Paths indirect, or in the mid-way faint! Holds on the same, from woman to begin. FROM Man's effeminate slackness it begins, Said th' Angel, who should better hold his place 635 By wisdom, and superior gifts receiv'd. But now prepare thee for another scene. He look'd, and saw wide territory spread Before him, towns, and rural works between, Cities of men with lofty gates and towers, 640 Concourse in arms, fierce faces threat'ning war, Giants of mighty bone, and bold emprise; Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed, 645 Both horse and foot, nor idly must'ring stood; Lay siege, encamp'd; by battery, scale, and mine, With dart and javelin, stones and sulphurous fire: 650 655 660 To council in the city gates: anon Grey-headed men and grave, with warriors mix'd, 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, 665 Had not a cloud descending snatch'd him thence 670 Unseen amid the throng: so violence Proceeded, and oppression, and sword law Through all the plain, and refuge none was found. Lamenting, turn'd full sad; O what are these, 675 Death's ministers, not men, who thus deal death Inhumanly to men, and multiply Ten thousandfold the sin of him who slew His brother: for of whom such massacre Make they but of their brethren, men of men? 680 But who was that just man, whom had not Heaven To whom thus Michael. These are the product Of those ill-mated marriages thou saw'st; Where good with bad were match'd, who of themselves Abhor to join; and by imprudence mix'd, 686 Produce prodigious births of body' or mind. Such were these giants, men of high renown; For in those days might only shall be' admir'd, 690 To overcome in battle, and subdue Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite And therefore hated, therefore so beset 695 701 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 706 Did, as thou saw'st, receive, to walk with God 710 High in salvation and the climes of bliss, All now was turn'd to jollity and game, To luxury and riot, feast and dance, Rape or adultery, where passing fair 715 720 And testify'd against their ways; he oft 725 But all in vain: which when he saw, he ceas'd Measur'd by cubit, length, and breadth, and height, Smear'd round with pitch, and in the side a door 731 Contriv'd, and of provisions laid in large For man and beast: when lo, a wonder strange! Of every beast, and bird, and insect small Came sev'ns, and pairs, and enter'd in, as taught 735 Their order: last the sire, and his three sons With their four wives; and God made fast the door. Vapour, and exhalation dusk and moist, No more was seen; the floating vessel swum [ Uplifted, and secure with beaked prow 740 745 * 750 Where luxury late reign'd, sea-monsters whelp'd Of tears and sorrow' a flood thee also drown'd, O VISIONS ill foreseen! better had I 755 760 765 Enough to bear; those now, that were dispens'd At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth With thought that they must be. Let no man seek Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall 771 Him or his children; evil he may be sure, Which neither his foreknowing can prevent, In apprehension than in substance feel Grievous to bear: but that care now is past, 775 780 |