10

Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold

Th effects which thy original crime hath wrought

In some to spring from thee, who never touchd [ 425 ]

Th excepted Tree, nor with the Snake conspird,

Nor sinnd thy sin, yet from that sin derive

Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds.

His eyes he opnd, and beheld a field,

Part arable and tilth, whereon were Sheaves [ 430 ]

New reapt, the other part sheep-walks and foulds;

Ith midst an Altar as the Land-mark stood

Rustic, of grassie sord; thither anon

A sweatie Reaper from his Tillage brought

First Fruits, the green Eare, and the yellow Sheaf, [ 435 ]

Unculld, 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 thir Fat, with Incense strewd,

On the cleft Wood, and all due Rites performd. [ 440 ]

His Offring soon propitious Fire from Heavn

Consumd with nimble glance, and grateful steame;

The others not, for his was not sincere;

Whereat hee inlie ragd, and as they talkd,

Smote him into the Midriff with a stone [ 445 ]

That beat out life; he fell, and deadly pale

Groand out his Soul with gushing bloud effusd.

Much at that sight was Adam in his heart

Dismaid, and thus in haste to th Angel crid.

O Teacher, some great mischief hath befalln [ 450 ]

To that meek man, who well had sacrificd;

Is Pietie thus and pure Devotion paid?

T whom Michael thus, hee also movd, replid.

These two are Brethren, Adam, and to come

Out of thy loyns; th unjust the just hath slain, [ 455 ]

For envie that his Brothers Offering found

From Heavn acceptance; but the bloodie Fact

Will be avengd, and th others Faith approvd

Loose no reward, though here thou see him die,

Rowling in dust and gore. To which our Sire. [ 460 ]

Alas, both for the deed and for the cause!