O For that warning voice, which he who saw



Th' 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,



While time was, our first-Parents had bin warnd



The coming of thir secret foe, and scap'd



Haply so scap'd his mortal snare; for now



Satan, now first inflam'd with rage, came down,



The Tempter ere th' Accuser of man-kind,



To wreck on innocent frail man his loss



Of that first Battel, and his flight to Hell:



Yet not rejoycing in his speed, though bold,



Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast,



Begins his dire attempt, which nigh the birth



Now rowling, boiles in his tumultuous brest,



And like a devillish Engine back recoiles



Upon himself; horror and doubt distract



His troubl'd thoughts, and from the bottom stirr



The Hell within him, for within him Hell



He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell



One step no more then from himself can fly



By change of place: Now conscience wakes despair



That slumberd, wakes the bitter memorie



Of what he was, what is, and what must be



Worse; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue.



Sometimes towards Eden which now in his view



Lay pleasant, his grievd look he fixes sad,



Sometimes towards Heav'n and the full-blazing Sun,



Which now sat high in his Meridian Towre:



Then much revolving, thus in sighs began.







O thou that with surpassing Glory crownd,



Look'st from thy sole Dominion like the God



Of this new World; at whose sight all the Starrs



Hide thir diminisht heads; to thee I call,



But with no friendly voice, and add thy name



O Sun, to tell thee how I hate thy beams



That bring to my remembrance from what state



I fell, how glorious once above thy Spheare;



Till Pride and worse Ambition threw me down



Warring in Heav'n against Heav'ns matchless King:



Ah wherefore! he deservd no such return



From me, whom he created what I was



In that bright eminence, and with his good



Upbraided none; nor was his service hard.



What could be less then to afford him praise,



The easiest recompence, and pay him thanks,



How due! yet all his good prov'd ill in me,



And wrought but malice; lifted up so high



I sdeind subjection, and thought one step higher



Would set me highest, and in a moment quit



The debt immense of endless gratitude,



So burthensome still paying, still to ow;



Forgetful what from him I still receivd,



And understood not that a grateful mind



By owing owes not, but still pays, at once



Indebted and dischargd; what burden then?



O had his powerful Destiny ordaind



Me some inferiour Angel, I had stood



Then happie; no unbounded hope had rais'd



Ambition. Yet why not? som other Power



As great might have aspir'd, and me though mean



Drawn to his part; but other Powers as great



Fell not, but stand unshak'n, from within



Or from without, to all temptations arm'd.



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 accurst, since love or hate,



To me alike, it deals eternal woe.



Nay curs'd be thou; since against his thy will



Chose freely what it now so justly rues.



Me miserable! which way shall I flie



Infinite wrauth, and infinite despaire?



Which way I flie is Hell; my self am Hell;



And in the lowest deep a lower deep



Still threatning to devour me opens wide,



To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heav'n.



O then at last relent: is there no place



Left for Repentance, none for Pardon left?



None left but by submission; and that word



Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame



Among the spirits beneath, whom I seduc'd



With other promises and other vaunts



Then to submit, boasting I could subdue



Th' Omnipotent. Ay me, they little know



How 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



The lower still I fall, onely Supream



In miserie; such joy Ambition findes.



But say I could repent and could obtaine



By Act of Grace my former state; how soon



Would higth recal high thoughts, how soon unsay



What feign'd submission swore: ease would recant



Vows made in pain, as violent and void.



For never can true reconcilement grow



Where wounds of deadly hate have peirc'd so deep:



Which would but lead me to a worse relapse



And heavier fall: so should I purchase deare



Short intermission bought with double smart.



This knows my punisher; therefore as farr



From granting hee, as I from begging peace:



All hope excluded thus, behold in stead



Of us out-cast, exil'd, his new delight,



Mankind created, and for him this World.



So farwel Hope, and with Hope farwel Fear,



Farwel Remorse: all Good to me is lost;



Evil be thou my Good; by thee at least



Divided Empire with Heav'ns King I hold



By 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 face



Thrice chang'd with pale, ire, envie and despair,



Which marrd his borrow'd visage, and betraid



Him counterfet, if any eye beheld.



For heav'nly mindes from such distempers foule



Are ever cleer. Whereof hee soon aware,



Each perturbation smooth'd with outward calme,



Artificer of fraud; and was the first



That practisd falshood under saintly shew,



Deep malice to conceale, couch't with revenge:



Yet not anough had practisd to deceive



Uriel once warnd; whose eye pursu'd him down



The way he went, and on th' Assyrian mount



Saw him disfigur'd, more then could befall



Spirit of happie sort: his gestures fierce



He markd and mad demeanour, then alone,



As he suppos'd, all unobserv'd, unseen.



So on he fares, and to the border comes,



Of Eden, where delicious Paradise,



Now nearer, Crowns with her enclosure green,



As with a rural mound the champain head



Of a steep wilderness, whose hairie sides



With thicket overgrown, grottesque and wilde,



Access deni'd; and over head up grew



Insuperable highth of loftiest shade,



Cedar, and Pine, and Firr, and branching Palm,



A Silvan Scene, and as the ranks ascend



Shade above shade, a woodie Theatre



Of stateliest view. Yet higher then thir tops



The verdurous wall of paradise up sprung:



Which to our general Sire gave prospect large



Into his neather Empire neighbouring round.



And higher then that Wall a circling row



Of goodliest Trees loaden with fairest Fruit,



Blossoms and Fruits at once of golden hue



Appeerd, with gay enameld colours mixt:



On which the Sun more glad impress'd his beams



Then in fair Evening Cloud, or humid Bow,



When God hath showrd the earth; so lovely seemd



That Lantskip: And of pure now purer aire



Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires



Vernal delight and joy, able to drive



All sadness but despair: now gentle gales



Fanning thir odoriferous wings dispense



Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole



Those balmie spoiles. As when to them who saile



Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past



Mozambic, off at Sea North-East windes blow



Sabean Odours from the spicie shoare



Of Arabie the blest, with such delay



Well pleas'd they slack thir course, and many a League



Chear'd with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles.



So entertaind those odorous sweets the Fiend



Who came thir bane, though with them better pleas'd



Then Asmodeus with the fishie fume,



That drove him, though enamourd, from the Spouse



Of Tobits Son, and with a vengeance sent



From Media post to Aegypt, there fast bound.







Now to th' ascent of that steep savage Hill



Satan had journied on, pensive and slow;



But further way found none, so thick entwin'd,



As one continu'd brake, the undergrowth



Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplext



All path of Man or Beast that past that way:



One Gate there only was, and that look'd East



On th' other side: which when th' arch-fellon saw



Due entrance he disdaind, and in contempt,



At one slight bound high over leap'd all bound



Of Hill or highest Wall, and sheer within



Lights on his feet. As when a prowling Wolfe,



Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey,



Watching where Shepherds pen thir Flocks at eeve



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 cash



Of some rich Burgher, whose substantial dores,



Cross-barrd and bolted fast, fear no assault,



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,



Sat like a Cormorant; yet not true Life



Thereby regaind, but sat devising Death



To them who liv'd; nor on the vertue thought



Of that life-giving Plant, but only us'd



For prospect, what well us'd had bin the pledge



Of immortality. So little knows



Any, but God alone, to value right



The good before him, but perverts best things



To worst abuse, or to thir meanest use.



Beneath him with new wonder now he views



To all delight of human sense expos'd



In narrow room Natures whole wealth, yea more,



A Heav'n on Earth, for blissful Paradise



Of God the Garden was, by him in the East



Of Eden planted; Eden stretchd her Line



From Auran Eastward to the Royal Towrs



Of great Seleucia, built by Grecian Kings,



Or where the Sons of Eden long before



Dwelt in Telassar: in this pleasant soile



His farr more pleasant Garden God ordaind;



Out of the fertil ground he caus'd to grow



All Trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste;



And all amid them stood the Tree of Life,



High eminent, blooming Ambrosial Fruit



Of vegetable Gold; and next to Life



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 hill



Pass'd underneath ingulft, for God had thrown



That Mountain as his Garden mould high rais'd



Upon the rapid current, which through veins



Of porous Earth with kindly thirst up drawn,



Rose a fresh Fountain, and with many a rill



Waterd the Garden; thence united fell



Down the steep glade, and met the neather Flood,



Which from his darksom passage now appeers,



And now divided into four main Streams,



Runs divers, wandring many a famous Realme



And Country whereof here needs no account,



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 shades



Ran Nectar, visiting each plant, and fed



Flours worthy of Paradise which not nice Art



In Beds and curious Knots, but Nature boon



Powrd forth profuse on Hill and Dale and Plaine,



Both where the morning Sun first warmly smote



The open field, and where the unpierc't shade



lmbround 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 Rinde



Hung amiable, Hesperian Fables true,



If true, here only, and of delicious taste:



Betwixt them Lawns, or level Downs, and Flocks



Grasing the tender herb, were interpos'd,



Or palmie hilloc, or the flourie lap



Of som irriguous Valley spred her store,



Flours of all hue, and without Thorn the Rose:



Another side, umbrageous Grots and Caves



Of coole recess, o're which the mantling vine



Layes forth her purple Grape, and gently creeps



Luxuriant; mean while murmuring waters fall



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 quire apply; aires, vernal aires,



Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune



The trembling leaves, while Universal Pan



Knit with the Graces and the Hours in dance



Led on th' Eternal Spring. Not that faire field



Of Enna, where Proserpin gathering flours



Her self a fairer Floure by gloomie Dis



Was gatherd, which cost Ceres all that pain



To seek her through the world; nor that sweet Grove



Of Daphne by Orontes, and th' inspir'd



Castalian Spring, might with this Paradise



Of Eden strive; nor that Nyseian Ile



Girt with the River Triton, where old Cham,



Whom Gentiles Ammon call and Lybian Jove,



Hid Amalthea and her Florid Son



Young Bacchus from his Stepdame Rhea's eye;



Nor where Abassin Kings thir issue Guard,



Mount Amara, though this by som suppos'd



True Paradise under the Ethiop Line



By Nilus head, enclosd with shining Rock,



A whole days journy high, but wide remote



From this Assyrian Garden, where the Fiend



Saw undelighted all delight, all kind



Of living Creatures new to sight and strange:



Two of far nobler shape erect and tall,



Godlike erect, with native Honour clad



In naked Majestie seemd Lords of all,



And worthie seemd, for in thir looks Divine



The image of thir glorious Maker shon,



Truth, wisdome, Sanctitude severe and pure,



Severe but in true filial freedom plac't;



Whence true autoritie in men; though both



Not equal, as thir sex not equal seemd;



For contemplation hee and valour formd,



For softness shee and sweet attractive Grace,



Hee for God only, shee for God in him:



His fair large Front and Eye sublime declar'd



Absolute rule; and Hyacinthin Locks



Round from his parted forelock manly hung



Clustring, but not beneath his shoulders broad:



Shee as a vail down to the slender waste



Her unadorned golden tresses wore



Dissheveld, but in wanton ringlets wav'd



As the Vine curles her tendrils, which impli'd



Subjection, but requir'd with gentle sway,



And by her yielded, by him best receivd,



Yielded with coy submission, modest pride,



And sweet reluctant amorous delay.



Nor those mysterious parts were then conceald,



Then was not guiltie shame, dishonest shame



Of natures works, honor dishonorable,



Sin-bred, how have ye troubl'd all mankind



With shews instead, meer shews of seeming pure,



And banisht from mans life his happiest life,



Simplicitie and spotless innocence.



So passd they naked on, nor shund the sight



Of God or Angel, for they thought no ill:



So hand in hand they passd, the lovliest pair



That ever since in loves imbraces met,



Adam the goodliest man of men since borne



His Sons, the fairest of her Daughters Eve.



Under a tuft of shade that on a green



Stood whispering soft, by a fresh Fountain side



They sat them down, and after no more toil



Of thir sweet Gardning labour then suffic'd



To recommend coole Zephyr, and made ease



More easie, wholsom thirst and appetite



More grateful, to thir Supper Fruits they fell,



Nectarine Fruits which the compliant boughes



Yielded them, side-long as they sat recline



On the soft downie Bank damaskt with flours:



The savourie pulp they chew, and in the rinde



Still as they thirsted scoop the brimming stream;



Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles



Wanted, nor youthful dalliance as beseems



Fair couple, linkt in happie nuptial League,



Alone as they. About them frisking playd



All Beasts of th' Earth, since wilde, and of all chase



In Wood or Wilderness, Forrest or Den;



Sporting the Lion rampd, and in his paw



Dandl'd the Kid; Bears, Tygers, Ounces, Pards,



Gambold before them, th' unwieldy Elephant



To make them mirth us'd all his might, and wreathd



His Lithe Proboscis; close the Serpent sly



Insinuating, wove with Gordian twine



His breaded train, and of his fatal guile



Gave proof unheeded; others on the grass



Coucht, and now fild with pasture gazing sat,



Or Bedward ruminating: for the Sun



Declin'd was hasting now with prone carreer



To th' Ocean Iles, and in th' ascending Scale



Of Heav'n the Starrs that usher Evening rose:



When Satan still in gaze, as first he stood,



Scarce thus at length faild speech recoverd sad.







O Hell! what doe mine eyes with grief behold,



Into our room of bliss thus high advanc't



Creatures of other mould, earth-born perhaps,



Not Spirits, yet to heav'nly Spirits bright



Little inferior; whom my thoughts pursue



With wonder, and could love, so lively shines



In them Divine resemblance, and such grace



The hand that formd them on thir shape hath pourd.



Ah gentle pair, yee little think how nigh



Your change approaches, when all these delights



Will vanish and deliver ye to woe,



More woe, the more your taste is now of joy;



Happie, but for so happie ill secur'd



Long to continue, and this high seat your Heav'n



Ill fenc't for Heav'n to keep out such a foe



As now is enterd; yet no purpos'd foe



To you whom I could pittie thus forlorne



Though I unpittied: League with you I seek,



And mutual amitie so streight, so close,



That I with you must dwell, or you with me



Henceforth; my dwelling haply may not please



Like this fair Paradise, your sense, yet such



Accept your Makers work; he gave it me,



Which I as freely give; Hell shall unfold,



To entertain you two, her widest Gates,



And send forth all her Kings; there will be room,



Not like these narrow limits, to receive



ass Your numerous ofspring; if no better place,



Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge



On you who wrong me not for him who wrongd.



And should I at your harmless innocence



Melt, as I doe, yet public reason just,



Honour and Empire with revenge enlarg'd,



By conquering this new World, compels me now



To do what else though damnd I should abhorre.







So spake the Fiend, and with necessitie,



The Tyrants plea, excus'd his devilish deeds.



Then from his loftie stand on that high Tree



Down he alights among the sportful Herd



Of those fourfooted kindes, himself now one,



Now other, as thir shape servd best his end



Neerer to view his prey, and unespi'd



To mark what of thir state he more might learn



By word or action markt: about them round



A Lion now he stalkes with fierie glare,



Then as a Tyger, who by chance hath spi'd



In some Purlieu two gentle Fawnes at play,



Strait couches close, then rising changes oft



His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground



Whence rushing he might surest seize them both



Grip't in each paw: When Adam first of men



To first of women Eve thus moving speech,



Turnd him all eare to hear new utterance flow.







Sole partner and sole part of all these joyes,



Dearer thy self then all; needs must the power



That made us, and for us this ample World



Be infinitly good, and of his good



As liberal and free as infinite,



That rais'd us from the dust and plac't us here



In all this happiness, who at his hand



Have nothing merited, nor can performe



Aught whereof hee hath need, hee who requires



From us no other service then to keep



This one, this easie charge, of all the Trees



In Paradise that bear delicious fruit



So various, not to taste that onely Tree



Of knowledge, planted by the Tree of Life,



So neer grows Death to Life, what ere Death is,



Som dreadful thing no doubt; for well thou knowst



God hath pronounc't it death to taste that Tree,



The only sign of our obedience left



Among so many signes of power and rule



Conferrd upon us, and Dominion giv'n



Over all other Creatures that possess



Earth, Aire, and Sea. Then let us not think hard



One easie prohibition, who enjoy



Free leave so large to all things else, and choice



Unlimited of manifold delights:



But let us ever praise him, and extoll



His bountie, following our delightful task



To 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



And from whom I was formd flesh of thy flesh,



And without whom am to no end, my Guide



And Head, what thou hast said is just and right.



For wee to him indeed all praises owe,



And daily thanks, I chiefly who enjoy



So farr the happier Lot, enjoying thee



Praeeminent by so much odds, while thou



Like consort to thy self canst no where find.



That day I oft remember, when from sleep



I first awak't, and found my self repos'd



Under a shade of flours, much wondring where



And what I was, whence thither brought, and how.



Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound



Of waters issu'd from a Cave and spread



Into a liquid Plain, then stood unmov'd



Pure as th' expanse of Heav'n; I thither went



With unexperienc't thought, and laid me downe



On the green bank, to look into the cleer



Smooth Lake, that to me seemd another Skie.



As I bent down to look, just opposite,



A Shape within the watry gleam appeerd



Bending to look on me, I started back,



It started back, but pleas'd I soon returnd,



Pleas'd it returnd as soon with answering looks



Of sympathie and love; there I had fixt



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



Thy coming, and thy soft imbraces, hee



Whose image thou art, him thou shall enjoy



Inseparablie thine, to him shalt beare



Multitudes like thy self, and thence be call'd



Mother of human Race: what could I doe,



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,



Thou following cryd'st aloud, Return faire Eve,



Whom fli'st thou? whom thou fli'st, of him thou art,



His flesh, his bone; to give thee being I lent



Out of my side to thee, neerest my heart



Substantial Life, to have thee by my side



Henceforth an individual solace dear;



Part of my Soul I seek thee, and thee claim



My other half: with that thy gentle hand



Seisd mine, I yielded, and from that time see



How beauty is excelld by manly grace



And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.







So spake our general Mother, and with eyes



Of conjugal attraction unreprov'd,



And meek surrender, half imbracing leand



On our first Father, half her swelling Breast



Naked met his under the flowing Gold



Of her loose tresses hid: he in delight



Both of her Beauty and submissive Charms



Smil'd with superior Love, as Jupiter



On Juno smiles, when he impregns the Clouds



That shed May Flowers; and press'd her Matron lip



With kisses pure: aside the Devil turnd



For envie, yet with jealous leer maligne



Ey'd them askance, and to himself thus plaind.







Sight hateful, sight tormenting! thus these two



Imparadis't in one anothers arms



The happier Eden, shall enjoy thir fill



Of bliss on bliss, while I to Hell am thrust,



Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,



Among our other torments not the least,



Still unfulfill'd with pain of longing pines;



Yet let me not forget what I have gain'd



From 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?



Suspicious, reasonless. Why should thir Lord



Envie them that? can it be sin to know,



Can it be death? and do they onely stand



By Ignorance, is that thir happie state,



The proof of thir obedience and thir faith?



O fair foundation laid whereon to build



Thir ruine! Hence I will excite thir minds



With more desire to know, and to reject



Envious commands, invented with designe



To keep them low whom knowledge might exalt



Equal with Gods; aspiring to be such,



They taste and die: what likelier can ensue?



But first with narrow search I must walk round



This Garden, and no corner leave unspi'd;



A chance but chance may lead where I may meet



Some wandring Spirit of Heav'n, by Fountain side,



Or in thick shade retir'd, from him to draw



What further would be learnt. Live while ye may,



Yet happie pair; enjoy, till I return,



Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed.







So saying, his proud step he scornful turn'd,



But with sly circumspection, and began



Through wood, through waste, o're hill, o're dale his roam.



Mean while in utmost Longitude, where Heav'n



With Earth and Ocean meets, the setting Sun



Slowly descended, and with right aspect



Against the eastern Gate of Paradise



Leveld his eevning Rayes: it was a Rock



Of Alablaster, pil'd up to the Clouds,



Conspicuous farr, winding with one ascent



Accessible from Earth, one entrance high;



The rest was craggie cliff, that overhung



Still as it rose, impossible to climbe.



Betwixt these rockie Pillars Gabriel sat



Chief of th' Angelic Guards, awaiting night;



About him exercis'd Heroic Games



Th' unarmed Youth of Heav'n, but nigh at hand



Celestial Armourie, Shields, Helmes, and Speares,



Hung high with Diamond flaming, and with Gold.



Thither came Uriel, gliding through the Eeven



On a Sun beam, swift as a shooting Starr



In Autumn thwarts the night, when vapors fir'd



Impress the Air, and shews the Mariner



From what point of his Compass to beware



Impetuous winds: he thus began in haste.







Gabriel, to thee thy course by Lot hath giv'n



Charge and strict watch that to this happie Place



No evil thing approach or enter in;



This day at highth of Noon came to my Spheare



A Spirit, zealous, as he seem'd, to know



More of th' Almighties works, and chiefly Man



Gods latest Image: I describ'd his way



Bent 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



Alien from Heav'n, with passions foul obscur'd:



Mine eye pursu'd him still, but under shade



Lost sight of him; one of the banisht crew



I fear, hath ventur'd from the deep, to raise



New troubles; him thy care must be to find.







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 pass



The vigilance here plac't, but such as come



Well known from Heav'n; and since Meridian hour



No Creature thence: if Spirit of other sort,



So minded, have oreleapt these earthie bounds



On purpose, hard thou knowst it to exclude



Spiritual substance with corporeal barr.



But if within the circuit of these walks,



In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom



Thou tellst, by morrow dawning I shall know.







So promis'd hee, and Uriel to his charge



Returnd on that bright beam, whose point now raisd



Bore him slope downward to the Sun now fall'n



Beneath th' Azores; whither the prime Orb,



Incredible how swift, had thither rowl'd



Diurnal, or this less volubil Earth



By shorter flight to th' East, had left him there



Arraying with reflected Purple and Gold



The Clouds that on his Western Throne attend:



Now came still Eevning on, and Twilight gray



Had in her sober Liverie all things clad;



Silence accompanied, for Beast and Bird,



They to thir grassie Couch, these to thir Nests



Were slunk, all but the wakeful Nightingale;



She all night long her amorous descant sung;



Silence was pleas'd: now glow'd the Firmament



With living Saphirs: Hesperus that led



The starrie Host, rode brightest, till the Moon



Rising in clouded Majestie, at length



Apparent Queen unvaild her peerless light,



And o're the dark her Silver Mantle threw.







When Adam thus to Eve: Fair Consort, th' hour



Of night, and all things now retir'd to rest



Mind us of like repose, since God hath set



Labour and rest, as day and night to men



Successive, and the timely dew of sleep



Now falling with soft slumbrous weight inclines



Our eye-lids; other Creatures all day long



Rove idle unimploid, and less need rest;



Man hath his daily work of body or mind



Appointed, which declares his Dignitie,



And the regard of Heav'n on all his waies;



While other Animals unactive range,



And of thir doings God takes no account.



To morrow ere fresh Morning streak the East



With first approach of light, we must be ris'n,



And at our pleasant labour, to reform



Yon flourie Arbors, yonder Allies green,



Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown,



That mock our scant manuring, and require



More hands then ours to lop thir wanton growth:



Those Blossoms also, and those dropping Gumms,



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



Unargu'd I obey; so God ordains,



God is thy Law, thou mine: to know no more



Is womans happiest knowledge and her praise.



With thee conversing I forget all time,



All seasons and thir change, all please alike.



Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet,



With charm of earliest Birds; pleasant the Sun



When first on this delightful Land he spreads



His orient Beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flour,



Glistring with dew; fragrant the fertil earth



After soft showers; and sweet the coming on



Of grateful Eevning milde, then silent Night



With this her solemn Bird and this fair Moon,



And these the Gemms of Heav'n, her starrie train:



But neither breath of Morn when she ascends



With charm of earliest Birds, nor rising Sun



On this delightful land, nor herb, fruit, floure,



Glistring with dew, nor fragrance after showers,



Nor grateful Eevning mild, nor silent Night



With this her solemn Bird, nor walk by Moon,



Or glittering Starr-light without thee is sweet.



But wherfore all night long shine these, for whom



This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes?







To whom our general Ancestor repli'd.



Daughter of God and Man, accomplisht Eve,



Those have thir course to finish, round the Earth,



By morrow Eevning, and from Land to Land



In order, though to Nations yet unborn,



Ministring light prepar'd, they set and rise;



Least total darkness should by Night regaine



Her old possession, and extinguish life



In Nature and all things, which these soft fires



Not only enlighten, but with kindly heate



Of various influence foment and warme,



Temper or nourish, or in part shed down



Thir stellar vertue on all kinds that grow



On Earth, made hereby apter to receive



Perfection from the Suns more potent Ray.



These then, though unbeheld in deep of night,



Shine not in vain, nor think, though men were none,



That heav'n would want spectators, God want praise;



Millions of spiritual Creatures walk the Earth



Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep:.



All these with ceasless praise his works behold



Both day and night: how often from the steep



Of echoing Hill or Thicket have we heard



Celestial voices to the midnight air,



Sole, or responsive each to others note



Singing thir great Creator: oft in bands



While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk



With Heav'nly touch of instrumental sounds



In full harmonic number joind, thir songs



Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to Heaven.







Thus talking hand in hand alone they pass'd



On to thir blissful Bower; it was a place



Chos'n by the sovran Planter, when he fram'd



All things to mans delightful use; the roofe



Of thickest covert was inwoven shade



Laurel and Mirtle, and what higher grew



Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side



Acanthus, and each odorous bushie shrub



Fenc'd up the verdant wall; each beauteous flour,



Iris all hues, Roses, and Gessamin



Rear'd high thir flourisht heads between, and wrought



Mosaic; underfoot the Violet,



Crocus, and Hyacinth with rich inlay



Broiderd the ground, more colour'd then with stone



Of costliest Emblem: other Creature here



Beast, Bird, Insect, or Worm durst enter none;



Such was thir awe of Man. In shadie Bower



More sacred and sequesterd, though but feignd,



Pan or Silvanus never slept, nor Nymph,



Nor Faunus haunted. Here in close recess



With Flowers, Garlands, and sweet-smelling Herbs



Espoused Eve deckt first her nuptial Bed,



And heav'nly Quires the Hymenaean sung,



What day the genial Angel to our Sire



Brought her in naked beauty more adorn'd,



More lovely then Pandora, whom the Gods



Endowd with all thir gifts, and O too like



In sad event, when to the unwiser Son



Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnar'd



Mankind with her faire looks, to be aveng'd



On him who had stole Joves authentic fire.







Thus at thir shadie Lodge arriv'd, both stood



Both turnd, and under op'n Skie ador'd



The God that made both Skie, Air, Earth and Heav'n



Which they beheld, the Moons resplendent Globe



And starrie Pole: Thou also mad'st the Night,



Maker Omnipotent, and thou the Day,



Which we in our appointed work imployd



Have finisht happie in our mutual help



And mutual love, the Crown of all our bliss



Ordaind by thee, and this delicious place



For us too large, where thy abundance wants



Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground.



But thou hast promis'd from us two a Race



To fill the Earth, who shall with us extoll



Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake,



And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep.







This said unanimous, and other Rites



Observing none, but adoration pure



Which God likes best, into thir inmost bowre



Handed they went; and eas'd the putting off



These troublesom disguises which wee wear,



Strait side by side were laid, nor turnd I weene



Adam from his fair Spouse, nor Eve the Rites



Mysterious of connubial Love refus'd:



Whatever Hypocrites austerely talk



Of puritie and place and innocence,



Defaming as impure what God declares



Pure, and commands to som, leaves free to all.



Our Maker bids increase, who bids abstain



But our destroyer, foe to God and Man?



Haile wedded Love, mysterious Law, true source



Of human ofspring, sole proprietie,



In Paradise of all things common else.



By thee adulterous lust was driv'n from men



Among the bestial herds to raunge, by thee



Founded in Reason, Loyal, just, and Pure,



Relations dear, and all the Charities



Of 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,



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 lights



His constant Lamp, and waves his purple wings,



Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile



Of Harlots, loveless, joyless, unindeard,



Casual fruition, nor in Court Amours



Mixt Dance, or wanton Mask, or Midnight Bal,



Or Serenate, which the starv'd Lover sings



To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.



These lulld by Nightingales imbraceing slept,



And on thir naked limbs the flourie roof



Showrd Roses, which the Morn repair'd. Sleep on



Blest pair; and O yet happiest if ye seek



No happier state, and know to know no more.







Now had night measur'd with her shaddowie Cone



Half way up Hill this vast Sublunar Vault,



And from thir Ivorie Port the Cherubim



Forth issuing at th' accustomd hour stood armd



To thir night watches in warlike Parade,



When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake.







Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the South



With strictest watch; these other wheel the North,



Our circuit meets full West. As flame they part



Half wheeling to the Shield, half to the Spear.



From these, two strong and suttle Spirits he calld



That neer him stood, and gave them thus in charge.



Ithuriel and Zephon, with wingd speed



Search through this Garden, leave unsearcht no nook,



But chiefly where those two fair Creatures Lodge,



Now laid perhaps asleep secure of harme.



This Eevning from the Sun's decline arriv'd



Who tells of som infernal Spirit seen



Hitherward bent (who could have thought?) escap'd



The barrs of Hell, on errand bad no doubt:



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 direct



In search of whom they sought: him there they found



Squat like a Toad, close at the eare of Eve;



Assaying by his Devilish art to reach



The Organs of her Fancie, and with them forge



Illusions as he list, Phantasms and Dreams,



Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint



Th' animal Spirits that from pure blood arise



Like gentle breaths from Rivers pure, thence raise



At least distemperd, discontented thoughts,



Vaine hopes, vaine aimes, inordinate desires



Blown up with high conceits ingendring pride.



Him thus intent Ithuriel with his Spear



Touch'd lightly; for no falshood can endure



Touch of Celestial temper, but returns



Of force to its own likeness: up he starts



Discoverd and surpriz'd. As when a spark



Lights on a heap of nitrous Powder, laid



Fit for the Tun som Magazin to store



Against a rumord Warr, the Smuttie graine



With sudden blaze diffus'd, inflames the Aire:



So started up in his own shape the Fiend.



Back stept those two faire Angels half amaz'd



So sudden to behold the grieslie King;



Yet thus, unmovd with fear, accost him soon.







Which of those rebell Spirits adjudg'd to Hell



Com'st thou, escap'd thy prison, and transform'd,



Why satst thou like an enemie in waite



Here watching at the head of these that sleep?







Know ye not then said Satan, fill'd with scorn,



Know ye not mee? ye knew me once no mate



For you, there sitting where ye durst not soare;



Not to know mee argues your selves unknown,



The lowest of your throng; or if ye know,



Why ask ye, and superfluous begin



Your message, like to end as much in vain?



To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn.



Think not, revolted Spirit, thy shape the same,



Or undiminisht brightness, to be known



As 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 now



Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foule.



But come, for thou, be sure, shalt give account



To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep



This place inviolable, and these from harm.







So spake the Cherube, and his grave rebuke



Severe in youthful beautie, added grace



Invincible: abasht the Devil stood,



And felt how awful goodness is, and saw



Vertue in her shape how lovly, saw, and pin'd



His loss; but chiefly to find here observd



His lustre visibly impar'd; yet seemd



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



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 flie



He held it vain; awe from above had quelld



His heart, not else dismai'd. Now drew they nigh



The western Point, where those half-rounding guard



just met, and closing stood in squadron joind



Awaiting next command. To whom thir Chief



Gabriel from the Front thus calld aloud.







O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet



Hasting this way, and now by glimps discerne



Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade,



And with them comes a third of Regal port,



But faded splendor wan; who by his gate



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 approachd



And brief related whom they brought, where found,



How busied, in what form and posture coucht.



To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake.







Why hast thou, Satan broke the bounds prescrib'd



To thy transgressions, and disturbd the charge



Of others, who approve not to transgress



By thy example, but have power and right



To question thy bold entrance on this place;



Imploi'd it seems to violate sleep, and those



Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?







To whom thus Satan, with contemptuous brow.



Gabriel, thou hadst in Heav'n th' esteem of wise,



And such I held thee; but this question askt



Puts me in doubt. Lives ther who loves his pain?



Who would not, finding way, break loose from Hell,



Though thither doomd? Thou wouldst thy self, no doubt,



And boldly venture to whatever place



Farthest from pain, where thou mightest hope to change



Torment with ease, and soonest recompence



Dole with delight, which in this place I sought;



To thee no reason; who knowst only good,



But evil hast not tri'd: and wilt object



His will who bound us? let him surer barr



His Iron Gates, if he intends our stay



In that dark durance: thus much what was askt.



The rest is true, they found me where they say;



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,



And now returns him from his prison scap't,



Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise



Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither



Unlicenc't from his bounds in Hell prescrib'd;



So wise he judges it to fly from pain



However, and to scape his punishment.



So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrauth,



Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight



Seavenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell,



Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain



Can equal anger infinite provok't.



But wherefore thou alone? wherefore with thee



Came not all Hell broke loose? is pain to them



Less pain, less to be fled, or thou then they



Less hardie to endure? courageous Chief,



The first in flight from pain, had'st thou alledg'd



To 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,



Insulting Angel, well thou knowst I stood



Thy fiercest, when in Battel to thy aide



Thy blasting volied Thunder made all speed



And seconded thy else not dreaded Spear.



But still thy words at random, as before,



Argue thy inexperience what behooves



From hard assaies and ill successes past



A faithful Leader, not to hazard all



Through wayes of danger by himself untri'd.



I therefore, I alone first undertook



To wing the desolate Abyss, and spie



This new created World, whereof in Hell



Fame is not silent, here in hope to find



Better abode, and my afflicted Powers



To settle here on Earth, or in mid Aire;



Though for possession put to try once more



What thou and thy gay Legions dare against;



Whose easier business were to serve thir Lord



High up in Heav'n, with songs to hymne his Throne,



And practis'd distances to cringe, not fight.







To whom the warriour Angel, soon repli'd.



To say and strait unsay, pretending first



Wise to flie pain, professing next the Spie,



Argues no Leader but a lyar trac't,



Satan, and couldst thou faithful add? O name,



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



Allegeance to th' acknowldg'd Power supream?



And thou sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem



Patron of liberty, who more then thou



Once fawn'd, and cring'd, and servilly ador'd



Heav'ns awful Monarch? wherefore but in hope



To dispossess him, and thy self to reigne?



But mark what I arreede thee now, avant;



Flie thither whence thou fledst: if from this houre



Within these hallowd limits thou appeer,



Back to th' infernal pit I drag thee chaind,



And Seale thee so, as henceforth not to scorne



The facil gates of hell too slightly barrd.







So threatn'd hee, but Satan to no threats



Gave heed, but waxing more in rage repli'd.







Then when I am thy captive talk of chaines,



Proud limitarie Cherube, but ere then



Farr heavier load thy self expect to feel



From my prevailing arme, though Heavens King



Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy Compeers,



Us'd to the yoak, draw'st his triumphant wheels



In progress through the rode of Heav'n Star-pav'd.







While thus he spake, th' Angelic Squadron bright



Turnd fierie red, sharpning in mooned hornes



Thir Phalanx, and began to hemm him round



With ported Spears, as thick as when a field



Of Ceres ripe for harvest waving bends



Her bearded Grove of ears, which way the wind



Swayes them; the careful Plowman doubting stands



Least on the threshing floore his hopeful sheaves



Prove chaff. On th' other side Satan allarm'd



Collecting all his might dilated stood,



Like Teneriff or Atlas unremov'd:



His stature reacht the Skie, and on his Crest



Sat horror Plum'd; nor wanted in his graspe



What seemd both Spear and Shield: now dreadful deeds



Might have ensu'd, nor onely Paradise



In this commotion, but the Starrie Cope



Of Heav'n perhaps, or all the Elements



At least had gon to rack, disturbd and torne



With violence of this conflict, had not soon



Th' Eternal to prevent such horrid fray



Hung forth in Heav'n his golden Scales, yet seen



Betwixt Astrea and the Scorpion signe,



Wherein all things created first he weighd,



The pendulous round Earth with ballanc't Aire



In counterpoise, now ponders all events,



Battels and Realms: in these he put two weights



The sequel each of parting and of fight;



The latter quick up flew, and kickt the beam;



Which Gabriel spying, thus bespake the Fiend.







Satan, I know thy strength, and thou knowst mine,



Neither our own but giv'n; what follie then



To boast what Arms can doe, since thine no more



Then Heav'n permits, nor mine, though doubld now



To trample thee as mire: for proof look up,



And read thy Lot in yon celestial Sign



Where thou art weigh'd, and shown how light, how weak,



If thou resist. The Fiend lookt up and knew



His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled



Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night.





