PARADISE LOST. BOOK VII. 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, declared his pleasure to create another world and other creatures to dwell therein; sends his Son with glory and attendance of angels to perform the work of creation in six days; the angels celebrate with hymns the performance thereof and his re-ascension into Heaven. DESCEND from Heav'n, Urania, by that name The meaning, not the name I call: for thou 5 ΙΟ 15 20 Half yet remains unsung, but narrower bound Standing on earth, not rapt above the pole, 25 30 Of that wild rout that tore the Thracian bard 35 Both harp and voice; nor could the Muse defend For thou art Heav'nly, she an empty dream. 40 Apostasy, by what befel in Heaven To those apostates, lest the like befall In Paradise to Adam or his race, 45 Charg'd not to touch the interdicted tree, If they transgress, and slight that sole command, So easily obey'd amid the choice Of all tastes else to please their appetite, Though wandring. He with his consorted Eve 50 The story heard attentive, and was fill'd With admiration, and deep muse to hear Of things so high and strange, things to their thought And war so near the peace of God in bliss With such confusion: but the evil soon From whom it sprung, impossible to mix With blessedness. Whence Adam soon repeal'd What nearer might concern him, how this World 'Great things, and full of wonder in our ears, Far differing from this world, thou hast reveal'd, Divine interpreter, by favour sent 60 65 70 Down from the empyrean to forewarn Us timely of what might else have been our loss, Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach: 75 For which to the Infinitely Good we owe Immortal thanks, and his admonishment Receive with solemn purpose to observe Immutably his sovran will, the end Of what we are. But since thou hast voutsaf't 80 Gently for our instruction to impart Things above Earthly thought, which yet concern'd Our knowing, as to highest wisdom seem'd, Deign to descend now lower, and relate What may no less perhaps avail us known, 85 How first began this heav'n which we behold In Chaos, and the work begun, how soon 90 95 And the great Light of day yet wants to run Much of his race though steep; suspense in heav'n Held by thy voice, thy potent voice he hears, And longer will delay to hear thee tell Haste to thy audience, Night with her will bring Silence, and Sleep listning to thee will watch, 'This also thy request with caution askt Obtain: though to recount Almighty works IIO Of knowledge within bounds; beyond abstain To ask, nor let thine own inventions hope Things not reveal'd, which th' invisible King, Only Omniscient, hath supprest in night, To none communicable in Earth or Heaven: Enough is left besides to search and know. But knowledge is as food, and needs no less Her temperance over appetite, to know In measure what the mind may well contain; Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. 'Know then, that after Lucifer from Heav'n (So call him, brighter once amidst the host |