'Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods. L.187. PARADISE LOST'. BOOK XI. DRAWN BY RICHARD WESTALLRA. ENGRAVED BY CHARLES HEATH: PUBLISHED BY JOHN SHARPE, PICCADILLY; PARADISE LOST. BOOK XI. The Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first parents now repenting, and intercedes for them: God accepts them, but declares that they must no longer abide in Paradise; sends Michael with a band of Cherubim to dispossess them; but first to reveal to Adam future things: Michael's coming down. Adam shows to Eve certain ominous signs; he discerns Michael's approach; goes out to meet him; the Angel denounces their departure. Eve's Lamentation. Adam pleads, but submits: The Angel leads him up to a high hill; sets before him in vision what shall happen till the Flood. THUS they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh Inspir'd, and wing'd for Heaven with speedier flight Not of mean suitors; nor important less The race of mankind drown'd, before the shrine, Blown vagabond or frustrate: in they pass'd See, Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung And propitiation; all his works on me, Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay. The smell of peace toward mankind: let him live Number'd, though sad; till death, his doom (which I To better life shall yield him: where with me To whom the Father, without cloud, serene. All thy request for Man, accepted Son, Resigns him up with Heaven and Earth renew'd. But let us call to synod all the Blest, [hide Through Heaven's wide bounds: from them I will not My judgments; how with mankind I proceed, And in their state, though firm, stood more confirm'd. To the bright minister that watch'd; he blew |