20

He lookd, and saw the Ark hull on the floud, [ 840 ]

Which now abated, for the Clouds were fled,

Drivn by a keen North- winde, that blowing drie

Wrinkld the face of Deluge, as decaid;

And the cleer Sun on his wide watrie Glass

Gazd hot, and of the fresh Wave largely drew, [ 845 ]

As after thirst, which made thir flowing shrink

From standing lake to tripping ebbe, that stole

With soft foot towards the deep, who now had stopt

His Sluces, as the Heavn his windows shut.

The Ark no more now flotes, but seems on ground [ 850 ]

Fast on the top of som high mountain fixt.

And now the tops of Hills as Rocks appeer;

With clamor thence the rapid Currents drive

Towards the retreating Sea thir furious tyde.

Forthwith from out the Arke a Raven flies, [ 855 ]

And after him, the surer messenger,

A Dove sent forth once and agen to spie

Green Tree or ground whereon his foot may light;

The second time returning, in his Bill

An Olive leafe he brings, pacific signe: [ 860 ]

Anon drie ground appeers, and from his Arke

The ancient Sire descends with all his Train;

Then with uplifted hands, and eyes devout,

Grateful to Heavn, over his head beholds

A dewie Cloud, and in the Cloud a Bow [ 865 ]

Conspicuous with three listed colours gay,

Betokning peace from God, and Covnant new.

Whereat the heart of Adam erst so sad

Greatly rejoycd, and thus his joy broke forth.

O thou that future things canst represent [ 870 ]

As present, Heavnly instructer, I revive

At this last sight, assurd that Man shall live

With all the Creatures, and thir seed preserve.

Farr less I now lament for one whole World

Of wicked Sons destroyd, then I rejoyce [ 875 ]

For one Man found so perfet and so just,

That God voutsafes to raise another World

From him, and all his anger to forget.