ï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ‘Of man's first disobedience, and the fruit €Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste €Brought death into the world, and all our woe, €With loss of Eden, till one greater man €Restore us, and regain the blissful seat. €Sing, heavenly Muse, that on the secret top €Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire €That shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed €In the beginning how the heavens and earth €Rose out of Chaos: or, if Sion hill €Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flowed €Fast by the oracle of God, I thence €Invoke thy aid to my adventurous song, €That, with no middle flight, intends to soar €Above the Aonian mount, while it pursues €Things unattempted yet in prose or rhyme. €And chiefly. Thou, O Spirit, that dost prefer €Before all temples the upright heart and pure, €Instruct me, for Thou know'st: Thou from the first €Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread, €Dove-like, sat'st brooding on the vast abyss, €And madest it pregnant. What in me is dark, €Illumine; what is low, raise and support; €That to the height of this great argument €I may assert Eternal Providence, €And justify the ways of God to men. €@Say first for Heaven hides nothing from thy view, €Nor the deep tract of Hell say first, what cause €Moved our grand parents, in that happy state, €Favoured of Heaven so highly, to fall off €From their Creator, and transgress His will €For one restraint, lords of the world besides? €Who first seduced them to that foul revolt? €The infernal Serpent; he it was, whose guile. €Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived €The mother of mankind; what time his pride €Had cast him out from Heaven, with all his host €Of rebel Angels; by whose aid, aspiring €To set himself in glory above his peers, €He trusted to have equalled the Most High, €If he opposed; and, with ambitious aim, €Against the throne and monarchy of God, €Raised impious war in Heaven, and battle proud, €With vain attempt. Him the Almighty Power €Hurled headlong flaming from the ethereal sky, €With hideous ruin and combustion, down €To bottomless perdition; there to dwell €In adamantine chains and penal fire, €Who durst defy the Omnipotent to arms. €Nine times the space that measures day and night €To mortal men, he with his horrid crew €Lay vanquished, rolling in the fiery gulf, €Confounded, though immortal. But his doom €Reserved him to more wrath; for now the thought €Both of lost happiness and lasting pain €Torments him. Round he throws his baleful eyes, €That witnessed huge afflictione and dismay, €Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate. €At once, as far as angels' ken, he views €The dismal situation waste and wild. €A dungeon horrible, on all sides round, €As one great furnace, flamed. Yet from those flames €No light, but rather darkness visible €Served only to discover sights of woe, €Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace €And rest can never dwell, hope never comes €That comes to all; but torture without end €Still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed €With ever-burning sulphur unconsumed. €Such place eternal justice had prepared €For those rebellious; here their prison ordained €In utter darkness, and their portion set €As far removed from God and light of heaven, €As from the centre thrice to the utmost pole. €Oh, how unlike the place from whence they fell! €There the companions of his fall, o'erwhelmed €With floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous fire, €He soon discerns; and weltering by his side €One next himself in power, and next in crime, €Long after known in Palestine, and named €Beelzebub: to whom the arch-enemy, €And thence in Heaven called Satan, with bold words €Breaking the horrid silence, thus began: €@If thou beest he; but oh, how fallen! how changed €From him, who, in the happy realms of light. €Clothed with transcendent brightness, didst outshine €Myriads, thought bright! If he, whom mutual league, €United thoughts and counsels, equal hope €And hazard in the glorious enterprise, €Joined with me once, now misery hath joined €In equal ruin; into what pit thou seest €From what height fallen, so much the stronger proved €He with his thunder. And till then who knew €The force of those dire arms? Yet not for those, €Nor what the potent Victor in his rage €Can else inflict, do I repent or change, €Though changed in outward lustre, that fixed mind, €And high disdain from sense of injured merit, €That with the Mightiest raised me to contend, €And to the fierce contention brought along €Innumerable force of Spirits armed, €That durst dislike his reign, and, me preferring, €His utmost power with adverse power opposed €In dubious battle on the plains of Heaven, €And shook his throne. What though the field be lost? €All is not lost; the unconquerable will, €And study of revenge, immortal hate, €And courage never to submit or yield, €And what is else not to be overcome; €That glory never shall his wrath or might €Extort from me, To bow and sue for grace €With suppliant knee, and deify His power €Who from the terror of this arm so late €Doubted his empire that were low indeed, €That were an ignominy, and shame beneath €This downfall. Since, by fate, the strength of gods, €And this empyreal substance, cannot fail; €Since, through experience of this great event, €In arms not worse, in foresight much advenced, €We may with more successful hope resolve €To wage, by force or guile, eternal war, €Irreconcilable to our grand Foe, €Who now triumphs, and, in the excess of joy €Sole reigning, holds the tyranny of Heaven. €@So spake the apostate angel, though in pain €Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair; €And him thus answered soon his bold compeer: €@O prince, O chief of many throned powers, €That led the embattled seraphim to war €Under thy conduct, and, in dreadful deeds €Fearless, endanger'd heaven's perpetual King, €And put to proof His high supremacy, €Whether upheld by strength, or chance, or fate: €Too well I see and rue the dire event, €That with sad overthrow and foul defeat, €Hath lost us Heaven, and all this mighty host €In horrible destruction laid thus low, €As far as gods and heavenly essences €Can perish: for the mind and spirit remain €Invincible, and vigour soon returns, €Though all our glory extinct, and happy state €Here swallowed up in endless misery. €But what if He our Conqueror (whom I now €Of force believe Amighty since no less €Than such could have o'erpowered such force as ours) €Have left us this our spirit and strength entire, €Strongly to suffer and support our pains, €That we may so suffice His vengeful ire, €Or do Him mightier service as His thralls €By right of war, whate'er His business be, €Here in the heart of hell to work in fire, €Or to His errands in the gloomy Deep? €What can it then avail, though yet we feel €Strength undiminished, or eternal being, €To undergo eternal punishment? €Whereto with speedy words the arch-fiend replied: €@Fallen cherub! to be weak is miserable, €Doing or suffering: but of this be sure, €To do aught good never will be our task, €But ever to do ill our sole delight, €As being the contrary to His high will €Whom we resist. If then His providence €Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, €Our labour must be to pervert that end, €And out of good still to find means of evil; €Which oft-times may succeed, so as perhaps €Shall grieve Him, if I fail not, and disturb €His inmost counsels from their destined aim. €But see! the angry Victor hath recalled €His ministers of vengeance and pursuit €Back to the gates of Heaven. The sulphurous hail, €Shot after us in storm, o'erblown, hath laid €The fiery surge, that from the precipice €Of Heaven received us falling, and the thunder, €Winged with red lightning and impetuous rage, €Perhaps hath spent his shafts, and ceases now €To bellow through the vast and boundless Deep. €Let us not slip the occasion, whether scorn, €Or satiate fury, yield it from our Foe. €Seest thou yon dreary plain, forlorn and wild, €The seat of desolation, void of light, €Save what the glimmering of these livid flames €Cast pale and dreadful? Thither let us tend €From off the tossing of these fiery waves. €There rest -- if any rest can harbour there. þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ‘‹ºAnd, reassembling our afflicted powers, €Consult how we may henceforth most offend €Our Enemy, our own loss how repair, €How overcome this dire calamity, €What reinforcement we may gain from hope, €If not, what resolution from despair. €@Thus Satan, talking to his nearest mate, €With head uplift above the wave, and eyes €That sparkling blazed, his other parts besides €Prone on the flood, extended long and large, €Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge €As whom the fables name of monstrous size, €Titanian, or Earth-born, that warred on Jove; €Briareus, or Typhon, whom the den €By ancient Tarsus held; or that sea-beast €Leviathan, which God of all His works €Created hugest that swim the ocean stream: €Him, haply, slumbering on the Norway foam, €The pilot of some small night-foundered skiff, €Deeming some island, oft, as seamen tell, €With fixed anchor in his scaly rind, €Moors by his side under the lea, while night €Invests the sea, and wished morn delays: €So stretched out huge in length the Arch-fiend lay €Chained on the burning lake, nor ever thence €Had risen, or heaved his head, but that the will €And high permission of all-ruling Heaven €Left him at large to his own dark designs, €That with reiterated crimes he might €Heap on himself damnation, while he sought €Evil to others; and, enraged, might see €How all his malice served but to bring forth €Infinite goodness, grace, and mercy, shown €On man by him seduced; but on himself €Treble confusion, wrath, and vengeance, poured. €@Forthwith upright he rears from off the pool €His mighty stature. On each hand the flames, €Driven backward, slope their pointing spires, and, rolled €In billows, leave in the midst a horrid vale. €Then with expanded wings he steers his flight €Aloft, incumbent on the dusky air, €That felt unusual weight, till on dry land €He lights if it were land that ever burned €With solid, as the lake with liquid, fire: €And such appeared in hue as when the force €Of subterranean wind transports a hill €Torn from Pelorus, or the shattered side €Of thundering Aetna, whose combustible €And fuelled entrails thence conceiving fire, €Sublimed with mineral fury, aid the winds €And leave a singed bottom, all involved €With stench and smoke. Such resting found the sole €Of unblessed feet. Him followed his next mate: €Both glorying to have 'scaped the Stygian flood €As gods, and by their own recovered strength, €Not by the sufferance of supernal Power. €@Is this the region, this the soil, the clime, €Said then the lost archangel, this the seat €That we must change for Heaven; this mournful gloom €For that celestial light? Be it so! Since He, €Who now is Sovran, can dispose and bid €What shall be right: furthest from Him is best, €Whom reason hath equalled, force hath made supreme €Above His equals. Farewell, happy fields, €Where joy for ever dwells! Hail, horrors! hail, €Infernal world! And thou, profoundest Hell, €Receive thy new possessor! One who brings €A mind not to be changed by place or time. €The mind is its own place, and in itself €Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven. €What matter where, if I be still the same, €And what I should be, all but less than He €Whom thunder hath made greater? Here at least €We shall be free; the Almighty hath not built €Here for His envy; will not drive us hence. €Here we may reign secure, and, in my choice, €To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell. €Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven. €But wherefore let we then our faithful friends, €The associates and copartners of our loss, €Lie thus astonished on the oblivious pool, €And call them not to share with us their part €In this unhappy mansion; or once more €With rallied arms to try what may be yet €Regained in Heaven, or what more lost in Hell? €@So Satan spake; and him Beelzebub €Thus answered: Leader of those armies bright, €Which but the Omnipotent none could have foiled €If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge €Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft €In worse extremes, and on the perilous edge €Of battle, when it raged, in all assaults €Their surest signals, they will soon resume €New courage and revive, though now they lie €Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, €As we erewhile, astounded and amazed. €No wonder, fallen such a pernicious height. €@He scarce had ceased, when the superior fiend €Was moving towards the shore, his ponderous shield, €Ethereal temper, massy, large, and round, €Behind him cast. The broad circumference €Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb €Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views €At evening from the top of Fesole €Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, €Rivers, or mountains, in her spotty globe. €His spear, to equal which the tallest pine, €Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast €Of some great admiral, were but a wand €He walked with to support uneasy steps €Over the burning marl, not like those steps €On Heaven's azure, and the torrid clime €Smote on him sore besides, vaulted with fire. €Nathless he so endured, till on the beach €Of that inflamed sea he stood, and called €His legions, angel forms, who lay entranced €Thick as autumnal leaves that strew the brooks €In Vallombrosa, where the Etrurian shades €High overarched embower, or scattered sedge €Afloat, when with fierce winds Orion armed €Hath vexed the Red Sea coast, whose waves o'erthrew €Busiris and his Memphian chivalry, €While with perfidious hatred they pursued €The sojourners of Goshen, who beheld €From the safe shore their floating carcases €And broken chariot-wheels: so thick bestrewn, €Abject and lost lay these, covering the flood, €Under amazement of their higeous change. €He called so loud, that all the hollow deep €Of Hell resounded: Princes, potentates, €Warriors, the flower of Heaven, once yours, now lost, €If such astonishment as this can seize €Eternal spirits. Or have ye chosen this place €After the toil of battle to repose €Your wearied virtue, for the ease you find €To slumber here, as in the vales of Heaven? €Or in this abject posture have ye sworn €To adore the conqueror? who now beholds €Cherub and seraph rolling in the flood, €With scattered arms and ensigns; till anon €His swift pursuers from Heaven-gates discern €The advantage, tna descending, tread us down €Thus drooping, or with linked thunderbolts €Transfix us to the bottom of this gulf? €Awake, arise, or be for ever fallen! €@They heard, and were abashed, and up they sprung €Upon the wing, as when men, wont to watch €On duty, sleeping found by whom they dread, €Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake. €Nor did they not perceive the evil plight €In which they were, or the fierce pains not feel. €Yet to their general's voice they soon obeyed €Innumerable. As when the potent rod €Of Amram's son, in Egypt's evil day, €Waved round the coast, up called a pitchy cloud €Of locusts, warping on the eastern wind €That o'er the realm of impious Pharaoh hung €Like night, and darkened all the land of Nile: €So numberless were those bad Angels seen, €Hovering on wing, under the cope of Hell, €'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding fires, €Till, at a signal given, the uplifted spear €Of their great sultan waving to direct €Their course, in even balance down they light €On the firm brimstone, and fill all the plain, €A multitude, like which the populous North €Poured never from her frozen loins, to pass €Rhene or the Danaw, when her barbarous sons €Came like a deluge on the south, and spread €Beneath Gibraltar to the Libyan sands. €Forthwith from every squadron and each band, €The heads and leaders thither haste where stood €Their great commander. Godlike shapes, and forms €Excelling human; princely dignities; €And powers that erst in Heaven sat on thrones, €Though of their names in heavenly records now €Be no memorial, blotted out and rased €By their rebellion from the Books of Life. €Nor had they yet among the sons of Eve €Got them new names; till, wandering o'er the earth, €Through God's high sufferance, for the trial of man, €By falsities and lies the greatest part €Of mankind they corrupted to forsake €God their Creator, and the invisible þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ‘‹‚òGlory of Him that made them to transform €Oft to the image of a brute, adorned €With gay religions, full of pomp and gold, €And devils to adore for deities: €Then were they known to men by various names, €And various idols though the heathen world. €@Say, Muse, their names then known. Who first, who last, €Roused from the slumber on that fiery couch €At their great emperor's call, as next in worth €Came singly where he stood on the bare strand, €While the promiscuous crowd stood yet aloof. €The chief were those, who, from the pit of Hell, €Roaming to seek their prey on earth, durst fix €Their seats long after next the seat of God, €Their altars by His altar; gods adored €Among the nations round; and durst abide €Jehovah thundering out of Sion, throned €Between the cherubim; yea, often placed €Within His sanctuary itself their shrines, €Abominations, and with cursed things €His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned, €And with their darkness durst affront His light. €First, Moloch, horrid king, besmeared with blood €Of human sacrifice, and parents' tears; €Though, for the noise of drums and timbrels loud, €Their children's cries unheard, that passed through fire €To his grim idol. Him the Ammonite €Worshipped in Rabba and her watery plain, €In Argob and in Basan, to the stream €Of utmost Arnon. Nor content with such €Audacious neighbourhood, the wisest heart €Of Solomon he led by fraud to build €His temple right against the temple of God, €On that opprobrious hill, and made his grove €The pleasant valley of Hinnom, Tophet thence €And black Gehenna called, the type of Hell. €Next, Chemos, the obscene dread of Moab's sons, €From Aroar to Nebo, and the wild €Of southmost Abarim; in Hesebon, €And Horonaim, Seon's realm, beyond €The flowery dale of Sibma, clad with vines, €And Eleale to the asphaltic pool. €Peor his other name, when he enticed €Israel in Sittim, on their march from Nile, €To do him wanton rites, which cost them woe. €Yet thence his lustful orgies he enlarged €Even to that hill of scandal, by the grove €Of Moloch homicide; lust hard by hate; €Till good Josiah drove them hence to Hell. €With these came they, who, from the bordering flood €Of old Euphrates, to the brook that parts €Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names €Of Baalim and Ashtaroth; those male, €These feminine; for spirits, when they please, €Can either sex assume, or both, so soft €And uncompounded is their essence pure, €Not tied or manacled with joint or limb, €Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones, €Like cumbrous flesh, but, in what shape they choose. €Dilated or condensed, bright or obscure, €Can execute their aery purposes, €And works of love or enmity fulfil. €For those the race of Israel oft forsook €Their Living Strength, and unfrequented left €His righteous altar, bowing lowly down €To bestial gods; for which their heads as low €Bowed down in battle, sunk before the spear €Of despicable foes. With these in troop €Came Astoreth, whom the Phoenicians called €Astarte, queen of heaven, with crescent horns, €To whose bright image nightly by the moon €Sidonian virgins paid their vows and songs; €In Sion also not unsung, where stood €Her temple on the offensive mountain, built €By that uxorious king, whose heart, though large, €Beguiled by fair idolatresses, fell €To idols foul. Thammuz came next behind, €Whose annual wound, to Lebanon allured €The Syrian damsels to lament his fate €In amorous ditties all a summer's day, €While smooth Adonis from his native rock €Ran purple to the sea, supposed with blood €Of Thammuz yearly wounded: the love-tale €Infected Sion's daughters with like heat, €Whose wanton passions in the sacred porch €Ezekiel saw, when, by the vision led, €His eye surveyed the dark idolatries €Of alienated Judah. Next came one €Who mourned in earnest, when the captive ark €Maimed his brute image, heads and hands lopped off €In his own temple, on the grunsel edge, €Where he fell flat, and shamed his worshippers. €Dagon his name, sea-monster, upward man €And downward fish: yet had his temple high €Reared in Azotus, dreaded through the coast €Of Palestine, in Gath and Ascalon, €And Accaron and Gaza's frontier bounds. €Him followed Rimmon, whose delightful seat €Was fair Damascus, on the fertile banks €Of Abbana and Pharphar, lucid streams. €He also against the house of God was bold: €A leper once he lost, and gained a king; €Ahaz, his scottish conqueror, whom he drew €God's altar to disparage and displace, €For one of Syrian mode, whereon to burn €His odious offerings, and adore the gods €Whom he had vanquished. After these appeared. €A crew, who, under names of old renown, €Osiris, Isis, Orus, and their train, €With monstrous shapes and sorceries abused €Fanatic Egypt, and her priests, to seek €Their wandering gods disguised in brutish forms €Rather than human. Nor did Israel 'scape €The infection, when their borrowed gold composed €The calf in Oreb; and the rebel king €Doubled that sin in Bethel and in Dan, €Likening his Maker to the grazed ox, €Jehovah, who, in one night, when He passed €From Egypt marching, equalled with one stroke €Both her first-born and all her bleating gods. €Belial come last, than whom a spirit more lewd €Fell not from heaven, or more gross to love €Vice for itself: to him no temple stood, €Or altar smoked: yet who more oft than he €In temples and at altars, when the priest €Turns atheist, as did Eli's sons, who filled €With lust and violence the house of God: €In courts and palaces he also reigns, €And in luxurious cities, where the noise €Of riot ascends above their loftiest towers, €And injury, and outrage: and when night €Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons €Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine. €Witness the streets of Sodom, and that night €In Gibeah, when the hospitable door €Exposed a matron, to avoid worse rape. €@These were the prime in order and in might; €The rest were long to tell, though far renowned, €The Ionian gods, of Javan's issue held €Gods, yet confessed later than heaven and earth, €Their boasted parents: Titan, heaven's first-born, €With his enormous brood, and birthright seized €By younger Saturn; he from mightier Jove, €His own and Rhea's son, like measure found. €So Jove usurping reigned. These first in Crete €Ad Ida known, thence on the snowy top €Of cold Olympus ruled the middle air, €Their highest heaven; or on the Delphian cliff. €Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds €Of Doric land; or who with Saturn old €Fled over Adria to the Hesperian fields, €And o'er the Celtic roamed the utmost isles. €@All these and more came flocking; but with looks €Downcast and damp; yet such wherein appeared €Obscure some glimpse of joy, to have found their chief €Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost €In loss itself, which on his countenance cast €Like doubtful hue. But he, his wonted pride €Soon recollecting, with his words, that bore €Semblance of worth, not substance, gently raised €Their fainting courage, and dispelled their fears. €Then straight commands, that at the warlike sound €Of trumpets loud and clarions, be upreared €His mighty standard. That proud honour claim'd €Azazel as his right; a cherub tall, €Who forthwith from the glittering staff unfurled €The imperial ensign, which , full high advanced, €Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind, €With gems and golden lustre rich emblazed, €Seraphic arms and trophies; all the while €Sonorous metal blowing martial sounds, €At which the universal host up sent €A shout, that tore Hell's concave, and beyond €Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night. €All in a moment, through the gloom were seen €Ten thousand banners rise into the air, €With orient colours waving. With them rose €A forest huge of spears; and thronging helms €Appeared, and serried shields in thick array, €Of depth immeasurable: anon they move €In perfect phalanx to the Dorian mood €Of flutes and soft recorders, such as raised €To the height of noblest temper heroes old €Arming to battle; and instead of rage €Deliberate valour breathed, firm and unmoved €With dread of death to flight or foul retreat: þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ‘‹„¬Nor wanting power to mitigate and 'suage €With solemn touches troubled thoughts, and chase €Anguish, and doubt, and fear, and sorrow, and pain, €From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they, €Breathing united force, with fixed thought, €Moved on in silence to soft pipes, that charmed €Their painful steps o'er the burnt soil. And now €Advanced in view they stand, a horrid front €Of dreadful length and dazzling arms, in guise €Of warriors old with ordered spear and shield, €Awaiting what command their mighty chief €Had to impose. He through the armed files €Darts his experienced eye, and soon traverse €The whole battalion views, their order due, €Their visages and stature as of gods, €Their number last he sums. And now his heart €Distends with pride, and hardening in his strength €Glories. For never, since created man, €Met such embodied force, as named with these €Could merit more than that small infantry €Warred on by cranes, though all the giant brood €Of Phlegra with the heroic race were joined €That fought at Thebes and Ilium, on each side €Mixed with auxiliar gods; and what resounds €In fable or romance of Uther's son €Begirt with British and Armoric knights; €And all who since, baptized or infidel, €Jousted in Aspramont, or Montalban, €Damasco, or Morocco, or Trebisond, €Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore, €When Charlemain with all his peerage fell €By Fontarabia. Thus far these beyond €Compare of mortal prowess, yet observed €Their dread commander. He, above the rest €In shape and gesture proudly eminent, €Stood like a tower. His form had yet not lost €All its original brightness; nor appeared €Less than Archangel ruined, and the excess €Of glory obscured, as when the sun, new risen, €Looks through the horizontal misty air, €Shorn of his beams; or from behind the moon, €In dim eclipse, disastrous twilight sheds €On half the nations, and with fear of change €Perplexes monarchs. Darkenes so, yet shone €Above them all the Archangel. But his face €Deep scars of thunder had intrenched, and care €Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows €Of dauntless. courage, and considerate pride €Wainting revenge. Cruel his eye, but cast €Signs of remorse and passion, to behold €The fellows of his crime, the followers rather €(Far other once beheld in bliss) condemned €For ever now to have their lot in pain, €Millions of spirits for his fault amerced €Of Heaven, and from eternal splendours flung €For his revolt, yet faithful how they stood, €Their glory withered: as when heaven's fire €Hath scathed the forest oaks, or mountain pines, €With singed top, their stately growth, though bare, €Stands on the blasted heath. He now prepared €To speak; whereat their doubled ranks they bend €From wing to wing, and half enclose him round €With all his peers: attention held them mute. €Thrice he essayed, and thrice, in spite of scorn, €Tears, such as angels weep, burst forth: at last €Words interwove with sighs found out their way €@O myriads of immortal spirits, O powers €Matchless, but with the Almighty, and that strife €Was not inglorious, though the event was dire €Intended to create, and therein plant €A generation whom his choice regard €Should favour equal to the sons of heaven. €Thither, if but to pry, should be perhaps €Our first eruption. Thither or elsewhere, €For this infernal pit shall never hold €As this place testifies, and this dire change €Hateful to utter: but what power of mind €Foreseeing or presaging, from the depth €Of knowledge past or present, could have feared €How such united force of Gods, how such €As stood like these, could ever know repulse? €For who can yet believe, though after loss, €That all these puissant legions, whose exile €Hath emptied Heaven, shall fail to re-ascend €Self-raised, and repossess their native seat? €For me be witness all the host of Heaven, €If counsels different, or danger shunned €By me, have lost our hopes. But he who reigns €Monarch in Heaven, till then as one secure €Sat on his throne, upheld by old repute €Consent or custom, and his regal state €Put forth at full, but still his strength concealed €Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fall €Henceforth his might we know, and know our own €So as not either to provoke, or dread €New war, provoked; our better part remains €To work in close design, by fraud or guile €What force effected not: that he no less €At length from us may find, who overcomes €By force, hath overcome but half his foe €Space may produce new worlds; whereof so rife €There went a fame in Heaven that he ere long €Celestial spirits in bondage, nor the abyss €Long under darkness cover. But these thoughts €Full counsel must mature. Peace is despaired; €For who can think submission? War then, war, €Open or understood, must be resolved. €@He spake: and to confirm his words, out flew €Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs €Of mighty cherubim; the sudden blaze. €Far round illumined Hell. Highly they raged €Against the Highest, and fierce with grasped arms €Clashed on their sounding shields the din of war, €Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heaven. €@There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top €Belched fire and rolling smoke; the rest entire €Shone with a glossy scurf; undoubted sign €That in his womb was hid metallic ore, €The work of sulphur. Thither, winged with speed, €A numerous brigade hastened: as when bands €Of pioneers, with spade and pickaxe arm'd, €Forerun the royal camp, to trench a field, €Or cast a rampart. Mammon led them on, €Mammon, the least erected spirit that fell €From heaven, for e'en in heaven his looks and thoughts €Were always downward bent, admiring more €The riches of heaven's pavement, trodden gold, €Than aught divine or holy, else enjoyed €In vision beatific. By him first €Men also, and by his suggestion taught, €Ransacked the centre, and with impious hands €Rifled the bowels, of their mother earth €For treasures, better hid. Soon had his crew €Opened into the hill a spacious wound, €And digged out ribs of gold. Let none admire €That riches grow in Hell, that soil may best €Deserve the precious bane. And here let those €Who boast in mortal things, and wondering tell €Of Babel, and the works of Memphian kings, €Learn how their greatest monuments of fame, €And strength, and art, are easily outdone €By spirits reprobate, and in an hour, €What in an age they, with incessant toil €And hands innumerable, scarce perform. €Nigh on the plain, in many cells prepared, €That underneath had veins of liquid fire €Sluiced from the lake, a second multitude, €With wondrous art, founded the massy ore, €Severing each kind, and scummed the bullion dross. €A third as soon had formed within the ground €A various mould, and from the boiling cells, €By strange conveyance, filled each hollow nook, €As in an organ, from one blast of wind, €To many a row of pipes the soundboard breathes. €Anon, out of the earth, a fabric huge €Rose like an exhalation, with the sound €Of dulcet symphonies and voices sweet, €Built like a temple, where pilasters round €Were set, and Doric pillars overlaid €With golden architrave. Nor did there want €Cornice or frieze, with bossy sculptures graven. €The roof was fretted gold. Not Babylon, €Nor great Alcairo, such magnificence €Equalled in all their glories, to enshrine €Belus or Serapis, their gods, or seat €Their kings, when Egypt with Assyria strove €In wealth and luxury. The ascending pile €Stood fixed her stately height; and straight the doors, €Opening their brazen folds, discover, wide €Within, her ample spaces, o'er the smooth €And level pavement. From the arched rood, €Pendant by subtle magic, many a row €Of starry lamps and blazing cressets, fed €With naphtha and asphaltus, yielded light €As from a sky. The hasty multitude €Admiring entered; and the work some praise, €And some the architect. His hand was known €In heaven by many a towered structure high, €Where sceptred angels held their residence, €And sat as princes, whom the supreme King €Exalted to such power, and gave to rule, €Each in his hierarchy, the orders bright. €Nor was his name unheard or unadored €In ancient Greece; and in the Ausonian land þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ‘‹…äMen called him Mulciber; and how he fell €From heaven, they fabled, thrown by angry Jove €Sheer o'er the crystal battlements: from morn €To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, €A summer's day; and with the setting sun €Dropped from the zenith, like a falling star, €On Lemnos, the Aegean isle. Thus they relate, €Erring; for he with this rebellious rout €Fell long before; nor aught availed him now €To have built in heaven high towers, nor did he 'scape €By all his engines, but was headlong sent €With his industrious crew to build in Hell. €@Meanwhile the winged heralds, by command €Of sovereign power, with awful ceremony €And trumpet's sound, throughout the host proclaim €A solemn council, forthwith to be held €At Pandaemonium, the high capital €Of Satan and his peers. Their summons called €From every band and squared regiment, €By place or choice the worthiest; they anon, €With hundreds and with thousands, trooping came, €Attended. All access was thronged; the gates €And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall €(Though like a covered field, where champions bold €Wont ride in armed, and at the Soldan's chair €Defied the best of Paynim chivalry €To mortal combat, or career with lance) €Thick swarmed, both on the ground and in the air, €Brushed with the hiss of rustling wings. As bees €In springtime, when the sun with Taurus rides, €Pour forth their populous youth about the hive €In clusters; they among fresh dews and flowers €Fly to and fro, on the soothed plank, €The suburb of their straw built citadel, €New rubbed with balm, expatiate and confer €Their state affairs, so thick the aery crowd €Swarmed and were straitened, till, the signal given, €Behold a wonder! They but now who seemed €In bigness to surpass earth's giant sons, €Now less than smallest dwarfs, in narrow room €Throng numberless like tha Pygmean race €Beyond the Indian mount; or fairy elves. €Whose midnight revels by a forest side €Or fountain, some belated peasant sees, €Or dreams he sees, while overhead the moon €Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth €Wheels her pale course; they, on their mirth and dance €Intent, with jocund music charm his ear; €At once with joy and fear his heart rebounds. €Thus incorporeal spirits to smallest forms €Reduced their shapes immense, and were at large, €Though without number still, amidst the hall €Of that infernal court. But far within, €And in their own dimensions, like themselves, €The great seraphic lords and cherubim €In close recess and secret conclave sat; €A thousand demi-gods, on golden seats, €Frequent and full. After short silence then, €And summons read, the great consult began. @High on a throne of royal state, which far €Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind, €Or where the gorgeous East, with richest hand, €Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold, €Satan exalted sat, by merit raised €To that bad eminence; and, from despair €Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires €Beyond thus high; insatiate to pursue €Vain war with Heaven; and, by success untaught, €His proud imaginations thus displayed: €@Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heaven! €For since no deep within her gulf can hold €Immortal vigour, though oppressed and fallen, €I give not Heaven for lost. From this descent €Celestial virtues rising, will appear €More glorious and more dread than from no fall, €And trust themselves to fear no second fate. €Me though just right, and the fixed laws of Heaven. €Did first create your leader; next, free choice, €With what besides, in counsel or in fight, €Hath been achieved of merit; yet this loss, €Thus far at least recovered, hath much more €Established in a safe unenvied throne, €Yielded with full consent. The happier state €In Heaven, which follows dignity, might draw €Envy from each inferior; but who here €Will envy whom the highest place exposes €Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim, €Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share €Of endless pain? Where there is then no good €For which to strive, no strife can grow up there €From faction. Fro none sure will claim in Hell €Precedence, none, whose portion is so small €Of present pain, that with ambitious mind €Will covet more. With this advantage then €To union, and firm faith, and firm accord, €More than can be in Heaven, we now return €To claim our just inheritance of old, €Surer to prosper than prosperity €Could have assured us; and, by what best way, €Whether of open war, or covert guile, €We now debate: who can advise, may speak. €@He ceased; and next him Moloch, sceptred king, €Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest spirit €That fought in Heaven, now fiercer by despair. €His trust was with the Eternal to be deemed €Equal in strength, and rather than be less, €Cared not to be at all. With that care lost €Went all his fear; of God, or hell, or worse, €He recked not; and these words thereafter spake: €@My sentence is for open war. Of wiles, €More unexpert, I boast not; them let those €Contrive who need, or when they need, not now. €For, while they sit contriving, shall the rest, €Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait €The signal to ascend, sit lingering here, €Heaven's fugitives, and for their dwelling-place €Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame, €The prison of his tyranny who reigns €By our delay? No! let us rather choose, €Armed with hell flames and fury, all at once, €O'er Heaven's high towers to force resistless way, €Turning our tortures int horrid arms €Against the torturer; when, to meet the noise €Of his almighty engine, he shall hear €Infernal thunder, and, for lightning, see €Black fire and horror shot with equal rage €Among his Angels, and his throne itself €Mixed with Tartarean sulphur and strange fire, €His own invented torments. But perhaps €The way seems difficult and steep to scale €With upright wing against a higher foe. €Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench €Of that forgetful lake benumb not still, €That in our proper motion we ascend €Up to our native seat: descent and fall €To us is adverse. Who but felt of late. €When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear €Insulting, and pursued us through the deep, €With what compulsion and laborious flight €We sunk thus low? The ascent is easy then. €The event is feared; should we again provoke €Our stronger, some worse way his wrath may find €To our destruction, if there be in hell €Fear to be worse destroyed. What can be worse €Than to dwell here, driven out from bliss, condemned €In this abhorred deep to utter woe, €Where pain of unextinguishable fire €Must exercise us without hope of end, €The vassals of his anger, when the scourge €Inexorably, and the torturing hour, €Call us to penance? More destroyed than thus €We should be quite abolished, and expire. €What fear we, then? What doubt we to incense €His utmost ire, which, to the height enraged, €Will either quite consume us, and reduce €To nothing this essential happier far €Than miserable to have eternal being €Or, if our substance be indeed divine, €And cannot cease to be, we are at worst €On this side nothing; and by proof we feel €Our power sufficient to disturb his heaven, €And with perpetual inroads to alarm, €Though inaccessible, his fatal throne, €Which, if not victory, is yet revenge. €@He ended, frowning, and his look denounced €Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous €To less than gods. On the other side up rose €Belial, in act more graceful and humane; €A fairer person lost not heaven; he seemed €For dignity composed, and high exploit: €But all was false and hollow; thought his tongue €Dropt Manna, and could make the worse appear €The better reason, to perplex and dash €Maturest counsels: for his thoughts were low: €To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds €Timorous and slothful; yet he pleased the ear, €And with persuasive accent thus began: €@I should be much for open war, O peers, €As not behind in hate; if what was urged €Main reason to persuade immediate war, €Did not dissuade me most, and seem to cast €Ominous conjecture on the whole success; €When he, who most excels in fact of arms, €In what he counsels, and in what excels, €Mistrustful grounds his courage on despair þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ’ˆÿAnd utter dissolution, as the scope €Of all his aim, after some dire revenge. €First, what revenge? The towers of heaven are filled €With armed watch, that render all access €Impregnable. Oft on the bordering deep €Encamp their legions; or, with obscure wing €Scout, far and wide into the realm of night, €Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way €By force, and at our heels all hell should rise €With blackest insurrection, to confound €Heaven's purest light; yet our great Enemy, €All incorruptible, would on his throne €Sit unpolluted, and the ethereal mould, €Incapable of stain, would soon expel €Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire, €Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope €Is flat despair: we must exasperate €The Almighty Victor to spend all His rage, €And that must end us; that must be our cure, €To be no more. Sad cure! for who would lose, €Though full of pain, this intellectual being, €Those thoughts that wander through eternity, €To perish rather, swallowed up and lost €In the wide womb of uncreated night, €Devoid of sense and motion? And who knows, €Let this be good, whether our angry Foe €Can give it, or will ever? How he can, €Is doubtful: that he never will, is sure. €Will he, so wise, let loose at once his ire, €Belike through impotence, or unaware, €To give his enemies their wish, and end €Them in his anger, whom his anger saves €To punish endless? Wherefore cease we then? €Say they who counsel war we are decreed, €Reserved, and destined to eternal woe: €Whatever doing, what can we suffer more, €What can we suffer worse? is this then worst, €Thus sitting, thus consulting, thus in arms? €What! when we fled amain, pursued, and struck €With heaven's afflicting thunder, and besought €The deep to shelter us? This hell then seemed €A refuge from thos e wounds, or when we lay €Chained on the burning lake? That sure was worse. €What if the breath that kindled those grim fires €Awaked, should blow them into sevenfold rage, €And plunge us in the flames? Or, from above, €Should intermitted vengeance arm again €His red right hand to plague us? What if all €Her stores were opened, and this firmament €Of Hell should spout her cataracts of fire, €Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall €One day upon our heads, while we, perhaps, €Designing or exhorting glorious war, €Caught in a fiery tempest, shall be hurled €Each on his rock transfixed, the sport and prey €Of racking whirlwinds, or for ever sunk €Under yon boiling ocean, wrapped in chains, €There to converse with everlasting groans, €Unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved, €Ages of hopeless end? This would be worse. €War, therefore, open or concealed, alike €My voice dissuades; for what can force or guile €With him, or who deceive his mind, whose eye €Views all things at one view? He from heaven's height €All these our motions vain sees, and derides; €Not more almighty to resist our might, €Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles. €Shall we then live thus vile, the race of heaven €Thus trampled, thus expelled to suffer here €Chains and these torments? Better these than worse, €By my advice; since fate inevitable €Subdues us, and omnipotent decree, €The Victor's will. To suffer, as to do, €Our strength is equal, nor the law unjust €That so ordains: this was at first resolved, €If we were wise, against so great a Foe €Contending, and so doubtful what might fall. €I laugh, when those who at the spear are bold €And venturous, if that fail them, shrink and fear €What yet they know must follow, to endure €Exile, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain, €The sentence of their Conqueror. This is now €Our doom; which if we can sustain and bear, €Our Supreme Foe in time may much remit €His anger, and perhaps, thus far removed, €Not mind us not offending, satisfied €With what is punished; whence these raging fires €Will slacken, if His breath stir not their flames. €Our purer essence then will overcome €Their noxious vapour; or, inured, not feel; €Or, changed at length, and to the place conformed €In temper and in nature, will receive €Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain. €This horror will grow mild, this darkness light: €Besides what hope the never ending flight €Of future days may bring, what chance, what change €Worth waiting: since our present lot appears €For happy, though but ill; for ill, not worst; €If we procure not to ourselves more woe. €@Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb, €Counselled ignoble ease, and peaceful sloth, €Not peace: And after him thus Mammon spake: €@Either to disenthrone the King of Heaven €We war, if war be best, or to regain €Our own right lost. Him to unthrone we then €May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield €To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife. €The former, vain to hope, argues as vain €The latter; for what place can be for us €Within heaven's bound, unless heaven's Lord supreme €We overpower? Suppose he should relent, €And publish grace to all, on promise made €Of new subjection; with what eyes could we €Stand in his presence humble, and receive €Strict laws imposed, to celebrate his throne €With warbled hymns, and to his Godhead sing €Forced hallelujahs, while he lordly sits €Our envied Sovereign, and his altar breathes €Ambrosial odours and ambrosial flowers, €Our servile offerings? This must be our task €In heaven. this our delight. How wearisome €Eternity so spent, in worship paid €To whom we hate! Let us not then pursue €By force impossible, by leave obtained €Unacceptable, though in heaven, our state €Of splendid vassalage; but rather seek €Our own good from ourselves, and from our own €Live to ourselves, though in this vast recess, €Free, and to none accountable, preferring €Hard liberty before the easy yoke €Of servile pomp. Our greatness will appear €Then most conspicuous, when great things of small, €Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse, €We can create; and in what place soe'er €Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain, €Through labour and endurance. this deep world €Of darkness do we dread? How oft amidst €Thick clouds and dark doth heaven's all ruling Sire €Choose to reside, his glory unobscured, €And with the majesty of darkness round €Covers his throne; from whence deep thunders roar, €Mustering their rage, and heaven resembles hell? €As he our darkness, cannot we his light €Imitate, when we please? This desert soil €Wants not her hidden lustre, gems and gold; €Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise €Magnificence; and what can heaven show more? €Our torments also may in length of time €Become our elements; these piercing fires €As soft as now severe, our temper changed €Into their temper; which must needs remove €The sensible of pain. All things invite €To peaceful counsels, and the settled state €Of order, how in safety best we may €Compose our present evils, with regard €Of what we are, and where, dismissing quite €All thoughts of war. Ye have what I advise. €@He scarce had finished, when such murmur filled €The assembly, as when hollow rocks retain €The sound of blustering winds, which all night long €Had roused the sea, now with hoarse cadence lull €Seafaring men o'erwatched, whose bark by chance €Or pinnace, anchors in a craggy bay €After the tempest, such applause was heard €As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased, €Advising peace. For such another field €They dreaded worse than hell, so much the fear €Of thunder and the sword of Michae+l €Wrought still within them. And no less desire €To found this nether empire, which might rise €By policy, and long process of time, €In emulation opposite to heaven. €Which when Beelzebub perceived, than whom, €Satan except, none higher sat, with grave €Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemed €A pillar of state. Deep on his front engraven €Deliberation sat, and public care; €And princely counsel in his face yet shone, €Majestic, though in ruin. Sage he stood, €With Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear €The weight of mightiest monarchies. His look €Drew audience and attention still as night €Or summer's noontide air, while thus he spake: €@Thrones, and imperial powers, offspring of heaven, €Ethereal virtues! or these titles now þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ’‹‚¸Must we renounce, and, changing style, be called €Princes of hell? For so the popular vote €Inclines, here to continue, and build up here €A growing empire. Doubtless, while we dream, €And know not that the King of Heaven hath doomed €This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat €Beyond his potent arm, to live exempt €From heaven's high jurisdiction, in new league €Banded against his throne, but to remain €In strictest bondage, though thus far removed, €Under the inevitable curb reserved, €His captive multitude: for he, be sure, €In height or depth, still first and last will reign €Sole king, and of His kingdom lose no part €By our revolt, but over hell extend €His empire, and with iron sceptre rule €Us here, as with his golden those in heaven. €What sit we then projecting peace and war? €War hath determined us, and foiled with loss €Irreparable; terms of peace yet none €Vouchsafed or sought; for what peace will be given €To us enslaved, but custody severe, €And stripes, and arbitrary punishment, €Inflicted? and what peace can we return, €But to our power hostility and hate, €Untamed reluctance, and revenge, though slow, €Yet ever plotting how the Conqueror least €May reap his conquest, and may least rejoice €In doing what we most in suffering feel? €Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need €With dangerous expedition to invade €Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege, €Or ambush from the deep. What if we find €Some easier enterprise? There is a place €(If ancient and prophetic fame in heaven €Err not) another world, the happy seat €Of some new race, called Man, about this time €To be created like to us, though less €In power and excellence, but favoured more €Of him who rules above. So was his will €Pronounced among the gods, and by an oath, €That shook Heaven's whole circumference, confirmed. €Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn €What creatures there inhabit, of what mould €Or substance, how endued, and what their power, €And where their weakness, how attempted best, €By force or subtlety. though heaven be shut, €And heaven's high Arbitrator sit secure €In his own strength, this place may lie exposed, €The utmost border of his kingdom, left €To their defence who hold it. Here perhaps €Some advantageous act may be achieved €By sudden onset, either with hell-fire €To waste his whole creation, or possess €All as our own, and drive, as we were driven, €The puny habitants. Or, if not drive, €Seduce them to our party, that their God €May prove their foe, and with repenting hand €Abolish his own works. This would surpass €Common revenge, and interrupt his joy €In our confusion, and our joy upraise €In his disturbance; when his darling sons, €Hurled headlong to partake with us, shall curse €Their frail original, and faded bliss, €Faded so soon. Advise, if this be worth €Attempting, or to sit in darkness here €Hatching vain empires. Thus Beelzebub €Pleaded his devilish counsel, first devised €By Satan, and in part proposed. Fro whence, €But from the author of all ill, could spring €So deep a malice, to confound the race €Of mankind in one root, and earth with hell €To mingle and involve, done all to spite €The great Creator? But their spite still serves €His glory to augment. The bold design €Pleased highly those infernal states, and joy €Sparkled in all their eyes. With full assent €They vote. Whereat his speech he thus renews: €@Well have ye judged, well ended long debate, €Synod of gods! and, like to what ye are, €Great things resolved, which, from the lowest deep, €Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate, €Nearer our ancient seat. Perhaps in view €Of those bright confines, whence, with neighbouring arms, €And opportune excursion, we may chance €Re-enter heaven; or else in some mild zone €Dwell, not unvisited of heaven's fair light €Secure, and at the brightening orient beam €Purge off this gloom: the soft delicious air, €To heal the scar of these corrosive fires, €Shall breathe her balm. But first, whom shall we send €In search of this new world? Whom shall we find €Sufficient? Who shall tempt with wandering feet €The dark, unbottomed, infinite abyss, €And through the palpable obscure find out €His uncouth way, or spread his aery flight, €Upborne with indefatigable wings, €Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive €The happy isle? What strength, what art, can then €Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe €Through the strict sentries and stations thick €Of Angels watching round? Here he had need €All circumspection; and we now no less €Choice in our suffrage; for, on whom we send, €The weight of all, and our last hope, relies. €@This said, he sat; and expectation held €His look suspense, awaiting who appeared €To second, or oppose, or undertake, €The perilous attempt. But all sat mute, €Pondering the danger with deep thoughts; and each €In other's countenance read his own dismay, €Astonished. None among the choice and prime €Of those heaven warring champions could be found €So hardy, as to proffer or accept €Alone the dreadful voyage; till at last €Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised €Above his fellows, with monarchal pride, €Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake: €@O progeny of Heaven! empyreal Thrones! €With reason hath deep silence and demur €Seized us, though undismayed. Long is the way €And hard, that out of hell leads up to light; €Our prison strong; this huge convex of fire, €Outrageous to devour, immures us round €Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant, €Barred over us, prohibit all egress. €These passed, if any pass, the void profound €Of unessential night receives him next €Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being €Threatens him, plunged in that abortive gulf. €If thence he 'scape into whatever world, €Or unknown region, what remains him less €Than unknown dangers, and as hard escape? €But I should ill become this throne, O peers, €And this imperial sovereignty, adorned €With splendour, armed with power, if aught proposed €And judged of public moment, in the shape €Of difficulty or danger, could deter €Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume €These royalties, and not refuse to reign, €Refusing to accept as great a share €Of hazard as of honour, due alike €To him who reigns, and so much to him due €Of hazard more, as he above the rest €High honoured sits? Go, therefore, mighty powers, €Terror of heaven, though fallen! intend at home €While here shall be our home, what best may ease €The present misery, and render Hell €More tolerable; if there be cure or charm €To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain €Of this ill mansion. Intermit no watch €Against a wakeful Foe, while I abroad, €Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek €Deliverance for us all. This enterprise €None shall partake with me. Thus saying, rose €The monarch, and prevented all reply: €Prudent, lest, from his resolution raised, €Others among the chief might offer now €(Certain to be refused) what erst they feared, €And, so refused, might in opinion stand €His rivals, winning cheap the high repute, €Which he through hazard huge must earn. But they €Dreaded not more the adventure, than his voice €Forbidding; and at once with him they rose. €Their rising all at once was as the sound €Of thunder heard remote. Toward him they bend €With awful reverence prone; and as a god €Extol him equal to the Highest in heaven. €Nor failed they to express how much they praised, €That for the general safety he despised €His own. For neither do the spirits damned €Lose all their virtue; lest bad men should boast €Their specious deeds on earth, which glory excites, €Or close ambition, varnished o'er with zeal. €Thus they their doubtful consultations dark €Ended, rejoicing in their matchless chief. €As when from mountain-tops the dusky clouds €Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'erspread €Heaven's cheerful face, the lowering element €Scowls o'er the darkened landskip snow, or shower, €If chance the radiant sun, with farewell sweet, €Extend his evening beam, the fields revive, €The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds €Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings. €O shame to men! Devil with devil damned þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ’‹ƒñFirm concord holds, men only disagree €Of creatures rational, though under hope €Of heavenly grace; and, God proclaiming peace, €Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife, €Among themselves, and levy cruel wars, €Wasting the earth, each other to destroy: €As if (which might induce us to accord) €Man had not hellish foes enow besides, €That day and night for his destruction wait. €@The Stygian council thus dissolved, and forth €In order came the grand infernal peers. €Midst came their mighty paramount, and seemed €Alone the antagonist of Heaven, nor less €Than Hell's dread emperor, with pomp supreme, €And god-like imitated state. Him round €A globe of fiery seraphim enclosed €With bright emblazonry, and horrent arms. €Then, of their session ended, they bid cry €With trumpets' regal sound the great result. €Toward the four winds four speedy cherubim €Put to their mouths the sounding alchemy, €By herald's voice explained; the hollow abyss €Heard far and wide, and all the host of Hell €With deafening shout returned them loud acclaim. €Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat raised €By false presumptuous hope, the ranged powers €Disband, and, wandering, each his several way €Pursues, as inclination or sad choice €Leads him, perplexed where he may likeliest find €Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain €The irksome hours, till his great chief return. €Part on the plain, or in the air sublime €Upon the wing, or in swift race contend, €As at the Olympian games or Pythian fields; €Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal €With rapid wheels, or fronted brigads form. €As when, to warn proud cities, war appears €Waged in the troubled sky, and armies rush €To battle in the clouds, before each van €Prick forth the aery knights, and couch their spears €Till thickest legions close; with feats fo arms €From either end of heaven the welkin burns. €Others, with vast Typhoean rage, more fell, €Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air €In whirlwind. Hell scarce holds the wild uproar. €As when Alcides, from Oechalia crowned €With conquest, felt the envenomed robe, and tore €Through pain up by the roots Thessalian pines, €And Lichas from the top of Oeta threw €Into the Euboic sea. Others, more mild, €Retreated in a silent valley, sing €With notes angelical to many a harp €Their own heroic deeds, and hapless fall €By doom of battle; and complain that fate €Free virtue should enthral to force or chance. €Their song was partial; but the harmony €(What could it less when spirits immortal sing?) €Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment €The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet €(For eloquence the soul, song charms the sense) €Others apart sat on a hill retired, €In thoughts more elevate, and reasoned high €Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate; €Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute, €And found no end, in wandering mazes lost. €Of good and evil much they argued then, €Of happiness and final misery, €Passion and apathy, and glory and shame, €Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy. €Yet, with a pleasing sorcery, could charm €Pain for a while, or anguish, and excite €Fallacious hope, or arm the obdured breast €With stubborn patience, as with triple steel. €Another part, in squadrons and gross bands, €On bold adventure to discover wide €That dismal world, if any clime perhaps €Might yield them easier habitation, bend €Four ways their flying march, along the banks €Of four infernal rivers, that disgorge €Into the burning lake their baleful streams: €Abhorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate; €Sad Acheron, of sorrow, black and deep; €Cocytus, named of lamentation loud €Heard on the rueful stream; fierce Phlegethon, €Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage. €Far off from these, a slow and silent stream, €Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls €Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks, €Forhtwith his former state and being forgets, €Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain. €Beyond this flood a frozen continent €Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms €Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm land €Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems €Of ancient pile; on else deep snow and ice, €A gulf profound as that Serbonian bog €Betwixt Damiata and mount Casius old, €Where armies whole have sunk. The parching air €Burns frore, and cold performs the effect of fire. €Thither, by harpy-footed furies haled, €At certain revolutions, all the damned €Are brought; and feel by turns the bitter change €Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce €From beds of raging fire, to starve in ice €Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine €Immovable, infixed, and frozen round, €Periods of time; thence hurried back to fire. €They ferry over this Lethean sound €Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment, €And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach €The tempting stream, with one small drop to lose €In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe, €All in one moment, and so near the brink; €But fate withstands, and to oppose the attempt €Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards €The ford, and of itself the water flies €All taste of living wight, as once it fled €The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on €In confused march forlorn, the adventurous bands, €With shuddering horror pale, and eyes aghast, €Viewed first their lamentable lot, and found €No rest. Through many a dark and dreary vale €They passed, and many a region dolorous, €O'er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp, €Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens, and shades of death, €A universe of death, which God by curse €Created evil, for evil only good; €Where all life dies, death lives, and Nature breeds €Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things, €Abominable, unutterable, and worse €Than fables yet have feigned, or fear conceived, €Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimeras dire. €@Meanwhile, the adversary of God and man, €Satan, with thoughts inflamed of highest design, €Puts on swift wings, and towards the gates of hell €Explores his solitary flight. Sometimes €He scours the right-hand coast, sometimes the left; €Now shaves with level wing the deep, then soars €Up to the fiery concave towering high. €As when far off at sea a fleet descried €Hangs in the clouds, by equinoxial winds €Close sailing from Bengala, or the isles €Of Ternate and Tidore, whence merchants bring €Their spicy drugs; they on the trading flood, €Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape, €Ply stemming nightly toward the pole: so seemed €Far off the flying fiend. At last appear €Hell-bounds, high reaching to the horrid roof, €And thrice threefold the gates. Threefolds were brass, €Three iron, three of adamantine rock €Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire, €Yet unconsumed. Before the gates there sat €On either side a formidable shape; €The one seemed woman to the waist, and fair; €But ended foul in many a scaly fold €Voluminous and vast, a serpent armed €With mortal sting. About her middle round €A cry of hell-hounds never ceasing barked, €With wide Cerberian mouths, full loud, and rung €A hideous peal. Yet when they list, would creep, €If aught disturbed their noise, into her womb, €And kennel there; yet there still barked and howled €Within, unseen. Far less abhorred than these €Vexed Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts €Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore. €Nor uglier follow the night-hag, when, called €In secret, riding through the air she comes, €Lured with the smell of infant blood, to dance €With Lapland witches, while the labouring moon €Eclipses at their charms. The other shape, €If shape it might be called that shape had none €Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb, €Or substance might be called that shadow seemed, €For each seemed either black it stood as Night, €Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell, €And shook a dreadful dart; what seemed his head €The likeness of a kingly crown had on. €Satan was now at hand, and from his seat €The monster moving onward, came as fast €With horrid strides; Hell trembled as he strode. €The undaunted fiend what this might be admired, €Admired, not feared. God and His Son except, €Created thing nought valued he, nor shunned; þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ’‹…¨And with disdainful look thus first began: €@Whence, and what art thou, execrable shape! €That darest, though grim and terrible, advence €Thy miscreated front athwart my way €To yonder gates? Through them I mean to pass, €That be assured, without leave asked of thee. €Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof, €Hell-born, not to contend with spirits of heaven! €@To whom the goblin, full of wrath, replied: €Art thou that traitor-angel, art thou he, €Who first broke peace in Heaven, and faith, till then €Unbroken; and in proud rebellious arms, €Drew after him the third part of heaven's sons €Conjured against the Highest; for which both thou €And they, outcast from God, are here condemned €To waste eternal days in woe and pain? €And reckonest thou thyself with Spirits of Heaven, €Hell-doomed, and breathest defiance here and scorn, €Where I reign king, and, to enrage thee more, €Thy king and lord? Back to thy punishment, €False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings, €Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue €Thy lingering, or with one stroke of this dart €Strange horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt before. €@So spake the grizzly Terror, and in shape, €So speaking and so threatening, grew tenfold €More dreadful and deform. On the other side, €Incensed with indignation, Satan stood €Unterrified, and like a comet burned, €That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge €In the arctic sky, and from his horrid hair €Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head €Levelled his deadly aim; their fatal hands €No second stroke intend; and such a frown €Each cast at the other, as when two black clouds, €With Heaven's artillery fraught, come rattling on €Over the Caspian, then stand front to front, €Hovering a space, till winds the signal blow €To join their dark encounter in mid-air: €So frowned the mighty combatants, that Hell €Grew darker at their frown; so matched they stood, €For never but once more was either like €To meet so great a Foe: And now great deeds €Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung, €Had not the snaky sorceress that sat €Fast by hell gate, and kept the fatal key, €Risen, and with hideous outcry rushed between. €@O father! what intends thy hands, she cried, €Against thy only son? What fury, O son! €Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart €Against thy father's head? and know'st for whom; €For Him who sits above, and laughs the while €At thee ordained his drudge, to execute €Whate'er His wrath, which He calls justice, bids; €His wrath, which one day will destroy ye both! €@She spake, and at her words the hellish pest €Forbore; then these to her Satan returned: €@So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange €Thou interposest, that my sudden hand, €Prevented, spares to tell thee yet by deeds €What it intends, till first I know of thee, €What thing thou art, thus double-formed, and why, €In this infernal vale first met, thou call'st €Me father, and that phantasm call'st my son: €I know thee not, nor ever saw till now €Sight more detestable than him and thee. €@To whom thus the portress of hell-gate replied: €Hast thou forgot me then, and do I seem €Now in thine eye so foul, once deemed so fair €In Heaven? when at the assembly, and in sight €Of all the seraphim with thee combined €In bold conspiracy against Heaven's King, €All on a sudden miserable pain €Surprised thee; dim thine eyes, and dizzy swum €In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast €Threw forth; till, on the left side opening wide, €Likest to thee in shape and countenance bright, €Then shining heavenly fair, a goddess armed, €Out of thy head I sprung. Amazement seized €All the host of heaven; back they recoiled afraid €At first, and called me Sin, and for a sign €Portentous held me; but, familiar grown, €I pleased, and with attractive graces won €The most averse, thee chiefly, who full oft €Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing, €Became enamoured, and such joy thou took st €With me in secret, that my womb conceived €A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose, €And fields were fought in heaven; wherein remained €(For what could else?) to our Almighty Foe €Clear victory; to our part loss and rout, €Through all the Empyrean. Down they fell, €Driven headlong from the pitch of heaven, down €Into this deep; and in the general fall, €I also, at which time this powerful key €Into my hand was given, with the charge to keep €These gates for ever shut, which none can pass €Without my opening. Pensive here I sat €Alone; but long I sat not, till my womb, €Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown, €Prodigious motion felt, and rueful throes. €At last this odious offspring whom thou seest, €Thine own begotten, breaking violent way, €Tore through my entrails, that, with fear and pain €Distorted, all my nether shaped thus grew €Transformed. But he my inbred enemy €Forth issued, brandishing his fatal dart, €Made to destroy. I fled, and cried out Death! €Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sighed €Far from her caves, and back resounded, Death! €I fled; but he pursued (though more, it seems, €Inflamed with lust than rage) and, swifter far, €Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed, €And in embraces forcible and foul €Ingendering with me, of that rape begot €These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry €Surround me, as thou sawest; hourly conceived €And hourly born, with sorrow infinite €To me; for, when they list, into the womb €That bred them they return, and howl, and gnaw €My bowels their repast; then bursting forth €Afresh, with conscious terrors vex me round, €That rest or intermission none I find. €Before mine eyes in opposition sits €Grim Death, my son and foe, who sets them on, €And me his parent would full soon devour €For want of other prey, but that he knows €His end with mine involved; and knows that I €Should prove a bitter morsel, and his bane, €Whenever that shall be; so fate pronounced. €But thou, O father, I forewarn thee, shun €His deadly arrow; neither vainly hope €To be invulnerable in those bright arms, €Though tempered heavenly; for that mortal dint, €Save He who reigns above, none can resist. €@She finished; and the subtle fiend his lore €Soon learned, now milder, and thus answered smooth: €Dear daughter, since thou claim'st me for thy sire, €And my fair son here show'st me, the dear pledge €Of dalliance had with thee in heaven, and joys €Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change €Befallen us, unforeseen, unthought of; know, €I come no enemy, but to set free €From out this dark and dismal house of pain €Both him and thee, and all the heavenly host €Of spirits, that, in our just pretences armed, €Fell with us from on high. From them I go €This uncouth errand sole; and, one for all, €Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread €The unfounded deep, and through the void immense €To search with wandering quest a place foretold €Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere now €Created, vast and round, a place of bliss €In the purlieus of heaven, and therein placed €A race of upstart creatures, to supply €Perhaps our vacant room; though more removed, €Lest heaven, surcharged with potent multitude, €Might hap to move new broils. Be this or aught €Than this more secret now designed, I haste €To know; and, this once known, shall soon return. €And bring ye to the place where thou and Death €Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen €Wing silently the buxom air, embalmed €With odours; there ye shall be fed and filled €Immeasurably, all things shall be your prey. €@He ceased, for both seemed highly pleased; and Death €Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, to hear €His famine should be filled; and blessed his maw €Destined to that good hour. No less rejoiced €His mother bad, and thus bespake her sire: €@The key of this infernal pit by due, €And by command of heaven's all-powerful King, €I keep, by him forbidden to unlock €These adamantine gates; against all force €Death ready stands to interpose his dart, €Fearless to be o'ermatched by living might. €But what owe I to His commands above €Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down €Into this gloom of Tartarus profound, €To sit in hateful office here confined, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ’‹†ÜInhabitant of heaven, and heavenly born, €Here, in perpetual agony and pain, €With terrors and with clamours compassed round €Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed? €Thou art my father, thou my author, thou €My being gavest me; whom should I obey €But thee? whom follow? Thou wilt bring me soon €To that new world of light and bliss, among €The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign €At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems €Thy daughter and thy darling, without end. €@Thus saying, from her side the fatal key, €Sad instrument of all our woe, she took; €And towards the gate rolling her bestial train, €Frothwith the huge portcullis high updrew, €Which but herself, not all the Stygian powers €Could once have moved; then in the key-hole turns €The intricate wards, and every bolt and bar €Of massy iron or solid rock with ease €Unfastens. On a sudden open fly, €With impetuous recoil and jarring sound, €The infernal doors, and on their hinges grate €Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook €Of Erebus. She opened, but to shut €Excelled her power: the gates wide open stood, €That with extended wings a bannered host, €Under spread ensigns marching, might pass through, €With horse and chariots ranked in loose array; €So wide they stood, and like a furnace-mouth €Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame. €@Before their eyes in sudden view appear €The secrets of the hoary deep; a dark €Illimitable ocean, without bound, €Without dimension, where length, breadth, and height, €And time, and place, are lost; where eldest Night €And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold €Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise €Of endless wars, and by confusion stand. €For Hot, Cold, Moist, and Dry, four champions fierce, €Strive here for mastery, and to battle bring €Their embryon atoms; they around the flag €Of each his faction, in their several clans, €Light-armed or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift, or slow, €Swarm populous, unnumbered as the sands €Of Barca or Cyrene's torrid soil, €Levied to side with warring winds, and poise €Their lighter wings. To whom these most adhere €He rules a moment. Chaos umpire sits, €And by decision more embroils the fray €By which he reigns. Next him, high arbiter, €Chance governs all. Into this wild abyss, €The womb of Nature, and perhaps her grave, €Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire, €But all these in their pregnant causes mixed €Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight, €Unless the Almighty Maker them ordain €His dark materials to create more worlds; €Into this wild abyss, the wary fiend €Stood on the brink of hell, and looked awhile, €Pondering his voyage; for no narrow froth €He had to cross. Nor was his ear less pealed €With noises loud and ruinous (to compare €Great things with small) than when Bellona storms €With all her battering engines bent to raze €Some capital city; or less than if this frame €Of heaven were falling, and these elements €In mutiny had from her axle torn €The steadfast earth. At last his sail-broad vans €He spreads for flight, and in the surging smoke €Uplifted spurns the ground; thence many a league, €As in a cloudy chair, ascending, rides €Audacious; but, that seat soon failing, meets €A vast vacuity. All unawares, €Fluttering his pennons vain, plumb down he drops €Ten thousand fathom deep; and to this hour €Down had been falling, had not, by ill chance, €The strong rebuff of some tumultuous cloud, €Instinct with fire and nitre, hurried him €As many miles aloft. That fury stayed, €Quenched in a boggy syrtis, neither sea, €Nor good dry land; nigh foundered, on he fares, €Treading the crude consistence, half on foot, €Half flying. Behoves him now both oar and sail. €As when a gryphon, through the wilderness €With winged course, o'er hill or moory dale, €Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stealth €Had from his wakeful custody purloined €The guarded gold: so eagerly the fiend €O'er bog, or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare. €With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his way, €And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies. €At length a universal hubbub wild, €Of stunning sounds, and voices all confused, €Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear €With loudest vehemence. Thither he plies, €Undaunted, to meet there whatever power €Or spirit of the nethermost abyss €Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask €Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies €Bordering on light; when straight behold the throne €Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread €Wide on the wasteful deep; with him enthrouned €Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of things, €The consort of his reign; and by them stood €Orcus and Hades, and the dreaded name €Of Demogorgon; Rumour next, and Chance, €And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled, €And Discord, with a thousand various mouths. €@To whom Satan turning boldly, thus: Ye powers €And spirits of this nethermost abyss, €Chaos and ancient Night, I come no spy, €With purpose to explore or to disturb €The secrets of your realm; but, by constraint €Wandering this darksome desert, as my way €Lies through your spacious empire up to light, €Alone, and without guide, half lost, I seek €What readiest path leads where your gloomy bounds €Confine with heaven; or, if wome other place, €From your dominion won, the ethereal King €Possesses lately, thither to arrive €I travel this profound; direct my course; €Directed, no mean recompense it brings €To your behoof, if I that region lost, €All usurpation thence expelled, reduce €To her original darkenss, and your sway €(Which is my present journey) and once more €Erect the standard there of ancient Night. €Yours be the advantage all, mine the revenge. €@Thus Satan: and him thus the Anarch old, €With faltering speech and visage incomposed, €Answered: I know thee, stranger, who thou art; €That mighty leading Angel, who of late €Made head 'gainst heaven's King, though overthrown. €I saw and heard; for such a numerous host €Fled not in silence through the frighted deep, €With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, €Confusion worse confounded; and heaven-gates €Poured out by millions her victorious bands, €Pursuing. I upon my fontiers here €Keep residence; if all I can will serve €That little which is left so to defend, €Encroached on still through your intestine broils €Weakening the sceptre of old Night. First Hell, €Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath; €Now lately heaven and earth another world, €Hung o'er my realm, linked in a golden chain, €To that side heaven, from whence your legions fell. €If that way be your walk, you have not far; €So much the nearer danger; go, and speed; €Havoc, and spoil, and ruin, are my gain. €@He ceased; and Satan stayed not to reply, €But glad that now his sea should find a shore, €With fresh alacrity and force renewed, €Springs upward, like a pyramid of fire, €Into the wild expanse, and, through the shock €Of fighting elements, on all sides round €Environed, wins his way; harder beset €And more endangered, than when Argo passed €Through Bosphorus, betwixt the justling rocks; €Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunned €Charybdis, and by the other whirlpool steered. €So he with difficulty and labour hard €Moved on, with difficulty and labour he; €But he once passed; soon after, when man fell. €Strange alteration! Sin and Death amain €Following his track, such was the will of Heaven, €Paved after him a broad and beaten way €Over the dark abyss, whose boiling gulf €Tamely endured a bridge of wondrous length, €From hell continued, reaching the utmost orb €Of this frail world: by which the spirits perverse €With easy intercourse pass to and fro €To tempt or punish mortals, except whom €God and good Angels guard by special grace. €But now at last the sacred influence €Of light appears, and from the walls of heaven €Shoots far into the bosom of dim Night €A glimmering dawn. Here Nature first begins €Her farthest verge, and Chaos to retire, €As from her outmost works, a broken foe, €With tumult less, and with less hostile din, €That Satan with less toil, and now with ease €Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light, €And, like a weather-beaten vessel, holds þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ’‹ˆ”Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn; €Or in the emptier waste, resembling air, €Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold €Far off the empyreal heaven, extended wide €In circuit, undetermined square or round, €With opal towers and battlements adorned €Of living sapphire, once his native seat; €And fast by, hanging in a golden chain, €This pendent world, in bigness as a star €Of smallest magnitude, close by the moon. €Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge, €Accursed, and in a cursed hour, he hies. @Hail, holy Light! offspring of Heaven first-born! €Or of the Eternal coeternal beam, €May I express thee unblamed? since God is light, €And never but in unapproached light €Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee, €Bright effluence of bright essence increate! €Or hear'st thou rather, pure ethereal stream, €Whose fountain who shall tell? Before the sun, €Before the heavens thou wert, and at the voice €Of God, as with a mantle, didst invest €The rising world of waters dark and deep, €Won from the void and formless infinite. €Thee I revisit now with bolder wing €Escaped the Stygian pool, though long detained €In that obscure sojourn, while in my flight €Through utter and through middle darkness borne, €With other notes than to the Orphean lyre, €I sung of Chaos and eternal Night; €Taught by the heavenly muse to venture down €The dark descent, and up to reascend, €Though hard and rare; thee I revisit safe, €And feel thy sovereign vital lamp; but thou €Revisit'st not these eyes, that roll in vain €To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn; €So thick a drop serene hath quenched their orbs, €Or dim suffusion veiled. Yet not the more €Cease I to wander where the Muses haunt, €Clear spring, or shady grove, or sunny hill, €Smit with the love of sacred song; but chief €Thee, Sion, and the flowery brooks beneath, €That wash thy hallowed feet, and warbling flow, €Nightly I visit: nor sometimes forget €Those other two equalled with me in fate, €So were I equalled with them in renown, €Blind Thamyris, and blind Maeonides, €And Tiresias, and Phineus, prophets old: €Then feed on thoughts, that voluntary move €Harmonious numbers; as th wakeful bird €Sings darkling, and in shadiest covert hid, €Tunes her nocturnal note. Thus with the year €Seasons return; but not to me returns €Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn, €Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, €Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine; €But cloud instead, and ever-during dark €Surrounds me, from the cheerful ways of men €Cut off, and for the book of knowledge fair €Presented with a universal blank €Of Nature's works, to me expunged and rased, €And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out. €So much the rather thou, celestial light, €Shine inward, and the mind though all her power's €Irradiate; there plant eyes, all mist from thence €Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell €Of things invisible to mortal sight. €@Now had the Almighty Father from above, €From the pure Empyrean where he sits €High throned above all height, bent down his eye, €His own works, and their works at once to view: €About him all the sanctities of heaven €Stood thick as stars, and from his sight received €Beatitude past utterance; on his right €The radiant image of his glory sat, €His only Son. On earth he first beheld €Our two first parents, yet the only two €Of mankind, in the happy garden placed, €Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love, €Uninterrupted joy, unrivalled love, €In blissful solitude. He then surveyed €Hell and the gulf between, and Satan there €Coasting the wall of heaven on this side Night €In the dun air sublime, and ready now €To stoop with wearied wings, and willing feet, €On the bare outside of this world, that seemed €Firm land imbosomed, without firmament, €Uncertain which, in ocean or in air. €Him God beholding from his prospect high, €Wherein past, present, future, he beholds, €Thus to his only Son foreseeing spake: €@Only begotten Son, seest thou what rage €Transports our adversary? whom no bounds €Prescribed, no bars of Hell, nor all the chains €Heaped on him there, nor yet the main abyss €Wide interrupt, can hold; so bent he seems €On desperate revenge, that shall redound €Upon his own rebellious head. And now, €Through all restraint broke loose, he wings his way €Not far off heaven, in the precincts of light, €Directly towards the new created world, €And man there placed, with purpose to essay €If him by force he can destroy, or, worse, €By some false guile pervert; and shall pervert; €For man will hearken to his glozing lies, €And easily transgress the sole command, €Sole pledge of his obedience. So will fall €He and his faithless progeny. Whose fault? €Whose but his own? Ingrate, he had of me €All he could have. I made him just and right, €Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall. €Such I created all the ethereal powers €And spirits, both them who stood, and them who failed; €Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell. €Not free, what proof could they have given sincere €Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love, €Where only what they needs must do appeared, €Not what they would? What praise could they receive? €What pleasure I from such obedience paid? €When will and reason (reason also is choice) €Useless and vain, of freedom both despoiled, €Made passive both, had served necessity, €Not me? They therefore, as to right belonged, €So were created, nor can justly accuse €Their maker, or their making, or their fate, €As if predestination overruled €Their will, disposed by absolute decree €Or high foreknowledge. They themselves decreed €Their own revolt, not I. If I foreknew, €Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault, €Which had no less proved certain unforeknown. €So without least impulse or shadow of fate, €Or aught by me immutably foreseen, €They trespass, authors to themselves in all €Both what they judge, and what they choose; for so €I formed them free: and free they must remain, €Till they enthrall themselves; I else must change €Their nature, and revoke the high decree €Unchangeable, eternal, which ordained €Their freedom; they themselves ordained their fall €The first sort by their own suggestion fell, €Self-tempted, self-depraved: Man falls, deceived €By the other first: Man therefore shall find grace, €The other none. In mercy and justice both, €Through heaven and earth, so shall my glory excel; €But mercy first and last shall brightest shine. €@Thus while God spake, ambrosial fragrance filled €All heaven, and in the blessed spirits elect €Sense of new joy ineffable diffused. €Beyond compare the Son of God was seen €Most glorious: in him all his Father shone €Substantially expressed; and in his face €Divine compassion visibly appeared, €Love without end, and without measure grace, €Which uttering, thus he to his Father spake: €@O father, gracious was that word which closed €Thy sovereign sentence, that man should find grace; €For which both heaven and earth shall high extol €Thy praises, with the innumerable sound €Of hymns and sacred songs, wherewith thy throne €Encompassed shall resound thee ever blessed. €For should Man finally be lost, should Man, €Thy creature late so loved, thy youngest son, €Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though joined €With his own folly? That be from thee far, €That far be from thee, Father, who art judge €Of all things made, and judgest only right. €Or shall the Adversary thus obtain €His end, and frustrate thine? Shall he fulfil €His malice, and thy goodness brought to naught €Or proud return, though to his heavier doom. €Yet with revenge accomplished, and to Hell €Draw after him the whole race of mankind, €By him corrupted? Or wilt thou thyself €Abolish thy creation, and unmake, €For him, what for thy glory thou hast made? €So should thy goodness and thy greatness both €Be questioned and blasphemed without defence. €@To whom the great Creator thus replied: €O Son, in whom my soul hath chief delight, €Son of my bosom, Son who art alone €My word, my wisdom, and effectual might, €All hast thou spoken as my thoughts are, all €As my eternal purpose hath decreed. þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ“‹Man shall not quite be lost, but saved who will; €Yet not of will in him, but grace in me €Freely vouchsafed. Once more I will renew €His lapsed powers, though forfeit, and enthralled €By sin to foul exorbitant desires; €Upheld by me, yet once more he shall stand €On even ground against his mortal foe; €By me upheld, that he may now how frail €His fallen condition is, and to me owe €All his deliverance, and to none but me. €Some I have chosen of peculiar grace, €Elect above the rest; so is my will: €The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warned €Their sinful state, and to appease betimes €The incensed Deity, while offered grace €Invites; for I will clear their senses dark, €What may suffice, and soften stony hearts €To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. €To prayer, repentance, and obedience due, €Though but endeavoured with sincere intent, €Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut. €And I will place within them as a guide €My umpire, Conscience; whom if they will hear. €Light after light, well used, they shall attain, €And to the end persisting, safe arrive. €This my long sufferance, and my day of grace, €They who neglect and scorn, shall never taste; €But hard be hardened, blind be blinded more, €That they may stumble on, and deeper fall; €And none but such from mercy I exclude. €But yet all is not done; man disobeying, €Disloyal, breaks his fealty, and sins €Against the high supremacy of Heaven, €Affecting Godhead, and, so losing all, €To expiate his treason hath naught left, €But to destruction sacred and devote, €He, with his whole posterity, must die. €Die he or Justice must; unless for him €Some other able, and as willing, pay €The rigid satisfaction, death for death. €Say, heavenly Powers, where shall we find such love €Which of ye will be mortal, to redeem €Man's mortal crime, and just the unjust to save? €Dwells in all Heaven charity so dear? €@He asked, but all the heavenly choir stood mute, €And silence was in Heaven. On man's behalf €Patron or intercessor none appeared, €Much less than durst upon his own head draw €The deadly forfeiture, and ransom set. €And now without redemption all mankind €Must have been lost, adjudged to Death and Hell €By doom severe, had not the Son of God, €In whom the fulness dwells of love divine, €His dearest mediation thus renewed: €@Father, thy word is passed, man shall find grace; €And shall grace not find means, that finds her way, €The speediest of thy winged messengers, €To visit all thy creatures, and to all €Comes unprevented, unimplores, unsought? €Happy for Man, so coming; he her aid €Can never seek, once dead in sins, and lost; €Atonement for himself, or offering meet, €Indebted and undone, hath none to bring. €Behold me, then; me for him, life for life €I offer; on me let thine anger fall; €Account me Man: I for his sake will leave €Thy bosom, and this glory next to Thee €Freely put off, and for him lastly die €Well pleased; on me let Death wreak all his rage; €Under his gloomy power I shall not long €Lie vanquished. Thou hast given me to possess €Life in myself for ever; by thee I live, €Though now to Death I yield, and am his due, €All that of me can die. Yet, that debt paid, €Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsome grave, €His prey, nor suffer my unspotted soul €For ever with corruption there to dwell: €But I shall rise victorious, and subdue €My vanquisher, spoiled of his vaunted spoil; €Death his death's wound shall then receive, and stoop €Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarmed. €I, through the ample air, in triumph high €Shall lead Hell captive, maugre Hell, and show €The powers of darkness bound. Thou, at the sight €Pleased, out of Heaven shalt look down, and smile, €While, by thee raised, I ruin all my foes, €Death last, and with his carcass glut the grave, €Then, with the multitude of my redeemed, €Shall enter heaven, long absent, and return, €Father, to see thy face, wherein no cloud €Of anger shall remain, but peace assured €And reconcilement; wrath shall be no more €Thenceforth, but in thy presence joy entier. €@His words here ended, but His meek aspect €Silent, yet spake, and breathed immortal love €To mortal men, above which only shone €Filial obedience; as a sacrifice €Glad to be offered, He attends the will €Of his great Father. Admiration seized €All heaven, what this might mean, and whither tend €Wondering; but soon the Almighty thus replied: €@O Thou in heaven and earth the only peace €Found out for mankind under wrath! O Thou, €My soul complacence! well thou knowest how dear €To me are all my works, nor man the least, €Though last created; that for him I spare €Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save, €By losing thee awhile, the whole race lost. €Thou, therefore, whom thou only canst redeem, €Their nature also to thy nature join; €And be thyself Man among men on earth, €Made flesh, when time shall be, of virgin seed, €By wondrous birth; be thou in Adam's room €The head of all mankind, though Adam's son. €As in him perish all men, so in thee, €As from a second root, shall be restored €As many as are restored, without thee none. €His crime makes guilty all his sons. Thy merit, €Imputed, shall absolve them who renounce €Their own both righteous and unrighteous deeds, €And live in thee transplanted, and from thee €Receive new life. So Man, as is most just, €Shall satisfy for man, be judged, and die, €And dying rise, and rising with him, raise €His brethren, ransomed with his own dear life. €So heavenly love shall outdo hellish hate, €Giving to death, and dying to redeem, €So dearly to redeem, what hellish hate €So easily destroyed, and still destroys €In those who, when they may, accept not grace. €Nor shalt thou, by descending to assume €Man's nature, lessen or degrade thine own. €Because thou hast, though throned in highest bliss €Equal to God, and equally enjoying €Godlike fruition, quitted all, to save €A world from utter loss, and hast been found €By merit more than birthright, Son of God, €Found worthiest to be so, by being good, €Far more than great or high; because in thee €Love hath abounded more than glory abounds, €Therefore thy humiliation shall exalt. €With thee thy manhood also to this throne; €Here shalt thou sit incarnate, here shalt reign €Both God and man, Son both of God and man. €Anointed universal king; all power €I give thee; reign for ever, and assume €Thy merits; under thee, as head supreme, €Thrones, Princedoms, Powers, Dominions, I reduce: €All knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide €In heaven, or earth, or under earth in hell. €When thou, attended gloriously from heaven, €Shalt in the sky appear, and from thee send €The summoning Archangels to proclaim €Thy dread tribunal; forthwith from all winds €The living, and forthwith the cited dead €Of all past ages, to the general doom €Shall hasten; such a peal shall rouse their sleep. €Then, all thy saints assembled, thou shalt judge €Bad men and Angels. They arraigned, shall sink €Beneath thy sentence. Hell, her numbers full, €Thenceforth shall be for ever shut. Meanwhile €The world shall burn, and from her ashes spring €New heaven and earth, wherein the just shall dwell, €And, after all their tribulations long, €See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds, €With joy and love triumphing, and fair truth. €Then thou thy regal sceptre shalt lay by, €For regal sceptre then no more shall need; €God shall be all in all. But, all ye gods, €Adore Him, who to compass all this, dies; €Adore the Son, and honour Him as Me. €@No sooner had the Almighty ceased, but all €The multitude of angels, with a shout, €Loud as from numbers without number, sweet €As from blessed voices, uttering joy, heaven rung €With jubilee, and loud hosannas filled €The eternal regions. Lowly reverent €Towards either throne they bow, and to the ground, €With solemn adoration, down they cast €Their crowns, inwove with amarant and gold; €Immortal amarant, a flower which once €In Paradise, fast by the tree of life, €Began to bloom; but soon for man's offence €To heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows, €And flowers aloft, shading the Fount of Life þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ“‹‚æAnd where the River of Bliss through midst of Heaven €Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream; €With these, that never fade, the spirits elect €Bind their resplendent locks, inwreathed with beams. €Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright €Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone, €Impurpled with celestial roses, smiled. €Then, crowned again, their golden harps they took, €Harps ever tuned, that glittering by their side €Like quivers hung, and with preamble sweet €Of charming symphony they introduce €Their sacred song, and waken raptures high: €No voice exempt, no voice but well could join €Melodious part, such concord is in heaven. €@Thee, Father, first they sung, Omnipotent, €Immutable, Immortal, Infinite, €Eternal King; thee, Author of all being, €Fountain of light, thyself invisible €Amidst the glorious brightness, where thou sittest €Throned inaccessible, but when thou shadest €The full blaze of thy beams, and, through a cloud €Drawn round about thee, like a radiant shrine, €Dark with excessive bright thy skirts appear, €Yet dazzle heaven, that brightest seraphim €Approach not, but with both wings veil their eyes. €Thee, next they sang, of all creation first, €Begotten Son, Divine Similitude, €In whose conspicuous countenance, without cloud €Made visible, the Almighty Father shines, €Whom else no creature can behold: on thee €Impressed the effulgence of his glory abides, €Transfused on thee his ample Spirit rests. €He heaven of heavens, and all the powers therein, €By thee created; and by thee threw down €The aspiring dominations: thou that day €Thy Father's dreadful thunder didst not spare, €Nor stop thy flaming chariot-wheels, that shook €Heaven's everlasting frame, while o'er the necks €Thou drovest of warring angels disarrayed. €Back from pursuit thy powers with loud acclaim €Thee only extolled, Son of thy Father's might, €To execute fierce vengeance on his foes, €Not so on Man: him, through their malice fallen, €Father of mercy and grace, thou didst not doom €So strictly, but much more to pity incline, €No sooner did thy dear and only Son €Perceive thee purposed not to doom frail man €So strictly, but much more to pity inclined, €He, to appease thy wrath, and end the strife €Of mercy and justice in thy face discerned, €Regardless of the bliss wherein he sat €Second to thee, offered Himself to die €For man's offence. Oh, unexampled love! €Love nowhere to be found less than Divine! €Hail, Son of God, Saviour of men! Thy name €Shall be the copious matter of my song €Henceforth, and never shall my harp thy praise €Forget, nor from thy Father's praise disjoin. €@Thus they in heaven, above the starry sphere, €Their happy hours in joy and hymning spent. €Meanwhile upon the firm opacous globe €Of this round World, whose first convex divides €The luminous inferior orbs, enclosed €From Chaos, and the inroad of Darkness old, €Satan alighted walks. A globe far off €It seemed, now seems a boundless continent, €Dark, waste, and wild, under the frown of Night €Starless, exposed, and ever-threatening storms €Of Chaos blustering round, inclement sky; €Save on that side which, from the wall of heaven, €Though distant far, some small reflection gains €Of glimmering air less vexed with tempest loud. €Here walked the Fiend at large in spacious field. €As when a vulture, on Imaus bred, €Whose snowy ridge the roving Tartar bounds, €Dislodging from a region scarce of prey, €To gorge the flesh of lambs or yearling kids, €On hills where flocks are fed, flies toward the springs €Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams; €But in his way lights on the barren plains €Of Sericana, where Chineses drive €With sails and wind their cany wagons light: €So, on this windy sea of land, the Fiend €Walked up and down alone, bent on his prey; €Alone, for other creature in this place, €Living or lifeless, to be found was none; €None yet, but store hereafter from the earth €Up hither, like aerial vapours, flew €Of all things transitory and vain, when sin €With vanity had filled the works of men; €Both all things vain, and all who in vain things €Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame, €Or happiness in this or the other life. €All who have their reward on earth the fruits €Of painful superstition and blind zeal, €Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find €Fit retribution, empty as their deeds; €All the unaccomplished works of Nature's hand, €Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mixed, €Dissolved on earth, flee thither, and in vain, €Till final dissolution, wander here; €Not in the neighbouring moon, as some have dreamed; €Those argent fields more likely habitants, €Translated saints, or middle spirits, hold, €Betwixt the angelical and human-kind. €Hither of ill-joined sons and daughters born €First from the ancient world those giants came, €With many a vain exploit though then renowned; €The builders next of Babel on the plain €Of Sennaar, and still with vain design €New Babels, had they wherewithal, would build. €Others came single; he, who to be deemed €A god, leaped fondly into Aetna flames, €Empedocles; and he who, to enjoy €Plato's Elysium, leaped into the sea, €Cleombrotus; and many more too long, €Embryos, and idiots, eremites, and friars €White, black, and gray, with all their trumpery. €Here pilgrims roam, that strayed so far to seek €In Golgotha Him dead who lives in Heaven; €And they, who, to be sure of Paradise, €Dying put on the weeds of Dominic, €Or in Franciscan think to pass disguised; €They pass the planets seven, ans pass the fixed, €And that crystalline sphere whose balance weighs €The trepidation talked, and that first moved; €And now Saint Peter at Heaven's wicket seems €To wait them with his keys, and now at foot €Of Heaven's ascent they lift their feet, when, lo! €A violent cross-wind from either coast €Blows them transverse, ten thousand leagues awry €Into the devious air; then might ye see €Cowls, hoods, and habits, with their wearers, tossed €And fluttered into rags; then relics, beads, €Indulgences, dispenses, pardons, bulls, €The sport of winds: all these, upwhirled aloft, €Fly o'er the backside of the world far off, €Into a Limbo large and broad, since called €The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown €Long after, now unpeopled, and untrod. €@All this dark globe the Fiend found as he passed, €And long he wandered, till at last a gleam €Of dawning light turned thitherward in haste €His travelled steps. Far distant he descries, €Ascending by degrees magnificent €Up to the wall of heaven, a structure high; €At top whereof, but far more rich, appeared €The work as of a kingly palace-gate, €With frontispiece of diamond and gold €Embellished; thick with sparkling orient gems €The portal shone, inimitable on earth €By model, or by shading pencil drawn. €The star is were such as whereon Jacob saw €Angels ascending and descending, bands €Of guardians bright, when he from Esau fled €To Padan-Aram, in the field of Luz, €Dreaming by night under the open sky, €And waking cried, "This is the gate of Heaven." €Each stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood €There always, but drawn up to Heaven sometimes €Viewless; and underneath a bright sea flowed €Of jasper, or of liquid pearl, whereon €Who after came from earth, sailing arrived, €Wafted by Angels, or flew o'er the lake €Wrapped in a chariot drawn by fiery steeds. €The stairs were then let down, whether to dare €The Fiend by easy ascent, or aggravate €His sad exclusion from the doors of bliss: €Direct against which opened from beneath, €Just o'er the blissful seat of Paradise, €A passage down to earth, a passage wide, €Wider by far than that of after-times €Over Mount Sion, and, though that were large, €Over the Promised Land, to God so dear €By which, to visit oft those happy tribes, €On high behests his angels to and fro €Pass frequent, and his eye with choice regard €From Paneas, the fount of Jordan's flood, €To Beersaba, where the Holy Land €Borders on Egypt and the Arabian shore; €So wide the opening seemed, where bounds were set €To darkness, such as bound the ocean wave. €@Satan from hence, now on the lower stair, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ“‹„That scaled by steps of gold to Heaven-gate, €Looks down with wonder at the sudden view €Of all this world at once. As when a scout, €Through dark and desert ways with peril gone €All night, at last by break of cheerful dawn €Obtains the brow of some high-climbing hill, €Which to his eye discovers unaware €The goodly prospect of some foreign land €First seen, or some renowned metropolis, €With glistering spires and pinnacles adorned, €Which now the rising sun gilds with his beams; €Such wonder seized, though after heaven seen, €The spirit malign, but much more envy seized, €At sight of all this world beheld so fair. €Round he surveys and well might, where he stood €So high above the circling canopy €Of night's extended shade, from eastern point €Of Libra to the fleecy star that bears €Andromeda far off Atlantic seas, €Beyond the horizon; then from pole to pole €He views in breadth, and without longer pause €Down right into the world's first region throws €His flight precipitant, and winds with ease €Through the pure marble air his oblique way €Amongst innumerable stars, that shone €Stars distant, but nigh hand seemed other worlds; €Or other worlds they seemed, or happy isles, €Like those Hesperian gardens famed of old, €Fortunate fields, and groves, and flowery vales, €Thrice happy isles; but who dwelt happy there €He stayed not to inquire. Above them all €The golden sun, in splendor likest heaven, €Allured his eye; thither his course he bends €Through the calm firmament, but up or down, €By centre of eccentric, hard to tell, €Or longitude, where the great luminary €Aloof the vulgar constellations thick, €That from his lordly eye keep distance due, €Dispenses light from far: they, as they move €Their starry dance in numbers that compute €Days, months, and years, towards his all-cheering lamp €Turn swift their various motions, or are turned €By his magnetic beam, that gently warms €The universe, and to each inward part €With gentle penetration, though unseen, €Shoots invisible virtue even to the deep; €So wondrously was set his station bright. €@There lands the Fiend, a spot like which perhaps €Astronomer in the sun's lucent orb €Through his glazed optic tube yet never saw. €The place he found beyond expression bright, €Compared with aught on earth, metal or stone; €Not all parts like, but all alike informed €With radiant light, as glowing iron with fire; €If metal, part seemed gold, part silver clear: €If stone, carbuncle most or chrysolite, €Ruby or topaz, to the twelve that shone €In Aaron's breastplate, and a stone besides €Imagined rather oft than elsewhere seen, €That stone, or like to that, which here below €Philosophers in vain so long have sought, €In vain, though by their powerful art they bind €Volatile Hermes, and call up unbound €In various shapes of Proteus from the sea, €Drained through a limbec to his native form. €What wonder then if fields and regions here €Breathe forth elixir pure, and rivers run €Potable gold, when with one virtuous touch €The arch-chemic sun, so far from us remote, €Produces, with terrestrial humour mixed, €Here in the dark so many precious things €Of colour glorious, and effect so rare? €Here matter new to gaze the Devil met €Undazzled. Far and wide his eye commands; €For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, €But all sunshine, as when his beams at noon €Culminate from the equator, as they now €Shot upward still direct, whence no way round €Shadow from body opaque can fall and the air, €Nowhere so clear, sharpened his visual ray €To objects distant far, whereby he soon €Saw within ken a glorious angel stand, €The same whom John saw also in the sun. €His back was turned, but not his brightness hid; €Of beaming sunny rays a golden tiar €Circled his head, nor less his locks behind €Illustrious on his shoulders, fledge with wings, €Lay waving round. On some great charge employed €He seemed, or fixed in cogitation deep. €@Glad was the spirit impure, as now in hope €To find who might direct his wandering flight €To Paradise, the happy seat of Man, €His journey's end, and our beginning woe. €But first he casts to change his proper shape, €Which else might work him danger or delay. €And now a stripling cherub he appears, €Not of the prime, yet such as in his face €Youth smiled celestial, and to every limb €Suitable grace diffused, so well he feigned. €Under a coronet his flowing hair €In curls on either cheek played; wings he wore, €Of many a coloured plume, sprinkled with gold; €His habit fit for speed succinct, and held €Before his decent steps a silver wand. €He drew not nigh unheard; the angel bright, €Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turned, €Admonished by his ear, and straight was known €The Archangel Uriel, one of the seven €Who in God's presence, nearest to his throne, €Stand ready at command, and are his eyes €That run through all the Heavens, or down to the Earth €Bear his swift errands over moist and dry, €O'er sea and land: him Satan thus accosts: €@Uriel, for thou of those seven spirits that stand €In sight of God's high throne, gloriously bright, €The first are wont his great authentic will €Interpreter through highest heaven to bring, €Where all his sons thy embassy attend; €And here art likeliest by supreme decree €Like honour to obtain, and as his eye €To visit oft this new creation round; €Unspeakable desire to see, and know €All these his wondrous works, but chiefly Man, €His chief delight and favour, him for whom €All these his works so wondrous he ordained, €Hath brought me from the choirs of cherubim €Alone thus wandering. Brightest seraph, tell €In which of all these shining orbs hath Man €His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none, €But all these shining orbs his choice to dwell; €That I may find him, and with secret gaze, €Or open admiration, him behold, €On whom the great Creator hath bestowed €Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces poured; €That both in him and all things, as is meet, €The universal Maker we may praise, €Who justly hath driven out his rebel foes €To deepest hell, and, to repair that loss, €Created this new happy race of men €To serve him better: wise are all his ways. €@So spake the false dissembler unperceived; €For neither man nor angel can discern €Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks €Invisible, except to God alone, €By his permissive will, through heaven and earth. €And oft, though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps €At wisdom's gate, and to simplicity €Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill €Where no ill seems: which now for once beguiled €Uriel, though regent of the sun, and held €The sharpest-sighted spirit of all in Heaven; €Who to the fraudulent impostor foul, €In his uprightness, answer thus returned: €@Fair angel, thy desire, which tends to know €The works of God, thereby to glorify €The great Work-Master, leads to no excess €That reaches blame, but rather merits praise €The more it seems excess, that led thee hither €From thy empyreal mansion thus alone, €To witness with thine eyes what some perhaps, €Contented with report, hear only in heaven: €For wonderful indeed are all His works, €Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all €Had in remembrance always with delight: €But what created mind can comprehend €Their number, or the wisdom infinite €That brought them forth, but hid their causes deep. €I saw, when at His word the formless mass, €This world's material mould, came to a heap: €Confusion heard His voice and wild uproar €Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined; €Till at his second bidding darkness fled, €Light shone, and order from disorder sprung. €Swift to their several quarters hasted then €The cumbrous elements, earth, flood, air, fire; €And this ethereal quintessence of heaven €Flew upward, spirited with various forms, €That rolled orbicular, and turned to stars €Numberless, as thou seest. and how they move. €Each had his place appointed, each his course; €The rest in circuit walls this universe. €Look downward on that globe, whose hither side €With light from hence, though but reflected, shines; €That place if Earth, the seat of Man; that light €His day, which else, as the other hemisphere, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ“‹…ÖNight would invade; but there the neighbouring moon €(So call that opposite fair star) her aid €Tumely interposes, and her monthly round €Still ending, still renewing, through mid heaven, €With borrowed light her countenance triform €Hence fills and empties to enlighten the earth, €And in her pale dominion checks the night. €That spot to which I point is Paradise, €Adam's abode; those lofty shades, his bower. €Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires. €@Thus said, he turned; and Satan, bowing low, €As to superior spirits is wont in heaven, €Where honour due and reverence none neglects, €Took leave, and towards the coast of Earth beneath, €Down from the ecliptic, sped with hoped success, €Throws his steep flight in many an aery wheel, €Nor stayed, till on Niphates' top he lights. @Oh, for that warning voice, which he, who saw €The Apocalypse, heard cry in heaven aloud, €Then when the Dragon, put to second rout, €Came furious down to be revenged on men, €"Woe to the inhabitants on earth!" that now, €While time was, our first parents had been warned €The coming of their secret foe, and 'scaped, €Haply so 'scaped his mortal snare. Fro now €Satan, now first inflamed with rage, came down, €The tempter ere the accuser of mankind, €To wreck on innocent frail man his loss €Of that first battle, and his flight to Hell. €Yet not rejoicing in his speed, though bold €Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast, €Begins his dire attempt; which, nigh the birth €Now rolling, boils in his tumultuous breast, €And like a devilish engine back recoils €Upon himself. Horror and doubt distract €His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir €The hell within him; for within him hell €He brings, and round about him, nor from hell €One step, no more than from himself, can fly €By change of place. Now conscience wakes despair €That slumbered; wakes the bitter memory €Of what he was, what is, and what must be €Worse; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue. €Sometimes towards Eden, which now in his view €Lay pleasant, his grieved look he fixes sad; €Simetimes towards heaven and the full-blazing sun, €Which now sat high in his meridian tower; €Then, much revolving, thus in sighs began: €@O thou, that, with surpassing glory crowned, €Look'st from thy sole dominion, like the God €Of this new world; at whose sight all the stars €Hide their diminished heads; to thee I call, €But with no friendly voice, and add thy name, €O sun! to tell thee how I hate thy beams, €That bring to my remembrance from what state €I fell, how glorious once above thy sphere; €Till pride and worse ambition threw me down, €Warring in heaven against heaven's matchless King: €Ah, wherefore? He deserved no such return €From me, whom he created what I was €In that bright eminence, and with his good €Upbraided none; nor was his service hard. €What could be less than to afford Him praise, €The easiest recompense, and pay Him thanks? €How due! Yet all his good proved ill in me, €And wrought but malice. Lifted up so high €I 'sdained subjection, and thought one step higher €Would set me highest, and in a moment quit €The debt immense of endless gratitude, €So burdensome; still paying, still to owe; €Forgetful what from Him I still received, €And understood not that a grateful mind €By owing owes not, but still pays, at once €Indebted and discharged; what burden then? €Oh, had his powerful destiny ordained €Me some inferior Angel, I had stood €Then happy; no unbounded hope had raised €Ambition. Yet why not? some other Power €As great might have aspired, and me, though mean, €Drawn to his part. But other powers as great €Fell not, but stand unshaken, from within €Or from without, to all temptations armed. €Hadst thou the same free will and power to stand €Thou hadst: whom hast thou then or what to accuse, €But Heaven's free love dealt equally to all? €Be then his love accursed, since love or hate €To me alike it deals eternal woe. €Nay, cursed be thou; since against His thy will €Chose freely what it now so justly rues. €Me miserable! which way shall I fly €Infinite wrath, and infinite despair? €Which way I fly is Hell; myself am Hell; €And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep €Still threatening to devour me opens wide, €To which the hell I suffer seems a heaven. €Oh, then, at last relent. Is there no place €Left for repentance, none for pardon left? €None left but by submission; and that word €Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame €Among the spirits beneath, whom I seduced €With other promises and other vaunts €Than to submit, boasting I could subdue €The Omnipotent. Ah me! they little know €How dearly I abide that boast so vain, €Under what torments inwardly I groan. €While they adore me on the throne of hell, €With diadem and sceptre high advanced, €The lower still I fall, only supreme €In misery: such joy ambition finds. €But say I could repent, and could obtain, €By act of grace, my former state; how soon €Would height recall high thoughts, how soon unsay €What feigned submission swore! Ease would recant €Vows made in pain, as violent and void: €Fro never can true reconcilement grow €Where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep: €Which would but lead me to a worse relapse, €And heavier fall: so should I purchase dear €Short intermission, bought with double smart €This knows my Punisher; therefore as far €From granting He, as I from begging, peace: €All hope excluded thus, behold, instead €Of us, outcast, exiled, his new delight, €Mankind, created, and for him this world. €So farewell hope; and with hope farewell fear; €Farewell remorse: all good to me is lost. €Evil, be thou my good: by thee at least €Divided empire with heaven's king I hold, €By thee, and more than half perhaps will reign, €As man ere long, and this new world shall know. €@Thus while he spake, each passion dimmed his face, €Thrice changed with pale, ire, envy, and despair; €Which marred his borrowed visage, and betrayed €Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld: €For heavenly minds from such distempers foul €Are ever clear. Whereof he soon aware, €Each perturbation smoothed with outward calm, €Artificer of fraud; and was the first €That practised falsehood under saintly show, €Deep malice to conceal, couched with revenge. €Yet not enough had practised to deceive €Uriel, once warned; whose eye pursued him down €The way he went, and on the Assyrian mount €Saw him disfigured, more than could befall €Spirit of happy sort: his gestures fierce €He marked, and mad demeanour, then alone €As he supposed, all unobserved, unseen. €So on he fares, and to the border comes €Of Eden, where delicious Paradise, €Now nearer, crowns with her enclosure green, €As with a rural mound, the champaign head €Of a steep wilderness, whose hairy sides €With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild, €Access denied; and overhead up grew €Insuperable height of loftiest shade, €Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm. €A sylvan scene; and, as the ranks ascend €Shade above shade, a woody theatre €Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops €The verdurous wall of Paradise up-sprung; €Which to our general sire gave prospect large €Into his nether empire neighbouring round. €And higher than that wall a circling row €Of goodliest trees, loaden with fairest fruit, €Blossoms and fruits at once, of golden hue, €Appeared, with gay enamelled colours mixed €On which the sun more glad impressed his beams, €Than in fair evening cloud, or humid bow, €When God hath showered the earth: so lovely seemed €That landscape; and of pure now purer air €Meets his approach, and to the heart inspires €Vernal delight and joy, able to drive €All sadness but despair. Now gentle gales, €Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense €Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole €Those balmy spoils. As when to them who sail €Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past €Mozambic, off at sea north-east winds blow €Sabean odours from the spicy shore €Of Araby the Blest; with such delay €Well pleased they slack their course, and many a league €Cheered with the grateful smell, old Ocean smiles. €So entertained those odorous sweets the Fiend, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ”‹§Who came their bane: though with them better pleased €Than Asmodeus with the fishy fume €That drove him, though enamoured, from the spouse €Of Tobit's son, and with a vengeance sent €From Media post to Egypt, there fast bound. €@Now to the ascent of that steep savage hill €Satan hath journeyed on, pensive and slow; €But further way found none, so thick entwined, €As one continued brake, the undergrowth €Of shrubs and tangling bushes had perplexed €All path of man or beast that passed that way. €One gate there only was, and that looked east €On the other side, which when the arch-felon saw, €Due entrance he disdained, and, in contempt, €At one slight bound high overleaped all bound €Of hill or highest wall, and sheer within €Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf, €Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey, €Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve €In hurdled cotes amid the field secure, €Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold: €Or as a thief bent to unhoard the cash €Of some rich burgher, whose substantial doors, €Cross-barred and bolted fast, fear no assault, €In at the window climbs, or o'er the tiles: €So clomb this first grand thief into God's fold; €So since into his church lewd hirelings climb. €Thence up he flew, and on the tree of life, €The middle tree and highest there that grew, €Sat like a cormorant; yet not true life €Thereby regained, but sat devising death €To them who lived; nor on the virtue thought €Of that life-giving plant, but only used €For prospect, what, well used, had been the pledge €Of immortality. So little knows €Any, but God alone, to value right €The good before him, but perverts best things €To worst abuse, or to their meanest use. €@Beneath him with new wonder now he views, €To all delight of human sense exposed, €In narrow room, nature's whole wealth, yea more €A heaven on earth: for blissful Paradise €Of God the garden was, by him in the east €Of Eden planted. Eden stretched her line €From Auran eastward to the royal towers €Of great Seleucia, built by Grecian kings; €Or where the sons of Eden long before €Dwelt in Telassar. In this pleasant soil €His far more pleasant garden God ordained. €Out of the fertile ground he caused to grow €All trees of noblest kind for sight, smell, taste; €And all amid them stood the tree of life, €High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit €Of vegetable gold; and next to life, €Our death, the Tree of Knowledge, grew fast by, €Knowledge of good, bought dear by knowing ill. €Southward through Eden went a river large, €Nor changed his course, but through the shaggy hill €Passed underneath ingulfed; for God had thrown €That mountain as his garden mould, high raised €Upon the rapid current, which through veins €Of porous earth with kindly thirst up drawn, €Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill €Watered the garden; thence united fell €Down the steep glade, and met the nether flood, €Which from his darksome passage now appears; €And now, divided into four main streams, €Runs diverse, wandering many a famous realm €And country, whereof here needs no account; €But rather to tell how, if art could tell, €How from that sapphire fount the crisped brooks, €Rolling on orient pearl and sands of gold, €With mazy error under pendent shades €Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed €Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice art €In beds and curious knots, but nature boon €Poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain, €Both where the morning sun first warmly smote €The open field, and where the unpierced shade €Imbrowned the noontide bowers. Thus was this place €A happy rural seat of various view; €Groves whose rich trees wept odorous gums and balm; €Others whose fruit, burnished with golden rind, €Hung amiable, Hesperian fables true, €If true, here only, and of delicious taste. €Betwixt them lawns, or level downs, and flocks €Grazing the tender herb, were interposed; €Or palmy hillock, or the flowery lap €Of some irriguous valley spread her store, €Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose. €Another side, umbrageous grots and caves €Of cool recess, o'er which the mantling vine €Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps €Luxuriant. Meanwhile murmuring waters fall €Down the slope hills, dispersed, or in a lake, €That to the fringed bank with myrtle crowned €Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams. €The birds their choir apply; airs, vernal airs, €Breathing the smell of field and grove, attune €The trembling leaves, while universal Pan €Knit with the Graces and the Hours in dance, €Led on the Eternal Spring. Not that fair field €Of Enna, where Proserpine gathering flowers, €Herself a fairer flower, by gloomy Dis €Was gathered, which cost Ceres all that pain €To seek her through the world; nor that sweet grove €Of Daphne by Orontes, and the inspired €Castilian spring, might with this Paradise €Of Eden strive; nor that Nyseian isle €Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham, €Whom Gentiles Ammon call and Lybian Jove, €Hid Amalthea, and her florid son, €Young Bacchus from his stepdame Rhea's eye: €Nor where Abassin kings their issue guard, €Mount Amara, though this by some supposed €True Paradise, under the Ethiop line €By Nilus's head, enclosed with shining rock, €A whole day's journey high, but wide remote. €From this Assyrian garden, where the Fiend €Saw, undelighted, all delight, all kind €Of living creatures, new to sight and strange. €@Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall, €Godlike erect, with native honour clad, €In naked majesty seemed lords of all, €And worthy seemed: for in their looks divine €The image of their glorious Maker shone, €Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure, €Severe, but in true filial freedom placed, €Whence true authority in men; though both €Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed; €For contemplation he, and valour formed; €For softness she, and sweet attractive grace; €He for God only, she for God in him. €His fair large front and eye sublime declared €Absolute rule; and hyacinthine locks €Round from his parted forelock manly hung €Clustering, but not beneath his shoulders broad. €She, as a veil, down to the slender waist €Her unadorned golden tresses wore €Dishevelled, but in wanton ringlets waved, €As the vine curls her tendrils, which implied €Subjection, but required with gentle sway, €And by her yielded, by him best received, €Yielded with coy submission, modest pride, €And sweet, reluctant, amorous delay. €Nor those mysterious parts were then concealed, €Then was not guilty shame. Dishonest shame €Of nature's works, honour dishonourable, €Sin-bred, how have ye troubled all mankind €With shows instead, mere shows of seeming pure, €And banished from man's life his happiest life, €Simplicity and spotless innocence! €So passed they naked on, nor shunned the sight €Of God or angel; for they thought no ill: €So hand in hand they passed, the loveliest pair €That ever since in love's embraces met; €Adam the goodliest Man of Men since born €His sons, the fairest of ther daughters Eve. €@Under a tuft of shade that on a green €Stood whispering soft, by a fresh fountain side €They sat them down; and, after no more toil €Of their sweet gardening labour than sufficed €To recommend cool zephyr, and made ease €More easy, wholesome thirst and appetite €More grateful, to their supper-fruits they fell, €Nectarine fruits, which the compliant boughs €Yielded them, sidelong as they sat reclined €On the soft downy bank damasked with flowers: €The savoury pulp they chew, and in the rind, €Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream, €Nor gentle purpose, nor endearing smiles, €Wanted, nor youthful dalliance, as beseems €Fair couple, linked in happy nuptial league, €Alone as they. About them frisking played €All beasts of the earth, since wild, and of all chase €In wood or wilderness, forest or den; €Sporting the lion ramped, and in his paw €Dandled the kid; bears, tigers, ounces, pards, €Gambolled before them; the unwieldly elephant, €To make them mirth, used all his might, and wreathed €His lithe proboscis; close the serpent sly, €Insinuating, wove with Gordian twine þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ”‹‚ÝHis braided train, and of his fatal guile €Gave proof unheeded; others on the grass €Couched, and, now filled with pasture, gazing sat, €Or bedward ruminating; for the sun, €Declined, was hasting now with prone career €To the ocean isles, and in the ascending scale €Of heaven the stars that usher evening rose; €When Satan, still in gaze, as first he stood, €Scarce thus at length failed speech recovered said: €@O Hell! what do mine eyes with grief behold? €Into our room of bliss thus high advanced €Creatures of other mould, earth-born perhaps, €Not spirits, yet to heavenly spirits bright €Little inferior; whom my thoughts pursue €With wonder, and could love, so lively shines €In them Divine resemblance, and such grace €The hand that formed them on their shape hath poured. €Ah! gentle pair, ye little think how nigh €Your change approaches, when all these delights €Will vanish, and deliver ye to woe; €More woe, the more your taste is now of joy; €Happy, but for so happy ill secured €Long to continue, and this high seat, your heaven €Ill fenced for heaven to keep out such a foe €As now is entered; yet no purposed foe €To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn, €Though I unpitied. League with you I seek, €And mutual amity, so straight, so close, €That I with you must dwell, or you with me €Henceforth. My dwelling haply may not please, €Like this fair Paradise, your sense: yet such €Accept, your Maker's work. He gave it me, €Which I as freely give: hell shall unfold, €To entertain you two, her widest gates, €And send forth all her kings; there will be room, €Not like these narrow limits, to receive €Your numerous offspring; if no better place, €Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge €On you who wrong me not, for him who wronged. €And should I at your harmless innocence €Melt, as I do, yet public reason just, €Honour and empire, with revenge enlarged €By conquering this new world, compels me now €To do what else, though damned, I should abhor. €@So spake the Fiend, and with necessity, €The tyrant's plea, excused his devilish deeds. €Then from his lofty stand on that high tree €Down he alights among the sportful herd €Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one, €Now other, as their shape served best his end, €Nearer to view his prey, and unespied, €To mark what of their state he more might learn €By word or action marked. About them round €A lion now he stalks with fiery glare; €Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied €In some purlieu two gentle fawns at play, €Straight crouches close, then rising, changes oft €His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground, €Whence rushing he might surest seize them both, €Griped in each paw; when Adam, first of men, €To first of women, Eve, thus moving speech, €Turned him, all ear to hear new utterance flow: €@Sole partner, and sole part of all these joys, €Dearer thyself than all; needs must the Power €That made us, and for us this ample world, €Be infinitely good, and of his good €As liberal, and free as infinite; €That raised us from the dust, and placed us here €In all this happiness; who at his hand €Have nothing merited, nor can perform €Aught whereof he hath need; he who requires €From us no other service than to keep €This one, this easy charge of all the trees €In Paradise that bear delicious fruit €So various, not to taste that only Tree €Of Knowledge, planted by the tree of Life; €So near grows death to life, whate'er death is, €Some dreadful thing no doubt; for well thou knowst €God hath pronounced it death to taste that tree, €The only sign of our obedience left €Among so many signs of power and rule €Conferred upon us, and dominion given €Over all other creatures that possess €Earth, air, and sea. Then let us not think hard €One easy prohibition, who enjoy €Free leave so large to all things else, and choice €Unlimited of manifold delights; €But let us ever praise Him, and extol €His bounty; following our delightful task, €To prune these growing plants, and tend these flowers, €Which were it toilsome, yet with thee were sweet. €@To whom thus Eve replied: O thou, for whom, €And from whom, I was formed, flesh of thy flesh, €And without whom am to no end, my guide €And head! what thou hast said is just and right. €For we to Him indeed all praises owe, €And daily thanks; I chiefly, who enjoy €So far the happier lot, enjoying thee €Pre-eminent by so much odds, while thou €Like consort to thyself canst nowhere find. €That day I oft remember, when from sleep €I first awaked, and found myself reposed, €Under a shade, on flowers, much wondering where €And what I was, whence thither brought, and how. €Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound €Of waters issued from a cave, and spread €Into a liquid plain, then stood unmoved, €Pure as the expanse of heaven. I thither went, €With unexperienced thought, and laid me down €On the green bank, to look into the clear €Smooth lake, that to me seemed another sky. €As I bent down to look, just opposite €A shape within the watery gleam appeared, €Bending to look on me: I started back, €It started back; but pleased I soon returned, €Pleased it returned as soon with answering looks €Of sympathy and love. There I had fixed €Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain desire, €Had not a voice thus warned me: what thou seest, €What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself; €With thee it came and goes. But follow me, €And I will bring thee where no shadow stays €Thy coming, and thy soft embraces; he €Whose image thou art, him thou shalt enjoy €Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear €Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called €Mother of human race. What could I do, €But follow straight, invisibly thus led? €Till I espied thee, fair indeed, and tall, €Under a phantasm, yet methought less fair, €Less winning soft, less amiably mild, €Than that smooth watery image. Back I turned. €Thou, following, criedst aloud, Return, fair Eve; €Whom flyest thou? whom thou flyest, of him thou art €His flesh, his bone; to give thee being I lent €Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart, €Substantial life, to have thee by my side €Henceforth an individual solace dear; €Part of my soul, I seek thee, and thee claim, €My other half. With that thy gentle hand €Seized mine: I yielded; and form that time see €How beauty is excelled by manly grace, €And wisdom, which alone is truly fair. €@So spake our general mother; and with eyes €Of conjugal attraction unreproved, €And meek surrender, half-embracing leaned €On our first father; half her swelling breast €Naked met his, under the flowing gold €Of her loose tresses hid: he in delight €Both of her beauty and submissive charms, €Smiled with superior love, as Jupiter €On Juno smiles, when he impregns the clouds €That shed May flowers; and pressed her matron lip €With kisses pure. Aside the Devil turned €Fro envy; yet with jealous leer malign €Eyed them askance, and to himself thus plained: €@Sight hateful, sight tormenting! thus these two, €Imparadised in one another's arms, €The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill €Of bliss on bliss; while I to Hell am thrust, €Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire, €Among our other torments not the least, €Still unfulfilled, with pain of longing pines. €Yet let me not forget what I have gained €From their own mouths. All is not theirs it seems €One fatal tree there stands, of Knowledge called. €Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden! €Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord €Envy them that? Can it be sin to know? €Can it be death? And do they only stand €By ignorance? Is that their happy state, €The proof of their obedience and their faith? €O fair foundation laid whereon to build €Their ruin! Hence I will excite their minds €With more desire to know, and to reject €Envious commands, invented with design €To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt €Equal with gods. Aspiring to be such, €They taste and die; what likelier can ensue? €But first with narrow search I must walk round €This garden, and no corner leave unspied. €A chance but chance may lead where I may meet €Some wandering spirit of heaven by fountain side, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ”‹„”Or in thick shade retired, from him to draw €What further would be learned. Live while ye may, €Yet happy pair; enjoy, till I return, €Short pleasures; for long woes are to succeed. €@So saying, his proud step he scornful turned, €But with sly circumspection, and began €Through wood, through waste, o'er hill, o'er dale, his roam. €Meanwhile, in utmost longitude, where heaven €With earth and ocean meets, the setting sun €Slowly descended, and with right aspect €Against the eastern gate of Paradise €Levelled his evening rays. It was a rock €Of alabaster, piled up to the clouds, €Conspicuous far, winding with one ascent €Accessible from earth, one entrance high; €The rest was craggy cliff, that overhung €Still as it rose, impossible to climb. €Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat, €Chief of the angelic guards, awaiting night. €About him exercised heroic games €The unarmed youth of Heaven, but nigh at hand €Celestial armoury, shields, helms, and spears, €Hung high, with diamond flaming, and with gold. €Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even €On a sunbeam, swift as a shooting star €In autumn, 'thwart the night, when vapours fired €Impress the air, and show the mariner €From what point of his compass to beware €Impetuous winds: he thus began in haste: €@Gabriel, to thee thy course by lot hath given €Charge and strict watch, that to this happy place €No evil thing approach or enter in. €This day at height of noon came to my sphere €A spirit, zealous, as he seemed, to know €More o the Almighty's works, and chiefly man, €God's latest image. I described his way €Bent all on speed, and marked his airy gait; €But in the mount that lies from Eden north, €Where he first lighted, soon discerned his looks €Alien form Heaven, with passions foul obscured. €Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade €Lost sight of him. One of the banished crew, €I fear, hath ventured form the deep to raise €New troubles; him thy care must be to find. €@To whom the winged warrior thus returned: €Uriel, no wonder if thy perfect sight, €Amid the sun's bright circle where thou sitt'st, €See far and wide. In at this gate none pass €The vigilance here placed, but such as come €Well known from Heaven, and since meridian hour €No creature thence. If spirit of other sort, €So minded have o'erleaped these earthly bounds €On purpose, hard thou knowest it to exclude €Spiritual substance with corporeal bar. €But if within the circuit of these walks, €In whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom €Thou tellest, by morrow dawning I shall know. €@So promised he; and Uriel to his charge €Returned on that bright beam, whose point now raised €Bore him slope downward to the sun, now fallen €Beneath the Azores; whither the bright orb, €Incredible how swift, had thither rolled €Diurnal, or this less voluble earth, €By shorter flight to the east, had left him there €Arraying with reflected purple and gold €The clouds that on his western throne attend. €@Now came still evening on, and twilight grey €Had in her sober livery all things clad; €Silence accompanied; for beast and bird, €They to their grassy couch, these to their nests €Were slunk, all but the wakeful nightingale, €She all night long her amorous descant sung; €Silence was pleased. Now glowed the firmament €With living sapphires: Hesperus, that led €The starry host, rode brightest; till the moon, €Rising in clouded majesty, at length, €Apparent queen, unveiled her peerless light, €And o'er the dark her silver mantle threw. €@When Adam thus to Eve: Fair consort, the hour €Of night, and all things now retired to rest, €Mind us of like repose; since God hath set €Labour and rest, as day and night, to men €Successive; and the timely dew of sleep, €Now falling with soft slumbrous weight, inclines €Our eye-lids. Other creatures all day long €Rove idle, unemployed, and less need rest, €Man hath his daily work of body or mind €Appointed, which declares his dignity, €And the regard of Heaven on all his ways; €While other animals unactive range, €And of their doings God takes no account €To-morrow, ere fresh morning streak the east €With first approach of light, we must be risen, €And at our pleasant labour, to reform €You flowery arbours, yonder alleys green, €Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown, €That mock our scant manuring, and require €More hands than ours to lop their wanton growth; €Those blossoms also, and those dropping gums, €That lie bestrewn, unsightly and unsmooth, €Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease; €Meanwhile, as Nature wills, night bids us rest. €@To whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty 'dorned: €My author and disposer, what thou bidd'st €Unargued I obey; so God ordains: €God is thy law, thou mine: to know no more €Is woman's happiest knowledge, and her praise. €With thee conversing, I forgot all time; €All seasons, and their change, all please alike. €Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet, €With charm of morn, her rising sweet, €When first on this delightful land he spreads €His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower, €Glistering with dew; fragrant the fertile earth €After soft showers; and sweet the coming on €Of grateful evening mild; then silent night, €With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon, €And these the gems of heaven, her starry train: €But neither breath of morn, when she ascends €With charm of earliest birds; nor rising sun €On this delightful land; nor herb, fruit, flower, €Glistering with dew; nor fragrance after showers, €Nor grateful evening mild; nor silent night, €With this her solemn bird; nor walk by moon, €Or glittering starlight, without thee is sweet. €But wherefore all night long shine these? for whom €This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes? €@To whom our general ancestor replied: €Daughter of God and man, accomplished Eve, €Those have their course to finish round the earth €By morrow evening, and from land to land €In order, thought to nations yet unborn, €Ministering light prepared, they set and rise, €Lest total darkness should by night regain €Her old possession, and extinguish life €In Nature and all things; which these soft fires €Not only enlighten, but, with kindly heat €Of various influence, foment and warm, €Temper or nourish, or in part shed down €Their stellar virtue on all kinds that grow €On Earth, made hereby apter to receive €Perfection from the sun's more potent ray. €These then, though unbeheld in deep of night, €Shine not in vain. Nor think, though men were none, €That heaven would want spectators, God want praise. €Millions of spiritual creatures walk the Earth €Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep. €All these with ceaseless praise His works behold €Both day and night. How often from the steep €Of echoing hill or thicket have we heard €Celestial voices to the midnight air, €Sole, or responsive each to other's note, €Singing their great Creator! Oft in bands €While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk, €With heavenly touch of instrumental sounds €In full harmonic number joined, their songs €Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to heaven. €@Thus talking, hand in hand alone they passed €On to their blissful bower. It was a place €Chosen by the sovereign Planter, when he framed €All things to man's delightful use. The roof €Of thickest covert was inwoven shade, €Laurel, and myrtle, and what higher grew €Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side €Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub, €Fenced up the verdant wall; each beauteous flower, €Iris all hues, roses, and jessamine, €Reared high their flourished heads between, and wrought €Mosaic; under foot the violet, €Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay €Broidered the ground, more coloured than with stone €Of costliest emblem: other creature here, €Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none, €Such was their awe of man. In shadier bower €More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned, €Pan or Sylvanus never slept, nor Nymph €Nor Faunus haunted. Here, in close recess, €With flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs, €Espoused Eve decked first her nuptial bed; €And heavenly choirs the hymenean sung, €What day the genial Angel to our sire þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ”‹…ÉBrought her, in naked beauty more adorned, €More lovely than Pandora, whom the gods €Endowed with all their gifts; and, O! too like €In sad event, when to the unwiser son €Of Japhet brought by Hermes, she ensnared €Mankind with her fair looks, to be avenged €On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire. €@Thus, at their shady lodge arrived, both stood, €Both turned, and under open sky adored €The God that made both sky, air, earthe, and heaven, €Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe, €And starry pole. Thou also mad'st the night, €Maker Omnipotent, and thou the day €Which we, in our appointed work employed. €Have finished, happy in our mutual help €And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss €Ordained by thee; and this delicious place €For us too large, where thy abundance wants €Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground. €But thou hast promised from us two a race €To fill the earth, who shall with us extol €Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake, €And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep. €@This said unanimous, and other rites €Observing none, but adoration pure €Which God likes best, into their inmost bower €Handed they went; and, eased the putting off €These troublesome disguises which we wear, €Straight side by side were laid; nor turned, I ween, €Adam from his fair spouse, nor Eve the rites €Mysterious of connubial love refused: €Whatever hypocrites austerely talk €Of purity, and place, and innocence, €Defaming as impure what God declares €Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all. €Our Maker bids increase; who bids abstain €But our destroyer, foe to God and man? €Hail, wedded love, mysterious law, true source €Of human offspring, sole propriety €In Paradise, in all things common else! €By thee adulterous lust was driven form men €Among the bestial herds to range; by thee, €Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure, €Relations dear, and all the charities €Of father, son, and brother, first were known. €Far be it, that I should write thee sin or blame, €Or think thee unbefitting holiest place; €Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets, €Whose bed is undefiled, and chaste pronounced, €Present, or past, as saints and patriarchs used. €Here Love his golden shafts employs, here lights €His constant lamp, and waves his purple wings, €Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile €Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendeared, €Casual fruition, nor in court amours, €Mixed dance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball. €Or serenade, which the starved lover sings €To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain. €These, lulled by nightingales, embracing slept, €And on their naked limbs the flowery roof €Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on, €Blest pair; and, O! yet happiest, if ye seek €No happier state, and know to know no more. €@Now had night measured with her shadowy cone €Half way up hill this vast sublunar vault, €And from their ivory port the cherubim, €Forth issuing at the accustomed hour, stood armed €To their night watches in warlike parade, €When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake: €@Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the south €With strictest watch; these other wheel the north; €Our circuit meets full west. As flame they part, €Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. €From these, two strong and subtle spirits he called €That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge: €@Ithuriel and Zephon, with winged speed €Search through this garden, leave unsearched no nook; €But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge, €Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm. €This evening from the sun's decline arrived €Who tells of some infernal spirit seen €Hitherward bent (who could have thought?) escaped €The bars of Hell, on errand bad no doubt: €Such, where ye find, seize fast, and highter bring. €@So saying, on he led his radiant files, €Dazzling the moon; these to the bower direct €In search of whom they sought. Him there they found, €Squat like a toad close at the ear of Eve, €Assaying by his devilish art to reach €The organs of her fancy, and with them forge €Illusions, as he list, phantasms and dreams. €Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint €The animal spirits, that from pure blood arise €Like gentle breaths from rivers pure, thence raise, €At least, distempered, discontented thoughts, €Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires, €Blown up with high conceits engendering pride. €Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear €Touched lightly; for no falsehood can endure €Touch of celestial temper, but returns €Of force to its own likeness. Up he starts, €Discovered and surprised. As when a spark €Lights on a heap of nitrous powder, laid €Fit for the tun, some magazine to store €Against a rumoured war, the smutty grain, €With sudden blaze diffused, inflames the air; €So started up in his own shape the Fiend. €Back stept those two fair angels, half amazed €So sudden to behold the grizzly King. €Yet thus, unmoved with fear, accost him soon: €@Which of those rebel spirits adjudged to hell €Com'st thou, escaped thy prison? and transformed, €Why sat'st thou like an enemy in wait, €Here watching at the head of these that sleep? €@Know ye not, then, said Satan, filled with scorn. €Know ye not me? Ye knew me once no mate €For you, there sitting where ye durst not soar; €Not to know me, argues yourselves unknown, €The lowest of your throng; or, if ye know, €Why ask ye, and superfluous begin €Your message, like to end as much in vain? €@To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn: €Think not, revolted spirit, thy shape the same, €Or undiminished brighteness to be known, €As when thou stood'st in heaven, upright and pure; €That glory then, when thou no more wast good, €Departed from thee; and thou resemblest now €Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foul. €But come; for thou, be sure, shalt give account €To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep €This place inviolable, and these from harm. €@So spake the cherub; and his grave rebuke, €Severe in youthful beauty, added grace €Invincible. Abashed the devil stood, €And felt how awful goodness is, and saw €Virtue in her shape how lovely; saw, and pined €His loss; but chiefly to find here observed €His lustre visibly impaired; yet seemed €Undaunted. If I must contend, said he, €Best with the best, the sender not the sent, €Or all at once; more glory will be won, €Or less be lost. Thy fear, said Zephon bold, €Will save us trial what the least can do €Single against thee, wicked and thence weak. €@The Fiend replied not, overcome with rage; €But, like a proud steed reined, went haughty on, €Champing his iron curb: to strive or fly €He held it vain; awe from above had quelled €His heart, not else dismayed. Now drew they nigh €The western point, where those half-rounding guards €Just met, and, closing, stood in squadron joined, €Awaiting next command. To whom their chief, €Gabriel, from the front thus called aloud: €@O friends! I hear the tread of nimble feet €Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern €Ithuriel, and Zephon, through the shade; €And with them comes a third of regal port, €But faded splendour wan, who by his gait €And fierce demeanour seems the prince of Hell, €Not likely to part hence, without contest; €Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours. €@He scarce had ended, when those two approached, €And brief related whom they brought, where found, €How busied, in what form and posture couched. €@To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake: €Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribed €To thy transgressions, and disturbed the charge €Of others, who approve not to transgress €By thy example, but have power and right €To question thy bold entrance on this place; €Employed, it seems, to violate sleep, and those €Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss? €@To whom thus Satan, with contemptuous brow: €Gabriel, thou hadst in Heaven the esteem of wise, €And such I held thee; but this question asked €Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain? €Who would not, finding way, break loose from hell, €Though thither dommed? Thou wouldst thyself, no doubt. €And boldly venture to whatever place þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ”‹†üFarthest from pain, where thou mightst hope to change €Torment with ease, and soonest recompense €Dole with delight, which in this place I sought; €To thee no reason, who knowest only good, €But evil hast not tried: and wilt object €His will, who bound us? Let him surer bar €His iron gates, if he intends our stay €In that dark durance. Thus much what was asked. €The rest is true, they found me where they say; €But that implies not violence or harm. €@Thus he in scorn. The warlike Angel moved, €Disdainfully half smiling, thus replied: €O loss of one in heaven to judge of wise! €Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew, €And now returns him from his prison 'scaped, €Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise €Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither €Unlicensed from his bounds in hell prescribed; €So wise he judges it to fly from pain, €However, and to 'scape his punishment! €So judge thou still, presumptuous! till the wrath, €Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight €Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to hell €Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain €Can equal anger infinite provoked. €But wherefore thou alone? Wherefore with thee €Came not all hell broke loose? Is pain to them €Less pain, less to be fled; or thou than they €Less hardy to endure? Courageous chief! €The first in flight from pain! Hadst thou alleged €To thy deserted host this cause of flight, €Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive. €@To which the Fiend thus answered, frowning stern: €Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain, €Insulting Angel! Well thou knowest I stood €The fiercest, when in battle to thy aid €The blasting vollied thunder made all speed, €And seconded thy else not dreaded spear. €But still thy words at random as before €Argue thy inexperience, what behooves €From hard assays, and ill successes past, €A faithful leader, not to hazard all €Through ways of danger by himself untried. €I therefore, I alone first undertook €To wing the desolate abyss and spy €This new-created world, whereof in hell €Fame is not silent, here in hope to find €Better abode, and my afflicted powers €To settle here on earth, or in mid air; €Though for possession put to try once more €What thou and thy gay legions dare against; €High up in heaven, with songs to hymn his throne, €Whose easier business were to serve the Lord €And practised distances to cringe, not fight. €@To whom the warrior Angel soon replied: €To say and straight unsay, pretending first €Wise to fly pain, professing next the spy, €Argues no leader, but a liar traced, €Satan: and couldst thou faithful add? O name, €O sacred name of faithfulness profaned! €Faithful to whom? To thy rebellious crew? €Army of fiends, fit body to fit head. €Was this your discipline and faith engaged, €Your military obedience, to dissolve €Allegiance to the acknowledged Power Supreme? €And thou, sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem €Patron of liberty, who more than thou €Once fawned, and cringed, and servilely adored €Heaven's awful monarch? wherefore, but in hope €To dispossess him, and thyself to reign? €But mark what I areed thee now: Avaunt! €Fly thither whence thou fledd'st! If from this hour €Within these hallowed limits thou appear, €Back to the infernal pit I drag thee chained, €And seal thee so, as henceforth not to scorn €The facile gates of hell too slightly barred. €@So threatened he; but Satan to no threats €Gave heed, but, waxing more in rage, replied: €@Then, when I am thy captive, talk of chains, €Proud limitary cherub! but ere then €Far heavier load thyself expect to feel €From my prevailing arm, though heaven's king €Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy compeers, €Used to the yoke, draw'st his triumphant wheels €In progress through the road of Heaven star-paved. €@While thus he spake, the angelic squadron bright €Turned fiery red, sharpening in mooned horns €Their phalanx, and began to hem him round €With ported spears, as thick as when a field €Of Ceres, ripe for harvest, waving bends €Her bearded grove of ears, which way the wind €Sways them; the careful ploughmen doubting stands €Lest on the threshing-floor his hopeful sheaves €Prove chaff. On the other side, Satan, alarmed, €Collecting all his might, dilated stood, €Like Teneriff or Atlas, unremoved: €His stature reached the sky, and on his crest €Sat horror plumed; nor wanted in his grasp €What seemed both spear and shield. Now dreadful deeds €Might have ensued; nor only Paradise, €In this commotion, but the starry cope €Of heaven perhaps, or all the elements €At least had gone to wrack, disturbed and torn €With violence of this conflict, had not soon €The Eternal, to prevent such horrid fray, €Hung forth in heaven his golden scales, yet seen €Betwixt Astrea and the Scorpion sign, €Wherein all things created first He weighted, €The pendulous round earth with balanced air €In counterpoise; now ponders all events, €Battles and realms: in these he put two weights, €The sequel each of parting and of fight: €The latter quick up flew, and kicked the beam; €Which Gabriel spying, thus bespake the Fiend: €@Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know'st mine; €Neither our own, but given; what folly then €To boast what arms can do! since thine no more €Than Heaven permits, nor mine, though doubled now €To trample thee as mire: for proof look up €And read thy lot in yon celestial sign, €Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, how weak €If thou resist. The Fiend looked up, and knew €His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled €Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night. @Now morn, her rosy steps in the eastern clime €Advancing, sowed the earth with orient pearl, €When Adam waked, so customed: for his sleep €Was aery-light, from pure digestion bred, €And temperate vapours bland, which the only sound €Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan, €Lightly dispersed, and the shrill matin song €Of birds on every bough; so much the more €His wonder was to find unwakened Eve €With tresses discomposed, and glowing cheek, €As through unquiet rest. He, on his side €Leaning, half raised, with looks of cordial love €Hung over her enamoured, and beheld €Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep, €Shot forth peculiar graces; then with voice €Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes, €Her hand soft touching, whisper'd thus: Awake, €My fairest, my espoused, my latest found, €Heaven's last, best gift, my ever-new delight! €Awake: the morning shines, and the fresh field €Calls us; we lose the prime to mark how spring €Our tender plants, how blows the citron grove, €What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed, €How Nature paints her colours, how the bee €Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet. €@Such whispering waked her, but with startled eye €On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake. €@O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, €My glory, my perfection! glad I see €Thy face and morn returned; for I this night €Such night till this I never passed have dreamed, €If dreamed, not, as I oft am wont, of thee, €Works of day past, or morrow's next design; €But of offence and trouble, which my mind €Knew never till this irksome night. Methought €Close at mine ear one called me forth to walk €With gentle voice -- I thought it thine. It said. €Why sleep'st 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-laboured song; now reigns €Full-orbed the moon, and with more pleasing light €Shadowy sets off the face of things, in vain, €If none regard. Heaven wakes with all his eyes, €Whom to behold but thee, Nature's desire? €In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment €Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze. €I rose as at thy call, but found thee not; €To find thee I directed then my walk; €And on, methought, alone I passed through ways €That brought me on a sudden to the Tree €Of interdicted knowledge. Fair it seemed, €Much fairer to my fancy than by day: €And, as I wondering looked, beside it stood €One shaped and winged like one of those from heaven €By us oft seen: his dewy locks distilled €Ambrosia. On that tree he also gazed; þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ•ˆºAnd oh, fair plant, said he, with fruit surcharged, €Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet, €Nor god, nor man? Is knowledge so despised? €Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste? €Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold €Longer thy offered good; why else set here? €This said, he paused not, but with venturous arm €He plucked, he tasted. Me damp horror chilled €At such bold words, vouched with a deed so bold: €But he thus, overjoyed: O fruit divine, €Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropt, €Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit €For gods, yet able to make gods of men; €And why not gods of men; since good, the more €Communicated, more abundant grows, €The author not impaired, but honoured more? €Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve! €Partake thou also: happy though thou art, €Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be, €Taste this, and be henceforth among the gods €Thyself a goddess, not to earth confined, €But sometimes in the air, as we; sometimes €Ascend to Heaven, by merit thine, and 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 plucked: the pleasant savoury smell €So quickened appetite, that I, methought, €Could not but taste. Forthwith up to the clouds €With him I flew, and underneath beheld €The earth outstretched immense, a prospect wide €And various; wondering at my flight and change €To this high exaltation, suddenly €My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down €And fell asleep; but, oh, how glad I waked €To find this but a dream. Thus Eve her night €Related, and thus Adam answered sad: €@Best image of myself, and dearer half, €The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep €Affects me equally; nor can I like €This uncouth dream, of evil sprung, I fear. €Yet evil whence? in thee can harbour none, €Created pure. But know, that in the soul €Are many lesser faculties, that serve €Reason as chief. Among these, Fancy next €Her office holds; of all external things, €Which the five watchful senses represent, €She forms imaginations, airy shapes, €Which reason joining or disjoining 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 Fancy wakes €To imitate her; but misjoining shapes, €Wild work produces oft, and most in dreams; €Ill matching words and deeds long past or late, €Some such resemblances, methinks, I find €Of our last evening's talk, in this thy dream, €But with addition strange; yet be not sad. €Evil into the mind of God or Man €May come and go, so unapproved, and leave €No spot or blame behind; which gives me hope €That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream, €Waking thou never wilt consent to do. €Be not disheartened, then, nor cloud those looks, €That wont to be more cheerful and serene, €Than when fair morning first smiles on the world; €And let us to our fresh employments rise €Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers, €That open now their choicest bosomed smells, €Reserved from night, and kept for thee in store. €@So cheered he his fair spouse, and she was cheered, €But silently a gentle tear let fall €From either eye, and wiped them with her hair; €Two other precious drops that ready stood, €EAch in their crystal sluice, he, ere they fell, €Kissed, as the gracious signs of sweet remorse. €And pious awe, that feared to have offended. €@So all was cleared, and the field they haste. €But first from under shady arborous roof, €Soon as they forth were come to open sight €Of day spring, and the sun, who, scarce uprisen, €With wheels yet hovering o'er the ocean-brim, €Shot parallel to the earth his dewy ray, €Discovering in wide landscape all the east €Of Paradise and Eden's happy plains, €Lowly they bowed adoring, and began €Their orisons, each morning duly paid €In various style, for neither various style €Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise €Their Maker, in fit strains pronounced or sung €Unmeditated; such prompt eloquence €Flowed from their lips, in prose of numerous verse; €More tuneable than needed lute or harp €To add more sweetness; and they thus began: €@These are Thy glorious works, Parent of good, €Almighty! Thine this universal frame, €Thus wondrous fair: Thyself how wondrous then! €Unspeakable, who sitt'st above these heavens €To us invisible, or dimly seen €In these thy lowest works; yet these declare €Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine. €Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, €Angels, for ye behold Him, and with songs €And choral symphonies, day without night, €Circle his throne rejoicing; ye in heaven, €On earth him all ye creatures to extol €Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end. €Fairest of stars, last in the train of night, €If better thou belong not to the dawn, €Sure pledge of day, that crown'st the smiling morn €With thy bright circlet, praise Him in thy sphere, €While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. €Thou Sun, of this great would bothe eye and soul, €Acknowledge Him thy greater; sound His praise €In thy eternal course, both when thou climb'st, €And when high noon hast gained, and when thou fall'st. €Moon, that now meet'st the orient sun, now fly'st, €With the fixed stars, fixed in their orb that flies; €And ye five other wandering fires, that move €In mystic dance not without song, resound €His praise, who out of darkness called up light. €Air, and ye elements, the eldest birth €Of nature's womb, that in quaternion run €Perpetual circle, multiform; and mix €And nourish all things; let your ceaseless change €Vary to our great Maker still new praise. €Ye mists and exhalations, that now rise €From hill or steaming lake, dusky or grey, €Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, €In honour to the world's great Author rise; €Whether to deck with clouds the uncoloured sky, €Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers, €Rising or falling, still advance His praise. €His praise, ye winds that from four quarters blow, €Breathe soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye pines, €With every plant, in sign of worship wave. €Fountains, and ye that warble as ye flow, €Melodious murmurs, warbling tune His praise. €Join voices, all ye living souls: ye birds €That, singing, up to Heaven-gate ascend, €Bear on your wings and in your notes His praise €Ye that in waters glide, and ye that walk €The earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep; €Witness if I be silent, morn or even, €To hill or valley, fountain or fresh shade, €Made vocal by my song, and taught His praise. €Hail, universal Lord! be bounteous still €To give us only good; and if the night €Have gathered aught of evil, or concealed, €Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark. €@So prayed they innocent, and to their thoughts €Firm peace recovered soon, and wonted calm €On to their morning's rural work they haste, €Among sweet dews and flowers, where any row €Of fruit-trees, over-woody, reached too far €Their pampered boughs, and needed hands to check €Fruitless embraces: or they led the vine €To wed her elm; she, spoused, about him twines €Her marriageable arms, and with her brings €Her dower, the adopted clusters, to adorn €His barren leaves. Them thus employed beheld €With pity heaven's high King, and to Him called €Raphael, the sociable spirit, that deigned €To travel with Tobias, and secured €His marriage with the seven-times wedded maid. €@Raphael, said he, thou hear'st what stir on Earth €Satan, from Hell 'scaped through the darksome gulf. €Hath raised in Paradise; and how disturbed €This night the human pair; how he designs €In them at once to ruin all mankind. €Go, therefore, half this day, as friend with friend, €Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade €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 €As may advise him of his happy state €Happiness in his power, left free to will, €Left to his own free will, his will though free €Yet mutable; whence warn him to beware €He swerve not, too secure. Tell him withal þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ•‹ïHis danger, and from whom; what enemy €Late fallen himself from heaven, 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, €Lest, wilfully transgressing, he pretend €Surprisal, unadmonished, unforewarned. €@So spake the Eternal Father, and fulfilled €All justice. Nor delayed the winged saint €After his charge received; but from among €Thousand celestial Ardours, where he stood €Veiled with his gorgeous wings, up springing light, €Flew through the midst of heaven the angelic choirs, €On each hand parting, to his speed gave way €Thorugh all the empyreal road: till, at the gate €Of Heaven arrived, the gate self opened wide €On golden hinges turning, as by work €Divine the sov'reign Architect had framed. €From hence no cloud, or, to obstruct his sight, €Star interposed, however small, he sees, €Not unconform to other shining globes, €Earth, and the garden of God, with cedars crowned €Above all hills. As when by night the glass €Of Galileo, less assured, observes €Imagined lands and regions in the moon: €Or pilot, from amidst the Cyclades, €Delos or Samos first appearing, kens €A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flight €He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sky €Sails between worlds and worlds, with steady wing, €Now on the polar winds, then with quick fan €Winnows the buxom air; till, within soar €Of towering eagles, to all the fowls he seems €A phoenix, gazed by all, as that sole bird, €When, to enshrine his relics in the Sun's €Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. €@At once on the eastern cliff of Paradise €He lights; and to his proper shape returns, €A seraph winged. Six wings he wore, to shade €His lineaments divine; the pair that clad €Each shoulder, broad, came mantling o'er his breast €With regal ornament; the middle pair €Girt like a starry zone his waist, and round €Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold, €And colours dipt in heaven; the third his feet €Shadowed from either heel with feathered mail, €Sky-tinctured grain. Like Maia's son he stood, €And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance filled €The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands €Of Angels under watch; and to his state, €And to his message high, in honour rise; €For on some message high they guessed him bound. €Their glittering tents he passed, and now is come €Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh, €And flowering odours, cassia, nard, and balm; €A wilderness of sweets; for Nature here €Wantoned as in her prime, and played at will €Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, €Wild above rule or art, enormous bliss. €Him through the spicy forest onward come €Adam discerned, as in the door he sat €Of his cool bower, while now the mounted sun €Shot down direct his fervid rays, to warm €Earth's inmost womb, more warmth than Adam needs; €And Eve within, due at her hour prepared €For dinner savoury fruits, of taste to please €True appetite, and not disrelish thirst €Of nectareous draughts between, from milky stream, €Berry, or grape: to whom thus Adam called: €@Haste hither, Eve, and, worth thy sight, behold, €Eastward among those trees, what glorious shape €Comes this way moving; seems another morn €Risen on mid-noon. Some great behest from Heaven €To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe €This day to be our guest. But go with speed, €And, what thy stores contain, bring forth, and pour €Abundance, fit to honour and receive €Our heavenly stranger; well we may afford €Our givers their own gifts, and large bestow €From large bestowed, where Nature multiplies €Her fertile growth, and by disburdening grows €More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare. €@To whom thus Eve: Adam, earth, hallowed mould, €Of God inspired! small store will serve, where store, €All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk; €Save what by frugal storing firmness gains €To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes. €But I will haste, and from each bough and brake, €Each plant and juiciest gourd, will pluck such choice €To entertain our Angel-guest, as he €Beholding shall confess that here on earth €God hath dispensed his bounties as in Heaven. €@So saying, with dispatchful looks, in haste €She turns, on hospitable thoughts intent €What choice to choose for delicacy best, €What order so contrived as not to mix €Tastes not well joined, inelegant, but bring €Taste after taste upheld with kindliest change; €Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk €Whatever Earth, all-bearing mother, yields €In India East or West, or middle shore €In Pontus or the Punic Coast, or where €Alcinous reigned; fruit of all kinds, in coat €Rough, or smooth rind, or bearded husk, or shell, €She gathers, tribute large, and on the board €Heaps with unsparing hand. For drink the grape €She crushes, inoffensive must, and meaths €From many a berry, and from sweet kernels pressed, €She tempers dulcet creams; nor these to hold €Wants her fit vessels pure; then strews the ground €With rose and odours from the shrub unfumed. €@Meanwhile our primitive great sire, to meet €His godlike guest, walks forth without more train €Accompanied than with his own complete €Perfections. In himself was all his state, €More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits €On princes, when their rich retinue long €Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk €Dazzles the cross, and sets them all agape. d, €Nearer his presence Adam, though not awed, €Yet with submiss approach and reverence meek, €As to a superior nature, bowing low, €Thus said: Native of Heaven, for other place €None can than Heaven such glorious shape contain; €Since by descending from the thrones above, €Those happy places thou hast deigned a while €To want, and honour these; vouchsafe with us €Two only, who yet by sovereign 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. €Whom thus the angelic Virtue answered mild: €Adam, I therefore came; nor art thou such €Created, or such place hast here to dwell, €As may not oft invite, though spirits of Heaven, €To visit thee. Lead on then where thy bower €O'ershades; for these mid hours, till evening rise, €I have at will. So to the sylvan lodge €They came, that like Pomona's arbour smiled, €With flowerets decked, and fragrant smells. But Eve, €Undecked save with herself, more lovely fair €Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feigned €Of three that in Mount Ida naked strove, €Stood to entertain her guest from heaven; no veil €She needed, virtue proof; no thought infirm €Altered her cheek. On whom the angel "Hail!" €Bestowed, the holy salutation used €Long after to blest Mary, second Eve. €@Hail, mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb €Shall fill the world more numerous with thy sons, €Than with these various fruits the trees of God €Have heaped this table. Raised of grassy turf €Their table was, and mossy seats had round, €And on her ample square from side to side, €All autumn piled, though spring and autumn here €Danced hand in hand. A while discourse they hold, €No fear lest dinner cool; when thus began €Our author: Heavenly stranger, please to taste €These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom €All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends, €To us for food and for delight hath caused €The Earth to yield; unsavoury 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 ungrateful food: and food alike those pure €Intelligential substances require, €As doth your rational; and both contain €Within them every lower faculty €Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste, €Tasting, concoct, digest, assimilate, €And corporeal to incorporeal turn. €For know, whatever was created needs €To be sustained and fed: of elements €The grosser feeds the purer, earth the sea, €Earth and the sea feed air, the air those fires €Ethereal, and as lowest, first the moon; þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ•‹ƒ£Whence in her visage round those spots, €Vapours not yet into her substance turned. €Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale €From her moist continent to higher orbs. €The sun, that light imparts to all, receives €From all his alimental recompense €In humid exhalations, and at even €Sups with the ocean. Though in Heaven the trees €Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines €Yield nectar; though from off the boughs each morn. €We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground €Covered with pearly grain; yet God hath 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 their viands fell; nor seemingly €The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss €Of theologians, but with keen despatch €Of real hunger and concoctive heat €To transubstantiate: what redounds, transpires €Through spirits with ease; nor wonder, if by fire €Of sooty coal the empiric alchymist €Can turn, and holds it possible to turn, €Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold, €As from the mine. Meanwhile at table Eve €Ministered naked, and their flowing cups €With pleasant liquors crowned. O innocence, €Deserving Paradise! if ever, then, €Then had the sons of God excuse to have been €Enamoured at that sight; but in those hearts €Love unlibidinous reigned, nor jealousy €Was understood, the injured lover's hell. €@Thus when with meats and drinks they had sufficed, €Not burdened nature, sudden mind arose €In Adam not to let the occasion pass, €Given him by this great conference, to know €Of things above his world, and of their being €Who dwell in heaven, whose excellence he saw €Transcend his own so far: whose radiant forms, €Divine effulgence, whose high power, so far €Exceeded human: and his wary speech €Thus to the empyreal minister he framed: €@Inhabitant with God, now know I well €Thy favour, in this honour done to man; €Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafed €To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, €Food not of Angels, yet accepted so, €As that more willingly thou couldst not seem €At heaven's high feats to have fed: yet what compare! €@To whom the winged Hierarch replied: €O Adam, one Almighty is, from whom €All things proceed, and up to Him return, €If not depraved from good, created all €Such to perfection, one first matter all, €Endued with various forms, various degrees €Of substance, and, in things that live, of life; €But more refined, more spirituous, and pure, €As nearer to Him placed, or nearer tending €Each in their several active spheres assigned, €Till body up to spirit work, in bounds €Proportioned to each kind. So from the root €Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves €More aery, last the bright consummate flower €Spirits odorous breathes: flowers and their fruit, €Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublimed, €To vital spirits aspire, to animal, €Fancy and understanding; whence the soul €To intellectual, give both life and sense, €Reason receives, and reason is her being, €Discursive, or intuitive; discourse €If 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 corporeal nutriments, perhaps, €Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit, €Improved by tract of time, and winged, ascend €Ethereal, as we; or may, at choice, €Here of in heavenly paradises dwell; €If ye be found obedient, and retain €Unalterably firm, His love entire, €Whose progeny you are. Meanwhile enjoy €Your fill what happiness this happy state €Can comprehend, incapable of more. €@To whom the patriarch of mankind replied: €Oh, favourable spirit, propitious guest, €Well hast thou taught the way that might direct €Our knowledge, and the scale of nature set €From centre to circumference; whereon, €In contemplation of created things, €By steps we may ascend to God. But say, €What meant that caution joined, If ye be found €Obedient? Can we want obedience then €To Him, or possibly His love desert, €Who formed us from the dust, and placed us here €Full to the utmost measure of what bliss €Human desires can seek or apprehend? €@To whom the Angel: Son of Heaven and Earth, €Attend: that thou art happy, owe to God; €That thou continuest such, owe to thyself, €That is, to thy obedience; therein stand. €This was that caution given thee; be advised. €God made thee perfect, not immutable; €And good he made thee; but to persevere €He left it in thy power; ordained thy will €By nature free, not over-ruled by fate €Inextricable, or strict necessity. €Our voluntary service he requires, €Not our necessitated; such with him €Finds no acceptance, nor can find; for how €Can hearts not free be tried whether they serve €Willing or no, who will but what they must €By destiny, and can no other choose? €Myself, and all the Angelic host that stand €In sight of God, enthroned, our happy state €Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds; €On other surety none. Freely we serve, €Because we freely love, as in our will €To love or not; in this we stand or fall. €And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen, €And so from Heaven to deepest Hell, Oh fall €From what high state of bliss into what woe! €@To whom our great progenitor: Thy words €Attentive, and with more delighted ear, €Divine instructor, I have heard, than when €Cherubic songs by night from 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 €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, €The full relation, which must needs be strange, €Worthy of sacred silence to be heard; €And we have yet large day, for scarce the sun €Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins €His other half in the great zone of heaven. €@Thus Adam made request; and Raphael, €After short pause assenting, thus began: €@High matter thou enjoinest me, oh, prime of men, €Sad task and hard: for how shall I relate €To human sense the invisible exploits €Of warring spirits? how, without remorse, €The ruin of so many, glorious once €And perfect while they stood? how last unfold €The secrets of another world, perhaps €Not lawful to reveal? Yet for thy good €This is dispensed; and what surmounts the reach €Of human sense, I shall delineate so, €By likening spiritual to corporal forms, €As may express them best; though what if earth €Be but the shadow of heaven, and things therein €Each to other like, more than on earth is thought €@As yet this world was not, and Chaos wild €Reigned where these heavens now roll, where earth now rests €Upon her centre poised; when on a day €For time, though in eternity, applied €To motion, measures all things durable €By present, past, and future) on such day €As heaven's great year brings forth, the empyreal host €Of Angels, by imperial summons called, €Innumerable before the Almighty's throne €Forthwith, from all the ends of heaven, appeared €Under their Hierarchs in orders bright. €Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanced, €Standards and gonfalons 'twixt van and rear €Stream in the air, and for distinction serve €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 €Of circuit inexpressible they stood, €Orb within orb, the Father infinite, €By whom in bliss embosomed sat the Son, €Amidst, as from a flaming mount, whose top €Brightness had made invisible, thus spake: €@Hear, all ye Angels, progeny of light, €Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers; €Hear my decree, which unrevoked shall stand. €This day I have begot whom I declare €My only Son, and on this holy hill €Him have anointed, whom I declare €At my right hand; your head I Him appoint; €And by myself have sworn, to Him shall bow þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ•‹„àAll knees in heaven, and shall confess him Lord: €Under his great vicegerent reign abide €United, as one individual soul, €For ever happy. Him who disobeys, €Me disobeys, breaks union; and that day, €Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls €Into utter darkness, deep engulfed, his place €Ordained without redemption, without end. €@So spake the Omnipotent, and with his words €All seemed well pleased -- all seemed, but were not all. €That day, as other solemn days, they spent €In song and dance about the sacred hill; €Mystical dance, which yonder starry sphere €Of planets, and of fixed, in all her wheels €Resembles nearest, mazes intricate, €Eccentric, intervolved, yet regular €Then most, when most irregular they seem; €And in their motions harmony divine €So smooths her charming tones, that God's own ear €Listens delighted. Evening now approached €For we have also our evening and our morn, €(We ours for change delectable not need) €Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn €Desirous. All in circles as they stood €Tables are set, and on a sudden piled €With angels' food; and rubied nectar flows €In pearl, in diamond, and massy gold, €Fruit of delicious vines, the growth of heaven. €On flowers reposed, and with fresh flowerets crowned €They eat, they drink; and in communion sweet €Quaff immortality and joy, secure €Of surfeit, where full measure only bounds €Excess, before the all-bounteous King, who showered €With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy. €Now when ambrosial night with clouds exhaled €From that high mount of God, whence light and shade €Spring both, the face of brightest heaven had changed €To grateful twilight (for night comes not there €In darker veil) and roseate dews disposed €All but the unsleeping eyes of God to rest; €Wide over all the plain, and wider far €Than all this globous earth in plain outspread, €(Such are the courts of God) the angelic throng, €Dispersed in bands and files, their camp extend €By living streams among the trees of life, €Pavilions numberless, and sudden reared, €Celestial tabernacles, where they slept €Fanned with cool winds save those who in their course, €Melodious hymns about the sovereign throne €Alternate all night long. But not so waked €Satan -- so call him now, his former name €Is heard no more in heaven. He of the first, €If not the first Archangel, great in power, €In favour and pre-eminence, yet fraught €With envy against the Son of God, that day €Honoured by his great Father, and proclaimed €Messiah, king anointed, could not bear €Through pride that sight, and thought himself impaired. €Deep malice thence conceiving and disdain, €Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour €Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolved €With all his legions to dislodge, and leave €Unworshipped, unobeyed, the throne supreme, €Contemptuous: and his next subordinate €Awakening, thus to him in secret spake: €@Sleepest thou, companion dear? What sleep can close €Thy eye-lids? and rememberest what decree €Of yesterday, so late hath passed the lips €Of heaven's Almighty? Thou to me thy thoughts €Was wont, I mine to thee was wont to impart; €Both waking we were one; how then can now €Thy sleep dissent? New laws thou seest imposed; €New laws from Him who reigns, new minds may raise €In us who serve, new counsels, to 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 shadowy clouds withdraws, I am to haste, €And all who under me their banners wave, €Homeward, with flying march, where we possess €The quarters of the North; there to prepare €Fit entertainment to receive our king, €The great Messiah, and his new commands, €Who speedily through all the Hierarchies €Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws. €@So spake the false Archangel, and infused €Bad influence into the unwary breast €Of his associate. He together calls, €Or several one by one, the regent powers, €Under him regent; tells, as he was taught, €That the Most High commanding, now ere night, €Now ere dim night had disencumbered heaven, €The great hierarchal standard was to move; €Tells the suggested cause, and casts between €Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound €Or taint integrity. But all obeyed €The wonted signal and superior voice €Of their great potentate; for great indeed €His name, and high was his degree in heaven. €His countenance, as the morning star that guides €The starry flock, allured them, and with lies €Drew after him the third part of heaven's host. €Meanwhile the eternal eye, whose sight discerns €Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount, €And from within the golden lamps that burn €Nightly before him, saw without their light €Rebellion rising; saw in whom, how spread €Among the sons of morn, what multitudes €Were banded to oppose his high decree; €And, smiling, to his only Son thus said: €@Son, thou in whom my glory I behold €In full resplendence, heir of all my might, €Nearly it now concerns us to be sure €Of our omnipotence, and with what arms €We mean to hold what anciently we claim €Of deity or empire. Such a foe €Is rising, who intends to erect his throne €Equal to ours, throughout the spacious North; €Nor so content, hath in his thought to try €In battle, what our power is, or our right. €Let us advise, and to this hazard draw €With speed what force is left, and all employ €In our defence; lest unawares we lose €This our high place, our sanctuary, our hill. €@To whom the Son, with calm aspect and clear, €Lightning divine, ineffable, serene, €Made answer: Mighty Father, thou thy foes €Justly hast in derision, and, secure, €Laugh'st at their vain designs and tumults vain, €Matter to me of glory, whom their hate €Illustrates, when they see all regal power €Given me to quell their pride, and in event €Know whether I be dextrous to subdue €Thy rebels, or be found the worst in heaven. €@So spake the Son: but Satan, with his powers, €Far was advanced on winged speed; a host €Innumerable as the stars of night, €Or stars of morning dewdrops which the sun €Imperals 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 €All thy dominion, Adam, is no more €Than what this garden is to all the earth, €And all the sea, from one entire globose €Strectched into longitude which having passed, €At length into the limits of the North €They came; and Satan to his royal seat, €High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount €Raised on a mount, with pyramids and towers €From diamond quarries hewn, and rocks of gold, €The palace of great Lucifer (so call €That structure in the dialect of men €Interpreted) which not long after, he, €Effecting all equality with God, €In imitation of that mount whereon €Messiah was declared in sight of heaven, €The Mountain of the Congregation called. €Fro 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 €Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears. €@Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers; €If these magnific titles yet remain €Not merely titular, since by decree €Another now hath to himself engrossed €All power, and us eclipsed, under the name €Of King anointed, for whom all this haste €Of midnight march, and hurried meeting here, €This only to consult how we may best, €With what may be devised of honours new, €Receive him coming to receive from us €Knee-tribute yet unpaid, prostration vile! €Too much to one, but double how endured €To one and to his image now proclaimed? €But what if better counsels might erect €Our minds, and teach us to cast off this yoke? €Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend €The supple knee? Ye will not, if I trust €To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves €Natives and sons of heaven, possessed before €By none: and if not equal all, yet free, €Equally free; for orders and degrees €Jar not with liberty, but well consist. €Who can in reason, then, or right, assume þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ•‹†›Monarchy over such as live by right €His equals? If in power and splendour less €In Freedom equal? Or can introduce €Law and edict on us, who without law €Err not? much less for this to be our Lord, €And look for adoration, to the abuse €Of those imperial titles, which assert €Our being ordained to govern, not to serve. €@Thus far his bold discourse without control €Had audience: when among the seraphim €Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal adored €The Deity, and diving commands obeyed, €Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe €The current of his fury thus opposed: €@Oh, argument blasphemous, false, and proud! €Words which no ear ever to hear in Heaven €Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate, €In place thyself so high above thy peers. €Canst thou with impius obloquy condemn €The just decree of God, pronounced and sworn €That to his only Son, by right endued €With regal sceptre, every soul in heaven €Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due €Confess him rightful king? Unjust, thou say'st, €Flatly unjust, to bind with laws the free, €And equal over equals to let reign, €One over all with unsucceeded power. €Shalt thou give law to God? Shalt thou dispute €With Him the points of liberty, who made €Thee what thou art, and formed the Powers of heaven €Such as he pleased, and circumscribed their being? €Yet, by experience taught, we know how good, €And of our good and of our dignity €How provident he is; how far from thought €To make us less, bent rather to exalt €Our happy state, under one head more near €United. But to grant it thee unjust, €That equal over equals monarch reign: €Thyself, though great and glorious, dost thou count, €Or all angelic nature joined in one, €Equal to Him begotten Son, by whom €As by his word, the mighty Father made €All things, even thee; and all the Spirits of heaven €By him created in their bright degrees, €Crowned them with glory, and to their glory named €Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers, €Essential Powers; nor by his reign obscured, €But more illustrious made, since He the head, €One of our number thus reduced becomes, €His laws our laws, all honour to him done €Returns our own. Cease, then, this impious rage, €And tempt not these: but hasten to appease €The incensed Father and the incensed Son, €While pardon may be found in time besought. €@So spake the fervent Angel; but his zeal €None seconded, as out of season judged, €Or singular and rash; whereat rejoiced €The Apostate, and, more haughty, thus 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! €Doctrine which we should know whence learned. Who saw €When this creation was? Rememberest thou €Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being? €We know no time when we were not as now; €Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised €By our own quickening power, when fatal course €Had circled his full orb, the birth mature €Of this our native Heaven, ethereal sons. €Our puissance is our own: our own right hand €Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try €Who is our equal. Then thou shalt behold €Whether by supplication we intend €Address, and to begirt the Almighty throne €Beseeching or besieging. This report, €These tidings carry to the anointed King; €And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight. €@He said; and, as the sound of waters deep, €Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause €Through the infinite host: nor less for that €The flaming seraph, fearless, though alone, €Encompassed round with foes, thus answered bold: €@O alienate from God, O spirit accursed, €Frosaken of all good! I see thy fall €Determined, and thy hapless crew involved €In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread €Both of thy crime and punishment. Henceforth €No more be troubled how to quit the yoke €Of God's Messiah. Those indulgent laws €Will not be now vouchsafed; other decrees €Against thee are gone forth without recall; €That golden sceptre which thou didst reject €Is now an iron rod to bruise and break €Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise; €Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly €These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath €Impendent, raging into sudden flame, €Distinguish not; for soon expect to feel €His thunder on thy head, devouring fire. €Then who created thee lamenting learn, €When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know. €@So spake the Seraph Abdiel, faithful found €Among the faithless, faithful only he; €Among innumerable false, unmoved, €Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified, €His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal; €Nor number nor example with him wrought €To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind, €Though single. From amidst them forth he passed, €Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained €Superior, nor of violence feared aught; €And with retorted scorn, his back he turned €On those proud towers to swift destruction doomed. @All night the dreadless angel unpursued €Through heaven's wide champaign held his way; till Morn, €Waked by the circling hours, with rosy hand €Unbarred the gates of light. There is a cave €Within the mount of God, fast by his throne, €Where light and darkness in perpetual round €Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through heaven €Grateful vicissitude, like day and night; €Light issues forth, and at the other door €Obsequious darkness enters, till her hour €To veil the heaven, though darkness there might well €Seem twilight here: and now went forth the Morn €Such as in highest heaven, arrayed in gold €Empyreal; from before her vanished Night, €Shot through with orient beams; when all the plain, €Covered with thick embattled squadrons bright, €Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds, €Reflecting blaze on blaze first met his view: €War he perceived, war in procinct; and found €Already known what he for news had thought €To have reported: gladly then he mixed €Among those friendly powers, who him received €With joy and acclamations loud, that one, €That of so many myriads fallen, yet one €Returned not lost. On to the sacred hill €They led him high applauded, and present €Before the seat supreme; from whence a voice, €From 'midst a golden cloud, thus mild was heard: €@Servant of God, well done; well hast thou fought €The better fight, who single hast maintained €Against revolted multitudes the cause €Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms; €And for the testimony of truth hast borne €Universal reproach, far worse to bear €Than violence; for this was all thy care, €To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds €Judged thee perverse. The easier conquest now €Remains thee, aided by this host of friends, €Back on thy foes more glorious to return, €Than scorned thou didst depart, and to subdue €By force, who reason for their law refuse, €Right reason for their law, and for their king €Messiah, who by right of merit reigns. €Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince, €And thou in military prowess next, €Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons €Invincible; lead forth my armed saints, €By thousands and by millions ranged for fight, €Equal in number to that godless crew €Rebellious; them with fire and hostile arms €Fearless assault, and, to the brow of heaven €Pursuing, drive them out from God and bliss €Into their place of punishment, the gulf €Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide €His fiery chaos to receive their fall. €@So spake the Sovereign Voice, and clouds began €To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll €In dusky wreaths, reluctant flames, the sign €Of wrath awaked; nor with less dread the loud €Ethereal trumpet from on high 'gan blow: €At which command the powers militant, €That stood for Heaven, in mighty quadrate joined €Of union irresistible, moved on €In silence their bright legions, to the sound €Of instrumental harmony, that breathed €Heroic ardour to adventurous deeds €Under their godlike leaders, in the cause €Of God and his Messiah. On they move €Indissolubly firm; nor obvious hill, €Nor straitening vale, nor wood, nor stream, divides €Their perfect ranks; for high above the ground €Their march was, and the passive air upbore þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ–ˆÉTheir nimble tread. As when the total kind €Of birds, in orderly array on wing, €Came summoned over Eden, to receive €Their names of thee; so over many a tract €Of heaven they marched, and many a province wide, €Tenfold the length of this terrene. At last, €Far in the horizon to the North, appeared €From skirt to skirt a fiery region stretched €In battailous aspect; and, nearer view, €Bristled with upright beams innumerable €Of rigid spears, and helmets thronged, and shields €Various, with boastful argument portrayed, €The banded powers of Satan hasting on €With furious expedition; for they weened €That self-same day, by fight, or by surprise. €To win the mount of God, and on His throne €To set the envier of his state, the proud €Aspirer; but their thoughts proved fond and vain €In the mid-way. Though strange to us it seemed €At first, that Angel should with Angel war, €And in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet €So oft in festivals of joy and love €Unanimous, as sons of one great Sire, €Hymning the Eternal Father. But the shout €Of battle now began, and rushing sound €Of onset ended soon each milder thought. €High in the midst, exalted as a god, €The Apostate in his sun-bright chariot sat, €Idol of majesty divine, enclosed €With flaming cherubim, and golden shields; €Then lighted from his gorgeous throne, for now €'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left, €A dreadful interval, and front to front €Presented stood in terrible array €Of hideous length. Before the cloudy van, €On the rough edge of battle ere it joined, €Satan, with vast and haughty strides advanced, €Came towering, armed in adamant and gold. €Abdiel that sight endured not, where he stood €Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds. €And thus his own undaunted heart explores: €@O Heaven! that such resemblance of the Highest €Should yet remain, where faith and rea+lty €Remain not! Wherefore should not strength and might €There fail where virtue fails? or weakest prove €Where boldest, though to sight unconquerable? €His puissance, trusting in the Almighty's aid, €I mean to try, whose reason I have tried €Unsound and false. Nor is it aught but just €That he, who in debate of truth hath won, €Should win in arms, in both disputes alike €Victor; though brutish that contest and foul, €When reason hath to deal with force, yet so €Most reason is that reason overcome. €@So pondering, and from his armed peers €Forth stepping opposite, half-way he met €His daring foe, at this prevention more €Incensed, and thus securely him defied: €@Proud, art thou met? Thy hope was to have reached €The height of thy aspiring unopposed, €The throne of God unguarded, and his side €Abandoned, at the terror of thy power €Or potent tongue. Fool! not to think how vain €Against the Omnipotent to rise in arms; €Who out of smallest things, could, without end, €Have raised incessant armies to defeat €Thy folly; or with solitary hand €Reaching beyond all limit, at one blow, €Unaided, could have finished thee, and whelmed €Thy legions under darkness. But thou seest €All are not of thy train; there be, who faith €Prefer, and piety to God, though then €To thee not visible, when I alone €Seemed in thy world erroneous to dissent €From all; my sect thou seest. Now learn too late €How few sometimes may know, when thousands err. €@Whom the grand foe, with scornful eye askance, €Thus answered: Ill for thee, but in wished hour €Of my revenge, first sought for, thou returnest €From flight, seditious Angel! to receive €Thy merited reward, the first assay €Of this right hand provoked, since first that tongue, €Inspired with contradiction, durst oppose €A third part of the gods, in synod met €Their deities to assert; who, while they feel €Vigour divine within them, can allow €Omnipotence to none. But well thou com'st €Before thy fellows, ambitious to win €From me some plume, that thy success may show €Destruction to the rest. This pause between €(Unanswered lest thou boast) to let thee know, €At first I thought that liberty and heaven €To heavenly souls had been all one; but now €I see that most through sloth had rather serve, €Minist'ring spirits, trained up in feast and song: €Such hast thou armed, the minstrelsy of heaven, €Servility with freedom to contend, €As both their deeds compared this day shall prove. €@To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern replied: €Apostate! still thou err'st, nor end wilt find €Of erring, from the path of truth remote. €Unjustly thou deprav'st it with the name €Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains, €Or nature. God and nature bid the same, €When he who rules is worthiest, and excels €Them whom he governs. This is servitude, €To serve the unwise or him who hath rebelled €Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee, €Thyself not free, but to thyself inthralled; €Yet lewdly dar'st our minist'ring upbraid. €Reign thou in Hell, thy kingdom; let me serve €In Heaven God ever-blest, and His divine €Behests obey, worthiest to be obeyed. €Yet chains in hell, not realms, expect meanwhile, €From me returned, as erst thou saidst, from flight, €This greeting on thy impious crest receive. €@So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high, €Which hung not, but so swift with tempest fell €On the proud crest of Satan, that no sight, €Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield, €Such ruin intercept. Ten paces huge €He back recoiled; the tenth on bended knee €His massy spear upstaid as if on earth €Winds under ground, or waters forcing way, €Sidelong had pushed a mountain from his seat, €Half sunk with all his pines. Amazement seized €The rebel thrones, but greater rage, to see €Thus foiled their mightiest; ours joy filled, and shout, €Presage of victory, and fierce desire €Of battle; whereat Michae+l bid sound €The archangel trumpet. Through the vast of Heaven €It sounded, and the faithful armies rung €Hosanna to the Highest: nor stood at gaze €The adverse legions, nor less hideous joined €The horrid shock. Now storming fury rose, €And clamour, such as heard in heaven till now €Was never; arms on armour clashing brayed €Horrible discord, and the madding wheels €Of brazen chariots raged; dire was the noise €Of conflict; overhead the dismal hiss €Of fiery darts in flaming volleys flew, €And flying vaulted either host with fire, €So under fiery cope together rushed €Both battles main, with ruinous assault €And inextinguishable rage. All heaven €Resounded; and had earth been then, all earth €Had to her centre shook. What wonder? when €Millions of fierce encountering angels fought €On either side, the least of whom could wield €These elements, and arm him with the force €Of all their regions. How much more of power €Army against army numberless to raise €Dreadful combustion warring, and disturb, €Though not destroy, their happy native seat; €Had not the Eternal King Omnipotent, €From his strong hold of heaven, high overruled €And limited their might; though numbered such, €As each divided legion might have seemed €A numerous host, in strength each armed hand €A legion; led in fight, yet leader seemed €Each warrior, single as in chief, expert €When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway €Of battle, open when, and when to close €The ridges of grim war. No thought of flight, €None of retreat, no unbecoming deed €That argued fear; each on himself relied, €As only in his arm the moment lay €Of victory. Deeds of eternal fame €Were done, but infinite; for wide was spread €That war, and various; sometimes on firm ground €A standing fight; then, soaring on main wing, €Tormented all the air; all air seemed then €Conflicting fire. Long time in even scale €The battle hung; till Satan, who that day €Prodigious power had shown, and met in arms €No equal, ranging through the dire attack €Of fighting seraphim confused, at length €Saw where the sword of Michael smote, and felled €Squadrons at once; with huge two-handed sway €Brandished aloft, the horrid edge came down €Wide-wasting. Such destruction to withstand €He hasted, and opposed the rocky orb €Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield, €A vast circumference. At his approach €The great Archangel from his warlike toil þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ–‹‚‚Surceased, and glad, as hoping here to end €Intestine war in heaven, the arch-foe subdued, €Or captive dragged in chains, with hostile frown €And visage all inflamed, first thus began: €@Author of evil unknown till thy revolt, €Unnamed in heaven, now plenteous, as thou seest €These acts of hateful strife, hateful to all, €Though heaviest, by just measure, on thyself €And thy adherents; how hast thou disturbed €Heaven's blessed peace, and into nature brought €Misery, uncreated till the crime €Of thy rebellion? How hast thou instilled €Thy malice into thousands, once upright €And faithful, now proved false? But think not here €To trouble holy rest. Heaven casts thee out €From all her confines. Heaven, the seat of bliss, €Brooks not the works of violence and war. €Hence, then, and evil go with thee along, €Thy offspring, to the place of evil, Hell, €Thou and thy wicked crew, there mingle broils, €Ere this avenging sword begin thy doom, €Or some more sudden vengeance, winged from God, €Precipitate thee with augmented pain. €@So spake the prince of Angels; to whom thus €The Adversary: Nor think thou with wind €Of airy threats to awe whom yet with deeds €Thou canst not. Hast thou turned the least of these €To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise €Unvanquished, easier to transact with me, €That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with threats €To chase me hence? Err not that so shall end €The strife which thou call'st evil, but we style €The strife of glory; which we mean to win, €Or turn this Heaven itself into the Hell €Thou fablest: here, however, to dwell free, €If not to reign. Meanwhile thy utmost force, €And join Him named almighty to thy aid, €I fly not but have sought thee far and nigh. €@They ended parle, and both addressed for fight €Unspeakable; for who, though with the tongue €Of angels, can relate, or to what things €Liken on earth conspicuous, that may lift €Human imagination to such height €Of godlike power? for likest gods they seemed, €Stood they or moved, in stature, motion, arms, €Fit to decide the empire of great Heaven. €Now waved their fiery swords, and in the air €Made horrid circles: two broad suns their shields €Blazed opposite, while Expectation stood €In horror. From each hand with speed retired, €Where erst was thickest fight, the angelic throng, €And left large field, unsafe within the wind €Of such commotion such as, to set forth €Great things by small, if, Nature's concord broke, €Among the constellations war were sprung, €Two planets, rushing from aspect malign €Of fiercest opposition, in mid sky €Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound. €Together both, with next to almighty arm €Uplifted imminent, one stroke they aimed €That might determine, and not need repeat, €As not of power at once; nor odds appeared €In might or swift prevention. But the sword €Of Michael, from the armoury of God, €Was given him tempered so, that neither keen €Nor solid might resist that edge: it met €The sword of Satan, with steep force to smite €Descending, and in half cut sheer; nor stayed, €But with swift wheel reverse, deep entering, shared €All his right side; then Satan first knew pain, €And writhed him to and fro convolved; so sore €The griding sword with discontinuous wound €Passed through him. But the ethereal substance closed. €Not long divisible; and from the gash €A stream of nectarous humour issuing flowed, €Sanguine, such as celestial spirits may bleed, €And all his armour stained, erewhile so bright. €Forthwith, on all sides, to his aid was run €By angels many and strong, who interposed €Defence, while others bore him on their shields €Back to his chariot, where it stood retired €From off the files of war. There they him laid €Gnashing for anguish, and despite, and shame, €To find himself not matchless, and his pride €Humbled by such rebuke, so far beneath €His confidence to equal God in power. €Yet soon he healed ; for spirits that live throughout €Vital in every part, not as frail man €In entrails, heart, or head, liver or reins, €Cannot but by annihilating die; €Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound €Receive, no more than can the fluid air. €All heart they live, all head, all eye, all ear, €All intellect, all sense; and, as they please, €They limb themselves, and colour, shape, or size, €Assume. as likes them best, condense or rare. €@Meanwhile, in other parts, like deeds deserved €Memorial, where the might of Gabriel fought, €And with fierce ensigns pierced the deep array €Of Moloch, furious king, who him defied, €And at his chariot-wheels to drag him bound €Threatened, nor from the Holy One of heaven €Refrained his tongue blasphemous; but anon, €Down cloven to the waist, with shattered arms, €And uncouth pain, fled bellowing. On each wing, €Uriel and Raphael, his vaunting foe, €Though huge, and in a rock of diamond armed, €Vanquished Adramelech and Asmadai, €Two potent thrones, that to be less than gods €Disdained, but meaner thoughts learned in their flight €Mangled with ghastly wounds through plate and mail. €Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy €The atheist crew, but with redoubled blow, €Ariel, and Arioch, and the violence €Of Ramiel, scorched and blasted, overthrew. €I might relate of thousands, and their names €Eternise here on Earth; but those elect €Angels, contented with their fame in Heaven, €Seek not the praise of men; the other sort, €In might though wondrous, and in acts of war, €Nor of renown less eager, yet by doom €Cancelled from Heaven and sacred memory, €Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell. €For strength from truth divided, and from just. €Illaudable, nought merits but dispraise €And ignominy; yet to glory aspires, €Vain-glorious, and through ignominy seeks fame; €Therefore eternal silence be their doom. €@And now, their mightiest quelled, the battle swerved, €With many an inroad gored; deformed rout €Entered, and foul disorder; all the ground €With shivered armour strown, and on a heap €Chariot and charioteer lay overturned, €And fiery-foaming steeds; what stood, recoiled, €O'er-wearied, through the faint Satanic host, €Defensive scarce, or with pale fear surprised, €Then first with fear surprised, and sense of pain, €Fled ignominious, to such evil brought €By sin of disobedience; till that hour €Not liable to fear, or flight, or pain. €Far otherwise the inviolable Saints, €In cubic phalanx firm advanced entire, €Invulnerable, impenetrably armed. €Such high advantages their innocence €Gave them above their foes not to have sinned, €Not to have disobeyed; in fight they stood €Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pained €By wound, though from their place by violence moved. €@Now Night her course began, and, over heaven €Inducing darkness, grateful truce imposed, €And silence on the odious din of war. €Under her cloudy covert both retired, €Victor and vanquished. On the foughten field €Michael and his angels, prevalent €Encamping, placed in guard their watches round €Cherubic waving fires: on the other part, €Satan with his rebellious disappeared, €Far in the dark dislodged; and, void of rest, €His potentates to council called by night, €And in the midst thus undismayed began: €@Oh now in danger tried, now known in arms €Not to be overpowered, companions dear, €Found worthy not of liberty alone, €Too mean pretence! but, what we more affect, €Honour, dominion, glory, and renown: €Who have sustained one day, in doubtful fight €(And if one day, why not eternal days?) €What heaven's Lord had powerfulest to send €Against us from about his throne, and judged €Sufficient to subdue us to his will, €But proves not so: then fallible, it seems, €Of future we may deem him, though, till now, €Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly armed, €Some disadvantage we endured, and pain, €Till now not known, but, known, as soon contemned: €Since now we find this our empyreal form €Incapable of mortal injury, €Imperishable, and, though pierced with wound, €Soon closing, and by native vigour healed. €Of evil, then so small, as easy think €The remedy. Perhaps more valid arms, €Weapons more violent, when next we meet, €May serve to better us, and worse our foes, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ–‹ƒ¹Or equal what between us made the odds, €In nature none. If other hidden cause €Left them superior, while we can preserve €Unhurt our minds, and understanding sound, €Due search and consultation will disclose. €@He sat; and in the assembly next upstood €Nisroch of principalities the prime. €As one he stood escaped form cruel fight, €Sore toiled, his riven arms to havoc hewn, €And, cloudy in aspect, thus answering spake: €@Deliverer from new Lords, leader to free €Enjoyment of our rights as Gods; yet hard €Fro Gods, and too unequal work we find, €Against unequal arms, to fight in pain, €Against unpained, impassive; from which evil €Ruin must needs ensue. Fro what avails €Valour or strength, though matchless, quelled with pain €Which all subdues, and makes remiss the hands €Of mightiest? Sense of pleasure we may well €Spare out of life, perhaps, and not repine, €But live content, which is the calmest life; €But pain is perfect misery, the worst €Of evils, and, excessive, overturns €All patience. He who, therefore, can invent €With what more forcible we may offend €Our yet unwounded enemies, or arm €Ourselves with like defence, to me deserves €No less than for deliverance what we owe. €@Whereto, with look composed, Satan replied: €Not uninvented that, which thou aright €Believest so main to our success, I bring. €Which of us who beholds the bright surface €Of this ethereous mould whereon we stand, €This continent of spacious heaven, adorned €With plant, fruit, flower ambrosial, gems, and gold; €Whose eye so superficially surveys €These things, as not to mind from whence they grow. €Deep under ground, materials dark and crude, €Of spiritous and fiery spume; till touched €With heaven's ray, and tempered, they shoot forth €So beauteous, opening to the ambient light? €These, in their dark nativity, the deep €Shall yield us, pregnant with infernal flame; €Which, into hollow engines, long and round, €Thick-rammed, at the other bore with touch of fire €Dilated and infuriate, shall send forth €From far, with thundering noise, among our foes, €Such implements of mischief, as shall dash €To pieces, and o'erwhelm, whatever stands €Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarmed €The Thunderer of His only dreaded bolt. €Nor long shall be our labour: yet, ere dawn, €Effect shall end our wish. Meanwhile revive; €Abandon fear; to strength and counsel joined €Think nothing hard, much less to be despaired. €@He ended; and his words their drooping cheer €Enlightened, and their languished hope revived: €The invention all admired, and each how he €To be the inventor missed; so easy it seemed €Once found, which yet unfound most would have thought €Impossible. Yet, haply, of thy race, €In future days, if malice should abound, €Some one, intent on mischief, or inspired €With devilish machination, might devise €Like instrument to plague the sons of men €For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent. €@Forthwith from council to the work they flew; €None arguing stood; innumerable hands €Were ready; in a moment up they turned €Wide the celestial soil, and saw beneath €The originals of nature in their crude €Conception; sulphurous and nitrous foam €They found; they mingled, and, with subtle art, €Concocted and adusted, they reduced €To blackest grain, and into store conveyed. €Part hidden veins digged up (nor hath this earth €Entrails unlike) of mineral and stone, €Whereof to found their engines and their balls €Of missive ruin; part incentive reed €Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire. €So all, ere day-spring, under conscious night, €Secret they finished, and in order set, €With silent circumspection, unespied. €@Now when fair Morn orient in heaven appeared, €Up rose the victor-angels, and to arms €The matin trumpet sung; in arms they stood €Of golden panoply, refulgent host, €Soon banded; others from the dawning hills €Looked round, and scouts each coast, light-armed, scour €Each quarter, to descry the distant foe, €Where lodged, or whither fled; or if for fight €In motion or in halt. Him soon they met, €Under spread ensigns, moving nigh, in slow €But firm battalion. Back, with speediest sail, €Zophiel, of cherubim the swiftest wing, €Came flying, and, in mid air, aloud thus cried: €@Arm, warriors, arm for fight. The foe at hand, €Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit. €This day, fear not his flight; so thick a cloud €He comes, and settled in his face I see €Sad resolution, and secure. Let each €His adamantine coat gird well, and each €Fit well his helm, gripe fast his orbed shield, €Borne even or high; for this day will pour down, €If I conjecture aught, no drizzling shower, €But rattling storm of arrows barbed with fire. €@So warned he them, aware themselves, and soon €In order, quit of all impediment, €Instant, without disturb, they took alarm, €And onward moved embattled: when, behold! €Not distant far, with heavy pace, the foe €Approaching gross and huge, in hollow cube, €Training his devilish enginery, impaled €On every side with shadowing squadrons deep, €To hide the fraud. At interview both stood €Awhile; but suddenly at head appeared €Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud: €@Vanguard, to right and left the front unfold, €That all may see who hate us, how we seek €Peace and composure, and with open breast €Stand ready to receive them, if they like €Our overture, and turn not back perverse: €But that I doubt. However, witness heaven! €Heaven, witness thou anon, while we discharge €Freely our part. Ye, who appointed stand, €Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch €What we propound, and loud, that all may hear €@So scoffing in ambiguous words, he scarce €Had ended, when to right and left the front €Divided, and to either flank retired: €Which to our eyes discovered, new and strange, €A triple mounted row of pillars, laid €On wheels (for like to pillars most they seemed, €Or hollowed bodies made of oak or fir, €With branches lopt, in wood or mountain felled). €Brass, iron, stony mould, had not their mouths €With hideous orifice gaped on us wide, €Portending hollow truce. At each, behind, €A seraph stood, and in his hand a reed €Stood waving, tipt with fire; while we, suspense, €Collected stood, within our thoughts amused, €Not long, for sudden, all at once, their reeds €Put forth, and to a narrow vent applied €With nicest touch. Immediate, in a flame, €But soon obscured with smoke, all heaven appeared, €From those deep-throated engines belched, whose roar €Embowelled with outrageous noise the air, €And all her entrails tore, disgorging foul €Their devilish glut, chained thunderbolts and hail €Of iron globes; which, on the victor host €Levelled, with such impetuous fury smote, €That whom they hit, none on their feet might stand, €Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell €By thousands, Angel on Archangel rolled, €The sooner for their arms; unarmed, they might €Have easily, as spirits, evaded swift €By quick contraction or remove; but now €Foul dissipation followed, and forced rout; €Nor served it to relax their serried files. €What should they do? If on they rushed, repulse €Repeated, and indecent overthrow €Doubled, would render them yet more despised, €And to their foes a laughter; for in view €Stood ranked of seraphim another row, €In posture to displode their second tire €Of thunder: back defeated to return €They worse abhorred. Satan beheld their plight, €And to his mates thus in derision called: €@O friends! why come not on these victors proud? €Erewhile they fierce were coming; and when we, €To entertain them fair with open front €And breast, (what could we more?) propounded terms €Of composition, straight they changed, their minds, €Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell, €As they would dance. Yet for a dance they seemed €Somewhat extravagant and wild; perhaps, €For joy of offered peace. But I suppose, €If our proposals once again were heard, €We should compel them to a quick result. €@To whom thus Belial, in like gamesome mood: €Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight, €Of hard contents, and full of force urged home; €Such as we might perceive amused them all, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ–‹„ðAnd stumbled many. Who receives them right, €Had need from head to foot well understand; €Not understood, this gift they have besides, €They show us when our foes walk not upright. €@So they among themselves in pleasant vein €Stood scoffing, heightened in their thoughts beyond €All doubt of victory; Eternal Might €To match with their inventions they presumed €So easy, and of his thunder made a scorn, €And all his host derided, while they stood €A while in trouble. But they stood not long. €Rage prompted them at length, and found them arms €Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose. €Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power, €Which God hath in his mighty angels placed!) €Their arms away they threw, and to the hills €For earth hath this variety from heaven €Of pleasure situate in hill and dale, €Light as the lightning glimpse, they ran, they flew; €From their foundations loosening to and fro, €They plucked the seated hills, with all their load, €Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops €Uplifting, bore them in their hands. Amaze, €Be sure, and terror, seized the rebel host, €When coming towards them so dread they saw €The bottom of the mountains upward turned, €Till on those cursed engines' triple row €They saw them whelmed, and all their confidence €Under the weight of mountains buried deep; €Themselves invaded next, and on their heads €Main promontories flung, which in the air €Came shadowing, and oppressed whole legions armed. €Their armour helped their harm, crushed in and bruised €Into their substance pent, which wrought them pain €Implacable, and many a dolorous groan, €Long struggling underneath, ere they could wind €Out of such prison, though spirits of purest light, €Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown. €The rest, in imitation, to like arms €Betook them, and the neighbouring hills uptore: €So hills amid the air encountered hills, €Hurled to and fro with jaculation dire, €That under ground they fought in dismal shade. €Infernal noise! war seemed a civil game €To this uproar: horrid confusion heaped €Upon confusion rose. And now all heaven €Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspread, €Had not the Almighty Father, where He sits €Shrined in his sanctuary of heaven secure, €Consulting on the sum of things, foreseen €This tumult, and permitted all, advised; €That his great purpose he might so fulfil, €To honour his anointed Son avenged €Upon his enemies, and to declare €All power on Him transferred. Whence to his Son, €The assessor of his throne, he thus began: €@Effulgnece of my glory, Son beloved, €Son, in whose face invisible is beheld €Visibly what by Deity I am, €And in whose hand what by decree I do, €Second Omnipotence! two days are past, €Two days, as we compute the days of heaven, €Since Michael and his powers went forth to tame €These disobedient. Sore hath been their fight €As likeliest was, when two such foes met armed: €For to themselves I left them; and thou knowest, €Equal in their creation they were formed, €Save what sin hath impaired, which yet hath wrought €Insensibly, for I suspend their doom; €Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last €Endless, and no solution will be found. €War wearied hath performed what war can do, €And to disordered rage let loose the reins, €With mountains, as with weapons, armed; which makes €Wild work in heaven, and dangerous to the main. €Two days are therefore past, the third is Thine; €For thee I have ordained it; and thus far €Have suffered, that the glory may be thine €Of ending this great war, since none but Thou €Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace €Immense I have transfused, that all may know €In Heaven and Hell thy power above compare; €And this perverse commotion governed thus, €To manifest Thee worthiest to be Heir €Of all things; to be Heir and to be King €By sacred unction, thy deserved right. €Go, then, thou Mightiest, in thy Father's might; €Ascend my chariot, guide the rapid wheels €That shake heaven's basis, bring forth all my war. €My bow and thunder; my almighty arms €Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh; €Pursue these sons of darkness, drive them out €From all heaven's bounds into the utter deep; €There let them learn, as likes them, to despise €God, and Messiah, his anointed King. €@He said, and on his Son with rays direct €Shone full; He all his Father full expressed, €Ineffably into his face received; €And thus the filial Godhead answering spake: €@O Father, O Supreme of heavenly Thrones, €First, Highest, Holiest, Best, thou always seek'st €To glorify thy Son; I always Thee, €As is most just. This I my glory account, €My exaltation, and my whole delight, €That thou, in me well pleased, declarest thy will €Fulfilled, which to fulfil is all my bliss. €Sceptre and power, thy giving, I assume, €And gladlier shall resign, when in the end €Thou shalt be all in all, and I in Thee €For ever, and in me all whom thou lovest: €But whom thou hatest, I hate, and can put on €Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on, €Image of Thee in all things; and shall soon, €Armed with thy might, rid heaven of these rebelled, €To their prepared ill mansion driven down, €To chains of darkness, and the undying worm, €That from thy just obedience could revolt. €Whom to obey is happiness entire. €Then shall thy saints, unmixed, and from the impure €Far separate, circling thy holy mount, €Unfeigned hallelujahs to Thee sing, €Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief. €@So said, He, o'er his sceptre bowing, rose de, €From the right hand of glory where he sat; €And the third sacred morn began to shine, €Dawning through heaven. Forth rushed with whirlwind sound €The chariot of Paternal Deity, €Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawn, €Itself instinct with spirit, but convoyed €By four cherubic shapes. Four faces each €Had wondrous; as with stars, their bodies all, €And wings, were set with eyes; with eyes the wheels €Of beryl, and careering fires between; €Over their heads a crystal firmament, €Whereon a sapphire throne, inlaid with pure €Amber, and colours of the showery arch. €He, in celestial panoply all armed €Of radiant Urim, work divinely wrought, €Ascended; at his right hand Victory €Sat, eagle-winged; beside him hung his bow €And quiver with three-bolted thunder stored: €And from about him fierce effusion rolled €Of smoke, and bickering lame, and sparkles dire: €Attended with ten thousand thousand saints, €He onward came. Far off His coming shone; €And twenty thousand (I their number heard) €Chariots of God, half on each had, were seen. €He on the wings of cherub rode sublime, €On the crystalline sky, in sapphire throned, €Illustrious far and wide, but by his own €First seen; them unexpected joy surprised, €When the great ensign of Messiah blazed €Aloft, by angels borne, His sign in heaven; €Under whose conduct Michael soon reduced €His army, circumfused on either wing, €Under their Head embodied all in one. €Before him Power Divine his way prepared; €At his command the uprooted hills retired €Each to his place; they heard His voice, and went €Obsequious: Heaven his wonted face renewed, €And with fresh flow'rets hill and valley smiled. €@This saw his hapless foes, but stood obdured, €And to rebellious fight rallied their powers, €Insensate, hope conceiving from despair! €In heavenly spirits could such perversness dwell? €But to convince the proud what signs avail, €Or wonders move, the obdurate to relent? €They, hardened more by what might most reclaim, €Grieving to see His glory, at the sight €Took envy, and, aspiring to His height, €Stood re-embattled fierce, by force or fraud €Weening to prosper, and at length prevail €Against God and Messiah, or to fall €In universal ruin last: and now €To final battle drew, disdaining flight, €Or faint retreat; when the great Son of God €To all his host on either hand thus spake: €@Stand still in bright array, ye saints; here stand, €Ye angels armed; this day from battle rest. €FAithful hath been your warfare, and of God €Accepted, fearless in his righteous cause; €And as ye have received, so have ye done, €Invincibly. But of this cursed crew €The punishment to other hand belongs: þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ–‹†¨Vengeance is His, or whose He sole appoints. €Number to this day's work is not ordained €Nor multitude; stand only, and behold €God's indignation on these godless poured €By me; not you, but me, they have despised, €Yet envied; against me is all their rage, €Because the Father, to whom, in heaven supreme, €Kingdom, and power, and glory, appertains. €Hath honoured me, according to his will. €Therefore to me their doom He hath assigned: €That they may have their wish, to try with me €In battle which the stronger proves; they all, €Or I alone against them; since by strength €They measure all, of other excellence €Not emulous, nor care who them excels; €Nor other strife with them do I vouchsafe. €@So spake the Son, and into terror changed €His countenance, too severe to be beheld, €And full of wrath bent on his enemies. €At once the four spread out their starry wings €With dreadful shade contiguous, and the orbs €Of his fierce chariot rolled, as with the sound €Of torrent floods, or of a numerous host. €He on his impious foes right onward drove, €Gloomy as night. Under his burning wheels €The steadfast Empyrean shook throughout, €All but the throne itself of God. Full soon €Among them he arrived, in his right hand €Grasping ten thousand thunders, which he sent €Before him, such as in their souls infixed €Plagues. They, astonished, all resistance lost, €All courage; down their idle weapons dropt, €O'er shields, and helms, and helmed heads He rode. €Of Thrones and mighty Seraphim prostrate; €That wished the mountains now might be again €Thrown on them, as a shelter from His ire. €Nor less on either side tempestuous fell €His arrows, from the fourfold-visaged four €Distinct with eyes, and from the living wheels €Distinct alike with multitude of eyes; €One spirit in them ruled, and every eye €Glared lightning, and shot forth pernicious fire €Among the accursed, that withered all their strength, €And of their wonted vigour left them drained, €Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fallen. €Yet half his strength he put not forth, but checked €His thunder in mid volley; for he meant €Not to destroy, but root them out of heaven. €The overthrown he raised, and as a herd €Of goats or timorous flock together thronged, €Drove them before him, thunderstruck, pursued €With terrors, and with furies, to the bounds €And crystal wall of Heaven; which, opening wide, €Rolled inward, and a spacious gap disclosed €Into the wasteful Deep. The monstrous sight €Struck them with horror backward, but far worse €Urged them behind, headlong themselves they threw €Down from the verge of Heaven; eternal wrath €Burnt after them to the bottomless pit. €@Hell heard the unsufferable noise; Hell saw €Heaven ruining from Heaven, and would have fled €Affrighted; but strict Fate had cast too deep €Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound. €Nine days they fell; confounded Chaos roared, €And felt tenfold confusion in their fall €Through his wild anarchy; so huge a rout €Encumbered him with ruin. Hell at last, €Yawning, received them whole, and on them closed; €Hell, their fit habitation, fraught with fire €Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain. €Disburdened Heaven rejoiced, and soon repaired €Her mural breach, returning whence it rolled. €@Sole Victor, from the expulsion of his foes, €Messiah his triumphal chariot turned. €To meet Him, all his saints, who silent stood €Eye-witnesses of his almighty acts, €With jubilee advanced; and, as they went, €Shaded with branching palm, each order bright €Sung triumph, and Him sung victorious King, €Son, Heir, and Lord, to Him dominion given, €Worthiest to reign. He, celebrated, rode €Triumphant through mid heaven, into the courts €And temple of his mighty Father throned €On high; who into glory Him received, €Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss. €@Thus measuring things in heaven by things on earth, €At thy request, and that thou may'st beware €By what is past, to thee I have revealed €What might have else to human race been hid: €The discord which befell, and war in heaven €Among the angelic powers, and the deep fall €Of those, too high aspiring, who rebelled €With Satan; he who envies now thy state, €Who now is plotting how he may seduce €Thee also from obedience, that with him, €Bereaved of happiness, thou mayest partake €His punishment, eternal misery; €Which would be all his solace and revenge, €As a despite done against the Most High, €Thee once to gain companion of his woe. €But listen not to his temptations, warn €Thy weaker; let it profit thee to have heard, €By terrible example, the reward €Of disobedience; firm they might have stood, €Yet fell; remember, and fear to transgress. @Descend from heaven, Urania by that name €If rightly thou art called whose voice divine €Following, above the Olympian hill I soar, €Above the flight of Pegasean wing. €The meaning, not the name, I call; for thou €Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top €Of old Olympus dwellest, but, heavenly born, €Before the hills appeared, or fountain flowed, €Thou with Eternal Wisdom didst converse, €Wisdom thy sister, and with her didst play €In presence of the Almighty Father, pleased €With thy celestial song. Up led by thee, €Into the Heaven of Heavens I have presumed, €An earthly guest, and drawn Empyreal air, €Thy tempering. With like safety guided down, €Return me to my native element; €Lest from this flying steed unreined (as once €Bellerophon, though from a lower clime) €Dismounted, on the Aleian field I fall, €Erroneous there to wander, and forlorn. €Half yet remains unsung, but narrower bound €Within the visible diurnal sphere: €Standing on earth, not rapt above the pole, €More safe I sing with mortal voice unchanged €To hoarse or mute, though fallen on evil days, €On evil days though fallen, and evil tongues €In darkness, and with dangers compassed round, €And solitude; yet not alone, while thou €Visit'st my slumbers nightly, or when Morn €Purples the east. Still govern thou my song, €Urania, and fit audience find, though few. €But drive far off the barbarous dissonance €Of Bacchus and his revellers, the race €Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard €In Rhodope, where woods and rocks had ears €To rapture, till the savage clamour drowned €Both harp and voice; nor could the muse defend €Her son. So fail not thou, who thee implores; €For thou art heavenly, she an empty dream. €@Say, goddess, what ensued when Raphael, €The affable Archangel, had forewarned €Adam, by dire example, to beware €Apostasy, by what befell in heaven €To those apostates, lest the like befall €In Paradise to Adam or his race, €Charged not to touch the interdicted tree, €If they transgress, and slight that sole command, €So easily obeyed amid the choice €Of all tastes else to please their appetite €Though wandering. He, with his consorted Eve. €The story heard attentive, and was filled €With admiration and deep muse, to hear €Of things so high and strange; things to their thought €So unimaginable as hate in heaven, €And war so near the peace of God in bliss, €With such confusion: but the evil, soon €Driven back, redounded as a flood on those €From whom it sprung, impossible to mix €With blessedness. Whence Adam soon repealed €The doubts that in his heart arose; and now €Led on, yet sinless, with desire to know €What nearer might concern him, how this world €Of heaven and earth conspicuous first began; €When, and whereof created; for what cause; €What within Eden, or without, was done €Before his memory, as one, whose drought €Yet scarce allayed, still eyes the current stream, €Whose liquid murmur heard, new thirst excites, €Proceeded thus to ask his heavenly guest: €@Great things, and full of wonder in our ears, €Far differing from this world, thou hast revealed, €Divine interpreter! by favour sent €Down from the Empyrean, to forewarn €Us timely of what might else have been our loss, €Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach; €For which, to the infinitely Good we owe €Immortal thanks, and His admonishment €Receive, with solemn purpose to observe €Immutably his sovereign will, the end €Of what we are. But since thou hast vouchsafed þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ—ˆÑGently, for our instruction, to impart €Things above earthly thought, which yet concerned €Our knowing, as to highest Wisdom seemed €Deign to descend now lower, and relate €What may no less, perhaps, avail us known: €How first began this heaven which we behold €Distant so high, with moving fires adorned €Innumerable; and this which yields or fills €All space, the ambient air wide interfused, €Embracing round this florid earth: what cause €Moved the Creator, in his holy rest €Through all eternity, so late to build €In Chaos; and the work begun, how soon €Absolved; if unforbid thou mayest unfold €What we, not to explore the secrets, ask €Of His eternal empire, but the more €To magnify his works, the more we know. €And the great light of day yet wants to run €Much of his race, though steep. Suspense in heaven, €Held by thy voice, thy potent voice, he hears, €And longer will delay, to hear thee tell €His generation, and the rising birth €Of nature from the unapparent deep; €Or if the star of evening and the moon €Haste to thy audience, night with her will bring €Silence; and sleep, listening to thee, will watch; €Or we can bid his absence, till thy song €End, and dismiss thee ere the morning shine. €@Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought; €And thus the godlike Angel answered mild: €@This also thy request, with caution asked, €Obtain; though, to recount almighty works, €What words or tongue of Seraph can suffice, €Or heart of man suffice to comprehend? €Yet what thou canst attain, which best may serve €To glorify the Maker, and infer €Thee also happier, shall not be withheld €Thy hearing; such commission from above €I have received, to answer thy desire €Of knowledge within bounds; beyond, abstain €To ask; nor let thine own inventions hope €Things not revealed, which the invisible King, €Only Omniscient, hath suppressed in night, €To none communicable in Earth or Heaven. €Enough is left besides to search and know; €But knowledge is as food, and needs no less €Her temperance over appetite, to know €In measure what the mind may well contain; €Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns €Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. €@Know then, that, after Lucifer from Heaven €(So call him, brighter once amidst the host €Of Angels, than that star the stars among) €Fell with his flaming legions through the Deep €Into his place, and the great Son returned €Victorious with his saints, the Omnipotent €Eternal Father from his throne beheld €Their multitude, and to his Son thus spake: €@At least our envious foe hath fialed, who thought €All like himself rebellious; by whose aid €This inaccessible high strength, the seat €Of Deity supreme, us dispossessed, €He trusted to have seized, and into fraud €Drew many, whom their place knows here no more, €Yet far the greater part have kept, I see, €Their station; Heaven, yet populous, retains €Number sufficient to possess her realms €Though wide, and this high temple to frequent €With ministeries due, and solemn rites. €But, lest his heart exalt him in the harm €Already done, to have dispeopled heaven, €My damage fondly deemed, I can repair €That detriment, if such it be, to lose €Self lost; and in a moment will create €Another world, out of one man a race €Of men innumerable, there to dwell; €Not here, till by degrees of merit raised, €They open to themselves at length the way €Up hither, under long obedience tried, €And Earth be changed to Heaven, and Heaven to Earth, €One kingdom, joy and union without end. €Meanwhile, inhabit lax, ye Powers of Heaven; €And thou, my Word, begotten Son, by thee €This I perform; speak Thou, and be it done! €My overshadowing Spirit and might with thee €I send along; ride forth, and bid the deep €Within appointed bounds be Heaven and EArth; €Boundless the Deep, because I Am, who fill €Infinitude; nor vacuous the space, €Though I, uncircumscribed myself, retire, €And put not forth my goodness, which is free €To act or not; necessity and chance €Approach not me, and what I will is fate. €@So spake the Almighty, and to what he spake, €His Word, the filial Godhead, gave effect. €Immediate are the acts of God, more swift €Than time or motion; but to human ears €Cannot without process of speech be told, €So told as earthly notion can receive. €Great triumph and rejoicing were in Heaven, €When such was heard declared the Almighty's will; €Glory they sung to the Most High, good-will €To future men, and in their dwellings peace: €Glory to Him, whose just avenging ire €Had driven out the ungodly from his sight €And the habitations of the just; to Him €Glory and praise, whose wisdom had ordained €Good out of evil to create; instead €Of spirits malign, a better race to bring €Into their vacant room, and thence diffuse €His good to worlds and ages infinite. €@So sang the Hierarchies. Meanwhile the Son €On his great expedition now appeared, €Girt with omnipotence, with radiance crowned €Of majesty divine, sapience and love €Immense, and all His Father in him shone. €About His chariot numberless were poured €Cherub and Seraph, Potentates and Thrones, €And Virtues, winged Spirits, and Chariots winged €From the armoury of God; where stand of old €Myriads, between two brazen mountains lodged €Against a solemn day, harnessed at hand, €Celestial equipage; and now come forth, €Spontaneous, for within them spirit lived, €Attendant on their Lord. Heaven opened wide €Her ever-during gates, harmonious sound, €On golden hinges moving, to let forth €The King of Glory in his powerful Word €And Spirit, coming to create new worlds. €On heavenly ground they stood; and from the shore €They viewed the vast immeasurable Abyss €Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, wild €Up from the bottom turned by furious winds €And surging waves, as mountains, to assault €Heaven's height, and with the centre mix the pole. €@Silence, ye troubled waves, and thou Deep, peace, €Said then the omnific Word, your discord end! €Nor stayed; but on the wings of cherubim €Uplifted, in paternal glory rode €Far into Chaos, and the World unborn; €For Chaos heard his voice. Him all his train €Followed in bright procession, to behold €Creation, and the wonders of his might. €Then stayed the fervid wheels, and in his hand €He took the golden compasses, prepared €In God's eternal store, to circumscribe €This Universe, and all created things. €One foot he centred, and the other turned €Round through the vast profundity obscure, €And said: Thus far extend, thus far thy bounds, €This be thy just circumference, O world! €@Thus God the heaven created, thus the earth, €Matter unformed and void. Darkness profound €Covered the abyss; but on the watery calm €His brooding wings the Spirit of God outspread, €And vital virtue infused, and vital warmth, €Throughout the fluid mass; but downward purged €The black, tartareous, cold, infernal dregs, €Adverse to life; then founded, then conglobed €Like things to like; the rest to several place €Disparted, and between spun out the air; €And earth, self-balanced, on her centre hung. €@Let there be light, said God; and forthwith light €Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure, €Sprung from the deep; and from her native east €To journey through the aery gloom began, €Sphered in a radiant cloud -- for yet the sun €Was not -- she in a cloudy tabernacle €Sojourned the while. God saw the light was good: €And light from darkness by the hemisphere €Divided. Light, the Day, and darkness, Night, €He named. Thus was the first day even and morn; €Nor passed uncelebrated, nor unsung €By the celestial choirs, when orient light €Exhaling first from darkness they beheld, €Birth-day of heaven and earth, with joy and shout €The hollow universal orb they filled, €And touched their golden harps, and hymning praised €God and his works: Creator Him they sung, €Both when first evening was, and when first morn. €@Again, God said: Let there be firmament €Amid the waters, and let it divide €The waters from the waters; and God made €The firmament, expanse of liquid pure, €Transparent, elemental air, diffused €In circuit to the uttermost convex €Of this great round; partition firm and sure. þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ—‹‚ŒThe waters underneath from those above €Dividing: for as earth, so He the world €Built on circumfluous waters, calm, in wide €Crystalline ocean, and the loud misrule €Of Chaos far removed, lest fierce extremes €Contiguous might distemper the whole frame. €And heaven He named the firmament. So even €And morning chorus sung the second day. €@The earth was formed, but in the womb as yet €Of waters, embryon immature involved, €Appeared not; over all the face of earth €Main ocean flowed, not idle, but with warm €Prolific humour softening all her globe, €Fermented the great mother to conceive, €Satiate with genial moisture; when God said, €Be gathered now, ye waters under heaven, €Into one place, and let dry land appear. €Immediately the mountains huge appear €Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave €Into the clouds; their tops ascend the sky. €So high as heaved the tumid hills, so low €Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep, €Capacious bed of waters. Thither they €Hasted with glad precipitance, uprolled, €As drops on dust conglobing from the dry; €Part rise in crystal wall, or ridge direct, €For haste; such flight the great command impressed €On the swift floods; as armies at the call €Of trumpet (for of armies thou hast heard) €Troop to their standard, so the watery throng, €Wave rolling after wave, where way they found; €If steep, with torrent rapture; if through plain, €Soft ebbing: nor withstood them rock or hill; €But they, or under ground, or circuit wide €With serpent error wandering, found their way, €And on the washy ooze deep channels wore; €Easy, ere God had bid the ground be dry, €All but within those banks, where rivers now €Stream, and perpetual draw their humid train. €The dry land, Earth, and the great receptacle €Of congregated waters, He called Seas; €And saw that it was good; and said: Let the earth €Put forth the verdant grass, herb yielding seed, €And fruit tree yielding fruit after her kind, €Whose seed is in herself upon the earth. €He scarce had said, when the bare earth, till then €Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorned, €Brought forth the tender grass, whose verdure clad €Her universal face with pleasant green; €Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flowered, €Opening their various colours, and made gay €Her bosom, smelling sweet; and, these scarce blown, €Forth flourished thick the clustering vine, forth crept €The swelling gourd, up stood the corny reed €Embattled in her field, and the humble shrub, €And bush with frizzled hair implicit: last €Rose, as in dance, the stately trees, and spread €Their branches, hung with copious fruit, or gemmed €Their blossoms. With high woods the hills were crowned, €With tufts the valleys, and each fountain side; €With borders long the rivers; that Earth now €Seemed like to Heaven, a seat where Gods might dwell €Or wander with delight, and love to haunt €Her sacred shades; though God had yet not rained €Upon the earth, and man to till the ground €None was, but from the earth a dewy mist €Went up, and watered all the ground, and each €Plant of the field; which, ere it was in the earth, €God made and very herb, before it grew €On the green stem. God saw that it was good: €So even and morn recorded the third day. €@Again the Almighty spake: Let there be lights €High in the expanse of heaven, to divide €The day from night; and let them be for signs, €For seasons, and for days, and circling years; €And let them be for lights, as I ordain €Their office in the firmament of heaven, €To give light on the earth; and it was so. €And God made two great lights, great for their use €To man, the greater to have rule by day, €The less by night, altern; and made the stars, €And set them in the firmament of heaven €To illuminate the earth, and rule the day €In their vicissitude, and rule the night, €And light from darkness to divide. God saw, €Surveying his great work, that it was good: €For, of celestial bodies, first the sun, €A mighty sphere, he framed, unlightsome first, €Though of ethereal mould; then formed the moon €Globose, and every magnitude of Stars, €And sowed with stars the heaven, thick as a field. €Of light by far the greater part he took, €Transplanted from her cloudy shrine, and placed €In the sun's orb, made porous to receive €And drink the liquid light; firm to retain €Her gathered beams, great palace now of light. €Hither, as to their fountain, other stars €Repairing, in their golden urns draw light, €And hence the morning planet gilds her horns; €By tincture of reflection they augment €Their small peculiar, though from human sight €So far remote, with diminution seen. €First in his east the glorious lamp was seen, €Regent of day, and all the horizon round €Invested with bright rays, jocund to run €His longitude through heaven's high road; the grey €Dawn, and the Pleiades, before him danced, €Shedding sweet influence. Less bright the moon, €But opposite in levelled west was set, €His mirror, with full face borrowing her light €From him; for other light she needed none €In that aspect, and still that distance keeps €Till night; then in the east her turn she shines, €Revolved on heaven's great axle, and her reign €With thousand lesser lights dividual holds, €With thousand thousand stars, that then appeared €Spangling the hemisphere. Then first adorned €With her bright luminaries, that set and rose, €Glad evening and glad morn crowned the fourth day. €@And God said, let the waters generate €Reptile with spawn abundant, living soul; €And let fowl fly above the earth, with wings €Displayed on the open firmament of heaven. €And God created the great whales, and each €Soul living, each that crept, which plenteously €The waters generated by their kinds, €And every bird of wing after his kind, €And saw that it was good, and blessed them, saying: €Be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas, €And lakes, and running streams, the waters fill, €And let the fowl be multiplied on the earth. €Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay. €With fry innumerable swarm, and shoals €Of fish that, with their fins, and shining scales, €Glide under the green wave, in sculls that oft €Bank the mid-sea. Part single, or with mate, €Graze the sea-weed their pasture, and through groves €Of coral stray; or, sporting with quick glance, €Show to the sun their waved coats, dropt with gold; €Or, in their pearly shells at ease, attend €Moist nutriment; or under rocks their food, €In jointed armour, watch; on smooth, the seal €And bended dolphins play; part, huge of bulk, €Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait, €Tempest the ocean. There leviathan, €Hugest of living creatures, on the deep €Stretched like a promontory, sleeps or swims, €And seems a moving land; and at his gills €Draws in, and at his trunk spouts out, a sea. €Meanwhile the tepid caves, and fens, and shores, €Their brood as numerous hatch from the egg that soon, €Bursting with kindly rupture, forth disclosed €Their callow young; but feathered soon and fledge €They summed their pens, and, soaring the air sublime, €With clang despised the ground, under a cloud €In prospect. There the eagle and the stork €On cliffs and cedar-tops their eyries build: €Part loosely wing the region; part, more wise, €In common, ranged in figure, wedge their way, €Intelligent of seasons, and set forth €Their aery caraven, high over seas €Flying, and over lands, with mutual wing €Easing their flight -- so steers the prudent crane €Her annual voyage, borne on winds -- the air €Floats as they pass, fanned with unnumbered plumes; €From branch to branch the smaller birds with song €Solaced the woods, and spread their painted wings €Till even; nor then the solemn nightingale €Ceased warbling, but all night tuned her soft lays. €Others, on silver lakes and rivers, bathed €Their downy breast; the swan with arched neck, €Between her white wings, mantling proudly, rows €Her state with oary feet; yet oft they quit €The dank, and, rising on stiff pennons, tower €The mid aerial sky. Others on ground €Walked firm; the crested cock, whose clarion sounds €The silent hours, and the other, whose gay train €Adorns him, coloured with the florid hue þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ—‹ƒ¾Of rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thus €With fish replenished, and the air with fowl, €Evening and morn solemnised the fifth day. €@The sixth, and of creation last, arose €With evening harps and matin; when God said, €Let the earth bring forth soul living in her kind, €Cattle, and creeping things, and beast of the earth, €Each in their kind. The earth obeyed, and straight €Opening her fertile womb, teemed at a birth €Innumerous living creatures, perfect forms, €Limbed and full-grown. Out of the ground up rose, €As from his lair, the wild beast, where he wons €In forest wild, in thicket, brake, or den; €Among the trees in pairs they rose, they walked; €The cattle in the fields and meadows green: €Those rare and solitary, these in flocks €Pasturing at once, and in broad herds upsprung. €The grassy clods now calved; now half appeared €The tawny lion, pawing to get free €His hinder parts, then springs, as broke from bonds, €And rampant shakes his brinded main; the ounce, €The lizzard, and the tiger, as the mole, €Rising, the crumbled earth above them threw €In hillocks; the swift stag from underground €Bore up his branching head; scarce from his mould €Behemoth, biggest born of earth, upheaved €His vastness; fleeced the flocks and bleating rose, €As plants; ambiguous between sea and land, €The river-horse, and scaly crocodile. €At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, €Insect or worm. Those waved their limber fans €For wings, and smallest lineaments exact €In all the liveries decked of summer's pride, €With spots of gold and purple, azure and green: €These, as a line, their long dimension drew, €Streaking the ground with sinuous trace: not all €Minims of nature; some of serpent kind, €Wondrous in length and corpulence, involved €Their snaky folds, and added wings. First crept €The parsimonious emmet, provident €Of future; in small room large heart enclosed; €Pattern of just equality, perhaps, €Hereafter joined in her popular tribes €Of commonalty. Swarming, next appeared €The female bee, that feeds her husband drone €Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells €With honey stored. The rest are numberless, €And thou their natures know'st, and gavest them names, €Needless to thee repeated; nor unknown €The serpent, subtlest beast of all the field, €Of huge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes €And hairy mane terrific, though to thee €Not noxious, but obedient at thy call. €@Now heaven in all her glory shone, and rolled €Her motions, as the great first Mover's hand €First wheeled their course; earth in her rich attire €Consummate lovely smiled; air, water, earth, €By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swam, was walked, €Frequent; and of the sixth day yet remained. €There wanted yet the master-work, the end €Of all yet done; a creature, who, not prone €And brute, as other creatures, but endued €With sanctity of reason, might erect €His stature, and upright, with front serene, €Govern the rest, self-knowing, and from thence €Magnanimous, to correspond with Heaven; €But grateful to acknowledge whence his good €Descends; thither, with heart, and voice, and eyes, €Directed in devotion, to adore €And worship God supreme, who made him chief €Of all his works: therefore the Omnipotent €Eternal Father (for where is not He €Present? )thus to his Son audibly spake: €@Let us make now Man in our image, man €In our similitude, and let them rule €Over the fish and fowl of sea and air, €Beast of the field, and over all the earth, €And every creeping thing that creeps the ground. €This said, he formed thee, Adam, thee, O man, €Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breathed €The breath of life; in His own image he €Created thee, in the image of God €Express, and thou becamest a living soul. €Male he created thee; but thy consort, €Female, for race; then blessed mankind, and said, €Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the Earth, €Subdue it, and throughout dominion hold €Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air, €And every living thing that moves on the earth. €Wherever thus created, for no place €Is yet distinct by name, thence, as thou know'st, €He brought thee into this delicious grove, €This garden planted with the trees of God, €Delectable both to behold and taste; €And freely all their pleasant fruit for food €Gave thee. All sorts are here that all the earth yields, €Variety without end. But of the tree, €Which, tasted, works knowledge of good and evil, €Thou mayest not; in the day thou eat'st thou diest, €Death is the penalty imposed. Beware, €And govern well thy appetite; lest Sin €Surprise thee, and her black attendant, Death. €@Here finished He, and all that he had made €Viewed, and behold all was entirely good. €So even and morn accomplished the sixth day. €Yet not till the Creator, from his work €Desisting, though unwearied, up returned, €Up to the Heaven of Heavens, his high abode, €Thence to behold this new created world, €The addition of his empire, how it showed €In prospect from his throne, how good, how fair, €Answering His great idea. Up he rode, €Followed with acclamation, and the sound €Symphonious of ten thousand harps, that tuned €Angelic harmonies. The earth, the air €Resounded (thou remember'st, for thou heardst) €The heavens and all the constellations rung, €The planets in their station listening stood, €While the bright pomp ascended jubilant. €Open, ye everlasting gates! they sung, €Open, ye heavens! your living doors; let in €The great Creator, from his work returned €Magnificent, his six days' work, a world; €Open, and henceforth oft; for God will deign €To visit oft the dwellings of just men, €Delighted, and with frequent intercourse €Thither will send his winged messengers €On errands of supernal grace. So sung €The glorious train ascending. He, through heaven, €That opened wide her blazing portals, led €To God's eternal house direct the way. €A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold, €And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear, €Seen in the galaxy, that milky way, €Which nightly, as a circling zone, thou seest €Powdered with stars. And now on earth the seventh €Evening arose in Eden, for the sun €Was set, and twilight from the east came on, €Forerunning night; when at the holy mount €Of heaven's high-seated top, the imperial throne €Of Godhead fixed for ever firm and sure, €The Filial Power arrived, and sat him down €With his great Father, for He also went €Invisible, yet stayed (such privilege €Hath Omnipresence) and the work ordained, €Author and end of all things: and, from work €Now resting, blessed and hallowed the seventh day, €As resting on that day from all his work. €But not in silence holy kept: the harp €Had work, and rested not: the solemn pipe, €And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop, €All sounds on fret by string or golden wire, €Tempered soft tunings, intermixed with voice €Choral or unison: of incense clouds, €Fuming from golden censers, hid the mount. €Creation and the six days' acts they sung: €Great are thy works, Jehovah! infinite €Thy power! what thought can measure Thee, or tongue €Relate Thee? Greater now in thy return €Than from the giant Angels. Thee that day €Thy thunders magnified; but to create €Is greater than, created, to destroy. €Who can impair Thee, Mighty King, or bound €Thy empire? Easily the proud attempt €Of spirits apostate, and their counsels vain, €Thou hast repelled; while impiously they thought €Thee to diminish, and from thee withdraw €The number of thy worshippers. Who seeks €To lessen Thee, against his purpose serves €To manifest. the more thy might: his evil €Thou usest, and from thence createst more good. €Witness this new-made world, another heaven, €From Heaven-gate not far, founded, in view, €On the clear hyaline, the glassy sea; €Of amplitude almost immense, with stars €Numerous, and every star, perhaps, a world €Of destined habitation; but thou know'st €Their seasons. Among these the seat of men, €Earth with her nether ocean circumfused, €Their pleasant dwelling-place. Thrice happy men €And sons of men, whom God hath thus advanced! €Created in His image there to dwell €And worship him; and in reward to rule þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ—‹„õOver his works, on earth, in sea, or air, €And multiply a race of worshippers €Holy and just; thrice happy, if they know €Their happiness, and persevere upright! €@So sung they, and the Empyrean rung €With hallelujahs: thus was Sabbath kept. €And thy request think now fulfilled, that asked €How first this world and face of things began, €And what before thy memory was done €From the beginning, that posterity, €Informed by thee, might know -- if else thou seek'st €Aught not surpassing human measure, say. @The angel ended, and in Adam's ear €So charming left his voice, that he awhile €Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed to hear; €Then, as new waked, thus gratefully replied: €What thanks sufficient, or what recompense €Equal, have I to render thee, divine €Historian, who thus largely hast allayed €The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsafed €This friendly condescension, to relate €Things else by me unsearchable; now heard €With wonder, but delight, and, as is due, €With glory attributed to the high €Creator? Something yet of doubt remains, €Which only thy solution can resolve. €When I behold this goodly frame, this world, €Of Heaven and Earth consisting, and compute €Their magnitudes; this earth, a spot, a grain, €An atom, with the firmament compared €And all her numbered stars, that seem to roll €Spaces incomprehensible (for such €Their distance argues, and their swift return €Diurnal) merely to officiate light €Round this opacous earth, this punctual spot, €One day and night; in all their vast survey €Useless besides; reasoning, I oft admire, €How nature, wise and frugal, could commit €Such disproportions, with superfluous hand €So many nobler bodies to create, €Greater, so manifold, to this one use, €For aught appears, and on their orbs impose €Such restless revolution. day by day €Repeated; while the sedentary earth, €That better might with far less compass move, €Served by more noble than herself, attains €Her end without least motion, and receives, €As tribute, such a sumless journey brought €Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light. €Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails. €@So spake our sire, and by his countenance seemed €Entering on studious thoughts abstruse; which Eve €Perceiving, where she sat retired in sight, €With lowliness majestic from her seat, €And grace that won who saw to wish her stay, €Rose, and went forth among her fruits and flowers, €To visit how they prospered, bud and bloom, €Her nursery; they at her coming sprung, €And, touched by her fair tendance, gladlier grew. €Yet went she not, as not with such discourse €Delighted, or not capable her ear €Of what was high: such pleasure she reserved, €Adam relating, she sole auditress; €Her husband the relater she preferred €Before the angel, and of him to ask €Chose rather; he, she knew, would intermix €Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute €With conjugal caresses from his lip, €Not words alone pleased her. O! when meet now €Such pairs, in love and mutual honour joined? €With goddess-like demeanour forth she went, €Not unattended, for on her, as queen, €A pomp of winning graces waited still, €And from about her shot darts of desire €Into all eyes, to wish her still in sight. €And Raphael now, to Adam's doubt proposed, €Benevolent and facile thus replied: €@To ask or search, I blame thee not; for heaven €Is as the book of God before thee set, €Wherein to read his wondrous works, and learn €His seasons, hours, or days, or months, or years. €This to attain, whether heaven move or earth, €Imports not, if thou reckon right; the rest €From man or angel the great Architect €Did wisely to conceal, and not divulge €His secrets, to be scanned by them who ought €Rather admire; or, if they list to try €Conjecture, he his fabric of the heavens €Hath left to their disputes, perhaps to move €His laughter at their quaint opinions wide €Hereafter, when they come to model heaven €And calculate the stars, how they will wield €The mighty frame, how build, unbuild, contrive, €To save appearances, how gird the sphere €With centric and eccentric scribbled o'er, €Cycle and epicyle, orb in orb. €Already by thy reasoning this I guess €Who are to lead thy offspring, and supposest €That bodies bright and greater should not serve €The less not bright, nor Heaven such journeys run €Earth sitting still when she alone receives €The benefit: consider first, that Great €Or bright infers not excellence: the Earth €Though, in comparison of Heaven, so small €Nor glistering, may of solid good contain €More plenty than the sun that barren shines, €Whose virtue on itself works no effect €But in the fruitful earth; there first received €His beams, unactive else, their vigor find €Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries €Officious, but to thee earth's habitant €And for the Heaven's wide circuit, let it speak €The Maker's high magnificence, who built €So spacious, and his line stretched out so far €That man may know he dwells not in his own €An edifice too large for him to fill €Lodged in a small partition, and the rest €Ordained for uses to his Lord best known €The swiftness of those circles attribute €Though numberless, to his Omnipotence, €That to corporeal substances could add €Speed almost spiritual; me thou thinkest not slow €Who since the morning hour set out from Heaven €Where God resides, and ere midday arrived €In Eden, distance inexpressible €By numbers that have name. But this I urge €Admitting motion in the heavens, to show €Invalid that which thee to doubt it moved; €Not that I so affirm, though so it seem €To thee who hast thy dwelling here on earth. €God, to remove his ways from human sense, €Placed heaven from earth so far, that earthly sight, €If it presume, might err in things too high, €And no advantage gain. what if the sun €Be centre to the world, and other stars, €By his attractive virtue and their own €Incited, dance about him various rounds! €Their wandering course, now high, now low, then hid, €Progressive, retrograde, or standing still, €In six thou seest; and what if seventh to these, €The planet Earth, so steadfast though she seem, €Insensibly three different motions move? €Which else to several spheres thou must ascribe, €Moved contrary with thwart obliquities; €Or save the sun his labour, and that swift €Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb supposed, €Invisible else above all stars, the wheel €Of day and night; which needs not thy belief, €If earth, industrious of herself, fetch day €Travelling east, and with her part averse €From the sun's beam meet night, her other part €Still luminous by his ray. What if that light, €Sent from her through the wide transpicuous air, €To the terrestrial moon be as a star, €Enlightening her by day, as she by night €This earth? reciprocal, if land be there, €Fields and inhabitants. Her spots thou seest €As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce €Fruits in her softened soil, for some to eat €Allotted there; and other suns, perhaps, €With their attendant moons, thou wilt descry, €Communicating male and female light, €Which two great sexes animate the world, €Stored in each orb, perhaps, with some that live. €For such vast room in nature unpossessed €By living soul, desert and desolate, €Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute €Each orb a glimpse of light, conveyed so far €Down to this habitable, which returns €Light back to them, is obvious to dispute. €But whether thus these things, or whether not; €Whether the sun, predominant in heaven, €Rise on the earth, or earth rise on the sun, €He from the east his flaming road begin, €Or she from west her silent course advance, €With inoffensive pace that spinning sleeps €On her soft axle, while she paces even, €And bears thee soft with the smooth air along, €Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid. €Leave them to God above. Him serve and fear. €Of other creatures, as Him pleases best, €Wherever placed, let Him dispose; joy thou €In what he gives to thee, this Paradise €And thy fair Eve; heaven is for thee too high €To know what passes there; be lowly wise: €Think only what concerns thee, and thy being; þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜ˆ‹¯Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there €Live, in what state, condition, or degree, €Contented that thus far hath been revealed, €Not of earth only, but of Highest Heaven. €@To whom thus Adam, cleared of doubt, replied: €How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure €Intelligence of heaven, Angel serene! €And, freed from intricacies, taught to live €The easiest way, nor with perplexing thoughts €To interrupt the sweet of life, from which €God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares, €And not molest us, unless we ourselves €Seek them with wandering thoughts, and notions vain. €But apt the mind or fancy is to rove €Unchecked, and of her roving is no end: €Till warned, or by experience taught, she learn, €That not to know at large of things remote €From use, obscure and subtle, but to know €That which before us lies in daily life, €Is the prime wisdom: what is more, is fume, €Or emptiness, or fond impertinence, €And renders us, in things that most concern, €Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek. €Therefore from this high pitch let us descend €A lower flight, and speak of things at hand, €Useful, whence, haply, mention may arise €Of something not unseasonable to ask, €By sufferance, and thy wonted favour, deigned. €Thee I have heard relating what was done €Ere my remembrance. Now, hear me relate €My story, which, perhaps, thou hast not heard; €And day is yet not spent, till then thou seest €How subtly to detain thee I devise, €Inviting thee to hear while I relate; €Fond, were it not in hope of thy reply. €For, while I sit with thee, I seem in heaven; €And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear €Than fruits of palm-tree pleasantest to thirst €And hunger both, from labour, at the hour €Of sweet repast; they satiate, and soon fill, €Though pleasant; but thy words, with grace divine €Imbued, bring to their sweetness no satiety. €@To whom thus Raphael answered heavenly meek: €Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men, €Nor tongue ineloquent; for God on thee €Abundantly his gifts hath also poured, €Inward and outward both, his image fair: €Speaking, or mute, all comeliness and grace €Attends thee, and each word, each motion, forms. €Nor less think we in heaven of thee on earth €Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire €Gladly into the ways of God with Man; €For God, we see, hath honoured thee, and set €On man his equal love. Say therefore on; €For I that day was absent, as befell, €Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure, €Far on excursion toward the gates of hell; €Squared in full legion (such command we had) €To see that none thence issued forth a spy, €Or enemy, while God was in his work; €Lest he, incensed at such eruption bold, €Destruction with creation might have mixed. €Not that they durst without his leave attempt; €But us he sends upon his high behests €For state, as sovereign King, and to inure €Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut, €The dismal gates, and barricaded strong. €But, long ere our approaching, heard within €Noise, other than the sound of dance or song; €Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage. €Glad we returned up to the coasts of light €Ere Sabbath evening. So we had in charge. €But thy relation now; for I attend, €Pleased with thy words no less than thou with mine. €@So spake the godlike Power, and thus our Sire: €For man to tell how human life began €Is hard; for who himself beginning knew? €Desire with thee still longer to converse €Induced me. As new waked from soundest sleep €Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid, €In balmy sweat. which with his beams the sun €Soon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed. €Straight toward heaven my wondering eyes I turned, €And gazed awhile the ample sky; till, raised €By quick instinctive motion, up I sprung, €As thitherward endeavourng, and upright €Stood on my feet. About me round I saw €Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains, €And liquid lapse of murmuring streams; by these, €Creatures that lived and moved, and walked or flew; €Birds on the branches warbling; all things smiled; €With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflowed. €Myself I then perused, and limb by limb €Surveyed, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran €With supple joints, as lively vigour led. €But who I was, or where, or from what cause, €Knew not. To speak I tried, and forthwith spake; €My tongue obeyed, and readily could name €Whatever I saw. Thou Sun, said I, fair light, €And thou enlightened EArth, so fresh and gay, €Ye hills, and dales, ye rivers, woods, and plains, €And ye that live and move, fair creatures, tell, €Tell if ye saw, how came I thus, how here? €Not of myself; by some great Maker then, €In goodness and in power pre-eminent. €Tell me how may I know Him, how adore; €From whom I have that thus I move and live, €And feel that I am happier than I know? €While thus I called, and strayed I knew not whither, €From where I first drew air, and first beheld €This happy light; when answer none returned, €On a green shady bank, profuse of flowers, €Pensive I sat me down: there gentle sleep €First found me, and with soft oppression seized €My drowsed sense, untroubled, though I thought €I then was passing to my former state €Insensible, and forthwith to dissolve. €When suddenly stood at my head a dream, €Whose inward apparition gently moved €My fancy to believe I yet had being, €And lived. One came, me thought, of shape divine, €And said, Thy mansion wants thee, Adam; rise, €First man, of men innumerable ordained €First father! Called by thee, I come thy guide €To the garden of bliss, thy seat prepared. €So saying, by the hand he took me, raised, €And over fields and waters, as in air €Smooth sliding without step, last led me up €A woody mountains, whose high top was plain, €A circuit wide enclosed, with goodliest trees €Planted, with walks and bowers; that what I saw €Of earth before scarce pleasant seemed. Each tree, €Loaden with fairest fruit, that hung to the eye €Tempting, stirred in me sudden appetite €To pluck and eat; whereat I waked, and found €Before mine eyes all real, as the dream €Had lively shadowed. Here had new begun €My wandering, had not He, who was my guide €Up hither, from among the trees appeared, €Presence Divine. Rejoicing, but with awe, €In adoration at His feet I fell €Submiss. He reared me, and, Whom thou sought'st I am, €Said mildly, Author of all this thou seest €Above, or round about thee, or beneath. €This Paradise I give thee; count it thine €To till and keep, and of the fruit to eat. €Of every tree that in the garden grows €Eat freely with glad heart; fear here no dearth. €But of the tree, whose operation brings €Knowledge of good and ill, which I have set €The pledge of thy obedience and thy faith, €Amid the garden by the tree of life €Remember what I warn thee, shun to taste, €And shun the bitter consequence; for know, €The day thou eat'st thereof, my sole command €Transgressed, inevitably thou shalt die, €From that day mortal, and this happy state €Shalt lose, expelled from hence into a world €Of woe and sorrow. Sternly He pronounced €The rigid interdiction, which resounds €Yet dreadful in mine ear, though in my choice €Not to incur; but soon His clear aspect €Returned, and gracious purpose thus renewed: €Not only these fair bounds, but all the earth €To thee and to thy race I give: as lords €Possess it, and all things that therein live, €Or live in sea, or air; beast, fish, and fowl. €In sign whereof, each bird and beast behold €After their kinds, I bring them to receive €From thee their names, and pay thee fealty €With low subjection. Understand the same €Of fish within her watery residence. €Not hither summoned, since they cannot change €Their element to draw the thinner air. €As thus he spake, each bird and beast behold, €Approaching two and two; these cowering low €With blandishment, each bird stooped on his wing €I named them as they passed, and understood €Their nature; with such knowledge God endued €My sudden apprehension. But in these €I found not what me thought I wanted still, €And to the heavenly vision thus presumed: €@Oh, by what name, for Thou above all these, €Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜ˆ‹‚çSurpassest far my naming; how may I €Adore thee, Author of this universe, €And all this good to man? for whose well-being €So amply, and with hands so liberal, €Thou hast provided all things. But with me €I see not who partakes. In solitude €What happiness? Who can enjoy alone, €Or, all enjoying, what contentment find? €Thus I, presumptuous; and the Vision bright, €As with a smile more brightened, thus replied: €@What call'st thou solitude? Is not the EArth €With various living creatures, and the air, €Replenished, and all these at thy command €To come and play before thee? Know'st thou not €Their language and their ways? They also know, €And reason not contemptibly; with these €Find pastime, and bear rule; thy realm is large. €So spake the Universal Lord, and seemed €So ordering. I, with leave of speech implored, €And humble deprecation, thus replied: €@Let not my words offend thee, heavenly Power; €My Maker, be propitious while I speak. €Hast thou not made me here thy substitute, €And these inferior far beneath me set? €Among unequals what society €Can sort, what harmony, or true delight? €Which must be mutual, in proportion due €Given and received; but, in disparity, €The one intense, the other still remiss, €Cannot well suit with either, but soon prove €Tedious alike. Of fellowship I speak €Such as I seek, fit to participate €All rational delight, wherein the brute €Cannot be human consort. They rejoice €Each with their kind, lion with lioness; €So fitly them in pairs thou hast combined; €Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl, €So well converse, nor wit the ox the ape; €Worse, then, can man with beast, and least of all. €@Whereto the Almighty answered, not displeased €A nice and subtle happiness, I see €Thou to thyself proposest, in the choice €Of thy associates, Adam, and wilt taste €No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary. €What think'st thou, then, of me, and this my state? €Seem I to thee sufficiently possessed €Of happiness, or not, who am alone €From all eternity? for none I know €Second to me, or like, equal much less. €How have I, then, with whom to hold converse, €Save with the creatures which I made, and those €To me inferior, infinite descents €Beneath what other creatures are to thee? €@He ceased; I lowly answered: To attain €The height and depth of Thy eternal ways €All human thoughts come short, Supreme of things! €Thou in Thyself art perfect, and in Thee €Is no deficience found: not so is Man, €But in degree, the cause of his desire, €By conversation with his like, to help €Or solace his defects. No need that Thou €Shouldst propagate, already infinite, €And through all numbers absolute, though one. €But man by number is to manifest €His single imperfection; and beget €Like of his like, his image multiplied, €In unity defective; which requires €Collateral love, and dearest amity. €Thou in thy secrecy, although alone, €Best with Thyself accompanied, seek'st not €Social communication; yet, so pleased, €Canst raise thy creature to what height thou wilt €Of union or communion, deified: €I, by conversing, connot these erect €From prone, nor in their ways complacence find. €Thus I, emboldened, spake, and freedom used €Permissive, and acceptance found; which gained €This answer from the gracious Voice divine: €@Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased; €And find thee knowing, not of beasts alone, €Which thou hast rightly named, but of thyself; €Expressing well the spirit within thee free, €My image, not imparted to the brute; €Whose fellowship, therefore, unmeet for thee, €Good reason was thou freely shouldst dislike, €And be so minded still. I, ere thou spakest, €Knew it not good for man to be alone; €And no such company as then thou saw'st €Intended thee; for trial only brought, €To see how thou couldst judge of fit and meet. €What next I bring shall please thee, be assured, €Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, €Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire. €@He ended, or I heard no more; for now €My earthly by His heavenly overpowered, €Which it had long stood under, strained to the height €In that celestial colloquy sublime, €As with an object that excels the sense, €Dazzled and spent, sunk down, and sought repair €Of sleep, which instantly fell on me, called €By nature as in aid, and closed mine eyes. €Mine eyes he closed, but open left the cell €Of fancy, my internal sight; by which, €Abstract, as in a trance, methought I saw, €Though sleeping, where I lay, and saw the shape €Still glorious before whom awake I stood, €Who, stooping, opened my left side, and took €From thence a rib, with cordial spirits warm, €And life-blood streaming fresh. Wide was the wound, €But suddenly with flesh filled up and healed. €The rib he formed and fashioned with his hands; €Under His forming hands a creature grew, €Man-like, but different sex; so lovely fair, €That what seemed fair in all the world, seemed now €Mean, or in her summed up, in her contained, €And in her looks, which, from that time, infused €Sweetness unto my heart unfelt before, €And into all things, from her air, inspired €The spirit of love and amorous delight. €She disappeared, and left me dark; I waked €To find her, or for ever to deplore €Her loss, and other pleasures all abjure; €When out of hope, behold her, not far off, €Such as I saw her in my dream, adorned €With what all earth or heaven could bestow €To make her amiable. On she come, €Led by her heavenly Maker, though unseen, €And guided by his voice; nor uninformed €Of nuptial sanctity and marriage rites. €Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, €In every gesture dignity and love. €I, overjoyed, could not forbear aloud: €@This turn hath made amends: thou hast fulfilled €Thy words, Creator bounteous and benign, €Giver of all things fair! but fairest this €Of all thy gifts! nor enviest. I now see €Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, myself €Before me. Woman is her name; of man €Extracted: for this cause he shall forego €Father and mother, and to his wife adhere; €And they shall be one flesh, one heart, one soul. €@She heard me thus: and, though divinely brought, €Yet innocence and virgin modesty, €Her virtue and the conscience of her worth, €That would be wooed, and not unsought be won, €Not obvious, not obtrusive, but, retired, €The more desirable; or, to say all, €Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought, €Wrought in her so, that, seeing me, she turned; €I followed her; she what was honour knew, €And with obsequious majesty approved €My pleaded reason. To the nuptial bower €I led her, blushing like the morn: all heaven, €And happy constellations, on that hour €Shed their selectest influence: the earth €Gave sign of gratulation, and each hill; €Joyous the birds; fresh gales and gentle airs €Whispered it to the woods, and from their wings €Flung rose, flung odours from the spicy shrub, €Disporting, till the amorous bird of night €Sung spousal, and bid haste the evening star, €On his hill-top, to light the bridal lamp. €@Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought €My story to the sum of earthly bliss €Which I enjoy; and must confess to find €In all things else delight indeed, but such €As, used or not, works in the mind no change, €Nor vehement desire; these delicacies €I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flowers, €Walks, and the melody of birds. But here €Far otherwise, transported I behold, €Transported touch; here passion first I felt, €Commotion strange! in all enjoyments else €Superior and unmoved; here only weak €Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance, €Or nature failed in me, and left some part €Not proof enough such object to sustain; €Or, from my side subducting, took, perhaps, €More than enough; at least on her bestowed €Too much of ornament, in outward show €Elaborate, of inward less exact. €For well I understand, in the prime end €Of nature, her the inferior in the mind €And inward faculties, which most excel; €In outward, also, her resembling less €His image who made both, and less expressing €The character of that dominion given €O'er other creatures. Yet, when I approach €Her loveliness, so absolute she seems, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜ˆ‹„¤And in herself complete, so well to know €Her own, that what she wills to do or say €Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best. €All higher knowledge in her presence falls €Degraded. Wisdom in discourse with her €Loses, discountenanced, and like folly shews. €Authority and reason on her wait, €As one intended first, not after made €Occasionally; and, to consummate all, €Greatness of mind, and nobleness, their seat €Build in her loveliest, and create an awe €About her, as a guard angelic placed. €@To whom the Angel, with contracted brow: €Accuse not Nature, she hath done her part; €Do thou but thine, and be not diffident €Of wisdom; whe deserts thee not, if thou €Dismiss not her, when most thou need'st her nigh, €By attributing overmuch to things €Less excellent, as thou thyself perceivest. €For, what admirest thou, what transports thee so? €An outside; fair, no doubt, and worthy well €Thy cherishing, thy honouring, and thy love; €Not thy subjection; weigh with her thyself; €Then value. Oft times nothing profits more €Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right €Well managed. Of that skill, the more thou know'st, €The more she will acknowledge thee her head, €And to realities yield all her shows: €Made so adorn for thy delight the more, €So awful, that with honour thou may'st love €Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise. €But if the sense of touch, whereby mankind €Is propagated, seem such dear delight €Beyond all other, think the same vouchsafed €To cattle and each beast; which would not be €To them made common and divulged, if aught €Therein enjoyed were worthy to subdue €The soul of man, or passion in him move. €What higher in her society thou find'st €Attractive, human, rational, love still; €In loving thou dost well, in passion not, €Wherein true love consists not. Love refines €The thoughts, and heart enlarges; hath his seat €In reason, and is judicious; is the scale €By which to heavenly love thou may'st ascend, €Not sunk in carnal pleasure; for which cause, €Among the beasts no mate for thee was found. €@To whom thus, half abashed, Adam replied: €Neither her outside, formed so fair, nor aught €In procreation, common to all kinds €(Though higher of the genial bed by far €And with mysterious reverence I deem) €So much delights me, as those graceful acts, €Those thousand decencies, that daily flow €From all her words and actions, mixed with love €And sweet compliance, which declare unfeigned €Union of mind, or in us both one soul: €Harmony to behold in wedded pair €More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear. €Yet these subject not; I to thee disclose €What inward thence I feel, not therefore foiled, €Who meet with various objects, from the sense €Variously representing; yet, still free, €Approve the best, and follow what I approve. €To love thou blamest me not; for love, thou say'st, €Leads up to heaven, is both the way and guide. €Bear with me, then, if lawful what I ask: €Love not the heavenly Spirits, and how their love €Express they, by looks only, or do they mix €Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch? €@to whom the angel, with a smile that glowed €Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue, €Answered: Let it suffice thee that thou knowest €Us happy, and without love no happiness. €Whatever pure thou in the body enjoyest €(And pure thou wert created) we enjoy €In eminence, and obstacle find none €Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars. €Easier than air with air, if Spirits embrace, €Total they mix, union of pure with pure €Desiring, nor restrained conveyance need, €As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul. €But I can now no more; the parting Sun, €Beyond the Earth's green cape and verdant isles €Hesperian, sets; my signal to depart. €Be strong, live happy, and love; but, first of all, €Him, whom to love is to obey; and keep €His great command. Take heed lest passion sway €Thy judgment to do aught which, else, free-will €Would not admit: thine, and of all thy sons, €The weal or woe in thee is placed; beware! €I in thy persevering shall rejoice, €And all the blest. Stand fast; to stand or fall €Free in thine own arbitrement it lies. €Perfect within, no outward aid require; €And all temptation to transgress repel. €@So saying, he arose, whom Adam thus €Followed with benediction: Since to part, €Go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger, €Sent from whose sovereign goodness I adore! €Gentle to me and affable hath been €The condescension, and shall be honoured every €With grateful memory; thou to mankind €Be good and friendly still, and oft return! €@So parted they: the Angel up to heaven €From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower @No more of talk where God, or Angel guest, €With Man, as with his friend, familiar used €To sit indulgent, and with him partake €Rural repast; permitting him the while €Venial discourse unblamed. I now must change €Those notes to tragic; foul distrust, and breach €Disloyal, on the part of Man, revolt €And disobedience; on the part of Heaven, €Now alienated, distance, and distaste, €Anger and just rebuke, and judgment given, €That brought into this world a world of woe, €Sin and her shadow death, and misery €Death's harbinger. Sad task! yet argument €Not less, but more heroic than the wrath €Of stern Achilles on his foe pursued, €Thrice fugitive, about Troy wall; or rage €Of Turnus for Lavinia disespoused; €Or Neptune's ire, or Juno's, that so long €Perplexed the Greek, and Cytherea's son; €If answerable style I can obtain €Of my celestial patroness, who deigns €Her nightly visitation unimplored, €And dictates to me slumbering, or inspires €Easy my unpremeditated verse, €Since first this subject for heroic song €Pleased me, long choosing and beginning late, €Not sedulous by nature to indite €Wars, hitherto the only argument €Heroic deemed, chief mastery to dissect, €With long and tedious havoc, fabled knights, €In battles feigned, the better fortitude €Of patience and heroic martyrdom €Unsung or to describe races and games, €Or tilting furniture, emblazoned shields, €Impresses quaint, caparisons and steeds, €Bases and tinsel trappings, gorgeous knights €At joust and tournament, then marshalled feast €Served up in hall with sewers and seneschals, €The skill of artifice or office mean, €Not that which justly gives heroic name €To person or to poem. Me, of these €Nor skilled nor studious, higher argument €Remains; sufficient of itself to raise €That name, unless an age too late, or cold €Climate, or years, damp my intended wing €Depressed; and much they may if all be mine, €Not hers, who brings it nightly to my ear. €@The sun was sunk, and after him the star €Of Hesperus, whose office is to bring €Twilight upon the earth, short arbiter €Twixt day and night; and now, from end to end, €Night's hemisphere had veiled the horizon round, €When Satan, who late fled before the threats €Of Gabriel out of Eden, now improved €In meditated fraud and malice, bent €On Man's destruction, maugre what might hap €Of heavier on himself, fearless returned. €By night he fled, and at midnight returned €From compassing the earth; cautious of day, €Since Uriel, regent of the sun, descried €His entrance, and forewarned the cherubim €That kept their watch. Thence, full of anguish, driven, €The space of seven continued nights he rode €With darkness: thrice the equinoctial line €He circled, four times crossed the car of Night €From pole to pole, traversing each colure; €On the eighth returned, and, on the coast averse €From entrance or cherubic watch, by stealth €Found unsuspected way. There was a place, €Now not, though sin, not time, first wrought the change, €Where Tigris, at the foot of Paradise, €Into a gulf shot under ground, till part €Rose up a fountain by the tree of life: €In with the river sunk, and with it rose, €Satan, involved in rising mist, then sought €Where to lie hid. Sea he had searched, and land €From Eden over Pontus, and the pool €Maeotis, up beyond the river Ob; €Downward as far antarctic; and, in length, €West from Orontes to the ocean barred €At Darien, thence to the land where flows €Ganges and Indus. Thus the orb he roamed þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‰ˆÓWith narrow search, and, with inspection deep, €Considered every creature, which of all €Most opportune might serve his wiles, and found €The serpent subtlest beast of all the field. €Him, after long debate, irresolute, €Of thoughts revolved, his final sentence chose, €Fit vessel, fittest imp of fraud, in whom €To enter, and his dark suggestions hide €From sharpest sight; for, in the wily snake, €Whatever sleights, none would suspicious mark, €As from his wit and native subtlety €Proceeding, which, in other beasts observed, €Doubt might beget of diabolic power €Active within, beyond the sense of brute. €Thus he resolved, but first, from inward grief, €His bursting passion into plaints thus poured: €@O Earth, how like to Heaven, if not preferred €More justly, seat worthier of gods, as built €With second thoughts, reforming what was old! €For what god, after better, worse would build? €Terrestrial Heaven, danced round by other heavens €That shine, yet bear their bright officious lamps, €Light above light, for thee alone, as seems, €In thee concentring all their precious beams €Of sacred influence! As God in Heaven €Is centre, yet extends to all; so thou, €Centring, receivest from all those orbs; in thee, €Not in themselves, all their known virtue appears €Productive in herb, plant, and nobler birth €Of creatures animate with gradual life €Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in Man. €With what delight could I have walked thee round, €If I could joy in aught! Sweet interchange €Of hill, and valley, rivers, woods, and plains, €Now land, now sea, and shores with forest crowned, €Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these €Find place or refuge; and the more I see €Pleasures about me, so much more I feel €Torment within me, as from the hateful siege €Of contraries. All good to me becomes €Bane, and in heaven much worse would be my state. €But neither here seek I, no, nor in Heaven, €To dwell, unless by mastering heaven's Supreme. €Nor hope to be myself less miserable €By what I seek, but others to make such €As I, though thereby worse to me redound. €For only in destroying I find ease €To my relentless thoughts; and, him destroyed, €Or won to what may work his utter loss, €For whom all this was made, all this will soon €Follow, as to him linked in weal or woe; €In woe then; that destruction wide may range. €To me shall be the glory sole among €The infernal Powers, in one day to have marred €What He, Almighty styled, six nights and days €Continued making, and who knows how long €Before had been contriving, though, perhaps, €Not longer than since I, in one night, freed, €From servitude inglorious, well-nigh half €The angelic name, and thinner left the throng €Of his adorers. He, to be avenged, €And to repair his numbers thus impaired, €Whether such virtue, spent of old, now failed €More Angels to create if they at least €Are His created or, to spite us more, €Determined to advance into our room €A creature formed of earth, and him endow, €Exalted from so base original, €With heavenly spoils, our spoils. What he decreed, €He effected; man he made, and for him built, €Magnificent, this world, and Earth his seat, €Him lord pronounced, and, O indignity! €Subjected to his service, Angel-wings, €And flaming ministers, to watch and tend €Their earthly charge. Of these the vigilance €I dread; and, to elude, thus wrapt in mist €Of midnight vapour, glide obscure, and pry €In every bush and brake, where hap may find €The serpent sleeping, in whose mazy folds €To hide me, and the dark intent I bring. €O foul descent! that I, who erst contended €With gods to sit the highest, am now constrained €Into a beast; and, mixed with beastial slime, €This essence to incarnate and imbrute, €That to the height of Deity aspired! €But what will not ambition and revenge €Descend to? Who aspires, must down as low €As high he soared, obnoxious, first or last, €To basest things. Revenge, at first so sweet, €Bitter ere long, back on itself recoils. €Let it, I reck not, so it light well-aimed, €Since higher I fall short, on him who next €Provokes my envy, this new favourite €Of Heaven, this man of clay, son of despite; €Whom, us the more to spite, his Maker raised €From dust. Spite then with spite is best repaid. €@So saying, through each thicket, dank or dry, €Like a black mist, low creeping, he held on €His midnight search, where soonest he might find €The serpent. Him, fast sleeping, soon he found €In labyrinth of many a round, self-rolled, €His head the midst, well stored with subtle wiles, €Not yet in horrid shade or dismal den, €Nor nocent yet; but, on the grassy herb, €Fearless, unfeared, he slept. In at his mouth €The devil entered, and his brutal sense, €In heart or head, possessing, soon inspired €With act intelligential; but his sleep €Disturbed not, waiting close the approach of morn. €@Now, when as sacred light began to dawn €In Eden on the humid flowers, that breathed €Their morning incense, when all things that breathe, €From the earth's great altar, sent up silent praise €To the Creator, and His nostrils fill €With grateful smell, forth came the human pair, €And joined their vocal worship to the choir €Of creatures wanting voice; that done, partake €The season, prime for sweetest scents and airs: €Then commune how that day they best may ply €Their growing work; for much their work outgrew €The hands' dispatch of two, gardening so wide; €And Eve first to her husband thus began: €@Adam, well may we labour still to dress €This garden, still to tend plant, herb, and flower, €Our pleasant task enjoined; but till more hands €Aid us, the work under our labour grows, €Luxurious by restraint; what we by day €Lop, overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind, €One night of two with wanton growth derides, €Tending to wild. Thou, therefore, now advise, €Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present: €Let us divide our labours; thou, where choice €Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind €The woodbine round this arbour, or direct €The clasping ivy where to climb; while I, €In yonder spring of roses intermixed €With myrtle, find what to redress till noon: €For, while so near each other thus all day €Our task we choose, what wonder if, so near, €Looks intervene, and smiles, or object new €Casual discourse draw on, which intermits €Our day's work, brought to little, though begun €Early, and the hour of supper comes unearned? €@To whom mild answer Adam thus returned: €Sole Eve, associate sole, to me, beyond €Compare, above all living creatures dear! €Well hast thou motioned, well thy thoughts employed. €How we might best fulfil the work which here €God hath assigned us; nor of me shalt pass €Unpraised; for nothing lovelier can be found €In woman, than to study household good, €And good works in her husband to promote. €Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed €Labour, as to debar us when we need €Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, €Food of the mind, or this sweet intercourse €Of looks and smiles -- for smiles from reason flow --€To brute denied, and are of love the food, €Love, not the lowest end of human life. €For not to irksome toil, but to delight, €He made us, and delight to reason joined. €These paths and bowers doubt not but our joint hands €Will keep from wilderness with ease, as wide €As we need walk, till younger hands ere long €Assist us. But if much converse, perhaps, €Thee satiate, to short absence I could yield; €For solitude sometimes is best society, €And short retirement urges sweet return. €But other doubt possesses me, lest harm €Befall thee, severed from me; for thou know'st €What hath been warned us; what malicious foe, €Envying our happiness, and of his own €Despairing, seeks to work us woe and shame €By sly assault; and somewhere, nigh at hand, €Watches, no doubt, with greedy hope to find €His wish and best advantage, us asunder; €Hopeless to circumvent us joined, where each €To other speedy aid might lend at need. €Whether his first design be to withdraw €Our fealty from God, or to disturb €Conjugal love, than which, perhaps, no bliss €Enjoyed by us excites his envy more; þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‰‹‚‰Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side €That gave thee being, still shades thee, and protects. €The wife, where danger or dishonour lurks, €Safest and seemliest by her husband stays, €Who guards her, or with her the worst endures. €@To whom the virgin majesty of Eve, €As one who loves, and some unkindness meets, €With sweet austere composure thus replied: €@Offspring of heaven and earth, and all earth's lord €That such an enemy we have, who seeks €Our ruin, both by thee informed I learn, €And from the parting Angel overheard, €As in a shady nook I stood behind, €Just then returned at shut of evening flowers. €But that thou shouldst my firmness therefore doubt €To God or thee, because we have a foe €May tempt it, I expected not to hear. €His violence thou fearest not; being such €As we, not capable of death or pain, €Can either not receive, or can repel. €His fraud is, then, thy fear; which plain infers €Thy equal fear, that my firm faith and love €Can by his fraud be shaken or seduced: €Thoughts, which how found they harbour in thy breast, €Adam, misthought of her to thee so dear? €@To whom, with healing words, Adam replied: €Daughter of God and Man, immortal Eve! €To the Creator, and His nostrils fill €Not diffident of thee do I dissuade €Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid €The attempt itself, intended by our foe. €For he who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses €The tempted with dishonour foul, supposed €Not incorruptible of faith, not proof €Against temptation. Thou thyself, with scorn €And anger wouldst resent the offered wrong, €Though ineffectual found; misdeem not, then, €If such affront I labour to avert €From thee alone, which on us both at once €The enemy, though bold, will hardly dare, €Or daring, first on me the assault shall light. €Nor thou his malice and false guile condemn; €Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce €Angels. Nor think superfluous others' aid. €I, from the influence of thy looks, receive €Access in every virtue. In thy sight €More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were €Of outward strength; while shame, thou looking on, €Shame to be overcome or over-reached, €Would utmost vigour raise, and raised, unite. €Why shouldst not thou like sense within thee feel €When I am present, and thy trial choose €With me, best witness of thy virtue tried? €@So spake domestic Adam in his care, €And matrimonial love. But Eve, who thought €Less attributed to her faith sincere, €Thus her reply with accent sweet renewed: €@If this be our condition, thus to dwell €In narrow circuit straitened by a foe, €Subtle or violent, we not endued €Single with like defence, wherever met, €How are we happy, still in fear of harm? €But harm precedes not sin. Only our foe, €Tempting, affronts us with his foul esteem €Of our integrity: his foul esteem €Sticks no dishonour on our front, but turns €Foul on himself; then wherefore shunned or feared €By us, who rather double honour gain €From his surmise proved false, find peace within, €Favour from Heaven, our witness, from the event. €And what is faith, love, virtue, unassayed €Alone, without exterior help sustained? €Let us not, then, suspect our happy state €Left so imperfect by the Maker wise, €As not secure to single or combined. €Frail is our happiness, if this be so; €And Eden were no Eden, thus exposed. €@To whom thus Adam fervently replied: €O woman, best are all things as the will €Of God ordained them. His creating hand €Nothing imperfect, or deficient, left €Of all that he created, much less man, €Or aught that might his happy state secure, €Secure from outward force. Within himself €The danger lies, yet lies within his power: €Aganist his will he can receive no harm. €But God left free the will, for what obeys €Reason is free; and reason he made right, €But bid her well beware, and still erect, €Lest, by some fair-appearing good surprised, €She dictate false, and misinform the will €To do what God expressly hath forbid. €Not then mistrust, but tender love, enjoins, €That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me. €Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve, €Since reason not impossibly may meet €Some specious object by the foe suborned, €And fall into deception unaware, €Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warned. €Seek not temptation, then, which to avoid €Were better, and most likely if from me €Thou sever not; trial will come unsought. €Wouldst thou approve thy constancy, approve €First thy obedience; the other who can know? €Not seeing thee attempted, who attest? €But, if thou think trial unsought may find €Us both securer than thus warned thou seemest, €Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more; €Go in thy native innocence, rely €On what thou hast of virtue; summon all: €For God towards thee hath done His part, do thine. €@So spake the patriarch of mankind; but Eve €Persisted; yet submiss, though last, replied: €@With thy permission, then, and thus forewarned €Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words €Touched only, that our trial, when least sought, €May find us both, perhaps, far less prepared, €The willinger I go, nor much expect €A foe so proud will first the weaker seek; €So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse €@Thus saying, from her husband's hand her hand €Soft she withdrew, and, like a wood-nymph light, €Oread or Dryad, or of Delia's train, €Betook her to the groves but Delia's self, €In gait surpassed, and goddess-like deport, €Though not as she with bow and quiver armed, €But with such gardening tools as art, yet rude, €Guiltless of fire, had formed, or Angels brought. €To Pales, or Pomona, thus adorned, €Likest she seemed Pomona, when she fled €Vertumnus, or to Ceres in her prime, €Yet virgin of Proserpina from Jove. €Her long, with ardent look, his eye pursued €Delighted, but desiring more her stay. €Oft he to her his charge of quick return €Repeated; she to him as oft engaged €To be returned by noon amid the bower, €And all things in best order to invite €Noontide repast, or afternoon's repose. €O much deceived, much failing, hapless Eve, €Of thy presumed return! event perverse! €Thou never from that hour in Paradise €Found'st either sweet repast, or sound repose! €Such ambush, hid among sweet flowers and shades €Waited, with hellish rancour imminent, €To intercept thy way, or send thee back €Despoiled of innocence, of faith, of bliss! €For now, and since first break of dawn, the fiend, €Mere serpent in appearance, forth was come, €And on his quest, where likeliest he might find €The only two of mankind, but in them €The whole included race, his purposed prey. €In bower and field he sought where any tuft €Of grove or garden-plot more pleasant lay, €Their tendance, or plantation for delight; €By fountain or by shady rivulet €He sought them both, but wished his hap might find €Eve separate; he wished, but not with hope €Of what so seldom chanced; when to his wish, €Beyond his hope, Eve separate he spies, €Veiled in a cloud of fragrance, where she stood, €Half spied, so thick the roses blushing round €About her glowed, oft stooping to support €Each flower of tender stalk, whose head, though gay €Carnation, purple, azure, or specked with gold, €Hung drooping, unsustained; then she upstays €Gently with myrtle band, mindless the while €Herself, though fairest unsupported flower, €From her best prop so far, and storm so nigh. €Nearer he drew, and many a walk traversed €Of stateliest covert, cedar, pine, or palm; €Then voluble and bold; now hid, now seen €Among thick woven arborets, and flowers €Imbordered on each bank, the hand of Eve: €Spot more delicious than those gardens feigned €Or of revived Adonis, or renowned €Alcinous, host of old Laertes' son, €Or that, not mystic, where the sapient king €Held dalliance with his fair Egyptian spouse. €Much he the place admired, the person more: €As one who, long in populous city pent, €Where houses thick, and sewers, annoy the air, €Forth issuing on a summer's morn, to breathe €Among the pleasant villages and farms €Adjoined, from each thing met conceives delight; €The smell of grain, or tedded grass or kine, €Or dairy, each rural sight, each rural sound; þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‰‹ƒÄIf chance, with nymph-like step, fair virgin pass, €What pleasing seemed, for her now pleases more, €She most, and in her look sums all delight. €Such pleasure took the serpent to behold €This flowery plat, the sweet recess of Eve €Thus early, thus alone; her heavenly form €Angelic, but more soft, and feminine, €Her graceful innocence, her every air €Of gesture, or least action, overawed €His malice, and with rapine sweet bereaved €His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought. €That space the evil one abstracted stood €From his own evil, and for the time remained €Stupidly good; of enmity disarmed, €Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge. €But the hot hell that always in him burns, €Though in mid heaven, soon ended his delight, €And tortures him now more, the more he sees €Of pleasure, not for him ordained: then soon €Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts €Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites: €@Thoughts, whither have ye led me! With what sweet €Compulsion thus transported, to forget €What hither brought us? Hate, not love; nor hope €Of Paradise for Hell, hope here to taste €Of pleasure, but all pleasure to destroy, €Save what is in destroying; other joy €To me is lost. Then, let me not let pass €Occasion which now smiles; behold alone €The woman, opportune to all attempts, €Her husband, for I view far round, not nigh, €Whose higher intellectual more I shun, €And strength, of courage haughty, and of limb €Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould; €Foe not informidable, exempt from wound, €I not; so much hath hell debased, and pain €Enfeebled me, to what I was in heaven. €She fair, divinely fair, fit love for gods! €Not terrible, though terror be in love €And beauty, not approached by stronger hate. €Hate stronger, under show of love well feigned €The way which to her ruin now I tend. €@So spake the enemy of mankind enclosed €In serpent, inmate bad, and toward Eve €Addressed his way: not with indented wave, €Prone on the ground, as since; but on his rear, €Circular base of rising folds, that towered €Fold above fold, a surging maze; his head €Crested aloft, and carbuncle his eyes; €With burnished neck of verdant gold, erect €Amidst his circling spires, that on the grass €Floated redundant. Pleasing was his shape, €And lovely; never since of serpent-kind €Lovelier; not those that in Illyria changed €Hermione and Cadmus, or the god €In Epidaurus; nor to which transformed €Ammonian Jove, or Capitoline was seen; €He, with Olympias, this, with her who bore €Scipio, the height of Rome. With tract oblique €At first, as one who sought access, but feared €To interrupt, sidelong he works his way. €As when a ship, by skilful steersman wrought, €Nigh river's mouth or foreland, where the wind €Veers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail: €So varied he, and of his tortuous train €Curled many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve, €To lure her eye. She, busied, heard the sound €Of rustling leaves, but minded not, as used €To such disport before her through the field, €From every beast, more duteous at her call, €Than at Circean call the herd disguised. €He, bolder now, uncalled before her stood, €But as in gaze admiring: oft he bowed €His turret crest, and sleek enamelled neck, €Fawning; and licked the ground whereon she trod. €His gentle dumb expression turned at length €The eye of Eve to mark his play; he, glad €Of her attention gained, with serpent tongue €Organic, or impulse of vocal air, €His fraudulent temptation thus began: €@Wonder not, sovereign mistress, if, perhaps, €Thou canst, who art sole wonder; much less arm €Thy looks, the heaven of mildness, with disdain, €Displeased that I approach thee thus, and gaze €Insatiate, I thus single, nor have feared €Thy awful brow, more awful thus retired. €Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair, €Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine €By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore, €With ravishment beheld! there best beheld, €Where universally admired. But here, €In this enclosure wild, these beasts among, €Beholders rude, and shallow to discern €Half what in thee is fair, one man except, €Who sees thee? (and what is one?) who shouldst be seen €A goddess among gods, adored and served €By Angels numberless, thy daily train. €@So glozed the tempter, and his proem tuned; €Into the heart of Eve his words made way, €Though at the voice much marvelling: at length, €Not unamazed, she thus in answer spake: €@What may this mean? language of man, pronounced €By tongue of brute, and human sense expressed! €The first, at least , of these, I thought denied €To beasts, whom God, on their creation-day, €Created mute to all articulate sound; €The latter I demur; for in their looks €Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears. €Thee, serpent, subtlest beast of all the field €I knew, but not with human voice endued; €Redouble, then this miracle, and say, €How camest thou speakable of mute, and how €To me so friendly grown, above the rest €Of brutal kind, that daily are in sight? €Say, for such wonder claims attention due. €@To whom the guileful tempter thus replied: €Empress of this fair world, resplendent Eve! €Easy to me it is to tell thee all €What thou commandest, and right thou shouldst be obeyed. €I was at first as other beasts that graze €The trodden herb, of abject thoughts and low, €As was my food; nor aught but food discerned, €Or sex, and apprehended nothing high: €Till, on a day roving the field, I chanced €A goodly tree far distant to behold, €Loaden with fruit of fairest colours mixed, €Ruddy and gold. I nearer drew to gaze; €When from the boughs a savoury odour blown, €Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense €Than smell of sweetest fennel, or the teats €Of ewe or goat dropping with milk at even, €Unsucked of lamb or kid, that tend their play. €To satisfy the sharp desire I had €Of tasting those fair apples, I resolved €Not to defer; hunger and thirst at once, €Powerful persuaders, quickened at the scent €Of that alluring fruit, urged me so keen. €About the mossy trunk I wound me soon; €For, high from ground, the branches, would require €Thy utmost reach, or Adam's: round the tree, €All other beasts that saw, with like desire €Longing and envying stood, but could not reach. €Amid the tree now got, where plenty hung €Tempting, so nigh, to pluck and eat my fill €I spared not; for such pleasure, till that hour, €At feed or fountain, never had I found. €Sated, at length, ere long I might perceive €Strange alteration in me, to degree €Of reason in my inward powers, and speech €Wanted not long, though to this shape retained. €Thenceforth to speculations high or deep €I turned my thoughts, and with capacious mind €Considered all things visible in heaven, €Or earth, or middle; all things fair and good. €But all that fair and good in thy divine €Semblance, and in thy beauty's heavenly ray, €United I beheld: no fair to thine €Equivalent or second! which compelled €Me thus, though importune perhaps, to come €And gaze, and worship thee, of right declared €Sovereign of creatures, universal dame! €@So talked the spirited sly snake, and Eve, €Yet more amazed, unwary thus replied: €@Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt €The virtue of that fruit, in thee first proved. €But say, where grows the tree? from hence how far? €For many are the trees of God that grow €In Paradise, and various yet unknown €To us; in such abundance lies our choice, €As leaves a greater store of fruit untouched, €Still hanging incorruptible, till men €Grow up to their provision, and more hands €Help to disburden nature of her birth. €@To whom the wily adder, blithe and glad: €Empress, the way is ready, and not long; €Beyond a row of myrtles. on a flat, €Fast by a fountain, one small thicket past €Of blowing myrrh and balm: if thou accept €My conduct, I can bring thee thither soon. €@Lead, then, said Eve. He, leading, swiftly rolled €In tangles, and made intricate seem straight, €To mischief swift. Hope elevates, and joy €Brightens his crest. As when a wandering fire, €Compact of unctuous vapour, which the night €Condenses, and the cold environs round, €Kindled thorough agitation to a flame, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‰‹„þWhich oft, they say, some evil spirit attends, €Hovering and blazing with delusive light, €Misleads the amazed night-wanderer from his way €To bogs and mires, and oft through pond or pool, €There swallowed up and lost, from succour far: €So glistered the dire snake, and into fraud €Led Eve, our credulous mother, to the tree €Of prohibition, root of all our woe; €Which, when she saw, thus to her guide she spake: €@Serpent, we might have spared our coming hither, €Fruitless to me, though fruit be here to excess, €The credit of whose virtue rest with thee; €Wondrous, indeed, if cause of such effects! €But of this tree we may not taste nor touch; €God so commanded, and left that command €Sole daughter of his voice: the rest, we live €Law to ourselves; our reason is our law. €@To whom the tempter guilefully replied: €Indeed! hath God then said that of the fruit €Of all these garden-trees ye shall not eat, €Yet lords declared of all in earth or air? €@To whom thus Eve, yet sinless: Of the fruit €Of each tree in the garden we may eat: €But of the fruit of this fair tree amidst €The garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat €Thereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die. €@She scarce had said, though brief, when now more bold €The tempter, but, with show of zeal and love €To man, and indignation at his wrong, €New part puts on; and, as to passion moved, €Fluctuates disturbed, yet comely, and in act €Raised, as of some great matter to begin. €As when, of old, some orator renowned, €In Athens, or free Rome, where eloquence €Flourished, since mute, to some great cause addressed, €Stood in himself collected; while each part, €Motion, each act, won audience ere the tongue, €Sometimes in height began, as no delay €Of prefact brooking, through his zeal of right: €So standing, moving, or to height up-grown, €The tempter, all impassioned, thus began €@Oh, sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant, €Mother of science! now I feel thy power €Within me clear; not only to discern €Things in their causes, but to trace the ways €Of highest agents, deemed however wise. €Queen of this universe! do not believe €Those rigid threats of death. Ye shall not die. €How should ye? By the fruit? It gives you life €To knowledge. By the Threatener? Look on me, €Me, who have touched and tasted, yet both live, €And life more perfect have attained than fate €Meant me, by venturing higher than my lot. €Shall that be shut to Man, which to the beast €Is open? Or will God incense his ire €For such a petty trespass, and not praise €Rather your dauntless virtue, whom the pain €Of death denounced, whatever thing death be, €Deterred not from achieving what might lead €To happier life, knowledge of good and evil; €Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil €Be real, why not known, since easier shunned? €God, therefore, cannot hurt ye, and be just; €Not just, not God; not feared then, nor obeyed: €Your fear itself of death removes the fear. €Why, then, was this forbid? Why, but to awe; €Why, but to keep ye low and ignorant, €His worshippers. He knows that in the day €Ye eat thereof, your eyes, that seem so clear, €Yet are but dim, shall presently be then €Opened and cleared, and ye shall be as gods, €Knowing both good and evil, as they know. €That ye shall be as gods, since I as man, €Internal man, is but proportion meet; €I, of brute, human; ye, of human, gods. €So ye shall die, perhaps, by putting off €Human, to put on gods; death to be wished, €Though threatened, which no worse than this can bring. €And what are gods, that men may not become €As they, participating godlike food? €The gods are first, and that advantage use €On our belief, that all from them proceeds. €I question it; for this fair earth I see, €Warmed by the sun, producing every kind; €Them, nothing. If they all things, who enclosed €Knowledge of good and evil in this tree, €That whoso eats thereof, forthwith attains €Wisdom without their leave? And wherein lies €The offence, that man should thus attain to know? €What can your knowledge hurt Him, or this tree €Impart against His will, if all be HIs? €Or is it envy? and can envy dwell €In heavenly breasts? These, these, and many more €Causes import your need of this fair fruit. €Goddess humane, reach, then, and freely taste. €@He ended; and his words, replete with guile, €Into her heart too easy entrance won: €Fixed on the fruit she gazed, which to behold €Might tempt alone; and in her ears the sound €Yet rung of his persuasive words, impregned €With reason, to her seeming, and with truth: €Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked €An eager appetite, raised by the smell €So savoury of that fruit, which, with desire, €Inclinable now grown to touch or taste, €Solicited her longing eye. Yet first, €Pausing awhile, thus to herself she mused: €@Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits, €Though kept from Man, and worthy to be admired; €Whose taste, too long forborne, at first assay €Gave elocution to the mute, and taught €The tongue, not made for speech, to speak thy praise. €Thy praise He also, who forbids thy use, €Conceals not from us, naming thee the tree €Of knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil; €Forbids us, then, to taste: but His forbidding €Commends thee more, while it infers the good €By thee communicated, and our want: €For good unknown sure is not had; or, had, €And yet unknown, is as not had at all. €In plain, then what forbids He but to know, €Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise? €Such prohibitions bind not. But, if death €Bind us with after-bands, what profits, then, €Our inward freedom? In the day we eat €Of this fair fruit, our doom is, we shall die! €How dies the serpent? He hath eaten, and lives. €And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discerns, €Irrational till then. For us alone €Was death invented? Or to us denied €This intellectual food, for beasts reserved? €For beasts it seems; yet that one beast which first €Hath tasted envies not, but brings with joy €The good befallen him, author unsuspect, €Friendly to man, far from deceit or guile. €What fear I, then? Rather, what know to fear €Under this ignorance of good or evil, €Of God or death, of law or penalty? €Here grows the cure of all, this fruit divine, €Fair to the eye, inviting to the taste €Of virtue to make wise: what hinders, then, €To reach, and feed at once both body and mind? €@So saying, her rash hand, in evil hour, €Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she ate! €Earth felt the wound, and Nature, from her seat, €Sighing through all her works, gave signs of woe, €That all was lost. Back to the thicket slunk €The guilty serpent; and well might, for Eve, €Intent now only on her taste, nought else €Regarded; such delight till then, as seemed, €In fruit she never tasted, whether true €Or fancied so, though expectation high €Of knowledge; nor was godhead from her thought. €Greedily she engorged without restraint, €And knew not eating death. Satiate at length, €And heightened as with wine, jocund and boon, €Thus to herself she pleasingly began: €@O sovereign, virtuous, precious of all trees €In Paradise! of operation blest €To sapience, hitherto obscured, infamed, €And thy fair fruit let hang, as to no end €Created; but henceforth my early care, €Not without song, each morning, and due praise, €Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease €Of thy full branches, offered free to all; €Till, dieted by thee, I grow mature €In knowledge, as the gods, who all things know; €Though others envy what they cannot give: €For, had the gift been theirs, it had not here €Thus grown. Experience, next, to thee I owe, €Best guide: not following thee, I had remained €In ignorance; thou openest wisdom's way, €And givest access, though secret she retire. €And I, perhaps, am secret. Heaven is high, €High, and remote to see from thence distinct €Each thing on earth; and other care, perhaps, €May have diverted from continual watch €Our great Forbidder, safe with all his spies €About him. But to Adam in what sort €Shall I appear? Shall I to him make known €As yet my change, and give him to partake €Full happiness with me, or rather not, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‰‹†´But keep the odds of knowledge in my power, €Without copartner? so to add what wants €In female sex, the more to draw his love, €And render me more equal, and, perhaps, €A thing not undesirable, sometime €Superior; for, inferior, who is free? €This may be well. But what if God have seen, €And death ensue? Then I shall be no more! €And Adam, wedded to another Eve, €Shall live with her, enjoying; I extinct: €A death to think! Confirmed, then, I resolve, €Adam shall share with me in bliss or woe; €So dear I love him, that with him all deaths €I could endure, without him live no life. €@So saying, from the tree her step she turned, €But first low reverence done, as to the power €That dwelt within, whose presence had infused €Into the plant sciential sap, derived €From nectar, drink of gods. Adam, the while, €Waiting, desirous her return, had wove €Of choicest flowers a garland, to adorn €Her tresses, and her rural labours crown, €As rapers oft are wont their harvest queen. €Great joy he promised to his thoughts, and new €Solace in her return, so long delayed: €Yet oft his heart, divine of something ill, €Misgave him; he the faltering measure felt, €And forth to meet her went, the way she took €That morn when first they parted. By the tree €Of knowledge he must pass, there he her met, €Scarce from the tree returning; in her hand €A bough of fairest fruit, that downy smiled, €New gathered, and ambrosial smell diffused. €To him she hasted; in her face excuse €Came prologue, and apology too prompt; €Which, with bland words at will, she thus addressed: €@Hast thou not wondered, Adam, at my stay? €Thee I have missed, and thought it long, deprived €Thy presence; agony of love till now €Not felt, nor shall be twice; for never more €Mean I to try, what rash untried I sought, €The pain of absence from thy sight. But strange €Hath been the cause, and wonderful to hear. €This tree is not, as we are told, a tree €Of danger tasted, nor to evil unknown €Opening the way, but of divine effect €To open eyes, and make them gods who taste; €And hath been tasted such. The serpent, wise, €Or not restrained as we, or not obeying, €Hath eaten of the fruit, and is become, €Not dead, as we are threatened, but thenceforth €Endued with human voice and human sense, €Reasoning to admiration, and with me €Persuasively hath so prevailed, that I €Have also tasted, and have also found €The effects to correspond; opener mine eyes €Dim erst, dilated spirits, ampler heart, €And growing up to Godhead; which for thee €Chiefly I sought; without thee can despise. €For bliss, as thou hast part, to me is bliss; €Tedious, unshared with thee, and odious soon. €Thou, therefore, also taste, that equal lot €May join us, equal joy as equal love: €Lest, thou not tasting, different degree €Disjoin us, and I then too late renounce €Deity for thee, when fate will not permit. €@Thus Eve, with countenance blithe, her story told; €But in her cheek distemper flushing glowed. €On the other side, Adam, soon as he heard €The fatal trespass done by Eve, amazed, €Astonied stood and blank, while horror chill €Ran through his veins, and all his joints relaxed; €From his slack hand the garland, wreathed for Eve, €Down dropt, and all the faded roses shed; €Speechless he stood and pale; till thus, at length, €First to himself, he inward silence broke: €@Oh, fairest of creation, last and best €Of all God's works! creature, in whom excelled €Whatever can to sight or thought be formed, €Holy, divine, good, amiable, or sweet! €How art thou lost! how on a sudden lost, €Defaced, deflowered, and now to death devote! €Rather, how hast thou yielded to transgress €The strict forbiddance, how to violate €The sacred fruit forbidden? Some cursed fraud €Of enemy hath beguiled thee, yet unknown, €And me with thee hath ruined; for with thee €Certain my resolution is to die. €How can I live without thee? How forego €Thy sweet converse, and love so dearly joined, €To live again in these wild woods forlorn? €Should God create another Eve, and I €Another rib afford, yet loss of thee €Would never from my heart: no, no! I feel €The link of nature draw me, flesh of flesh, €Bone of my bone thou art, and from thy state €Mine never shall be parted, bliss or woe. €@So having said, as one form sad dismay €Recomforted, and after thoughts disturbed, €Submitting to what seemed remediless, €Thus, in calm mood, his words to Eve he turned: €@Bold deed thou hast presumed, adventurous Eve, €And peril great provoked, who thus hast dared, €Had it been only coveting to eye €That sacred fruit, sacred to abstinence, €Much more to taste, it, under ban to touch. €But past, who can recall, or done, undo? €Not God omnipotent, nor fate. Yet so €Perhaps thou shalt not die, perhaps the fact €Is not so heinous now, foretasted fruit, €Profaned first by the serpent, by him first €Made common, and unhallowed, ere our taste, €Nor yet on him found deadly; he yet lives; €Lives, as thou saidst, and gains to live, as Man, €Higher degree of life; inducement strong €To us, as likely, tasting, to attain €Proportional ascent; which cannot be €But to be gods, or angels, demi-gods. €Nor can I think that God, Creator wise, €Though threatening, will in earnest so destroy €Us, his prime creatures, will in earnest so destroy €Set over all his works; which, in our fall, €For us created, needs with us must fail, €Dependent made; so God shall uncreate, €Be frustrate, do, undo, and labour lose: €Not well conceived of God, who, though his power €Creation could repeat, yet would be loath €Us to abolish, lest the Adversary €Triumph and say: Fickle their state, whom God €Most favours; who can please Him long? Me first €He ruined, now mankind; whom will he next? €Matter of scorn, not to be given the Foe. €However, I with thee have fixed my lot, €Certain to undergo like doom: if death €Consort with thee death is to me as life: €So forcible within my heart I feel €The bond of nature draw me to my own; €My own in thee, for what thou art is mine; €Our state cannot be severed; we are one, €One flesh; to lose thee were to lose myself. €@So Adam; and thus Eve to him replied: €Oh, glorious trial of exceeding love, €Illustrious evidence, example high! €Engaging me to emulate; but, short €Of thy perfection, how shall I attain? €Adam! from whose dear side I boast me sprung, €And gladly of our union hear thee speak, €One heart, one soul in both; whereof good proof €This day affords, declaring thee resolved, €Rather than death, or aught than death more dread, €Shall separate us, linked in love so dear, €To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, €If any be, of tasting this fair fruit, €Whose virtue for of good still good proceeds, €Direct, or by occasion, hath presented €This happy trial of thy love, which else €So eminently never had been known. €Were it I thought death menaced would ensue €This my attempt, I would sustain alone €The worst, and not persuade thee; rather die €Deserted, than oblige thee with a fact €Pernicious to thy peace, chiefly assured €Remarkably so late of thy so true, €So faithful love, unequalled; but I feel €Far otherwise the event; not death, but life €Augmented, opened eyes, new hopes, new joys. €Taste so divine, that what of sweet before €Hath touched my sense, flat seems to this, and harsh. €On my experience, Adam, freely taste, €And fear of death deliver to the winds. €@So saying, she embraced him, and for joy €Tenderly wept; much won, that he his love €Had so ennobled, as of choice to incur €Divine displeasure for her sake, or death. €In recompense (for such compliance bad €Such recompense best merits) from the bough €She gave him of that fair enticing fruit €With liberal hand: he scrupled not to eat, €Against his better knowledge: not deceived, €But fondly overcome with female charm. €Earth trembled from her entrails, as again €In pangs; and nature gave a second groan; €Sky loured, and, muttering thunder, some sad drops €Wept at completing of the mortal sin €Original; while Adam took no thought €Eating his fill; nor Eve to iterate €Her former trespass feared, the more to soothe €Him with her loved society; that now, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‰‹‡ðAs with new wine intoxicated both, €They swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel €Divinity within them breeding wings, €Wherewith to scorn the earth. But that false fruit €Far other operation first displayed, €Carnal desire inflaming: he on Eve €Began to cast lascivious eyes; she him €As wantonly repaid; in lust they burn, €Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance move: €@Eve, now I see thou art exact of taste, €And elegant, of sapience no small part; €Since to each meaning savour we apply, €And palate call judicious; I the praise €Yield thee, so well this day thou hast purveyed. €Much pleasure we have lost, while we abstained €From this delightful fruit, nor known till now €True relish, tasting. If such pleasure be €In things to us forbidden, it might be wished, €For this one tree had been forbidden ten. €But come, so well refreshed, now let us play, €As meet is. after such delicious fare; €For never did thy beauty, since the day €I saw thee first, and wedded thee, adorned €With all perfections, so inflame my sense €With ardour to enjoy thee, fairer now €Than ever; bounty of this virtuous tree! €@So said he, and forbore not glance or toy €Of amorous intent, well understood €Of Eve, whose eye darted contagious fire. €Her hand he seized; and to a shady bank, €Thick overhead with verdant roof embowered, €He led her, nothing loth; flowers were the couch, €Pansies, and violets, and asphodel, €And hyacinth; earth's freshest, softest lap. €There they their fill of love and love's disport €Took largely, of their mutual guilt the seal, €The solace of their sin; till dewy sleep €Oppressed them, wearied with their amorous play. €@Soon as the force of that fallacious fruit, €That with exhilarating vapour bland, €About their spirits had played, and inmost powers €Made err, was now exhaled; and grosser sleep, €Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams €Encumbered, now had left them; up they rose €As from unrest, and, each the other viewing, €Soon found their eyes how opened, and their minds €How darkened. Innocence, that, as a veil, €Had shadowed them from knowing ill, was gone; €Just confidence, and native righteousness, €And honour, from about them, naked left €To guilty shame: he covered, but his robe €Uncovered more. So rose the Danite strong. €Herculean Samson, from the harlot-lap €Of Philistean Dalilah, and waked €Shorn of his strength; they, destitute and bare €Of all their virtue, silent, and in face €Confounded; long they sat, as stricken mute; €Till Adam, though not less than Eve abashed, €At length gave utterance to these words constrained: €@O Eve, in evil hour thou didst give ear €To that false worm, of whomsoever taught €To counterfeit man's voice; true in our fall, €False in our promised rising; since our eyes €Opened we find, indeed, and find we know €Both good and evil; good lost, and evil got; €Bad fruit of knowledge, if this be to know, €Which leaves us naked thus, of honour void, €Of innocence, of faith, of purity, €Our wonted ornaments now soiled and stained, €And in our faces evident the signs €Of foul concupiscence; whence evil store; €Even shame, the last of evils; of the first €Be sure then. How shall I behold the face €Henceforth of God or Angel, erst with joy €And rapture so oft beheld? Those heavenly shapes €Will dazzle now this earthly, with their blaze €Insufferably bright. O! might I here €In solitude live savage, in some glade €Obscured, where highest woods, impenetrable €To star or sun light, spread their umbrage broad €And brown as evening! Cover me, ye pines! €Ye cedars. with innumerable boughs €Hide me, where I may never see them more! €But let us now, as in bad plight, devise €What best may, for the present, serve to hide €The parts of each from other, that seem most €To shame obnoxious, and unseemliest seen. €Some tree, whose broad smooth leaves, together sewed, €And girded on our loins, may cover round €Those middle parts; that this new-comer, Shame, €There sit not, and reproach us as unclean. €@So counselled he, and both together went €Into the thickest wood; there soon they chose €The fig-tree, not that kind for fruit renowned, €But such as, at this day, to Indians known, €In Malabar or Decan spreads her arms, €Branching so broad and long, that in the ground €The bended twigs take root, and daughters grow €About the mother-tree, a pillared shade, €High over-arched, and echoing walks between; €There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, €Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds €At loop-holes cut through thickest shade. Those leaves €They gathered, broad as Amazonian targe, €And, with what skill they had, together sewed, €To gird their waist: vain covering, if to hide €Their guilt and dreaded shame! Oh, how unlike €To that first naked glory! Such, of late, €Columbus found the American, so girt €With feather'd cincture; naked else, and wild €Among the trees on isles and woody shores. €Thus fenced, and, as they thought, their shame in part €Covered, but not at rest or ease of mind. €They sat them down to weep. Nor only tears €Rained at their eyes, but high winds worse within €Began to rise; high passions, anger, hate, €Mistrust, suspicion, discord, and shook sore €Their inward state of mind, calm region once, €And full of peace, now tost and turbulent. €For understanding ruled not, and the will €Heard not her lore; both in subjection now €To sensual appetite, who, from beneath, €Usurping over sovereign reason, claimed €Superior sway. From thus distempered breast, €Adam, estranged in look and altered style, €Speech intermitted thus to Eve renewed: €@Would thou hadst hearkened to my words, and stayed €With me, as I besought thee, when that strange €Desire of wandering, this unhappy morn. €I know not whence possessed thee; we had then €Remained still happy; not as now, despoiled €Of all our good; shamed, naked, miserable! €Let none henceforth seek needless cause to approve €The faith they owe; when earnestly they seek €Such proof, conclude they then begin to fail. €@To whom, soon moved with touch of blame, thus Eve: €What words have passed thy lips, Adam, severe? €Imputest thou that to my default, or will €Of wandering, as thou callest it, which who knows €But might as ill have happened thou being by, €Or to thyself, perhaps? Hadst thou been there, €Or here the attempt, thou couldst not have discerned €Fraud in the serpent, speaking as he spake; €No ground of enmity between us known, €Why he should mean me ill, or seek to harm. €Was I to have never parted from thy side? €As good have grown there still, a lifeless rib. €Being as I am, why didst not thou, the head, €Command me absolutely not to go, €Going into such danger, as thou saidst? €Too facile, then, thou didst not much gainsay: €Nay, didst permit, approve. and fair dismiss. €Hadst thou been firm and fixed in thy dissent, €Neither had I transgressed, nor thou with me. €@To whom, then first incensed, Adam replied: €Is this the love, is this the recompense €Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, expressed €Immutable when thou wert lost, not I; €Who might have lived, and 'joyed immortal bliss, €Yet willingly chose rather death with thee? €And am I now upbraided as the cause €Of thy transgressing? Not enough severe, €It seems, in thy restraint: what could I more? €I warned thee, I admonished thee, foretold €The danger, and the lurking Enemy €That lay in wait; beyond this had been force, €And force upon free-will hath here no place. €But confidence then bore thee on; secure €Either to meet no danger, or to find €Matter of glorious trial; and, perhaps, €I also erred in overmuch admiring €What seemed in thee so perfect, that I thought €No evil durst attempt thee. But I rue €That error now, which is become my crime, €And thou the accuser. Thus it shall befall €Him who, to worth in woman overtrusting, €Lets her will rule: restraint she will not brook: €And left to herself, if evil thence ensue, €She first his weak indulgence will accuse. €@Thus they in mutual accusation spent €The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning; €And of their vain contest appeared no end. @Meanwhile the heinous and despiteful act þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Š‚Of Satan done in Paradise; and how €He, in the serpent, had perverted Eve, €Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit, €Was known in heaven for what can 'scape the eye €Of God all-seeing, or deceive His heart €Omniscient? who, in all things wise and just, €Hindered not Satan to attempt the mind €Of man, with strength entire, and free-will armed €Complete to have discovered and repulsed €Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend. €For still they knew, and ought to have still remembered, €The high injunction, not to taste that fruit, €Whoever tempted; which they, not obeying, €Incurred -- what could they less? -- the penalty; €And manifold in sin, deserved to fall. €Up into heaven from Paradise, in haste, €The Angelic guards ascended, mute and sad, €For Man; for of his state by this they knew, €Much wondering how the subtle Fiend had stolen €Entrance unseen. Soon as the unwelcome news €From earth arrived at heaven-gate, displeased €All were who heard; dim sadness did not spare €That time celestial visages, yet, mixed €With pity, violated not their bliss. €About the new-arrived, in multitudes, €The ethereal people ran, to hear and know €How all befell. they, towards the throne supreme, €Accountable, made haste, to make appear, €With righteous plea, their utmost vigilance, €And easily approved; when the Most High, €Eternal Father, from his secret cloud €Amidst, in thunder uttered thus his voice: €@Assembled Angels, and ye Powers returned €From unsuccessful charge, be not dismayed, €Nor troubled at these tidings from the Earth, €Which your sincerest care could not prevent; €Foretold so lately what would come to pass, €When first this tempter crossed the gulf from hell. €I told ye then he should prevail, and speed €On his bad errand; man should be seduced, €And flattered out of all, believing lies €Against his Maker; no decree of mine €Concurring to necessitate his fall, €Or touch with lightest moment of impulse €His free-will, to her own inclining left €In even scale. But fallen he is; and now €What rests, but that the mortal sentence pass €On his transgression, death denounced that day? €Which he presumes already vain and void, €Because not yet inflicted, as he feared, €By some immediate stroke; but soon shall find €Forbearance no acquittance, ere day end. €Justice shall not return, as bounty, scorned. €But whom send I to judge them? Whom but Thee, €Vicegerent Son? To thee I have transferred €All judgment, whether in Heaven, or Earth, or Hell. €Easy it may be seen that I intend €Mercy colleague with justice, sending Thee, €Man's Friend, his Mediator, his designed €Both Ransom and Redeemer voluntary, €And, destined Man himself, to judge man fallen. €@So spake the Father; and, unfolding bright €Toward the right hand his glory, on the Son €Blazed forth unclouded deity: He full €Resplendent all his Father manifest €Expressed, and thus divinely answered mild: €@Father Eternal, thine is to decree; €Mine, both in heaven and earth, to do thy will €Supreme; that thou in me, thy Son beloved, €Mayest ever rest well pleased. I go to judge €On earth these thy transgressors; but thou know'st, €Whoever judged, the worst on me must light, €When time shall be; for so I undertook €Before Thee; and, not repenting, this obtain €Of right, that I may mitigate their doom €On me derived; yet I shall temper so €Justice with mercy, as may illustrate most €Them fully satisfied, and thee appease. €Attendance none shall need, nor train, where none €Are to behold the judgment, but the judged, €Those two: the third, best absent, is condemned, €Convict by flight, and rebel to all law: €Conviction to the serpent none belongs. €@Thus saying, from his radiant seat he rose €Of high collateral glory. Him, Thrones and Powers, €Princedoms, and Dominations ministrant, €Accompanied to Heaven-gate; from whence €Eden, and all the coast, in prospect lay. €Down he descended straight; the speed of Gods €Time counts not, though with swiftest minutes winged. €Now was the sun in western cadence low €From noon and gentle airs, due at their hour, €To fan the earth, now waked, and usher in €The evening cool; when He, from wrath more cool, €Came, the mild judge and intercessor both, €To sentence Man. The voice of God they heard €Now walking in the garden, by soft winds €Brought to their ears, while day declined. They heard. €And from His presence hid themselves among €The thickest trees, both man and wife; till God, €Approaching, thus to Adam called aloud: €@Where art thou, Adam, wont with joy to meet €My coming, seen far off? I miss thee here, €Not pleased, thus entertained with solitude, €Where obvious duty erewhile appeared unsought: €Or come I less conspicuous, or what change €Absents thee, or what chance detains? Come forth! €@He came, and with him, Eve, more loath, though first €To offend; discountenanced both, and discomposed; €Love was not in their looks, either to God, €Or to each other; but apparent guilt, €And shame, and perturbaton, and despair; €Anger, and obstinacy, and hate, and guile. €Whence Adam, faltering long, thus answered brief: €@I heard thee in the garden, and of thy voice €Afraid, being naked, hid myself. To whom €The gracious judge, without revile, replied: €@My voice thou oft hast heard, and hast not feared, €But still rejoiced; how is it now become €So dreadful to thee? That thou art naked, who €Hath told thee? Hast thou eaten of the tree €Whereof I gave thee charge thou shouldst not eat? €@To whom thus Adam, sore beset, replied: €@O Heaven! in evil strait this day I stand €Before my judge; either to undergo €Myself the total crime, or to accuse €My other self, the partner of my life; €Whose failing, while her faith to me remains, €I should conceal, and not expose to blame, €By my complaint; but strict necessity €Subdues me, and calamitous constraint, €Lest on my head both sin and punishment, €However insupportable, be all €Devolved; though, should I hold my peace, yet thou €Wouldst easily detect what I conceal. €This woman, whom thou madest to be my help, €And gavest me as thy perfect gift, so good, €So fit, so acceptable, so divine, €That from her hand I could suspect no ill, €And what she did, whatever in itself, €Her doing seemed to justify the deed; €She gave me of the tree, and I did eat. €@To whom the sovereign Presence thus replied: €Was she thy God, that her thou didst obey €Before His voice? Or was she made thy guide, €Superior, or but equal, that to her €Thou didst resign thy manhood, and the place €Wherein God set thee above her, made of thee, €And for thee, whose perfection far excelled €Hers in all real dignity? Adorned €She was, indeed, and lovely, to attract €Thy love, not thy subjection; and her gifts €Were such as under government well seemed. €Unseemly to bear rule, which was thy part €And person, hadst thou known thyself aright. €@So having said, he thus to Eve in few: €Say, woman, what is this which thou hast done? €@To whom sad Eve, with shame nigh overwhelmed, €Confessing soon, yet not before her judge €Bold or loquacious, thus abashed replied: €The serpent me beguiled, and I did eat. €@Which when the Lord God heard, without delay €To judgment he proceeded on the accused €Serpent, though brute, unable to transfer €The guilt on him who made him instrument €Of mischief, and polluted from the end €Of his creation; justly then accursed, €As vitiated in nature. More to know €Concerned not man (since he no further knew) €Nor altered his offence. Yet God at last €To Satan, first in sin, his doom applied, €Though in mysterious terms, judged as then best; €And on the serpent thus his curse let fall: €@Because thou hast done this, thou art accursed €Above all cattle, each beast of the field; €Upon thy belly groveling thou shalt go, €And dust shalt eat all the days of thy life. €Between thee and the woman I will put €Enmity, and between thine and her seed; €Her seed shall bruise thy head, thou bruise his heel. €@So spake this oracle, then verified, €When Jesus, Son of Mary, second Eve, €Saw Satan fall, like lightning down from heaven, €Prince of the air; then, rising from his grave, €Spoiled Principalities and Powers, triumphed þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Š‹»In open show; and, with ascension bright, €Captivity led captive through the air, €The realm itself of Satan, long usurped; €Whom He shall tread at last under our feet, €Even He, who now foretole his fatal bruise. €And to the woman thus his sentence turned: €@Thy sorrow I will greatly multiply €By thy conception; children thou shalt bring €In sorrow forth; and to thy husband's will €Thine shall submit, he over thee shall rule. €@On Adam last thus judgment he pronounced: €Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, €And eaten of the tree concerning which €I charged thee, saying: Thou shalt not eat thereof, €Cursed is the ground for thy sake, thou in sorrow €Shalt eat thereof all the days of thy life €Thorns also and thistles it shall bring thee forth €Unbid, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field €In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread €Till thou return under the ground for thou €Out of the ground was taken, know thy birth €For dust thou art, and shall to dust return €@So judged he man, both judge and Savior sent, €And the instant stroke of death denounced that day €Removed far off; then pitying how they stood €Before him naked to the air, that now €Must suffer change, disdain not to begin €Thenceforth the form f servant to assume €As when he washed his servants feet, so now €As father of his family he clad €Their nakedness with skins of beasts, or slain €Or as the snake with youthful coat repaid, €And thought not much to clothe his enemies: €Nor he their outward only with skins €Of beasts, but inward nakedness, much more €Opprobious, with his robe of righteousness, €Arraying covered from his father's sight €To him with swift ascent he up returned €Into his blissful bosom reassumed €In glory as of old, to him appeased €All, though all knowing, what had passed with man €Recounted, mixing intercession sweet. €Meanwhile, ere thus was sinned and judged on earth, €Within the gates of hell sat Sin and Death, €In counterview within the gates, that now €Stood open wide, belching outrageous flame €Far into Chaos, since the Fiend passed through, €Sin opening; who thus now to Death began: €@O son, why sit we here, each other viewing €Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives €In other worlds, and happier seat provides €For us, his offspring dear? It cannot be €But that success attends him; if mishap, €Ere this he had returned, with fury driven €By his avengers; since no place like this €Can fit his punishment, or their revenge. €Methinks I feel new strength within me rise, €Wings growing, and dominion given me large, €Beyond this deep; whatever draws me on, €Or sympathy, or some connatural force, €Powerful at greatest distance to unite, €With secret amity, things of like kind, €By secretest conveyance. Thou, my shade €Inseparable, must with me along, €For Death from Sin no power can separate. €But lest the difficulty of passing back €Stay his return, perhaps, over this gulf €Impassable, impervious, let us try €Adventurous work, yet to thy power and mine €Not unagreeable, to found a path €Over this main from Hell to that new World, €Where Satan now prevails; a monument €Of merit high to all the infernal host, €Easing their passage hence, for intercourse, €Or transmigration, as their lot shall lead, €Nor can I miss the way, so strongly drawn €By this new-felt attraction and instinct. €@Whom thus the meagre shadow answered soon: €Go, whither fate, and inclination strong, €Lead thee; I shall not lag behind, nor err €The way, thou leading; such a scent I draw €Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste €The savour of death from all things there that live; €Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest €Be wanting, but afford thee equal aid. €@So saying, with delight he snuffed the smell €Of mortal change on earth. As when a flock €Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote, €Against the day of battle, to a field, €Where armies lie encamped, come flying, lured €With scent of living carcases designed €For death the following day, in bloody fight; €So scented the grim feature, and upturned €His nostril wide into the murky air, €Sagacious of his quarry from so far. €Then both, from out Hell gates, into the waste €Wide anarchy of Chaos, damp and dark, €Flew diverse; and with power (their power was great) €Hovering upon the waters, what they met, €Solid or slimy, as in raging sea €Tossed up and down, together crowded drove, €From each side shoaling towards the mouth of Hell: €As when two polar winds, blowing adverse €Upon the Cronian sea, together drive €Mountains of ice, that stop the imagined way €Beyond Petsora eastward, to the rich €Cathaian coast. The aggregated soil, €Death, with his mace petrific, cold and dry, €As with a trident smote, and fixed as firm €As Delos, floating once; the rest his look €Bound with Gorgonian rigour not to move; €And with asphaltic slime, broad as the gate, €Deep to the roots of Hell the gathered beach €They fastened, and the mole immense wrought on, €Over the foaming Deep, high-arched, a bridge €Of length prodigious, joining to the wall €Immovable of this now fenceless world, €Forfeit to Death; from hence a passage broad, €Smooth, easy, inoffensive, down to hell. €So, if great things to small may be compared, €Xerxes, the liberty of Greece to yoke, €From Susa, his Memnonian palace high, €Came to the sea, and, over Hellespont €Bridging his way, Europe with Asia joined, €And scourged with many a stroke the indignant waves. €Now had they brought the work by wondrous art €Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock, €Over the vexed abyss, following the track €Of Satan to the self-same place where he €First lighted from his wing, and landed safe €From out of Chaos, to the outside bare €Of this round world. With pins of adamant €And chains they made all fast, too fast they made €And durable! And now in little space €The confines met of empyrean heaven €And of this world; and, on the left hand hell €With long reach interposed; three several ways €In sight, to each of these three places led. €And now their way to earth they had descried, €To Paradise first tending; when, behold! €Satan, in likeness of an angel bright, €Betwixt the Centaur and the Scorpion steering €His zenith, while the sun in Aries rose, €Disguised he came; but those his children dear €Their parent soon discerned, though in disguise. €He, after Eve seduce, unminded slunk €Into the wood fast by; and changing shape €To observe the sequel, saw his guileful act, €By Eve, though all unweeting, seconded €Upon her husband; saw their shame that sought €Vain covertures. But when he saw descend €The Son of God to judge them, terrified €He fled; not hoping to escape, but shun €The present; fearing, guilty, what His wrath €Might suddenly inflict; that past, returned €By night, and listening where the hapless pair €Sat in their sad discourse, and various plaint, €Thence gathered his own doom; which understood €Not instant, but of future time, with joy €And tidings fraught, to hell he now returned, €And at the brink of Chaos, near the foot €Of this new wondrous pontifice, unhoped €Met, who to meet him came, his offspring dear. €Great joy was at their meeting, and at sight €Of that stupendous bridge his joy increased. €Long he admiring stood, till Sin, his fair €Enchanting daughter, thus the silence broke: €@O Parent, these are thy magnific deeds, €Thy trophies! which thou view'st as not thine own; €Thou art their author, and prime architect; €For I no sooner in my heart divined, €My heart, which by a secret harmony €Still moves with thine, joined in connection sweet, €That thou on earth hadst prospered, which thy looks €Now also evidence, but straight I felt, €Though distant from thee worlds between, yet felt €That I must after thee, with this thy son; €Such fatal consequence unites us three. €Hell could no longer hold us in her bounds, €Nor this unvoyageable gulf obscure €Detain from following thy illustrious track €Thou hast achieved our liberty, confined €Within Hell-gates till now; thou us empowered €To fortify thus far, and overlay, €With this portentous bridge, the dark abyss. €Thine now is all this world; thy virtue hath won þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Š‹‚õWhat thy hands builded not; thy wisdom gained, €With odds, what war hath lost, and fully avenged €Our foil in heaven. Here thou shalt monarch reign, €There didst not. There let Him still victor sway, €As battle hath adjudged; from this new world €Retiring, by his own doom alienated, €And henceforth monarchy with thee divide €Of all things, parted by the empyreal bounds, €His quadrature, from thy orbicular world, €Or try thee now more dangerous to his throne. €@Whom thus the Prince of Darkness answered glad: €Fair daughter, and thou son and grandchild both; €High proof ye now have given to be the race €Of Satan (for I glory in the name, €Antagonist of heaven's Almighty King) €Amply have merited of me, of all €The infernal empire, that so near heaven's door €Triumphal with triumphal act have met. €Mine, with this glorious work, and made one realm. €Hell and this world, one realm, one continent €Of easy thoroughfare. Therefore, while I €Descend through darkness, on your road, with ease, €To my associate Powers, them to acquaint €With these successes, and with them rejoice. €You two this way, among these numerous orbs, €All yours, right down to Paradise descend; €There dwell, and reign in bliss: thence on the earth €Dominion exercise, and in the air, €Chiefly on Man, sole lord of all declared. €Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill. €My substitutes I send ye, and create €Plenipotent on earth, of matchless might €Issuing from me. On your joint vigour now, €My hold of this new kingdom all depends, €Through Sin to Death exposed by my exploit. €If your joint power prevail, the affairs of hell €No detriment need fear; go, and be strong. €@So saying, he dismissed them. They with speed €Their course through thickest constellations held, €Spreading their bane; the blasted stars looked wan; €And planets, planet-struck, real eclipse €Then suffered. The other way Satan went down €The causey to hell-gate. On either side €Disparted Chaos overbuilt exclaimed, €And with rebounding surge the bars assailed, €That scorned his indignation. Through the gate, €Wide open and unguarded, Satan passed, €And all about found desolate; for those, €Appointed to sit there, had left their charge, €Flown to the upper world; the rest were all €Far to the inland retired, about the walls €Of Pandemonium, city and proud seat €Of Lucifer, so by allusion called €Of that bright star to Satan paragoned: €There kept their watch the legions, while the grand €In council sat, solicitous what chance €Might intercept their emperor sent; so he, €Departing, gave command, and they observed. €As when the Tartar, from his Russian foe, €By Astracan, over the snowy plains €Retires; or Bactrian Sophi, from the horns €Of Turkish crescent, leaves all waste beyond €The realm of Aladule, in his retreat €To Tauris or Casbeen: so these, the late €Heaven-banished host, left desert utmost hell €Many a dark league, reduced in careful watch €Round their metropolis, and now expecting €Each hour their great adventurer, from the search €Of foreign worlds. He through the midst, unmarked, €In show plebeian angel militant €Of lowest order, passed; and from the door €Of that Plutonian hall, invisible €Ascended his high throne, which, under state €Of richest texture spread, at the upper end €Was placed in regal lustre. Down a while €He sat, and round about him saw, unseen. €At last, as from a cloud, his fulgent head €And shape star-bright appeared, or brighter, clad €With what permissive glory since his fall €Was left him, or false glitter. All amazed €At that so sudden blaze, the Stygian throng €Bent their aspect, and whom they wished beheld, €Their mighty chief returned. Loud was the acclaim; €Forth rushed in haste the great consulting peers, €Raised from their dark diven, and with like joy €Congratulant approached him, who with hand €Silence, and with these words, attention won: €@Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Virtues, Powers €For in possession such, not only of right, €I call ye, and declare ye now, returned €Successful beyond hope, to lead ye forth €Triumphant out of this infernal pit, €Abominable, accursed, the house of woe, €And dungeon of our tyrant, now possess, €As lords, a spacious world, to our native heaven €Little inferior, by my adventure hard, €With peril great, achieved. Long were to tell €What I have done, what suffered; with what pain €Voyaged the unreal, vast, unbounded Deep €Of horrible confusion; over which, €By Sin and Death, a broad way now is paved, €To expedite your glorious march; but I €Toiled out my uncouth passage, forced to ride €The untractable Abyss, plunged in the womb €Of unoriginal Night and chaos wild, €That, jealous of their secrets, fiercely opposed €My journey strange, with clamorous uproar €Protesting fate supreme; thence, how I found €The new-created world, which fame in heaven €Long had foretold; a fabric wonderful, €Of absolute perfection; therein man, €Placed in a Paradise, by our exile €Made happy. Him by fraud I have seduced €From his Creator; and, the more to increase €Your wonder, with an apple. He, thereat €Offended -- worth your laughter -- hath given up €Both his beloved Man and all this world, €To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us, €Without our hazard, labor, or alarm, €To range in, and to dwell, and over man €To rule as over all He should have ruled. €True, is, me also he hath judged, or rather €Me not, but the brute serpent, in whose shape €Man I deceived. That which to me belongs €Is enmity, which he will put between €Me and mankind. I am to bruise his heel; €His seed, when is not set, shall bruise my head. €A world who would not purchase with a bruise, €Or much more grievous pain? Ye have the account €Of my performance. What remains, ye gods, €But up, and enter now into full bliss? €@So having said, awhile he stood, expecting €Their universal shout, and high appaluse, €To fill his ear; when, contrary, he hears, €On all sides, from innumerable tongues, €A dismal universal hiss, the sound €Of public scorn. He wondered, but not long €Had leisure, wondering at himself now more. €His visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare, €His arms clung to his ribs, his legs entwining €Each other, till, supplanted, down he fell €A monstrous serpent, on his belly prone, €Reluctant, but in vain; a greater Power €Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned, €According to his doom. He would have spoke, €But hiss for hiss returned with forked tongue €To forked tongue. For now were all transformed €Alike, to serpents all, as accessories €To his bold riot. Dreadful was the din €Of hissing through the hall, thick-swarming now €With complicated monsters, head and tail, €Scorpion, and Asp, and Amphisbaena dire, €Cerastes horned, Hydrus, and Ellops drear, €And Dipsas (not so thick swarmed once the soil €Bedropt with blood of Gorgon, or the Isle €Orphiusa) but still greatest he the midst, €Now Dragon grown, larger than whom the sun €Ingendered in the Pythian vale on slime, €Huge Python, and his power no less he seemed €Above the rest still to retain. They all €Him followed, issuing forth to the open field, €Where all yet left of that revolted rout, €Heaven-fallen, in station stood, or just array, €Sublime with expectation when to see €In triumph issuing forth their glorious chief. €They saw, but other sight instead, a crowd €Of ugly serpents! Horror on them fell, €And horid sympathy for, what they saw, €They felt themselves, now changing. down their arms, €Down fell both spear and shield; down they as fast, €And the dire hiss renewed, and the dire form €Catched, by contagion, like in punishment, €As in their crime. Thus was the applause meant, €Turned to exploding hiss, triumph to shame, €Cast on themselves from their own mouths. There stood €A grove hard by, sprung up with this their change, €His will who reigns above, to aggravate €Their penance, laden with fair fruit, like that €Which grew in Paradise, the bait of Eve €Used by the tempter. On that prospect strange €Their earnest eyes they fixed, imagining €For one forbidden tree a multitude €Now risen, to work them further woe or shame. þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Š‹„¬Yet, parched with scalding thirst and hunger fierce, €Though to delude them sent, could not abstain; €But on they rolled in heaps, and up the trees €Climbing, sat thicker than the snaky locks €That curled Megaera. Greedily they plucked €The fruitage fair to sight, like that which grew €Near that bituminous lake where Sodom flamed; €This more delusive, not the touch, but taste €Deceived. They, fondly thinking to allay €Their appetite with gust, instead of fruit €Chewed bitter ashe, which the offended taste €With spattering noise rejected. Oft they assayed, €Hunger and thirst constraining; drugged as oft, €With hatefulest disrelish writhed their jaws, €With soot and cinders filled; so oft they fell €Into the same illusion, not as Man €Whom they triumphed once lapsed. Thus were they plagued, €And worn with famine, long and ceaseless hiss, €Till their lost shape, permitted, they resumed, €Yearly enjoined, some say, to undergo €This annual humbling, certain numbered days, €To dash their pride, and joy for man seduced. €However, some tradition they dispersed €Among the heathen, of their purchase got, €And fabled how the serpent, whom they called €Ophion, with Eurynome, the wide-€Encroaching Eve, perhaps, had first the rule €Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driven €And Ops, ere yet Dictaean Jove was born. €@Meanwhile in Paradise the hellish pair €Too soon arrived; Sin, there in power before, €Once actual; now in body, and to dwell €Habitual habitant; behind her, Death, €Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet €On his pale horse: to whom Sin thus began: €@Second of Satan sprung, all-conquering Death! €What thinkest thou of our empire now, though earned €With travail difficult? Not better far €Than still at Hell's dark threshold to have sat watch, €Unnamed, undreaded, and thyself half-starved? €@Whom thus the sin-born monster answered soon: €To me, who with eternal famine pine, €Alike is Hell, or Paradise, or Heaven; €There best, were most with ravine I may meet, €Which here, though plenteous, all too little seems €To stuff this maw, this vast un-hide-bound corpse. €@To whom the incestuous mother thus replied: €Thou, therefore, on these herbs, and fruits, and flowers, €Feed first; on each beast next, and fish, and fowl, €No homely morsels; and whatever thing €The scythe of Time mows down, devour unspared, €Till I, in man residing, through the race, €His thoughts, his looks, words, actions, all infect, €And season him thy last and sweetest prey. €@This said, they both betook them several ways, €Both to destroy, or unimmortal make €All kinds, and for destruction to mature €Sooner or later; which the Almighty seeing, €From his transcendent seat the saints above, €To those bright Orders uttered thus his voice: €@See with what heat these dogs of hell advance €To waste and havoc yonder world, which I €So fair and good created, and had still €Kept in that state, had not the folly of man €Let in these wasteful furies, who impute €Folly to me; so doth the Prince of hell €And his adherents, that with so much ease €I suffer them to enter and possess €A place so heavenly; and, conniving, seem €To gratify my scornful enemies, €That laugh, as if, transported with some fit €Of passion, I to them had quitted all, €At random yielded up to their misrule; €And know not that I called, and drew them thither, €My hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filth €Which man's polluting sin with taint hath shed €On what was pure; till, crammed and gorged, nigh burst €With sucked and glutted offal, at one sling €Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son, €Both Sin and Death, and yawning grave, at last, €Through Chaos hurled, obstruct the mouth of hell €For ever, and seal up his ravenous jaws. €Then Heaven and Earth, renewed, shall be made pure €To sanctity, that shall receive no stain: €Till then, the curse pronounced on both precedes. €@He ended, and the heavenly audience loud €Sung hallelujah, as the sound of seas, €Through multitude that sung: Just are thy ways, €Righteous are thy decrees on all thy works; €Who can extenuate Thee? Next, to the Son, €Destined Restorer of mankind, by whom €New heaven and earth shall to the ages rise, €Or down from heaven descend. such was their song, €While the Creator, calling forth by name €His mighty Angels, gave them several charge, €As sorted best with present things. The sun €Had first his precept so to move, so shine, €As might affect the earth with cold and heat €Scarce tolerable, and from the north to call €Decrepit winter; from the south to bring €Solstitial summer's heat. To the blank moon €Her office they prescribed; to the other five €Their planetary motions, and aspects, €In sextile, square, and trine, and opposite, €Of noxious efficacy, and when to join €In synod unbenign; and taught the fixed €Their influence malignant when to shower, €Which of them rising with the sun, or falling, €Should prove tempestuous; to the winds they set. €Their corners, when with bluster to confound €Sea, air, and shore; the thunder when to roll €With terror through the dark aerial hall. €Some say, He bid his Angels turn askance €The poles of earth, twice ten degrees and more, €From the sun's axle; they with labour pushed €Oblique the centric globe. Some say, the sun €Was bid turn reins from the equinoctial road €Like distant breadth to Taurus with the seven €Atlantic Sisters, and the Spartan Twins, €Up to the tropic Crab; thence down amain €By Leo, and the Virgin, and the Scales, €As deep as Capricorn, to bring in change €Of seasons to each clime. Else had the spring €Perpetual smiled on earth with verdant flowers, €Equal in days and nights, except to those €Beyond the polar circles; to them day €Had unbenighted shone, while the low sun, €To recompense his distance, in their sight €Had rounded still the horizon, and not known €Or east or west, which had forbid the snow €From cold Estotiland, and south as far €Beneath Magellan. At that tasted fruit, €The sun, as from Thyestean banquet, turned €His course intended; else, how had the world €Inhabited, though sinless, more than now, €Avoided pinching cold and scorching heat? €These changes in the heavens, though slow, produced €Like change on sea and land; sidereal blast, €Vapour, and mist, and exhalation hot, €Corrupt and pestilent: now, from the north €Of Norumbega, and the Samoed shore, €Bursting their brazen dungeons, armed with ice, €And snow, and hail, and stormy gust and flaw, €Boreas, and Caecias, and Argestes loud, €And Thrascias, rend the woods, and seas upturn €With adverse blasts upturns them from the south €Notus, and Afer, black with thunderous clouds €From Sierra Liona; thwart of these, as fierce, €Forth rushed the Levant and the Ponent winds, €Eurus and Zephyr, with their lateral noise, €Sirocco and Libecchio. Thus began €Outrage from lifeless things; but Discord first, €Daughter of Sin, among the irrational €Death introduced, through fierce antipathy. €Beast now with beast 'gan war, and fowl with fowl, €And fish with fish: to graze the herb all leaving, €Devoured each other; nor stood much in awe €Of man, but fled him, or, with countenance grim, €Glared on him passing. These were, from without, €The growing miseries which Adam saw €Already in part, though hid in gloomiest shade, €To sorrow abandoned, but worse felt within; €And in a troubled sea of passion tost, €Thus to disburden sought with sad complaint: €@Oh miserable of happy! Is this the end €Of this new glorious world, and me so late €The glory of that glory? who now, become €Accursed of blessed, hide me from the face €Of God, whom to behold was then my height €Of happiness! Yet well, if here would end €The misery; I deserved it, and would bear €My own deservings. But this will not serve; €All that I eat or drink, or shall beget, €Is propagated curse. Oh voice, once heard €Delightfully, "Increase and multiply"; €Now death to hear! for what can I increase, €Or multiply, but curses on my head? €Who of all ages to succeed, but, feeling €The evil on him brought by me, will curse €My head? Ill fare our ancestor impure! €For this we may thank Adam! but his thanks þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Š‹…áShall be the execration. So, besides €Mine own that bide upon me, all from me €Shall with a fierce reflux on me redound; €On me, as on their natural centre, light €Heavy, though in their place. Oh fleeting joys €Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes! €Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay €To mould me man? Did I solicit thee €From darkness to promote me, or here place €In this delicious garden? As my will €Concurred not to my being, it were but right €And equal to reduce me to my dust; €Desirous to resign, and render back, €All I received; unable to perform €Thy terms too hard, by which I was to hold €The good I sought not. To the loss of that, €Sufficient penalty, why hast thou added €The sense of endless woes? Inexplicable €Thy justice seems. Yet, to say truth, too late €I thus contest; then should have been refused €Those terms, whatever, when they were proposed. €Thou didst accept them: wilt thou enjoy the good, €Then cavil the conditions? and, though God €Made thee without thy leave, what if thy son €Prove disobedient; and, reproved, retort, €Wherefore didst thou beget me? I sought it not. €Wouldst thou admit for his contempt of thee €That proud excuse? Yet him, not thy election, €But natural necessity, begot. €God made thee of choice his own, and of his own €To serve him; thy reward was of him grace; €Thy punishment, then, justly is at his will. €Be it so, for I submit; his doom is fair, €That dust I am, and shall to dust return. €Oh, welcome hour whenever! Why delays €His hand to execute what his decree €Fixed on this day? Why do I overlive? €Why am I mocked with death, and lengthened out €To deathless pain? How gladly would I meet €Mortality, my sentence, and be earth €Insensible! How glad would lay me down, €As in my mother's lap! There I should rest, €And sleep secure; his dreadful voice no more €Would thunder in my ears; no fear of worse €To me, and to my offspring, would torment me €With cruel expectation. Yet one doubt €Pursues me still, lest all I cannot die; €Lest that pure breath of life -- the spirit of Man €Which God inspired, cannot together perish €With this corporeal clod; then, in the grave €Or in some other dismal place, who knows €But I shall die a living death? Oh thought €Horrid, if true! Yet why? It was but breath €Of life that sinned. What dies but what had life €And sin? The body properly hath neither. €All of me, then, shall die: let this appease €The doubt, since human reach no farther knows: €For though the Lord of all be infinite, €Is his wrath also? Be it, man is not so, €But mortal doomed. How can he exercise €Wrath without end on man, whom death must end? €Can he make deathless death? That were to make €Strange contradiction, which to God himself €Impossible is held, as argument €Of weakness, not of power. Will he draw out, €For anger's sake, finite to infinite €In punished man, to satisfy his rigour, €Satisfied never? That were to extend €His sentence beyond dust and nature's law, €By which all causes else, according still €To the reception of their matter, act, €Not to the extent of their own sphere. But say €That death be not one stroke, as I supposed, €Bereaving sense, but endless misery €From this day onward which I feel begun €Both in me, and without me -- and so last €To perpetuity: ah, me! that fear €Comes thundering back with dreadful revolution €On my defenceless head. Both death and I €Are found eternal, and incorporate both; €Nor I on my part single; in me all €Posterity stands cursed, fair patrimony €That I must leave ye, sons! Oh, were I able €To waste it all myself, and leave ye none! €So disinherited, how would ye bless €Me, now your curse! Ah, why should all mankind, €For one man's fault, thus guiltless be condemned. €If guiltless? But from me what can proceed €But all corrupt; both mind and will depraved, €Not to do only, but to will the same €With me? How can they, then, acquitted stand €In sight of God? Him, after all disputes, €Forced I absolve: all my evasions vain, €And reasonings, though through mazes, lead me still €But to my own conviction: first and last €On me -- me only, as the source and spring €Of all corruption, all the blame lights due; €So might the wrath! Fond wish! couldst thou support €That burden, heavier than the earth to €Bear than all the world much heavier, though divided €With that bad woman? Thus, what thou desirest, €And what thou fearest, alike destroys all hope €Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable €Beyond all past example and future; €To Satan only like, both crime and doom. €O conscience! Into what abyss of fears €And horrors hast thou driven me; out of which €I find no way, from deep to deeper plunged! €@Thus Adam to himself lamented loud, €Through the still night; not now, as ere man fell, €Wholesome, and cool, and mild, but with black air €Accompanied; with damps and dreadful gloom, €Which to his evil conscience represented €All things with double terror, on the ground €Outstretched he lay, on the cold ground, and oft €Cursed his creation; Death as oft accused €Of tardy execution, since denounced €The day of his offence. Why comes not Death, €Said he, with one thrice-acceptable stroke €To end me? Shall truth fail to keep her word, €Justice divine not hasten to be just? €But Death comes not at call; justice divine €Mends not her slowest pace for prayers or cries. €O woods, O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bowers! €With other echo late I taught your shades €To answer, and resound far other song. €Whom thus afflicted, when sad Eve beheld, €Desolate where she sat, approaching nigh, €Soft words to his fierce passion she assayed; €But her, with stern regard, he thus repelled: €@Out of my sight, thou serpent! That name best €Befits thee, with him leagued, thyself as false €And hateful. Nothing wants, but that thy shape, €Like his, and colour serpentine, may show €Thy inward fraud, to warn all creatures from thee €Henceforth, lest that too heavenly form, pretended €To hellish falsehood, snare them! But for thee €I had persisted happy, had not thy pride €And wandering vanity, when least was safe. €Rejected my forewarning, and disdained €Not to be trusted; longing to be seen, €Though by the Devil himself, him overweening €To over-reach; but, with the serpent meeting, €Fooled and beguiled; by him thou, I by thee, €To trust thee from my side, imagined wise, €Constant, mature, proof against all assaults; €And understood not all was but a show, €Rather than solid virtue; all but a rib €Crooked by nature, bent, as now appears, €More to the part sinister, from me drawn; €Well if thrown out, as supernumerary €To my just number found. Oh! who did God, €Creator wise, that peopled highest heaven €With spirits masculine create at last €This novelty on Earth, this fair defect €Of nature, and not fill the world at once €With men, as angels, without feminine; €Or find some other way to generate €Mankind? This mischief had not then befallen, €And more that shall befall; innumerable €Disturbances on earth through female snares. €And straight conjunction with this sex: for either €He never shall find out fit mate, but such €As some misfortune brings him, or mistake; €Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain, €Through her perverseness, but shall see her gained €By a far worse; or, if she love, withheld €By parents; or his happiest choice too late €Shall meet, already linked and wedlock-bound €To a fell adversary, his hate or shame; €Which infinite calamity shall cause €To human life, and household peace confound. €@He added not, and from her turned. But Eve, €Not so repulsed, with tears that ceased not flowing, €And tresses all disordered, at his feet €Fell humble; and, embracing them, besought €His peace, and thus proceeded in her plaint: €@Forsake me not thus, Adam! witness, Heaven, €What love sincere, and reverence in my heart, €I bear thee, and unweeting have offended, €Unhappily deceived! Thy suppliant, €I beg, and clasp thy knees; bereave me not, €Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid, €Thy counsel, in this uttermost distress €My only strength and stay; forlorn of thee, €Whither shall I betake me, where subsist þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Š‹‡›While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps, €Between us two let there be peace; both joining, €As joined in injuries, one enmity €Against a foe by doom express assigned us, €That cruel serpent. On me exercise not €Thy hatred for this misery befallen; €On me, already lost, me than thyself €More miserable. Both have sinned; but thou €Against God only, I against God and thee; €And to the place of judgment will return, €There with my cries importune Heaven, that all €The sentence, from thy head removed, may light €On me, sole cause to thee of all this woe; €Me -- me only, just object of His ire! €@She ended, weeping; and her lowly plight, €Immovable till peace obtained from fault €Acknowledged and deplored, in Adam wrought €Commiseration. Soon his heart relented, €Towards her, his life so late, and sole delight, €Now at his feet submissive in distress; €Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking, €His counsel, whom she had displeased, his aid. €As one disarmed, his anger all he lost, €And thus with peaceful words upraised her soon: €@Unwary, and too desirous, as before, €So now, of what thou knowest not, who desirest €The punishment all on thyself; alas! €Bear thine own first, ill able to sustain €His full wrath, whose thou feelest as yet least part, €And my displeasure bearest so ill. If prayers €Could alter high decrees, I to that place €Would speed before thee, and be louder heard, €That on my head all might be visited; €Thy frailty and infirmer sex forgiven; €To me committed, and by me exposed. €But rise; let us no more contend, nor blame €Each other, blamed enough elsewhere; but strive, €In offices of love, how we may lighten evil. €Each other's burden, in our share of woe, €Since this day's death denounced, if aught I see, €Will prove no sudden, but a slow-paced €A long day's dying to augment our pain, €And to our seed (O hapless seed!) derived. €@To whom thus Eve, recovering heart, replied: €Adam, by sad experiment I know €How little weight my words with thee can find, €Found so erroneous, thence by just event €Found so unfortunate: nevertheless, €Restored by thee, vile as I am, to place €Of new acceptance, hopeful to regain €Thy love, the sole contentment of my heart, €Living or dying, from thee I will not hide €What thoughts in my unquiet breast are risen. €Tending to some relief of our extremes. €Or end; though sharp and sad, yet tolerable, €As in our evils, and of easier choice. €If care of our descent perplex us most, €Which must be born to certain woe, devoured €By death at last, and miserable it is €To be to others cause of misery, €Our own begotten, and of our loins to bring €Into this cursed world a woeful race, €That, after wretched life, must be at last €Food for so foul a monster -- in thy power €It lies yet, ere conception, to prevent €The race unblest, to being yet unbegot. €Childless thou art, childless remain; so Death €Shall be deceived his glut, and with us two €Be forced to satisfy his ravenous maw. €But if thou judge it hard and difficult, €Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain €From love's due rights, nuptial embraces sweet, €And, with desire, to languish without hope, €Before the present object languishing €With like desire, which would be misery €And torment less than none of what we dread, €Then, both ourselves and seed at once to free €From what we fear for both, let us make short €Let us seek Death; or, he not found, supply €With our own hands his office on ourselves. €Why stand we longer shivering under fears €That show no end but Death; and have the power, €Of many ways to die, the shortest choosing, €Destruction with destruction to destroy? €@She ended here, or vehement despair €Broke off the rest; so much of Death her thoughts €Had entertained, as dyed her cheeks with pale. €But Adam, with such counsel nothing swayed, €To better hopes his more attentive mind €Labouring had raised; and thus to Eve replied: €@Eve, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems €To argue in thee something more sublime €And excellent than what thy mind contemns; €But self-destruction therefore sought, refutes €That excellence thought in thee; and implies, €Not thy contempt, but anguish and regret €For loss of life and pleasure overloved. €Or if thou covet death, as utmost end €Of misery, so thinking to evade €The penalty pronounced, doubt not but God €Hath wiselier armed his vengeful ire, than so €To be forestalled; much more I fear lest death, €So snatched, will not exempt us from the pain €We are by doom to pay; rather, such acts €Of contumacy will provoke the Highest €To make death in us live. then let us seek €Some safer resolution, which methinks €I have in view, calling to mind with heed €Part of our sentence, that thy seed shall bruise €The serpent's head -- piteous amends! unless €Be meant, whom I conjecture, our grand foe, €Satan, who, in the serpent, hath contrived €Against us this deceit -- to crush his head €Would be revenge indeed! which will be lost, €By death brought on ourselves, or childless days €Resolved, as thou proposest; so our foe €Shall 'scape his punishment ordained, and we, €Instead, shall double ours upon our heads. €No more be mentioned then, of violence €Against ourselves, and wilful barrenness €That cuts us off from hope, and savours only €Rancour and pride, impatience and despite, €Reluctance against God, and his just yoke €Laid on our necks. Remember with what mild €And gracious temper he both heard and judged, €Without wrath or reviling. We expected €Immediate dissolution, which we thought €Was meant by death that day; when, lo! to thee €Pains only in child-bearing were foretold, €And bringing forth, soon recompensed with joy, €Fruit of thy womb. On my the curse aslope €Glanced on the ground; with labour I must earn €My bread -- what harm? Idleness had been worse; €My labour will sustain me; and, lest cold €Or heat should injure us, his timely care €Hath, unbesought, provided, and his hands €Clothed us, unworthy, pitying while he judged; €How much more, if we pray him, will his ear €Be open, and his heart to pity incline, €And teach us further by what means to shun €The inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow! €Which now the sky, with various face, begins €To show us in this mountain; while the winds €Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks €Of these fair-spreading trees; which bids us seek €Some better shroud, some better warmth, to cherish €Our limbs benumbed, ere this diurnal star €Leave cold the night, how we his gathered beams €Reflected may with matter sere foment; €Or, by collision of two bodies, grind €The air attrite to fire: as late the clouds €Justling, or pushed with winds, rude in their shock, €Tine the slant lightning, whose thwart flame, driven down, €Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine, €And sends a comfortable heat from far, €Which might supply the sun: such fire to use €And what may else be remedy or cure €To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, €He will instruct us praying, and of grace €Beseeching him. So as we need not fear €To pass commodiously this life, sustained €By him with many comforts, till we end €In dust, our final rest and native home. €What better can we do, than, to the place €Repairing where he judged us, prostrate fall €Before him, reverent; and there confess €Humbly our faults, and pardon beg, with tears €Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air €Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign €Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek? €Undoubtedly he will relent, and turn €From his displeasure; in whose look serene, €When angry most he seemed, and most severe, €What else but favour, grace, ans mercy, shone? €@So spake our father, penitent; nor Eve €Felt less remorse: they, forthwith to the place €Repairing where he judged them, prostrate fell €Before him, reverent, and both confessed €Humble their faults, and pardon begged, with tears €Watering the ground; and with their sighs the air €Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign €Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek. @Thus they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood, €Praying; for from the mercy seat above þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‹ƒPrevenient grace descending had removed €The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh €Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed €Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer €Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight €Than loudest oratory. Yet their port €Not of mean suitors; nor important less €Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair, €In fables old, less ancient yet than these, €Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore €The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine €Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers €Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds €Blown vagabond or frustrate: in they passed €Dimensionless through Heavenly doors; then clad €With incense, where the golden altar fumed, €By their great Intercessor, came in sight €Before the Father's throne: them the glad Son €Presenting, thus to intercede began: €@See, Father, what first-fruits on Earth are sprung €From thy implanted grace in man; these sighs €And prayers, which, in this golden censer, mixed €With incense, I, thy priest, before thee bring: €Fruits of more pleasing savour, from thy seed €Sown with contrition in his heart, than those €Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees €Of Paradise could have produced, ere fallen €From innocence. Now, therefore, bend thine ear €To supplication; hear his sighs, though mute, €Unskilful with what words to pray; let me €Interpret for him, me, his Advocate €And propitiation; all his works on me, €Good, or not good, ingraft; my merit those €Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay. €Accept me; and, in me, from these receive €The smell of peace toward mankind; let him live €Before thee reconciled, at least his days €Numbered, though sad, till death, his doom (which I €To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse) €To better life shall yield him, where with me €All my redeemed may dwell in joy and bliss, €Made one with me, as I with thee am one. €@To whom the Father, without cloud, serene: €All thy request for Man, accepted Son, €Obtain; all thy request was my decree. €But, longer in that Paradise to dwell, €The law I gave to nature him forbids; €Those pure immortal elements that know €No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul, €Eject him, tainted now, and purge him off, €As a distemper gross, to air as gross, €And mortal food, as may dispose him best €For dissolution wrought by sin, that first €Distempered all things, and of incorrupt €Corrupted. I, at first, with two fair. gifts €Created him endowed, with happiness, €And immortality; that fondly lost, €This other served but to eternise woe, €Till I provided death: so death becomes €His final remedy, and, after life, €Tried in sharp tribulation, and refined €By faith and faithful works, to second life, €Waked in the renovation of the just, €Resigns him up wit heaven and earth renewed. €But let us call to synod all the blest €Through heaven's wide bounds; from them I will not hide €My judgments, how with mankind I proceed, €As how with peccant Angels late they saw, €And in their state, though firm, stood more confirmed. €@He ended, and the Son gave signal high €To the bright minister that watched. He blew €His trumpet, heard in Oreb since, perhaps, €When God descended, and, perhaps, once more €To sound a general doom. The angelic blast €Filled all the regions. From their blissful bowers €Of Amaranthine shade, fountain, or spring, €By the waters of life, where'er they sat €In fellowships of joy, the Sons of Light €Hasted, resorting to the summons high, €And took their seats, till, from his throne supreme, €The Almighty thus pronounced his sovereign will: €@O Sons, like one of us Man is become, €To know both good and evil, since his taste €Of that defended fruit; but let him boast €His knowledge of good lost, and evil got; €Happier, had it sufficed him to have known €Good by itself, and evil not at all. €He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite. €My motions in him; longer than they move, €His heart I know how variable and vain, €Self-left. Lest, therefore, his now bolder hand €Reach also of the tree of life, and eat, €And live for ever -- dream at least to live €For ever -- to remove him I decree, €And send him from the garden forth to till €The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil. €@Michael, this my behest have thou in charge; €Take to thee from among the cherubim €Thy choice of flaming warriors, lest the Fiend, €Or in behalf of man, or to invade €Vacant possession, some new trouble raise. €Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God, €Without remorse, drive out the sinful pair; €From hallowed ground the unholy; and denounce €To them, and to their progeny, from thence €Perpetual banishment. Yet, lest they faint €At the sad sentence rigorously urged. €For I behold them softened, and with tears €Bewailing their excess, all terror hide. €If patiently thy bidding they obey, €Dismiss them not disconsolate; reveal €To Adam what shall come in future days, €As I shall thee enlighten; intermix €My covenant in the woman's seed renewed. €So send them forth, though sorrowing, yet in peace. €And, on the east side of the garden, place, €Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs, €Cherubic watch; and of a sword the flame €Wide-waving, all approach far off to fright, €And guard all passage to the tree of life, €Lest Paradise a receptacle prove €To spirits foul, and all my trees their prey, €With whose stolen fruit Man once more to delude. €@He ceased; and the archangelic Power prepared €For swift descent; with him the cohort bright €Of watchful Cherubim. Four faces each €Had, like a double Janus; all their shape €Spangled with eyes more numerous than those €Of Argus and more wakeful than to drowse, €Charmed with Arcadian pipe, the pastoral reed €Of Hermes, or his opiate rod. Meanwhile, €To resalute the world with sacred light, €Leucothea waked, and with fresh dews embalmed €The earth; when Adam and first matron Eve €Had ended now their orisons, and found €Strength added from above, new hope to spring €Out of despair, joy, but with fear yet linked; €Which thus to Eve his welcome words renewed: €@Eve, easily may faith admit that all €The good which we enjoy from heaven descends; €But that from us aught should ascend to Heaven €So prevalent, as to concern the mind €Of God, high-blest, or to incline His will, €Hard to belief may seem yet this will prayer, €Or one short sigh of human breath, upborne €Even to the seat of God. For since I sought €By prayer the offended Deity to appease, €Kneeled, and before him humbled all my heart, €Methought I saw him placable and mild, €Bending his ear; persuasion in me grew €That I was heard with favour; peace returned €Home to my breast, and to my memory €His promise, that thy seed shall bruise our Foe; €Which, then not minded in dismay, yet now €Assures me that the bitterness of death €Is past and we shall live. Whence, hail to thee, €Eve, rightly called Mother of all Mankind, €Mother of all things living, since by thee €Man is to live, and all things live for Man. €@To whom thus eve, with sad demeanour, meek: €Ill-worthy I such title should belong €To me, transgressor, who, for thee ordained €A help, became thy snare: to me reproach €Rather belongs, distrust, and all dispraise. €But infinite in pardon was my Judge, €That I, who first brought death on all, am graced €The source of life; next favourable thou, €Who highly thus to entitle me vouchsafest, €Far other name deserving. But the field €To labour calls us, now with sweat imposed, €Though after sleepless night; for see! the Morn, €All unconcerned with our unrest, begins €Her rosy progress smiling. Let us forth, €I never from thy side henceforth to stray, €Where'er our day's work lies, though now enjoined €Laborious till day droop. While here we dwell, €What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks? €Here let us live, though in fallen state, content. €@So spake, so wished, much-humbled Eve; but fate €Subscribed not. Nature first gave signs, impressed €On bird, beast, air--air suddenly eclipsed, €After short blush of morn. Nigh, in her sight, €The bird of Jove, stooped from his aery tower, €Two birds of gayest plume before him drove; þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‹‹»Down form a hill, the beast that reigns in woods, €First hunter then, pursued a gentle brace, €Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind; €Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight. €Adam observed, and, with his eye the chase €Pursuing, not unmoved, to Eve thus spake: €@O Eve, some further change awaits us nigh, €Which Heaven, by these mute signs in Nature, shows, €Forerunners of His purpose; or to warn €Us, haply too secure of our discharge €From penalty, because from death released €Some days; how long, and what till then our life, €Who knows? or more than this, tha we are dust, €And thither must return, and be no more? €Why else this double object in our sight, €Of flight pursued in the air, and o'er the ground, €One way the self-same hour? Why, in the east, €Darkness ere day's mid-course, and morning-light €More orient in yon western cloud, that draws €O'er the blue firmament a radiant white, €And slow descends with something heavenly fraught? €@He erred not; for, by this, the heavenly bands €Down from a sky of jasper lighted now €In Paradise, and on a hill made halt; €A glorious apparition, had not doubt €And carnal fear that day dimmed Adam's eye. €Not that more glorious, when the Angels met €Jacob in Mahanaim, where he saw €The field pavilioned with his guardians bright; €Nor that which on the flaming mount appeared €In Dothan, covered with a camp of fire, €Against the Syrian king, who, to surprise €One man, assassin-like, had levied war, €War unproclaimed. The princely hierarch €In their bright stand there left his Powers, to seize €Possession of the garden. He alone, €To find where Adam sheltered, took his way, €Not unperceived of Adam; who to Eve, €While the great visitant approached, thus spake: €@Eve, now expect great tidings, which, perhaps, €Of us will soon determine, or impose €New laws to be observed; for I descry, €From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill, €One of the heavenly host, and, by his gait, €None of the meanest; some great Potentate, €Or of the Thrones above, such majesty €Invests his coming; yet not terrible, €That I should fear, nor sociably mild, €As Raphael, that I should much confide, €But solemn and sublime; whom, not to offend, €With reverence I must meet, and thou retire. €@He ended; and the Archangel soon drew nigh, €Not in his shape celestial, but as Man €Clad to meet man. Over his lucid arms €A military vest of purple flowed, €Livelier than Meliboean, or the grain €Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old €In time of truce: Iris had dipt the woof. €His starry helm unbuckled showed him prime €In manhood where youth ended; by his side, €As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword, €Satan's dire dread, and in his hand the spear. €Adam bowed low. He, kingly, from his state €Inclined not, but his coming thus declared: €@Adam, Heaven's high behest no preface needs: €Sufficient that thy prayers are heard; and Death, €Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress, €Defeated of his seizure many days, €Given thee of grace, wherein thou mayst repent, €And one bad act with many deeds well done €Mayst cover: well may, then, thy Lord, appeased, €Redeem thee quite from Death's rapacious claim. €But longer in this Paradise to dwell €Permits not. To remove thee I am come, €And send thee from the garden forth, to till €The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil. €@He added not; for Adam, at the news €Heart-struck, with chilling gripe of sorrow stood, €That all his senses bound: Eve, who unseen, €Yet all had heard, with audible lament €Discovered soon the place of her retire: €@O unexpected stroke, worse than of Death! €Must I thus leave thee, Paradise? thus leave €Thee, native soil! these happy walks and shades, €Fit haunt of gods? where I had hope to spend, €Quiet, though sad, the respite of that day €That must be mortal to us both? O flowers, €That never will in other climate grow, €My early visitation, and my last €At even, which I bred up with tender hand €From the first opening bud, and gave ye names! €Who now shall rear ye to the sun, or rank €Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount? €Thee, lastly, nuptial bower, by me adorned €With what to sight or smell was sweet, from thee €How shall I part, and whither wander down €Into a lower world, to this obscure €And wild? How shall we breathe in other air €Less pure, accustomed to immortal fruits? €@Whom thus the Angel interrupted mild: €Lament not, Eve, but patiently resign €What justly thou hast lost, nor set thy heart. €Thus over fond, on that which is not thine. €Thy going is not lonely; with thee goes €Thy husband; him to follow thou art bound; €Where he abides, think there thy native soil. €@Adam by this from the cold sudden damp €Recovering, and his scattered spirits returned, €To Michael thus his humble words addressed: €@Celestial, whether among the Thrones, or named €Of them the Highest, for such of shape may seem €Prince above princes! gently hast thou told €Thy message, Which might else in telling wound, €And, in performing, end us. what besides €Of sorrow, and dejection, and despair, €Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring, €Departure from this happy place, our sweet €Recess, and only consolation left €Familiar to our eyes, all places else €Inhospitable appear, and desolate, €Nor knowing us, nor known: and if, by prayer €Incessant, I could hope to change the will €Of Him who all things can, I would not cease €To weary him with my assiduous cries. €But prayer against his absolute decree €No more avails than breath against the wind, €Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth. €Therefore to His great bidding I submit. €This most afflicts me; that, departing hence, €As from His face I shall be hid, deprived €His blessed countenance. Here I could frequent. €With worship, place by place where he vouchsafed €Presence Divine, and to my sons relate, €On this mound He appeared; under this tree €Stood visible; among these pines his voice €I heard; here with Him at this fountain talked. €So many grateful altars I would rear €Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone €Of lustre from the brook, in memory €Or monument to ages, and thereon €Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers. €In yonder nether world where shall I seek €His bright appearances, or footstep trace? €For though I fled him angry, yet, recalled €To life prolonged and promised race, I now €Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts €Of glory, and far off his steps adore. €@To whom thus Michael, with regard benign: €Adam, thou knowest heaven His, and all the earth; €Not this rock only. His omnipresence fills €Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives, €Fomented by his virtual power, and warmed. €All the earth he gave thee to possess and rule, €No despicable gift. Surmise not, then, €His presence to these narrow bounds confined €Of Paradise, of Eden; this had been €Perhaps, thy capital seat, from whence had spread, €All generations, and had hither come, €From all the ends of the Earth, to celebrate €And reverence thee, their great progenitor, €But this pre-eminence thou hast lost, brought down €To dwell on even ground now with thy sons. €Yet doubt not but in valley and in plain, €God is, as here, and will be found alike €Present; and of his presence many a sign €Still following thee, still compassing thee round €With goodness and Paternal love, his face €Express, and of his steps the track divine. €Which that thou mayst believe, and be confirmed €Ere thou from hence depart, know, I am sent €To show thee what shall come in future days €To thee, and to thy offspring; good with bad €Expect to hear, supernal grace contending €With sinfulness of men; thereby to learn €True patience, and to temper joy with fear €And pious sorrow, equally inured €By moderation either state to bear, €Prosperous or adverse. So shalt thou lead €Safest thy life, and best prepared endure €Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend €This hill; let Eve (for I have drenched her eyes) €Here sleep below, while thou to foresight wakest; €As once thou sleptest, while she to life was formed. €@To whom thus Adam gratefully replied: þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‹‹‚óAscend, I follow thee, safe guide, the path €Thou leadest me; and to the hand of Heaven submit. €However chastening; to the evil turn €My obvious breast, arming to overcome €By suffering, and earn rest from labour won, €If so I may attain. So both ascend €In the visions of God. It was a hill, €Of Paradise the highest, from whose top, €The hemisphere of earth, in clearest ken, €Strectched out to the amplest reach of prospect, lay. €Not higher that hill, nor wider looking round, €Whereon, for different cause, the Tempter set €Our second Adam, in the wilderness, €To show him all Earth's kingdoms, and their glory. €His eye might there command wherever stood €City of old or modern fame, the seat €Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls €Of Cambalu, seat of Cathaian Cham, €And Samarcand by Oxus, Temir's throne, €To Paquin, of Sinaean kings; and thence €To Agra, and Lahor, of Great Mogul, €Down to the golden Chersonese; or where €The persian in Ecbatan sat, or since €In Hispahan; or where the Russian Czar €In Moscow; or the Sultan in Bizance, €Turchestan-born; nor could his eye not ken €The empire of Negus to his utmost port €Ercoco, and the less maritime kings, €Mombaza, and Quiloa, and Melind, €And Sofala through Ophir to the realm €Of Congo, and Angola farthest south: €Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount, €The kingdoms of Almanzor, Fez and Sus, €Morocco, and Algiers, and Tremisen; €On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway €The world. In spirit, perhaps, he also saw €Rich Mexico, the seat of Montezume, €And Cusco in Peru, the richer seat €Of Atabalipa, and yet unspoiled €Guiana, whose great city Geryon's sons €Call El Dorado. But to nobler sights €Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed, €Which that false fruit, that promised clearer sight, €Had bred; then purged with euphrasy and rue €The visual nerve, for he had much to see, €And from the well of life three drops instilled. €So deep the power of these ingredients pierced, €Even to the inmost seat of mental sight, €That Adam, now enforced to close his eyes, €Sunk down, and all his spirits became entranced; €But him the gentle angel by the hand €Soon raised, and his attention thus recalled: €@Adam, now open thine eyes, and first behold €The effects, which thy original crime hath wrought €In some to spring from thee, who never touched €The excepted tree, nor with the snake conspired, €Nor sinned thy sin; yet from that sin derive €Corruption, to bring forth more violent deeds. €@His eyes he opened, and beheld a field, €Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves €New reaped; the other part, sheep-walks and folds; €In the midst an altar, as the landmark stood, €Rustic, of grassy sward. Thither, anon, €A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought €First-fruits, the green ear, and the yellow sheaf, €Unculled, as came to hand; a shepherd next, €More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock, €Choicest and best; then, sacrificing, laid €The inwards and their fat, with incense strewed, €On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed. €His offering soon propitious fire from heaven €Consumed with nimble glance, and grateful steam; €The other's not, for his was not sincere. €Whereat he only raged, and, as they talked, €Smote him into the midriff with a stone €That beat out life. He fell, and, deadly pale, €Groaned out his soul, with gushing blood effused. €Much at that sight was Adam in his heart €Dismayed, and thus in haste to the Angel cried: €@O Teacher, some great mischief hath befallen €To that meek man, who well had sacrificed; €Is piety thus, and pure devotion, paid? €@To whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied: €These two are brethren, Adam, and to come €Out of thy loins. The unjust the just hath slain, €For envy that his brother's offering found €From Heaven acceptance; but the bloody fact €Will be avenged, and the other's faith, approved, €Lose no reward, though here thou see him die, €Rolling in dust and gore. To which our sire: €@Alas! both for the deed, and for the cause! €But have I now seen death? Is this the way €I must return to native dust? O sight €Of terror, foul and ugly to behold! €Horrid to think, how horrible to feel! €@To whom thus Michael: Death thou hast seen €In his first shape on Man; but many shapes €Of Death, and many are the ways that lead €To his grim cave; all dismal, yet to sense €More terrible at the entrance then within. €Some, as thou sawest, by violent stroke shall die; €By fire, flood, famine; by intemperance more €In meats and drinks, which on earth shall bring €Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew €Before thee shall appear, that thou mayst know €What misery the inabstinence of Eve €Shall bring on men. Immediately a place €Before his eyes appeared, sad, noisome, dark, €A lazar-house it seemed, wherein were laid €Numbers of all diseased; all maladies €Of ghastly spasm, or racking torture, qualms €Of heart-sick agony, all feverous kinds, €Convulsions, epilepsies, fierce catarrhs, €Intestine stone and ulcer, cholic pangs, €Demoniac frenzy, moping melancholy, €And moon-struck madness, pining atrophy, €Marasmus, and wide-wasting pestilence, €Dropsies, and asthmas, and joint-racking rheums, €Dire was the tossing, deep the groans. Despair €Tended the sick, busiest from couch to couch; €And over them triumphant Death his dart €Shook, but delayed to strike, though oft invoked €With vows, as their chief good, and final hope. €Sight so deform what heart of rock could long €Dry-eyed behold? Adam could not, but wept, €Though not of woman born; compassion quelled €His best of man, and gave him up to tears €A space, till firmer thoughts restrained excess; €And, scarce recovering words, his plaint renewed: €@O miserable mankind, to what fall €Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! €Better end here unborn. Why is life given €To be thus wrested from us? Rather, why €Obtruded on us thus? who, if we knew €What we receive, would either not accept €Life offered, or soon beg to lay it down, €Glad to be so dismissed in peace. Can thus €The image of God in man, created once €So goodly and erect, though faulty since, €To such unsightly sufferings be debased €Under inhuman pains? Why should not man. €Retaining still Divine similitude €In part, from each deformities be free, €And, for his Maker's image sake, exempt. €@Their Maker's image, answered Michael, then €Forsook them, when themselves they vilified €To serve ungoverned appetite, and took €His image whom they served, a brutish vice, €Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. €Therefore so abject is their punishment, €Disfiguring not God's likeness, but their own; €Or, if His likeness, by themselves defaced; €While they pervert pure nature's healthful rules €To loathsome sickness; worthily, since they €God's image did not reverence in themselves. €@I yield it just, said Adam, and submit: €But is there yet no other way, besides €These painful passages, how we may come €To death, and mix with our connatural dust? €@There is, said Michael, if thou well observe €The rule of: Not too much, by temperance taught, €In what thou eat'st and drink'st; seeking from thence €Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight. €Till many years over thy head return, €So mayst thou live till, like ripe fruit, thou drop €Into thy mother's lap, or be with ease €Gathered, not harshly plucked, for death mature. €This is old age; but, then, thou must outlive €Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty; which will change €To withered, weak, and gray; thy senses then, €Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forego, €To what thou hast; and for the air of youth, €Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign €A melancholy damp of cold and dry, €To weigh thy spirits down, and last consume €The balm of life. To whom our ancestor: €@Henceforth I fly not Death, nor would prolong €Life much; bent, rather, how I may be quit, €Fairest and easiest, of this cumbrous charge, €Which I must keep till my appointed day €Of rendering up, and patiently attend €My dissolution. Michael replied: €@Nor love thy life, nor hate, but what thou livest €Live well; how long, or short, permit to Heaven. €And now prepare thee for another sight. þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‹‹„¬@He looked, and saw a spacious plain, whereon €Were tents of various hues. By some were herds €Of cattle grazing; others, whence the sound €Of instruments, that made melodious chime, €Was heard of harp and organ, and who moved €Their stops and chords was seen, his volant touch, €Instinct through all proportions, low and high, €Fled and pursued transverse the resonant fugue. €In other part stood one who, at the forge €Labouring, two massy clods of iron and brass €Had melted (whether found where casual fire €Had wasted woods on mountain or in vale, €Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot €To some cave's mouth, or whether washed by stream €From under ground). The liquid ore he drained €Into fit moulds prepared, from which he formed €First, his own tools, then, what might else be wrought €Fusil or graven in metal. After these, €But on the hither side, a different sort, €From the high neighbouring hills, which was their seat, €Down to the plain descended; by their guise €Just men they seemed, and all their study bent €To worship God aright, and know his works €Not hid, nor those things last, which might preserve €Freedom and peace to men. They on the plain €Long had not walked, when from the tents, behold €A bevy of fair women, richly gay €In gems and wanton dress; to the harp they sung €Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on. €The men, though grave, eyed them, and let their eyes €Rove without rein; till, in the amorous net €Fast caught, they liked, and each his liking chose. €And now of love they treat, till the evening star, €Love's harbinger, appeared; then, all in heat, €They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke €Hymen, then first to marriage rites invoked; €With feast and music all the tents resound. €Such happy interview, and fair event €Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flowers, €And charming symphonies, attached the heart €Of Adam, soon inclined to admit delight, €The bent of nature; which he thus expressed: €@True opener of mine eyes, prime Angel blest, €Much better seems this vision, and more hope €Of peaceful days portends, than those two past; €Those were of hate and death, or pain much worse: €Here nature seems fulfilled in all her ends. €@To whom thus Michael: Judge not what is best €By pleasure, though to nature seeming meet; €Created, as thou art, to nobler end €Holy and pure, conformity divine €Those tents thou sawest so pleasant were the tents €Of wickedness, wherein shall dwell his race €Who slew his brother; studious they appear €Of arts that polish life, inventors rare, €Unmindful of their Maker, though his Spirit €Taught them, but they his gifts acknowledged none. €Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget; €For that fair female troop thou sawest, that seemed €Of goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay, €Yet empty of all good, wherein consists €Woman's domestic honour and chief praise; €Bred only and completed to the taste €Of lustful appetance, to sing, to dance, €To dress, and troll the tongue, and roll the eye: €To these that sober race of men, whose lives €Religious titled them the sons of God, €Shall yield up all their virtue, all their fame, €Ignobly, to the trains and to the smiles €Of these fair atheists; and now swim in joy, €(Ere long to swim at large) and laugh, for which €The world ere long a world of tears must weep. €@To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft: €O pity and shame, that they, who to live well €Entered so fair, should turn aside to tread €Paths indirect, or in the midway faint! €But still I see the tenor of man's woe €Holds on the same, from woman to begin. €@From man's effeminate slackness it begins, €Said the angel, who should better hold his place €By wisdom, and superior gifts received. €But now prepare thee for another scene. €@He looked, and saw wide territory spread €Before him, towns, and rural works between, €Cities of men with lofty gates and towers, €Concourse in arms, fierce faces threatening war, €Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise. €Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed €Single, or in array of battle ranged, €Both horse and foot, nor idly mustering stood. €One way a band select from forage drives €A herd of beeves, fair oxen and fair kine, €From a fat meadow ground; or fleecy flock, €Ewes and their bleating lambs over the plain, €Their booty; scarce with life the shepherds fly, €But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray. €With cruel tournament the squadrons join; €Where cattle pastured late, now scattered lies €With carcases and arms, the ensanguined field €Deserted. Others to a city strong €Lay siege, encamped; by battery, scale, and mine, €Assaulting; others from the wall defend €With dart and javelin, stones, and sulphurous fire; €On each hand slaughter, and gigantic deeds. €In other part the scepterd heralds call €To council, in the city gates. Anon €Gray-headed men and grave, with warriors mixed, €Assemble, and harangues are heard; but soon €In factious opposition, till, at last, €Of middle age one rising, eminent €In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong, €Of justice, of religion, truth, and peace, €And judgment from above; him old and young €Exploded, and had seized with violent hands, €Had not a cloud descending snatched him thence, €Unseen amid the throng. So violence €Proceeded, and oppression, and sword law, €Through all the plain and refuge none was found. €Adam was all in tears, and to his guide €Lamenting, turned full sad: O what are these? €Death's ministers, not men! who thus deal death €Inhumanly to men, and multiply €Ten thousand fold the sin of him who slew €His brother; for of whom such massacre €Make they, but of their brethren, men of men? €But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven €Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost? €@To whom thus Michael: These are the product €Of those ill-mated marriages thou sawest; €Where good with ad were matched, who of themselves €Abhor to join, and, by imprudence mixed, €Produce prodigious births of body or mind. €Such were those giants, men of high renown; €For in those days might only shall be admired, €And valour and heroic virtue called. €To overcome in battle, and subdue €Nations, and bring home spoils, with infinite €Manslaughter, shall be held the highest pitch €Of human glory; and for glory done €Of triumph, to be styled great conquerors, €Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods; €Destroyers rightlier called, and plagues of men. €Thus fame shall be achieved, renown on earth; €And what most merits fame, in silence hid. €But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou beheldest €The only righteous in a world perverse, €And therefore hated, therefore so beset €With foes, for daring single to be just, €And utter odious truth, that God would come €To judge them with His saints, him the Most High, €Rapt in a balmy cloud with winged steeds, €Did, as thou sawest, receive, to walk with God €High in salvation and the climes of bliss, €Exempt from death; to show thee what reward €Awaits the good; the rest what punishment, €Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold. €@He looked, and saw the face of things quite changed. €The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar. €All now was turned to jollity and game, €To luxury and riot, feast and dance; €Marrying or prostituting, as befell, €Rape or adultery, where passing fair €Allured them, thence from cups to civil broils. €At length a reverend sire among them came, €And of their doings great dislike declard, €And testified against their ways. He oft €Frequented their assemblies, whereso met, €Triumphs or festivals, and to them preached €Conversion and repentance, as to souls €In prison, under judgment imminent. €But all in vain. Which, when he saw, he ceased €Contending, and removed his tents far off. €Then, from the mountain hewing timber tall, €Began to build a vessel of huge bulk; €Measured by cubit, length, and breadth, and height, €Smeared round with pitch, and in the side a door €Contrived, and of provisions laid in large €For man and beast. When, lo! a wonder strange! €Of every beast, and bird, and insect small, €Came sevens and pairs, and ;entered in, as taught þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜‹‹…àTheir order. Last, the sire and his three sons, €With their four wives, and God made fast the door. €Meanwhile the south wind rose, and, with black wings €Wide-hovering, all the clouds together drove €From under heaven; the hills to their supply €Vapour, and exhalation, dusk and moist, €Sent up amain. And now the thickened sky €Like a dark ceiling stood; down rushed the rain €Impetuous, and continued till the earth €No more was seen; the floating vessel swum €Uplifted, and secure, with beaked prow, €Rode tilting o'er the waves; all dwellings else €Flood overwhelmed, and them, with all their pomp, €Deep under water rolled; sea covered sea, €Sea without shore, and in their palaces, €Where luxury late reigned, sea monsters whelped €And stabled: of mankind, so numerous late, €All left in one small bottom swum embarked. €How didst thou grieve then, Adam, to behold €The end of all thy offspring, end so sad, €Depopulation! Thee, another flood, €Of tears and sorrow a flood, thee also drowned, €And sunk thee as thy sons; till, gently reared €By the Angel, on thy feet thou stood'st at last, €Though comfortless, as when a father mourns €His children, all in view destroyed at once; €And scarce to the angel uttered'st thus thy plaint: €@O visions ill foreseen! better had I €Lived ignorant of future: so had borne €My part of evil only, each day's lot €Enough to bear. Those now, that were dispensed €The burden of many ages, on me light €At once, by my foreknowing gaining birth €Abortive, to torment me, ere their being, €With thought that they must be. Let no man seek €Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall €Him or his children; evil, he may be sure, €Which neither his foreknowing can prevent, €And he the future evil shall no less €In apprehension than in substance feel, €Grievous to bear. But that care now is past; €Man is not whom to warn; those few escaped, €Famine and anguish will at last consume, €Wandering that watery desert. I had hope, €When violence was ceased, and war on earth, €All would have then gone well; peace would have crowned €With length of happy days, the race of man; €But I was far deceived; for now I see €Peace to corrupt, no less than war to waste. €How comes it thus? Unfold, celestial guide, €And whether here the race of man will end. €@To whom thus Michael: Those, whom last thou sawest €In triumph and luxurious wealth, are they €First seen in acts of prowess eminent, €And great exploits, but of true virtue void, €Who, having spilt much blood, and done much waste, €Subduing nations, and achieved thereby €Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey, €Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth, €Surfeit, and lust; till wantonness and pride €Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace. €The conquered, also, and enslaved by war, €Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose, €And fear of God, from whom their piety feigned, €In sharp contest of battle, found no aid €Against invaders; therefore, cooled in zeal, €Thenceforth shall practise how to live secure, €Worldly or dissolute, on what their lords €Shall leave them to enjoy; for the earth shall bear €More than enough, that temperance may be tried. €So all shall turn degenerate, all depraved, €Justice and temperance, truth and faith, forgot; €One man except, the only son of light €In a dark age, against example good, €Against allurement, custom, and a world €Offended. Fearless of reproach or scorn, €Or violence, he of their wicked ways €Shall them admonish; and before them set €The paths of righteousness, how much more safe, €And full of peace; denouncing wrath to come €On their impenitence, and shall return €Of them derided. But of God observed, €The one just man alive, by his command €Shall build a wondrous ark, as thou beheld'st, €To save himself and household from amidst €A world devote to universal wrack. €No sooner he, with them of man and beast €Select for life, shall in the ark be lodged, €And sheltered round, but all the cataracts €Of heaven set open on the earth shall pour €Rain day and night; all fountains of the deep, €Broke up, shall heave the ocean to usurp €Beyond all bounds, till inundation rise €Above the highest hills; then shall this mount €Of Paradise by might of waves be moved €Out of his place, pushed, by the horned flood, €With all his verdure spoiled, and trees adrift, €Down the great river to the opening gulf, €And there take root, an island salt and bare, €The haunt of seals, and orcs, and sea-mews' clang; €To teach thee that God attributes to place €No sanctity, if none be thither brought €By men who there frequent, or therein dwell, €And now, what further shall ensure, behold. €@He looked, and saw the ark hull on the flood, €Which now abated. For the clouds were fled, €Driven by a keen north wind, that, blowing dry, €Wrinkled the face of deluge, as decayed; €And the clear sun on his wide watery glass €Gazed hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew, €As after thirst; which made their flowing shrink €From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole, €With soft foot, towards the deep, who now had stopt €His sluices, as the heaven his windows shut. €The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground, €Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed. €And now the tops of hills, as rocks, appear; €With clamour thence the rapid currents drive, €Towards the retreating sea, their furious tide. €Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies; €And after him, the surer messenger, €A dove, sent forth once and again to spy €Green tree or ground, whereon his foot may light. €The second time returning, in his bill €An olive leaf he brings, pacific sign. €Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark €The ancient sire descends, with all his train: €Then, with uplifted hands, and eyes devout, €Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds €A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow €Conspicusus, with three listed colours gay, €Betokening peace from God, and covenant new €Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad, €Greatly rejoiced, and thus his joy broke forth: €@O Thou, who future things canst represent €As present, heavenly instructor, I revive €At this last sight; assured that man shall live, €With all the creatures, and their seed preserve. €Far less I now lament for one whole world €Of wicked sons destroyed, than I rejoice €For one man found so perfect, and so just. €That God vouchsafes to raise another world €From him, and all his anger to forget. €But say, what mean those coloured streaks in heaven €Distended, as the brow of God appeased? €Or serve they, as a flowery verge, to bind €The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud, €Lest it again dissolve and shower the earth? €@To whom the Archangel: Dexterously thou aimest; €So willingly doth God remit his ire, €Though late repenting him of man depraved; €Grieved at his heart, when, looking down, he saw €The whole earth filled with violence, and all flesh €Corrupting each their way. Yet, those removed, €Such grace shall one just man find in his sight, €That he relents, not to blot our mankind; €And makes a covenant, never to destroy €The earth again by flood, nor let the sea €Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world, €With man therein or beast; but when he brings €Over the earth a cloud, will therein set €His triple-coloured bow, whereon to look €And call to mind His covenant. Day and night, €Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoary frost, €Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new, €Both heaven and earth, wherein the just shall dwell. @As one who, in his journey, bates at noon, €Though bent on speed, so here the Archangel paused €Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored, €If Adam aught, perhaps, might interpose; €Then, with transition sweet, new speech resumes: €@Thus thou hast seen one world begin, and end, €And man, as from a second stock, proceed. €Much thou hast yet to see; but I perceive €Thy mortal sight to fail; objects divine €Must needs impair and weary human sense, €Henceforth what is to come I will relate; €Thou, therefore, give due audience, and attend: €@This second source of men, while yet but few, €And while the dread of judgment past remains þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜ŒˆFresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, €With some regard to what is just and right €Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace, €Labouring the soil, and reaping plenteous crops, €Corn, wine, and oil; and, from the herd or flock, €Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid, €With large wine-offerings poured, and sacred feast, €Shall spend their days in joy unblamed, and dwell €Long time in peace, by families and tribes, €Under paternal rule; till one shall rise, €Of proud, ambitious heart, who, not content €With fair equality, fraternal state, €Will arrogate dominion undeserved €Over his brethren, and quite dispossess €Concord and law of nature from the earth: €Hunting (and men, not beasts, shall be his game) €With war, and hostile snare, such as refuse €Subjection to his empire tyrannous! €A mighty hunter thence he shall be styled €Before the Lord, as, in despite of Heaven, €Or from Heaven, claiming second sovereignty; €And from rebellion shall derive his name, €Though of rebellion others he accuse. €He, with a crew, whom like ambition joins €With him, or under him, to tyrannise, €Marching from Eden towards the west, shall find €The plain wherein a black, bituminous gurge €Boils out from under ground, the mouth of Hell. €Of brick, and of that stuff, they cast to build €A city and tower, whose top may reach to heaven. €And get themselves a name, lest, far dispersed €In foreign lands, their memory be lost: €Regardless whether good or evil fame. €But God, who oft descends to visit men €Unseen, and through their habitations walks €To mark their doings, them beholding soon, €Comes down to see their city, ere the tower €Obstruct Heaven-towers, and in derision sets €Upon their tongues a various spirit, to rase €Quite out their native language, and, instead, €To sow a jangling noise of words unknown. €Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud €Among the builders; each to other calls, €Not understood, till hoarse, and all in rage, €As mocked they storm. Great laughter was in Heaven, €And looking down to see the hubbub strange, €And hear the din. Thus was the building left €Ridiculous, and the work Confusion named. €@Whereto thus Adam, fatherly displeased: €O execrable son! so to aspire €Above his brethren; to himself assuming €Authority usurped, from God not given. €He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl, €Dominion absolute; that right we hold €By his donation, but man over men €He made not lord; such title to Himself €Reserving, human left for human free. €But this usurper his encroachment proud €Stays not on man; to God his tower intends €Siege and defiance! Wretched man! what food €Will he convey up thither, to sustain €Himself and his rash army, where thin air €Above the clouds, will pine his entrails gross, €And famish him of breath, if not of bread? €@To whom thus Michael: Justly thou abhor'st €That son, who on the quiet state of men €Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue €Rational liberty; yet know withal, €Since thy original lapse, true liberty €Is lost, which always with right reason dwells, €Twinned, and from her hath no dividual being. €Reason in man obscured, or not obeyed, €Immediately inordinate desires €And upstart passions catch the government €From reason, and to servitude reduce €Man, till then free. Therefore, since he permits €Within himself, unworthy powers to reign €Over free reason, God, in judgment just, €Subjects him from without to violent lords, €Who oft as undeservedly enthral €His outward freedom. Tyranny must be, €Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse. €Yet sometimes nations will decline so low €From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong, €But justice, and some fatal curse annexed €Deprives them of their outward liberty, €Their inward lost. Witness the irreverent son €Of him who built the ark, who, for the shame, €Done to his father, heard this heavy curse, €Servant of servants, on his vicious race. €Thus will this latter, as the former, world, €Still tend from bad to worse, till God, at last, €Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw €His presence from among them, and avert €His holy eyes, resolving from thenceforth €To leave them to their own polluted ways, €And one peculiar nation to select €From all the rest, of whom to be invoked, €A nation from one faithful man to spring: €Him on this side Euphrates yet residing, €Bred up in idol worship. O that men €(Canst thou believe?) should be so stupid grown, €While yet the patriarch lived who 'scaped the flood, €As to forsake the living God, and fall €To worship their own work in wood and stone €For gods! Yet him, God the Most High vouchsafes €To call, by vision, from his father's house, €His kindred, and false gods, into a land €Which He will show him; and from him will raise €A mighty nation, and upon him shower €His benediction so, that in his seed €All nations shall be blest. He straight obeys, €Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes. €I see him, but thou canst not, with what faith €He leaves his gods, his friends, and native soil, €Ur of Chaldea, passing now the ford €To Haran; after him a cumbrous train €Of herds and flocks, and numerous servitude; €Not wandering poor, but trusting all his wealth €With God, who called him, in a land unknown. €Canaan he now attains. I see his tents €Pitched about Sechem, and the neighbouring plain €Of Moreh. There, by promise, he receives €Gift to his progeny of all that land, €From Hamath, northward to the desert south €(Things by their names I call, though yet unnamed) €From Hermon east, to the great western sea; €Mount Hermon, yonder sea; each place behold €In prospect, as I point them. On the shore, €Mount Carmel; here, the double-founted stream, €Jordan, true limit eastward; but his sons €Shall dwell to Senir, that long ridge of hills. €This ponder, that all nations of the earth €Shall in his seed be blessed. By that seed €Is meant thy great Deliverer, who shall bruise €The Serpent's head; whereof to thee anon €Plainlier shall be revealed. This patriarch blest, €Whom faithful Abraham due time shall call, €A son, and of his son a grandchild, leaves, €Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown. €The grandchild, with twelve sons increased, departs €From Canan to a land hereafter called €Egypt, divided by the river Nile. €See where it flows, disgorging at seven mouths €Into the sea: to sojourn in that land €He comes, invited by a younger son €In time of dearth, a son, whose worthy deeds €Raise him to be the second in that realm €Of Pharaoh. There he dies, and leaves his race €Growing into a nation. And, now grown €Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks €To stop their overgrowth, as inmate guests €Too numerous; whence of guests he makes them slaves €Inhospitably; and kills their infant males: €Till by two brethren (those two brethren call €Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim €His people from enthralment, they return, €With glory and spoil, back to their promised land. €But first, the lawless tyrant, who denies €To know their God, or message to regard, €Must be compelled by signs and judgments dire. €To blood unshed the rivers must beturned; €Frogs, lice, and flies, must all his palace fill €With loathed intrusion, and fill all the land; €His cattle must of rot and murrain die; €Botches and blains must all his flesh emboss, €And all his people; thunder mixed with hail, €Hail mixed with fire, must rend the Egyptian sky, €And wheel on the earth, devouring where it rolls; €What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain, €A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down €Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green; €Darkness must overshadow all his bounds, €Palpable darkness, and blot out three days; €Last, with one midnight stroke, all the first-born €Of Egypt must lie dead. Thus, with ten wounds. €The river dragon, tamed, at length submits €To let his sojourners depart, and oft €Humbles his stubborn heart, but still as ice €More hardened after thaw! till, in his rage €Pursuing whom he late dismissed, the sea €Swallows him with his host, but them lets pass, €As on dry land, between two crystal walls; €Awed by the rod of Moses so to stand €Divided, till his rescued gain their shore: þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Œ‹ÈSuch wondrous power God to his saint will lend, €Though present in his Angel, who shall go €Before them in a cloud, and pillar of fire; €By day a cloud, by night a pillar of fire; €To guide them in their journey, and remove €Behind them, while the obdurate king pursues. €All night he will pursue, but his approach €Darkness defends between till morning watch; €Then through the fiery pillar and the cloud, €God, looking forth, will trouble all his host, €And craze their chariot-wheels; when, by command, €Moses once more his potent rod extends €Over the sea; the sea his rod obeys; €On their embattled ranks the waves return, €And overwhelm their war. The race elect €Safe towards Canaan, from the shore, advance €Through the wild desert; not the readiest way, €Lest, entering on the Canaanite alarmed, €War terrify them, inexpert, and fear €Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather €Inglorious life with servitude. For life, €To noble and ignoble, is more sweet €Untrained in arms, where rashness leads not on. €This also shall they gain by their delay €In the wide wilderness; there they shall found €Their government, and their great senate choose €Through the twelve tribes, to rule by laws ordained: €God, from the mount of Sinai, whose grey top €Shall tremble, He descending, will Himself, €In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpets' sound, €Ordain them laws; part, such as appertain €To civil justice; part, religious rites €Of sacrifice; informing them, by types €And shadows, of that destined Seed to bruise €The Serpent, by what means He shall achieve €Mankind's deliverance. But the voice of God €To mortal ear is dreadful: they beseech €That moses might report to them his will, €And terror cease. He grants what they besought, €Instructed that to God is no access €Without mediator, whose high office now €Moses in figure bears, to introduce €One greater, of whose day he shall foretell, €And all the prophets in their age, the times €Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus, laws and rites €Established, such delight hath God in men €Obedient to his will, that he vouchsafes €Among them to set up his tabernacle. €The Holy One with mortal men to dwell: €By his prescript a sanctuary is framed €Of cedar, overlaid with gold; therein €An ark, and in the ark his testimony, €The records of his covenant; over these €A mercy-seat of gold, between the wings €Of two bright cherubim; before him burn €Seven lamps, as in a zodiac, representing €The heavenly fires; over the tent a cloud €Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night, €Save when they journey, and at length they come, €Conducted by his Angel, to the land €Promised to Abraham and his seed. The rest €Were long to tell; how many battles fought; €How many kings destroyed, and kingdoms won; €Or how the sun shall in mid heaven stand still €A day entire, and night's due course adjourn, €Man's voice commanding, Sun, in Gibeon stand, €And thou, moon, in the vale of Ajalon, €Till Israel overcome! so call the third €From Abraham, son of Isaac; and from him €His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win. €@Here Adam interposed: O sent from Heaven €Enlightener of my darkness, gracious things €Thou hast revealed, those chiefly which concern €Just Abraham and his seed. Now first I find €Mine eyes true opening, and my heart much eased, €Erewhile perplexed with thoughts, what would become €Of me and all mankind; but now I see €His day, in whom all nations shall be blest; €Favour unmerited by me, who sought €Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. €This yet I apprehend not; why to those €Among whom God will deign to dwell on earth, €So many and so various laws are given? €So many laws argue so many sins €Among them; how can God with such reside? €@To whom thus Michael: Doubt not but that sin €Will reign among them, as of thee begot; €And, therefore, was law given them, to evince €Their natural pravity, by stirring up €Sin against law to fight; that when they see €Law can discover sin, but not remove, €Save by those shadowy expiations weak, €The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude €Some blood more precious must be paid for man; €Just for unjust; that in such righteousness, €To them by faith imputed, they may find €Justification towards God, and peace €Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies €Cannot appease, nor man the moral part €Perform, and, not performing, cannot live. €So law appears imperfect and but given €With purpose to resign them, in full time, €Up to a better covenant, disciplined €From shadowy types to truth, from flesh to spirit €From imposition of strict laws to free €Acceptance of large grace, from servile fear €To filial-works of law to works of faith. €And, therefore, shall not Moses, though of God €Highly beloved, being but the minister €Of law, his people into Canaan lead; €But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call, €His name and office bearing, who shall quell €The adversary Serpent, and bring back, €Through the world's wilderness, long-wandered Man €Safe to eternal Paradise of rest. €Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan placed, €Long time shall dwell and prosper, but when sins €National interrupt their public peace, €Provoking God to raise them enemies; €From whom as oft he saves them penitent, €By Judges first, then under Kings; of whom €The second, both for piety renowned €And puissant deeds, a promise shall receive €Irrevocable, that his regal throne €For ever shall endure. The like shall sing €All prophecy, that of the royal stock €Of David (so I name this king) shall rise €A son, the Woman's Seed to thee foretold, €Foretold to Abraham, as in whom shall trust €All nations; and to kings foretold, of kings €The last -- for of His reign shall be no end. €But first, a long succession must ensue; €And his next son, for wealth and wisdom famed, €The clouded ark of God, till then in tents €Wandering, shall in a glorious temple enshrine. €Such follow him as shall be registered €Part good, part bad; of bad the longer scroll; €Whose foul idolatries, and other faults, €Heaped to the popular sum, will so incense €God, as to leave them, and expose their land, €Their city, his temple, and his holy ark, €With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey €To that proud city, whose high walls thou sawest €Left in confusion -- Babylon thence called. €There in captivity he lets them dwell €The space of seventy years; then brings them back, €Remembering mercy, and his covenant sworn €To David, 'stablished as the days of heaven. €Returned from Babylon by leave of kings, €Their lords, whom God disposed, the house of God €They first re-edify. and for a while €In mean estate live moderate, till, grown €In wealth and multitude, factious they grow. €But first among the priests dissension springs: €Men who attend the altar, and should most €Endeavour peace. Their strife pollution brings €Upon the temple itself. At last they seize €The sceptre, and regard not David's sons; €Then lose it to a stranger, that the true €Anointed king, Messiah, might be born €Barred of his right. Yet at his birth a star, €Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come, €And guides the eastern sages, who inquire €His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold: €His place of birth a solemn angel tells €To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night; €They gladly thither haste, and by a choir €Of squadroned angels hear his carol sung. €A Virgin is his mother, but his sire €The power of the Most High. He shall ascend €The throne hereditary, and bound his reign €With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the heavens. €@He ceased; discerning Adam, with such joy €Surcharged, as had, like grief, been dewed in tears, €Without the vent of words; which these he breathed: €@O prophet of glad tidings, finisher €Of utmost hope! now clear I understand €What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched in vain; €Why our great Expectation should be called €The Seed of Woman: Virgin Mother, hail! €High in the love of Heaven; yet from my loins €Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son €Of God Most High; so God with man unites. €Needs must the Serpent now his capital bruise €Expect with mortal pain; say where and when þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Œ‹ƒTheir fight; what stroke shall bruise the Victor's heel? €@To whom thus Michael: Dream not of their fight, €As of a duel, or the local wounds €Of head or heel; not, therefore, joins the Son €Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil €Thy enemy; nor so is overcome €Satan, whose fall from heaven, a deadlier bruise, €Disabled not to give thee thy death's wound; €Which He, who comes thy Saviour, shall re-cure, €Not by destroying Satan, but his works €In thee, and in thy seed: nor can this be, €But by fulfilling that which thou didst want, €Obedience to the law of God, imposed €On penalty of death; and suffering death, €The penalty to thy transgression due, €And due to theirs, which out of thine will grow. €So only can high justice rest appaid. €The law of God exact he shall fulfil, €Both by obedience and by love, though love €Alone fulfil the law; thy punishment €He shall endure, by coming in the flesh €To a reproachful life and cursed death; €Proclaiming life to all who shall believe €In his redemption, and that his obedience, €Imputed, becomes theirs by faith; His merits €To save them, not their own, though legal, works. €For this he shall live hated, be blasphemed, €Seized on by force, judged, and to death condemned. €A shameful and accursed, nailed te the cross €By his own nation; slain for bringing life. €But to the cross He nails thy enemies, €The law that is against thee, and the sins €Of all mankind with him there crucified, €Never to hurt them more who rightly trust €In this his satisfaction. So he dies, €But soon revives; death over Him no power €Shall long usurp. Ere the third dawning light €Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise €Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light, €Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems, €His death for man, as many as offered life €Neglect not, and the benefit embrace €By faith not void of works. This Godlike act €Annuls thy doom, the death thou shouldst have died, €In sin for ever lost from life; this act €Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength, €Defeating Sin and Death, his two main arms, €And fix far deeper in his head their stings €Than temporal death shall bruise the Victor's heel, €Or theirs whom he redeems -- a death like sleep, €A gentle wafting to immortal life. €Nor after resurrection shall he stay €Longer on earth than certain times to appear €To his disciples, men who in his life €Still followed him; to them shall leave in charge €To teach all nations what of him they learned, €And his salvation; them who shall believe €Baptising in the profluent stream, the sign €Of washing them from guilt of sin to life €Pure, and in mind prepared, if so befall, €For death, like that which the Redeemer died. €All nations they shall teach; for, from that day, €Not only to the sons of Abraham's loins €Salvation shall be preached, but to the sons €Of Abraham's faith wherever through the world; €So in his seed all nations shall be blest. €Then to the Heaven of heavens he shall ascend €With victory, triumphing through the air, €Over his foes and thine; there shall surprise €The Serpent, prince of air, and drag in chains €Through all his realm, and there confounded leave; €Then enter into glory, and resume €His seat at God's right hand, exalted high €Above all names in Heaven; and thence shall come, €When this world's dissolution shall be ripe, €With glory and power, to judge both quick and dead. €To judge the unfaithful dead, but to reward €His faithful, and receive them into bliss, €Whether in heaven or earth; for then the earth €Shall all be Paradise, far happier place €Than this of Eden, and far happier days. €@So spake the Archangel Michael; then paused. €As at the world's great period; and our sire, €Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied: €@O Goodness infinite, Gooddness immense! €That all this good of evil shall produce, €And evil turn to good; more wonderful €Than that which by creation first brought forth €Light out of darkness! Full of doubt I stand, €Whether I should repent me now of sin €By me done, and occasioned, or rejoice €Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring; €To God more glory, more good-will to men €From God, and over wrath grace shall abound. €But say, if our Deliverer up to Heaven €Must reascend, what will betide the few, €His faithful, left among the unfaithful herd, €The enemies of truth? Who, then, shall guide €His people, who defend? Will they not deal €Worse with His followers than with Him they dealt? €@Be sure they will, said the Angel; but from Heaven €He to his own a Comforter will send, €The promise of the Father, who shall dwell €His Spirit within them; and the law of faith, €Working through love, upon their hearts shall write, €To guide them in all truth, and also arm €With spiritual armour able to resist €Satan's assaults, and quench his fiery darts; €What man can do against them, not afraid, €Though to the death; against such cruelties €With inward consolations recompensed, €And oft supported so as shall amaze €Their proudest persecutors; for the Spirit, €Poured first on his apostles, whom he sends €To evangelise the nations, then on all €Baptised, shall them with wondrous gifts endue €To speak all tongues, and do all miracles, €As did their Lord before them. Thus they win €Great numbers of each nation to receive €With joy the tidings brought from Heaven: at length. €Their ministry performed, and race well run, €Their doctrine and their story written left, €They die; but in their room, as they forewarn, €Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves, €Who all the sacred mysteries of Heaven €To their own vile advantages shall turn, €Of lucre and ambition, and the truth €With superstitions and traditions taint, €Left only in those written records pure, €Though not but by the Spirit understood. €Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names, €Places, and titles, and with these to join €Secular power, though feigning still to act €By spiritual, to themselves appropriating €The Spirit of God, promised alike, and given €To all believers; and from that pretence, €Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force €On every conscience; laws which none shall find €Left them enrolled, or what the spirit within €Shall on the heart engrave. What will they, then, €But force the Spirit of Grace itself, and bind €His consort Liberty? What but unbuild €His living temples, built by faith to stand, €Their own faith, not another's? For, on earth, €Who against faith and conscience can be heard €Infallible? Yet many will presume: €Whence heavy persecution shall arise €On all who in the worship persevere €Of spirit and truth; the rest, far greater part, €Will deem in outward rites and specious forms €Religion satisfied; truth shall retire €Bestuck with slanderous darts, and works of faith €Rarely be found. So shall the world go on, €To good malignant, to bad men benign, €Under her own weight groaning, till the day €Appear of respiration to the just, €And vengeance to the wicked, at return €Of Him so lately promised to thy aid, €The woman's Seed; obscurely then foretold, €Now ampler known the Saviour and thy Lord; €Last, in the clouds, from Heaven, to be revealed, €In glory of the Father, to dissolve €Satan with his perverted world; then raise €From the conflagrant mass, purged and refined, €New Heavens, new Earth, ages of endless date, €Founded in righteousness, and peace, and love, €To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss. €@He ended; and thus Adam last replied: €How soon hath thy prediction, Seer blest, €Measured this transient world, the race of time, €Till time stand fixed! Beyond is all abyss, €Eternity, whose end no eye can reach. €Greatly instructed I shall hence depart; €Greatly in peace of thought; and have my fill €Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain; €Beyond which was my folly to aspire. €Henceforth I learn, that to obey is best, €And love, with fear, the only God; to walk €As in His presence, ever to observe €His providence, and on him sole depend, €Merciful over all his works, with good €Still overcoming evil, and by small €Accomplishing great things; by things deemed weak þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°±ÿï‚ÐÌïóôÿ˜Œ‹„¸Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise €By simply meek; that suffering for truth's sake €Is fortitude to highest victory; €And, to the faithful, death the gate of life; €Taught this by His example, whom I now €Acknowledge my Redeemer ever blest. €@To whom thus also the Angel last replied: €This having learned, thou hast attained the sum €Of wisdom; hope no higher, though all the stars €Thou knewest by name, and all the ethereal powers, €All secrets of the Deep, all Nature's works, €Or works of God in heaven, air, earth, or sea, €And all the riches of this world enjoyedst, €And all the rule, one empire. Only add €Deeds to thy knowledge answerable; add faith, €Add virtue, patience, temperance; add love, €By name to come called charity, the soul €Of all the rest: then wilt thou not be loath €To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess €A paradise within thee, happier far. €Let us descend now, therefore, from this top €Of speculation; for the hour precise €Exacts our parting hence. And, see! the guards. €By me encamped on yoder hill, expect €Their motion, at whose front a flaming sword, €In signal of remove, waves fiercely round. €We may no longer stay: go, waken Eve; €Her also I with gentle dreams have calmed, €Portending good, and all her spirits composed €To meek submission; thou, at season fit, €Let her with thee partake what thou hast heard, €Chiefly, what may concern her faith to know, €The great deliverance by her seed to come €(For by the Woman's seed) on all mankind; €That ye may live, which will be many days, €Both in one faith unanimous, though sad, €With cause, for evils past, yet much more cheered €With meditation on the happy end. €@He ended, and they both descend the hill. €Descended, Adam to the bower, where Eve €Lay sleeping, ran before, but found her waked; €And thus with words not sad she him received: €@Whence thou return'st, and whither went'st, I know; €For God is also in sleep; and dreams advise, €Which He hath sent propitious, some great good €Presaging, since, with sorrow and heart's distress €Wearied, I fell asleep. But now lead on, €In me is no delay; with thee to go, €Is to stay here; without thee here to stay, €Is to go hence unwilling; thou to me €Art all things under heaven, all places thou, €Who for my wilful crime art banished hence. €This further consolation yet secure €I carry hence; though all by me is lost, €Such favour I, unworthy, am vouchsafed, €By me the Promised Seed shall all restore. €@So spake our mother Eve; and Adam heard, €Well pleased, but answered not; for now, too nigh €The Archangel stood; and from the other hill €To their fixed station, all inbright array, €The Cherubim descended, on the ground €Gliding meteorus as evening mist, €Risen from a river, o'er the marish glides, €And gathers ground fast at the labourer's heel, €Homeward returning. High in front advanced, €The brandished sword of God before them blazed, €Fierce as a comet; which, with torrid heat, €And vapour as the Lybian air adust, €Began to parch that temperate clime; whereat €In either hand the hastening Angel caught €Our lingering parents, and to the eastern gate €Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast €To the subjected plain; then disappeared. €Then, looking back, all the eastern side beheld €Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, €Waved over by that flaming brand; the gate €With dreadful faces thronged, and fiery arms. €Some natural tears they dropt, but wiped them soon; €The world was all before them, where to choose €Their place of rest, and Providence their guide: €They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, €Through Eden took their solitary way. àï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¯ôÿJoannis Miltoni Angli €Pro Populo Anglicano Defensio €Contra Claudii Anonymi, Alia\s Salmasii €Defensionem Regiam ¯Ðÿ’ôÿPRAEFATIO Tametsi vereor, si in defendendo Populo Anglicano €tam sim profusus verborum, vacuus rerum, qua\m est €plerisque visus in defensione regia Salmasius, ne ver-€bosissimi simul et ineptissimi defensoris nomen meritus esse €videar, tamen cu\m in mediocri quavis materia tractanda nemo €sibi adeo\ properandum esse existimet, quin exordio saltem €aliquo pro dignitate suscepti a\ se operis uti soleat, id ego in re €omnium fere\ maxima dicenda si non omittam, neque nimis €perstringam, spero equidem, duas propemodu\m res, quas €magnopere vellem, assecuturum me esse: alteram, ut causae €huic nobilissimae, et seculorum omnium memoria^ dignissimae €nulla ex parte, quantum in me est, desim; alteram, ut repre-€hensam in adversario futilitatem et redundantiam, devita^sse €tamen ipse nihilo minus judicer. Dicam enim res neque €parvas, neque vulgares; Regem potentissimum, oppressis legi-€bus, religione afflicta, pro libidine regnantem, tandem a\ suo ”populo, qui servitutem longam servierat, bello victum; inde €in custodiam traditum; et cu\m nullam omnino meliu\s de se €sperandi materiam vel dictis vel factis praeberet, a\ summo €demu\m regni Concilio capite damnatum; et pro ipsis Regiae €foribus securi percussum. Dicam etiam, quod ad levandos €magna superstitione hominum animos multum contulerit, €quo jure, praesertim apud nos, judicatum hoc atque peractum €sit; meosque cives fortissimos et integerrimos, deque universis €orbis terrarum civibus ac populis egregie\ meritos ab impro-€bissimis maledicorum, sive nostratium, sive exterorum ca-€lumniis, tum imprimis ab hujus inanissimi Sophistae male-€dictis, qui pro duce et coryphaeo caeterorum se gerit, facile\ de-€fendam. Quae enim ullius regis alto solio sedentis majestas €unquam tanta eluxit, quanta tum Populi Anglicani effulgebat, €cu\m excussa illa veteri superstitione, quae diu invaluerat, ip-€sum regem, seu potiu\s de rege hostem, qui solus mortalium €impunitatem sibi divino jure vendicabat, suis legibus irreti-€tum judicio perfunderet; et quo is quemcunque alium sup-€plicio affecisset, eodem sontem ipsum afficere non vereretur ? €At quid ego haec tanquam populi facta praedico; quae ipsa per €se pene\ vocem edunt, et praesentem ubique testantur Deum 1 €Qui, quoties suae sapientissimae menti complacitum cst, super-–bos et effraenatos reges, supra humanum modum sese efferen-€tes, solet deturbare, et tota^ saepe cum domo funditus evertit. €Illius nos manifesto numine ad salutem et libertatem prope\ €amissam subito\ erecti, illum Ducem secuti, et impressa passim €divina vestigia venerantes, viam haud obscuram, sed illu-€strem, illius auspiciis commonstratam et patefactam ingressi €sumus. Haec ego omnia digne\ satis explicare, et quod omnes €fortasse gentes legant atque aetates, monumentis tradere, si €diligentia^ solu\m mea^, cujusmodicunque est, meis tantu\m viri-€bus sperem me posse, frustra sim. Quae enim oratio tam augu-€sta atque magnifica, quod tam excellens ingenium huic oneri €subeundo par esse queat, ut cu\m illustrium virorum aut civi-€tatum res gestas vix reperiatur tot seculis qui luculente\ possit €scribere, confidat quisquam haec, non hominum, sed omnipo-€tentis plane\ Dei gloriose\ et mirabiliter facta ullis se verbis aut €stylo assequi posse ? Quod quidem munus ut susciperem, ta-€metsi summi in republica nostra viri sua authoritate perfece-€runt, mihique hoc negotium datum esse voluerunt, ut quae €illi, Deo ductore, magna cum gloria gesserant, ea, quod certe\ €proximum est, contra invidiam et obtrectationem, quas in res €ferrum et apparatus belli nihil potest, alio genere armorum €defenderem, quorum ego quidem judicium magno mihi or-€namento esse existimo, me scilicet eorum suffragiis eum esse ˜ˆprae caeteris, qui hanc patriae meae fortissimis liberatoribus €haud poenitendam operam navarem, quin et ipse ab ineunte €adolescentia^ iis eram studiis incensus, quae me ad optima quae-€que si minu\s facienda, at certe\ laudanda incitatum ferebant, €his tamen diffisus adminiculis ad divinam opem recurro: €Deumque Opt[imum] Max[imum] donorum omnium largitorem invoco, €ut qua\m prospere\ qua/mque pie\ nostri illi ad libertatem claris-€simi duces regios fastus, et dominatum impotentem acie fre-€gerunt, dein memorabili tandem supplicio extinxerunt, quam-€que facili nuper negotio unus de multis ipsum regem veluti ab þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¯Ðÿ˜ˆˆ‹inferis resurgentem, inque illo libro post mortem edito novis €argutiis, et verborum lenociniis populo se venditantem redar-€gui atque summovi, tam nunc feliciter tamque vere\ declama-€toris hujus exotici petulantiam et mendacia refellam atque di-€scutiam. Qui alienigena cu\m sit, et, quamvis id millies neget, €Grammaticus, non ea^ tamen stipe contentus, quam hoc nomine €meretur, magnus ardelio esse maluit; non reipub[licae] solu\m immi-€scere se ausus, sed etiam alienae: cum neque modestiam, neque €judicium, neque aliud quicquam afferat, quod oporteret sane\ €tantum arbitrum, praeter arrogantiam et Grammaticam. Et €sane\ haec quae jam Latine\ utcunque scripsit, si inter Anglos, €et nostro sermone protulisset, vix esset, credo, qui de responso €laborandum esse judicaret; sed partim trita, et refutationibus €jam crebris explosa negligeret, partim tyrannica et foeda, vilis-€simo quovis mancipio vix ferenda, quamvis ipse regias secutus ˜Špartes, aversaretur. Nunc cu\m inter exteros, et nostrarum €rerum penitu\s ignaros grandi pagina^ turgescat, sunt illi qui-€dem, qui res nostras perperam intelligunt, edocendi; hic suo €more, (quandoquidem tanta^ maledicendi aliis libidine fertur) €suo inquam more ac modo erit tractandus. Quod siquis mire-€tur forte\, cur ergo tam diu intactum et ovantem, nostroque €omnium silentio inflatum volitare passi simus, de aliis sane\ €nescio, de me audacter possum dicere, non mihi verba aut €argumenta, quibus causam tuerer tam bonam, diu quaerenda €aut investiganda fuisse, si otium et valetudinem (quae quidem €scribendi laborem ferre possit) nactus essem. Qua^ cum adhuc €etiam tenui admodum utar, carptim haec cogor, et intercisis €pene\ singulis horis vix attingere, quae continenti stylo atque €studio persequi debuissem. Unde hoc si minu\s dabitur, cives €meos praestantissimos, patriae conservatores digno laudum €praeconio celebrare, quorum immortalia facinora jam toto €orbe claruerunt, defendere tamen, et ab hujus importuni lite-€ratoris insolentia, et professoriae linguae intempertis vindicare €haud mihi difficile futurum spero. Pessime\ enim vel natura €vel legibus comparatum fuisset, si arguta servitus, libertas €muta esset; et haberent tyranni qui pro se dicerent, non ha-€berent qui tyrannos debellare possunt: miserum esset, si haec €ipsa ratio, quo utimur Dei munere, non multo\ plura ad ho-€mines conservandos, liberandos, et, quantum natura fert, inter ˜Œse aequandos, qua\m ad opprimendos et sub unius imperio €male\ perdendos argumenta suppeditaret. Causam itaque pul-€cherrimam hac certa^ fiducia^ laeti aggrediamur, illinc fraudem, €fallaciam, ignorantiam, atque barbariem, hinc lucem, veri-€tatem, rationem, et seculorum omnium optimorum studia €atque doctrinam nobiscum stare. €Age\ nunc jam, sati^s praefati, quoniam cum criticis res est, €tam culti voluminis titulum imprimis, quid exponat, videa-€mus: <2Defensio regia pro Carolo I. ad Car[olum] II.>2 Magnum sane\ €praestas, O quisquis es! patrem defendis ad filium: mirum ni €causam obtineas. Veru\m ego te falso alia\s sub nomine, nunc €sub nullo latitantem, Salmasi, ad alia voco subsellia, ad alios €judices, ubi tu illud euge et soph$W=&s, quod in palaestra tua lite-€raria captare misere\ soles, fortasse non audies. Sed cur ad re-€gem filium defensio haec regia? non opus est tortore, confi-€tentem habemus reum; <2Sumptibus>2 inquit <2Regiis:>2 O te vena-€lem oratorem et sumptuosum! Siccine defensionem pro Ca-€rolo patre, tua^ sententia^, rege optimo, ad Carolum filium €regem pauperrimum noluisti nisi sumptibus regiis? Sed ve-€terator etiam haud irridiculus esse voluisti, qui <2regiam defen->2 €<2sionem>2 dixeris; non enim ampliu\s tua quam vendidisti, sed €legitime\ jam <2regia defensio>2 est; centenis nimirum Jacobaeis ˜Žempta, ingenti pretio ab egentissimo rege: Non enim ignota €loquimur; novimus qui illos aureos domum attulit tuam, qui €crumenam illam tessellis vitreis variatam; novimus qui te €avaras manus porrigentem vidit, in speciem quidem ut Sacel-€lanum Regis missum cum munere, re vera ut ipsum munus €amplecterere; et una tantu\m mercede accepta totum pene\ €Regis aerarium exinanires. Sed eccum ipsum, crepant fores, €prodit histrio in proscenium. €Date operam, et cum silentio animadvertite, €Ut pernoscatis quid sibi Eunuchus velit. €Nam quicquid est, praeter solitum cothurnatus incedit. <2Hor->2 €<2ribilis nuper nuntius aures nostras atroci vulnere, sed magis>2 €<2mentes perculit, de parricidio apud Anglos in persona Regis>2 €<2sacrilegorum hominum nefaria conspiratione admisso.>2 Pro-€fecto\ nuntius iste horribilis aut machaeram multo longiorem €ea quam strinxit Petrus habuerit oportet, aut aures istae auri-€tissimae fuerint, quas tam longinquo vulnere perculerit: nam €aures non stolidas ne offendisse quidem potuit. Ecqua enim €vobis fit injuria, ecquis vestru^m laeditur, si nos hostes et per-€duelles nostros, sive plebeios, sive nobiles, sive reges morte €multamus? At ista mitte, Salmasi, quae ad te nihil attinent: €ego enim de te etiam <2horribilem>2 habeo quem mittam <2nun->2 €<2tium;>2 quique omnium Grammaticorum et Criticorum aures, €modo\ teretes habeant et doctas, atrociori vulnere si non per-˜culerit, mirabor; <2de parricidio>2 apud Hollandos <2in persona>2 €Aristarchi, <2nefaria>2 Salmasii barbarie <2admisso :>2 te magnum €sci-€licet Criticum <2sumptibus regiis>2 conductum, ut defensionem €regiam scriberes, non solu\m putidissimo exordio, praeficarum €funebribus nugis et naemis simillimo, nullius, non fatui, men-€tem miseratione permovisse, sed prima^ statim clausula^ risum €pene\ legentibus multiplici barbarismo excita^sse. Quid enim, €quaeso, est <2parricidium in persona Regis admittere,>2 quid <2in>2 €<2persona Regis?>2 quae unquam latinitas sic locuta est? nisi ali-€quem nobis forte Pseudophilippum narras, qui personam €Regis indutus, nescio quid parricidii apud Anglos patraverit; €quod verbum verius opinione tua ex ore tibi excidisse puto. €Tyrannus enim, quasi histrionalis quidem rex, larva tantu\m €et persona Regis, non verus Rex est. Caeteru\m ob hujusmodi €noxas Gallicolatinas, quibus passim scates, non tam mihi, €neque enim est otium, qua\m ipsis tuis Grammatistis poenas €dabis ; quibus ego te deridendum et vapulandum propino. Hoc €multo atrocius; quod a\ summis Magistratibus nostris de Rege €statutum est, id <2sacrilegorum hominum nefaria^ conspiratione>2 €admissum ais. Tune furcifer potentissimi nuper regni, nunc €reipub[licae] eo potentioris acta et consulta sic nominas ? quorum €de factis ne Rex quidem ullus ut quicquam gravius pronun-˜’tiaret, aut scriptum ederet, adduci adhuc potuit. Merito\ itaque €amplissimi Ordines Hollandiae, liberatorum olim patriae vera €progenies, defensionem hanc tyrannicam, populorum om-€nium libertati pestilentissimam edicto suo tenebris damna^-€runt; cujus et ipsum authorem omnis libera Civitas suis pro-€hibere finibus, aut ejicere deberet: ea/que praecipue\ quae tam €ingratum ta/mque tetrum reipublicae hostem suo stipendio €alit; cujus ille reipublicae haud secus atque nostrae, funda-€menta ipsa atque causas oppugnat; necnon utramque una^ et €ea^dem opera^ labefactare et subruere conatur; praestantissi-€mo/sque illic Libertatis vindices nostrorum sub nomine male-€dictis proscindit. Reputate jam vobiscum illustrissimi Foede-€ratorum Belgarum Ordi\nes, et cum animis vestris cogitate, €quis hunc regiae potestatis assertorem ad scribendum impu-€lerit, quis nuper apud vos regie\ se gerere incoeperit, quae con-€silia, qui conatus, quae turbae denique per Hollandiam secutae €sint, quae nunc essent, qua\m vobis parata servitus, novusque €dominus erat, atque illa vestra tot annorum armis atque labo-€ribus vindicata libertas, qua\m prope extincta apud vos nunc €fuisset, nisi opportunissima^ nuper temerarii juvenis morte re-€spira^sset. Sed pergit iste noster ampullari, et mirabiles tragoe-€dias fingere, <2Quoscunque infandus hic>2 parricidialis nimirum €barbarismi Salmasiani <2rumor attigit, haud secu/s ac si fulmine>2 ˜”<2afflati essent, derepente his arrectaeque horrore comae et vox>2 €<2faucibus haesit.>2 Quod nunc primitu\s auditum discant Physici þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¯Ðÿ˜”ƒcomas fulmine arrectas. Veru\m quis hoc nescit, viles et im-€belles animos, magni cujuspiam facinoris vel rumore obstu-€pescere; quo/dque priu\s fuerunt, tum se maxime\ stipites indi-€care ? Alii <2lacrymas non tenuerunt,>2 mulierculae credo aulicae, €aut siqui his molliores; inter quos et ipse Salmasius nova^ qua^-€dam metamorpho^si Salmacis factus est; et fonte hoc suo la-€crymarum fictitio, et nocte parato viriles animos emollire €conatur. Moneo itaque et cavere jubeo, €---<2infamis ne quem male\ fortibus undis>2 . €- <2Salmacis enervet.>2 €--- <2ne vir cu\m venerit, exeat inde>2 €<2Semivir, et tactis subito\ mollescat in undis.>2 €<2Fortiu\s vero\>2 inquit <2animati>2 (nam fortes puto et animo €sos ne €nominare quidem nisi putide\ potest) tanta^ <2indignationis>2 €<2flamma^ exarserunt, ut vix se caperent.>2 Furiosos illos non €flocci facimus; vera fortitudine sui/que compote istos minaces €pellere, et in fugam vertere consuevimus. <2Nemo certe\ non>2 €<2diras imprecatus est tanti sceleris authoribus.>2 Vox tamen, ut tu ˜–modo\ aiebas, <2faucibus haesit;>2 atque haesisset utinam in hunc €usque diem, si de nostris duntaxat perfugis hoc vis intelligi, €quod nos etiam pro comperto habemus, nihil illis crebrius in €ore esse, qua\m diras et imprecationes omnibus bonis abomi-€nandas quidem, non tamen metuendas. De aliis credibile vix €est, cu\m supplicii de rege sumpti fama illuc pervenisset, re-€pertum in libero praesertim populo fuisse ullum, tam ad ser-€vitutem natum, qui nos dicto laederet, aut factum nostrum €crimini daret; immo potiu\s omnes bonos omnia bona dixisse; €quinetiam Deo gratias egisse, qui exemplum justitiae tam il-€lustre et excelsum ediderit, quodque caeteris regibus tam salu-€tari documento esse possit. Istos itaque <2feros ac ferreos caedem>2 €nescio cujus <2miserabilem, ac mirabilem>2 plorantes, cum suo €tinnulo oratore, <2post regium in orbe nomen natum notu/mque,>2 €frigidissimo, etiam atque etiam plorare jubemus. At quis in-€terim e\ ludo fere\ puer, aut e\ coenobio quovis fraterculus casum €hunc regis non multo disertiu\s, immo Latiniu\s hoc oratore €regio declamitasset? Veru\m ego ineptior sim, si infantiam €hujus et deliramenta hunc in modum toto volumine accurate\ €persequar; quod tamen libens facerem, (quoniam superbia €et fastidio, ut ferunt, supra modum turget) ni moli tanta libri €inconcinna atque incondita se protegeret, et veluti miles ille €Terentianus post principia lateret: callido sane\ consilio, ut de-˜˜fessus singula notando etiam acerrimus quisque, taedio priu\s €conficeretur, qua\m omnia redargueret. Nunc ejus quoddam €specimen dare hac veluti prolusione duntaxat volui; et cor-€datis lectoribus a\ principio statim degustandum hominem €praebere, ut in hac paginae unius promulside experiamur €qua\m laute\ nos et luculenter caeteris ferculis accepturus sit: €quantas ineptias atque infantias toto opere congesserit, qui €tam densas, ubi minime\ decuit, in ipsa fronte collocavit. Ex-€inde multa garrientem, et scombris concionantem facile\ prae-€tereo; ad nostras autem res quod attinet, haud dubitamus €quin ea, quae authoritate Parlamenti scripta publice\ et decla-€rata sunt, apud omnes bonos et prudentes exteros plus pon-€deris habitura sint, qua\m unius impudentissimi homuncionis €calumniae et mendacia; qui ab exulibus nostris, patriae hosti-€bus, pretio conductus, quolibet eorum dictante quibus operam €suam locaverat, aut rumusculum spargente, falsissima quaeque -€corradere, et in chartam conjicere non dubitavit. Utque €plane\ intelligant omnes qua\m non illi religio sit, quidlibet €scribere, verum an falsum, pium an impium, haud alius mihi €testis adhibendus erit, qua\m ipse Salmasius. Scribit is in <2Ap €<2paratu contra primatum Papae, maximas esse causas cur eccle->2 €<2sia redire ab episcopatu debeat ad Apostolicam>2 presbyterorum ˜š<2institutionem; longe/ majus ex episcopatu introductum in>2 €<2ecclesiam esse malum, qua\m illa schismata quae priu\s metue->2 €<2bantur: Pestem illam quae ex eo ecclesias invasit, totum eccle->2 €<2siae corpus miserabili tyrannide pessumdedisse; immo ipsos>2 €<2reges ac principes sub jugum misisse; Majorem in ecclesiam>2 €<2utilitatem redundaturam Hierarchia^ tota^ extincta^, qua\m solo>2 €<2capite Papa^,>2 p. 196. <2Posse episcopatum cum Papatu tolli cum>2 €<2summo bono ecclesiae; sublato episcopatu ruere ipsum Papa->2 €<2tum, super illo utpote fundatum,>2 p. 171. <2Cur removeri de->2 €<2beat in illis regnis quae jam Papatui renuntia^runt proprias>2 €<2habere causas. Cur ibi episcopatus retineatur se non videre>2 ; €<2non integram videri reformationem quae hac in parte imper->2 €<2fecta sit; nihil afferri posse rationis aut causae probabilis, cur>2 €<2sublato Papatu retineri debeat aut possit episcopatus,>2 p.. 197. €Haec et multo\ plura cu\m ante annos quatuor scripserit, tanta €nunc vanitate et impudentia est, ut Parlamentum Angliae €graviter incusare hoc loco audeat, quo\d episcopatum <2non>2 €<2solum senatu ejiciendum, sed etiam penitus abjiciendum cen->2 €<2suerint.>2 Quid ? quo\d ipsum etiam episcopatum suadet atque €defendit, iisdem usus argumentis et rationibus, quas libro illo €priore magno impetu confutaverat; <2necessarios>2 nempe <2fuisse>2 €<2episcopos, et omnino retinendos, ne mille pestiferae sectae et>2 €<2haereses in Anglia pullularent.>2 O vafrum et versipellem| €adeo/ne te etiam in sacris non puduit desultorem agere, prope\ ˜œdixeram, ecclesiam prodere? cujus tu ideo\ sanctissima insti-€tuta tanto strepitu asseruisse videris, ut quoties tibi commo-€dum esset, eo majore cum infamia ea ipsa ludificari atque €subvertere posses. Neminem hoc latet, cu\m regni Ordines, €Ecclesiae nostrae, ad exemplum caeterarum, reformandae stu-€dio flagrantes, episcopatum funditu\s tollere statuissent, primo\ €regem intercessisse, dein bellum nobis ea^ potissimu\m causa^ €intulisse; quod ipsi tandem in perniciem vertit. I nunc, et te €defensorem regium esse gloriare, qui ut regem gnaviter de-€fendas, susceptam a\ temetipso ecclesiae causam nunc palam €prodis atque oppugnas : cujus gravissima^ quidem censura^ esses €notandus. De forma autem reipub[licae] nostrae, quoniam tu Pro-€fessor triobolaris et extraneus remotis capsulis atque scriniis €tuis nugarum refertissimis, quas meliu\s in ordinem redegisses, €in aliena repub[lica] satagere et odiosus esse mavis, sic breviter €tibi, vel cuivis potiu\s te prudentiori respondeo; eam formam €esse quam nostra tempora atque dissidia ferunt; non qualis €optanda esset, sed qualem obstinata improborum civium dis-€cordia esse patitur. Quae autem respublica factionibus labo-€rat, atque armis se tuetur, si sanae et integrae tantu\m partis ra-€tionem habet, caeteros sive plebeios sive optimates praeterit aut ˜žexcludit, satis profecto\ aequa est; quamvis regem et proceres, €suis ipsa malis edocta, ampliu\s nolit. <2Concilium>2 autem illud €<2supremum>2 quod insectaris, atque etiam <2Concilii Praesidem,>2 €nae tu ridiculus es; Concilium enim illud, quod somnias, non €est supremum, sed Parlamenti authoritate ad certum dun-€taxat tempus constitutum, quadraginta virorum ex suo fere\ €numero, quorum quilibet caeterorum suffragiis praeses esse €potest. Semper autem hoc usitatissimum fuit, ut Parlamen-€tum, qui noster Senatus est, delectos ex suorum numero pau-€ciores, quoties visum erat, constitueret: iis unum in locum €ubivis conveniendi, et veluti minoris cujusdam habendi Se-€natu^s potestas delata est. Iisdem res saepe gravissimae, quo €celeriu\s et majore cum silentio transigerentur, commissae €atque creditae; Classis, exercitus, aerarii cura aut procuratio, €quaevis denique pacis aut belli munia. Hoc sive concilium no-€minetur, sive quid aliud, verbo forte\ novum, re antiquum est; €et sine quo nulla omnino\ Respub[lica] recte\ administrari potest. €De regis autem supplicio, et rerum apud nos conversione mitte €vociferari, mitte virus illud tuum acerbitatis evomere; donec /i,.02 €ista <2qua^ lege, quo jure, quo judicio>2 facta sint, te lice\t repug-€nante, singulis capitibus ostendam, et pedem conferam. Si €tamen instas <2quo jure, qua^ lege,>2 ea^, inquam, lege quam Deus þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¯Ðÿ˜žˆ—ipse et natura sanxit, ut omnia quae reipub[licae] salutaria essent, ˜ legitima et justa haberentur. Sic olim sapientes tui^ similibus €responderunt. <2Leges per tot annos ratas refixisse>2 nos crimi-€naris; bonasne an malas non dicis; nec si diceres audiendus €esses; nam nostrae leges Ole quid ad te? Utinam plures re-€fixissent tum leges tum leguleios; rectiu\s sane\ et rei Christianae €et populo consuluissent. Frendes quod <2haec, Manii, terrae>2 €<2filii, vix domi nobiles, vix suis noti licere sibi crediderint.>2 €Meminisses quid te non solu\m libri sacri, sed etiam Lyricus €doceat: €--- <2Valet ima summis>2 €<2Mutare, et insignem attenuat Deus>2 €<2Obscura promens.>2 ---€Sic etiam habeto; eorum quos tu vix nobiles esse ais, alios €nulli vestrarum partium vel generis nobilitate cedere; alios ex €se natos per industriam atque virtutem ad veram nobilitatem €iter affectare, et cum nobilissimis quibusque posse conferri; €se autem malle <2filios terrae>2 dici, modo\ suae, et domi strenue\ €facere, qua\m sine terra^ et lare fumos vendendo quod tu facis, €homo nihili et stramineus eques, in aliena terra dominorum ˜¢nutu et stipendio famem tolerare: ab ista, mihi crede, pere-€grinatione ad agnatos potiu\s et gentiles deducendus, nisi hoc €unum saperes, quod frivolas quasdam praelectiones et nuga-€menta scis tanta mercede apud exteros effutire. Reprehendis €quo\d magistratus nostri <2colluviem omnium Sectarum reci->2 €<2piant;>2 quid ni recipiant? quos ecclesiae est e\ coetu fidelium €ejicere, non magistratuum e\ civitate pellere; siquidem in leges €civiles non peccant. Primo\ homines ut tuto\ ac libere\ sine vi €atque injuriis vitam agerent, convenere in civitatem; ut sancte\ €et religiose\, in ecclesiam; illa leges, haec disciplinam habet €suam, plane\ diversam: hinc toto orbe Christiano per tot annos €bellum ex bello seritur, quo\d Magistratus et Ecclesia inter se €officia confundunt. Quapropter et Papisticam minime\ tole-€ramus; neque enim eam tam esse religionem intelligimus, . €qua\m obtentu religionis tyrannidem pontificiam civilis po-€tentiae spoliis ornatam, quae contra ipsum Christi institutum €ad se rapuit. <2Independentes;>2 quales a\ te solo finguntur, nulli €apud nos unquam visi; praeter eos duntaxat qui cu\m classes et €synodos supra Ecclesiam quamque singularem esse non agno-€scant, eas omnes velut Hierarchiae particulas quasdam, aut €certe\ truncum ipsum, eradicandas esse tecum sentiunt. Hinc €nomen Independentium apud Vulgus obtinuit. Quod restat ˜¤video te id agere, ut regum omnium et Monarcharum non €invidiam solu\m, sed etiam bellum atrocissimum in nos con-€cites. Olim rex Mithridates, quamvis causa dissimili, omnes €reges in Romanos concitabat, eadem prope calumniatus; Ro-€manis consilium esse, omnia regna subvertere, iis nulla hu-€mana neque divina obstare, a\ principio nihil nisi partum €armis habuisse, latrones, regnorum maxime\ hostes; Haec €Mithridates regi Arsaci. Te vero\ in illa tua exedra infantissime\ €rhetoricantem quae tanta fiducia provexit, ut ad bellum hor-€tando, et lice\t nolis videri, <2classicum canendo,>2 ullum vel inter €pueros regem commovere te posse animum induceres, isto €praesertim ore tam exili et rancidulo, ut ne mures quidem €Homericos, te buccinatore, bellum unquam ranunculis illa-€turos fuisse credam ? Tantum abest ut metuam quid tu belli €nobis aut periculi, homo ignavissime, apud exteros reges ista^ €tua^ rabida^ et insulsa^ simul facundia^ conflare possis: qui ad €illos, acsi <2regum capita>2 quasi <2pilas habeamus, de coronis quasi>2 €<2trocho ludamus, sceptra imperialia non pluris faciamus, qua\m>2 €<2bacula morionum capitata,>2 lusorie\ sane\ nos defers. At tu in-€terea, stultissimum caput, morionis ipse baculo dignissimus €es, qui reges ac principes tam puerilibus argumentis ad bellum €suaderi putes. Omnes deinde populos inclamas, dicto audientes ˜¦tuo, sat scio, minime\ futuros. Hibernorum etiam conscelera-€tam illam ac barbaram colluviem regiis partibus in auxilium €vocas. Quod unicum indicio esse potest qua\m scelestus sis et €vaecors, qua\m omnes pene mortales impietate, audacia, et €furore superes, qui devotae gentis fidem atque opem implorare €non dubites, cujus ab impia^ societate tot civium innocentissi-€morum sanguine perfusa etiam rex ipse aut abhorruit semper, €aut abhorrere se simulavit. Et quam ille perfidiam, quam ille €crudelitatem occultare, quantum potuit, atque ab se longe\ €removere summo studio contendit, eam tu, bipedum nequissi-€me, quo minu\s ultro\ atque pala\m suscipias, neque Deum ne-€que homines vereris. Agedum; Hibernis igitur fautoribus ac €sociis ad defensionem regis jam te accinge. Caves imprimis €quod cauto mehercule opus erat, nequis te Tullio fortasse aut €Demostheni omnem eloquentiae laudem praereptum ire sus-€picetur; et praedicis, <2oratorio more non tibi agendum videri.>2 €Nae tu haud stulte\ sapis, id quod non potes, non videtur tibi €esse agendum; oratorie\ autem ut tu ageres, quis, qui te satis €novit, umquam exspectavit ? qui nihil elaborate\, nihil distincte\, €nihil quod sapiat, in lucem emittere aut soles aut potes, sed €veluti Crispinus alter, aut Tzetzes ille graeculus, modo\ ut €multum scribas, qua\m recte\ non laboras; neque si labores €valeas. <2Agetur,>2 inquis, <2haec causa toto orbe audiente, et quasi>2 €<2ad judicandum sedente.>2 Id adeo\ nobis pergratum est, ut ad-˜¨versarium non cerebrosum et imperitum, qualis tu es, sed €cordatum et intelligentem dari jam nobis optemus. Perorans €plane\ tragicus es, immo Ajax ipse Lorarius: <2Horum ego in->2 €<2iustitiam, impietatem, perfidiam, crudelitatem proclamabo>2 €<2coelo et terrae, ipsosque authores convictos posteris tradam,>2 €<2reo/sque peragam.>2 O Flosculos! Tu/ne igitur sine sale, sine €genio proclamator et rabula, bonis authoribus divexandis tan-€tu\m aut transcribendis natus, quicquam de tuo quod vivat €producere te putas posse ? quem una\ cum scriptis tuis futilissi-€mis abreptum aetas, mihi crede, postera oblivioni mandabit. €Nisi si defensio haec regia suo fortasse responso aliquid debi-€tura est, ut neglecta jam pridem et consopita, in manus iterum €sumatur. Idque ego ab Illustrissimis Hollandiae Ordinibus €peterem, ut eam e\ fisco protinus dimissam, neque enim The-€saurus est, pervagari quo\ velit sinant. Si enim qua vanitate, €inscitia^, falsitate referta sit, planum omnibus fecero, quo\ la-€tiu\s excurrit, eo\ arctiu\s, mea^ quidem sententia^, supprimitur. €Jam nos, quemadmodum <2reos peragat,>2 videamus. ¡˜¨ôÿCAPUT I. ˆ“Quoniam tibi vano homini et ventoso multum €hinc forsitan superbiae, Salmasi, multum spiritu^s €accessit, magnae scilicet Britanniae regem fidei de-€fensorem esse, te vero\ regis, ego quidem et illum regi titulum, ˜ªet hunc tibi jure pari ac merito concedam : cu\m sane\ rex fidem, €tu regem sic defenderis, ut causam uterque suam evertisse €potiu\s videatur. Quod cum passim infra\, tum hoc primo capite €ostendam. Dixeras tu quidem praefationis pagina^ duodecima^, €<2Ornari pigmentis rhetoricis tam bonam etjustam causam non>2 €<2debere: nam simpliciter rem, ut gesta est, narrare, regem de->2 €<2fendere est.>2 Quando igitur toto hoc capite in quo narrationem €illam simplicem futuram pollicitus eras, neque rem simplici-€ter, ut gesta est, narras, neque non pigmentis, quantum in eo €genere consequi potes, rhetoricis ornas, profecto\ vel tuo ju-€dicio si standum esset, causa regia neque bona neque justa erit. €Quanquam hoc cave tibi sumas quod dat nemo, posse te quic-€quam rhetorice\ narrare; qui neque oratoris, neque historici, €immo\ ne causidici quidem partes narrando sustinere possis; €sed quasi circulator quispiam, arte circumforanea, magnam de €te in prooemio, velut in posterum diem, exspectationem conci-€tabas, non tam ut rem promissam tum demum narrares, qua\m €ut pigmenta illa misera, et ampullas fuco refertas lectoribus €qua\m plurimis divenderes. Nam <2de facto dicturus tot novi->2 €<2tatum monstris te circundari ac terreri sentis, ut quid pri->2 €<2mum exequaris, quid deinde, quid postremo\, nescias.>2 Hoc-€cine est simpliciter narrare? dicam quod res est, tot tuorum þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¡˜ªˆ—ipse mendaciorum monstris, primu\m terreri te sentis, deinde €tot nugis, tot ineptiis levissimum illud caput non <2circundari>2 ˜¬solu\m, sed circumagi, <2ut quid primum, quid deinde, quid>2 €<2postremo\>2 dicendum ullo tempore sit, non modo\ nunc <2nes->2 €<2cias,>2 sed nunquam antea non nesciveris. <2Inter difficultates>2 €<2quae occurrunt ad exprimendam tam incredibilis flagitii im->2 €<2manitatem hoc unum facile dictu suppetit, quod iterum iter->2 €<2umque repeti debet,>2 nempe <2solem ipsum atrocius factum nun->2 €<2quam adspexisse alterum.>2 Multa sol aspexit, bone magister, €quae Bernardus non vidit. Solem autem iterum atque iterum €repetas licebit, id tu quidem prudenter feceris, quod non €nostra flagitia, sed defensionis tuae frigus vehementissime\ po-€stulabit. <2Regum,>2 inquis, <2origo cum sole novo coepit.>2 Dii te, €Damasippe, deaeque solstitio donent, quo te calfacias, qui ne €pedem sine <2sole;>2 nequis fortasse te umbraticum doctorem esse €dicat. At hercle etiam in tenebris es, qui jus patrium a\ regio €non distinguis: et cu\m reges Patriae Patres nominaveris, ea^ €statim metaphora^ persuasisse credis, ut quicquid de patre non €negaverim, id continuo\ de rege verum esse concedam. Pater €et rex diversissima sunt. Pater nos genuit; at non rex nos, sed €nos regem creavimus. Patrem natura dedit populo, regem €ipse populus dedit sibi; non ergo propter regem populus, sed €propter populum rex est; ferimus patrem, morosum etiam et €durum, ferimus et regem; sed ne patrem quidem ferimus ty-˜®rannum. Pater si filium interficit, capite poenas dabit: cur non €item rex eadem justissima lege tenebitur, si populum, id est €filios suos, perdiderit? praesertim cu\m pater, ut ne pater sit, €efficere non possit, rex facile\ possit, ut neque pater sit neque €rex. Quod si <2de facti qualitate,>2 quod ais, <2inde>2 aestimandum €est, tibi dico, peregrine, et rebus nostris alienissime, testis ocu-€latus et indigena tibi dico; nos regem neque <2bonum,>2 neque €<2justum,>2 neque <2clementem,>2 neque <2religiosum,>2 neque <2piu €m,>2 €neque <2pacificum;>2 sed hostem prope decennalem; nec paren-€tem patriae, sed vastatorem <2de medio sustulisse. Solet hoc fi eri,>2 €fateris, inficias enim ire non audes, <2sed non a reformatis, regi >2 €<2reformato.>2 Siquidem reformatus is dici potest, qui scriptis ad €Papam literis, Sanctissimum appellaverat Patrem, qui Papistis €aequior semper qua\m Orthodoxis fuit. Talis cu\m fuerit, ne €suae quidem familiae primus a\ reformatis est <2de medio>2 sub-€latus. Quid ? ejus avia Maria nonne a\ reformatis exuta regno €solum vertere coacta est, supplicio demu\m capitis affecta, ne €Scotis quidem reformatis aegre\ ferentibus? immo si operam €contulisse dicam, haud mentiar. In tanta autem regum <2refor->2 €<2matorum>2 paucitate, nihil hujusmodi accidisse, ut eorum ali-€quis morte plecteretur, non est quod miremur. Licere autem €regem nequam, sive tyrannum regno pellere, vel supplicio €quovis, prout meritus erit, punire (etiam summorum senten-˜°tia^ Theologorum, qui ipsi reformandae ecclesiae authores €fuere) aude tu modo\ negare. Concedis quam plurimos reges €non sicca^ morte periisse, hunc <2gladio,>2 illum <2veneno,>2 alium €squalore <2carceris,>2 aut <2laqueo.>2 Omnium tamen hoc tibi miser-€rimum videtur, et monstri quiddam simile, regem in judi-€cium adduci, <2causam capitis dicere coactum, condemnatum,>2 €<2securi percussum>2 . Dic mihi, homo insipientissime, annon hu-€manius, annon aequius, annon ad leges omnium civitatum €accomodatius est, cujuscunque criminis reum in judicio si-€stere, sui^ defendendi copiam facere, lege condemnatum ad €mortem haud immeritam ducere, ita ut damnato vel poeni-€tendi, vel se colligendi spatium detur, qua\m statim ut prehen-€sus est, indicta^ causa pecudis in modum mactare? Quotus-€quisque est reorum, qui, si optio detur, non illo potiu\s qua\m €hoc modo puniri se maluerit? Quae ratio igitur animadver-€tendi in populum moderatior in rege est habita, cur non ea-€dem animadvertendi in regem moderatior in populo, et vel €ipsi regi acceptior fuisse creditur ? Tu secreto\, et sine arbitris €extinctum regem malebas, vel ut exempli tam boni salubritate €omnis memoria careret, vel ut facti tam praeclari conscientia €defugisse lucem, aut leges atque ipsam justitiam minime\ sibi €faventem habuisse videretur. Exaggeras deinde rem, quo\d ˜²neque per tumultum aut factionem optimatium, aut rebel-€lium furorem, sive militum sive populi; non odio, non metu, €non studio dominandi, non caeco animi impetu, sed consilio et €ratione meditatum diu facinus peregerint. O merito\ quidem €te ex jurisconsulto Grammaticum! qui ab accidentibus causae, €ut loquuntur, quae per se nihil valent, vituperationes instituis, €cu\m nondum docueris illud facinus in vitio an in laude ponen-€dum sit. Jam vide qua\m in te facile\ incurram. Si pulchrum €et decorum fuit, eo\ magis laudandi quod nullis affectibus €occupati, solius honestatis causa^ fecerint; si arduum et grave, €quo\d non caeco impetu, sed consilio et ratione. Quanquam €ego haec divino potiu\s instinctu gesta esse crediderim, quoties €memoria^ repeto, qua\m inopinato animorum ardore, quanto €consensu totus exercitus, cui magna pars populi se adjunxerat, €ab omnibus pene\ regni provinciis una voce regem ipsum suo-€rum omnium malorum authorem ad supplicium depoposce-€rit. Quicquid erat, sive magistratum, sive populum spectes, €nulli unquam excelsiore animo, et, quod etiam adversarii fa-€tentur, sedatiore, tam egregium facinus et vel heroicis aetatibus €dignum aggressi sunt: quo non leges tantu\m et judicia, de-€hinc mortalibus ex aequo restituta, sed ipsam justitiam nobili-˜´ta^runt, se/que ipsa^ illustriorem dehinc, se/que ipsa^ majorem €post hoc insigne judicium reddiderunt. Jam tertiam prope €hujus capitis paginam exantlavimus, nec tamen illa simplex €narratio, quam promisit, usquam apparet. Queritur nos do-€cere, <2quoties rex moleste\ et odiose\ regnat, impune\ posse>2 €<2regno exui: ab hac,>2 inquit, <2doctrina inducti, si mille rebus>2 €<2meliorem regem habuissent, non ei vitam conserva^ssent.>2 €Spectate hominis acumen; nam istuc aveo ex te scire, quo €pacto hoc sequitur, nisi tu nobis concesseris, nostro rege mille €rebus meliorem moleste\ et odiose\ regnare; unde in eum de-€ductus es locum, ut hunc quem defendis, iis regibus qui mo-€leste\ et odiose\ regnant mille rebus deteriorem facias; id est €tyrannorum omnium fortasse immanissimum. Macti estote €reges tam strenuo defensore. Nunc narrare incipit. <2Torse->2 €<2runt eum variis crucibus.>2 Dic quibus. <2De carcere in carcerem>2 €<2traduxerunt.>2 Nec injuria^, quippe ex tyranno hostem bello €captum. <2Custodiis saepe mutatis:>2 ne ipsae mutarent fidem. €<2Libertatis interdum spe ostensa, interdum et restitutionis per>2 €<2pactionem.>2 Vide qua\m non antea meditatum nobis fuerit, €qua\m non <2tempora et modos>2 diu captavimus regis abdicandi. €Quas res ab eo tum propemodum victore multo ante\ postu-˜¶lavimus, quae nisi concederentur, nulla libertas, nulla salus €populo speranda erat, easdem a\ captivo suppliciter, haud se-€mel, immo ter et amplius petivimus; toties repulsam acce-€pimus. Cu\m nulla de rege spes reliqua esset, fit Parlamenti €consultum illud nobile, nequa deinceps ad regem postulata €mitterentur; non ex quo is tyrannus esse, sed ex quo insana-€bilis esse coepit. Postea tamen quidam ex Senatorum numero €nova sibi consilia capientes, et idoneum tempus nacti, condi-€tiones iterum regi ferendas decernunt; pari sane\ scelere atque €dementia^ ac Romanus olim Senatus, reclamante Marco Tullio €et cum eo bonis omnibus, legatos decrevit ad Antonium: pari €etiam eventu, nisi Deo immortali visum aliter fuisset, illos in €servitutem tradere, nos in libertatem vindicare. Nam cu\m rex €nihilo plus qua\m antea concessisset, quod ad firmam pacem €et compositionem revera spectaret, illi tamen satisfactum sibi €a\ rege esse statuunt. Pars itaque sanior, cu\m se remque pub-€licam prodi videret, fidem fortissimi, et semper reipub[licae] fidis-€simi exercitu^s implorat. In quo mihi quidem hoc solu\m oc-€currit quod nolim dicere, nostras legiones rectiora sensisse þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¡˜¶ˆ”qua\m patres conscriptos; et salutem reipub[licae] armis attulisse, €quam illi suis suffragiis prope\ damnaverant. Multa deinde ˜¸flebiliter narrat, veru\m tam inscite\, ut luctum emendicare, €non commovere videatur. Dolet, quo\d <2eo modo, quo nullus>2 €<2unquam, rex supplicium capitis passus sit:>2 cu\m saepiu\s affir-€maverit, nullum unquam regem supplicium capitis omnino €esse passum. Tune, fatue, modum cum modo conferre soles, €ubi factum cum facto quod conferas non habes ? <2Supplicium,>2 €inquit, <2capitis passus est, ut latro, ut sicarius, ut parricida, ut>2 €<2proditor, ut tyrannus.>2 Hoccine est regem defendere, an sen-€tentiam de rege ferre, ea^ sane\ quae a\ nobis lata est, multo\ seve-€riorem ? quis te tam subito\ pellexit ut nobiscum pronuntiares? €Queritur <2personatos carnifices regi caput amputa^sse.>2 Quid €hoc homine facias? questus est supra\ <2de parricidio in persona>2 €<2regis admisso,>2 nunc in persona carnificis admissum queritur. €Quid reliqua percurram, partim falsissima, partim frivola <2de>2 €<2pugnis>2 et <2calcibus>2 militum gregariorum, et licentia^ <2spectandi>2 €<2cadaveris quatuor solidis taxata^,>2 quae frigidissimi literatoris €inscitiam et pusillitatem animi clamitant; legentem certe\ €neminem pilo tristiorem reddere possunt: satius mehercule\ €fuisset Carolo filio, quemvis ex eo balatronum grege con-€duxisse, qui ad coronam in triviis elegidia cantant, qua\m ora-€torem hunc, luctificabilem dicam, an perridiculum deplo-˜ºrando patris infortunio adhibuisse; tam insipidum et insul-€sum, ut ne ex lacrymis quidem ejus mica salis exiguissima €possit exprimi. Narrare jam desiit; et quid deinde agat, dictu €sane\ difficile est; adeo\ lutulentus et enormis fluit; nunc fre-€mit, nunc oscitat, nullum quidlibet garriendi modum sibi €statuit, vel decies eadem repetendi, quae ne semel quidem dicta €non sordescerent. Et certe\ nescio, an blateronis cujuspiam ex-€temporales quaelibet nugae, quas ille uno pede stans versiculis €forte\ effudisset, non digniores multo fuissent quae chartis illine-€rentur: usque eo\ indignissimas esse reor quibus serio\ responde-€atur. Praetereo quo\d regem <2religionis protectorem>2 laudat, qui €ecclesiae bellum intulit, ut episcopos religionis hostes et tyran-€nos in ecclesia retineret. <2Puritatem autem religionis>2 qui^ po-€tuit is conservare, ab impurissimis episcoporum traditionibus €et caeremoniis ipse sub jugum missus ? <2Sectarum>2 vero\, quibus €tu <2sacrilegos suos coetus tenendi licentiam>2 ais <2dari,>2 quam ipsa €Hollandia non dat, errores velim enumeres: interim nemo te €magis sacrilegus, qui perpetuo\ maledicendi pessimam om-€nium licentiam tibi sumis. <2Non poterant graviu\s rempubl[icam]>2 €<2laedere qua\m ejus dominum tollendo.>2 Disce verna, disce ma-€stigia, nisi dominum tollis, tollis rempublicam: privata res €est, non publica quae dominum habet. <2At pastores facinus>2 €<2eorum abominantes cum summa injustitia persequuntur.>2 €Pastores illos nequis forte\ nesciat quales sint, breviter dicam; ˜¼iidem sunt qui regi resistendum armis esse, et verbo et scriptis €docuerant; qui omnes tanquam Merozum indesinenter exe-€crari non destiterant, quotquot huic bello aut arma, aut pecu-€niam, aut vires non suppedita^ssent; quod illi non contra re-€gem, sed contra tyrannum Saule quovis aut Achabo, immo €Nerone ipso Neroniorem susceptum esse in concionibus sacris €vaticinabantur. Sublatis episcopis et sacerdotibus, quos Plu-€ralistarum et non residentium nomine insectari vehementis-€sime\ solebant, in eorum amplissima sacerdotia, hic bina, ille €trina, qua\m ocyssime\ irruebant: unde suos greges qua\m tur-€piter negligant pastores isti merito\ egregii nemo non videt: €nullus pudor, nulla numinis reverentia dementes cupiditate €et furiatos cohibere potuit, donec pessimo ecclesiae publico €ea^dem ipsi infamia^ flagrarent, quam paulo\ ante\ sacerdotibus €inusserant. Nunc quo\d avaritia eorum nondum satiata est, €quo\d inquies ambitione animus turbas concire, pacem odisse €consuevit, in Magistratus qui nunc sunt, id quod priu\s in €regem fecerant, seditiose\ concionari non desinunt; regem sci-€licet pium crudeliter sublatum; quem modo\ ipsi diris omni-€bus devotum, omni authoritate regia spoliandum, et bello €sacro persequendum, in manus Parlamento, quasi divinitus, €tradiderant; sectas scilicet non exstirpari; quod certe\ a\ magi-€stratibus postulare perabsurdum est, qui avaritiam et ambi-€tionem, quae duae in ecclesia haereses perniciosissimae sunt, ex €ipsorum ordine pastorum ac tribu, nullo adhuc modo aut ra-˜¾tione exstirpare valuerunt. Quas illi sectas apud nos insectan-€tur, obscuras esse scio; quas ipsi sequuntur, famosas, et eccle-€siae Dei longe\ periculosiores; quarum principes Simon ille €Magus et Diotrephes fuere. Hos tamen, nequissimi cu\m sint, €adeo\ non persequimur, ut factiosis et res novas quotidie mo-€lientibus nimiu\m indulgeamus. Offendit jam te Gallum et €errabundum, quod Angli <2suis molossis,>2 quae tua canina fa-€cundia est, <2ferociores,>2 nullam <2legitimi successoris et haeredis>2 €regni, nullam <2natu minimi,>2 nullam <2reginae Bohemiae>2 ratio-€nem habuerint. Tute respondebis tibi, non ego. <2Ubi reipub[licae]>2 €<2forma mutatur ex monarchica in aliam, non datur successio>2 €<2inter differentis regiminis curatores;>2 Apparat[us] de primatu [papae]. €<2Minima,>2 inquis, <2regni unius pars>2 haec omnia <2per tria regna>2 €effecit: et digni quidem, si hoc verum esset, quibus in caeteros €imperium sit, viris in foeminas. <2Isti sunt, qui regimen regni >2 €<2antiquum in alium qui a\ pluribus tyrannis teneatur, mutare>2 €<2praesumpserunt;>2 recte\ quidem illi et feliciter; quos tu repre-€hendere non potes, quin simul foedissime\ barbarus et soloecus €sis non moribus solu\m, sed syntaxi etiam, grammaticorum €opprobrium. <2Angli maculam hanc nunquam deleverint.>2 Im-€mo tu, lice\t omnium literatorum litura ipse sis, et vere\ macula, €Anglorum tamen famam et sempiternam gloriam nunquam ˜Àvalueris commaculare. Qui tanta^ animi magnitudine, quanta €omni memoria^ vix audita est, non hostes tantu\m armatos, sed €hostiles intus, id est, superstitiosas vulgi opiniones eluctati €atque supergressi, Liberatorum cognomen posthac per omnes €gentes in commune sibi pepererunt: populariter id ausi, quod €apud alias nationes heroicae tantu\m virtutis esse existimatur. €<2Rerormati et antiqui Christiani>2 quid hac in parte fecerint, aut €facturi fuissent, tum respondebimus, cu\m de jure tecum suo €loco agetur; ne tuo vitio laboremus, qui gerrones omnes et €Battos loquacitate vincis. Quaeris quid sis in nostra causa <2Jesu->2 €<2itis>2 responsurus. Tuas res age transfuga; pudeat te facinorum €tuorum, quando ecclesiam tui pudet; qui primatum Papae, et €episcopos tam jactanter modo\ et ferociter adortus, nunc episco-€porum assecla factus es. Fateris <2aliquos reformatorum,>2 quos €non nominas (ego tamen nominabo, quoniam tu eos <2Jesuitis>2 €<2longe\ pejores esse>2 ais, Lutherum nempe, Zuinglium, Calvi-€num, Bucerum, Paraeum cum aliis multis) docuisse, <2amo->2 €<2vendum esse>2 tyrannum: <2quis autem sit tyrannus ad judicium>2 €<2sapientum, et doctorum se retulisse. Isti vero\ qui? an sapien->2 €<2tes, an docti, an virtute nobiles, an nobilitate illustres ?>2 Liceat, €quaeso, populo, qui servitutis jugum in cervicibus grave sentit, €tam sapienti esse, tam docto, tamque nobili, ut sciat quid ty-˜Âranno suo faciendum sit, etiamsi neque exteros, neque gram-€maticos sciscitatum mittat. Tyrannum autem fuisse hunc non €Angliae solu\m et Scotiae Parlamenta cu\m verbis tum factis €disertissimis declaraverunt, sed totus fere\ utriusque regni po-€pulus assensus est; donec episcoporum technis et fraudibus in €duas postea factiones discessit. Quid si Deus, quemadmodum €eos qui lucis evangelicae participes fiant, ita eos qui decreta €ejus in reges hujus mundi potentissimos exequantur, non mul-€tos sapientes aut doctos, non multos potentes, non multos no-€biles esse voluit? ut per eos qui non sunt, aboleret eos qui sunt; €ut ne glorietur caro coram eo. Tu quis es qui oblatras? an €doctus ? qui spicilegia, qui lexica et glossaria ad senectutem þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¡˜Âˆusque trivisse potiu\s videris, qua\m authores bonos cum ju-€dicio aut fructu perlegisse; unde nil praeter codices, et varias €lectiones, et luxatum et mendosum crepas; doctrinae solidioris €ne guttulum quidem hausisse te ostendis. An tu sapiens? qui €de minutiis minutissimis rixari, et mendicorum bella gerere €soles, qui nunc astronomis, nunc medicis in sua arte credendis €imperitus ipse et rudis convitia dicis; qui, siquis tibi voculae €unius aut literulae in exemplari quovis abs te restitutae glorio-€lam praeripere conaretur, igni et aqua^, si posses, illi interdi-€ceres ? Et tamen stomacharis, et tamen ringeris, quo\d omnes €te Grammaticum appellant. Hamondum nuper regis hujus ˜ÄSacellanum imprimis dilectissimum in libro quodam nuga-€torio nebulonem appellas, quo\d is te Grammaticum appella-€visset: idem, credo, esses ipsi regi convitium facturus, et defen-€sionem hanc totam retractaturus, si Sacellani sui de te judi-€cium approba^sse audivisses. Jam vide qua\m te Anglorum €unus, quos tu <2fanaticos, indoctos, obscuros, improbos>2 vocitare €audes, contemnam et ludibrio habeam, nam nationem ipsam €Anglicanam de te quicquam publice\ cogitare curculiunculo, €indignissimum esset; qui sursum, deorsum, quoquoversum €versatus et volutatus, nihil nisi grammaticus es: immo quasi €Deo nescio cui votum ipso Mida stultiu\s nuncupa^sses, quic-€quid attrectas, nisi cu\m soloecismos facis, Grammatica est. €Quisquis igitur <2de faece illa plebis,>2 quam tu exagitas, (illos €enim vere\ optimates nostros, quorum sapientiam, virtutem €et nobilitatem facta inclyta satis testantur, non sic dehone-€stabo, ut te illis, aut tibi illos componere velim) quisquis, in-€quam, de faece illa plebis hoc tantummodo\ sibi persuaserit, €non esse se regibus natum, sed Deo et patriae, multo sane\ te €doctior, multo sapientior, multo probior, et ad omnem vitam €utilior existimandus erit. Nam doctus ille sine literis, tu lite-€ratus sine doctrina, qui tot linguas calles, tot volumina per-€curris, tot scribis, et tamen pecus es. ˜ÆôÿCAPUT II. Quod argumentum pro se <2indubitatum>2 esse, supe-€riore capite perorans dixerat Salmasius, <2 rem ita>2 €<2se habere ut creditur, cu\m omnes unanimiter>2 €<2idem de ea sentiant,>2 quod tamen is <2de facto>2 falsissime\ affirma-€bat, id ego nunc, de jure regio disceptaturus, potero in ipsum €verissime\ retorquere. Cu\m enim regem definiat, <2cujus su->2 €<2prema est in regno potestas, nulli alii nisi Deo obnoxia, cui>2 €<2quod libet licet, qui legibus solutus est,>2 siquidem id definiri €dicendum est, quod infinitum in terris ponitur, evincam ego €contra\, non meis tantu\m, sed vel ipsius testimoniis et rationi-€bus, nullam gentem aut populum, qui quidem ullo numero €sit, nam omnem penetrare barbariam necesse non est, nullam, €inquam, gentem istiusmodi jura aut potestatem regi conces-€sisse, <2ut legibus solutus esset, ut quod libet liceret, ut omnes>2 €<2judicaret, a\ nemine judicaretur;>2 nec vero\ quenquam cujus-€cunque gentis tam servili ingenio exstitisse puto, praeter unum €Salmasium, qui tyrannorum immania quaeque flagitia, regum €jura esse defenderit. Eorum plerique apud nos, qui regi maxi-€me\ favebant, ab hac tam turpi sententia semper abhorruere; €quinetiam ipse, nondum pretio corruptus, his de rebus longe\ €aliter sensisse aliis jampridem scriptis facile\ deprehenditur. €Adeo\ ut haec non ab homine libero in libera civitate, nedum in ˜ÈRepub[lica] nobilissima^, et Batavorum Academia^ celeberrima^, sed €in ergastulo quovis aut catasta^, tam servili ingenio atque ani-€mo scripta esse videantur. Etenim, si quicquid regi libet, id €jure regio licitum erit, quod teterrimus ille Antoninus Cara-€calla, ab Julia noverca per incestum persuasus, non statim €ausus est credere, nemo profecto\ est, aut unquam fuit, qui ty-€rannus dici debeat. Cu\m enim divina omnia atque humana €jura violavit, nihilo tamen minu\s rex, jure regio insons erit. €Quid enim peccavit homo aequissimus? jure suo usus est in €suos. Nihil rex tam horrendum, tam crudele, ta/mque furio-€sum committere in suos potest, quod praeter jus regium fieri €quispiam possit queri aut expostulare. Hoc <2tu jus regium a\>2 €<2jure gentium, vel potiu\s naturali originem habere>2 statuis bel-€lua? Quid enim hominem te dicam, qui in omne hominum €genus, adeo\ iniquus et inhumanus es? quique omnem gentem €humanam Deo simillimam sic deprimere atque dejicere co-€naris, ut quos nunc superstitio, nunc scelus aut ignavia quo-€rundam, aut denique perfidia tam feros atque immites domi-€nos gentibus imposuit, eos a\ natura matre mitissima^ compa-€ratos atque impositos esse doceas. Qua^ tu nefaria^ doctrina^ €multo jam ferociores factos, non solu\m ad proterendos omnes €mortales, et posthac miseriorem in modum conculcandos im-€mittis, sed jure naturali, jure regio, ipsis etiam populi legibus ˜Êin populum armare, quo nihil simul stultius et sceleratius esse €potest, contendis. Dignus profecto\ qui, contra\ atque olim €Dionysius, ex grammatico tyrannus ipse sis; non quo tibi in €alium quemvis detur illa regia licentia male\ faciendi, sed illa €altera male\ pereundi; qua^ sola^, ut inclusus ille Capreis Tibe-€rius, a\ temetipso perditus quotidie te sentias perire. Veru\m jus €illud regium paulo\ accuratiu\s quale sit consideremus. <2Sic>2 €<2Oriens totus,>2 inquis, <2judicavit, sic Occidens.>2 Non reponam €tibi quod Aristoteles et Marcus Cicero, authores, si qui alii, €cordatissimi, ille in Politicis, hic in oratione de Provinciis €scripsit, Gentes Asiaticas facile\ servitutem pati, Judaeos autem €et Syros servituti natos fuisse: fateor paucos fere\ libertatem €velle, aut ea^ posse uti, solos nempe sapientes, et magnanimos; €pars longe\ maxima justos dominos mavult, sed tamen justos; €injustos et intolerabiles ferendi, neque Deus unquam universo €generi humano tam infensus fuit, neque ullus unquam popu-€lus tam ab omni spe et consilio derelictus, ut necessitatem hanc €atque legem omnium durissimam in se atque in suos liberos €ultro\ statuerit. Profers imprimis <2verba regis in Ecclesiaste sa->2 €<2pientia^ clari.>2 Nos itaque ad legem Dei provocamus, de rege €posteriu\s videbimus; cujus exinde sententiam rectiu\s intelli-€gemus. Audiatur ipse Deus, Deut. 17. <2Cu\m ingressus fueris>2 €<2in terram, quam Jehova Deus dat tibi, et dices, statuam super>2 ˜Ì<2me Regem sicut omnes gentes quae sunt circa me:>2 Quod ego €omnes velim etiam atque etiam animadvertant, teste hi\c ipso €Deo, penes populos omnes ac nationes arbitrium semper fuisse €vel ea^, quae placeret, forma^ reipub[licae] utendi, vel hanc in aliam €mutandi: de Hebraeis diserte\ hoc dicit Deus, de reliquis haud €abnuit: deinde formam reipub[licae] monarchia^ perfectiorem, ut €sunt res humanae, suique populi magis ex usu Deo visam esse: €cu\m hanc ipse formam instituerit; monarchiam non nisi sero\ €petentibus, idque aegre\ concesserit. Sin regem plane\ vellent, €ut ostenderet Deus id se liberum Populo reliquisse, ab uno an €a\ pluribus respub[lica] administraretur, modo\ juste\; regi etiam fu-€turo leges constituit, quibus cautum erat, ut <2ne multiplicet sibi>2 €<2equos, ne uxores, ne divitias;>2 ut intelligeret nihil ipsi in alios €licere, qui nihil de se statuere extra legem potuerit. Jussus €itaque est <2omnia legis illius praecepta,>2 etiam sua manu perscri-€bere; perscripta <2observare; ne efferatur animus ejus prae fra->2 €<2tribus suis.>2 Ex quo perspicuum est, regem aeque\ ac populum €istis legibus astrictum fuisse. In hanc ferme\ sententiam scrip-€sit Josephus, legum suae gentis interpres idoneus, in sua repub[lica] €versatissimus, mille aliis tenebrionibus Rabbinis anteponen-˜Îdus: Antiquitat. lib. 4, $*A)RISTOKRATI/A ME\N OU)^N KRA/TISTON&, etc. €<2oPtimum est,>2 inquit, <2optimatium regimen; nec vos alium>2 €<2reipub[licae] statum requiratis; satis enim est Deum habere praesi->2 €<2dem. Attamen si tanta vos regis cupido ceperit, plus legibus>2 €<2et Deo tribuat is, qua\m suae sapientiae; prohibeatur autem, si>2 €<2potentior fieri studet, qua\m rebus vestris expedit.>2 Haec et plura €Josephus in istum Deuteronomii locum. Alter Philo Judaeus, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¢˜Îˆˆgravis author, Josephi coaetaneus, legis Mosaicae studiosissi-€mus, in quam universam diffusa commentatione scripsit, cu\m €in libro de creatione Principis hoc caput legis interpretatur, €non alio pacto regem legibus solvit, atque hostis quilibet solu-€tus legibus dici possit. $TOU\S E)PI\ LU/MH| KAI\ ZHMI/A| TW=N U(PHKO/WN&, €etc : <2qui,>2 inquit, <2ad perniciem et detrimentum populi magnam >2 €<2sibi acquirunt potentiam, non reges sed hostes appellandi>2 €<2sunt; ea facientes, quae hostes nulla pace reconciliandi faciunt;>2 €<2nam qui per speciem gubernandi faciunt injuriam, apertis>2 €<2hostibus pejores sunt; hos enim facile est propulsare, illorum>2 €<2autem malitia haud facile\ detegitur.>2 Detecti igitur, quid obstat €quo minu\s hostium loco habendi sint? Sic libro secundo Al-€legoriarum Legis, <2rex et tyrannus contraria sunt;>2 et deinde €<2rex non imperat tantu\m, sed paret.>2 Vera sunt ista, dicet ali-€quis; regem oportet quidem leges, ut qui maxime\, observare; €veru\m si secu\s fecerit, qua^ lege puniendus ? ea^dem, inquam, €lege qua^ caeteri; exceptiones enim nullas reperio. Sed nec de ˜ÐSacerdotibus, sed nec de infimis quidem magistratibus puni-€endis lex ulla scribitur; qui omnes, cu\m de iis puniendis nulla €lex scripta sit, pari certe\ jure et ratione possent impunitatem €scelerum omnium sibi vendicare; quam tamen neque eorum €quispiam vendicavit, neque quenquam iis arbitror idcirco esse €daturum. Hactenus ex ipsa Dei lege didicimus regem legibus €obtemperare debuisse; nec se prae caeteris efferre, qui etiam €fratres ejus sunt. Nunc an quid aliud Ecclesiastes moneat €videamus: Cap[ut] 8. ver[sus] 1. etc: <2Mandatum regis observa; vel>2 €<2propter juramentum Dei, ne perturbate\ a\ facie ejus abito, ne>2 €<2persistito in re mala, nam quicquid volet faciet. Ubi verbum>2 €<2regis, ibi dominatio, et quis dicat ei, quid facis?>2 Satis constat €Ecclesiastem hoc in loco non synedrio magno, non senatui, €sed privato cuique praecepta dare. Jubet mandata regis ob €servare, vel propter juramentum Dei; at quis jurat regi, nisi €rex vicissim in leges divinas atque patrias juratus sit? Sic Reu-€benitae et Gaditae obedientiam suam Jehosuae pollicentur, Jos[hua] €1 : <2Ut dicto audientes Mosi fuimus, ita erimus tibi, modo\ ut>2 €<2Deus tecum sit, quemadmodum fuit cum Mose.>2 Conditionem €vides expressam; alioquin ipsum audi Ecclesiasten, cap[ut] 9: €<2Verba sapientum submissa potiu\s audienda esse, qua\m clamo->2 €<2rem dominantis inter stolidos.>2 Quid porro\ monet? <2Ne per->2 €<2sistito in re mala, nam quicquid volet, faciet;>2 in malos nimi-˜Òrum mala in re persistentes faciet, authoritatc legum armatus; €nam leniter, aut severe\ agere, prout volet, potest. Nihil hi\c €tyrannicum sonat, nihil quod vir bonus extimescat. <2Ubi ver->2 €<2bum regis, ibi dominatio; et quis dicat ei, quid facis?>2 Et ta-€men legimus qui regi dixerit non solu\m quid fecisti, sed etiam €stulte\ fecisti, 1 Sam[uel] 13. At Samuel extraordinarius. Tuum €tibi regero, lice\t infra\ dictum pag[ina] 49, <2quid,>2 inquis, <2 extraordi-€<2narium in Saule et Davide?>2 itidem ego, quid, inquam, in €Samuele ? Propheta fuit: sunt et illi hodie, qui ejus exemplo €faciunt; ex voluntate enim Dei vel <2expressa>2 vel <2insita>2 agunt: €quod etiam ipse infra\ concedis, pag[ina] 50. Prudenter igitur Ec-€clesiastes hoc in loco monet privatos, ne cum rege contendant : €nam etiam cum divite, cum potenti quovis, ut plurimu\m €damnosa contentio est. Quid ergo? an optimates, an omnes €reliqui magistratus, an populus universus,quoties delirare libet €regi, ne hiscere quidem audebunt ? an stolido, impio, furenti, €bonis omnibus perniciem machinanti non obstabunt, non €obviam ibunt, ne divina omnia atque humana pervertere occu-€pet, ne rapinis, ne incendiis, ne caedibus per omnes regni fines €grassetur, ita <2legibus solutus, ut quod libet liceat?>2 O de Cap-€padocis eques catastis! quem omnis libera natio (si unquam ˜Ôposthac in natione libera pedem ponere audebis) aut in ulti-€mas terras veluti portentum exportandum ejicere, aut servi-€tutis candidatum dedere in pistrinum debebit, ea lege atque €omine, ut si te inde exemerit, ipsa sub aliquo tyranno, eo/que €stultissimo, pro te molat. Quid enim poterit dici, aut ab aliis €dictum peti tam truculentum, aut ridiculum, quod in te non €cadat? Perge modo\: <2Israelitae regem a\ Deo petentes eodem>2 €<2jure se ab eo gubernari velle dixerunt, quo omnes aliae nati->2 €<2ones, quae hoc regimine uterentur. At Orientis reges summo>2 €<2jure, et potestate non circumscripta^ regnabant, teste Virgil io.>2 €--- <2Regem non sic Aegyptus et ingens>2 €<2Lydia, nec populi Parthorum, et Medus Hydaspes>2 €<2observant.>2 ---€Primu\m quid nostra^ refert qualem sibi regem Israelitae volue-€rint, praesertim Deo irato, non solu\m quo\d regem vellent ad €exemplum gentium, et non suae legis, sed plane\ quo\d vellent €regem ? Deinde regem injustum, aut legibus solutum peti-€visse credibile non est, qui Samuelis filios legibus obstrictos €ferre non potuerunt, et ab eorum tantu\m avaritia ad regem €confugerunt. Postremo\ quod ex Virgilio recitas, non probat €reges Orientis <2absoluta potestate>2 regnasse; Apes enim illae €Virgilianae, quae vel Aegyptiis et Medis observantiores regum €sunt, teste tamen eodem Poeta, €----- <2Magnis agitant sub legibus aevum.>2 ˜ÖNon ergo sub regibus omni lege solutis. At vide qua\m tibi €minime\ velim male\; cu\m plerique te nebulonem esse judi-€cent, ostendam te personam tantu\m nebulonis mutuam €sumpsisse. In Apparatu ad primatum Papae doctores quos-€dam Tridentinos exemplo Apium usos ais, ut monarchiam €Papae probarent; ab his tu pari malitia^ hoc mutuum cepisti. €Quod illis itaque respondisti cu\m probus esses, jam factus ne-€bulo tute respondebis tibi, tua/que tibi manu personam nebu-€lonis detrahes. <2Apium respub[lica] est; atque ita Physici appellant:>2 €<2Regem habent, sed innocuum; ductor est potiu\s qua\m tyran->2 €<2nus, non verberat, non vellicat, non necat apes subditas.>2 Mini-€me\ igitur mirum, si ita observant. Istas mehercule apes mala^ €ave tibi tactio erat; Tridentinae enim lice\t sint, fucum te esse €indicant. Aristoteles autem, rerum politicarum scriptor dili-€gentissimus, monarchiae genus Asiaticae, quod et barbaricum €vocat, $KATA\ NO/MON,& id est, secundu\m legem fuisse affirmat: €Pol[itica] 3. immo cu\m monarchiae quinque species enumeret, qua-€tuor secundu\m legem, et suffragante populo fuisse scribit, ty-€rannicas autem, quo\d iis tanta potestas, volente lice\t populo, €data erat; regnum vero\ Laconicum maxime\ regnum videri, €quo\d non omnia pene\s regem erant. Quinta, quam is $PAMBA-& €$SILEI/AN& vocat, et ad quam solam id refert, quod tu regum om-˜Ønium jus esse scribis, ut ad libitum regnent, ubinam gentium, €aut quo tempore unquam obtinuerit non dicit: nec aliam ob €causam fecisse mentionem ejus videtur, qua\m ut absurdam, in-€justam, et maxime\ tyrannicam esse demonstraret. Samuelem €ais, cu\m eos ab eligendo rege deterreret, <2jus illis regium>2 expo-€suisse. Unde haustum, a\ lege Dei? at illa lex jus regium, ut €vidimus, longe\ aliud exhibuit: an ab ipso Deo per Samuelem €loquente ? at improbavit, vituperavit, vitio dedit: non igitur €jus regium divinitu\s datum, sed morem regnandi pravissi-€mum, superbia^ regum et dominandi libidine arreptum expo-€suit propheta; nec quid debebant reges, sed quid volebant €facere; rationem enim regis populo indicavita sicut antea ra-€tionem sacerdotum Eliadarum eodem verbo (quod tu p[agina] 33. €Hebraico etiam soloecismo {MShPT} vocas) supra\ indicaverat: €C[aput] 2. <2ratio sacerdotum istorum cum populo haec erat, v[ersus]>2 13. €impia videlicet, odiosa, et tyrannica: ratio itaque illa nequa-€quam jus erat, sed injuria. Sic etiam patres antiqui hunc lo-€cum exposuerunt; unus mihi erit multorum instar, Sulpitius €Severus, Hieronymi aequalis, ei/que charus, et Augustini ju-€dicio vir doctrina^ et sapientia^ pollens. Is in historia sacra Samu-€elem ait dominationem regiam, et superba imperia populo €exponere. Sane\ jus regium non est dominatio et superbia; sed ˜Újus atque imperium regium, teste Sallustio, conservandae liber-þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¢˜Ú‚tatis atque augendae reipub[licae] causa^ datum, in superbiam domi-€natione/mque se convertit. Idem Theologi omnes Orthodoxi, €idem Jurisconsulti, idem Rabbini plerique, ut ex Sichardo €didicisse potuisses, de explicatione hujus loci sentiunt; ne €Rabbinorum enim quisquam jus regis absolutum isto loco €tractari dixit. Ipse infra\ cap[ut] 5. pag[ina] 106. <2non Alexandrinum>2 €<2Clementem solu\m, sed omnes hic>2 quereris <2errare,>2 te unum ex €omnibus rem acu tetigisse: Jam vero\ cujus vel impudentiae est €vel socordiae, contra omnes, praesertim orthodoxos, mores re-€gum ab ipso Deo damnatissimos in jus regium convertere; et €honesta^ juris praescriptione defendere: cu\m jus tamen illud €in rapinis, injuriis, violentiis, contumeliis saepiu\s consistere €fatearis? An quisquam sic <2sui juris>2 unquam fuit, ut rapere, €agere, prosternere, permiscere omnia sibi liceret? an Latini, €quod affirmas, haec <2suo jure ab aliquo fieri unquam dixerunt?>2 €Dixerat apud Sallustium C[aius] Memmius tribunus Plebis, in su-€perbiam et impunita flagitia nobilitatis invectus, <2impune quae->2 €<2libet facere, id est, regem esse;>2 Arrisit hoc tibi, et statim in €lucro ponis, nequicquam sane\, si paulu\m evigilaveris. An jus €hic regium asseruit? annon plebis ignaviam potiu\s increpuit, ˜Üquae nobiles impune\ dominari sineret, eosque mores regios €jam rursus pateretur, quos jure suo majores eorum cum rege €ipso finibus expulerant? Marcum Tullium saltem consuluis-€ses; is te et Sallustium, et Samuelem etiam rectiu\s interpretari €docuisset. Qui pro C[aio] Rabirio <2nemo,>2 inquit, <2nostru^m ignorat>2 €<2consuetudinem regiam; regum sunt haec imperia, animad->2 €<2verte et dicto pare:>2 Alia/que hujusmodi ex poetis ibidem reci-€tat, quae non jus, sed <2consuetudinem regiam>2 vocat, ea/que €legere et spectare nos ait debere, non <2ut delectemur solu\m, sed >2 €<2ut cavere etiam et effugere discamus.>2 Vides qua\m te male\ €multaverit Sallustius, quem tyrannis inimicissimum, juris €tyrannici patronum attulisse te putabas. Nutare, mihi crede, €et suum sibi occasum accelerare jus regium videtur, dum €ruentis in modum tenuissima quaeque sic arripit, se/que susti-€nere iis testibus atque exemplis conatur, quae tardiu\s for-€tasse alioqui ruiturum vehementiu\s impellunt. <2Summum,>2 €inquis, <2jus, summa injuria est, id in regibus maxime\ lo->2 €<2cum habet; qui cu\m summo jure utuntur, ea faciunt in qui->2 €<2bus Samuel dicit jus regis esse positum.>2 Miserum jus; quod €tu jam an extrema perductus, nisi per summam injuriam de-€fendere ulterius non potes! Summum jus id dicitur, cu\m quis ˜Þformulas legum sectatur, singulis pene\ literis immoratur, €aequitatem non servat; aut scriptum jus callide\ nimis et mali-€tiose\ interpretatur, ex quo illud proverbium Cicero ortum €esse ait. Cu\m autem jus omne de fonte justitiae manare cer-€tum sit, impius sis necesse est, qui <2regem injustum esse, ini->2 €<2quum, violentum, raptorem esse, et quales esse solebant>2 qui €pessimi erant, jus regis esse dicas, idque <2prophetam populo>2 €<2insinua^sse.>2 Quod enim jus summum aut remissum, scriptum €aut non scriptum ad maleficia perpetranda esse potest? Id ne €tibi de aliis concedere, de rege pernegare in mentem veniat, €habeo quem tibi opponam, et puto regem, qui istiusmodi jus €regium et sibi et Deo invisum esse profitetur: Psal. 94; <2an con->2 €<2sociaretur tibi solium aerumnarum, formantis molestiam per>2 €<2statutum?>2 Noli igitur Deo hanc atrocissimam injuriam fa-€cere, quasi is regum pravitates et nefaria facinora jus esse re-€gium docuerit, qui etiam hoc nomine societatem cum impro-€bis regibus se detestari docet, quo\d molestiam et aerumnas €omnes populo juris regii titulo creare soleant. Noli Prophe-€tam Dei falso\ insimulare; quem tu dum juris regii isto loco €doctorem habere putas, non verum nobis affers Samuelem; €sed, ut venefica illa, inanem umbram evocas; quamvis et illum €ab inferis Samuelem non adeo\ mendacem fuisse credam, quin €illud quod tu jus regium vocas, impotentiam potiu\s tyranni-˜àcam dicturus fuisset. Jus datum sceleri legimus, tu/que <2licen->2 €<2tiae jure concessae reges minu\s bonos uti consuevisse>2 ais. At jus €hoc ad perniciem humani generis abs te introductum, non esse €a\ Deo datum probavimus; restat, ut sit a\ Diabolo; quod in-€fra\ clariu\s liquebit. <2Haec,>2 inquis, <2licentia dat posse, si velis;>2 €et authorem hujus juris habere Ciceronem prae te fers. Nun-€quam aegre\ facio ut testimonia tua recitem; tuis enim ipse te-€stibus conficere te soles. Audi igitur verba Ciceronis in 4[quarta] €Philip[pica] <2Quae causa justior est belli gerendi, qua\m servitutis>2 €<2depulsio? in qua etiamsi non sit molestus dominus, tamen est>2 €<2miserrimum posse si velit.>2 posse vi scilicet; nam de jure si €loqueretur, repugnantia diceret, et ex justa belli causa inju-€stam faceret. Non est igitur jus regium quod tu describis, sed €injuria, sed vis, et violentia regum. Transis ab regia licentia €ad privatam: <2licet privato mentiri, licet ingrato esse.>2 Licet et €regibus; quid inde efficis? licebit ergo regibus impune\ rapere, €occidere, stuprare? Quid interest ad injuriae gravitatem rex €an latro, an aliunde hostis populum occidat, diripiat, in servi-€tutem agat? eodem certe\ jure, et hunc et illum humanae socie-€tatis inimicum et pestem propulsare, atque ulcisci debemus; €immo regem eo\ justiu\s quo\d is tot beneficiis et honoribus ˜ânostris auctus commissam sibi sub juramento publicam salu-€tem prodat. Concedis postremo\, <2leges dari a\ Mose secundu\m>2 €<2quas rex ille quandoque eligendus imperare debebat, quamvis>2 €<2diversas ab illo jure quod Samuel proposuit.>2 Quod cum asser-€tione tua dupliciter pugnat; cu\m enim regem legibus omnino €solutum posueris, nunc obstrictum dicis: dein jus juri contra-€rium ponis Mosis et Samuelis, quod est absurdum. At <2servi,>2 €inquit Propheta, <2vos eritis regi.>2 Ut servos fuisse non abnue-€rim, non jure tamen regio servi fuerunt, sed regum fortasse €plurimorum usurpatione et injustitia. Illam enim petitionem €obstinatam non jure regio, sed suo merito in poenam illis ces-€suram propheta praemonuit. At vero\ si regi legibus soluto €quicquid libet licuerit, profecto\ rex longe\ plus qua\m dominus €erit, populus infra omnium servorum infimos plus qua\m in-€fimus. Servus enim vel alienigena legem Dei vindicem inju-€riosum in dominum habebat; populus universus, libera nimi-€rum gens, vindicem in terris neminem, nullam legem habe-€bit, quo\ laesus, afflictus et spoliatus confugiat: a\ servitute re-€gum Aegyptiorum ideo liberatus, ut uni ex fratribus suis duri-€ore si libuisset servitute opprimendus traderetur. Quod cu\m €neque divinae legi, nec rationi consentaneum sit, dubium ne-˜ämini esse potest, quin propheta mores enarraverit, non jus €regum, neque mores prorsus regum omnium, sed plurimo-€rum. Descendis ad rabbinos; duo/sque adducis ea^dem, qua^ €priu\s, infelicitate: nam caput illud de rege in quo R. Joses jus €regium aiebat contineri, Deuteronomii esse, non Samuelis, €manifestum est. Samuelis enim ad terrorem duntaxat populo €injiciendum pertinere rectissime\ quidem et contra te dixit R[abbinus] €Judas. Perniciosum enim est id jus nominari atque doceri €quod injustitia plane\ est, nisi abusive\ forsitan jus nominetur. €Quo etiam pertinet versus 18. <2Et exclamabitis die illa propter>2 €<2regem vestrum, sed non exaudiet vos Jehova;>2 obstinatos nimi-€rum ista poena manebat, qui regem nolente Deo dari sibi volue-€runt. Quanquam ista verba non prohibent, quo minus et vota €et quidvis aliud tentare potuerint. Si enim clamare ad Deum €contra regem populo licebat,licebat proculdubio omnem etiam €aliam inire rationem honestam sese a\ tyrannide expediendi. €Quis enim quovis malo cum premitur, sic ad Deum clamat ut €caetera omnia quae officii sunt sui negligat, ad otiosas tantu\m €preces devolutus? Verum utcunque sit, quid hoc ad jus re-€gium, quid ad jus nostrum? qui regem nec invito Deo un-€quam petivimus, nec ipso dante accepimus; sed jure gentium €usi, nec jubente Deo nec vetante, nostris legibus constituimus. ˜æQuae cu\m ita se habeant, non video quamobrem nobis laudi þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¢˜æ‚atque virtuti tribuendum non sit, regem abjecisse; quando-€quidem Israe\litis crimini est datum regem petisse. Quod etiam €res ipsa comprobavit; nos enim qui regem, cu\m haberemus, €deprecati sumus, tandem exauditos Deus liberavit; illos, qui €cu\m non haberent, a\ Deo efflagitabant, servire jussit; donec €Babylone redeuntes ad pristinum reipub[licae] statum reversi sunt. €Ludum Talmudicum deinde aperis; quin et hoc sinistro au-€gurio tentatum. Dum enim regem non judicari cupis osten-€dere, ostendis ex Codice Sanhedrim <2regem nec judicari nec>2 €<2judicare;>2 quod cum petitione istius populi pugnat, qui ideo €regem petebant, ut judicaret: id frustra resarcire studes; in-€telligi nempe id de regibus Postbabylonicis debere. At ecce €tibi Maimonides, qui <2hanc inter reges Israe/litas et Judaeos dif->2 €<2ferentiam ponit: Davidis enim posteros judicare et judicari;>2 €Israe\liticis neutrum concedit. Occurris tibi, tecum enim liti-€gas, aut cum Rabbinis tuis; meam rem agis. Hoc <2primis in>2 €<2regibus locum non habuisse,>2 quia dictum est v[ersus] 17. <2vos eritis>2 €<2ei servi;>2 consuetudine scilicet, non jure ; aut si jure, poenas pe-€tendi regis, quamvis non sub hoc forte\ vel sub illo, at sub ple-˜èrisque luebant, quod nos non attingit. Tibi vero\ adversario €opus non est, adeo\ semper tibi adversaris. Narras enim pro €me, ut primo\ Aristobulus, po\st Jannaeus cognomento Alex-€ander, jus illud regium, non a\ synedrio juris custode, et inter-€prete acceperint, sed paulatim sibi assumpserint, et senatu re-€nitente usurpaverint: quorum) in gratiam bella illa fabula de €primoribus synedrii <2a\ Gabriele exanimatis>2 adinventa est, jus-€que hoc magnificum, quo niti maxime\ videris, <2regem>2 scilicet €<2non judicari,>2 ex illa fabula plusquam anili, utpote rabbinica, €conflatum esse fateris. Reges autem Hebraeorum <2judicari>2 €<2posse, atque etiam ad verbera damnari>2 fuse\ docet Sichardus €ex libris Rabbinicis, cui tu haec omnia debes, et tamen obstre-€pere non erubescis. Quinimmo legimus ipsum Saulem cum €filio Jonathane sortis judicium atque etiam capitale subiisse, €suo/que ipsum edicto paruisse. Uzzias quoque a\ sacerdotibus -€templo deturbatus, leprae judicio, tanquam unus e\ populo, se €submisit, re/xque esse desiit. Quid si templo excedere, quid si €magistratu abire et seorsim habitare noluisset, jus illud regium €legibus solutum sibi asseruisset, an passuros fuisse censes Ju-€daeos et sacerdotes templum contaminari, leges violari, popu-˜êlum universum contagione periclitari ? In leprosum ergo re-€gem vigebunt leges, in tyrannum nihil poterunt ? Ecquis tam €demens, aut stultus est, ut existimet, cu\m rex morbosus ne €populum contagione laedat, cautum atque provisum legibus €sit, si rex impius, iniquus, crudelis populum diripiat, excru-€ciet, occidat, rempub[licam] funditu\s evertat, nullum his malis longe\ €gravioribus remedium legibus repertum esse ? Veru\m <2exem->2 €<2plum ullius regis afferri non potest, qui judicium capitis sub->2 €<2ierit in jus vocatus.>2 Ad illud Sichardus haud absurde\ respon-€det, perinde esse, ac si quis ad hunc modum dissereret. Caesar €nunquam citatus est coram Electore; ergo si Palatinus diem €Caesari dixerit, non tenetur Caesar in judicio respondere. Cu\m €tamen doceat Bulla aurea Carolum IV[quartum] se et successores suos €huic cognitioni subjecisse. Quid in corrupto populi statu re-€gibus adeo\ indultum fuisse miramur, ubi tot privati aut opibus €suis aut gratia impunitatem vel gravissimorum scelerum asse-€quuntur ? Illud autem $A)NUPEU/QUNON,& id est, <2a\ nemine pendere,>2 €<2nulli mortalium rationem reddere,>2 quod tu regiae Majestatis €maxime\ proprium esse ais, Aristoteles, Polit[ica] 4[quartum] c[aput] 10 maxime\ €tyrannicum, et in libera natione minime\ ferendum esse affir-€mat. Tu vero\ Antonium tyrannum immanissimum, Romanae €reipub[licae] eversorem, idoneum sane\ authorem producis, non esse ˜ìjustum reposci a\ Rege factorum suorum rationem: et tamen €Herodem caedis reum ad causam dicendam in Parthos pro-€ficiscens, accersivit ad se Antonius: et animadversurus etiam €in regem fuisse creditur, nisi rex eum auro corrupisset. Ita ab -€eodem fonte profluxit regiae potestatis Antoniana assertio, et €tua <2regia defensio.>2 At non sine ratione, inquis; <2nam reges ab>2 €<2alio non habent quod regnant, sed soli Deo acceptum referunt.>2 €Dic sodes quinam ? nam istiusmodi reges exstitisse unquam, €nego. Primus enim Saul, nisi populus, refragante etiam Deo, €regem voluisset, nunquam rex fuisset; et quamvis rex renun-€tiatus esset Mispae, vixit tamen pene\ privatus, armentum pa-€tris secutus, donec Gilgale rex a\ populo secundu\m creatus est. €Quid David, quamvis unctus a\ Deo, nonne iterum unctus est €ab Judaeis Chebrone, deinde ab omnibus Hebraeis, pacto ta-€men prius foedere ? 2 Sam[uel] 5, 1 Chron[ica] 11. foedus autem obli-€gat reges, et intra certos fines continet. Sedit Solomon, inquis, €<2super solium Domini, et cunctis placuit,>2 1 Par[alipomenon] 29. ergo et €placuisse populo aliquid erat. Constituit Jehoiadas regem Joa-€sum, foedus tamen eodem tempore pepigit inter regem et popu-€lum, 2 Reg[um] 11. Hos reges, necnon et reliquos Davidis posteros €et a\ Deo et a\ populo constitutos fateor; caeteros omnes, ubicun-€que gentium, a\ populo tantu\m constitutos esse affirmo; tu os-˜îtende constitutos esse a\ Deo; nisi ea^ solum ratione qua^ omnia €cu\m maxima tum minima a\ Deo fieri et constitui dicuntur. €Solium itaque Davidis peculiari quodam jure solium Jehovae €dicitur; solium aliorum regum non alio, atque caetera omnia, €Jehovae sunt. Quod tu ex eodem capite didicisse debuisti, vers[us] €11, 12. <2Tua sunt omnia in coelo et in terra, tuum est, Jehova,>2 €<2regnum, divitiae et gloria a\ facie tua sunt, vis et potentia,>2 etc: €diciturque hoc toties, non ut intumescant reges, sed ut mone-€antur, quamvis deos se esse putent, Deum tamen supra se esse €cui debent omnia. Unde illa Essenorum et Poetarum doctrina, €reges <2non sine deo, et ab Jove esse>2 facile\ intelligitur; nam et €minores quoque magistratus, nempe judices ab eodem esse €Deo statuit rex ipse Solomon, Pro[verbia]8. 15, 16. et ab eodem esse €Jove statuit Homerus Iliad. $A&. €@@--$DIKA/APOLOI, OI(/TE QE/MISTAS,& <2judices qui leges>2 €@@$*PRO\S *DIO\S EI)RU/ATAI&-<2ab Jove custodiunt.>2 €Et omnes certe\ homines a\ Deo itidem sumus, Deique genus. €Jus igitur hoc universum Dei, non tollit jus populi; quo minu\s €omnes caeteri reges, non a\ Deo nominati, regnum suum soli €populo acceptum referant; cui propterea rationem reddere €tenentur. Quod, quanquam Vulgus assentari regibus solet, €ipsi tamen reges sive boni, ut Homericus ille Sarpedon, sive €mali, ut illi apud Lyricum tyranni, agnoscunt. ˜ð$*GLAU=KE TI/H DH\ NW=I TETIMH/MESQA MA/LISTA&, etc. €<2Glauce cur nos maximo honore afficimur>2 €<2In Lycia, omnes autem nos tanquam Deos intuentur?>2 €Ipse sibi respondet; <2quia virtute caeteris praelucemus: quare>2 €<2fortiter pugnemus,>2 inquit, <2ne Lycii nobis ignaviam objiciant:>2 €qua^ voceet honores regios a\ populo acceptos, et bellicae ad-€ministrationis rationem populo reddendam esse innuit. Mali €autem reges, ut metum populo incutiant, Deum imperii regii €authorem pala\m praedicant: tacitis autem votis nullum nu-€men praeter Fortunam venerantur. Juxta illud Horatii, €<2Te Dacus asper, te profugi Scythae,>2 €<2Regu/m que matres barbarorum, et>2 €<2Purpurei metuunt tyranni,>2 €<2Injurioso ne pede proruas>2 €<2Stantem columnam, neu populus frequens>2 €<2Ad arma cessantes, ad arma>2 €<2Concitet, imperiu/mque frangat.>2 €Si ergo reges hodie per Deum regnant, etiam populi per Deum €in libertatem se vindicant, quandoquidem omnia a\ Deo et per €Deum fiunt. Utrumque etiam aeque\ testatur Scriptura, et €reges per eum regnare, et per eum solio dejici; cu\m tamen id €utrumque longe\ saepius a\ populo fieri perspiciamus, qua\m €a\ Deo. Jus itaque populi pariter ac regis, quicquid est, a\ Deo ˜òest. Populus ubicunque sine Deo manifesto regem creavit, €potest eodem jure suo regem rejicere. Tyrannum sane\ tollere €qua\m constituere divinius est; plusque Dei cernitur in populo þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¢˜ò„quoties injustum abdicat regem, qua\m in rege qui innocen-€tem opprimit populum. Immo reges noxios Deo authore ju-€dicat populus: hoc enim ipso honore dilectos suos decoravit €Deus, Psal[mi] 149. ut Christum regem suum laudibus celebran-€tes, gentium reges, quales sub Evangelio sunt omnes tyranni, €<2vinculis coercerent, inque eos jus scriptum exercerent,>2 qui €jure omni scripto atque legibus solutos se esse gloriantur: ne €quis tam stolide\, ne quis tam impie\ credat tanti esse apud €Deum reges, fere\ mortalium ignavissimos, ut eorum nutu €orbis terrarum totus pendeat et gubernetur; eorum ut gratia^, €praeque illis, divinum, ut ita dicam, hominum genus eodem €quo bruta et vilissima quaeque animalia loco atque numero €habendum sit. Age nunc, ne nihil enim agas, M[arcum] Aurelium, €quasi tyrannis faventem, in medium profers; at satius tibi fuit €Marcum Aurelium non attigisse. Ille an Deum de principibus €solu\m judicare dixerit, nescio. Xiphilinus certe\, quem citas, €de $AU)TARX/IA,& loquitur; $PERI\ AU)TARXI/AS O( *QEO\S MO/NOS KRI/NEIN& €$DU/NATAI: AU)TARXI/AN& autem monarchiae synonymum illic esse €non assentior; eo/que minu\s quo saepiu\s praecedentia lego; nam €qui cohaereat, aut quid sibi velit aliena illa sententia subito\ in-˜ôsititia, qui legerit miretur; praesertim cu\m Marcus Aurelius €Imperatorum optimus, non aliter cum populo egerit, ut Capi-€tolinus tradit, qua\m est actum sub civitate libera; jus autem €populi quin supremum tunc fuerit nemo dubitat. Idem Thra-€seam, Helvidium, Catonem, Dionem, Brutum tyrannicidas €omnes, aut istam gloriam aemulantes coluisse, sibique reipub-€licae formam proposuisse in qua aequis legibus, parique jure €omnia administrarentur, in primo libbro de vita sua profitetur: €in quarto, non se, sed legem, dominum esse. Agnovit etiam €omnia Senatu^s populique esse: nos, inquit, adeo\ nihil pro-€prium habemus, ut in vestris aedibus habitemus. Haec Xiphi-€linus. Tantum abfuit ut quicquam jure regio sibi arrogaret. €Moriens, filium suum regnaturum ea lege Romanis commen-€davit, si dignus esset: jus itaque illud regnandi absolutum €atque fictitium, tanquam a Deo per manus traditum, illam €denique $AU)TARXI/AN& prae se non tulit. <2Plena>2 tamen <2omnia.2 €<2Graecorum et Latinorum monumenta esse>2 ais: at nusquam €visa: <2plena Judaeorum;>2 et tamen addis, <2Judaeos in plerisque>2 €<2regiae potestati minu\s aequos fuisse:>2 immo Graecos et Latinos €multo minu\s Tyrannis aequos et reperisti et reperies; multo €minus Judaeos, si liber ille Samuelis in quo is, 1 Sam[uel]10, jus ˜öregni descripserat, exstaret; quem librum Doctores Hebraeo €rum a\ regibus discerptum aut combustum esse tradiderunt €quo impuniu\s tyrannidem in suos exercerent. Circumspice €jam, numquid captare possis : occurrit tibi rex David postre-€mo\ torquendus, Psal[mi] 17-; a <2facie tua judicium meum prodeat:>2 €ergo, inquit Barnachmoni, <2nullus judicat regem nisi Deus.>2 €Et tamen similius veri videtur, Davidem haec scripsisse cu\m a\ €Saule vexatus, ne Jonathanis quidem judicium, quamvis jam €tum unctus a\ Deo, detrectabat; <2si est in me iniquitas, tu me>2 €<2affice morte,>2 inquit, 1 Sam[uel] 20. deinde ut quivis alius ab €hominibus falso\ accusatus, ad judicium Dei provocat; id se-€quentia declarant, <2tui oculi vident quae recta sunt, cu\m explo-.2 €<2raveris cor meum,>2 etc. quid hoc ad judicium regium, aut fo-€rense ? Sane\ jus regium illi maxime\ labefactant atque destru-€unt, qui fundamentis tam fallacibus niti, atque exaedificari €produnt. En tritum illud tandem, et aulicorum nostratium €argumentum palmarium, <2Tibi soli peccavi,>2 Ps[almi] 51. 6. quasi €vero\ rex David in moerore et lacrymis poenitentiam agens, sor-€didatus et squalidus in terra jacens, misericordiam a\ Deo sup-€pliciter petens, quicquam de jure regio cogitaverit haec loqu-€utus; cu\m se vix jure mancipii dignum esse arbitraretur. An €omnem Dei populum, fratres suos usque adeo\ prae se con-˜øtempsit, ut caedibus, adulteriis, rapinis peccare in eos non se €posse censeret? absit a\ rege tam sancto tanta superbia, ta/mque €foeda ignoratio vel sui vel proximi. <2Tibi>2 igitur <2soli peccavi,>2 €proculdubio intelligendum est, tibi praecipue\. Utcunque sit, €profecto\ verba psallentis, et sententiae affectibus plenae haud-€quaquam sunt ad jus explicandum accommodatae, aut eo\ tra-€hendae. At <2non est in jus vocatus, nec coram synedrio causam>2 €<2capitis dixit.>2 Esto; qui^ enim potuit id resciri, quod adeo\ sine €arbitris, et secreto peractum fuit, ut per aliquot fortasse annos €(cujusmodi aulae arcana sunt) vix unus aut alter conscius fu-€isse videatur, 2 Sam[uel]12, <2Tu hoc clam fecisti.>2 Deinde quid si €in privatis etiam puniendis cessaret synedrium ? numquis inde €puniendos non esse argumentabitur? Sed ratio obscura non €est; ipse se condemnaverat; v[ersus] 5, <2reus capitis vir ille qui fecit>2 €<2hoc;>2 cui statim subjicit propheta, <2tu vir ille es;>2 prophetae €judicio capitis reus. Veruntamen Deus pro suo jure atque in €Davidem eximia^ clementia^, et peccato absolvit regem, et €ipsa^ mortis sententia^, quam is in semetipsum pronuntiaverat, €v[ersus] 13, <2non es moriturus.>2 Nunc in advocatum nescio quem €sanguinarium debaccharis, et in eo totus es ut perorationem ˜úejus refellas: de qua ipse viderit; ego quod propositum mihi €est, id ago ut qua\m paucissimis absolvam. Quaedam tamen €praeterire non possum; primu\m, insignes repugnantias tuas: €qui p[agina] 30 haec habes: <2Israelitae non deprecantur injustum re->2 €<2gem, violentum, raptorem, et quales esse solerent qui pessimi.>2 €At p[agina] 42 Advocatum vellicas quo\d Israe\litas tyrannum peti^sse €arguerat. <2An de fumo,>2 inquis, <2in flammam ire praecipites ma->2 €<2luerunt, id est, saevitiam pessimorum tyrannorum experiri po->2 €<2tiu\s qua\m judices malos pati quibus jam assueverant?>2 Illic €Hebraeos maluisse ais tyrannos qua\m judices, hic judices ma-€luisse qua\m tyrannos; et <2nihil minu\s qua\m tyrannum volu->2 €<2isse.>2 De tuo igitur respondebit tibi advocatus; juxta enim te €omnis rex jure regio tyrannus est. Quod sequitur bene habet, €<2authoritatem in populo maximam tunc fuisse, quo\d judices>2 €<2repudia^runt, regem opta^runt.>2 Memineris, cu\m hoc ego a\ te €reposcam. Negas <2Deum iratum Israe\litis regem tanquam ty->2 €<2rannum aut poenam attribuisse, sed ut rem salutarem et bo->2 €<2nam.>2 Quod tamen facile\ refellitur. Cur enim exclamarent €propter regem illum quem elegerant, nisi quo\d res mala erat €imperium regium; non quidem per se, sed quo\d plerunque, €sicut Propheta hic monet, in superbiam et dominationem se €convertit. Si adhuc non satisfacio, agnosce jam tua, syngra-€pham agnosce tuam, et erubesce. Apparat[us] ad primatum, <2Ira->2 ˜ü<2tus Deus regem illis dedit offensus eorum peccatis, quod Deum>2 €<2habere regem renuissent. Ita Ecclesia quasi in poenam ejus>2 €<2delicti, quod a\ puro Dei cultu desciverat, in unius mortalis>2 €<2monarchae plusquam regium dominatum data est.>2 Tua igitur €similitudo si sibi constat, aut dedit Deus regem Israe\litis in €poenam, et tanquam rem malam, aut dedit Papam ecclesiae in €bonum, et tanquam rem bonam. Quid hoc homine levius, €quid insanius ? Quis huic in re minima^ fidem habeat, qui tan-€tis in rebus quid asserat, et mox neget, nihil pensi habet. Af-€firmas p[agina] 29, <2regem legibus solutum esse apud omnes gentes;>2 €<2sic Oriens judicavit, sic Occidens:>2 At p[agina] 43, <2omnes reges Ori->2 €<2entis>2 $KATA\ NO/MON& <2et legitimos fuisse; immo Aegypti reges in> €<2maximis minimisque rebus legibus obstrictos,>2 cu\m initio €capitis hoc te probaturum pollicitus sis, Omnes reges <2solutos>2 €<2legibus>2 esse, <2leges dare, non accipere.>2 Equidem non irascor €tibi, aut enim insanis, aut stas a\ nobis. Hoc certe\ oppugnare €est, non defendere, hoc regem est ludos facere. Sin minu\s, €Catullianum profecto\ illud in te aptissime\ quadrat, sed inver-€sum; nam quanto\ quis unquam optimus poeta fuit, tanto tu €pessimus omnium patronus. Certe\ nisi stupor ille quo advo-€catum esse <2demersum>2 ais, te potiu\s obcaecavit, jam tute <2obbru->2 €<2tuisse>2 te senties. Nunc <2omnibus quoque gentium regibus>2 þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¢˜þ<2leges datas fuisse>2 fateris; <2non tamen ut iis tenerentur, judi>2 €<2ciorum metu et poenae capitis.>2 Quod nequedum ex scriptura, €neque ex ullo authore fide digno ostendisti. Tu igitur paucis €accipe: leges civiles iis dare qui legibus non tenentur, stultum €et ridiculum est; omnes alios punire, uni dumtaxat omnium €scelerum impunitatem dare, cu\m lex neminem excipiat, ini-€quissimum est: Quae duo in sapientes legumlatores minime\ €cadunt, multo\ minu\s in Deum. Ut omnes autem videant te €nullo modo ex Hebraeorum scriptis id probare, quod proban-€dum hoc capite susceperas, esse ex magistris tua sponte con-€fiteris, <2qui negant alium suis majoribus regem agnoscendum>2 €<2fuisse praeter Deum, datum autem in poenam fuisse.>2 Quorum €ego in sententiam pedibus eo. Non decet enim, neque dignum €est regem esse, nisi qui caeteris omnibus longe\ antecellit; ubi €multi sunt aequales, ut sunt in omni civitate plurimi, impe-€rium ex aequo atque per vices dandum esse arbitror: aequali, €aut plerumque deteriori, ac saepissime stulto servire omnes, €quis non indignissimum putet? Nec <2ad commendationem>2 €<2regalis imperii>2 plus <2facit,>2 quo\d Christus a\ regibus originem €duxit, qua\m facit ad pessimorum regum commendationem, €Christum eos habuisse nepotem. <2Rex est Messias:>2 agnoscimus, €gaudemus, et qua\m citissime\ veniat oramus; dignus enim est, €nec ei quisquam similis aut secundus : interim regia guberna-›€tio commissa indignis et immerentibus, ut plerumque fieri €solet, plus mali qua\m boni attulisse humano generi recte\ ex-€istimatur. Nec continuo\ sequitur omnes reges tyrannos esse. €Veru\m ita esto: do tibi hoc, ne me nimis tenacem putes; utere €tu jam dato. <2Haec duo sequuntur,>2 inquis, <2Deus ipse rex fuerit>2 €<2tyrannorum dicendus, et quidem tyrannus ipse maximus.>2 €Horum alterum si non sequitur, sequitur profecto\ illud quod €toto libro tuo semper fere\ sequitur, te non scripturae solu\m, €sed tibimet perpetuo\ contradicere, ut qui proxima periodo €supra\ dixeras, <2unum Deum regem esse omnium rerum, quas>2 €<2et ipse creavit.>2 Creavit autem et tyrannos et Daemonas; eorum €itaque rex vel tua^ ipsius sententia^. In alterum despuimus, et €blasphemum illud tibi os obturatum volumus, qui Deum €affirmes tyrannum esse maximum, si tyrannorum, quod ipse €saepius dicis, rex et dominus dicatur. Sed nec rem regiam €multo\ plus adjuvas, dum ostendis, Mosen etiam cum <2summa>2 €<2potestate regem fuisse.>2 Nam fuerit sane\, vel quivis alius, dum-€modo\ is sit qui res nostras, quemadmodum Moses, <2ad Deum>2 €<2referre>2 possit, Exod[us]18.19. Veru\m neque Mosi, quanquam €is Dei quasi sodalis fuit, licuit in Dei populo quicquid libuit €facere. Quid enim ille ? <2Venit ad me hic populus,>2 inquit, <2ad>2 €<2consulendum Deum;>2 non ergo ad mandata Mosis accipienda. €Tum suscipit Jethro, <2esto tu pro hoc populo erga Deum, et>2 ›‚<2commonefacias eos de legibus Dei.>2 Et Moses, Deut[eronomia] 4.5 <2do-€<2cui vos statuta et judicia, quemadmodum praecepit mihi Deus.>2 €Unde <2fidelis>2 dicitur <2in tota domo Dei,>2 Num[eri] 12. Rex itaque €Jehova tum populi fuit; Moses veluti interpres tantu\m Je-€hovae regis. Impium igitur et sacrilegum te esse oportet, qui €summam hanc potestatem a\ Deo ad hominem injussus ausis €transferre, quam ipse Moses non summam sed vicariam tan-€tu\m et intermediam sub praesenti numine obtinuit. Accedit €etiam cumulus ad improbitatem tuam, quo\d Mosen hic sum-€ma potestate regem fuisse dicis; cu\m in Apparatu ad Prima-€tum, p[agina]230, <2Eum in commune cum septuaginta senioribus populum>2 €<2rexisse; et primum populi non dominum fuisse>2 dixeris. Si €igitur rex fuit, ut erat certe\, et regum optimus, idque, sicut ipse €ais, cum <2potestate plane\ summa et regia,>2 nec tamen dominus, €neque solus populum regebat, vel te authore, necessario\ se-€quitur, reges, quamvis summa potestate praeditos, jure tamen €regio atque summo non esse dominos, neque solos populum €regere debere; quanto minu\s ad libitum suum? Jam vero\ qua^ €impudentia^ Dei mandatum ementiris, <2de rege statim atque>2 €<2ingressi essent terram sanctam sibi constituendo,>2 Deut[eronomia]17 €supprimis enim veteratorie\ quod praecedit, <2si dixeris, statuam>2 €<2super me regem:>2 tu/que memento quid a\ te jam reposcam; ›„cu\m dixeris p[sgins] 42, <2liberrima tunc potestate populus erat prae->2 €<2ditus.>2 Nunc iterum fanaticus an profanus esse velis, ipse €videris. <2Deus,>2 inquis, <2cu\m tanto ante\ determinaverit regium>2 €<2regimen instituendum tanquam optimum populi illius re->2 €<2gendi statum, quomodo haec conciliabuntur? Propheta re->2 €<2pugnavit, Deus sic egit cum propheta, ut quasi nollet.>2 Videt €se illaqueatum, videt se impeditum; Jam attendite quanta cum €malitia adversus Prophetam, impietate adversus Deum, ex-€pedire se quaerat: <2cogitandum in his est,>2 inquit, <2Samuelem>2 €<2esse cujus filii populum tunc judicabant, eos populus repudia->2 €<2bat ob corrupta judicia; Samuel igitur noluit filios suos a\ po->2 €<2pulo rejici; Deus ut gratificaretur prophetae suo, innuit non>2 €<2valde sibi placere, quod populus desideraret.>2 Dic uno verbo, €improbe, quod per ambages dicis; Samuel populo fucum fecit, €Samueli Deus. Non advocatus ergo\, sed tu <2ceritus>2 ille et <2lym->2 €<2phaticus>2 es, qui modo\ ut regem honores, nil Deum revereris. €Isne tibi Samuel videtur, qui saluti aut charitati patriae filio-€rum avaritiam et ambitionem praeposuerit, qui populo recta €et salutaria petenti, tam callido consilio, tamque va/fro illuserit, €falsa pro veris docuerit? Isne tibi Deus, qui in re tam turpi €cuivis gratificaretur, aut cum populo simulate\ ageret? Aut ›†ergo\ jus regium non erat quod Propheta populo exposuit, aut €jus illud, teste Deo et Propheta, malum, molestum, violen-€tum, inutile, sumptuosum reipub[licae] erat; aut denique, quod €nefas est dicere, et Deus et Propheta populo verba dare volue-€runt. Passim enim testatur Deus valde\ sibi displicuisse quo\d €regem peti^ssent: ver[sus] 7; <2Non te, sed me spreverunt ne regnem>2 €<2super ipsos, secundu\m illa facta quibus dereliquerunt me et>2 €<2coluerunt Deos alienos:>2 plane\ quasi species quaedam idolo-€latriae videretur regem petere, qui adorari se, et honores prope\ €divinos tribui sibi postulat. Sane\ qui supra omnes leges terre-€num sibi dominum imponit, prope\ est ut sibi Deum statuat €alienum; Deum utique haud saepe rationabilem, sed profligata^ €saepiu\s ratione brutum, et belluinum. Sic 1 Sam[uel] 10.19, <2Vos>2 €<2sprevistis Deum vestrum qui ipse servat vos ab omnibus malis>2 €<2et angustiis vestris, cu\m dixistis ei, Regem praepones nobis:>2 €et cap[ut] 12.12, Vos regem petistis, <2cu\m Jehova sit rex vester:>2 €et ver[sus] 17, <2Videte malum verum magnum esse coram Jehova,>2 €<2petendo vobis regem.>2 Et contemptim Hosea de rege, c[aput] 13. €10, 11 ; <2Ubi rex tuus, ubinam est? servet te jam in civitatibus>2 €<2tuis. Ubi vindices tui? quoniam dixisti, da mihi regem et pro->2 €<2ceres: dedi tibi regem in ira mea.>2 Hinc Gedeon ille Heros rege €major, <2Non dominabor in vos, neque filius meus in vos do->2 ›ˆ<2minabitur, sed dominabitur in vos Jehova,>2 Jud[icum] 8; plane\ ac si €simul docuisset, non hominis esse dominari in homines, sed €solius Dei. Hinc Hebraeorum rempublicam, in qua Deus €principatum solus tenuit, $QEOKRATI/AN& vocat Josephus contra €Apionem Grammaticum Aegyptium et maledicum tui^ simi-€lem. Populus denique resipiscens apud Isaiam 26, 13, cala-€mitosum hoc sibi fuisse queritur, quo\d alios praeter Deum €dominos habuisset. Indicio sunt haec omnia regem irato Deo €Israe\litis fuisse datum. In historia tyranni Abimelechi quis €est cui non risum moveas? de quo dicitur, cu\m is partim saxo €a\ muliere, partim armigeri gladio interfectus fuit. <2reddidit>2 €<2Deus malum Abimelechi. Haec,>2 inquis, <2historia potentissime\>2 €<2adstruit Deum solum regum judicem esse et vindicem:>2 immo €tyrannorum, nebulonum, nothorum, si hoc valebit: quicun-€que per fas aut nefas tyrannidem occupaverit, is jus regium €statim in populum adeptus erit, poenas effugit, confestim arma €magistratui de manibus fluent, mussare deinceps populus non þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¢›ˆˆ’audebit. Veru\m quid si magnus aliquis latro hoc modo in €bello periisset, an Deus ergo solus latronum vindex ? Quid si €carnificis manu lege damnatus, an ideo minu\s illi Deus ma-€lum reddidisset? Ne judices quidem eorum unquam legisti ›Šlege postulatos; tamen <2in optimatum statu vel Principem, si>2 €<2quid committat, posse ac debere judicari,>2 ultro\ fateris <2p.>2 47. €cur non item tyrannus in regno? quia Deus reddidit malum €Abimelechi. At reddidit quoque mulier illa, reddidit etiam €armiger, in quos ille ambos jus regium habere prae se tulit. €Quid si reddidisset magistratus? an non is idcirco Dei gladium €gerit, ut malum malis reddat? Ab hoc <2potentissimo>2 de morte €Abimelechi argumento ad verborum contumelias more suo €se convertit; nil nisi <2coenum>2 et <2lutum>2 ore funditat; cum eorum €quae promisit se probaturum, nihil vel ex sacris libris, vel ex €rabbinicis probaverit. Nam neque regem legibus solutum €esse, nec cur puniri, si delinquat, solus mortalium non debeat, €quicquam ostendit. Immo suis ipse testibus se induit, et sen-€tentiam suae contrariam esse veriorem suamet ipse opera de-€monstrat. Cu/mque argumentis paru\m proficiat, criminatio-€nibus atrocissimis omnium in nos odium excitare conatur, €quasi rege optimo et innocentissimo crudeliter sublato. <2An>2 €<2Solomon,>2 inquit, <2melior rex Carolo I. fuit?>2 Sunt, ut verum €fatear, qui patrem ejus Jacobum cum Solomone comparare €non dubitaverint, et natalibus quidem anteferre. Solomon ›ŒDavidis filius; is primo\ Saulis musicus erat: Jacobus, Darlii €comitis filius, qui Davidem musicum, reginae uxoris thala-€mos nocte ingressum, cum ostio pessulum obdidisse depre-€hendit, haud multo\ po\st interfecit, ut narrat Buchananus. Na-€talibus ergo illustrior Jacobus, et secundus Solomon saepe €dictus; quamvis Davidis musici filius an fuerit, divinandum €lectoribus historia illa in medio reliquerit. At Carolum con-€ferre cum Solomone, qui^ tibi in mentem venire potuerit non €video. Quem enim tu Carolum tot laudibus tollis, ejus pervi-€caciam, avaritiam, crudelitatem, et saevum in omnes pios at-€que bonos dominatum, ejus bella, incendia, rapinas, et mise-€rorum civium caedes innumeras, dum haec scribo, Carolus €ipse filius in illa publicae poenitentiae sedecula apud Scotos €coram populo confitetur atque deplorat: immo\ tuum illud €regium jus ejurat. Veru\m si Parallelis tantopere\ delectaris, €Carolum cum Solomone conferamus. Solomon a\ meritissimo €<2fratris>2 supplicio <2regnum auspicatus est:>2 Carolus a\ patris fu-€nere; non dicoa\ nece, quamvis indicia veneni omnia in cor-€pore patris mortui conspecta sint; ita enim suspicio in Buc-€chinghamio constitit; quem tamen Carolus, et regis interfec-€torem et sui patris, non solu\m in Summo regni concilio omni €culpa^ exemit, sed ne omnino\ res ea Senatu^s cognitioni subji- -€ceretur, conventum dissolvit. Solomon <2gravissimis tributis>2 ›Ž<2populum pressit:>2 at ille in templum Dei, et aedificia publica €impendit; Carolus in luxum. Solomon a\ plurimis uxoribus €ad Idolorum cultum pellectus est; hic ab una. Pellectus in frau-€dem Solomon, pellexisse alios non legitur; hic alios,non so-€lu\m uberrimis corruptae Ecclesiae praemiis pellexit, sed etiam €edictis et canonibus ecclesiasticis coe\git, ut invisa reformatis €omnibus altaria statuerent, et pictos in pariete crucifixos alta-€ribus imminentes adorarent. At non est ideo <2Solomon a\ po->2 €<2pulo capitis damnatus.>2 Nec inde, inquam, sequitur damnari €a\ populo non debuisse; multa enim incidere potuerunt, cur €id tum expedire populo non videretur. Populus certe\ quid €sui juris esset haud multo po\st et verbis et factis patefecit: €cu\m Solomonis filium decem tribus expulerunt; et nisi ma-€ture\ se in fugam conjecisset, etiam lapidibus regem tantum-€modo minacem obruituros fuisse credibile est. ›ŽôÿCAPUT III. ˆCum satis jam disputatum atque conclusum sit, reges €Mosaicos ex praescripto Dei omnibus obstrictos le-€gibus pariter cum populo fuisse, nullas legum ex-€ceptiones perscriptas inveniri, ut reges <2quod vellent, impune\>2 €<2possent,>2 aut ut <2a\ populo puniri ne possent, Deum>2 proinde <2vin->2 €<2dictam de his tribunali suo reserva^sse>2 falsissimum esse, sine €authore, sine ratione dictum, videamus an id suadeat Evan-›gelium, quod dissuasit Lex, non imperavit: videamus an €Evangelium, divinum illud libertatis praeconium, nos in ser-€vitutem addicat regibus et tyrannis, quorum ab impotenti €imperio etiam servitutis cujusdam magistra lex vetus popu-€lum Dei liberavit. Primum argumentum ducis a\ persona €Christi, quem quis nescit non privati solu\m, sed etiam servi €personam ideo\ sumpsisse, ut nos liberi essemus. Neque hoc €de interna tantu\m libertate intelligendum est, non de civili: €qua\m enim aliena sunt ista quae Maria, mater Christi, ejus in €adventu cecinit, <2superbos dissipavit cogitatione cordis ipso->2 €<2rum, detraxit dynastas e\ thronis, humiles evexit,>2 si adventus €ejus tyrannos potiu\s in solio stabilivit, Christianos omnes €eorum saevissimo imperio subjecit? Ipse sub tyrannis nascen-€do, serviendo, patiendo omnem honestam libertatem nobis €acquisivit: ut posse servitutem, si necesse est, aequo animo €pati, sic posse ad libertatem honeste\ aspirare non abstulit Chris-€tus, sed majorem in modum dedit. Hinc Paulus 1 Cor[inthios] 7 non €de evangelica solu\m, sed de civili libertate sic statuit: <2Servus>2 €<2vocatus es? ne sit tibi curae; sin autem potes liber fieri, potiu\s>2 €<2utere; pretio emti estis, ne estote servi hominum.>2 Frustra\ €igitur ab exemplo Christi ad servitutem nos hortaris, qui suae €servitutis pretio libertatem nobis etiam civilem confirmavit: ›’Et formam quidem servi nostra vice suscepit, animum vero\ €liberatoris nunquam non retinuit: unde jus regium quid sit, €longe\ aliter docuisse ostendam, atque tu doces; qui non regii, €sed tyrannici juris, idque in republica novus professor, si qua €gens tyrannum sive haereditarium, sive adventitium, sive for-€tuitum sortita erit, eam non solu\m necessitate, sed etiam reli-€gione servam esse statuis. Tuis autem, ut soleo, in te utar testi-€momis. Interrogavit Petrum Christus, cu\m ab eo coactores €quidam Galilaei didrachma exigebant, Mat[thaeum] 17, a\ quibus acci-€perent reges terrae tributa, sive censum, a\ filiis suis, an ab €alienis? respondet ei Petrus, ab alienis. Ergo, inquit Christus, €<2liberi sunt filii; sed ne offendamus illos, da iis pro me et pro te,>2 €Varie\ hic locus interpretes exercet, cuinam persolverentur haec €didrachma, alii sacerdotibus in Sanctuarium, alii Caesari: ego €quidem Herodi persoluta, interverso Sanctuarii reditu, sentio €fuisse. Varia enim ab Herode et filiis ejus exacta tributa, ab €Agrippa tandem remissa narrat Josephus. Hoc autem tribu-€tum per se exiguum, multis aliis adjunctum, grave erat: gra-€via autem fuerint oportet de quibus hic Christus loquitur; €alioqui, in republica etiam, pauperes capite censi fuerunt. ›”Hinc itaque Christus Herodis injustitiam arguendi, cujus sub €ditione erat, occasionem cepit. Qui, cu\m caeteri reges terrae €(siquidem patriae parentes dici se cupiant) non filiis, id est; €civibus suis, sed alienis, bello nempe subactis graviora tributa €imperare soleant, hic contra non alienos, sed filios opprimeret. €Utcunque sit, sive filios hi\c, cives regum proprios, sive filios €Dei, id est, fideles et in universum Christianos intelligi con-€cedas, ut intelligit Augustinus, certissimum est, si filius fuit-€Petrus, et proinde liber, nos etiam authore Christo, liberos €esse: vel ut cives, vel ut Christianos: non esse ergo juris regii a\ €filiis et liberis tributa graviora exigere. Testatur enim Chri-€stus persolvisse se, non quod deberet, sed ne illos offendendo €qui exigebant, negotium sibi privatus exhiberet: cu\m officium €ac munus longissime\ diversum in illo vitae suae curriculo ex-€plendum sibi nosset. Dum igitur negat Christus jus regium €esse, graviora vectigalia liberis imponere, certe\ spoliare, diri-€pere, occidere, excruciare proprios cives, et praesertim Christi-€anos, jus esse regium multo evidentiu\s negat. Hunc in mo-þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ£›”ˆ“dum de jure regio cu\m et alia\s disputa^sse videatur, venire in €suspicionem quibusdam coepit, non se tyrannorum licentiam €pro jure regio habere. Non enim de nihilo erat quo\d Phari-€saei interrogatione hujusmodi animum ejus tentarent, quo\d -›–de jure regio percontaturi, eum neminem curare, non respi-€cere personam hominum dixerint; neque de nihilo, quo\d is €proposita sibi istiusmodi quaestione irasceretur, Mat[thaeum]22. An €te quispiam si insidiose\ aggredi, si loquentem captare vellet, €si elicere ex te quod fraudi futurum tibi esset, de jure regio sub €rege interrogaret? an tu cuipiam de istoc interroganti iras-€cerere? non opinor. Vel hinc ergo perspicias, non id eum de €jure regio sensisse quod regibus gratum erat. Idem ex re-€sponso ejus apertissime\ colligitur, quo ille percontatores aman-€dare a\ se potiu\s qua\m docere videtur. Poscit numisma censu^s; €<2Cujus,>2 inquit, <2imago ista est? Caesaris. Reddite ergo Caesari>2 €<2quae sunt Caesaris, quae Dei sunt Deo.>2 Immo\ quae populi sunt €populo reddenda esse quis nescit? Reddite omnibus quod de-€betis, inquit Paulus, Rom[anos]13. non ergo Caesari omnia. Li-€bertas nostra non Caesaris, veru\m ab ipso Deo natale nobis €donum est; eam Caesari cuivis reddere, quam ab eo non ac-€cepimus, turpissimum esset, et humana origine indignissi-€mum. Si enim os hominis et vultum aspiciens, interrogaret €quisquam, cujus ista imago esset, annon facile\ quivis respon-€deret Dei esse? Cu\m igitur Dei simus, id est vere\ liberi, ob €eamque causam soli Deo reddendi, profecto\ Caesari nos, id ›˜est, homini, et praesertim injusto, improbo, tyranno in servi-€tutem tradere, sine piaculo et quidem maximo sacrilegio non €possumus. Interim quae Caesaris sint, quae Dei, in medio re-€linquit. Quo\d si idem erat hoc numisma quod didrachmum €illud Deo pendi solitum, ut certe\ postea sub Vespasiano fuit, €tum sane\ controversiam non minuit Christus, sed implicavit: €cu\m impossibile sit Deo et Caesari idem simul reddere. At €enim ostendit quae Caesaris essent; numisma nempe illud Cae-€saris imagine signatum. Quid igitur inde lucraris praeter de-€narium vel Caesari vel tibi ? Aut enim Caesari Christus praeter €denarium illud nihil dedit, caetera omnia nobis asseruit, aut si €quicquid pecuniae Caesaris nomine inscriptum esset, id Cae-€sari dedit, contrarius jam sibi, nostra fere\ omnia Caesari dabit, €qui duo modo\ didrachma regibus non se ex debito persolvere, €et suo et Petri nomine professus est. Ratio denique infirma est €qua^ niteris ; non enim principis effigiem habet moneta ut prin-€cipis esse, sed ut probam se esse moneat; u/tque se principis €effigie insignitam ne quis audeat adulterare. Sin autem ad jus €regium inscriptio tantum valeret, reges profecto\ nostras om-€nium facultates, uti essent suae, sola nominis inscriptione sta-€tim perficerent; aut si nostra omnia jam sua sunt, quod tuum €dogma est, non idcirco Caesari numisma illud reddendum erat, €quia Caesaris nomen aut imaginem praetulit, sed quia Caesaris €jam antea jure erat, nulla lice\t imagine signatum. Ex quo ›šmanifestum est, Christum hoc in loco non tam nos officii €nostri erga reges aut Caesares ita perplexe\ atque ambigue\ ad-€monere voluisse, qua\m Pharisaeos hypocritas improbitatis et €malitiae arguere. Quid? rursus cu\m ei nuntiarent Pharisaei, €Herodem ejus vitae insidias parare, an humile aut demissum €ab eo responsum tyranno reddendum tulerunt? Immo <2ite,>2 €inquit, <2et dicite vulpi illi;>2 innuens reges non jure regio, sed €vulpino civibus suis insidiari. Atqui <2sub tyranno supplicium>2 €<2mortis subire sustinuit.>2 Enimvero\ qui^ potuit nisi sub tyranno? €<2supplicium sub tyranno passus est;>2 ergo ad injustissima quaevis €juris regii testis et assertor: egregius tu quidem officiorum ra-€tiocinator es. Atque Christus quamvis nostri liberandi, non €sub jugum mittendi causa servum se fecerit, tamen ad hunc €modum se gessit; nec juri quicquam regio praeter aequum et €bonum concessit. Nunc ad praecepta ejus hac de re aliquando €veniamus. Zebedaei filios maximam in regno Christi, quod €mox in terris futurum somniabant, dignitatem affectantes, sic €Christus corripuit, ut omnes simul Christianos commone-€faceret quale jus magistratu^s et imperii civilis apud eos con-€stitui voluerit. <2Scitis,>2 inquit, <2principes gentium in eas domi->2 €<2nari, et magnates authoritatem exercere in eas; veru\m non ita>2 €<2erit inter vos. Sed quicunque volet inter vos magnus fieri, esto>2 €<2vester minister; et quicunque volet inter vos primus esse, esto>2 ›œ<2vester servus.>2 Haec tu nisi mente captus tecum facere credi-€disses ? hisne te argumentis vincere, ut reges nostros rerum €dominos existimemus ? Tales in bello hostes nobis contingant, €qui in castra hostium (quanquam et armatos vincere sat sci-€mus) caeci atque inermes, uti\ tu soles, tanquam in suos inci-€dant: ita semper quod tibi maxime\ adversatur, id demens ve-€luti firmissimum causae tuae subsidium comparare consuevisti. €Petebant Israe\litae regem, <2ut habebant omnes istae gentes:>2 dis €suasit Deus multis verbis, quae Christus hi\c summatim com-€plexus est, <2scitis principes gentium in eas dominari:>2 petenti-€bus tamen iis dedit regem Deus, quamvis iratus : Christus, ne €peteret omnino Christianus populus more gentium domina-€turum, adhibita cautione antevertit; <2inter vos non ita erit.>2 €Quid hoc clarius dici potuit? non inter vos ista regum superba €dominatio, tametsi specioso titulo Euergetae et benefici vocen-€tur; sed qui magnus inter vos fieri vult (quis autem principe €major ?) <2esto vester minister:>2 et qui <2primus>2 sive <2princeps>2 (Luc[am] €22.) <2esto vester servus.>2 Non erravit itaque Advocatus ille €quem insectaris, sed authorem habuit Christum, si regem €Christianum populi ministrum esse dixit, uti est certe\ omnis ›žbonus magistratus. Rex autem inter Christianos aut omnino €non erit, aut erit servus omnium : si plane\ vult esse dominus, €esse simul Christianus non potest. Quin et Moses, legis €quodammodo\ servilis institutor, non populo tamen superbe\ €dominabatur, sed onus ipse populi ferebat; ferebat in sinu €populum, ut nutricius lactentem: Num[eri] 11. nutricius autem €servus est. Plato non dominos, sed servatores et'adjutores po-€puli appellandos esse magistratus docuit; Populum non servos, €sed altores magistratuum, ut qui alimenta et stipendia ma-€gistratibus etiam regibus praebeant. Eosdem Aristoteles custo-€des et ministros legum vocat, Plato et ministros et servos. €Ministros Dei Apostolus quidem appellat, quod tamen ne-€quaquam obstat quo\ minu\s sint et legum et populi; tam leges €enim qua\m magistratus propter populum sunt. Et tamen €hanc tu <2Fanaticorum Angliae Molossorum opinionem>2 esse €clamitas. Molossos esse Anglos certe\ non putarem, nisi quo\d €tu illos, hybrida, latratu tam degeneri oblatras; Lupi, si diis €placet, Sancti Dominus: Lupus nimirum sanctus queritur €Molossos esse fanaticos. Germanus olim, cujus ille Lupus €Trecassinus collega fuit, incesto apud nos regi Vortigerno au-€thoritate sua regnum abrogavit. Sanctus itaque Lupus talem €te Lupi non sancti, sed famelici cujuspiam et latrunculi domi-€num, illo apud Martialem viperarum domino viliorem, asper-› natur: qui et latrantem ipse domi Lyciscam habes, quae tibi €lupi domino misere dominatur, titulisque tuis obstrepit, mag-€na/que voce refragatur: unde mirum non est velle te regiam €dominationem aliis obtrudere, qui foemineum ipse domi do-€minatum ferre tam serviliter assuevisti. Sis itaque Lupi Do-€minus, sit Lupa tui^ domina, sis Lupus ipse, sis Lycanthropus, €molossis mehercule\ Anglicanis ludibrium debes. Veru\m lu-€pos venari nunc non est otium; sylvis itaque egressi, in viam €regiam redeamus. Qui contra omnem in ecclesia primatum €nuper scripsisti, nunc <2Petrum Apostolicae coronae principem>2 €<2appellas.>2 Quis tibi authoritate tam fluxa homunculo fidem €habeat? Quid Petrus ? <2subjecti estote omni humanae ordina->2 -€<2tioni propter Dominum; sive regi ut supereminenti, sive prae->2 €<2sidibus, ut qui per eum mittantur, ad ultionem quidem facino->2 €<2rosorum, laudem vero\ benefacientium; quoniam ita est vo->2 þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ£› ˆ<2luntas Dei.>2 Scripsit haec Petrus non solu\m privatis, sed etiam €advenis per minorem fere\ Asiam dispersis atque dispalatis; €qui in iis ubi degebant locis nullius juris praeterquam hospi-€talis capaces erant. An tu incolas, liberos, nobiles, indigena-€rum conventus, comitia, parlamenta idem in sua patria, quod €sparsos et peregrinos in aliena decere putas ? an idem privatos ›¢decere in sua, quod senatores et magistratus, sine quibus ne €reges quidem esse possunt? fac tamen indigenas fuisse, fac €non privatos, sed Senatum ipsum Romanum, cui haec scripta €sunt. Quid inde assequeris ? cu\m nullum praeceptum cui ratio €aliqua adjuncta est, quenquam ultra illam praecepti rationem €obligare aut soleat aut possit. <2Estote subjecta,>2 $U(POTA/GHTE&, id €est, si vim verbi spectes, subordinati, seu legitime\ subjecti, €$H( GA\R TA/CIS NO/MOS& inquit Aristoteles, lex est ordo. <2Subjecti estote>2 €<2propter Dominum.>2 Quamobrem ? quia cu\m rex, tum praeses €constituitur a\ Deo ad ultionem facinorosorum, laudem bene-€facientium. <2Quoniam ita voluntas est Dei.>2 Videlicet ut tali-€bus obsequamur, quales hic describuntur; de aliis nullum hic €verbum. Vides qua\m optime\ hujus praecepti constet ratio; €addit, v[ersus]16, <2ut liberi;>2 non ergo ut mancipia. Quid si versa vice €ad crucem et perniciem bonorum, ad impunitatem et laudem €et praemia facinorosorum regnent? an in perpetuum subjecti €erimus non privati solu\m, sed primores, sed magistratus om-€nes, ipse denique Senatus? Annon humana ordinatio dicitur? €cur ergo potestas humana, ad constituendum quod hominibus €bonum et salubre est, valebit, ad tollendum quod iisdem ma-€lum et exitiosum est, non valebit ? Atqui rex ille, cui subjecti €esse jubentur, erat Romae ea tempestate Nero tyrannus; ergo €tyrannis etiam subjecti esse debemus. At inquam, et dubium ›¤hoc est, Nero an Claudius tunc temporis rerum potiretur, et €illi qui subjecti esse jubentur, advenae, dispersi, privati, non €consules, non praetores, non Senatus Romanus erant. Nunc €Paulum adeamus, (quoniam tu quod nobis de regibus licere €non vis, id tibi de Apostolis licere autumas, ut principatum €Petro modo\ des, modo\ eripias) Paulus haec ad Romanos : c[aput] 13, €<2omnis anima potestatibus supereminentibus subjecta esto; non>2 €<2est enim potestas nisi a\ Deo; quae autem sunt potestates a\ Deo>2 €<2sunt ordinatae:>2 Romanis haec scribit, non, ut Petrus, advenis, €dispersis, sed privatis tamen potissimu\m et plebeiis; ita etiam €scribit, ut totam reipub[licae] administrandae rationem, originem, €finem luculentissime\ doceat. Quo magis obedientiae quoque €nostrae vera ac distincta ratio, ab omni servitute disjuncta elu-€ceret. <2Omnis anima,>2 hoc est, quisque homo <2subjectus esto.>2 €Quid sibi Apostolus proponat hoc capite satis explanavit €Chrysostomus, $POIEI= TOU=TO DEIKNU\S&, etc. <2facit hoc,>2 inquit, <2ut>2 €<2ostendat Christum leges suas non ad hoc induxisse, ut commu->2 €<2nem politiam everteret, sed ut in melius statueret.>2 Non ergo €ut Neronem, aut tyrannum quemvis alium supra omnem €legem et poenam constituendo, crudelissimum unius impe-€rium in omnes mortales constabiliret. <2Utque simul doceret>2 €<2superflua et inutilia bella non esse suscipienda;>2 non ergo bella €damnat contra tyrannum, hostem patriae intestinum, atque €adeo\ periculosissimum suscepta. <2Pervulgatus tunc erat homi>2 ›¦<2num sermo traducens apostolos tanquam seditiosos, et nova->2 €<2tores, quasi omnia ad evertendum leges communes et face->2 €<2rent et dicerent; his nunc ora obstruit.>2 Non ergo tyrannorum €defensiones conscripserunt Apostoli, quod tu facis, sed ea €fecerunt, ea docuerunt, quae suspecta omnibus tyrannis de-€fensione apud illos potiu\s, et interpretatione quadam egebant. €Propositum Apostolo quid fuerit, ex Chrysostomo vidimus; €nunc verba scrutemur: <2Omnis anima potestatibus supere->2 €<2minentibus subjecta esto;>2 quae tamen istae sint non statuit: non €enim jura atque instituta omnium nationum abolere, unius €libidini omnia permittere in animo erat. Certe\ optimus quis-€que imperator authoritatem legum et Senatu^s authoritate sua €longe\ superiorem semper agnovit. Idem apud omnes nationes €non barbaras jus semper sanctissimum fuit. Unde Pindarus €apud Herodotum $NO/MON PA/NTWN BASILE/A& legem omnium re-€gem esse dixit; Orpheus in hymnis non mortalium solu\m, sed €immortalium etiam regem appellat: $*A)QANA/TWN KALE/W KAI\ QNHTW=N& €$A(GNO\N A)/NAKTA *OU)RA/NION NO/MON.& Reddit rationem: $*A)UTO\S GA\R MOU=&-€$NOS ZW/WN OI)/HKA KRATU/NEI;& <2Lex enim sola viventium gubernacu->2 €<2lum tenet.>2 Plato in legibus $TO\ KRATOU-N E)N TH-| PO/LEI&, id quod in €civitate plurimum debet posse, legem esse ait. In epistolis eam €maxime\ rempub[licam]laudat, ubi lex, et domina et rex hominum, €non homines tyranni legum sunt. Eadem Aristotelis sententia €in Politicis, eadem Ciceronis in legibus, ita leges praeesse magi-›¨stratibus, ut magistratus praesunt populo. Cu\m itaque sapi-€entissimorum virorum judicio, prudentissimarum civitatum €institutis lex semper potestas summa atque suprema habita €sit, nec evangelii doctrina cum ratione aut cum jure gentium €pugnet, is utique potestatibus supereminentibus verissime\ sub-€jectus erit, qui legibus et magistratibus juxta leges Rempub[licam] €gubernantibus ex animo paret. Non ergo solu\m populo sub-€jectionem hanc, sed regibus etiam praecipit; qui supra leges ne-€quaquam sunt. <2Non est enim potestas nisi a\ Deo;>2 id est nulla €reipub[licae] forma, nulla homines regendi legitima ratio. Antiquis-€simae etiam leges ad authorem Deum olim referebantur; est €enim lex, ut Cicero in Phil[ippica]12, <2nihil aliud nisi recta et a\ nu->2 €<2mine deorum tracta ratio, imperans honesta, prohibens con->2 €<2traria.>2 A Deo igitur est magistratum institutio, ut eorum ad-€ministratione gens humana sub legibus viveret: hanc autem €vel illam administrationis formam, hos vel illos magistratus €eligendi optio proculdubio penes liberas hominum nationes €semper fuit. Hinc Petrus et regem et praesides $A)NQRWPI/NHN& €$KTI/SIN& humanam creationem vocat; et Hosea c[aput] 8, <2constituunt>2 €<2reges, at non ex me; praeficiunt principes, quos non agnosco.>2 €In ista enim sola Hebraeorum repub[lica] ubi Deum variis modis €consulere poterant, de regis nominatione ad Deum referri ex €lege oportebat: caeterae gentes mandatum a\ Deo nullum istius-›ªmodi accepimus. Nonnunquam aut ipsa regiminis forma, si €vitiosa sit, aut illi qui potestatem obtinent, et ab hominibus, €et a\ diabolo sunt. Luc[am] 4; <2Tibi dabo potestatem hanc omnem;>2 €<2nam mihi tradita est, et cui volo do illam.>2 Hinc princeps €hujus mundi dicitur; et Apocalyp[sis]13, dedit Bestiae Draco po-€tentiam suam, et thronum suum, et potestatem magnam. €Quapropter necesse est hic intelligi non potestates quascun-€que, sed legitimas cujusmodi etiam infra describuntur; ne-€cesse est intelligi potestates ipsas, non semper eos qui impe-€rium obtinent. Hinc dilucide\ Chrysostomus, <2Quid ais?>2 in-€quit, <2omnis ergo princeps a\ Deo constitutus est? non dico: non>2 €<2enim de quovis principe, sed de ipsa re loquitur Apostolus;>2 €<2non dicit, non princeps nisi a\ Deo, sed non est potestas.>2 Haec €Chrysost[omus]. <2Quae autem potestates sunt, a\ Deo sunt ordinatae.>2 €Legitimas ergo vult hi\c intelligi Apostolus; malum enim et €vitium, cu\m ataxia sit, non est ut possit ordinari, et esse simul €vitiosum. Hoc enim duo simul contraria ponit, taxin et €ataxian. <2Quae autem sunt,>2 ita interpretaris ac si diceretur, <2quae>2 €<2nunc sunt;>2 quo faciliu\s probare possis etiam Neroni, qui, ut €opinaris, tunc <2imperavit,>2 Romanos obtemperare debuisse; €nostra^ sane\ bona^ venia^ : qua\m enim voles de Anglicana repub[lica] €male\ sentias, in ea tamen Anglos acquiescere debere, quo-€niam <2nunc est,>2 et a\ <2Deo ordinatur,>2 ut Neronis olim imperium, €necesse habebis concedere. Neque enim Nero minu\s qua\m ›¬Tiberius <2artibus matris imperium nihil ad se pertinens>2 occu-€paverat, ne legitime\ partum fuisse respondeas. Quo\ scelcra-€tior et doctrinae retractator ipse tuae, Romanos potestati quae þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ£›¬„tunc fuit subjectos esse vis, Anglos potestati quae nunc est, sub-€jectos esse non vis. Veru\m nullae in hoc orbe terrarum res duae €magis e\ regione adversae sibi sunt, qua\m tu nequissimus ne-€quissimo semper fere\ adversus es tibi. Quid autem facies €miser? acumine hoc tuo regem adolescentem plane\ perdi-€disti; ab ipsa enim tua sententia extorquebo ut fatearis, €hanc potestatem in Anglia, quae nunc est, a\ Deo ordinatam €esse; atque omnes proinde Anglos intra ejusdem reipublicae €fines eidem potestati subjectos esse debere. Attendite igitur €Critici, et manus abstinete, Salmasii nova haec emendatio est, €in epistola ad Romanos; non quae sunt potestates, <2sed quae>2 €<2nunc existunt,>2 reddi debere adinvenit; ut Neroni tyranno €tunc scilicet imperanti subjectos esse omnes oportuisse de-€monstraret. At o^ bone, $LHKU/QION A)PW/LESAS:& ut regem modo\, €ita nunc interpretamentum hoc tam bellum perdidisti. Quam €tu epistolam sub Nerone scriptam esse ais, sub Claudio scripta €est principe simplici, et non malo: hoc viri docti certissimis €argumentis compertum habent; quinquennium etiam Ne-€ronis laudatissimum fuit, unde argumentum hoc toties incul-›®catum, quod multis in ore est, multis imposuit, tyranno paren-€dum esse, eo\ quo\d Paulus hortatus est Romanos ut Neroni es-€sent subjecti, callidum indocti cujuspiam commentum esse €reperitur. <2Qui obsistit potestati,>2 scilicet legitimae, <2Dei ordi>2 €<2nationi obsistit.>2 Astringit etiam reges praeceptum hoc, qui €legibus et Senatui obsistunt. At vero\ qui potestati vitiosae, aut €potestatis non vitiosae corruptori et eversori obsistit, num is €Dei ordinationi obsistit? sanus, credo, non dixeris. Tollit €omnem dubitationem sequens versiculus, de legitima tantu\m €potestate Apostolum hic loqui. Definiendo enim explicat, €nequis errare, et opiniones hinc stolidas aucupari possit, qui €sint magistratus potestatis hujus ministri, et quam ob causam €subjectos esse nos hortetur: <2Magistratus non sunt timori bonis>2 €<2operibus, sed malis; boni a\ potestate hac laudem adipiscentur;>2 €<2Magistratus minister est Dei nostro bono datus; non frustra>2 €<2gladium gerit, vindex ad iram ei qui malum facit.>2 Quis negat, €quis recusat, nisi improbus, quin hujusmodi potestati aut po-€testatis administro libens se subjiciat? non solu\m ad vitandam €<2iram>2 et offensionem, aut poenae metu, sed etiam <2propter con->2 €<2scientiam.>2 Sine magistratibus enim, et civili gubernatione, €nulla respublica, nulla societas humana, nulla vita esse potest. €Quae autem potestas, qui magistratus contraria his facit, neque €illa, neque hic a\ Deo proprie\ ordinatus est. Unde neque tali ›°vel potestati, vel magistratui subjectio debetur aut praecipitur, €neque nos prudenter obsistere prohibemur: non enim pote-€stati, non magistratui obsistemus, qui hic optime\ depingitur, €sed praedoni, sed tyranno, sed hosti; qui si magistratus tamen €dicendus erit, eo\ duntaxat quo\d habet potestatem, quo\d ad €poenam nostram ordinari a\ Deo videri potest, etiam diabolus €hoc modo magistratus erit. Sane\ unius rei una vera definitio €est: si ergo Paulus hic magistratum definit, quod quidem ac-€curate\ facit, eadem definitione, iisdem verbis tyrannum, rem €maxime\ contrariam, definire non potuit. Unde quem ipse €magistratum definivit atque descripsit, ei duntixat subjectos €nos esse voluisse, non ejus contrario tyranno certissime\ colli-€gitur. <2Propter hoc tributa solvitis;>2 rationem adjungit ad prae-€ceptum; unde Chrysostomus, <2Cur,>2 inquit, <2vectigalia regi da->2 €<2mus? Annon tanquam nobis prospicienti, curae ac tuitionis>2 €<2mercedem solventes? atqui nihil illi solvissemus, nisi ab ini>2 €<2tio utilem nobis talem esse praefecturam cognovissemus.>2 Qua-€propter illud repetam quod supra\ dixi; quandoquidem sub-€jectio haec non simpliciter, sed cum adjuncta ratione a\ nobis €requiritur, illa profecto\ ratio quae adjungitur, subjectionis €nostrae vera norma erit: Cum ista ratione non subjecti, rebel-€les; sine ista ratione subjecti, servi erimus et socordes. <2At>2 €<2Angli,>2 inquis, <2nihil minu\s qua\m liberi, quia mali, quia flagi->2 ›²<2tiosi.>2 Nolo ego Gallorum vitia commemorare, quamvis sub €regibus sint; neque Anglorum nimis excusare; dico tamen €illa esse flagitia, quae sub regibus tanquam in Aegyptp didi-€cerunt; neque dum in deserto, lice\t Dei sub imperio, dedi-€scere statim potuerunt. Spes est tamen de plerisque bona; ut €ne sanctissimos hic optimosque viros et veritatis studiosissi-€mos collaudare incipiam; quorum apud nos non minorem €credo esse numerum, qua\m ubi tu maximum esse existimas. €At <2jugum Anglis durum imponitur.>2 Quid si illis, qui jugum €caeteris civibus imponere studebant? Quid si suo deinde me-€rito subactis? nam caeteri puto non moleste\ ferunt, exhausto €civilibus bellis aerario, sumptibus propriis suam se tolerare €libertatem. Relabitur jam ad Rabbinos nugivendos. Regem €legibus adstrictum esse negat, ex iis tamen probat <2laesae majes->2 €<2tatis reum esse posse, si jus suum patiatur imminui:>2 astrictus €itaque et non astrictus, reus et non reus rex erit: adeo\ frequen-€ter enim solet repugnare sibi, ut ipsa Repugnantia huic ho-€mini germana atque gemella esse videatur. Atqui Deus, in-€quis, multa regna Nebuchadnezzari in servitutem dedit. Fa-€teor ad certum tempus dedisse, Jer[emia] 27, 7; Anglos in servitu-›´tem Carolo Stuarto ad semihorulam dedisse ostende permisisse €non negaverim, dedisse nunquam audivi. Aut si Deus in servi-€tutem dat populum, quoties tyrannus plus populo potest, cur €non idem liberare dicendus erit, quoties plus potest populus €tyranno? an is Deo tyrannidem suam, nos Deo libertatem €nostram acceptam non feremus? Non est malum in civitate €quod Deus non immittat, Amos 3, famem, pestilentiam, sedi-€tionem, hostem; ecquod nam horum civitas ab se non totis €viribus amolietur? faciet profecto\, si possit, quamvis ab ipso €Deo immissa haec esse sciat; nisi e\ coelo ipse secu\s jusserit. Cur €non tyrannos pariter amovebit, si plus polleat? an ejus unius €impotentiam ad commune malum esse magis a\ Deo crede-€mus, qua\m potentiam totius civitatis ad commune bonum? €Absit a\ civitatibus, absit ob omni coetu hominum ingenuo-€rum doctrinae tam stupidae, ta/mque pestiferae labes, quae vitam €omnem civilem funditus delet, gentem humanam universam €propter unum atque alterum tyrannum, ad quadrupedum €prope\ conditionem detrudit: cu\m illi supra omnem legem ex-€celsi par in utrunque genus et pecudum et hominum jus atque €imperium obtinebunt. Mitto jam stulta illa dilemmata, in qui-€bus ut te jactes, nescio quem fingis, <2potestatem illam supere->2 €<2minentem de populo velle intelligere;>2 tametsi affirmare non ›¶dubito omnem magistratu^s authoritatem a\ populo proficisci. €Hinc Cicero pro Flacco; <2Illi nostri sapientissimi, et sanctissimi>2 €<2majores, quae scisceret plebs, quae populus juberet, juberi ve->2 €<2tarique voluerunt.>2 Hinc Lucius Crassus Orator eximius, et €Senatu^s eo tempore princeps, cujus tum causam agebat ad €populum. <2Nolite,>2 inquit, <2sinere nos cuiquam servire, nisi>2 €<2vobis universis, quibus et possumus et debemus.>2 Quamvis €enim Senatus Populum regeret, Populus tamen illam mode-€randi et regendi sui potestatem senatui tradiderat. Unde ma-€jestatem, populo Romano frequentiu\s qua\m regibus olim €attributam legimus. Idem Marcus Tullius pro Plancio; €<2Est enim conditio liberorum populorum, praecipue/que hujus>2 €<2principis populi et omnium gentium domini, posse suffragiis>2 €<2vel dare vel detrahere quod velit cuique; nostrum est ferre>2 €<2modice\ populi voluntates: honores si magni non putemus,>2 €<2non servire populo; sin eos expetamus, non defatigari suppli->2 €<2cando.>2 Ego/ne ut regem populi servum dicere metuam, cu\m €Senatus Romanus tot regum dominus servum se populi pro-€fessus sit ? Vera sunt haec, inquies, in populari statu; nondum €enim lex regia potestatem populi in Augustum, et successores €ejus transtulerat. Hem tibi ergo Tiberium illum quem tu €<2tyrannum, plus vice simplici,>2 fuisse ais, ut revera fuit, is ta-€men dominus, etiam post legem illam regiam, appellatus a\ þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ£›¸quodam, ut tradit Suetonius, denuntiavit ne se ampliu\s contu-€meliae causa^ nominaret. Audisne ? tyrannus iste dominus dici €contumeliae sibi duxit. Idem in Senatu; <2Dixi et nunc, et saepe>2 €<2alia\s, patres Conscripti, bonum et salutarem principem, quem>2 €<2vos tanta et tam libera potestate instruxistis, Senatui servire>2 €<2debere, et universis civibus saepe, et plerumque etiam singulis;>2 €<2neque id dixisse me poenitet; et bonos et aequos et faventes vos>2 €<2habui Dominos, et adhuc habeo.>2 Nec simulata haec ab eo si €dixeris, ut erat simulandi callidissimus, quicquam proficies; €quis enim id videri se cupit, quod esse non debet? Hinc ille €mos non Neroni solu\m, quod scribit Tacitus, sed caeteris €etiam imperatoribus fuit, populum in Circo adorandi. De €quo Claudianus, VI <2Cons[ulatus]Honorii>2 : €<2O quantum populo secreti numinis addit>2 €<2Imperii praesens species, quantamque rependit>2 . €<2Majestas alterna vicem, cu\m regia Circi>2 €<2Connexum gradibus veneratur purpura vulgus,>2 €<2Consensu/que cavae sublatus in aethera vallis>2 €<2Plebis adoratae reboat fragor.>2 -------›ºQua adoratione quid aliud Imperatores Romani, nisi univer-€sam plebem, etiam post legem regiam, suos esse dominos fate-€bantur? Atque illud est quod initio statim suspicatus sum, €te glossariis pervolutandis, et tricis quibusdam laboriosis mag-€nifice\ divulgandis operam potiu\s dedisse, qua\m bonis authori-€bus attente\ et studiose\ perlegendis; qui veterum scriptorum €sapientia^ ne leviter quidem imbutus, rem praestantissimorum €opinionibus Philosophorum, et prudentissimorum in repub-€lica principum dictis celebratissimam, novam esse prorsus et €<2Enthusiastarum>2 tantummodo <2deliriis>2 somniatam censes. I €nunc, Martinum illum sutorem, et Gulielmum Pellionem €quos adeo\ despicis, ignorantiae collegas et mystagogos tibi €sume : quanquam erudire te poterunt illi, et illos tibi gryphos €dissolvere stolidissimos, <2An in Democratia serviat Populus,>2 €<2cu\m serviat rex in Monarchia; utru\m totus an pars ejus.>2 Ita €illi, cum tibi Oedipi vice fuerint, tu illis Sphinx in malam rem €praeceps abeas licebit; alioquin fatuitatum tuarum et aenig-€matum finem nullum fore video. Rogas, <2Cu\m reges Aposto->2 €<2lus nominat, an de populo eos intelligemus?>2 Pro regibus qui-€dem orandum esse Paulus docet, 1 Tim[otheam] 2, 2, at priu\s pro €populo orandum esse docuerat, v[ersus] 1. Sunt tamen et de regi-€bus, et de populo nonnulli, pro quibus orare etiam vetamur. ›¼Pro quo non orem, eu/mne ex lege non puniam ? quid vetat? €Atqui <2cu\m haec scriberet Paulus, imperabant vel pessimi:>2 hoc €etiam falsum est; scriptam enim sub Claudio et hanc Episto-€lam fuisse certissimis argumentis evincit Ludovicus Capellus. €De Nerone cu\m mentionem facit Paulus, non regem, sed €<2Leonem,>2 id est belluam immanem vocat, cujus ex ore ereptum €se gaudet, 2 Tim[oteam] 4. Pro regibus itaque, non pro belluis, €<2orandum, ut vitam tranquillam et quietam transigamus, cum>2 €<2pietate>2 tamen <2omni et honestate.>2 Vides non tam regum hlc €qua\m tranquillitatis, pietatis, honestatis etiam rationem esse €habendam. Quis autem populus non se suo/sque liberos tuendo €(contra tyrannum an contra hostem nil interest) vitam <2sollici->2 €<2tam, inquietam,>2 bellicosam, honestam mallet agere, qua\m €sub hoste vel tyranno, non solu\m aeque sollicitam et inquie-€tam, sed turpem etiam, servilem et inhonestam? Audi apud €Livium Samnites utrumque statum expertos: rebella^sse se, €quo\d pax servientibus gravior, qua\m bellum liberis esset. €Immo teipsum audi; te enim ipsum saepenumero jam testem €adhibeo; non quo tanti sis, sed ut perspiciant omnes qua\m sis €duplex, et discors tibi, et mancipium regis mercenarium. <2Quis,>2 €inquis, <2non perferre mallet repub[lica] Aristocratica ex optimatum>2 €<2aemulatione dissensiones oriri solitas, qua\m ex uno monarcha,>2 €<2tyrannico more imperare consueto certam miseriam ac per->2-›¾<2niciem? Populus Romanus praetulit statum illum Reipub[licae]>2 €<2quantumlibet discordiis agitatae jugo Caesarum intolerabili.>2 €<2Populus qui vitandae seditionis causa^ monarchicum statum>2 €<2praeoptavit, ubi expertus est levius esse malum quod vitare>2 €<2voluit, ad priora saepe redire expetit.>2 Haec et plura tua verba €sunt in illa de episcopis dissertatione, sub Walonis Messalini €adscititio nomine edita^, p[agina] 412; contra Petavium Loiolitam, €cu\m ipse magis Loiolita sis, et eo de grege pessimus. Quid €hac de re Scriptura sacra statuerit, et vidimus, et omni dili-€gentia investigasse non poenitet: unde quid senserint Patres €antiqui per tot ingentia volumina exquirere pretium fortasse €operae non erit. Si quid enim afferunt, quod Scriptura non €exhibuit, eorum authoritatem, quantacunque sit, merito\ re-€pudiamus. Quod autem ex Irenaeo profers, <2reges Dei jussu>2 €<2constitui aptos his qui in illo tempore ab iis reguntur,>2 cum €Scriptura pugnat evidentissime\. Cu\m enim judices ad regen-€dum populum suum aptiores regibus esse pala\m signifi-€ca^sset Deus, id tamen totum voluntati atque arbitrio populi €permisit, ut aptiorem sibi sub optimatibus formam reipub[licae] €deteriore sub regibus, si vellent, permutarent. Legimus etiam €saepe regem malum bono populo datum, et contra, regem bo-€num populo malo. Virorum itaque sapientissimorum est per-€spicere quid populo aptissimum et utilissimum sit: constat ›Àenim neque omni populo, neque eidem semper eundem rei-€pub[licae] statum convenire, sed vel hunc vel illum, prout civium €virtus et industria nunc augescit, nunc minuitur. Qui tamen €potestatem adimit populo eligendi sibi quam velit reipub[licae] €formam, adimit profecto\ id in quo civilis libertas tota fere\ con-€sistit. Citas deinde Justinum Martyrem Antoninis impera-€torum optimis obsequium deferentem; quis iis tam egregiis €et moderatis non detulisset ? <2At quanto\,>2 inquiS <2nos hodie pe->2 €<2jores Christiani? tulerunt illi principem diversae religionis.>2 €Privati scilicet, et viribus longe\ inferiores. <2Nunc sane\ pon i->2 €<2ficii regem non ferrent reformatum,>2 nec <2reformati Pontifi->2 -€<2cium.>2 Facis tu quidem prudenter, ut ostendas te nec ponti-€ficium esse, nec reformatum; facis etiam liberaliter; ultro €enim largiris quod nunc non petivimus, omnes hodie Chris-€tianos in hoc plane\ consentire, quod tu solus insigni audacia^ €atque scelere oppugnas, Patrum etiam quos laudas dissimilli-€mus; illi enim pro Christianis, ad profanos reges, defensiones €conscribebant, tu pro rege pontificio atque deterrimo contra €Christianos et Reformatos. Multa deinde ex Athenagora, €multa ex Tertulliano futiliter depromis, quae ab ipsis Apostolis €multo clariu\s et explanatiu\s dicta jam sunt. Tertullianus au-€tem longissime\ a\ te dissentit, qui regem vis esse dominum: ›Âquod tu aut nescivisti, aut nequiter dissimula^sti. Is enim Chris-€tianus ad Imperatorem Ethnicum in Apologetico ausus est €scribere, non oportere Imperatorem appellari Dominum. <2Au->2 €<2gustus,>2 inquit, <2imperii formator ne dominum quidem dici se>2 €<2volebat, hoc enim Dei est cognomen: dicam plane\ imperato->2 €<2rem dominum, sed quando non cogor ut dominum Dei vice di>2 €<2cam: caeteru\m liber sum illi, Dominus meus Deus unus est,etc>2 €et ibidem, <2qui pater patriae est, quomodo Dominus est?>2 Gra-€tulare nunc tibi de Tertulliano, quem sane\ praestabat missum €fecisse. <2At parricidas appellat qui Domitianum interfecerunt.>2 €Recte\ appellat; uxoris enim et famulorum insidiis, a\ Parthe-€nio, et Stephano interceptarum pecuniarum reo est interfec-€tus. Quod si Senatus Populu/sque Romanus hostem judica-€tum, ut Neronem antea judicabant, et ad supplicium quaere-€bant, more majorum punivissent, eos parricidas appellaturum €fuisse censes ? immo si appella^sset, dignus ipse supplicio fuis-€set; uti tu furca^ jam dignus es. Origeni responsum idem qua-€drabit quod Irenaeo. Athanasius reges terrae ad humana tri-€bunalia vocare nefarium esse dicit. Quis hoc dixit Athanasio ? €verbum enim Dei nullum hi\c audio. Credam itaque ego im-€peratoribus potiu\s et regibus de se falsum hoc esse fatentibus, €qua\m Athanasio. Adfers deinde Ambrosium ex proconsule et þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ£›Äcatechumeno episcopum, verba illa Davidis, <2tibi soli peccavi,>2 €imperite\, ne dicam assentatorie\ interpretantem. Volebat €is omnes alios imperatori subjectos esse, ut imperatorem €ipse subjiceret sibi. Qua\m enim superbe\, et fastu plusquam €pontificio Theodosium imperatorem Mediolani tractaverit, €caedis Thessalonicensis reum ipse judicaverit, ingressu eccle-€siae prohibuerit, qua\m se deinde novitium et rudem evangeli-€cae doctrinae ostenderit, omnibus notum est. Imperatorem ad €pedes ejus provolutum excedere salutatorio jussit; sacris tan-€dem restitutum, et postquam obtulisset, altari adstantem his €vocibus extra cancellos exegit. <20 imperator, interiora loca>2 €<2tantu\m sacerdotibus sunt attributa, quae caeteris contingere>2 €<2non licet.>2 Docto/rne hic Evangelii, an Judaicorum pontifex €rituum fuit? Hic tamen (quae omnium fere\ ecclesiasticorum €artes sunt) imperatorem caeteris dominum imposuit, ut impe-. €ratoris ipse dominus esset. His itaque verbis Theodosium tan-€quam sibi subjectum repulit; <2Coaequalium hominum es im->2 €<2perator et conservorum; unus enim omnium dominus rex et>2 €<2Creator.>2 Belle\ profecto\; quam veritatem calliditas et assen-€tatio episcoporum obscuravit, eam iracundia unius, et ut mol-€liu\s dicam, zelus ineruditus protulit in lucem. Ambrosii im-›Æperitiae tuam subjungis ignorantiam aut haeresin, qui diserte\ €negas <2sub veteri foedere remissionem peccatorum per sangui->2 €<2nem Christi locum tunc habuisse, cu\m David Deo confiteba->2 €<2tur ei soli se peccavisse;>2 p[agina] 68. Orthodoxi, non nisi per san-€guinem agni mactati ab initio mundi, peccata unquam re-€missa fuisse credunt; te novum haereticum cujusnam disci-€pulus sis nescio; certe\ summi Theologi discipulus ille quem €exagitas, a\ vero non aberravit, cum dixit potuisse quemvis €e\ populo pari jure cum Davide Deum his verbis inclama^sse, €<2tibi soli peccavi.>2 Augustinum deinde ostentas, Clericos Hip-€ponenses nescio quos producis; nam Augustini quae sunt €abs te allata nobis non obsunt. Quidni enim fateamur €cum propheta Daniele, Deum tempora mutare, regna dare, €et regna auferre, per homines tamen. Si regnum Deus solus €Carolo dedit, idem Carolo abstulit, optimatibus et Populo €dedit. Si ea de causa praestandam Carolo obedientiam fuisse €dicis, eandem nunc magistratibus nostris praestandam esse €dicas necesse est. Nam Deum et nostris etiam magistratibus €eandem dedisse potestatem quam dat malis regibus <2ad casti->2 €<2ganda populi peccata>2 ipse concedis; nostros itaque a\ Deo pari-€ter constitutos removere a\ magistratu nemo vel tuo judicio nisi €Deus potest. Atque ita, uti soles, tuum tibi ipse mucronem in ›Ètemet vertis, tuus tibi ipse sicarius es; neque injuria^, cu\m eo\ €improbitatis et impudentiae processeris, eo\ stuporis et insaniae, €ut quos digito violandos non esse tot argumentis probas, eos-€dem omnium suorum bello persequendos esse idem affirmes. €Ismaelem Godoliae Praefecti interfectorem ab Hieronymo par-€ricidam esse nominatum ais, et merito\; praesidem enim Judaeae, €virum bonum, sine ulla causa interemit. Idem Hieronymus €in Ecclesiasten, praeceptum illud Solomonis, <2Os regis observa,>2 €cum praecepto Pauli concordare dixit; et laudandus quidem, €quod locum istum caeteris sui temporis moderatiu\s exposuit. €<2Ad inferiora tempora post Augustinum non descendes, ut>2 €<2doctorum sententiam exquiras.>2 Ut omnes tamen intelligant €faciliu\s mentiri te posse qua\m tacere, si quos adhuc haberes €tuae sententiae fautores, post unam statim periodum non tem-€peras tibi quo\ minu\s ad Hispalensem Isidorum, Gregorium €Turonensem, Ottonem Frinsingensem etiam in mediam bar-€bariam descendas. Quorum authoritas qua\m nullius apud nos €pretii sit si modo\ scivisses, non huc eorum obscurum testimo-€nium per mendacium adduxisses. Vltis scire cur ad haec €tempora descendere non audet, cur abdit se, cur subito\ evane-›Êscit? dicam : quot sunt Ecclesiae reformatae praestantissimi doc-€tores, tot videt acerrimos sibi adversarios fore. Faciat modo\ €periculum, sentiet qua\m facile\ reluctantem, omnes in unum €vires conferentem, Lutheris, Zwingliis, Calvinis, Buceris, €Martyribus, Paraeis in aciem eductis fundam atque obruam. €Leidenses etiam tuos tibi opponam, quorum Academia, quo-€rum respub[lica] florentissima, libertatis olim domicilium, isti de-€nique literarum humaniorum fontes atque rivi, servilem illam €aeruginem tuam et innatim barbariem eluere non potuerunt. €Qui cu\m Theologum orthodoxum habeas neminem tibi fa-€ventem, quem tuo commodo nominare possis, omnium prae-€sidio reformatorum nudatus confugere ad Sorbonam non €erubescis: quod tu Collegium doctrinae pontificiae addictis-€simum, nullius apud orthodoxos authoritatis esse non ignoras. €Sorbonae igitur absorbendum tam sceleratum tyrannidis pro-€pugnatorem tradimus; tam vile mancipium nostrum esse no-€lumus; qui <2populum universum regi ignavissimo parem>2 €<2esse>2 negat. Frustra id in papam deonerare atque transferre €contendis, quod omnes liberae nationes, omnis religio, omnes €Orthodoxi sibi sumunt, in se suscipiunt. Papa quidem cum €episcopis suis, dum tenuis, et nullarum virium erat, tuae hujus €foedissimae doctrinae author primus extitit: iis demu\m artibus €magnas opes, magna/mque potentiam paulatim adeptus, ty-€rannorum ipse maximus evasit. Quos tamen omnees sibi fir-€missime\ devinxit, cu\m populis, quorum animos jamdiu su-€perstitione oppressos tenuerat, suaderet, non posse regibus ›Ìquamlibet pessimis, nisi se fidelitatis sacramentum solvente, €imperium abrogari. Veru\m tu scriptores Orthodoxos devitas, €et quae communis et notissima ipsorum sententia est, eam a\ €Papa introductam esse causatus, veritatem in invidiam rapere €conaris. Quod nisi astute\ faceres, appareret te neque Papa-€num esse neque reformatum, sed nescio quem semibarbarum €Edomaeum Herodianum, qui tyrannum quemque immanis-€simum tanquam Messiam coelo demissum colas atque adores. €<2Demonstra^sse te>2 hoc dicis <2ex doctrina patrum, primorum>2 €<2quatuor saeculorum, quae sola evangelica et Christiana censeri>2 €<2debet.>2 Periit huic homini pudor; qua\m multa sunt ab illis €dicta atque scripta, quae Christus et Apostoli neque docuerint €neque approbarint? qua\m multa in quibus reformati omnes €a\ patribus dissentiant? Quid autem ex patribus demonstra-€visti? <2reges etiam malos a\ Deo constitui.>2 Fac esse constitutos, €ut omnia etiam mala quodammodo a\ Deo constituuntur: <2eos>2 €<2proinde Deum solum habere judicem, supra leges esse, nulla>2 €<2lege scripta, non scripta, naturali, neque divina posse reos>2 €<2fieri a\ subditis, neque apud subditos suos.>2 Quare? certe\ nulla €lex vetat, nulla reges excipit: ratio, et jus, et fas omne animad-€verti in omnes qui peccant indiscriminatim jubet. Neque tu €legem ullam scriptam, non scriptam, naturalem aut divinam €protulisti quae vetaret. Cur ergo non in reges quoque ani-€madvertendum? <2quia sunt etiam mali a\ Deo constituti.>2 Ne-›Îbulonem te magis an bardum et caudicem esse dicam ? nequis-€simus sis oportet qui doctrinam perniciosissimam in vulgus €disseminare audeas, stupidissimus qui ratione tam stolida €maxime\ nitaris. Dixit Deus Isaiae 54, <2Ego creavi interfecto->2 €<2rem ad perdendum;>2 ergo interfector supra leges est; excute €haec, et pervolve quantum voles, parem utrobique consequen-€tiam invenies. Nam et Papa etiam eodem modo quo tyran-€nus a\ Deo est constitutus, et ecclesiae in poenam datus, quod €supra ex scriptis etiam tuis ostendimus; tamen <2quia in fasti->2 €<2gium potestatis non ferendum tyrannidi non absimilis prima->2 €<2tum suum evexit, cu\m eum, tum episcopos meliori jure tol->2 €<2lendos esse>2 affirmas <2qua\m fuere constituti:>2 Wal. Mes. p[agina] 412: €Papam et episcopos quamvis ab irato Deo constitutos ex eccle-€sia tollendos esse ais, quia sunt tyranni; tyrannos ex repub[lica] €tollendos esse negas quia sunt ab irato Deo constituti. Inepte\ €prorsus et absurde\ : cum enim Papa ipsam conscientiam, quae €sola regnum ejus est, invito quoquam laedere non possit, cum €qui revera tyrannus esse non potest, quasi tyrannum gravissi-€mum tollendum esse clamas; tyrannum autem verum qui þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ£›Îˆ”vitam et facultates nostras omnes in potestate sua habet, et sine €quo papa in ecclesia tyrannus esse nequit, eum in repub[lica] om-€nino ferendum esse contendis. Haec tua sibi invicem collata ›Ðtam imperitum te ta/mque puerilem sive falsi sive veri argu-€tatorem produnt, ut levitas tua, inscitia, temeritas, incogitan-€tia neminem posthac latere queat. At ratio subest altera, <2re->2 €<2rum vices inversae viderentur,>2 quippe in melius; actum enim €esset de rebus humanis, si quae res pessimo loco sunt, in eodem €semper starent: in melius inquam; authoritas enim regia ad €populum rediret, ab cujus voluntate atque suffragiis profecta €primo\, atque in unum ex suo numero derivata erat: potestas €ab eo qui injuriam intulit, ad eum qui injuriam est passus, €aequissima lege transiret; cu\m tertius nemo inter homines ido-€neus esse possit; alienigenam enim judicare quis ferret? om-€nes aeque\ homines legibus tenerentur, quo nihil justius esse €potest: Deus mortalis nemo esset. Quem qui inter homines €constituit, non minu\s in rempub[licam] scelestus est, qua\m in Eccle-€siam. Tuis iterum in te armis utar. <2Maximam haeresin esse>2 €ais, <2qua^ creditur unum hominem in loco Christi sedere: duae>2 €<2hae notae Antichristum signant, infallibilitas in spiritualibus,>2 €<2et omnipotentia in temporalibus,>2 Apparat[us] ad Primat[um] pag[ina] €171. An Reges infallibiles? Cur ergo omnipotentes? aut si €hoc sunt, cur minu\s exitiales rebus civilibus qua\m Papa spiri-€tualibus? An vero\ Deus res civiles prorsus non curat? si non ›Òcurat, certe\ nos curare non prohibet; si curat, eandem in re-€publica reformationem atque in ecclesia vult fieri; praesertim €si infallibilitatem et omnipotentiam attributam homini eas-€dem malorum omnium utrinque causas esse exploratum sit. €Non enim in negotiis civilibus eam patientiam praecepit, ut €saevissimum quemlibet tyrannum respublica ferret, ecclesia €non ferret; immo contrarium potiu\s praecepit: et ecclesiae qui-€dem nulla arma praeter patientiam, innocentiam, preces, et €disciplinam evangelicam reliquit; reipublicae et magistratibus €simul omnibus non patientiam, sed leges et gladium, inju-€riarum et violentiae vindicem in manus tradidit. Unde hujus €hominis perversum et praeposterum ingenium aut mirari subit €aut ridere; qui in ecclesia, Helvidius est et Thraseas et plane\ €tyrannicida; in republica, commune omnium tyrannorum €mancipium et satelles. Cujus sententia si locum habeat, non €nos solu\m rebellavimus, qui regem, sed reformati etiam €omnes qui Papam dominum invitis regibus rejecerunt. Jam €diu autem est quo\d suis ipse telis concisus jacet. Sic enim homo €est, modo\ manus adversarii ne desit, ipse in se tela abunde €suppeditat: nec quisquam ad refutandum se, aut irridendum €commodiores ansas ministrat. Defessus etiam caedendo citiu\s €quis abscedat, qua\m hic terga praebendo. ›ÔôÿCAPUT IV. Magnam a\ regibus iniisse te gratiam, omnes prin-€cipes et terrarum dominos demeruisse defensione €hac regia te forte\ putas, Salmasi, cu\m illi, si bona €sua, re/mque suam ex veritate potiu\s qua\m ex adulationibus tuis €vellent aestimare, neminem te peju\s odisse, neminem a\ se longi-€us propellere atque arcere debeant. Dum enim regiam potesta-€tem supra leges in immensum extollis, admones ea^dem opera^ €omnes fere\ populos servitutis suae nec opinatae; eo/que vehe-€mentiu\s impellis ut veternum illum, quo se esse liberos inani-€ter somniabant, repente excutiant; moniti abs te quod non €putabant, servos se esse regum. Eo/que minu\s tolerandum sibi €esse regium imperium existimabunt, quo\ magis tu iis persua-€sum reddideris tam infinitam potestatem non sua^ patientia^ €crevisse, sed ab initio talem atque tantam ipso jure regio natam €fuisse. Ita te tua/mque hanc defensionem, sive populo persua-€seris, sive non persuaseris, omnibus posthac regibus funestam, €exitialem, et execrabilem fore necesse erit. Si enim populo €persuaseris, jus regium omnipotens esse, regnum amplius €non feret; si non persuaseris, non feret reges, dominationem €tam injustam pro jure usurpantes. Me si audiant, quibus in-›Ötegrum hoc est, se/que circumscribi legibus patiantur, pro €incerto, imbecillo, violento imperio quod nunc habent, cura-€rum atque formidinum pleno, firmissimum, pacatissimum €ac diuturnum sibi conservabunt. Consilium hoc sibi, suisque €regnis adeo\ salutiferum si propter authorem contempserint, €sciant non tam esse meum, qua\m regis olim sapientissimi: €Lycurgus enim Spartanorum rex, antiqua regum stirpe oriun-€dus, cu\m propinquos videret suos Argis et Messenae rerum €potitos, regnum quemque suum in tyrannidem convertisse, €sibique pariter suisque civitatibus exitio fuisse, ut patriae simul €saluti consuleret, et dignitatem in familia sua regiam qua\m €diutissime\ conservaret, consortem imperii senatum, et Epho-€rorum potestatem in ipsum regem quasi censoriam, firma-€mentum regno suo induxit. Quo facto regnum suis nepotibus €firmissimum in multa secula transmisit. Sive, ut alii volunt, €Theopompi, qui centum ampliu\s annis post Lycurgum Lace-€daemone regnabat, ea moderatio fuit, ut popularem Ephoro-€rum potestatem superiorem qua\m suam constitueret, eo/que €facto gloriatus est, stabilivisse se regnum, multo/que majus ac €diuturnius filiis reliquisse, exemplum profecto\ haud ignobile €hodierni reges ad imitandum habuerint, eundem etiam con-€silti tutissimi authorem egregium. Majorem enim legibus do-€minum ut perferrent homines hominem omnes unum, nulla €lex unquam sanxit; ne potuit quidem sancire. Quae enim le ›Øleges omnes evertit, ipsa lex esse non potest. Cu\m itaque ever-€sorem te, et parricidam legum omnium rejiciant ab se leges, €exemplis redintegrare certamen, hoc capite, conaris. Facia-€mus itaque periculum in exemplis: saepe enim, quod leges €tacent, et tacendo tantu\m innuunt; id exempla evidentiu\s €docent. Ab Judaeis auspicabimur voluntatis divinae consultis-€simis; <2postea ad Christianos>2 tecum <2descendemus.>2 Initium €autem altiu\s petitum ab eo tempore facimus, quo Israe\litae €regibus quocunque modo subjecti, jugum illud servile cervici-€bus dejecerunt. Rex Moabitarum Eglon Israe\litas bello sube-€gerat; sedem imperii inter ipsos Jerichunte posuerat: numinis €contemptor non erat, facta enim Dei mentione, e\ solio sur-€rexit: servierant Israe\litae Egloni annos duodeviginti; non ut €hosti, sed ut suo regi munus miserant. Hunc tamen dum pub-€lice\ munerantur ut regem suum, interficiunt per insidias ut €hostem. Veru\m Ehudes qui interfecit, Dei monitu id fecisse €creditur. Quid factum hujusmodi commendare magis potuit ? €Ad honesta enim quaeque et laudabilia hortari solet Deus, €non ad injusta, infida, truculenta. Expressum autem Dei €mandatum habuisse nusquam legimus. <2Clama/runt filii Isra->2 €<2elis ad Jehovam;>2 clamavimus et nos; excitavit iis Jehova ser-€vatorem; excitavit et nobis. Ille ex vicinodomesticus, ex hoste ›Úrex factus erat: Noster ex rege hostis; non ergo rex erat; nam €neque civis ullo modo esse potest, qui reipublicae est hostis; €neque Consul habebatur Antonius, neque Nero imperator, ex €quo uterque hostis a\ Senatu est judicatus. Quod Cicero quarta^ €Philippica^ de Antonio clarissime\ docet: <2Si consul Antonius,>2 €<2Brutus hostis; si conservator Reipublicae Brutus, hostis An->2 €<2tonius. Quis illum consulem nisi latrones putant?>2 Pari ego €jure, quis tyrannum, inquam, regem nisi hostes patriae pu-€tant ? Fuerit itaque Eglon externus, fuerit Noster domesticus €ne/cne, quandoquidem uterque hostis et tyrannus, paru\m re-€fert. Si illum Ehudes jure trucidavit, nos nostrum supplicio €jure affecimus. Quin et heros ille Sampson, incusantibus €etiam popularibus suis, Jud[icum] 15. <2An nesciebas Phelisthaeos>2 €<2dominium habere in nos?>2 suis tamen dominis bellum solus €intulit, neque unum sed multos simul patriae suae tyran-€nos, sive Dei, sive propriae virtutis instinctu occidit; con-€ceptis priu\s ad Deum precibus ut auxilio sibi esset. Non im-€pium ergo sed pium Sampsoni visum est, dominos, patriae €tyrannos occidere; cu\m tamen pars major civium servitutem €non detrectaret. At David, rex et propheta, noluit Saulem in-þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¤›Úˆ•terimere <2unctum Dei.>2 Non quicquid noluit David, continuo\ €nos obligat ut nolimus; noluit David privatus; id statim nolle €synedrium, Parlamentum, totum populum necesse erit ? no-€luit inimicum dolo occidere, nolet ergo Magistratus noxium ›Ülege punire ? noluit regem occidere, timebit ergo Senatus ty-€rannum plectere ? religio erat illi unctum Dei interficere, an €ergo religio erit populo unctum suum capitis damnare ? prae-€sertun qui unctionem illam vel sacram vel civilem totus €cruore civium delibutus tam longa hostilitate aboleverat? €Equidem reges, vel quos Deus per prophetas unxit, vel quos €ad certum opus, sicuti olim Cyrum, nominatim destinavit, €Isa[iae] 44, unctos Domini agnosco; caeteros vel populi, vel mili-€tum, vel factionis tantummodo\ suae unctos esse arbitror. Ve-€ru\m ut concedam tibi omnes reges esse unctos Domini; esse €tamen idcirco supra leges, non esse ob scelera quaecunque pu-€niendos, nunquam evinces. Quid enim ? et sibi et privatis qui-€busdam interdixit David, ne extenderent manus suas in €unctum Domini. At regibus interdixit ipse Dominus, Psal[mi] €105, ne attingerent unctos suos, id est, populum suum. Uncti-€onem sui populi praetulit unctioni, siqua erat, regum. An ergo\ €fideles punire, si quid contra leges commiserint, non licebit ? €Unctum Domini sacerdotem Abiatharem prope erat ut rex €Solomon morte multiret; neque illi, quo\d unctus Domini €esset, pepercit, sed quo\d patris fuerat amicus. Si ergo sum-€mum sacerdotem, summum eundem in plerisque magistra-€tum, unctio illa Domini et sacra et civilis eximere supplicio ›Þnon potuit, cur unctio tantu\m civilis tyrannum eximeret? At €<2Saul quoque tyrannus erat, et morte dignus;,esto:>2 non inde €enim sequetur, dignum, aut idoneum fuisse Davidem qui €sine populi authoritate, aut magistratuum jussu Saulem regem €quocunque in loco interficeret. Ita/ne vero\ Saul tyrannus erat? €Utinam diceres; quinimmo dicis; cu\m tamen supra\ dixeris, €<2cap[ut]>2 2. <2pag[ina]>2 32, <2Tyrannum non fuisse, sed bonum et electum.>2 €Ecquid causae est nunc cur in foro quadruplator aut falsarius €quispiam stigmate notetur, tu ea^dem careas ignominiae nota^ ? €cu\m meliore profecto\ fide sycophantari soleant illi, qua\m tu €scribere, et res vel maximi momenti tractare. Saul igitur, si €id ex usu est tuo, bonus erat rex; sin id minu\s tibi expedit, re-€pente\ non rex bonus, sed tyrannus erit; quod certe\ mirum non €est; dum enim potentiae tyrannicae tam impudenter lenoci-€naris, quid aliud facis qua\m ex bonis regibus tyrannos omnes. €At vero\ David quamvis regem socerum multis de causis, quae €ad nos nihil attinent, interimere nollet, sui tamen tuendi causa^ €copias comparare, Saulis urbes vel occupare vel insidere non €dubitavit; et Cheilam oppidum contra Saulem etiam praesidio €tenuisset, nisi oppidanos erga se male animatos cognovisset. €Quid si Saul urbe obsessa, scalis muro admotis, primus ascen-€dere voluisset, an censes Davidem arma protinus abjecturum, €suos omnes uncto hosti proditurum fuisse? non existimo. €Quidni enim fecisset quod nos fecimus, qui rationum suarum ›ànecessitate coactus, Philistaeis patriae hostibus operam prolixe\ €suam pollicitus, id fecit contra Saulem quod nos in nostrum €tyrannum credo nunquam fecissemus. Pudet me, et jam diu €pertaesum est mendaciorum tuorum; <2Inimicis potiu\s parcen->2 €<2dum qua\m amicis,>2 Anglorum esse dogma fingis; <2se/que regi>2 €<2suo parcere non debuisse, quia amicus erat.>2 Quis unquam hoc €priu\s audivit, qua\m a\ te confictum esset, hominum menda-€cissime ? Veru\m ignoscimus: deerat nempe huic capiti prae-€stantissimum illud et tritissimum orationis tuae pigmentum, €jam quinto\, et ante finem libri decies ex loculis tuis et myro-€theciis expromendum, <2molossis suis ferociores.>2 Non tam €Angli suis molossis ferociores sunt, qua\m tu cane quovis ra-€bido jejunior, qui ad illam, quam toties evomuisti, cramben €duris ilibus identidem redire sustines. <2David>2 denique <2Ama->2 €<2lechitam>2 interfici jussit, Saulis, ut simulavit ipse, interfecto-€rem; nulla hic neque facti neque personarum similitudo. €Quo\d nisi David ad Philistaeos defecisse, et pars eorum exer-€citu^s fuisse visus, eo\ diligentiu\s omnem a\ se suspicionem ma-€turandae regi necis amovere studuit, non erat, meo quidem €judicio, cur virum illum tam male\ exciperet, qui moribun-€dum jam regem et aegre\ morientem opportuno vulnere se €confecisse nuntiavit. Quod idem factum in Domitiano, qui ›âEpaphroditum similiter capite damnavit, eo\ quo\d Neronem €in adipiscenda morte adjuvisset, ab omnibus reprehenditur. €Nova^ deinde audacia^ quem tyrannum modo\ dixeras, et <2malo>2 €<2spiritu agitatum,>2 hunc non jam satis habes unctum Domini, €sed <2Christum Domini>2 vocare; adeo\ tibi vile Christi nomen €videtur, ut illo tam sancto nomine vel Daemoniacum tyran-€num impertire non metuas. Venio nunc ad exemplum illud, €in quo qui jus populi jure regis antiquius esse non videt, caecus €sit oportet. Mortuo Solomone, populus de constituendo ejus €filio Sechemi comitia habebat; profectus est eo\ Roboamus can-€didatus, ne regnum tanquam haereditatem adire, ne populum €liberum tanquam paternos boves possidere videretur: propo-€nit populus conditiones regni futuri; ad deliberandum rex tri-€duum sibi dari postulat; consulit seniores; nihil illi de jure €regio, sed ut populum obsequio et pollicitationibus conciliet €sibi, suadent, pene\s quem erat, vel illum creare regem vel prae-€terire. Consulit deinde aequales suos, secum a\ pueris educatos; €illi Salmasiano quodam oestro perciti, nil praeter jus regium €intonare, scuticas et scorpiones ut minitetur hortari. Horum €ex consilio respondit Roboamus populo. Videns itaque totus €Israel regem <2non ausculta^sse sibi,>2 suam protinus libertatem et €populare jus liberis pala\m vocibus testatur: <2Quae nobis portio>2 €<2cum Davide? ad tentoria tua Israel; jam ipse videris de domo>2 ›ä<2tua David.>2 Missum deinde a\ rege Adoramum lapidibus ob-€ruerunt; exemplum fortasse aliquod etiam in regem edituri, €nisi maxima celeritate se in fugam contulisset. Parat ingen-€tem exercitum, quo in suam ditionem Israe\litas redigeret: €prohibet Deus; <2ne ascendite,>2 inquit, <2ne pugnate contra fratres>2 €<2vestros, filios Israelis, nam a\ me facta est res ista.>2 Adverte jam €animum; populus antea regem volebat, displicuit id Deo; €eorum tamen juri noluit intercedere: nunc Populus Roboa-€mum non vult regem; id Deus non solu\m pene\s populum esse €sinit, sed regem eo nomine bella moventem vetat ac reprimit: €nec ideo rebelles, sed nihilo minu\s fratres eos qui desciverant €appellandos esse docet. Collige te nunc jam; sunt omnes, in-€quis, reges a\ Deo; ergo populus vel tyrannis resistere non €debet. Vicissim ego, sunt, inquam, populi conventus, comitia, €studia, suffragia, plebiscita pariter a\ Deo, teste hi^c ipso; ergo\ €et rex itidem resistere non debet populo, authore etiam eodem €Deo. Qua\m enim certum est, esse hodie reges a\ Deo, qua/m-€que hoc valet ad imperandam populo obedientiam, tam est €certum esse a\ Deo etiam hodie libera populi concilia, ta/mque €hoc valet vel ad cogendos in ordinem reges, vel ad rejiciendos; €neque magis propterea bellum populo inferre debebunt, €qua\m debuit Roboamus. Quaeris cur ergo\ non defecerint Isra-›æelitae a\ Solomone ? quis praeter te ta\m stulta interrogaret, cu\m €defecisse constet impune\ a\ tyranno? In vitia quaedam lapsus €est Solomon; non idcirco statim tyrannus: sua vitia magnis €virtutibus, magnis de repub[lica] meritis compensabat: fac tyran-€num fuisse; saepe est ut populus nolit tyrannum tollere, saepe €est ut non possit: satis est sustulisse cu\m potuerit. At <2factum>2 €<2Jeroboami semper improbatum fuit, et Apostasia ejus dete->2 €<2stata, successores ejus pro rebellibus semper habiti.>2 Apostasiam €ejus non a\ Roboamo, sed a\ vero cultu Dei reprehensam saepiu\s €lego; et successores quidem ejus saepe reprobos, rebelles nus-€quam dictos memini. <2Si quid fiat,>2 inquis, <2juri et legibus con->2 €<2trarium, ex eo jus fieri non potest.>2 Quid quaeso tum fiet juri €regio ? Sic tuus ipse perpetuo\ refutator es. <2Quotidie,>2 inquis, þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¤›æˆŽ<2adulteria, homicidia, furta impune\ committuntur.>2 An nescis €nunc te tibi respondere quaerenti cur toties tyrannis impune\ €fuerit ? <2Rebelles fuerunt isti reges, prophetae tamen populum>2 €<2ab eorum subjectione non abducebant.>2 Cur ergo\, sceleste, et €pseudopropheta, populum Anglicanum a\ suis magistratibus, €tuo sint lice\t judicio rebelles, abducere conaris ? <2Allegat,>2 in-€quis, <2Anglicani latrocinii factio, se ad id scelus, quod tam ne->2 €<2farie\ suscepit, nescio qua voce coelitu\s missa^ impulsos fuisse.>2 € ›èAnglos hoc unquam allega^sse, de innumeris mendaciis et fig-€mentis tuis est unum. Sed pergo exemplis tecum agere; <2Libna>2 €Urbs validissima ab Joramo rege defecit, quia is dereliquerat €Deum; defecit ergo rex, non urbs illa, neque defectione ista €notatur; sed si adjectam rationem spectes, approbari potiu\s €videtur. <2In Exemplum trahi non debent hujusmodi defec->2 €<2tiones.>2 Cur ergo tanta^ vaniloquentia^ pollicitus es, exemplis €te nobiscum toto hoc capite decertaturum, cu\m exempla ipse €nulla praeter meras negationes, quarum nulla vis est ad pro-€bandum, afferre possis: nos quae certa et solida attulimus, ne-€gas in exemplum trahi debere? Quis te hoc modo disputan-€tem non explodat? Provoca^sti nos exemplis; exempla protu-€limus; quid tu ad haec? tergiversaris, et diverticula quaeris; €progredior itaque. Jehu regem a\ Propheta jussus occidit, €etiam Achaziam suum regem legitimum occidendum curavit. €Si noluisset Deus tyrannum interimi a\ cive, si impium hoc, si €mali exempli fuisset, cur jussit fieri ? si jussit, certe\ licitum, €laudabile, praeclarum fuit. Non tamen tyrannum perimi, €quia Deus jussit, idcirco bonum erat et licitum, sed quia bo-€num et licitum erat, idcirco Deus jussit. Jam septem annos ›êregnantem Athaliam Jehoiada sacerdos regno pellere et tru-€cidare non est veritus. <2At regnum,>2 inquis, <2non sibi debitum>2 €<2sumpserat.>2 Annon Tiberius multo postea <2imperium ad se nihil>2 €<2pertinens?>2 illi tamen, et id genus tyrannis aliis, ex doctrina €Christi obediendum esse supra\ affirmabas: ridiculum plane\ €esset, si potestatem regiam non rite\ adeptum interficere lice-€ret, pessime\ gerentem non liceret. At per leges regnare non €potuit, utpote foemina; <2constitues autem super te regem,>2 non €reginam. Hoc si sic abibit, constitues, inquam, super te regem, €non tyrannum: discrepat enim longius rex a\ tyranno qua\m €mas a\ foemina. Amaziam regem ignavum et Idololatram non €conjurati quidam, sed principes et populus, quod verisimilius €est, morte affecerunt: nam fugientem Hierosolymis, et adju-€tum a\ nemine, Lachisum usque persecuti sunt. Hoc consilium €iniisse dicuntur <2ex quo is Deum>2 deseruerat, neque ullam ab €Azaria filio de morte patris quaestionem habitam fuisse legi-€mus. Multu\m rursus nugaris ex Rabbinis, ut Regem Judaicum €supra synedrium constituas; ipsa regis verba Zedechiae non €attendis. Jer[emiae] 38. <2Non is est rex qui possit contra vos quic->2 €<2quam.>2 Sic principes alloquitur; fassus se plane\ suo senatu ›ìinferiorem. <2Fortasse,>2 inquis, <2nihil negare illis ausus metu>2 €<2seditionis.>2 At tuum illud <2fortasse>2 quanti quaeso est, cujus as-€severatio firmissima non est pili? quid enim te levius, quid €inconstantius; quid instabilius ? quoties te varium et versico-€lorem, quoties tibimet discordem, dissidentem a\ temetipso, et €discrepantem offendimus? Rursus comparationes instituis €Caroli cum bonis Judaeae regibus. Davidem imprimis quasi €contemnendum aliquem nominas; <2Sume tibi Davidem,>2 in-€quis, <2adulterii simul et homicidii reum; nihil tale in Carolo.>2 €<2Solomon ejus filius qui sapiens audiit vulgo.>2 Quis non €indignetur maximorum et sanctissimorum virorum etiam €regum nomina ab impurissimo nebulone et vappa hunc in €modum jactari? Tu/ne Carolum cum Davide, superstitiosum €et Christianae doctrinae vix initiatum cum rege et propheta €religiosissimo, stolidum cum sapientissimo, imbellem cum €fortissimo, iniquissimum cum justissimo conferre sustinuisti? €castimoniam tu ejus et continentiam laudes, quem cum Duce €Bucchingamio flagitiis omnibus coopertum novimus? secre-€tiora ejus et recessus perscrutari quid attinet, qui in Theatro €medias mulieres petulanter amplecti, et suaviari, qui virginum €et matronarum papillas, ne caetera dicam, attrectare in pro-€patulo consueverat? Te porro moneo Pseudoplutarche, ut €istiusmodi Parallelis ineptissimis dehinc supersedeas, ne ego ›îquae tacerem alioqui libens de Carolo, necesse habeam enun-€tiare. Contra tyrannos quid tentatum a\ Populo aut peractum €fuerit, et quo jure, per ea tempora quibus ipse Deus Hebraeo-€rum rempub[licam] suo nutu ac verbo quasi praesens regebat, hacte-€nus liquet. Quae sequuntur aetates non nos sua authoritate €ducunt, sed ad majorum suorum normam et rationem omnia €dirigentes, imitatione sua nostram tantummodo\ confirmant. €Cu\m itaque Deus post captivitatem Babylonicam nullum iis €de repub[lica] mandatum dedisset novum, quamvis regia soboles €extincta non esset, ad antiquam et Mosaicam reipub[licae] formam €reverterunt. Antiocho Syriae regi, cui erant vectigales, ejusque €praesidibus, quo\d is vetita imperaret, per Maccabaeos pontifices €restiterunt; se/que armis in libertatem vindica^runt; dignissimo €deinde cuique principatum dederunt: donec Hyrcanus Simo-€nis Judae Maccabaei fratris filius, expilato Davidis sepulcro, €militem externum alere, et regiam quandam potestatem ad-€jicere sacerdotio coepit; unde filius ejus Aristobulus diadema €sibi primus imposuit. Nihil in eum populus quamvis tyran-€num movit aut molitus est; neque mirum, annum tantum-€modo regnantem. Ipse etiam morbo gravissimo correptus, et €suorum facinorum poenitentia^ ductus, mortem sibi optare non €destitit, donec inter ea vota expiravit. Ejus frater Alexander €proximus regnabat. <2Contra hunc>2 ais <2neminem insurrexisse,>2 ›ðtyrannus cu\m esset. O te secure\ mendacem si periisset Jose-€phus, restaret tantu\m <2Josippus>2 tuus, ex quo Pharisaeorum quae-€dam nullius usus apophthegmata depromis. Res itaque sic se €habet: Alexander, cu\m et domi et militiae rempub[licam] male\ ad-€ministraret, quamvis magna Pisidarum et Cilicum manu con-€ductitia^ se tutaretur, populum tamen cohibere non potuit, €quin ipsum etiam sacrificantem, utpote indignum eo munere, €thyrsis palmeis et citreis pene\ obrueret; exinde per sexennium €gentis fere\ totius gravi bello petitus est; in quo Judaeorum €multa millia cu\m occidisset, et pacis tandem cupidus interro-€garet eos quid vellent a\ se fieri, responderunt uno ore omnes, €ut moreretur; vix etiam mortuo se veniam daturos. Hanc €historiam tibi incommodissimam, quoquo modo avertere ut €posses, fraudi tuae turpissimae pharisaicas quasdam sententio-€las obtendisti; cu\m exemplum hoc aut omnino praetermisisse, €aut rem, sicuti gesta erat, fideliter narra^sse debuisses, nisi vete-€rator et lucifugus mendaciis longe\ plus qua\m causae con-€fideres. Quinetiam Pharisaei illi octingenti, quos in crucem €tolli jussit, ex eorum numero erant, qui contra ipsum arma €ceperant: quique omnes cu\m caeteris una voce testati sunt, €se regem morte affecturos fuisse, si bello victus in suam €potestatem venisset. Post maritum Alexandrum Alexandra €regnum capessit; ut olim Athalia, non legitime\, nam regnare ›òfoeminam leges non sinebant, quod ipse modo\ fassus es, sed €partim vi, (extraneorum enim exercitum ducebat;) partim €gratia^, nam Pharisaeos, qui apud vulgus plurimum poterant, €sibi conciliaverat hac lege, ut nomen imperii pene\s illam, im-€perium ipsum pene\s illos foret. Haud aliter atque apud nos €nuper Scoti Presbyteri nomen Regis Carolo concesserunt, ea €mercede ut regnum sibi reservare possent. Post Alexandrae €obitum Hyrcanus et Aristobulus ejus filii de regno conten-€dunt; hic viribus et industria potior fratrem natu majorem €regno pellit. Pompeio deinde in Syriam a\ Mithridatico bello €divertente, Judaei nactos se jam aequissimum libertatis suae ar-€bitrum Pompeium rati, legationem pro se mittunt; fratribus €utrisque regibus renuntiant; ad servitutem se ab iis adductos €queruntur; Pompeius Aristobulum regno privavit; Hyrcano þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¤›òˆpontificatum reliquit et principatum more patrio legitimum; €exinde Pontifex et Ethnarcha dictus est. Iterum sub Archelao €Herodis filio Judaei, missis ad Augustum Caesarem quinqua-€ginta legatis, et Herodem mortuum et Archelaum graviter €accusa^runt; regnum huic pro sua virili parte abroga^runt, Cae-€sarem orant ut Populum Judaicum sine regibus esse permit-€teret. Quorum Caesar precibus aliquantum permotus, non €regem eum, sed Ethnarcham duntaxat constituit. Ejus anno ›ôdecimo rursus eum Populus per legatos ad Caesarem tyranna-€dis accusat; quibus Caesar benigne\ auditis Romam accer-€situm, et judicio damnatum Viennam in exilium misit. Jam €mihi velim respondeas; qui suos reges accusatos, qui damna-€tos, qui punitos volebant, annon ipsi, si potestas facta, si optio €data sibi esset, annon ipsi, inquam, judicio damna^ssent, ipsi €supplicio affecissent? Jam in Romanos praesides avare\ et cru-€deliter provinciam administrantes, populum et primores etiam €saepiu\s arma sumpsisse non negas ; causas more tuo stultissimas €affingis, <2nondum jugo erant assueti;>2 sub Alexandro scilicet, €Herode, ejusque filiis. At C[aio] Caesari et Petronio <2bellum inferre>2 €noluerunt. Prudenter illi quidem, non poterant. Vis ipsorum €audire verba? $POLEMEI/N ME\N OU) BOULO/MENOI DIA\ TO\ MHD' A)/N DU/NASQAI.& €Quod ipsi fatentur imbecillitatis esse suae, hoc tu hypocrita €ad religionem refers? Magno dein molimine prorsus nihil €agis, dum ex patribus probas, quod et antea tamen pari osci-€tatione feceras, pro regibus orandum esse. Nam pro bonis €quis negat? pro malis quoad spes est; pro latronibus etiam et €pro hostibus; non ut agros depopulentur, aut nos occisione €occidant, sed ut resipiscant. Oramus pro utrisque; illos tamen €legibus, hos armis vindicare quis vetat? <2Liturgias Aegyptiacas>2 ›öni^l moror; sacerdos autem ille qui orabat, uti ais, ut <2Commo->2 €<2dus patri succederet,>2 meo quidem judicio non orabat, sed €Romano imperio pessima imprecatus est. <2Fidem,>2 ais, <2fregisse>2 €<2nos, de authoritate et majestate regis conservanda solenni>2 €<2conventione non semel interpositam.>2 Expecto te fusiu\s ista de €re infra\, illic te rursus conveniam. Redis ad patrum commen-€tationes, de quibus hoc summatim accipe: Quicquid illi dixe-€rint, neque ex libris sacris, aut ratione aliqua satis idonea con-€firmaverint, perinde mihi esse, ac si quis alius e\ vulgo dixisset. €Primum adfers Tertullianum, scriptorem haud orthodoxum, €multis erroribus notatum, ut si tecum sentiret, pro nihilo ta-€men hoc esset. Quid autem ille? damnat tumultus, damnat €rebelliones; damnamus et nos, neque hinc statim de jure €omni populorum, de privilegiis, et Senatusconsultis, de pote-€state magistratuum omnium caeterorum praeterquam unius €regis, praejudicatum esse volumus: loquuntur isti de sedi-€tionibus temere\ conflatis, et multitudinis insania, non de ma-€gistratibus, non de Senatu, aut Parlamento ad legitima arma €populum contra tyrannos convocante. Unde Ambrosius quem €citas, <2Non repugnare, flere, gemere, haec sunt munimenta>2 €<2Sacerdotis, et quis est qui potest vel unus vel inter paucos>2 €<2dicere Imperatori, Lex tua mihi non probatur? non permit>2 ›ø<2titur hoc dicere Sacerdotibus, permittetur Laicis?>2 Vides jam €plane\ de quibus hic loquatur; de Sacerdotibus, de Laicis pri-€vatis, non de Magistratibus: vides qua\m infirma tamen et €praepostera ratione usus, dissensioni inter Laicos et Sacerdotes, €de legibus etiam civilibus postmodu\m futurae facem praetu-€lerit. Sed quoniam primorum Christianorum exemplis ur-€geri nos maxime\, et redargui putas, quo\d illi omnibus modis €vexati <2bellum in Caesares non moverent,>2 ostendam primo\ non €potuisse, deinde quoties poterant movisse; postremo\ etiamsi, €cu\m possent, non movissent, non esse tamen caeteroqui dignos €quorum ex vita et moribus, tantis in rebus, exempla sumamus. €Primu\m ignorare hoc nemo potest, ex quo Romana respu-€blica nulla fuit, omnes imperii vires reru/mque summam ad €unum Caesarem rediisse; omnes legiones sub uno Caesare sti-€pendia meruisse: adeo\ ut Senatus ad unum omnis, totus ordo €Equester, plebs universa, si novis rebus studuisset, poterant se €quidem internecioni objecisse, ad libertatem tamen recupe-€randam nihil prorsus effecissent; nam imperatorem si forte €sustulissent, imperium tamen mansisset. Jam vero\ Christiani, €innumeri licet, at sparsi, inermes, plebeii et plerunque infimi,, €quid potuerunt? quantam eorum multitudinem una legio in ›úofficio facile\ continuisset? Quod magni saepe duces cum in-€teritu suo et veteranorum exercituum deletione incassum €tentarunt, isti e\ plebecula fere\ homuli posse se ad exitum per-€ducere sperarent? cu\m annis a\ Christo nato prope trecentis, €ante Constantinum plu\s minu\s viginti, imperante Diocletiano, €sola Thebaea legio Christiana esset; eo/que ipso nomine a\ re-€liquo exercitu in Gallia ad Octodurum oppidum caesa est. €<2Cum Cassio, cum Albino, cum Nigro>2 non conjura^runt: idne €illis gratiae vult apponi Tertullianus, quo\d sanguinem pro in-€fidelibus non profuderunt? Constat igitur Christianos ab €imperatorum imperio liberare se non potuisse: cum aliis con-€jurare non Christianis nequaquam sibi expedivisse, quamdiu €imperatores Ethnici regnabant. Bellum autem tyrannis po-€stea intulisse Christianos, aut armis se defendisse, aut tyran-€norum facta nefaria saepe ultos esse nunc ostendam. Primus €omnium Constantinus jam Christianus consortem imperii €Licinium Orientalibus Christianis gravem bello sustulit; quo €facto illud simul declaravit, posse a\ magistratu in magistra-€tum animadverti; cu\m is Licinium pari jure secum regnan-€tem subditorum ejus causa^ supplicio affecerit, nec Deo soli €poenam reliquerit: poterat enim Licinius Constantinum, si €Constantinus populum sibi attributum iis modis oppressisset, €eodem supplicio affecisse. Postquam igitur a\ Deo ad homines ›üredacta res est, quod Licinio Constantinus erat, cur non idem €Carolo Senatus? Constantinum enim milites, Senatum jura €constituerunt regibus parem, imo superiorem. Constantio €imperatori Arriano Byzantini, quoad poterant, armis restite-€runt; missum cum militibus Hermogenem, ad pellendum €ecclesia^ Paulum orthodoxum episcopum, facto impetu repu-€lerunt, et incensis aedibus, quo\ se receperat, semiustum et €laniatum interfecerunt. Constans fratri Constantio bellum €minatur, ni Paulo et Athanasio episcopis sedes suas restituat; €vide/sne ut istos sanctissimos patres, de episcopatu cu\m agitur, €bellum fraternum in regem suum concitare non puduerit? €Haud multo\ po\st Christiani milites, qui tunc temporis quos €volebant imperatores creabant, Constantem Constantini fili-€um dissolute\ et superbe\ regnantem interfecerunt, translato ad €Magnentium imperio. Quid ? qui Julianum nondum aposta-€tam, sed pium et strenuum, invito Constantio imperatore suo €imperatorem saluta^runt, annon ex illis Christianis fuerunt, €quos tu exemplo nobis proponis? Quod factum Constantius €cum suis literis ad populum recitatis acriter prohiberet, cla-€ma^runt omnes, fecisse se ut Provincialis, et miles, et reipubli-€cae authoritas decreverat. Iidem bellum Constantio indixe-›þrunt, et quantum in se erat, imperio ac vita spolia^runt. Quid €Antiocheni, homines apprime\ Christiani? ora^runt credo pro €Juliano jam Apostata, quem pala\m adire, et convitiis pro-€scindere solebant, cujus barbam illudentes promissam, funes €ex ea conficere jubebant. Cujus morte audita supplicationes, €epulas, et laetitiam publice\ indixerunt, ejus pro vita et inco-€lumitate preces fudisse censes? Quid? quo\d eundem etiam a\ €Christiano commilitone interfectum esse ferunt. Sozomenus €certe\ scriptor ecclesiasticus non negat; immo, siquis ita fecis-€set, laudat: $OU) GA\R A)PEIKO/S TINA TW=N TO/TE STRATEUOME/NWN&, etc. €<2Non est mirum,>2 inquit, <2aliquem ex militibus hoc secum cogi->2 €<2ta^sse; non Graecos solu\m, sed omnes homines ad hanc usque>2 €<2aetatem tyrannicidas laudare solitos esse, qui pro omnium li->2 €<2bertate mortem oppetere non dubitant; nec temere quis hunc>2 €<2militem reprehendat, Dei et religionis causa^ tam strenuum.>2 þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¤›þˆHaec Sozomenus ejusdem aetatis scriptor, vir bonus et sanctus; €ex quo quid reliqui ea tempestate viri boni hac de re senserint, €facile\ perspicimus. Ipse Ambrosius ab imperatore Valentini-€ano minore jussus urbe Mediolano excedere, parere noluit, sed €circumseptus armato populo se atque basilicam suam contra €regios praefectos armis defendit; et summae potestati resistere, €contra qua\m docuit ipse, est ausus. Constantinopoli haud ›‚€semel propter exilium Chrysostomi contra Arcadium impe-€ratorem seditio maxima commota est. In tyrannos igitur quid €antiqui Christiani fecerint, non milites solu\m, sed populus, €sed ipsi patres, vel resistendo, vel gerendo bellum, vel conci-€tando, usque ad Augustini tempora, quoniam tibi ulteriu\s €progredi non libet, breviter exposui. Valentinianum enim €Placidiae filium interfectum a\ Maximo patricio, ob stuprum €uxori ejus illatum, taceo: Avitum etiam imperatorem dimissis €militibus suis luxuria^ diffluentem a\ Senatu Romano confes-€tim exutum imperio non commemoro: quia annos aliquot €post Augustini obitum ista acciderunt. Veru\m dono tibi hoc €omne, tu nihil horum exposuisse me finge, paruerint per om-€nia suis regibus veteres Christiani, quicquam contra tyrannos €ne fecerint, aut fecisse voluerint, non esse tamen eos quorum €authoritate niti debeamus, aut a\ quibus exempla petere salu-€tariter possimus, quod superest, nunc docebo. Jam diu ante €Constantinum populus Christianus multum de primaeva illa €sanctimonia et sinceritate cu\m doctrinae tum morum deperdi-€derat. Postquam immensis opibus ditata ab eo ecclesia, ho-€nores, dominatum, et potentiam civilem adamare coepit, €statim omnia in praeceps ruere. Primo\ luxus et segnities, erro-€rum deinde omnium et vitiorum caterva, veluti solutis aliunde €carceribus, in ecclesiam immigravit; hinc invidentia, odium, €discordia passim redundabat; tandem haud mitius inter se ›‚‚charissimo religionis vinculo fratres qua\m hostes acerrimi dis-€sidebant; nullus pudor, nulla officii ratio restabat; milites, et €copiarum praefecti quoties ipsis visum erat, nunc imperatores €novos creabant, nunc bonos pariter ac malos necabant. Quid €Vetranniones et Maximos, quid Eugenios a\ militibus ad im-€perium subito\ evectos, quid Gratianum optimum principem, €quid Valentinianum minorem non pessimum, occisos ab iis €commemorem? Militum haec quidem facinora et castren-€sium, sed tamen Christianorum illius aetatis, quam tu maxime\ €evangelicam et imitandam esse ais. Jam ergo de ecclesiasticis €pauca accipe: Pastores et Episcopi, et nonnunquam illi, quos €admiramur, Patres, sui quisque gregis ductores, de episcopatu €non secus qua\m de tyrannide certabant: nunc per urbem, nunc €in ipsa ecclesia, ad ipsum altare sacerdotes, et Laici promiscue\ €digladiabantur; caedes faciebant, strages utrinque magnas €nonnunquam ediderunt. Damasi et Ursicini, qui cum Ambro-€sio floruerunt, potes meminisse. Longum esset Byzantinos, €Antiochenos, et Alexandrinos illos tumultus, sub Cyrillo prae-€sertim, quem tu laudas obedientiae praedicatorem, duce ac €patre; occiso pene\ a\ monachis in illo urbico praelio, Oreste €Theodosii praefecto. Jam tua quis vel impudentia vel supini-€tate non obstupescat? <2Usque ad Augustinum,>2 inquis, <2et infra>2 €<2ejus aetatem, nulla cujusquam privati aut praefecti, aut plu->2 €<2rium conjuratorum extat in historiis mentio, qui regem suum>2 ›‚„<2necaverint, aut contra cum armis pugna^rint:>2 nominavi ego €ex historiis notissimis et privatos, et proceres, qui non malos €tantu\m, sed vel optimos reges sua^ manu trucidaverint; totos €Christianorum exercitus, multos cum iis episcopos, qui contra €suos imperatores pugnaverint. Adfers patres, obedientiam €erga regem, multis verbis aut suadentes aut ostentantes; ad-€fero ego partim eosdem, partim alios patres haud paucioribus €factis obedientiam, etiam licitis in rebus detrectantes, armis se €contra imperatorem defendentes, alios praesidibus ejus vim €et vulnera inferentes, alios, episcopatu^s competitores, civili-€bus praeliis inter se dimicantes; scilicet de episcopatu Christi-€anos cum Christianis, cives cum civibus confligere fas erat, de €libertate, de liberis et conjugibus, de vita, cum tyranno, nefas. €Quem non poeniteat hujusmodi patrum? Augustinum indu-€cis <2de potestate domini in servos, et regis in subditos>2 idem pro-€nuntiantem; respondeo, si ita pronuntiavit Augustinus, ea €dixisse quae neque Christus neque ejus Apostoli unquam dixe-€runt; cu\m eorum tamen sola authoritate rem alioqui aper-€tissime\ falsam commendare videatur: deinde ut ita pronun-€tiet, nostrae tamen causae non nocere: cu\m enim de potestate €domini in servos ita dixerit, lib[er] 19. cap[ut] 14 de Civitate Dei; €<2In domo justi viventis ex fide, etiam qui imperant, serviunt>2 ›‚†<2iis quibus videntur imperare;>2 si dixit idem <2de potestate regis>2 €<2in subditos,>2 ut tu ais, nec sibi contradixit, pronuntiavit etiam €reges, praesertim bonos, quibus imperare videntur, revera €servire: interim de potestate mali regis in subditos et latronis €in obvios quosque idem certe\ pronuntiavit, lib[er] 4 cap[ut] 4 de €Civit[ate] Dei; <2Remota justitia, quid sunt regna,>2 nisi <2magna la->2 €<2trocinia; quia et ipsa latrocinia quid sunt, nisi parva regna?>2 €Vides quo\ deduxeris ex Augustino tuum istud jus magnifi-€cum, jus regium quidlibet audendi; non ut pictorum aut poe-€tarum, sed ut latronum aequalis atque eadem potestas sit. Quae €supersunt hujus capitis tres vel quatuor paginae, aut mera esse €mendacia, aut oscitationes identidem repetitas, ex iis quae a\ €nobis responsa jam sunt, per se quisque deprehendet. Nam €ad Papam quod attinet, in quem multa gratis peroras, facile\ €te patior ad ravim usque declamitare. Quod tamen ad cap-€tandos rerum imperitos tam prolixe\ adstruis, <2regibus sive>2 €<2justis sive tyrannis subjectum fuisse omnem Christianum,>2 €<2donec potestas papae regali major agnosci coepta est, et sub->2 €<2jectos sacramento fidelitatis liberavit,>2 id esse falsissimum plu-€rimis exemplis <2et usque ad Augustinum, et infra ejus aetatem>2 ›‚ˆprolatis demonstravimus. Sed neque illud quod postremo\ €dicis, <2Zachariam pontificem Gallos juramento fidelitatis ab->2 €<2solvisse,>2 multo verius esse videtur. Negat Franciscus Hoto-€manus, et Gallus, et jurisconsultus, et vir dictissimus in Fran-€cogallia sua, <2cap[ut]>2 13. abdicatum authoritate Papae Chilperi-€cum, aut regnum Pipino delatum; sed in magno gentis con-€cilio pro sua pristina authoritate transactum fuisse id omne €negotium, ex annalibus Francorum vetustissimis probat. Solvi €deinde illo sacramento Gallos omnino opus fuisse, negant €ipsa Gallorum monumenta, negat ipse papa Zacharias. Mo-€numentis enim Francorum traditur, teste non solu\m Hoto-€mano, sed Girardo historiarum illius gentis notissimo scrip-€tore, veteres Francos ut eligendi, sic abdicandi, si videretur, €suos reges jus sibi omne antiquitus reserva^sse; neque aliud €sacramentum regibus, quos creabant, dicere consuevisse, €qua\m se illis hoc pacto fidem et officium praestituros, si vicis-€sim illi quod eodem tempore jurati etiam spondent, praesti-€terint. Si ergo\ Reges rempublicam sibi commissam male\ ge-€rendo, fidem jurisjurandi fregerint priores, nil opus est Papa, €ipsi sua^ perfidia^ populum sacramento solverunt. Papa de-€nique Zacharias, quam tu authoritatem sibi ais arroga^sse, eam €in epistola illa ad Francos ab te citata ipse sibi derogavit, po-›‚Špulo attribuit. Nam <2si princeps populo, cujus beneficio reg->2 €<2num possidet, obnoxius est, si plebs regem constituit, et desti->2 €<2tuere potest,>2 quae ipsius verba sunt Papae, verisimile non est €voluisse Francos de antiquo jure suo, ullo postmodu\m jure-€jurando, praejudicium facere; aut unquam ita sese obstrinx-€isse, quin semper sibi liceret quod majoribus licuit, reges bonos €quidem colere, malos amovere; nec eam praestare fidem ty-€rannis, quam bonis regibus sese dare arbitrati sunt. Tali ob-€strictum juramento populum, vel tyrannus ex rege factus, vel €ignavia corruptus, suo ipse perjurio solvit, solvit ipsa justitia, €solvit naturae lex ipsa: unde pontifex quod solveret, etiam þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¤›‚ŠˆŒipsius pontificis judicio nihil prorsus erat. ›‚ŠôÿCAPUT V. ˆQuanquam in ea sum opinione, Salmasi, sem-€pe/rque fui, legem Dei cum lege naturae optime\ €consentire, adeo/que, si satis ostendi quid divina €lege sit de regibus statutum, quid a\ populo Dei factum et €Judaico et Christiano, ostendisse me eodem tempore eade/m-€que opera quid legi naturali maxime\ consentaneum sit, tamen €quia <2confutari nos lege naturae validissime\ nunc posse>2 arbi-€traris, quod supervacuum esse modo\ existimabam, id nunc €ultro\ necessarium fatebor; ut contra te hoc capite planum €faciam, nihil congruentius naturae etiam legibus esse, qua\m ›‚Œtyrannos plecti. Id nisi evincam, non recuso quin Dei quoque €legibus puniri non posse, e\ vestigio tibi concedam. Non est €consilium de natura jam, de/que origine civilis vitae longam €orationem contexere; istud enim argumentum viri disertis-€simi cu\m Graeci, tum Latini copiose\ pertracta^runt; ipse et bre-€vitati, quantu\m licet, studeo, et huic rei do operam, ut non €tam ego, qui labori huic parsissem libens, qua\m tute te redar-€guas, te^que subvertas. Ab eo igitur quod ipse ponis, incipiam, €et disputationis hujus futurae fundamenta jaciam. <2Lex,>2 inquis, €<2naturae est ratio omnium hominum mentibus insita, bonum>2 €<2respiciens universorum populorum, quatenus homines inter>2 €<2se societate gaudent. Bonum illud commune non potest pro->2 €<2curare, nisi etiam, ut sunt quos regi necesse est, disponat>2 €<2quoque qui regere debeant.>2 Ne scilicet ut quisque fortior est, €debiliorem opprimat; atque ita quos mutua salus ac defensio €unum in locum congregaverat, vis atque injuria distrahat, et €ad vitam agrestem redire cogat. Estne hoc quod volebas, etsi €verbosiu\s? <2Ex ipsorum>2 itaque <2numero qui in unum conve->2 €<2nere, deligi>2 ais <2oportuisse quosdam sapientia aut fortitudine>2 €<2caeteris praestantes, qui vel vi vel persuadendo male\ morigeros>2 €<2in officio continerent, saepe unum id praestare potuisse, cujus>2 €<2excellens sit Virtus et Prudentia; interdum plures, qui mutuis>2 ›‚Ž<2consiliis id faciant. Caeteru\m cum unus omnia providere et>2 €<2administrare non possit, necesse est ut consilia cum pluribus>2 €<2participes, et in societatem regiminis alios admittat. Ita sive>2 €<2ad unum revocetur imperium, sive ad universum redeat po->2 €<2pulum, quia nec omnes simul rempub[licam] gubernare possunt,>2 €<2nec unus omnia, ideo revera pene\s plures semper regimen con->2 €<2sistit.>2 Et infra. <2Ipsa autem regendi ratio sive per plures, sive>2 €<2per pauciores, sive per unum dispensetur, aeque\ naturalis est,>2 €<2cu\m ex naturae ejusdem principiis descendat, quae non patitur>2 €<2ita unius singularitatem gubernare, ut non alios socios impe->2 €<2randi habeat.>2 Haec cu\m ex Aristotelis tertio Politicorum de-€cerpsisse potuissem, malui abs te decerpta transcribere, quae €tu Aristoteli, ut ignem Jovi Prometheus, ad eversionem mo-€narcharum, et perniciem ipsius tuam surripuisti. Jam enim €prolatam a\ temetipso naturae legem excute quantum voles; €nullum juri regio, prout tu jus illud explicas, in natura locum, €nullum ejus vestigium prorsus invenies. <2Lex,>2 inquis, <2naturae>2 €<2cu\m disponeret qui regere alios deberent, universorum popu->2 €<2lorum bonum respexit.>2 Non igitur unius, non monarchae. €Est itaque rex propter populum: populus ergo rege potior et €superior; superior cu\m sit et potior populus ; nullum jus regis €existere potest, quo populum is affligat, aut in servitute habeat, €inferior superiorem. Jus male\ faciendi cu\m sit regi nullum, ›‚manet jus populi natura^ supremum; ut quo jure homines €consilia et vires mutuae defensionis gratia, ante reges creatos, €primo\ consociavere, quo jure ad communem omnium salu-€tem, pacem, libertatem conservandam unum vel plures cae-€teris praefecerunt, eodem jure quos propter virtutem et pru-€dentiam caeteris praeposuerant, possent eosdem aut quoscun-€que alios rempub[licam]male\ gerentes, propter ignaviam, stulti-€tiam, improbitatem; perfidiam vel coe\rcere vel abdicare : cu\m €natura non unius vel paucorum imperium, sed universorum €salutem respexerit semper et respiciat; quicquid de imperio €vel unius vel paucorum fiat. Jam vero\ populus quosnam de-€legit? <2sapientia>2 inquis <2aut fortitudine caeteris praestantes,>2 €nempe qui natura^ maxime\ regno idonei visi sunt, <2cujus ex->2 €<2cellens virtus, et prudentia praestare id>2 muneris <2potuit.>2 Jus €igitur successionis natura^ nullum, nullus natura^ rex, nisi qui €sapientia et fortitudine caeteris omnibus praecellit; caeteri vel €vi, vel factione contra naturam reges sunt, cum servi potiu\s €esse deberent. Dat enim natura sapientissimo cuique in minu\s €sapientes imperium, non viro malo in bonos, non stolido in €sapientes: his igitur imperium qui abrogant, omnino conve-€nienter naturae faciunt. Cui fini sapientissimum quemque €natura constituat regem ex temetipso audi; ut vel naturae vel €legibus <2male\ morigeros in officio contineat.>2 Continere autem €in officio potestne is alios, officium qui negligit, aut nescit, ›‚’aut pervertit ipse suum? Cedo\ jam quodvis naturae praecep-€tum quo jubeamur instituta naturae sapientissima in rebus €publicis et civilibus non observare, non curare, pro nihilo ha-€bere, cu\m ipsa in rebus naturalibus et inanimatis ne suo fine €frustretur, saepissime\ res magnas atque miras efficere soleat. €Ostende ullam vel naturae vel naturalis justitiae regulam, qua^ €oporteat reos minores puniri, reges et malorum omnium prin-€cipes impunitos esse, immo\ inter maxima flagitia coli, ado-€rari, et Deo proximos haberi. Concedis <2ipsam regendi ratio->2 €<2nem, sive per plures, sive per pauciores, sive per unum dispen->2 €<2setur, aeque\ naturalem esse.>2 Non est ergo rex vel optimatibus €vel populi magistratibus natura\ sanctior, quos cu\m puniri €posse ac debere, si peccant, supra sis largitus, idem de regibus, €eidem fini ac bono constitutis fateare necesse est. <2Non>2 enim €<2patitur natura,>2 inquis, <2ita unius singularitatem gubernare, ut> €<2non alios socios imperandi habeat.>2 Minime\ ergo patitur mo-€narcham, minime\ unum ita imperare, ut caeteros omnes sui €unius imperii servos habeat. Socios autem imperandi qui tri-€buis regi, <2pene\s quos semper regimen consistat,>2 das eidem col-€legas et aequales; addis qui punire, addis qui abdicare possint. €Ita, uti semper facis, dum potestatem regiam, non jam ex-›‚”auges, sed tantummodo\ natura constituis, aboles: adeo\ ut €nihil putem inauspicatius accidere regibus potuisse, qua\m te €defensorem. O infelicem ac miserum, quae te mentis caligo €in hanc impulit fraudem, ut latentem antehac diu, et quasi €personatam improbitatem atque inscitiam tuam nunc tanto €conatu insciens nudares ipse, et omnibus patefaceres : tuoque-€met opprobrio operam ipse tuam locares, tuo ipse ludibrio tam €gnaviter inservires? Quae te ira numinis qua^sve poenas luen-€tem, in lucem et ora hominum evocavit, ut tanto apparatu €causam teterrimam impudentissime\ simul et stolidissime\ de-€fenderes, atque ita defendendo invitus pe/rque inscitiam pro-€deres? Quis te peju\s perditum vellet, quis miseriorem, cui €jam sola imprudentia, sola vaecordia saluti esse potest, ne sis €miserrimus, si tyrannos quorum causam suscepisti, imperita €ac stulta defensione tanto\ magis invisos ac detestabiles omni-€bus, contra\ qua\m sperabas, reddideris, quanto iis majorem €malefaciendi et impune\ dominandi licentiam de industria at-€tribueris; eo/que plures eorundem hostes inconsulto\ excitave-€ris ? Sed redeo ad tua tecum dissidia. Cu\m tantum in te scelus €admiseris, ut tyrannidem natura^ fundare studeas, prae caeteris €gubernandi rationibus monarchiam primo\ laudandam tibi ›‚–esse vidisti; id, uti soles, incoeptare sine repugnantia nequis. €Cu\m enim modo\ dixisses, <2ipsam regendi rationem, sive per>2 €<2plures, sive per pauciores, sive per unum, aeque naturalem esse,>2 €statim <2eam quae per unum exercetur, ex his tribus, magis na->2 €<2turalem esse>2 ais; immo qui etiam rece\ns dixeras, <2non patitur>2 €<2natura unius singularitatem gubernantis.>2 Jam tyrannorum €necem objice cui voles, qui et monarchas omnes, et monar-þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¥›‚–ˆˆchiam ipsam tua fatuitate jugula^sti. Veru\m quae sit melior €administrandi rempub[licam] ratio, per unum an per plures, non est €nunc disserendi locus. Et monarchiam quidem multi cele-€bres viri lauda^runt, si tamen is qui solus regnat, vir omnium €optimus, et regno dignissimus sit; id nisi contingat, nihil mo-€narchia procliviu\s in eam tyrannidem, quae pessima est, labi-€tur. Jam quo\d ad unius <2exemplar Dei expressam esse>2 dicis, €quis potentiam divinae similem in terris obtinere dignus est, €nisi qui caeterorum omnium longe\ praestantissimus, etiam bo-€nitate ac sapientia est Deo simillimus; is autem solus, mea^ €quidem sententia^, expectatus ille Dei filius est. Quo\d regnum €in familiam rursus contrudis, ut patrifamilias regem assimi-€les, pater certe\ suae familiae regnum meretur, quam omnem €vel generavit, vel alit: in rege nihil est hujusmodi, sed plane\ €contra\ sunt omnia. Animalia deinde nobis gregalia, imprimis €<2aves,>2 et in iis <2apes,>2 siquidem te Physiologo aves istae sunt, imi-›‚˜tandas proponis. <2Apes regem habent.>2 Tridentinae scilicet, an-€non meministi? caeterarum, te teste, <2respub[lica] est.>2 Verum tu €desine de apibus fatuari, musarum sunt, oderunt te scara-€baeum, et ut vides, redarguunt. <2Coturnices sub Ortygometra.>2 €Istos onocrotalis tuis tende laqueos; nos tam stolido aucupio €non capimur. Atqui jam tua res agitur, non nostra; <2Gallus>2 €<2gallinaceus,>2 inquis, <2tam maribus qua\m foeminis imperitat.>2 €Qui^ potest hoc fieri? Cu\m tu ipse Gallus, et, ut ferunt, vel €nimiu\m gallinaceus, non tuae gallinae, sed illa tibi imperitet, €et in te regnum exerceat: si gallinaceus ergo plurium foemi-€narum rex est, tu gallinae mancipium tuae, non gallinaceum €te, sed stercorarium quendam esse Gallum oportet. Pro libris €certe\ nemo te majora edit sterquilinia, et gallicinio tuo sterco-€reo omnes obtundis; hoc unicum galli gallinacei habes. Jam €ego multa hordei grana daturum me tibi promitto, si totum €hoc vertendo sterquilinium tuum, vel unam mihi gemmam €ostenderis. Sed quid ego tibi hordeum ? qui non hordeum, ut €Aesopicus ille, simplex et frugi gallus, sed aurum, ut Plau-€tinus ille nequam, scalpturiendo quaesisti; quamvis exitu ad-€huc dispari; tu enim centum Jacobaeos aureos inde reperisti, €cu\m Euclionis fuste potiu\s, quo misellus ille Plautinus, ob-€truncari dignior sis. Sed pergendum est. <2Eadem utilitatis et>2 ›‚š<2incolumitatis omnium ratio postulat, ut qui semel ad guber->2 €<2nandum constitutus est, conservetur.>2 Quis negat, quatenus €ejus conservatio cum incolumitate omnium consistit? ad per-€niciem autem omnium conservari unum, quis non videt alie-€nissimum a\ natura esse? At <2malum etiam regem conservari,>2 €<2immo pessimum>2 omnino vis, <2eo quo\d non tantum mali civi->2 €<2tati procurat male/ gubernando, quantum creatur cladium ex>2 €<2seditionibus quae ad eum tollendum suscitantur.>2 Quid hoc ad €jus regum naturale? An, si natura me monet, ut latronibus €diripiendum me permittam, ut captum me totis facultatibus €redimam potiu\s, qua\m ut dimicare de vita cogar, latronum tu €inde jus naturale constitues? suadet natura populo, ut tyran-€norum violentiae nonnunquam cedat, cedat temporibus; tu €ista populi necessitate ac patientia jus etiam naturale tyranno-€rum fundabis? Quod illa jus populo sui conservandi causa^ €dedit, tu illum tyranno perdendi populi causa^ jus idem de-€disse affirmabis? Docet natura ex duobus malis, eligendum €esse minus; et quamdiu necesse est, tolerandum; an tu hinc €tyranno, utpote minori fortasse interdum malo, jus impune\ €malefaciendi exoriri naturale statues? Recordare saltem ea €quae jampridem ipse de Episcopis contra Loiolitam scripsisti, €a\ me supra\ tertio capite recitata his plane\ contraria; Illic <2sedi-> ›‚œ<2tiones, dissensiones, discordias optimatium et populi, longe\>2 €<2levius esse malum,>2 affirmabas, <2qua\m sub uno monarcha ty->2 €<2ranno certam miseriam ac perniciem.>2 Et vera tu quidem af-€firmabas; nondum enim insaniebas, nondum Carolinis Jaco-€baeis deauratus, in hanc auriginem seu morbum regium inci-€deras. Dicerem fortasse, nisi is esses qui es, pudeat te tandem €praevaricationis tuae turpissimae; tibi vero\ dirumpi facilius est €qua\m erubescere; qui ut rem faceres, pudorem jam diu ami-€sisti. Annon ipse memineras Romanos florentissimam et glo-€riosissimam Rempub[licam] post exactos reges habuisse ? potuit fieri €ut Batavorum obliviscerere? quorum respub[lica] Hispaniarum €rege pulso post bella diutina, feliciter tamen gesta, libertatem €fortiter et gloriose consequuta est, te/que grammaticastrum €Equitem stipendio alit suo, non ut juventus Batavica te prae-€varicatore et sophista^ tam nihil sapere discat, ut ad servitutem €Hispanicam redire mallet, qua\m paternae libertatis ac gloriae €haeres esse; istam doctrinae pestem ad Riphaeos ultunos, et gla-€cialem oceanum, quo\ te in malam rem abire par est, tecum €auferas licebit: Exemplo denique sunt Angli, qui Carolum €tyrannum bello captum, et insanabilem obtrunca^runt. At <2in->2 €<2sulam beatam sub regibus, et luxu affluentem discordiis de->2 €<2forma^runt.>2 Immo luxu pene\ perditam, quo\ tolerantior servi-€tutis esset, extinctis deinde legibus, et mancipata religione, ›‚žservientem libera^runt. En autem Epicteti cum Simplicio edi-€torem, Stoicum gravissimum, cui <2luxu affluens insula>2 beata €esse videtur! Ex porticu Zenonis nunquam tale, sat scio, do-€cumentum prodiit. Quid refert? an te doctore quicquid libet €regibus licebit, tibi ipsi non licebit Lupi domino ex Lupanari €tuo, tanquam ex novo quodam lyce/o quamcunque libet emit-€tere philosophiam? sed resume nunc quam suscepisti per-€sonam. <2Nunquam sub ullo rege tantum cruoris haustum est,>2 €<2tot familiae desolatae:>2 Hoc totum Carolo imputandum est, non €Anglis; qui exercitum Hibernicorum priu\s in nos paraverat, €omnes Hibernos conjurare contra Anglos suo ipse diplomate €jusserat; per illos ducena circiter millia Anglorum una\ in pro-€vincia Ultonia occiderat; de reliquis nihil dico : binos exercitus €in exitium Parlamenti Anglicani urbisque Londini sollicita-€verat; multa alia hostiliter fecerat, priusquam a\ populo aut €magistratibus tuendae Reipub[licae] causa^ vel unus miles conscrip-€tus esset. Quae doctrina, quae lex, quae unquam religio sic ho-€mines instituit, ut otio consulendum, ut pecuniae, ut sanguini, €ut vitae potiu\s parcendum esse ducerent, qua\m hosti obviam €eundum? nam externo an intestino, quid interest? cu\m inte-€ritus reipub[licae] sive ab hoc, sive ab illo funestus aeque\, et acerbus €impendeat. Vidit totus Israe\l non posse se sine multo sanguine €Levitae uxorem stupro enectam ulcisci; num igitur quiescen-›‚ dum sibi esse duxit, num bello civili, quamvis truculentissimo, €supersedendum, num unam igitur mulierculam mori inultam €est passus? Ferte\ si natura nos docet quamvis pessimi regis €dominatum potiu\s pati, qua\m in recuperanda libertate, plu-€rimorum civium salutem in discrimen adducere, doceret ea-€dem non regem solu\m perferre, quem tamen solum perfe-€rendum esse contendis, sed optimatium, sed paucorum quo-€que potentiam; latronum etiam nonnunquam et servorum €rebellantium multitudinem. Non Fulvius aut Rupilius bel-€lum servile post caesos exercitus praetorios, non Crassus in €Spartacum post deleta consularium castra, non Pompeius ad €piraticum bellum exiisset. Romani vel servis, vel piratis, ne €tot civium sanguis effunderetur, hortante scilicet natura, suc-€cubuissent. <2Hunc>2 itaque <2sensum,>2 aut hujusmodi ullum <2gen->2 €<2tibus impressisse naturam>2 nusquam ostendis: et tamen non €desinis male\ ominari, et vindictam divinam, quam in te €augurem tuique similes avertat Deus, nobis denuntiare; qui €nomine tantu\m regem, re hostem acerbissimum debito sup-€plicio ulti sumus; et innumerabilem bonorum civium caedem €authoris poena^ expiavimus. Nunc magis naturalem esse mo-€narchiam ex eo probari ais, quod <2plures nationes et nunc et>2 ›‚¢<2olim regium statum receperint, quam optimatem et popu->2 €<2larem.>2 Respondeo primu\m neque Deo neque natura suadente €id factum esse; Deus nisi invitus, populum suum sub regio þï€Íéìôïîÿï°°²ÿï‚ÄåæÐòÿ¥›‚¢„imperio esse noluit; natura quid suadeat et recta ratio, non ex €pluribus, sed ex prudentissimis nationibus optime\ perspicitur. €Graeci, Romani, Itali, Carthaginienses, multique alii suopte €ingenio vel optimatium vel populi imperium regio praetule-€runt; atque hae quidem nationes caeterarum omnium instar €sunt. Hinc Sulpitius Severus, <2regium nomen cunctis fere\>2 €<2liberis gentibus semper invisum>2 fuisse tradit. Veru\m ista non €jam huc pertinent, nec quae sequuntur multa, inani futilitate €a\ te saepiu\s repetita: ad illud festino, ut quod rationibus fir-€mavi, id exemplis nunc ostendam, esse vel maxime\ secundu\m €naturam, tyrannos quoquo modo puniri; id omnes gen-€tes, magistra^ ipsa^ natura^, saepiu\s fecisse; ex quo impudentia €tua praedicanda, et turpissima mentiendi licentia omnibus €innotescere dehinc poterit. Primos omnium inducis Aegyp-€tios; et certe\ quis te per omnia Aegyptizare non videat? €<2Apud hos>2 inquis, <2nusquam mentio extat ullius regis a\ po->2 €<2pulo per seditiones occisi, nullum bellum illatum, aut quic->2 €<2quam factum a\ populo quo e\ solio dejiceretur.>2 Quid ergo €Osiris rex Aegyptiorum fortasse primus? annon a\ fratre Ty-€phone, et viginti quinque aliis conjuratis interemptus est? ›‚¤quos et magna pars populi secuta magnum cum Iside et Oro, €regis conjuge, et filio praelium commisit? praetereo Sesostrin €a\ fratre per insidias pene\ oppressum; Chemmin etiam et Ce-€phrenem, quibus populus merito\ infensus, quos vivos non po-€terat, mortuos se discerpturum minatus est. Qui reges opti-€mos obtruncare sunt ausi, eo/sne putas naturae lumine, aut re-€ligione aliqua retentos, a\ pessimis regibus manus abstinuisse? €qui reges mortuos, et tum demu\m innocuos, sepulcro erui-€turos se minitabantur, ubi etiam pauperculi cujusque corpus €inviolatum esse solet, vivo/sne illi et nocentissimos propter na-€turae legem punire, si modo\ viribus valerent, vererentur ? Af-€firmares haec, scio, quamlibet absurda; veru\m ego ne affir-€mare audeas elinguem te reddam. Scito igitur multis ante Ce-€phrenem seculis regna^sse apud Aegyptios Ammosin; et ty-€rannum, ut qui maxime\, fuisse; eum Aegyptii aequo animo €pertulerunt. Triumphas; hoc enim est quod vis. At reliqua €audi vir optime et veracissime, Diodori enim verba sunt quae €recito; $me/xri me/n tinos e)karte/roun ou) duna/menoi,& <2tolera->2 €<2bant aliquandiu oppressi, quia resistere Potentioribus nullo>2 €<2modo poterant.>2 Quamprimu\m vero\ Actisanes Aethiopum rex €bellum gerere cum eo coepit, nacti occasionem plerique defe-€cerunt, eo/que facile\ subacto, Aegyptus regno Aethiopum ac-›‚¦cessit. Vides hi\c Aegyptios, quamprimu\m poterant, arma €contra tyrannum tulisse, copias cum externo rege conjunxisse, €ut regem suum eju/sque posteros regno privarent, bonum et €moderatum regem, qualis erat Actisanes, maluisse externum, €qua\m tyrannum domesticum. Iidem Aegyptii consensu om-€nium maximo Aprien tyrannum suum, conductitiis copiis €praesidentem, duce Amasi praelio victum strangula^runt; €Amasi viro nobili regnum dederunt. Hoc etiam adverte; €Amasis captum regem ad tempus in ipsa regia honeste\ asser-€vabat: incusante demu\m populo, injuste\ eum facere qui suum €et ipsorum hostem aleret, tradidit populo regem; qui eum €praedicto supplicio affecit. Haec Herodotus et Diodorus. Quid €amplius tibi quaeris? ecquem tyrannum censes non maluisse €vitam securi qua\m laqueo finire? Postea sub Persarum impe-€rium <2redacti>2 Aegyptii, <2fideles,>2 inquis, <2exstitere: >2 Quod falsissi-€mum est; in fide enim Persarum nunquam permansere; sed €quarto post anno qua\m subacti a\ Cambyse fuerant, rebella^-€runt. Domiti deinde a\ Xerxe, haud multo\ po\st ab ejus filio €Artaxerxe defecerunt, regem Inarum quendam sibi adscive-€runt. Cu\m eo victi iterum desciscunt, et constituto rege Tacho €Artaxerxi Mnemoni bellum indicunt. Sed neque suo regi fide-€liores, ablatum patri regnum filio Nectanebo tradunt: donec ›‚¨tandem ab Artaxerxe Ocho rursus in ditionem Persarum re-€diguntur. Sub Macedonum etiam imperio, quantum in se erat, €tyrannos coe\rcendos esse factis indica^runt; statuas et imagines €Ptolemaei Physconis dejecerunt, ipsum mercenario exercitu €praepollentem interficere nequiverunt. Alexander ejus filius €ob caedem matris concursu populi in exilium agitur: filium €item ejus Alexandrum insolentiu\s dominantem Alexandrinus €populus vi abreptum ex regia in gymnasio publico interfecit: €Ptolemaeum denique Auleten ob multa flagitia regno expulit. €Haec tam nota cu\m non possit nescire vir doctus, non debuerit €qui haec docere profiteatur, qui fidem tantis in rebus haberi €sibi postulet, quis non pudendum et indignissimum esse dicat, €hunc, vel tam rudem et indoctum tanta cum infamia bona-€rum literarum pro doctissimo circumferre se tumidum, et €stipendia regum et civitatum ambire, vel tam improbum et €mendacem, non insigni aliqua^ ignominia^ notatum, ex omni-€um communitate et consortio tum doctorum tum bonorum €exterminari. Postquam Aegyptum lustravimus, ad Aethiopes €jam proximos visamus. Regem a\ Deo electum, ut credunt, €quasi Deum quendam adorant: quoties tamen eum Sacer-€dotes damnant, ipse mortem sibi consciscit. Sic enim, Dio-›‚ªdoro teste, omnes alios maleficos puniunt; non ipsi morte affi-€ciunt, sed ipsos reos lictore misso mori jubent. Ad Assyrios €deinde et Medos et Persas regum observantissimos accedis: €<2Jus illic regium summa cum licentia quidlibet faciendi con->2 €<2junctum fuisse>2 contra omnium Historicorum fidem affirmas. €Narrat imprimis Daniel ut regem Nebuchadnezzarem plus €nimio superbientem homines a\ se depulerint, et ad bestias able-€gaverint. Jus eorum non regium, sed Medorum et Persarum, €id est populi jus appellatur; quod cu\m irrevocabile esset, reges €etiam obligavit. Darius itaque Medus eripere manibus satra-€parum Danielem, quanquam id maxime\ agebat, non potuit. €<2Populi,>2 inquis, <2nefas esse tum credebant regem repudiare>2 €<2quo\d illo jure abuteretur.>2 Inter ipsa tamen haec verba adeo\ €misere\ obtorpes, ut dum istorum populorum obedientiam et €modestiam laudas, ereptum Sardanapalo regnum ab Arbace €tua sponte commemores. Eripuit autem is non solus, sed par-€tim a\ Sacerdotibus juris peritissimis, partim a\ populo adjutus, €atque hoc praesertim nomine eripuit, quo\d is jure regio, non €ad crudelitatem, sed ad luxuriam tantummodo et mollitiem €abuteretur. Percurre Herodotun, Ctesiam, Diodorum, intel-€liges omnino contra\ esse qua\m dicis, <2a\ Subditis ut plurimu\m>2 €<2ea regna destructa fuisse, non ab externis:>2 Assyrios reges a\ ›‚¬Medis, Medos a\ Persis, utrisque tum <2Subditis,>2 sublatos fuisse. €<2Cyrum>2 ipse <2rebella^sse,>2 et <2arreptas tyrannides in diversis im->2 €<2perii locis>2 fateris. Hoccine est jus regium apud Medos et Per-€sas, et observantiam eorum in reges, quod instituisti, asserere? €Quae te Anticyra tam delirum sanare potest? <2Persarum reges>2 €<2quali jure regna^rint ex Herodoto,>2 inquis, <2liquet. Cambyses,>2 €cu\m sororem in matrimonio habere cuperet, judices regios €consulit, delectos <2ex populo viros,>2 legum interpretes, ad quos €omnia referri solebant. Quid illi? negant se invenire legem €quae jubeat fratrem secum in matrimonium sororem jungere; €aliam tamen invenisse, qua^ liceat Persarum regi facere quae €libeat. Primu\m si rex omnia pro suo jure poterat, quid alio €legum interprete qua\m ipso rege opus erat? supervacanei isti €judices ubivis potiu\s qua\m in regia mansissent. Deinde si Regi €Persarum quidvis licuit,incredibile est id adeo\ nescivisse Cam-€bysem dominationis cupidissimum, ut quid licitum esset, ju-€dices illos percontaretur. Quid ergo? vel <2gratificari>2 volentes €<2regi,>2 ut fateris ipse, vel a\ tyranno sibi metuentes, ut ait Hero-€dotus, facilem quandam se reperisse legem simulant, palpum €regi obtrudentes: quod in judicibus et legum peritis hac etiam €aetate novum non est. At vero\ <2Artabanus Persa dixit ad The->2 €{{to be continued}} ðþ