854 As after thirst, which made their flowing shrink 846 From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole With soft foot to'wards the deep, who now had stopt His sluices, as the Heav'n his windows shut. The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground Fast on the top of some high mountain fix'd. And now the tops of hills as rocks appear; With clamour thence the rapid currents drive Tow'ards the retreating sea their furious tide. Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies, And after him, the surer messenger, A dove sent forth once and again to spy Green tree or ground whereon his foot The second time returning, in his bill An olive leaf he brings, pacific sign: Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark The ancient sire descends with all his train; Then with uplifted hand, and eyes devout, Grateful to Heav'n, over his head beholds A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow Conspicuous with three listed colours gay, Betokening peace from God, and cov'nant new. Whereat the heart of Adam, erst so sad, Greatly rejoic'd, and thus his joy broke forth. "O thou who future things canst represent may light; 862 870 As present, heav'nly Instructor, I revive At this last sight, assur'd that man shall live 871 But say, what mean those colour'd streaks in Heav'n Or serve they as a flow'ry verge to bind Lest it again dissolve and show'r the earth?" 880 To whom the Archangel. "Dext'rously thou aim'st; So willingly doth God remit his ire, Though late repenting him of man deprav❜d, Griev'd at his heart, when looking down he saw 887 Over the earth a cloud, will therein set 896 all things new, Both Heav'n and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell." PARADISE LOST. BOOK XII. ARGUMENT. The Angel Michael continues from the flood to relate what shall succeed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that Seed of the Woman shall be which was promised Adam and Eve in the fall. His incarnation, death, resurrection, and ascension; the state of the church till his second coming. Adam, greatly satisfied and recomforted by these relations and promises, descends the hill with Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while had slept, but with gentle dreams composed to quietness of mind and submission. Michael in either hand leads them out of Paradise, the fiery sword waving behind them, and the Cherubim taking their stations to guard the place. |