11

Then to the Heavn of Heavns he shall ascend

With victory, triumphing through the aire

Over his foes and thine; there shall surprise

The Serpent, Prince of aire, and drag in Chaines

Through all his Realme, and there confounded leave; [ 455 ]

Then enter into glory, and resume

His Seat at Gods right hand, exalted high

Above all names in Heavn; and thence shall come,

When this worlds dissolution shall be ripe,

With glory and power to judge both quick and dead [ 460 ]

To judge th unfaithful dead, but to reward

His faithful, and receave them into bliss,

Whether in Heavn or Earth, for then the Earth

Shall all be Paradise, far happier place

Then this of Eden, and far happier daies. [ 465 ]

So spake th Archangel Michael, then pausd,

As at the Worlds great period; and our Sire

Replete with joy and wonder thus replid.

O goodness infinite, goodness immense!

That all this good of evil shall produce, [ 470 ]

And evil turn to good; more wonderful

Then that which by creation first brought forth

Light out of darkness! full of doubt I stand,

Whether I should repent me now of sin

By mee done and occasiond, or rejoyce [ 475 ]

Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring,

To God more glory, more good will to Men

From God, and over wrauth grace shall abound.

But say, if our deliverer up to Heavn

Must reascend, what will betide the few [ 480 ]

His faithful, left among th unfaithful herd,

The enemies of truth; who then shall guide

His people, who defend? will they not deale

Wors with his followers then with him they dealt?