Shone like a meteor, streaming to the wind. Th' imperial ensign, which full high advanc'd.Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine. In Vallombrosa, where th' Etrurian shadesĭarkens the streets, then wander forth the sons Thick as autumnal leaves that strow the brooks.His spear, to equal which the tallest pine.In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:īetter to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven. Here we may reign secure, and in my choice Here for his envy, will not drive us hence: We shall be free the Almighty hath not built A mind not to be changed by place or time.Ĭan make a heav'n of hell, a hell of heav'n.Leviathan, which God created of all his worksĬreated hugest that swim th' Ocean stream. Titanian, or Earth-born, that warred on Jove,īy ancient Tarsus held, or that sea-beast Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as hugeĪs whom the fables name of monstrous size, Prone on the flood, extended long and large That sparkling blazed his other parts besides With head uplift above the wave, and eyes And out of good still to find means of evil.Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat.

Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit

Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peaceĪnd rest can never dwell, hope never comes.

Hurled headlong flaming from th' ethereal sky Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived

The infernal serpent he it was, whose guile,.

Compare: 'But vindicate the ways of God to man', Alexander Pope, Essay on Man, epistle i. That to the height of this great argument Things unattempted yet in Prose or Rhime. That with no middle flight intends to soar In the Beginning how the Heav'ns and Earthĭelight thee more, and Siloa's Brook that flow'd That Shepherd, who first taught the chosen Seed,

Sing Heav'nly Muse, that on the secret top.

Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat, Of that forbidden tree whose mortal tasteīrought death into the world, and all our woe,

Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit.

Milton paradise lost