Chapter 5 4

So without least impulse or shadow of Fate, [ 120 ] Or aught by me immutable foreseen, They trespass, Authors to themselves in all Both what they judge and what they choose; for so I formd them free, and free they must remain, Till they enthrall themselves: I else must change [ 125 ] Thir nature, and revoke the high Decree Unchangeable, Eternal, which ordained Thir freedom, they themselves ordained thir fall. The first sort by thir own suggestion fell, Self-tempted, self-depravd: Man falls deceivd [ 130 ] By the other first: Man therefore shall find grace, The other none: in Mercy and Justice both,

Through Heavn and Earth, so shall my glorie excel, But Mercy first and last shall brightest shine. Thus while God spake, ambrosial fragrance filld [ 135 ] All Heavn, and in the blessed Spirits elect Sense of new joy ineffable diffusd: Beyond compare the Son of God was seen Most glorious, in him all his Father shon Substantially expressd, and in his face [ 140 ] Divine compassion visibly appeed, Love without end, and without measure Grace, Which uttering thus he to his Father spake. O Father, gracious was that word which closd Thy sovran sentence, that Man should find grace; [ 145 ]

For which both Heavn and Earth shall high extoll Thy praises, with th innumerable sound Of Hymns and sacred Songs, wherewith thy Throne Encompassd shall resound thee ever blest. For should Man finally be lost, should Man [ 150 ] Thy creature late so lovd, thy youngest Son Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though joynd With his own folly? that be from thee farr, That farr be from thee, Father, who art Judg Of all things made, and judge only right. [ 155 ] Or shall the Adversary thus obtain His end, and frustrated thine, shall he fulfill His malice, and thy goodness bring to naught,

Or proud return though to his heavier doom, Yet with revenge accomplished and to Hell [ 160 ] Draw after him the whole Race of humanity, By him corrupted? or wilt thou thy self Abolish thy Creation, and unmake, For him, what for thy glory thou hast made? So should thy goodness and thy greatness both [ 165 ] Be questioned and blaspheamed without defense. To whom the great Creatour thus replied.