.The Birds thir want apply;  aires, vernal aires,Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune [265]The trembling leaves, while Universal PanKnit with the Graces and the Hours in danceLed on th ‘Eternal Spring.  Not that faire fieldOf Enna, where Proserpin gathering floursHer de ella self de ella a fairer Floure by gloomie Dis [270]Was gatherd, which cost Ceres all that painTo seek her through the world;  nor that sweet groveOf Daphne by Orontes, and th ‘inspir’dCastalian Spring, might with this ParadiseOf Eden strive;  nor that Nyseian Ile [275]Girt with the River Triton, where old Cham,Whom Gentiles Ammon call and Lybian Jove,Hid Amalthea and her de ella Florid SonYoung Bacchus from his Stepdame Rhea’s eye;Nor where Abassin Kings thir issue Guard, [280]Mount Amara, though this by som suppos’dTrue Paradise under the Ethiop LineBy Nilus head, enclosd with shining Rock,A whole days journy high, but wide remoteFrom this Assyrian Garden, where the Fiend [285]Saw undelighted all delight, all kindOf living Creatures new to sight and strange:Two of far nobler shape erect and tall,Godlike erect, with native Honor cladIn naked Majestie seemd Lords of all, [290]And worthie seemd, for in thir looks DivineThe image of thir glorious Maker shon,Truth, wisdome, Sanctitude severe and pure,Severe but in true affiliate freedom plac’t;Whence true authority in men;  though both [295]Not equal, as thir sex not equal seemd;For contemplation hee and value formd,For softness shee and sweet attractive Grace,Hee for God only, shee for God in him:His fair large Front and Eye sublime declared’d [300]Absolute rule;  and Hyacinthin LocksRound from his parted forelock manly hungClustring, but not beneath his shoulders broad:Shee as a vail down to the slender wasteHer unadorned golden tresses de ella wore [305]Disheveld, but in wanton ringlets wav’dAs the Vine curles her tendrils de ella, which impli’dSubjection, but requir’d with gentle sway,And by her de ella yielded de ella, by him best received,Yielded with coy submission, modest pride, [310]And sweet reluctant amorous delay.Nor those mysterious parts were then conceald,Then was not guiltie shame, dishonest shameOf natures works, honor dishonorable,Sin-bred, how have ye troubl’d all mankind [315]With shews instead, meer shews of seeming pure,And banisht from mans life his happiest life of him,Simplicitie and spotless innocence.So passd they naked on, nor shund the sightOf God or Angel, for they thought no ill: [320]So hand in hand they passd, the lovliest pairThat ever since in loves imbraces met,Adam the goodliest man of men since borneHis Sons de ella, the fairest of her Daughters Eve.Under a tuft of shade that on a green [325]She stood whispering soft, by a fresh Fountain sideThey sat them down, and after no more toilOf thir sweet Gardning labor then suffic’dTo recommend coole Zephyr, and made easeMore easie, wholsom thirst and appetite [330]More grateful, to thir Supper Fruits they fell,Nectarine Fruits which the compliant boughesYielded them, side-long as they sat reclineOn the soft downie Bank damaskt with flours:The savorie pulp they chew, and in the rinde [335]Still as they thirsted scoop the brimming stream;Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smilesWanted, nor youthful dalliance as beseemsFair couple, linkt in happie nuptial League,Alone as they.  About them frisking playd [340]All Beasts of th ‘Earth, since wilde, and of all chaseIn Wood or Wilderness, Forrest or Den;Sporting the Lion rampd, and in his pawDandl’d the Kid;  Bears, Tygers, Ounces, PardsGambold before them, th ‘unwieldy Elephant [345]To make them mirth us’d all his might of him, and wreathdHis Lithe Proboscis of him;  close the Serpent slyInsinuating, wove with Gordian twineHis breaded train of him, and of his fatal guileGave proof unheeded;  others on the grass [350]Coucht, and now fild with pasture gazing sat,Or Bedward ruminating: for the SunDeclin’d was hasting now with prone carreerTo th ‘Ocean Iles, and in th’ ascending ScaleOf Heav’n the Starrs that usher Evening rose: [355]When Satan still in gaze, as first he stood,Scarce thus at length faild speech recoverd sad.Or Hell!  what doe mine eyes with grief behold,Into our room of bliss thus high advanc’tCreatures of other mold, earth-born perhaps, [360]Not Spirits, yet to heav’nly Spirits brightLittle bottom;  whom my thoughts pursueWith wonder, and could love, so lively shinesIn them Divine resemblance, and such graceThe hand that formd them on thir shape hath pourd.  [365]Ah gentle pair, yee little think how nighYour change approaches, when all these delightsWill vanish and deliver ye to woe,More woe, the more your taste is now of joy;Happie, but for so happie ill secur’d [370]Long to continue, and this high seat your Heav’nIll fenc’t for Heav’n to keep out such a foeAs now is enterd;  yet no purpos’d foeTo you whom I could pittie thus forlorneThough I unpittied: League with you I seek, [375]And mutual amitie so streight, so close,That I with you must dwell, or you with meHenceforth;  my dwelling haply may not pleaseLike this fair Paradise, your sense, yet suchAccept your Makers work;  he gave it me, [380]Which I as freely give;  Hell shall unfold,To entertain you two, her widest Gates de ella,And send forth all her Kings of her;  there will be room,Not like these narrow limits, to receiveYour number of spring;  if no better place, [385]Thank him who puts me loath to this revengeOn you who wrong me not for him who wrongd.And should I at your harmless innocenceMelt, as I doe, yet public reason just,Honor and Empire with revenge enlarg’d, [390]By conquering this new World, compels me nowTo do what else though damnd I should abhorre.So spake the Fiend, and with necessitie,The Tyrants plea, excus’d his devilish deeds from him.Then from his loftie stand on that high Tree [395]Down he alights among the sportful HerdOf those fourfooted kindes, himself now one,Now other, as thir shape servd best his endNeerer to view his prey of him, and unespi’dTo mark what of thir state he more might learn [400]By word or action markt: about them roundA Lion now he stalkes with fierie glare,Then as a Tyger, who by chance hath spi’dIn some Purlieu two gentle Fawnes at play,Strait couches close, then rising changes oft [405]His couchant watch de el, as one who chose his groundWhence rushing he might surest seize them bothGript in each paw: when Adam first of menTo first of women Eve thus moving speech,Turnd him all eare to hear new utterance flow.  [410]Sole partner and sole part of all these joyes,Dearer thy self then all;  needs must the PowerThat made us, and for us this ample WorldBe infinitly good, and of his goodAs liberal and free as infinite, [415]That rais’d us from the dust and plac’t us hereIn all this happiness, who at his handHave nothing merited, nor can performeAught whereof hee hath need, hee who requiresFrom us no other service then to keep [420]This one, this easie charge, of all the TreesIn Paradise that bear delicious fruitSo various, not to taste that onely TreeOf knowledge, planted by the Tree of Life,So neer grows Death to Life, what ere Death is, [425]Som dreadful thing no doubt;  for well thou knowstGod hath pronounc’t it death to taste that Tree,The only sign of our obedience leftAmong so many signs of power and ruleConferrd upon us, and Dominion giv’n [430]Over all other Creatures that possessEarth, Aire, and Sea. Then let us not think hardOne easie prohibition, who enjoyFree leave so large to all things else, and choiceUnlimited of manifold delights: [435]But let us ever praise him, and extollHis bountie de el, following our delightful taskTo prune these growing Plants, and tend these Flours,Which were it toilsom, yet with thee were sweet.To whom thus Eve repli’d.  O thou for whom [440]And from whom I was formd flesh of thy flesh,And without whom am to no end, my GuideAnd Head, what thou hast said is just and right.For wee to him indeed all praises owe,And daily thanks, I chiefly who enjoy [445]So farr the happier Lot, enjoying theePræeminent by so much odds, while thouLike consort to thy self canst no where find.That day I oft remember, when from sleepI first awak’t, and found my self repos’d [450]Under a shade of flours, much wondring whereAnd what I was, whence thither brought, and how.Not distant far from thence a murmuring soundOf waters issu’d from a Cave and spreadInto a liquid Plain, then stood unmov’d [455]Pure as th ‘expanse of Heav’n;  I thither wentWith unexperienc’t thought, and laid me downeOn the green bank, to look into the cleerSmooth Lake, that to me seemd another Skie.As I bent down to look, just opposite, [460]A Shape within the watry gleam appeardBending to look on me, I started back,It started back, but pleas’d I soon returnd,Pleas’d it returnd as soon with answering looksOf sympathie and love;  there I had fixt [465]Mine eyes till now, and pin’d with vain desire,Had not a voice thus warnd me, What thou seest,What there thou seest fair Creature is thy self,With thee it came and goes: but follow me,And I will bring thee where no shadow staies [470]Thy coming, and thy soft imbraces, heeWhose image thou art, him thou shalt enjoyInseparablie thine, to him shalt beareCrowds like thy self, and thence be call’dMother of human Race: what could I doe, [475]But follow strait, invisibly thus led?Till I espi’d thee, fair indeed and tall,Under a Platan, yet methought less faire,Less winning soft, less amiablie milde,Then that smooth watry image;  back I turnd, [480]Thou following cryd’st aloud, Return faire Eve,Whom fli’st thou?  whom thou fli’st, of him thou art,His flesh of him, his bone of him;  to give thee being I lentOut of my side to thee, neerest my heartSubstantial Life, to have thee by my side [485]Henceforth an individual solace dear;Part of my Soul I seek thee, and thee claimMy other half: with that thy gentle handSeisd mine, I yielded, and from that time seeHow beauty is excelld by manly grace [490]And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.So spake our general Mother, and with eyesOf conjugal attraction unreprov’d,And meek surrender, half imbracing leandOn our first Father, half her de ella swelling Breast de ella [495]Naked met his de él under the flowing GoldOf her loose tresses de ella hid: he in delightBoth of her de ella Beauty de ella and submissive CharmsSmil’d with superior Love, as JupiterOn Juno smiles, when he impregns the Clouds [500]That shed May Flowers;  and press’d her de ella Matron lipWith kisses pure: aside the Devil turndFor envie, yet with jealous read maligneEy’d them askance, and to himself thus plaind.Sight hateful, sight tormenting!  thus these two [505]Imparadis’t in one anothers armsThe happier Eden, shall enjoy thir fillOf bliss on bliss, while I to Hell am thrust,Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,Among our other torments not the least, [510]Still unfulfill’d with pain of longing pins;Yet let me not forget what I have gain’dFrom thir own mouths;  all is not theirs it seems:One fatal Tree there stands of Knowledge call’d,Forbidden them to taste: Knowledge forbidd’n?  [515]Suspicious, reasonless.  Why should thir LordSend them that?  can it be without to know,Can it be death?  and do they onely standBy Ignorance, is that thir happie state,The proof of thir obedience and thir faith?  [520]O fair foundation laid whereon to buildThir ruine!  Hence I will excite thir mindsWith more desire to know, and to rejectEnvious commands, invented with designeTo keep them low whom knowledge might exalt [525]Equal with Gods;  aspiring to be such,They taste and die: what likelier can ensue?But first with narrow search I must walk roundThis Garden, and no corner leave unspi’d;A chance but chance may lead where I may meet [530]Some wandring Spirit of Heav’n, by Fountain side,Or in thick shade retir’d, from him to drawWhat further would be learned.  Live while ye may,Yet happie pair;  enjoy, till I return,Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed.  [535]So saying, his proud step of he scornful turn’d,But with sly circumspection, and he beganThrough wood, through waste, o’re hill, o’re dale his roam de él.Mean while in utmost Longitude, where Heav’nWith Earth and Ocean meets, the setting Sun [540]Slowly descended, and with right aspectAgainst the eastern Gate of ParadiseLeveld his eevning Rayes: it was a RockOf Alablaster, he pil’d up to the Clouds,Conspicuous farr, winding with one ascent [545]Accessible from Earth, one entrance high;The rest was craggie cliff, that overhungStill as it rose, impossible to climbe.Betwixt these rockie Pillars Gabriel satChief of th ‘Angelic Guards, awaiting night;  [550]About him exercis’d Heroic GamesTh ‘unarmed Youth of Heav’n, but nigh at handCelestial Armory, Shields, Helmes, and SpearesHung high with Diamond flaming, and with Gold.Thither came Uriel, gliding through the Eeven [555]On a Sun beam, swift as a shooting StarrIn Autumn thwarts the night, when vapors fir’dImpress the Air, and shews the MarinerFrom what point of his Compass de el to bewareImpetuous winds: he thus began in haste.  [560]Gabriel, to thee thy course by Lot hath giv’nCharge and strict watch that to this happie placeNo evil thing approach or enter in;This day at highth of Noon came to my SpheareA Spirit, zealous, as he seem’d, to know [565]More of th ‘Almighties works, and chiefly ManGods latest Image: I describe’d his wayBent all on speed, and markt his Aerie Gate;But in the Mount that lies from Eden North,Where he first lighted, soon discernd his looks of him [570]Alien from Heav’n, with passions foul obscur’d:Mine eye pursu’d him still, but under shadeLost sight of him;  one of the banisht crewI fear, hath ventur’d from the Deep, to raiseNew troubles;  him thy care must be to find.  [575]To whom the winged Warriour thus returnd:Uriel, no wonder if thy perfet sight,Amid the Suns bright circle where thou sitst,See farr and wide: in at this Gate none passThe vigilance here plac’t, but such as come [580]Well known from Heav’n;  and since Meridian hourNo Creature thence: if Spirit of other sort,So minded, have oreleapt these earthie boundsOn purpose, hard thou knowst it to excludeSpiritual substance with corporeal barr.  [585]But if within the circuit of these walks,In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whomThou tellst, by morrow dawning I shall know.So promis’d hee, and Uriel to his chargeReturnd on that bright beam, whose point he now rais’d [590]Bore him slope downward to the Sun now fall’nBeneath th ‘Azores;  whither the prime Orb,Incredible how swift, had thither rowl’dDiurnal, or this less fickle EarthBy shorter flight to th ‘East, had left him there [595]Arraying with reflected Purple and GoldThe Clouds that on his Western Throne by him attend:Now came still Eevning on, and Twilight grayHad in her sober Liverie de ella all things clad;Silence accompanied, for Beast and Bird, [600]They to thir grassie Couch, these to thir NestsWere slunk, all but the wakeful Nightingale;She all night long her de ella amorous descant de ella sung;Silence was pleas’d: now glow’d the FirmamentWith living Saphirs: Hesperus that led [605]The starrie Host, rode brightest, till the MoonRising in clouded Majestie, at lengthApparent Queen unvaild her peerless light of her,And o’re the dark her Silver Mantle threw.When Adam thus to Eve: Fair Consort, th ‘hour [610]Of night, and all things now retir’d to restMind us of like repose, since God hath setLabor and rest, as day and night to menSuccessive, and the timely dew of sleepNow falling with soft slumbrous weight inclines [615]Our eye-lids;  other Creatures all day longRove idle unimploid, and less need rest;Man hath his daily work of body or mindAppointed, which declares his Dignitie de el,And the regard of Heav’n on all his waies;  [620]While other Animals unactive range,And of thir doings God takes no account.To morrow ere fresh Morning streak the EastWith first approach of light, we must be ris’n,And at our pleasant labor, to reform [625]Yon flourie Arbors, yonder Allies green,Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown,That mock our scant manuring, and requireMore hands then ours to lop thir wanton growth:Those Blossoms also, and those dropping Gumms, [630]That lie bestrowne unsightly and unsmooth,Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease;Mean while, as Nature wills, Night bids us rest.To whom thus Eve with perfet beauty adornd.My Author and Disposer, what thou bidst [635]Unargu’d I obey;  so God ordains,God is thy Law, thou mine: to know no moreIs womans happiest knowledge and her praise of her.With thee conversing I forget all time,All seasons and thir change, all please alike.  [640]Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet of her,With charm of earliest Birds;  pleasant the SunWhen first on this delightful Land he spreadsHis de él orient Beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flour,Glistring with dew;  fragrant the fertil earth [645]After soft showers;  and sweet the coming onOf grateful Eevning milde, then silent NightWith this her solemn Bird and this fair Moon,And these the Gemms of Heav’n, her starrie train de ella:But neither breath of Morn when she ascends [650]With charm of earliest Birds, nor rising SunOn this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, floure,Glistring with dew, nor fragrance after showers,Nor grateful Eevning mild, nor silent NightWith this her solemn Bird, nor walk by Moon, [ 655 ]Or glittering Starr-light without thee is sweet.But wherfore all night long shine these, for whomThis glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes?To whom our general Ancestor repli’d.Daughter of God and Man, accomplisht Eve, [ 660 ]Those have thir course to finish, round the Earth,By morrow Eevning, and from Land to LandIn order, though to Nations yet unborn,Ministring light prepar’d, they set and rise;Least total darkness should by Night regaine [ 665 ]Her old possession, and extinguish lifeIn Nature and all things, which these soft firesNot only enlighten, but with kindly heateOf various influence foment and warme,Temper or nourish, or in part shed down [ 670 ]Thir stellar vertue on all kinds that growOn Earth, made hereby apter to receivePerfection from the Suns more potent Ray.These then, though unbeheld in deep of night,Shine not in vain, nor think, though men were none, [ 675 ]That heav’n would want spectators, God want praise;Millions of spiritual Creatures walk the EarthUnseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep:All these with ceasless praise his works beholdBoth day and night: how often from the steep [ 680 ]Of echoing Hill or Thicket have we heardCelestial voices to the midnight air,Sole, or responsive each to others noteSinging thir great Creator: oft in bandsWhile they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk, [ 685 ]With Heav’nly touch of instrumental soundsIn full harmonic number joind, thir songsDivide the night, and lift our thoughts to Heaven.Thus talking hand in hand alone they pass’dOn to thir blissful Bower; it was a place [ 690 ]Chos’n by the sovran Planter, when he fram’dAll things to mans delightful use; the roofeOf thickest covert was inwoven shadeLaurel and Mirtle, and what higher grewOf firm and fragrant leaf; on either side [ 695 ]Acanthus, and each odorous bushie shrubFenc’d up the verdant wall; each beauteous flour,Iris all hues, Roses, and GessaminRear’d high thir flourisht heads between, and wroughtMosaic; underfoot the Violet, [ 700 ]Crocus, and Hyacinth with rich inlayBroiderd the ground, more colour’d then with stoneOf costliest Emblem: other Creature hereBeast, Bird, Insect, or Worm durst enter none;Such was thir awe of Man. In shadie Bower [ 705 ]More sacred and sequesterd, though but feignd,Pan or Silvanus never slept, nor Nymph,Nor Faunus haunted. Here in close recessWith Flowers, Garlands, and sweet-smelling HerbsEspoused Eve deckt first her Nuptial Bed, [ 710 ]And heav’nlyly Quires the Hymenæan sung,What day the genial Angel to our SireBrought her in naked beauty more adorn’dMore lovely then Pandora, whom the GodsEndowd with all thir gifts, and O too like [ 715 ]In sad event, when to the unwiser SonOf Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnar’dMankind with her faire looks, to be aveng’dOn him who had stole Joves authentic fire.Thus at thir shadie Lodge arriv’d, both stood [ 720 ]Both turnd, and under op’n Skie ador’dThe God that made both Skie, Air, Earth and Heav’nWhich they beheld, the Moons resplendent GlobeAnd starrie Pole: Thou also mad’st the Night,Maker Omnipotent, and thou the Day, [ 725 ]Which we in our appointed work imploydHave finisht happie in our mutual helpAnd mutual love, the Crown of all our blissOrdaind by thee, and this delicious placeFor us too large, where thy abundance wants [ 730 ]Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground.But thou hast promis’d from us two a RaceTo fill the Earth, who shall with us extollThy goodness infinite, both when we wake,And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep. [ 735 ]This said unanimous, and other RitesObserving none, but adoration pureWhich God likes best, into thir inmost bowreHanded they went; and eas’d the putting offThese troublesom disguises which wee wear, [ 740 ]Strait side by side were laid, nor turnd I weeneAdam from his fair Spouse, nor Eve the RitesMysterious of connubial Love refus’d:Whatever Hypocrites austerely talkOf puritie and place and innocence, [ 745 ]Defaming as impure what God declaresPure, and commands to som, leaves free to all.Our Maker bids increase, who bids abstainBut our Destroyer, foe to God and Man?Haile wedded Love, mysterious Law, true source [ 750 ]Of human ofspring, sole propriety,In Paradise of all things common else.By thee adulterous lust was driv’n from menAmong the bestial herds to raunge, by theeFounded in Reason, Loyal, Just, and Pure, [ 755 ]Relations dear, and all the CharitiesOf Father, Son, and Brother first were known.Farr be it, that I should write thee sin or blame,Or think thee unbefitting holiest place,Perpetual Fountain of Domestic sweets, [ 760 ]Whose bed is undefil’d and chaste pronounc’t,Present, or past, as Saints and Patriarchs us’d.Here Love his golden shafts imploies, here lightsHis constant Lamp, and waves his purple wings,Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile [ 765 ]Of Harlots, loveless, joyless, unindeard,Casual fruition, nor in Court AmoursMixt Dance, or wanton Mask, or Midnight Bal,Or Serenate, which the starv’d Lover singsTo his proud fair, best quitted with disdain. [ 770 ]These lulld by Nightingales imbraceing slept,And on thir naked limbs the flourie roofShowrd Roses, which the Morn repair’d. Sleep onBlest pair; and O yet happiest if ye seekNo happier state, and know to know no more. [ 775 ]Now had night measur’d with her shaddowie ConeHalf way up Hill this vast Sublunar Vault,And from thir Ivorie Port the CherubimForth issuing at th’ accustomd hour stood armdTo thir night watches in warlike Parade, [ 780 ]When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake.Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the SouthWith strictest watch; these other wheel the North,Our circuit meets full West. As flame they partHalf wheeling to the Shield, half to the Spear. [ 785 ]From these, two strong and suttle Spirits he calldThat neer him stood, and gave them thus in charge.Ithuriel and Zephon, with wingd speedSearch through this Garden, leave unsearcht no nook,But chiefly where those two fair Creatures Lodge, [ 790 ]Now laid perhaps asleep secure of harme.This Eevning from the Sun’s decline arriv’dWho tells of som infernal Spirit seenHitherward bent (who could have thought?) escap’dThe barrs of Hell, on errand bad no doubt: [ 795 ]Such where ye find, seise fast, and hither bring.So saying, on he led his radiant Files,Daz’ling the Moon; these to the Bower directIn search of whom they sought: him there they foundSquat like a Toad, close at the eare of Eve; [ 800 ]Assaying by his Devilish art to reachThe Organs of her Fancie, and with them forgeIllusions as he list, Phantasms and Dreams,Or if, inspiring venom, he might taintTh’ animal spirits that from pure blood arise [ 805 ]Like gentle breaths from Rivers pure, thence raiseAt least distemperd, discontented thoughts,Vaine hopes, vaine aimes, inordinate desiresBlown up with high conceits ingendring pride.Him thus intent Ithuriel with his Spear [ 810 ]Touch’d lightly; for no falshood can endureTouch of Celestial temper, but returnsOf force to its own likeness: up he startsDiscoverd and surpriz’d. As when a sparkLights on a heap of nitrous Powder, laid [ 815 ]Fit for the Tun som Magazin to storeAgainst a rumord Warr, the Smuttie graineWith sudden blaze diffus’d, inflames the Aire:So started up in his own shape the Fiend.Back stept those two fair Angels half amaz’d [ 820 ]So sudden to behold the grieslie King;Yet thus, unmovd with fear, accost him soon.Which of those rebell Spirits adjudg’d to HellCom’st thou, escap’d thy prison, and transform’d,Why satst thou like an enemie in waite [ 825 ]Here watching at the head of these that sleep?Know ye not then said Satan, fill’d with scornKnow ye not mee? ye knew me once no mateFor you, there sitting where ye durst not soare;Not to know mee argues your selves unknown, [ 830 ]The lowest of your throng; or if ye know,Why ask ye, and superfluous beginYour message, like to end as much in vain?To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn.Think not, revolted Spirit, thy shape the same, [ 835 ]Or undiminisht brightness, to be knownAs when thou stoodst in Heav’n upright and pure;That Glorie then, when thou no more wast good,Departed from thee, and thou resembl’st nowThy sin and place of doom obscure and foule. [ 840 ]But come, for thou, be sure, shalt give accountTo him who sent us, whose charge is to keepThis place inviolable, and these from harm.So spake the Cherube, and his grave rebukeSevere in youthful beautie, added grace [ 845 ]Invincible: abasht the Devil stood,And felt how awful goodness is, and sawVertue in her shape how lovly, saw, and pin’dHis loss; but chiefly to find here observdHis lustre visibly impair’d; yet seemd [ 850 ]Undaunted. If I must contend, said he,Best with the best, the Sender not the sent,Or all at once; more glorie will be wonn,Or less be lost. Thy fear, said Zephon bold,Will save us trial what the least can doe [ 855 ]Single against thee wicked, and thence weak.The Fiend repli’d not, overcome with rage;But like a proud Steed reind, went hautie on,Chaumping his iron curb: to strive or flieHe held it vain; awe from above had quelld [ 860 ]His heart, not else dismai’d. Now drew they nighThe western Point, where those half-rounding guardsJust met, and closing stood in squadron joindAwaiting next command. To whom thir ChiefGabriel from the Front thus calld aloud. [ 865 ]O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feetHasting this way, and now by glimps discerneIthuriel and Zephon through the shade,And with them comes a third of Regal port,But faded splendor wan; who by his gate [ 870 ]And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell,Not likely to part hence without contest;Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours.He scarce had ended, when those two approachdAnd brief related whom they brought, where found, [ 875 ]How busied, in what form and posture coucht.To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake.Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescrib’dTo thy transgressions, and disturbd the chargeOf others, who approve not to transgress [ 880 ]By thy example, but have power and rightTo question thy bold entrance on this place;Imploi’d it seems to violate sleep, and thoseWhose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?To whom thus Satan with contemptuous brow. [ 885 ]Gabriel, thou hadst in Heav’n th’ esteem of wise,And such I held thee; but this question asktPuts me in doubt. Lives ther who loves his pain?Who would not, finding way, break loose from Hell,Though thither doomd? Thou wouldst thyself, no doubt, [ 890 ]And boldly venture to whatever placeFarthest from pain, where thou mightst hope to changeTorment with ease, and; soonest recompenceDole with delight, which in this place I sought;To thee no reason; who knowst only good, [ 895 ]But evil hast not tri’d: and wilt objectHis will who bound us? let him surer barrHis Iron Gates, if he intends our stayIn that dark durance: thus much what was askt.The rest is true, they found me where they say; [ 900 ]But that implies not violence or harme.Thus he in scorn. The warlike Angel mov’d,Disdainfully half smiling thus repli’d.O loss of one in Heav’n to judge of wise,Since Satan fell, whom follie overthrew, [ 905 ]And now returns him from his prison scap’t,Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wiseOr not, who ask what boldness brought him hitherUnlicenc’t from his bounds in Hell prescrib’d;So wise he judges it to fly from pain [ 910 ]However, and to scape his punishment.So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrauth,Which thou incurr’st by flying, meet thy flightSeavenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell,Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain [ 915 ]Can equal anger infinite provok’t.But wherefore thou alone? wherefore with theeCame not all Hell broke loose? is pain to themLess pain, less to be fled, or thou then theyLess hardie to endure? courageous Chief, [ 920 ]The first in flight from pain, hadst thou alleg’dTo thy deserted host this cause of flight,Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive.To which the Fiend thus answerd frowning stern.Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain, [ 925 ]Insulting Angel, well thou knowst I stoodThy fiercest, when in Battel to thy aideThe blasting volied Thunder made all speedAnd seconded thy else not dreaded Spear.But still thy words at random, as before, [ 930 ]Argue thy inexperience what behoovesFrom hard assaies and ill successes pastA faithful Leader, not to hazard allThrough wayes of danger by himself untri’d,I therefore, I alone first undertook [ 935 ]To wing the desolate Abyss, and spieThis new created World, whereof in HellFame is not silent, here in hope to findBetter abode, and my afflicted PowersTo settle here on Earth, or in mid Aire; [ 940 ]Though for possession put to try once moreWhat thou and thy gay Legions dare against;Whose easier business were to serve thir LordHigh up in Heav’n, with songs to hymne his Throne,And practis’d distances to cringe, not fight. [ 945 ]To whom the warriour Angel, soon repli’d.To say and strait unsay, pretending firstWise to flie pain, professing next the Spie,Argues no Leader, but a lyar trac’t,Satan, and couldst thou faithful add? O name, [ 950 ]O sacred name of faithfulness profan’d!Faithful to whom? to thy rebellious crew?Armie of Fiends, fit body to fit head;Was this your discipline and faith ingag’d,Your military obedience, to dissolve [ 955 ]Allegeance to th’ acknowledg’d Power supream?And thou sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seemPatron of liberty, who more then thouOnce fawn’d, and cring’d, and servilly ador’dHeav’ns awful Monarch? wherefore but in hope [ 960 ]To dispossess him, and thy self to reigne?But mark what I arreede thee now, avant;Flie thither whence thou fledst: if from this houreWithin these hallowd limits thou appeer,Back to th’ infernal pit I drag thee chaind, [ 965 ]And Seale thee so, as henceforth not to scorneThe facil gates of hell too slightly barrd.So threatn’d hee, but Satan to no threatsGave heed, but waxing more in rage repli’d.Then when I am thy captive talk of chaines, [ 970 ]Proud limitarie Cherube, but ere thenFarr heavier load thy self expect to feelFrom my prevailing arme, though Heavens KingRide on thy wings, and thou with thy Compeers,Us’d to the yoak, draw’st his triumphant wheels [ 975 ]In progress through the rode of Heav’n Star-pav’d.While thus he spake, th’ Angelic Squadron brightTurnd fierie red, sharpning in mooned hornesThir Phalanx, and began to hemm him roundWith ported Spears, as thick as when a field [ 980 ]Of Ceres ripe for harvest waving bendsHer bearded Grove of ears, which way the windSwayes them; the careful Plowman doubting standsLeast on the threshing floore his hopeful sheavesProve chaff. On th’ other side Satan allarm’d [ 985 ]Collecting all his might dilated stood,Like Teneriff or Atlas unremov’d:His stature reacht the Skie, and on his CrestSat horror Plum’d; nor wanted in his graspeWhat seemd both Spear and Shield: now dreadful deeds [ 990 ]Might have ensu’d, nor onely ParadiseIn this commotion, but the Starrie CopeOf Heav’n perhaps, or all the ElementsAt least had gon to rack, disturbd and torneWith violence of this conflict, had not soon [ 995 ]Th’ Eternal to prevent such horrid frayHung forth in Heav’n his golden Scales, yet seenBetwixt Astrea and the Scorpion signe,Wherein all things created first he weighd,The pendulous round Earth with balanc’t Aire [ 1000 ]In counterpoise, now ponders all events,Battels and Realms: in these he put two weightsThe sequel each of parting and of fight;The latter quick up flew, and kickt the beam;Which Gabriel spying, thus bespake the Fiend. [ 1005 ]Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know’st mine,Neither our own but giv’n; what follie thenTo boast what Arms can doe, since thine no moreThen Heav’n permits, nor mine, though doubld nowTo trample thee as mire: for proof look up, [ 1010 ]And read thy Lot in yon celestial SignWhere thou art weigh’d, and shown how light, how weak,If thou resist. The Fiend lookt up and knewHis mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fledMurmuring, and with him fled the shades of night. [ 1015 ]