THE ARGUMENT. The angel Michael continues, from the flood, to relate what shall succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that seed of the woman shall be, which was promised Adam 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. ARGUMENT. Michel expose dans une narration ce qui suit le déluge. Abraham lui donne occasion d'expliquer quelle sera la race de la femme, suivant la promesse qui leur avoit été faite dans le jugement prononcé par le fils de Dieu; son incarnation, sa mort, sa résurrection, son ascension, l'état de l'Église jusqu'à son second avénement. Adam, consolé, remercie l'archange, descend de la montagne avec Michel. Il éveille Ève qui avoit dormi pendant tout ce temps, mais dont l'esprit avoit été calmé par des songes favorables. Michel les prend tous deux par la main, et les conduit hors du paradis. On voit l'épée de feu flamboyante derrière eux, et les chérubins placés dans le jardin, pour en garder les avenues. BOOK THE TWELFTH. As one who in his journey bates at noon, Though bent on speed; so here the' arch-angel paus'd Betwixt the world destroy'd and world restor'd, 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 crop, 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 unblam'd; and dwell LIVRE DOUZIÈME. AINSI qu'un voyageur, avec l'astre des jours, Enfin il le reprend, et poursuit en ces mots : Écoute, et pour jamais garde-s-en la mémoire. |