The ARGUMENT. Raphael at the request of Adam relates how and wherefore this world was first created; that God, after the expelling of Satan and his Angels out of Heaven, declar'd his pleasure to create another World and other Creatures to dwell therein; fends his Son with Glory and attendance of Angels to perform the work of Creation in fix days: the Angels celebrate with Hymns the performance thereof, and his reafcenfion into Heaven. Efcend from Heav'n Urania, by that name. divine Following, above th' Olympian Hill I foare, Left from this flying Steed unrein'd, (as once Erroneous there to wander and forlorne. Standing on Earth, not rapt above the Fole, + Purples the Eaft: ftill govern thou my Song, 30 Of that wild Rout that tore the Thracian Bard Both Harp and Voice; nor could the Mufe defend To thofe Apoftates, left the like befall Charg'd not to touch the interdicted Tree, If they tranfgrefs, and flight that fole conimand, Of all taftes elfe to please their appetite, Though wandring. He with his conforted Eve 40 Of things fo high and ftrange, things to their thought And War fo near the Peace of God in Blifs With fuch confufion: but the evil foon From whom it fprung, impoffible to mix 55 |