PARADISE LOST.

BOOK XII.

THE ARGUMENT

The angel Michael continues, from the flood, to relate what snail suc ceed: then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that seed of the woman shall be which was promised Adani 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.

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK XII.

As one who, in his journey, bates at noon,
Though bent on speed, so here the archangel paused
Betwixt the world destroy'd and world restored,
If Adam aught, perhaps, might interpose;
Then, with transition sweet, new speech resumes:
"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:
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 remains
Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity,

With some regard to what is just and right
Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace;
Labouring the soil, and reaping plenteous crops,
Corn, wine, and oil; and, from the herd or flock,
Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid,

With large wine offerings pour'd, and sacred feast,
Shall spend their days in joy unblamed, and dwell