Some better shroud, some better warmth to cherish Leave cold the night, how we his gather'd beams Or by collision of two bodies grind The air attrite to fire, as late the clouds Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine, To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, * Tine the slant lightning :" an old word for kindle. Watering the ground, and with their sighs the air END OF THE TENTH BOOK. THE ARGUMENT. THE Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first parents now repenting, and intercedes for them: God accepts them: but declares that they must no longer abide in Paradise; sends Michael with a band of cherubim to dispossess them; but first to reveal to Adam future things: Michael's coming down.Adam shows 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. PARADISE LOST. BOOK XI. THUS they in lowliest plight repentant stood Inspir'd, and wing'd for heav'n with speedier flight Not of mean suitors, nor important less The race of mankind drown'd, before the shrine See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprung |