Messiah was declar'd in sight of heaven, powers, 765 770 If these magnific titles yet remain 775 780 785 790 788 knee] Shakesp. Richard II. act i. scene iv. 'And had the tribute of his supple knee.' Todd Equally free; for orders and degrees Thus far his bold discourse without control 795 800 Had audience, when among the seraphim O argument blasphemous, false, and proud! 810 799 much less] This passage is considered as one of the most difficult in Milton. Bentley, Pearce, Richardson, Greenwood, Warburton, and Newton, have given their different interpretations. 1 differ from them, as they carry back the force of 'much less' to what has past. 1 consider one argument concluded at 'err not,' and that 'much less,' beginning a new one, looks forward; and I thus explain it: 'Much less reason has he to be called our Lord, and consequently to look for adoration from us, when it must be at the expense, or abuse of those imperial titles which in themselves assert our own sovereignty, and our consequent immunity from servitude.' He alludes to the titles given the angels. Thrones, dominations, princedoms,' &c. this argument Abdiel answers, v. 831. I trust that this explanation will be considered as satisfactory. 799 for this] for. This. Iste. Bentl. MS. Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate, Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn That to his only Son, by right endu'd 815 With regal sceptre, every soul in heaven And equal over equals to let reign, 820 One over all with unsucceeded power. Shalt thou give law to God? shalt thou dispute With him the points of liberty, who made Thee what thou art, and form'd the pow'rs of heaven Such as he pleas'd, and circumscrib'd their being? Yet by experience taught we know how good, All things, ev'n thee, and all the spirits of heaven By him created in their bright degrees, Crown'd them with glory, and to their glory nam'd Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powers, Essential powers; nor by his reign obscur'd, None seconded, as out of season judg'd, 841 846 850 That we were form'd then say'st thou? and the work Of secondary hands, by task transferr'd From Father to his Son? strange point and new! Doctrine which we would know whence learn'd: who saw 856 When this creation was? remember'st thou 860 Of this our native heaven, ethereal sons. Our puissance is our own, our own right hand 865 Beseeching or besieging. This report, 870 He said, and, as the sound of waters deep, Hoarse murmur echo'd to his words applause Through the infinite host; nor less for that The flaming seraph fearless, though alone Encompass'd round with foes, thus answer'd bold. 875 O alienate from God, O spirit accurst, Forsaken of all good, I see thy fall Determin'd, and thy hapless crew involv'd In this perfidious fraud, contagion spread Both of thy crime and punishment. Henceforth No more be troubled how to quit the yoke 880 Of GOD'S MESSIAH; those indulgent laws Will not be now vouchsaf'd, other decrees Against thee are gone forth without recall : These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath 869 Beseeching] See Heywood's Spider and Flie, p. 376. Myne answere is, not a harnes cap-a-pie Besieging (stead of beseeching).' 875 flaming] Each flaming seraph.' v. Beaumont's Psyche, c. xxix. st. 184. 885 890 888 Thy disobedience] Thee disobedient, v. 2. 702, b. 139, b. 687. Bentl. MS. 890 lest] The construction is deficient. Pearce would understand, 'but I fly' before 'lest. Bentley proposes reading, 'These wicked tents devote, but lest the wrath,' &c. Newton. |