Chapter 9 8

For though I fled him angrie, yet recalled [ 330 ] To life prolong and promisd Race, I now Gladly behold though but his extreme skirts Of glory, and farr off his steps adore. To whom thus Michael with regard benigne. Adam, thou knowt Heavn his, and all the Earth. [335] Not this Rock only; his Omnipresence fills Land, Sea, and Aire, and every kinde that lives, Fomented by his virtual power and warmd: All th Earth he gave thee to possess and rule, No despicable gift; surmise not then [ 340 ] His presence to these narrow bounds confid Of Paradise or Eden: this had been Perhaps thy Capital Seate, from whence had spred

All generations, and had hither come From all the ends of the Earth, to celebrate [ 345 ] And reverence thee thir great Progenitor. But this praeminence thou hast lost, brought down To dwell on even ground now with thy Sons: Yet doubt not but in Vallie and in Plaine God is as here, and will be found alike [ 350 ] Present, and of his presence many a signe Still following thee, still compassing thee round With goodness and paternal Love, his Face Express, and of his steps the track Divine. Which that thou mayst believe, and be confirmed [ 355 ] Ere thou from henceforth depart, know I am sent

To shew thee what shall come in future days To thee and to thy Ofspring; good with bad Expect to hear, supernal Grace contending With sinfulness of Men; thereby to learn [ 360 ] True patience, and to temper joy with fear And pious sorrow, equally enured By moderation either state to bear, Prosperous or adverse: so shalt thou lead Safest thy life, and best prepared endure [ 365 ] Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend This Hill; let Eve (for I have drencht her eyes) Here sleep below while thou to foresight wakst, As once thou slepst, while Shee to life was formed.