135:01,000['  ]| <The Project Gutenberg Etext of Paradise Regained by John Milton>
135:01,000['  ]| <This etext was typed by Judy Boss in Omaha, Nebraska.>
135:01,000['  ]| <PARADISE REGAINED>
135:01,000['  ]| <THE FIRST BOOK>
135:01,001['  ]| I, WHO$6#1$ erewhile the happy Garden sung
135:01,002['  ]| By$4$ one man's disobedience lost, now sing
135:01,003['  ]| Recovered Paradise to$4$ all mankind,
135:01,004['  ]| By$4$ one man's firm obedience fully tried
135:01,005['  ]| Through all temptation, and the Tempter foiled
135:01,006['  ]| In$4$ all his wiles, defeated and repulsed,
135:01,007['  ]| And Eden raised in$4$ the waste Wilderness.
135:01,008['  ]| Thou Spirit, who$6#1$ ledst this glorious Eremite
135:01,009['  ]| Into the desert, his victorious field
135:01,010['  ]| Against the spiritual foe, and broughtest him thence <10>
135:01,011['  ]| By$4$ proof the undoubted Son of God, inspire,
135:01,012['  ]| As thou art wont, my prompted song, else mute,
135:01,013['  ]| And bear through height or depth of Nature's bounds,
135:01,014['  ]| With prosperous wing full summed, to$9$ tell of deeds
135:01,015['  ]| Above heroic, though in$4$ secret done,
135:01,016['  ]| And unrecorded left through many an age:
135:01,017['  ]| Worthy to$9$ have not remained so$5#1$ long unsung.
135:01,018['  ]| Now had the great Proclaimer, with a voice
135:01,019['  ]| More awful than the sound of trumpet, cried
135:01,020['  ]| Repentance, and Heaven's kingdom nigh at hand  <20>
135:01,021['  ]| To$4$ all baptized.  To$4$ his great baptism flocked
135:01,022['  ]| With awe the regions round, and with them came
135:01,023['  ]| From Nazareth the son of Joseph deemed
135:01,024['  ]| To$4$ the flood Jordan ~~ came as then obscure,
135:01,025['  ]| Unmarked, unknown.  But him the Baptist soon
135:01,026['  ]| Descried, divinely warned, and witness bore
135:01,027['  ]| As to$4$ his worthier, and would have resigned
135:01,028['  ]| To$4$ him his heavenly office.  Nor was long
135:01,029['  ]| His witness unconfirmed: on$4$ him baptized
135:01,030['  ]| Heaven opened, and in$4$ likeness of a Dove  <30>
135:01,031['  ]| The Spirit descended, while the Father's voice
135:01,032['  ]| From Heaven pronounced him his beloved Son.
135:01,033['  ]| That$6#2$ heard the Adversary, who$6#1$, roving still
135:01,034['  ]| About the world, at that$6#2$ assembly famed
135:01,035['  ]| Would not be last, and, with the voice divine
135:01,036['  ]| Nigh thunder-struck, the exalted man to$4$ whom
135:01,037['  ]| Such high attest was given a while surveyed
135:01,038['  ]| With wonder; then, with envy fraught and rage,
135:01,039['  ]| Flies to$4$ his place, nor rests, but in$4$ mid air
135:01,040['  ]| To$4$ council summons all his mighty Peers,  <40>
135:01,041['  ]| Within thick clouds and dark tenfold involved,
135:01,042['  ]| A gloomy consistory; and them amidst,
135:01,043['  ]| With looks aghast and sad, he thus bespake: ~~ 
135:01,044[C  ]| "O ancient Powers of Air and this wide World
135:01,045[C  ]| (For$3$ much more willingly I mention Air,
135:01,046[C  ]| This our old conquest, than remember Hell,
135:01,047[C  ]| Our hated habitation), well ye know
135:01,048[C  ]| How many ages, as the years of men,
135:01,049[C  ]| This Universe we have possessed, and ruled
135:01,050[C  ]| In$4$ manner at our will$0$ the affairs of Earth,  <50>
135:01,051[C  ]| Since Adam and his facile consort Eve
135:01,052[C  ]| Lost Paradise, deceived by$4$ me, though since
135:01,053[C  ]| With dread attending when that$6#2$ fatal wound
135:01,054[C  ]| Shall be inflicted by$4$ the seed of Eve
135:01,055[C  ]| Upon$4$ my head.  Long the decrees of Heaven
135:01,056[C  ]| Delay, for$3$ longest time to$4$ Him is short;
135:01,057[C  ]| And now, too soon for$4$ us, the circling hours
135:01,058[C  ]| This dreaded time have compassed, wherein we
135:01,059[C  ]| Must bide the stroke of that$6#2$ long-threatened wound
135:01,060[C  ]| (At least, if so$5#2$ we can, and by$4$ the head  <60>
135:01,061[C  ]| Broken be not intended all our power
135:01,062[C  ]| To$9$ be infringed, our freedom and our being
135:01,063[C  ]| In$4$ this fair empire won of Earth and Air) ~~ 
135:01,064[C  ]| For$3$ this ill news I bring: The Woman's Seed,
135:01,065[C  ]| Destined to$4$ this, is late of woman born.
135:01,066[C  ]| His birth to$4$ our just fear gave no$2$ small cause;
135:01,067[C  ]| But his growth now to$4$ youth's full flower, displaying
135:01,068[C  ]| All virtue, grace and wisdom to$9$ achieve
135:01,069[C  ]| Things highest, greatest, multiplies my fear.
135:01,070[C  ]| Before him a great Prophet, to$9$ proclaim  <70>
135:01,071[C  ]| His coming, is sent harbinger, who$6#1$ all
135:01,072[C  ]| Invites, and in$4$ the consecrated stream
135:01,073[C  ]| Pretends to$9$ wash off sin, and fit them so$5#1$
135:01,074[C  ]| Purified to$9$ receive him pure, or rather
135:01,075[C  ]| To$9$ do him honour as their King.  All come,
135:01,076[C  ]| And he himself among them was baptized ~~ 
135:01,077[C  ]| Not thence to$9$ be more pure, but to$9$ receive
135:01,078[C  ]| The testimony of Heaven, that$3$ who$6#1$ he is
135:01,079[C  ]| Thenceforth the nations may not doubt.  I saw
135:01,080[C  ]| The Prophet do him reverence; on$4$ him, rising  <80>
135:01,081[C  ]| Out of the water, Heaven above the clouds
135:01,082[C  ]| Unfold her crystal doors; thence on$4$ his head
135:01,083[C  ]| A perfect Dove descend (whatever it meant);
135:01,084[C  ]| And out of Heaven the sovereign voice I heard,
135:01,085@a   | 'This is my Son beloved, ~~ in$4$ him am pleased.'
135:01,086[C  ]| His mother, then, is mortal, but his Sire
135:01,087[C  ]| He who$6#1$ obtains the monarchy of Heaven;
135:01,088[C  ]| And what will$1$ He not do to$9$ advance his Son?
135:01,089[C  ]| His first-begot we know, and sore have felt,
135:01,090[C  ]| When his fierce thunder drove us to$4$ the Deep;  <90>
135:01,091[C  ]| Who$6#1$ this is we must learn, for$3$ Man he seems
135:01,092[C  ]| In$4$ all his lineaments, though in$4$ his face
135:01,093[C  ]| The glimpses of his Father's glory shine.
135:01,094[C  ]| Ye see our danger on$4$ the utmost edge
135:01,095[C  ]| Of hazard, which$6#1$ admits no$2$ long debate,
135:01,096[C  ]| But must with something sudden be opposed
135:01,097[C  ]| (Not force, but well-couched fraud, well-woven snares),
135:01,098[C  ]| Before in$4$ the head of nations he appear,
135:01,099[C  ]| Their king, their leader, and supreme on$4$ Earth.
135:01,100[C  ]| I, when no$2$ other durst, sole undertook  <100>
135:01,101[C  ]| The dismal expedition to$9$ find out
135:01,102[C  ]| And ruin Adam, and the exploit performed
135:01,103[C  ]| Successfully: a calmer voyage now
135:01,104[C  ]| Will$1$ waft me; and the way found prosperous once
135:01,105[C  ]| Induces best to$9$ hope of like$2$ success."
135:01,106['  ]| He ended, and his words impression left
135:01,107['  ]| Of much amazement to$4$ the infernal crew,
135:01,108['  ]| Distracted and surprised with deep dismay
135:01,109['  ]| At these sad tidings.  But no$2$ time was then
135:01,110['  ]| For$4$ long indulgence to$4$ their fears or grief:  <110>
135:01,111['  ]| Unanimous they all commit the care
135:01,112['  ]| And management of this man enterprise
135:01,113['  ]| To$4$ him, their great Dictator, whose attempt
135:01,114['  ]| At first against mankind so$5#1$ well had thrived
135:01,115['  ]| In$4$ Adam's overthrow, and led their march
135:01,116['  ]| From Hell's deep-vaulted den to$9$ dwell in$4$ light,
135:01,117['  ]| Regents, and potentates, and kings, yea gods,
135:01,118['  ]| Of many a pleasant realm and province wide.
135:01,119['  ]| So$3$ to$4$ the coast of Jordan he directs
135:01,120['  ]| His easy steps, girded with snaky wiles,  <120>
135:01,121['  ]| Where he might likeliest find this new-declared,
135:01,122['  ]| This man of men, attested Son of God,
135:01,123['  ]| Temptation and all guile on$4$ him to$9$ try ~~ 
135:01,124['  ]| So$3$ to$9$ subvert whom he suspected raised
135:01,125['  ]| To$9$ end his reign on$4$ Earth so$5#1$ long enjoyed:
135:01,126['  ]| But, contrary, unweeting he fulfilled
135:01,127['  ]| The purposed counsel, pre-ordained and fixed,
135:01,128['  ]| Of the Most High, who$6#1$, in$4$ full frequence bright
135:01,129['  ]| Of Angels, thus to$4$ Gabriel smiling spake: ~~ 
135:01,130[A  ]| "Gabriel, this day, by$4$ proof, thou shalt behold,          <130>
135:01,131[A  ]| Thou and all Angels conversant on$4$ Earth
135:01,132[A  ]| With Man or men's affairs, how I begin
135:01,133[A  ]| To$9$ verify that$6#2$ solemn message late,
135:01,134[A  ]| On$4$ which$6#1$ I sent thee to$4$ the Virgin pure
135:01,135[A  ]| In$4$ Galilee, that$3$ she should bear a son,
135:01,136[A  ]| Great in$4$ renown, and called the Son of God.
135:01,137[A  ]| Then toldest her, doubting how these things could be
135:01,138[A  ]| To$4$ her a virgin, that$3$ on$4$ her should come
135:01,139[A  ]| The Holy Ghost, and the power of the Highest
135:01,140[A  ]| Overshadow her.  This Man, born and now upgrown,           <140>
135:01,141[A  ]| To$9$ show him worthy of his birth divine
135:01,142[A  ]| And high prediction, henceforth I expose
135:01,143[A  ]| To$4$ Satan; let him tempt, and now assay
135:01,144[A  ]| His utmost subtlety, because he boasts
135:01,145[A  ]| And vaunts of his great cunning to$4$ the throng
135:01,146[A  ]| Of his Apostasy.  He might have learnt
135:01,147[A  ]| Less overweening, since he failed in$4$ Job,
135:01,148[A  ]| Whose constant perseverance overcame
135:01,149[A  ]| Whatever his cruel malice could invent.
135:01,150[A  ]| He now shall know I can produce a man,  <150>
135:01,151[A  ]| Of female seed, far abler to$9$ resist
135:01,152[A  ]| All his solicitations, and at length
135:01,153[A  ]| All his vast force, and drive him back to$4$ Hell ~~ 
135:01,154[A  ]| Winning by$4$ conquest what the first man lost
135:01,155[A  ]| By$4$ fallacy surprised.  But first I mean
135:01,156[A  ]| To$9$ exercise him in$4$ the Wilderness;
135:01,157[A  ]| There he shall first lay down the rudiments
135:01,158[A  ]| Of his great warfare, before I send him forth
135:01,159[A  ]| To$9$ conquer Sin and Death, the two grand foes.
135:01,160[A  ]| By$4$ humiliation and strong sufferance  <160>
135:01,161[A  ]| His weakness shall overcome Satanic strength,
135:01,162[A  ]| And all the world, and mass of sinful flesh;
135:01,163[A  ]| That$3$ all the Angels and ethereal Powers ~~ 
135:01,164[A  ]| They now, and men hereafter ~~ may discern
135:01,165[A  ]| From what consummate virtue I have chose
135:01,166[A  ]| This perfect man, by$4$ merit called my Son,
135:01,167[A  ]| To$9$ earn salvation for$4$ the sons of men."
135:01,168['  ]| So$5#2$ spake the Eternal Father, and all Heaven
135:01,169['  ]| Admiring stood a space; then into hymns
135:01,170['  ]| Burst forth, and in$4$ celestial measures moved,  <170>
135:01,171['  ]| Circling the throne and singing, while the hand
135:01,172['  ]| Sung with the voice, and this the argument: ~~ 
135:01,173[X  ]| "Victory and triumph to$4$ the Son of God,
135:01,174[X  ]| Now entering his great duel, not of arms,
135:01,175[X  ]| But to$9$ vanquish by$4$ wisdom hellish wiles!
135:01,176[X  ]| The Father knows the Son; therefore secure
135:01,177[X  ]| Ventures his filial virtue, though untried,
135:01,178[X  ]| Against whatever may tempt, whatever seduce,
135:01,179[X  ]| Allure, or terrify, or undermine.
135:01,180[X  ]| Be frustrate, all ye stratagems of Hell,  <180>
135:01,181[X  ]| And, devilish machinations, come to$4$ nought!"
135:01,182['  ]| So$3$ they in$4$ Heaven their odes and vigils tuned.
135:01,183['  ]| Meanwhile the Son of God, who$6#1$ yet some days
135:01,184['  ]| Lodged in$4$ Bethabara, where John baptized,
135:01,185['  ]| Musing and much revolving in$4$ his breast
135:01,186['  ]| How best the mighty work he might begin
135:01,187['  ]| Of Saviour to$4$ mankind, and which$6#1$ way first
135:01,188['  ]| Publish his godlike office now mature,
135:01,189['  ]| One day forth walked alone, the Spirit leading
135:01,190['  ]| And his deep thoughts, the better to$9$ converse  <190>
135:01,191['  ]| With solitude, till, far from track of men,
135:01,192['  ]| Thought following thought, and step by$4$ step led on$5$,
135:01,193['  ]| He entered now the bordering Desert wild,
135:01,194['  ]| And, with dark shades and rocks environed round,
135:01,195['  ]| His holy meditations thus pursued: ~~ 
135:01,196[C  ]| "O what a multitude of thoughts at once
135:01,197[C  ]| Awakened in$4$ me swarm, while I consider
135:01,198[C  ]| What from within I feel myself, and hear
135:01,199[C  ]| What from without comes often to$4$ my ears,
135:01,200[C  ]| Ill sorting with my present state compared!  <200>
135:01,201[C  ]| When I was yet a child, no$2$ childish play
135:01,202[C  ]| To$4$ me was pleasing; all my mind was set
135:01,203[C  ]| Serious to$9$ learn and know, and thence to$9$ do,
135:01,204[C  ]| What might be public good; myself I thought
135:01,205[C  ]| Born to$4$ that$6#2$ end, born to$9$ promote all truth,
135:01,206[C  ]| All righteous things.  Therefore, above my years,
135:01,207[C  ]| The Law of God I read, and found it sweet;
135:01,208[C  ]| Made it my whole delight, and in$4$ it grew
135:01,209[C  ]| To$4$ such perfection that$3$, before yet my age
135:01,210[C  ]| Had measured twice six years, at our great Feast    <210>
135:01,211[C  ]| I went into the Temple, there to$9$ hear
135:01,212[C  ]| The teachers of our Law, and to$9$ propose
135:01,213[C  ]| What might improve my knowledge or their own,
135:01,214[C  ]| And was admired by$4$ all.  Yet this not all
135:01,215[C  ]| To$4$ which$6#1$ my spirit aspired.  Victorious deeds
135:01,216[C  ]| Flamed in$4$ my heart, heroic acts ~~ one while
135:01,217[C  ]| To$9$ rescue Israel from the Roman yoke;
135:01,218[C  ]| Then to$9$ subdue and quell, over all the earth,
135:01,219[C  ]| Brute violence and proud tyrannic power,
135:01,220[C  ]| Till truth were freed, and equity restored:  <220>
135:01,221[C  ]| Yet held it more humane, more heavenly, first
135:01,222[C  ]| By$4$ winning words to$9$ conquer willing hearts,
135:01,223[C  ]| And make persuasion do the work of fear;
135:01,224[C  ]| At least to$9$ try, and teach the erring soul,
135:01,225[C  ]| Not wilfully misdoing, but unware
135:01,226[C  ]| Misled; the stubborn only to$9$ subdue.
135:01,227[C  ]| These growing thoughts my mother soon perceiving,
135:01,228[C  ]| By$4$ words at times cast forth, inly rejoiced,
135:01,229[C  ]| And said to$4$ me apart, 
135:01,229@v   | 'High are thy thoughts,
135:01,230@v   | O Son! but nourish them, and let them soar  <230>
135:01,231@v   | To$4$ what height sacred virtue and true worth
135:01,232@v   | Can raise them, though above example high;
135:01,233@v   | By$4$ matchless deeds express thy matchless Sire.
135:01,234@v   | For$3$ know, thou art no$2$ son of mortal man;
135:01,235@v   | Though men esteem thee low of parentage,
135:01,236@v   | Thy Father is the Eternal King who$6#1$ rules
135:01,237@v   | All Heaven and Earth, Angels and sons of men.
135:01,238@v   | A messenger from God foretold thy birth
135:01,239@v   | Conceived in$4$ me a virgin; he foretold
135:01,240@v   | Thou shouldst be great, and sit on$4$ David's throne,    <240>
135:01,241@v   | And of thy kingdom there should be no$2$ end.
135:01,242@v   | At thy nativity a glorious choir
135:01,243@v   | Of Angels, in$4$ the fields of Bethlehem, sung
135:01,244@v   | To$4$ shepherds, watching at their folds by$4$ night,
135:01,245@v   | And told them the Messiah now was born,
135:01,246@v   | Where they might see him; and to$4$ thee they came,
135:01,247@v   | Directed to$4$ the manger where thou layest;
135:01,248@v   | For$3$ in$4$ the inn was left no$2$ better room.
135:01,249@v   | A Star, not seen before, in$4$ heaven appearing,
135:01,250@v   | Guided the Wise Men thither from the East,  <250>
135:01,251@v   | To$9$ honour thee with incense, myrrh, and gold;
135:01,252@v   | By$4$ whose bright course led on$5$ they found the place,
135:01,253@v   | Affirming it thy star, new-graven in$4$ heaven,
135:01,254@v   | By$4$ which$6#1$ they knew thee King of Israel born.
135:01,255@v   | Just Simeon and prophetic Anna, warned
135:01,256@v   | By$4$ vision, found thee in$4$ the Temple, and spake,
135:01,257@v   | Before the altar and the vested priest,
135:01,258@v   | Like$4$ things of thee to$4$ all that$6#1$ present stood.'
135:01,259[C  ]| This having heard, straight I again revolved
135:01,260[C  ]| The Law and Prophets, searching what was writ  <260>
135:01,261[C  ]| Concerning the Messiah, to$4$ our scribes
135:01,262[C  ]| Known partly, and soon found of whom they spake
135:01,263[C  ]| I am ~~ this chiefly, that$3$ my way must lie
135:01,264[C  ]| Through many a hard assay, even to$4$ the death,
135:01,265[C  ]| Before I the promised kingdom can attain,
135:01,266[C  ]| Or work redemption for$4$ mankind, whose sins'
135:01,267[C  ]| Full weight must be transferred upon$4$ my head.
135:01,268[C  ]| Yet, neither thus disheartened or dismayed,
135:01,269[C  ]| The time prefixed I waited; when behold
135:01,270[C  ]| The Baptist (of whose birth I oft had heard,  <270>
135:01,271[C  ]| Not knew by$4$ sight) now come, who$6#1$ was to$9$ come
135:01,272[C  ]| Before Messiah, and his way prepare!
135:01,273[C  ]| I, as all others, to$4$ his baptism came,
135:01,274[C  ]| Which$6#1$ I believed was from above; but he
135:01,275[C  ]| Straight knew me, and with loudest voice proclaimed
135:01,276[C  ]| Me him (for$3$ it was shown him so$5#2$ from Heaven) ~~ 
135:01,277[C  ]| Me him whose harbinger he was; and first
135:01,278[C  ]| Refused on$4$ me his baptism to$9$ confer,
135:01,279[C  ]| As much his greater, and was hardly won.
135:01,280[C  ]| But, as I rose out of the laving stream,  <280>
135:01,281[C  ]| Heaven opened her eternal doors, from whence
135:01,282[C  ]| The Spirit descended on$4$ me like$4$ a Dove;
135:01,283[C  ]| And last, the sum of all, my Father's voice,
135:01,284[C  ]| Audibly heard from Heaven, pronounced me his,
135:01,285[C  ]| Me his beloved Son, in$4$ whom alone
135:01,286[C  ]| He was well pleased: by$4$ which$6#1$ I knew the time
135:01,287[C  ]| Now full, that$3$ I no$2$ more should live obscure,
135:01,288[C  ]| But openly begin, as best becomes
135:01,289[C  ]| The authority which$6#1$ I derived from Heaven.
135:01,290[C  ]| And now by$4$ some strong motion I am led  <290>
135:01,291[C  ]| Into this wilderness; to$4$ what intent
135:01,292[C  ]| I learn not yet.  Perhaps I need not know;
135:01,293[C  ]| For$3$ what concerns my knowledge God reveals."
135:01,294['  ]| So$5#2$ spake our Morning Star, then in$4$ his rise,
135:01,295['  ]| And, looking round, on$4$ every side beheld
135:01,296['  ]| A pathless desert, dusk with horrid shades.
135:01,297['  ]| The way he came, not having marked return,
135:01,298['  ]| Was difficult, by$4$ human steps untrod;
135:01,299['  ]| And he still on$5$ was led, but with such thoughts
135:01,300['  ]| Accompanied of things past and to$9$ come  <300>
135:01,301['  ]| Lodged in$4$ his breast as well might recommend
135:01,302['  ]| Such solitude before choicest society.
135:01,303['  ]| Full forty days he passed ~~ whether on$4$ hill
135:01,304['  ]| Sometimes, anon in$4$ shady vale, each night
135:01,305['  ]| Under the covert of some ancient oak
135:01,306['  ]| Or cedar to$9$ defend him from the dew,
135:01,307['  ]| Or harboured in$4$ one cave, is not revealed;
135:01,308['  ]| Nor tasted human food, nor hunger felt,
135:01,309['  ]| Till those days ended; hungered then at last
135:01,310['  ]| Among wild beasts.  They at his sight grew mild,    <310>
135:01,311['  ]| Nor sleeping him nor waking harmed; his walk
135:01,312['  ]| The fiery serpent fled and noxious worm;
135:01,313['  ]| The lion and fierce tiger glared aloof.
135:01,314['  ]| But now an aged man in$4$ rural weeds,
135:01,315['  ]| Following, as seemed, the quest of some stray eye,
135:01,316['  ]| Or withered sticks to$9$ gather, which$6#1$ might serve
135:01,317['  ]| Against a winter's day, when winds blow keen,
135:01,318['  ]| To$9$ warm him wet returned from field at eve,
135:01,319['  ]| He saw approach; who$6#1$ first with curious eye
135:01,320['  ]| Perused him, then with words thus uttered spake: ~~    <320>
135:01,321[C  ]| "Sir, what ill chance hath brought thee to$4$ this place,
135:01,322[C  ]| So$5#1$ far from path or road of men, who$6#1$ pass
135:01,323[C  ]| In$4$ troop or caravan? for$3$ single none
135:01,324[C  ]| Durst ever, who$6#1$ returned, and dropped not here
135:01,325[C  ]| His carcass, pined with hunger and with drought.
135:01,326[C  ]| I ask the rather, and the more admire,
135:01,327[C  ]| For$3$ that$3$ to$4$ me thou seemest the man whom late
135:01,328[C  ]| Our new baptizing Prophet at the ford
135:01,329[C  ]| Of Jordan honoured so$5#2$, and called thee Son
135:01,330[C  ]| Of God.  I saw and heard, for$3$ we sometimes  <330>
135:01,331[C  ]| Who$6#1$ dwell this wild, constrained by$4$ want, come forth
135:01,332[C  ]| To$4$ town or village nigh (nighest is far),
135:01,333[C  ]| Where aught we hear, and curious are to$9$ hear,
135:01,334[C  ]| What happens new; fame also finds us out."
135:01,335['  ]| To$4$ whom the Son of God: ~~ 
135:01,335[B  ]| "Who$6#1$ brought me hither
135:01,336[B  ]| Will$1$ bring me hence; no$2$ other guide I seek."
135:01,337[C  ]| "By$4$ miracle he may," 
135:01,337['  ]| replied the swain;
135:01,338[C  ]| "What other way I see not; for$3$ we here
135:01,339[C  ]| Live on$4$ tough roots and stubs, to$4$ thirst inured
135:01,340[C  ]| More than the camel, and to$9$ drink go far ~~   <340>
135:01,341[C  ]| Men to$4$ much misery and hardship born.
135:01,342[C  ]| But, if thou be the Son of God, command
135:01,343[C  ]| That$3$ out of these hard stones be made thee bread;
135:01,344[C  ]| So$5#2$ shalt thou save thyself, and us relieve
135:01,345[C  ]| With food, whereof we wretched seldom taste."
135:01,346['  ]| He ended, and the Son of God replied: ~~ 
135:01,347[B  ]| "Thinkest thou such force in$4$ bread?  Is it not written
135:01,348[B  ]| (For$3$ I discern thee other than thou seemest),
135:01,349[B  ]| Man lives not by$4$ bread only, but each word
135:01,350[B  ]| Proceeding from the mouth of God, who$6#1$ fed  <350>
135:01,351[B  ]| Our fathers here with manna?  In$4$ the Mount
135:01,352[B  ]| Moses was forty days, nor eat nor drank;
135:01,353[B  ]| And forty days Eliah without food
135:01,354[B  ]| Wandered this barren waste; the same I now.
135:01,355[B  ]| Why dost thou, then, suggest to$4$ me distrust
135:01,356[B  ]| Knowing who$6#1$ I am, as I know who$6#1$ thou art?"
135:01,357['  ]| Whom thus answered the Arch-Fiend, now undisguised: ~~ 
135:01,358[C  ]| "It is true, I am that$6#2$ Spirit unfortunate
135:01,359[C  ]| Who$6#1$, leagued with millions more in$4$ rash revolt,
135:01,360[C  ]| Kept not my happy station, but was driven  <360>
135:01,361[C  ]| With them from bliss to$4$ the bottomless Deep ~~ 
135:01,362[C  ]| Yet to$4$ that$6#2$ hideous place not so$5#1$ confined
135:01,363[C  ]| By$4$ rigour unconniving but that$3$ oft,
135:01,364[C  ]| Leaving my dolorous prison, I enjoy
135:01,365[C  ]| Large liberty to$9$ round this globe of Earth,
135:01,366[C  ]| Or range in$4$ the Air; nor from the Heaven of Heavens
135:01,367[C  ]| Hath he excluded my resort sometimes.
135:01,368[C  ]| I came, among the Sons of God, when he
135:01,369[C  ]| Gave up$5$ into my hands Uzzean Job,
135:01,370[C  ]| To$9$ prove him, and illustrate his high worth;  <370>
135:01,371[C  ]| And, when to$4$ all his Angels he proposed
135:01,372[C  ]| To$9$ draw the proud king Ahab into fraud,
135:01,373[C  ]| That$3$ he might fall in$4$ Ramoth, they demurring,
135:01,374[C  ]| I undertook that$6#2$ office, and the tongues
135:01,375[C  ]| Of all his flattering prophets glibbed with lies
135:01,376[C  ]| To$4$ his destruction, as I had in$4$ charge:
135:01,377[C  ]| For$3$ what he bids I do.  Though I have lost
135:01,378[C  ]| Much lustre of my native brightness, lost
135:01,379[C  ]| To$9$ be beloved of God, I have not lost
135:01,380[C  ]| To$9$ love, at least contemplate and admire,  <380>
135:01,381[C  ]| What I see excellent in$4$ good, or fair,
135:01,382[C  ]| Or virtuous; I should so$5#2$ have lost all sense.
135:01,383[C  ]| What can be then less in$4$ me than desire
135:01,384[C  ]| To$9$ see thee and approach thee, whom I know
135:01,385[C  ]| Declared the Son of God, to$9$ hear attent
135:01,386[C  ]| Thy wisdom, and behold thy godlike deeds?
135:01,387[C  ]| Men generally think me much a foe
135:01,388[C  ]| To$4$ all mankind.  Why should I? they to$4$ me
135:01,389[C  ]| Never did wrong or violence.  By$4$ them
135:01,390[C  ]| I lost not what I lost; rather by$4$ them  <390>
135:01,391[C  ]| I gained what I have gained, and with them dwell
135:01,392[C  ]| Copartner in$4$ these regions of the World,
135:01,393[C  ]| If not disposer ~~ lend them oft my aid,
135:01,394[C  ]| Oft my advice by$4$ presages and signs,
135:01,395[C  ]| And answers, oracles, portents, and dreams,
135:01,396[C  ]| Whereby they may direct their future life.
135:01,397[C  ]| Envy, they say, excites me, thus to$9$ gain
135:01,398[C  ]| Companions of my misery and woe!
135:01,399[C  ]| At first it may be; but, long since with woe
135:01,400[C  ]| Nearer acquainted, now I feel by$4$ proof  <400>
135:01,401[C  ]| That$3$ fellowship in$4$ pain divides not smart,
135:01,402[C  ]| Nor lightens aught each man's peculiar load;
135:01,403[C  ]| Small consolation, then, were Man adjoined.
135:01,404[C  ]| This wounds me most (what can it less?) that$3$ Man,
135:01,405[C  ]| Man fallen, shall be restored, I never more."
135:01,406['  ]| To$4$ whom our Saviour sternly thus replied: ~~ 
135:01,407[B  ]| "Deservedly thou grievest, composed of lies
135:01,408[B  ]| From the beginning, and in$4$ lies wilt end,
135:01,409[B  ]| Who$6#1$ boastest release from Hell, and leave to$9$ come
135:01,410[B  ]| Into the Heaven of Heavens.  Thou comest, indeed,   <410>
135:01,411[B  ]| As a poor miserable captive thrall
135:01,412[B  ]| Comes to$4$ the place where he before had sat
135:01,413[B  ]| Among the prime in$4$ splendour, now deposed,
135:01,414[B  ]| Ejected, emptied, gazed, unpitied, shunned,
135:01,415[B  ]| A spectacle of ruin, or of scorn,
135:01,416[B  ]| To$4$ all the host of Heaven.  The happy place
135:01,417[B  ]| Imparts to$4$ thee no$2$ happiness, no$2$ joy ~~ 
135:01,418[B  ]| Rather inflames thy torment, representing
135:01,419[B  ]| Lost bliss, to$4$ thee no$2$ more communicable;
135:01,420[B  ]| So$3$ never more in$4$ Hell than when in$4$ Heaven.  <420>
135:01,421[B  ]| But thou art serviceable to$4$ Heaven's King!
135:01,422[B  ]| Wilt thou impute to$4$ obedience what thy fear
135:01,423[B  ]| Extorts, or pleasure to$9$ do ill excites?
135:01,424[B  ]| What but thy malice moved thee to$9$ misdeem
135:01,425[B  ]| Of righteous Job, then cruelly to$9$ afflict him
135:01,426[B  ]| With all inflictions? but his patience won.
135:01,427[B  ]| The other service was thy chosen task,
135:01,428[B  ]| To$9$ be a liar in$4$ four hundred mouths;
135:01,429[B  ]| For$3$ lying is thy sustenance, thy food.
135:01,430[B  ]| Yet thou pretendest to$4$ truth! all oracles  <430>
135:01,431[B  ]| By$4$ thee are given, and what confessed more true
135:01,432[B  ]| Among the nations?  That$6#2$ hath been thy craft,
135:01,433[B  ]| By$4$ mixing somewhat true to$9$ vent more lies.
135:01,434[B  ]| But what have been thy answers? what but dark,
135:01,435[B  ]| Ambiguous, and with double sense deluding,
135:01,436[B  ]| Which$6#1$ they who$6#1$ asked have seldom understood,
135:01,437[B  ]| And, not well understood, as good not known?
135:01,438[B  ]| Who$6#2$ ever, by$4$ consulting at thy shrine,
135:01,439[B  ]| Returned the wiser, or the more instruct
135:01,440[B  ]| To$9$ fly or follow what concerned him most,  <440>
135:01,441[B  ]| And run not sooner to$4$ his fatal snare?
135:01,442[B  ]| For$3$ God hath justly given the nations up$5$
135:01,443[B  ]| To$4$ thy delusions; justly, since they fell
135:01,444[B  ]| Idolatrous.  But, when his purpose is
135:01,445[B  ]| Among them to$9$ declare his providence,
135:01,446[B  ]| To$4$ thee not known, whence hast thou then thy truth,
135:01,447[B  ]| But from him, or his Angels president
135:01,448[B  ]| In$4$ every province, who$6#1$, themselves disdaining
135:01,449[B  ]| To$9$ approach thy temples, give thee in$4$ command
135:01,450[B  ]| What, to$4$ the smallest tittle, thou shalt say  <450>
135:01,451[B  ]| To$4$ thy adorers?  Thou, with trembling fear,
135:01,452[B  ]| Or like$4$ a fawning parasite, obeyest;
135:01,453[B  ]| Then to$4$ thyself ascribest the truth foretold.
135:01,454[B  ]| But this thy glory shall be soon retrenched;
135:01,455[B  ]| No$2$ more shalt thou by$4$ oracling abuse
135:01,456[B  ]| The Gentiles; henceforth oracles are ceased,
135:01,457[B  ]| And thou no$2$ more with pomp and sacrifice
135:01,458[B  ]| Shalt be enquired at Delphos or elsewhere ~~ 
135:01,459[B  ]| At least in$4$ vain, for$3$ they shall find thee mute.
135:01,460[B  ]| God hath now sent his living Oracle  <460>
135:01,461[B  ]| Into the world to$9$ teach his final will$0$,
135:01,462[B  ]| And sends his Spirit of Truth henceforth to$9$ dwell
135:01,463[B  ]| In$4$ pious hearts, an inward oracle
135:01,464[B  ]| To$4$ all truth requisite for$4$ men to$9$ know."
135:01,465['  ]| So$5#2$ spake our Saviour; but the subtle Fiend,
135:01,466['  ]| Though inly stung with anger and disdain,
135:01,467['  ]| Dissembled, and this answer smooth returned: ~~ 
135:01,468[C  ]| "Sharply thou hast insisted on$4$ rebuke,
135:01,469[C  ]| And urged me hard with doings which$6#1$ not will$0$,
135:01,470[C  ]| But misery, hath wrested from me.  Where  <470>
135:01,471[C  ]| Easily canst thou find one miserable,
135:01,472[C  ]| And not inforced oft-times to$9$ part from truth,
135:01,473[C  ]| If it may stand him more in$4$ stead to$9$ lie,
135:01,474[C  ]| Say and unsay, feign, flatter, or abjure?
135:01,475[C  ]| But thou art placed above me; thou art Lord;
135:01,476[C  ]| From thee I can, and must, submiss, endure
135:01,477[C  ]| Cheek or reproof, and glad to$9$ escape so$5#2$ quit.
135:01,478[C  ]| Hard are the ways of truth, and rough to$9$ walk,
135:01,479[C  ]| Smooth on$4$ the tongue discoursed, pleasing to$4$ the ear,
135:01,480[C  ]| And tunable as sylvan pipe or song;  <480>
135:01,481[C  ]| What wonder, then, if I delight to$9$ hear
135:01,482[C  ]| Her dictates from thy mouth? most men admire
135:01,483[C  ]| Virtue who$6#1$ follow not her lore.  Permit me
135:01,484[C  ]| To$9$ hear thee when I come (since no$2$ man comes),
135:01,485[C  ]| And talk at least, though I despair to$9$ attain.
135:01,486[C  ]| Thy Father, who$6#1$ is holy, wise, and pure,
135:01,487[C  ]| Suffers the hypocrite or atheous priest
135:01,488[C  ]| To$9$ tread his sacred courts, and minister
135:01,489[C  ]| About his altar, handling holy things,
135:01,490[C  ]| Praying or vowing, and vouchsafed his voice  <490>
135:01,491[C  ]| To$4$ Balaam reprobate, a prophet yet
135:01,492[C  ]| Inspired: disdain not such access to$4$ me."
135:01,493['  ]| To$4$ whom our Saviour, with unaltered brow: ~~ 
135:01,494[B  ]| "Thy coming hither, though I know thy scope,
135:01,495[B  ]| I bid not, or forbid.  Do as thou findest
135:01,496[B  ]| Permission from above; thou canst not more."
135:01,497['  ]| He added not; and Satan, bowling low
135:01,498['  ]| His gray dissimulation, disappeared,
135:01,499['  ]| Into thin air diffused: for$3$ now began
135:01,500['  ]| Night with her sullen wing to$9$ double-shade  <500>
135:01,501['  ]| The desert; fowls in$4$ their clay nests were couched;
135:01,502['  ]| And now wild beasts came forth the woods to$9$ roam.
135:02,000@@@@@| 
135:02,000['  ]| <THE SECOND BOOK>
135:02,001['  ]| MEANWHILE the new-baptized, who$6#1$ yet remained
135:02,002['  ]| At Jordan with the Baptist, and had seen
135:02,003['  ]| Him whom they heard so$5#1$ late expressly called
135:02,004['  ]| Jesus Messiah, Son of God, declared,
135:02,005['  ]| And on$4$ that$6#2$ high authority had believed,
135:02,006['  ]| And with him talked, and with him lodged ~~ I mean
135:02,007['  ]| Andrew and Simon, famous after known,
135:02,008['  ]| With others, though in$4$ Holy Writ not named ~~ 
135:02,009['  ]| Now missing him, their joy so$5#1$ lately found,
135:02,010['  ]| So$5#1$ lately found and so$5#1$ abruptly gone,  <10>
135:02,011['  ]| Began to$9$ doubt, and doubted many days,
135:02,012['  ]| And, as the days increased, increased their doubt.
135:02,013['  ]| Sometimes they thought he might be only shown,
135:02,014['  ]| And for$4$ a time caught up$5$ to$4$ God, as once
135:02,015['  ]| Moses was in$4$ the Mount and missing long,
135:02,016['  ]| And the great Thisbite, who$6#1$ on$4$ fiery wheels
135:02,017['  ]| Rode up$5$ to$4$ Heaven, yet once again to$9$ come.
135:02,018['  ]| Therefore, as those young prophets then with care
135:02,019['  ]| Sought lost Eliah, so$3$ in$4$ each place these
135:02,020['  ]| Nigh to$4$ Bethabara ~~ in$4$ Jericho  <20>
135:02,021['  ]| The city of palms, AEnon, and Salem old,
135:02,022['  ]| Machaerus, and each town or city walled
135:02,023['  ]| On$4$ this side the broad lake Genezaret,
135:02,024['  ]| Or in$4$ Peraea ~~ but returned in$4$ vain.
135:02,025['  ]| Then on$4$ the bank of Jordan, by$4$ a creek,
135:02,026['  ]| Where winds with reeds and osiers whispering play,
135:02,027['  ]| Plain fishermen (no$2$ greater men them call),
135:02,028['  ]| Close in$4$ a cottage low together got,
135:02,029['  ]| Their unexpected loss and plaints outbreathed: ~~ 
135:02,030[W  ]| "Alas, from what high hope to$4$ what relapse  <30>
135:02,031[W  ]| Unlooked for$5$ are we fallen!  Our eyes beheld
135:02,032[W  ]| Messiah certainly now come, so$5#1$ long
135:02,033[W  ]| Expected of our fathers; we have heard
135:02,034[W  ]| His words, his wisdom full of grace and truth.
135:02,035@b   | 'Now, now, for$4$ sure, deliverance is at hand;
135:02,036@b   | The kingdom shall to$4$ Israel be restored:'
135:02,037[W  ]| Thus we rejoiced, but soon our joy is turned
135:02,038[W  ]| Into perplexity and new amaze.
135:02,039[W  ]| For$3$ whither is he gone? what accident
135:02,040[W  ]| Hath rapt him from us? will$1$ he now retire  <40>
135:02,041[W  ]| After appearance, and again prolong
135:02,042[W  ]| Our expectation?  God of Israel,
135:02,043[W  ]| Send thy Messiah forth; the time is come.
135:02,044[W  ]| Behold the kings of the earth, how they oppress
135:02,045[W  ]| Thy Chosen, to$4$ what height their power unjust
135:02,046[W  ]| They have exalted, and behind them cast
135:02,047[W  ]| All fear of Thee; arise, and vindicate
135:02,048[W  ]| Thy glory; free thy people from their yoke!
135:02,049[W  ]| But let us wait; thus far He hath performed ~~ 
135:02,050[W  ]| Sent his Anointed, and to$4$ us revealed him  <50>
135:02,051[W  ]| By$4$ his great Prophet pointed at and shown
135:02,052[W  ]| In$4$ public, and with him we have conversed.
135:02,053[W  ]| Let us be glad of this, and all our fears
135:02,054[W  ]| Lay on$4$ his providence; He will$1$ not fail,
135:02,055[W  ]| Nor will$1$ withdraw him now, nor will$1$ recall ~~ 
135:02,056[W  ]| Mock us with his blest sight, then snatch him hence:
135:02,057[W  ]| Soon we shall see our hope, our joy, return."
135:02,058['  ]| Thus they out of their plaints new hope resume
135:02,059['  ]| To$9$ find whom at the first they found unsought.
135:02,060['  ]| But to$4$ his mother Mary, when she saw  <60>
135:02,061['  ]| Others returned from baptism, not her Son,
135:02,062['  ]| Nor left at Jordan tidings of him none,
135:02,063['  ]| Within her breast though calm, her breast though pure,
135:02,064['  ]| Motherly cares and fears got head, and raised
135:02,065['  ]| Some troubled thoughts, which$6#1$ she in$4$ sighs thus clad: ~~ 
135:02,066[V  ]| "Oh, what avails me now that$6#2$ honour high,
135:02,067[V  ]| To$9$ have conceived of God, or that$6#2$ salute,
135:02,068@a   | 'Hail, highly favoured, among women blest!'
135:02,069[V  ]| While I to$4$ sorrows am no$2$ less advanced,
135:02,070[V  ]| And fears as eminent above the lot  <70>
135:02,071[V  ]| Of other women, by$4$ the birth I bore:
135:02,072[V  ]| In$4$ such a season born, when scarce a shed
135:02,073[V  ]| Could be obtained to$9$ shelter him or me
135:02,074[V  ]| From the bleak air?  A stable was our warmth,
135:02,075[V  ]| A manger his; yet soon enforced to$9$ fly
135:02,076[V  ]| Thence into Egypt, till the murderous king
135:02,077[V  ]| Were dead, who$6#1$ sought his life, and, missing, filled
135:02,078[V  ]| With infant blood the streets of Bethlehem.
135:02,079[V  ]| From Egypt home returned, in$4$ Nazareth
135:02,080[V  ]| Hath been our dwelling many years; his life  <80>
135:02,081[V  ]| Private, unactive, calm, contemplative,
135:02,082[V  ]| Little suspicious to$4$ any king.  But now,
135:02,083[V  ]| Full grown to$4$ man, acknowledged, as I hear,
135:02,084[V  ]| By$4$ John the Baptist, and in$4$ public shown,
135:02,085[V  ]| Son owned from Heaven by$4$ his Father's voice,
135:02,086[V  ]| I looked for$4$ some great change.  To$4$ honour? no$7$;
135:02,087[V  ]| But trouble, as old Simeon plain foretold,
135:02,088[V  ]| That$3$ to$4$ the fall and rising he should be
135:02,089[V  ]| Of many in$4$ Israel, and to$4$ a sign
135:02,090[V  ]| Spoken against ~~ that$3$ through my very soul  <90>
135:02,091[V  ]| A sword shall pierce.  This is my favoured lot,
135:02,092[V  ]| My exaltation to$4$ afflictions high!
135:02,093[V  ]| Afflicted I may be, it seems, and blest!
135:02,094[V  ]| I will$1$ not argue that$6#2$, nor will$1$ repine.
135:02,095[V  ]| But where delays he now?  Some great intent
135:02,096[V  ]| Conceals him.  When twelve years he scarce had seen,
135:02,097[V  ]| I lost him, but so$5#2$ found as well I saw
135:02,098[V  ]| He could not lose himself, but went about
135:02,099[V  ]| His Father's business.  What he meant I mused ~~ 
135:02,100[V  ]| Since understand; much more his absence now  <100>
135:02,101[V  ]| Thus long to$4$ some great purpose he obscures.
135:02,102[V  ]| But I to$4$ wait with patience am inured;
135:02,103[V  ]| My heart hath been a storehouse long of things
135:02,104[V  ]| And sayings laid up$5$, pretending strange events."
135:02,105['  ]| Thus Mary, pondering oft, and oft to$4$ mind
135:02,106['  ]| Recalling what remarkably had passed
135:02,107['  ]| Since first her Salutation heard, with thoughts
135:02,108['  ]| Meekly composed awaited the fulfilling:
135:02,109['  ]| The while her Son, tracing the desert wild,
135:02,110['  ]| Sole, but with holiest meditations fed,  <110>
135:02,111['  ]| Into himself descended, and at once
135:02,112['  ]| All his great work to$9$ come before him set ~~ 
135:02,113['  ]| How to$9$ begin, how to$9$ accomplish best
135:02,114['  ]| His end of being on$4$ Earth, and mission high.
135:02,115['  ]| For$3$ Satan, with sly preface to$9$ return,
135:02,116['  ]| Had left him vacant, and with speed was gone
135:02,117['  ]| Up$5$ to$4$ the middle region of thick air,
135:02,118['  ]| Where all his Potentates in$4$ council sat.
135:02,119['  ]| There, without sign of boast, or sign of joy,
135:02,120['  ]| Solicitous and blank, he thus began: ~~   <120>
135:02,121[C  ]| "Princes, Heaven's ancient Sons, Ethereal Thrones ~~ 
135:02,122[C  ]| Daemonian Spirits now, from the element
135:02,123[C  ]| Each of his reign allotted, rightlier called
135:02,124[C  ]| Powers of Fire, Air, Water, and Earth beneath
135:02,125[C  ]| (So$5#2$ may we hold our place and these mild seats
135:02,126[C  ]| Without new trouble!) ~~ such an enemy
135:02,127[C  ]| Is risen to$9$ invade us, who$6#1$ no$2$ less
135:02,128[C  ]| Threatens than our expulsion down to$4$ Hell.
135:02,129[C  ]| I, as I undertook, and with the vote
135:02,130[C  ]| Consenting in$4$ full frequence was empowered,  <130>
135:02,131[C  ]| Have found him, viewed him, tasted him; but find
135:02,132[C  ]| Far other labour to$9$ be undergone
135:02,133[C  ]| Than when I dealt with Adam, first of men,
135:02,134[C  ]| Though Adam by$4$ his wife's allurement fell,
135:02,135[C  ]| However to$4$ this Man inferior far ~~ 
135:02,136[C  ]| If he be Man by$4$ mother's side, at least
135:02,137[C  ]| With more than human gifts from Heaven adorned,
135:02,138[C  ]| Perfections absolute, graces divine,
135:02,139[C  ]| And amplitude of mind to$4$ greatest deeds.
135:02,140[C  ]| Therefore I am returned, lest confidence  <140>
135:02,141[C  ]| Of my success with Eve in$4$ Paradise
135:02,142[C  ]| Deceive ye to$4$ persuasion over-sure
135:02,143[C  ]| Of like$2$ succeeding here.  I summon all
135:02,144[C  ]| Rather to$9$ be in$4$ readiness with hand
135:02,145[C  ]| Or counsel to$9$ assist, lest I, who$6#1$ erst
135:02,146[C  ]| Thought none my equal, now be overmatched."
135:02,147['  ]| So$5#2$ spake the old Serpent, doubting, and from all
135:02,148['  ]| With clamour was assured their utmost aid
135:02,149['  ]| At his command; when from amidst them rose
135:02,150['  ]| Belial, the dissolutest Spirit that$6#1$ fell,  <150>
135:02,151['  ]| The sensualest, and, after Asmodai,
135:02,152['  ]| The fleshliest Incubus, and thus advised: ~~ 
135:02,153[D  ]| "Set women in$4$ his eye and in$4$ his walk,
135:02,154[D  ]| Among daughters of men the fairest found.
135:02,155[D  ]| Many are in$4$ each region passing fair
135:02,156[D  ]| As the noon sky, more like$5$ to$4$ goddesses
135:02,157[D  ]| Than mortal creatures, graceful and discreet,
135:02,158[D  ]| Expert in$4$ amorous arts, enchanting tongues
135:02,159[D  ]| Persuasive, virgin majesty with mild
135:02,160[D  ]| And sweet allayed, yet terrible to$9$ approach,  <160>
135:02,161[D  ]| Skilled to$9$ retire, and in$4$ retiring draw
135:02,162[D  ]| Hearts after them tangled in$4$ amorous nets.
135:02,163[D  ]| Such object hath the power to$9$ soften and tame
135:02,164[D  ]| Severest temper, smooth the ruggedest brow,
135:02,165[D  ]| Enerve, and with voluptuous hope dissolve,
135:02,166[D  ]| Draw out with credulous desire, and lead
135:02,167[D  ]| At will$0$ the manliest, resolutest breast,
135:02,168[D  ]| As the magnetic hardest iron draws.
135:02,169[D  ]| Women, when nothing else, beguiled the heart
135:02,170[D  ]| Of wisest Solomon, and made him build,  <170>
135:02,171[D  ]| And made him bow, to$4$ the gods of his wives."
135:02,172['  ]| To$4$ whom quick answer Satan thus returned: ~~ 
135:02,173[C  ]| "Belial, in$4$ much uneven scale thou weighest
135:02,174[C  ]| All others by$4$ thyself.  Because of old
135:02,175[C  ]| Thou thyself dotest on$4$ womankind, admiring
135:02,176[C  ]| Their shape, their colour, and attractive grace,
135:02,177[C  ]| None are, thou thinkest, but taken with such toys.
135:02,178[C  ]| Before the Flood, thou, with thy lusty crew,
135:02,179[C  ]| False titled Sons of God, roaming the Earth,
135:02,180[C  ]| Cast wanton eyes on$4$ the daughters of men,  <180>
135:02,181[C  ]| And coupled with them, and begot a race.
135:02,182[C  ]| Have we not seen, or by$4$ relation heard,
135:02,183[C  ]| In$4$ courts and regal chambers how thou lurkest,
135:02,184[C  ]| In$4$ wood or grove, by$4$ mossy fountain-side,
135:02,185[C  ]| In$4$ valley or green meadow, to$9$ waylay
135:02,186[C  ]| Some beauty rare, Calisto, Clymene,
135:02,187[C  ]| Daphne, or Semele, Antiopa,
135:02,188[C  ]| Or Amymone, Syrinx, many more
135:02,189[C  ]| Too long ~~ then layest thy escapes on$4$ names adored,
135:02,190[C  ]| Apollo, Neptune, Jupiter, or Pan,  <190>
135:02,191[C  ]| Satyr, or Faun, or Silvan?  But these haunts
135:02,192[C  ]| Delight not all.  Among the sons of men
135:02,193[C  ]| How many have with a smile made small account
135:02,194[C  ]| Of beauty and her lures, easily scorned
135:02,195[C  ]| All her assaults, on$4$ worthier things intent!
135:02,196[C  ]| Remember that$6#2$ Pellean conqueror,
135:02,197[C  ]| A youth, how all the beauties of the East
135:02,198[C  ]| He slightly viewed, and slightly overpassed;
135:02,199[C  ]| How he surnamed of Africa dismissed,
135:02,200[C  ]| In$4$ his prime youth, the fair Iberian maid.  <200>
135:02,201[C  ]| For$3$ Solomon, he lived at ease, and, full
135:02,202[C  ]| Of honour, wealth, high fare, aimed not beyond
135:02,203[C  ]| Higher design than to$9$ enjoy his state;
135:02,204[C  ]| Thence to$4$ the bait of women lay exposed.
135:02,205[C  ]| But he whom we attempt is wiser far
135:02,206[C  ]| Than Solomon, of more exalted mind,
135:02,207[C  ]| Made and set wholly on$4$ the accomplishment
135:02,208[C  ]| Of greatest things.  What woman will$1$ you find,
135:02,209[C  ]| Though of this age the wonder and the fame,
135:02,210[C  ]| On$4$ whom his leisure will$1$ vouchsafe an eye  <210>
135:02,211[C  ]| Of fond desire?  Or should she, confident,
135:02,212[C  ]| As sitting queen adored on$4$ Beauty's throne,
135:02,213[C  ]| Descend with all her winning charms begirt
135:02,214[C  ]| To$9$ enamour, as the zone of Venus once
135:02,215[C  ]| Wrought that$6#2$ effect on$4$ Jove (so$5#2$ fables tell),
135:02,216[C  ]| How would one look from his majestic brow,
135:02,217[C  ]| Seated as on$4$ the top of Virtue's hill,
135:02,218[C  ]| Discountenance her despised, and put to$4$ rout
135:02,219[C  ]| All her array, her female pride deject,
135:02,220[C  ]| Or turn to$4$ reverent awe!  For$3$ Beauty stands  <220>
135:02,221[C  ]| In$4$ the admiration only of weak minds
135:02,222[C  ]| Led captive; cease to$9$ admire, and all her plumes
135:02,223[C  ]| Fall flat, and shrink into a trivial toy,
135:02,224[C  ]| At every sudden slighting quite abashed.
135:02,225[C  ]| Therefore with manlier objects we must try
135:02,226[C  ]| His constancy ~~ with such as have more show
135:02,227[C  ]| Of worth, of honour, glory, and popular praise
135:02,228[C  ]| (Rocks whereon greatest men have oftest wrecked);
135:02,229[C  ]| Or that$6#2$ which$6#1$ only seems to$9$ satisfy
135:02,230[C  ]| Lawful desires of nature, not beyond.  <230>
135:02,231[C  ]| And now I know he hungers, where no$2$ food
135:02,232[C  ]| Is to$9$ be found, in$4$ the wide Wilderness:
135:02,233[C  ]| The rest commit to$4$ me; I shall let pass
135:02,234[C  ]| No$2$ advantage, and his strength as oft assay."
135:02,235['  ]| He ceased, and heard their grant in$4$ loud acclaim;
135:02,236['  ]| Then forthwith to$4$ him takes a chosen band
135:02,237['  ]| Of Spirits likest to$4$ himself in$4$ guile,
135:02,238['  ]| To$9$ be at hand and at his beck appear,
135:02,239['  ]| If cause were to$9$ unfold some active scene
135:02,240['  ]| Of various persons, each to$9$ know his part;  <240>
135:02,241['  ]| Then to$4$ the desert takes with these his flight,
135:02,242['  ]| Where still, from shade to$4$ shade, the Son of God,
135:02,243['  ]| After forty days' fasting, had remained,
135:02,244['  ]| Now hungering first, and to$4$ himself thus said: ~~ 
135:02,245[B  ]| "Where will$1$ this end?  Four times ten days I have passed
135:02,246[B  ]| Wandering this woody maze, and human food
135:02,247[B  ]| Nor tasted, nor had appetite.  That$6#2$ fast
135:02,248[B  ]| To$4$ virtue I impute not, or count part
135:02,249[B  ]| Of what I suffer here.  If nature need not,
135:02,250[B  ]| Or God support nature without repast,  <250>
135:02,251[B  ]| Though needing, what praise is it to$9$ endure?
135:02,252[B  ]| But now I feel I hunger; which$6#1$ declares
135:02,253[B  ]| Nature hath need of what she asks.  Yet God
135:02,254[B  ]| Can satisfy that$6#2$ need some other way,
135:02,255[B  ]| Though hunger still remain.  So$3$ it remain
135:02,256[B  ]| Without this body's wasting, I content me,
135:02,257[B  ]| And from the sting of famine fear no$2$ harm;
135:02,258[B  ]| Nor mind it, fed with better thoughts, that$6#1$ feed
135:02,259[B  ]| Me hungering more to$9$ do my Father's will$0$."
135:02,260['  ]| It was the hour of night, when thus the Son  <260>
135:02,261['  ]| Communed in$4$ silent walk, then laid him down
135:02,262['  ]| Under the hospitable covert nigh
135:02,263['  ]| Of trees thick interwoven.  There he slept,
135:02,264['  ]| And dreamed, as appetite is wont to$9$ dream,
135:02,265['  ]| Of meats and drinks, nature's refreshment sweet.
135:02,266['  ]| Him thought he by$4$ the brook of Cherith stood,
135:02,267['  ]| And saw the ravens with their horny beaks
135:02,268['  ]| Food to$4$ Elijah bringing even and morn ~~ 
135:02,269['  ]| Though ravenous, taught to$9$ abstain from what they brought;
135:02,270['  ]| He saw the Prophet also, how he fled  <270>
135:02,271['  ]| Into the desert, and how there he slept
135:02,272['  ]| Under a juniper ~~ then how, awaked,
135:02,273['  ]| He found his supper on$4$ the coals prepared,
135:02,274['  ]| And by$4$ the Angel was bid rise and eat,
135:02,275['  ]| And eat the second time after repose,
135:02,276['  ]| The strength whereof sufficed him forty days:
135:02,277['  ]| Sometimes that$3$ with Elijah he partook,
135:02,278['  ]| Or as a guest with Daniel at his pulse.
135:02,279['  ]| Thus wore out night; and now the herald Lark
135:02,280['  ]| Left his ground-nest, high towering to$9$ descry  <280>
135:02,281['  ]| The Morn's approach, and greet her with his song.
135:02,282['  ]| As lightly from his grassy couch up$5$ rose
135:02,283['  ]| Our Saviour, and found all was but a dream;
135:02,284['  ]| Fasting he went to$4$ sleep, and fasting waked.
135:02,285['  ]| Up$5$ to$4$ a hill anon his steps he reared,
135:02,286['  ]| From whose high top to$9$ ken the prospect round,
135:02,287['  ]| If cottage were in$4$ view, sheep-cote, or herd;
135:02,288['  ]| But cottage, herd, or sheep-cote, none he saw ~~ 
135:02,289['  ]| Only in$4$ a bottom saw a pleasant grove,
135:02,290['  ]| With chaunt of tuneful birds resounding loud.  <290>
135:02,291['  ]| Thither he bent his way, determined there
135:02,292['  ]| To$9$ rest at noon, and entered soon the shade
135:02,293['  ]| High-roofed, and walks beneath, and alleys brown,
135:02,294['  ]| That$6#1$ opened in$4$ the midst a woody scene;
135:02,295['  ]| Nature's own work it seemed (Nature taught Art),
135:02,296['  ]| And, to$4$ a superstitious eye, the haunt
135:02,297['  ]| Of wood-gods and wood-nymphs.  He viewed it round;
135:02,298['  ]| When suddenly a man before him stood,
135:02,299['  ]| Not rustic as before, but seemlier clad,
135:02,300['  ]| As one in$4$ city or court or palace bred,  <300>
135:02,301['  ]| And with fair speech these words to$4$ him addressed: ~~ 
135:02,302[C  ]| "With granted leave officious I return,
135:02,303[C  ]| But much more wonder that$3$ the Son of God
135:02,304[C  ]| In$4$ this wild solitude so$5#1$ long should bide,
135:02,305[C  ]| Of all things destitute, and, well I know,
135:02,306[C  ]| Not without hunger.  Others of some note,
135:02,307[C  ]| As story tells, have trod this wilderness:
135:02,308[C  ]| The fugitive Bond-woman, with her son,
135:02,309[C  ]| Outcast Nebaioth, yet found here relief
135:02,310[C  ]| By$4$ a providing Angel; all the race  <310>
135:02,311[C  ]| Of Israel here had famished, had not God
135:02,312[C  ]| Rained from heaven manna; and that$6#2$ Prophet bold,
135:02,313[C  ]| Native of Thebez, wandering here, was fed
135:02,314[C  ]| Twice by$4$ a voice inviting him to$9$ eat.
135:02,315[C  ]| Of thee those forty days none hath regard,
135:02,316[C  ]| Forty and more deserted here indeed."
135:02,317['  ]| To$4$ whom thus Jesus: ~~ 
135:02,317[B  ]| "What concludest thou hence?
135:02,318[B  ]| They all had need; I, as thou seest, have none."
135:02,319[C  ]| "How hast thou hunger then?" 
135:02,319['  ]| Satan replied.
135:02,320[C  ]| "Tell me, if food were now before thee set,  <320>
135:02,321[C  ]| Wouldst thou not eat?"  
135:02,321[B  ]| "Thereafter as I like$1$
135:02,322[B  ]| the giver," 
135:02,322['  ]| answered Jesus.  
135:02,322[C  ]| "Why should that$6#2$
135:02,323[C  ]| Cause thy refusal?" 
135:02,323['  ]| said the subtle Fiend.
135:02,324[C  ]| "Hast thou not right to$4$ all created things?
135:02,325[C  ]| Owe not all creatures, by$4$ just right, to$4$ thee
135:02,326[C  ]| Duty and service, nor to$9$ stay till bid,
135:02,327[C  ]| But tender all their power?  Nor mention I
135:02,328[C  ]| Meats by$4$ the law unclean, or offered first
135:02,329[C  ]| To$4$ idols ~~ those young Daniel could refuse;
135:02,330[C  ]| Nor proffered by$4$ an enemy ~~ though who$6#1$  <330>
135:02,331[C  ]| Would scruple that$6#2$, with want oppressed?  Behold,
135:02,332[C  ]| Nature ashamed, or, better to$9$ express,
135:02,333[C  ]| Troubled, that$3$ thou shouldst hunger, hath purveyed
135:02,334[C  ]| From all the elements her choicest store,
135:02,335[C  ]| To$9$ treat thee as beseems, and as her Lord
135:02,336['  ]| With honour.  Only deign to$9$ sit and eat."
135:02,337['  ]| He spake no$2$ dream; for$3$, as his words had end,
135:02,338['  ]| Our Saviour, lifting up$5$ his eyes, beheld,
135:02,339['  ]| In$4$ ample space under the broadest shade,
135:02,340['  ]| A table richly spread in$4$ regal mode,  <340>
135:02,341['  ]| With dishes piled and meats of noblest sort
135:02,342['  ]| And savour ~~ beasts of chase, or fowl of game,
135:02,343['  ]| In$4$ pastry built, or from the spit, or boiled,
135:02,344['  ]| Grisamber-steamed; all fish, from sea or shore,
135:02,345['  ]| Freshet or purling brook, of shell or fin,
135:02,346['  ]| And exquisitest name, for$4$ which$6#1$ was drained
135:02,347['  ]| Pontus, and Lucrine bay, and Afric coast.
135:02,348['  ]| Alas! how simple, to$4$ these cates compared,
135:02,349['  ]| Was that$6#2$ crude Apple that$6#1$ diverted Eve!
135:02,350['  ]| And at a stately sideboard, by$4$ the wine,  <350>
135:02,351['  ]| That$6#1$ fragrant smell diffused, in$4$ order stood
135:02,352['  ]| Tall stripling youths rich-clad, of fairer hue
135:02,353['  ]| Than Ganymed or Hylas; distant more,
135:02,354['  ]| Under the trees now tripped, now solemn stood,
135:02,355['  ]| Nymphs of Diana's train, and Naiades
135:02,356['  ]| With fruits and flowers from Amalthea's horn,
135:02,357['  ]| And ladies of the Hesperides, that$6#1$ seemed
135:02,358['  ]| Fairer than feigned of old, or fabled since
135:02,359['  ]| Of faery damsels met in$4$ forest wide
135:02,360['  ]| By$4$ knights of Logres, or of Lyones,  <360>
135:02,361['  ]| Lancelot, or Pelleas, or Pellenore.
135:02,362['  ]| And all the while harmonious airs were heard
135:02,363['  ]| Of chiming strings or charming pipes; and winds
135:02,364['  ]| Of gentlest gale Arabian odours fanned
135:02,365['  ]| From their soft wings, and Flora's earliest smells.
135:02,366['  ]| Such was the splendour; and the Tempter now
135:02,367['  ]| His invitation earnestly renewed: ~~ 
135:02,368[C  ]| "What doubts the Son of God to$9$ sit and eat?
135:02,369[C  ]| These are not fruits forbidden; no$2$ interdict
135:02,370[C  ]| Defends the touching of these viands pure;  <370>
135:02,371[C  ]| Their taste no$2$ knowledge works, at least of evil,
135:02,372[C  ]| But life preserves, destroys life's enemy,
135:02,373[C  ]| Hunger, with sweet restorative delight.
135:02,374[C  ]| All these are Spirits of air, and woods, and springs,
135:02,375[C  ]| Thy gentle ministers, who$6#1$ come to$9$ pay
135:02,376[C  ]| Thee homage, and acknowledge thee their Lord.
135:02,377[C  ]| What doubtest thou, Son of God?  Sit down and eat."
135:02,378['  ]| To$4$ whom thus Jesus temperately replied: ~~ 
135:02,379[B  ]| "Saidst thou not that$3$ to$4$ all things I had right?
135:02,380[B  ]| And who$6#2$ withholds my power that$6#2$ right to$9$ use?  <380>
135:02,381[B  ]| Shall I receive by$4$ gift what of my own,
135:02,382[B  ]| When and where likes me best, I can command?
135:02,383[B  ]| I can at will$0$, doubt not, as soon as thou,
135:02,384[B  ]| Command a table in$4$ this wilderness,
135:02,385[B  ]| And call swift flights of Angels ministrant,
135:02,386[B  ]| Arrayed in$4$ glory, on$4$ my cup to$9$ attend:
135:02,387[B  ]| Why shouldst thou, then, obtrude this diligence
135:02,388[B  ]| In$4$ vain, where no$2$ acceptance it can find?
135:02,389[B  ]| And with my hunger what hast thou to$9$ do?
135:02,390[B  ]| Thy pompous delicacies I contemn,  <390>
135:02,391[B  ]| And count thy specious gifts no$2$ gifts, but guiles."
135:02,392['  ]| To$4$ whom thus answered Satan, male-content: ~~ 
135:02,393[C  ]| "That$3$ I have also power to$9$ give thou seest;
135:02,394[C  ]| If of that$6#2$ power I bring thee voluntary
135:02,395[C  ]| What I might have bestowed on$4$ whom I pleased,
135:02,396[C  ]| And rather opportunely in$4$ this place
135:02,397[C  ]| Chose to$9$ impart to$4$ thy apparent need,
135:02,398[C  ]| Why shouldst thou not accept it?  But I see
135:02,399[C  ]| What I can do or offer is suspect.
135:02,400[C  ]| Of these things others quickly will$1$ dispose,  <400>
135:02,401[C  ]| Whose pains have earned the far-fet spoil."  
135:02,401['  ]| With that$6#2$
135:02,402['  ]| Both table and provision vanished quite,
135:02,403['  ]| With sound of harpies' wings and talons heard;
135:02,404['  ]| Only the importune Tempter still remained,
135:02,405['  ]| And with these words his temptation pursued: ~~ 
135:02,406[C  ]| "By$4$ hunger, that$6#1$ each other creature tames,
135:02,407[C  ]| Thou art not to$9$ be harmed, therefore not moved;
135:02,408[C  ]| Thy temperance, invincible besides,
135:02,409[C  ]| For$3$ no$2$ allurement yields to$4$ appetite;
135:02,410[C  ]| And all thy heart is set on$4$ high designs,  <410>
135:02,411[C  ]| High actions.  But wherewith to$9$ be achieved?
135:02,412[C  ]| Great acts require great means of enterprise;
135:02,413[C  ]| Thou art unknown, unfriended, low of birth,
135:02,414[C  ]| A carpenter thy father known, thyself
135:02,415[C  ]| Bred up$5$ in$4$ poverty and straits at home,
135:02,416[C  ]| Lost in$4$ a desert here and hunger-bit.
135:02,417[C  ]| Which$6#2$ way, or from what hope, dost thou aspire
135:02,418[C  ]| To$4$ greatness? whence authority derivest?
135:02,419[C  ]| What followers, what retinue canst thou gain,
135:02,420[C  ]| Or at thy heels the dizzy multitude,  <420>
135:02,421[C  ]| Longer than thou canst feed them on$4$ thy cost?
135:02,422[C  ]| Money brings honour, friends, conquest, and realms.
135:02,423[C  ]| What raised Antipater the Edomite,
135:02,424[C  ]| And his son Herod placed on$4$ Juda's throne,
135:02,425[C  ]| Thy throne, but gold, that$6#1$ got him puissant friends?
135:02,426[C  ]| Therefore, if at great things thou wouldst arrive,
135:02,427[C  ]| Get riches first, get wealth, and treasure heap ~~ 
135:02,428[C  ]| Not difficult, if thou hearken to$4$ me.
135:02,429[C  ]| Riches are mine, fortune is in$4$ my hand;
135:02,430[C  ]| They whom I favour thrive in$4$ wealth amain,  <430>
135:02,431[C  ]| While virtue, valour, wisdom, sit in$4$ want."
135:02,432['  ]| To$4$ whom thus Jesus patiently replied: ~~ 
135:02,433[B  ]| "Yet wealth without these three is impotent
135:02,434[B  ]| To$9$ gain dominion, or to$9$ keep it gained ~~ 
135:02,435[B  ]| Witness those ancient empires of the earth,
135:02,436[B  ]| In$4$ height of all their flowing wealth dissolved;
135:02,437[B  ]| But men endued with these have oft attained,
135:02,438[B  ]| In$4$ lowest poverty, to$4$ highest deeds ~~ 
135:02,439[B  ]| Gideon, and Jephtha, and the shepherd lad
135:02,440[B  ]| Whose offspring on$4$ the throne of Juda sat  <440>
135:02,441[B  ]| So$5#1$ many ages, and shall yet regain
135:02,442[B  ]| That$6#2$ seat, and reign in$4$ Israel without end.
135:02,443[B  ]| Among the Heathen (for$3$ throughout the world
135:02,444[B  ]| To$4$ me is not unknown what hath been done
135:02,445[B  ]| Worthy of memorial) canst thou not remember
135:02,446[B  ]| Quintius, Fabricius, Curius, Regulus?
135:02,447[B  ]| For$3$ I esteem those names of men so$5#1$ poor,
135:02,448[B  ]| Who$6#1$ could do mighty things, and could contemn
135:02,449[B  ]| Riches, though offered from the hand of kings.
135:02,450[B  ]| And what in$4$ me seems wanting but that$3$ I  <450>
135:02,451[B  ]| May also in$4$ this poverty as soon
135:02,452[B  ]| Accomplish what they did, perhaps and more?
135:02,453[B  ]| Extol not riches, then, the toil of fools,
135:02,454[B  ]| The wise man's cumbrance, if not snare; more apt
135:02,455[B  ]| To$9$ slacken virtue and abate her edge
135:02,456[B  ]| Than prompt her to$9$ do aught may merit praise.
135:02,457[B  ]| What if with like$2$ aversion I reject
135:02,458[B  ]| Riches and realms!  Yet not for$4$ that$6#2$ a crown,
135:02,459[B  ]| Golden in$4$ show, is but a wreath of thorns,
135:02,460[B  ]| Brings dangers, troubles, cares, and sleepless nights,    <460>
135:02,461[B  ]| To$4$ him who$6#1$ wears the regal diadem,
135:02,462[B  ]| When on$4$ his shoulders each man's burden lies;
135:02,463[B  ]| For$3$ therein stands the office of a king,
135:02,464[B  ]| His honour, virtue, merit, and chief praise,
135:02,465[B  ]| That$3$ for$4$ the public all this weight he bears.
135:02,466[B  ]| Yet he who$6#1$ reigns within himself, and rules
135:02,467[B  ]| Passions, desires, and fears, is more a king ~~ 
135:02,468[B  ]| Which$6#1$ every wise and virtuous man attains;
135:02,469[B  ]| And who$6#1$ attains not, ill aspires to$9$ rule
135:02,470[B  ]| Cities of men, or headstrong multitudes,  <470>
135:02,471[B  ]| Subject himself to$4$ anarchy within,
135:02,472[B  ]| Or lawless passions in$4$ him, which$6#1$ he serves.
135:02,473[B  ]| But to$9$ guide nations in$4$ the way of truth
135:02,474[B  ]| By$4$ saving doctrine, and from error lead
135:02,475[B  ]| To$9$ know, and, knowing, worship God aright,
135:02,476[B  ]| Is yet more kingly.  This attracts the soul,
135:02,477[B  ]| Governs the inner man, the nobler part;
135:02,478[B  ]| That$6#2$ other over the body only reigns,
135:02,479[B  ]| And oft by$4$ force ~~ which$6#1$ to$4$ a generous mind
135:02,480[B  ]| So$5#2$ reigning can be no$2$ sincere delight.  <480>
135:02,481[B  ]| Besides, to$9$ give a kingdom hath been thought
135:02,482[B  ]| Greater and nobler done, and to$9$ lay down
135:02,483[B  ]| Far more magnanimous, than to$9$ assume.
135:02,484[B  ]| Riches are needless, then, both for$4$ themselves,
135:02,485[B  ]| And for$4$ thy reason why they should be sought ~~ 
135:02,486[B  ]| To$9$ gain a sceptre, oftest better missed."
135:03,000@@@@@| 
135:03,000['  ]| <THE THIRD BOOK>
135:03,001['  ]| SO$5#2$ spake the Son of God; and Satan stood
135:03,002['  ]| A while as mute, confounded what to$9$ say,
135:03,003['  ]| What to$9$ reply, confuted and convinced
135:03,004['  ]| Of his weak arguing and fallacious drift;
135:03,005['  ]| At length, collecting all his serpent wiles,
135:03,006['  ]| With soothing words renewed, him thus accosts: ~~ 
135:03,007[C  ]| "I see thou knowest what is of use to$9$ know,
135:03,008[C  ]| What best to$9$ say canst say, to$9$ do canst do;
135:03,009[C  ]| Thy actions to$4$ thy words accord; thy words
135:03,010[C  ]| To$4$ thy large heart give utterance due; thy heart   <10>
135:03,011[C  ]| Contains of good, wise, just, the perfect shape.
135:03,012[C  ]| Should kings and nations from thy mouth consult,
135:03,013[C  ]| Thy counsel would be as the oracle
135:03,014[C  ]| Urim and Thummim, those oraculous gems
135:03,015[C  ]| On$4$ Aaron's breast, or tongue of Seers old
135:03,016[C  ]| Infallible; or, wert thou sought to$4$ deeds
135:03,017[C  ]| That$6#1$ might require the array of war, thy skill
135:03,018[C  ]| Of conduct would be such that$3$ all the world
135:03,019[C  ]| Could not sustain thy prowess, or subsist
135:03,020[C  ]| In$4$ battle, though against thy few in$4$ arms.  <20>
135:03,021[C  ]| These godlike virtues wherefore dost thou hide?
135:03,022[C  ]| Affecting private life, or more obscure
135:03,023[C  ]| In$4$ savage wilderness, wherefore deprive
135:03,024[C  ]| All Earth her wonder at thy acts, thyself
135:03,025[C  ]| The fame and glory ~~ glory, the reward
135:03,026[C  ]| That$6#1$ sole excites to$4$ high attempts the flame
135:03,027[C  ]| Of most erected spirits, most tempered pure
135:03,028[C  ]| Ethereal, who$6#1$ all pleasures else despise,
135:03,029[C  ]| All treasures and all gain esteem as dross,
135:03,030[C  ]| And dignities and powers, all but the highest?  <30>
135:03,031[C  ]| Thy years are ripe, and over-ripe.  The son
135:03,032[C  ]| Of Macedonian Philip had before these
135:03,033[C  ]| Won Asia, and the throne of Cyrus held
135:03,034[C  ]| At his dispose; young Scipio had brought down
135:03,035[C  ]| The Carthaginian pride; young Pompey quelled
135:03,036[C  ]| The Pontic king, and in$4$ triumph had rode.
135:03,037[C  ]| Yet years, and to$4$ ripe years judgment mature,
135:03,038[C  ]| Quench not the thirst of glory, but augment.
135:03,039[C  ]| Great Julius, whom now all the world admires,
135:03,040[C  ]| The more he grew in$4$ years, the more inflamed  <40>
135:03,041[C  ]| With glory, wept that$3$ he had lived so$5#1$ long
135:03,042[C  ]| Inglorious.  But thou yet art not too late."
135:03,043['  ]| To$4$ whom our Saviour calmly thus replied: ~~ 
135:03,044[B  ]| "Thou neither dost persuade me to$9$ seek wealth
135:03,045[B  ]| For$4$ empire's sake, nor empire to$9$ affect
135:03,046[B  ]| For$4$ glory's sake, by$4$ all thy argument.
135:03,047[B  ]| For$3$ what is glory but the blaze of fame,
135:03,048[B  ]| The people's praise, if always praise unmixed?
135:03,049[B  ]| And what the people but a herd confused,
135:03,050[B  ]| A miscellaneous rabble, who$6#1$ extol  <50>
135:03,051[B  ]| Things vulgar, and, well weighed, scarce worth the praise?
135:03,052[B  ]| They praise and they admire they know not what,
135:03,053[B  ]| And know not whom, but as one leads the other;
135:03,054[B  ]| And what delight to$9$ be by$4$ such extolled,
135:03,055[B  ]| To$9$ live upon$4$ their tongues, and be their talk?
135:03,056[B  ]| Of whom to$9$ be dispraised were no$2$ small praise ~~ 
135:03,057[B  ]| His lot who$6#1$ dares be singularly good.
135:03,058[B  ]| The intelligent among them and the wise
135:03,059[B  ]| Are few, and glory scarce of few is raised.
135:03,060[B  ]| This is true glory and renown ~~ when God,  <60>
135:03,061[B  ]| Looking on$4$ the Earth, with approbation marks
135:03,062[B  ]| The just man, and divulges him through Heaven
135:03,063[B  ]| To$4$ all his Angels, who$6#1$ with true applause
135:03,064[B  ]| Recount his praises.  Thus he did to$4$ Job,
135:03,065[B  ]| When, to$9$ extend his fame through Heaven and Earth,
135:03,066[B  ]| As thou to$4$ thy reproach may'st well remember,
135:03,067[B  ]| He asked thee, 
135:03,067@a   | 'Hast thou seen my servant Job?'
135:03,068[B  ]| Famous he was in$4$ Heaven; on$4$ Earth less known,
135:03,069[B  ]| Where glory is false glory, attributed
135:03,070[B  ]| To$4$ things not glorious, men not worthy of fame.  <70>
135:03,071[B  ]| They err who$6#1$ count it glorious to$9$ subdue
135:03,072[B  ]| By$4$ conquest far and wide, to$9$ overrun
135:03,073[B  ]| Large countries, and in$4$ field great battles win,
135:03,074[B  ]| Great cities by$4$ assault.  What do these worthies
135:03,075[B  ]| But rob and spoil, burn, slaughter, and enslave
135:03,076[B  ]| Peaceable nations, neighbouring or remote,
135:03,077[B  ]| Made captive, yet deserving freedom more
135:03,078[B  ]| Than those their conquerors, who$6#1$ leave behind
135:03,079[B  ]| Nothing but ruin wheresoever they rove,
135:03,080[B  ]| And all the flourishing works of peace destroy;  <80>
135:03,081[B  ]| Then swell with pride, and must be titled Gods,
135:03,082[B  ]| Great benefactors of mankind, Deliverers,
135:03,083[B  ]| Worshipped with temple, priest, and sacrifice?
135:03,084[B  ]| One is the son of Jove, of Mars the other;
135:03,085[B  ]| Till conqueror Death discover them scarce men,
135:03,086[B  ]| Rolling in$4$ brutish vices, and deformed,
135:03,087[B  ]| Violent or shameful death their due reward.
135:03,088[B  ]| But, if there be in$4$ glory aught of good;
135:03,089[B  ]| It may be means far different be attained,
135:03,090[B  ]| Without ambition, war, or violence ~~   <90>
135:03,091[B  ]| By$4$ deeds of peace, by$4$ wisdom eminent,
135:03,092[B  ]| By$4$ patience, temperance.  I mention still
135:03,093[B  ]| Him whom thy wrongs, with saintly patience borne,
135:03,094[B  ]| Made famous in$4$ a land and times obscure;
135:03,095[B  ]| Who$6#2$ names not now with honour patient Job?
135:03,096[B  ]| Poor Socrates, (who$6#2$ next more memorable?)
135:03,097[B  ]| By$4$ what he taught and suffered for$4$ so$5#2$ doing,
135:03,098[B  ]| For$4$ truth's sake suffering death unjust, lives now
135:03,099[B  ]| Equal in$4$ fame to$4$ proudest conquerors.
135:03,100[B  ]| Yet, if for$4$ fame and glory aught be done,  <100>
135:03,101[B  ]| Aught suffered ~~ if young African for$4$ fame
135:03,102[B  ]| His wasted country freed from Punic rage ~~ 
135:03,103[B  ]| The deed becomes unpraised, the man at least,
135:03,104[B  ]| And loses, though but verbal, his reward.
135:03,105[B  ]| Shall I seek glory, then, as vain men seek,
135:03,106[B  ]| Oft not deserved?  I seek not mine, but His
135:03,107[B  ]| Who$6#1$ sent me, and thereby witness whence I am."
135:03,108['  ]| To$4$ whom the Tempter, murmuring, thus replied: ~~ 
135:03,109[C  ]| "Think not so$5#1$ slight of glory, therein least
135:03,110[C  ]| Resembling thy great Father.  He seeks glory,  <110>
135:03,111[C  ]| And for$4$ his glory all things made, all things
135:03,112[C  ]| Orders and governs; nor content in$4$ Heaven,
135:03,113[C  ]| By$4$ all his Angels glorified, requires
135:03,114[C  ]| Glory from men, from all men, good or bad,
135:03,115[C  ]| Wise or unwise, no$2$ difference, no$2$ exemption.
135:03,116[C  ]| Above all sacrifice, or hallowed gift,
135:03,117[C  ]| Glory he requires, and glory he receives,
135:03,118[C  ]| Promiscuous from all nations, Jew, or Greek,
135:03,119[C  ]| Or Barbarous, nor exception hath declared;
135:03,120[C  ]| From us, his foes pronounced, glory he exacts."  <120>
135:03,121['  ]| To$4$ whom our Saviour fervently replied:
135:03,122[B  ]| "And reason; since his Word all things produced,
135:03,123[B  ]| Though chiefly not for$4$ glory as prime end,
135:03,124[B  ]| But to$9$ show forth his goodness, and impart
135:03,125[B  ]| His good communicable to$4$ every soul
135:03,126[B  ]| Freely; of whom what could He less expect
135:03,127[B  ]| Than glory and benediction ~~ that$6#2$ is, thanks ~~ 
135:03,128[B  ]| The slightest, easiest, readiest recompense
135:03,129[B  ]| From them who$6#1$ could return him nothing else,
135:03,130[B  ]| And, not returning that$6#2$, would likeliest render  <130>
135:03,131[B  ]| Contempt instead, dishonour, obloquy?
135:03,132[B  ]| Hard recompense, unsuitable return
135:03,133[B  ]| For$4$ so$5#1$ much good, so$5#1$ much beneficence!
135:03,134[B  ]| But why should man seek glory, who$6#1$ of his own
135:03,135[B  ]| Hath nothing, and to$4$ whom nothing belongs
135:03,136[B  ]| But condemnation, ignominy, and shame ~~ 
135:03,137[B  ]| Who$6#1$, for$4$ so$5#1$ many benefits received,
135:03,138[B  ]| Turned recreant to$4$ God, ingrate and false,
135:03,139[B  ]| And so$3$ of all true good himself despoiled;
135:03,140[B  ]| Yet, sacrilegious, to$4$ himself would take  <140>
135:03,141[B  ]| That$6#2$ which$6#1$ to$4$ God alone of right belongs?
135:03,142[B  ]| Yet so$5#1$ much bounty is in$4$ God, such grace,
135:03,143[B  ]| That$3$ who$6#1$ advances his glory, not their own,
135:03,144[B  ]| Them he himself to$4$ glory will$1$ advance."
135:03,145['  ]| So$5#2$ spake the Son of God; and here again
135:03,146['  ]| Satan had not to$9$ answer, but stood struck
135:03,147['  ]| With guilt of his own sin ~~ for$3$ he himself,
135:03,148['  ]| Insatiable of glory, had lost all;
135:03,149['  ]| Yet of another plea bethought him soon: ~~ 
135:03,150[C  ]| "Of glory, as thou wilt," 
135:03,150['  ]| said he, 
135:03,150[C  ]| "so$5#2$ deem;  <150>
135:03,151[C  ]| Worth or not worth the seeking, let it pass.
135:03,152[C  ]| But to$4$ a Kingdom thou art born ~~ ordained
135:03,153[C  ]| To$9$ sit upon$4$ thy father David's throne,
135:03,154[C  ]| By$4$ mother's side thy father, though thy right
135:03,155[C  ]| Be now in$4$ powerful hands, that$6#1$ will$1$ not part
135:03,156[C  ]| Easily from possession won with arms.
135:03,157[C  ]| Judaea now and all the Promised Land,
135:03,158[C  ]| Reduced a province under Roman yoke,
135:03,159[C  ]| Obeys Tiberius, nor is always ruled
135:03,160[C  ]| With temperate sway: oft have they violated  <160>
135:03,161[C  ]| The Temple, oft the Law, with foul affronts,
135:03,162[C  ]| Abominations rather, as did once
135:03,163[C  ]| Antiochus.  And thinkest thou to$9$ regain
135:03,164[C  ]| Thy right by$4$ sitting still, or thus retiring?
135:03,165[C  ]| So$5#2$ did not Machabeus.  He indeed
135:03,166[C  ]| Retired unto the Desert, but with arms;
135:03,167[C  ]| And over a mighty king so$5#1$ oft prevailed
135:03,168[C  ]| That$3$ by$4$ strong hand his family obtained,
135:03,169[C  ]| Though priests, the crown, and David's throne usurped,
135:03,170[C  ]| With Modin and her suburbs once content.  <170>
135:03,171[C  ]| If kingdom move thee not, let move thee zeal
135:03,172[C  ]| And duty ~~ zeal and duty are not slow,
135:03,173[C  ]| But on$4$ Occasion's forelock watchful wait:
135:03,174[C  ]| They themselves rather are occasion best ~~ 
135:03,175[C  ]| Zeal of thy Father's house, duty to$9$ free
135:03,176[C  ]| Thy country from her heathen servitude.
135:03,177[C  ]| So$5#2$ shalt thou best fulfil, best verify,
135:03,178[C  ]| The Prophets old, who$6#1$ sung thy endless reign ~~ 
135:03,179[C  ]| The happier reign the sooner it begins.
135:03,180[C  ]| Reign then; what canst thou better do the while?"   <180>
135:03,181['  ]| To$4$ whom our Saviour answer thus returned: ~~ 
135:03,182[B  ]| "All things are best fulfilled in$4$ their due time;
135:03,183[B  ]| And time there is for$4$ all things, Truth hath said.
135:03,184[B  ]| If of my reign Prophetic Writ hath told
135:03,185[B  ]| That$3$ it shall never end, so$5#2$, when begin
135:03,186[B  ]| The Father in$4$ his purpose hath decreed ~~ 
135:03,187[B  ]| He in$4$ whose hand all times and seasons roll.
135:03,188[B  ]| What if he hath decreed that$3$ I shall first
135:03,189[B  ]| Be tried in$4$ humble state, and things adverse,
135:03,190[B  ]| By$4$ tribulations, injuries, insults,  <190>
135:03,191[B  ]| Contempts, and scorns, and snares, and violence,
135:03,192[B  ]| Suffering, abstaining, quietly expecting
135:03,193[B  ]| Without distrust or doubt, that$3$ He may know
135:03,194[B  ]| What I can suffer, how obey?  Who$6#1$ best
135:03,195[B  ]| Can suffer best can do, best reign who$6#1$ first
135:03,196[B  ]| Well hath obeyed ~~ just trial before I merit
135:03,197[B  ]| My exaltation without change or end.
135:03,198[B  ]| But what concerns it thee when I begin
135:03,199[B  ]| My everlasting Kingdom?  Why art thou
135:03,200[B  ]| Solicitous?  What moves thy inquisition?  <200>
135:03,201[B  ]| Knowest thou not that$3$ my rising is thy fall,
135:03,202[B  ]| And my promotion will$1$ be thy destruction?"
135:03,203['  ]| To$4$ whom the Tempter, inly racked, replied: ~~ 
135:03,204[C  ]| "Let that$6#2$ come when it comes.  All hope is lost
135:03,205[C  ]| Of my reception into grace; what worse?
135:03,206[C  ]| For$3$ where no$2$ hope is left is left no$2$ fear.
135:03,207[C  ]| If there be worse, the expectation more
135:03,208[C  ]| Of worse torments me than the feeling can.
135:03,209[C  ]| I would be at the worst; worst is my port,
135:03,210[C  ]| My harbour, and my ultimate repose,  <210>
135:03,211[C  ]| The end I would attain, my final good.
135:03,212[C  ]| My error was my error, and my crime
135:03,213[C  ]| My crime; whatever, for$4$ itself condemned,
135:03,214[C  ]| And will$1$ alike be punished, whether thou
135:03,215[C  ]| Reign or reign not ~~ though to$4$ that$6#2$ gentle brow
135:03,216[C  ]| Willingly I could fly, and hope thy reign,
135:03,217[C  ]| From that$6#2$ placid aspect and meek regard,
135:03,218[C  ]| Rather than aggravate my evil state,
135:03,219[C  ]| Would stand between me and thy Father's ire
135:03,220[C  ]| (Whose ire I dread more than the fire of Hell)  <220>
135:03,221[C  ]| A shelter and a kind of shading cool
135:03,222[C  ]| Interposition, as a summer's cloud.
135:03,223[C  ]| If I, then, to$4$ the worst that$6#1$ can be haste,
135:03,224[C  ]| Why move thy feet so$5#1$ slow to$4$ what is best?
135:03,225[C  ]| Happiest, both to$4$ thyself and all the world,
135:03,226[C  ]| That$3$ thou, who$6#1$ worthiest art, shouldst be their King!
135:03,227[C  ]| Perhaps thou lingerest in$4$ deep thoughts detained
135:03,228[C  ]| Of the enterprise so$5#1$ hazardous and high!
135:03,229[C  ]| No$2$ wonder; for$3$, though in$4$ thee be united
135:03,230[C  ]| What of perfection can in$4$ Man be found,  <230>
135:03,231[C  ]| Or human nature can receive, consider
135:03,232[C  ]| Thy life hath yet been private, most part spent
135:03,233[C  ]| At home, scarce viewed the Galilean towns,
135:03,234[C  ]| And once a year Jerusalem, few days'
135:03,235[C  ]| Short sojourn; and what thence couldst thou observe?
135:03,236[C  ]| The world thou hast not seen, much less her glory,
135:03,237[C  ]| Empires, and monarchs, and their radiant courts ~~ 
135:03,238[C  ]| Best school of best experience, quickest in$4$ sight
135:03,239[C  ]| In$4$ all things that$6#1$ to$4$ greatest actions lead.
135:03,240[C  ]| The wisest, unexperienced, will$1$ be ever  <240>
135:03,241[C  ]| Timorous, and loth, with novice modesty
135:03,242[C  ]| (As he who$6#1$, seeking asses, found a kingdom)
135:03,243[C  ]| Irresolute, unhardy, unadventurous.
135:03,244[C  ]| But I will$1$ bring thee where thou soon shalt quit
135:03,245[C  ]| Those rudiments, and see before thine eyes
135:03,246[C  ]| The monarchies of the Earth, their pomp and state ~~ 
135:03,247[C  ]| Sufficient introduction to$9$ inform
135:03,248[C  ]| Thee, of thyself so$5#1$ apt, in$4$ regal arts,
135:03,249[C  ]| And regal mysteries; that$3$ thou mayst know
135:03,250[C  ]| How best their opposition to$9$ withstand."  <250>
135:03,251['  ]| With that$6#2$ (such power was given him then), he took
135:03,252['  ]| The Son of God up$5$ to$4$ a mountain high.
135:03,253['  ]| It was a mountain at whose verdant feet
135:03,254['  ]| A spacious plain outstretched in$4$ circuit wide
135:03,255['  ]| Lay pleasant; from his side two rivers flowed,
135:03,256['  ]| The one winding, the other straight, and left between
135:03,257['  ]| Fair champaign, with less rivers interveined,
135:03,258['  ]| Then meeting joined their tribute to$4$ the sea.
135:03,259['  ]| Fertile of corn the glebe, of oil, and wine;
135:03,260['  ]| With herds the pasture thronged, with flocks the hills;    <260>
135:03,261['  ]| Huge cities and high-towered, that$6#1$ well might seem
135:03,262['  ]| The seats of mightiest monarchs; and so$5#1$ large
135:03,263['  ]| The prospect was that$3$ here and there was room
135:03,264['  ]| For$4$ barren desert, fountainless and dry.
135:03,265['  ]| To$4$ this high mountain-top the Tempter brought
135:03,266['  ]| Our Saviour, and new train of words began: ~~ 
135:03,267[C  ]| "Well have we speeded, and over hill and dale,
135:03,268[C  ]| Forest, and field, and flood, temples and towers,
135:03,269[C  ]| Cut shorter many a league.  Here thou beholdest
135:03,270[C  ]| Assyria, and her empire's ancient bounds,  <270>
135:03,271[C  ]| Araxes and the Caspian lake; thence on$5$
135:03,272[C  ]| As far as Indus east, Euphrates west,
135:03,273[C  ]| And oft beyond; to$4$ south the Persian bay,
135:03,274[C  ]| And, inaccessible, the Arabian drought:
135:03,275[C  ]| Here, Nineveh, of length within her wall
135:03,276[C  ]| Several days' journey, built by$4$ Ninus old,
135:03,277[C  ]| Of that$6#2$ first golden monarchy the seat,
135:03,278[C  ]| And seat of Salmanassar, whose success
135:03,279[C  ]| Israel in$4$ long captivity still mourns;
135:03,280[C  ]| There Babylon, the wonder of all tongues,  <280>
135:03,281[C  ]| As ancient, but rebuilt by$4$ him who$6#1$ twice
135:03,282[C  ]| Judah and all thy father David's house
135:03,283[C  ]| Led captive, and Jerusalem laid waste,
135:03,284[C  ]| Till Cyrus set them free; Persepolis,
135:03,285[C  ]| His city, there thou seest, and Bactra there;
135:03,286[C  ]| Ecbatana her structure vast there shews,
135:03,287[C  ]| And Hecatompylos her hunderd gates;
135:03,288[C  ]| There Susa by$4$ Choaspes, amber stream,
135:03,289[C  ]| The drink of none but kings; of later fame,
135:03,290[C  ]| Built by$4$ Emathian or by$4$ Parthian hands,  <290>
135:03,291[C  ]| The great Seleucia, Nisibis, and there
135:03,292[C  ]| Artaxata, Teredon, Ctesiphon,
135:03,293[C  ]| Turning with easy eye, thou mayst behold.
135:03,294[C  ]| All these the Parthian (now some ages past
135:03,295[C  ]| By$4$ great Arsaces led, who$6#1$ founded first
135:03,296[C  ]| That$6#2$ empire) under his dominion holds,
135:03,297[C  ]| From the luxurious kings of Antioch won.
135:03,298[C  ]| And just in$4$ time thou comest to$9$ have a view
135:03,299[C  ]| Of his great power; for$3$ now the Parthian king
135:03,300[C  ]| In$4$ Ctesiphon hath gathered all his host  <300>
135:03,301[C  ]| Against the Scythian, whose incursions wild
135:03,302[C  ]| Have wasted Sogdiana; to$4$ her aid
135:03,303[C  ]| He marches now in$4$ haste.  See, though from far,
135:03,304[C  ]| His thousands, in$4$ what martial equipage
135:03,305[C  ]| They issue forth, steel bows and shafts their arms,
135:03,306[C  ]| Of equal dread in$4$ flight or in$4$ pursuit ~~ 
135:03,307[C  ]| All horsemen, in$4$ which$6#1$ fight they most excel;
135:03,308[C  ]| See how in$4$ warlike muster they appear,
135:03,309[C  ]| In$4$ rhombs, and wedges, and half-moons, and wings."
135:03,310['  ]| He looked, and saw what numbers numberless  <310>
135:03,311['  ]| The city gates outpoured, light-armed troops
135:03,312['  ]| In$4$ coats of mail and military pride.
135:03,313['  ]| In$4$ mail their horses clad, yet fleet and strong,
135:03,314['  ]| Prancing their riders bore, the flower and choice
135:03,315['  ]| Of many provinces from bound to$4$ bound ~~ 
135:03,316['  ]| From Arachosia, from Candaor east,
135:03,317['  ]| And Margiana, to$4$ the Hyrcanian cliffs
135:03,318['  ]| Of Caucasus, and dark Iberian dales;
135:03,319['  ]| From Atropatia, and the neighbouring plains
135:03,320['  ]| Of Adiabene, Media, and the south  <320>
135:03,321['  ]| Of Susiana, to$4$ Balsara's haven.
135:03,322['  ]| He saw them in$4$ their forms of battle ranged,
135:03,323['  ]| How quick they wheeled, and flying behind them shot
135:03,324['  ]| Sharp sleet of arrowy showers against the face
135:03,325['  ]| Of their pursuers, and overcame by$4$ flight;
135:03,326['  ]| The field all iron cast a gleaming brown.
135:03,327['  ]| Nor wanted clouds of foot, nor, on$4$ each horn,
135:03,328['  ]| Cuirassiers all in$4$ steel for$4$ standing fight,
135:03,329['  ]| Chariots, or elephants indorsed with towers
135:03,330['  ]| Of archers; nor of labouring pioners  <330>
135:03,331['  ]| A multitude, with spades and axes armed,
135:03,332['  ]| To$9$ lay hills plain, fell woods, or valleys fill,
135:03,333['  ]| Or where plain was raise hill, or overlay
135:03,334['  ]| With bridges rivers proud, as with a yoke:
135:03,335['  ]| Mules after these, camels and dromedaries,
135:03,336['  ]| And waggons fraught with utensils of war.
135:03,337['  ]| Such forces met not, nor so$5#1$ wide a camp,
135:03,338['  ]| When Agrican, with all his northern powers,
135:03,339['  ]| Besieged Albracea, as romances tell,
135:03,340['  ]| The city of Gallaphrone, from thence to$9$ win  <340>
135:03,341['  ]| The fairest of her sex, Angelica,
135:03,342['  ]| His daughter, sought by$4$ many prowest knights,
135:03,343['  ]| Both Paynim and the peers of Charlemane.
135:03,344['  ]| Such and so$5#1$ numerous was their chivalry;
135:03,345['  ]| At sight whereof the Fiend yet more presumed,
135:03,346['  ]| And to$4$ our Saviour thus his words renewed: ~~ 
135:03,347[C  ]| "That$3$ thou mayst know I seek not to$9$ engage
135:03,348[C  ]| Thy virtue, and not every way secure
135:03,349[C  ]| On$4$ no$2$ slight grounds thy safety, hear and mark
135:03,350[C  ]| To$4$ what end I have brought thee hither, and shew    <350>
135:03,351[C  ]| All this fair sight.  Thy kingdom, though foretold
135:03,352[C  ]| By$4$ Prophet or by$4$ Angel, unless thou
135:03,353[C  ]| Endeavour, as thy father David did,
135:03,354[C  ]| Thou never shalt obtain: prediction still
135:03,355[C  ]| In$4$ all things, and all men, supposes means;
135:03,356[C  ]| Without means used, what it predicts revokes.
135:03,357[C  ]| But say thou wert possessed of David's throne
135:03,358[C  ]| By$4$ free consent of all, none opposite,
135:03,359[C  ]| Samaritan or Jew; how couldst thou hope
135:03,360[C  ]| Long to$9$ enjoy it quiet and secure  <360>
135:03,361[C  ]| Between two such enclosing enemies,
135:03,362[C  ]| Roman and Parthian?  Therefore one of these
135:03,363[C  ]| Thou must make sure thy own: the Parthian first,
135:03,364[C  ]| By$4$ my advice, as nearer, and of late
135:03,365[C  ]| Found able by$4$ invasion to$9$ annoy
135:03,366[C  ]| Thy country, and captive lead away her kings,
135:03,367[C  ]| Antigonus and old Hyrcanus, bound,
135:03,368[C  ]| Maugre the Roman.  It shall be my task
135:03,369[C  ]| To$9$ render thee the Parthian at dispose,
135:03,370[C  ]| Choose which$6#1$ thou wilt, by$4$ conquest or by$4$ league. <370>
135:03,371[C  ]| By$4$ him thou shalt regain, without him not,
135:03,372[C  ]| That$6#2$ which$6#1$ alone can truly reinstall thee
135:03,373[C  ]| In$4$ David's royal seat, his true successor ~~ 
135:03,374[C  ]| Deliverance of thy brethren, those Ten Tribes
135:03,375[C  ]| Whose offspring in$4$ his territory yet serve
135:03,376[C  ]| In$4$ Habor, and among the Medes dispersed:
135:03,377[C  ]| The sons of Jacob, two of Joseph, lost
135:03,378[C  ]| Thus long from Israel, serving, as of old
135:03,379[C  ]| Their fathers in$4$ the land of Egypt served,
135:03,380[C  ]| This offer sets before thee to$9$ deliver.  <380>
135:03,381[C  ]| These if from servitude thou shalt restore
135:03,382[C  ]| To$4$ their inheritance, then, nor till then,
135:03,383[C  ]| Thou on$4$ the throne of David in$4$ full glory,
135:03,384[C  ]| From Egypt to$4$ Euphrates and beyond,
135:03,385[C  ]| Shalt reign, and Rome or Caesar not need fear."
135:03,386['  ]| To$4$ whom our Saviour answered thus, unmoved: ~~ 
135:03,387[B  ]| "Much ostentation vain of fleshly arm
135:03,388[B  ]| And fragile arms, much instrument of war,
135:03,389[B  ]| Long in$4$ preparing, soon to$4$ nothing brought,
135:03,390[B  ]| Before mine eyes thou hast set, and in$4$ my ear  <390>
135:03,391[B  ]| Vented much policy, and projects deep
135:03,392[B  ]| Of enemies, of aids, battles, and leagues,
135:03,393[B  ]| Plausible to$4$ the world, to$4$ me worth naught.
135:03,394[B  ]| Means I must use, thou sayest; prediction else
135:03,395[B  ]| Will$1$ unpredict, and fail me of the throne!
135:03,396[B  ]| My time, I told thee (and that$6#2$ time for$4$ thee
135:03,397[B  ]| Were better farthest off), is not yet come.
135:03,398[B  ]| When that$6#2$ comes, think not thou to$9$ find me slack
135:03,399[B  ]| On$4$ my part aught endeavouring, or to$9$ need
135:03,400[B  ]| Thy politic maxims, or that$6#2$ cumbersome     <400>
135:03,401[B  ]| Luggage of war there shewn me ~~ argument
135:03,402[B  ]| Of human weakness rather than of strength.
135:03,403[B  ]| My brethren, as thou callest them, those Ten Tribes,
135:03,404[B  ]| I must deliver, if I mean to$9$ reign
135:03,405[B  ]| David's true heir, and his full sceptre sway
135:03,406[B  ]| To$4$ just extent over all Israel's sons!
135:03,407[B  ]| But whence to$4$ thee this zeal?  Where was it then
135:03,408[B  ]| For$4$ Israel, or for$4$ David, or his throne,
135:03,409[B  ]| When thou stoodest up$5$ his tempter to$4$ the pride
135:03,410[B  ]| Of numbering Israel ~~ which$6#1$ cost the lives  <410>
135:03,411[B  ]| of threescore and ten thousand Israelites
135:03,412[B  ]| By$4$ three days' pestilence?  Such was thy zeal
135:03,413[B  ]| To$4$ Israel then, the same that$6#1$ now to$4$ me.
135:03,414[B  ]| As for$4$ those captive tribes, themselves were they
135:03,415[B  ]| Who$6#1$ wrought their own captivity, fell off
135:03,416[B  ]| From God to$9$ worship calves, the deities
135:03,417[B  ]| Of Egypt, Baal next and Ashtaroth,
135:03,418[B  ]| And all the idolatries of heathen round,
135:03,419[B  ]| Besides their other worse than heathenish crimes;
135:03,420[B  ]| Nor in$4$ the land of their captivity  <420>
135:03,421[B  ]| Humbled themselves, or penitent besought
135:03,422[B  ]| The God of their forefathers, but so$5#2$ died
135:03,423[B  ]| Impenitent, and left a race behind
135:03,424[B  ]| Like$5$ to$4$ themselves, distinguishable scarce
135:03,425[B  ]| From Gentiles, but by$4$ circumcision vain,
135:03,426[B  ]| And God with idols in$4$ their worship joined.
135:03,427[B  ]| Should I of these the liberty regard,
135:03,428[B  ]| Who$6#1$, freed, as to$4$ their ancient patrimony,
135:03,429[B  ]| Unhumbled, unrepentant, unreformed,
135:03,430[B  ]| Headlong would follow, and to$4$ their gods perhaps    <430>
135:03,431[B  ]| Of Bethel and of Dan?  No$7$; let them serve
135:03,432[B  ]| Their enemies who$6#1$ serve idols with God.
135:03,433[B  ]| Yet He at length, time to$4$ himself best known,
135:03,434[B  ]| Remembering Abraham, by$4$ some wondrous call
135:03,435[B  ]| May bring them back, repentant and sincere,
135:03,436[B  ]| And at their passing cleave the Assyrian flood,
135:03,437[B  ]| While to$4$ their native land with joy they haste,
135:03,438[B  ]| As the Red Sea and Jordan once he cleft,
135:03,439[B  ]| When to$4$ the Promised Land their fathers passed.
135:03,440[B  ]| To$4$ his due time and providence I leave them."     <440>
135:03,441['  ]| So$5#2$ spake Israel's true King, and to$4$ the Fiend
135:03,442['  ]| Made answer meet, that$6#1$ made void all his wiles.
135:03,443['  ]| So$5#2$ fares it when with truth falsehood contends.
135:04,000@@@@@| 
135:04,000['  ]| <THE FOURTH BOOK>
135:04,001['  ]| Perplexed and troubled at his bad success
135:04,002['  ]| The Tempter stood, nor had what to$9$ reply,
135:04,003['  ]| Discovered in$4$ his fraud, thrown from his hope
135:04,004['  ]| So$5#1$ oft, and the persuasive rhetoric
135:04,005['  ]| That$6#1$ sleeked his tongue, and won so$5#1$ much on$4$ Eve,
135:04,006['  ]| So$5#1$ little here, nay lost.  But Eve was Eve;
135:04,007['  ]| This far his over-match, who$6#1$, self-deceived
135:04,008['  ]| And rash, beforehand had no$2$ better weighed
135:04,009['  ]| The strength he was to$9$ cope with, or his own.
135:04,010['  ]| But ~~ as a man who$6#1$ had been matchless held     <10>
135:04,011['  ]| In$4$ cunning, over-reached where least he thought,
135:04,012['  ]| To$9$ salve his credit, and for$4$ very spite,
135:04,013['  ]| Still will$1$ be tempting him who$6#1$ foils him still,
135:04,014['  ]| And never cease, though to$4$ his shame the more;
135:04,015['  ]| Or as a swarm of flies in$4$ vintage-time,
135:04,016['  ]| About the wine-press where sweet must is poured,
135:04,017['  ]| Beat off, returns as oft with humming sound;
135:04,018['  ]| Or surging waves against a solid rock,
135:04,019['  ]| Though all to$4$ shivers dashed, the assault renew,
135:04,020['  ]| (Vain battery!) and in$4$ froth or bubbles end ~~   <20>
135:04,021['  ]| So$3$ Satan, whom repulse upon$4$ repulse
135:04,022['  ]| Met ever, and to$4$ shameful silence brought,
135:04,023['  ]| Yet gives not over, though desperate of success,
135:04,024['  ]| And his vain importunity pursues.
135:04,025['  ]| He brought our Saviour to$4$ the western side
135:04,026['  ]| Of that$6#2$ high mountain, whence he might behold
135:04,027['  ]| Another plain, long, but in$4$ breadth not wide,
135:04,028['  ]| Washed by$4$ the southern sea, and on$4$ the north
135:04,029['  ]| To$4$ equal length backed with a ridge of hills
135:04,030['  ]| That$6#1$ screened the fruits of the earth and seats of men  <30>
135:04,031['  ]| From cold Septentrion blasts; thence in$4$ the midst
135:04,032['  ]| Divided by$4$ a river, off whose banks
135:04,033['  ]| On$4$ each side an Imperial City stood,
135:04,034['  ]| With towers and temples proudly elevate
135:04,035['  ]| On$4$ seven small hills, with palaces adorned,
135:04,036['  ]| Porches and theatres, baths, aqueducts,
135:04,037['  ]| Statues and trophies, and triumphal arcs,
135:04,038['  ]| Gardens and groves, presented to$4$ his eyes
135:04,039['  ]| Above the height of mountains interposed ~~ 
135:04,040['  ]| By$4$ what strange parallax, or optic skill      <40>
135:04,041['  ]| Of vision, multiplied through air, or glass
135:04,042['  ]| Of telescope, were curious to$9$ enquire.
135:04,043['  ]| And now the Tempter thus his silence broke: ~~ 
135:04,044[C  ]| "The city which$6#1$ thou seest no$2$ other deem
135:04,045[C  ]| Than great and glorious Rome, Queen of the Earth
135:04,046[C  ]| So$5#1$ far renowned, and with the spoils enriched
135:04,047[C  ]| Of nations.  There the Capitol thou seest,
135:04,048[C  ]| Above the rest lifting his stately head
135:04,049[C  ]| On$4$ the Tarpeian rock, her citadel
135:04,050[C  ]| Impregnable; and there Mount Palatine,      <50>
135:04,051[C  ]| The imperial palace, compass huge, and high
135:04,052[C  ]| The structure, skill of noblest architects,
135:04,053[C  ]| With gilded battlements, conspicuous far,
135:04,054[C  ]| Turrets, and terraces, and glittering spires.
135:04,055[C  ]| Many a fair edifice besides, more like$4$
135:04,056[C  ]| Houses of gods ~~ so$5#1$ well I have disposed
135:04,057[C  ]| My airy microscope ~~ thou mayst behold,
135:04,058[C  ]| Outside and inside both, pillars and roofs
135:04,059[C  ]| Carved work, the hand of famed artificers
135:04,060[C  ]| In$4$ cedar, marble, ivory, or gold.      <60>
135:04,061[C  ]| Thence to$4$ the gates cast round thine eye, and see
135:04,062[C  ]| What conflux issuing forth, or entering in$5$:
135:04,063[C  ]| Praetors, proconsuls to$4$ their provinces
135:04,064[C  ]| Hasting, or on$4$ return, in$4$ robes of state;
135:04,065[C  ]| Lictors and rods, the ensigns of their power;
135:04,066[C  ]| Legions and cohorts, turms of horse and wings;
135:04,067[C  ]| Or embassies from regions far remote,
135:04,068[C  ]| In$4$ various habits, on$4$ the Appian road,
135:04,069[C  ]| Or on$4$ the AEmilian ~~ some from farthest south,
135:04,070[C  ]| Syene, and where the shadow both way falls,      <70>
135:04,071[C  ]| Meroe, Nilotic isle, and, more to$4$ west,
135:04,072[C  ]| The realm of Bocchus to$4$ the Blackmoor sea;
135:04,073[C  ]| From the Asian kings (and Parthian among these),
135:04,074[C  ]| From India and the Golden Chersoness,
135:04,075[C  ]| And utmost Indian isle Taprobane,
135:04,076[C  ]| Dusk faces with white silken turbans wreathed;
135:04,077[C  ]| From Gallia, Gades, and the British west;
135:04,078[C  ]| Germans, and Scythians, and Sarmatians north
135:04,079[C  ]| Beyond Danubius to$4$ the Tauric pool.
135:04,080[C  ]| All nations now to$4$ Rome obedience pay ~~        <80>
135:04,081[C  ]| To$4$ Rome's great Emperor, whose wide domain,
135:04,082[C  ]| In$4$ ample territory, wealth and power,
135:04,083[C  ]| Civility of manners, arts and arms,
135:04,084[C  ]| And long renown, thou justly mayst prefer
135:04,085[C  ]| Before the Parthian.  These two thrones except,
135:04,086[C  ]| The rest are barbarous, and scarce worth the sight,
135:04,087[C  ]| Shared among petty kings too far removed;
135:04,088[C  ]| These having shewn thee, I have shewn thee all
135:04,089[C  ]| The kingdoms of the world, and all their glory.
135:04,090[C  ]| This Emperor hath no$2$ son, and now is old,       <90>
135:04,091[C  ]| Old and lascivious, and from Rome retired
135:04,092[C  ]| To$4$ Capreae, an island small but strong
135:04,093[C  ]| On$4$ the Campanian shore, with purpose there
135:04,094[C  ]| His horrid lusts in$4$ private to$9$ enjoy;
135:04,095[C  ]| Committing to$4$ a wicked favourite
135:04,096[C  ]| All public cares, and yet of him suspicious;
135:04,097[C  ]| Hated of all, and hating.  With what ease,
135:04,098[C  ]| Endued with regal virtues as thou art,
135:04,099[C  ]| Appearing, and beginning noble deeds,
135:04,100[C  ]| Mightest thou expel this monster from his throne,     <100>
135:04,101[C  ]| Now made a sty, and, in$4$ his place ascending,
135:04,102[C  ]| A victor-people free from servile yoke!
135:04,103[C  ]| And with my help thou mayst; to$4$ me the power
135:04,104[C  ]| Is given, and by$4$ that$6#2$ right I give it thee.
135:04,105[C  ]| Aim, therefore, at no$2$ less than all the world;
135:04,106[C  ]| Aim at the highest; without the highest attained,
135:04,107[C  ]| Will$1$ be for$4$ thee no$2$ sitting, or not long,
135:04,108[C  ]| On$4$ David's throne, be prophesied what will$1$."
135:04,109['  ]| To$4$ whom the Son of God, unmoved, replied: ~~ 
135:04,110[B  ]| "Nor doth this grandeur and majestic show       <110>
135:04,111[B  ]| Of luxury, though called magnificence,
135:04,112[B  ]| More than of arms before, allure mine eye,
135:04,113[B  ]| Much less my mind; though thou shouldst add to$9$ tell
135:04,114[B  ]| Their sumptuous gluttonies, and gorgeous feasts
135:04,115[B  ]| On$4$ citron tables or Atlantic stone
135:04,116[B  ]| (For$3$ I have also heard, perhaps have read),
135:04,117[B  ]| Their wines of Setia, Cales, and Falerne,
135:04,118[B  ]| Chios and Crete, and how they quaff in$4$ gold,
135:04,119[B  ]| Crystal, and myrrhine cups, imbossed with gems
135:04,120[B  ]| And studs of pearl ~~ to$4$ me shouldst tell, who$6#1$ thirst   <120>
135:04,121[B  ]| And hunger still.  Then embassies thou shewest
135:04,122[B  ]| From nations far and nigh!  What honour that$6#2$,
135:04,123[B  ]| But tedious waste of time, to$9$ sit and hear
135:04,124[B  ]| So$5#1$ many hollow compliments and lies,
135:04,125[B  ]| Outlandish flatteries?  Then proceedest to$9$ talk
135:04,126[B  ]| Of the Emperor, how easily subdued,
135:04,127[B  ]| How gloriously.  I shall, thou sayst, expel
135:04,128[B  ]| A brutish monster: what if I withal
135:04,129[B  ]| Expel a Devil who$6#1$ first made him such?
135:04,130[B  ]| Let his tormentor, Conscience, find him out;       <130>
135:04,131[B  ]| For$4$ him I was not sent, nor yet to$9$ free
135:04,132[B  ]| That$6#2$ people, victor once, now vile and base,
135:04,133[B  ]| Deservedly made vassal ~~ who$6#1$, once just,
135:04,134[B  ]| Frugal, and mild, and temperate, conquered well,
135:04,135[B  ]| But govern ill the nations under yoke,
135:04,136[B  ]| Peeling their provinces, exhausted all
135:04,137[B  ]| By$4$ lust and rapine; first ambitious grown
135:04,138[B  ]| Of triumph, that$6#2$ insulting vanity;
135:04,139[B  ]| Then cruel, by$4$ their sports to$4$ blood inured
135:04,140[B  ]| Of fighting beasts, and men to$4$ beasts exposed;     <140>
135:04,141[B  ]| Luxurious by$4$ their wealth, and greedier still,
135:04,142[B  ]| And from the daily Scene effeminate.
135:04,143[B  ]| What wise and valiant man would seek to$9$ free
135:04,144[B  ]| These, thus degenerate, by$4$ themselves enslaved,
135:04,145[B  ]| Or could of inward slaves make outward free?
135:04,146[B  ]| Know, therefore, when my season comes to$9$ sit
135:04,147[B  ]| On$4$ David's throne, it shall be like$4$ a tree
135:04,148[B  ]| Spreading and overshadowing all the earth,
135:04,149[B  ]| Or as a stone that$6#1$ shall to$4$ pieces dash
135:04,150[B  ]| All monarchies besides throughout the world;       <150>
135:04,151[B  ]| And of my Kingdom there shall be no$2$ end.
135:04,152[B  ]| Means there shall be to$4$ this; but what the means
135:04,153[B  ]| Is not for$4$ thee to$9$ know, nor me to$9$ tell."
135:04,154['  ]| To$4$ whom the Tempter, impudent, replied: ~~ 
135:04,155[C  ]| "I see all offers made by$4$ me how slight
135:04,156[C  ]| Thou valuest, because offered, and rejectest.
135:04,157[C  ]| Nothing will$1$ please the difficult and nice,
135:04,158[C  ]| Or nothing more than still to$9$ contradict.
135:04,159[C  ]| On$4$ the other side know also thou that$3$ I
135:04,160[C  ]| On$4$ what I offer set as high esteem,           <160>
135:04,161[C  ]| Nor what I part with mean to$9$ give for$4$ naught,
135:04,162[C  ]| All these, which$6#1$ in$4$ a moment thou beholdest,
135:04,163[C  ]| The kingdoms of the world, to$4$ thee I give
135:04,164[C  ]| (For$3$, given to$4$ me, I give to$4$ whom I please),
135:04,165[C  ]| No$2$ trifle; yet with this reserve, not else ~~ 
135:04,166[C  ]| On$4$ this condition, if thou wilt fall down,
135:04,167[C  ]| And worship me as thy superior Lord
135:04,168[C  ]| (Easily done), and hold them all of me;
135:04,169[C  ]| For$4$ what can less so$5#1$ great a gift deserve?"
135:04,170['  ]| Whom thus our Saviour answered with disdain: ~~    <170>
135:04,171[B  ]| "I never liked thy talk, thy offers less;
135:04,172[B  ]| Now both abhor, since thou hast dared to$9$ utter
135:04,173[B  ]| The abominable terms, impious condition.
135:04,174[B  ]| But I endure the time, till which$6#1$ expired
135:04,175[B  ]| Thou hast permission on$4$ me.  It is written,
135:04,176[B  ]| The first of all commandments, 'Thou shalt worship
135:04,177[B  ]| The Lord thy God, and only Him shalt serve.'
135:04,178[B  ]| And darest thou to$4$ the Son of God propound
135:04,179[B  ]| To$9$ worship thee, accursed? now more accursed
135:04,180[B  ]| For$4$ this attempt, bolder than that$6#2$ on$4$ Eve,   <180>
135:04,181[B  ]| And more blasphemous; which$6#1$ expect to$9$ rue.
135:04,182[B  ]| The kingdoms of the world to$4$ thee were given!
135:04,183[B  ]| Permitted rather, and by$4$ thee usurped;
135:04,184[B  ]| Other donation none thou canst produce.
135:04,185[B  ]| If given, by$4$ whom but by$4$ the King of kings,
135:04,186[B  ]| God over all supreme?  If given to$4$ thee,
135:04,187[B  ]| By$4$ thee how fairly is the Giver now
135:04,188[B  ]| Repaid!  But gratitude in$4$ thee is lost
135:04,189[B  ]| Long since.  Wert thou so$5#1$ void of fear or shame
135:04,190[B  ]| As offer them to$4$ me, the Son of God ~~         <190>
135:04,191[B  ]| To$4$ me my own, on$4$ such abhorred pact,
135:04,192[B  ]| That$3$ I fall down and worship thee as God?
135:04,193[B  ]| Get thee behind me!  Plain thou now appearest
135:04,194[B  ]| That$6#2$ Evil One, Satan forever damned."
135:04,195['  ]| To$4$ whom the Fiend, with fear abashed, replied: ~~ 
135:04,196[C  ]| "Be not so$5#1$ sore offended, Son of God ~~ 
135:04,197[C  ]| Though Sons of God both Angels are and Men ~~ 
135:04,198[C  ]| If I, to$9$ try whether in$4$ higher sort
135:04,199[C  ]| Than these thou bearest that$6#2$ title, have proposed
135:04,200[C  ]| What both from Men and Angels I receive,         <200>
135:04,201[C  ]| Tetrarchs of Fire, Air, Flood, and on$4$ the Earth
135:04,202[C  ]| Nations besides from all the quartered winds ~~ 
135:04,203[C  ]| God of this World invoked, and World beneath.
135:04,204[C  ]| Who$6#1$ then thou art, whose coming is foretold
135:04,205[C  ]| To$4$ me most fatal, me it most concerns.
135:04,206[C  ]| The trial hath indamaged thee no$2$ way,
135:04,207[C  ]| Rather more honour left and more esteem;
135:04,208[C  ]| Me naught advantaged, missing what I aimed.
135:04,209[C  ]| Therefore let pass, as they are transitory,
135:04,210[C  ]| The kingdoms of this world; I shall no$2$ more      <210>
135:04,211[C  ]| Advise thee; gain them as thou canst, or not.
135:04,212[C  ]| And thou thyself seemest otherwise inclined
135:04,213[C  ]| Than to$4$ a worldly crown, addicted more
135:04,214[C  ]| To$4$ contemplation and profound dispute;
135:04,215[C  ]| As by$4$ that$6#2$ early action may be judged,
135:04,216[C  ]| When, slipping from thy mother's eye, thou wentest
135:04,217[C  ]| Alone into the Temple, there wast found
135:04,218[C  ]| Among the gravest Rabbies, disputant
135:04,219[C  ]| On$4$ points and questions fitting Moses' chair,
135:04,220[C  ]| Teaching, not taught.  The childhood shows the man,   <220>
135:04,221[C  ]| As morning shows the day.  Be famous, then,
135:04,222[C  ]| By$4$ wisdom; as thy empire must extend,
135:04,223[C  ]| So$3$ let extend thy mind over all the world
135:04,224[C  ]| In$4$ knowledge; all things in$4$ it comprehend.
135:04,225[C  ]| All knowledge is not couched in$4$ Moses' law,
135:04,226[C  ]| The Pentateuch, or what the Prophets wrote;
135:04,227[C  ]| The Gentiles also know, and write, and teach
135:04,228[C  ]| To$4$ admiration, led by$4$ Nature's light;
135:04,229[C  ]| And with the Gentiles much thou must converse,
135:04,230[C  ]| Ruling them by$4$ persuasion, as thou meanest.       <230>
135:04,231[C  ]| Without their learning, how wilt thou with them,
135:04,232[C  ]| Or they with thee, hold conversation meet?
135:04,233[C  ]| How wilt thou reason with them, how refute
135:04,234[C  ]| Their idolisms, traditions, paradoxes?
135:04,235[C  ]| Error by$4$ his own arms is best evinced.
135:04,236[C  ]| Look once more, before we leave this specular mount,
135:04,237[C  ]| Westward, much nearer by$4$ south-west; behold
135:04,238[C  ]| Where on$4$ the AEgean shore a city stands,
135:04,239[C  ]| Built nobly, pure the air and light the soil ~~ 
135:04,240[C  ]| Athens, the eye of Greece, mother of arts         <240>
135:04,241[C  ]| And Eloquence, native to$4$ famous wits
135:04,242[C  ]| Or hospitable, in$4$ her sweet recess,
135:04,243[C  ]| City or suburban, studious walks and shades.
135:04,244[C  ]| See there the olive-grove of Academe,
135:04,245[C  ]| Plato's retirement, where the Attic bird
135:04,246[C  ]| Trills her thick-warbled notes the summer long;
135:04,247[C  ]| There, flowery hill, Hymettus, with the sound
135:04,248[C  ]| Of bees' industrious murmur, oft invites
135:04,249[C  ]| To$4$ studious musing; there Ilissus rolls
135:04,250[C  ]| His whispering stream.  Within the walls then view    <250>
135:04,251[C  ]| The schools of ancient sages ~~ his who$6#1$ bred
135:04,252[C  ]| Great Alexander to$9$ subdue the world,
135:04,253[C  ]| Lyceum there; and painted Stoa next.
135:04,254[C  ]| There thou shalt hear and learn the secret power
135:04,255[C  ]| Of harmony, in$4$ tones and numbers hit
135:04,256[C  ]| By$4$ voice or hand, and various-measured verse,
135:04,257[C  ]| AEolian charms and Dorian lyric odes,
135:04,258[C  ]| And his who$6#1$ gave them breath, but higher sung,
135:04,259[C  ]| Blind Melesigenes, thence Homer called,
135:04,260[C  ]| Whose poem Phoebus challenged for$4$ his own.        <260>
135:04,261[C  ]| Thence what the lofty grave Tragedians taught
135:04,262[C  ]| In$4$ chorus or iambic, teachers best
135:04,263[C  ]| Of moral prudence, with delight received
135:04,264[C  ]| In$4$ brief sententious precepts, while they treat
135:04,265[C  ]| Of fate, and chance, and change in$4$ human life,
135:04,266[C  ]| High actions and high passions best describing.
135:04,267[C  ]| Thence to$4$ the famous Orators repair,
135:04,268[C  ]| Those ancient whose resistless eloquence
135:04,269[C  ]| Wielded at will$0$ that$6#2$ fierce democraty,
135:04,270[C  ]| Shook the Arsenal, and fulmined over Greece       <270>
135:04,271[C  ]| To$4$ Macedon and Artaxerxes' throne.
135:04,272[C  ]| To$4$ sage Philosophy next lend thine ear,
135:04,273[C  ]| From heaven descended to$4$ the low-roofed house
135:04,274[C  ]| Of Socrates ~~ see there his tenement ~~ 
135:04,275[C  ]| Whom, well inspired, the Oracle pronounced
135:04,276[C  ]| Wisest of men; from whose mouth issued forth
135:04,277[C  ]| Mellifluous streams, that$6#1$ watered all the schools
135:04,278[C  ]| Of Academics old and new, with those
135:04,279[C  ]| Surnamed Peripatetics, and the sect
135:04,280[C  ]| Epicurean, and the Stoic severe.                  <280>
135:04,281[C  ]| These here revolve, or, as thou likest, at home,
135:04,282[C  ]| Till time mature thee to$4$ a kingdom's weight;
135:04,283[C  ]| These rules will$1$ render thee a king complete
135:04,284[C  ]| Within thyself, much more with empire joined."
135:04,285['  ]| To$4$ whom our Saviour sagely thus replied: ~~ 
135:04,286[B  ]| "Think not but that$3$ I know these things; or, think
135:04,287[B  ]| I know them not, not therefore am I short
135:04,288[B  ]| Of knowing what I ought.  He who$6#1$ receives
135:04,289[B  ]| Light from above, from the Fountain of Light,
135:04,290[B  ]| No$2$ other doctrine needs, though granted true;     <290>
135:04,291[B  ]| But these are false, or little else but dreams,
135:04,292[B  ]| Conjectures, fancies, built on$4$ nothing firm.
135:04,293[B  ]| The first and wisest of them all professed
135:04,294[B  ]| To$9$ know this only, that$3$ he nothing knew;
135:04,295[B  ]| The next to$4$ fabling fell and smooth conceits;
135:04,296[B  ]| A third sort doubted all things, though plain sense;
135:04,297[B  ]| Others in$4$ virtue placed felicity,
135:04,298[B  ]| But virtue joined with riches and long life;
135:04,299[B  ]| In$4$ corporal pleasure he, and careless ease;
135:04,300[B  ]| The Stoic last in$4$ philosophic pride,             <300>
135:04,301[B  ]| By$4$ him called virtue, and his virtuous man,
135:04,302[B  ]| Wise, perfect in$4$ himself, and all possessing,
135:04,303[B  ]| Equal to$4$ God, oft shames not to$9$ prefer,
135:04,304[B  ]| As fearing God nor man, contemning all
135:04,305[B  ]| Wealth, pleasure, pain or torment, death and life ~~ 
135:04,306[B  ]| Which$6#1$, when he lists, he leaves, or boasts he can;
135:04,307[B  ]| For$3$ all his tedious talk is but vain boast,
135:04,308[B  ]| Or subtle shifts conviction to$9$ evade.
135:04,309[B  ]| Alas! what can they teach, and not mislead,
135:04,310[B  ]| Ignorant of themselves, of God much more,       <310>
135:04,311[B  ]| And how the World began, and how Man fell,
135:04,312[B  ]| Degraded by$4$ himself, on$4$ grace depending?
135:04,313[B  ]| Much of the Soul they talk, but all awry;
135:04,314[B  ]| And in$4$ themselves seek virtue; and to$4$ themselves
135:04,315[B  ]| All glory arrogate, to$4$ God give none;
135:04,316[B  ]| Rather accuse him under usual names,
135:04,317[B  ]| Fortune and Fate, as one regardless quite
135:04,318[B  ]| Of mortal things.  Who$6#1$, therefore, seeks in$4$ these
135:04,319[B  ]| True wisdom finds her not, or, by$4$ delusion
135:04,320[B  ]| Far worse, her false resemblance only meets,    <320>
135:04,321[B  ]| An empty cloud.  However, many books,
135:04,322[B  ]| Wise men have said, are wearisome; who$6#1$ reads
135:04,323[B  ]| Incessantly, and to$4$ his reading brings not
135:04,324[B  ]| A spirit and judgment equal or superior,
135:04,325[B  ]| (And what he brings what needs he elsewhere seek?)
135:04,326[B  ]| Uncertain and unsettled still remains,
135:04,327[B  ]| Deep-versed in$4$ books and shallow in$4$ himself,
135:04,328[B  ]| Crude or intoxicate, collecting toys
135:04,329[B  ]| And trifles for$4$ choice matters, worth a sponge,
135:04,330[B  ]| As children gathering pebbles on$4$ the shore.     <330>
135:04,331[B  ]| Or, if I would delight my private hours
135:04,332[B  ]| With music or with poem, where so$5#1$ soon
135:04,333[B  ]| As in$4$ our native language can I find
135:04,334[B  ]| That$6#2$ solace?  All our Law and Story strewed
135:04,335[B  ]| With hymns, our Psalms with artful terms inscribed,
135:04,336[B  ]| Our Hebrew songs and harps, in$4$ Babylon
135:04,337[B  ]| That$6#1$ pleased so$5#1$ well our victor's ear, declare
135:04,338[B  ]| That$3$ rather Greece from us these arts derived ~~ 
135:04,339[B  ]| Ill imitated while they loudest sing
135:04,340[B  ]| The vices of their deities, and their own,      <340>
135:04,341[B  ]| In$4$ fable, hymn, or song, so$5#1$ personating
135:04,342[B  ]| Their gods ridiculous, and themselves past shame.
135:04,343[B  ]| Remove their swelling epithetes, thick-laid
135:04,344[B  ]| As varnish on$4$ a harlot's cheek, the rest,
135:04,345[B  ]| Thin-sown with aught of profit or delight,
135:04,346[B  ]| Will$1$ far be found unworthy to$9$ compare
135:04,347[B  ]| With Sion's songs, to$4$ all true tastes excelling,
135:04,348[B  ]| Where God is praised aright and godlike men,
135:04,349[B  ]| The Holiest of Holies and his Saints
135:04,350[B  ]| (Such are from God inspired, not such from thee);   <350>
135:04,351[B  ]| Unless where moral virtue is expressed
135:04,352[B  ]| By$4$ light of Nature, not in$4$ all quite lost.
135:04,353[B  ]| Their orators thou then extollest as those
135:04,354[B  ]| The top of eloquence ~~ statists indeed,
135:04,355[B  ]| And lovers of their country, as may seem;
135:04,356[B  ]| But herein to$4$ our Prophets far beneath,
135:04,357[B  ]| As men divinely taught, and better teaching
135:04,358[B  ]| The solid rules of civil government,
135:04,359[B  ]| In$4$ their majestic, unaffected style,
135:04,360[B  ]| Than all the oratory of Greece and Rome.         <360>
135:04,361[B  ]| In$4$ them is plainest taught, and easiest learnt,
135:04,362[B  ]| What makes a nation happy, and keeps it so$5#2$,
135:04,363[B  ]| What ruins kingdoms, and lays cities flat;
135:04,364[B  ]| These only, with our Law, best form a king."
135:04,365['  ]| So$5#2$ spake the Son of God; but Satan, now
135:04,366['  ]| Quite at a loss (for$3$ all his darts were spent),
135:04,367['  ]| Thus to$4$ our Saviour, with stern brow, replied: ~~ 
135:04,368[C  ]| "Since neither wealth nor honour, arms nor arts,
135:04,369[C  ]| Kingdom nor empire, pleases thee, nor aught
135:04,370[C  ]| By$4$ me proposed in$4$ life contemplative       <370>
135:04,371[C  ]| Or active, tended on$5$ by$4$ glory or fame,
135:04,372[C  ]| What dost thou in$4$ this world?  The Wilderness
135:04,373[C  ]| For$4$ thee is fittest place: I found thee there,
135:04,374[C  ]| And thither will$1$ return thee.  Yet remember
135:04,375[C  ]| What I foretell thee; soon thou shalt have cause
135:04,376[C  ]| To$9$ wish thou never hadst rejected, thus
135:04,377[C  ]| Nicely or cautiously, my offered aid,
135:04,378[C  ]| Which$6#1$ would have set thee in$4$ short time with ease
135:04,379[C  ]| On$4$ David's throne, or throne of all the world,
135:04,380[C  ]| Now at full age, fulness of time, thy season,    <380>
135:04,381[C  ]| When prophecies of thee are best fulfilled.
135:04,382[C  ]| Now, contrary ~~ if I read aught in$4$ heaven,
135:04,383[C  ]| Or heaven write aught of fate ~~ by$4$ what the stars
135:04,384[C  ]| Voluminous, or single characters
135:04,385[C  ]| In$4$ their conjunction met, give me to$9$ spell,
135:04,386[C  ]| Sorrows and labours, opposition, hate,
135:04,387[C  ]| Attends thee; scorns, reproaches, injuries,
135:04,388[C  ]| Violence and stripes, and, lastly, cruel death.
135:04,389[C  ]| A kingdom they portend thee, but what kingdom,
135:04,390[C  ]| Real or allegoric, I discern not;                <390>
135:04,391[C  ]| Nor when: eternal sure ~~ as without end,
135:04,392[C  ]| Without beginning; for$3$ no$2$ date prefixed
135:04,393[C  ]| Directs me in$4$ the starry rubric set."
135:04,394['  ]| So$5#2$ saying, he took (for$3$ still he knew his power
135:04,395['  ]| Not yet expired), and to$4$ the Wilderness
135:04,396['  ]| Brought back, the Son of God, and left him there,
135:04,397['  ]| Feigning to$9$ disappear.  Darkness now rose,
135:04,398['  ]| As daylight sunk, and brought in$5$ louring Night,
135:04,399['  ]| Her shadowy offspring, unsubstantial both,
135:04,400['  ]| Privation mere of light and absent day.          <400>
135:04,401['  ]| Our Saviour, meek, and with untroubled mind
135:04,402['  ]| After his airy jaunt, though hurried sore,
135:04,403['  ]| Hungry and cold, betook him to$4$ his rest,
135:04,404['  ]| Wherever, under some concourse of shades,
135:04,405['  ]| Whose branching arms thick intertwined might shield
135:04,406['  ]| From dews and damps of night his sheltered head;
135:04,407['  ]| But, sheltered, slept in$4$ vain; for$3$ at his head
135:04,408['  ]| The Tempter watched, and soon with ugly dreams
135:04,409['  ]| Disturbed his sleep.  And either tropic now
135:04,410['  ]| Began thunder, and both ends of heaven; the clouds     <410>
135:04,411['  ]| From many a horrid rift abortive poured
135:04,412['  ]| Fierce rain with lightning mixed, water with fire,
135:04,413['  ]| In$4$ ruin reconciled; nor slept the winds
135:04,414['  ]| Within their stony caves, but rushed abroad
135:04,415['  ]| From the four hinges of the world, and fell
135:04,416['  ]| On$4$ the vexed wilderness, whose tallest pines,
135:04,417['  ]| Though rooted deep as high, and sturdiest oaks,
135:04,418['  ]| Bowed their stiff necks, loaden with stormy blasts,
135:04,419['  ]| Or torn up$5$ sheer.  Ill wast thou shrouded then,
135:04,420['  ]| O patient Son of God, yet only stoodest           <420>
135:04,421['  ]| Unshaken!  Nor yet staid the terror there:
135:04,422['  ]| Infernal ghosts and hellish furies round
135:04,423['  ]| Environed thee; some howled, some yelled, some shrieked,
135:04,424['  ]| Some bent at thee their fiery darts, while thou
135:04,425['  ]| Satst unappalled in$4$ calm and sinless peace.
135:04,426['  ]| Thus passed the night so$5#1$ foul, till Morning fair
135:04,427['  ]| Came forth with pilgrim steps, in$4$ amice grey,
135:04,428['  ]| Who$6#1$ with her radiant finger stilled the roar
135:04,429['  ]| Of thunder, chased the clouds, and laid the winds,
135:04,430['  ]| And grisly spectres, which$6#1$ the Fiend had raised     <430>
135:04,431['  ]| To$9$ tempt the Son of God with terrors dire.
135:04,432['  ]| And now the sun with more effectual beams
135:04,433['  ]| Had cheered the face of earth, and dried the wet
135:04,434['  ]| From drooping plant, or dropping tree; the birds,
135:04,435['  ]| Who$6#1$ all things now behold more fresh and green,
135:04,436['  ]| After a night of storm so$5#1$ ruinous,
135:04,437['  ]| Cleared up$5$ their choicest notes in$4$ bush and spray,
135:04,438['  ]| To$9$ gratulate the sweet return of morn.
135:04,439['  ]| Nor yet, amidst this joy and brightest morn,
135:04,440['  ]| Was absent, after all his mischief done,           <440>
135:04,441['  ]| The Prince of Darkness; glad would also seem
135:04,442['  ]| Of this fair change, and to$4$ our Saviour came;
135:04,443['  ]| Yet with no$2$ new device (they all were spent),
135:04,444['  ]| Rather by$4$ this his last affront resolved,
135:04,445['  ]| Desperate of better course, to$9$ vent his rage
135:04,446['  ]| And mad despite to$9$ be so$5#1$ oft repelled.
135:04,447['  ]| Him walking on$4$ a sunny hill he found,
135:04,448['  ]| Backed on$4$ the north and west by$4$ a thick wood;
135:04,449['  ]| Out of the wood he starts in$4$ wonted shape,
135:04,450['  ]| And in$4$ a careless mood thus to$4$ him said: ~~       <450>
135:04,451[C  ]| "Fair morning yet betides thee, Son of God,
135:04,452[C  ]| After a dismal night.  I heard the wrack,
135:04,453[C  ]| As earth and sky would mingle; but myself
135:04,454[C  ]| Was distant; and these flaws, though mortals fear them,
135:04,455[C  ]| As dangerous to$4$ the pillared frame of Heaven,
135:04,456[C  ]| Or to$4$ the Earth's dark basis underneath,
135:04,457[C  ]| Are to$4$ the main as inconsiderable
135:04,458[C  ]| And harmless, if not wholesome, as a sneeze
135:04,459[C  ]| To$4$ man's less universe, and soon are gone.
135:04,460[C  ]| Yet, as being ofttimes noxious where they light   <460>
135:04,461[C  ]| On$4$ man, beast, plant, wasteful and turbulent,
135:04,462[C  ]| Like$4$ turbulencies in$4$ the affairs of men,
135:04,463[C  ]| Over whose heads they roar, and seem to$9$ point,
135:04,464[C  ]| They oft fore-signify and threaten ill.
135:04,465[C  ]| This tempest at this desert most was bent;
135:04,466[C  ]| Of men at thee, for$3$ only thou here dwellest.
135:04,467[C  ]| Did I not tell thee, if thou didst reject
135:04,468[C  ]| The perfect season offered with my aid
135:04,469[C  ]| To$9$ win thy destined seat, but wilt prolong
135:04,470[C  ]| All to$4$ the push of fate, pursue thy way           <470>
135:04,471[C  ]| Of gaining David's throne no$2$ man knows when
135:04,472[C  ]| (For$3$ both the when and how is nowhere told),
135:04,473[C  ]| Thou shalt be what thou art ordained, no$2$ doubt;
135:04,474[C  ]| For$3$ Angels have proclaimed it, but concealing
135:04,475[C  ]| The time and means?  Each act is rightliest done
135:04,476[C  ]| Not when it must, but when it may be best.
135:04,477[C  ]| If thou observe not this, be sure to$9$ find
135:04,478[C  ]| What I foretold thee ~~ many a hard assay
135:04,479[C  ]| Of dangers, and adversities, and pains,
135:04,480[C  ]| Before thou of Israel's sceptre get fast hold;       <480>
135:04,481[C  ]| Whereof this ominous night that$6#1$ closed thee round,
135:04,482[C  ]| So$5#1$ many terrors, voices, prodigies,
135:04,483[C  ]| May warn thee, as a sure foregoing sign."
135:04,484['  ]| So$5#2$ talked he, while the Son of God went on$5$,
135:04,485['  ]| And stayed not, but in$4$ brief him answered thus: ~~ 
135:04,486[B  ]| "Me worse than wet thou findest not; other harm
135:04,487[B  ]| Those terrors which$6#1$ thou speakest of did me none.
135:04,488[B  ]| I never feared they could, though noising loud
135:04,489[B  ]| And threatening nigh: what they can do as signs
135:04,490[B  ]| Betokening or ill-boding I contemn               <490>
135:04,491[B  ]| As false portents, not sent from God, but thee;
135:04,492[B  ]| Who$6#1$, knowing I shall reign past thy preventing,
135:04,493[B  ]| Obtrudest thy offered aid, that$3$ I, accepting,
135:04,494[B  ]| At least might seem to$9$ hold all power of thee,
135:04,495[B  ]| Ambitious Spirit! and wouldst be thought my God;
135:04,496[B  ]| And stormest, refused, thinking to$9$ terrify
135:04,497[B  ]| Me to$4$ thy will$0$!  Desist (thou art discerned,
135:04,498[B  ]| And toilest in$4$ vain), nor me in$4$ vain molest."
135:04,499['  ]| To$4$ whom the Fiend, now swollen with rage, replied: ~~ 
135:04,500[C  ]| "Then hear, O Son of David, virgin-born!         <500>
135:04,501[C  ]| For$3$ Son of God to$4$ me is yet in$4$ doubt.
135:04,502[C  ]| Of the Messiah I have heard foretold
135:04,503[C  ]| By$4$ all the Prophets; of thy birth, at length
135:04,504[C  ]| Announced by$4$ Gabriel, with the first I knew,
135:04,505[C  ]| And of the angelic song in$4$ Bethlehem field,
135:04,506[C  ]| On$4$ thy birth-night, that$6#1$ sung thee Saviour born.
135:04,507[C  ]| From that$6#2$ time seldom have I ceased to$9$ eye
135:04,508[C  ]| Thy infancy, thy childhood, and thy youth,
135:04,509[C  ]| Thy manhood last, though yet in$4$ private bred;
135:04,510[C  ]| Till, at the ford of Jordan, whither all        <510>
135:04,511[C  ]| Flocked to$4$ the Baptist, I among the rest
135:04,512[C  ]| (Though not to$9$ be baptized), by$4$ voice from Heaven
135:04,513[C  ]| Heard thee pronounced the Son of God beloved.
135:04,514[C  ]| Thenceforth I thought thee worth my nearer view
135:04,515[C  ]| And narrower scrutiny, that$3$ I might learn
135:04,516[C  ]| In$4$ what degree or meaning thou art called
135:04,517[C  ]| The Son of God, which$6#1$ bears no$2$ single sense.
135:04,518[C  ]| The Son of God I also am, or was;
135:04,519[C  ]| And, if I was, I am; relation stands:
135:04,520[C  ]| All men are Sons of God; yet thee I thought     <520>
135:04,521[C  ]| In$4$ some respect far higher so$5#2$ declared.
135:04,522[C  ]| Therefore I watched thy footsteps from that$6#2$ hour,
135:04,523[C  ]| And followed thee still on$5$ to$4$ this waste wild,
135:04,524[C  ]| Where, by$4$ all best conjectures, I collect
135:04,525[C  ]| Thou art to$9$ be my fatal enemy.
135:04,526[C  ]| Good reason, then, if I beforehand seek
135:04,527[C  ]| To$9$ understand my adversary, who$6#1$
135:04,528[C  ]| And what he is; his wisdom, power, intent;
135:04,529[C  ]| By$4$ parle or composition, truce or league,
135:04,530[C  ]| To$9$ win him, or win from him what I can.         <530>
135:04,531[C  ]| And opportunity I here have had
135:04,532[C  ]| To$9$ try thee, sift thee, and confess have found thee
135:04,533[C  ]| Proof against all temptation, as a rock
135:04,534[C  ]| Of adamant and as a centre, firm
135:04,535[C  ]| To$4$ the utmost of mere man both wise and good,
135:04,536[C  ]| Not more; for$3$ honours, riches, kingdoms, glory,
135:04,537[C  ]| Have been before contemned, and may again.
135:04,538[C  ]| Therefore, to$9$ know what more thou art than man,
135:04,539[C  ]| Worth naming the Son of God by$4$ voice from Heaven,
135:04,540[C  ]| Another method I must now begin."               <540>
135:04,541['  ]| So$5#2$ saying, he caught him up$5$, and, without wing
135:04,542['  ]| Of hippogrif, bore through the air sublime,
135:04,543['  ]| Over the wilderness and over the plain,
135:04,544['  ]| Till underneath them fair Jerusalem,
135:04,545['  ]| The Holy City, lifted high her towers,
135:04,546['  ]| And higher yet the glorious Temple reared
135:04,547['  ]| Her pile, far off appearing like$4$ a mount
135:04,548['  ]| Of alablaster, topped with golden spires:
135:04,549['  ]| There, on$4$ the highest pinnacle, he set
135:04,550['  ]| The Son of God, and added thus in$4$ scorn: ~~     <550>
135:04,551[C  ]| "There stand, if thou wilt stand; to$9$ stand upright
135:04,552[C  ]| Will$1$ ask thee skill.  I to$4$ thy Father's house
135:04,553[C  ]| Have brought thee, and highest placed: highest is best.
135:04,554[C  ]| Now show thy progeny; if not to$9$ stand,
135:04,555[C  ]| Cast thyself down.  Safely, if Son of God;
135:04,556[C  ]| For$3$ it is written, 
135:04,556@a   | 'He will$1$ give command
135:04,557@a   | Concerning thee to$4$ his Angels; in$4$ their hands
135:04,558@a   | They shall uplift thee, lest at any time
135:04,559@a   | Thou chance to$9$ dash thy foot against a stone.'"
135:04,560['  ]| To$4$ whom thus Jesus: 
135:04,560[B  ]| "Also it is written,       <560>
135:04,561@a   | 'Tempt not the Lord thy God.'"  
135:04,561['  ]| He said, and stood;
135:04,562['  ]| But Satan, smitten with amazement, fell.
135:04,563['  ]| As when Earth's son, Antaeus (to$9$ compare
135:04,564['  ]| Small things with greatest), in$4$ Irassa strove
135:04,565['  ]| With Jove's Alcides, and, oft foiled, still rose,
135:04,566['  ]| Receiving from his mother Earth new strength,
135:04,567['  ]| Fresh from his fall, and fiercer grapple joined,
135:04,568['  ]| Throttled at length in$4$ the air expired and fell,
135:04,569['  ]| So$3$, after many a foil, the Tempter proud,
135:04,570['  ]| Renewing fresh assaults, amidst his pride     <570>
135:04,571['  ]| Fell whence he stood to$9$ see his victor fall;
135:04,572['  ]| And, as that$6#2$ Theban monster that$6#1$ proposed
135:04,573['  ]| Her riddle, and him who$6#1$ solved it not devoured,
135:04,574['  ]| That$6#2$ once found out and solved, for$4$ grief and spite
135:04,575['  ]| Cast herself headlong from the Ismenian steep,
135:04,576['  ]| So$3$, struck with dread and anguish, fell the Fiend,
135:04,577['  ]| And to$4$ his crew, that$6#1$ sat consulting, brought
135:04,578['  ]| Joyless triumphals of his hoped success,
135:04,579['  ]| Ruin, and desperation, and dismay,
135:04,580['  ]| Who$6#1$ durst so$5#1$ proudly tempt the Son of God.    <580>
135:04,581['  ]| So$5#2$ Satan fell; and straight a fiery globe
135:04,582['  ]| Of Angels on$4$ full sail of wing flew nigh,
135:04,583['  ]| Who$6#1$ on$4$ their plumy vans received Him soft
135:04,584['  ]| From his uneasy station, and upbore,
135:04,585['  ]| As on$4$ a floating couch, through the blithe air;
135:04,586['  ]| Then, in$4$ a flowery valley, set him down
135:04,587['  ]| On$4$ a green bank, and set before him spread
135:04,588['  ]| A table of celestial food, divine
135:04,589['  ]| Ambrosial fruits fetched from the Tree of Life,
135:04,590['  ]| And from the Fount of Life ambrosial drink,   <590>
135:04,591['  ]| That$6#1$ soon refreshed him wearied, and repaired
135:04,592['  ]| What hunger, if aught hunger, had impaired,
135:04,593['  ]| Or thirst; and, as he fed, Angelic choirs
135:04,594['  ]| Sung heavenly anthems of his victory
135:04,595['  ]| Over temptation and the Tempter proud: ~~ 
135:04,596[X  ]| "True Image of the Father, whether throned
135:04,597[X  ]| In$4$ the bosom of bliss, and light of light
135:04,598[X  ]| Conceiving, or, remote from Heaven, enshrined
135:04,599[X  ]| In$4$ fleshly tabernacle and human form,
135:04,600[X  ]| Wandering the wilderness ~~ whatever place,   <600>
135:04,601[X  ]| Habit, or state, or motion, still expressing
135:04,602[X  ]| The Son of God, with Godlike force endued
135:04,603[X  ]| Against the attempter of thy Father's throne
135:04,604[X  ]| And thief of Paradise!  Him long of old
135:04,605[X  ]| Thou didst debel, and down from Heaven cast
135:04,606[X  ]| With all his army; now thou hast avenged
135:04,607[X  ]| Supplanted Adam, and, by$4$ vanquishing
135:04,608[X  ]| Temptation, hast regained lost Paradise,
135:04,609[X  ]| And frustrated the conquest fraudulent.
135:04,610[X  ]| He never more henceforth will$1$ dare set foot   <610>
135:04,611[X  ]| In$4$ paradise to$9$ tempt; his snares are broke.
135:04,612[X  ]| For$3$, though that$6#2$ seat of earthly bliss be failed,
135:04,613[X  ]| A fairer Paradise is founded now
135:04,614[X  ]| For$4$ Adam and his chosen sons, whom thou,
135:04,615[X  ]| A Saviour, art come down to$9$ reinstall;
135:04,616[X  ]| Where they shall dwell secure, when time shall be,
135:04,617[X  ]| Of tempter and temptation without fear.
135:04,618[X  ]| But thou, Infernal Serpent! shalt not long
135:04,619[X  ]| Rule in$4$ the clouds.  Like$4$ an autumnal star,
135:04,620[X  ]| Or lightning, thou shalt fall from Heaven, trod down  <620>
135:04,621[X  ]| Under his feet.  For$4$ proof, before this thou feelest
135:04,622[X  ]| Thy wound (yet not thy last and deadliest wound)
135:04,623[X  ]| By$4$ this repulse received, and holdest in$4$ Hell
135:04,624[X  ]| No$2$ triumph; in$4$ all her gates Abaddon rues
135:04,625[X  ]| Thy bold attempt.  Hereafter learn with awe
135:04,626[X  ]| To$9$ dread the Son of God.  He, all unarmed,
135:04,627[X  ]| Shall chase thee, with the terror of his voice,
135:04,628[X  ]| From thy demoniac holds, possession foul ~~ 
135:04,629[X  ]| Thee and thy legions; yelling they shall fly,
135:04,630[X  ]| And beg to$9$ hide them in$4$ a herd of swine,        <630>
135:04,631[X  ]| Lest he command them down into the Deep,
135:04,632[X  ]| Bound, and to$9$ torment sent before their time.
135:04,633[X  ]| Hail, Son of the Most High, heir of both Worlds,
135:04,634[X  ]| Queller of Satan!  On$4$ thy glorious work
135:04,635[X  ]| Now enter, and begin to$9$ save Mankind."
135:04,636['  ]| Thus they the Son of God, our Saviour meek,
135:04,637['  ]| Sung victor, and, from heavenly feast refreshed,
135:04,638['  ]| Brought on$4$ his way with joy.  He, unobserved,
135:04,639['  ]| Home to$4$ his mother's house private returned.