Such high attest was giv'n, a while survey'd O ancient Powers of air and this wide world, And now too soon for us the circling hours Must bide the stroke of that long threaten'd wound, At least if so we can, and by the head To be infringed, our freedom, and our being, In this fair empire won of earth and air : For this ill news I bring, the woman's seed, Destined to this, is late of woman born; His birth to our just fear gave no small cause, Things highest, greatest, multiplies my fear. He who obtains the monarchy of heav'n; Of hazard, which admits no long debate, But must with something sudden be opposed, Not force, but well-couch'd fraud, well-woven snares, Ere in the head of nations He appear Their king, their leader, and supreme on earth. I, when no other durst, sole undertook The dismal expedition to find out And ruin Adam, and the exploit perform'd Will waft me; and the way found prosp'rous once He ended, and his words impression left The purposed counsel pre-ordain'd and fix'd Gabriel, this day by proof thou shalt behold, To verify that solemn message late, On which I sent thee to the virgin pure Great in renown, and call'd the Son of GOD; |