MEanwhile the hainous and despightfull act
Of Satan done in Paradise, and how
Hee in the Serpent, had perverted Eve,
Her Husband shee, to taste the fatall fruit,
Was known in Heavn; for what scape the Eye [ 5 ]
Of God All-seeing, or deceave his Heart
Omnist, who in all things wise and just,
Hinderd not Satan to attempt the minde
Of Man, with strength entire, and free will armd,
plete to have discoverd and repulst [ 10 ]
Whatever wiles of Foe or seeming Friend.
For still they knew, and ought to have still rememberd
The high Injun not to taste that Fruit,
Whoever tempted; which they not obeying,
Incurrd, what could they less, the penaltie, [ 15 ]
And manifold in sin, deservd to fall.
Up into Heavn from Paradise in haste
Th Angelic Guards asded, mute and sad
For Man, for of his state by this they knew,
Much w how the suttle Fiend had stoln [ 20 ]
Entranseen. Soon as th unwele news
From Earth arrivd at Heaven Gate, displeasd
All were who heard, dim sadness did not spare
That time Celestial visages, yet mixt
With pitie, violated not thir bliss. [ 25 ]
About the new-arrivd, in multitudes
Th ethereal People ran, to hear and know
How all befell: they towards the Throne Supream
Atable made haste to make appear
With righteous plea, thir utmost vigilance, [ 30 ]
And easily approvd; when the most High
Eternal Father from his secret Cloud,
Amidst in Thuterd thus his voice.
Assembld Angels, and ye Powers returnd
From unsuccessful charge, be not dismaid, [ 35 ]
Nor troubld at these tidings from the Earth,
Which your si care could not prevent,
Foretold so lately what would e to pass,
When first this Tempter crossd the Gulf from Hell.