Which Gabriel spying, thus bespake the Fiend. 1005 Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know'st mine ; Neither our own, but given: What folly then To boast what arms can do? since thine no more Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, how weak, If thou resist. The Fiend looked The Fiend looked up, and knew His mounted scale aloft: Nor more; but fled Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night. 1015 THE ARGUMENT. Morning approached, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream; he likes it not, yet comforts her: They come forth to their day-labours: Their morning hymn at the door of their bower. God to render man inexcusable, sends Raphael to admonish him of his obedience, of his free estate, of his enemy near at hand, who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise; his appearance described; his coming discerned by Adam afar off sitting at the door of his bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got together by Eve; their discourse at table: Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his state and of his enemy; relates, at Adam's request, who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning from his first revolt in Heaven, and the occasion thereof; how he drew his legions after him to the parts of the north, and there incited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only Abdiel a Seraph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes him. PARADISE LOST. BOOK V. Now Morn, her rosy steps in the eastern clime Of birds on every bough; so much the more Shot forth peculiar graces; then with voice 1 8 16 Her hand soft touching, whispered thus. Awake, Such whispering waked her, but with startled eye On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake. O sole in whom my thoughts find all repose, My glory, my perfection! glad I see Thy face, and morn returned: for I this night With gentle voice; I thought it thine: It said, 66 Why sleep'st thou, Eve? now is the pleasant time, 17 25 34 42 |