Class, Hereisthefirstbook.Readitthroughandnotethevariousepicconventions employedbythepoet.

ParadiseLost JohnMilton
BOOK1
THEARGUMENT
ThisfirstBookproposes,firstinbrief,thewholeSubject,Mansdisobedience,andtheloss thereuponofParadisewhereinhewasplac't:Thentouchestheprimecauseofhisfall,the Serpent,orratherSatanintheSerpent;whorevoltingfromGod,anddrawingtohissidemany LegionsofAngels,wasbythecommandofGoddrivenoutofHeavenwithallhisCrewintothe greatDeep.Whichactionpastover,thePoemhastsintothemidstofthings,presenting SatanwithhisAngelsnowfallenintoHell,describ'dhere,notintheCenter(forHeavenand Earthmaybesuppos'dasyetnotmade,certainlynotyetaccurst)butinaplaceofutter darkness,fitliestcall'dChaos:HereSatanwithhisAngelslyingontheburningLake,thunder struckandastonisht,afteracertainspacerecovers,asfromconfusion,callsuphimwhonextin OrderandDignitylaybyhim;theyconferofthirmiserablefall.SatanawakensallhisLegions, wholaytilltheninthesamemannerconfounded;Theyrise,thirNumbers,arrayofBattel,thir chiefLeadersnam'd,accordingtotheIdolsknownafterwardsinCanaanandtheCountries adjoyning.TotheseSatandirectshisSpeech,comfortsthemwithhopeyetofregainingHeaven, buttellsthemlastlyofanewWorldandnewkindofCreaturetobecreated,accordingtoan ancientProphesieorreportinHeaven;forthatAngelswerelongbeforethisvisible Creation,wastheopinionofmanyancientFathers.TofindoutthetruthofthisProphesie, andwhattodeterminthereonhereferstoafullCouncel.WhathisAssociatesthenceattempt. PandemoniumthePalaceofSatanrises,suddenlybuiltoutoftheDeep:TheinfernalPeers theresitinCouncel.

FMansFirstDisobedience,andtheFruit

OfthatForbiddenTree,whosemortaltast

BroughtDeathintotheWorld,andallourwoe, WithlossofEden,tillonegreaterMan Restoreus,andregaintheblissfulSeat,[5] SingHeav'nlyMuse,thatonthesecrettop OfOreb,orofSinai,didstinspire ThatShepherd,whofirsttaughtthechosenSeed, IntheBeginninghowtheHeav'nsandEarth Roseoutof Chaos :OrifSionHill[10] Delighttheemore,andSiloa'sBrookthatflow'd FastbytheOracleofGod;Ithence InvokethyaidtomyadventrousSong, Thatwithnomiddleflightintendstosoar Aboveth'Aonian Mount ,whileitpursues[15] ThingsunattemptedyetinProseorRhime. AndchieflyThouOSpirit,thatdostprefer BeforeallTemplesth'uprightheartandpure, Instructme,forThouknow'st;Thoufromthefirst Wastpresent,andwithmightywingsoutspread[20] DovelikesatstbroodingonthevastAbyss Andmad'stitpregnant:Whatinmeisdark Illumin,whatislowraiseandsupport; ThattothehighthofthisgreatArgument ImayassertEternalProvidence,[25] AndjustifiethewayesofGodtomen. Sayfirst,forHeav'nhidesnothingfromthyview NorthedeepTractofHell,sayfirstwhatcause Mov'dourGrandParentsinthathappyState, Favour'dofHeav'nsohighly,tofalloff[30] FromthirCreator,andtransgresshisWill Foronerestraint,LordsoftheWorldbesides? Whofirstseduc'dthemtothatfoulrevolt? Th'infernalSerpent;heitwas,whoseguile StirdupwithEnvyandRevenge,deceiv'd[35] TheMotherofMankind,whattimehisPride HadcasthimoutfromHeav'n,withallhisHost OfRebelAngels,bywhoseaidaspiring TosethimselfinGloryabovehisPeers, Hetrustedtohaveequal'dthemostHigh,[40] Ifheoppos'd;andwithambitiousaim AgainsttheThroneandMonarchyofGod Rais'dimpiousWarinHeav'nandBattelproud Withvainattempt.HimtheAlmightyPower

Hurldheadlongflamingfromth'EtherealSkie[45] Withhideousruineandcombustiondown Tobottomlessperdition,theretodwell InAdamantineChainsandpenalFire, Whodurstdefieth'OmnipotenttoArms. NinetimestheSpacethatmeasuresDayandNight[50] Tomortalmen,hewithhishorridcrew Layvanquisht,rowlinginthefieryGulfe Confoundedthoughimmortal:Buthisdoom Reserv'dhimtomorewrath;fornowthethought Bothoflosthappinessandlastingpain[55] Tormentshim;roundhethrowshisbalefuleyes Thatwitness'dhugeafflictionanddismay Mixtwithobdurateprideandstedfasthate: AtonceasfarasAngelskennheviews ThedismalSituationwasteandwilde,[60] ADungeonhorrible,onallsidesround AsonegreatFurnaceflam'd,yetfromthoseflames Nolight,butratherdarknessvisible Serv'donelytodiscoversightsofwoe, Regionsofsorrow,dolefulshades,wherepeace[65] Andrestcanneverdwell,hopenevercomes Thatcomestoall;buttorturewithoutend Stillurges,andafieryDeluge,fed WitheverburningSulphurunconsum'd: SuchplaceEternalJusticehadprepar'd[70] Forthoserebellious,herethirPrisonordain'd Inutterdarkness,andthirportionset Asfarremov'dfromGodandlightofHeav'n AsfromtheCenterthricetoth'utmostPole. Ohowunliketheplacefromwhencetheyfell![75] Therethecompanionsofhisfall,o'rewhelm'd WithFloodsandWhirlwindsoftempestuousfire, Hesoondiscerns,andweltringbyhisside Onenexthimselfinpower,andnextincrime, LongafterknowninPalestine,andnam'd[80] Beelzebub.Towhomth'ArchEnemy, AndthenceinHeav'ncall'dSatan,withboldwords Breakingthehorridsilencethusbegan. Ifthoubeesthe;ButOhowfall'n!howchang'd Fromhim,whointhehappyRealmsofLight[85] Cloth'dwithtranscendentbrightnessdidstoutshine

Myriadsthoughbright:IfheWhommutualleague, Unitedthoughtsandcounsels,equalhope AndhazardintheGloriousEnterprize, Joyndwithmeonce,nowmiseryhathjoynd[90] Inequalruin:intowhatPitthouseest Fromwhathighthfall'n,somuchthestrongerprov'd HewithhisThunder:andtillthenwhoknew TheforceofthosedireArms?yetnotforthose, NorwhatthePotentVictorinhisrage[95] Canelseinflict,doIrepentorchange, Thoughchang'dinoutwardlustre;thatfixtmind Andhighdisdain,fromsenceofinjur'dmerit, Thatwiththemightiestrais'dmetocontend, Andtothefiercecontentionbroughtalong[100] InnumerableforceofSpiritsarm'd Thatdurstdislikehisreign,andmepreferring, Hisutmostpowerwithadversepoweroppos'd IndubiousBattelonthePlainsofHeav'n, Andshookhisthrone.Whatthoughthefieldbelost?[105] Allisnotlost;theunconquerableWill, Andstudyofrevenge,immortalhate, Andcouragenevertosubmitoryield: Andwhatiselsenottobeovercome? ThatGlorynevershallhiswrathormight[110] Extortfromme.Tobowandsueforgrace Withsuppliantknee,anddeifiehispower, WhofromtheterrourofthisArmsolate DoubtedhisEmpire,thatwerelowindeed, Thatwereanignominyandshamebeneath[115] Thisdownfall;sincebyFatethestrengthofGods AndthisEmpyrealsubstancecannotfail, Sincethroughexperienceofthisgreatevent InArmsnotworse,inforesightmuchadvanc't, Wemaywithmoresuccessfulhoperesolve[120] TowagebyforceorguileeternalWarr Irreconcileable,toourgrandFoe, Whonowtriumphs,andinth'excessofjoy SolereigningholdstheTyrannyofHeav'n. Sospaketh'ApostateAngel,thoughinpain,[125] Vauntingaloud,butracktwithdeepdespare: Andhimthusanswer'dsoonhisboldCompeer.

OPrince,OChiefofmanyThronedPowers, Thatledth'imbattelldSeraphimtoWarr Underthyconduct,andindreadfuldeeds[130] Fearless,endanger'dHeav'nsperpetualKing; AndputtoproofhishighSupremacy, Whetherupheldbystrength,orChance,orFate, ToowellIseeandruethedireevent, Thatwithsadoverthrowandfouldefeat[135] HathlostusHeav'n,andallthismightyHost Inhorribledestructionlaidthuslow, AsfarasGodsandHeav'nlyEssences Canperish:forthemindandspiritremains Invincible,andvigoursoonreturns,[140] ThoughallourGloryextinct,andhappystate Hereswallow'dupinendlessmisery. ButwhatifheourConquerour,(whomInow OfforcebelieveAlmighty,sincenoless Thensuchcouldhavorepow'rdsuchforceasours)[145] Haveleftusthisourspiritandstrengthintire Stronglytosufferandsupportourpains, Thatwemaysosufficehisvengefulire, Ordohimmightierserviceashisthralls ByrightofWarr,whate'rehisbusinessbe[150] HereintheheartofHelltoworkinFire, OrdohisErrandsinthegloomyDeep; Whatcanitthenavailthoughyetwefeel Strengthundiminisht,oreternalbeing Toundergoeternalpunishment?[155] Wheretowithspeedywordsth'Archfiendreply'd. Fall'nCherube,tobeweakismiserable DoingorSuffering:butofthisbesure, Todooughtgoodneverwillbeourtask, Butevertodoilloursoledelight,[160] Asbeingthecontrarytohishighwill Whomweresist.IfthenhisProvidence Outofourevilseektobringforthgood, Ourlabourmustbetopervertthatend, Andoutofgoodstilltofindmeansofevil;[165] Whichofttimesmaysucceed,soasperhaps Shallgrievehim,ifIfailnot,anddisturb Hisinmostcounselsfromthirdestindaim. ButseetheangryVictorhathrecall'd

HisMinistersofvengeanceandpursuit[170] BacktotheGatesofHeav'n:TheSulphurousHail Shotafterusinstorm,oreblownhathlaid ThefierySurge,thatfromthePrecipice OfHeav'nreceiv'dusfalling,andtheThunder, Wing'dwithredLightningandimpetuousrage,[175] Perhapshathspenthisshafts,andceasesnow TobellowthroughthevastandboundlessDeep. Letusnotslipth'occasion,whetherscorn, OrsatiatefuryyielditfromourFoe. SeestthouyondrearyPlain,forlornandwilde,[180] Theseatofdesolation,voydoflight, Savewhattheglimmeringoftheselividflames Castspaleanddreadful?Thitherletustend Fromoffthetossingofthesefierywaves, Thererest,ifanyrestcanharbourthere,[185] AndreassemblingourafflictedPowers, Consulthowwemayhenceforthmostoffend OurEnemy,ourownlosshowrepair, HowovercomethisdireCalamity, WhatreinforcementwemaygainfromHope,[190] Ifnotwhatresolutionfromdespare. ThusSatantalkingtohisneerestMate WithHeadupliftabovethewave,andEyes Thatsparklingblaz'd,hisotherPartsbesides ProneontheFlood,extendedlongandlarge[195] Layfloatingmanyarood,inbulkashuge AswhomtheFablesnameofmonstroussize, Titanian,orEarthborn,thatwarr'donJove, BriareosorTyphon,whomtheDen ByancientTarsusheld,orthatSeabeast[200] Leviathan,whichGodofallhisworks Createdhugestthatswimth'Oceanstream: HimhaplyslumbringontheNorwayfoam ThePilotofsomesmallnightfounder'dSkiff, DeemingsomeIsland,oft,asSeamentell,[205] WithfixedAnchorinhisskalyrind MoorsbyhissideundertheLee,whileNight InveststheSea,andwishedMorndelayes: SostretchtouthugeinlengththeArchfiendlay Chain'dontheburningLake,noreverthence[210] Hadris'norheav'dhishead,butthatthewill

AndhighpermissionofallrulingHeaven Lefthimatlargetohisowndarkdesigns, Thatwithreiteratedcrimeshemight Heaponhimselfdamnation,whilehesought[215] Eviltoothers,andenrag'dmightsee Howallhismaliceserv'dbuttobringforth Infinitegoodness,graceandmercyshewn OnManbyhimseduc't,butonhimself Trebleconfusion,wrathandvengeancepour'd.[220] ForthwithuprightherearsfromoffthePool HismightyStature;oneachhandtheflames Drivnbackwardslopethirpointingspires,androwld Inbillows,leavei'th'midstahorridVale. Thenwithexpandedwingshestearshisflight[225] Aloft,incumbentontheduskyAir Thatfeltunusualweight,tillondryLand Helights,ifitwereLandthateverburn'd Withsolid,astheLakewithliquidfire; Andsuchappear'dinhue,aswhentheforce[230] OfsubterraneanwindtransportsaHill TornfromPelorus,ortheshatter'dside Ofthundringtna,whosecombustible Andfewel'dentralsthenceconceivingFire, Sublim'dwithMineralfury,aidtheWinds,[235] Andleaveasingedbottomallinvolv'd Withstenchandsmoak:Suchrestingfoundthesole Ofunblestfeet.HimfollowedhisnextMate, Bothgloryingtohavescap'ttheStygianflood AsGods,andbythirownrecover'dstrength,[240] NotbythesufferanceofsupernalPower. IsthistheRegion,thistheSoil,theClime, SaidthenthelostArchAngel,thistheseat ThatwemustchangeforHeav'n,thismournfulgloom Forthatcelestiallight?Beitso,sincehe[245] WhonowisSovrancandisposeandbid Whatshallberight:fardestfromhimisbest Whomreasonhathequald,forcehathmadesupream Abovehisequals.FarewelhappyFields WhereJoyforeverdwells:Hailhorrours,hail[250] Infernalworld,andthouprofoundestHell ReceivethynewPossessor:Onewhobrings Amindnottobechang'dbyPlaceorTime.

Themindisitsownplace,andinitself CanmakeaHeav'nofHell,aHellofHeav'n.[255] Whatmatterwhere,ifIbestillthesame, AndwhatIshouldbe,allbutlessthenhe WhomThunderhathmadegreater?Hereatleast Weshallbefree;th'Almightyhathnotbuilt Hereforhisenvy,willnotdriveushence:[260] Herewemayreignsecure,andinmychoyce ToreignisworthambitionthoughinHell: BettertoreigninHell,thenserveinHeav'n. Butwhereforeletwethenourfaithfulfriends, Th'associatesandcopartnersofourloss[265] Lyethusastonishtonth'obliviousPool, Andcallthemnottosharewithustheirpart InthisunhappyMansion,oroncemore WithralliedArmstotrywhatmaybeyet RegaindinHeav'n,orwhatmorelostinHell?[270] SoSatanspake,andhimBeelzebub Thusanswer'd.LeaderofthoseArmiesbright, Whichbutth'Onmipotentnonecouldhavefoyld, Ifoncetheyhearthatvoyce,thirliveliestpledge Ofhopeinfearsanddangers,heardsooft[275] Inworstextreams,andontheperilousedge Ofbattelwhenitrag'd,inallassaults Thirsurestsignal,theywillsoonresume Newcourageandrevive,thoughnowtheylye GrovelingandprostrateonyonLakeofFire,[280] Asweerewhile,astoundedandamaz'd, Nowonder,fall'nsuchapernicioushighth. Hescarcehadceas'twhenthesuperiourFiend Wasmovingtowardtheshoar;hisponderousshield Etherealtemper,massy,largeandround,[285] Behindhimcast;thebroadcircumference HungonhisshouldersliketheMoon,whoseOrb ThroughOpticGlasstheTuscan Artist views AtEv'ningfromthetopofFesole, OrinValdarno,todescrynewLands,[290] RiversorMountainsinherspottyGlobe. HisSpear,toequalwhichthetallestPine HewnonNorwegianhills,tobetheMast OfsomegreatAmmiral,werebutawand, Hewalktwithtosupportuneasiesteps[295]

OvertheburningMarle,notlikethosesteps OnHeavensAzure,andthetorridClime Smoteonhimsorebesides,vaultedwithFire; Nathlesshesoendur'd,tillontheBeach OfthatinflamedSea,hestoodandcall'd[300] HisLegions,AngelForms,wholayintrans't ThickasAutumnalLeavesthatstrowtheBrooks InVallombrosa,whereth'Etrurian shades Highoverarch'timbowr;orscatterdsedge Afloat,whenwithfierceWindsOrionarm'd[305] HathvexttheRedSeaCoast,whosewavesorethrew BusirisandhisMemphianChivalry, Whilewithperfidioushatredtheypursu'd TheSojournersof Goshen, whobeheld FromthesafeshorethirfloatingCarkases[310] AndbrokenChariotWheels,sothickbestrown Abjectandlostlaythese,coveringtheFlood, Underamazementofthirhideouschange. Hecall'dsoloud,thatallthehollowDeep OfHellresounded.Princes,Potentates,[315] Warriers,theFlowrofHeav'n,onceyours,nowlost, Ifsuchastonishmentasthiscansieze Eternalspirits;orhaveyechos'nthisplace AfterthetoylofBatteltorepose Yourweariedvertue,fortheeaseyoufind[320] Toslumberhere,asintheValesofHeav'n? Orinthisabjectposturehaveyesworn ToadoretheConquerour?whonowbeholds CherubeandSeraphrowlingintheFlood Withscatter'dArmsandEnsigns,tillanon[325] HisswiftpursuersfromHeav'nGatesdiscern Th'advantage,anddescendingtreadusdown Thusdrooping,orwithlinkedThunderbolts TransfixustothebottomofthisGulfe. Awake,arise,orbeforeverfall'n.[330] Theyheard,andwereabasht,anduptheysprung Uponthewing,aswhenmenwonttowatch Onduty,sleepingfoundbywhomtheydread, Rouseandbestirthemselveserewellawake. Nordidtheynotperceavetheevilplight[335] Inwhichtheywere,orthefiercepainsnotfeel; YettothirGeneralsVoycetheysoonobeyd

Innumerable.AswhenthepotentRod OfAmrams Son inEgyptsevillday Wav'droundtheCoast,upcall'dapitchycloud[340] OfLocusts,warpingontheEasternWind, ThatoretheRealmofimpiousPharaohhung LikeNight,anddarken'dalltheLandofNile: SonumberlesswerethosebadAngelsseen HoveringonwingundertheCopeofHell[345] 'Twixtupper,nether,andsurroundingFires; Till,asasignalgiv'n,th'upliftedSpear OfthirgreatSultanwavingtodirect Thircourse,inevenballancedowntheylight Onthefirmbrimstone,andfillallthePlain;[350] Amultitude,likewhichthepopulousNorth Pour'dneverfromherfrozenloyns,topass RheneortheDanaw,whenherbarbarousSons CamelikeaDelugeontheSouth,andspread BeneathGibraltertotheLybiansands.[355] ForthwithfromeverySquadronandeachBand TheHeadsandLeadersthitherhastwherestood ThirgreatCommander;Godlikeshapesandforms Excellinghuman,PrincelyDignities, AndPowersthatearstinHeavensatonThrones;[360] ThoughofthirNamesinheav'nlyRecordsnow Benomemorialblottedoutandras'd BythirRebellion,fromtheBooksofLife. NorhadtheyyetamongtheSonsofEve GotthemnewNames,tillwandringoretheEarth,[365] ThroughGodshighsufferanceforthetryalofman, Byfalsitiesandlyesthegreatestpart OfMankindtheycorruptedtoforsake GodthirCreator,andth'invisible Gloryofhimthatmadethem,totransform[370] OfttotheImageofaBrute,adorn'd WithgayReligionsfullofPompandGold, AndDevilstoadoreforDeities: ThenweretheyknowntomenbyvariousNames, AndvariousIdolsthroughtheHeathenWorld.[375] Say,Muse,thirNamesthenknown,whofirst,wholast, Rous'dfromtheslumber,onthatfieryCouch, AtthirgreatEmperorscall,asnextinworth Camesinglywherehestoodonthebarestrand,

Whilethepromiscuouscroudstoodyetaloof?[380] ThechiefwerethosewhofromthePitofHell Roamingtoseekthirpreyonearth,durstfix ThirSeatslongafternexttheSeatofGod, ThirAltarsbyhisAltar,Godsador'd AmongtheNationsround,anddurstabide[385] JehovahthundringoutofSion,thron'd BetweentheCherubim;yea,oftenplac'd WithinhisSanctuaryitselfthirShrines, Abominations;andwithcursedthings HisholyRites,andsolemnFeastsprofan'd,[390] Andwiththirdarknessdurstaffronthislight. FirstMoloch,horridKingbesmear'dwithblood Ofhumansacrifice,andparentstears, ThoughforthenoyseofDrumsandTimbrelsloud Thirchildrenscriesunheard,thatpastthroughfire[395] TohisgrimIdol.HimtheAmmonite WorshiptinRabbaandherwatryPlain, InArgobandinBasan,tothestream OfutmostArnon.Norcontentwithsuch Audaciousneighbourhood,thewisestheart[400] OfSolomonheledbyfraudtobuild HisTemplerightagainsttheTempleofGod OnthatopprobriousHill,andmadehisGrove ThepleasantVallyofHinnom,Tophetthence AndblackGehennacall'd,theTypeofHell.[405] NextChemos,th'obscenedreadofMoabsSons, FromAroartoNebo,andthewild OfSouthmostAbarim;inHesebon AndHoronaim,SeonsRealm,beyond TheflowryDaleofSibmacladwithVines,[410] AndElealetoth'AsphaltickPool. PeorhisotherName,whenheentic'd Israel Sittim in onthirmarchfromNile Todohimwantonrites,whichcostthemwoe. YetthencehislustfulOrgiesheenlarg'd[415] EventothatHillofscandal,bytheGrove OfMolochhomicide,lusthardbyhate; TillgoodJosiahdrovethemthencetoHell. Withthesecamethey,whofromthebordringflood OfoldEuphratestotheBrookthatparts[420]

EgyptfromSyrianground,hadgeneralNames OfBaalim and Ashtaroth, thosemale, TheseFeminine.ForSpiritswhentheyplease CaneitherSexassume,orboth;sosoft AnduncompoundedisthirEssencepure,[425] Notti'dormanacl'dwithjoyntorlimb, Norfoundedonthebrittlestrengthofbones, Likecumbrousflesh;butinwhatshapetheychoose Dilatedorcondens't,brightorobscure, Canexecutethiraeriepurposes,[430] Andworksofloveorenmityfulfill. ForthosetheRaceofIsraeloftforsook Thirlivingstrength,andunfrequentedleft HisrighteousAltar,bowinglowlydown TobestialGods;forwhichthirheadsaslow[435] Bow'ddowninBattel,sunkbeforetheSpear Ofdespicablefoes.Withtheseintroop CameAstoreth,whomthePhoenicianscall'd Astarte,QueenofHeav'n,withcrescentHorns; TowhosebrightImagenightlybytheMoon[440] SidonianVirginspaidthirVowsandSongs, InSionalsonotunsung,wherestood HerTempleonth'offensiveMountain,built BythatuxoriousKing,whoseheartthoughlarge, Beguil'dbyfairIdolatresses,fell[445] ToIdolsfoul.Thammuzcamenextbehind, WhoseannualwoundinLebanonallur'd TheSyrianDamselstolamenthisfate InamorousdittyesallaSummersday, WhilesmoothAdonisfromhisnativeRock[450] RanpurpletotheSea,suppos'dwithblood OfThammuzyearlywounded:theLovetale InfectedSions daughters withlikeheat, WhosewantonpassionsinthesacredPorch Ezekielsaw,whenbytheVisionled[455] Hiseyesurvay'dthedarkIdolatries OfalienatedJudah.Nextcameone Whomourn'dinearnest,whentheCaptiveArk Maim'dhisbruteImage,headandhandsloptoff InhisownTemple,onthegrunseledge,[460] Wherehefellflat,andsham'dhisWorshipers:

DagonhisName,SeaMonster,upwardMan AnddownwardFish:yethadhisTemplehigh Rear'dinAzotus,dreadedthroughtheCoast OfPalestine,inGathandAscalon[465] AndAccaronandGaza'sfrontierbounds. Himfollow'dRimmon,whosedelightfulSeat WasfairDamascus,onthefertilBanks OfAbbanaandPharphar,lucidstreams. HealsoagainstthehouseofGodwasbold:[470] ALeperoncehelostandgain'daKing, AhazhissottishConquerour,whomhedrew GodsAltartodisparageanddisplace ForoneofSyrianmode,whereontoburn Hisodiousoff'rings,andadoretheGods[475] Whomhehadvanquisht.Aftertheseappear'd AcrewwhounderNamesofoldRenown, Osiris,Isis,OrusandtheirTrain Withmonstrousshapesandsorceriesabus'd FanaticEgyptandherPriests,toseek[480] ThirwandringGodsdisguis'dinbrutishforms Ratherthenhuman.NordidIsraelscape Th'infectionwhenthirborrow'dGoldcompos'd TheCalfinOreb:andtheRebelKing Doubl'dthatsininBethelandinDan,[485] Lik'ninghisMakertotheGrazedOx, Jehovah,whoinoneNightwhenhepass'd FromEgyptmarching,equal'dwithonestroke BothherfirstbornandallherbleatingGods. Belialcamelast,thenwhomaSpiritmorelewd[490] FellnotfromHeaven,ormoregrosstolove Viceforitself:TohimnoTemplestood OrAltarsmoak'd;yetwhomoreoftthenhee InTemplesandatAltars,whenthePriest TurnsAtheist,asdidEly's Sons ,whofill'd[495] WithlustandviolencethehouseofGod. InCourtsandPalaceshealsoReigns AndinluxuriousCities,wherethenoyse OfriotascendsabovethirloftiestTowrs, Andinjuryandoutrage:AndwhenNight[500] DarkenstheStreets,thenwanderforththeSons OfBelial,flownwithinsolenceandwine.

WitnesstheStreetsofSodom,andthatnight InGibeah,whenthehospitabledoor Expos'daMatrontoavoidworserape.[505] Theseweretheprimeinorderandinmight; Therestwerelongtotell,thoughfarrenown'd, Th'IonianGods,ofJavansIssueheld Gods,yetconfestlaterthenHeav'nandEarth ThirboastedParents;TitanHeav'nsfirstborn[510] Withhisenormousbrood,andbirthrightseis'd ByyoungerSaturn,hefrommightierJove HisownandRhea'sSonlikemeasurefound; SoJoveusurpingreign'd:thesefirstinCreet AndIdaknown,thenceontheSnowytop[515] OfcoldOlympusrul'dthemiddleAir ThirhighestHeav'n;orontheDelphianCliff, OrinDodona,andthroughallthebounds OfDoric Land ;orwhowithSaturnold FledoverAdriatoth'Hesperian Fields ,[520] AndoretheCelticroam'dtheutmostIsles. Alltheseandmorecameflocking;butwithlooks Downcastanddamp,yetsuchwhereinappear'd Obscuresomeglimpsofjoy,tohavefoundthirchief Notindespair,tohavefoundthemselvesnotlost[525] Inlossitself;whichonhiscount'nancecast Likedoubtfulhue:buthehiswontedpride Soonrecollecting,withhighwords,thatbore Semblanceofworth,notsubstance,gentlyrais'd Thirfaintingcourage,anddispel'dthirfears.[530] Thenstraitcommandsthatatthewarlikesound OfTrumpetsloudandClarionsbeupreard HismightyStandard;thatproudhonourclaim'd Azazelashisright,aCherubetall: WhoforthwithfromtheglitteringStaffunfurld[535] Th'ImperialEnsign,whichfullhighadvanc't ShonlikeaMeteorstreamingtotheWind WithGemmsandGoldenlustrerichimblaz'd, SeraphicarmsandTrophies:allthewhile SonorousmettalblowingMartialsounds:[540] AtwhichtheuniversalHostupsent AshoutthattoreHellsConcave,andbeyond FrightedtheReignofChaosandoldNight.

Allinamomentthroughthegloomwereseen TenthousandBannersriseintotheAir[545] WithOrientColourswaving:withthemrose AForesthugeofSpears:andthrongingHelms Appear'd,andserriedshieldsinthickarray Ofdepthimmeasurable:Anontheymove InperfectPhalanxtotheDorianmood[550] OfFlutesandsoftRecorders;suchasrais'd TohightofnoblesttemperHero'sold ArmingtoBattel,andinsteadofrage Deliberatevalourbreath'd,firmandunmov'd Withdreadofdeathtoflightorfoulretreat,[555] Norwantingpowertomitigateandswage Withsolemntouches,troubl'dthoughts,andchase Anguishanddoubtandfearandsorrowandpain Frommortalorimmortalminds.Thusthey Breathingunitedforcewithfixedthought[560] Mov'doninsilencetosoftPipesthatcharm'd Thirpainfulstepso'retheburntsoyle;andnow Advanc'tinview,theystand,ahorridFront OfdreadfullengthanddazlingArms,inguise OfWarriersoldwithorder'dSpearandShield,[565] AwaitingwhatcommandthirmightyChief Hadtoimpose:HethroughthearmedFiles Dartshisexperienc'teye,andsoontraverse ThewholeBattalionviews,thirorderdue, ThirvisagesandstatureasofGods,[570] Thirnumberlasthesumms.Andnowhisheart Distendswithpride,andhardninginhisstrength Glories:Forneversincecreatedman, Metsuchimbodiedforce,asnam'dwiththese Couldmeritmorethenthatsmallinfantry[575] Warr'donbyCranes:thoughalltheGiantbrood Of Phlegra withth'HeroicRacewerejoyn'd ThatfoughtatTheb'sandIlium,oneachside MixtwithauxiliarGods;andwhatresounds InFableorRomanceofUthersSon[580] BegirtwithBritishandArmoricKnights; Andallwhosince,Baptiz'dorInfidel JoustedinAspramontorMontalban, Damasco,orMarocco,orTrebisond, OrwhomBisertasentfromAfricshore[585]

WhenCharlemainwithallhisPeeragefell ByFontarabbia.Thusfarthesebeyond Compareofmortalprowess,yetobserv'd Thirdreadcommander:heabovetherest Inshapeandgestureproudlyeminent[590] StoodlikeaTowr;hisformhadyetnotlost AllherOriginalbrightness,norappear'd LessthenArchAngelruind,andth'excess OfGloryobscur'd:AswhentheSunnewris'n LooksthroughtheHorizontalmistyAir[595] ShornofhisBeams,orfrombehindtheMoon IndimEclipsdisastroustwilightsheds OnhalftheNations,andwithfearofchange PerplexesMonarchs.Dark'n'dso,yetshon Abovethemallth'ArchAngel:buthisface[600] DeepscarsofThunderhadintrencht,andcare Satonhisfadedcheek,butunderBrowes Ofdauntlesscourage,andconsideratePride Waitingrevenge:cruelhiseye,butcast Signsofremorseandpassiontobehold[605] Thefellowsofhiscrime,thefollowersrather (Farotheroncebeheldinbliss)condemn'd Forevernowtohavethirlotinpain, MillionsofSpiritsforhisfaultamerc't OfHeav'n,andfromEternalSplendorsflung[610] Forhisrevolt,yetfaithfullhowtheystood, ThirGlorywitherd.AswhenHeavensFire Hathscath'dtheForrestOaks,orMountainPines, Withsingedtopthirstatelygrowththoughbare StandsontheblastedHeath.Henowprepar'd[615] Tospeak;whereatthirdoubl'dRankstheybend Fromwingtowing,andhalfenclosehimround WithallhisPeers:attentionheldthemmute. Thriceheassayd,andthriceinspightofscorn, TearssuchasAngelsweep,burstforth:atlast[620] Wordsinterwovewithsighsfoundoutthirway. OMyriadsofimmortalSpirits,OPowers Matchless,butwithth'Almighty,andthatstrife Wasnotinglorious,thoughth'eventwasdire, Asthisplacetestifies,andthisdirechange[625] Hatefultoutter:butwhatpowerofmind Foreseeingorpresaging,fromtheDepth

Ofknowledgepastorpresent,couldhavefear'd, HowsuchunitedforceofGods,howsuch Asstoodlikethese,couldeverknowrepulse?[630] Forwhocanyetbeleeve,thoughafterloss, ThatallthesepuissantLegions,whoseexile HathemptiedHeav'n,shallfailtoreascend Selfrais'd,andrepossessthirnativeseat? FormeebewitnessalltheHostofHeav'n,[635] Ifcounselsdifferent,ordangershun'd Byme,havelostourhopes.Buthewhoreigns MonarchinHeav'n,tillthenasonesecure SatonhisThrone,upheldbyoldrepute, Consentorcustome,andhisRegalState[640] Putforthatfull,butstillhisstrengthconceal'd, Whichtemptedourattempt,andwroughtourfall. Henceforthhismightweknow,andknowourown Soasnoteithertoprovoke,ordread Newwarr,provok't;ourbetterpartremains[645] Toworkinclosedesign,byfraudorguile Whatforceeffectednot:thathenoless Atlengthfromusmayfind,whoovercomes Byforce,hathovercomebuthalfhisfoe. SpacemayproducenewWorlds;whereofsorife[650] TherewentafameinHeav'nthatheerelong Intendedtocreate,andthereinplant Ageneration,whomhischoiceregard ShouldfavourequaltotheSonsofHeaven: Thither,ifbuttopry,shallbeperhaps Ourfirsteruption,thitherorelsewhere:[655] ForthisInfernalPitshallneverhold ClestialSpiritsinBondage,north'Abyss Longunderdarknesscover.Butthesethoughts FullCounselmustmature:Peaceisdespaird,[660] ForwhocanthinkSubmission?Warrthen,Warr Openorunderstoodmustberesolv'd. Hespake:andtoconfirmhiswords,outflew Millionsofflamingswords,drawnfromthethighs OfmightyCherubim;thesuddenblaze[665] Farroundillumin'dhell:highlytheyrag'd AgainsttheHighest,andfiercewithgraspedarms Clash'donthirsoundingShieldsthedinofwar, HurlingdefiancetowardthevaultofHeav'n.

TherestoodaHillnotfarwhosegrieslytop[670] Belch'dfireandrowlingsmoak;therestentire Shonwithaglossiescurff,undoubtedsign ThatinhiswombwashidmetallicOre, TheworkofSulphur.Thitherwing'dwithspeed AnumerousBrigadhasten'd.AswhenBands[675] OfPionerswithSpadeandPickaxarm'd ForeruntheRoyalCamp,totrenchaField, OrcastaRampart.Mammonledthemon, Mammon,theleasterectedSpiritthatfell Fromheav'n,forev'ninheav'nhislooksandthoughts[680] Werealwaysdownwardbent,admiringmore TherichesofHeav'nspavement,trod'nGold, Thenaughtdivineorholyelseenjoy'd Invisionbeatific:byhimfirst Menalso,andbyhissuggestiontaught,[685] Ransack'dtheCenter,andwithimpioushands Rifl'dthebowelsofthirmotherEarth ForTreasuresbetterhid.Soonhadhiscrew Op'ndintotheHillaspaciouswound Anddig'doutribsofGold.Letnoneadmire[690] ThatrichesgrowinHell;thatsoylemaybest Deservethepreciousbane.Andhereletthose Whoboastinmortalthings,andwond'ringtell OfBabel,andtheworksofMemphianKings LearnhowthirgreatestMonumentsofFame,[695] AndStrengthandArtareeasilyoutdone BySpiritsreprobate,andinanhour Whatinanagetheywithincessanttoyle Andhandsinnumerablescarceperform. NighonthePlaininmanycellsprepar'd,[700] Thatunderneathhadveinsofliquidfire Sluc'dfromtheLake,asecondmultitude WithwondrousArtfoundoutthemassieOre, Severingeachkind,andscum'dtheBulliondross: Athirdassoonhadform'dwithintheground[705] Avariousmould,andfromtheboylingcells Bystrangeconveyancefill'deachhollownook, AsinanOrganfromoneblastofwind TomanyarowofPipesthesoundboardbreaths. AnonoutoftheearthaFabrickhuge[710] RoselikeanExhalation,withthesound

OfDulcetSymphoniesandvoicessweet, BuiltlikeaTemple,wherePilastersround Wereset,andDoricpillarsoverlaid WithGoldenArchitrave;nordidtherewant[715] CorniceorFreeze,withbossySculpturesgrav'n, TheRoofwasfrettedGold.NotBabilon, NorgreatAlcairosuchmagnificence Equal'dinallthirglories,toinshrine Belus Serapis or thirGods,orseat[720] ThirKings,whengyptwithAssyriastrove Inwealthandluxurie.Th'ascendingpile Stoodfixtherstatelyhighth,andstraitthedores Op'ningthirbrazenfouldsdiscoverwide Within,heramplespaces,o'rethesmooth[725] Andlevelpavement:fromthearchedroof PendantbysuttleMagicmanyarow OfStarryLampsandblazingCressetsfed WithNaphthaandAsphaltusyeildedlight Asfromasky.Thehastymultitude[730] Admiringenter'd,andtheworksomepraise AndsometheArchitect:hishandwasknown InHeav'nbymanyaTowredstructurehigh, WhereScepter'dAngelsheldthirresidence, AndsatasPrinces,whomthesupremeKing[735] Exaltedtosuchpower,andgavetorule, EachinhisHierarchie,theOrdersbright. Norwashisnameunheardorunador'd InancientGreece;andinAusonianland Mencall'dhimMulciber;andhowhefell[740] FromHeav'n,theyfabl'd,thrownbyangryJove Sheero'retheChrystalBattlements:fromMorn ToNoonhefell,fromNoontodewyEve, ASummersday;andwiththesettingSun DroptfromtheZenithlikeafallingStar,[745] OnLemnosth'geanIle:thustheyrelate, Erring;forhewiththisrebelliousrout Felllongbefore;noraughtavail'dhimnow TohavebuiltinHeav'nhighTowrs;nordidhescape ByallhisEngins,butwasheadlongsent[750] Withhisindustriouscrewtobuildinhell. MeanwhilethewingedHaraldsbycommand OfSovranpower,withawfulCeremony

AndTrumpetssoundthroughouttheHostproclaim AsolemnCouncelforthwithtobeheld[755] AtPandmonium,thehighCapital OfSatanandhisPeers:thirsummonscall'd FromeveryBandandsquaredRegiment Byplaceorchoicetheworthiest;theyanon Withhunderdsandwiththousandstroopingcame[760] Attended:allaccesswasthrong'd,theGates AndPorcheswide,butchiefthespaciousHall (Thoughlikeacover'dfield,whereChampionsbold Wontrideinarm'd,andattheSoldanschair Defi'dthebestofPaynimchivalry[765] TomortalcombatorcarreerwithLance) Thickswarm'd,bothonthegroundandintheair, Brushtwiththehissofrusslingwings.AsBees Inspringtime,whentheSunwithTaurusrides, PourforththirpopulousyouthabouttheHive[770] Inclusters;theyamongfreshdewsandflowers Flietoandfro,oronthesmoothedPlank, ThesuburbofthirStrawbuiltCittadel, Newrub'dwithBaum,expatiateandconfer ThirStateaffairs.Sothicktheaeriecrowd[775] Swarm'dandwerestraitn'd;tilltheSignalgiv'n. Beholdawonder!theybutnowwhoseemd InbignesstosurpassEarthsGiantSons NowlessthensmallestDwarfs,innarrowroom Throngnumberless,likethatPigmeanRace[780] BeyondtheIndianMount,orFaerieElves, WhosemidnightRevels,byaForrestside OrFountainsomebelatedPeasantsees, Ordreamshesees,whileoverheadtheMoon SitsArbitress,andneerertotheEarth[785] Wheelsherpalecourse,theyonthirmirthanddance Intent,withjocondMusiccharmhisear; Atoncewithjoyandfearhisheartrebounds. ThusincorporealSpiritstosmallestforms Reduc'dthirshapesimmense,andwereatlarge,[790] ThoughwithoutnumberstillamidsttheHall OfthatinfernalCourt.Butfarwithin Andinthirowndimensionslikethemselves ThegreatSeraphicLordsandCherubim Incloserecessandsecretconclavesat[795]

AthousandDemyGodsongoldenseats, Frequentandfull.Aftershortsilencethen Andsummonsread,thegreatconsultbegan. TheEndoftheFirstBook.