some extraordinary military preparations of the Parthians to resist the incursions of the Scythians. He then informs our Lord, that he showed him this purposely that he might see how necessary military exertions are to retain the possession of kingdoms, as well as to subdue them at first; and advises him to consider how impossible it was to maintain Judea against two such powerful neighbours as the Romans and Parthians, and how necessary it would be to form an alliance with one or other of them. At the same time he recommends, and engages to secure to him, that of the Parthians; and tells him that by this means his power will be defended from any thing that Rome or Cæsar might attempt against it, and that he will be able to extend his glory wide, and especially to accomplish, what was particularly necessary to make the throne of Judea really the throne of David, the deliverance and restoration of the ten tribes, still in a state of captivi ty. Jesus, having briefly noticed the vanity of mi. litary efforts and the weakness of the arm of flesh, says, that when the time comes for ascending his al lotted throne he shall not be slack: he remarks on Satan's extraordinary zeal for the deliverance of the Israelites, to whom he had always showed himself an enemy, and declares their servitude to be the consequence of their idolatry; but adds, that at a future time it may perhaps please God to recall them, and restore them to their liberty and native land. PARADISE REGAINED. BOOK III. SO spake the Son of God; and Satan stood To thy large heart give utterance due; thy heart 10 Urim and Thummim, those oraculous gems 15 20 25 30 Thy years are ripe, and over-ripe; the son Won Asia, and the throne of Cyrus held At his dispose; young Scipio had brought down To whom our Saviour calmly thus reply'd. 40 45 The people's praise, if always praise unmix'd? 50 Things vulgar, and, well weigh'd, scarce worth the praise? They praise, and they admire, they know not what, And know not whom, but as one leads the other; And what delight to be by such extoll'd, To live upon their tongues and be their talk, 55 Of whom to be disprais'd were no small praise? His lot who dares be singularly good. Th' intelligent among them and the wise This is true glory and renown, when God 60 Looking on th' earth, with approbation marks 66 To things not glorious, men not worthy' of fame. 70 75 85 90 And all their flourishing works of peace destroy; 20 Then swell with pride, and must be titled Gods, Great benefactors of mankind, deliverers, Worshipt with temple, priest, and sacrifice? One is the son of Jove, of Mars the other; Till conqu'ror Death discover them scarce men, Rolling in brutish vices, and deform'd, Violent or shameful death their due reward. But if there be in glory aught of good, It may by means far different be attain'd, Without ambition, war, or violence; By deeds of peace, by wisdom eminent, By patience, temperance: I mention still Him, whom thy wrongs, with saintly patience borne, Made famous in a land and times obscure; Who names not now with honour patient Job? Poor Socrates, (who next more memorable?) By what he taught, and suffer'd for so doing, For truth's sake suffering death, unjust, lives now Equal in fame to proudest conquerors. Yet if for fame and glory aught be done, 95 100 Aught suffer'd; if young African for fame The deed becomes unprais'd, the man at least, 105 Oft not deserv'd? I seek not mine, but his Who sent me', and thereby witness whence I am." To whom the Tempter murm'ring thus reply'd. "Think not so slight of glory; therein least Vol. II. D Resembling thy great Father: he seeks glory, 110 119 120 125 Freely; of whom what could he less expect 'Than glory' and benediction, that is, thanks, The slightest, easiest, readiest recompense From them who could return him nothing else, 130 Hard recompense, unsuitable return For so much good, so much beneficence! But why should man seek glory, who' of his own Hath nothing, and to whom nothing belongs 135 But condemnation, ignominy', and shame? Who, for so many benefits receiv'd, So spake the Son of God; and here again Yet of another plea bethought him soon 140 145 |