Now Morn her rosie steps in th' Eastern Clime 

Advancing, sow'd the Earth with Orient Pearle, 

When ADAM wak't, so customd, for his sleep 

Was Aerie light, from pure digestion bred, 

And temperat vapors bland, which th' only sound 

Of leaves and fuming rills, AURORA's fan, 

Lightly dispers'd, and the shrill Matin Song 

Of Birds on every bough; so much the more 

His wonder was to find unwak'nd EVE 

With Tresses discompos'd, and glowing Cheek, 

As through unquiet rest: he on his side 

Leaning half-rais'd, with looks of cordial Love 

Hung over her enamour'd, and beheld 

Beautie, which whether waking or asleep, 

Shot forth peculiar Graces; then with voice 

Milde, as when ZEPHYRUS on FLORA breathes, 

Her hand soft touching, whisperd thus.  Awake 

My fairest, my espous'd, my latest found, 

Heav'ns last best gift, my ever new delight, 

Awake, the morning shines, and the fresh field 

Calls us, we lose the prime, to mark how spring 

Our tended Plants, how blows the Citron Grove, 

What drops the Myrrhe, & what the balmie Reed, 

How Nature paints her colours, how the Bee 

Sits on the Bloom extracting liquid sweet. 



  Such whispering wak'd her, but with startl'd eye 

On ADAM, whom imbracing, thus she spake. 



  O Sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, 

My Glorie, my Perfection, glad I see 

Thy face, and Morn return'd, for I this Night, 

Such night till this I never pass'd, have dream'd, 

If dream'd, not as I oft am wont, of thee, 

Works of day pass't, or morrows next designe, 

But of offence and trouble, which my mind 

Knew never till this irksom night; methought 

Close at mine ear one call'd me forth to walk 

With gentle voice, I thought it thine; it said, 

Why sleepst thou EVE? now is the pleasant time, 

The cool, the silent, save where silence yields 

To the night-warbling Bird, that now awake 

Tunes sweetest his love-labor'd song; now reignes 

Full Orb'd the Moon, and with more pleasing light 

Shadowie sets off the face of things; in vain, 

If none regard; Heav'n wakes with all his eyes, 

Whom to behold but thee, Natures desire, 

In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment 

Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze. 

I rose as at thy call, but found thee not; 

To find thee I directed then my walk; 

And on, methought, alone I pass'd through ways 

That brought me on a sudden to the Tree 

Of interdicted Knowledge: fair it seem'd, 

Much fairer to my Fancie then by day: 

And as I wondring lookt, beside it stood 

One shap'd & wing'd like one of those from Heav'n 

By us oft seen; his dewie locks distill'd 

Ambrosia; on that Tree he also gaz'd; 

And O fair Plant, said he, with fruit surcharg'd, 

Deigns none to ease thy load and taste thy sweet, 

Nor God, nor Man; is Knowledge so despis'd? 

Or envie, or what reserve forbids to taste? 

Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold 

Longer thy offerd good, why else set here? 

This said he paus'd not, but with ventrous Arme 

He pluckt, he tasted; mee damp horror chil'd 

At such bold words voucht with a deed so bold: 

But he thus overjoy'd, O Fruit Divine, 

Sweet of thy self, but much more sweet thus cropt, 

Forbidd'n here, it seems, as onely fit 

For Gods, yet able to make Gods of Men: 

And why not Gods of Men, since good, the more 

Communicated, more abundant growes, 

The Author not impair'd, but honourd more? 

Here, happie Creature, fair Angelic EVE, 

Partake thou also; happie though thou art, 

Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be: 

Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods 

Thy self a Goddess, not to Earth confind, 

But somtimes in the Air, as wee, somtimes 

Ascend to Heav'n, by merit thine, and see 

What life the Gods live there, and such live thou. 

So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held, 

Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part 

Which he had pluckt; the pleasant savourie smell 

So quick'nd appetite, that I, methought, 

Could not but taste.  Forthwith up to the Clouds 

With him I flew, and underneath beheld 

The Earth outstretcht immense, a prospect wide 

And various: wondring at my flight and change 

To this high exaltation; suddenly 

My Guide was gon, and I, me thought, sunk down, 

And fell asleep; but O how glad I wak'd 

To find this but a dream!  Thus EVE her Night 

Related, and thus ADAM answerd sad. 



  Best Image of my self and dearer half, 

The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep 

Affects me equally; nor can I like 

This uncouth dream, of evil sprung I fear; 

Yet evil whence? in thee can harbour none, 

Created pure.  But know that in the Soule 

Are many lesser Faculties that serve 

Reason as chief; among these Fansie next 

Her office holds; of all external things, 

Which the five watchful Senses represent, 

She forms Imaginations, Aerie shapes, 

Which Reason joyning or disjoyning, frames 

All what we affirm or what deny, and call 

Our knowledge or opinion; then retires 

Into her private Cell when Nature rests. 

Oft in her absence mimic Fansie wakes 

To imitate her; but misjoyning shapes, 

Wilde work produces oft, and most in dreams, 

Ill matching words and deeds long past or late. 

Som such resemblances methinks I find 

Of our last Eevnings talk, in this thy dream, 

But with addition strange; yet be not sad. 

Evil into the mind of God or Man 

May come and go, so unapprov'd, and leave 

No spot or blame behind: Which gives me hope 

That what in sleep thou didst abhorr to dream, 

Waking thou never wilt consent to do. 

Be not disheart'nd then, nor cloud those looks 

That wont to be more chearful and serene 

Then when fair Morning first smiles on the World, 

And let us to our fresh imployments rise 

Among the Groves, the Fountains, and the Flours 

That open now thir choicest bosom'd smells 

Reservd from night, and kept for thee in store. 



  So cheard he his fair Spouse, and she was cheard, 

But silently a gentle tear let fall 

From either eye, and wip'd them with her haire; 

Two other precious drops that ready stood, 

Each in thir chrystal sluce, hee ere they fell 

Kiss'd as the gracious signs of sweet remorse 

And pious awe, that feard to have offended. 



  So all was cleard, and to the Field they haste. 

But first from under shadie arborous roof, 

Soon as they forth were come to open sight 

Of day-spring, and the Sun, who scarce up risen 

With wheels yet hov'ring o're the Ocean brim, 

Shot paralel to the earth his dewie ray, 

Discovering in wide Lantskip all the East 

Of Paradise and EDENS happie Plains, 

Lowly they bow'd adoring, and began 

Thir Orisons, each Morning duly paid 

In various style, for neither various style 

Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise 

Thir Maker, in fit strains pronounc't or sung 

Unmeditated, such prompt eloquence 

Flowd from thir lips, in Prose or numerous Verse, 

More tuneable then needed Lute or Harp 

To add more sweetness, and they thus began. 



  These are thy glorious works, Parent of good, 

Almightie, thine this universal Frame, 

Thus wondrous fair; thy self how wondrous then! 

Unspeakable, who sitst above these Heavens 

To us invisible or dimly seen 

In these thy lowest works, yet these declare 

Thy goodness beyond thought, and Power Divine: 

Speak yee who best can tell, ye Sons of light, 

Angels, for yee behold him, and with songs 

And choral symphonies, Day without Night, 

Circle his Throne rejoycing, yee in Heav'n, 

On Earth joyn all yee Creatures to extoll 

Him first, him last, him midst, and without end. 

Fairest of Starrs, last in the train of Night, 

If better thou belong not to the dawn, 

Sure pledge of day, that crownst the smiling Morn 

With thy bright Circlet, praise him in thy Spheare 

While day arises, that sweet hour of Prime. 

Thou Sun, of this great World both Eye and Soule, 

Acknowledge him thy Greater, sound his praise 

In thy eternal course, both when thou climb'st, 

And when high Noon hast gaind, & when thou fallst. 

Moon, that now meetst the orient Sun, now fli'st 

With the fixt Starrs, fixt in thir Orb that flies, 

And yee five other wandring Fires that move 

In mystic Dance not without Song, resound 

His praise, who out of Darkness call'd up Light. 

Aire, and ye Elements the eldest birth 

Of Natures Womb, that in quaternion run 

Perpetual Circle, multiform; and mix 

And nourish all things, let your ceasless change 

Varie to our great Maker still new praise. 

Ye Mists and Exhalations that now rise 

From Hill or steaming Lake, duskie or grey, 

Till the Sun paint your fleecie skirts with Gold, 

In honour to the Worlds great Author rise, 

Whether to deck with Clouds the uncolourd skie, 

Or wet the thirstie Earth with falling showers, 

Rising or falling still advance his praise. 

His praise ye Winds, that from four Quarters blow, 

Breath soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye Pines, 

With every Plant, in sign of Worship wave. 

Fountains and yee, that warble, as ye flow, 

Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise. 

Joyn voices all ye living Souls, ye Birds, 

That singing up to Heaven Gate ascend, 

Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise; 

Yee that in Waters glide, and yee that walk 

The Earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep; 

Witness if I be silent, Morn or Eeven, 

To Hill, or Valley, Fountain, or fresh shade 

Made vocal by my Song, and taught his praise. 

Hail universal Lord, be bounteous still 

To give us onely good; and if the night 

Have gathered aught of evil or conceald, 

Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark. 



  So pray'd they innocent, and to thir thoughts 

Firm peace recoverd soon and wonted calm. 

On to thir mornings rural work they haste 

Among sweet dewes and flours; where any row 

Of Fruit-trees overwoodie reachd too farr 

Thir pamperd boughes, and needed hands to check 

Fruitless imbraces: or they led the Vine 

To wed her Elm; she spous'd about him twines 

Her mariageable arms, and with her brings 

Her dowr th' adopted Clusters, to adorn 

His barren leaves.  Them thus imploid beheld 

With pittie Heav'ns high King, and to him call'd 

RAPHAEL, the sociable Spirit, that deign'd 

To travel with TOBIAS, and secur'd 

His marriage with the seaventimes-wedded Maid. 



  RAPHAEL, said hee, thou hear'st what stir on Earth 

SATAN from Hell scap't through the darksom Gulf 

Hath raisd in Paradise, and how disturbd 

This night the human pair, how he designes 

In them at once to ruin all mankind. 

Go therefore, half this day as friend with friend 

Converse with ADAM, in what Bowre or shade 

Thou find'st him from the heat of Noon retir'd, 

To respit his day-labour with repast, 

Or with repose; and such discourse bring on, 

As may advise him of his happie state, 

Happiness in his power left free to will, 

Left to his own free Will, his Will though free, 

Yet mutable; whence warne him to beware 

He swerve not too secure: tell him withall 

His danger, and from whom, what enemie 

Late falln himself from Heav'n, is plotting now 

The fall of others from like state of bliss; 

By violence, no, for that shall be withstood, 

But by deceit and lies; this let him know, 

Least wilfully transgressing he pretend 

Surprisal, unadmonisht, unforewarnd. 



  So spake th' Eternal Father, and fulfilld 

All Justice: nor delaid the winged Saint 

After his charge receivd, but from among 

Thousand Celestial Ardors, where he stood 

Vaild with his gorgeous wings, up springing light 

Flew through the midst of Heav'n; th' angelic Quires 

On each hand parting, to his speed gave way 

Through all th' Empyreal road; till at the Gate 

Of Heav'n arriv'd, the gate self-opend wide 

On golden Hinges turning, as by work 

Divine the sov'ran Architect had fram'd. 

From hence, no cloud, or, to obstruct his sight, 

Starr interpos'd, however small he sees, 

Not unconform to other shining Globes, 

Earth and the Gard'n of God, with Cedars crownd 

Above all Hills.  As when by night the Glass 

Of GALILEO, less assur'd, observes 

Imagind Lands and Regions in the Moon: 

Or Pilot from amidst the CYCLADES 

DELOS or SAMOS first appeering kenns 

A cloudy spot.  Down thither prone in flight 

He speeds, and through the vast Ethereal Skie 

Sailes between worlds & worlds, with steddie wing 

Now on the polar windes, then with quick Fann 

Winnows the buxom Air; till within soare 

Of Towring Eagles, to all the Fowles he seems 

A PHOENIX, gaz'd by all, as that sole Bird 

When to enshrine his reliques in the Sun's 

Bright Temple, to AEGYPTIAN THEB'S he flies. 

At once on th' Eastern cliff of Paradise 

He lights, and to his proper shape returns 

A Seraph wingd; six wings he wore, to shade 

His lineaments Divine; the pair that clad 

Each shoulder broad, came mantling o're his brest 

With regal Ornament; the middle pair 

Girt like a Starrie Zone his waste, and round 

Skirted his loines and thighes with downie Gold 

And colours dipt in Heav'n; the third his feet 

Shaddowd from either heele with featherd maile 

Skie-tinctur'd grain.  Like MAIA'S son he stood, 

And shook his Plumes, that Heav'nly fragrance filld 

The circuit wide.  Strait knew him all the bands 

Of Angels under watch; and to his state, 

And to his message high in honour rise; 

For on som message high they guessd him bound. 

Thir glittering Tents he passd, and now is come 

Into the blissful field, through Groves of Myrrhe, 

And flouring Odours, Cassia, Nard, and Balme; 

A Wilderness of sweets; for Nature here 

Wantond as in her prime, and plaid at will 

Her Virgin Fancies, pouring forth more sweet, 

Wilde above rule or art; enormous bliss. 

Him through the spicie Forrest onward com 

ADAM discernd, as in the dore he sat 

Of his coole Bowre, while now the mounted Sun 

Shot down direct his fervid Raies, to warme 

Earths inmost womb, more warmth then ADAM need; 

And EVE within, due at her hour prepar'd 

For dinner savourie fruits, of taste to please 

True appetite, and not disrelish thirst 

Of nectarous draughts between, from milkie stream, 

Berrie or Grape: to whom thus ADAM call'd. 



  Haste hither EVE, and worth thy sight behold 

Eastward among those Trees, what glorious shape 

Comes this way moving; seems another Morn 

Ris'n on mid-noon; som great behest from Heav'n 

To us perhaps he brings, and will voutsafe 

This day to be our Guest.  But goe with speed, 

And what thy stores contain, bring forth and poure 

Abundance, fit to honour and receive 

Our Heav'nly stranger; well we may afford 

Our givers thir own gifts, and large bestow 

From large bestowd, where Nature multiplies 

Her fertil growth, and by disburd'ning grows 

More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare. 



  To whom thus EVE. ADAM, earths hallowd mould, 

Of God inspir'd, small store will serve, where store, 

All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk; 

Save what by frugal storing firmness gains 

To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes: 

But I will haste and from each bough and break, 

Each Plant & juciest Gourd will pluck such choice 

To entertain our Angel guest, as hee 

Beholding shall confess that here on Earth 

God hath dispenst his bounties as in Heav'n. 



  So saying, with dispatchful looks in haste 

She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent 

What choice to chuse for delicacie best, 

What order, so contriv'd as not to mix 

Tastes, not well joynd, inelegant, but bring 

Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change, 

Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk 

Whatever Earth all-bearing Mother yeilds 

In INDIA East or West, or middle shoare 

In PONTUS or the PUNIC Coast, or where 

ALCINOUS reign'd, fruit of all kindes, in coate, 

Rough, or smooth rin'd, or bearded husk, or shell 

She gathers, Tribute large, and on the board 

Heaps with unsparing hand; for drink the Grape 

She crushes, inoffensive moust, and meathes 

From many a berrie, and from sweet kernels prest 

She tempers dulcet creams, nor these to hold 

Wants her fit vessels pure, then strews the ground 

With Rose and Odours from the shrub unfum'd. 

Mean while our Primitive great Sire, to meet 

His god-like Guest, walks forth, without more train 

Accompani'd then with his own compleat 

Perfections, in himself was all his state, 

More solemn then the tedious pomp that waits 

On Princes, when thir rich Retinue long 

Of Horses led, and Grooms besmeard with Gold 

Dazles the croud, and sets them all agape. 

Neerer his presence ADAM though not awd, 

Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek, 

As to a superior Nature, bowing low, 



  Thus said.  Native of Heav'n, for other place 

None can then Heav'n such glorious shape contain; 

Since by descending from the Thrones above, 

Those happie places thou hast deignd a while 

To want, and honour these, voutsafe with us 

Two onely, who yet by sov'ran gift possess 

This spacious ground, in yonder shadie Bowre 

To rest, and what the Garden choicest bears 

To sit and taste, till this meridian heat 

Be over, and the Sun more coole decline. 



  Whom thus the Angelic Vertue answerd milde. 

ADAM, I therefore came, nor art thou such 

Created, or such place hast here to dwell, 

As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heav'n 

To visit thee; lead on then where thy Bowre 

Oreshades; for these mid-hours, till Eevning rise 

I have at will.  So to the Silvan Lodge 

They came, that like POMONA'S Arbour smil'd 

With flourets deck't and fragrant smells; but EVE 

Undeckt, save with her self more lovely fair 

Then Wood-Nymph, or the fairest Goddess feign'd 

Of three that in Mount IDA naked strove, 

Stood to entertain her guest from Heav'n; no vaile 

Shee needed, Vertue-proof, no thought infirme 

Alterd her cheek.  On whom the Angel HAILE 

Bestowd, the holy salutation us'd 

Long after to blest MARIE, second EVE. 



  Haile Mother of Mankind, whose fruitful Womb 

Shall fill the World more numerous with thy Sons 

Then with these various fruits the Trees of God 

Have heap'd this Table.  Rais'd of grassie terf 

Thir Table was, and mossie seats had round, 

And on her ample Square from side to side 

All AUTUMN pil'd, though SPRING and AUTUMN here 

Danc'd hand in hand.  A while discourse they hold; 

No fear lest Dinner coole; when thus began 

Our Authour.  Heav'nly stranger, please to taste 

These bounties which our Nourisher, from whom 

All perfet good unmeasur'd out, descends, 

To us for food and for delight hath caus'd 

The Earth to yeild; unsavourie food perhaps 

To spiritual Natures; only this I know, 

That one Celestial Father gives to all. 



  To whom the Angel.  Therefore what he gives 

(Whose praise be ever sung) to man in part 

Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found 

No ingrateful food: and food alike those pure 

Intelligential substances require 

As doth your Rational; and both contain 

Within them every lower facultie 

Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste, 

Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate, 

And corporeal to incorporeal turn. 

For know, whatever was created, needs 

To be sustaind and fed; of Elements 

The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea, 

Earth and the Sea feed Air, the Air those Fires 

Ethereal, and as lowest first the Moon; 

Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurg'd 

Vapours not yet into her substance turnd. 

Nor doth the Moon no nourishment exhale 

From her moist Continent to higher Orbes. 

The Sun that light imparts to all, receives 

From all his alimental recompence 

In humid exhalations, and at Even 

Sups with the Ocean: though in Heav'n the Trees 

Of life ambrosial frutage bear, and vines 

Yeild Nectar, though from off the boughs each Morn 

We brush mellifluous Dewes, and find the ground 

Cover'd with pearly grain: yet God hath here 

Varied his bounty so with new delights, 

As may compare with Heaven; and to taste 

Think not I shall be nice.  So down they sat, 

And to thir viands fell, nor seemingly 

The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss 

Of Theologians, but with keen dispatch 

Of real hunger, and concoctive heate 

To transubstantiate; what redounds, transpires 

Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder; if by fire 

Of sooty coal the Empiric Alchimist 

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn 

Metals of drossiest Ore to perfet Gold 

As from the Mine.  Mean while at Table EVE 

Ministerd naked, and thir flowing cups 

With pleasant liquors crown'd: O innocence 

Deserving Paradise! if ever, then, 

Then had the Sons of God excuse to have bin 

Enamour'd at that sight; but in those hearts 

Love unlibidinous reign'd, nor jealousie 

Was understood, the injur'd Lovers Hell. 



  Thus when with meats & drinks they had suffic'd, 

Not burd'nd Nature, sudden mind arose 

In ADAM, not to let th' occasion pass 

Given him by this great Conference to know 

Of things above his World, and of thir being 

Who dwell in Heav'n, whose excellence he saw 

Transcend his own so farr, whose radiant forms 

Divine effulgence, whose high Power so far 

Exceeded human, and his wary speech 

Thus to th' Empyreal Minister he fram'd. 



  Inhabitant with God, now know I well 

Thy favour, in this honour done to man, 

Under whose lowly roof thou hast voutsaf't 

To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, 

Food not of Angels, yet accepted so, 

As that more willingly thou couldst not seem 

At Heav'ns high feasts to have fed: yet what compare? 



   To whom the winged Hierarch repli'd. 

O ADAM, one Almightie is, from whom 

All things proceed, and up to him return, 

If not deprav'd from good, created all 

Such to perfection, one first matter all, 

Indu'd with various forms, various degrees 

Of substance, and in things that live, of life; 

But more refin'd, more spiritous, and pure, 

As neerer to him plac't or neerer tending 

Each in thir several active Sphears assignd, 

Till body up to spirit work, in bounds 

Proportiond to each kind.  So from the root 

Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves 

More aerie, last the bright consummate floure 

Spirits odorous breathes: flours and thir fruit 

Mans nourishment, by gradual scale sublim'd 

To vital Spirits aspire, to animal, 

To intellectual, give both life and sense, 

Fansie and understanding, whence the soule 

Reason receives, and reason is her being, 

Discursive, or Intuitive; discourse 

Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours, 

Differing but in degree, of kind the same. 

Wonder not then, what God for you saw good 

If I refuse not, but convert, as you, 

To proper substance; time may come when men 

With Angels may participate, and find 

No inconvenient Diet, nor too light Fare: 

And from these corporal nutriments perhaps 

Your bodies may at last turn all to Spirit 

Improv'd by tract of time, and wingd ascend 

Ethereal, as wee, or may at choice 

Here or in Heav'nly Paradises dwell; 

If ye be found obedient, and retain 

Unalterably firm his love entire 

Whose progenie you are.  Mean while enjoy 

Your fill what happiness this happie state 

Can comprehend, incapable of more. 



  To whom the Patriarch of mankind repli'd. 

O favourable spirit, propitious guest, 

Well hast thou taught the way that might direct 

Our knowledge, and the scale of Nature set 

From center to circumference, whereon 

In contemplation of created things 

By steps we may ascend to God.  But say, 

What meant that caution joind, IF YE BE FOUND 

OBEDIENT? can wee want obedience then 

To him, or possibly his love desert 

Who formd us from the dust, and plac'd us here 

Full to the utmost measure of what bliss 

Human desires can seek or apprehend? 



  To whom the Angel.  Son of Heav'n and Earth, 

Attend: That thou art happie, owe to God; 

That thou continu'st such, owe to thy self, 

That is, to thy obedience; therein stand. 

This was that caution giv'n thee; be advis'd. 

God made thee perfet, not immutable; 

And good he made thee, but to persevere 

He left it in thy power, ordaind thy will 

By nature free, not over-rul'd by Fate 

Inextricable, or strict necessity; 

Our voluntarie service he requires, 

Not our necessitated, such with him 

Findes no acceptance, nor can find, for how 

Can hearts, not free, be tri'd whether they serve 

Willing or no, who will but what they must 

By Destinie, and can no other choose? 

My self and all th' Angelic Host that stand 

In sight of God enthron'd, our happie state 

Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds; 

On other surety none; freely we serve. 

Because wee freely love, as in our will 

To love or not; in this we stand or fall: 

And som are fall'n, to disobedience fall'n, 

And so from Heav'n to deepest Hell; O fall 

From what high state of bliss into what woe! 



  To whom our great Progenitor.  Thy words 

Attentive, and with more delighted eare 

Divine instructer, I have heard, then when 

Cherubic Songs by night from neighbouring Hills 

Aereal Music send: nor knew I not 

To be both will and deed created free; 

Yet that we never shall forget to love 

Our maker, and obey him whose command 

Single, is yet so just, my constant thoughts 

Assur'd me and still assure: though what thou tellst 

Hath past in Heav'n, som doubt within me move, 

But more desire to hear, if thou consent, 

The full relation, which must needs be strange, 

Worthy of Sacred silence to be heard; 

And we have yet large day, for scarce the Sun 

Hath finisht half his journey, and scarce begins 

His other half in the great Zone of Heav'n. 



  Thus ADAM made request, and RAPHAEL 

After short pause assenting, thus began. 



  High matter thou injoinst me, O prime of men, 

Sad task and hard, for how shall I relate 

To human sense th' invisible exploits 

Of warring Spirits; how without remorse 

The ruin of so many glorious once 

And perfet while they stood; how last unfould 

The secrets of another world, perhaps 

Not lawful to reveal? yet for thy good 

This is dispenc't, and what surmounts the reach 

Of human sense, I shall delineate so, 

By lik'ning spiritual to corporal forms, 

As may express them best, though what if Earth 

Be but the shaddow of Heav'n, and things therein 

Each to other like, more then on earth is thought? 



  As yet this world was not, and CHAOS wilde 

Reignd where these Heav'ns now rowl, where Earth now rests 

Upon her Center pois'd, when on a day 

(For Time, though in Eternitie, appli'd 

To motion, measures all things durable 

By present, past, and future) on such day 

As Heav'ns great Year brings forth, th' Empyreal Host 

Of Angels by Imperial summons call'd, 

Innumerable before th' Almighties Throne 

Forthwith from all the ends of Heav'n appeerd 

Under thir Hierarchs in orders bright 

Ten thousand thousand Ensignes high advanc'd, 

Standards, and Gonfalons twixt Van and Reare 

Streame in the Aire, and for distinction serve 

Of Hierarchies, of Orders, and Degrees; 

Or in thir glittering Tissues bear imblaz'd 

Holy Memorials, acts of Zeale and Love 

Recorded eminent.  Thus when in Orbes 

Of circuit inexpressible they stood, 

Orb within Orb, the Father infinite, 

By whom in bliss imbosom'd sat the Son, 

Amidst as from a flaming Mount, whoseop 

Brightness had made invisible, thus spake. 



  Hear all ye Angels, Progenie of Light, 

Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers, 

Hear my Decree, which unrevok't shall stand. 

This day I have begot whom I declare 

My onely Son, and on this holy Hill 

Him have anointed, whom ye now behold 

At my right hand; your Head I him appoint; 

And by my Self have sworn to him shall bow 

All knees in Heav'n, and shall confess him Lord: 

Under his great Vice-gerent Reign abide 

United as one individual Soule 

For ever happie: him who disobeyes 

Mee disobeyes, breaks union, and that day 

Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls 

Into utter darkness, deep ingulft, his place 

Ordaind without redemption, without end. 



  So spake th' Omnipotent, and with his words 

All seemd well pleas'd, all seem'd, but were not all. 

That day, as other solem dayes, they spent 

In song and dance about the sacred Hill, 

Mystical dance, which yonder starrie Spheare 

Of Planets and of fixt in all her Wheeles 

Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, 

Eccentric, intervolv'd, yet regular 

Then most, when most irregular they seem: 

And in thir motions harmonie Divine 

So smooths her charming tones, that Gods own ear 

Listens delighted.  Eevning approachd 

(For we have also our Eevning and our Morn, 

We ours for change delectable, not need) 

Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn 

Desirous, all in Circles as they stood, 

Tables are set, and on a sudden pil'd 

With Angels Food, and rubied Nectar flows: 

In Pearl, in Diamond, and massie Gold, 

Fruit of delicious Vines, the growth of Heav'n. 

They eat, they drink, and with refection sweet 

Are fill'd, before th' all bounteous King, who showrd 

With copious hand, rejoycing in thir joy. 

Now when ambrosial Night with Clouds exhal'd 

From that high mount of God, whence light & shade 

Spring both, the face of brightest Heav'n had changd 

To grateful Twilight (for Night comes not there 

In darker veile) and roseat Dews dispos'd 

All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest, 

Wide over all the Plain, and wider farr 

Then all this globous Earth in Plain outspred, 

(Such are the Courts of God) Th' Angelic throng 

Disperst in Bands and Files thir Camp extend 

By living Streams among the Trees of Life, 

Pavilions numberless, and sudden reard, 

Celestial Tabernacles, where they slept 

Fannd with coole Winds, save those who in thir course 

Melodious Hymns about the sovran Throne 

Alternate all night long: but not so wak'd 

SATAN, so call him now, his former name 

Is heard no more Heav'n; he of the first, 

If not the first Arch-Angel, great in Power, 

In favour and praeeminence, yet fraught 

With envie against the Son of God, that day 

Honourd by his great Father, and proclaimd 

MESSIAH King anointed, could not beare 

Through pride that sight, and thought himself impaird. 

Deep malice thence conceiving & disdain, 

Soon as midnight brought on the duskie houre 

Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolv'd 

With all his Legions to dislodge, and leave 

Unworshipt, unobey'd the Throne supream 

Contemptuous, and his next subordinate 

Awak'ning, thus to him in secret spake. 



  Sleepst thou Companion dear, what sleep can close 

Thy eye-lids? and remembrest what Decree 

Of yesterday, so late hath past the lips 

Of Heav'ns Almightie.  Thou to me thy thoughts 

Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart; 

Both waking we were one; how then can now 

Thy sleep dissent? new Laws thou seest impos'd; 

New Laws from him who reigns, new minds may raise 

In us who serve, new Counsels, to debate 

What doubtful may ensue, more in this place 

To utter is not safe.  Assemble thou 

Of all those Myriads which we lead the chief; 

Tell them that by command, ere yet dim Night 

Her shadowie Cloud withdraws, I am to haste, 

And all who under me thir Banners wave, 

Homeward with flying march where we possess 

The Quarters of the North, there to prepare 

Fit entertainment to receive our King 

The great MESSIAH, and his new commands, 

Who speedily through all the Hierarchies 

Intends to pass triumphant, and give Laws. 



  So spake the false Arch-Angel, and infus'd 

Bad influence into th' unwarie brest 

Of his Associate; hee together calls, 

Or several one by one, the Regent Powers, 

Under him Regent, tells, as he was taught, 

That the most High commanding, now ere Night, 

Now ere dim Night had disincumberd Heav'n, 

The great Hierarchal Standard was to move; 

Tells the suggested cause, and casts between 

Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound 

Or taint integritie; but all obey'd 

The wonted signal, and superior voice 

Of thir great Potentate; for great indeed 

His name, and high was his degree in Heav'n; 

His count'nance, as the Morning Starr that guides 

The starrie flock, allur'd them, and with lyes 

Drew after him the third part of Heav'ns Host: 

Mean while th' Eternal eye, whose sight discernes 

Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy Mount 

And from within the golden Lamps that burne 

Nightly before him, saw without thir light 

Rebellion rising, saw in whom, how spred 

Among the sons of Morn, what multitudes 

Were banded to oppose his high Decree; 

And smiling to his onely Son thus said. 



  Son, thou in whom my glory I behold 

In full resplendence, Heir of all my might, 

Neerly it now concernes us to be sure 

Of our Omnipotence, and with what Arms 

We mean to hold what anciently we claim 

Of Deitie or Empire, such a foe 

Is rising, who intends to erect his Throne 

Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North; 

Nor so content, hath in his thought to trie 

In battel, what our Power is, or our right. 

Let us advise, and to this hazard draw 

With speed what force is left, and all imploy 

In our defence, lest unawares we lose 

This our high place, our Sanctuarie, our Hill. 



  To whom the Son with calm aspect and cleer 

Light'ning Divine, ineffable, serene, 

Made answer.  Mightie Father, thou thy foes 

Justly hast in derision, and secure 

Laugh'st at thir vain designes and tumults vain, 

Matter to mee of Glory, whom thir hate 

Illustrates, when they see all Regal Power 

Giv'n me to quell thir pride, and in event 

Know whether I be dextrous to subdue 

Thy Rebels, or be found the worst in Heav'n. 



  So spake the Son, but SATAN with his Powers 

Farr was advanc't on winged speed, an Host 

Innumerable as the Starrs of Night, 

Or Starrs of Morning, Dew-drops, which the Sun 

Impearls on every leaf and every flouer. 

Regions they pass'd, the mightie Regencies 

Of Seraphim and Potentates and Thrones 

In thir triple Degrees, Regions to which 

All thy Dominion, ADAM, is no more 

Then what this Garden is to all the Earth, 

And all the Sea, from one entire globose 

Stretcht into Longitude; which having pass'd 

At length into the limits of the North 

They came, and SATAN to his Royal seat 

High on a Hill, far blazing, as a Mount 

Rais'd on a Mount, with Pyramids and Towrs 

From Diamond Quarries hew'n, & Rocks of Gold, 

The Palace of great LUCIFER, (so call 

That Structure in the Dialect of men 

Interpreted) which not long after, hee 

Affecting all equality with God, 

In imitation of that Mount whereon 

MESSIAH was declar'd in sight of Heav'n, 

The Mountain of the Congregation call'd; 

For thither he assembl'd all his Train, 

Pretending so commanded to consult 

About the great reception of thir King, 

Thither to come, and with calumnious Art 

Of counterfeted truth thus held thir ears. 



  Thrones, Dominations, Princedomes, Vertues, Powers, 

If these magnific Titles yet remain 

Not meerly titular, since by Decree 

Another now hath to himself ingross't 

All Power, and us eclipst under the name 

Of King anointed, for whom all this haste 

Of midnight march, and hurried meeting here, 

This onely to consult how we may best 

With what may be devis'd of honours new 

Receive him coming to receive from us 

Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile, 

Too much to one, but double how endur'd, 

To one and to his image now proclaim'd? 

But what if better counsels might erect 

Our minds and teach us to cast off this Yoke? 

Will ye submit your necks, and chuse to bend 

The supple knee? ye will not, if I trust 

To know ye right, or if ye know your selves 

Natives and Sons of Heav'n possest before 

By none, and if not equal all, yet free, 

Equally free; for Orders and Degrees 

Jarr not with liberty, but well consist. 

Who can in reason then or right assume 

Monarchie over such as live by right 

His equals, if in power and splendor less, 

In freedome equal? or can introduce 

Law and Edict on us, who without law 

Erre not, much less for this to be our Lord, 

And look for adoration to th' abuse 

Of those Imperial Titles which assert 

Our being ordain'd to govern, not to serve? 



  Thus farr his bold discourse without controule 

Had audience, when among the Seraphim 

ABDIEL, then whom none with more zeale ador'd 

The Deitie, and divine commands obei'd, 

Stood up, and in a flame of zeale severe 

The current of his fury thus oppos'd. 



  O argument blasphemous, false and proud! 

Words which no eare ever to hear in Heav'n 

Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate 

In place thy self so high above thy Peeres. 

Canst thou with impious obloquie condemne 

The just Decree of God, pronounc't and sworn, 

That to his only Son by right endu'd 

With Regal Scepter, every Soule in Heav'n 

Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due 

Confess him rightful King? unjust thou saist 

Flatly unjust, to binde with Laws the free, 

And equal over equals to let Reigne, 

One over all with unsucceeded power. 

Shalt thou give Law to God, shalt thou dispute 

With him the points of libertie, who made 

Thee what thou art, & formd the Pow'rs of Heav'n 

Such as he pleasd, and circumscrib'd thir being? 

Yet by experience taught we know how good, 

And of our good, and of our dignitie 

How provident he is, how farr from thought 

To make us less, bent rather to exalt 

Our happie state under one Head more neer 

United.  But to grant it thee unjust, 

That equal over equals Monarch Reigne: 

Thy self though great & glorious dost thou count, 

Or all Angelic Nature joind in one, 

Equal to him begotten Son, by whom 

As by his Word the mighty Father made 

All things, ev'n thee, and all the Spirits of Heav'n 

By him created in thir bright degrees, 

Crownd them with Glory, & to thir Glory nam'd 

Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers 

Essential Powers, nor by his Reign obscur'd, 

But more illustrious made, since he the Head 

One of our number thus reduc't becomes, 

His Laws our Laws, all honour to him done 

Returns our own.  Cease then this impious rage, 

And tempt not these; but hast'n to appease 

Th' incensed Father, and th' incensed Son, 

While Pardon may be found in time besought. 



  So spake the fervent Angel, but his zeale 

None seconded, as out of season judg'd, 

Or singular and rash, whereat rejoic'd 

Th' Apostat, and more haughty thus repli'd. 

That we were formd then saist thou? & the work 

Of secondarie hands, by task transferd 

From Father to his Son? strange point and new! 

Doctrin which we would know whence learnt: who saw 

When this creation was? rememberst thou 

Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being? 

We know no time when we were not as now; 

Know none before us, self-begot, self-rais'd 

By our own quick'ning power, when fatal course 

Had circl'd his full Orbe, the birth mature 

Of this our native Heav'n, Ethereal Sons. 

Our puissance is our own, our own right hand 

Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try 

Who is our equal: then thou shalt behold 

Whether by supplication we intend 

Address, and to begirt th' Almighty Throne 

Beseeching or besieging.  This report, 

These tidings carrie to th' anointed King; 

And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight. 



  He said, and as the sound of waters deep 

Hoarce murmur echo'd to his words applause 

Through the infinite Host, nor less for that 

The flaming Seraph fearless, though alone 

Encompass'd round with foes, thus answerd bold. 



  O alienate from God, O spirit accurst, 

Forsak'n of all good; I see thy fall 

Determind, and thy hapless crew involv'd 

In this perfidious fraud, contagion spred 

Both of thy crime and punishment: henceforth 

No more be troubl'd how to quit the yoke 

Of Gods MESSIAH; those indulgent Laws 

Will not be now voutsaf't, other Decrees 

Against thee are gon forth without recall; 

That Golden Scepter which thou didst reject 

Is now an Iron Rod to bruise and breake 

Thy disobedience.  Well thou didst advise, 

Yet not for thy advise or threats I fly 

These wicked Tents devoted, least the wrauth 

Impendent, raging into sudden flame 

Distinguish not: for soon expect to feel 

His Thunder on thy head, devouring fire. 

Then who created thee lamenting learne, 

When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know. 



  So spake the Seraph ABDIEL faithful found, 

Among the faithless, faithful only hee; 

Among innumerable false, unmov'd, 

Unshak'n, unseduc'd, unterrifi'd 

His Loyaltie he kept, his Love, his Zeale; 

Nor number, nor example with him wrought 

To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind 

Though single.  From amidst them forth he passd, 

Long way through hostile scorn, which he susteind 

Superior, nor of violence fear'd aught; 

And with retorted scorn his back he turn'd 

On those proud Towrs to swift destruction doom'd. 



     THE END OF THE FIFTH BOOK.