2

I told ye then he should prevail and speed [ 40 ]

On his bad Errand, Man should be seduct

And flatterd out of all, believing lies

Against his Maker; no Decree of mine

Concurring to necessitate his Fall,

Or touch with lightest moment of impulse [ 45 ]

His free Will, to her own inclining left

In eevn scale. But falln he is, and now

What rests but that the mortal Sentence pass

On his transgression Death denounct that day,

Which he presumes already vain and void, [ 50 ]

Because not yet inflicted, as he feard,

By some immediate stroak; but soon shall find

Forbearance no acquittance ere day end.

Justice shall not return as bountie scornd.

But whom send I to judge them? whom but thee [ 55 ]

Vicegerent Son, to thee I have transferrd

All Judgement whether in Heavn, or Earth, or Hell.

Easie it might be seen that I intend

Mercie collegue with Justice, sending thee

Mans Friend his Mediator, his designd [ 60 ]

Both Ransom and Redeemer voluntarie,

And destind Man himself to judge Man falln.

So spake the Father, and unfoulding bright

Toward the right hand his Glorie, on the Son

Blazd forth unclouded Deitie; he full [ 65 ]

Resplendent all his Father manifest

Expressd, and thus divinely answerd milde.

Father Eternal, thine is to decree,

Mine both in Heavn and Earth to do thy will

Supream, that thou in mee thy Son belovd [ 70 ]

Mayst ever rest well pleasd. I go to judge

On Earth these thy transgressors, but thou knowst,

Whoever judgd, the worst on mee must light,

When time shall be, for so I undertook

Before thee; and not repenting, this obtaine [ 75 ]

Of right, that I may mitigate thir doom

On me derivd, yet I shall temper so

Justice with Mercie, as may illustrate most

Them fully satisfied, and thee appease.