Book 4: Satan breaks into Paradise, but gets caught

THE ARGUMENT.—Satan, now in prospect of Eden, and nigh the place where he must now attempt the bold enterprise which he undertook alone against God and Man, falls into many doubts with himself, and many passions—fear, envy, and despair; but at length confirms himself in evil; journeys on to Paradise, whose outward prospect and situation is described; overleaps the bounds; sits, in the shape of a Cormorant, on the Tree of Life, as highest in the Garden, to look about him. The Garden described; Satan’s first sight of Adam and Eve; his wonder at their excellent form and happy state, but with resolution to work their fall; overhears their discourse; thence gathers that the Tree of Knowledge was forbidden them to eat of under penalty of death, and thereon intends to found his temptation by seducing them to transgress; then leaves them a while, to know further of their state by some other means. Meanwhile Uriel, descending on a sunbeam, warns Gabriel, who had in charge the gate of Paradise, that some evil Spirit had escaped the Deep, and passed at noon by his Sphere, in the shape of a good Angel, down to Paradise, discovered after by his furious gestures in the Mount. Gabriel promises to find him ere morning. Night coming on, Adam and Eve discourse of going to their rest; their bower described; their evening worship. Gabriel, drawing forth his bands of night—watch to walk the rounds of Paradise, appoints two strong Angels to Adam’s bower, lest the evil Spirit should be there doing some harm to Adam or Eve sleeping: there they find him at the ear of Eve, tempting her in a dream, and bring him, though unwilling, to Gabriel; by whom questioned, he scornfully answers; prepares resistance; but, hindered by a sign from Heaven, flies out of Paradise.

tl;dr Satan makes his way to Eden, finds Adam and Eve—but he gets caught by some Angels. They almost get into a fight until God shows Satan how badly he would lose by using a sign!

 

Text		tl;dr
O FOR that warning voice, which he who saw		I just wish there was some kind of warning for Adam and Eve!
The Apocalypse heard cry in Heaven aloud,
Then when the Dragon, put to second rout,
Came furious down to be revenged on men,
Woe to the inhabitants on Earth! that now,	5	I feel sorry for everyone on Earth.
While time was, our first parents had been warned
The coming of their secret Foe, and scaped,		If only they knew the type of evil
Haply so scaped, his mortal snare! For now		that was coming for them.
Satan, now first inflamed with rage, came down,		Satan, filled with revenge.
The tempter, ere the accuser, of mankind,	10	A rude thing. That blames everything on mankind.
To wreak on innocent frail Man his loss		He blames mankind for his loss.
Of that first battle, and his flight to Hell.		He blames mankind for his fall to Hell.
Yet not rejoicing in his speed, though bold		But, in a way, Satan was feeling less confident
Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast,		in his abilities now than he was when he began this mission.
Begins his dire attempt; which, nigh the birth	15
Now rowling, boils in his tumultuous breast,		Satan was nervous. He could feel it in his breast.
And like a devilish engine back recoils
Upon himself. Horror and doubt distract		Could it be? That even the master of deceit is now
His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir		slave to his troubled thoughts and insecurities?
The hell within him; for within him Hell	20	He couldn't shake the feeling that he was still in Hell.
He brings, and round about him, nor from Hell
One step, no more than from Himself, can fly		You can take Satan out of Hell, but not the Hell
By change of place. Now conscience wakes despair		out of Satan. His mind was filled with
That slumbered; wakes the bitter memory		painful memories
Of what he was, what is, and what must be	25	of what he was, what is his current situation, and what he must do.
Worse; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue!		Everything he used to be and everything that he is now is so overwhelming. Stressful AF.
Sometimes towards Eden, which now in his view		However, Eden was within sight.
Lay pleasant, his grieved look he fixes sad;		He gave it a good look,
Sometimes towards Heaven and the full-blazing Sun,		and realized its beauty. He glanced toward the Sun, on its
Which now sat high in his meridian tower:	30	meridian tower,
Then, much revolving, thus in sighs began:—		and he said to it:
“O thou that, with surpassing glory crowned,		"You there, in all your glory,
Look’st from thy sole dominion like the god		you look down on this new
Of this new World—at whose sight all the stars		world like you're a new God. When you come out, all of the stars
Hide their diminished heads—to thee I call,	35	hide.
But with no friendly voice, and add thy name,		But I don't care much for that, I hate you Sun.
O Sun, to tell thee how I hate thy beams,		I hate your beams, and how much you shine.
That bring to my remembrance from what state		It reminds me of how glorious I used to be.
I fell, how glorious once above thy sphere,		I used to be more glorious than you!
Till pride and worse ambition threw me down,	40	Until pride and my ambition cause me to fall.
Warring in Heaven against Heaven’s matchless King!		My pride and ambition made me go against God.
Ah, wherefore? He deserved no such return		But WHY?! God didn't deserve that treatment.
From me, whom he created what I was
In that bright eminence, and with his good		He was kind to me.
Upbraided none; nor was his service hard.	45	And he didn't ask for anything in return.
What could be less than to afford him praise,		What was so hard about giving him praise
The easiest recompense, and pay him thanks,		and thanks? He obviously deserved that much for everything he's done for us
How due? Yet all his good proved ill in me,		But apparently, all of his goodness made me evil.
And wrought but malice. Lifted up so high,		I had a high position in Heaven,
I ’sdained subjection, and thought one step higher	50	but I wanted to be higher.
Would set me highest, and in a moment quit		The highest.
The debt immense of endless gratitude,		I was sick of always saying thank you,
So burthensome, still paying, still to owe;		I'm a mess.
Forgetful what from him I still received;		I've forgotten everything he's done for me.
And understood not that a grateful mind	55
By owing owes not, but still pays, at once
Indebted and discharged—what burden then?
Oh, had his powerful destiny ordained		Maybe it would have been better if it was my destiny
Me some inferior Angel, I had stood		to be made into a lesser Angel.
Then happy; no unbounded hope had raised	60	Then I wouldn't be so
Ambition. Yet why not? Some other Power		ambitious. But then again, that doesn't stop some other Angel or power
As great might have aspired, and me, though mean,		to do exactly what I've done.
Drawn to his part. But other Powers as great		Hmmm, there were also other Angels that were as great
Fell not, but stand unshaken, from within		as me. But they never rebelled?
Or from without to all temptations armed!	65
Hadst thou the same free will and power to stand?		We all had the same free will.
Thou hadst. Whom has thou then, or what, to accuse,		So what do I have to blame for my fall?
But Heaven’s free love dealt equally to all?		Heaven's love is given equally to everyone!
Be then his love accursed, since, love or hate,		It doesn't matter if he loves me or hates me.
To me alike it deals eternal woe.	70	In the end, it even doesn't matter. Word to Linkin Park, this is where I end up.
Nay, cursed be thou; since against his thy will
Chose freely what it now so justly rues.		I'm damned. And it's justice.
Me miserable! which way shall I fly		I kinda regret this.
Infinite wrauth and infinite despair?		I feel like whatever I do now, it's infinite Hell and despair.
Which way I fly is Hell; myself am Hell;	75
And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep		Yet still, I'm sure an ever worse Hell awaits me.
Still threatening to devour me opens wide,		Still waiting for me.
To which the Hell I suffer seems a Heaven.		A worse Hell, so bad that, what I have now seems like Heaven.
O, then, at last relent! Is there no place		What can I do?
Left for repentence, none for pardon left?	80	There's nowhere for me to go. I can always beg for forgiveness.
None left but by submission; and that word		But the very thought of that makes
Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame		me sick!
Among the Spirits beneath, whom I seduced		Everyone that I've convinced to follow me
With other promises and other vaunts		and everything that I've promised
Than to submit, boasting I could subdue	85	and all my boasts in saying
The Omnipotent. Aye me! they little know		that I could overthrow God...
How dearly I abide that boast so vain,		I'd feel so ashamed.
Under what torments inwardly I groan.
While they adore me on the throne of Hell,
With diadem and sceptre high advanced,	90
The lower still I fall, only supreme
In misery: such joy ambition finds!
But say I could repent, and could obtain,		Even if I could be forgiven
By act of grace, my former state; how soon		how long could I keep
Would highth recal high thoughts, how soon unsay	95	that up?
What feigned submission swore! Ease would recant
Vows made in pain, as violent and void
(For never can true reconcilement grow		Things have gone too far.
Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep)		There's so much hate to be undone.
Which would but lead me to a worse relapse	100	I would totally relapse into something worse.
And heavier fall: so should I purchase dear		And fall even harder, so anything
Short intermission, bought with double smart.		that would happen if I was forgiven, would be short-lived.
This knows my Punisher; therefore as far		God knows this.
From granting he, as I from begging, peace.		Even if I begged for forgiveness, he probably wouldn't
All hope excluded thus, behold, instead	105	He's given up hope,
Of us, outcast, exiled, his new delight,		So that's why
Mankind, created, and for him this World!		he created Mankind. This new world.
So farewell hope, and, with hope, farewell fear,
Farewell remorse! All good to me is lost;		Everything good is lost to me.
Evil, be thou my Good: by thee at least	110	Evil  will become my good.
Divided empire with Heaven’s King I hold,		There is now a divide. Let God rule good.
By thee, and more than half perhaps will reign;		And I will rule Evil. Maybe my half will be bigger.
As Man ere long, and this new World, shall know.”		Mankind will know soon enough."
Thus while he spake, each passion dimmed his face,		Satan spoke passionately, so much that it showed on his face.
Thrice changed with pale—ire, envy, and despair;	115
Which marred his borrowed visage, and betrayed		It was beginning to compromise his disguise of a Cherub.
Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld:		And if anyone were to see him now, they'd now
For Heavenly minds from such distempers foul		That this isn't ordinary Cherub behavior.
Are ever clear. Whereof he soon aware		Satan realized this and changed his expression.
Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm,	120
Artificer of fraud; and was the first		He was the first one
That practised falsehood under saintly shew,		to ever pretend to be pure, while hiding
Deep malice to conceal, couched with revenge:		his evil intent.
Yet not enough had practised to deceive		But he didn't have enough practice in being sneaky.
Uriel, once warned; whose eye pursued him down	125	The Archangel Uriel, had been watching him the whole time.
The way he went, and on the Assyrian mount
Saw him disfigured, more than could befall
Spirit of happy sort: his gestures fierce
He marked and mad demeanour, then alone,
As he supposed, all unobserved, unseen.	130
So on he fares, and to the border comes		Satan continued on his mission and approached the border of Paradise.
Of Eden, where delicious Paradise,
Now nearer, crowns with her enclosure green,		Paradise was there,
As with a rural mound, the champain head		on top of a steep hill.
Of a steep wilderness whose hairy sides	135	On all of its sides was
With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild.		thick, wild plants.
Access denied; and overhead up-grew		It was overgrowth that prevented anyone from going through it.
Insuperable highth of loftiest shade,		There was a lot of shade
Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm,		from tall trees.
A sylvan scene, and, as the ranks ascend	140
Shade above shade, a woody theatre
Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops		Above the trees was
The verdurous wall of Paradise up-sprung;		a vine covered wall that enclosed Eden
Which to our general Sire gave prospect large
Into his nether empire neighbouring round.	145
And higher than that wall a circling row		Higher than that, was a circle of
Of goodliest trees, loaden with fairest fruit,		trees bearing fruit
Blossoms and fruits at once of golden hue,		and colorful blossoms.
Appeared, with gay enamelled colours mixed;
On which the sun more glad impressed his beams	150	The sight of it was beautiful, more
Than in fair evening cloud, or humid bow,		beautiful than even a rainbow.
When God hath showered the earth; so lovely seemed
That lantskip. And of pure now purer air		The air was so pure, and so clean
Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires		That it could inspire and cheer
Vernal delight and joy, able to drive	155	anyone up.
All sadness but despair. Now gentle gales,		Maybe even Satan, but he was too far gone.
Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense
Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole		The smells and perfumes were like
Those balmy spoils. As when to them who sail		when ships were sailing
Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past	160	around the Cape of Hope,
Mozambic, off at sea north-east winds blow		they would slow down to enjoy the smells.
Sabean odours from the spicy shore
Of Araby the Blest, with such delay
Well pleased they slack their course, and many a league
Cheered with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles;	165
So entertained those odorous sweets the Fiend		These smells from Eden were
Who came their bane, though with them better pleased		inviting the very person that was there to destroy it.
Than Asmodeus with the fishy fume
That drove him, though enamoured, from the spouse
Of Tobit’s son, and with a vengeance sent	170
From Media post to Ægypt, there fast bound.
Now to the ascent of that steep savage hill		Satan arrived at a hill,
Satan had journeyed on, pensive and slow;		he was pensive and slow
But further way found none; so thick entwined,		but still no way through the thick wall of growth.
As one continued brake, the undergrowth	175
Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplexed		The tangled bushes
All path of man or beast that passed that way.		would stop both man or beast from breaching it.
One gate there only was, and that looked east		There was a gate, just one,
On the other side. Which when the Arch-Felon saw,		on the other side.
Due entrance he disdained, and, in contempt,	180	Satan didn't care.
At one slight bound high overleaped all bound		In a single bound, he jumped over the wall.
Of hill or highest wall, and sheer within
Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf,		Like a wolf jumping into
Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey,		a sheep's pen.
Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve,	185
In hurdled cotes amid the field secure,
Leaps o’er the fence with ease into the fold;
Or as a thief, bent to unhoard the cash		Like a thief, looking for loot.
Of some rich burgher, whose substantial doors,
Cross-barred and bolted fast, fear no assault,	190
In at the window climbs, or o’er the tiles;
So climb this first grand Thief into God’s fold:		Satan snuck into God's garden.
So since into his Church lewd hirelings climb.
Thence up he flew, and on the Tree of Life,		And in there he flew around, and up to the Tree of Life
The middle tree and highest there that grew,	195	which was growing in the middle.
Sat like a Cormorant; yet not true life		Satan sat there like a vulture.
Thereby regained, but sat devising death		In midst of a tree that had
To them who lived; nor on the virtue thought		the power
Of that life-giving plant, but only used		to give eternal life.
For prospect what, well used, had been the pledge	200
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 their meanest use.
Beneath him, with new wonder, now he views,	205	Satan was impressed with the view.
To all delight of human sense exposed,
In narrow room Nature’s whole wealth; yea, more—
A Heaven on Earth: for blissful Paradise		It was like Heaven on Earth!
Of God the garden was, by him in the east
Of Eden planted. Eden stretched her line	210
From Auran eastward to the royal towers
Of great Seleucia, built by Grecian kings,
Or where the sons of Eden long before
Dwelt in Telassar. In this pleasant soil
His far more pleasant garden God ordained.	215
Out of the fertile ground he caused to grow		Here was a fertile ground
All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste;		where all the trees were the best looking, smelling, and bore the most delicious fruit.
And all amid them stood the Tree of Life,		And in the middle of it all was the Tree of Life.
High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit
Of vegetable gold; and next to life,	220	It's fruit was gold-colored. And next to it
Our death, the Tree of Knowledge, grew fast by—		was the Tree of Knowledge, which would bring death into the world.
Knowledge of good, bought dear by knowing ill.
Southward through Eden went a river large,		There was a river that flowed through Eden.
Nor changed his course, but through the shaggy hill
Passed underneath ingulfed; for God had thrown	225	It went underground and came out the other side.
That mountain, as his garden-mould, high raised
Upon the rapid current, which, through veins
Of porous earth with kindly thirst updrawn,
Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill
Watered the garden; thence united fell	230	It would provide nourishment for the garden
Down the steep glade, and met the nether flood,
Which from his darksome passage now appears,
And now, divided into four main streams,		and then divide into four streams
Runs diverse, wandering many a famous realm
And country whereof here needs no account;	235	and continue on to other countries.
But rather to tell how, if Art could tell		This was a magical water,
How, from that sapphire fount the crisped brooks,
Rowling on orient pearl and sands of gold,
With mazy error under pendant shades
Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed	240
Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice Art		that would produce the most beautiful plants.
In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon
Poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain,
Both where the morning sun first warmly smote
The open field, and where the unpierced shade	245	And they would grow wild everywhere, even in the shade.
Imbrowned the noontide bowers. Thus was this place,
A happy rural seat of various view:
Groves whose rich trees wept odorous gums and balm,
Others whose fruit, burnished with golden rind,
Hung amiable—Hesperian fables true,	250
If true, here only—and of delicious taste.
Betwixt them lawns, or level downs, and flocks
Grazing the tender herb, were interposed,
Or palmy hillock; or the flowery lap
Of some irriguous valley spread her store,	255
Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose.
Another side, umbrageous grots and caves
Of cool recess, o’er which the mantling vine
Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps
Luxuriant; meanwhile murmuring waters fall	260
Down the slope hills dispersed, or in a lake,
That to the fringèd bank with myrtle crowned
Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams.
The birds their quire apply; airs, vernal airs,
Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune	265
The trembling leaves, while universal Pan,
Knit with the Graces and the Hours in dance,
Led on the eternal Spring. Not that fair field		It was as if it was an eternal Spring here.
Of Enna, where Proserpin gathering flowers,
Herself a fairer flower, by gloomy Dis	270
Was gathered—which cost Ceres all that pain
To seek her through the world—nor that sweet grove
Of Daphne, by Orontes and the inspired
Castalian spring, might with this Paradise
Of Eden strive; nor that Nyseian isle,	275
Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham,
Whom Gentiles Ammon call and Libyan Jove,
Hid Amalthea, and her florid son,
Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Rhea’s eye;
Nor, where Abassin kings their issue guard,	280
Mount Amara (though this by some supposed
True Paradise) under the Ethiop line
By Nilus’ head, enclosed with shining rock,
A whole day’s journey high, but wide remote
From this Assyrian garden, where the Fiend	285
Saw undelighted all delight, all kind		Satan saw all of this natural beauty,
Of living creatures, new to sight and strange.		that he's never seen before.
Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall,		Then he saw them. They resembled God.
God—like erect, with native honour clad		They stood upright.
In naked majesty, seemed lords of all,	290	Naked, unashamed.
And worthy seemed; for in their looks divine		They were worthy.
The image of their glorious Maker shon,		They looked just like God.
Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure—
Severe, but in true filial freedom placed,
Whence true authority in men: though both	295
Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed;		But they had their differences.
For contemplation he and valour formed,		The male seemed intelligent and brave.
For softness she and sweet attractive grace;		And the female seemed soft, and graceful.
He for God only, she for God in him.
His fair large front and eye sublime declared	300
Absolute rule; and Hyacinthin locks
Round from his parted forelock manly hung
Clustering, but not beneath his shoulders broad:
She, as a veil down to the slender waist,
Her unadornèd golden tresses wore	305
Dishevelled, but in wanton ringlets waved
As the vine curls her tendrils—which implied
Subjection, but required with gentle sway,
And by her yielded, by him best received—
Yielded, with coy submission, modest pride,	310
And sweet, reluctant, amorous delay.
Nor those mysterious parts were then concealed:		Their genitals weren't covered.
Then was not guilty shame. Dishonest shame		Mainly because there was nothing to be ashamed about at the time.
Of Nature’s works, honour dishonourable,
Sin-bred, how have ye troubled all mankind	315
With shews instead, mere shews of seeming pure
And banished from man’s life his happiest life,
Simplicity and spotless innocence!		Mankind was so innocent and simple.
So passed they naked on, nor shunned the sight		They just walked around naked, even
Of God or Angel; for they thought no ill:	320	in front of God and the Angels. There wasn't anything wrong about it.
So hand in hand they passed, the loveliest pair		They walked holding hands, and the were the loveliest couple there was. Relationship goals AF FRFR
That ever since in love’s embraces met—
Adam the goodliest man of men since born		Adam was the best man
His sons; the fairest of her daughters Eve.		and Eve was the most beautiful.
Under a tuft of shade that on a green	325	That sat in the shade.
Stood whispering soft, by a fresh fountain—side.
They sat them down; and, after no more toil
Of their sweet gardening labour than sufficed
To recommend cool Zephyr, and make ease
More easy, wholesome thirst and appetite	330
More grateful, to their supper-fruits they fell—		And ate fruits that fell
Nectarine fruits, which the complaint boughs		drinking their nectar.
Yielded them, sidelong as they sat recline
On the soft downy bank damasked with flowers.
The savoury pulp they chew, and in the rind,	335
Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream		They used the rind and skins of the fruits
Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles		to drink from the stream.
Wanted, nor youthful dalliance, as beseems
Fair couple linked in happy nuptial league,
Alone as they. About them frisking played	340
All beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all chase		And there were animals hanging out with them too.
In wood or wilderness, forest or den.
Sporting the lion ramped, and in his paw
Dandled the kid; bears, tigers, ounces, pards,
Gambolled before them; the unwieldy elephant,	345
To make them mirth, used all his might, and wreathed
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	350
Couched, and, now filled with pasture, gazing sat,
Or bedward ruminating; for the sun,
Declined, was hastening now with prone career
To the Ocean Isles, and in the ascending scale
Of Heaven the stars that usher evening rose:	355
When Satan, still in gaze as first he stood,		Satan was watching all of this, staring
Scarce thus at length failed speech recovered sad:—		he was almost speechless, then he said:
“O Hell! what do mine eyes with grief behold?		"TF is this?!
Into our room of bliss thus high advanced
Creatures of other mould—Earth-born perhaps,	360	Why are all these creatures acting like this?
Not Spirits, yet to Heavenly Spirits bright		They're not spirits.
Little inferior—whom my thoughts pursue
With wonder, and could love; so lively shines
In them divine resemblance, and such grace
The hand that formed them on their shape hath poured.	365
Ah! gentle pair, ye little think how nigh		They're so naive, they have no idea
Your change approaches, when all these delights		that things are about to change. All of their delights
Will vanish, and deliver ye to woe—		will disappear
More woe, the more your taste is now of joy:		and be replaced with misery. The happier you are now, the more miserable you will become.
Happy, but for so happy ill secured	370	You may seem happy here in your secure little garden,
Long to continue, and this high seat, your Heaven,
Ill fenced for Heaven to keep out such a foe		But I'm here now.
As now is entered; yet no purposed foe
To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn,
Though I unpitied. League with you I seek,	375
And mutual amity, so strait, 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 Marker’s work; he gave it me,	380
Which I as freely give. Hell shall unfold,		Hell's gates will open and
To entertain you two, her widest gates,
And send forth all her kings; there will be room,		there's plenty of room there for you
Not like these narrow limits, to receive
Your numerous offspring; if no better place,	385	and your children.
Thank him who puts me, loath, to this revenge		If you don't like it, blame God.
On you, who wrong me not, for him who wronged.		I've got nothing against you personally,
And, should I at your harmless innocence		but I gotta do what I have to do."
Melt, as I do, yet public reason just—
Honour and empire with revenge enlarged	390
By conquering this new World—compels me now
To do what else, though damned, I should abhor.”
So spake the Fiend, and with necessity,		Satan was trying to rationalize his intentions.
The tyrant’s plea, excused his devilish deeds.
Then from his lofty stand on that high tree	395	He jumped down from his perch
Down he alights among the sportful herd
Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one,		and blended in with animals.
Now other, as their shape served best his end		Constantly shape-shifting into different kinds
Nearer to view his prey, and, unespied,		as he got closer and closer to Adam and Eve.
To mark what of their state he more might learn	400
By word or action marked. About them round
A lion now he stalks with fiery glare;		As a lion, stalking prey,
Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied		Then a stealthy tiger.
In some pourlieu two gentle fawns at play,
Straight crouches close; then rising, changes oft	405
His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground,
Whence rushing he might surest seize them both
Griped in each paw: when Adam, first of men.
To first of women, Eve, thus moving speech,		Adam began to speak to Eve, which stopped Satan in his tracks.
Turned him all ear to hear new utterance flow:—	410
“Sole partner and sole part of all these joys,		"My partner,
Dearer thyself than all, needs must the Power
That made us, and for us this ample World,		isn't God wonderful?
Be infinitely good, and of his good
As liberal and free as infinite;	415
That raised us from the dust, and placed us here		From the dust, he has created us
In all this happiness, who at this hand		and given us all this happiness,
Have nothing merited, nor can perform		even though we haven't done anything
Aught whereof he hath need; he who requires		to deserve it. All that he asks is
From us no other service than to keep	420
This one, this easy charge—of all the trees
In Paradise that bear delicious fruit		not to eat from the
So various, not to taste that only Tree
Of Knowledge, planted by the Tree of Life;		Tree of Knowledge.
So near grows Death to Life, whate’er Death is—	425	He says that it would bring us closer to death.
Some dreadful thing no doubt; for well thou know’st		Whatever death is, it can't be good.
God hath pronounced it Death to taste that Tree:
The only sign of our obedience left		That's all that he asks of us.
Among so many signs of power and rule		We've got power over all the
Conferred upon us, and dominion given	430
Over all other creatures that possess		creatures in the
Earth, Air, and Sea. Then let us not think hard		land, air, and sea.
One easy prohibition, who enjoy
Free leave so large to all things else, and choice		We have so much freedom to
Unlimited of manifold delights;	435	enjoy all these delightful things.
But let us ever praise him, and extol
His bounty, following our delightful task,		There's no complaining about a single rule to follow.
To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers;
Which, were it toilsome, yet with thee were sweet.”		Even if it was hard work to do what we do, I'm glad I can share it all with you."
To whom thus Eve replied:—“O thou for whom	440	Eve replied to Adam:
And from whom I was formed flesh of thy flesh,		"I was made from you.
And without whom am to no end, my guide		You are the reason that I am here. You are my leader.
And head! what thou hast said is just and right.		And yes, I agree! We owe it all to God.
For we to him, indeed, all praises owe,
And daily thanks—I chiefly, who enjoy	445
So far the happier lot, enjoying thee
Pre-eminent by so much odds, while thou
Like consort to thyself canst nowhere find.
That day I oft remember, when from sleep		I often think about the time when I first woke up
I first awaked, and found myself reposed,	450
Under a shade, on flowers, much wondering where		in the shade on a bed of flowers, wondering where
And what I was, whence thither brought, and how.		and what I was, or how I even got there.
Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound
Of waters issued from a cave, and spread		I heard the sound of water coming from a cave,
Into a liquid plain; then stood unmoved,	455	and into a peaceful lake.
Pure as the expanse of Heaven. I thither went
With unexperienced thought, and laid me down		It was all very new to me,
On the green bank, to look into the clear
Smooth lake, that to me seemed another sky.		The lake looked just like the sky.
As I bent down to look, just opposite	460	I looked into the lake
A Shape within the watery gleam appeared,		and I saw
Bending to look on me. I started back,		myself! My reflection.
It started back; but pleased I soon returned
Pleased it returned as soon with answering looks
Of sympathy and love. There I had fixed	465	I was fixated on it.
Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain desire,		I would have looked at myself all day
Had not a voice thus warned me: ‘What thou seest,		until I heard a voice, it said 'What you are looking at,
What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself;		is a beautiful woman. Yourself.
With thee it came and goes: but follow me,		Come with me, and I'll bring you
And I will bring thee where no shadow stays	470
Thy coming, and thy soft imbraces—he		to someone you must meet.'
Whose image thou art; him thou shalt enjoy
Inseparably thine; to him shalt bear
Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called
Mother of human race.’ What could I do,	475
But follow straight, invisibly thus led?		I didn't see where this voice was coming from,
Till I espied thee, fair, indeed, and tall,		but I followed it until I saw you, Adam.
Under a platan; yet methought less fair,		You were standing under a tree.
Less winning soft, less amiably mild,		But you didn't look at all like the reflection in the lake.
That that smooth watery image. Back I turned;	480	I turned to go back to the softer image,
Thou, following, cried’st aloud, ‘Return, fair Eve;		but you called out to me 'Return, to me Eve!
Whom fliest thou? Whom thou fliest, of him thou art,
His flesh, his bone, to give thee being I lent		I'm the one you came from.
Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart,		God took you out of my side, you're part of my  heart,
Substantial life, to have thee by my side	485
Henceforth an individual solace dear:
Part of my soul I seek thee, and thee claim		you are my other half.'
My other half.’ With that thy gentle hand		Then you took my hand.
Seized mine: I yielded, and from that time see		From that point on, I
How beauty is excelled by manly grace	490	realized how grace from a man is more
And wisdom, which alone is truly fair.”		attractive and better than a pretty reflection."
So spake our general mother, and, with eyes
Of conjugal attraction unreproved,
And meek surrender, half-embracing leaned		They embraced.
On our first father; half her swelling breast	495
Naked met his, under the flowing gold
Of her loose tresses hid. He, in delight
Both of her beauty and submissive charms,
Smiled with superior love, as Jupiter		Adam smiled at her beauty, and
On Juno smiles when he impregns the clouds	500
That shed May flowers, and pressed her matron lip
With kisses pure. Aside the Devil turned		they kissed. Satan was disgusted.
For envy; yet with jealous leer malign		He was brimming with jealousy and hate.
Eyed them askance, and to himself thus plained:—		Satan said:
“Sight hateful, sight tormenting! Thus these two,	505	"I can't stand this! These two
Imparadised in one another’s arms,		are enjoying paradise and each other
The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill
Of bliss on bliss; while I to Hell am thrust,		and I'm still stuck in Hell!
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,		Where there's no joy or love!
Among our other torments not the least,	510
Still unfulfilled, with pain of longing pines!
Yet let me not forget what I have gained		But I've definitely learned something,
From their own mouths. All is not theirs, it seems;		from their own mouths. Apparently
One fatal tree there stands, of Knowledge called,		they are forbidden to eat from
Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden?	515	the Tree of Knowledge. Knowledge
Suspicious, reasonless! Why should their Lord		is forbidden! It doesn't make any sense.
Envy them that? Can it be sin to know?		Is there happiness based in ignorance?
Can it be death? And do they only stand
By ignorance? Is that their happy state,
The proof of their obedience and their faith?	520	Is that how God keeps them in check?
O fair foundation laid whereon to build
Their ruin! Hence I will excite their minds		This seems too easy. All I have to do is stir
With more desire to know, and to reject		their curiosity and convince them
Envious commands, invented with design		that God is
To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt	525	trying to keep them from becoming
Equal with gods. Aspiring to be such,		great like God.
They taste and die: what likelier can ensue?		They'll eat the forbidden fruit and die.
But first with narrow search I must walk round		For now, I need to survey the area
This garden, and no corner leave unspied;		and make sure there's Angels hanging
A chance but chance may lead where I may meet	530	around.
Some wandering Spirit of Heaven, by fountain-side,
Or in thick shade retired, from him to draw
What further would be learned. Live while ye may,		I can learn more.
Yet happy pair; enjoy, till I return,		Enjoy your time for now Adam and Eve,
Short pleasures; for long woes are to succeed!”	535	I've got something planned for you!"
So saying, his proud step he scornful turned,
But with sly circumspection, and began
Through wood, through waste, o’er hill, o’er dale, his roam.
Meanwhile in utmost longitude, where Heaven
With Earth and Ocean meets, the setting Sun	540	The Sun began to set,
Slowly descended, and with right aspect
Against the eastern gate of Paradise		shining on the east gate of Paradise.
Levelled his evening rays. It was a rock
Of alabaster, piled up to the clouds,		The gate was big, with white columns up to the clouds.
Conspicuous far, winding with one ascent	545
Accessible from Earth, one entrance high;
The rest was craggy cliff, that overhung
Still as it rose, impossible to climb.
Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat,		Between these columns was where Gabriel sat.
Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night;	550
About him exercised heroic games		Around him were younger Angels, performing in athletic games.
The unarmed youth of Heaven; but nigh at hand
Celestial armoury, shields, helms, and spears,		Their armor, shields, helms, and spears,
Hung high, with diamond flaming and with gold.		were all hung up nearby. All made out of gold and diamonds.
Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even	555	Uriel approached Gabriel.
On a sunbeam, swift as a shooting star
In autumn thwarts the night, when vapours fired
Impress the air, and shews the mariner
From what point of his compass to beware
Impetuous winds, He thus began in haste:—	560	Uriel said:
“Gabriel, to thee thy course by lot hath given		"Garbiel, I know your job
Charge and strict watch that to this happy place		is to keep guard and keep watch over this happy place,
No evil thing approach or enter in.		and make sure nothing evil makes its way in...
This day at highth of noon came to my sphere		But I have to say, that earlier this afternoon
A Spirit, zealous, as he seemed, to know	565	there was this strange Angel
More of the Almighty’s works, and chiefly Man,		that was awfully curious to see more of God's
God’s latest image. I described his way		works... mainly Eden and Man. I showed him where
Bent all on speed, and marked his aerie gait,		to go.
But in the mount that lies from Eden north,
Where he first lighted, soon discerned his looks	570	He made his way there, but his behavior was suspicious.
Alien from Heaven, with passions foul obscured.
Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade		I watched him and lost sight of him in the shadows.
Lost sight of him. One of the banished crew,		He might be one of the bad Angels from the way,
I fear, hath ventured from the Deep, to raise		he seems like trouble that one.
New troubles; him thy care must be to find.”	575	You better find out more about him somehow."
To whom the wingèd Warrior thus returned:—		Gabriel replied:
“Uriel, no wonder if thy perfect sight,		"I don't doubt you,
Amid the Sun’s bright circle where thou sitt’st,		you see everything from where you are.
See far and wide. In at this gate none pass		But I can assure you, that nobody gets through these gates
The vigilance here placed, but such as come	580	that we absolutely don't know.
Well known from Heaven; since meridian hour		And as far as I know, nobody came since noon.
No creature thence. If Spirit of other sort,		But then again, we can't keep spirits out of
So minded, have o’erleaped these earthly bounds		this garden. Physical walls can't keep everything out.
On purpose, hard thou know’st it to exclude
Spiritual substance with corporeal bar.	585
But, if within the circuit of these walks,
In whatsoever shape, he lurk of whom
Thou tell’st, by morrow dawning I shall know.”		If there's someone, or something here that shouldn't belong,
So promised he; and Uriel to his charge		I'm sure we'll find out before morning."
Returned on that bright beam, whose point now raised	590
Bore him slope downward to the Sun, now fallen
Beneath the Azores; whether the Prime Orb,
Incredible how swift, had thither rowled
Diurnal, or this less volúbil Earth
By shorter flight to the east, had left him there	595
Arraying with reflected purple and gold
The clouds that on his western throne attend.
Now came still Evening on, and Twilight gray		Evening came,
Had in her sober livery all things clad;
Silence accompanied; for beast and bird,	600	and every beast and bird went
They to their grassy couch, these to their nests		to bed.
Were slunk, all but the wakeful nightingale.
She all night longer her amorous descant sung:
Silence was pleased. Now glowed the firmament
With living Saphirs; Hesperus, that led	605
The starry host, rode brightest, till the Moon,		The stars came out and so did the Moon.
Rising in clouded majesty, at length
Apparent queen, unveiled her peerless light,
And o’er the dark her silver mantle threw;
When Adam thus to Eve:—“Fair consort, the hour	610	Adam said to Eve: "It's getting
Of night, and all things now retired to rest		late, let's go to bed.
Mind us of like repose; since God hath set		God would like for us to rest
Labour and rest, as day and night, to men		our day's work.
Successive, and the timely dew of sleep,
Now falling with soft slumberous weight, inclines	615
Our eye-lids. Other creatures all day long
Rove idle, unimployed, and less need rest;		We're not like the other creatures who don't
Man hath his daily work of body or mind		really do anything.
Appointed, which declares his dignity,
And the regard of Heaven on all his ways;	620
While other animals unactive range,
And of their doings God takes no account.
To—morrow, ere fresh morning streak the east		Tomorrow we'll
With first approach of light, we must be risen,		wake up early
And at our pleasant labour, to reform	625	and continue our work.
Yon flowery arbours, yonder alleys green,
Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown,		We have to clear
That mock our scant manuring, and require		our walkways and cut the
More hands than ours to lop their wanton growth.		overgrown branches
Those blossoms also, and those dropping gums,	630
That lie bestrown, unsightly and unsmooth,
Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease.		so we'll need our rest."
Meanwhile, as Nature wills, Night bids us rest.”
To whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty adorned:—		Eve replied:
“My author and disposer, what thou bidd’st	635	"You're right,
Unargued I obey. So God ordains:		I must obey you, and I must obey God.
God is thy law, thou mine: to know no more		Whenever I talk with you
Is woman’s happiest knowledge, and her praise.
With thee conversing, I forget all time,		I forget what time it is.
All seasons, and their change; all please alike.	640
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 flower,
Glistering with dew; fragrant the fertil Earth	645
After soft showers; and sweet the coming on
Of grateful Evening mild; then silent Night,
With this her solemn bird, and this fair Moon,
And these the gems of Heaven, her starry train:
But neither breath of Morn, when she ascends	650
With charm of earliest birds; nor rising Sun
On this delightful land; nor herb, fruit, flower,
Glistering with dew; nor fragrance after showers;
Nor grateful Evening mild; nor silent Night,
With her solemn bird; nor walk by moon,	655	What would a moonlight walk be like without you?
Or glittering star-light, without thee is sweet.		I have a question—why do the stars shine
But wherefore all night long shine these? for whom		all night if nobody's awake to see them?"
This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes?”
To whom our general ancestor replied:—		Adam replied:
“Daughter of God and Man, accomplished Eve,	660
Those have their course to finish round the Earth		"The stars will go once around the Earth
By morrow evening, and from land to land		and be back by tomorrow.
In order, though to nations yet unborn,		They keep life going around the world with
Ministering light prepared, they set and rise;		their light.
Lest total Darkness should by night regain	665
Her old possession, and extinguish life
In nature and all things; which these soft fires
Not only enlighten, but with kindly heat		Their soft eat keeps everything else warm
Of various influence foment and warm,
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down	670
Their stellar virtue on all kinds that grow		To help nurture everything that will grow
On Earth, made hereby apter to receive
Perfection from the Sun’s more potent ray.		Before the Sun's potent rays reach them again."
These then, though unbeheld in deep of night,
Shine not in vain. Nor think, though men were none,	675
That Heaven 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 ceaseless praise his works behold
Both day and night. How often, from the steep	680
Of echoing hill or thicket, have we heard
Celestial voices to the midnight air,
Sole, or responsive each to other’s note,
Singing their great Creator! Oft in bands
While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk,	685
With heavenly touch of instrumental sounds
In full harmonic number joined, their songs
Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to Heaven.”
Thus talking, hand in hand along they passed		They continued on their way home.
On to their blissful bower. It was a place	690
Chosen by the sovran Planter, when he framed
All things to Man’s delightful use. The roof		A humble home that God made for them,
Of thickest covert was inwoven shade,		the walls were made of
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew
Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side	695	pleasant smelling plants and flowers.
Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub,
Fenced up the verdant wall; each beauteous flower,
Iris all hues, roses, and gessamin,
Reared high their flourished heads between, and wrought
Mosaic; under foot the violet,	700	On the ground, were
Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay		beautiful flowers.
Broidered the ground, more coloured than with stone
Of costliest emblem. Other creature here,
Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none;		No other creatures were able to enter their home.
Such was their awe of Man. In shadier bower	705
More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned,
Pan or Sylvanus never slept, nor Nymph
For Faunus haunted. Here, in close recess,
With flowers, garlands, and sweet—smelling hearbs
Espousèd Eve decked first her nuptial bed,	710	This is where Eve decorated their wedding bed, with flowers and sweet smelling herbs.
And heavenly choirs the hymenæan sung,
What day the genial Angel to our Sire
Brought her, in naked beauty more adorned,
More lovely, than Pandora, whom the gods
Endowed with all their gifts; and, O! too like	715
In sad event, when, to the unwiser son
Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnared
Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged
On him who had stole Jove’s authentic fire.
Thus at their shady lodge arrived, both stood,	720	Adam and Eve looked at the
Both turned, and under open sky adored		open sky and prayed:
The God that made both Sky, Air, Earth, and Heaven,
Which they beheld, the Moon’s resplendent globe,
And starry Pole:—“Thou also madest the Night,		"Lord, you made the Night and Day,
Maker Omnipotent; and thou the Day,	725
Which we, in our appointed work imployed,		we have finished our work
Have finished, happy in our mutual help		and we are happy with our companionship
And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss
Ordained by thee; and this delicious place,		all thanks to you."
For us too large, where thy abundance wants	730
Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground.
But thou hast promised from us two a race
To fill the Earth, who shall with us extol
Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake,
And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep.”	735
This said unanimous, and other rites
Observing none, but adoration pure,
Which God likes best, into their inmost bower
Handed they went, and, eased the putting-off
These troublesome disguises which we wear,	740
Straight side by side were laid; nor turned, I ween,		They went to bed, and obviously smashed.
Adam from his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites
Mysterious of connubial love refused:
Whatever hypocrites austerely talk
Of purity, and place, and innocence,	745
Defaming as impure what God declares		God married them
Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all.
Our Maker bids increase; who bids abstain
But our destroyer, foe to God and Man?
Hail, wedded Love, mysterious law, true source	750
Of human offspring, sole propriety		and wants them to have children.
In Paradise of all things common else!		Where else would children come from.
By thee adulterous lust was driven from men
Among the bestial herds to raunge; by thee,
Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure,	755	Marriage is about loyalty and and faithfulness.
Relations dear, and all the charities
Of father, son, and brother, first were known.
Far be it that I should write thee sin or blame,
Or think thee unbefitting holiest place,
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets,	760
Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced,
Present, or past, as saints and patriarchs used.
Here Love his golden shafts imploys, here lights
His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings,
Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile	765
Of harlots—loveless, joyless, unindeared,
Casual fruition; nor in court amours,
Mixed dance, or wanton mask, or midnight bal,
Or serenate, which the starved lover sings
To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain.	770
These, lulled by nightingales, imbracing slept,		They fell asleep while nightingales sang
And on their naked limbs the flowery roof		and rose petals fell upon them.
Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on,
Blest pair! and, O! yet happiest, if ye seek
No happier state, and know to know no more!	775
Now had Night measured with her shadowy cone
Half-way up-hill this vast sublunar vault,
And from their ivory port the Cherubim
Forth issuing, at the accustomed hour, stood armed		Meanwhile, armed Angels stood ready
To their night-watches in warlike parade;	780	to change shifts.
When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake:—		Gabriel said to his next in ranking:
“Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the south		"Uzziel, take half of our men and patrol the south
With strictest watch; these other wheel the north:		while I take the rest along the north.
Our circuit meets full west.” As flame they part,		We'll meet at the western part.
Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear.	785
From these, two strong and subtle Spirits he called
That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge:—
“Ithuriel and Zephon, with winged speed		Ithurial and Zephon, both
Search through this Garden; leave unsearched no nook;		of you must search the interior
But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge,	790	or the garden.
Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm.		I need you to look everywhere, especially around where Adam and Eve are sleeping.
This evening from the Sun’s decline arrived		This evening I got news
Who tells of some infernal Spirit seen		that a devil has escaped from Hell
Hitherward bent (who could have thought?), escaped
The bars of Hell, on errand bad, no doubt:	795
Such, where ye find, seize fast, and hither bring.”		and is on a suspicious errand here. If you find him, arrest the and bring them to me."
So saying, on he led his radiant files,
Dazzling the moon; these to the bower direct
In search of whom they sought. Him there they found		The two Angels found
Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve,	800	Satan there, disguised as a toad whispering
Assaying by his devilish art to reach		things into Eve's ear.
The organs of her fancy, and with them forge		Putting devilish thoughts into her mind.
Illusions as he list, phantasms and dreams;
Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint
The animal spirits, that from pure blood arise	805
Like gentle breaths from rivers pure, thence raise,
At least distempered, discontented thoughts,
Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires,
Blown up with high conceits ingendering pride.
Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear	810	Ithuriel poked at the toad with his spear.
Touched lightly; for no falsehood can endure
Touch of celestial temper, but returns
Of force to its own likeness. Up he starts,
Discovered and surprised. As, when a spark		This startled Satan, who jumped up
Lights on a heap of nitrous powder, laid	815	like gunpowder lit by a spark
Fit for the tun, some magazine to store
Against a rumoured war, the smutty grain,
With sudden blaze diffused, inflames the air;
So started up, in his own shape, the Fiend.		he changed into his actual form.
Back stept those two fair Angels, half amazed	820	The two Angels stepped back in surprise.
So sudden to behold the griesly King;
Yet thus, unmoved with fear, accost him soon:—		They asked him:
“Which of those rebel Spirits adjudged to Hell		"Who TF are you? And why TF are you here??"
Com’st thou, escaped thy prison? and, transformed,
Why satt’st thou like an enemy in wait,	825
Here watching at the head of these that sleep?”		Satan replied:
“Know ye not, then,” said Satan, filled with scorn,		"Don't you know me?
“Know ye not me? Ye knew me once no mate		If you know anything, you'll
For you, there sitting where ye durst not soar!		know best not to mess with me.
Not to know me argues yourselves unknown,	830
The lowest of your throng; or, if ye know,		And if you really don't know me, it just shows
Why ask ye, and superfluous begin		that the both of you aren't anybody important!"
Your message, like to end as much in vain?”
To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn:—		Zephon replied:
“Think not, revolted Spirit, thy shape the same,	835	"You don't look like anything recognizable
Or undiminished brightness, to be known		as you were in Heaven,
As when thou stood’st in Heaven upright and pure.		up there you were upright and pure
That glory then, when thou no more wast good,
Departed from thee; and thou resemblest now		but now that you've fallen you look as
Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foul.	840	ugly as the place that you came from.
But come; for thou, be sure, shalt give account		Anyways, come with us. You're under arrest."
To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep
This place inviolable, and these from harm.”
So spake the Cherub; and his grave rebuke,
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace	845
Invincible. Abashed the Devil stood,
And felt how awful goodness is, and saw
Virtue in her shape how lovely—saw, and pined
His loss; but chiefly to find here observed		Satan was devastated and humiliated that
His lustre visibly impaired; yet seemed	850	he had become ugly.
Undaunted. “If I must contend,” said he,		Satan said:
“Best with the best—the sender, not the sent;		"Sure let's go, I'll deal with your captain.
Or all at once: more glory will be won,		Or I'll just deal with all of you at once."
Or less be lost.” “Thy fear,” said Zephon bold,
“Will save us trial what the least can do	855
Single against thee wicked, and thence weak.”
The Fiend replied not, overcome with rage;
But, like a proud steed reined, went haughty on,
Chaumping his iron curb. To strive or fly
He held it vain; awe from above had quelled	860
His heart, not else dismayed. Now drew they nigh
The western point, where those half—rounding guards
Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined,		They met with Gabriel.
Awaiting next command. To whom their chief,
Gabriel, from the front thus called aloud:—	865
“O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet		Gabriel says: "Here come
Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern		Ithuriel and Zephon!
Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade;
And with them comes a third, of regal port,		And they're bringing someone
But faded splendour wan, who by his gait	870
And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell—		who looks like the Prince of Hell. Everyone get ready
Not likely to part hence without contest’.		he's trouble."
Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours.”
He scarce had ended, when those two approached,
And brief related whom they brought, where found,	875
How busied, in what form and posture couched.
To whom, with stern regard, thus Gabriel spake:—		Gabriel continued:
“Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribed		"Satan, why did you break out of Hell?
To thy transgressions, and disturbed the charge		Why are you trespassing here
Of others, who approve not to transgress	880
By thy example, but have power and right
To question thy bold entrance on this place;
Imployed, it seems to violate sleep, and those		and disturbing the sleep
Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?”		of Adam and Eve?"
To whom thus Satan, with contemptuous brow:—	885	Satan replied:
“Gabriel, thou hadst in Heaven the esteem of wise;		"I thought you were smarter, Gabriel.
And such I held thee; but this question asked
Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain?
Who would not, finding way, break loose from Hell,		Who wouldn't escape from Hell?
Though thither doomed? Thou wouldst thyself, no doubt,	890	You would escape too, I'm sure you would.
And boldly venture to whatever place		And you would venture far away
Farthest from pain, where thou mightst hope to change		from Hell
Torment with ease, and soonest recompense
Dole with delight; which in this place I sought:		looking for a better place, like I did.
To thee no reason, who know’st only good,	895
But evil hast not tried. And wilt object
His will who bound us? Let him surer bar		If God wants to keep us in Hell, he's
His iron gates, if he intends our stay		going to have to build stronger gates.
In that dark durance. Thus much what was asked:
The rest is true; they found me where they say;	900	It's true, but that doesn't mean I was
But that implies not violence or harm.”		doing anything wrong!"
Thus he in scorn. The warlike Angel moved,		Gabriel replied with a half smile:
Disdainfully half smiling, thus replied:—
“O loss of one in Heaven to judge of wise,
Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew,	905
And now returns him from his prison scaped,
Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise
Or not who ask what boldness brought him hither
Unlicensed from his bounds in Hell prescribed!
So wise he judges it to fly from pain	910	"You think you're so smart? And
However, and to scape his punishment!		you think you're off the hook?
So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrauth,		You cannot escape God's punishment,
Which thou incurr’st by flying, meet thy flight
Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to Hell,		it's only going to make him angrier.
Which taught thee yet no better that no pain	915	Being in Hell hasn't taught you anything.
Can equal anger infinite provoked.
But wherefore thou alone? Wherefore with thee		But why did you escape alone?
Came not all Hell broke loose? Is pain to them
Less pain, less to be fled? or thou than they		Maybe your friends down there like it in Hell,
Less hardy to endure? Courageous chief,	920	or maybe you're just weaker and too soft to handle Hell
The first in flight from pain, hadst thou alleged		like your comrades."
To thy deserted host this cause of flight,
Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive.”
To which the Fiend thus answered, frowning stern:—		Satan answered:
“Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain,	925	"You know me better than that.
Insulting Angel! well thou know’st I stood
Thy fiercest, when in battle to thy aid		Remember in battle
The blasting volleyed thunder made all speed
And seconded thy else not dreaded spear.		you couldn't even beat me with your attacks!
But still thy words at random, as before,	930
Argue thy inexperience what behoves,
From hard assays and ill successes past,
A faithful leader—not to hazard all		I am a leader, and a leader
Through ways of danger by himself untried.		doesn't lead all his men into danger.
I, therefore, I alone, first undertook	935	Therefore, I came here alone to find
To wing the desolate Abyss, and spy
This new-created World, whereof in Hell		a place for my people to live.
Fame is not silent, here in hope to find
Better abode, and my afflicted Powers
To settle here on Earth, or in mid Air;	940
Though for possession put to try once more
What thou and thy gay legions dare against;		And I want to see what we could be up against,
Whose easier business where to serve their Lord		and I can see by the looks of your men that
High up in Heaven, with songs to hymn his throne,		you are all better suited for singing and not battle."
And practiced distances to cringe, not fight.”	945
To whom the Warrior-Angel soon replied:—		Gabriel replied:
“To say and straight unsay, pretending first		"You are a walking contradiction.
Wise to fly pain, professing next to spy,		First you are escaping, then you're 'exploring.'
Argues no leader, but a liar traced,
Satan; and couldst thou ‘faithful’ add? O name,	950	Then you call yourself a 'faithful' leader?
O sacred name of faithfulness profaned!		What a liar!
Faithful to whom? to thy rebellious crew?
Army of fiends, fit body to fit head!
Was this your discipline and faith ingaged,
Your military obedience, to dissolve	955
Allegiance to the acknowledged Power Supreme?
And thou, sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem
Patron of liberty, who more than thou
Once fawned, and cringed, and servilely adored
Heaven’s awful Monarch? wherefore, but in hope	960
To dispossess him, and thyself to reign?
But mark what I areed thee now: Avaunt!		Get out of here! and Go back to where
Fly thither whence thou fledd’st. If from this hour		you came from."
Within these hallowed limits thou appear,
Back to the Infernal Pit I drag thee chained,	965
And seal thee so as henceforth not to scorn
The facile gates of Hell too slightly barred.”
So threatened he; but Satan to no threats		Satan became furious. He replied:
Gave heed, but waxing more in rage, replied:—
“Then, when I am thy captive, talk of chains,	970	"Take me to jail then! Lets see
Proud limitary Cherub! but ere then		you try. So try me!"
Far heavier load thyself expect to feel
From my prevailing arm, though Heaven’s King
Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy Compeers,
Used to the yoke, draw’st his triumphant wheels	975
In progress through the road of Heaven star—paved.”
While thus he spake, the angelic squadron bright		As Satan spoke, the Angelic squadron
Turned fiery red, sharpening in mooned horns		surrounded him and
Their phalanx and began to hem him round		began to close in.
With ported spears, as thick as when a field	980
Of Ceres ripe for harvest waving bends
Her bearded grove of ears which way the wind
Sways them; the careful ploughman doubting stands
Lest on the threshing-floor his hopeful sheaves
Prove chaff. On the other side, Satan, alarmed,	985	Satan braced himself.
Collecting all his might, dilated stood,
Like Teneriff or Atlas, unremoved:
His stature reached the sky, and on his crest		But he began to grow larger and larger.
Sat Horror plumed; nor wanted in his grasp
What seemed both spear and shield. Now dreadful deeds	990
Might have ensued; nor only Paradise,		A battle almost took place, even in Paradise.
In this commotion, but the starry cope
Of Heaven perhaps, or all the Elements
At least, had gone to wrack, disturbed and torn
With violence of this conflict, had not soon	995
The Eternal, to prevent such horrid fray,		But God intervened and put a stop to it.
Hung forth in Heaven his golden scales, yet seen		God created an astrological message in the sky.
Betwixt Astræa and the Scorpion sign,
Wherein all things created first he weighed,
The pendulous round Earth with balanced air	1000
In counterpoise, now ponders all events,
Battles and realms. In these he put two weights,
The sequel each of parting and of fight:		It was Libra, the scales which weighed what
The latter quick up flew, and kicked the beam;		would happen if Satan resisted. And it showed that
Which Gabriel spying thus bespake the Fiend:	1005	Satan would lose terribly if he fought.
“Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know’st mine,		Gabriel said: "Satan, I know your strength and you know mine.
Neither our own, but given; what folly then		Both are controlled by God, so this is silly to even fight.
To boast what arms can do! since thine no more
Than Heaven permits, nor mine, though doubled now
To trample thee as mire. For proof look up,	1010
And read thy lot in yon celestial sign,		If you want proof of that, just look at the sign in the sky.
Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, how weak
If thou resist.” The Fiend looked up, and knew		Satan looked up and saw that he would lose.
His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled		He fled into the Night.
Murmuring; and with him fled the shades of Night.	1015