THE ARGUMENT OF THE TWELFTH BOOK. THE angel Michael continues from the flood to relate what shall succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that seed of the Woman shall be, which was promised Adam and Eve in the fall; his incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension; the state of the Church till his second coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and recomforted by these relations and promises, descends the hill with Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams composed to quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand leads them out of Paradise; the fiery sword waving behind them, and the Cherubim taking their stations to guard the place. As one who in his journey bas at no Though boat on-speed, so here the Arch Angel paus'd Betwixt the would deury'd and word our'd, If Adam aught pr ght interpose Then with transition sweet and speech resumes And Man as from a second Much thou hast vet to Must needs impair ata |