Book 5: Satan in your dreams and a little about his backstory

THE ARGUMENT.—Morning approached, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream; he likes it not, yet comforts her: they come forth to their day labours: their morning hymn at the door of their bower. God, to render Man inexcusable, sends Raphael to admonish him of his obedience, of his free estate, of his enemy near at hand, who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise; his appearance described; his coming discerned by Adam afar off, sitting at the door of his bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise, got together by Eve; their discourse at table. Raphael performs his massage, minds Adam of his state and of his enemy; relates, at Adam’s request, who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning from his first revolt in Heaven, and the occasion thereof; how he drew his legions after him to the parts of the North, and there incited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only Abdiel, a seraph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes him.

tl;dr: Eve had a bad dream, and it pretty much foreshadows eating some Forbidden Fruit. But lol, obviously God knows exactly what's going to happen. 

 

Text		tl;dr
NOW Morn, her rosy steps in the eastern clime		Good morning Paradise! The sun
Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearl,		shone  like a pearl and moved across the earth.
When Adam waked, so customed; for his sleep		Adam woke up. He's kind of a
Was aerie light, from pure digestion bred,		light sleeper.
And temperate vapours bland, which the only sound	5	You know the type where even the sounds of
Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora’s fan,		leaves, the breeze of the wind,
Lightly dispersed, and the shrill matin song		or even a bird singing could wake him up. You've
Of birds on every bough. So much the more		been there before I'm sure.
His wonder was to find unwakened Eve,		He was surprised to see Eve still sleeping.
With tresses discomposed, and glowing cheek,	10	Her hair a mess and cheeks flushed.
As through unquiet rest. He, on his side		It seems like she was having a bad dream or trouble  sleeping.
Leaning half raised, with looks of cordial love		Adam sat up and admired her
Hung over her enamoured, and beheld		beauty, he's just head over heels this guy.
Beauty which, whether waking or asleep,		Whether she was awake or asleep,
Shot forth peculiar graces; then, with voice	15	he was in love. He softly whispered to her,
Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes,		in a voice as delicate as a flower.
Her hand soft touching, whispered thus:—“Awake,		"Awaken
My fairest, my espoused, my latest found,		my love.
Heaven’s last, best gift, my ever-new delight!
Awake! the morning shines, and the fresh field	20	It is morning and I don't
Calls us; we lose the prime to mark how spring		want you to miss out on its beauty.
Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove,		Don't miss the citrus trees we've planted,
What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed,
How Nature paints her colours, how the bee		the vibrant colors, the bees
Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet.”	25	collecting pollen from the flowers.
Such whispering waked her, but with startled eye		This soft whispering startled her and she woke up right away.
On Adam; whom imbracing, thus she spake:—		Eve replied,
“O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose,		Oh Adam, you're the only one that can comfort me...
My glory, my perfection! glad I see		I'm so glad to see
Thy face, and morn returned; for I this night	30	your face.
(Such night till this I never passed) have dreamed,		Of all the nights, I've never had a dream quite like this.
If dreamed, not, as I oft am wont, of thee,		See, I usually dream pleasant things about you and I
Works of day past, or morrow’s next design;		and how we spend our days, or what we plan to do tomorrow.
But of offence and trouble, which my mind		But
Knew never till this irksome night. Methought	35	last night was different. I thought
Close at mine ear one called me forth to walk		I heard you whispering in my ear, telling me to follow you somewhere.
With gentle voice; I thought it thine. It said,		It was a gentle voice, I thought it was yours.
‘Why sleep’st thou, Eve? now is the pleasant time,		It told me
The cool, the silent, save where silence yields		how cool and silent
To the night-warbling bird, that now awake	40	the night was, and the birds
Tunes sweetest his love-laboured song; now reigns		that were singing
Full-orbed the moon, and, with more pleasing light,		and how the full moon, with its pleasing light
Shadowy sets off the face of things—in vain,		made everything beautiful. But no one was there to enjoy it.
If none regard. Heaven wakes with all his eyes;		The voice said that stars in Heaven were like eyes
Whom to behold but thee, Nature’s desire,	45	just waiting to enjoy my beauty.
In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment
Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze?
I rose as at thy call, but found thee not:		I got up to follow you, but I couldn't find you at all.
To find thee I directed then my walk;
And on, methought, alone I passed through ways	50	I stumbled upon a path
That brought me on a sudden to the Tree		that brought me to the Tree.
Of interdicted Knowledge. Fair it seemed,		The Tree of Forbidden Knowledge. It looked beautiful
Much fairer to my fancy than by day;		much more than it does in the daytime.
And, as I wondering looked, beside it stood		As I was admiring it, next to the tree I noticed
One shaped and winged like one of those from Heaven	55	an Angel. An Angel from Heaven.
By us oft seen: his dewy locks distilled
Ambrosia. On that Tree he also gazed;		He was also looking at the tree. Entranced he said,
And, ‘O fair plant,’ said he, ‘with fruit surcharged,		"Well holy shit. Look at this tree. Look at these fruits!
Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet,		What a shame. Nobody wants to taste it.
Nor God nor Man? Is knowledge so despised?	60	But why? I guess nobody wants to learn...
Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste?		Who is this tree for anyway?
Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold		Who is going to stop me
Longer thy offered good, why else set here?		from trying to taste it. Why is it here?"
This said, he paused not, but with ventrous arm		Without a pause or hesitation, he reached out
He plucked, he tasted. Me damp horror chilled	65	and plucked a fruit from the tree. He ate it. I was lost for words.
At such bold words vouched with a deed so bold;		This Angel continued and said,
But he thus, overjoyed: ‘O fruit divine,		"How wonderful!
Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropt,		It's so tasty! It doesn't just look good, it tastes good too!
Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit
For gods, yet able to make gods of men!	70	Sure, it's only reserved for Gods, but it's able to turn men into Gods too!
And why not gods of men, since good, the more		Why not share this delight to everyone else?
Communicated, more abundant grows,
The author not impaired, but honoured more?		Wouldn't that honor God more?
Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve!		Come here Eve!
Partake thou also: happy though thou art,	75	You should try this out too!
Happier thou may’st be, worthier canst not be.		You may be happy now, but you'll be happier trying this out!
Taste this, and be henceforth among the gods		Just taste it and become a god too.
Thyself a goddess; not to Earth confined,		Become a goddess.
But sometimes in the Air; as we; sometimes
Ascend to Heaven, by merit thine, and see	80	Rise to Heaven!
What life the gods live there, and such live thou.’		And enjoy a new life!"
So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held,		As he was saying all this, he took the same fruit
Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part		and held it close to my mouth
Which he had plucked: the pleasant savoury smell		I could smell how tasty it was.
So quickened appetite that I, methought,	85	I couldn't help myself
Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds		so I tasted it. We suddenly flew up into the sky
With him I flew, and underneath beheld
The Earth outstretched immense, a prospect wide		I saw how big the Earth really was.
And various. Wondering at my flight and change
To this high exaltation, suddenly	90	Then all of a sudden
My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down,		he was gone. And I sunk back down
And fell asleep; but, O, how glad I waked		into sleep. Then I woke up. I was
To find this but a dream!” Thus Eve her night		glad that this was all just a dream."
Related, and thus Adam answered sad:—		Adam replied
“Best image of myself, and dearer half,	95	"Well damn.
The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep		I don't like this at all.
Affects me equally; nor can I like
This uncouth dream—of evil sprung, I fear;		This dream of yours, is... kind of evil.
Yet evil whence? In thee can harbour none,		I'm scared because where could it have come from? It couldn't have come from you. You're not evil.
Created pure. But know that in the soul	100	You're so pure.
Are many lesser faculties, that serve		Sure,
Reason as chief. Among these Fancy next
Her office holds; of all external things,		we have our imaginations
Which the five watchful senses represent,		and we have our five senses of course,
She forms imaginations, aerie shapes,	105	but our imaginations CAN take us to so many places.
Which Reason, joining or disjoining, frames
All what we affirm or what deny, and call
Our knowledge or opinion; then retires		Our inherent knowledge and conscious thought keeps us level, but when we sleep...
Into her private cell when Nature rests.
Oft, in her absence, mimic Fancy wakes	110	that's when our imagination takes over.
To imitate her; but, misjoining shapes,		And it can be hard to distinguish what
Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams,		is a dream and what is real.
Ill matching words and deeds long past or late.		And our memories can get mixed up.
Some such resemblances, methinks, I find
Of our last evening’s talk in this thy dream,	115	Maybe last night's conversation made its way into your dream.
But with addition strange. Yet be not sad:		Along with some other strange stuff.
Evil into the mind of God or Man		Sure they may seem bad,
May come and go, so unapproved, and leave		but
No spot or blame behind; which gives me hope		there's no harm done. What gives me hope
That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream	120	is that you're already upset of what
Waking thou never wilt consent to do.		you've done in your dream. That means it's something you would never do in real life. (Narrator: She did.)
Be not disheartened, then, nor cloud those looks,		So don't worry.
That wont to be more cheerful and serene		I want you to cheer up.
Than when fair Morning first smiles on the world;
And let us to our fresh imployments rise	125	We've got some new work to do
Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers,		in the garden."
That open now their choicest bosomed smells,
Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store.”
So cheered he his fair spouse; and she was cheered,		It seemed like Adam did well cheering her up a bit.
But silently a gentle tear let fall	130	Eve did cry gentle tears from both her eyes
From either eye, and wiped them with her hair:		but she wiped them away with her hair
Two other precious drops that ready stood,		Two more tear drops formed
Each in their crystal sluice, he, ere they fell,		and fell down her cheeks
Kissed as the gracious signs of sweet remorse		but Adam kissed those away too.
And pious awe, that feared to have offended.	135
So all was cleared, and to the field they haste.		Once that was all said and done, they quickly went back to work.
But first, from under shady arborous roof
Soon as they forth were come to open sight		They were greeted with
Of day-spring, and the Sun—who, scarce uprisen,		a splendid morning Sun
With wheels yet hovering o’er the ocean-brim,	140	that just lit up everything.
Shot parallel to the Earth his dewy ray,
Discovering in wide lantskip all the east
Of Paradise and Eden’s happy plains—
Lowly they bowed, adoring, and began		In midst of this beautiful sight, they bowed low to pray.
Their orisons, each morning duly paid	145	Every morning,
In various style; for neither various style		they were creative enough to say a different prayer
Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise
Their Maker, in fit strains pronounced, or sung		They wanted to praise their Maker in unique ways.
Unmeditated; such prompt eloquence
Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous verse,	150
More tuneable than needed lute or harp
To add more sweetness. And they thus began:—		They said:
“These are thy glorious works, Parent of good,		"Dear God, this is a beautiful land!
Almighty! thine this universal frame,
Thus wondrous fair: Thyself how wondrous then!	155	You are so wonderful!
Unspeakable! who sitt’st above these heavens		You sit high above these Heavens,
To us invisible, or dimly seen		and although you are invisible or rarely seen,
In these thy lowest works; yet these declare		we can see who you are through your work.
Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine.		We can see your goodness everywhere.
Speak, ye who best can tell, ye Sons of Light,	160	And as for you Angels, you know him more than anybody.
Angels—for ye behold him, and with songs		Praise him with your songs and
And choral symphonies, day without night,		your symphonies.
Circle his throne rejoicing—ye in Heaven;		Circle his throne and rejoice!
On Earth join, all ye creatures, to extol		Praise him!
Him first, him last, him midst, and without end.	165
Fairest of Stars, last in the train of Night,		And you, the morning star, the last to shine in the night
If better thou belong not to the Dawn,
Sure pledge of day, that crown’st the smiling morn
With thy bright circlet, praise him in thy sphere		you should praise him too!
While day arises, that sweet hour of prime.	170	And when the day arises, that special hour
Thou Sun, of this great World both eye and soul,		You the Sun,
Acknowledge him thy Greater; sound his praise		you must praise him too
In thy eternal course, both when thou climb’st,		in your eternal cycle of
And when high noon hast gained, and when thou fall’st.		rising and falling.
Moon, that now meet’st the orient Sun, now fliest,	175	And you, the moon!
With the fixed Stars, fixed in their orb that flies;		As well as the
And ye five other wandering Fires, that move		other orbiting, shining planets in the sky
In mystic dance, not without song, reasound		and your mystic dancing...
His praise who out of Darkness called up Light.		praise the light of your creator!
Air, and ye Elements, the eldest birth	180	Air and the rest of the elements, among the oldest
Of Nature’s womb, that in quaternion run		that were made.
Perpetual circle, multiform, and mix		How air perpetually circles us in different forms, and mixes
And nourish all things, let your ceaseless change		and nourishes all things. Let your unchanging self
Vary to our great Maker still new praise.		praise our great Maker!
Ye Mists and Exhalations, that now rise	185	And the mists, that rise
From hill or steaming lake, dusky or gray,		from the hills, steaming lakes
Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold,		to how the Sun pierces through your clouds
In honour to the World’s great Author rise;		you must honor your creator too!
Whether to deck with clouds the uncoloured sky,		Even you clouds that
Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers,	190	wet the thirsty earth with your rain.
Rising or falling, still advance his praise.
His praise, ye Winds, that from four quarters blow,		And the wind, that blows,
Breathe soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye Pines,		whether you're soft or strong, you breeze through and above the treetops
With every Plant, in sign of worship wave.		onto every plant and that's how you praise your creator!
Fountains, and ye, that warble, as ye flow,	195	And the waterfalls and flowing streams
Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise.		the sound of your brooks is how you praise God.
Join voices, all ye living Souls. Ye Birds,		And the voices of nature, all of your voices join us. The birds
That, singing, up to Heaven-gate ascend,		sing and praise God.
Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise.
Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk	200
The earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep,
Witness if I be silent, morn or even,
To hill or valley, fountain, or fresh shade,
Made vocal by my song, and taught his praise.
Hail, universal Lord! Be bounteous still	205	Dear God, please
To give us only good; and, if the night		give us only good, and if darkness and night
Have gathered aught of evil, or concealed,		gathers against us
Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark.”		please chase them away with your light."
So prayed they innocent, and to their thoughts		They finished their lengthy prayer and
Firm peace recovered soon, and wonted calm.	210	felt better and at peace. They were calm again.
On to their morning’s rural work they haste,		Then they finally, quickly went back to work.
Among sweet dews and flowers, where any row		Among the dew and the flowers
Of fruit-trees, over-woody, reached too far		the fruit trees, the woods,
Their pampered boughs, and needed hands to check		they pruned and pampered every branch
Fruitless imbraces; or they led the vine	215	and fixed the growing vines.
To wed her elm; she, spoused, about him twines
Her marriageable arms, and with her brings
Her dower, the adopted clusters, to adorn
His barren leaves. Them thus imployed beheld
With pity Heaven’s high King, and to him called	220	Meanwhile in Heaven, God was watching. He called upon the Angel Raphael.
Raphael, the sociable Spirit, that deigned		He was a pretty cool Angel, he was very sociable.
To travel with Tobias, and secured
His marriage with the seven-times-wedded maid.
“Raphael,” said he, “thou hear’st what stir on Earth		God said, "Raphael, I have a bad feeling about what's happening on Earth.
Satan, from Hell scaped through the darksome Gulf,	225	I've noticed Satan
Hath raised in Paradise, and how disturbed		meddling.
This night the human pair; now he designs		He gave Eve a visit in her dreams, and he's planning something terrible.
In them at once to ruin all mankind.		He seeks to ruin and corrupt all of mankind.
Go, therefore; half this day, as friend with friend,		I want you to go down there at noontime
Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade	230	and find Adam.
Thou find’st him from the heat of noon retired
To respite his day-labour with repast
Or with repose; and such discourse bring on		You will have an important conversation.
As may advise him of his happy state—		You will tell him that their overall happiness
Happiness in his power left free to will,	235	depends on how he uses
Left to his own free will, his will though free		his free will.
Yet mutable. Whence warn him to beware		Please warn him to beware
He swerve not, too secure: tell him withal		and keep a look out for anything strange.
His danger, and from whom; what enemy,		Explain that he is in danger
Late fallen himself from Heaven, is plotting now	240	and that Satan is plotting
The fall of others from like state of bliss.		to make everyone else miserable and fallen like Satan himself.
By violence? no, for that shall be withstood;		Comfort Adam that this danger doesn't come from violence.
But by deceit and lies. This let him know,		But the danger comes through deciet and lies.
Lest, wilfully transgressing, he pretend		Make Adam understand that, this warning is on the record so he can't say we didn't warn him!"
Surprisal, unadmonished, unforewarned.”	245
So spake the Eternal Father, and fulfilled		God made sure to cover his own ass once shit hits the fan.
All justice. Nor delayed the winged Saint
After his charge received; but from among
Thousand celestial Ardours, where he stood		Suddenly a thousand other Angels
Veiled with his gorgeous wings, upspringing light,	250
Flew through the midst of Heaven. The angelic quires
On each hand parting, to his speed gave way		quickly made a path for Raphael to pass through
Through all the empyreal road, till, at the gate
Of Heaven arrived, the gate self-opened wide,		toward the gate of Heaven, which opened by itself.
On golden hinges turning, as by work	255
Divine the sovran Architect had framed.
From hence—no cloud or, to obstruct his sight,		And Raphael, without anything in his line of sight,
Star interposed, however small—he sees,		he saw
Not unconform to other shining globes,
Earth, and the Garden of God, with cedars crowned	260	Earth, and the Garden of Eden.
Above all hills; as when by night the glass
Of Galileo, less assured, observes		He was like Galileo
Imagined lands and regions in the Moon;		looking through a telescope at distant sights.
Or pilot from amidst the Cyclades		Or like a ship's pilot looking toward distant islands to discover.
Delos or Samos first appearing kens,	265
A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight		Raphael went and drove straight down.
He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sky		Fast like a rocket.
Sails between worlds and worlds, with steady wing		Sailing with steady wings.
Now on the polar winds; then with quick fan		And once he hit the atmosphere, he
Winnows the buxom air, till, within soar	270
Of towering eagles, to all the fowls he seems		flapped his wings like a bird.
A phœnix, gazed by all, as that sole bird,		He was like a beautiful phoenix bird.
When, to enshrine his relics in the Sun’s
Bright temple, to Ægyptian Thebes he flies.
At once on the eastern cliff of Paradise	275	He finally landed on an Eastern cliff of Paradise.
He lights, and to his proper shape returns,
A Seraph winged. Six wings he wore, to shade		This Angel was majestic. He had six wings
His lineaments divine: the pair that clad
Each shoulder broad came mantling o’er his breast		A set on his shoulders,
With regal ornament; the middle pair	280	a colorful set  at his
Girt like a starry zone his waist, and round		waist
Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold
And colours dipt in heaven; the third his feet		and the third set on his feet. Very extra.
Shadowed from either heel with feathered mail,
Sky-tinctured grain. Like Maia’s son he stood,	285
And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance filled		With every beat of his wings, a heavenly perfume came out.
The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands
Of Angels under watch, and to his state		Some Angels that were on guard at this cliff,
And to his message high in honour rise;		immediately recognized Raphael. The stood up to show him some respect.
For on some message high they guessed him bound.	290	They also recognized that this was an Angel on a mission.
Their glittering tents he passed, and now is come		Raphael passed by their tents
Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh,		and he walked into a forest of myrrh.
And flowering odours, cassia, nard, and balm,
A wilderness of sweets; for Nature here
Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will	295
Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet,
Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss.
Him, through the spicy forest onward come,		He walked through a bunch of beautiful and fragrant things.
Adam discerned, as in the door he sat		Adam saw the Angel coming. Adam was just
Of his cool bower, while now the mounted Sun	300	chilling in the shade outside his shelter.
Shot down direct his fervid rays, to warm
Earth’s inmost womb, more warmth than Adam needs’
And Eve, within, due at her hour, prepared		While Eve was inside
For dinner savoury fruits, of taste to please		putting together some delicious fruit for
True appetite, and not disrelish thirst	305	a snack.
Of nectarous draughts between, from milky stream,		She was also squeezing some other fruits to
Berry or grape: to whom thus Adam called:—		make something nice to drink.
“Haste hither, Eve, and, worth thy sight, behold		Adam hollered, "Eve! Hurry and look!
Eastward among those trees what glorious Shape		Look toward the trees, it's glorious. It's as
Comes this way moving; seems another morn	310	bright as the sun!
Risen on mid-noon. Some great behest from Heaven		It must be a message from God, from the Heavens!
To us perhaps he brings, and will voutsafe
This day to be our guest. But go with speed,		He is our guest. So quickly,
And what thy stores contain bring forth, and pour		bring forth all our best
Abundance fit to honour and receive	315	foods and refreshments.
Our heavenly stranger; well may we afford		We will give him
Our givers their own gifts, and large bestow		all the great things that
From large bestowed, where Nature multiplies		God has given us."
Her fertile growth, and by disburdening grows
More fruitful; which instructs us not to spare.”	320
To whom thus Eve:—“Adam, Earth’s hallowed mould,		Eve replies, "Adam,
Of God inspired, small store will serve where store,		we actually don't store a lot of things
All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk;		because all around us
Save what, by frugal storing, firmness gains		is everything that we need.
To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes.	325
But I will haste, and from each bough and brake,		But, I'll quickly put something together.
Each plant and juiciest gourd, will pluck such choice
To entertain our Angel-guest as he,		We will impress our guest!"
Beholding, shall confess that here on Earth
God hath dispensed his bounties as in Heaven.”	330
So saying, with dispatchful looks in haste
She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent		With hospitality in mind
What choice to choose for delicacy best,		she wanted to only serve the best.
What order so contrived as not to mix
Tastes, not well joined, inelegant, but bring	335
Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change:
Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk
Whatever Earth, all-bearing mother, yields		After all, all the delicious foods that you and I enjoy,
In India East or West, or middle shore		no matter where you're from,
In Pontus or the Punic coast, or where	340
Alcinous reigned, fruit of all kinds, in coat
Rough or smooth-rined, or bearded husk, or shell,
She gathers, tribute large, and on the board		Can be found here in Paradise.
Heaps with unsparing hand. For drink the grape
She crushes, inoffensive must, and meaths	345	Eve made drinks.
From many a berry, and from sweet kernels pressed
She tempers dulcet creams—nor those to hold
Wants her fit vessels pure; then strews the ground
With rose and odours from the shrub unfumed.
Meanwhile our primitive great Sire, to meet	350	Meanwhile, Adam went to meet with
His godlike guest, walks forth, without more train		their guest.
Accompanied than with his own complete
Perfections; in himself was all his state,
More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits
On princes, when their rich retin’ue long	355
Of horses led and grooms besmeared with gold
Dazzles the crowd and sets them all agape.
Nearer his presence, Adam, though not awed,
Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek,
As to a superior nature, bowing low,	360	Adam bowed, and said,
Thus said:—“Native of Heaven (for other place
None can than Heaven such glorious Shape contain),		"You look so glorious!
Since, by descending from the Thrones above,		You greatly honor us by coming down from above
Those happy places thou hadst deigned a while
To want, and honour these, voutsafe with us,	365	to visit with us."
Two only, who yet by sovran gift possess
This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower
To rest, and what the Garden choicest bears
To sit and taste, till this meridian heat
Be over, and the sun more cool decline.”	370
Whom thus the angelic Virtue answered mild:—		The Angel replied,
“Adam, I therefore came; nor art thou such		"Adam,
Created, or such place hast here to dwell,		your dwelling is very
As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heaven,		inviting.
To visit thee. Lead on, then, where thy bower	375
O’ershades; for these mid-hours, till evening rise,		I can stay here until the evening."
I have at will.” So to the sylvan lodge		Adam and Raphael arrived to the shelter.
They came, that like Pomona’s arbour smiled,
With flowerets decked and fragrant smells. But Eve,
Undecked, save with herself, more lovely fair	380	Eve was there to greet them.
Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feigned
Of three that in Mount Ida naked strove,
Stood to entertain her guest from Heaven; no veil
She needed, virtue-proof; no thought infirm
Altered her cheek. On whom the Angel “Hail!”	385	Raphael said, "Hail, Eve!
Bestowed—the holy salutation used
Long after to blest Mary, second Eve:—
“Hail! Mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb		the Mother of Mankind, whose fruitful womb
Shall fill the world more numerous with thy sons		will fill the world with your sons, more than
Than with these various fruits the trees of God	390	the fruits these trees will bear."
Have heaped this table!” Raised of grassy turf
Their table was, and mossy seats had round,		The table of refreshments was made out of moss and grassy.
And on her ample square, from side to side,		And it was covered and full with
All Autumn piled, though Spring and Autumn here		all the fruit that was always in season here in Paradise.
Danced hand-in-hand. A while discourse they hold—	395
No fear lest dinner cool—when thus began
Our Author:—“Heavenly Stranger, please to taste		Adam said,
These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom		"So. This is our human food,
All perfect good, unmeasured-out, descends.
To us for food and for delight hath caused	400	and I wonder...
The Earth to yield: unsavoury food, perhaps,		do Angels even like this kind of food?"
To Spiritual Natures; only this I know,
That one Celestial Father gives to all.”
To whom the Angel:—“Therefore, what he gives		Raphael replied, "Everything that God gives
(Whose praise be ever sung) to Man, in part	405	to Man, is spiritual.
Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found
No ingrateful food: and food alike those pure		And that means it's good for us Angels too.
Intelligential substances require
As doth your Rational; and both contain
Within them every lower faculty	410
Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste,
Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate,
And corporeal to incorporeal turn.
For know, whatever was created needs		Just think about this, everything that has been created
To be sustained and fed. Of Elements	415	needs to be sustained and fed.
The grosser feeds the purer: Earth the Sea;
Earth and the Sea feed Air; the Air those Fires
Ethereal, and, as lowest, first the Moon;
Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurged,
Vapours not yet into her substance turned.	420
Nor doth the Moon no nourishment exhale
From her moist continent to higher Orbs.
The Sun, that light imparts to all, receives
From all his alimental recompense
In humid exhalations, and at even	425
Sups with the Ocean. Though in Heaven the trees		You have many things here on Earth that even Heaven
Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines		doesn't have.
Yield nectar—though from off the boughs each morn
We brush mellifluous dews and find the ground
Covered with pearly grain—yet God hath here	430
Varied his bounty so with new delights
As may compare with Heaven; and to taste		So I shall indulge in your earthly bounty as it greatly interests me."
Think not I shall be nice.” So down they sat,		They sat and ate.
And to their viands fell; nor seemingly
The Angel, nor in mist—the common gloss	435	The Angel...
Of theologians—but with keen dispatch
Of real hunger, and concoctive heat		seemed pretty hungry!
To transubstantiate: what redounds transpires		And it was interesting and peculiar to Adam and Eve.
Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder, if by fire
Of sooty coal the Empiric Alchimist	440
Can turn, or holds it possible to turn,
Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold,
As from the mine. Meanwhile at table Eve		Eve kept the drinks flowing.
Ministered naked, and their flowing cups		Yes, she was naked, we all know Adam and Eve were naked.
With pleasant liquors crowned. O innocence	445	And everyone was liquored up. But since we're in innocent Paradise,
Deserving Paradise! If ever, then,		no one lusted after each other the way we would do today after a few drinks.
Then had the Sons of God excuse to have been
Enamoured at that sight. But in those hearts
Love unlibidinous reigned, nor jealousy
Was understood, the injured lover’s hell.	450
Thus when with meats and drinks they had sufficed,		Once they had finished eating,
Not burdened nature, sudden mind arose
In Adam not to let the occasion pass,		Adam wanted to know a few things,
Given him by this great conference, to know
Of things above his world, and of their being	455	especially about things above, in Heaven
Who dwell in Heaven, whose excellence he saw		and about those who were in Heaven.
Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms,
Divine effulgence, whose high power so far
Exceeded human; and his wary speech
Thus to the empyreal minister he framed:—	460	Adam said to the Angel,
Inhabitant with God, now know I well		"Now I know very well,
They favour, in this honour done to Man;
Under whose lowly roof thou hast voutsafed
To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste,		that although you've enjoyed this meal,
Food not of Angels, yet accepted so	465	especially food that Angels don't usually eat,
As that more willingly thou couldst not seem
At Heaven’s high feasts to have fed: yet what compare!”		this can't possibly compare with what you're used to eating in Heaven!"
To whom the wingèd Hierarch replied:—		The Angel replied,
“O Adam, one almighty is, from whom		"Ah, Adam...
All things proceed, and up to him return,	470	everything comes from God... and goes to God in return,
If not depraved from good, created all		as long as it's good and not corrupted. God created
Such to perfection; one first matter all,		everything from the same basic material.
Indued with various forms, various degrees		It's made into different forms that we can all recognize, see, and feel.
Of substance, and, in things that live, of life;
But more refined, more spiritous and pure,	475	The more refined, spiritous, and pure a life form is...
As nearer to him placed or nearer tending		is all because it is growing closer to God.
Each in their several active spheres assigned,
Till body up to spirit work, in bounds
Proportioned to each kind. So from the root		Here's an example,
Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves	480	Take the roots in the ground, from it a green stalk grows.
More aerie, last the bright consummate flower		From there, its leaves.
Spirits odorous breathes: flowers and their fruit,		Then the flower, which has a sweet-smelling add delightful perfume.
Man’s nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed,		It's like how man's nourishment comes from a fruit.
To vital spirits aspire, to animal,		It does your body and spirit good
To intellectual; give both life and sense,	485	as well as your mind and soul.
Fancy and understanding; whence the Soul		Eat good things and good things will happen to you.
Reason receives, and Reason is her being,		Another thing, you and I think differently...
Discursive, or Intuitive: Discourse		You think by reasoning,
Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours,		We think more intuitively.
Differing but in degree, of kind the same.	490	There are just degrees of differences.
Wonder not, then, what God for you saw good		My point is, you shouldn't be surprised that I happen to like your food spread.
If I refuse not, but convert, as you,		It's just my body and spirit digests and metabolizes it in another way.
To proper substance. Time may come when Men		One day you ordinary men can
With Angels may participate, and find		try out our Angel food.
No inconvenient diet, nor too light fare;	495	It's a special diet
And from these corporal nutriments, perhaps,		complete with spiritual nutrients
Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit,		that will turn you into truer spirits similar to me.
Improved by tract of time, and winged ascend		That way you could fly like us
Ethereal, as we, or may at choice
Here or in heavenly paradises dwell,	500	and even live here or in Heaven with the big dogs,
If ye be found obedient, and retain		whatever you choose... that is... if you OBEY GOD.
Unalterably firm his love entire		AND ALWAYS LOVE HIM.
Whose progeny you are. Meanwhile enjoy,		In the meantime,
Your fill, what happiness this happy state		enjoy your time and happiness here!"
Can comprehend, incapable of more.”	505
To whom the Patriarch of Mankind replied:—		Adam replied,
“O favourable Spirit, propitious guest,		"Wow dude,
Well hast thou taught the way that might direct		that's all really interesting.
Our knowledge, and the scale of Nature set
From centre to circumference, whereon,	510
In contemplation of created things,
By steps we may ascend to God. But say,
What meant that caution joined, If ye be found		Just had one thought though... what exactly do you mean 'if we continue to obey God?'
Obedient? Can we want obedience, then,		...like haven't we been obedient enough? or is no one paying attention?
To him, or possibly his love desert,	515	Are you saying he might stop loving us or something?
Who formed us from the dust, and placed us here
Full to the utmost measure of what bliss
Human desires can seek or apprehend?”
To whom the Angel:—“Son of Heaven and Earth,		The angel Raphael replied, "Adam...
Attend! That thou art happy, owe to God;	520	listen carefully.
That thou continuest such, owe to thyself,		God gave you perfect happiness and everything you need here.
That is, to thy obedience; therein stand.		It's just, whether you stay happy or not is dependent
This was that caution given thee; be advised.		entirely on you and your obedience.
God made thee perfect, not immutable;		God made y'all perfectly good.
And good he made thee; but to persevere	525	He also made it so you
He left it in thy power—ordained thy will
By nature free, not over-ruled by fate		have the freedom to be whatever you want to be. You have a choice.
Inextricable, or strict necessity.
Our voluntary service he requires,		Like us angels, we've got the same deal too!
Not our necessitated. Such with him	530	Angels are always welcome in Heaven
Finds no acceptance, nor can find; for how		as long as we stay obedient and
Can hearts not free be tried whether they serve		serve of our own free will.
Willing or no, who will but what they must
By destiny, and can no other choose?
Myself, and all the Angelic Host, that stand	535
In sight of god enthroned, our happy state
Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds.		We have freedom too.
On other surety none: freely we serve,
Because we freely love, as in our will
To love or not; in this we stand or fall.	540
And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen,		However, there ARE some angels who
And so from Heaven to deepest Hell. Of fall		decided not to be obedient. They were obviously kicked out of Heaven and thrown into Hell."
From what high state of bliss into what woe!”
To whom our great Progenitor:—“Thy words		Adam said "Okay, I totally get it now.
Attentive, and with more delighted ear,	545
Divine instructor, I have heard, than when
Cherubic songs by night from neighbouring hills
Aerial music send. Nor knew I not		But I kind of already knew I was created with free will.
To be, both will and deed, created free.
Yet that we never shall forget to love	550	And trust me when I say this, but we have absolutely no
Our Maker, and obey him whose command		intention of disobeying God
Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts		because he's been so kind and thoughtful to us.
Assured me, and still assure; though what thou tell’st
Hath passed in Heaven some doubt within me move,
But more desire to hear, if thou consent,	555	Can you tell me more, if you don't mind, about
The full relation, which must needs be strange,		the angels getting thrown out of Heaven?
Worthy of sacred silence to be heard.
And we have yet large day, for scarce the Sun		We've got the whole afternoon together,
Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins		I'd love to know the full story."
His other half in the great zone of heaven.”	560
Thus Adam made request; and Raphael,
After short pause assenting, thus began:—		Raphael replied after a short pause
“High matter thou injoin’st me, O prime of Men—		"You... ask a lot of questions.
Sad task and hard; for how shall I relate
To human sense the invisible exploits	565	Hmmm how can I help you relate and understand
Of warring Spirits? how, without remorse,		the magnitude of how Angels go to war?
The ruin of so many, glorious once		It's heartbreaking for me to recall the story, especially thinking of all the angels that were lost.
And perfect while they stood? how, last, unfold
The secrets of another world, perhaps		It's a lot for ordinary humans to handle...
Not lawful to reveal? Yet for thy good	570
This is dispensed; and what surmounts the reach
Of human sense I shall delineate so,		But you are special,
By likening spiritual to corporal forms,		And god made you in a special way to be able to understand
As may express them best—though what if Earth		what I will tell you. I'll try to help you imagine Heaven in the context of Earth as you know it.
Be but the shadow of Heaven, and things therein	575
Each to other like more than on Earth is thought!
“As yet this World was not, and Chaos wild		One day, before this world here was even made,
Reigned where these heavens now rowl, where Earth now rests
Upon her centre poised, when on a day
(For Time, though in Eternity, applied	580
To motion, measures all things durable
By present, past, and future), on such day
As Heaven’s great year brings forth, the empyreal host		all the angels were called together for a meeting.
Of Angels, by imperial summons called,
Innumerable before the Almighty’s throne	585
Forthwith from all the ends of Heaven appeared		Thousands and thousands of angels came together.
Under their hierarchs in orders bright.
Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced,		All in order too, organized by flags and banners displaying their respective ranks.
Standards and gonfalons, ’twixt van and rear
Stream in the air, and for distinction serve	590
Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees:
Or in their glittering tissues bear imblazed
Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love
Recorded eminent. Thus when in orbs		They all formed orbs around
Of circuit inexpressible they stood,	595
Orb within orb, the Father Infinite,		God,
By whom in bliss imbosomed sat the Son,		who sat on a
Amidst, as from a flaming Mount, whose top		flaming mountain top beside his Son.
Brightness had made invisible, thus spake:		It was so bright you could barely see them.
“‘Hear, all ye Angels, Progeny of Light,	600	God spoke 'Hey everyone,
Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers,
Hear my decree, which unrevoked shall stand!
This day I have begot whom I declare		this is my Son.
My only Son, and on this holy hill		He is my equal by the way.
Him have anointed, whom ye now behold	605
At my right hand. Your head I him appoint,		He is my right hand man.
And by myself have sworn to him shall bow		So
All knees in Heaven, and shall confess him Lord.		if i were you I'd consider him your Lord from now on
Under his great vicegerent reign abide,		and definitely treat him and worship him as you treat and worship me.
United as one individual soul,	610
For ever happy. Him who disobeys		On that note, if you disobey him
Me disobeys, breaks union, and, that day,		that's exactly like disobeying me.
Cast out form God and blessed vision, falls
Into utter darkness, deep ingulfed, his place		Which in turn results in you being thrown out of Heaven and into Hell to suffer for eternity. Got it? Okay.'
Ordained without redemption, without end.’	615
“So spake the Omnipotent, and with his words
All seemed well pleased; all seemed, but were not all.		Most angels were happy,
That day, as other solemn days, they spent		but some weren't pleased with this little announcement.
In song and dance about the sacred Hill—		They spent the rest of the time
Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere	620	dancing and celebrating in a mystical way.
Of planets and of fixed in all her wheels		Their movements were as wondrous, mysterious, and
Resembles, nearest; mazes intricate,		complicated as the movements of the stars and planets in the galaxy.
Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular
Then most when most irregular they seem;
And in their motions harmony divine	625
So smooths her charming tones that God’s own ear		God enjoyed it all.
Listens delighted. Evening now approached		The revelry carried on into the evening.
(For we have also our evening and our morn—		(Yeah, we have evenings too.)
We ours for change delectable, not need);
Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn	630	And evening time means dinner time.
Desirous: all in circles as they stood,
Tables are set, and on a sudden piled		The tables were set,
With Angels’ food; and rubied nectar flows		piled high with angel food,
In pearl, in diamond, and massy gold,		gaudy gold cups decorated with diamonds and jewels,
Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of Heaven.	635	all filled with nectar.
On flowers reposed, and with fresh flowerets crowned,		All the angels sat on flowers and they each had flower crowns on their heads.
They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet
Quaff immortality and joy, secure
Of surfeit where full measure only bounds
Excess, before the all-bounteous King, who showered	640	They ate, drank,
With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy.		and had a great time.
Now when ambrosial Night, with clouds exhaled
From that high mount of God whence light and shade
Spring both, the face of brightest Heaven had changed
To grateful twilight (for Night comes not there	645	As night drew closer
In darker veil), and roseate dews disposed
All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest,		every angel became sleepy, except for God as he doesn't have to sleep lol
Wide over all the plain, and wider far
Than all this globous Earth in plain outspread
(Such are the Courts of God), the Angelic throng,	650
Dispersed in bands and files, their camp extend		Shelters magically materialized across the land.
By living streams among the trees of life—
Pavilions numberless and sudden reared,
Celestial tabernacles, where they slept,
Fanned with cool winds; save those who, in their course,	655	The angels went to sleep in their quarters,
Melodious hymns about the sovran Throne		except for a few angels that wanted to keep singing hymns all night.
Alternate all night long. But not so waked		One particular angel didn't stay awake to sing or enjoy the hymns. .
Satan—so call him now; his former name		Satan, and we don't even refer to him by his previous name anymore.
Is heard no more in Heaven. He, of the first,		He was a top angel. One of the highest!
If not the first Archangel, great in power,	660
In favour, and preëminence, yet fraught
With envy against the Son of God, that day		But he was very jealous. of the Son of God.
Honoured by his great Father, and proclaimed
Messiah, King Anointed, could not bear,
Through pride, that sight, and thought himself impaired.	665
Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain,
Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour		At midnight, he woke up his next in command
Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolved
With all his legions to dislodge, and leave
Unworshiped, unobeyed, the Throne supreme.	670
Contemptuous, and, his next subordinate		and began to plot against God and his son.
Awakening, thus to him in secret spake:—
“‘Sleep’st thou, companion dear? what sleep can close		'Dude, how can you sleep
Thy eyelids? and rememberest what decree,		after hearing all that?
Of yesterday, so late hath passed the lips	675
Of Heaven’s Almighty? Thou to me thy thoughts		I bet we were thinking of the same thing...
Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont, to impart;
Both waking we were one; how, then, can now
Thy sleep dissent? New laws thou seest imposed;
New laws from him who reigns new minds may raise	680	there might be some new changes coming that I don't even want to think about right now.
In us who serve—new counsels, to debate
What doubtful may ensue. More in this place
To utter is not safe. Assemble thou		Anyway, it's not safe to speak about it here.
Of all those myriads which we lead the chief;
Tell them that, by command, ere yet dim Night	685	Get all of our men together
Her shadowy cloud withdraws, I am to haste,
And all who under me their banners wave,
Homeward with flying march where we possess
The Quarters of the North, there to prepare		and tell them to meet at our quarters in the North,
Fit entertainment to receive our King,	690
The great Messiah, and his new commands,		so we can plan something special for our new king
Who speedily through all the Hierarchies		when he starts to exercise his newfound powers on us.'
Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws.’
“So spake the false Archangel, and infused		Satan was clearly a bad influence on his friend,
Bad influence into the unwary breast	695	who did as he was told and
Of his associate. He together calls,		spread the word.
Or several one by one, the regent Powers,
Under him regent; tells, as he was taught,
That, the Most High commanding, now ere Night,
Now ere dim Night had disincumbered Heaven,	700
The great hierarchal standard was to move;
Tells the suggested cause, and casts between
Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound
Or taint integrity. But all obeyed
The wonted signal, and superior voice	705
Of their great Potentate; for great indeed
His name, and high was his degree in Heaven:		Satan was well respected in Heaven, so
His countenance, as the morning-star that guides		it was no problem to get loyal followers on board.
The starry flock allured them, and with lies
Drew after him the third part of Heaven’s host.	710	About 1/3 of Heaven's population were drawn to Satan's influence.
Meanwhile, the Eternal Eye, whose sight discerns		Meanwhile, God knew this was all happening.
Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy Mount,		There's nothing anyone can hide from him as he can see even the deepest thoughts in everyone's minds.
And from within the golden Lamps that burn
Nightly before him, saw without their light
Rebellion rising—saw in whom, how spread	715	He saw the rebellion forming.
Among the Sons of Morn, what multitudes
Were banded to oppose his high decree;
And, smiling, to his only Son thus said:—		So he turned to his son and said
“‘Son, thou in whom my glory I behold
In full resplendence, Heir of all my might,	720	'An enemy is rising
Nearly it now concerns us to be sure
Of our Omnipotence, and with what arms
We mean to hold what anciently we claim
Of deity or empire: such a foe
Is rising, who intends to erect his throne	725	and trying to build an empire or kingdom that intends to be equal to ours.
Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North;
Nor so content, hath in his thought to try
In battle what our power is or our right.		He is also preparing for war.
Let us advise, and to this hazard draw
With speed what force is left, and all imploy	730
In our defence, lest unawares we lose
This our high place, our Sanctuary, our Hill.’		So we must prepare for war too.'
“To whom the Son, with calm aspect and clear		The son, calmly replied
Lightening divine, ineffable, serene,
Made answer:—’Mighty Father, thou thy foes	735
Justly hast in derision, and secure
Laugh’st at their vain designs and tumults vain—		'Father, I know you're taking some joy at their plans,
Matter to me of glory, whom their hate		and they may hate me
Illustrates, when they see all regal power
Given me to quell their pride, and in event	740
Know whether I be dextrous to subdue		but they're just going to make me look so much better once I defeat them for you.'
Thy rebels, or be found the worst in Heaven.’
“So spake the Son; but Satan with his Powers
Far was advanced on wingèd speed, an host		Meanwhile, Satan was on his way to the north quarters..
Innumerable as the stars of night,	745
Or stars of morning, dew-drops which the sun		With his army of angels behind him, they looked like a galaxy of stars.
Impearls on every leaf and every flower.
Regions they passed, the mighty regencies
Of Seraphim and Potentates and Thrones
In their triple degrees—regions to which	750
All thy dominion, Adam, is no more
Than what this garden is to all the earth
And all the sea, from one entire globose
Stretched into longitude; which having passed,
At length into the limits of the North	755	They reached the northernmost point in Heaven.
They came, and Satan to his royal seat		Satan sat on his throne,
High on a hill, far-blazing, as a mount
Raised on a mount, with pyramids and towers		surrounded by diamonds pyramids and towers.
From diamond quarries hewn and rocks of gold—
The palace of great Lucifer (so call	760	This was Lucifer's palace. That was his name.
That structure, in the dialect of men
Interpreted) which, not long after, he,
Affecting all equality with God,		He started to speak, emulating God above all
In imitation of that mount whereon
Messiah was declared in sight of Heaven,	765
The Mountain of the Congregation called;
For thither he assembled all his train,
Pretending so commanded to consult
About the great reception of their King
Thither to come, and with calumnious art	770
Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears:—
“‘Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers—		'Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers...
If these magnific titles yet remain		what do these titles even mean anymore?
Not merely titular, since by decree
Another now hath to himself ingrossed	775	Now that we
All power, and us eclipsed under the name
Of King Anointed; for whom all this haste		have this new king around and he has so much power
Of midnight march, and hurried meeting here,		do you think these titles even matter? I'm glad we could meet so quickly.
This only to consult, how we may best,
With what may be devised of honours new,	780
Receive him coming to receive from us		We need to figure out how to handle this guy,
Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile!		especially if he comes over here trying to expect all of us to kneel.
Too much to one! but double how endured—
To one and to his image now proclaimed?
But what if better counsels might erect	785	Aren't we all tired of this?
Our minds, and teach us to cast off this yoke!
Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend		Or would you rather just deal with it as always,
The supple knee? Ye will not, if I trust		and kneel?
To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves
Natives and Sons of Heaven possessed before	790	They don't own you.
By none, and, if not equal all, yet free,		Nobody owns you! You're free! And you've
Equally free; for orders and degrees		always been free. You can do whatever you want.
Jar not with liberty, but well consist.
Who can in reason, then, or right, assume		Who are they to have power over us,
Monarchy over such as live by right	795
His equals—if in power and splendour less,		aren't we all equal? Who are they to give us
In freedom equal? or can introduce		arbitrary laws?
Law and edict on us, who without law
Err not? much less for this to be our Lord,
And look for adoration, to the abuse	800	Most of all, who is this son of god and why does god expect us to worship and serve him? We are leaders, not servants.'
Of those imperial titles which assert
Our being ordained to govern, not to serve!
“Thus far his bold discourse without control
Had audience, when, among the Seraphim,
Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal adored	805	Abdiel the angel stood up,
The Deity, and divine commands obeyed,
Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe		he was one of God's most faithful angels.
The current of his fury thus opposed:—		He raised his voice and said
“‘O argument blasphe’mous, false, and proud—		'LIES AND BLASPHEMY!
Words which no ear ever to hear in Heaven	810	We don't talk like that
Expected; least of all from thee, ingrate,		about God and his son here in Heaven.
In place thyself so high above thy peers!		Especially coming from someone like you in such a highly respected position.
Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn
The just decree of God, pronounced and sworn,
That to his only Son, by right endued	815
With regal sceptre, every soul in Heaven
Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due
Confess him rightful King? Unjust, thou say’st,		So, you say it's not fair. to impose laws on
Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free,		free angels and how we should just let everybody rule equally.
And equal over equals to let reign,	820	If that were the case, are you going to tell God what to do?
One over all with unsucceeded power!
Shalt thou give law to God? shalt thou dispute
With Him the points of liberty, who made		Are you going to teach him about liberty? He made you!
Thee what Thou art, and formed the Powers of Heaven		He gave us all our powers, and our limits!
Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being?	825
Yet, by experience taught, we know how good,		In our collective experience, we know how
And of our good and of our dignity		god God is.
How provident, he is—how far from thought		He knows what's best for us.
To make us less; bent rather to exalt		He is not trying to make us less,
Our happy state, under one Head more near	830	he just wants to make us happier and
United. But—to grant it thee unjust		more united.
That equal over equals monarch reign—
Thyself, though great and glorious, dost thou count,		You are right that it wouldn't be fair for equals
Or all angelic nature joined in one,		to act as a king over his equals.
Equal to him, begotten Son, by whom,	835	But do you yourself truly see yourself as equal to the son of god?
As by his Word, the mighty Father made
All things, even thee, and all the Spirits of Heaven
By him created in their bright degrees,		God created all things through his son.
Crowned them with glory, and to their glory named		Even YOU.
Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers?—	840
Essential Powers; nor by his reign obscured,
But more illustrious made; since he, the head,		God placing his son as the head of all of us
One of our number thus reduced becomes;		doesn't make us any less than what we are.
His laws our laws; all honour to him done		It makes him one of us, his laws become our laws,
Returns our own. Cease, then, this impious rage,	845	and we all share in the same glory. So take your angry words back before it is too late.'
And tempt not these; but hasten to appease
The incensèd Father and the incensed Son
While pardon may be found, in time besought.’
“So spake the fervent Angel; but his zeal		The angel Abdiel spoke all this and made his case,
None seconded, as out of season judged,	850	but Satan was pleased that no one else
Or singular and rash. Whereat rejoiced		stood up and showed Abdiel any support.
The Apostat, and, more haughty, thus replied:—		Satan replied
“‘That we were formed, then, say’st thou? and the work
Of secondary hands, by task transferred
From Father to his Son? Strange point and new!	855	'Interesting points, but it is news to me that we were created by the son of God.
Doctrine which we would know whence learned! Who saw
When this creation was? Remember’st thou		Where exactly did you hear that? Do you even remember being made?
Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being?		None of us do. We remember always being here in Heaven.
We know no time when we were not as now;
Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised	860	We are part of Heaven, self-begot, self-raised, self-taught.
By our own quickening power when fatal course		And we make our own power and choices.
Had circled his full orb, the birth mature
Of this our native Heaven, Ethereal Sons.
Our puissance is our own; our own right hand
Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try	865	God and his son will soon find out
Who is our equal. Then thou shalt behold		who is really equal.
Whether by supplication we intend
Address, and to begirt the Almighty Throne
Beseeching or besieging. This report,		Take that message back to your new king. And GTFO of here while you still can.'
These tidings, carry to the Anointed King;	870
And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.’
“He said; and, as the sound of waters deep,
Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause		The horde of angels murmured in agreement and applause,
Through the infinite Host. Nor less for that
The flaming Seraph, fearless, though alone,	875	but Abdiel was not afraid at all.
Encompassed round with foes, thus answered bold:—		Abdiel replied,
“‘O alienate from God, O Spirit accursed,		"You're all accursed.
Forsaken of all good! I see thy fall
Determined, and thy hapless crew involved		You're spreading your negativity and fraud like a disease
In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread	880
Both of thy crime and punishment. Henceforth
No more be troubled how to quit the yoke
Of God’s Messiah. Those indulgent laws		Don't worry about the son of god's gentle laws then,
Will not be now voutsafed; other decrees		they're obviously not for you.
Against thee are gone forth without recall;	885
That golden sceptre which thou didst reject
Is now an iron rod to bruise and break
Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise;
Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly		I'm going to leave now, but not because of your empty threats.
These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrauth	890
Impendent, raging into sudden flame,		I just don't want to be here when God sets it all on fire with all of you in it.
Distinguish not: for soon expect to feel
His thunder on thy head, devouring fire.
Then who can created thee lamenting learn		He created you, and he can easily uncreate you too. Just wait and see.'
When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know.’	895
“So spake the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found;		Abdiel was the only faithful angel out of all of them.
Among the faithless faithful only he;
Among innumerable false unmoved,
Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified,
His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal;	900
Nor number nor example with him wrought
To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind,
Though single. From amidst them forth he passed,		Abdiel walked away, as all of their scornful and hateful faces watched him.
Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained
Superior, nor of violence feared aught;	905
And with retorted scorn his back he turned		Abdiel gave them dirty looks too and then moved on. He turned his back on a doomed Satan.
On those proud towers, to swift destruction doomed.”