And temple of his mighty Father throned On high; who in glory him received, Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss. Thus measuring things in Heaven by things on earth, At thy request, and that thou may'st beware Of disobedience; firm they might have stood, BOOK VII. RAPHAEL, at the request of Adam, relates how and wherefore this world was first created; that God, after the expelling of Satan and his angels out of Heaven, declared his pleasure to create another world, and other creatures to dwell therein; sends his Son with glory, and attendance of angels, to perform the work of creation in six days: the angels celebrate with hymns the performance thereof, and his re-ascension into Heaven. D ESCEND from Heaven, Urania - by that name The meaning, not the name, I call; for thou Lest from this flying steed unreined - as once Standing on earth, not wrapt above the pole, Visit'st my slumbers nightly, or when Morn Say, goddess, what ensued when Raphael, Charged not to touch the interdicted tree, If they transgress, and slight that sole command, So easily obeyed amid the choice Of all tastes else to please their appetite Though wandering. He, with his consorted Eve, The story heard attentive, and was filled With admiration and deep muse, to hear Of things so high and strange; things to their thought And war so near the peace of God in bliss, |