PARADISE LOST. BOOK XII. 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. As one who in his journey bates at noon, This second source of Men, while yet but few, And while the dread of judgment past remains With large wine-offerings pour'd, and sacred feast, Of proud ambitious heart; who, not content Will arrogate dominion undeserv'd Over his brethren, and quite dispossess Hunting (and men not beasts shall be his game) A mighty hunter thence he shall be styl'd |