Chapter 11 10
Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold
Th effects which thy original crime hath wrought
In some to spring from thee, who never touchd [ 425 ]
Th excepted Tree, nor with the Snake conspired,
Nor sinnd thy sin, yet from that sin derive
Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds.
His eyes he opnd, and beheld a field,
Part arable and tilth, whereon were Sheaves [ 430 ]
New reapt, the other part sheep-walks and woulds;
Ith midst an Altar as the Land-mark stood
Rustic, of grassie sord; thither anon
A sweatie Reaper from his Tillage brought
First Fruits, the green Eare, and the yellow Sheaf, [ 435 ]
Unculld, as came to hand; a Shepherd next
More meek came with the Firstlings of his Flock
Choice and best; then sacrificing, laid
The Inwards and thir Fat, with Incense strewed,
On the cleft Wood, and all due Rites performd. [ 440 ]
His Offring soon propitious Fire from Heavn
Consumd with nimble glance, and grateful steame;
The others not, for his was not sincere;
Whereat hee inlie ragd, and as they talkd,
Smote him into the Midriff with a stone [ 445 ]
That beat out life; he fell, and deadly pale
Groand out his Soul with gushing blood effusd.
Much at that sight was Adam in his heart
Dismaid, and thus in haste to th Angel crid.
O Teacher, some great mischief hath befalln [ 450 ]
To that meek man, who well had sacrificed;
Is Pietie thus and pure Devotion paid?
T whom Michael thus, hee also movd, replied.
These two are Brethren, Adam, and to come
Out of thy loyns; th unjust the just hath slain, [ 455 ]
For envie that his Brothers Offering found
From Heavn acceptance; but the bloodie Fact
Will be avenged, and th others Faith approved
Loose no reward, though here thou see him die,
Rowling in dust and gore. To which our Sire. [ 460 ]
Alas, both for the deed and for the cause!