To whom the Archangel. "Dexterously thou So willingly doth God remit his ire; [aimst; Though late repenting him of man depraved, Grieved at his heart, when, looking down, he saw The whole earth fill'd with violence, and all flesh Corrupting each their way; yet those removed, Such grace shall one just man find in his sight, That he relents, not to blot out mankind; And makes a covenant, never to destroy The earth again by flood, nor let the sea Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world With man therein, or beast; but, when he brings Over the earth a cloud, will therein set His triple coloured bow, whereon to look, And call to mind his covenant. Day and night, Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost Shall hold their course; till fire purge all things new Both Heaven & Earth, wherein the just shall dwell.” THE END OF BOOK XI. THE ARGUMENT. The Angel Michael continues, from the flood, to relate what shall succeed; then in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that Seed of the Woman shall be which was promised Adam and Eve in the fall. His incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension; the state of the church till his second coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and re-comforted 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. PARADISE LOST. BOOK XII. As s one who, in his journey, baits at noon, Tho' bent on speed; so here the Archangel paused, Betwixt the world destroy'd, and world restored; If Adam aught, perhaps might interpose: Then, with transition sweet, new speech resumes. "Thus thou hast seen one world begin, & end; And man, as from a second stock, proceed. Much thou hast yet to see; but I perceive Thy mortal sight to fail; objects divine Must needs impair and weary human sense: Henceforth, what is to come I will relate; Thou therefore give due audience, & attend. This second source of men, while yet but few, And while the dread of judgment pass'd remains Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, With some regard to what is just and right, Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace, Labouring the soil, & reaping plenteous crop, Corn, wine, & oil: & from the herd or flock, Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid. With large wine-offerings pour'd, & sacred feast, Shall spend their days in joy, unblamed, & dwel Long time in peace, by families and tribes, Under paternal rule: till one shall rise, Of proud ambitious heart, who not content With fair equality, fraternal state, Will arrogate dominion undeserved, Over his brethren, and quite dispossess Concord and law of nature from the earth; Hunting, & men, not beasts, shall be his game, With war and hostile snare, such as refuse Subjection to his empire tyrannous : A mighty hunter thence he shall be styled Before the Lord, as in despite of Heaven, Or from Heaven claiming second sovereignty; And from rebellion shall derive his name, Though of rebellion others he accuse. He with a crew, whom like ambition joins To whom thus Michael. "Justly thou abhor'st |