269:01,000@@@@@| 
269:01,000['  ]| <Lucy Hutchinson??:  300-line specimens of Cantos 1-5>
269:01,000['  ]| <MEDITATIONS> 
269:01,000['  ]| <ON THE> 
269:01,000['  ]| <CREATION,> 
269:01,000['  ]| <As recorded in the First> 
269:01,000['  ]| <Chapter of \Genesis\.> 
269:01,001['  ]| MY ravished soul, a pious ardour fires, 
269:01,002['  ]| To$9$ sing those mystic wonders it admires, 
269:01,003['  ]| Contemplating the Rise of everything, 
269:01,004['  ]| That$6#1$, with Time's birth, flowed from the eternal spring:  
269:01,005['  ]| And the no$2$ less stupendous Providence 
269:01,006['  ]| By$4$ which$6#1$ discording Natures ever since 
269:01,007['  ]| Have kept up$5$ universal Harmony; 
269:01,008['  ]| While on$4$ one joint obedience all agree, 
269:01,009['  ]| Performing that$6#2$ to$4$ which$6#1$ they were designed 
269:01,010['  ]| With ready inclination; But Mankind 
269:01,011['  ]| Alone rebels against his Maker's will$0$, 
269:01,012['  ]| Which$6#1$ though opposing he must yet fulfil.  
269:01,013['  ]| And so$3$ that$6#2$ wise Power, who$6#1$ each crooked stream 
269:01,014['  ]| Most rightly guides, becomes the glorious theme 
269:01,015['  ]| Of endless admiration, while we see, 
269:01,016['  ]| Whatever mortals' vain endeavours be, 
269:01,017['  ]| They must be broken who$6#1$ with Power contend, 
269:01,018['  ]| And can not frustrate their Creator's End, 
269:01,019['  ]| Whose Wisdom, Goodness, Might and Glory shines 
269:01,020['  ]| In$4$ guiding men's unto his own designs.  
269:01,021['  ]| In$4$ these outgoings would I sing his praise, 
269:01,022['  ]| But my weak sense with the too glorious rays 
269:01,023['  ]| Is struck with such confusion, that$3$ I find 
269:01,024['  ]| Only the world's first Chaos in$4$ my mind, 
269:01,025['  ]| Where Light and Beauty lie wrapped up$5$ in$4$ seed, 
269:01,026['  ]| And can not be from the dark prison freed, 
269:01,027['  ]| Except that$6#2$ Power, by$4$ whom the world was made, 
269:01,028['  ]| My soul in$4$ her imperfect strugglings aid, 
269:01,029['  ]| Her rude conceptions into forms dispose, 
269:01,030['  ]| And words impart, which$6#1$ may those forms disclose.  
269:01,031['  ]| O thou eternal spring of glory, whence 
269:01,032['  ]| All other streams derive their excellence, 
269:01,033['  ]| From whose Love issues every good desire, 
269:01,034['  ]| Quicken my dull earth with celestial fire, 
269:01,035['  ]| And let the sacred theme that$6#1$ is my choice, 
269:01,036['  ]| Give utterance and music to$4$ my voice, 
269:01,037['  ]| Singing the works by$4$ which$6#1$ thou art revealed.  
269:01,038['  ]| What dark Eternity hath kept concealed 
269:01,039['  ]| From mortals apprehensions, what hath been 
269:01,040['  ]| Before the race of Time did first begin, 
269:01,041['  ]| It were presumptuous folly to$9$ enquire.  
269:01,042['  ]| Let not my thoughts beyond their bound aspire, 
269:01,043['  ]| Time limits mortals, and Time had its birth, 
269:01,044['  ]| In$4$ whose \Beginning God made Heaven and Earth\.  
269:01,045['  ]| God, the great \Elohim\, to$9$ say no$2$ more, 
269:01,046['  ]| Whose sacred Name we rather must adore 
269:01,047['  ]| Than venture to$9$ explain; for$3$ He alone 
269:01,048['  ]| Dwells in$4$ himself, and to$4$ himself is known.  
269:01,049['  ]| And so$3$, even that$6#2$ by$4$ which$6#1$ we have our sight, 
269:01,050['  ]| His covering is, \He clothes himself with light\.  
269:01,051['  ]| Easier we may the winds in$4$ prison shut, 
269:01,052['  ]| The whole vast Ocean in$4$ a nut-shell put, 
269:01,053['  ]| The Mountains in$4$ a little balance weigh, 
269:01,054['  ]| And with a Bullrush plumb the deepest Sea, 
269:01,055['  ]| Than stretch frail human thought unto the height 
269:01,056['  ]| Of the great God, Immense, and Infinite, 
269:01,057['  ]| Containing all things in$4$ himself alone, 
269:01,058['  ]| Being at once in$4$ all, contained in$4$ none.  
269:01,059['  ]| Yet as a hidden spring appears in$4$ streams, 
269:01,060['  ]| The Sun is seen in$4$ its reflected beams, 
269:01,061['  ]| Whose high embodied Glory is too bright, 
269:01,062['  ]| Too strong an object for$4$ weak mortal sight; 
269:01,063['  ]| So$3$ in$4$ God's visible productions, we 
269:01,064['  ]| What is invisible, in$4$ some sort see; 
269:01,065['  ]| While we considering each created thing, 
269:01,066['  ]| Are led up$5$ to$4$ an uncreated spring, 
269:01,067['  ]| And by$4$ gradations of successive Time, 
269:01,068['  ]| At last unto Eternity do climb, 
269:01,069['  ]| As we in$4$ tracks of second causes tread 
269:01,070['  ]| Unto the first uncaused cause are led; 
269:01,071['  ]| And know, while we perpetual motion see 
269:01,072['  ]| There must a first self-moving Power be, 
269:01,073['  ]| To$4$ whom all the inferior motions tend, 
269:01,074['  ]| In$4$ whom they are begun, and where they end.  
269:01,075['  ]| This first eternal Cause, the Original 
269:01,076['  ]| Of Being, Life, and Motion, GOD we call; 
269:01,077['  ]| In$4$ whom all Wisdom, Goodness, Glory, Might, 
269:01,078['  ]| Whatever can himself or us delight 
269:01,079['  ]| Unite, centring in$4$ his Perfection, 
269:01,080['  ]| Whose Nature can admit but only One; 
269:01,081['  ]| Divided Sovereignty makes neither great, 
269:01,082['  ]| Wanting what is shared to$9$ make the sum complete.  
269:01,083['  ]| And yet this sovereign sacred Unity 
269:01,084['  ]| Is not alone, for$3$ in$4$ this one are three, 
269:01,085['  ]| Distinguished, not divided, so$3$ that$3$ what 
269:01,086['  ]| One person is, the other is not that$6#2$; 
269:01,087['  ]| Yet all the three, are but one God most High, 
269:01,088['  ]| One uncompounded, pure Divinity, 
269:01,089['  ]| Wherein subsist so$5#2$, the Mysterious three, 
269:01,090['  ]| That$3$ they in$4$ Power and Glory equal be; 
269:01,091['  ]| Each doth himself, and all the rest possess 
269:01,092['  ]| In$4$ undisturbed joy and blessedness.  
269:01,093['  ]| There is no$2$ Inferior, nor no$2$ Later there, 
269:01,094['  ]| All Coeternal, all Coequal, are.  
269:01,095['  ]| And yet this Parity Order admits, 
269:01,096['  ]| The Father first, eternally begets, 
269:01,097['  ]| Within himself, his Son, substantial Word 
269:01,098['  ]| And Wisdom, as his second, and their third 
269:01,099['  ]| The ever blessed spirit is, which$6#1$ doth 
269:01,100['  ]| Alike eternally proceed from both.  
269:01,101['  ]| These three, distinctly thus, in$4$ one Divine, 
269:01,102['  ]| Pure, Perfect, Self-supplying Essence shine; 
269:01,103['  ]| And all cooperate in$4$ all works done 
269:01,104['  ]| Exteriorly, yet so$5#2$, as everyone, 
269:01,105['  ]| In$4$ a peculiar manner suited to$4$ 
269:01,106['  ]| His Person, doth the common action do.  
269:01,107['  ]| Herein the Father is the Principal, 
269:01,108['  ]| Whose sacred counsels are the Original 
269:01,109['  ]| Of every Act; produced by$4$ the Son, 
269:01,110['  ]| By$4$ the Spirit wrought up$5$ to$4$ perfection.  
269:01,111['  ]| In$4$ the Creation thus, by$4$ the Father's wise decree, 
269:01,112['  ]| Such things should in$4$ such time, and order be, 
269:01,113['  ]| The first foundation of the world was laid.  
269:01,114['  ]| The Fabric, by$4$ the Eternal Word, was made 
269:01,115['  ]| Not as the instrument, but joint actor, who$6#1$ 
269:01,116['  ]| Joyed to$9$ fulfil the counsels which$6#1$ he knew.  
269:01,117['  ]| By$4$ the concurrent Spirit all parts were 
269:01,118['  ]| Fitly disposed distinguished, rendered fair, 
269:01,119['  ]| In$4$ such harmonious and wise order set, 
269:01,120['  ]| As universal Beauty did complete.  
269:01,121['  ]| This most mysterious Triple Unity, 
269:01,122['  ]| In$4$ Essence One, and in$4$ subsistence Three.  
269:01,123['  ]| Was that$6#2$ great \Elohim\, who$6#1$ first designed, 
269:01,124['  ]| Then made the Worlds, that$3$ Angels and Mankind 
269:01,125['  ]| Him in$4$ his rich out-goings might adore,  
269:01,126['  ]| And celebrate his praise for$4$ evermore; 
269:01,127['  ]| Who$6#1$ from Eternity himself supplied, 
269:01,128['  ]| And had no$2$ need of anything beside, 
269:01,129['  ]| Nor any other cause that$6#1$ did him move 
269:01,130['  ]| To$9$ make a World, but his extensive Love, 
269:01,131['  ]| Itself delighting to$9$ communicate; 
269:01,132['  ]| Its Glory in$4$ the creatures to$9$ dilate, 
269:01,133['  ]| While they are led by$4$ their own excellence 
269:01,134['  ]| To$9$ admire the first, pure, high Intelligence, 
269:01,135['  ]| By$4$ all the Powers and virtues which$6#1$ they have, 
269:01,136['  ]| To$4$ that$6#2$ Omnipotence who$6#1$ those Powers gave; 
269:01,137['  ]| By$4$ all their glories and their joy and bliss; 
269:01,138['  ]| Who$6#1$ is the Fountain of all joy and bliss; 
269:01,139['  ]| By$4$ all their wants and imbecilities, 
269:01,140['  ]| To$4$ the full magazine of rich supplies, 
269:01,141['  ]| Where Power, Love, Justice, and Mercy shine 
269:01,142['  ]| In$4$ their still fixed heights, and never decline.  
269:01,143['  ]| No$2$ streams can shrink the self-supplying spring, 
269:01,144['  ]| No$2$ retributions can more fullness bring 
269:01,145['  ]| To$4$ the eternal fountain, which$6#1$ doth run 
269:01,146['  ]| In$4$ sacred circles, ends where it begun, 
269:01,147['  ]| And thence with unexhausted life and force 
269:01,148['  ]| Begins again a new, yet the same course 
269:01,149['  ]| It instituted in$4$ Time's infant birth, 
269:01,150['  ]| When the Creator first made \Heaven and Earth\.  
269:01,151['  ]| Time though it all things into motion bring 
269:01,152['  ]| Is not itself any substantial thing, 
269:01,153['  ]| But only Motion's measure; As a twin 
269:01,154['  ]| Born with it; and they both at once begin 
269:01,155['  ]| With the existence of the rolling sphere, 
269:01,156['  ]| Before which$6#1$ neither time nor motion were.  
269:01,157['  ]| Time being a still continued number, made 
269:01,158['  ]| By$4$ the vicissitude of Light and Shade, 
269:01,159['  ]| By$4$ the Moon's growth, and by$4$ her waxing old, 
269:01,160['  ]| By$4$ the successive Reign of heat and cold, 
269:01,161['  ]| Thus leading back all ages to$4$ the womb 
269:01,162['  ]| Of vast Eternity from whence they come, 
269:01,163['  ]| And bringing new successions forth, until 
269:01,164['  ]| Heaven its last revolutions shall fulfil, 
269:01,165['  ]| And all things unto their first state restore, 
269:01,166['  ]| When Motion ceasing, Time shall be no$2$ more; 
269:01,167['  ]| But with the visible Heavens shall expire 
269:01,168['  ]| While they consume in$4$ the world's funeral fire; 
269:01,169['  ]| The invisible Heavens being still the same, 
269:01,170['  ]| Shall not be touched by$4$ the devouring flame.  
269:01,171['  ]| Treating of which$6#1$, let us waive Platonic dreams 
269:01,172['  ]| Of Worlds made in$4$ Idea, fitter themes 
269:01,173['  ]| For$4$ Poets' fancies, than the reverent view 
269:01,174['  ]| Of Contemplation, fixed on$4$ what is true 
269:01,175['  ]| And only certain, kept upon$4$ record 
269:01,176['  ]| In$4$ the Creator's own revealed word, 
269:01,177['  ]| Which$6#1$ when it taught us how our world was made, 
269:01,178['  ]| Wrapped up$5$ the invisible in$4$ mystic shade.  
269:01,179['  ]| Yet through those clouds we see, God did create 
269:01,180['  ]| A place his presence doth irradiate.  
269:01,181['  ]| Where he doth in$4$ his brightest lustre shine; 
269:01,182['  ]| Yet doth not his own Heaven, him confine:  
269:01,183['  ]| Although the Paradise of the fair world above, 
269:01,184['  ]| Each where perfumed with sweet respiring Love, 
269:01,185['  ]| Refreshed with Pleasure's never shrinking streams, 
269:01,186['  ]| Illustrated with Light's unclouded beams, 
269:01,187['  ]| The happy land of peace and endless Rest 
269:01,188['  ]| Which$6#1$ doth both soul and sense with full joys feast, 
269:01,189['  ]| Feasts that$6#1$ extinguish not the appetite 
269:01,190['  ]| Which$6#1$ is renewed to$9$ heighten the delight.  
269:01,191['  ]| Here stands the Tree of life, decked with fair fruit, 
269:01,192['  ]| Whose leaves health to$4$ the nations contribute.  
269:01,193['  ]| The spreading, true celestial Vine 
269:01,194['  ]| Where fruitful grafts and noble clusters shine.  
269:01,195['  ]| Here Majesty and Grace together meet; 
269:01,196['  ]| The Grace is glorious, and the Glory sweet.  
269:01,197['  ]| Here is the Throne of the universal King 
269:01,198['  ]| To$4$ which$6#1$ the suppliant world addresses bring.  
269:01,199['  ]| Here next him doth his son in$4$ triumph sit, 
269:01,200['  ]| Waiting till all his foes lie at his feet.  
269:01,201['  ]| Here is the Temple of his Holiness, 
269:01,202['  ]| The Sanctuary for$4$ all sad distress.  
269:01,203['  ]| Here is the Saints' most sure inheritance 
269:01,204['  ]| To$4$ which$6#1$ they all their thoughts and hopes advance.  
269:01,205['  ]| Here their rich recompense and safe rest lies, 
269:01,206['  ]| For$4$ this they all the inferior world despise; 
269:01,207['  ]| Yet not for$4$ this alone, though this excel, 
269:01,208['  ]| But for$4$ that$6#2$ Deity who$6#1$ here doth dwell; 
269:01,209['  ]| For$3$ heaven itself to$4$ Saints no$2$ heaven were 
269:01,210['  ]| Did not their God afford his presence there; 
269:01,211['  ]| But now, as he inhabits it, it is 
269:01,212['  ]| The treasure-house of everlasting bliss, 
269:01,213['  ]| The Father's house, the Pilgrim's home, the Port 
269:01,214['  ]| Of happiness, the illustrious Regal Court, 
269:01,215['  ]| The City that$6#1$ on$4$ the world's summit stands, 
269:01,216['  ]| United in$4$ itself, not made with hands; 
269:01,217['  ]| Whose Citizens, Walls, Pavements are so$5#1$ bright 
269:01,218['  ]| They need no$2$ Sun in$4$ God's more radiant Light.  
269:01,219['  ]| The purest air being not thickened with dark clouds, 
269:01,220['  ]| No$2$ sable night the constant glory shrouds; 
269:01,221['  ]| Nor needs there night, when no$2$ dull lassitude 
269:01,222['  ]| Doth into the unwearied soul intrude; 
269:01,223['  ]| New vigour flowing in$4$ with that$6#2$ dear joy 
269:01,224['  ]| Whose contemplation doth their lives employ.  
269:01,225['  ]| This heaven, the third to$4$ us within, 
269:01,226['  ]| The first, if from the outside we begin, 
269:01,227['  ]| Is incorruptible, and still the same, 
269:01,228['  ]| Confirmed by$4$ him who$6#1$ did its substance frame:  
269:01,229['  ]| No$2$ time its strong foundations can decay, 
269:01,230['  ]| Its renewed glory fadeth not away.  
269:01,231['  ]| The other heavens which$6#1$ it doth enfold, 
269:01,232['  ]| In$4$ tract of time as garments shall wax old, 
269:01,233['  ]| And all their outworn glory shall expire 
269:01,234['  ]| In$4$ the world's dreadful last devouring fire; 
269:01,235['  ]| But this shall still unchangeable remain, 
269:01,236['  ]| While all the rolling Spheres which$6#1$ it contains 
269:01,237['  ]| Shall be again into their Chaos whirled 
269:01,238['  ]| At the last dissolutions of the world.  
269:01,239['  ]| For$3$ God, who$6#1$ made this blessed place to$9$ be 
269:01,240['  ]| The habitation of his Sanctity, 
269:01,241['  ]| Admitting nothing to$4$ it that$6#1$ is vile, 
269:01,242['  ]| Nothing that$6#1$ can corrupt, or can defile, 
269:01,243['  ]| Never withdraws his gracious presence thence 
269:01,244['  ]| But is on$4$ all the Glory a defence.  
269:01,245['  ]| Nor are his Gates ever shut by$4$ night or day; 
269:01,246['  ]| His only dread keeps all foes far away.  
269:01,247['  ]| He not for$4$ need, but for$4$ Majestic state, 
269:01,248['  ]| Innumerable hosts of Angels did create 
269:01,249['  ]| To$9$ be his outguards, in$4$ respect of whom 
269:01,250['  ]| He doth his name \El-tzeboim\ assume.  
269:01,251['  ]| These perfect, pure Intelligences be, 
269:01,252['  ]| Excel in$4$ Might, and in$4$ Celerity, 
269:01,253['  ]| Whose sublime natures, and whose agile powers, 
269:01,254['  ]| Are vastly so$5#1$ superior unto ours, 
269:01,255['  ]| Our narrow thoughts can not to$4$ them extend, 
269:01,256['  ]| And things so$5#1$ far above us comprehend, 
269:01,257['  ]| As in$4$ themselves, although in$4$ part we know, 
269:01,258['  ]| Some scantlings by$4$ appearances below; 
269:01,259['  ]| And sacred Writ, wherein we find there be 
269:01,260['  ]| Distinguished Orders in$4$ their Hierarchy; 
269:01,261['  ]| Arch-Angels, Cherubims, all Seraphims, 
269:01,262['  ]| Who$6#1$ celebrate their God with holy Hymns.  
269:01,263['  ]| Ten thousand thousand vulgar Angels stand 
269:01,264['  ]| All in$4$ their ranks, waiting the Lord's command, 
269:01,265['  ]| Which$6#1$ with prompt inclination of their will$0$, 
269:01,266['  ]| And cheerful, swift obedience they fulfil; 
269:01,267['  ]| Whether he them to$9$ save poor men employ, 
269:01,268['  ]| Or send them armed, proud rebels to$9$ destroy; 
269:01,269['  ]| Whether he them to$4$ mighty Monarchs send, 
269:01,270['  ]| Or bid them on$4$ poor Pilgrim Saints attend, 
269:01,271['  ]| Whether they must in$4$ heavenly lustre go, 
269:01,272['  ]| Or walk in$4$ mortal mean disguise below:  
269:01,273['  ]| So$5#1$ kind, so$5#1$ humble are they, though so$5#1$ high, 
269:01,274['  ]| They do it with the same alacrity.  
269:01,275['  ]| Why blush we not at our vain pride, when we 
269:01,276['  ]| Such condescension in$4$ Heaven's Courtiers see, 
269:01,277['  ]| That$3$ they who$6#1$ sit on$4$ heavenly thrones above, 
269:01,278['  ]| Scorn not to$9$ serve poor worms with fervent Love?  
269:01,279['  ]| And joyful praises to$4$ the Almighty sing, 
269:01,280['  ]| When they a mortal to$4$ their own home bring?  
269:01,281['  ]| How gracious is the Lord of all, that$3$ He 
269:01,282['  ]| Should thus consider poor mortality, 
269:01,283['  ]| Such powers for$4$ us, into those powers diffuse, 
269:01,284['  ]| Such glorious servants, in$4$ our service, use?  
269:01,285['  ]| Who$6#1$ whether they, with Light, or Heaven, had 
269:01,286['  ]| Creation, were within the six days made.  
269:01,287['  ]| But leave we looking through the veil, nor pry 
269:01,288['  ]| Too long on$4$ things wrapped up$5$ in$4$ mystery, 
269:01,289['  ]| Reserved to$9$ be our wonder at that$6#2$ time, 
269:01,290['  ]| When we shall up$5$ to$4$ their high mountain climb.  
269:01,291['  ]| Besides the Empyrean heaven we are told 
269:01,292['  ]| Of divers other heavens which$6#1$ we behold 
269:01,293['  ]| Only by$4$  Reason's eye, yet were not they
269:01,294['  ]| If made at least distinguished the first day.  
269:01,295['  ]| Then from the height we can not comprehend, 
269:01,296['  ]| Let us to$4$ our inferior world descend.  
269:01,297['  ]| The Earth at first was a vast empty place, 
269:01,298['  ]| A rude congestion without form or grace, 
269:01,299['  ]| A confused mass of undistinguished seed, 
269:01,300['  ]| Darkness the deep, the Deep the solid hid:  
269:01,301['  ]| Where things did in$4$ unperfect Causes sleep, 
269:01,302['  ]| Until God's Spirit moved the quiet deep, 
269:01,303['  ]| Brooding the creatures under wings of Love, 
269:01,304['  ]| As tender birds hatched by$4$ a Turtle Dove.  
269:02,000@@@@@| 
269:02,000['  ]| <Canto II.> 
269:02,001['  ]| Again spoke God; the trembling waters move, 
269:02,002['  ]| Part fly up$5$ in$4$ thick mists, made clouds above, 
269:02,003['  ]| Part closer shrink about the earth below, 
269:02,004['  ]| But did not yet the mountains' dry heads show.  
269:02,005['  ]| The all-forming Word stretched out the Firmament, 
269:02,006['  ]| Like$4$ azure curtains round his glorious Tent, 
269:02,007['  ]| And in$4$ its hidden chambers did dispose 
269:02,008['  ]| The magazines of Hail, and Rain, and Snows, 
269:02,009['  ]| Amongst those thicker clouds, from whose dark womb 
269:02,010['  ]| The imprisoned winds, in$4$ flame and thunder come.  
269:02,011['  ]| Those Clouds which$6#1$ over all the wondrous Arch 
269:02,012['  ]| Like$4$ hosts of various formed creatures march, 
269:02,013['  ]| And change the Scenes in$4$ our admiring eyes; 
269:02,014['  ]| Who$6#1$ sometimes see them like$4$ vast mountains rise.  
269:02,015['  ]| Sometimes like$4$ pleasant Seas with clear waves glide, 
269:02,016['  ]| Sometimes like$4$ Ships on$4$ foaming billows ride, 
269:02,017['  ]| Sometimes like$4$ mounted warriors they advance, 
269:02,018['  ]| And seem to$9$ fire the smoking Ordnance.  
269:02,019['  ]| Sometimes like$4$ shady Forests they appear, 
269:02,020['  ]| Here Monsters walking, Castles rising there.  
269:02,021['  ]| Scorn Princes your embroidered Canopies, 
269:02,022['  ]| And painted roofs, the poor whom you despise 
269:02,023['  ]| With far more ravishing delight are fed, 
269:02,024['  ]| While various clouds sail over the unhoused head, 
269:02,025['  ]| And their heaved eyes with nobler scenes present 
269:02,026['  ]| Than your Poetic Courtiers can invent.  
269:02,027['  ]| Thus the exalted waters were disposed, 
269:02,028['  ]| And liquid Skies the solid world enclosed, 
269:02,029['  ]| To$9$ magnify the most almighty hand, 
269:02,030['  ]| That$6#1$ makes thin floods like$4$ rocks of crystal stand, 
269:02,031['  ]| Not quenching, nor drunk up$5$ by$4$ that$6#2$ bright wall 
269:02,032['  ]| Of fire, which$6#1$ neighbouring them, encircles all.  
269:02,033['  ]| The new built Firmament God Heaven named, 
269:02,034['  ]| And over all the Arch his windows framed.  
269:02,035['  ]| From whence his liberal hand at due time pours 
269:02,036['  ]| Upon$4$ the thirsty earth refreshing showers; 
269:02,037['  ]| And clothes her bosom with descending Snow 
269:02,038['  ]| To$9$ cherish the young seeds when cold winds blow:  
269:02,039['  ]| Hence every night his fattening dews he sheds, 
269:02,040['  ]| And scatters Pearls amidst the enameled beds.  
269:02,041['  ]| But when presumptuous sins the bright arch scale, 
269:02,042['  ]| He beats them back with terrifying hail:  
269:02,043['  ]| Which$6#1$ like$4$ small shot amidst his foes he sends, 
269:02,044['  ]| Till flaming Thunder, his great Ordnance, rends 
269:02,045['  ]| The clouds, which$6#1$, big with horror, ready stand 
269:02,046['  ]| To$9$ pour their burthens forth at his command.  
269:02,047['  ]| But the unpolluted air as yet had not 
269:02,048['  ]| From mortals'impious breath infection got, 
269:02,049['  ]| Enlightened then by$4$ a superior ray 
269:02,050['  ]| A serene lustre decked the second day.  
269:02,051['  ]| The inferior Globe was fashioned on$4$ the third, 
269:02,052['  ]| When waters at the all-commanding word 
269:02,053['  ]| Did hastily into their channels glide, 
269:02,054['  ]| And the uncovered hills as soon were dried.  
269:02,055['  ]| In$4$ the same body thus, distinct, and joined, 
269:02,056['  ]| Water and earth; as flesh and blood, we find.  
269:02,057['  ]| The late collected waters God called Seas.  
269:02,058['  ]| Springs, Lakes, streams, and broad Rivers are from these 
269:02,059['  ]| Branched, like$4$ life feeding veins, in$4$ every land, 
269:02,060['  ]| Yet wheresoever they seem to$9$ flow or stand, 
269:02,061['  ]| As all in$4$ the vast Ocean's bosom bred, 
269:02,062['  ]| They daily reassemble in$4$ their head, 
269:02,063['  ]| Which$6#1$ through secret conduits back conveys 
269:02,064['  ]| To$4$ every Spring, the tribute that$6#1$ it pays.  
269:02,065['  ]| So$5#2$ ages from the Eternal bosom creep, 
269:02,066['  ]| So$5#2$ lose themselves again in$4$ that$6#2$ vast deep.  
269:02,067['  ]| So$5#2$ Empires, so$5#2$ all other human things, 
269:02,068['  ]| With winding streams run to$4$ their native springs.  
269:02,069['  ]| So$5#2$ all the goodness mortals exercise 
269:02,070['  ]| Flows back to$4$ God out of his own supplies.  
269:02,071['  ]| Now the great fabric in$4$ all parts complete, 
269:02,072['  ]| Beauty was called forth to$9$ adorn the seat; 
269:02,073['  ]| Where Earth, fixed in$4$ the Centre, was the ground, 
269:02,074['  ]| A mantle of light air compassed it round; 
269:02,075['  ]| Then first the watery, then the fiery wall, 
269:02,076['  ]| And glittering heaven last involving all.  
269:02,077['  ]| Earth' s fair green robe vied with the azure skies, 
269:02,078['  ]| Her proud Woods near the flaming Towers did rise.  
269:02,079['  ]| The valleys Trees, though less in$4$ breadth and height, 
269:02,080['  ]| Yet hung with various fruit, as much delight.  
269:02,081['  ]| Beneath these little shrubs and bushes sprung 
269:02,082['  ]| With fair flowers clothed, and with rich berries hung, 
269:02,083['  ]| Whose more delightful fruits seemed to$9$ upbraid 
269:02,084['  ]| The tall trees yielding only barren shade.  
269:02,085['  ]| Then sprouted Grass and Herbs and Plants 
269:02,086['  ]| Prepared to$9$ feed the earth' s inhabitants, 
269:02,087['  ]| To$9$ glad their nostrils, and delight their eyes, 
269:02,088['  ]| Revive their spirits, cure their maladies.  
269:02,089['  ]| Nor by$4$ these are the senses only fed, 
269:02,090['  ]| But the understanding too, while we may read 
269:02,091['  ]| In$4$ every leaf, lectures of Providence, 
269:02,092['  ]| Eternal Wisdom, Love, Omnipotence.  
269:02,093['  ]| Which$6#1$ the eye that$6#1$ sees not, with Hell's mists is blind, 
269:02,094['  ]| That$6#2$ which$6#1$ regards not, is of brutish kind.  
269:02,095['  ]| The various colours, figures, powers of these 
269:02,096['  ]| Are their Creator's growing witnesses 
269:02,097['  ]| Their glories emblems are, wherein we see 
269:02,098['  ]| How frail our human lives and beauties be.  
269:02,099['  ]| Even like$4$ those flowers which$6#1$ at the Sun-rise spread 
269:02,100['  ]| Their gaudy leaves, and are at evening dead.  
269:02,101['  ]| Yet while they in$4$ their native lustre shine, 
269:02,102['  ]| The Eastern Monarchs are not half so$5#1$ fine.  
269:02,103['  ]| In$4$ richer robes God clothes the dirty soil 
269:02,104['  ]| Than men can purchase by$4$ their sin and toil 
269:02,105['  ]| Then rather Fields than painted Courts admire, 
269:02,106['  ]| Yet seeing both, think both must feed the fire:  
269:02,107['  ]| Only God's works have roots and seeds, from whence 
269:02,108['  ]| They spring again in$4$ grace and excellence, 
269:02,109['  ]| But men's have none, like$4$ hasty lightning, they 
269:02,110['  ]| Flash out, and so$3$ forever pass away.  
269:02,111['  ]| This fair Creation finished the third day, 
269:02,112['  ]| In$4$ whose end, God did the whole work survey, 
269:02,113['  ]| The Seas, the Skies, the Trees, and less plants viewed, 
269:02,114['  ]| And by$4$ his approbation made them good; 
269:02,115['  ]| In$4$ all the plants, did living seeds enclose, 
269:02,116['  ]| Whence their successive generations rose; 
269:02,117['  ]| Gave them those powers which$6#1$ in$4$ them still remain, 
269:02,118['  ]| Whereby they man and beast with food sustain.  
269:02,119['  ]| Thrice had the day to$4$ gloomy night resigned, 
269:02,120['  ]| And thrice victorious over the darkness shined, 
269:02,121['  ]| Before the mediate cause of it, the Sun 
269:02,122['  ]| Or any star had their creation, 
269:02,123['  ]| For$3$ with the Omnipotent it is all one 
269:02,124['  ]| To$9$ cause the day without, or by$4$ the Sun.  
269:02,125['  ]| God in$4$ the world by$4$ second causes reigns, 
269:02,126['  ]| But is not tied to$4$ those means he ordains.  
269:02,127['  ]| Let no$2$ heart faint then that$6#1$ on$4$ him depends, 
269:02,128['  ]| When the means fail, that$6#1$ lead to$4$ their wished ends.  
269:02,129['  ]| For$3$ God the thing, if good, will$1$ bring about 
269:02,130['  ]| With instruments we see not, or without.  
269:02,131['  ]| The fourth Light having now expelled the shade 
269:02,132['  ]| God on$4$ that$6#2$ day the Luminaries made, 
269:02,133['  ]| And placed them all in$4$ their peculiar spheres 
269:02,134['  ]| To$9$ measure out our days, and months, and years, 
269:02,135['  ]| Which$6#1$ by$4$ their various motions are renewed, 
269:02,136['  ]| And heat and cold have their vicissitude:  
269:02,137['  ]| So$3$ Springs and Autumns still successive be, 
269:02,138['  ]| Till ages lose them in$4$ Eternity.  
269:02,139['  ]| The Sun whom the \Hebrews\ God's great servant call, 
269:02,140['  ]| Placed in$4$ the middle Orb, as Lord of all, 
269:02,141['  ]| Is in$4$ a radiant flaming chariot whirled, 
269:02,142['  ]| And daily carried round about the world 
269:02,143['  ]| By$4$ the first Mover's force, who$6#1$ in$4$ that$6#2$ race 
269:02,144['  ]| Scatters his light and heat in$4$ every place, 
269:02,145['  ]| Yet not at once.  Now in$4$ the East he shines, 
269:02,146['  ]| And then again to$4$ the Western deep declines, 
269:02,147['  ]| Seeming to$9$ quench his blazing taper there 
269:02,148['  ]| While it enlightens the other Hemisphere.  
269:02,149['  ]| Thus he their share of day and night divides 
269:02,150['  ]| Unto each world in$4$ their alternate tides.  
269:02,151['  ]| But then its Orb by$4$ its own motion rolled, 
269:02,152['  ]| Varies the seasons, brings in$4$ heat and cold, 
269:02,153['  ]| As it projects its rays in$4$ a straight line, 
269:02,154['  ]| Or more obliquely on$4$ the Earth doth shine.  
269:02,155['  ]| And thus doth he to$4$ the low world dispense 
269:02,156['  ]| Life-feeding and engendering influence.  
269:02,157['  ]| This Lord of Day with his reflected light 
269:02,158['  ]| Gilds the pale Moon the Empress of the night, 
269:02,159['  ]| Whose dim Orb monthly wastes and glows, 
269:02,160['  ]| Doth at the first sharp pointed horns disclose, 
269:02,161['  ]| Then half, then her full-shining Globe reveals, 
269:02,162['  ]| Which$6#1$ waning she by$4$ like$2$ degrees conceals.  
269:02,163['  ]| The other glittering Planets now appear 
269:02,164['  ]| Each as a King enthroned in$4$ his own Sphere; 
269:02,165['  ]| Then the eighth heaven in$4$ fuller lustre shines 
269:02,166['  ]| Thick set with stars.  All these were made for$4$ signs 
269:02,167['  ]| That$3$ mortals by$4$ observing them might know 
269:02,168['  ]| Due times to$9$ cultivate the earth below, 
269:02,169['  ]| To$9$ gather fruits, plant trees, and sow their seed, 
269:02,170['  ]| To$9$ cure their herds, and let their fair flocks breed, 
269:02,171['  ]| Into safe harbours to$9$ retire their ships, 
269:02,172['  ]| Again to$9$ launch out into the calm deeps, 
269:02,173['  ]| Their wandering vessels in$4$ broad seas to$9$ guide, 
269:02,174['  ]| When the lost shores no$2$ longer are descried; 
269:02,175['  ]| Physicians to$9$ direct in$4$ their great art, 
269:02,176['  ]| And other useful knowledge to$9$ impart.  
269:02,177['  ]| Nor were they only made for$4$ signs to$9$ show 
269:02,178['  ]| Fit opportunities for$4$ things we do, 
269:02,179['  ]| But in$4$ their various aspects too we read 
269:02,180['  ]| Various events which$6#1$ shall in$4$ time succeed, 
269:02,181['  ]| Droughts, inundations, famines, plagues and wars, 
269:02,182['  ]| By$4$ several conjunctions of the Stars, 
269:02,183['  ]| At least shown, if not caused, through the strong powers 
269:02,184['  ]| And workings Astral bodies have on$4$ ours, 
269:02,185['  ]| Which$6#1$ as above they variously are joined, 
269:02,186['  ]| So$3$ are their subjects here below, inclined 
269:02,187['  ]| To$4$ sadness, mirth, dread, quiet, love or hate, 
269:02,188['  ]| All that$6#1$ may calm, or trouble any state.  
269:02,189['  ]| Yet are they but a second cause, which$6#1$ God 
269:02,190['  ]| Shakes over sinners as a flaming rod, 
269:02,191['  ]| And further manages in$4$ his own hands, 
269:02,192['  ]| To$9$ scourge the pride of all rebellious lands; 
269:02,193['  ]| Falsely and vainly do blind mortals then, 
269:02,194['  ]| To$4$ them impute the fates and ills of men, 
269:02,195['  ]| When their sinister operations be 
269:02,196['  ]| Only the effects of men's iniquity, 
269:02,197['  ]| Which$6#1$ makes the Lord his glittering hosts thus send 
269:02,198['  ]| To$9$ execute the just threats they portend 
269:02,199['  ]| Nor are they characters of wrath alone, 
269:02,200['  ]| They sometimes have God's grace to$4$ mankind shown, 
269:02,201['  ]| Such was that$6#2$ new Star which$6#1$ did heaven adorn, 
269:02,202['  ]| When the great King of the whole word was born.  
269:02,203['  ]| Such were those stars that$6#1$ fought for$4$ \Israel\ 
269:02,204['  ]| When \Jabin's\ vanquished host, by$4$ God's host fell.  
269:02,205['  ]| Even those Stars which$6#1$ threaten misery and woe 
269:02,206['  ]| To$4$ wicked men, to$4$ Saints deliverance show:  
269:02,207['  ]| For$3$ when God cuts the bloody Tyrant down, 
269:02,208['  ]| He will$1$ their lives with peace and blessings crown.  
269:02,209['  ]| Thus the fourth evening did the fourth day close, 
269:02,210['  ]| And where the Sun went down, the Stars arose.  
269:02,211['  ]| New triumph now the fifth day celebrates, 
269:02,212['  ]| The perfumed morning opens her purple gates, 
269:02,213['  ]| Through which$6#1$ the Sun's Pavilion doth appear 
269:02,214['  ]| And he arrayed in$4$ all his lustre there, 
269:02,215['  ]| Like$4$ a fresh Bridegroom with majestic grace, 
269:02,216['  ]| And joy diffusing vigour in$4$ his face, 
269:02,217['  ]| Comes gladly forth, to$9$ greet his virgin bride, 
269:02,218['  ]| Tricked up$5$ in$4$ all her ornaments and pride; 
269:02,219['  ]| Her lovely maids at his approach unfold 
269:02,220['  ]| Their gaudy vests, on$4$ which$6#1$ he scatters gold, 
269:02,221['  ]| Both cheering and enriching every place, 
269:02,222['  ]| Through which$6#1$ he passes in$4$ his glorious race.  
269:02,223['  ]| But though he found a noble Theatre, 
269:02,224['  ]| As yet in$4$ it no$2$ living creatures were; 
269:02,225['  ]| Though flowery carpets spread the whole Earth's face, 
269:02,226['  ]| And rich embroideries the upper Arch did grace, 
269:02,227['  ]| And standards on$4$ the mountains stood between 
269:02,228['  ]| Bearing festoons like$4$ pillars wreathed with green, 
269:02,229['  ]| The velvet couches and the mossy seats, 
269:02,230['  ]| The open walks and the more close retreats 
269:02,231['  ]| Were all prepared; Yet no$2$ foot trod the woods, 
269:02,232['  ]| Nor no$2$ mouth yet had touched the pleasant floods; 
269:02,233['  ]| No$2$ weary creature had reposed its head 
269:02,234['  ]| Among the sweet perfumes of the low bed; 
269:02,235['  ]| The air was not respired in$4$ living breath, 
269:02,236['  ]| Throughout a general stillness reigned, like$4$ death.  
269:02,237['  ]| The King of day came forth, but unadmired, 
269:02,238['  ]| Like$4$ unpraised gallants blushingly retired; 
269:02,239['  ]| As an uncourted beauty, Night's pale Queen, 
269:02,240['  ]| Grew sick to$9$ shine where she could not be seen.  
269:02,241['  ]| When the Creator first for$4$ mute herds calls, 
269:02,242['  ]| And bade the waters bring forth animals:  
269:02,243['  ]| Then was all shell-fish and each Scaly race 
269:02,244['  ]| At once produced, in$4$ their assigned place, 
269:02,245['  ]| The crooked Dolphins, great \Leviathan\, 
269:02,246['  ]| And all the Monsters of the Ocean, 
269:02,247['  ]| Like$4$ wanton kids among the billows played, 
269:02,248['  ]| Nor was there after on$4$ the dry land made 
269:02,249['  ]| Any one beast of less or greater kind 
269:02,250['  ]| Whose life we do not in$4$ the waters find; 
269:02,251['  ]| Where every greater fish devours the less, 
269:02,252['  ]| As mighty Lords poor Commoners oppress.  
269:02,253['  ]| Next the Almighty by$4$ his forming Word 
269:02,254['  ]| Made the whole plumy race, and every bird 
269:02,255['  ]| Its proper place assigned, while with light wings 
269:02,256['  ]| All mounted heaven, some over the lakes and springs, 
269:02,257['  ]| Some over the vast Fens and Seas did fly, 
269:02,258['  ]| Some near the ground, some in$4$ the cloudy sky, 
269:02,259['  ]| Some in$4$ high trees their proud nests built, some chose 
269:02,260['  ]| The humble shrubs for$4$ their more safe repose, 
269:02,261['  ]| Some did the marshes, some the rivers love, 
269:02,262['  ]| Some the Corn-fields, and some the shady grove.  
269:02,263['  ]| That$6#2$ silence which$6#1$ reigned everywhere before, 
269:02,264['  ]| Its universal Empire held no$2$ more, 
269:02,265['  ]| Even night and darkness its own dear retreat 
269:02,266['  ]| Could not preserve it in$4$ their reign complete:  
269:02,267['  ]| The Nightingales with their complaining notes, 
269:02,268['  ]| Ravens and Owls with their ill-boding throats, 
269:02,269['  ]| And all the birds of night, shrill crowing Cocks 
269:02,270['  ]| Whose due kept times, made them the world's first clocks, 
269:02,271['  ]| All interrupted it, even in$4$ the night, 
269:02,272['  ]| But at the first appearance of the light 
269:02,273['  ]| A thousand voices, the green wood's whole choir 
269:02,274['  ]| With their loud music do the day admire; 
269:02,275['  ]| The Lark doth with her single carol rise, 
269:02,276['  ]| To$9$ welcome the fair morning in$4$ the skies; 
269:02,277['  ]| The amorous and still complaining Dove, 
269:02,278['  ]| Courts not the day, but woes her own fair love; 
269:02,279['  ]| The Jays and Crows against each other rail, 
269:02,280['  ]| And chattering Pies begin their gossips' tale:  
269:02,281['  ]| Thus life was carried on$5$, which$6#1$ first begun 
269:02,282['  ]| In$4$ growth of plants, in$4$ fishes' motion, 
269:02,283['  ]| And next declared itself in$4$ living sound, 
269:02,284['  ]| Whilst various noise the yielding air did wound.  
269:02,285['  ]| Various instincts the Birds by$4$ nature have, 
269:02,286['  ]| Which$6#1$ God to$4$ them in$4$ their creation gave, 
269:02,287['  ]| That$6#1$ unto their observers do declare 
269:02,288['  ]| The storms and calms approaching in$4$ the air, 
269:02,289['  ]| That$6#1$ teach them how to$9$ build their nests at spring, 
269:02,290['  ]| And hatch their young under their nursing wing, 
269:02,291['  ]| To$9$ lead abroad and guard their tender brood, 
269:02,292['  ]| To$9$ know their hurtful and their healing food, 
269:02,293['  ]| To$9$ feed them till their strength be perfect grown, 
269:02,294['  ]| And after teach them how to$9$ feed alone.  
269:02,295['  ]| Could we the lessons they hold forth improve, 
269:02,296['  ]| We might from some learn chaste and constant love, 
269:02,297['  ]| Conjugal kindness of the paired Swans, 
269:02,298['  ]| Paternal Bounty of the Pelicans, 
269:02,299['  ]| While they are prodigal of their own blood 
269:02,300['  ]| To$9$ feed their chickens with that$6#2$ precious food.  
269:03,000@@@@@| 
269:03,000['  ]| <Canto III.> 
269:03,001['  ]| NOW was the glorious Universe complete 
269:03,002['  ]| And everything in$4$ beauteous order set, 
269:03,003['  ]| When God, about to$9$ make the King of all, 
269:03,004['  ]| Did in$4$ himself a sacred council call; 
269:03,005['  ]| Not that$3$ he needed to$9$ deliberate, 
269:03,006['  ]| But pleased to$9$ allow solemnity and state, 
269:03,007['  ]| To$9$ wait upon$4$ that$6#2$ noble creature's birth 
269:03,008['  ]| For$4$ whom he had designed both heaven and earth:  
269:03,009[A  ]| Let us, 
269:03,009['  ]| said God, with sovereign power indued 
269:03,010[A  ]| Make man after our own similitude, 
269:03,011[A  ]| Let him our sacred impressed image bear 
269:03,012[A  ]| Ruling over all in$4$ earth, and sea, and air.  
269:03,013['  ]| Then made the Lord a curious mould of clay, 
269:03,014['  ]| Which$6#1$ lifeless on$4$ the earth's cold bosom lay, 
269:03,015['  ]| When God did it with living breath inspire, 
269:03,016['  ]| A soul in$4$ all, and every part entire, 
269:03,017['  ]| Where life rose above motion, sound and sense 
269:03,018['  ]| To$4$ higher reason and intelligence; 
269:03,019['  ]| And this is truly termed life alone, 
269:03,020['  ]| Which$6#1$ makes life's fountain to$4$ the living known.  
269:03,021['  ]| This life into itself doth gather all 
269:03,022['  ]| The rest maintained by$4$ its original, 
269:03,023['  ]| Which$6#1$ gives it Being, Motion, Sense, Warmth, Breath, 
269:03,024['  ]| And those chief Powers that$6#1$ are not lost in$4$ death.  
269:03,025['  ]| Thus was the noblest creature the last made, 
269:03,026['  ]| As he in$4$ whom the rest perfection had, 
269:03,027['  ]| In$4$ whom both parts of the great world were joined, 
269:03,028['  ]| Earth in$4$ his members, Heaven in$4$ his mind; 
269:03,029['  ]| Whose vast reach the whole Universe comprised, 
269:03,030['  ]| And saw it in$4$ himself epitomized, 
269:03,031['  ]| Yet not the Centre nor circumference can 
269:03,032['  ]| Fill the more comprehensive soul of Man, 
269:03,033['  ]| Whose life is but a progress of desire, 
269:03,034['  ]| Which$6#1$ still enjoyed, doth something else require, 
269:03,035['  ]| Unsatisfied with all it hath pursued 
269:03,036['  ]| Until it rest in$4$ God, the Sovereign Good.  
269:03,037['  ]| The earthly mansion of this heavenly guest 
269:03,038['  ]| Peculiar privileges too possessed.  
269:03,039['  ]| Whereas all other creatures clothed were 
269:03,040['  ]| In$4$ Shells, Scales, gaudy Plumes, or Wools, or Hair, 
269:03,041['  ]| Only a fair smooth skin over man was drawn, 
269:03,042['  ]| Like$4$ Damask roses blushing through pure Lawn.  
269:03,043['  ]| The azure veins, where blood and spirits flow, 
269:03,044['  ]| Like$4$ Violets in$4$ a field of Lilies show.  
269:03,045['  ]| As others have a down bent countenance, 
269:03,046['  ]| He only doth his head to$4$ heaven advance, 
269:03,047['  ]| Resembling thus a Tree whose noble root 
269:03,048['  ]| In$4$ heaven grows, whence all his graces shoot.  
269:03,049['  ]| He only on$4$ two upright columns stands, 
269:03,050['  ]| He only hath, and knows the use of hands, 
269:03,051['  ]| Which$6#1$ God's rich bounties for$4$ the rest receive, 
269:03,052['  ]| And aid to$4$ all the other members give.  
269:03,053['  ]| He only hath a voice articulate, 
269:03,054['  ]| Varied by$4$ joy, grief, anger, love and hate, 
269:03,055['  ]| And every other motion of the mind 
269:03,056['  ]| Which$6#1$ hereby doth an apt expression find.  
269:03,057['  ]| Hereby glad mirth in$4$ laughter is alone 
269:03,058['  ]| By$4$ man expressed; in$4$ a peculiar groan, 
269:03,059['  ]| His grief comes forth, accompanied with tears, 
269:03,060['  ]| Peculiar shrieks utter his sudden fears.  
269:03,061['  ]| Herein is Music too, which$6#1$ sweetly charms 
269:03,062['  ]| The sense, and the most savage heart disarms.  
269:03,063['  ]| The Gate of this God in$4$ the head did place.  
269:03,064['  ]| The head which$6#1$ is the body's chiefest grace, 
269:03,065['  ]| The noble Palace of the Royal guest 
269:03,066['  ]| Within by$4$ Fancy and Invention dressed, 
269:03,067['  ]| With many pleasant useful Ornaments 
269:03,068['  ]| Which$6#1$ new Imagination still presents, 
269:03,069['  ]| Adorned without, by$4$ Majesty and Grace, 
269:03,070['  ]| O who$6#2$ can tell the wonders of a face!  
269:03,071['  ]| In$4$ none of all his fabrics more than here 
269:03,072['  ]| Doth the Creator's glorious Power appear, 
269:03,073['  ]| That$3$ of so$5#1$ many thousands which$6#1$ we see 
269:03,074['  ]| All human creatures like$2$, all different be; 
269:03,075['  ]| If the Front be the glory of man's frame, 
269:03,076['  ]| Those Lamps which$6#1$ in$4$ its upper windows flame, 
269:03,077['  ]| Illustrate it, and as day's radiant Star, 
269:03,078['  ]| In$4$ the clear heaven of a bright face are.  
269:03,079['  ]| Here Love takes stand, and here ardent Desire 
269:03,080['  ]| Enters the soul, as fire drawn in$5$ by$4$ fire, 
269:03,081['  ]| At two ports, on$4$ each side, the Hearing sense 
269:03,082['  ]| Still waits to$9$ take in$5$ fresh intelligence, 
269:03,083['  ]| But the false spies both at the ears and eyes, 
269:03,084['  ]| Conspire with strangers for$4$ the soul's surprise, 
269:03,085['  ]| And her all life perturbing passions in$5$, 
269:03,086['  ]| Which$6#1$ with tears, sighs and groans issue again.  
269:03,087['  ]| Nor do those Labyrinths which$6#1$ like$4$ breast-works are, 
269:03,088['  ]| About those secret Ports, serve for$4$ a Bar 
269:03,089['  ]| To$4$ the false Sorcerers conducted by$4$ 
269:03,090['  ]| Man's own impudent Curiosity.  
269:03,091['  ]| There is an Arch in$4$ the middle of the face 
269:03,092['  ]| Of equal necessary use and grace, 
269:03,093['  ]| For$3$ there men suck up$5$ the life feeding air; 
269:03,094['  ]| And panting bosoms are discharged there; 
269:03,095['  ]| Beneath it is the chief and beauteous gate, 
269:03,096['  ]| About which$6#1$ various pleasant graces wait, 
269:03,097['  ]| When smiles the Ruby doors a little way 
269:03,098['  ]| Unfold, or laughter doth them quite display, 
269:03,099['  ]| And opening the Vermilion Curtains shows 
269:03,100['  ]| The Ivory piles set in$4$ two even rows, 
269:03,101['  ]| Before the portal, as a double guard, 
269:03,102['  ]| By$4$ which$6#1$ the busy tongue is helped and barred; 
269:03,103['  ]| Whose sweet sounds charm, when love doth it inspire, 
269:03,104['  ]| And when hate moves it, set the world on$4$ fire.  
269:03,105['  ]| Within this portal inner vault is placed 
269:03,106['  ]| The palate where sense meets its joys in$4$ taste; 
269:03,107['  ]| On$4$ rising cheeks beauty in$4$ white and red 
269:03,108['  ]| Strives with itself, white on$4$ the forehead spread 
269:03,109['  ]| Its undisputed glory there maintains, 
269:03,110['  ]| And is illustrated with azure veins.  
269:03,111['  ]| The Brows, Love's bow, and beauty's shadow are, 
269:03,112['  ]| A thick set grove of soft and shining hair 
269:03,113['  ]| Adorns the head, and shows like$4$ crowning rays, 
269:03,114['  ]| While the air's soft breath among the loose curls plays.  
269:03,115['  ]| Besides the colours and the features, we 
269:03,116['  ]| Admire their just and perfect Symmetry, 
269:03,117['  ]| Whose ravishing resultance is that$6#2$ air 
269:03,118['  ]| That$6#1$ graces all, and is not anywhere; 
269:03,119['  ]| Whereof we can not well say what it is, 
269:03,120['  ]| Yet Beauty's chiefest excellence lies in$4$ this; 
269:03,121['  ]| Which$6#1$ mocks the Painters in$4$ their best designs, 
269:03,122['  ]| And is not held by$4$ their exactest lines.  
269:03,123['  ]| But while we gaze upon$4$ our own fair frame 
269:03,124['  ]| Let us remember too from whence it came, 
269:03,125['  ]| And that$3$ by$4$ sin corrupted now, it must 
269:03,126['  ]| Return to$4$ its originary dust.  
269:03,127['  ]| How indecently doth pride then lift that$6#2$ head 
269:03,128['  ]| On$4$ which$6#1$ the meanest feet must shortly tread?  
269:03,129['  ]| Yet at the first it was with glory crowned, 
269:03,130['  ]| Till Satan's fraud gave it the mortal wound.  
269:03,131['  ]| This excellent creature God did \Adam\ call 
269:03,132['  ]| To$9$ mind him of his low Original, 
269:03,133['  ]| Whom he had formed out of the common ground 
269:03,134['  ]| Which$6#1$ then with various pleasures did abound.  
269:03,135['  ]| The whole Earth was one large delightful Field, 
269:03,136['  ]| That$6#1$ till man sinned no$2$ hurtful briars did yield, 
269:03,137['  ]| But God enclosing one part from the rest, 
269:03,138['  ]| A Paradise in$4$ the rich spicy East 
269:03,139['  ]| Had stored with Nature's wealthy Magazine, 
269:03,140['  ]| Where every plant did in$4$ its lustre shine, 
269:03,141['  ]| But did not grow promiscuously there, 
269:03,142['  ]| They all disposed in$4$ such rich order were 
269:03,143['  ]| As did augment their single native grace, 
269:03,144['  ]| And perfected the pleasure of the place, 
269:03,145['  ]| To$4$ such a height that$3$ the apelike art of man, 
269:03,146['  ]| Licentious Pens, or Pencils never can 
269:03,147['  ]| With all the essays of all presuming wit, 
269:03,148['  ]| Or form or feign ought that$6#1$ approaches it.  
269:03,149['  ]| Whether it were a fruitful Hill or Vale, 
269:03,150['  ]| Whether high Rocks, or Trees did it impale, 
269:03,151['  ]| Or Rivers with their clear and kind embrace 
269:03,152['  ]| Into a pleasant island formed the place, 
269:03,153['  ]| Whether its noble situation were 
269:03,154['  ]| On$4$ Earth, in$4$ the bright Moon, or in$4$ the Air, 
269:03,155['  ]| In$4$ what forms stood the various trees and flowers, 
269:03,156['  ]| The disposition of the walks and bowers, 
269:03,157['  ]| Whereof no$2$ certain word, nor sign remains, 
269:03,158['  ]| We dare not take from men's inventive brains.
269:03,159['  ]| We know there was pleasant and noble shade 
269:03,160['  ]| Which$6#1$ the tall growing Pines and Cedars made, 
269:03,161['  ]| And thicker covers, which$6#1$ the light and heat 
269:03,162['  ]| Even at noon day could scarcely penetrate, 
269:03,163['  ]| A crystal River on$4$ whose verdant banks 
269:03,164['  ]| The crowned fruit-trees stood in$4$ lovely ranks, 
269:03,165['  ]| His gentle wave thorough the garden led, 
269:03,166['  ]| And all the spreading roots with moisture fed.  
269:03,167['  ]| But past the enclosure, thence the single stream 
269:03,168['  ]| Parted in$4$ four, four noble floods became; 
269:03,169['  ]| \Pison\ whose large arms \Havilah\ enfold; 
269:03,170['  ]| A wealthy land enriched with finest gold, 
269:03,171['  ]| Where also many precious stones are found; 
269:03,172['  ]| The second river \Githon\, doth surround 
269:03,173['  ]| All that$6#2$ fair land where \Chus\ inhabited, 
269:03,174['  ]| Where Tyranny first raised up$5$ her proud head, 
269:03,175['  ]| And led her blood-hounds all along the shore, 
269:03,176['  ]| Polluting the pure stream with crimson gore.  
269:03,177['  ]| \Eden's\ third river \Hiddekell\ they call, 
269:03,178['  ]| Whose water Eastward in$4$ \Assiria\ fall.  
269:03,179['  ]| The fourth \Euphrates\ whose swift stream did run 
269:03,180['  ]| About the stately walls of \Babylon\; 
269:03,181['  ]| An d in$4$ the revolution of some years 
269:03,182['  ]| Swelled high, fed with the captived Hebrews' tears.  
269:03,183['  ]| God in$4$ the midst of Paradise did place 
269:03,184['  ]| Two trees, that$6#1$ stood up$5$ dressed in$4$ all the grace, 
269:03,185['  ]| The verdure, beauty, sweetness, excellence, 
269:03,186['  ]| With which$6#1$ all else could tempt or feast the Sense:  
269:03,187['  ]| On$4$ one apples of knowledge did abound, 
269:03,188['  ]| And life-confirming fruit the other crowned.  
269:03,189['  ]| And now did God the new created King 
269:03,190['  ]| Into the pleasures of his earthly palace bring:  
269:03,191['  ]| The air, spice, balm, and amber did respire, 
269:03,192['  ]| His ears were feasted by$4$ the \Sylvan\ Choir, 
269:03,193['  ]| Like$4$ country girls, grass flowers did dispute 
269:03,194['  ]| Their humble beauties with the high born fruit; 
269:03,195['  ]| Both high and low their gaudy colours vied, 
269:03,196['  ]| As Courtiers do in$4$ their contentious pride, 
269:03,197['  ]| Striving which$6#1$ of them should yield most delight, 
269:03,198['  ]| And stand the finest in$4$ their Sovereign's sight.  
269:03,199['  ]| The shrubs with berries crowned like$4$ precious gems, 
269:03,200['  ]| Offered their supreme Lord their Diadems 
269:03,201['  ]| Which$6#1$ did no$2$ single sense alone invite, 
269:03,202['  ]| Courting alike the eyes and appetite.  
269:03,203['  ]| Among all these the eye-refreshing green, 
269:03,204['  ]| Sometimes alone, sometimes in$4$ mixture seen, 
269:03,205['  ]| Over all the banks and all the flat ground spread, 
269:03,206['  ]| Seemed an embroidered, or plain velvet bed.  
269:03,207['  ]| And that$3$ each sense might its refreshment have, 
269:03,208['  ]| The gentle air soft pleasant touches gave 
269:03,209['  ]| Unto his parting limbs, whenever they 
269:03,210['  ]| Upon$4$ the sweet and mossy couches lay.  
269:03,211['  ]| A shady Eminence there was, whereon 
269:03,212['  ]| The noble creature sat, as on$4$ his throne, 
269:03,213['  ]| When God brought every Fowl, and every Brute, 
269:03,214['  ]| That$3$ he might Names unto their natures suit, 
269:03,215['  ]| Whose comprehensive understanding knew 
269:03,216['  ]| How to$9$ distinguish them, at their first view; 
269:03,217['  ]| And they retaining those names ever since, 
269:03,218['  ]| Are monuments of his first excellence, 
269:03,219['  ]| And the Creator's providential grace, 
269:03,220['  ]| Who$6#1$ in$4$ those names, left us some prints to$9$ trace; 
269:03,221['  ]| Nature, mysterious grown, since we grew blind, 
269:03,222['  ]| Whose Labyrinths we should less easily find 
269:03,223['  ]| If those first appellations, as a clue, 
269:03,224['  ]| Did not in$4$ some serve to$9$ lead us through, 
269:03,225['  ]| And rectify that$6#2$ frequent gross mistake, 
269:03,226['  ]| Which$6#1$ our weak judgements and sick senses make, 
269:03,227['  ]| Since man ambitious to$9$ know more, that$6#2$ sin 
269:03,228['  ]| Brought dullness, ignorance and error in$5$.  
269:03,229['  ]| Though God himself to$4$ man did condescend, 
269:03,230['  ]| Though his knowledge to$4$ all natures did extend; 
269:03,231['  ]| Though heaven and earth thus centred in$4$ his mind, 
269:03,232['  ]| Yet being the only one of his whole kind, 
269:03,233['  ]| He found himself without an equal mate, 
269:03,234['  ]| To$4$ whom he might his joys communicate, 
269:03,235['  ]| And by$4$ communication multiply.  
269:03,236['  ]| Too far out of his reach was God on$4$ high, 
269:03,237['  ]| Too much below him brutish creatures were, 
269:03,238['  ]| God could at first have made a human pair, 
269:03,239['  ]| But that$6#2$ it was his will$0$ to$9$ let man see 
269:03,240['  ]| The need and sweetness of society; 
269:03,241['  ]| Who$6#1$, though he were his Maker's Favourite, 
269:03,242['  ]| Feasted in$4$ Paradise with all delight, 
269:03,243['  ]| Though all the creatures paid him homage, yet 
269:03,244['  ]| Was not his unimparted joy complete, 
269:03,245['  ]| While there was not a second of his kind, 
269:03,246['  ]| Indued with such a form and such a mind, 
269:03,247['  ]| As might alike his soul and senses feast:  
269:03,248['  ]| He saw that$3$ every bird and every beast 
269:03,249['  ]| Its own resemblance in$4$ its female viewed, 
269:03,250['  ]| And only union with its like$0$ pursued.  
269:03,251['  ]| Hence birds with birds, and fish with fish abide, 
269:03,252['  ]| Nor those with beasts, nor beasts with these reside:  
269:03,253['  ]| According to$4$ their several species too, 
269:03,254['  ]| As several households in$4$ one City do, 
269:03,255['  ]| So$3$ they with their own kinds associate:  
269:03,256['  ]| The Kingly eagle hath no$2$ buzzard mate; 
269:03,257['  ]| The ravens, more their own black feather love, 
269:03,258['  ]| Than painted pheasants, or the fair-necked dove.  
269:03,258['  ]| So$3$ Bears to$4$ rough Bears rather do incline 
269:03,260['  ]| Than to$4$ majestic Lions, or fair kine.  
269:03,261['  ]| If it be thus with brutes, much less than can 
269:03,262['  ]| The brutish conversation suit with man.  
269:03,263['  ]| It is only like$2$ desires like$2$ things unite:  
269:03,264['  ]| In$4$ union likeness only feeds delight.  
269:03,265['  ]| Where unlike natures in$4$ conjunction are, 
269:03,266['  ]| There is no$2$ product but perpetual war, 
269:03,267['  ]| Such as there was in$4$ Nature's troubled womb, 
269:03,268['  ]| Until the severed births from thence did come, 
269:03,269['  ]| For$3$ the whole world nor order had, nor grace 
269:03,270['  ]| Till severed elements each their own place 
269:03,271['  ]| Assigned were, and while in$4$ them they keep, 
269:03,272['  ]| Heaven still smiles above, the untroubled deep 
269:03,273['  ]| With kind salutes embraces the dry land, 
269:03,274['  ]| Firm doth the earth on$4$ its foundation stand; 
269:03,275['  ]| A cheerful light streams from the ethereal fire 
269:03,276['  ]| And all in$4$ universal joy conspire.  
269:03,277['  ]| But if with their unlike they attempt to$9$ mix, 
269:03,278['  ]| Their rude congressions everything unfix; 
269:03,279['  ]| Darkness again invades the troubled skies, 
269:03,280['  ]| Earth trembling, under angry heaven lies; 
269:03,281['  ]| The Sea, swollen high with rage, comes to$4$ the shore 
269:03,282['  ]| And swallows that$6#2$, which$6#1$ it but kissed before; 
269:03,283['  ]| The unbounded fire breaks forth with dreadful light, 
269:03,284['  ]| And horrid cracks which$6#1$ dying nature fright, 
269:03,285['  ]| Till that$6#2$ high power, which$6#1$ all powers regulates, 
269:03,286['  ]| The disagreeing natures separates, 
269:03,287['  ]| The like$0$ to$4$ like$0$ rejoining as before, 
269:03,288['  ]| So$3$ the world's peace, joy, safety doth restore.  
269:03,289['  ]| Yet if man could not find in$4$ bird or brute 
269:03,290['  ]| That$6#2$ conversation which$6#1$ might aptly suit 
269:03,291['  ]| His higher nature, was it not sublime 
269:03,292['  ]| Enough, above the lower world to$9$ climb, 
269:03,293['  ]| And in$4$ Angelic converse to$9$ delight, 
269:03,294['  ]| Although it could not reach the supreme height?  
269:03,295['  ]| No$7$; for$3$ though man partake intelligence, 
269:03,296['  ]| Yet that$6#2$ being joined to$4$ an inferior sense, 
269:03,297['  ]| Dulled by$4$ corporeal vapours, can not be 
269:03,298['  ]| Refined enough for$4$ angels company:  
269:03,299['  ]| As strings screwed up$5$ too high, as bows still bent 
269:03,300['  ]| Or break themselves, or crack the instrument; 
269:03,301['  ]| So$3$ drops neglected flesh into the grave, 
269:03,302['  ]| If it no$2$ share in$4$ the soul's pleasures have.  
269:03,000@@@@@| <Canto III: second selection>
269:03,379['  ]| Extended Power reaches itself a crown, 
269:03,380['  ]| Gathering up$5$ those whom misery casts down.  
269:03,381['  ]| Love raiseth us, itself to$4$ heaven doth rise, 
269:03,382['  ]| By$4$ virtue's varied mutual exercise.  
269:03,383['  ]| Sweet love, the life of life, which$6#1$ can not shine, 
269:03,384['  ]| But lies like$4$ Gold concealed in$4$ the Mine, 
269:03,385['  ]| Till it through much exchange a brightness take 
269:03,386['  ]| And Conversation doth it current make.  
269:03,387['  ]| God having showed his creature thus the need 
269:03,388['  ]| Of human helps, a help for$4$ man decreed:  
269:03,389[A  ]| I will$1$, 
269:03,389['  ]| said he, 
269:03,389[A  ]| the man's meet aid provide.  
269:03,390['  ]| But that$3$ he from his waking view might hide 
269:03,391['  ]| Such a mysterious work, the Lord did keep 
269:03,392['  ]| All \Adam's\ senses fast locked up$5$ in$4$ sleep.  
269:03,393['  ]| Then from his opened side took without pain 
269:03,394['  ]| A clothed rib, and closed the flesh again, 
269:03,395['  ]| And of the bone did a fair virgin frame 
269:03,396['  ]| Who$6#1$, by$4$ her Maker brought, to$4$ \Adam\ came 
269:03,397['  ]| And was in$4$ matrimonial Union joined, 
269:03,398['  ]| By$4$ love and nature happily combined.  
269:03,399['  ]| \Adam's\ clear understanding at first view 
269:03,400['  ]| His wife's original and nature knew; 
269:03,401['  ]| His will$0$, as pure, did thankfully embrace, 
269:03,402['  ]| His father's bounty, and admired his grace.  
269:03,403['  ]| And as her sweet charms did his heart surprise 
269:03,404['  ]| He spoke his joy in$4$ these glad ecstasies, 
269:03,405[C  ]| Thou art my better self, my flesh, my bone, 
269:03,406[C  ]| We late of one made two, again in$4$ one 
269:03,407[C  ]| Shall reunite, and with the frequent birth 
269:03,408[C  ]| Of our joint issue, people the vast earth.  
269:03,409[C  ]| To$9$ show that$3$ thou wert taken out of me 
269:03,410[C  ]| \Isba\ shall be thy name; As unto thee 
269:03,411[C  ]| Ravished with love and joy my soul doth cleave, 
269:03,412[C  ]| So$3$ men hereafter shall their fathers leave, 
269:03,413[C  ]| And all relations else, which$6#1$ are most dear, 
269:03,414[C  ]| That$3$ they may only to$4$ their wives adhere; 
269:03,415[C  ]| When marriage male and female doth combine 
269:03,416[C  ]| Children in$4$ one flesh shall two parents join.  
269:03,417['  ]| Lastly, God, who$6#1$ the sacred knot had tied, 
269:03,418['  ]| With blessing his own Ordinance sanctified, 
269:03,418[A  ]| Increase, 
269:03,418['  ]| said he, 
269:03,418[A  ]| and multiply your race, 
269:03,420[A  ]| Fill the Earth allotted for$4$ your dwelling place, 
269:03,421[A  ]| I give you right to$4$ all her fruits and plants, 
269:03,422[A  ]| Dominion over her inhabitants; 
269:03,423[A  ]| The fish that$6#1$ in$4$ the flood's deep bosom lie, 
269:03,424[A  ]| All Fowls that$6#1$ in$4$ the airy region fly, 
269:03,425[A  ]| Whatever lives and feeds on$4$ the dry land, 
269:03,426[A  ]| Are all made subject under your command.  
269:03,427[A  ]| The grass and green herbs let your cattle eat, 
269:03,428[A  ]| And let the richer fruits be your own meat, 
269:03,429[A  ]| Except the Tree of knowing good and ill, 
269:03,430[A  ]| That$6#1$ by$4$ the precept of my Sovereign will$0$ 
269:03,431[A  ]| You must not eat, for$3$ in$4$ the day you do, 
269:03,432[A  ]| Inevitable death shall seize on$4$ you.  
269:03,433['  ]| Thus God did the first marriage celebrate 
269:03,434['  ]| While man was in$4$ his unpolluted state, 
269:03,435['  ]| And the undefiled bed with honour decked, 
269:03,436['  ]| Though perverse men the Ordinance reject, 
269:03,437['  ]| And pulling all its sacred Ensigns down 
269:03,438['  ]| To$4$ the white Virgin only give the crown.  
269:03,439['  ]| Nor yet is marriage grown less sacred since 
269:03,440['  ]| Man fell from his created excellence, 
269:03,441['  ]| Necessity now raises its esteem, 
269:03,442['  ]| Which$6#1$ doth mankind from death's vast jaws redeem, 
269:03,443['  ]| Who$6#1$ even in$4$ their graves are yet alive, 
269:03,444['  ]| While they in$4$ their posterity survive.  
269:03,445['  ]| In$4$ it they find a comfort and an aid, 
269:03,446['  ]| In$4$ all the ills which$6#1$ human life invade.  
269:03,447['  ]| This curbs and cures wild passions that$6#1$ arise, 
269:03,448['  ]| Repairs time daily wastes, with new supplies; 
269:03,449['  ]| When the declining mother's youthful grace 
269:03,450['  ]| Lies dead and buried in$4$ her wrinkled face, 
269:03,451['  ]| In$4$ her fair daughters it revives and grows, 
269:03,452['  ]| And her dead Cinder in$4$ their new flames glows.  
269:03,453['  ]| And though this state may sometimes prove accursed, 
269:03,454['  ]| For$3$ of best things, still the corruption is worst, 
269:03,455['  ]| Sin so$5#2$ destroys an institution good, 
269:03,456['  ]| Provided against death and solitude.  
269:03,457['  ]| \Eve\ out of sleeping \Adam\ formed thus 
269:03,458['  ]| A sweet instructive emblem is to$4$ us, 
269:03,459['  ]| How waking Providence is active still 
269:03,460['  ]| To$9$ do us good, and to$9$ avert our ill, 
269:03,461['  ]| When we locked up$5$ in$4$ stupefaction lie, 
269:03,462['  ]| Not dreaming that$3$ our blessings are so$5#1$ nigh.  
269:03,463['  ]| Blessings wrought out by$4$ providence alone 
269:03,464['  ]| Without the least assistance of our own.  
269:03,465['  ]| Man's help produced in$4$ death-like sleep doth show, 
269:03,466['  ]| Our choicest mercies out of dead wombs flow.  
269:03,467['  ]| So$3$ from the second \Adam's\ bleeding side 
269:03,468['  ]| God formed the Gospel Church his mystic Bride, 
269:03,469['  ]| Whose strength was only of his firmness made, 
269:03,470['  ]| His blood, quick spirits into ours conveyed:  
269:03,471['  ]| His wasted flesh our wasted flesh supplied, 
269:03,472['  ]| And we were then revived when he died.  
269:03,473['  ]| Who$6#1$ waked from that$6#2$ short sleep with joy did view 
269:03,474['  ]| The virgin fair that$6#1$ out of his wounds grew, 
269:03,475['  ]| Presented by$4$ the eternal Father's grace 
269:03,476['  ]| Unto his everlasting kind embrace:  
269:03,477[B  ]| My spouse, my sister, 
269:03,477['  ]| said he, 
269:03,477[B  ]| thou art mine; 
269:03,478[B  ]| I and my death, I and my life are thine; 
269:03,479[B  ]| For$4$ thee I did my heavenly Father quit 
269:03,480[B  ]| That$3$ thou with me on$4$ my high throne mayst sit, 
269:03,481[B  ]| My mother's human flesh in$4$ death did leave 
269:03,482[B  ]| For$4$ thee, that$3$ I to$4$ thee might only cleave, 
269:03,483[B  ]| Redeem thee from the confines of dark hell, 
269:03,484[B  ]| And evermore in$4$ thy dear bosom dwell:  
269:03,485[B  ]| From heaven I did descend to$9$ fetch up$5$ thee, 
269:03,486[B  ]| Rose from the grave that$3$ thou mightst reign with me.  
269:03,487[B  ]| Henceforth no$2$ longer two but one we are.  
269:03,488[B  ]| Thou dost my merit, life, grace, glory share:  
269:03,489[B  ]| As my victorious triumphs are all thine, 
269:03,490[B  ]| So$3$ are thy injuries and sufferings mine, 
269:03,491[B  ]| Which$6#1$ I for$4$ thee will$1$ vanquish as my own, 
269:03,492[B  ]| And give thee rest in$4$ the celestial throne:  
269:03,493['  ]| The Bride with these caresses entertained 
269:03,494['  ]| In$4$ naked beauty doth before him stand, 
269:03,495['  ]| And knows no$2$ shame purged from all foul desire 
269:03,496['  ]| Whose secret guilt kindles the blushing fire.  
269:03,497['  ]| Her glorious Lord is naked too, no$2$ more 
269:03,498['  ]| Concealed in$4$ types and shadows as before.  
269:03,499['  ]| So$3$ our first parents innocently did 
269:03,500['  ]| Behold that$6#2$ nakedness which$6#1$ since is hid, 
269:03,501['  ]| That$3$ lust may not catch fire from beauty's flame 
269:03,502['  ]| Engendering thoughts which$6#1$ dye the cheeks with shame, 
269:03,503['  ]| Thus heaven and earth their full perfection had, 
269:03,504['  ]| Thus all their hosts and ornaments were made, 
269:03,505['  ]| Armies of Angels had the highest place, 
269:03,506['  ]| Bright starry hosts the lower heaven did grace, 
269:03,507['  ]| The Mutes encamped in$4$ the waters were, 
269:03,508['  ]| The winged troops were quartered in$4$ the air, 
269:03,509['  ]| The walking animals, as the infantry 
269:03,510['  ]| Of the Universal Host, at large did lie 
269:03,511['  ]| Spread over all the earth's most ample face, 
269:03,512['  ]| Each regiment in$4$ its assigned place.  
269:03,513['  ]| Paradise the headquarter was, and there 
269:03,514['  ]| The Emperor to$4$ his Viceroy did appear, 
269:03,515['  ]| Him in$4$ his regal Office did install, 
269:03,516['  ]| A general muster of his hosts did call, 
269:03,517['  ]| Resigning up$5$ into his sole command 
269:03,518['  ]| The numerous Tribes, that$6#1$ fill doth sea and land.  
269:03,519['  ]| As each kind severally had before 
269:03,520['  ]| Blessing and approbation, so$3$ once more, 
269:03,521['  ]| When all together God his works reviewed, 
269:03,522['  ]| The blessing was confirmed and renewed.  
269:03,523['  ]| And with the sixth day the Creation ceased.  
269:03,524['  ]| The seventh day the Lord himself did rest, 
269:03,525['  ]| And made it a perpetual Ordinance then 
269:03,526['  ]| To$9$ be observed by$4$ every age of men, 
269:03,527['  ]| That$3$ after six day's honest labour they 
269:03,528['  ]| His precept and example should obey, 
269:03,529['  ]| As he did his, their works surcease, and spend 
269:03,530['  ]| That$6#2$ day in$4$ sacred rest, till that$6#2$ day end, 
269:03,531['  ]| And in$4$ its number back again return, 
269:03,532['  ]| Still consecrated, till it have outworn 
269:03,533['  ]| All other time, and that$6#2$ alone remain, 
269:03,534['  ]| When neither toil, nor burden, shall again 
269:03,535['  ]| The weary lives of mortal men infest, 
269:03,536['  ]| Nor intermit their holy, happy rest.  
269:03,537['  ]| Nor is this Rest sacred to$4$ idleness, 
269:03,538['  ]| God, a perpetual Act, sloth can not bless.  
269:03,539['  ]| He ceased not from his own celestial joy, 
269:03,540['  ]| Which$6#1$ doth himself perpetually employ 
269:03,541['  ]| In$4$ contemplation of himself, and those 
269:03,542['  ]| Most excellent works, wherein himself he shows; 
269:03,543['  ]| He only ceased from making lower things, 
269:03,544['  ]| By$4$ which$6#1$, as steps, the mounting soul he brings 
269:03,545['  ]| To$4$ the upmost height, and having finished these 
269:03,546['  ]| Himself did in$4$ his own productions please, 
269:03,547['  ]| Full satisfied in$4$ their perfection, 
269:03,548['  ]| Rested from what he had completely done; 
269:03,549['  ]| And made his pattern our instruction, 
269:03,550['  ]| That$3$ we, as far as finite creatures may 
269:03,551['  ]| Trace him that$6#1$ is infinite, should in$4$ our way 
269:03,552['  ]| Rest as our Father did, work as he wrought, 
269:03,553['  ]| Nor cease till we have to$4$ perfection brought 
269:03,554['  ]| Whatever to$4$ his glory we intend, 
269:03,555['  ]| Still making ours, the same which$6#1$ was his end:  
269:03,556['  ]| As his works in$4$ commands begin, and have 
269:03,557['  ]| Conclusion in$4$ the blessings which$6#1$ he gave, 
269:03,558['  ]| So$3$ must his Word give being to$4$ all ours; 
269:03,559['  ]| And since the events are not in$4$ our own powers, 
269:03,560['  ]| We must his blessing beg, his great name bless, 
269:03,561['  ]| And make our thanks the crown of our success.  
269:03,562['  ]| As God first heaven did for$4$ man prepare, 
269:03,563['  ]| Men last for$4$ heaven created were, 
269:03,564['  ]| So$3$ should we all our actions regulate, 
269:03,565['  ]| Which$6#1$ heaven, both first and last, should terminate, 
269:03,566['  ]| And in$4$ whatever circle else they run, 
269:03,567['  ]| There should they end, there should they be begun, 
269:03,568['  ]| There seek their pattern, and derive from thence 
269:03,569['  ]| Their whole direction and their influence.  
269:03,570['  ]| As when the Almighty this low world did frame, 
269:03,571['  ]| Life by$4$ degrees to$4$ its perfection came, 
269:03,572['  ]| In$4$ Vegetation first sprung up$5$, to$4$ sense 
269:03,573['  ]| Ascended next, and climbed to$4$ reason thence, 
269:03,574['  ]| So$3$ we, pursuing our attainments, should 
269:03,575['  ]| Press forward from what is positively good, 
269:03,576['  ]| Still climbing higher, until we reach the best, 
269:03,577['  ]| And that$6#2$ acquired forever fix our rest.  
269:03,578['  ]| Our souls so$5#1$ ravished with the joys divine 
269:03,579['  ]| That$6#2$ they no$2$ more to$4$ creatures can decline.  
269:03,580['  ]| As God's Rest was but a more high retreat 
269:03,581['  ]| From the delights of this inferior seat, 
269:03,582['  ]| So$3$ must our souls upon$4$ our Sabbaths climb, 
269:03,583['  ]| Above the world, sequestered for$4$ that$6#2$ time, 
269:03,584['  ]| From those legitimate delights, which$6#1$ may 
269:03,585['  ]| Rejoice us here upon$4$ a common day.  
269:03,586['  ]| As God, his works completed, did retire 
269:03,587['  ]| To$9$ be adored by$4$ the Angelic Choir, 
269:03,588['  ]| So$3$ when on$4$ us the seventh day's light doth shine, 
269:03,589['  ]| Should we ourselves to$4$ God's assemblies join, 
269:03,590['  ]| Thither all hearts, as one pure offspring, bring 
269:03,591['  ]| And all with one accord adore our King.  
269:03,592['  ]| This seventh day the Lord to$4$ mankind gave, 
269:03,593['  ]| Nor is it the least privilege we have.  
269:03,594['  ]| And ours peculiarly.  The Orbs above 
269:03,595['  ]| As well the seventh as the sixth day move, 
269:03,596['  ]| The rain descends and the fierce tempest blows, 
269:03,597['  ]| On$4$ it the restless Ocean ebbs and flows:  
269:03,598['  ]| Bees that$6#2$ day fill the hive, and on$4$ that$6#2$ day 
269:03,599['  ]| Ants their provisions in$4$ their store-house lay, 
269:03,600['  ]| All creatures ply their works, no$2$ beast 
269:03,601['  ]| But those which$6#1$ mankind use, share in$4$ that$6#2$ rest:  
269:03,602['  ]| Which$6#1$ God indulged only to$4$ human race, 
269:03,603['  ]| That$3$ they in$4$ it might come before his face 
269:03,604['  ]| To$9$ celebrate his worship and his praise, 
269:03,605['  ]| And gain a blessing upon$4$ all their days.  
269:03,606['  ]| O wretched souls of perverse men, who$6#1$ slight 
269:03,607['  ]| So$5#1$ great a grace, refuse such rich delight, 
269:03,608['  ]| Which$6#1$ the inferior creatures can not share, 
269:03,609['  ]| To$4$ which$6#1$ alone their natures fitted are, 
269:03,610['  ]| And whereby favoured men admitted be 
269:03,611['  ]| Into the angels' blest society.  
269:03,612['  ]| Yet in$4$ this Rest but a far distant view 
269:03,613['  ]| Of that$6#2$ celestial life which$6#1$ we pursue, 
269:03,614['  ]| By$4$ Satan oft so$5#1$ interrupted here, 
269:03,615['  ]| That$3$ little of its glory doth appear, 
269:03,616['  ]| Nor can our souls' sick, languid appetite 
269:03,617['  ]| Feast upon$4$ such substantial, strong delight 
269:03,618['  ]| As music pains the grieved aching head, 
269:03,619['  ]| With which$6#1$ the healthful sense is sweetly fed; 
269:03,620['  ]| So$3$ duties wherein sound hearts full joys find, 
269:03,621['  ]| Fetters and sad loads are to$4$ a sick mind, 
269:03,622['  ]| Till it thereto by$4$ force itself inure, 
269:03,623['  ]| And from a loathing fall to$9$ love its cure.  
269:03,624['  ]| God for$4$ his worship kept one day of seven, 
269:03,625['  ]| The other six to$4$ man for$4$ man's use given; 
269:03,626['  ]| \Adam\, although so$5#1$ highly dignified, 
269:03,627['  ]| Was not to$9$ spend in$4$ idle ease and pride 
269:03,628['  ]| Nor supine sleep, drunk with his sensual pleasures, 
269:03,629['  ]| Profusely wasting the Empire's sacred treasures, 
269:03,630['  ]| As now his fallen sons do, that$6#1$ arrogate 
269:03,631['  ]| His forfeited dominion, and high state; 
269:03,632['  ]| But God his daily Business did ordain 
269:03,633['  ]| That$3$ Kings, hence taught, might in$4$ their Realms maintain 
269:03,634['  ]| Fair order, serving those whom they command, 
269:03,635['  ]| As guardians, not as owners of the land, 
269:03,636['  ]| Not being set there, to$9$ pluck up$5$ and destroy 
269:03,637['  ]| Those plants, whose culture should their cares employ.  
269:03,638['  ]| Nor doth this precept only Kings comprise, 
269:03,639['  ]| The meanest must his little paradise 
269:03,640['  ]| With no$2$ less vigilance and care attend 
269:03,641['  ]| Than Princes on$4$ their vast enclosures spend.  
269:03,642['  ]| All hence must learn their duty, to$9$ suppress 
269:03,643['  ]| The intrusions of a sordid idleness.  
269:03,644['  ]| Who$6#1$ formed, could have preserved the garden fair 
269:03,645['  ]| Without the employment of man's busy care, 
269:03,646['  ]| But that$3$ he willed that$3$ our delight should be 
269:03,647['  ]| The wages of our constant industry, 
269:03,648['  ]| That$3$ we his ever bounteous hand might bless 
269:03,649['  ]| Crowning our honest labours with success, 
269:03,650['  ]| And taste the joy men reap in$4$ their own fruit, 
269:03,651['  ]| Loving that$6#2$ more to$4$ which$6#1$ they contribute 
269:03,652['  ]| Either the labour of their hands or brains, 
269:03,653['  ]| Than better things produced by$4$ others' pains.  
269:03,654['  ]| Led by$4$ desire, fed with fair hope, the fruit 
269:03,655['  ]| Oft-times delights not more than the pursuit.  
269:03,656['  ]| For$3$ man a nature hath to$4$ action prone, 
269:03,657['  ]| That$6#1$ languishes, and sickens finding none.  
269:03,658['  ]| As standing pools corrupt, water that$6#1$ flows, 
269:03,659['  ]| More pure, by$4$ its continual current, grows, 
269:03,660['  ]| So$3$ human kind by$4$ active exercise, 
269:03,661['  ]| Do to$4$ the heights of their perfection rise, 
269:03,662['  ]| While their stocked glory comes to$4$ no$2$ ripe growth, 
269:03,663['  ]| Whose lives corrupt in$4$ idleness and sloth 
269:03,664['  ]| Which$6#1$ is not natural, but a disease, 
269:03,665['  ]| That$6#1$ doth upon$4$ the flesh-cloyed spirit seize.  
269:03,666['  ]| Where health untainted is, then the sound mind 
269:03,667['  ]| In$4$ its employment doth its pleasures find.  
269:03,668['  ]| But when death, or its representer sleep 
269:03,669['  ]| Upon$4$ the mortals' tired members creep, 
269:03,670['  ]| This during its dull reign doth life suspend, 
269:03,671['  ]| That$6#2$ ceasing action, puts it to$4$ an end.  
269:03,672['  ]| Lastly since God himself did man employ 
269:03,673['  ]| To$9$ dress up$5$ Paradise, that$6#2$ moderate joy 
269:03,674['  ]| Which$6#1$ from this fair creation we derive, 
269:03,675['  ]| Is not our sin but our prerogative, 
269:03,676['  ]| If bounded so$5#2$, as we fix not our rest 
269:03,677['  ]| In$4$ creatures which$6#1$ but transient are at best, 
269:03,678['  ]| Yet it is sin to$9$ neglect, not use, or prize, 
269:03,679['  ]| As well as it is to$9$ waste and idolize.  
269:04,000@@@@@| 
269:04,000['  ]| <Canto IV.> 
269:04,001['  ]| Good were all natures as God made them all, 
269:04,002['  ]| Good was his Will$0$ permitting some to$9$ fall, 
269:04,003['  ]| That$3$ the rest renouncing their frail strength might stand:  
269:04,004['  ]| Humble and firm in$4$ his supporting hand, 
269:04,005['  ]| His wisdom and omnipotence might own, 
269:04,006['  ]| When his Foe's power and craft is overthrown, 
269:04,007['  ]| Seeing his hate of sin, might thence confess 
269:04,008['  ]| His pure innate and perfect Holiness, 
269:04,009['  ]| And that$3$ the glory of his Justice might 
269:04,010['  ]| In$4$ the Rebels' torturing flames seem bright.  
269:04,011['  ]| That$3$ the ever blessed Redeemer might take place 
269:04,012['  ]| To$9$ illustrate his rich mercy and free grace 
269:04,013['  ]| Whereby he fallen sinners doth restore 
269:04,014['  ]| To$4$ fuller bliss than they enjoyed before; 
269:04,015['  ]| That$3$ Virtue might in$4$ its clear brightness shine 
269:04,016['  ]| Which$6#1$ like$4$ rich ore concealed in$4$ the mine 
269:04,017['  ]| Had not been known, but that$6#2$ opposing vice 
269:04,018['  ]| Illustrates it by$4$ frequent exercise.  
269:04,019['  ]| If all were good, whence then arose the ill?  
269:04,020['  ]| It was not in$4$ God's, but in$4$ the creature's will$0$, 
269:04,021['  ]| Averting from that$6#2$ good, which$6#1$ is supreme, 
269:04,022['  ]| Corrupted so$5#2$, as a declining stream 
269:04,023['  ]| That$6#1$ breaks off its communion with its head, 
269:04,024['  ]| By$4$ whom its life and sweetness late were fed, 
269:04,025['  ]| Turns to$4$ a noisome, dead, and poisonous Lake, 
269:04,026['  ]| Infecting all who$6#1$ the foul waters take:  
269:04,027['  ]| Or as a Branch cut from the living Tree, 
269:04,028['  ]| Passes into contempt immediately, 
269:04,029['  ]| And dies divided from its glorious flock; 
269:04,030['  ]| So$3$ strength disjoined from the living rock, 
269:04,031['  ]| Turns to$4$ contemned imbecility, 
269:04,032['  ]| And doth to$4$ all its grace and glory die.  
269:04,033['  ]| Some new-made Angels thus, no$2$ more sublime 
269:04,034['  ]| In$4$ nature, than transcending in$4$ their crime, 
269:04,035['  ]| Quitting the eternal fountain of their light, 
269:04,036['  ]| Became the first-born sons of woe and night, 
269:04,037['  ]| Princes of Darkness, and the sad Abyss, 
269:04,038['  ]| Which$6#1$ now their cursed place and portion is, 
269:04,039['  ]| Where they no$2$ more must see God's glorious face 
269:04,040['  ]| Nor ever taste of his refreshing grace, 
269:04,041['  ]| But in$4$ the fire of his fierce anger dwell, 
269:04,042['  ]| Which$6#1$ though it burns, enlightens not their Hell.  
269:04,043['  ]| But circumstances that$6#1$ we can not know 
269:04,044['  ]| Of their rebellion and their overthrow 
269:04,045['  ]| We will$1$ not dare to$9$ invent, nor will$1$ we take 
269:04,046['  ]| Guesses from the reports themselves did make 
269:04,047['  ]| To$4$ their old Priests, to$4$ whom they did devise 
269:04,048['  ]| To$9$ inspire some truths, wrapped up$5$ in$4$ many lies; 
269:04,049['  ]| Such as their gross poetic fables are, 
269:04,050['  ]| \Saturn's\ extrusion, the bold giants war, 
269:04,051['  ]| Division of the universal realm, 
269:04,052['  ]| To$4$ Gods that$6#1$ in$4$ high heaven steer the helm, 
269:04,053['  ]| Others who$6#1$ all things in$4$ the Ocean guide, 
269:04,054['  ]| And those who$6#1$ in$4$ the infernal Court preside, 
269:04,055['  ]| Who$6#1$ there a vast and gloomy Empire sway, 
269:04,056['  ]| Whom all the Furies and the Ghosts obey.  
269:04,057['  ]| But not to$9$ name these foolish impious tales, 
269:04,058['  ]| Which$6#1$ stifle truth in$4$ her pretended veils, 
269:04,059['  ]| Let us in$4$ its own blazing conduct go, 
269:04,060['  ]| And look no$2$ further than that$6#2$ light doth show; 
269:04,061['  ]| Wherein we see the present powers of hell, 
269:04,062['  ]| Before they under God's displeasure fell, 
269:04,063['  ]| Were once ensued with grace and excellence, 
269:04,064['  ]| Beyond the comprehension of our sense, 
269:04,065['  ]| Pure holy lights in$4$ the bright heaven were 
269:04,066['  ]| Blazing about the throne, but not fixed there; 
269:04,067['  ]| Where, by$4$ the Apostasy of their own will$0$, 
269:04,068['  ]| Precipitating them into all ill, 
269:04,069['  ]| And God's just wrath, whose eyes are far too pure 
269:04,070['  ]| Stained and polluted objects to$9$ endure, 
269:04,071['  ]| They fell like$4$ lightning, hurled in$4$ his fierce ire, 
269:04,072['  ]| And falling, set the lower world on$4$ fire:  
269:04,073['  ]| Which$6#1$ their loose prison is where they remain, 
269:04,074['  ]| And walk as criminals under God's chain; 
269:04,075['  ]| Until the last and great assizes come, 
269:04,076['  ]| When Execution shall seal up$5$ their doom.  
269:04,077['  ]| Thus are they now to$4$ their created light, 
269:04,078['  ]| Unto all Truth, and Goodness opposite, 
269:04,079['  ]| Hating the Peace and Joy that$6#1$ reigns above, 
269:04,080['  ]| Vainly contending to$9$ extinguish love, 
269:04,081['  ]| Ruin God's sacred Empire, and destroy 
269:04,082['  ]| That$6#2$ blessedness they never can enjoy.  
269:04,083['  ]| A Chief they have, whose Sovereign power and place 
269:04,084['  ]| But adds to$4$ his sin, his torture, and disgrace.  
269:04,085['  ]| An order too there is in$4$ their dire state, 
269:04,086['  ]| Though they all Orders else disturb and hate.  
269:04,087['  ]| Ten thousand thousand wicked spirits stand, 
269:04,088['  ]| Attending their black Prince, at his command, 
269:04,089['  ]| To$4$ all imaginable evils pressed, 
269:04,090['  ]| That$6#1$ may promote their common interest.  
269:04,091['  ]| Nor are they linked thus by$4$ faith and love, 
269:04,092['  ]| But hate of God and goodness, which$6#1$ doth move 
269:04,093['  ]| The same endeavours and desires in$4$ all, 
269:04,094['  ]| Lest civil wars should make their Empire fall.  
269:04,095['  ]| An Empire which$6#1$ the Almighty doth permit, 
269:04,096['  ]| Yet so$3$ as he controls and limits it.  
269:04,097['  ]| Suffering their rage sometimes to$9$ take effect, 
269:04,098['  ]| Only to$9$ be the more severely checked; 
269:04,099['  ]| When he produces a contrary end, 
269:04,100['  ]| From what they did maliciously intend, 
269:04,101['  ]| Befools their wisdom, crosses their designs, 
269:04,102['  ]| And blows them up$5$ in$4$ their own crafty mines, 
269:04,103['  ]| Allows them play in$4$ the entangling net, 
269:04,104['  ]| So$3$ to$9$ be faster in$4$ damnation set, 
269:04,105['  ]| Submits them to$4$ each other's tyrannies, 
269:04,106['  ]| Who$6#1$ did God's softer sacred bonds despise, 
269:04,107['  ]| Lets them still fight, who$6#1$ never can prevail, 
269:04,108['  ]| More cursed if they succeed, than if they fail, 
269:04,109['  ]| Since every soul the Rebels gain from God, 
269:04,110['  ]| Adds but another Scorpion to$4$ that$6#2$ rod, 
269:04,111['  ]| Bound up$5$, that$3$ they may mutual torturers be, 
269:04,112['  ]| Tormented and tormenting equally.  
269:04,113['  ]| As a wise General that$6#1$ doth design 
269:04,114['  ]| To$9$ keep his Army still in$4$ discipline, 
269:04,115['  ]| Suffers the embodying of some slighter foes, 
269:04,116['  ]| Which$6#1$ he at his own pleasure can enclose, 
269:04,117['  ]| And vanquish, that$3$ he justly may chastise 
269:04,118['  ]| Their folly, and his own troops exercise, 
269:04,119['  ]| Their vigilance, their faith and valour prove; 
269:04,120['  ]| Endearing them thereby to$4$ his own love, 
269:04,121['  ]| As he alike endears himself to$4$ theirs, 
269:04,122['  ]| By$4$ his continual succours and kind cares:  
269:04,123['  ]| So$3$ the Almighty gives the Devils scope, 
269:04,124['  ]| Who$6#1$ though they are excluded from all hope 
269:04,125['  ]| Of ever escaping, no$2$ reluctance have, 
269:04,126['  ]| But like$4$ the desperate villain they make brave, 
269:04,127['  ]| To$4$ death pursue their bold attempts, that$3$ all 
269:04,128['  ]| Over whom they can not reign, with them may fall.  
269:04,129['  ]| And though God's watchful guards besiege them round 
269:04,130['  ]| That$3$ none can pass their strict prescribed bound, 
269:04,131['  ]| Yet make they daily sallies in$4$ their pride, 
269:04,132['  ]| Which$6#1$ still repulsed the holy host deride.  
269:04,133['  ]| Their malice in$4$ itself and its event, 
269:04,134['  ]| Being equally a crime and punishment.  
269:04,135['  ]| Thus though sin in$4$ itself be ill, it is good 
269:04,136['  ]| That$3$ sin should be, for$3$ thereby rectitude 
269:04,137['  ]| Through opposed iniquity, as light 
269:04,138['  ]| By$4$ shades, is more conspicuous and more bright.  
269:04,139['  ]| The wonderful creation of mankind, 
269:04,140['  ]| For$4$ lasting glory and rich grace designed, 
269:04,141['  ]| The blessed angels looked on$5$ with delight, 
269:04,142['  ]| Gladded to$9$ see us climb so$5#1$ near their height; 
269:04,143['  ]| Above all other works, next in$4$ degree, 
269:04,144['  ]| And capable of their society.  
269:04,145['  ]| But it was far otherwise with those that$6#1$ fell 
269:04,146['  ]| Man's destined heaven, increased their hell, 
269:04,147['  ]| While they burnt with a proud malicious spite 
269:04,148['  ]| To$9$ see a new-made, earth-born favourite, 
269:04,149['  ]| For$4$ their high seats and empty thrones designed; 
269:04,150['  ]| Therefore both against God and man combined, 
269:04,151['  ]| To$9$ hinder God's decree from taking place, 
269:04,152['  ]| And to$9$ divest man of his Maker's grace; 
269:04,153['  ]| Which$6#1$ while he in$4$ a pure obedience stood, 
269:04,154['  ]| They knew, not all their force nor cunning could, 
269:04,155['  ]| But if they could with any false pretence 
269:04,156['  ]| Inveigle him to$9$ quit his innocence, 
269:04,157['  ]| They hoped death would present the dreaded womb 
269:04,158['  ]| From whence their happier successors must come.  
269:04,159['  ]| Wherefore the accursed Sovereign of hell 
269:04,160['  ]| Thinking no$2$ other Devil could so$5#1$ well 
269:04,161['  ]| Act this ill part, whose consequence was high 
269:04,162['  ]| Enough to$9$ engage his hateful majesty, 
269:04,163['  ]| Himself exposes for$4$ the common cause, 
269:04,164['  ]| And with his hellish kingdom's full applause, 
269:04,165['  ]| Goes forth, putting himself into disguise, 
269:04,166['  ]| And so$3$ within a bright scaled serpent lies, 
269:04,167['  ]| Folded about the fair forbidden tree, 
269:04,168['  ]| Watching a wished for$4$ opportunity, 
269:04,169['  ]| Which$6#1$ \Eve\ soon gave him, coming there alone 
269:04,170['  ]| So$3$ to$9$ be first and easier overthrown; 
269:04,171['  ]| On$4$ whose weak side, the assault had not been made 
269:04,172['  ]| Had she not from her firm protection strayed; 
269:04,173['  ]| But so$3$ the Devil then, so$3$ lewd men now 
269:04,174['  ]| Prevail, when women privacies allow, 
269:04,175['  ]| And to$4$ those flattering whispers lend an ear 
269:04,176['  ]| Which$6#1$ even impudence itself would fear 
269:04,177['  ]| To$9$ utter in$4$ the presence of a friend, 
269:04,178['  ]| Whose virtuous awe our frailty might defend.  
269:04,179['  ]| Though inexperience might excuse \Eve's\ fault, 
269:04,180['  ]| Yet those who$6#1$ now give way to$4$ an assault, 
269:04,181['  ]| By$4$ suffering it alone, none can exempt 
269:04,182['  ]| From the just blame that$3$ they their tempters tempt, 
269:04,183['  ]| And by$4$ vain confidence themselves betray, 
269:04,184['  ]| Fondly secure in$4$ a known desperate way.  
269:04,185['  ]| As \Eve\ stood near the tree, the subtle beast, 
269:04,186['  ]| By$4$ Satan moved, his speech to$4$ her addressed 
269:04,187[E  ]| Hath God, 
269:04,187['  ]| said he, 
269:04,187[E  ]| forbid that$3$ you should taste 
269:04,188[E  ]| These pleasant fruits, which$6#1$ in$4$ your eyes are placed, 
269:04,189[E  ]| Why are the tempting boughs exposed, if you 
269:04,190[E  ]| May not delight your palates with your view?  
269:04,191[D  ]| God, 
269:04,191['  ]| said the woman, 
269:04,191[D  ]| gives us liberty 
269:04,192[D  ]| To$9$ eat without restraint of every tree 
269:04,193[D  ]| Which$6#1$ in$4$ the garden grows, but only one; 
269:04,194[D  ]| Restrained by$4$ such a prohibition, 
269:04,195[D  ]| We dare not touch it, for$3$ whenever we do 
269:04,196[D  ]| A certain death will$1$ our offence ensue.  
269:04,197['  ]| Then did the wicked subtle beast reply, 
269:04,198[E  ]| Ah simple wretch, you shall not surely die, 
269:04,199[E  ]| God enviously to$4$ you this fruit denies, 
269:04,200[E  ]| He knows that$3$ eating it, will$1$ make you wise, 
269:04,201[E  ]| Of good and ill give you discerning sense, 
269:04,202[E  ]| And raise you to$4$ a god-like excellence.  
269:04,203['  ]| \Eve\ quickly caught in$4$ the foul hunter's net, 
269:04,204['  ]| Believed that$3$ death was only a vain threat, 
269:04,205['  ]| Her unbelief quenching religious dread 
269:04,206['  ]| Infectious counsel in$4$ her bosom bred, 
269:04,207['  ]| Dissatisfaction with her present state 
269:04,208['  ]| And fond ambition of a godlike height.  
269:04,209['  ]| Who$6#1$ now applies herself to$4$ its pursuit, 
269:04,210['  ]| With longing eyes looks on$4$ the lovely fruit, 
269:04,211['  ]| First nicely plucks, then eats with full delight, 
269:04,212['  ]| And gratifies her murderous appetite; 
269:04,213['  ]| Poisoned with the sweet relish of her sin, 
269:04,214['  ]| Before her inward torturing pangs begin, 
269:04,215['  ]| The pleasure to$4$ her husband she commends, 
269:04,216['  ]| And he by$4$ her persuasion too offends, 
269:04,217['  ]| As by$4$ the serpents she before had done.  
269:04,218['  ]| Hence learn pernicious counsellors to$9$ shun.  
269:04,219['  ]| Within the snake the crafty tempter smiled 
269:04,220['  ]| To$9$ see mankind so$5#1$ easily beguiled, 
269:04,221['  ]| But laugh not Satan, God shall thee deride, 
269:04,222['  ]| The Son of God and Man shall scourge thy pride, 
269:04,223['  ]| And in$4$ the time of vengeance shall exact 
269:04,224['  ]| A punishment on$4$ thee, for$4$ this accursed fact.  
269:04,225['  ]| Now wrought the poison on$4$ the guilty pair, 
269:04,226['  ]| Who$6#1$ with confusion on$4$ each other stare, 
269:04,227['  ]| While death possession takes, and enters in$5$ 
269:04,228['  ]| At the wide breach, laid open by$4$ their sin.  
269:04,229['  ]| Sound health and joy before the intruder fled, 
269:04,230['  ]| Sickness and sorrow coming in$4$ their stead.  
269:04,231['  ]| Their late sweet calm did now forever cease, 
269:04,232['  ]| Storms in$4$ all quarters drove away their peace; 
269:04,233['  ]| Dread, guilt, remorse in$4$ the benighted soul, 
269:04,234['  ]| Like$4$ raging billows on$4$ each other roll; 
269:04,235['  ]| Death's harbingers waste in$4$ each province make, 
269:04,236['  ]| While thundering terrors man's whole Island shake.  
269:04,237['  ]| Within, without, disordered in$4$ the storm, 
269:04,238['  ]| The colour fades, and tremblings change the form, 
269:04,239['  ]| Heat melts their substance, cold their joints benumbs, 
269:04,240['  ]| Dull languishment their vigour overcomes.  
269:04,241['  ]| Grief conquered beauty lays down all her arms, 
269:04,242['  ]| And mightier woe dissolves her late strong charms, 
269:04,243['  ]| Shame doth their looks deject, no$2$ cheerful grace, 
269:04,244['  ]| No$2$ pleasant smiles, appear in$4$ their sad face, 
269:04,245['  ]| They see themselves fooled, cheated, and betrayed, 
269:04,246['  ]| And naked in$4$ the view of heaven made; 
269:04,247['  ]| No$2$ glory compasses the drooping head, 
269:04,248['  ]| The sight of their own ugliness they dread, 
269:04,249['  ]| And curtains of broad, thin Fig-leaves devise 
269:04,250['  ]| To$9$ hide themselves from their own weeping eyes; 
269:04,251['  ]| But, Ah, these coverings were too slight and thin 
269:04,252['  ]| To$9$ ward their shame off, or to$9$ keep out sin, 
269:04,253['  ]| Or the keen airs quick piercing shafts, which$6#1$ through 
269:04,254['  ]| Both leaves and pores into the bowels flew.  
269:04,255['  ]| While they remained in$4$ their pure innocence 
269:04,256['  ]| It was their robe of glory and defence:  
269:04,257['  ]| But when sin tore that$6#2$ mantle off, they found 
269:04,258['  ]| Their members were all naked, all uncrowned; 
269:04,259['  ]| Their purity in$4$ every place defiled, 
269:04,260['  ]| Their vest of righteousness all torn and spoiled.  
269:04,261['  ]| Wherefore, through guilt, the late loved light they shun, 
269:04,262['  ]| And into the obscurest shadow run; 
269:04,263['  ]| But in$4$ no$2$ darkness can their quiet find, 
269:04,264['  ]| Carrying within them a disturbed mind, 
269:04,265['  ]| Which$6#1$ doth their cureless folly represent, 
269:04,266['  ]| And makes them curse their late experiment; 
269:04,267['  ]| Wishing they had been pure and ignorant still, 
269:04,268['  ]| Nor coveted the knowledge of their ill.  
269:04,269['  ]| Ah thus it is that$3$ yet we learn our good, 
269:04,270['  ]| Till it be lost, but seldom understood, 
269:04,271['  ]| Rich blessings, while we have them, little prize 
269:04,272['  ]| Until their want their value magnifies.  
269:04,273['  ]| And equally doth our remorse increase 
269:04,274['  ]| For$4$ having cast-away such happiness.  
269:04,275['  ]| O wretched man!  who$6#1$ at so$5#1$ dear a rate 
269:04,276['  ]| Purchased the knowledge of his own frail state, 
269:04,277['  ]| Knowledge of small advantage to$4$ the wise, 
269:04,278['  ]| Which$6#1$ only their affliction multiplies, 
269:04,279['  ]| While they in$4$ painful study vex their brain, 
269:04,280['  ]| Pursuing what they never can attain; 
269:04,281['  ]| And what would not avail them if acquired, 
269:04,282['  ]| Till at the length with fruitless labour tired, 
269:04,283['  ]| All that$6#1$ the learned and the wise can find 
269:04,284['  ]| Is but a vain disturbance of the mind, 
269:04,285['  ]| A sense of man's inevitable woes, 
269:04,286['  ]| Which$6#1$ he but little feels, who$6#1$ little knows; 
269:04,287['  ]| While mortals, holding on$4$ their error, still 
269:04,288['  ]| Pursue the knowledge both of good and ill, 
269:04,289['  ]| They neither of them perfectly attain, 
269:04,290['  ]| But in$4$ a dark tumultuous state remain; 
269:04,291['  ]| Till sense of ill, increasing like$4$ night's shade, 
269:04,292['  ]| Or hath a blot of good impressions made, 
269:04,293['  ]| Or good, victorious as the morning light, 
269:04,294['  ]| Triumph over the vanquished opposite:  
269:04,295['  ]| For$3$ both at once abide not in$4$ one place, 
269:04,296['  ]| Good knowledge flies from them who$6#1$ ill embrace.  
269:04,297['  ]| So$3$ were our parents filled with guilt and fear, 
269:04,298['  ]| When in$4$ the groves they God's approaches hear, 
269:04,299['  ]| And from the terror of his presence fled; 
269:04,300['  ]| Whether their own convictions caused their dread, 
269:05,000@@@@@| 
269:05,000['  ]| <Canto V.> 
269:05,001['  ]| Sad Nature's sighs gave the Alarms, 
269:05,002['  ]| And all her frighted hosts stood to$4$ their arms, 
269:05,003['  ]| Waiting whom the great Sovereign would employ 
269:05,004['  ]| His all deserted rebels to$9$ destroy:  
269:05,005['  ]| When God descended out of heaven above 
269:05,006['  ]| His disobedient Viceroy to$9$ remove.  
269:05,007['  ]| Yet though himself had seen the forfeiture, 
269:05,008['  ]| Which$6#1$ distance could not from his eyes obscure, 
269:05,009['  ]| To$9$ teach his future Substitutes how they 
269:05,010['  ]| Should judgements execute in$4$ a right way, 
269:05,011['  ]| He would not unexamined facts condemn, 
269:05,012['  ]| Nor punish sinners without hearing them.  
269:05,013['  ]| Therefore cites to$4$ his bar the Criminals, 
269:05,014['  ]| And \Adam\ first out of his covert calls, 
269:05,015[A  ]| Where art thou \Adam\? 
269:05,015['  ]| the Almighty said, 
269:05,016[C  ]| Here Lord, 
269:05,016['  ]| the trembling sinner answer made, 
269:05,017[C  ]| Amongst the trees I in$4$ the garden heard 
269:05,018[C  ]| Thy voice, and being naked was afeard, 
269:05,019[C  ]| Nor durst I so$5#2$ thy purer sight abide, 
269:05,020[C  ]| Therefore myself did in$4$ this shelter hide.  
269:05,021[A  ]| Hast thou 
269:05,021['  ]| (said God) 
269:05,021[A  ]| eat the forbidden tree, 
269:05,022[A  ]| Or who$6#2$ declared thy nakedness to$4$ thee?  
269:05,023[C  ]| She, 
269:05,023['  ]| answered \Adam\, 
269:05,023[C  ]| whom thou didst create 
269:05,024[C  ]| To$9$ be my helper and associate, 
269:05,025[C  ]| Gave me the fatal fruit, and I did eat; 
269:05,026['  ]| Then \Eve\ was also called from her retreat, 
269:05,027[A  ]| Woman what hast thou done?  
269:05,027['  ]| the Almighty said; 
269:05,028[D  ]| Lord, 
269:05,028['  ]| answered she, 
269:05,028[D  ]| the serpent me betrayed, 
269:05,029[D  ]| And I did eat.  
269:05,029['  ]| Thus did they both confess 
269:05,030['  ]| Their guilt, and vainly sought to$9$ make it less, 
269:05,031['  ]| By$4$ such extenuations, as well weighed, 
269:05,032['  ]| The sin, so$5#2$ circumstanced, more sinful made:  
269:05,033['  ]| A course which$6#1$ still half softened sinners use, 
269:05,034['  ]| Transferring blame their own faults to$9$ excuse, 
269:05,035['  ]| They care not how, nor where, and oftentimes 
269:05,036['  ]| On$4$ God himself obliquely charge their crimes, 
269:05,037['  ]| Expostulating in$4$ their discontent, 
269:05,038['  ]| As if he caused what he did not prevent; 
269:05,039['  ]| Which$6#1$ \Adam\ wickedly implies, when he 
269:05,040['  ]| Cries, 
269:05,040[C  ]| It was the woman \That$6#1$ thou gavest me\; 
269:05,041['  ]| Oft-times make that$6#2$ the devil's guilt alone, 
269:05,042['  ]| Which$6#1$ was as well and equally their own.  
269:05,043['  ]| His lies could never have prevailed on$4$ \Eve\ 
269:05,044['  ]| But that$3$ she wished them truth, and did believe 
269:05,045['  ]| A forgery that$6#1$ suited her desire, 
269:05,046['  ]| Whose haughty heart was prone enough to$9$ aspire.  
269:05,047['  ]| The tempting and the urging was his ill, 
269:05,048['  ]| But the compliance was in$4$ her own will$0$.  
269:05,049['  ]| And herein truly lies the difference 
269:05,050['  ]| Of natural and gracious penitence, 
269:05,051['  ]| The first transferreth and extenuates 
269:05,052['  ]| The guilt, which$6#1$ the other owns and aggravates.  
269:05,053['  ]| While sin is but regarded slight and small, 
269:05,054['  ]| It makes the value of rich mercy fall, 
269:05,055['  ]| But as our crimes seem greater in$4$ our eyes, 
269:05,056['  ]| So$3$ doth our grateful sense of pardon rise.  
269:05,057['  ]| Poor mankind at God's righteous bar was cast 
269:05,058['  ]| And set for$4$ judgement by$5$ when at the last 
269:05,059['  ]| Satan within the serpent had his doom, 
269:05,060['  ]| Whose execrable malice left no$2$ room 
269:05,061['  ]| For$4$ plea or pardon, but was sentenced first; 
269:05,062[A  ]| Thou 
269:05,062['  ]| (said the Lord) 
269:05,062[A  ]| above all beasts accursed, 
269:05,063[A  ]| Shalt on$4$ thy belly creep, on$4$ dust shalt feed, 
269:05,064[A  ]| Between thee and the woman, and her seed 
269:05,065[A  ]| And thine, I will$1$ put lasting enmity; 
269:05,066[A  ]| Thou in$4$ this war his heel shalt bruise, but He 
269:05,067[A  ]| Thy head shall break.  
269:05,067['  ]| More various Mystery 
269:05,068['  ]| Never did within so$5#1$ short a sentence lie.  
269:05,069['  ]| Here is irrevocable vengeance, here 
269:05,070['  ]| Love as immutable.  Here doth appear 
269:05,071['  ]| Infinit Wisdom plotting with free grace, 
269:05,072['  ]| Even by$4$ Man's Fall, the advance of human race.  
269:05,073['  ]| Severity here utterly confounds, 
269:05,074['  ]| Here Mercy cures by$4$ kind and gentle wounds, 
269:05,075['  ]| The Father here, the Gospel first reveals, 
269:05,076['  ]| Here fleshly veils the eternal son conceals.  
269:05,077['  ]| The law of life and spirit here takes place, 
269:05,078['  ]| Given with the promise of assisting grace:  
269:05,079['  ]| Here is an Oracle fore-telling all, 
269:05,080['  ]| Which$6#1$ shall the two opposed seeds befall.  
269:05,081['  ]| The great war hath its first beginning here, 
269:05,082['  ]| Carried along more than five thousand year, 
269:05,083['  ]| With various success on$4$ either side, 
269:05,084['  ]| And each age with new combatants supplied:  
269:05,085['  ]| Two Sovereign Champions here we find, 
269:05,086['  ]| Satan and Christ contending for$4$ mankind.  
269:05,087['  ]| Two Empires here, two opposite Cities rise, 
269:05,088['  ]| Dividing all in$4$ two Societies.  
269:05,089['  ]| The little Church and the world's larger State 
269:05,090['  ]| Pursuing it with ceaseless spite and hate.  
269:05,091['  ]| Each party here erecting their own walls, 
269:05,092['  ]| As one advances, so$3$ the other falls.  
269:05,093['  ]| Hope in$4$ the Promise the weak Church confirms, 
269:05,094['  ]| Hell and the world fight upon$4$ desperate terms, 
269:05,095['  ]| By$4$ this most certain Oracle they know, 
269:05,096['  ]| Their war must end in$4$ final overthrow.  
269:05,097['  ]| Some little present mischief they may do, 
269:05,098['  ]| And this with eager malice they pursue.  
269:05,099['  ]| The Angels whom God's justice did divide, 
269:05,100['  ]| Engage their mighty powers on$4$ either side, 
269:05,101['  ]| Hell's gloomy Princes the world's rulers made, 
269:05,102['  ]| Heaven's unseen host the Churches guard and aid.  
269:05,103['  ]| Till the frail woman's conquering son shall tread 
269:05,104['  ]| Beneath his feet the serpent's broken head; 
269:05,105['  ]| Though God the speech to$4$ man's false foe address, 
269:05,106['  ]| The words rich grace to$4$ fallen man express, 
269:05,107['  ]| Which$6#1$ God will$1$ not to$4$ him himself declare, 
269:05,108['  ]| Till he implore it by$4$ submissive prayer; 
269:05,109['  ]| Sufficient it is to$9$ know a latitude 
269:05,110['  ]| For$4$ hope, which$6#1$ doth no$2$ penitent exclude.  
269:05,111['  ]| Had death's sad sentence passed on$4$ man, before 
269:05,112['  ]| The promise of that$6#2$ seed which$6#1$ should restore 
269:05,113['  ]| His fallen state, destroying death and sin, 
269:05,114['  ]| Cureless as Satan's had his misery been.  
269:05,115['  ]| But though free grace did future help provide, 
269:05,116['  ]| Yet must he present loss and woe abide; 
269:05,117['  ]| And feel the bitter curse, that$3$ he may so$5#2$ 
269:05,118['  ]| The sweet release of saving mercy know.  
269:05,119['  ]| Prepared with late indulged hope, on$4$ \Eve\ 
269:05,120['  ]| The almighty next did gentler sentence give.  
269:05,121[A  ]| I will$1$, 
269:05,121['  ]| said he, 
269:05,121[A  ]| greatly augment thy woes, 
269:05,122[A  ]| And thy conceptions, which$6#1$ with painful throes 
269:05,123[A  ]| Thou shalt bring forth, yet shall they be to$4$ thee 
269:05,124[A  ]| But a successive crop of misery.  
269:05,125[A  ]| Thy husband shall thy ruler be, whose sway 
269:05,126[A  ]| Thou shalt with passionate desires obey.  
269:05,127['  ]| Alas!  how sadly to$4$ this day we find 
269:05,128['  ]| The effect of this dire curse on$4$ womankind; 
269:05,129['  ]| \Eve\ sinned in$4$ fruit forbid, and God requires 
269:05,130['  ]| Her penance in$4$ the fruit of her desires.  
269:05,131['  ]| When first to$4$ men their inclinations move, 
269:05,132['  ]| How are they tortured with distracting love!  
269:05,133['  ]| What disappointments find they in$4$ the end; 
269:05,134['  ]| Constant uneasinesses which$6#1$ attend 
269:05,135['  ]| The best condition of the wedded state, 
269:05,136['  ]| Giving all wives sense of the curse's weight, 
269:05,137['  ]| Which$6#1$ makes them ease and liberty refuse, 
269:05,138['  ]| And with strong passion their own shackles choose:  
269:05,139['  ]| Now though they easier under wise rule prove, 
269:05,140['  ]| And every burden is made light by$4$ love, 
269:05,141['  ]| Yet golden fetters, soft lined yokes still be, 
269:05,142['  ]| Though gentler curbs, but curbs of liberty, 
269:05,143['  ]| As well as the harsh tyrant's iron yoke, 
269:05,144['  ]| More sorely galling them whom they provoke, 
269:05,145['  ]| To$9$ loath their bondage, and despise the rule 
269:05,146['  ]| Of an unmanly, fickle, froward fool.  
269:05,147['  ]| Whatever the husbands be, they covet fruit, 
269:05,148['  ]| And their own wishes to$4$ their sorrows contribute.  
269:05,149['  ]| How painfully the fruit within them grows, 
269:05,150['  ]| What tortures do their ripened births disclose, 
269:05,151['  ]| How great, how various, how uneasy are 
269:05,152['  ]| The breeding sicknesses, pangs that$6#1$ prepare 
269:05,153['  ]| The violent openings of life's narrow door, 
269:05,154['  ]| Whose fatal issues we as oft deplore!  
269:05,155['  ]| What weaknesses, what languishments ensue, 
269:05,156['  ]| Scattering dead Lilies where fresh Roses grew.  
269:05,157['  ]| What broken rest afflicts the careful nurse, 
269:05,158['  ]| Extending to$4$ the breasts the mother's curse; 
269:05,159['  ]| Which$6#1$ ceases not when there her milk she dries, 
269:05,160['  ]| The froward child draws new streams from her eyes.  
269:05,161['  ]| How much more bitter anguish do we find 
269:05,162['  ]| Labouring to$9$ raise up$5$ virtue in$4$ the mind, 
269:05,163['  ]| Than when the members in$4$ our bowels grew, 
269:05,164['  ]| What sad abortions, what cross births ensue?  
269:05,165['  ]| What monsters, what unnatural vipers come 
269:05,166['  ]| Eating their passage through their parent's womb; 
269:05,167['  ]| How are the tortures of their births renewed, 
269:05,168['  ]| Unrecompensed with love and gratitude:  
269:05,169['  ]| Even the good, who$6#1$ would our cares requite, 
269:05,170['  ]| Would be our crowns, joys, pillars, and delight, 
269:05,171['  ]| Affect us yet with other griefs and fears, 
269:05,172['  ]| Opening the sluices of our never dried tears, 
269:05,173['  ]| Death, danger, sickness, losses, all the ill 
269:05,174['  ]| That$6#1$ on$4$ the children falls, the mothers feel, 
269:05,175['  ]| Repeating with worse pangs, the pangs that$6#1$ bore 
269:05,176['  ]| Them into life, and though some may have more 
269:05,177['  ]| Of sweet and gentle mixture, some of worse, 
269:05,178['  ]| Yet every mother's cup tastes of the curse.  
269:05,179['  ]| And when the heavy load her faint heart tires, 
269:05,180['  ]| Makes her too oft repent her fond desires, 
269:05,181['  ]| Now last of all, as \Adam\ last had been 
269:05,182['  ]| Drawn into the prevaricating sin, 
269:05,183['  ]| His sentence came:  
269:05,183[A  ]| Because that$3$ thou didst yield, 
269:05,184['  ]| (Said God) 
269:05,184[A  ]| to$4$ thy enticing wife, the field 
269:05,185[A  ]| Producing briars and fruitless thorns to$4$ thee, 
269:05,186[A  ]| Accursed for$4$ thy sake and sins shall be.  
269:05,187[A  ]| Thy careful brows in$4$ constant toils shall sweat, 
269:05,188[A  ]| Thus thou thy dread shalt all thy whole life eat, 
269:05,189[A  ]| Till thou return into the earth's vast womb; 
269:05,190[A  ]| Whence, taken first, thou didst a man become; 
269:05,191[A  ]| For$3$ dust thou art, and dust again shalt be 
269:05,192[A  ]| When life's declining spark goes out in$4$ thee.  
269:05,193['  ]| In$4$ all these Sentences we strangely find 
269:05,194['  ]| God's admirable love to$4$ lost mankind; 
269:05,195['  ]| Who$6#1$ though he never will$1$ his word recall, 
269:05,196['  ]| Or let his threats like$4$ shafts at random fall, 
269:05,197['  ]| Yet can his Wisdom order curses so$3$ 
269:05,198['  ]| That$3$ blessings may out of their bowels flow.  
269:05,199['  ]| Thus death the door of lasting life became, 
269:05,200['  ]| Dissolving nature, to$9$ rebuild her frame, 
269:05,201['  ]| On$4$ such a sure foundation, as shall break 
269:05,202['  ]| All the attempts Hell's cursed Empire make.  
269:05,203['  ]| Thus God revenged man's quarrel on$4$ his foe, 
269:05,204['  ]| To$4$ whom the Almighty would no$2$ mercy show, 
269:05,205['  ]| Making his reign, his respite, and success, 
269:05,206['  ]| All augmenations of his cursedness.  
269:05,207['  ]| Thus gave he us a powerful Chief and Head, 
269:05,208['  ]| By$4$ whom we shall be out of bondage led.  
269:05,209['  ]| And made the penalties of our offence, 
269:05,210['  ]| Precepts and rules of new obedience, 
269:05,211['  ]| Fitted in$4$ all things to$4$ our fallen State, 
269:05,212['  ]| Under sweet promises, that$6#1$ ease their weight.  
269:05,213['  ]| Our first injunction is to$9$ hate and fly 
269:05,214['  ]| The flatteries of our first grand enemy; 
269:05,215['  ]| To$9$ have no$2$ friendship with his cursed race, 
269:05,216['  ]| The interest of the opposite seed to$9$ embrace, 
269:05,217['  ]| Where though we toil in$4$ fights, though bruised we be, 
269:05,218['  ]| Yet shall our combat end in$4$ victory:  
269:05,219['  ]| Eternal glory, healing our slight wound, 
269:05,220['  ]| When all our labours are with triumph crowned.  
269:05,221['  ]| The next command is, mothers should maintain 
269:05,222['  ]| Posterity, not frighted with the pain, 
269:05,223['  ]| Which$6#1$ though it makes us mourn under the sense 
269:05,224['  ]| Of the first mother's disobedience, 
269:05,225['  ]| Yet hath a promise that$3$ hereby she shall 
269:05,226['  ]| Recover all the hurt of her first fall, 
269:05,227['  ]| When, in$4$ mysterious manner, from her womb 
269:05,228['  ]| Her father, brother, husband, son shall come.  
269:05,229['  ]| Subjection to$4$ the husband's rule enjoined, 
269:05,230['  ]| In$4$ the next place, that$6#2$ yoke with love is lined, 
269:05,231['  ]| Love too a precept made, where God requires 
269:05,232['  ]| We should perform our duties with desires; 
269:05,233['  ]| And promises to$9$ incline our averse will$0$, 
269:05,234['  ]| Whose satisfaction takes away the ill 
269:05,235['  ]| Of every toil, and every suffering 
269:05,236['  ]| That$6#1$ can from unenforced submission spring; 
269:05,237['  ]| The last command, God with man's curse did give, 
269:05,238['  ]| Was that$3$ men should in$4$ honest callings live, 
269:05,239['  ]| Eating their own bread, fruit of their own sweat; 
269:05,240['  ]| Nor feel like$4$ drones on$4$ that$6#2$ which$6#1$ others get:  
269:05,241['  ]| And this command a promise doth imply, 
269:05,242['  ]| That$3$ bread should recompense our industry.  
269:05,243['  ]| One mercy more his sentence did include, 
269:05,244['  ]| That$3$ mortal toils, faintings and lassitude, 
269:05,245['  ]| Should not beyond death's fixed bound extend, 
269:05,246['  ]| But there in$4$ everlasting quiet end; 
269:05,247['  ]| When men out of the troubled air depart, 
269:05,248['  ]| And to$4$ their first material dust revert, 
269:05,249['  ]| The utmost power that$6#1$ death or woe can have 
269:05,250['  ]| Is but to$9$ shut us prisoners in$4$ the grave, 
269:05,251['  ]| Bruising the flesh, that$6#2$ heel whereon we tread, 
269:05,252['  ]| But we shall trample on$4$ the serpent's head.  
269:05,253['  ]| Our scattered atoms shall again condense, 
269:05,254['  ]| And be again inspired with living sense; 
269:05,255['  ]| Captivity shall then a captive be, 
269:05,256['  ]| Death shall be swallowed up$5$ in$4$ victory, 
269:05,257['  ]| And God shall man to$4$ Paradise restore, 
269:05,258['  ]| Where the foul tempter shall seduce no$2$ more 
269:05,259['  ]| How far our parents, whose sad eyes were fixed 
269:05,260['  ]| On$4$ woe and terror, saw the mercy mixed, 
269:05,261['  ]| We can but make a wild uncertain guess, 
269:05,262['  ]| As we are now affected in$4$ distress, 
269:05,263['  ]| Who$6#1$ less regard the mitigation still 
269:05,264['  ]| Than the slight smart of our afflicting ill; 
269:05,265['  ]| And while we groan under the hated yoke, 
269:05,266['  ]| Our gratitude for$4$ its soft lining choke.  
269:05,267['  ]| But God having the amazed sinners doomed, 
269:05,268['  ]| Put off the Judge's frown and reassumed 
269:05,269['  ]| A tender father's kind and melting face 
269:05,270['  ]| Opening his gracious arms for$4$ new embrace, 
269:05,271['  ]| Taught them to$9$ expiate their heinous guilt 
269:05,272['  ]| By$4$ spotless sacrifice and pure blood spilt, 
269:05,273['  ]| Which$6#1$ done in$4$ faith did their faint hearts sustain, 
269:05,274['  ]| Till the intended lamb of God was slain, 
269:05,275['  ]| Whose death, whose merit, and whose innocence, 
269:05,276['  ]| The forfeit paid and blotted out the offence.  
269:05,277['  ]| The skins of the slain beasts, God vestures made, 
269:05,278['  ]| Wherein the naked sinners were arrayed, 
269:05,279['  ]| Not without mystery, which$6#1$ typified 
269:05,280['  ]| That$6#2$ righteousness that$6#1$ doth our foul shame hide.  
269:05,281['  ]| As when a rotting patient must endure 
269:05,282['  ]| Painful excisions to$9$ effect his cure, 
269:05,283['  ]| His spirits we with cordials fortify, 
269:05,284['  ]| Lest, unsupported, he should faint and die:  
269:05,285['  ]| So$3$ with our parents the Almighty dealt, 
269:05,286['  ]| Before their necessary woes they felt, 
269:05,287['  ]| Their feeble souls rich promises upheld, 
269:05,288['  ]| And their deliverance was in$4$ types revealed, 
269:05,289['  ]| Even their bodies God himself did arm 
269:05,290['  ]| With clothes that$6#1$ kept them from the weather's harm; 
269:05,291['  ]| But after all, they must be driven away, 
269:05,292['  ]| Nor in$4$ their forfeit Paradise must stay.  
269:05,293[A  ]| Then, 
269:05,293['  ]| said the Lord, with holy irony, 
269:05,294['  ]| Whence man the folly of his pride might see, 
269:05,295[A  ]| The earthy man like$4$ one of us is grown, 
269:05,296[A  ]| To$4$ whom, as God, both good and ill is known, 
269:05,297[A  ]| Now lest he also eat of the other tree 
269:05,298[A  ]| Whose fruit gives life, and an Immortal be, 
269:05,299[A  ]| Let us by$4$ just and timely banishment 
269:05,300[A  ]| His further sinful arrogance prevent.  
269:05,000@@@@@| <Canto V: second selection>
269:05,401[D  ]| Ah! Why doth death its latest stroke delay,
269:05,402[D  ]| If we must leave the light, why do we stay
269:05,403[D  ]| By$4$ slow degrees more painfully to$9$ die,
269:05,404[D  ]| And languish in$4$ a long calamity?
269:05,405[D  ]| Have we not lost by$4$ one false cheating sin
269:05,406[D  ]| All peace without, all sweet repose within?
269:05,407[D  ]| Is there a pleasure yet that$6#1$ life can show,
269:05,408[D  ]| Doth not each moment multiply our woe:
269:05,409[D  ]| And while we live thus in$4$ perpetual dread,
269:05,410[D  ]| Our hope and comfort long before us dead?
269:05,411[D  ]| Why should we not our angry maker pray
269:05,412[D  ]| At once to$9$ take our wretched lives away?
269:05,413[D  ]| Hath not our sin all nature's pure leagues rent
269:05,414[D  ]| And armed against us every element?
269:05,415[D  ]| Have not our subjects their allegiance broke,
269:05,416[D  ]| Doth not each worm scorn our unworthy yoke?
269:05,417[D  ]| Are we not half with griping hunger pined, 
269:05,418[D  ]| Before we bread amongst the brambles find?  
269:05,419[D  ]| All pale diseases in$4$ our members reign, 
269:05,420[D  ]| Anguish and grief no$2$ less our sick souls' pain, 
269:05,421[D  ]| Wherever I my eyes, or thoughts convert, 
269:05,422[D  ]| Each object adds new tortures to$4$ my heart.  
269:05,423[D  ]| If I look up$5$, I dread heaven's threatening frown, 
269:05,424[D  ]| Thorns prick my eyes, when shame hath cast them down, 
269:05,425[D  ]| Dangers I see, looking on$4$ either hand, 
269:05,426[D  ]| Before me all in$4$ fighting posture stand.  
269:05,427[D  ]| If I cast back my sorrow-drowned eyes, 
269:05,428[D  ]| I see our never to$9$ be recovered Paradise, 
269:05,429[D  ]| The flaming Sword which$6#1$ doth us thence exclude, 
269:05,430[D  ]| By$4$ sad remorse and ugly guilt pursued.  
269:05,431[D  ]| If I on$4$ thee a private glance reflect, 
269:05,432[D  ]| Confusion doth my shameful eyes deject, 
269:05,433[D  ]| Seeing the man I love by$4$ me betrayed, 
269:05,434[D  ]| By$4$ me, who$6#1$ for$4$ his mutual help was made, 
269:05,435[D  ]| Who$6#1$ to$9$ preserve thy life ought to$9$ have died, 
269:05,436[D  ]| And I have killed thee by$4$ my foolish pride; 
269:05,437[D  ]| Defiled thy glory, and pulled down thy throne.  
269:05,438[D  ]| O that$3$ I had but sinned, and died alone!  
269:05,439[D  ]| Then had my torture and my woe been less, 
269:05,440[D  ]| I yet had flourished in$4$ thy happiness.  
269:05,441['  ]| If these words \Adam's\ melting soul did move, 
269:05,442['  ]| He might reply with kind rebuking love.  
269:05,443[C  ]| Cease, cease, O foolish woman, to$9$ dispute, 
269:05,444[C  ]| God's sovereign will$0$ and Power are absolute.  
269:05,445[C  ]| If he will$1$ have us soon, or slow to$9$ die, 
269:05,446[C  ]| Frail worms must yield, but must not question why.  
269:05,447[C  ]| When his great hand appears, we must conclude 
269:05,448[C  ]| All that$6#1$ he doth is wise, and just, and good; 
269:05,449[C  ]| Though our poor, sin-benighted souls, are blind, 
269:05,450[C  ]| Nor can the mysteries of his wisdom find, 
269:05,451[C  ]| Yet in$4$ our present case we must confess 
269:05,452[C  ]| His justice and our own unrighteousness.  
269:05,453[C  ]| He warned us of this fatal consequence, 
269:05,454[C  ]| That$3$ death must wait on$4$ disobedience; 
269:05,455[C  ]| Yet we despised his threat, and broke his law, 
269:05,456[C  ]| So$3$ did destruction on$4$ our own heads draw; 
269:05,457[C  ]| Now under his afflicting hand we lie, 
269:05,458[C  ]| Reaping the fruit of our iniquity.  
269:05,459[C  ]| Which$6#1$, had not he prevented, when we fell, 
269:05,460[C  ]| At once had plunged us in$4$ the lowest hell; 
269:05,461[C  ]| But by$4$ his mercy yet we have reprieve, 
269:05,462[C  ]| And yet are showed how we in$4$ death may live, 
269:05,463[C  ]| If we improve our short indulged space 
269:05,464[C  ]| To$9$ understand, prize, and accept his grace.  
269:05,465[C  ]| Did all of us at once like$4$ brutes expire, 
269:05,466[C  ]| And cease to$9$ be, we might quick death desire:  
269:05,467[C  ]| But since our chief and immaterial part, 
269:05,468[C  ]| Not framed of dust, doth not to$4$ dust revert:  
269:05,469[C  ]| Its death not an annihilation is, 
269:05,470[C  ]| But to$9$ be cut off from its supreme bliss:  
269:05,471[C  ]| Whatever here to$4$ mortals can befall, 
269:05,472[C  ]| Compared to$4$ future miseries is small, 
269:05,473[C  ]| The saddest, sharpest, and the longest have 
269:05,474[C  ]| Their final consummations in$4$ the grave, 
269:05,475[C  ]| These have their intermissions and allays, 
269:05,476[C  ]| Though black and gloomy ones, these nights have days, 
269:05,477[C  ]| The worst calamities we here endure 
269:05,478[C  ]| Admit a possibility of cure; 
269:05,479[C  ]| Our miseries here are varied in$4$ their kind, 
269:05,480[C  ]| And in$4$ that$6#2$ change the wretched some ease find.  
269:05,481[C  ]| Sleep here our pained senses stupefies, 
269:05,482[C  ]| And cheating streams in$4$ our sick fancies rise, 
269:05,483[C  ]| But in$4$ our future sufferings it is not so$5#2$, 
269:05,484[C  ]| There is no$2$ end, no$2$ intermitted woe, 
269:05,485[C  ]| No$2$ more return from the accursed place, 
269:05,486[C  ]| No$2$ hope, no$2$ possibility of grace, 
269:05,487[C  ]| No$2$ sleepy intervals, no$2$ pleasant dreams, 
269:05,488[C  ]| No$2$ mitigations of those sad extremes, 
269:05,489[C  ]| No$2$ gentle mixtures, no$2$ soft changes there, 
269:05,490[C  ]| Perpetual tortures, heightened with despair, 
269:05,491[C  ]| Eternal horror, and eternal night, 
269:05,492[C  ]| Eternal burnings, with no$2$ glance of light, 
269:05,493[C  ]| Eternal pain.  O it is a thought too great, 
269:05,494[C  ]| Too terrible, for$4$ any to$9$ repeat, 
269:05,495[C  ]| Who$6#1$ have not escaped the dread.  Let us not to$9$ shun 
269:05,496[C  ]| Heaven's scorching rays, into hells furnace run:  
269:05,497[C  ]| But having slain ourselves, let us fly to$4$ him 
269:05,498[C  ]| Who$6#1$ only can our souls from death redeem, 
269:05,499[C  ]| To$9$ undo what is done is not within our power, 
269:05,500[C  ]| No$2$ more than to$9$ call back the last fled hour.  
269:05,501[C  ]| To$9$ think we can our fallen state restore, 
269:05,502[C  ]| Or without hope, our ruin to$9$ deplore, 
269:05,503[C  ]| Are equal aggravating crimes; the first 
269:05,504[C  ]| Repeats that$6#2$ sin for$4$ which$6#1$ we were accursed, 
269:05,505[C  ]| While we with foolish arrogating pride, 
269:05,506[C  ]| More in$4$ ourselves than in$4$ our God confide; 
269:05,507[C  ]| The last is both ungrateful and unjust, 
269:05,508[C  ]| That$6#1$ doth his goodness, or his power distrust.  
269:05,509[C  ]| Which$6#1$ wheresoever we look, without, within, 
269:05,510[C  ]| Above, beneath, in$4$ every place is seen, 
269:05,511[C  ]| Doth Heaven frown?  Above the sullen shrouds 
269:05,512[C  ]| God sits, and sees through all the blackest clouds 
269:05,513[C  ]| Sin casts about us, like$4$ the misty night, 
269:05,514[C  ]| Which$6#1$ hide his pleasing glances from our sight, 
269:05,515[C  ]| Nor only sees, but darts on$4$ us his beams 
269:05,516[C  ]| Ministering comfort in$4$ our worst extremes.  
269:05,517[C  ]| When lightnings fly, dire storm and thunder roars, 
269:05,518[C  ]| He guides the shafts, the serene calm restores.  
269:05,519[C  ]| When shadows occupy day's vacant room, 
269:05,520[C  ]| He makes new glory spring from night's dark womb.  
269:05,521[C  ]| When the black Prince of air lets loose the winds, 
269:05,522[C  ]| The furious warriors he in$4$ prison binds.  
269:05,523[C  ]| If burning stars do conflagrations threat, 
269:05,524[C  ]| He gives cool breezes to$9$ allay the heat.  
269:05,525[C  ]| When cold doth in$4$ its rigid season reign, 
269:05,526[C  ]| He melts the snows, and thaws the air again; 
269:05,527[C  ]| Restoring the vicissitude of things, 
269:05,528[C  ]| He still new good from every evil brings.  
269:05,529[C  ]| He holds together the world's shaken frame, 
269:05,530[C  ]| Ordaining every change, is still the same.  
269:05,531[C  ]| If he permit the elements to$9$ fight, 
269:05,532[C  ]| The rage of storms, the blackness of the night; 
269:05,533[C  ]| It is that$3$ his power, love and wisdom may 
269:05,534[C  ]| More glory have, restoring calm and day; 
269:05,535[C  ]| That$3$ we may more the pleasant blessings prize, 
269:05,536[C  ]| Laid in$4$ the balance with their contraries.  
269:05,537[C  ]| Though dangers then, like$4$ gaping monsters stand 
269:05,538[C  ]| Ready to$9$ swallow us on$4$ either hand; 
269:05,539[C  ]| Let us despise them, firm in$4$ this faith still, 
269:05,540[C  ]| If God will$1$ save, they can nor hurt nor kill; 
269:05,541[C  ]| If by$4$ his just permission we are slain, 
269:05,542[C  ]| His power can heal and quicken us again.  
269:05,543[C  ]| If briars and thorns, which$6#1$ from our sins arise 
269:05,544[C  ]| Looking on$4$ earth, pierce through our guilty eyes, 
269:05,545[C  ]| Let us yet give thanks they have not choked the seed 
269:05,546[C  ]| Which$6#1$ should with better fruit our sad lives feed.  
269:05,547[C  ]| If discord set the inward world on$4$ fire, 
269:05,548[C  ]| With haste let us to$4$ the living spring retire, 
269:05,549[C  ]| There quench, and quiet the disturbed soul, 
269:05,550[C  ]| There on$4$ Love's sweet refreshing green banks roll, 
269:05,551[C  ]| Where ecstasied with joy, we shall not feel 
269:05,552[C  ]| The Serpent's little nibblings at our heel.  
269:05,553[C  ]| If we look back on$4$ Paradise, late lost, 
269:05,554[C  ]| Joys vanished like$4$ swift dreams, thawed like$4$ a frost, 
269:05,555[C  ]| Converting pleasant walks to$4$ dirt and mire, 
269:05,556[C  ]| Would we such frail delights again desire, 
269:05,557[C  ]| Which$6#1$ at their best, however excellent, 
269:05,558[C  ]| Had this defect, they were not permanent?  
269:05,559[C  ]| If sin, remorse, and guilt give us the chase, 
269:05,560[C  ]| Let us lie close in$4$ mercy's sweet embrace, 
269:05,561[C  ]| Which$6#1$ when it us ashamed, and naked found 
269:05,562[C  ]| In$4$ the soft arms of melting pity bound; 
269:05,563[C  ]| Eternal glorious triumphs did prepare, 
269:05,564[C  ]| Armed us with clothes against the wounding air, 
269:05,565[C  ]| By$4$ expiating sacrifices taught, 
269:05,566[C  ]| How new life shall by$4$ death to$4$ light be brought.  
269:05,567[C  ]| If we before us look, although we see 
269:05,568[C  ]| All things in$4$ present fighting posture be:  
269:05,569[C  ]| Yet in$4$ the promise we a prospect have 
269:05,570[C  ]| Of victory swallowing up$5$ the empty grave; 
269:05,571[C  ]| Our foes all vanquished, death itself lies dead, 
269:05,572[C  ]| And we shall trample on$4$ the monsters head.  
269:05,573[C  ]| Entering into a new and perfect joy, 
269:05,574[C  ]| Which$6#1$ neither sin nor sorrow can destroy:  
269:05,575[C  ]| A lasting and refined felicity, 
269:05,576[C  ]| For$4$ which$6#1$ even we ourselves refined must be.  
269:05,577[C  ]| Then shall we laugh at our now childish woes, 
269:05,578[C  ]| And hug the birth that$6#1$ issues from these throes.  
269:05,579[C  ]| Let not my share of grief afflict thy mind, 
269:05,580[C  ]| But let me comfort in$4$ thy courage find; 
269:05,581[C  ]| It was not thy malice, but thy ignorance 
269:05,582[C  ]| That$6#1$ lately my destruction did advance; 
269:05,583[C  ]| Nor can I my own self excuse; it was I 
269:05,584[C  ]| Undid myself by$4$ my facility.  
269:05,585[C  ]| Let us not in$4$ vain each other now upbraid, 
269:05,586[C  ]| But rather strive to$9$ afford each other aid:  
269:05,587[C  ]| And our most gracious Lord with due thanks bless, 
269:05,588[C  ]| Who$6#1$ hath not left us single in$4$ distress.  
269:05,589[C  ]| When fear chills thee, my hope shall make thee warm, 
269:05,590[C  ]| When I grow faint, thou shalt my courage arm; 
269:05,591[C  ]| When both our spirits at a low ebb are, 
269:05,592[C  ]| We both will$1$ join in$4$ mutual fervent prayer 
269:05,593[C  ]| To$4$ him whose gracious succor never fails, 
269:05,594[C  ]| When sin and death poor feeble man assails, 
269:05,595[C  ]| He that$6#1$ our final triumph hath decreed, 
269:05,596[C  ]| And promised thee salvation in$4$ thy seed.  
269:05,597['  ]| Ah!  can I this in$4$ \Adam's\ person say, 
269:05,598['  ]| While fruitless tears melt my poor life away?  
269:05,599['  ]| Of all the ills to$4$ mortals incident, 
269:05,600['  ]| None more pernicious is than discontent, 
269:05,601['  ]| That$6#2$ brat of unbelief, and stubborn pride, 
269:05,602['  ]| And sensual lust, with no$2$ joy satisfied, 
269:05,603['  ]| That$6#1$ doth ingratitude and murmur nurse, 
269:05,604['  ]| And is a sin which$6#1$ carries its own curse; 
269:05,605['  ]| This is the only smart of every ill; 
269:05,606['  ]| But can we without it sad tortures feel?  
269:05,607['  ]| Yes; if our souls above our sense remain, 
269:05,608['  ]| And take not in$4$ the afflicted bodies pain, 
269:05,609['  ]| When they descend and mix with the disease, 
269:05,610['  ]| Then doth the anguish live, reign, and increase.  
269:05,611['  ]| Which$6#1$ when the soul is not in$4$ it, grows faint, 
269:05,612['  ]| And wastes its strength, not nourished with complaint, 
269:05,613['  ]| Submissive, humble, happy, sweet content 
269:05,614['  ]| A thousand deaths by$4$ one death doth prevent; 
269:05,615['  ]| When our rebellious wills subdued thereby 
269:05,616['  ]| Into the eternal will$0$ and wisdom, die; 
269:05,617['  ]| Nor is that$6#2$ will$0$ harsh or irrational, 
269:05,618['  ]| But sweet in$4$ that$6#2$ which$6#1$ we most bitter call, 
269:05,619['  ]| Who$6#1$ err in$4$ judging what is ill or good, 
269:05,620['  ]| Only by$4$ studying that$6#2$ will$0$, understood.  
269:05,621['  ]| What we admire in$4$ a low Paradise, 
269:05,622['  ]| If they our souls from heavenly thoughts entice, 
269:05,623['  ]| Here terminating our most strong desire, 
269:05,624['  ]| Which$6#1$ should to$4$ perfect permanence aspire, 
269:05,625['  ]| From being good to$4$ us they are so$5#1$ far, 
269:05,626['  ]| That$3$ they our fetters, yokes and poisons are, 
269:05,627['  ]| The obstacles of our felicity, 
269:05,628['  ]| The ruin of our soul's most firm healths be, 
269:05,629['  ]| Quenching that$6#2$ life-maintaining appetite, 
269:05,630['  ]| Which$6#1$ makes substantial fruit our sound delight.  
269:05,631['  ]| The evils, so$5#2$ miscalled, that$6#1$ we endure 
269:05,632['  ]| Are wholesome medicines tending to$4$ our cure, 
269:05,633['  ]| Only disease to$4$ these aversion breeds, 
269:05,634['  ]| The healthy soul on$4$ them with due thanks feeds.  
269:05,635['  ]| If for$4$ a Prince, a Mistress, or a Friend, 
269:05,636['  ]| Many do joy their bloods and lives to$9$ spend, 
269:05,637['  ]| Wealth, honour, ease, dangers and wounds despise, 
269:05,638['  ]| Should we not more to$4$ God's will$0$ sacrifice?  
269:05,639['  ]| And by$4$ free gift prevent that$6#2$ else sure loss?  
269:05,640['  ]| Whatever our will$0$ is, we must bear the cross, 
269:05,641['  ]| Which$6#1$ freely taken up$5$, the weight is less, 
269:05,642['  ]| And hurts not, carried on$5$ with cheerfulness; 
269:05,643['  ]| Besides, what we can lose, are gliding streams, 
269:05,644['  ]| Light airy shadows, unsubstantial dreams, 
269:05,645['  ]| Wherein we no$2$ propriety could have 
269:05,646['  ]| But that$6#2$ which$6#1$ our own cheating fancy gave; 
269:05,647['  ]| The right of them was due to$4$ God alone, 
269:05,648['  ]| And when with thanks we render him his own, 
269:05,649['  ]| Either he gives us back our offerings, 
269:05,650['  ]| Or our submission pays with better things:  
269:05,651['  ]| Were ills as real as our fancies make, 
269:05,652['  ]| They soon must us, or we must them forsake; 
269:05,653['  ]| We can not miss ease and vicissitude, 
269:05,654['  ]| Till our last rest our labours shall conclude.  
269:05,655['  ]| Natural tears there are, which$6#1$ in$4$ due bound 
269:05,656['  ]| Do not the soul with sinful sorrow drown, 
269:05,657['  ]| Repentant tears too are no$2$ fretting brine, 
269:05,658['  ]| But love's soft meltings, which$6#1$ the soul refine, 
269:05,659['  ]| Like$4$ gentle showers, that$6#1$ usher in$4$ the spring, 
269:05,660['  ]| These make the soul more fair and flourishing.  
269:05,661['  ]| No$2$ murmuring winds of passions here prevail, 
269:05,662['  ]| But the life-breathing Spirits sweet fresh gale, 
269:05,663['  ]| Which$6#1$ by$4$ those fruitful drops all graces feeds, 
269:05,664['  ]| And draws rich extracts from the soaked seeds, 
269:05,665['  ]| But worldly sorrow, like$4$ rough winters storms, 
269:05,666['  ]| All graces kills, all loveliness deforms, 
269:05,667['  ]| Augments the evils of our present state, 
269:05,668['  ]| And doth eternal woes anticipate.  
269:05,669['  ]| Vain is that$6#2$ grief which$6#1$ can no$2$ ill redress, 
269:05,670['  ]| But adds affliction to$4$ uneasiness; 
269:05,671['  ]| Unnerving the soul's powers, then, when they should 
269:05,672['  ]| Most exercise their constant fortitude.  
269:05,673['  ]| With these most certain truths let us wind up$5$ all, 
269:05,674['  ]| Whatever doth to$4$ mortal men befall 
269:05,675['  ]| Not casual is, like$4$ shafts at random shot, 
269:05,676['  ]| But Providence distributes every lot, 
269:05,677['  ]| In$4$ which$6#1$ the obedient and the meek rejoice, 
269:05,678['  ]| Above their own preserving God's wise choice:  
269:05,679['  ]| Nor is his providence less good than wise, 
269:05,680['  ]| Though our gross sense pierce not its mysteries.  
269:05,681['  ]| As there is but one most true substantial good, 
269:05,682['  ]| And God himself is that$6#2$ Beatitude:  
269:05,683['  ]| So$3$ can we suffer but one real ill, 
269:05,684['  ]| Divorce from him by$4$ our repugnant will$0$, 
269:05,685['  ]| Which$6#1$ when to$4$ just submission it returns, 
269:05,686['  ]| The reunited soul no$2$ longer mourns, 
269:05,687['  ]| His serene rays dry up$5$ its former tears, 
269:05,688['  ]| Dispel the tempest of its carnal fears, 
269:05,689['  ]| Which$6#1$ dread what either never may arrive, 
269:05,690['  ]| Or not as seen in$4$ their false perspective; 
269:05,691['  ]| For$3$ in$4$ the crystal mirror of God's grace 
269:05,692['  ]| All things appear with a new lovely face.  
269:05,693['  ]| When that$3$ doth Heaven's more glorious palace show 
269:05,694['  ]| We cease to$9$ admire a Paradise below, 
269:05,695['  ]| Rejoice in$4$ that$6#2$ which$6#1$ lately was our loss, 
269:05,696['  ]| And see a Crown made up$5$ of every Cross.  
269:05,697['  ]| Return, return, my soul to$4$ thy true rest, 
269:05,698['  ]| As young benighted birds unto their nest, 
269:05,699['  ]| There hide thyself under the wings of love 
269:05,700['  ]| Till the bright morning all thy clouds remove.