Which now abated: for the clouds were fled, drew, 815 As after thirst: which made their flowing shrink From standing lake to tripping ebb, tha: stole With soft foot tow'rds the deep, who 'now had stopt 1 1 His sluices, as the Heav'n his windows shut. The Ark no more now flotes, but seems on ground 850 Fast on the top of some high mountain fix'd. And now the tops of hills as rocks appear : With clamor thence rapid currents drive, Tow'rds the retreating sea their furious tide. Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies, 855 And after him, the surer messenger, A dove sent forth once and again to spy Green tree or ground, whereon his food may light; The second time returning, in his bill An olive-leaf he brings, pacific lign! 860 Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark The ancient lire descends with all his train : Then with uplifted hands, and eyes devout, Grateful to Heav'n over his head beholds A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow 865 Conspicuous with three listed colors gay, Betokening peace from God, and cov’nant new. Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad, Greatly rejoycd, and thus his joy broke forth. Othon, who future things canst represent 870 A present, hcar’uly instructor! [revive At this last (ght, allur'd, that man shall live With all the e creatures, and their seed preserve. Far less I now lament for one whole world Of wicked fons destroy'd, that I rejoice - 875 For one man found so perfec! and so just, That God vouchlafes to raise another world From him, and all his anger to forget. But say, what mean those color'd streaks in heav'n Piftended as the brow of God appeas'd: 880 Or ferse they as a flow'ry verge to bind The fluid skirts of that same watry cloud, Left it again dissolve and show'r the earth? To whom th' Arch-Angel. Dextrously thou aimlt; So willingly doth God remit his ire, 885 Thongh late repenting him of man deprav'd; Griev'd at his heart, when looking down he saw The whole earth fill'd with violence; and all fli Th Corrupting each their way: yet, those remov’d, Such grace shall one just man find in his fight, 890 That he relents, not to blot out mankind, world, With man therein or bealt: but when he brings 895 Over the earth a cloud, will therein fet His triple-color'd bow, whereon to look, All call to mind his covenant: day and night, Seed-time and harvest, heat and họary frost Shall hold their course; tillfire purge all things new, Both Heav'n and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell. BOOK: XII. mes. As one, who in his journey bates at noon, Tho', bent on speed: so here th’ Arch-Angel pausid, Betwixt the world destroy'd and world re stor’d, If Adam ought perhaps might interpose: Then with transition sweet new speech resu 5 Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end, And man as from a second stock proceed, Much thou hast yet to see; but I perceive Thy mortal sight to fail: objects divine Must needs impair and weary human sense. 10 Henceforth what is to come I will relate, Thou therefore give due audience, and attend. This second source of men, while yet but few, And while the dread of judgment past re mains Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, 15 With some regard to what is just and right Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace; Lab’ring the soil, and reaping plenteous crop, Corn, wine and oil; and from the herd, or flock, Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid, 20 With large wine-offerings pour'd, and sacred feast, Shall spend their days in joy unblam'd and dwell Long time in peace by families and tribes Under paternal rule; till one shall rise Of proud ambitious heart; who not con tent 25 With fair equality, fraternal state; Will arrogale dominion undeserv'd Over his brethren, and quite dispossess Concord and law of nature from the earth; Hunting, and men, not beasts, shall be his game, 30 With war and hostile snare such as refuse Subjection to his empire tyrannous.. A mighty hunter thence he shall be styl'd Before the Lord; as in despite of Heav'n, Of from Heav'n claiming second lov'reignty: 35 And from rebellion shall derive his name; Though of rebellion others he accuse. He with a crew, whom like ambition joins |
