Paradise Lost: Book 11 Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQJRS TJUVKIWXYZRA2B2C2D2E 2F2G2H2UA2I2J2K2L2K2 H2M2EN2O2P2Q2K2R2A2B A2K2GS2T2U2V2W2HX2X2 Y2Z2X2T2A3B3X2B3X2X2 X2X2X2C3X2P2D3E3VX2F 3F2X2X2P2G3H3I3X2X2X 2DJ3X2K3L3X2X2N2K2H3 M3N3I3X2X2O2X2JO3P3X 2X2IX2M2Q3O2R3X2S3FT 3I3X2B3K3M2X2X2X2U3V 3H2H2X2W3X2X2EX2F2X2 X2J3H2A2X2H3JA2X2H2X 2X2D3X2K2T2A2X3K2X2K 2A2LY3X2Z3H2A4X2A2X2 X2X2A2H2B4M2X2GH2X2X 2X2X2X2C4D4H2H2X2X2H 2E4P2H2A2N3X2B3X2VX2 X2X2X2H2X2X2H2A2X2X2 P2X2H2X2X2F4H2VZ3H2A 2M2EE4H2H2VH3X2X2X2G 4X2X2X2VP2A2H2X2A2X2 H4I3X2X2VX2X2H2X3H2H 2X2A2X2I3GI3H3M3H2X2 A2X2VX3EH2X2M2H2VX2X 2H2I4X2X2X2A2VVH2X2A 2X2A2H2X2M3J4X2X2X2I 3X2X2H2VF2X2X2H2X2VH 3H2H2X2X2B4X2H2X2X2X 2X2X2H2X2VA2X2A2H2LH 2X2A2H2VA2K4H2H2X2L4 A2X2A2X2I3X2VA2H2A2M 4A2X2H2A2X2X2H2X2F2A 2VX2VX2VX2H2X2X2X2N4 X2A2I3A2X2H3O4A2M2X2 X2H2X2X2X2H2A2A2H2G4 VH2VH2A2X2H2X2I3P4X2 H2A2M2H2I3X2X2H2H2X2 X2VH2X2X2X2H2X2X2X2X 2X2X2X2N2H2X2H2H2X2A 2X2Q4X2R4X2X2X2A2I3V X2A2S4X2X2X2A2X2X2X2 I3A2X2X2X2X2VH2M2X2X 2Q3A2H2X2H2A2X2VF2VA 2EH2T4X2H2H2H2H2H2H2 H2H2H2VZ3X2X2U4Y3X2X 2H2H2X2J3X2A2X2VX2A2 H2H2H2X2A2X2H2X2A2X2 V4H2EX2A2X2H2M2H2X2H 2I3X2W4X2H2X2A2O4H2V X4Y4A2A2Z4A2X2I3VY3X 2N3M2X2X2X2A2X2A2H2X 2I3X2Z3X2H2VS4X2I3X2 X2X2H2X2X2H2X2H2W4A2 X2M2C2A2H2X2H2VX2X2X 2X2H2X2X2X2X2U4X2H2H 2X2X2X2A2H2H2VVX2A2X 2X2M2H2H2X2H2X2H2X2I 3H2Z3X2GX2X2A2A2H2H2 X2A2X2A2H2VH2X2X2X2H 2A2R4A2X2M2A2H2X2Y3A 2X2VH2J3A2X2A2X2X2Y3 H2C2H2H2H2H2X2X2H2X3 X2VVA2A2X2X2X2H2X2X2 A2X2X2X2X2Z3A2H2H2A2 K4X2X2H2X2X2I3X2H2X2 H2X2X2X2X2VI3H2VVH2I 3X2X2X2X2H2X2X2V2VK4 VN3Y4VX2H2VH2D4VX2VA 2K4I3VH2H2H2X2X2X2X2 X2X2X2X2X2H2H2X2VA2X 2X2X2K4F2LVVX2H2VX2X 2I3U4K4X2A2H2X2X2X2X 2K4X2X2X2VK4K4X2H2VH 2X2X2VVH2VX2X2X2X2X2 X2A2H2X2VH2X2A2H2I3H 2A2H2H2H2X2I3A2X2X2X 2X2X2X2H2VH2X2X2X2X2 VH2X2VX2X2X2VX2H2X2V X2X2X2X2VN2X2H2VVX2V A2T4A2X2H2VK4X2X2K4X 2N2N2W4X2H2X2X2X2A2X 2X2X2K4X2VX2H2Z3X2X2 X2H2X2H2X2V4X2X2X2V

Undoubtedly he will relent and turn	A
From his displeasure in whose look serene	B
When angry most he seemed and most severe	C
What else but favour grace and mercy shone	D
So spake our father penitent nor Eve	E
Felt less remorse they forthwith to the place	F
Repairing where he judged them prostrate fell	G
Before him reverent and both confessed	H
Humbly their faults and pardon begged with tears	I
Watering the ground and with their sighs the air	J
Frequenting sent from hearts contrite in sign	K
Of sorrow unfeigned and humiliation meek	L
Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood	M
Praying for from the mercy seat above	N
Prevenient grace descending had removed	O
The stony from their hearts and made new flesh	P
Regenerate grow instead that sighs now breathed	Q
Unutterable which the Spirit of prayer	J
Inspired and winged for Heaven with speedier flight	R
Than loudest oratory Yet their port	S
Not of mean suitors nor important less	T
Seemed their petition than when the ancient pair	J
In fables old less ancient yet than these	U
Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha to restore	V
The race of mankind drowned before the shrine	K
Of Themis stood devout To Heaven their prayers	I
Flew up nor missed the way by envious winds	W
Blown vagabond or frustrate in they passed	X
Dimensionless through heavenly doors then clad	Y
With incense where the golden altar fumed	Z
By their great intercessour came in sight	R
Before the Father's throne them the glad Son	A2
Presenting thus to intercede began	B2
See Father what first fruits on earth are sprung	C2
From thy implanted grace in Man these sighs	D2
And prayers which in this golden censer mixed	E2
With incense I thy priest before thee bring	F2
Fruits of more pleasing savour from thy seed	G2
Sown with contrition in his heart than those	H2
Which his own hand manuring all the trees	U
Of Paradise could have produced ere fallen	A2
From innocence Now therefore bend thine ear	I2
To supplication hear his sighs though mute	J2
Unskilful with what words to pray let me	K2
Interpret for him me his advocate	L2
And propitiation all his works on me	K2
Good or not good ingraft my merit those	H2
Shall perfect and for these my death shall pay	M2
Accept me and in me from these receive	E
The smell of peace toward mankind let him live	N2
Before thee reconciled at least his days	O2
Numbered though sad till death his doom which I	P2
To mitigate thus plead not to reverse	Q2
To better life shall yield him where with me	K2
All my redeemed may dwell in joy and bliss	R2
Made one with me as I with thee am one	A2
To whom the Father without cloud serene	B
All thy request for Man accepted Son	A2
Obtain all thy request was my decree	K2
But longer in that Paradise to dwell	G
The law I gave to Nature him forbids	S2
Those pure immortal elements that know	T2
No gross no unharmonious mixture foul	U2
Eject him tainted now and purge him off	V2
As a distemper gross to air as gross	W2
And mortal food as may dispose him best	H
For dissolution wrought by sin that first	X2
Distempered all things and of incorrupt	X2
Corrupted I at first with two fair gifts	Y2
Created him endowed with happiness	Z2
And immortality that fondly lost	X2
This other served but to eternize woe	T2
Till I provided death so death becomes	A3
His final remedy and after life	B3
Tried in sharp tribulation and refined	X2
By faith and faithful works to second life	B3
Waked in the renovation of the just	X2
Resigns him up with Heaven and Earth renewed	X2
But let us call to synod all the Blest	X2
Through Heaven's wide bounds from them I will not hide	X2
My judgements how with mankind I proceed	X2
As how with peccant Angels late they saw	C3
And in their state though firm stood more confirmed	X2
He ended and the Son gave signal high	P2
To the bright minister that watched he blew	D3
His trumpet heard in Oreb since perhaps	E3
When God descended and perhaps once more	V
To sound at general doom The angelick blast	X2
Filled all the regions from their blisful bowers	F3
Of amarantine shade fountain or spring	F2
By the waters of life where'er they sat	X2
In fellowships of joy the sons of light	X2
Hasted resorting to the summons high	P2
And took their seats till from his throne supreme	G3
The Almighty thus pronounced his sovran will	H3
O Sons like one of us Man is become	I3
To know both good and evil since his taste	X2
Of that defended fruit but let him boast	X2
His knowledge of good lost and evil got	X2
Happier had it sufficed him to have known	D
Good by itself and evil not at all	J3
He sorrows now repents and prays contrite	X2
My motions in him longer than they move	K3
His heart I know how variable and vain	L3
Self left Lest therefore his now bolder hand	X2
Reach also of the tree of life and eat	X2
And live for ever dream at least to live	N2
For ever to remove him I decree	K2
And send him from the garden forth to till	H3
The ground whence he was taken fitter soil	M3
Michael this my behest have thou in charge	N3
Take to thee from among the Cherubim	I3
Thy choice of flaming warriours lest the Fiend	X2
Or in behalf of Man or to invade	X2
Vacant possession some new trouble raise	O2
Haste thee and from the Paradise of God	X2
Without remorse drive out the sinful pair	J
From hallowed ground the unholy and denounce	O3
To them and to their progeny from thence	P3
Perpetual banishment Yet lest they faint	X2
At the sad sentence rigorously urged	X2
For I behold them softened and with tears	I
Bewailing their excess all terrour hide	X2
If patiently thy bidding they obey	M2
Dismiss them not disconsolate reveal	Q3
To Adam what shall come in future days	O2
As I shall thee enlighten intermix	R3
My covenant in the Woman's seed renewed	X2
So send them forth though sorrowing yet in peace	S3
And on the east side of the garden place	F
Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs	T3
Cherubick watch and of a sword the flame	I3
Wide waving all approach far off to fright	X2
And guard all passage to the tree of life	B3
Lest Paradise a receptacle prove	K3
To Spirits foul and all my trees their prey	M2
With whose stolen fruit Man once more to delude	X2
He ceased and the arch angelick Power prepared	X2
For swift descent with him the cohort bright	X2
Of watchful Cherubim four faces each	U3
Had like a double Janus all their shape	V3
Spangled with eyes more numerous than those	H2
Of Argus and more wakeful than to drouse	H2
Charmed with Arcadian pipe the pastoral reed	X2
Of Hermes or his opiate rod Mean while	W3
To re salute the world with sacred light	X2
Leucothea waked and with fresh dews imbalmed	X2
The earth when Adam and first matron Eve	E
Had ended now their orisons and found	X2
Strength added from above new hope to spring	F2
Out of despair joy but with fear yet linked	X2
Which thus to Eve his welcome words renewed	X2
Eve easily my faith admit that all	J3
The good which we enjoy from Heaven descends	H2
But that from us aught should ascend to Heaven	A2
So prevalent as to concern the mind	X2
Of God high blest or to incline his will	H3
Hard to belief may seem yet this will prayer	J
Or one short sigh of human breath upborne	A2
Even to the seat of God For since I sought	X2
By prayer the offended Deity to appease	H2
Kneeled and before him humbled all my heart	X2
Methought I saw him placable and mild	X2
Bending his ear persuasion in me grew	D3
That I was heard with favour peace returned	X2
Home to my breast and to my memory	K2
His promise that thy seed shall bruise our foe	T2
Which then not minded in dismay yet now	A2
Assures me that the bitterness of death	X3
Is past and we shall live Whence hail to thee	K2
Eve rightly called mother of all mankind	X2
Mother of all things living since by thee	K2
Man is to live and all things live for Man	A2
To whom thus Eve with sad demeanour meek	L
Ill worthy I such title should belong	Y3
To me transgressour who for thee ordained	X2
A help became thy snare to me reproach	Z3
Rather belongs distrust and all dispraise	H2
But infinite in pardon was my Judge	A4
That I who first brought death on all am graced	X2
The source of life next favourable thou	A2
Who highly thus to entitle me vouchsaf'st	X2
Far other name deserving But the field	X2
To labour calls us now with sweat imposed	X2
Though after sleepless night for see the morn	A2
All unconcerned with our unrest begins	H2
Her rosy progress smiling let us forth	B4
I never from thy side henceforth to stray	M2
Where'er our day's work lies though now enjoined	X2
Laborious till day droop while here we dwell	G
What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks	H2
Here let us live though in fallen state content	X2
So spake so wished much humbled Eve but Fate	X2
Subscribed not Nature first gave signs impressed	X2
On bird beast air air suddenly eclipsed	X2
After short blush of morn nigh in her sight	X2
The bird of Jove stooped from his aery tour	C4
Two birds of gayest plume before him drove	D4
Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods	H2
First hunter then pursued a gentle brace	H2
Goodliest of all the forest hart and hind	X2
Direct to the eastern gate was bent their flight	X2
Adam observed and with his eye the chase	H2
Pursuing not unmoved to Eve thus spake	E4
O Eve some further change awaits us nigh	P2
Which Heaven by these mute signs in Nature shows	H2
Forerunners of his purpose or to warn	A2
Us haply too secure of our discharge	N3
From penalty because from death released	X2
Some days how long and what till then our life	B3
Who knows or more than this that we are dust	X2
And thither must return and be no more	V
Why else this double object in our sight	X2
Of flight pursued in the air and o'er the ground	X2
One way the self same hour why in the east	X2
Darkness ere day's mid course and morning light	X2
More orient in yon western cloud that draws	H2
O'er the blue firmament a radiant white	X2
And slow descends with something heavenly fraught	X2
He erred not for by this the heavenly bands	H2
Down from a sky of jasper lighted now	A2
In Paradise and on a hill made halt	X2
A glorious apparition had not doubt	X2
And carnal fear that day dimmed Adam's eye	P2
Not that more glorious when the Angels met	X2
Jacob in Mahanaim where he saw	H2
The field pavilioned with his guardians bright	X2
Nor that which on the flaming mount appeared	X2
In Dothan covered with a camp of fire	F4
Against the Syrian king who to surprise	H2
One man assassin like had levied war	V
War unproclaimed The princely Hierarch	Z3
In their bright stand there left his Powers to seise	H2
Possession of the garden he alone	A2
To find where Adam sheltered took his way	M2
Not unperceived of Adam who to Eve	E
While the great visitant approached thus spake	E4
Eve now expect great tidings which perhaps	H2
Of us will soon determine or impose	H2
New laws to be observed for I descry	V
From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill	H3
One of the heavenly host and by his gait	X2
None of the meanest some great Potentate	X2
Or of the Thrones above such majesty	X2
Invests him coming yet not terrible	G4
That I should fear nor sociably mild	X2
As Raphael that I should much confide	X2
But solemn and sublime whom not to offend	X2
With reverence I must meet and thou retire	V
He ended and the Arch Angel soon drew nigh	P2
Not in his shape celestial but as man	A2
Clad to meet man over his lucid arms	H2
A military vest of purple flowed	X2
Livelier than Meliboean or the grain	A2
Of Sarra worn by kings and heroes old	X2
In time of truce Iris had dipt the woof	H4
His starry helm unbuckled showed him prime	I3
In manhood where youth ended by his side	X2
As in a glistering zodiack hung the sword	X2
Satan's dire dread and in his hand the spear	V
Adam bowed low he kingly from his state	X2
Inclined not but his coming thus declared	X2
Adam Heaven's high behest no preface needs	H2
Sufficient that thy prayers are heard and Death	X3
Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress	H2
Defeated of his seisure many days	H2
Given thee of grace wherein thou mayest repent	X2
And one bad act with many deeds well done	A2
Mayest cover Well may then thy Lord appeased	X2
Redeem thee quite from Death's rapacious claim	I3
But longer in this Paradise to dwell	G
Permits not to remove thee I am come	I3
And send thee from the garden forth to till	H3
The ground whence thou wast taken fitter soil	M3
He added not for Adam at the news	H2
Heart struck with chilling gripe of sorrow stood	X2
That all his senses bound Eve who unseen	A2
Yet all had heard with audible lament	X2
Discovered soon the place of her retire	V
O unexpected stroke worse than of Death	X3
Must I thus leave thee Paradise thus leave	E
Thee native soil these happy walks and shades	H2
Fit haunt of Gods where I had hope to spend	X2
Quiet though sad the respite of that day	M2
That must be mortal to us both O flowers	H2
That never will in other climate grow	V
My early visitation and my last	X2
t even which I bred up with tender hand	X2
From the first opening bud and gave ye names	H2
Who now shall rear ye to the sun or rank	I4
Your tribes and water from the ambrosial fount	X2
Thee lastly nuptial bower by me adorned	X2
With what to sight or smell was sweet from thee	X2
How shall I part and whither wander down	A2
Into a lower world to this obscure	V
And wild how shall we breathe in other air	V
Less pure accustomed to immortal fruits	H2
Whom thus the Angel interrupted mild	X2
Lament not Eve but patiently resign	A2
What justly thou hast lost nor set thy heart	X2
Thus over fond on that which is not thine	A2
Thy going is not lonely with thee goes	H2
Thy husband whom to follow thou art bound	X2
Where he abides think there thy native soil	M3
Adam by this from the cold sudden damp	J4
Recovering and his scattered spirits returned	X2
To Michael thus his humble words addressed	X2
Celestial whether among the Thrones or named	X2
Of them the highest for such of shape may seem	I3
Prince above princes gently hast thou told	X2
Thy message which might else in telling wound	X2
And in performing end us what besides	H2
Of sorrow and dejection and despair	V
Our frailty can sustain thy tidings bring	F2
Departure from this happy place our sweet	X2
Recess and only consolation left	X2
Familiar to our eyes all places else	H2
Inhospitable appear and desolate	X2
Nor knowing us nor known And if by prayer	V
Incessant I could hope to change the will	H3
Of Him who all things can I would not cease	H2
To weary him with my assiduous cries	H2
But prayer against his absolute decree	X2
No more avails than breath against the wind	X2
Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth	B4
Therefore to his great bidding I submit	X2
This most afflicts me that departing hence	H2
As from his face I shall be hid deprived	X2
His blessed countenance Here I could frequent	X2
With worship place by place where he vouchsafed	X2
Presence Divine and to my sons relate	X2
'On this mount he appeared under this tree	X2
'Stood visible among these pines his voice	H2
'I heard here with him at this fountain talked	X2
So many grateful altars I would rear	V
Of grassy turf and pile up every stone	A2
Of lustre from the brook in memory	X2
Or monument to ages and theron	A2
Offer sweet smelling gums and fruits and flowers	H2
In yonder nether world where shall I seek	L
His bright appearances or foot step trace	H2
For though I fled him angry yet recalled	X2
To life prolonged and promised race I now	A2
Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts	H2
Of glory and far off his steps adore	V
To whom thus Michael with regard benign	A2
Adam thou knowest Heaven his and all the Earth	K4
Not this rock only his Omnipresence fills	H2
Land sea and air and every kind that lives	H2
Fomented by his virtual power and warmed	X2
All the earth he gave thee to possess and rule	L4
No despicable gift surmise not then	A2
His presence to these narrow bounds confined	X2
Of Paradise or Eden this had been	A2
Perhaps thy capital seat from whence had spread	X2
All generations and had hither come	I3
From all the ends of the earth to celebrate	X2
And reverence thee their great progenitor	V
But this pre eminence thou hast lost brought down	A2
To dwell on even ground now with thy sons	H2
Yet doubt not but in valley and in plain	A2
God is as here and will be found alike	M4
Present and of his presence many a sign	A2
Still following thee still compassing thee round	X2
With goodness and paternal love his face	H2
Express and of his steps the track divine	A2
Which that thou mayest believe and be confirmed	X2
Ere thou from hence depart know I am sent	X2
To show thee what shall come in future days	H2
To thee and to thy offspring good with bad	X2
Expect to hear supernal grace contending	F2
With sinfulness of men thereby to learn	A2
True patience and to temper joy with fear	V
And pious sorrow equally inured	X2
By moderation either state to bear	V
Prosperous or adverse so shalt thou lead	X2
Safest thy life and best prepared endure	V
Thy mortal passage when it comes Ascend	X2
This hill let Eve for I have drenched her eyes	H2
Here sleep below while thou to foresight wakest	X2
As once thou sleptst while she to life was formed	X2
To whom thus Adam gratefully replied	X2
Ascend I follow thee safe Guide the path	N4
Thou leadest me and to the hand of Heaven submit	X2
However chastening to the evil turn	A2
My obvious breast arming to overcome	I3
By suffering and earn rest from labour won	A2
If so I may attain So both ascend	X2
In the visions of God It was a hill	H3
Of Paradise the highest from whose top	O4
The hemisphere of earth in clearest ken	A2
Stretched out to the amplest reach of prospect lay	M2
Not higher that hill nor wider looking round	X2
Whereon for different cause the Tempter set	X2
Our second Adam in the wilderness	H2
To show him all Earth's kingdoms and their glory	X2
His eye might there command wherever stood	X2
City of old or modern fame the seat	X2
Of mightiest empire from the destined walls	H2
Of Cambalu seat of Cathaian Can	A2
And Samarchand by Oxus Temir's throne	A2
To Paquin of Sinaean kings and thence	H2
To Agra and Lahor of great Mogul	G4
Down to the golden Chersonese or where	V
The Persian in Ecbatan sat or since	H2
In Hispahan or where the Russian Ksar	V
In Mosco or the Sultan in Bizance	H2
Turchestan born nor could his eye not ken	A2
The empire of Negus to his utmost port	X2
Ercoco and the less maritim kings	H2
Mombaza and Quiloa and Melind	X2
And Sofala thought Ophir to the realm	I3
Of Congo and Angola farthest south	P4
Or thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount	X2
The kingdoms of Almansor Fez and Sus	H2
Morocco and Algiers and Tremisen	A2
On Europe thence and where Rome was to sway	M2
The world in spirit perhaps he also saw	H2
Rich Mexico the seat of Montezume	I3
And Cusco in Peru the richer seat	X2
Of Atabalipa and yet unspoiled	X2
Guiana whose great city Geryon's sons	H2
Call El Dorado But to nobler sights	H2
Michael from Adam's eyes the film removed	X2
Which that false fruit that promised clearer sight	X2
Had bred then purged with euphrasy and rue	V
The visual nerve for he had much to see	H2
And from the well of life three drops instilled	X2
So deep the power of these ingredients pierced	X2
Even to the inmost seat of mental sight	X2
That Adam now enforced to close his eyes	H2
Sunk down and all his spirits became entranced	X2
But him the gentle Angel by the hand	X2
Soon raised and his attention thus recalled	X2
Adam now ope thine eyes and first behold	X2
The effects which thy original crime hath wrought	X2
In some to spring from thee who never touched	X2
The excepted tree nor with the snake conspired	X2
Nor sinned thy sin yet from that sin derive	N2
Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds	H2
His eyes he opened and beheld a field	X2
Part arable and tilth whereon were sheaves	H2
New reaped the other part sheep walks and folds	H2
I' the midst an altar as the land mark stood	X2
Rustick of grassy sord thither anon	A2
A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought	X2
First fruits the green ear and the yellow sheaf	Q4
Unculled as came to hand a shepherd next	X2
More meek came with the firstlings of his flock	R4
Choicest and best then sacrificing laid	X2
The inwards and their fat with incense strowed	X2
On the cleft wood and all due rights performed	X2
His offering soon propitious fire from Heaven	A2
Consumed with nimble glance and grateful steam	I3
The other's not for his was not sincere	V
Whereat he inly raged and as they talked	X2
Smote him into the midriff with a stone	A2
That beat out life he fell and deadly pale	S4
Groaned out his soul with gushing blood effused	X2
Much at that sight was Adam in his heart	X2
Dismayed and thus in haste to the Angel cried	X2
O Teacher some great mischief hath befallen	A2
To that meek man who well had sacrificed	X2
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid	X2
To whom Michael thus he also moved replied	X2
These two are brethren Adam and to come	I3
Out of thy loins the unjust the just hath slain	A2
For envy that his brother's offering found	X2
From Heaven acceptance but the bloody fact	X2
Will be avenged and the other's faith approved	X2
Lose no reward though here thou see him die	X2
Rolling in dust and gore To which our sire	V
Alas both for the deed and for the cause	H2
But have I now seen Death Is this the way	M2
I must return to native dust O sight	X2
Of terrour foul and ugly to behold	X2
Horrid to think how horrible to feel	Q3
To whom thus Michael Death thou hast seen	A2
In his first shape on Man but many shapes	H2
Of Death and many are the ways that lead	X2
To his grim cave all dismal yet to sense	H2
More terrible at the entrance than within	A2
Some as thou sawest by violent stroke shall die	X2
By fire flood famine by intemperance more	V
In meats and drinks which on the earth shall bring	F2
Diseases dire of which a monstrous crew	V
Before thee shall appear that thou mayest know	A2
What misery the inabstinence of Eve	E
Shall bring on Men Immediately a place	H2
Before his eyes appeared sad noisome dark	T4
A lazar house it seemed wherein were laid	X2
Numbers of all diseased all maladies	H2
Of ghastly spasm or racking torture qualms	H2
Of heart sick agony all feverous kinds	H2
Convulsions epilepsies fierce catarrhs	H2
Intestine stone and ulcer colick pangs	H2
Demoniack phrenzy moaping melancholy	H2
And moon struck madness pining atrophy	H2
Marasmus and wide wasting pestilence	H2
Dropsies and asthmas and joint racking rheums	H2
Dire was the tossing deep the groans Despair	V
Tended the sick busiest from couch to couch	Z3
And over them triumphant Death his dart	X2
Shook but delayed to strike though oft invoked	X2
With vows as their chief good and final hope	U4
Sight so deform what heart of rock could long	Y3
Dry eyed behold Adam could not but wept	X2
Though not of woman born compassion quelled	X2
His best of man and gave him up to tears	H2
A space till firmer thoughts restrained excess	H2
And scarce recovering words his plaint renewed	X2
O miserable mankind to what fall	J3
Degraded to what wretched state reserved	X2
Better end here unborn Why is life given	A2
To be thus wrested from us rather why	X2
Obtruded on us thus who if we knew	V
What we receive would either no accept	X2
Life offered or soon beg to lay it down	A2
Glad to be so dismissed in peace Can thus	H2
The image of God in Man created once	H2
So goodly and erect though faulty since	H2
To such unsightly sufferings be debased	X2
Under inhuman pains Why should not Man	A2
Retaining still divine similitude	X2
In part from such deformities be free	H2
And for his Maker's image sake exempt	X2
Their Maker's image answered Michael then	A2
Forsook them when themselves they vilified	X2
To serve ungoverned Appetite and took	V4
His image whom they served a brutish vice	H2
Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve	E
Therefore so abject is their punishment	X2
Disfiguring not God's likeness but their own	A2
Or if his likeness by themselves defaced	X2
While they pervert pure Nature's healthful rules	H2
To loathsome sickness worthily since they	M2
God's image did not reverence in themselves	H2
I yield it just said Adam and submit	X2
But is there yet no other way besides	H2
These painful passages how we may come	I3
To death and mix with our connatural dust	X2
There is said Michael if thou well observe	W4
The rule of Not too much by temperance taught	X2
In what thou eatest and drinkest seeking from thence	H2
Due nourishment not gluttonous delight	X2
Till many years over thy head return	A2
So mayest thou live till like ripe fruit thou drop	O4
Into thy mother's lap or be with ease	H2
Gathered nor harshly plucked for death mature	V
This is Old Age but then thou must outlive	X4
Thy youth thy strength thy beauty which will change	Y4
To withered weak and gray thy senses then	A2
Obtuse all taste of pleasure must forego	A2
To what thou hast and for the air of youth	Z4
Hopeful and cheerful in thy blood will reign	A2
A melancholy damp of cold and dry	X2
To weigh thy spirits down and last consume	I3
The balm of life To whom our ancestor	V
Henceforth I fly not death nor would prolong	Y3
Life much bent rather how I may be quit	X2
Fairest and easiest of this cumbrous charge	N3
Which I must keep till my appointed day	M2
Of rendering up and patiently attend	X2
My dissolution Michael replied	X2
Nor love thy life nor hate but what thou livest	X2
Live well how long or short permit to Heaven	A2
And now prepare thee for another sight	X2
He looked and saw a spacious plain whereon	A2
Were tents of various hue by some were herds	H2
Of cattle grazing others whence the sound	X2
Of instruments that made melodious chime	I3
Was heard of harp and organ and who moved	X2
Their stops and chords was seen his volant touch	Z3
Instinct through all proportions low and high	X2
Fled and pursued transverse the resonant fugue
In other part stood one who at the forge
Labouring two massy clods of iron and brass	H2
Had melted whether found where casual fire	V
Had wasted woods on mountain or in vale	S4
Down to the veins of earth thence gliding hot	X2
To some cave's mouth or whether washed by stream	I3
From underground the liquid ore he drained	X2
Into fit moulds prepared from which he formed	X2
First his own tools then what might else be wrought	X2
Fusil or graven in metal After these	H2
But on the hither side a different sort	X2
From the high neighbouring hills which was their seat	X2
Down to the plain descended by their guise	H2
Just men they seemed and all their study bent	X2
To worship God aright and know his works	H2
Not hid nor those things last which might preserve	W4
Freedom and peace to Men they on the plain	A2
Long had not walked when from the tents behold	X2
A bevy of fair women richly gay	M2
In gems and wanton dress to the harp they sung	C2
Soft amorous ditties and in dance came on	A2
The men though grave eyed them and let their eyes	H2
Rove without rein till in the amorous net	X2
Fast caught they liked and each his liking chose	H2
And now of love they treat till the evening star	V
Love's harbinger appeared then all in heat	X2
They light the nuptial torch and bid invoke
Hymen then first to marriage rites invoked	X2
With feast and musick all the tents resound	X2
Such happy interview and fair event	X2
Of love and youth not lost songs garlands flowers	H2
And charming symphonies attached the heart	X2
Of Adam soon inclined to admit delight	X2
The bent of nature which he thus expressed	X2
True opener of mine eyes prime Angel blest	X2
Much better seems this vision and more hope	U4
Of peaceful days portends than those two past	X2
Those were of hate and death or pain much worse	H2
Here Nature seems fulfilled in all her ends	H2
To whom thus Michael Judge not what is best	X2
By pleasure though to nature seeming meet	X2
Created as thou art to nobler end	X2
Holy and pure conformity divine	A2
Those tents thou sawest so pleasant were the tents	H2
Of wickedness wherein shall dwell his race	H2
Who slew his brother studious they appear	V
Of arts that polish life inventers rare	V
Unmindful of their Maker though his Spirit	X2
Taught them but they his gifts acknowledged none	A2
Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget	X2
For that fair female troop thou sawest that seemed	X2
Of Goddesses so blithe so smooth so gay	M2
Yet empty of all good wherein consists	H2
Woman's domestick honour and chief praise	H2
Bred only and completed to the taste	X2
Of lustful appetence to sing to dance	H2
To dress and troll the tongue and roll the eye	X2
To these that sober race of men whose lives	H2
Religious titled them the sons of God	X2
Shall yield up all their virtue all their fame	I3
Ignobly to the trains and to the smiles	H2
Of these fair atheists and now swim in joy
Erelong to swim at large and laugh for which	Z3
The world erelong a world of tears must weep
To whom thus Adam of short joy bereft	X2
O pity and shame that they who to live well	G
Entered so fair should turn aside to tread	X2
Paths indirect or in the mid way faint	X2
But still I see the tenour of Man's woe	A2
Holds on the same from Woman to begin	A2
From Man's effeminate slackness it begins	H2
Said the Angel who should better hold his place	H2
By wisdom and superiour gifts received	X2
But now prepare thee for another scene	A2
He looked and saw wide territory spread	X2
Before him towns and rural works between	A2
Cities of men with lofty gates and towers	H2
Concourse in arms fierce faces threatening war	V
Giants of mighty bone and bold emprise	H2
Part wield their arms part curb the foaming steed	X2
Single or in array of battle ranged	X2
Both horse and foot nor idly mustering stood	X2
One way a band select from forage drives	H2
A herd of beeves fair oxen and fair kine	A2
From a fat meadow ground or fleecy flock	R4
Ewes and their bleating lambs over the plain	A2
Their booty scarce with life the shepherds fly	X2
But call in aid which makes a bloody fray	M2
With cruel tournament the squadrons join	A2
Where cattle pastured late now scattered lies	H2
With carcasses and arms the ensanguined field	X2
Deserted Others to a city strong	Y3
Lay siege encamped by battery scale and mine	A2
Assaulting others from the wall defend	X2
With dart and javelin stones and sulphurous fire	V
On each hand slaughter and gigantick deeds	H2
In other part the sceptered heralds call	J3
To council in the city gates anon	A2
Gray headed men and grave with warriours mixed	X2
Assemble and harangues are heard but soon	A2
In factious opposition till at last	X2
Of middle age one rising eminent	X2
In wise deport spake much of right and wrong	Y3
Of justice or religion truth and peace	H2
And judgement from above him old and young	C2
Exploded and had seized with violent hands	H2
Had not a cloud descending snatched him thence	H2
Unseen amid the throng so violence	H2
Proceeded and oppression and sword law	H2
Through all the plain and refuge none was found	X2
Adam was all in tears and to his guide	X2
Lamenting turned full sad O what are these	H2
Death's ministers not men who thus deal death	X3
Inhumanly to men and multiply	X2
Ten thousandfold the sin of him who slew	V
His brother for of whom such massacre	V
Make they but of their brethren men of men	A2
But who was that just man whom had not Heaven	A2
Rescued had in his righteousness been lost	X2
To whom thus Michael These are the product	X2
Of those ill mated marriages thou sawest	X2
Where good with bad were matched who of themselves	H2
Abhor to join and by imprudence mixed	X2
Produce prodigious births of body or mind	X2
Such were these giants men of high renown	A2
For in those days might only shall be admired	X2
And valour and heroick virtue called	X2
To overcome in battle and subdue	X2
Nations and bring home spoils with infinite	X2
Man slaughter shall be held the highest pitch	Z3
Of human glory and for glory done	A2
Of triumph to be styled great conquerours	H2
Patrons of mankind Gods and sons of Gods	H2
Destroyers rightlier called and plagues of men	A2
Thus fame shall be achieved renown on earth	K4
And what most merits fame in silence hid	X2
But he the seventh from thee whom thou beheldst	X2
The only righteous in a world preverse	H2
And therefore hated therefore so beset	X2
With foes for daring single to be just	X2
And utter odious truth that God would come	I3
To judge them with his Saints him the Most High	X2
Rapt in a balmy cloud with winged steeds	H2
Did as thou sawest receive to walk with God	X2
High in salvation and the climes of bliss	H2
Exempt from death to show thee what reward	X2
Awaits the good the rest what punishment	X2
Which now direct thine eyes and soon behold	X2
He looked and saw the face of things quite changed	X2
The brazen throat of war had ceased to roar	V
All now was turned to jollity and game	I3
To luxury and riot feast and dance	H2
Marrying or prostituting as befel	V
Rape or adultery where passing fair	V
Allured them thence from cups to civil broils	H2
At length a reverend sire among them came	I3
And of their doings great dislike declared	X2
And testified against their ways he oft	X2
Frequented their assemblies whereso met	X2
Triumphs or festivals and to them preached	X2
Conversion and repentance as to souls	H2
In prison under judgements imminent	X2
But all in vain which when he saw he ceased	X2
Contending and removed his tents far off	V2
Then from the mountain hewing timber tall	V
Began to build a vessel of huge bulk
Measured by cubit length and breadth and highth	K4
Smeared round with pitch and in the side a door	V
Contrived and of provisions laid in large	N3
For man and beast when lo a wonder strange	Y4
Of every beast and bird and insect small	V
Came sevens and pairs and entered in as taught	X2
Their order last the sire and his three sons	H2
With their four wives and God made fast the door	V
Mean while the south wind rose and with black wings	H2
Wide hovering all the clouds together drove	D4
From under Heaven the hills to their supply	V
Vapour and exhalation dusk and moist	X2
Sent up amain and now the thickened sky	V
Like a dark cieling stood down rushed the rain	A2
Impetuous and continued till the earth	K4
No more was seen the floating vessel swum	I3
Uplifted and secure with beaked prow	V
Rode tilting o'er the waves all dwellings else	H2
Flood overwhelmed and them with all their pomp
Deep under water rolled sea covered sea	H2
Sea without shore and in their palaces	H2
Where luxury late reigned sea monsters whelped	X2
And stabled of mankind so numerous late	X2
All left in one small bottom swum imbarked	X2
How didst thou grieve then Adam to behold	X2
The end of all thy offspring end so sad	X2
Depopulation Thee another flood	X2
Of tears and sorrow a flood thee also drowned	X2
And sunk thee as thy sons till gently reared	X2
By the Angel on thy feet thou stoodest at last	X2
Though comfortless as when a father mourns	H2
His children all in view destroyed at once	H2
And scarce to the Angel utter'dst thus thy plaint	X2
O visions ill foreseen Better had I	V
Lived ignorant of future so had borne	A2
My part of evil only each day's lot	X2
Enough to bear those now that were dispensed	X2
The burden of many ages on me light	X2
At once by my foreknowledge gaining birth	K4
Abortive to torment me ere their being	F2
With thought that they must be Let no man seek	L
Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall	V
Him or his children evil he may be sure	V
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent	X2
And he the future evil shall no less	H2
In apprehension than in substance feel	V
Grievous to bear but that care now is past	X2
Man is not whom to warn those few escaped	X2
Famine and anguish will at last consume	I3
Wandering that watery desart I had hope	U4
When violence was ceased and war on earth	K4
All would have then gone well peace would have crowned	X2
With length of happy days the race of Man	A2
But I was far deceived for now I see	H2
Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste	X2
How comes it thus unfold celestial Guide	X2
And whether here the race of Man will end	X2
To whom thus Michael Those whom last thou sawest	X2
In triumph and luxurious wealth are they	K4
First seen in acts of prowess eminent	X2
And great exploits but of true virtue void	X2
Who having spilt much blood and done much wast	X2
Subduing nations and achieved thereby	V
Fame in the world high titles and rich prey	K4
Shall change their course to pleasure ease and sloth	K4
Surfeit and lust till wantonness and pride	X2
Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peace	H2
The conquered also and enslaved by war	V
Shall with their freedom lost all virtue lose	H2
And fear of God from whom their piety feigned	X2
In sharp contest of battle found no aid	X2
Against invaders therefore cooled in zeal	V
Thenceforth shall practice how to live secure	V
Worldly or dissolute on what their lords	H2
Shall leave them to enjoy for the earth shall bear	V
More than enough that temperance may be tried	X2
So all shall turn degenerate all depraved	X2
Justice and temperance truth and faith forgot	X2
One man except the only son of light	X2
In a dark age against example good	X2
Against allurement custom and a world	X2
Offended fearless of reproach and scorn	A2
The grand child with twelve sons encreased departs	H2
From Canaan to a land hereafter called	X2
Egypt divided by the river Nile	V
See where it flows disgorging at seven mouths	H2
Into the sea To sojourn in that land	X2
He comes invited by a younger son	A2
In time of dearth a son whose worthy deeds	H2
Raise him to be the second in that realm	I3
Of Pharaoh There he dies and leaves his race	H2
Growing into a nation and now grown	A2
Suspected to a sequent king who seeks	H2
To stop their overgrowth as inmate guests	H2
Or violence he of their wicked ways	H2
Shall them admonish and before them set	X2
The paths of righteousness how much more safe
And full of peace denouncing wrath to come	I3
On their impenitence and shall return	A2
Of them derided but of God observed	X2
The one just man alive by his command	X2
Shall build a wonderous ark as thou beheldst	X2
To save himself and houshold from amidst	X2
A world devote to universal wrack
No sooner he with them of man and beast	X2
Select for life shall in the ark be lodged	X2
And sheltered round but all the cataracts	H2
Of Heaven set open on the Earth shall pour	V
Rain day and night all fountains of the deep
Broke up shall heave the ocean to usurp
Beyond all bounds till inundation rise	H2
Above the highest hills Then shall this mount	X2
Of Paradise by might of waves be moved	X2
Out of his place pushed by the horned flood	X2
With all his verdure spoiled and trees adrift	X2
Down the great river to the opening gulf
And there take root an island salt and bare	V
The haunt of seals and orcs and sea mews' clang
To teach thee that God attributes to place	H2
No sanctity if none be thither brought	X2
By men who there frequent or therein dwell	V
And now what further shall ensue behold	X2
He looked and saw the ark hull on the flood	X2
Which now abated for the clouds were fled	X2
Driven by a keen north wind that blowing dry	V
Wrinkled the face of deluge as decayed	X2
And the clear sun on his wide watery glass	H2
Gazed hot and of the fresh wave largely drew	X2
As after thirst which made their flowing shrink
From standing lake to tripping ebb that stole	V
With soft foot towards the deep who now had stopt	X2
His sluces as the Heaven his windows shut	X2
The ark no more now floats but seems on ground	X2
Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed	X2
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear	V
With clamour thence the rapid currents drive	N2
Towards the retreating sea their furious tide	X2
Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies	H2
And after him the surer messenger	V
A dove sent forth once and again to spy	V
Green tree or ground whereon his foot may light	X2
The second time returning in his bill	V
An olive leaf he brings pacifick sign	A2
Anon dry ground appears and from his ark	T4
The ancient sire descends with all his train	A2
Then with uplifted hands and eyes devout	X2
Grateful to Heaven over his head beholds	H2
A dewy cloud and in the cloud a bow	V
Conspicuous with three lifted colours gay	K4
Betokening peace from God and covenant new	X2
Whereat the heart of Adam erst so sad	X2
Greatly rejoiced and thus his joy broke forth	K4
O thou who future things canst represent	X2
As present heavenly Instructer I revive	N2
At this last sight assured that Man shall live	N2
With all the creatures and their seed preserve	W4
Far less I now lament for one whole world	X2
Of wicked sons destroyed than I rejoice	H2
For one man found so perfect and so just	X2
That God vouchsafes to raise another world	X2
From him and all his anger to forget	X2
But say what mean those coloured streaks in Heaven	A2
Distended as the brow of God appeased	X2
Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind	X2
The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud	X2
Lest it again dissolve and shower the earth	K4
To whom the Arch Angel Dextrously thou aimest	X2
So willingly doth God remit his ire	V
Though late repenting him of Man depraved	X2
Grieved at his heart when looking down he saw	H2
The whole earth filled with violence and all flesh	Z3
Corrupting each their way yet those removed	X2
Such grace shall one just man find in his sight	X2
That he relents not to blot out mankind	X2
And makes a covenant never to destroy
The earth again by flood nor let the sea	H2
Surpass his bounds nor rain to drown the world	X2
With man therein or beast but when he brings	H2
Over the earth a cloud will therein set	X2
His triple coloured bow whereon to look	V4
And call to mind his covenant Day and night	X2
Seed time and harvest heat and hoary frost	X2
Shall hold their course till fire purge all things new	X2
Both Heaven and Earth wherein the just shall dwell	V

John Milton

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