Book 11: Michael shows Adam a vision of the future

THE ARGUMENT.—The Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first parents now repenting, and intercedes for them. God accepts them, but declares that they must no longer abide in Paradise; sends Michael with a band of Cherubim to dispossess them, but first to reveal to Adam future things: Michael’s coming down. Adam shews to Eve certain ominous signs: he discerns Michael’s approach; goes out to meet him: the Angel denounces their departure. Eve’s lamentation. Adam pleads, but submits: the Angel leads him up to a high hill; sets before him in vision what shall happen till the Flood.

tl;dr These next two books kind of prolong the work, but they just give a snapshot of future events involving Cain and Abel, the flood, and Noah and other things in store for mankind. 

 

Text		tl;dr
THUS they, in lowliest, plight, repentant stood		Adam and Eve prayed their little hearts out.
Praying; for from the Mercy-seat above
Prevenient grace descending had removed		God's grace and mercy removed
The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh		the hurt from their hearts and made them feel better.
Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed	5
Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer		It's the power of prayer here, and their silent sighs
Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight		could do more than what their spoken words could have said.
Than loudest oratory. Yet their port
Not of mean suitors; nor important less
Seemed their petition than when the ancient Pair	10
In fables old, less ancient yet than these,
Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore		There's a Greek myth that is being referenced here,
The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine		about how a man and his wife survived a massive flood.
Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers		They prayed that mankind would be okay, kind of like what Adam and Eve want too.
Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds	15	Their prayers reached the doors of Heaven
Blown vagabond or frustrate: in they passed
Dimensionless through heavenly doors; then, clad		where the Son
With incense, where the Golden Altar fumed,		brought their words
By their great Intercessor, came in sight
Before the Father’s Throne. Them the glad Son	20	to his father's throne.
Presenting thus to intercede began:—		The Son said,
“See, Father, what first-fruits on Earth are sprung		"Father,
From thy implanted grace in Man—these sighs		look at the grace you have placed on man.
And prayers, which in this golden censer, mixed
With incense, I, thy priest, before thee bring;	25	I am your priest and I bring you their
Fruits of more pleasing savour, from thy seed
Sown with contribution in his heart, than those		prayers mixed with incense in this golden cup.
Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees
Of Paradise could have produced, ere fallen		These words are sweeter than all the delivious fruit Paradise could ever produce.
From innocence. Now, therefore, bend thine ear	30	Please listen to their prayers.
To supplication; hear his sighs, though mute;
Unskilful with what words to pray, let me		Man doesn't always have the right words to pray with
Interpret for him, me his Advocate		so I will help speak for him. I'll be man's advocate.
And propitiation; all his works on me,		I will help
Good or not good, ingraft; my merit those	35	man be better and support their good qualities.
Shall perfet, and for these my death shall pay.		And I'll even pay for man's sins with my own life.
Accept me, and in me from these receive
The smell of peace toward Mankind; let him live,		I want to bring peace to mankind
Before thee reconciled, at least his days		in the limited amount of time he lives.
Numbered, though sad, till death, his doom (which I	40
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse),		This will make man's punishment less severe, because death must always come.
To better life shall yield him, where with me		I will make sure man's life is met with something better in the afterlife.
All my redeemed may dwell in joy and bliss,
Made one with me, as I with thee am one.”		Mankind will be saved. And they will all be in Heaven to live a happy life with me and you, God."
To whom the Father, without cloud, serene:—	45	God replied,
“All thy request for Man, accepted Son,		"That sounds good to me, you've got the green light.
Obtain; all thy request was my decree.
But longer in that Paradise to dwell		You and I want the same things. But, man cannot stay in Paradise.
The law I gave to Nature him forbids;		Paradise is a perfect place, and it is too pure for them to stay.
Those pure immortal elements, that know	50
No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul,
Eject him, tainted now, and purge him off,
As a distemper, gross, to air as gross,
And mortal food, as may dispose him best		Man needs to go somewhere else,
For dissolution wrought by sin, that first	55	where he can live as a mortal.
Distempered all things, and of incorrupt
Corrupted. I, at first, with two fair gifts		And eventually die.
Created him endowed—with Happiness
And Immortality; that fondly lost,		He sinned so he cannot live forever in Paradise.
This other served but to eternize woe,	60	I gave him happiness and immortality in Paradise.
Till I provided Death: so Death becomes		But he has lost happiness in Paradise, and it'd be worse to live forever being unhappy. Death is the only end.
His final remedy, and, after life		However, if man stays faithful to me,
Tried in sharp tribulation, and refined		he can wake up in a second life
By faith and faithful works, to second life,
Waked in the renovation of the just,	65
Resigns him up with Heaven and Earth renewed.		here in Heaven with us.
But let us call to synod all the Blest
Through Heaven’s wide bounds; from them I will not hide		Call all the angels in Heaven,
My judgments—how with Mankind I proceed,		they need to know how I judged man.
As how with peccant Angels late they saw,	70	Every angel has already seen how I judged the bad angels."
And in their state, though firm, stood more confirmed.”
He ended, and the Son gave signal high		When God finished speaking, the Son signaled an angel nearby to blow his trumpet.
To the bright Minister that watched. He blew
His trumpet, heard in Oreb since perhaps
When God descended, and perhaps once more	75
To sound at general doom. The angelic blast
Filled all the regions: from their blissful bowers		The trumpet could be heard everywhere in Heaven.
Of amarantin shade, fountain or spring,
By the waters of life, where’er they sate		Angels came out from wherever they were
In fellowships of joy, the Sons of Light	80
Hasted, resorting to the summons high,		and flocked to God's throne.
And took their seats, till from his Throne supreme
The Almighty thus pronounced his sovran will:—		God spoke once every angel was in attendance,
“O Sons, like one of us Man is become
To know both Good and Evil, since his taste	85	"My sons,
Of that defended Fruit; but let him boast		man has eaten from the forbidden tree.
His knowledge of good lost and evil got,		He now knows about good and evil, just like us.
Happier had it sufficed him to have known
Good by itself and evil not at all.		He would have been better off know about goodness only. Knowing about evil makes things complicated.
He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite—	90	Man is sorry and he is begging for forgiveness.
My motions in him; longer than they move,
His heart I know how variable and vain,		Now I know how unpredictable he can be, I gave him free will after all.
Self—left. Lest, therefore, his now bolder hand
Reach also of the Tree of Life, and eat,		He cannot eat from the Tree of Life
And live for ever, dream at least to live	95	for he will live forever.
For ever, to remove him I decree,		So I'm giving the order that they must leave Paradise.
And send him from the Garden forth, to till
The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil,		Man must leave and work in the ground and dust that he came from.
Michael, this my behest have thou in charge:		Michael,
Take to thee from among the Cherubim	100	I command you to take some backup with you
Thy choice of flaming warriors, lest the Fiend,		in case you come across Satan.
Or in behalf of Man, or to invade
Vacant possessions, some new trouble raise;		I need you to tell Man to leave Paradise forever.
Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God
Without remorse drive out the sinful pair,	105
From hallowed ground the unholy, and denounce
To them, and to their progeny, from thence
Perpetual banishment. Yet, lest they faint		Tell them in a nice way of course,
At the sad sentence rigorously urged
(For I behold them softened, and with tears	110	they're going to take the new hard.
Bewailing their excess), all terror hide.
If patiently thy bidding they obey,		Here's an idea,
Dismiss them not disconsolate reveal
To Adam what shall come in future days,		show Adam what the future looks like,
As I shall thee enlighten; intermix	115
My covenant in the Woman’s seed renewed.		including the coming of Jesus Christ on earth.
So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace;
And on the east side of the Garden place,		Then tell them to leave.
Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs,
Cherubic watch, and of a Sword the flame	120	Send some angels to stand guard on the east side of the Garden of Eden, and place a burning sword
Wide—waving, all approach far off to fright,		waving back and forth in front of the Tree of Life as a guard too
And guard all passage to the Tree of life;
Lest Paradise a receptácle prove
To Spirits foul, and all my trees their prey,		in order to frighten away intruders.
With whose stolen fruit Man once more to delude.”	125	We don't want anymore devils coming in to steal things to trick men again and again."
He ceased, and the Archangelic Power prepared
For swift descent; with him the cohort bright		Michael took some angels with him.
Of watchful Cherubim. Four faces each
Had, like a double Janus; all their shape		Each angel had four faces with
Spangled with eyes more numerous than those	130	glowing eyes all over them.
Of Argus, and more wakeful than to drowse,
Charmed with Arcadian pipe, the pastoral reed
Of Hermes, or his opiate rod. Meanwhile,
To resalute the World with sacred light,		Meanwhile, Adam and Eve
Leucothea waked, and with fresh dews imbalmed	135
The Earth, when Adam and first matron Eve
Had ended now their orisons, and found		felt a little better and hopeful after praying.
Strength added from above, new hope to spring
Out of despair, joy, but with fear yet linked;		But they were still afraid.
Which thus to Eve his welcome words renewed:—	140
“Eve, easily may faith admit that all		Adam spoke to Eve,
The good which we enjoy from Heaven descends;		"Eve, we know that all the good things we enjoy have come from Heaven.
But that from us aught should ascend to Heaven
So prevalent as to concern the mind		I don't think anything we say here could even reach Heaven
Of God high-blest, or to incline his will,	145	and get God's attention to change anything.
Hard to belief may seem. Yet this will prayer,		But I believe prayer can help.
Or one short sigh of human breath, upborne
Even to the seat of God. For, since I sought		Even if it's a little unspoken sigh.
By prayer the offended Deity to appease,
Kneeled and before him humbled all my heart,	150	When I was kneeling,
Methought I saw him placable and mild,		I imagined that I saw God listening to my words and prayers.
Bending his ear; persuasion in me grew
That I was heard with favour; peace returned		I felt peaceful knowing that he understood where I was coming from.
Home to my breast, and to my memory
His promise that thy seed shall bruise our Foe;	155	It made me remember the promise that the Son of God would bruise our enemy the snake/Satan.
Which, then not minded in dismay, yet now		I was too upset to realize it. I am feeling better now.
Assures me that the bitterness of death
Is past, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee!
Eve rightly called, Mother of all Mankind,		I believe we are going to live better, and it's all thanks to you Mother of Mankind!"
Mother of all things living, since by thee	160
Man is to live, and all things live for Man.”
To whom thus Eve with sad demeanour meek:—		Eve replied,
“Ill-worthy I such title should belong		"I don't deserve that title,
To me transgressor, who, for thee ordained
A help, became thy snare; to me reproach	165	I am just a sinner and I was made to help you,
Rather belongs, distrust and all dispraise.		but all I've done was make you sin too.
But infinite in pardon was my Judge,		God is infinite in his mercy.
That I, who first brought death on all, am graced
The source of life; next favourable thou,
Who highly thus to entitle me voutsaf’st,	170
Far other name deserving. But the field		But I don't think I should be called the Mother of Mankind.
To labour calls us, now with sweat imposed,
Though after sleepless night; for see! the Morn,		It's a beautiful morning here,
All unconcerned with our unrest, begins		it's almost as if nothing had even happened to us.
Her rosy progress smiling. Let us forth,	175
I never from thy side henceforth to stray,		I think we should just get to work, I won't leave your side this time.
Where’er our day’s work lies, though now enjoined		We'll work even harder now,
Laborious, till day droop. While here we dwell,
What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks?		and we shouldn't complain...
Here let us live, though in fallen state, content.”	180	we're sinners now! But at least we can still live here."
So spake, so wished, much-humbled Eve; but Fate
Subscribed not. Nature first gave signs, impressed		NARRATOR'S VOICE: But they couldn't.
On bird, beast, air—air suddenly eclipsed,		Some bad signs started to reveal themselves.
After short blush of morn. Nigh in her sight		The beautiful sunny morning became gradually darker.
The bird of Jove, stooped from his aerie tour,	185	Adam saw a bird of prey
Two birds of gayest plume before him drove;		chasing two colorful birds.
Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods,		He also saw a huge beast chasing
First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace,		a smaller one in the woods.
Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind;
Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight.	190	Adam saw many creatures on their way to the east gate.
Adam observed, and, with his eye the chase
Pursuing, not unmoved to Eve thus spake:—		Adam said,
“O Eve, some further change awaits us nigh,		"Well, this is different. Something is wrong."
Which Heaven by these mute signs in Nature shews,
Forerunners of his purpose, or to warn	195
Us, haply too secure of our discharge		God must be telling us something with all these signs.
From penalty because from death released
Some days: how long, and what till then our life,
Who knows, or more than this, that we are dust,
And thither must return, and be no more?	200
Why else this double object in our sight,		What does this all mean?
Of flight pursued in the air and o’er the ground		Why are animals chasing each other?
One way the self-same hour? Why in the east		And why is it getting so dark now?
Darkness ere day’s mid-course, and morning-light
More orient in yon western cloud, that draws	205	And look over there, there's a huge cloud
O’er the blue firmament a radiant white,		floating down in the west."
And slow descends, with something Heavenly fraught?”
He erred not; for, by this, the Heavenly bands		A group of angels was landing on a hill in Paradise.
Down from a sky of jasper lighted now
In Paradise, and on a hill made halt—	210
A glorious Apparition, had not doubt
And carnal fear that day dimmed Adam’s eye.
Not that more glorious, when the Angels met
Jacob in Mahanaim, where he saw
The field pavilioned with his guardians bright;	215
Nor that which on the flaming Mount appeared
In Dothan, covered with a camp of fire,
Against the Syrian king, who, to surprise
One man, assassin-like, had levied war,
War unproclaimed. The princely Hierarch	220	It was Michael and his squad.
In their bright stand there left his Powers to seize
Possession of the Garden; he alone,		Michael told the angels to take over the Garden as he was going to speak with Adam.
To find where Adam sheltered, took his way,
Not unperceived of Adam; who to Eve,
While the great Visitant approached, thus spake:—	225	Adam spoke,
“Eve, now expect great tidings, which, perhaps,		"Eve, I think we're in trouble.
Of us will soon determine, or impose
New laws to be observed; for I descry,		That angel looks like a serious one.
From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill,
One of the Heavenly host, and, by his gait,	230
None of the meanest—some great Potentate
Or of the Thrones above, such majesty
Invests him coming; yet not terrible,
That I should fear, nor sociably mild,
As Raphael, that I should much confide,	235	He doesn't seem as friendly as Raphael.
But solemn and sublime; whom, not to offend,
With reverence I must meet, and thou retire.”
He ended; and the Archangel soon drew nigh,		I'm going to go over and meet him. Please, stay here."
Not in his shape celestial, but as man		Michael wasn't dressed like a heavenly angel, he
Clad to meet man. Over his lucid arms	240	was dressed like a solider on a mission.
A military vest of purple flowed,
Livelier than Melibœan, or the grain
Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old
In time of truce; Iris had dipt the woof.
His starry helm unbuckled shewed him prime	245
In manhood where youth ended; by his side,
As in glistering zodiac, hung the sword,		He was carrying the sword he used to hurt Satan during the war.
Satan’s dire dread, and in his hand the spear.
Adam bowed low; he, kingly, from his state		Adam bowed before Michael,
Inclined not, but his coming thus declared:—	250	but Michael didn't bow back.
“Adam, Heaven’s high behest no preface needs.		Michael said, "Adam I'm just going to say it.
Sufficient that thy prayers are heard, and Death,
Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress,		God has heard your prayers, so he has postponed your death.
Defeated of his seizure many days,
Given thee of grace, wherein thou may’st repent,	255	You have a chance to make things up
And one bad act with many deeds well done		by doing some good deeds.
May’st cover. Well may then thy Lord, appeased,
Redeem thee quite from Death’s rapacious claim;		Then MAYBE, he'll forgive you.
But longer in this Paradise to dwell		The thing is, you can't stay here in Paradise anymore.
Permits not. To remove thee I am come,	260
And send thee from the Garden forth, to till		You're going to have to leave, and work on the land you came out of.
The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil.”		That's where you belong from now on."
He added not; for Adam, at the news
Heart-strook, with chilling gripe of sorrow stood,		Adam was devastated. Eve cried out,
That all his senses bound; Eve, who unseen	265
Yet all had heard, with audible lament
Discovered soon the place of her retire:—
“O unexpected stroke, worse than of Death!		"That's, that's worse than death!
Must I thus leave thee, Paradise? thus leave		I have to leave?
Thee, native soil? these happy walks and shades,	270
Fit haunt of Gods, where I had hope to spend,		This is my home, and I planned on living the rest. of my life here!
Quiet, though sad, the respite of that day
That must be mortal to us both? O flowers,		I took care of all these things that grew here, all these flowers!
That never will in other climate grow,
My early visitation, and my last	275
At even, which I bred up with tender hand
From the first opening bud, and gave ye names,		Who will take care of them now?
Who now shall rear ye to the Sun, or rank
Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount?
Thee, lastly, nuptial bower, by me adorned	280	What about my home? My shelter that we decorated with care...
With what to sight or smell was sweet, from thee
How shall I part, and whither wander down
Into a lower world, to this obscure		Where will we go? Just wander about?
And wild? How shall we breathe in other air
Less pure, accustomed to immortal fruits?”	285	We've become so used to the air of Paradise, no other place can compare."
Whom thus the Angel interrupted mild:		The angel interrupted her,
“Lament not, Eve, but patiently resign
What justly thou hast lost; nor set thy heart,		"Eve, you shouldn't be sad.
Thus over-fond, on that which is not thine.
Thy going is not lonely; with thee goes	290	You have to face the music.
Thy husband; him to follow thou art bound;
Where he abides, think there thy native soil.”		Besides you won't be completely alone,
Adam, by this from the cold sudden damp		you have your husband Adam."
Recovering, and his scattered spirits returned,		Adam spoke up,
To Michael thus his humble words addressed:—	295
“Celestial, whether among the Thrones, or named		"Michael, you seem to be one of the
Of them the highest—for such of shape may seem		highest ranking angels.
Prince above princes—gently hast thou told
Thy message, which might else in telling wound,		Thank you for the news.
And in performing end us. What besides	300	But we can't take any more.
Of sorrow, and dejection, and despair,
Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring—		Paradise was all we have.
Departure from this happy place, our sweet
Recess, and only consolation left
Familiar to our eyes; all places else	305	Anywhere else,
Inhospitable appear, and desolate,		we will feel lost and unwelcome.
Nor knowing us, nor known. And, if by prayer
Incessant I could hope to change the will		If I thought that I could change God's
Of Him who all things can, I would not cease		mind with prayer
To weary him with my assiduous cries;	310
But prayer against his absolute decree		then I'd never stop praying. So I guess he has made up his mind.
No more avails than breath against the wind,
Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth:
Therefore to his great bidding I submit.
This most afflicts me—that, departing hence,	315	The worst part is now we're leaving the place
As from his face I shall be hid, deprived
His blessed countenance. Here I could frequent,		where God would often visit us.
With worship, place by place where he voutsafed
Presence Divine, and to my sons relate,
‘On this mount He appeared; under this tree	320
Stood visible; among these pines his voice
I heard; here with him at this fountain talked.’
So many grateful altars I would rear
Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone
Of lustre from the brook, in memory	325
Or monument to ages, and thereon
Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers.		Now anywhere else, I don't know if I could find him again.
In yonder nether world where shall I seek
His bright appearances, or footstep trace?
For, though I fled him angry, yet, recalled	330	I can't believe I used to run and hide from God,
To life prolonged and promised race, I now
Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts
Of glory, and far off his steps adore.”		because now I'd give anything to see his glory again."
To whom thus Michael, with regard benign:—		Michael replied,
“Adam, thou know’st Heaven his, and all the Earth,	335	"Adam, you do know that
Not this rock only; his omnipresence fills		all of Heaven and Earth is his...
Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives,		not just Paradise... God is everywhere!
Fomented by his virtual power and warmed.		The land, the sea, the air, and in everything that lives.
All the Earth he gave thee to possess and rule,		God gave you the world.
No despicable gift; surmise not, then,	340	That's not a small gift.
His presence to these narrow bounds confined
Of Paradise or Eden. This had been		Paradise would've been yours.
Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread
All generations, and had hither come,
From all the ends of the Earth, to celebrate	345
And reverence thee their great progenitor.
But this pre-eminence thou hast lost, brought down		But you lost that privilege.
To dwell on even ground now with thy sons:		Now you're just an ordinary man.
Yet doubt not but in valley and in plain
God is, as here, and will be found alike	350	I wouldn't worry too much though.
Present, and of his presence many a sign		because you'll be able to find God's love
Still following thee, still compassing thee round
With goodness and paternal love, his face		wherever you go.
Express, and of his steps the track divine.
Which that thou may’st believe, and be confirmed	355
Ere thou from hence depart, know I am sent
To shew thee what shall come in future days		I'm going to give you a glimpse of the future,
To thee and to thy offspring. Good with bad		so you'll have an idea of what to expect.
Expect to hear, supernal grace contending		Some of it is good, some of it is bad.
With sinfulness of men—thereby to learn	360
True patience, and to temper joy with fear		That just comes with the struggle between good and evil.
And pious sorrow, equally inured
By moderation either state to bear,		You're going to have to be patient with it all, and be as happy as you can be.
Prosperous or adverse: so shalt thou lead		Just never forget about your past.
Safest thy life, and best prepared endure	365
Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend
This hill; let Eve (for I have drenched her eyes)
Here sleep below while thou to foresight wak’st,		Come with me, let's leave Eve because she seems tired."
As once thou slept’st while she to life was formed.”
To whom thus Adam gratefully replied:—	370	Adam thanked Michael and they went off together.
“Ascend, I follow thee, safe Guide, the path
Thou lead’st me, and to the hand of Heaven submit,
However chastening—to the evil turn
My obvious breast, arming to overcome
By suffering, and earn rest from labour won,	375
If so I may attain.” So both ascend
In the Visions of God. It was a hill,
Of Paradise the highest, from whose top		They made it to the highest hill in Paradise.
The hemisphere of Earth is clearest ken
Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect lay.	380	It was an amazing view of everything.
Not higher that hill, nor wider looking ground,
Whereon for different cause the Tempter set
Our second Adam, in the wilderness,
To shew him all Earth’s kingdoms and their glory.
His eye might there command wherever stood	385	From there, Adam could see all the locations
City of old or modern fame, the seat
Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls		of where all the great civilizations would be someday.
Of Cambalu, seat of Cathaian Can,
And Samarchand by Oxus, Temir’s throne,
To Pacquin, of Sinæan kings, and thence	390	(This is just a list of places like
To Agra and Lahor of Great Mogul,
Down to the golden Chersonese, or where		India,
The Persian in Ecbatan sat, or since		Iran,
In Hispahan, or where the Russian Ksar		Russia,
In Mosco, or the Sultan in Bizance,	395
Turchestan—born; nor could his eye not ken		Turkey,
The empire of Negus to his utmost port
Ercoco, and the less maritime kings,		Morocco,
Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind,
And Sofala (thought Ophir), to the realm	400
Of Congo, and Angola fardest south,		Congo,
Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount,
The kingdoms of Almansor, Fez and Sus,
Marocco, and Algiers, and Tremisen;
On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway,	405	Rome,
The world: in spirit perhaps he also saw
Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume,		Mexico,
And Cusco in Peru, the richer seat		etc.)
Of Atabalipa, and yet unspoiled
Guiana, whose great city Geryon’s sons	410
Call El Dorado. But to nobler sights
Michael from Adam’s eyes the film removed		Michael then helped remove Adam's
Which that false fruit that promised clearer sight		cloudy vision in his eyes,
Had bred; then purged with euphrasy and rue
The visual nerve, for he had much to see,	415
And from the well of life three drops instilled.		and gave him some eyedrops from the Well of Life.
So deep the power of these ingredients pierced,
Even to the inmost seat of mental sight,
That Adam, now enforced to close his eyes,
Sunk down, and all his spirits became intranced.	420	It made Adam get high and faint (LOL 420)
But him the gentle Angel by the hand
Soon raised, and his attention thus recalled:—		Michael lifted Adam up.
“Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold
The effects which thy original crime hath wrought		Michael said to Adam, "Open your eyes,
In some to spring from thee, who never touched	425
The excepted Tree, nor with the Snake conspired,		you need to see what your sin has done for future generations."
Nor sinned thy sin, yet from that sin derive
Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds.”
His eyes he opened, and beheld a field,
Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves	430	Adam saw a field,
New-reaped, the other part sheep-walks and folds:
I’ the midst an altar as the landmark stood,		half of it was being farmed and the other half had a flock of sheep. In between was a kind of holy altar.
Rustic, of grassy sord. Thither anon
A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought		There was a sweaty farmer bringing
First-fruits, the green ear and the yellow sheaf,	435
Unculled, as came to hand. A shepherd next,		dirty, unshucked ears of corn to the altar
More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock,
Choicest and best; then, sacrificing, laid		and gentle shepherd bringing sacrificed lamb to the altar. He prayed.
The inwards and their fat, with incense strewed,
On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed.	440
His offering soon propitious fire from heaven		A fire consumed the lamb at the altar
Consumed, with nimble glance and grateful steam;		meaning that God had accepted this sacrifice.
The other’s not, for his was not sincere:		But the farmer's sacrifice wasn't accepted, because it wasn't sincere or caring.
Whereat he inly raged, and, as they talked,		The farmer and the shepherd started to argue,
Smote him into the midriff with a stone	445	the farmer picked up a stone and
That beat out life; he fell, and, deadly pale,		beat the shepherd to death with it.
Groaned out his soul, with gushing blood effused.
Much at that sight was Adam in his heart		Adam was horrified at this Tik Tok. He cried and said,
Dismayed, and thus in haste to the Angel cried:—
“O Teacher, some great mischief hath befallen	450	"Why did he do that to him? He was just making a sacrifice! How could this happen?"
To that meek man, who well had sacrificed:
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid?
To whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied:—		Michael replied,
“These two are brethren, Adam, and to come		"They were brothers,
Out of thy loins. The unjust the just hath slain,	455	your own sons.
For envy that his brother’s offering found		One killed the other because of jealously
From Heaven acceptance; but the bloody fact		because God accepted the other's offering.
Will be avenged, and the other’s faith approved
Lose no reward, though here thou see him die,		The killer will be punished, and the other will be rewarded.
Rowling in dust and gore.” To which our Sire:—	460
“Alas, both for the deed and for the cause!		Adam replied, "This is terrible! Violence and jealousy?
But have I now seen Death? Is this the way		Is the what death is like?
I must return to native dust? O sight		I don't want to end up like that!"
Of terror, foul and ugly to behold!
Horrid to think, how horrible to feel!	465	Michael replied,
To whom thus Michael:—“Death thou hast seen		"That man was the first human being to die.
In his first shape on Man; but many shapes
Of Death, and many are the ways that lead		But there are many other ways death can come.
To his grim cave—all dismal, yet to sense
More terrible at the entrance than within.	470
Some, as thou saw’st, by violent stroke shall die,
By fire, flood, famine; by intemperance more		Some will die by fire, flood, disease
In meats and drinks, which on the Earth shall bring		caused by poor diet choices."
Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew
Before thee shall appear, that thou may’st know	475
What misery the inabstinence of Eve
Shall bring on me.” Immediately a place		Michael gave Adam another vision.
Before his eyes appeared, sad, noisome, dark;
A lazar-house it seemed, wherein were laid		Adam saw himself in a hospital setting.
Numbers of all diseased—all maladies	480	There were people everywhere
Of ghastly spasm, of racking torture, qualms		suffering from disease, illness
Of heart-sick agony, all feverous kinds,
Convulsions, epilepsies, fierce catarrhs,		mental and physical issues.
Intestine stone and ulcer, colic pangs,
Dæmoniac phrenzy, moping melancholy,	485
And moon-struck madness, pining atrophy,
Marasmus, and wide-wasting pestilence,
Dropsies and asthmas, and joint-racking rheums.
Dire was the tossing, deep the groans; Despair		The groaning and screams of pain
Tended the sick, busiest from couch to couch;	490
And over them triumphant Death his dart		was unbearable. They were all begging for death instead of this pain.
Shook, but delayed to strike, though oft invoked
With vows, as their chief good and final hope.
Sight so deform what heart of rock could long		Adam broke down and cried some more, he said,
Dry-eyed behold? Adam could not, but wept,	495
Though not of woman born: compassion quelled
His best of man, and gave him up to tears
A space, till firmer thoughts restrained excess,
And, scarce recovering words, his plaint renewed:—		"I just can't stand seeing this much pain.
“O miserable Mankind, to what fall	500
Degraded, to what wretched state reserved!
Better end here unborn. Why is life given		why is life given to us
To be thus wrested from us? rather why
Obtruded on us thus? who, if we knew		if we have to suffer in these ways?
What we receive would either not accept	505
Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down,
Glad to be so dismissed in peace. Can thus
The image of God in Man, created once		I thought we'd be created in God's image, how can these people be so deformed by illness and anguish?"
So goodly and erect, though faulty since,
To such unsightly sufferings be debased	510
Under inhuman pains? Why should not Man,
Retaining still divine similitude
In part, from such deformities be free,
And for his Maker’s image’ sake exempt?”
“Their Maker’s image,” answered Michael, “then	515	Michael responded,
Forsook them, when themselves they vilified		"Well, these people didn't respect God's image in them.
To serve ungoverned Appetite, and took
His image whom they served—a brutish vice,		They chose to make unwise choices in their lives, they ignored rules, and ruined their images themselves."
Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve.
Therefore so abject is their punishment,	520
Disfiguring not God’s likeness, but their own;
Or, if his likeness, by themselves defaced
While they pervert pure Nature’s healthful rules
To loathsome sickness—worthily, since they
God’s image did not reverence in themselves.”	525
“I yield it just,” said Adam, “and submit.		Adam replied,
But is there yet no other way, besides		"Is there another way for people to die without so much pain?"
These painful passages, how we may come
To death, and mix with our connatural dust?”
“There is,” said Michael, “if thou well observe	530	Michael answered,
The rule of Not too much, by temperance taught
In what thou eat’st and drink’st, seeking from thence		"Sure, if you take care of your body and watch what
Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight,		you eat and drink. Everything in moderation though.
Till many years over thy head return.		That's how you can live a long and healthy life.
So may’st thou live, till, like ripe fruit, thou drop	535
Into thy mother’s lap, or be with ease
Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature.
This is old age; but then thou must outlive		So you'll get old and die a more peaceful death.
Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will change		However, before that happens
To withered, weak, and grey; thy senses then,	540	you will lose your strength and youth and beauty.
Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forgo		Your senses of sight and hearing will become weaker.
To what thou hast; and, for the air of youth,
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign
A melancholy damp of cold and dry,
To weigh thy spirits down, and last consume	545	Sometimes you'll lose the spirit for life. It happens."
The balm of life.” To whom our Ancestor:—
“Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong
Life much—bent rather how I may be quit,		Adam replied,
Fairest and easiest, of this cumbrous charge,		"What a life... I think I'll get it over with quickly and painlessly as possible."
Which I must keep till my appointed day	550
Of rendering up, and patiently attend
My dissolution.” Michael replied:—		Michael said,
“Nor love thy life, nor hate; but what thou liv’st
Live well, how long or short permit to Heaven.		"Now, now... don't hate your life. Don't love it too much either.
And now prepare thee for another sight.”	555	Get ready for another vision."
He looked, and saw a spacious plain, whereon		Adam then saw a wide open plain,
Were tents of various hue: by some were herds
Of cattle grazing: others whence the sound		there were different colored tenst on it.
Of instruments that made melodious chime		There were also herds of cattle grazing, and people were
Was heard, of harp and organ, and who moved	560	playing some lovely music.
Their stops and chords was seen: his volant touch
Instinct through all proportions low and high
Fled and pursued transverse the resonant fugue.
In other part stood one who, at the forge		He could see a blacksmith, hard at work making tools.
Labouring, two massy clods of iron and brass	565
Had melted (whether found where casual fire
Had wasted woods, on mountain or in vale,
Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot
To some cave’s mouth, or whether washed by stream
From underground); the liquid ore he drained	570
Into fit moulds prepared; from which he formed
First his own tools, then what might else be wrought
Fusil or graven in metal. After these,
But on the hither side, a different sort
From the high neighbouring hills, which was their seat,	575	Some men were approaching
Down to the plain descended: by their guise
Just men they seemed, and all their study bent
To worship God aright, and know his works
Not hid; nor those things last which might preserve
Freedom and peace to men. They on the plain	580
Long had not walked when from the tents behold		the plain.
A bevy of fair women, richly gay		Women came out of the tents wearing colorful dresses and jewelry.
In gems and wanton dress! to the harp they sung		They sang and danced.
Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on.
The men, though grave, eyed them, and let their eyes	585	The men liked what they saw
Rove without rein, till, in the amorous net
Fast caught, they liked, and each his liking chose.		chose certain women,
And now of love they treat, till the evening-star,
Love’s harbinger, appeared; then, all in heat,		and started to make love.
They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke	590	Soon, marriage ceremonies happened that night.
Hymen, then first to marriage rites invoked:
With feast and music all the tents resound.
Such happy interview, and fair event
Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flowers,
And charming symphonies, attached the heart	595
Of Adam, soon inclined to admit delight,		Adam liked this change of scenery.
The bent of Nature; which he thus expressed:
“True opener of mine eyes, prime Angel blest,		Adam said, "This looks a lot better
Much better seems this vision, and more hope
Of peaceful days portends, than those two past:	600	than all of that misery you were showing me before.
Those were of hate and death, or pain much worse;
Here Nature seems fulfilled in all her ends.”
To whom thus Michael:—“Judge not what is best		Michael quickly replied,
By pleasure, though to Nature seeming meet,
Created, as thou art, to nobler end,	605	"Don't think this is all so positive...
Holy and pure, conformity divine.
Those tents thou saw’st so pleasant were the tents		the people in those tents are
Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his race
Who slew his brother: studious they appear		descendants from the man who killed his own brother.
Of arts that polish life, inventors rare;	610	And sure they all can be talented in their own ways.
Unmindful of their Maker, though his Spirit		but they do not even know that their gifts come from God.
Taught them; but they his gifts acknowledged none.
Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget;
For that fair female troop thou saw’st, that seemed		The women are beautiful dancers,
Of goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay,	615
Yet empty of all good wherein consists
Woman’s domestic honour and chief praise;		but they lack domestic skills to build a family.
Bred only and completed to the taste		All they know is how to
Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance,		lustfully lure men
To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye:—	620
To these that sober race of men, whose lives
Religious titled them the Sons of God,		who will give up their honor for a night of pleasure.
Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame,
Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles
Of these fair atheists, and now swim in joy	625	They're all having fun now, but it'll all end in tears."
(Erelong to swim at large) and laugh; for which
The world erelong a world of tears must weep.”
To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft:—		Adam replied,
“O pity and shame, that they who to live well		"Wow, what a shame.
Entered so fair should turn aside to tread	630
Paths indirect, or in the midway faint!
But still I see the tenor of Man’s woe		Seems like all of man's trouble comes from women."
Holds on the same, from Woman to begin.”
“From Man’s effeminate slackness it begins,”		Michael said,
Said the Angel, “who should better hold his place	635	"Man's trouble comes from men being weak and stupid.
By wisdom, and superior gifts received.
But now prepare thee for another scene.”		Get ready for another vision."
He looked, and saw wide territory spread
Before him—towns, and rural works between,		Adam saw a view of towns cities.
Cities of men with lofty gates and towers,	640
Concourse in arms, fierce faces threatening war,
Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise.		He saw a fierce army approaching a field.
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed,
Single or in array of battle ranged
Both horse and foot, nor idly mustering stood.	645
One way a band select from forage drives		Some went to steel
A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine,		cattle,
From a fat meadow-ground, or fleecy flock,		another horde of men stole sheep.
Ewes and their bleating lambs, over the plain,
Their booty; scarce with life the shepherds fly,	650	The famers and shepherds escaped,
But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray:		but they came back with their own army.
With cruel tournament the squadrons join;
Where cattle pastured late, now scattered lies		There were dead bodies everywhere.
With carcasses and arms the ensanguined field
Deserted. Others to a city strong	655	At a city,
Lay siege, encamped, by battery, scale, and mine,		another war was happening.
Assaulting; others from the wall defend
With dart and javelin, stones and sulphurous fire;		People were defending themselves from inside the walls, shooting darts, throwing spears, and using fire at enemies.
On each hand slaughter and gigantic deeds.
In other parts the sceptred haralds call	660
To council in the city-gates: anon
Grey-headed men and grave, with warriors mixed,
Assemble, and harangues are heard; but soon
In factious opposition, till at last
Of middle age one rising, eminent	665	There was a man
In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong,
Of justice, of religion, truth, and peace,		trying to bring peace and love with
And judgment from above: him old and young
Exploded, and had seized with violent hands,		religion and the word of God.
Had not a cloud descending snatched him thence,	670	But that just made violent men angrier. A heavenly cloud made him disappear.
Unseen amid the throng. So violence
Proceeded, and oppression, and sword-law,		There was violence everywhere you looked.
Through all the plain, and refuge none was found.
Adam was all in tears; and to his guide		Adam started crying again.
Lamenting turned full sad:—“Oh, what are these?	675	He said,
Death’s ministers, not men! who thus deal death		"Did Death send these inhumane men
Inhumanly to men, and multiply		to do his work?
Ten thousandfold the sin of him who slew		This is all so much worse than the brother killing his own brother!
His brother; for of whom such massacre
Make they but of their brethren, men of men?	680	I thought we were all brothers! And who was that man trying to bring the word of God to them?"
But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven
Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost?”		Michael said to Adam,
To whom thus Michael:—“These are the product’		"That kind of behavior of men is the product
Of those ill-mated marriages thou saw’st,		of marriages between good men and bad women.
Where good with bad were matched; who of themselves	685
Abhor to join, and, by imprudence mixed,
Produce prodigious births of body or mind.		They become obsessed with
Such were these Giants, men of high renown;
For in those days might only shall be admired,
And valour and heroic virtue called.	690
To overcome in battle, and subdue		fighting and
Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite
Manslaughter, shall be held the highest pitch		glory and
Of human glory, and, for glory done,
Of triumph to be styled great conquerors,	695	conquering others.
Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods—
Destroyers rightlier called, and Plagues of men.
Thus fame shall be achieved, renown on earth,		The more they can kill and steal, the more glory and admiration they think they can have.
And what most merits fame in silence hid.
But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou beheld’st	700	And that man comes seven generations after you.
The only righteous in a world perverse,		He is the only decent man left in the world,
And therefore hated, therefore so beset		so everyone else ended up hating him.
With foes, for daring single to be just,
And utter odious truth, that God would come		People got tired of him talking about God all the time.
To judge them with his Saints—him the Most High,	705
Rapt in a balmy cloud, with wingèd steeds,		Especially about how God was going to judge them.
Did, as thou saw’st, receive, to walk with God
High in salvation and the climes of bliss,
Exempt from death, to show thee what reward		God saved him from death.
Awaits the good, the rest what punishment;	710	God rewards goodness.
Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold.”		It's time you see what happens to bad people."
He looked, and saw the face of things quite changed.
The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar;		The scenery changed again.
All now was turned to jollity and game,		Instead of war,
To luxury and riot, feast and dance,	715	there was a wild party, with drinking
Marrying or prostituting, as befell,		sex,
Rape or adultery, where passing fair		rape,
Allured them; thence form cups to civil broils.		and prostitution.
At length a reverend Sire among them came,		A reverend came to these parties to try and
And of their doings great dislike declared,	720
And testified against their ways. He oft		testify against their ways, but it wasn't enough.
Frequented their assemblies, whereso met,
Triumphs or festivals, and to them preached
Conversion and repentance, as to souls
In prison, under judgments imminent;	725
But all in vain. Which when he saw, he ceased		He gave up and left.
Contending, and removed his tents far off;
Then, from the mountain hewing timber tall,
Began to build a Vessel of huge bulk,		The man started to cut down tall trees and build
Measured by cubit, length, and breadth, and highth,	730
Smeared round with pitch, and in the side a door		a huge boat with large door on its side.
Contrived, and of provisions laid in large
For man and beast: when lo! a wonder strange!		He filled this boat with supplies and food.
Of every beast, and bird, and insect small		Then animals of every kind came marching into the boat.
Came sevens and pairs, and entered in, as taught	735
Their order; last, the Sire and his three sons,		The man entered the boat too with his three sons
With their four wives; and God made fast the door.		and four wives. God shut the door, sealing the boat. for good.
Meanwhile the South-wind rose, and, with black wings
Wide-hovering, all the clouds together drove		A mighty wind from the south was blowing.
From under heaven; the hills to their supply	740
Vapour, and exhalation dusk and moist,		Dark clouds were gathering,
Sent up amain; and now the thickened sky
Like a dark ceiling stood: down rushed the rain		and an endless rain started to pour.
Impetuous, and continued till the earth
No more was seen. The floating Vessel swum	745	The boat was the only thing left floating,
Uplifted, and secure with beaked prow
Rode tilting o’er the waves; all dwellings else		as everything else was flooded.
Flood overwhelmed, and them with all their pomp
Deep under water rowled; sea covered sea,
Sea without shore: and in their palaces,	750
Where luxury late reigned, sea—monsters whelped
And stabled: of mankind, so numerous late,		The only people left to survive were on the boat.
All left in one small bottom swum imbarked.
How didst thou grieve then, Adam, to behold
The end of all thy offspring, end so sad,	755
Depopulation! Thee another flood,		Adam was devastated.
Of tears and sorrow a flood thee also drowned,
And sunk thee as thy sons; till, gently reared
By the Angel, on thy feet thou stood’st at last,
Though comfortless, as when a father mourns	760	He felt like he saw all of his children killed right before his eyes."
His children, all in view destroyed at once,
And scarce to the Angel utter’dst thus thy plaint:—		Adam said,
“O Visions ill foreseen! Better had I		"These are terrible visions of the future.
Lived ignorant of future—so had borne		I think I would've been better off not knowing any of this.
My part of evil only, each day’s lot	765
Enough to bear. Those now that were dispensed		Why must I be tortured by things
The burden of many ages on me light		that haven't even happened yet?
At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth
Abortive, to torment me, ere their being,
With thought that they must be. Let no man seek	770	No one should know what the future holds.
Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall
Him or his children—evil, he may be sure,		Because you can't do anything to prevent it,
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent,
And he the future evil shall no less		and you'll have to experience the pain twice.
In apprehension than in substance feel	775
Grievous to bear. But that care now is past;
Man is not whom to warn; those few escaped		The few people that survive all this might just die
Famine and anguish will at last consume,		of starvation.
Wandering that watery desert. I had hope,
When violence was ceased and war on Earth,	780
All would have then gone well, peace would have crowned		It seems like nothing good even happens.
With length of happy days the race of Man;
But I was far deceived, for now I see
Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste.
How comes it thus? Unfold, Celestial Guide,	785
And whether here the race of Man will end.”		Why does. itcome down to this? Is this the end of mankind?"
To whom thus Michael:—“Those whom last thou saw’st
In triumph and luxurious wealth are they		Michael replied,
First seen in acts of powers eminent
And great exploits, but of true virtue void;	790	"All those people got admiration from conquering and killing,
Who, having split much blood, and done much waste,
Subduing nations, and achieved thereby		then you saw them
Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey,
Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth,		become corrupt and lazy.
Surfeit, and lust, till wantonness and pride	795
Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace.
The conquered, also, and enslaved by war,		The ones who were conquered have lost
Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose,
And fear of God—from whom their piety feigned		faith in God too.
In sharp contest of battle found no aid	800
Against invaders; therefore, cooled in zeal,
Thenceforth shall practise how to live secure,
Worldly, or dissolute, on what their lords
Shall leave them to enjoy; for the Earth shall bear
More than enough, that temperance may be tried.	805
So all shall turn degenerate, all depraved,		There was no justice,
Justice and temperance, truth and faith, forgot;		or faith.
One man except, the only son of light
In a dark age, against example good,
Against allurement, custom, and a world	810
Offended. Fearless of reproach and scorn,
Or violence, he of their wicked ways
Shall them admonish, and before them set
The paths of righteousness, how much more safe
And full of peace, denouncing wrauth to come	815
On their impenitence, and shall return
Of them derided, but of God observed
The one just man alive: by his command		Only one man survived it all,
Shall build a wondrous Ark, as thou beheld’st,		and God told him to build a boat to save him and his family.
To save himself and household from amidst	820
A world devote to universal wrack.
No sooner he, with them of man and beast		Good thing he brought the animals with him,
Select for life, shall in the ark be lodged
And sheltered round, but all the cataracts
Of Heaven set open on the Earth shall pour	825	because God made the flood happen.
Rain day and night; all fountains of the deep,
Broke up, shall heaven the ocean to usurp
Beyond all bounds, till inundation rise
Above the highest hills. Then shall this Mount
Of Paradise by might of waves be moved	830	The flood will even reach Paradise to wash it away.
Out of his place, pushed by the horned flood,
With all his verdure spoiled, and trees adrift,		Everything here will be destroyed.
Down the great River to the opening Gulf,
And there take root, and island salt and bare,
The haunt of seals, and orcs, and sea—mews’ clang—	835
To teach thee that God at’tributes to place		God's message is
No sanctity, if none be thither brought		if man doesn't respect his land
By men who there frequent or therein dwell.		then God will take it away.
And now what further shall ensue behold.”		I've got more to show you..."
He looked, and saw the Ark hull on the flood,	840	Adam saw the ark floating on the water.
Which now abated; for the clouds were fled.
Driven by a keen North-wind, that, blowing dry,		The gloomy sky had cleared up,
Wrinkled the face of Deluge, as decayed;
And the clear sun on his wide watery glass
Gazed hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew,	845	the sun was shining bright.
As after thirst; which made their flowing shrink
From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole		Which made the waters recede.
With soft foot towards the deep, who now had stopt
His sluices, as the heaven his windows shut. .
The Ark no more now floats, but seems on ground,	850	The boat finally touched the ground,
Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed.
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear;
With clamour thence the rapid currents drive
Towards the retreating sea their furious tide.
Forthwith from out the ark a Raven flies.	855	and a raven was sent from the ark to find land.
And, after him, the surer messenger,
A Dove, sent forth once and again to spy
Green tree or ground whereon his foot may light;
The second time returning, in his bill		The raven returned with an live leaf in its mouth
An olive-leaf he brings, pacific sign.	860
Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark		to show that it had found dry land.
The ancient sire descends, with all this train;
Then, with uplifted hands and eyes devout,		The man and his family came out of the boat and set foot on dry land. He raised his arms and thanked God.
Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds
A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a Bow	865
Conspicuous with three listed colours gay,		A rainbow was seen in the sky.
Betokening peace from God, and covenant new.
Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad,
Greatly rejoiced; and thus his joy broke forth:—		Seeing this made Adam feel better, it lifted his spirits.
“O thou, who future things cants represent	870	Adam said,
As present, Heavenly Instructor, I revive
At this last sight, assured that Man shall live,		"Michael, this makes me hopeful.
With all the creatures, and their seed preserve.
Far less I now lament for one whole world		I'm happy that all the creatures get to live.
Of wicked sons destroyed that I rejoice	875
For one man found so perfet and so just		This one man will start a new generation of men.
That God voutsafes to raise another world		I feel more happiness for this one man, than I feel
From him, and all his anger to forget.		sadness for all those other lives that were lost.
But say what mean those coloured streaks in Heaven:		But those colorful streaks in the sky, what is it for?"
Distended as the brow of God appeased?	880
Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind
The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud,
Lest it again dissolve and shower the Earth?”
To whom the Archangel:—“Dextrously thou aim’st.		Michael replied,
So willingly doth God remit his ire:	885	"God was full of anger when
Though late repenting him of Man depraved,
Grieved at his heart, when, looking down, he saw		he saw how violent mankind had become.
The whole Earth filled with violence, and all flesh
Corrupting each their way; yet, those removed,
Such grace shall one just man find in his sight	890	He was glad to find at least one man who could be good.
That he relents, not to blot out mankind,
And makes a covenant never to destroy		God made it a commitment to never destroy earth with a great flood again now that he knows there's still good left in people.
The Earth again by flood, nor let the sea
Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world
With man therein or beast: but, when he brings	895
Over the Earth a cloud, with therein set		So now whenever it stops raining,
His triple-coloured bow, whereon to look		the colorful rainbow serves as a reminder."
And call to mind his Covenant. Day and night,
Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost,
Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new	900
Both Heaven and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell.”