1

MEanwhile the hainous and despightfull act

Of Satan done in Paradise, and how

Hee in the Serpent, had perverted Eve,

Her Husband shee, to taste the fatall fruit,

Was known in Heavn; for what can scape the Eye [ 5 ]

Of God All-seeing, or deceave his Heart

Omniscient, who in all things wise and just,

Hinderd not Satan to attempt the minde

Of Man, with strength entire, and free will armd,

Complete to have discoverd and repulst [ 10 ]

Whatever wiles of Foe or seeming Friend.

For still they knew, and ought to have still rememberd

The high Injunction not to taste that Fruit,

Whoever tempted; which they not obeying,

Incurrd, what could they less, the penaltie, [ 15 ]

And manifold in sin, deservd to fall.

Up into Heavn from Paradise in haste

Th Angelic Guards ascended, mute and sad

For Man, for of his state by this they knew,

Much wondring how the suttle Fiend had stoln [ 20 ]

Entrance unseen. Soon as th unwelcome news

From Earth arrivd at Heaven Gate, displeasd

All were who heard, dim sadness did not spare

That time Celestial visages, yet mixt

With pitie, violated not thir bliss. [ 25 ]

About the new-arrivd, in multitudes

Th ethereal People ran, to hear and know

How all befell: they towards the Throne Supream

Accountable made haste to make appear

With righteous plea, thir utmost vigilance, [ 30 ]

And easily approvd; when the most High

Eternal Father from his secret Cloud,

Amidst in Thunder utterd thus his voice.

Assembld Angels, and ye Powers returnd

From unsuccessful charge, be not dismaid, [ 35 ]

Nor troubld 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 crossd the Gulf from Hell.