# Paradise Lost (1890)/Book 5

PARADISE LOST.
BOOK V.
THE ARGUMENT.
    Morning approached, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream; he likes it not, yet comforts her: they come forth to their day-labors; their morning hymn at the door of their bower. God to render Man inexcusable sends Raphael to admonish him of his obedience, of his free estate, of his enemy near at hand, who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise, his appearance described, his coming discerned by Adam afar off, sitting at the door of his bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got together by Eve; their discourse at table: Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his state and of his enemy; relates at Adam's request who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning from his first revolt in Heaven, and the occasion thereof; how he drew his legions after him to the parts of the North, and there incited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only Abdiel a Seraph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes him.
Now Morn, her rosy steps in the eastern clime Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearl, When Adam waked, so customed, for his sleep Was aery light, from pure digestion bred
And temperate vapors bland, which the only sound Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, Lightly dispersed, and the shrill matin song Of birds on every bough; so much the more His wonder was to find unwakened Eve, With tresses discomposed and glowing cheek,10 As though unquiet rest. He, on his side Leaning half-raised, with looks of cordial love, Hung over her enamored, and beheld Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep, Shot forth peculiar graces; then, with voice Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes, Her hand soft touching, whispered thus:—"Awake, My fairest, my espoused, my latest found, Heaven's last best gift, my ever-new delight, Awake! the morning shines, and the fresh field20 Calls us; we lose the prime, to mark how spring Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove, What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed, How Nature paints her colors, how the bee Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet." Such whispering waked her, but with startled eye On Adam, whom embracing thus she spake: "O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose,
My glory, my perfection, glad I see Thy face, and morn returned; for I this night—30 Such night till this I never passed—have dreamed, If dreamed, not, as I oft am wont, of thee, Works of day past, or morrow's next design, But of offence and trouble, which my mind Knew never till this irksome night. Methought, Close at mine ear, one called me forth to walk With gentle voice—I thought it thine. It said, 'Why sleepest thou, Eve? now is the pleasant time, The cool, the silent, save where silence yields To the night-warbling bird, that now awake40 Tunes sweetest his love-labored song; now reigns Full-orbed the moon, and, with more pleasing light, Shadowy sets off the face of things; in vain, If none regard. Heaven wakes with all his eyes, Whom to behold but thee, Nature's desire? In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze.' I rose as at thy call, but found thee not; To find thee I directed then my walk; And on, methought, alone I passed through ways50 That brought me on a sudden to the tree Of interdicted knowledge. Fair it seemed, Much fairer to my fancy than by day;
And, as I wondering looked, beside it stood One shaped and winged like one of those from Heaven, By us oft seen: his dewy locks distilled Ambrosia. On that tree he also gazed; And, 'O fair plant,' said he, 'with fruit surcharged, Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet, Nor God, nor Man? is knowledge so despised?60 Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste? Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold Longer thy offered good; why else set here? This said, he paused not, but with venturous arm He plucked, he tasted. Me damp horror chilled At such bold words, vouched with a deed so bold; But he thus, overjoyed: 'O fruit divine, Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropt, Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit For Gods, yet able to make Gods of men.70 And why not Gods of men, since good, the more Communicated, more abundant grows, The author not impaired, but honored more? Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve! Partake thou also; happy though thou art, Happier thou mayest be, worthier canst not be. Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods, Thyself a Goddess, not to earth confined, But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes
Ascend to Heaven, by merit thine, and see80 What life the Gods live there, and such live thou.' So saying he drew nigh, and to me held, Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part Which he had plucked; the pleasant savoury smell So quickened appetite, that I, methought, Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds With him I flew, and underneath beheld The earth outstretched immense, a prospect wide And various. Wondering at my flight and change To this high exaltation, suddenly90 My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down, And fell asleep; but oh, how glad I waked To find this but a dream!" Thus Eve her night Related, and thus Adam answered sad: "Best image of myself, and dearer half, The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep Affects me equally; nor can I like This uncouth dream, of evil sprung, I fear; Yet evil whence? in thee can harbor none, Created pure. But know that in the soul100 Are many lesser faculties, that serve Reason as chief; among these Fancy next Her office holds; of all external things, Which the five watchful senses represent, She forms imaginations, aery shapes, Which Reason joining or disjoining frames
All what we affim or what deny, and call Our knowledge or opinion; then retires Into her private cell, when Nature rests. Oft in her absence mimic Fancy wakes110 To imitate her; but, misjoining shapes, Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams, Ill-matching words and deeds long past or late. Some such resemblances, methinks, I find Of our last evening's talk, in this thy dream, But with addition strange; yet be not sad. Evil into the mind of God or Man May come and go, so unapproved, and leave No spot or blame behind; which gives me hope That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream120 Waking thou never wilt consent to do. Be not disheartened then, nor cloud those looks, That wont be more cheerful and serene, Than when fair Morning first smiles on the world; And let us to our fresh employments rise, Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers That open now their choicest bosomed smells, Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store." So cheered he his fair spouse, and she was cheered, But silently a gentle tear let fall130 From either eye, and wiped them with her hair. Two other precious drops that ready stood,
Each in their crystal sluice, he ere they fell Kissed, as the gracious signs of sweet remorse And pious awe, that feared to have offended. So all was cleared, and to the field they haste. But first, from under shady arborous roof Soon as they forth were come to open sight Of dayspring, and the sun—who scarce uprisen, With wheels yet hovering o'er the ocean brim,140 Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray, Discovering in wide landscape all the east Of Paradise and Eden's happy plains— Lowly they bowed, adoring, and began Their orisons, each morning duly paid In various style; for neither various style Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise Their Maker in fit strains, pronounced or sung Unmeditated; such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous verse, More tuneable than needed lute or harp151 To add more sweetness; and they thus began: "These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, Almighty! thine this universal frame, Thus wondrous fair; thyself how wondrous then! Unspeakable, who sittest above these heavens, To us invisible, or dimly seen In these thy lowest works; yet these declare
Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine.— Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light,160 Angels; for ye behold him, and with songs And choral symphonies, day without night, Circle his throne rejoicing; ye in Heaven, On Earth join, all ye creatures, to extol Him first, him last, him midst, and without end. Fairest of stars, last in the train of night, If better thou belong not to the dawn, Sure pledge of day, that crownest the smiling Morn With thy bright circlet, praise him in thy sphere, While day arises, that sweet hour of prime.170 Thou Sun, of this great World both eye and soul, Acknowledge him thy greater; sound his praise In thy eternal course, both when thou climbest, And when high noon hast gained, and when thou fallest. Moon, that now meetest the orient Sun, now fliest With the fixed Stars, fixed in their orb that flies; And ye, five other wandering Fires, that move In mystic dance not without song, resound His praise, who out of darkness called up light. Air, and ye Elements, the eldest birth180 Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion run Perpetual circle, multiform, and mix And nourish all things, let your ceaseless change
Vary to our great Maker still new praise. Ye Mists and Exhalations, that now rise From hill or steaming lake, dusky or grey, Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, In honor to the World's great Author rise; Whether to deck with clouds the uncolored sky, Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers,190 Rising or falling still advance his praise. His praise, ye Winds, that from four quarters blow, Breathe soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye Pines, With every plant, in sign of worship wave. Fountains, and ye that warble, as ye flow, Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise. Join voices, all ye living Souls; ye Birds, That singing up to Heaven-gate ascend, Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise. Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk200 The earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep, Witness if I be silent, morn or even, To hill or valley, fountain, or fresh shade, Made vocal by my song, and taught his praise. Hail, universal Lord, be bounteous still To give us only good; and if the night Have gathered aught of evil, or concealed, Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark!" So prayed they innocent, and to their thoughts Firm peace recovered soon, and wonted calm.210
On to their morning's rural work they haste, Among sweet dews and flowers; where any row Of fruit-trees over-woody reached too far Their pampered boughs, and needed hands to check Fruitless embraces: or they led the vine To wed her elm; she spoused about him twines Her marriageable arms, and with her brings Her dower, the adopted clusters, to adorn His barren leaves. Them thus employed beheld With pity Heaven's high King, and to him called Raphael, the sociable Spirit, that deigned221 To travel with Tobias, and secured His marriage with the seven-times wedded maid. "Raphael," said he, "thou hearest what stir on Earth Satan, from Hell scaped through the darksome gulf, Hath raised in Paradise, and how disturbed This night the human pair, how he designs In them at once to ruin all mankind. Go therefore, half this day, as friend with friend, Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade230 Thou findest him from the heat of noon retired, To respite his day-labor with repast, Or with repose; and such discourse bring-on, As may advice him of his happy state, Happiness in his power left free to will,
Left to his own free-will, his will though free Yet mutable; whence warn him to beware He swerve not, too secure. Tell him withal His danger, and from whom; what enemy, Late fallen himself from Heaven, is plotting now240 The fall of others from like state of bliss; By violence? no, for that shall be withstood; But by deceit and lies. This let him know, Lest wilfully transgressing he pretend Surprisal, unadmonished, unforewarned." So spake the eternal Father, and fulfilled All justice. Nor delayed the winged Saint After his charge received; but, from among Thousand celestial Ardours, where he stood, Veiled with his gorgeous wings, up-springing light Flew through the midst of Heaven—the angelic quires,251 On each hand parting, to his speed gave way Through all the empyreal road—till, at the gate Of Heaven arrived, the gate self-opened wide, On golden hinges turning, as by work Divine the sovran Architect had framed. From hence—no cloud or, to obstruct his sight, Star interposed however small—he sees, Not unconform to other shining globes,
Earth, and the garden of God, with cedars crowded Above all hills. As when by night the glass261 Of Galileo, less assured, observes Imagined lands and regions in the moon; Or pilot from amidst the Cyclades Delos or Samos first appearing kens, A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight He speeds, and, through the vast ethereal sky, Sails between worlds and worlds with steady wing, Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan Winnows the buxom air; till, within soar270 Of towering eagles, to all the fowls he seems A phœnix, gazed by all, as that sole bird, When, to enshrine his reliques in the Sun's Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. At once on the eastern cliff of Paradise He lights, and to his proper shape returns, A Seraph winged. Six wings he wore, to shade His lineaments divine; the pair that clad Each shoulder broad came mantling o'er his breast With regal ornament; the middle pair280 Girt like a starry zone his waist, and round Skirted his loins and thighs, with downy gold And colors dipped in heaven; the third his feet Shadowed from either heel, with feathered mail, Sky-tinctured grain. Like Maia's son he stood,
And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance filled The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands Of Angels under watch, and to his state And to his message high in honor rise; For on some message high they guessed him bound. Their glittering tents he passed, and now is come Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh,292 And flowering odors, cassia, nard, and balm, A wilderness of sweets; For Nature here Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss. Him, through the spicy forest onward come, Adam discerned, as in the door he sat Of his cool bower, while now the mounted sun300 Shot down direct his fervid rays, to warm Earth's inmost womb, more warmth than Adam needs; And Eve within, due at her hour, prepared For dinner savory fruits, of taste to please True appetite, and not disrelish thirst Of nectarous draughts between, from milky stream, Berry or grape: to whom thus Adam called:
"Haste hither, Eve, and, worth thy sight, behold Eastward among those trees what glorious shape Comes this way moving; seems another morn310 Risen on mid-noon. Some great behest from Heaven To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe This day to be our guest. But go with speed, And what thy stores contain bring forth, and pour Abundance, fit to honor and receive Our heavenly stranger. Well we may afford Our givers, their own gifts, and large bestow From large bestowed, where Nature multiplies Her fertile growth, and by disburdening grows More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare."320 To whom thus Eve:—"Adam, earth's hallowed mould, Of God inspired! small store will serve, where store, All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk; Save what by frugal storing firmness gains To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes. But I will haste, and from each bough and brake, Each plant and juciest gourd, will pluck such choice To entertain our Angel-guest, as he Beholding shall confess, that here on Earth
God hath dispensed bounties as in Heaven."330 So saying, with despatchful looks in haste She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent, What choice to choose for delicacy best, What order, so contrived as not to mix Tastes, not well joined, inelegant, but bring Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change; Bestirs her then, and, from each tender stalk Whatever earth, all-bearing mother, yields, In India East or West, or middle shore In Pontus, or the Punic coast, or where340 Alcinoüs reigned, fruit of all kinds, in coat Rough or smooth-rined, or bearded husk, or shell, She gathers, tribute large, and on the board Heaps with unsparing hand. For drink the grape She crushes, inoffensive must, and meaths From many a berry, and from sweet kernels pressed She tempers dulcet creams; nor these to hold Wants her fit vessels pure; then strows the ground With rose and odors from the shrub unfumed. Meanwhile our primitive great sire, to meet350 His godlike guest, walks forth, without more train Accompanied than with his own complete Perfections; in himself was all his state, More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits On princes, when their rich retinue long Of horses led, and grooms besmeared with gold,
Dazzles the crowd, and sets them all agape. Nearer his presence, Adam, though not awed, Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek, As to a superior nature, bowing low,360 Thus said:—"Native of Heaven—for other place None can than Heaven such glorious shape contain— Since, by descending from the Thrones above, Those happy places thou hast deigned awhile To want, and honor these, vouchsafe with us, Two only, who yet by sovran gift possess This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower To rest, and what the garden choicest bears To sit and taste, till this meridian heat Be over, and the sun more cool decline."370 Whom thus the angelic Virtue answered mild: "Adam, I therefore came; nor art thou such Created, or such place hast here to dwell, As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heaven To visit thee. Lead on then where thy bower O'ershades; for these mid-hours, till evening rise, I have at will."—So to the silvan lodge They came, that like Pomona's arbor smiled, With flowerets decked, and fragrant smells; but Eve, Undecked save with herself, more lovely fair380 Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feigned Of three that in mount Ida naked strove,
Stood to entertain her guest from Heaven; no veil She needed, virtue proof; no thought infirm Altered her cheek. On whom the angel Hail! Bestowed, the holy salutation used Long after to blest Mary, second Eve: "Hail, Mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb Shall find the world more numerous with thy sons, Than with these various fruits the trees of God390 Have heaped this table!"—Raised of grassy turf Their table was, and mossy seats had round, And on her ample square from side to side All autumn piled, though spring and autum here Danced hand in hand. Awhile discourse they hold— No fear less dinner cool—when thus began Our author:—"Heavenly stranger, please to taste These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends, To us for food and for delight hath caused400 The earth to yield; unsavory food perhaps To spiritual natures; only this I know, That one celestial Father gives to all." To whom the Angel:—"Therefore what he gives— Whose praise be ever sung—to Man, in part Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found No ingrateful food; and food alike those pure
Intelligential substances require, As doth your rational; and both contain Within them every lower faculty410 Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste, Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate, And corporeal to incorporeal turn. For know, whatever was created needs To be sustained and fed; of elements The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea, Earth and the sea feed air, the air those fires Ethereal, and as lowest first the moon; Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurged Vapors not yet into her substance turned.420 Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale From her moist continent to higher orbs. The sun, that light imparts to all, receives From all his alimental recompense In humid exhalations, and at even Sups with the Ocean. Though in Heaven the trees Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines Yield nectar; though from off the boughs each morn We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground Covered with pearly grain: yet God hath here430 Varied his bounty so with new delights, As may compare with Heaven; and to taste Think not I shall be nice." So down they sat,
And to their viands fell; nor seemingly The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss Of theologians; but with keen despatch Of real hunger, the concoctive heat To transubstantiate; what redounds transpires Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder: if by fire Of sooty coal the empiric alchemist440 Can turn, or holds it possible to turn, Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold As from the mine. Meanwhile at table Eve Ministered naked, and their flowing cups With pleasant liquors crowned. O innocence Deserving Paradise! if ever, then, Then had the sons of God excuse to have been Enamored at that sight; but in those hearts Love unlibidinous reigned, nor jealousy Was understood, the injured lover's hell.450 Thus when with meats and drinks they had sufficed, Not burdened nature, sudden mind arose In Adam not to let the occasion pass, Given him by this great conference, to know Of things above his world, and of there being Who dwell in Heaven, whose excellence he saw Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms, Divine effulgence, whose high power so far Exceeded human, and his wary speech Thus to the empyreal minister he framed:460
"Inhabitant with God, now know I well Thy favor, in this honor done to Man, Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafed To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, Food not of Angels, yet accepted so, As that more willingly thou couldst not seem At Heaven's high feasts to have fed; yet what compare!" To whom the winged Hierarch replied: "O Adam, one Almighty is, from whom All things proceed, and up to him return,470 If not depraved from good, created all Such to perfection, one first matter all, Indued with various forms, various degrees Of substance, and, in things that live, of life; But more refined, more spirituous, and pure, As nearer to him placed or nearer tending, Each in their several active spheres assigned, Till body up to spirit work, in bounds Proportioned to each kind. So from the root Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves480 More aery, last the bright consummate flower Spirits odorous breathes: flowers and their fruit, Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed, To vital spirits aspire, to animal, To intellectual; give both life and sense, Fancy and understanding; whence the soul
Reason receives, and reason is her being, Discursive, or intuitive; discourse Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours, Differing but in degree, of kind the same.490 Wonder not then what God for you saw good If I refuse not, but convert, as you, To proper substance. Time may come when men With Angels may participate, and find No inconvenient diet, nor too light fare; And from these corporal nutriments perhaps Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit, Improved by tract of time, and winged ascend Ethereäl, as we, or may at choice Here or in heavenly Paradise dwell;500 If ye be found obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire, Whose progeny you are. Meanwhile enjoy Your fill what happiness this happy state Can comprehend, incapable of more." To whom the patriarch of mankind replied: "O favorable Spirit, propitious guest, Well hast thou taught the way that might direct Our knowledge, and the scale of nature set From centre to circumference; whereon,510 In contemplation of created things, By steps we may ascend to God. But say, What meant that caution joined, If ye be found Obedient? can we want obedience then
To him, or possibly his love desert? Who formed us from the dust, and placed us here, Full to the utmost measure of what bliss Human desires can seek or apprehend." To whom the Angel:—"Son of Heaven and Earth, Attend! That thou art happy, owe to God;520 That thou continuest such, owe to thyself, That is, to thy obedience; therein stand. This was that caution given thee; be advised. God may thee perfect, not immutable; And good he made thee, but to persevere He left it in thy power; ordained thy will By nature free, not overruled by fate Inextricable, or strict necessity. Our voluntary service he requires, Not our necessitated; such with him530 Finds no acceptance, nor can find; for how Can hearts not free be tried, whether they serve Willing or no? who will but what they must By destiny, and can no other choose? Myself and all the angelic host, that stand In sight of God enthroned, our happy state Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds; On other surety none; freely we serve, Because we freely love, as in our will To love or not; in this we stand or fall.540
And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen, And so from Heaven to deepest Hell. Oh, fall From what high state of bliss into what woe!" To whom our great progenitor:—"Thy words Attentive, and with more delighted ear, Divine instructor, I have heard, than when Cherubic songs by night from neighboring hills Aerial music send; nor knew I not To be both will and deed created free. Yet that we never shall forget to love550 Our Maker, and obey him whose command Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts Assured me, and still assure; though what thou tellest Hath passed in Heaven, some doubt within me move, But more desire to hear, if thou consent, The full relation, which must needs be strange, Worthy of sacred silence to be heard. And we have yet large day, for scarce the sun Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins His other half in the great zone of heaven."560 Thus Adam made request; and Raphaël, After short pause assenting, thus began: "High matter thou enjoinest me, O prime of men, Sad task and hard; for how shall I relate To human sense the invisible exploits
Of warring Spirits? how, without remorse, The ruin of so many glorious once, And perfect while they stood? how last unfold The secrets of another world, perhaps Not lawful to reveal? Yet for thy good570 This is dispensed; and what surmounts the reach Of human sense I shall declineate so, By likening spiritual to corporal forms, As may express them best. Though what if Earth Be but the shadow of Heaven, and things therein Each to other like, more than on Earth is thought! "As yet this World was not, and Chaos wild Reigned where these heavens now roll, where earth now rests Upon her centre poised; when on a day— For time, though in eternity, applied580 To motion, measures all things durable By present, past, and future—on such day As Heaven's great year brings forth, the empyreal host Of Angels, by imperial summons called, Innumerable before the Almighty's throne Forthwith from all the ends of Heaven appeared, Under their hierarchs in orders bright. Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced, Standards and gonfalons, 'twixt van and real,
Stream in the air, and for distinction serve590 Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees; Or in their glittering tissues bear emblazed Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love Recorded eminent. Thus when in orbs Of circuit inexpressible they stood, Orb within orb, the Father infinite, By whom in bliss embosomed sat the Son, Amidst as from a flaming mount, whose top Brightness had made invisible, thus spake: "'Hear, all ye Angels, progeny of light,600 Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers, Hear my decree, which unrevoked shall stand. This day I have begot whom I declare My only Son, and on this holy hill Him have anointed, whom ye now behold At my right-hand; your head I him appoint; And by myself have sworn, to him shall bow All knees in Heaven, and shall confess him Lord. Under his great vicegerent reign abide, United as one individual soul,610 For ever happy. Him who disobeys Me disobeys, breaks union, and that day, Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls Into utter darkness, deep engulfed, his place Ordained without redemption, without end.' "So spake the Omnipotent, and with his words
All seemed well pleased; all seemed, but were not all. That day, as other solemn days, they spent In song and dance about the sacred hill, Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere620 Of planets and of fixed in all her wheels Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular Then most, when most irregular they seem; And in their motions harmony divine So smooths her charming tones, that God's own ear Listens delighted. Evening now approached— For we have also our evening and our morn, We ours for change delectable, not need— Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn630 Desirous. All in circles as they stood, Tables are set, and on a sudden piled With Angels' food, and rubied nectar flows In pearl, in diamond and massy gold, Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of Heaven On flowers reposed, and with fresh flowerets crowned, They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet Quaff immortality and joy, secure Of surfeit, where full measure only bounds Excess, before the all-bounteous King, who showered
With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy.641 "Now when ambrosial night, with clouds exhaled From that high mount of God, whence light and shade Spring both, the face of brightest Heaven had changed To grateful twilight—for night comes not there In darker veil—and roseate dews disposed All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest; Wide over all the plain, and wider far Than all this globous Earth in plain outspread— Such are the courts of God—the angelic throng,650 Dispersed in bands and files, their camp extend By living streams among the trees of life, Pavilions numberless, and sudden reared, Celestial tabernacles, where they slept Fanned with cool winds; save those who, in their course, Melodious hymns about the sovran throne Alternate all night long. But not so waked Satan—so called him now, his former name Is heard no more in Heaven. He of the first, If not the first Archangel, great in power,660 In favor, and pre-eminence, yet fraught With envy against the Son of God, that day Honored by his great Father, and proclaimed Messiah, King anointed, could not bear
Through pride that sight, and thought himself impaired. Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain, Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolved With all his legions to dislodge, and leave Unworshiped, unobeyed, the throne supreme,670 Contemptuous; and his next subordinate Awakening, thus to him in secret spake: "'Sleepest thou, companion dear? what sleep can close Thy eyelids? and rememberest what decree, Of yesterday, so late hath passed the lips Of Heaven's Almighty. Thou to me thy thoughts Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart; Both waking we were one; how then can now Thy sleep dissent? New laws thou seest imposed; New laws from him who reigns new minds may raise In us who serve, new counsels, to debate681 What doubtful may ensue.—More in this place To utter is not safe. Assemble thou Of all those myriads which we lead the chief; Tell them that by command, ere yet dim night Her shadowy cloud withdraws, I am to haste. And all who under me their banners wave, Homeward with flying march, where we possess The quarters of the North; there to prepare Fit entertainment to receive our King.690
The great Messiah, and his new commands, Who speedily through all the hierarchies Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws.' "So spake the false Archangel, and infused Bad influence into the unwary breast Of his associate. He together calls, Or several one by one, the regent Powers, Under him regent; tells, as he was taught, That, the Most High commanding, now ere night, Now ere dim night had disencumbered Heaven,700 The great hierarchal standard was to move; Tells the suggested cause, and casts between Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound Or taint integrity. But all obeyed The wonted signal, and superior voice Of their great Potentate; for great indeed His name, and high was his degree in Heaven. His countenance, as the morning star that guides The starry flock, allured them, and with lies Drew after him the third part of Heaven's host.710 "Meanwhile the eternal eye, whose sight discerns Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount, And from within the golden lamps that burn Nightly before him, saw without their light Rebellion rising,—saw in whom, how spread Among the Sons of Morn, what multitudes Were banded to oppose his high decree; And smiling to his only Son thus said.
"'Son, thou in whom my glory I behold In full resplendence, Heir of all my might,720 Nearly it now concerns us to be sure Of our omnipotence, and with what arms We mean to hold what anciently we claim Of deity or empire: such a foe Is rising, who intends to erect his throne Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North; Nor so content, hath in his thought to try In battle what our power is, or our right. Let us advise, and to this hazard draw With speed what force is left, and all employ730 In our defence, lest unawares we lose This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill.' "To whom the Son, with calm aspect and clear, Lightning divine, ineffable, serene, Made answer:—'Mighty Father, thou thy foes Justly hast in derision, and secure Laughest at their vain designs and tumults vain, Matter to me of glory, whom their hate Illustrates, when they see all regal power Given me to quell their pride, and in event740 Know whether I be dextrous to subdue Thy rebels, or be found the worst in Heaven.' "So spake the Son; but Satan with his powers Far was advanced on winged speed, a host Innumerable as the stars of night, Or stars of morning, dewdrops which the sun
Impearls on every leaf and every flower. Regions they passed, the mighty regencies Of Seraphim and Potentates and Thrones In their triple degrees; regions to which750 All thy dominion, Adam, is no more Than what this garden is to all the earth And all the sea, from one entire globose Stretched into longitude; which having passed At length into the limits of the North They came, and Satan to his royal seat High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount Raised on a mount, with pyramids and towers From diamond quarries hewn and rocks of gold, The palace of great Lucifer—so call760 That structure in the dialect of men Interpreted—which not long after he, Affecting all equality with God, In imitation of that mount whereon Messiah was declared in sight of Heaven, The Mountain of the Congregation called; For thither he assembled all his train, Pretending so commanded to consult About the great reception of their king Thither to come; and with calumnious art770 Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears: "'Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers . . . If these magnific titles yet remain
Not merely titular, since by decree Another now hath to himself engrossed All power, and us eclipsed, under the name Of King, anointed; for whom all this haste Of midnight-march, and hurried meeting here, This only to consult how we may best, With what may be devised of honors new,780 Receive him, coming to receive from us Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile, Too much to one, but double how endured To one and to his image now proclaimed? But what if better counsels might erect Our minds, and teach us to cast off this yoke! Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend The supple knee?—ye will not, if I trust To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves, Natives and sons of Heaven, possessed before790 By none; and if not equal all, yet free, Equally free; for orders and degrees Jar not with liberty, but well consist. Who can in reason then, or right, assume Monarchy over such as live by right His equals, if in power and splendor less, In freedom equal? or can introduce Law and edict on us, who without law Err not? much less for this to be our Lord, And look for adoration, to the abuse800 Of those imperial titles, which assert
Our being ordained to govern, not to serve.' "Thus far his bold discourse without control Had audience, when among the Seraphim Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal adored The Deity, and divine commands obeyed, Stood up, and, in a flame of zeal severe, The current of his fury thus opposed: "'O argument blasphémous, false, and proud! Words which no ear ever to hear in Heaven810 Expected! least of all from thee, ingrate, In place thyself so high above thy peers. Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn The just decree of God? pronounced and sworn, That to his only Son, by right indued With regal sceptre, every soul in Heaven Shall bend the knee, and in that honor due Confess him rightful King. Unjust, thou sayest, Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free, And equal over equals to let reign,820 One over all with unsucceeded power. Shalt thou give law to God? shalt thou dispute With him the points of liberty? who made Thee what thou art, and formed the Powers of Heaven Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being. Yet, by experience taught, we know how good, And of our good and of our dignity How provident he is, how far from thought
To make us less, bent rather to exalt Our happy state, under one head more near830 United. But, to grant it thee unjust That equal over equals monarch reign— Thyself, though great and glorious, dost thou count, Or all angelic nature joined in one, Equal to him, begotten Son? by whom As by his Word the mighty Father made All things, even thee; and all the Spirits of Heaven By him created in their bright degrees, Crowned them with glory and to their glory named Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers. Essential Powers; nor by his reign obscured,841 But more illustrious made; since he the head One of our number thus reduced becomes; His laws our laws; all honor to him done Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage, And tempt not these; but hasten to appease The incensed Father, and the incensed Son, While pardon may be found, in time besought.' "So spake the fervent Angel; but his zeal None seconded, as out of season judged,850 Or singular and rash, whereat rejoiced The Apostate, and more haughty thus replied:
"'That we were formed then sayest thou? and the work Of secondary hands, by task transferred From Father to his Son? strange point, and new! Doctrine which we would know whence learned. Who saw When this creation was? rememberest thou Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being? We know no time when we were not as now; Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised860 By our own quickening power, when fatal course Had circled his full orb, the birth mature Of this our native Heaven, ethereal sons. Our puissance is our own; our own right-hand Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try Who is our equal. Then thou shalt behold Whether by supplication we intend Address, and to begirt the almighty throne Beseeching or besieging. This report, These tidings carry to the anointed King;870 And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.' "He said; and, as the sound of waters deep, Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause Through the infinite host; nor less for that The flaming Seraph, fearless though alone, Encompased round with foes, thus answered bold: "'O alienate from God! O Spirit accursed, Forsaken of all good! I see thy fall
Determined, and thy hapless crew involved In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread880 Both of thy crime and punishment. Henceforth No more be troubled how to quit the yoke Of God's Messiah; those indulgent laws Will not be now vouchsafed; other decrees Against thee are gone forth without recall; That golden sceptre which thou didst reject, Is now an iron rod to bruise and break Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise; Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath890 Impendent, raging into sudden flame, Distinguish not; for soon expect to feel His thunder on thy head, devouring fire. Then who created thee lamenting learn, When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know.' "So spake the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found Among the faithless, faithful only he; Among innumerable false, unmoved, Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal;900 Nor number, nor example with him wrought To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind, Though single. From amidst them forth he passed, Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained
Superior, nor of violence feared aught; And, with retorted scorn, his back he turned On those proud towers, to swift destruction doomed.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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