BOOK II
Attentive Hoel's Eyes on Arthur's Face
Were fixt, who thus began with God-like grace.
Before th' unshaken Pillars of the Earth
Were Reer'd, before prolifick Nature's Birth,
Before the Register of Time begun,
Or Heav'n's bright Forces throng'd about the Sun,
Was a wild Void, that no set Bounds restrain'd,
Where Silence, Night, and Desolation reign'd.
Where yet no glimmering track of Light appear'd,
No Discord yet, or Harmony was heard.
From Ages past lay in th' Eternal's Mind,
A finish'd Model of a World, design'd
To be Erected by Almighty Hands,
Where now this Round, Capacious Fabrick stands.
The deep Foundations laid, in Heav'n they said
A strange new World was making, Fame soon spread
The tydings through the Palaces of Bliss,
To see a work so wonderful as this,
Millions of Angels to Heav'n's Turrets fly,
And on the Crystal Terras of the Sky,
Stood in bright Throngs, and on Creation, gaz'd,
And at the Sight were ravish'd, and amaz'd.
Almighty Vigour strove through all the Void,
And such prolifick Influence employ'd,
That ancient, barren Night did pregnant grow,
And quicken'd with the World in Embrio.
The struggling Seeds of unshap'd Matter ly,
Contending in her Womb for Victory.
No Order, Form, or Parts distinct and clear,
Did in the Crude Conception, yet appear.
Thick Darkness did the unripe Light Embrace,
That faintly glanc'd on Chaos shady Face.
The unfledg'd Fire has no bright Wings to rise,
But scarce distinguish'd, with the Water lies.
It's sprightly, ruddy Youth not yet attain'd,
The glitt'ring Seeds, Mother of Fire, remain'd
Like golden Sands, thick scatter'd on the Shore,
Of the wild Deep, and shone in burning Oar.
In glowing Heaps the Stars lay dusky bright,
Rude and unpolish'd Balls of unwrought Light.
The Sphears pil'd up about their Poles were Furl'd,
Design'd the Swadling Bands of th' Infant World.
The Sky dispers'd, lay in Etherial Oar,
And azure Veins, betray'd th' Empyreal Store.
The watry Treasures in th' unfashion'd Birth,
Lay in the rough Embraces of the Earth.
But at the great Command will Thaw, and throw
The Dross off, and like melted Metals flow.
Besides vast numbers of loose Atoms stray,
And in the restless Deep of Chaos play.
In dark Encounters they for Empire strive,
And gain what Chance, and wild Confusion give.
Which joyntly here possess the Sov'raign Sway,
Pleas'd with those Subjects most, that least Obey.
Order, a bansh'd Rebel, flies the Place,
And Strife and Uproar fill the noisy Space.
Tumult and Misrule please at Chaos Court,
And everlasting Wars his Throne Support.
Troops arm'd with Heat have here a Battel won,
But Moist and Cold the Victor soon dethrone.
Here heavier Seeds rush on in numerous Swarms,
And crush their Lighter Foes, with pond'rous Arms.
The lighter strait Command with equal Pride,
And on wild Whirlwinds in mad Triumph ride.
None long submits to a Superiour Power,
Each yields, and in his turn is Conquerour.
If some grown mild from fierce Contention cease,
And with calm Neighbours court a seperate Peace;
If Truce they make, and in kind Leagues combine,
Their short Embraces some rude Shocks disjoyn.
Th' Eternal's Voice compos'd these Atoms jars,
And justling Elements intestine Wars.
He sets imprison'd Heat and Vigor free,
And suits and ranges Natures that agree.
He through the Ma** a mighty Ferment spread,
And where it came mis-shap'd Confusion fled.
Dark Chaos now throws off his gloomy Face,
Puts on fresh Beauty, and a Heav'nly Grace.
Th' Almighty spake, and strait the Sprightly Light
With lovely Looks broke from th' Abyss of Night;
On Golden Wings it mounts, and in its way
Its Smiles diffuse new Morn, and unripe Day.
Aloft vast spreading Sheets of Ether rise,
Matter for Sphears, and pure transparent Skies.
The Sky that for its Compa** scarce finds room,
Spun thin, and wove on Nature's finest Loom.
The new-born World in its soft Bosom wraps,
And all around its Starry Mantle laps.
The Sun's vast Globe that till the Birth of Day,
All Rough and Cloudy in wild Chaos lay;
Well wrought and polish'd, is advanc'd on high;
The vagrant Beams that stray'd about the Sky,
Now becken'd by Creating Power obey,
And the bright Forces hither hast away.
Then hov'ring on the Spungy Globe they wait,
And round their new appointed Mansion sate.
The thirsty Orb drinks in the liquid Beams,
And now but one vast Sea of Glory seems.
It self a Heav'n with dazling Lustre bright,
Pours out pure Floods of overflowing Light.
Here as in Furnaces of boiling Gold,
Stars dipt come back, full as their Orbs can hold
Of glitt'ring Light, here too the Moon all drown'd,
Does with the Golden Metal fill her Round.
Sometimes half dipt it but in part adorns
Her Face, and shines with Blunt, Refulgent Horns.
Th' Etherial Plain now cultivated bears,
A shining Harvest of Illustrious Stars.
That at a distance seem small Lights, but near
Capacious Realms, and gloroius Worlds appear.
The Sphears spread forth their Bosoms, now resin'd,
And Belly out, like Sails swoln big with Wind.
The Air beat out, and purify'd does lye,
A Crystal deep between the Earth and Sky.
Through this thin Void the Sun's indulgent Beams,
Flow gently on the Earth in Golden Streams.
That kindly steal away the Watry Store,
And rob the Earth, but to enrich it more.
The Earth with its own Burden tir'd, and prest
Down with its weight, lies in the midst at rest.
A Deep broke up, God calls Waters, they
Feel the Command, and with quick flight Obey.
In mighty Heaps the foaming Deluge flows,
High liquid Walls and curling Ridges shows.
Some Waters with a smooth and gentle Tyde,
On the Earth's plain and level Surface glide.
Others that meet a Steep abrupt Descent;
Roll down in Floods more loud and turbulent.
At last they fall from the high Precipice,
In noisy Floods into the dark Abyss.
Till the vast Deluge with its liquid Store,
Fills up the Deep, and Crowns the Ambient Shore.
Now their tall Heads the rising Mountains show,
And wide mouth'd Vallies sink themselves, as low.
The Earth as yet all bare and naked lay,
For Heav'n's Command th' imprison'd Spirits stay.
God spake, and straight a lovely Spring appears,
And every Field fresh, verdant Cloathing wears.
Green Herbs adorn the Hills aspiring Heads,
And smiling Flowers paint the Enamell'd Meads.
Trees starting up, lifted their Heads so high,
They met the Clouds descending from the Sky.
Some rang'd in beauteous Order, Stately stood,
Others press'd close, and throng'd into a Wood.
Some where the Sun gives more indulgent Heat,
Transparent Gums, and Od'rous Juices Sweat.
The fragrant Balsom-Tree distills around,
Her healing Riches on the neighbouring Ground.
The humble Jess'mine breaths Perfumes abroad,
And wanton Zephyrs bear the balmy Load.
Pure Crystal Rivers through the Meadows flow,
Their flowry Banks smile on them, as they go.
Their watry Train in Snaky Windings slides,
And in their Streams the scaly Nation glides.
Birds glad to try their Wings rise from the Earth,
And with their Songs they celebrate their Birth.
Beasts in their various Kinds all Mild, and Tame,
Stood gazing round, and wonder'd whence they came.
The Bleating Flocks wander on every Hill,
And lowing Herds the Ecchoing Vallies fill.
The sporting Lyon Paws the wanton Bear,
Wolves seek the Woods, the Lawns the timorous Deer.
The Crested Snake rolls on the flowry Plain,
The shining Volumes of his Spiral Train.
Leviathan in th' Ocean takes his place,
Prince of the Waters, and the Finny Race.
Rolling amidst the Waves, he takes his Sport,
As a great Sea-God in his watry Court.
Swimming to Land he drives high Seas before,
Like a great Island floating near the Shore.
In wanton pastime he s**s in with Ease,
Then spouts against the Skies th' exhausted Seas:
Like some prodigious Water-Engine made
To play on Heav'n, if Fires should Heav'n invade.
So fair, so rich a Paradise as this,
Almighty Power call'd from the dark Abys:
To keep the Birth-day of the World, the Spring
Does all her Joys and fragrant Riches bring.
Nature appearing in her brightest Dress,
Does all her Sweets and Heav'nly Charms express.
The Sphears in tuneful Measres Roll above,
And Heav'n's bright Orbs in beauteous Order move.
The smiling Earth discovers perfect Joy,
Where nothing noxious can its Peace annoy.
The Air's so soft, such balmy Odours fly,
So sweet the Fruits, so pure and mild the Sky,
The Blissful States, too great to be exprest,
By all the Pleasures of the wanton East,
By th' Arab's Sweets from Zephirs, tender Wings
Gently shook off, or what the Merchant brings
Of Forreign Luxury with tedious Toil,
From Asia's Coast, or soft Campania's Soil.
Thus after five days Labour Nature stood,
God view'd his Creatures, and pronounc'd them Good.
But still there wanted one that might adore
Divine Perfections, and Heav'n's Gifts implore.
That might himself, and his great Author know,
Obey his God, and rule as God below.
Then Man was made, the Author fram'd and wrought
The purer Mould, with more Concern and Thought.
His Mind made up of pure Etherial Air,
Came from the Hands Divine all Bright and Fair.
And lodg'd in Clay did at its Entrance give
So quick a touch, as made that Clay to live.
And both united with such wondrous Art,
In part he's Angel, Animal in part.
In whom the Bounds of both the Worlds are seen,
Where Earth does terminate, and Heav'n begin.
One part, like sprightly Flames, will upward move,
Kin to the blest, unbody'd Minds above.
The other, only shap'd and quicken'd Earth,
From moulded Dust receives its humble Birth.
Yet Life divine, and high Perfection gains,
Ennobled by the Guest it entertains.
His Form erect, and Cherub-like his Face,
Where Sweetness temper'd Stern and Manly Grace.
Mil'd to be lov'd, and awful to be fear'd,
He, like some new discover'd God, appear'd.
Then did th' Almighty to his Bosom give,
To bless him perfectly, his Consort Eve.
Of a more soft and nicely temper'd Mould,
Her strokes were tender, his more strong and bold.
Sweetness that ravish'd, milder than the Morn,
And perfect Beauty did her Looks adorn.
She like a Goddess, with the Heav'nly Charms,
Of blushing Innocence, comes to his Arms.
What Joys Divine did on the Fav'rite wait,
These happy Hours that knew his Native State!
His Work thus finish'd, and Creation done,
Th' Almighty rests on his Eternal Throne.
Straight the loud Shouts and Acclamations giv'n,
Shook the high Towers and jarring Gates of Heav'n.
There stood an Alabaster Mount that shone,
In th' Air sublime, from the Imperial Throne
Remov'd at distance, and between them lay,
All pav'd with Stars, a broad, frequented way.
Hither for great Assemblies they repair,
From all the Regions of th' Etherial Air.
Here they in perfect Love and Peace debate,
Th' Affairs that most affect their sacred State.
Hither the Princes of the Heav'nly Court,
Follow'd with Throngs unnumber'd now resort.
There met, a solemn Jubilee they Vote,
In Honour of the Wonders lately wrought.
Straight a Procession publik was enjoyn'd,
And thus perform'd t'adore th' Eternal Mind.
Trumpets march'd first, and chiefly that whose Sound
Shall strike Convulsions thro' the trembling ground:
Break their dark Prisons down, and call away
Th' awaken'd Dead, on the great Judgment Day.
Next Heav'nly Viols, soft harmonious Flutes,
Resounding Dulcimers, and tuneful Lutes
And Harps, like that which hangs the glitt'ring Pride,
As Poets feign, of young Apollo's side.
With perfect Sk** here chosen Cherubs play,
And Celebrate th' Almighty's Resting Day.
Then the blest Voices came with Hymns of Praise,
Angelick Musick, sweet Melodious Lays,
Such as bright Spirits in high Raptures sing,
Around the Throne of their Eternal King.
Now the first Rank of Potentates and Peers,
Mighty Arch-Angels, and high Thrones appears.
Crowns of substantial, ma**y Glory made,
Adorn'd with Gems, and Flow'rs that never Fade,
And Greens of Heav'nly growth all wreath'd between,
Are on the Heads of this bright Order seen:
Fresh Greens and Flow'rs, such as their Gardens bring,
Blest with mild Rays, and Everlasting Spring.
Vials of Incense in their Hands they bare,
And the sweet Clouds in Wheels roll up the Air.
Odours not to be told, fann'd from them fly,
And wondrous Fragrancy Perfumes the Sky.
Each had his Lyre, that from his Shoulders hung,
With Golden Wire, like radiant Sun-beams, strung.
Such was their Splendour, with such Grace they trod,
In Looks and Motion each appear'd a God.
Hither thick Crowds of vulgar Angels made,
And to admire this glorious Order staid,
And, as they pa**'d, humble Obeisance paid.
Then lower Ranks in long Procession pa**'d,
With Crowns and Badges of Distinction grac'd.
And all so Splendid, all so Rich and Gay,
That Heav'n before, ne'er saw so bright a Day.
Unfading Roses of Heav'nly Red,
On the bright Pavement were profusely spread.
Elysian Jess'mine, and blest Am'rant lay,
In od'rous heaps along the Milky way.
The Fountains all such Cost was then bestow'd,
With unexhausted Springs of Nectar flow'd.
And now advanc'd before th' Imperial Throne,
That lofty with excessive Brightness shone,
They from th' uneasie Lustre of the Light,
Protected with spread Wings their dazled sight.
In prostrate Adoration down they fell,
Opprest with Glory unsupportable.
Entranc'd, Transported, Ravish'd, there they ly,
And with blest Hallelujahs fill the Sky.
In Songs Sublime they praise th' Eternal Mind,
His Works from all the Ages past design'd,
His Greatness, Wisdom, Empire unconfin'd.
His Justice, that no Force or Prayer can move:
His spotless Truth, and Everlasting Love.
They Sing th' Eternal Son's Immortal Praise,
And to an equal height the sacred Spirit raise.
Then all arising from the sacred Quire,
O'erflowing with unbounded Joys, retire
To the blest Shades of the Celestial Bowers,
Where oft they choose to pa** their happy Hours.
Their Hunger here delicious Banquets met,
With vast Profusion on rich Tables set,
Banquets Divine, not such as Mortals Eat.
High Dishes in long Pomp and Order stood,
Fill'd with choice Fruits, rare Meats, all Angels Food.
Ambrosial Juices, sweet Nectarean Wine,
Ravish'd their Tast, and made their Faces Shine.
The Sons of God thus chear'd, dissolve in Joy,
Whilst his high Praises their blest Tongues employ.
In Joys and Triumphs so the Day they spend,
Such Mirth and Show the Festival attend;
Then when the Ev'ning came, or what instead
Of Evening there, does in its turn succeed.
Glorious Illuminations made on high,
By all the Constellations of the Sky,
In bright Degrees, and shining Orders plac'd,
Spectators charm'd, and the blest Dwellings grac'd.
Through all th' inlight'n'd Air rare Fireworks flew,
Which the Celestial Youth with Shouting threw.
Comets fly up with their red sweeping Train,
Then fall in Starry Showers, and glitt'ring Rain.
In th' Air ten Thousand Meteors blazing hung,
That from Heav'n's gilded Battlements were flung.
Here furious, flying Dragons hissing came,
Here harmless Fires play in lambent Flame.
Such Universal Joy in Heav'n they shew'd,
And in such hallow'd Mirth the day conclude.
In such Delights they pa** their time above,
And so shall we, if like them, we Obey and Love.
In all the Joys that happy Minds attain,
Blest Adam first began to live and reign.
He to fair Eden's Paradise resorts,
Where every Sense its proper Pleasure courts.
The joyful Spring by soft Favonius fan'd,
Diffus'd her Riches with a wanton Hand.
From new-blown Flowers luxurious Odours fly,
And Heav'nly Landskips meet his ravish'd Eye.
The twining Branches weave him shady Bowers,
And Hony-Dews fall in delicious Showers.
Birds with their Songs their Soveraign salute,
From Boughs that bend beneath their Golden Fruit.
Pure Streams to him their Crystal Waters bring,
And the glad Fish leap up, to see their King.
The harmless Beasts their humble Homage paid,
And the sole Monarch of the World obey'd.
Uninterrupted Peace his Mind possest,
And Joys unutterable fill'd his Breast.
He view'd his great Creator's glorious Face,
Clearly reflected from fair Nature's Gla**.
On her bright Form he saw, th' Impressions shine,
Of Wisdom Infinite, and Pow'r Divine,
Whence all things, as free Emanations flow,
As Streams their Being to their Fountain owe.
Which binds fast Nature's vast unshaken Frame,
Lest it dissolve to Nothing, whence it came.
Whilst in his Thoughts the pleasing Objects Roll,
Fresh Pleasures Feed his still transported Soul.
His Eyes thus fixt, the great Seducer's Sk**,
Could not engage his Thoughts, or move his Will.
A Day Serene smil'd on his Heav'nly Mind,
Dark with no Cloud, and undisturb'd with Wind.
No Guilt, no Frown from Heav'n disturbs his Soul,
Calm as deep Rivers in still Evenings roll.
No Storms of Pa**ion, such as us molest,
Annoys the Peaceful Region of his Breast.
No boiling Lust swell'd the o'erflowing Blood,
To bear down Reason with th' impetuous Flood.
His spotless Mind knew yet no other Fire,
Then those pure Flames, that Heav'nly Minds inspire.
O happy Man! above description blest,
Had he maintain'd the Station he possest.
Upon the Crystal River's flowry side,
That winding did in slow Meanders glide;
As loath to leave the Blissful Place, there stood
A Tree that rose above th' Hesperian Wood,
Its Fruit seem'd pleasant, but forbidden Food.
For he that with enormous Bounty pours
On Man, fresh Pleasures in incessant Showers;
That nothing can disturb his flowing Joys,
Unless Variety suspends his Choice.
Bids him not Eat the fatal Fruit, to prove
His due Obedience, and his constant Love.
The grand Apostate for high Crimes displac'd,
From Heav'n by fierce Almighty Vengeance chas'd,
Till down th' unfathom'd Precipice he fell
Confounded, to the fiery Gulph of Hell:
With Rage and Envy sees Man's happy State,
Whence he for ever lost had fall'n so late.
Himself undone urg'd with infernal Spight,
And dire Revenge, makes Ruin his delight.
That he from Heav'n might this fair Province gain,
That Sin and d**h might wider Sway attain,
And he his baleful Empire might extend,
Conceal'd beneath the specious Air of Friend,
Does to Man's Choice the fatal Tree commend.
As such whose Worth transcends the greatest price,
The Flower and Beauty of his Paradise.
Pleasing to Tast, but much more to the Mind,
Which those that Eat, should boundless Knowledge find.
Then points up to the fair forbidden Meat,
Bids him be Wise, and boldly take, and Eat.
He tempts him with the flatt'ring Hopes of Bliss,
Great as his God's, and lasting too, as his.
This gaudy Scene of Glory charm'd his Eye,
And his proud thoughts at God-like Greatness fly.
The bright Illusion turn'd his giddy Head,
And with vast Hopes his vain Ambition fed.
Thus gazing at the Glory of a God,
The Precipice was hid on which he trod.
The splendid Phantome now advances nigh,
And in his reach appears Divinity.
Which straight he grasps at, and to hold the more,
Empties his Hand of what it held before.
But sooner might he grasp unbody'd Minds,
And with clos'd Arms clasp in the raging Winds.
The glorious Shadow from his Hands does slide,
Mocks his Embraces, and defeats his Pride.
He Eat, but did no other Pleasures find,
Than the sad Terrors of a guilty Mind.
His cheated Hopes can no new Knowledge boast,
But of the Ill he feels, and Good he lost.
Thus fell lost Man, straight troubled Nature moan'd,
And shaking, with a strong Convulsion groan'd.
Ev'n Paradise look'd Sad, the Herds repin'd,
And lofty Cedars shook without a Wind.
The Roses fade, the Golden Apples turn'd
Pallid, and all the Sick Creation mourn'd.
To the thick Trees in vain fall'n Adam made,
To hide his blacker Guilt beneath their Shade.
Close Trees may so their well mixt Branches spread,
That Sun-beams cannot pierce their shady Head.
But God's clear Eye needs not so gross a Ray,
His Glory sheds a more Illustrious Day.
But had he been from his bright Eye conceal'd,
The crying Guilt had to his Ear reveal'd
Apostate Man, that Voice to Heav'n does rise
Loud, as the Thunder-claps, for which it cries.
What a black Train of Woes and hideous Fears,
Headed by one bold Crime, to Man appears.
The Serpent's Venom spreads through all his Veins,
And Sin's Contagion unresisted Reigns.
A d**h-like Damp shoots through from his poisn'd Blood,
And fear's cold Chains Arrest the beating Flood.
A dreadful Face of Things confounds his Eye,
He cannot stay secure, nor can he fly.
Black Thoughts of Vengeance seize his guilty Heart,
And Conscience wounds him, with her poison'd Dart.
Amidst the Trees he starts at every Noise,
Grows Pale, and thinks he hears th' Almighty's Voice.
The trembling Branches make him tremble more,
Now feebler, than the Fig-leaves, which he wore.
Man's Soul, by this rude Shock from's Center driv'n,
Stands so a-skaunt, and so remote from Heav'n,
Tis scarcely warm'd by its weak, Oblique Ray,
And has at best but a cold, darksome Day.
Fall'n from its bright Etherial Seat on high,
Down to the lowest Regions of the Sky,
It feels th' attractive Earth's Magnetick Force,
And round this low-hung Ball directs its Course.
As when a Planet, once all fair and bright,
Sickens, and shines with pale and faded Light;
By some fierce Storm bred in its Bowels rent,
As Clouds are by the Thunder in 'em pent.
The mighty Orb disjoynted cracks, and all
The broken Parts in Noisy Ruin fall.
The hideous, burning Hull does floating lie,
And with the wondrous Wreck affrights the Sky.
Sometimes it blazes with a dismal Light,
And then grown dim, seems lost and drown'd in Night.
Then sinking does the Starry Sky forsake,
Contented some inferior Seat to take.
Where Heav'n new moulds the Heap, and from th' Abyss,
Calls forth perhaps a Moon, or Earth, like this.
So Man seduc'd by the Impostor fell,
From Heav'n's bright Coasts, to the black Verge of Hell.
There he his Lustre lost, and God-like Grace,
Shews the sad Ruins of a Heav'nly Face.
Where Peace dwelt undisturb'd, and smiling Light,
Confusion now, Chaos and horrid Night.
Black, frowning Clouds, and murmuring Thunder rose,
O'er the vext Region of his guilty Soul.
Fierce, driving Storms, and bleak Tempestuous Wind
Beat on the wasteful Desart of his Mind.
Revenge, Despair, Grief, Jealousie, and Fear,
Have in their Turns, supreme Dominion here.
Reason dethron'd must the Commands obey
Of this wild Rout, that holds the Sovereign Sway.
Mean Time, th' Almighty does his Summons send,
Thro' Heav'n for all his Angels to attend.
High in the Midst of the Etherial Skies,
A Mount of rocky Diamond did rise:
Insuperably steep, and too sublime
For the tir'd Wings of Cherubims to climb.
O'er-looking Heav'ns wide Vales and spacious Plains
It stands, and unmolested Peace maintains.
Here the Almighty's bright Tribunal stands,
Whence his Decrees are sent, and high Commands.
Hence he gives Laws to all the Worlds below,
And hence eternal Right and Justice flow.
Hence Punishments proceed, and just Rewards,
Hence Orders come to all th' Angelick Guards,
To keep the Peace of Heav'n, and next secure
On Earth th' afflicted, from th' Oppressor's Power.
And now the Thrones and Pow'rs the Vally fill,
And stand adoring round the sacred Hill.
Adam's Rebellion they had newly heard,
And God's fierce Wrath in dreadful Signs appear'd.
Lightnings and Thunders isue from his Throne,
Lightnings scarce heard of, Thunder seldom known.
Tremendous Murmurs, and a mighty Sound
Of wondrous Ruine from the Hill rebound.
T'express incens'd Omnipotence conspire
Whirlwinds, thick Darkness and consuming Fire,
United Terrors, that with Fury broke
From the blest Mount, whence thus th' Almighty spoke.
The Man I made, and with my Image grac'd,
And next to your Angelick Order plac'd,
Revolting to th' Apostate Prince of Hell,
Against my Throne has yielded to Rebel.
The d**h I threaten'd, now I must inflict,
So Justice bids, nor is its Rule too strict.
You're here from all the Regions of the Sky,
To hear the Rebel doom'd, and see him Dye.
He spake, and thro' all Heav'n a Terror strook,
The Sphears, and all the Frame of Nature shook.
The Moon grew Pale, the Sun all Dim appear'd,
And all the Sons of God stood Mute, and fear'd.
Th' Almighty his Vindictive Arm makes bare,
Stretch'd out his Hand, and did for d**h prepare.
Mercy Shreek'd out, and trembling on her Face
Fell down, and did with Tears his Feet Embrace,
Offspring Divine, in Heav'n the most belov'd,
By whom ev'n Fate unchangeable is mov'd.
Her Looks so moving, such Celestial Grace,
So mild, and sweet an Air dwell on her Face,
So tender and engaging all her Charms,
That oft th' Almighty's Fury she disarms.
Her Language melts Omnipotence, arrests
His Hand, and thence his Vengeful Lightning wrests.
Then thus she spake:
Shall the successful, sly Impostor boast,
That by his Power the new Creation's lost?
Shall he thus Triumph in his impious Deed,
And all our Hopes defeat from Adam's Seed?
Must this fair Race be lost, so lately made,
And Hell made Bold your Empire to invade?
Adam has sinn'd, and Heav'n's high Grace abus'd,
But sinn'd betray'd, and by Hell's Fraud seduc'd.
Can't Wisdom Infinite, Expedients find,
To punish Guilt, and yet preserve Mankind?
Compa**ion, with stern Justice mixt, will draw
Honour to Heav'n's just Government, and Awe
All from offending the Establish'd Law.
At this, the Eternal Son rose from his Place,
The bright Effulgence of his Father's Face,
His fair and express Image, full of Grace.
In whom Divine, Substantial Glory dwelt,
And who Almighty Life and Vigour felt.
Th' Essential Wisdom, th' Everlasting Word,
The Universal Heir, and Soveraign Lord.
And thus he Silence broke, mine be the Task
To do what Justice and Compa**ion ask.
To Rescue Man, my self will Man become,
Assuming Substance from a Virgin's Womb.
A willing Sacrifice, I'll d**h Embrace,
Justice t'attone, and Ransom Adam's Race.
The Father straight a**ented, Mercy simil'd,
To see the Serpent of his Prey beguil'd.
Justice well pleas'd, accpets the offer'd Price,
And Heav'n's aton'd by its own Sacrifice.
The Heav'ns with loud rebounding Shouts did ring,
And the glad Angels in new Anthems sing,
The Intercessor, and mysterious King.
The rolling Years their Circles fill apace,
And well-breath'd Time runs its appointed Race.
Till it brought on the Hour when all should see,
The Son make good to Man, his blest Decree.
That our expected Hope might be enjoy'd,
Divinity appears with Man alloy'd.
His native Glory darts destructive Light,
And bright Oppression pours on Mortal's Sight;
He therefore draws a humane Veil between,
That temper'd Lustre might not k**, when seen.
Here two Extreams of distance infinite,
In one ineffable, mysterious Knot unite.
God lives conceal'd, within a Mould of Clay,
And does in Dust himself, and's Glory lay.
He that in all th' expanded Skies wants room,
Lies now encompa**'d with a Virgins Womb.
Immensity is wrapt in Swadling Bands,
The Prince by whom the World's wide Fabrick stands,
Supported in his Mother's Arms we see;
And vast Eternity begins to be.
He leaves his Starry Seat, and glitt'ring Crown,
And lays his dazling Robes of Glory down.
Then in an humble travelling Dress is seen
Seeking, as unknown Strangers do, an Inn.
Lord of the World, to whom proud Monarchs owe
Their Crowns and Scepters, he that does bestow
Honours and Wealth profusely on the Great,
Can't for his own Repose, find out a Seat,
But must from Men, to kinder Beasts, Retreat.
No other Court receives the new-born King,
That to debase himself, did choose to bring
No other Pomp, but naked Innocence;
Nothing for Ornament, or for Defence.
He that the Wants of all the World supplies,
Himself oppress'd with Pain and Hunger, Cries.
He Man's Assistance asks in vain, to whom
For Aid and Comfort all th' aflicted come.
Angels that did the Royal Stranger know,
The greatest Signs of Joy and Triumph show.
The Out-guards of their Camp saw marching round
Celestial Splendor rising from the Ground.
And gave th' alarm, the shining Squadrons fly
To th' Out-lines, and the Frontiers of the Sky:
To see the wond'rous Mediator Born,
Whom they Adore, though stupid Hebrews Scorn.
Some with spread Wings shoot swiftly thro' the Air,
And to the Shepherds first the Tydings bear,
That a great Shepherd was at Beth'lem Born,
Whose Deeds and Triumphs should that Name Adorn.
Tho' Angels Sing, obdurate Men are mute,
Nor will their Saviour, and their King Salute.
Yet some few famous Sages come from far,
Conducted by a brigter Morning Star,
Left all the Wealth and Wonders of the East,
To see a greater Sun rise in the West.
To find the Prince to Herod they resort;
For where should Kings be found, but in a Court?
But the directing Star that led their Way,
Stands still, and points down with a streaming Ray,
To a mean Stable, where the Stranger lay.
Where they with humble Adoration View,
The Infant Intercessor, known to few.
Whom they present with Odoriferous Gums,
Choice Spices, and Arabia's rich Perfumes.
The Sun of Righteousness begins to rise,
And Streaks with radiant Lines the Purple Skies.
Here did he from his healing Wings display,
The tender Dawn of Everlasting Day.
Pale Terror through the Courts of Darkness flew,
And Hell's sad Regions double Sorrow shew.
Th' Infernal Spirits wandring in the Air,
As Thunder-struck, in Anger and Despair,
With Shreeks and hideous Yellings fly the Sight,
And the keen Horrour of the Heav'nly Light.
Like obscene Birds of Night, they hast away
And shun in Clefts and Caves the Rising Day.
The Prince of Darkness now begins to fear,
The Dissolution of his Empire's near.
Th' ambiguous Oracles with Fear struck Dumb
Proclaim'd by Silence, the Messiah come.
Troubled and Sad th' Infernal Counsel sate,
Thoughtful how best t'avert th' impending Fate.
Various Projections, deep Designs were laid,
How best the dreaded Foe they might invade.
They first the Fury Jealousie dispatch,
To Herod's Court that might Occasion watch,
To kindle strong Suspicions in his Breast,
That th' Infant from him should his Scepter wrest.
She did so well perform her Hellish Part,
Herod soon yielded to her subtle Art.
For while the Sages leave their Eastern home,
And to admire the wondrous Infant come.
Herod, afraid his ravish'd Crown to loose,
The Royal Infant's hated Life pursues.
What to pale Tyrants dreadful won't appear,
When Love and Innocence can move their Fear.
'Tis true,
A King he is, whose Empire's vast Extent,
Shall pa** all Bounds, and last when Time is spent.
Submissive Monarchs shall their Scepters lay
Before his Feet, and his Just Laws Obey.
Kingdoms opprest shall his strong Aids invoke,
And thrust their Necks beneath his gentle Yoke.
The Roman Eagles shall the Conqueror own,
And Cæsar Court him to Ascend his Throne.
Admir'd by all, he shall in Triumph go
Where fruitful Nile, or fam'd Hydaspes flow,
Uncheckt by Africk Heats, or Scythian Snow.
Nations invited by his Fame, shall come,
More than e'er made their Court to Conquering Rome,
In splendid Emba**ies to sue for Peace,
And Worlds unknown his Empire shall increase.
The Earth shall banish'd Justice now regain,
And Love and Truth attend the happy Reign.
Soft Peace and Joy the chearful Earth shall Crown,
And Savage Beasts shall lay their Fierceness down.
The Lyon, Wolf, and Lamb, no more their Prey,
And little Infants shall Promiscuous play.
The years in Golden Harness smiling pa**,
And keeping beauteous Order run their Race.
Nor shall his Kingdom cease, or Subjects dye,
For when Time finds its empty Channel dry,
And all its disappearing Streams shall Sleep,
Lost and engulph'd in vast Duration's Deep.
Then shall this King his full Dominion gain,
And in Eternal Peace, and Triumph Reign.
But 'tis not Worldly Empire he design'd,
His Scepter is his Grace, his Throne the Mind.
Kings unmolested may their Scepters sway,
And Peaceful Subjects without Strife obey.
They may unrivall'd, and unenvy'd reign,
And all their Pomp, and Regal State maintain.
The great Redeemer has his Court unseen,
And reigns in Light, and Heavenly Love within.
But from the false Usurper's Cruelty
Officious Angels warn their Prince to fly.
He and his happy Parents leave their Home,
And all to Egypt's safer Border's come.
Egypt tho' for its Monsters famous grown,
Is now by treach'rous Palestine out-done.
For here they find a more secure Abode,
Egypt, once Jacob sav'd, and now his God.
The wandring God returns, the Tyrant dead,
To rich Judæ's Soil from whence he fled.
Where he begins his Kingdom to a**ert,
And his mirac'lous Virtue to exert.
The Blind receiv'd their Sight, their Feet the Lame,
And the Dumb spake to celebrate his Fame.
Loud Storms and Winds were husht at his Command,
And fierce wild Beasts did tame and harmless stand.
The wondring Dead arise, and hasty come,
Obsequious to his Call, from out their Tomb.
With fresh-created Fish and Loaves he fed
Th' admiring Crowd, that lay around him spread.
To the Decrepit he knew Force appoints,
And with strong Nerves new-brac'd their wither'd Joynts.
His Breath oft cool'd fierce Feavers raging Flames,
And his sole Word the deadly Poyson tames.
Round him in Crowds the sick and feeble throng,
The sick grow easie, and the feeble strong.
Fresh healing Vertue he diffus'd around,
And dying Men rose leaping from the ground.
The Languishing reviv'd, th' Afflicted cheer'd,
Took healthful Looks, and smil'd when he appear'd.
Demons at his Command vext Men forsake,
And to th' Infernal Caves and burning Lake,
Their hasty Flight, with piercing Screeches take.
Such Miracles did his high Office prove,
And Universal Admiration move,
Of all the chiefest was his wondrous Love.
He whom rebellious Men might justly fear,
In all his chosen Terrors would appear,
With Military Pomp, and Trumpets Sound,
His shining Host of Cherubs pour'd around;
Arm'd with keen Lightning, and the sharpest Sword,
That all his Magazins of Wrath afford,
To lay all Wast before him, and Efface
All Footsteps of Apostate Adam's Race,
He, unexampl'd Love! Attempts to win
Man from the Curse of d**h, and Curse of Sin,
With Pity, more than that of Mothers Hearts,
With Mercy's Charms, and Love's preswasive Arts.
His high design was with his Heav'nly Light,
To chase away th' Impenetrable Night,
That cover'd this lost World, and re-inspire
Man's frozen Breast with fresh Celestial Fire.
Th' Almighty's faded Image to repair,
That its bright Lines might shine distinct and fair.
To raise laps'd Minds to that high State of Love,
Of Light and Bliss, the Blest enjoy above.
To pull all bold Usurping Pa**ions down,
And settle Reason in its ancient Throne.
To break Sins heavy Chains, its Slaves release,
And fix 'twixt Earth and Heav'n a lasting Peace.
The Jews amus'd with Worldly Empire's Charms,
Hoping some Monarch with Victorious Arms,
With Roman pomp and Grandeur would arise,
The great Redeemer's humble State despise.
Inspir'd from Hell, his Message they refuse,
Deride his Person, and his Deeds accuse.
He that Supplies on all in want bestow'd,
Feasting with Miracles the hungry Crowd:
Finds from th' obdurate Hebrew no relief,
But with the Twelve Companions of his Grief,
He walk'd on his Eternal Purpose bent,
Scatt'ring his Heav'nly Gifts where'er he went.
Yet did unwelcom through their Regions stray,
From those ungrateful Cities thrust away,
Whence he had Devils and Diseases cast,
Him, and his proffer'd Heav'n, they from them chas'd.
At last his spotless Innocence traduc'd,
He stands before the Roman Throne accus'd;
On Cæsar's King Pilate in Judgment sits,
Condemns him, yet his Innocence acquits.
To please th' inexorable Jews he sheds
Blood, and Heav'n's dreadful Curses on their Heads.
That done, he wash'd his guilty Hands in vain,
The Blood he spilt, alone could Purge that Stain.
No Form of Cruelty his Foes omit,
They give sharp Stripes, and on his Face they Spit;
Which now adoring Angels blush to see,
Not for its Splendor, but Deformity.
To please united Cruelty and Scorn,
On's wounded Head they fix a Crown of Thorn.
They dress him in a Purple Robe, that gone,
His Blood with richer Purple dyes his own.
A Reed his Hand must for a Scepter sway,
Which with a Rod of Ir'n shall that Contempt repay.
They bow in Scorn before him, whilst he sate
A Pageant Prince, the mockery of State.
What various Shapes of Cruelty are shewn,
Under, and on his Cross he's made to groan.
And yet he bears a heavier Load within,
The pressure of the World's united Sin.
Stretcht on the cursed Tree his Body hangs,
Groaning its Life away in dying Pangs.
Forsaken both of Earth and Heav'n, his Breath
He wasted in the pains of lingring d**h.
Whilst on his Soul the blackest Horrors dwell,
That feels the Pains, without the Guilt of Hell.
The Barb'rous Hebrews for whose sake he dy'd,
Stand by, and see their Sov'raign Crucify'd,
Without the slight Compa**ion of a Tear,
Scarce in the Crowd does one sad Face appear.
Their Insolence dares mock his dying Moans,
Sport with his Torments, and deride his Groans.
Though solid Rocks touch'd with Compa**ion rent,
The more obdurate Jew does not relent.
For Man he Dies, that Heav'n may be aton'd,
He dies, the Universe afflicted groan'd,
Heav'n's Everlasting Frame shook with the Fright,
And the scar'd Sun shrunk back, and hid his Light.
Thro' th' Earth's dark Vaults a shiv'ring Horror fled,
That whilst Convuls'd threw up th' awaken'd Dead.
Thin pallid Ghosts come sweeping o'er the Gra**,
And howling Wolves Glare on them as they pa**.
Hoarse Thunder Rolls in Subterranean Caves,
Chaos to hearken stills his Raging Waves.
Ev'n Hell gap'd horribly, such was the fright,
And thro' the Chasm let thro' prodigious Night.
Night that extinguish'd the Meridian Ray,
And with its gloomy Deluge choak'd the Day.
Sad Moans were heard, Shreeks, Howlings, Midnight Cries,
And Globes of Fire hung Blazing in the Skies.
A fierce Convulsion thro' the Temple went,
The Pillars trembled, and the Veil was Rent.
The Heav'n's and Earth both suffer'd when he dy'd,
As Nature's Self were with him Crucify'd.
Down by their Sides the silent Angels laid
Their Golden Harps, and neither Sung nor play'd;
Their drooping Wings, and Looks dejected show
Sadness, as much, as those blest Realms can know.
Thrice the swift Sun his radiant Chariot drove
O'er the blue Hills, and out-stretch'd Plains above,
As oft the Moon had shot her paler Light,
In silver Threads thro' the brown Vest of Night.
When the Reviving Saviour leave his Tomb,
And, as new-born, breaks from the Earth's dark Womb.
The Chains of d**h shook off, he from the Ground,
Do's with new Force, Antæus like, rebound.
He comes in Triumph from the Conquer'd Grave,
And this blest proof of Resurrection gave.
Oft to his mournful Friends their Lord appear'd,
And their sad Minds with Heav'nly Pleasures cheer'd.
He then the Plan of his wise Kingdom laid,
Who should submit, and who should be obey'd.
To these he gave a Power to loose, and bind,
And with fix Bounds that Sacred Power confin'd.
He set the Rights his Subjects should enjoy,
Which Princes must Protect, but not Annoy.
And by wise Laws fixt all things that relate,
To the Support of his new founded State.
That done, pursu'd by their admiring Eyes,
Born on a shining Cloud he did arise,
In Heav'nly Pomp Triumphant thro the Skys.
The Clouds dividing in Obsequious Haste,
Smil'd, yielded by his Glory, as he pa**'d.
Great Michael, Raphael, and the rest that boast,
The chief Commands in the Celestial Host,
Great Princes, Thrones, and high Seraphick States,
With splendid Equipage pour'd from the Gates;
Sublime in high Celestial Chariots rode,
Far out of Heav'n, to meet th' ascending God.
The Pow'rs and high Dominions with their Train,
Shone glorious bright on all th' Etherial Plain.
On a fair Hill that the wide Vale commands,
The numberless, angelick Army stands.
Drawn up in shining Lines, and Warlike Bands.
The Trumpets all salute him pa**ing by,
And in the Air display'd the Banners fly.
And now arriv'd at Heav'n's Eternal Gate,
Attended with his long Triumphal State,
The blest Inhabitants due Honours give,
And all in Arms their conquering Prince receive.
Dispos'd in glorious Ranks each Order Shines,
And all the way the bright Militia Lines.
On's Chariot Wheels the thronging Cherubs hang,
With whose loud Shouts the Heav'n's high Arches rang.
Thus did he to th' Eternal's Palace ride
The Guards stood to their Arms on either Side:
Entring he took his Place, and Brightly shone
On the Right Hand, of his great Father's Throne.
Where he shall our great Intercessor stay,
Till the last Summons to the Judgment Day.
He ceas'd, and Hoel in his Arms embrac'd,
His God-like Friend, and cry'd, I'm highly grac'd
With this Divine Discourse, what Thanks to you,
Illustrious Prince, what Thanks to Heav'n are due?
Blest Peace came rolling on the raging Waves,
And your late Wreck, me and my Kingdom saves.
Kind Heav'n for me hath call'd forth Joy and Light,
From those fierce Storms, and that outrageous Night,
That forc'd your Vessels on th' Armoric Shore,
Your Loss I mourn, but Heav'n's Designs adore.
Long have I stray'd in gloomy Darkness lost,
Deep Gulphs, thick Woods, and trackless Mountains crost;
In endless Mazes, and in endless Night,
Without a Glimpse of Day, or Ray of Light.
The Gates of Light thrown open, you display
The first reviving Beams of Heav'nly Day.
Which darts across the Shades in shining Streaks,
And on my Mind in tender Dawning breaks.
How much I wish to see this Light Divine,
Rise to its Noon, and in full splendor shine?
You've open'd Heav'n's Eternal Springs, whence flow
Those sacred Rivulets, which you bestow
On the parch'd Region of this barren Breast,
Now with pure Streams of living Waters blest.
I drink them in with Joy, but thirst for more,
And for this thankful, still more Aid implore.
He ceas'd, the Prince who to oblige him strove,
Thus spake, all Seasons offer'd I'll with Joy improve,
To give more Light, and kindle greater Love.
My Toil and Sufferings when review'd, will please,
Caus'd by the stormy Winds and angry Seas,
If I can thus a**ist your Heav'nly Course,
Thro' gloomy Night, thick Mists, and Tempests force,
Thro' all the Snares of Hell, till you attain
Th' Eternal Haven, where blest Spirits Reign.
Now to the Foot of Heav'n's steep Precipice,
Ready to plunge into the deep Abyss,
The Red-fac'd Sun had roll'd the sinking Day,
Shooting along the Plains a level Ray.
The loving Turtle to his Airy Nest,
Flies with his moaning Mate, to Coe, and rest.
The timorous Hare steals from the Brakes to Feed,
And from the Yoke the lab'ring Ox is freed.
With strutting Teats the Herds come lowing home,
And Beasts of Prey o'er Hills and Forrests Roam.
And now the Princes, that had pa**'d the Day
In various talk to Conda came, to stay
Till the appearance of the Morning Ray.