Paradise lost

Book 2 opens with Satan sitting on his throne; he addresses his

legions, saying that he still hopes to regain Heaven.

He says that now they must debate about the most effective way to
fight God; he asks whether all out war or something more subtle is
better.

Moloch speaks first; he's in favor of open war with God. They should
just batter God's throne with all they've got because things can't be
possibly get any worse.

Belial a really clever speaker is up next. He's not in favor of open

war because Heaven is too well-fortified and will easily expel the
foreign invaders.

And besides, being an angel, even in Hell, is better than death;

things could be worse. They could be burned alive by the fires of
Hell, chained to the burning lake, etc.

Actually, Belial is against any form of war because God will figure out
their plans and defeat them. Who knows? Maybe God will relax his
punishment if they just put up with it for a while.

Mammon is up next; he says it is impossible to defeat God and, even

if He forgives everybody, they'll have to be slaves and pay tribute to
Him. Not worth it.

They should just do what they want in Hell, because they're free
there. With a little hard work, they can make the best of their
situation.

There is applause after this speech; the fallen angels are afraid of
another war, and would rather build an empire in Hell to rival
Heaven's.

Beelzebub rises up; he says it's a joke to think they can have their
own empire in Hell. God will eventually exert his dominion over it
too.

There will be no peace, but they don't necessarily have to assault

Heaven. Rumor has it that God is building a new world. They should
check it out.

Maybe they can destroy mankind, or "Seduce them to our [the

devil's] party" (2.368).

The fallen angels vote in favor of Beelzebub's plansupposedly. It

sounds rigged.

He resumes his speech and asks who is bold enough to try and find
this new world?

Nobody volunteers, and all the angels are afraid; this is a bold,
important, and dangerous task.

Satan stands up and addresses the council. He says Hell is a really

strong prison and it's hard to get out; if one gets out, then one has
to deal with a dark place that has no being ("unessential Night"). It's
like stepping off the planet into something unknown.

He says he wouldn't be a good sovereign, though, if he were afraid

of doing something. He's the leader and should brave more dangers.
He'll look for the new world.

He tells the angels to make Hell cozier while he's away.

The fallen angels greatly respect their leader; they treat him like a
"Godequal to the highest in Heav'n" (2.479). He's risking his own
life for their sake after all.

They shouldn't get too excited; this prospect is kind of like a gleam
of sunshine when it's clearly going to rain.

The highest-ranking angels emerge from Pandemonium with Satan,

who is surrounded by a group of heavily-armed soldiers.

Trumpets made of fake gold proclaim the result of the council; Hell
resounds with cheering.

The leaders each go their own way, to relax or chill out to find
"truce for [their] restless thoughts'' while they wait for Satan to
return.

Some angels tear up rocks and create a huge ruckus; some of them
go off and sing songs. Still others go off in the hills to meditate on
philosophical subjects. Some even have races!

One group assembles into platoons and goes in search of an "easier

habitation" i.e., a nicer place to live. Each group travels along the
banks of one of the four rivers of Hell (Styx, Acheron, Cocytus,
Phlegeton).

Beyond these is the river of forgetfulness, Lethe. And beyond that,

the platoons discover that Hell is a frozen wasteland. Huh?

That's right, it's snowing and there's hail. Basically it's like
Antarctica. It's so cold, though, it almost burns. "Cold performs the
effect of Fire," Milton says.

Apparently the fallen angels will be forced to spend time in this part
of Hell on a regular basis, frozen in ice; the change from fire to ice is
brutal.

Meanwhile, Satan makes his way towards the gates of Hell, which
are very strong, and surrounded by fire. There are three of them
(one brass, one iron, one "adamantine rock").

There are two figures on either side of the gate. The first is a female
from the head to the waist, but below the waist, she's a serpentine.
Around her waist are little hell-hounds that constantly bark but
sometimes retreat into her womb. Disgusting!

The other is dark and black; he appears shapeless, and is very

terrible (sorry, that's all Milton gives us). He wears a fake crown on
his head, and is introduced at line 666. Hmmm.

Satan is not afraid; he addresses them, saying he's going through

that gate no matter what.

The male asks him if he's the rebel angel that started a huge war in
Heaven. He (the shapeless figure) is in charge here, not Satan.

Satan and this figure stare each other down (like two thunder
clouds), almost as if they were about to duel. Each plans to kill the
other with one stroke, but the female jumps between them.

She asks Satan why he's about to kill his.son! And she asks the
other why he's about kill hisfather!

Satan asks her what she's talking about, and she tells him: during
the planning of the revolt in Heaven, she (still unnamed) sprung
forth from the left side of his head! The rebel angels named her Sin.

Satan had a secret sexual relationship with his daughter Sin and
impregnated her; she fell with the angels from Heaven, was given
the key to Hell, and gave birth to Death (the shapeless guy).

Death eventually raped ("embraces forcible and foul") Sin (his

mother), who gave birth to those hell hounds around her waist. They
howl and gnaw out her insides.

Satan tells Sin that he's trying to free his angels and that he's going
in search of God's newly-created world. He'll let Sin and Death roam
free there if he finds it.

Sin says that God has forbidden her to open the gates. Why should
she listen to God, though, since He's exiled her? Besides, he's not
her real dad, Satan is.

Sin opens the gates; a thunderous sound is heard, and flames and
smoke burst out. Beyond is "a dark/ Illimitable Ocean without
bound,/ Without dimension" (2.891-893).

Satan observes this place it's called Chaos, and it is hot, cold,
moist, and dry all at once. It's really loud, louder than the sounds of
war or the sound of the earth imploding.

Satan takes flight; his journey takes him over a number of strange,
hybrid substances; he has to walk-fly, crawl, swim, basically move in
every which way. This is Chaos, after all.

He hears some sounds and moves towards them, eventually coming

to Chaos' throne. He tells him (Chaos) that he's trying to find the
borders of Heaven and asks for directions.

Chaos says he knows who he is; he heard the angels fall and saw the
heavenly angels pursue them.

He directs Satan towards earth, and Satan takes off like a pyramid of
fire.

Satan approaches Heaven, and he can see its light shining into the
dark abyss. He also notices the universe (Milton calls it the "world"),
hanging from Heaven by a golden chain.

He moves towards it "full fraught with mischievous revenge."

Satans characteror our perception of his characterchanges

significantly from Book I to his final appearance in Book X. In Book I he is a
strong, imposing figure with great abilities as a leader and public
statesmen, whereas by the poems end he slinks back to Hell in serpent
form. Satans gradual degradation is dramatized by the sequence of
different shapes he assumes. He begins the poem as a just-fallen angel of
enormous stature, looks like a comet or meteor as he leaves Hell, then
disguises himself as a more humble cherub, then as a cormorant, a toad,
and finally a snake. His ability to reason and argue also deteriorates. In
Book I, he persuades the devils to agree to his plan. In Book IV, however,
he reasons to himself that the Hell he feels inside of him is reason to do
more evil. When he returns to Earth again, he believes that Earth is more
beautiful than Heaven, and that he may be able to live on Earth after all.
Satan, removed from Heaven long enough to forget its unparalleled
grandeur, is completely demented, coming to believe in his own lies. He is
a picture of incessant intellectual activity without the ability to think
morally. Once a powerful angel, he has become blinded to Gods grace,
forever unable to reconcile his past with his eternal punishment.

The muse
1.The poem opens with an invocation; that's when the speaker asks the
muses ancient deities thought to inspire poetry and art to inspire him,
give him the ability to perform, etc. We see speakers talk to their muses in
the beginning of a lot of epic poems; check out the first lines of the Iliad.
He asks the muses to sing about "man's first disobedience" (1), the
Forbidden Fruit, his exile from Eden, his eventual redemption through Jesus
Christ, etc.
2. Milton addresses the light emanating from Heaven, saying it is God's
first "offspring." This is the second invocation of the poem.
The poet is now revisiting Heaven, after having spent the first two
books in Hell.

He still feels the heavenly light, but he can't see it because he's blind.
This doesn't prevent him from writing poetry, however. He's too tough for
that.
The poet hasn't forgotten about other famous blind poets and prophets,
such as Homer and Tiresias; he's "equal" to them in blindness and hopes
to be "equal" to them in fame.
The poet can't see anything so he asks the "celestial light" to shine
inward i.e., give him some kind of mental vision so he can compose
poetry and talk about things that most humans can't see anyway (Heaven,
Hell, the past, etc.).

3. The narrator begins Book 7, imploring his Muse, Urania, to

descend from Heaven. She's not one of the traditional nine muses
of Ancient Greece; she predates those pagan figures.

She helped him aspire to (i.e., sing about) Heaven, and now he
wants her to help return to earth. For the rest of the poem, he will
sing "Standing on earth."

It's safer there, even though he (John Milton) is surrounded by

dangers. He asks his muse to protect him from the fate that befell
Orpheus (the "Thracian bard"), who was torn to pieces.

4.Book 9 opens with Milton's final invocation; he says he must now change
his "notes" (i.e., his poem) to "tragic."
Milton says that his theme is more heroic than all the martial epics of
Homer, Virgil, and Spenser that have preceded him. The themes of those
poems are "Not that which justly gives heroic name/ To person or to poem"
(9.40-41).
The war between Angels and Demons
The clouds darken over God's hill and a trumpet is blown; the angels
begin marching, rank and file, towards the north, where they encounter
Satan's legions armed and ready. The two sides close in on each other,
until there is just a narrow space between them; Satan, who is sitting on a
"sun-bright chariot" amidst his crew, descends. The battle is brutal; it is
sometimes fought on land, sometimes in the air. Even the worst rebel
angel behaves like a good soldier though.
Book 3

Milton addresses the light emanating from Heaven, saying it is God's

first "offspring." This is the second invocation of the poem.

The poet is now revisiting Heaven, after having spent the first two
books in Hell.

He still feels the heavenly light, but he can't see it because he's
blind. This doesn't prevent him from writing poetry, however. He's
too tough for that.

The poet hasn't forgotten about other famous blind poets and
prophets, such as Homer and Tiresias; he's "equal" to them in
blindness and hopes to be "equal" to them in fame.

The poet can't see anything so he asks the "celestial light" to shine
inward i.e., give him some kind of mental vision so he can compose
poetry and talk about things that most humans can't see anyway
(Heaven, Hell, the past, etc.).

God is in Heaven, looking down at his angels, at Adam and Eve, and
at Satan. His Son (not named Jesus yet) sits on his right.

God describes Satan's malice to His Son. God knows what he's
(Satan) up to, and he knows that Satan will succeed in his attempts
to tempt mankind.

Everyone man and angels included has a choice. If they didn't

have a choice, their obedience to God would be a joke; it wouldn't be
meaningful.

God stresses that predestination doesn't exist; both mankind, Satan,

and the other rebel angels fell by their own choice: "they themselves
decreed/ Their own revolt, not I" (3.116-7).

Because mankind was deceived, he will find grace at some point.

Satan and company will get nothing.

God's Son responds. He praises God's resolution regarding man (i.e.,

that he will have grace) because it simply isn't possible that Satan
should win.

God responds, telling his Son that he's read his mind exactly. Some
men will be saved, but not because of their own will but because of
God's grace.

God says everyone will have the ability to hear his call; he'll implant
a conscience in them, which will help them achieve grace, Heaven,
or whatever safely.

But wait, what about all of man's sins? They have no way of making
up for those, unless someone will become mortal and die for their
sins. Any volunteers?

Heaven stands "mute." Nobody wants to make the sacrifice. This

could have been the end for mankind if the Son hadn't stood up.

He'll do it; he'll become mortal and die for man's sins.

The Son says he knows he'll be giving up a lot in Heaven, but he also
knows that he won't really die (he's immortal after all).

He'll rise from the dead, defeat Satan and death itself, and lead Hell
captive. Then he'll return to Heaven.

God responds to the Son, saying essentially "thank God for you my
Son, otherwise man would have been toast."

The entire human race will be saved through the intercession of his
Son, and through him only.

The Son won't degrade himself by becoming a man, says God; so

great a sacrifice will do nothing but exalt him.

Moreover, He will then make his Son sole ruler of the universe. "All
knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide / In Heaven, or Earth, or
under earth in Hell" (3.321-322).

God continues, saying that eventually there will be a Last Judgment

("doom") when the Son will send some people to Hell and some to
Heaven.

After that, Hell will be closed off completely, the earth will be
burned, and a new Heaven and earth will emerge.

All Heaven resounds with hymns of praise, cheering, and "jubilee."

The angels bow down before God's and the Son's thrones, before
picking up their harps and making music.

The narrator tells us that the Son is God's agent; it was through the
Son that he created the universe and through him that he defeated
the rebel angels.

Meanwhile, Satan emerges from Chaos at the outer edge of the

created universe.

He's like a vulture in the Himalayas who can't find any food so he
goes in search of more fertile pastures but then stops off in a barren
region.

From his position he can see Heaven's gate it is made with

diamonds, gold, and other jewels and a set of stairs that go from
the created universe up to Heaven.

At the bottom of the stairs is a portal that opens into the universe;
Satan looks through the portal, almost as if he had been hiking all
night and finally got to the top of a hill from which he could see an
entire land or city, glistening in the dawn's light.

Satan doesn't stick around to enjoy the view but flies right through
the portal. He lands on the sun! It's really bright "beyond
expression bright" and colorful.

Satan looks around the universe it's always sunny, no shade yet.
He sees an angel in the sun with his back turned and a tiara on his
head. He looks busy, or at least as if he's thinking deeply.

Satan quickly changes his appearance; he turns into a young Cherub

(a different order of angel) and approaches the angel, who turns
around when he hears Satan approaching.

It's Uriel, one of the seven angels who stand closest to God's throne.
Satan addresses him, saying he wants to check out God's new
creation. He asks him which planet is man's.

Uriel who can't tell he's being duped responds to Satan, saying
there's nothing wrong with wanting to see God's creations.

Uriel himself saw the world created; he points out the location of
Paradise (i.e., the Garden of Eden) for Satan, who thanks him and
heads towards the earth, landing on

Mt. Niphates.
Book 4
he narrator interjects, saying he wishes it had been possible for
mankind to have been warned of Satan's plans so they could have avoided
succumbing to temptation.
Satan is angry about losing the battle in Heaven, and he plans to take
his anger out on mankind. He can never really escape from Hell, because
the true Hell is within him.
He addresses the sun. He tells him he hates his beams because they
remind him of what he once was.
But he was already so close to the top, he couldn't resist trying to go all
the way, trying to defeat God. He didn't want to remain in a state of
"subjection" to God, he says.
Satan is really upset. His despair is only getting worse: "Which way I fly
is Hell; my self am Hell" (4.75).
Satan says God will never forgive him because he knows that if he
(Satan) were allowed to re-enter Heaven, he would eventually try to
overthrow God again. There will never be peace.
Satan therefore resolves on evil because he has no hope or fear: "Evil
be thou my Good," he says. He and God will rule a "Divided Empire."
Satan is so angry that his face changes colors: "each passion dimmed
his face / Thrice changed with pale, ire, envy and despair" (4.114-5). Uriel
notices this from his position in the sun.
Satan approaches the edge of Paradise, which is at the top of a steep,
overgrown hill. The sides of the hill are covered with bushes and trees. The
wall of Paradise stands tall at the top.
Above the wall can be seen a "circling row / Of goodliest trees loaden
with fairest Fruit." Pleasant air, "gales," and "perfumes" emanate from
Paradise.

Satan can't climb the hill; it's so thick and wooded. The only gate is on
the other side (the eastern side); he decides to just jump clear over it, like
a wolf or a thief.
He lands on the top of the Tree of Life to observe Eden; it is "A Heaven
on Earth." Right next to the Tree of Life is the Tree of Knowledge, which
caused humanity's "death."
Paradise is as beautiful as one would think; gorgeous lawns, sheep
grazing in peace, every succulent type of fruit, every type of flower,
ambrosial odors, etc.; even the roses are "without thorn."
Satan sees all the "delight" of Paradise "undelighted," and then notices
"Two of far nobler shape erect and tall."
One is male, the other female; they seem (to Satan) somewhat
unequal. "For contemplation he and valor formed, / For softness she and
sweet attractive grace." He looks strong, and she looks soft and sweet.
They're both naked; the woman has long hair down to her waist;
Adam's hair only goes to his shoulders.
She's clearly subservient to him, but it's not slave-like. She yields with
the utmost love.
They are "the loveliest pair / That ever since in love's embraces met"
(4.321-322). They've just finished gardening and are sitting down to a
meal of nectarines. All the animals play near them; we do mean all! Milton
mentions lions and elephants.
Satan sees all this and exclaims, "Oh Hell." He says little do they know
what's in store for him. Soon, he'll drag them (so he thinks) to Hell.
He jumps down from the tree among the animals and changes his
shape into a lion, then a tiger. His ears perk up as he hears Adam address
Eve.
Adam says God must be infinitely good; he gave them Paradise, has
absolutely no need for anything they can provide, and has only given them
one easy rule: don't eat from the Tree of Knowledge.
Eve replies, saying essentially "you're right honey." She remembers
when she was born. She explains how she wandered over to a lake and
was startled by her own reflection in the water. A voice led her to Adam.
She tried to turn away from Adam because he was "less faire" and "less
amiably mild" than her own reflection in the water.
Adam called her back, telling her that she was created from his side
and that he claims her as his "other half."
Satan sees all this and is sickened; he calls it a "Sight hateful, sight
tormenting." They get to have a paradise and each other and he's stuck in
Hell. Ugh!

He says he can't understand why they're not allowed to possess

knowledge. He will "excite" their desire to know, and trick them into
disobeying God's one command.
In the meantime, he plans to find out more information, and goes in
search of other angels that might be hanging out in Eden.
The sun is setting in the west. The light glances off the eastern gate of
Paradise, which ascends to the clouds and Heaven. Gabriel, an angel, sits
at the top and watches over Paradise.
Uriel comes to Gabriel on a sunbeam, just like a shooting star. He tells
Gabriel that a strange guy came asking for information earlier. He later
recognized him as "one of the banished crew."
Gabriel says if someone snuck into Eden, he'll find out by morning who
it is. Uriel departs as night falls. A beautiful description of twilight and
evening ensues.
Adam says to Eve that it's time for bed; God has ordained periods of
labor and rest, after all. He tells her about some of their laborious
gardening projects for the next day.
Eve says she obeys whatever Adam says because "so God ordains." She
really loves Adam, so much so that she wouldn't like any of it if he weren't
there to share it with her.
Adam responds, telling Eve all about why the stars and heavens shine.
He also talks about various "celestial voices" that he has heard about
night, singing the praises of God.
Adam and Eve enter their "bower," a pretty "lodge" with all kinds of
flowers on the walls and floor. As they approach, they look up to the sky
and praise God and his creations.
They enter their home, and make love: "nor Eve the Rites/ Mysterious
of connubial love refused" (4.743-744). This is Paradise, and God said be
fruitful and multiply. Besides, this is the purest love imaginable.
While they sleep, Gabriel tells his second in command, Uzziel, to take a
squadron and check the south of Eden. He (Gabriel) will check the north
with another group.
He orders Ithuriel and Zephon, two other angels, to search for the rebel
angel in Eden. They find him disguised as a toad, whispering poisonous
thoughts into Eve's ear.
Ithuriel touches him with his spear, and he then turns back to his
normal shape. They ask Satan which rebel angel he is.
He responds by saying, "Don't you guys know who I am? If you don't,
you must be really low on the totem pole because all important angels
know me."

Zephon responds by saying he looks different than when he was in

Heaven. He now looks like his new home, Hell. He says Satan must answer
to Gabriel.
After some more banter, they lead Satan to where Gabriel and his
squadrons are waiting. Gabriel recognizes Satan as the leader of the fallen
angels and tells his soldiers to be ready for a fight.
Gabriel asks Satan why he's left his prison in Hell. Satan replies that he
used to think Gabriel was wise but not after this question. Who wouldn't
try to leave the gloom of Hell for something better?
Gabriel sarcastically responds, saying what a shame that Heaven lost
such a great judge of wisdom as Satan. He asks him why Satan came
alone; surely if he told his angels he was looking for something better they
would have followed.
Satan responds, saying he's not afraid of pain. What would Gabriel
know about a leader's duty to accept hardship for his followers? He has
braved the dangers of exploration
Gabriel calls Satan a liar. First he (Satan) said he was looking for
pleasure and now he gives this line about being a spy of some kind? And
he calls himself faithful? What a joke, says Gabriel, as he tells Satan to get
back to Hell.
Satan says Gabriel can say that once he's chained him. They stare at
each other in defiance. A battle seems about to happen until God drops a
pair of scales from Heaven.
The scales weigh the alternatives of parting or fighting; parting wins out
i.e., Satan better leave or he'll be badly beaten because he's
outnumbered.
Gabriel tells Satan to take a look at the scales; Satan does, realizes
there's no point, and takes off.
Book 5
The sun is rising as Adam awakes from a smooth sleep; he looks at his
wife, who is still sleeping. She looks rough, as if she had a bad dream.
Adam speaks to her.
She wakes up, tells Adam he's perfect, and then mentions that she's
had a rough night. She didn't dream of him, like she usually does, but of
someone else whispering at hear ear telling her to come forth.
She wanders out (in her dream) and ends up at the "Tree/ Of interdicted
Knowledge," where there is an angel-looking guy there. He asks why
knowledge is forbidden, says that's a stupid rule, and takes a bite of the
fruit.
Eve is shocked at so bold a deed; the angelic figure tells her: "Taste
this, and be henceforth among the Gods/ Thy self a Goddess, not to Earth
confined" (5.77-78).

Eve eats the fruit and flies up to Heaven with the angel; he disappears,
she sinks back down, and then wakes up.
Adam is concerned. He concludes it has something to do with the
"Fancy," which can make up crazy images and ideas while one is asleep.
He says something like this: "let's not worry about it because I know
you won't eat the fruit. We have work to do." Eve sheds a tear, and is
about to shed more but Adam kisses them before they fall.
They exit their bower and offer "orisons" or prayers to God. They say
the beauty of the world proclaims His goodness, and they exhort all of
nature (the winds, the streams, flowers, etc.) to praise their maker.
Adam and Eve get down to work in Eden. God observes them, with pity
(why?), and calls Raphael, the "sociable spirit," to his side.
He tells him (Raphael) that Satan is causing a ruckus in Paradise, and
orders him to go and tell Adam about it.
Raphael immediately departs and heads for earth. He lands on the
eastern cliff of Paradise, where all the other angels on watch recognize
him.
He has six wings (three pairs, on the shoulders, the waist, and the
heels); he shakes them (heavenly fragrance is dispersed while he does
this) and starts walking.
Adam is sitting in the door of his bower (Eve is inside preparing fruits),
and sees Raphael approaching. It's high noon.
Adam tells Eve to get everything (food-wise) together for their guest,
who is so bright he seems like another sun "another morn" rising at
midday.
Eve says she'll go pick the best fruits and foods she can from their
garden. She departs "on hospitable thoughts intent."
Meanwhile, Adam walks forth to meet Raphael and invites to lunch and
hang out in his bower until the "meridian heat" is over. Raphael agrees.
They approach the bower, where Eve is waiting, naked ("undecked").
Fruits of all seasons are spread before them on a grassy table that has
mossy seats around it.
Adam encourages Raphael to eat. Raphael says that even angels eat
food and share with mankind things like sight, touch, hearing, etc.
They fall to eating; Raphael chows, just as if a hungry person would.
Eve makes sure their glasses are full.
Adam decides he's not going to let this chance pass by of asking
Raphael a bunch of questions about "things above his world." He asks him
first how the food compares to Heaven's.

Raphael says that everything in the world is made of the same stuff,
just in different combinations. In other words, God is the most spiritual at
one end and earth the least spiritual (and most bodily) at the other.
This passage is a good example of Milton's monism, which we thought
we should explain here because it's a little tricky: Monism holds that there
is no distinction between body and spirit, that everything is a product of
"one first matter all." Everything in the universe has some different
combination of bodily and spiritual substances, depending on their place in
the hierarchy of the universe.
Raphael tells Adam that, at some point in the future, if he follows God's
rules, he and Eve's "bodies" will perhaps "at last turn all to Spirit."
Adam thanks Raphael, but asks, "What's the deal with this obedience
stuff? Is it even possible that my wife and I would disobey God and screw it
all up?"
Raphael responds to Adam, saying essentially, "Look, dude, God
created all this for you; it's your job to take care of it and not break the
rules."
He continues, saying God created everybody free. Adam and Eve are
"By nature free"; they are "not overruled by fate/ Inextricable, or strict
necessity" (5.527-8). If their praise of God and service to him weren't
voluntary, it wouldn't mean anything to God.
Ditto the angels, says Raphael. They choose to worship God; their
obedience secures their happiness. Those who don't obey lose Heaven and
end up in Hell.
Adam is curious and asks Raphael to tell him more. Raphael is a bit
wary but agrees. He says it will be hard to communicate to Adam what
happened in Heaven in words he will understand.
Once upon a time, before the universe was created, there was only
Heaven and Chaos. All the angels were summoned to a council, says
Raphael.
At the council, God proclaims His Son the new sheriff in town. Everyone
will obey him or go to Hell (literally). Just about everybody rejoices (says
Raphael) and goes about singing and dancing before sitting down to a
banquet.
Not everybody is so happy though. Satan is really angry; he was really
high in God's esteem and feels slighted. He conceives "Deep maliceand
disdain."

At midnight Satan awakes his next in command and tells hThe

narrator begins Book 7, imploring his Muse, Urania, to descend from Heaven.
She's not one of the traditional nine muses of Ancient Greece; she predates
those pagan figures.

She helped him aspire to (i.e., sing about) Heaven, and now he wants her to
help return to earth. For the rest of the poem, he will sing "Standing on earth."

It's safer there, even though he (John Milton) is surrounded by dangers. He

asks his muse to protect him from the fate that befell Orpheus (the "Thracian
bard"), who was torn to pieces.

Adam and Eve have listened attentively to Raphael, and now Adam wants to
know more, especially about the creation of the world. He asks Raphael to say
why and how God created the world.

Raphael says he'll tell him, though it too will be tough to explain. He warns
Adam not to get too curious after he leaves; knowledge is like food, he tells
him, and also must be rationed, otherwise one will get sick.

God, Raphael says, sees Satan fall and tells His Son that he will now create
another world, lest Satan boast that he took a bunch of angels with him.

According to God, there will be one man that will give birth to an entire race;
but he'll live somewhere else, not in Heaven.

God tells his Son that he'll give His Son the power to create another world
(he's sub-contracting the job to His Son).

There's much rejoicing in Heaven as the Son comes forth; the gates of
Heaven are opened, and he (here called the "Word") bids the "troubled waves"
of the abyss to be still as he rides into Chaos.

A bunch of angels follow him to watch the creation; he takes a golden

compass and measures out the bounds of the universe.

He infuses "vital virtue" and "vital warmth" into the abyss while also moving the
black, lifeless matter far away. He then groups ("conglobe") like substances
into spheres, such as the earth.

Then comes the famous "Let there be light," as God divides night and day; the
angels praise his creation as the first day comes to a close.

On the second day he creates the "firmament," which is something like the
atmosphere that acts as a buffer between the waters on the surface of the
earth and the heavens.

On the third day he creates dry land; mountains emerge as various forms of
water (streams, etc.) make their way to the sea.

God names the huge bodies of water "seas" and orders that grass, trees, and
vegetation come forth. The formerly barren earth all of a sudden blooms as the
third day ends.

On the fourth day he creates the sun, moon, and stars to make the divisions
between night, day, and the seasons clear.

On the fifth day, he creates reptiles, birds, and whales; he says to them "Be
fruitful, multiply." Many other animals breed and populate the oceans, creeks,
etc.

On the sixth day, He creates the "beasts" of the earth, such as cattle, lions,
tigers, and others. He also makes insects (such as bees), worms, and other
little creatures. But there's still something missing.

God says to His Son, "Let us make now Man in our image," which he does. He
also creates a female, Eve, to be his companion and says to both: "Be fruitful,
multiply, and fill the earth."

He places them in Eden, gives them dominion over everything, and says they
can do anything except eat from the Tree of Knowledge.

The Son goes back to Heaven amidst rejoicing; he returns to sit as His
Father's side and rest from his six-day labor. The seventh day is now
hallowed, though not in silence: music, harps, and rejoicing are heard
throughout Heaven.

Raphael finishes, and asks Adam if there's anything else (within reason) that
he would like to know

im to assemble all of his forces in the north. He's really angry about this
Son stuff.
Satan's lieutenant notifies all of the sub-commanders to attend a
meeting; apparently, Satan was able to persuade a third of the angels in
Heaven to join his side.
God, who sees everything, sees all this and speaks to his Son, telling
him to get ready for an attack.
Meanwhile, Satan has arrived in the north and is sitting on his throne at
the top of a mountain. He pretends to have called the angels there in order
to discuss how best to receive their new boss, the Son of God.
Satan asks how they can possible serve two masters, God and His Son.
Sounds like slavery, "prostration vile," to him.
Even though all the angels aren't equal, they're all free, and this whole
business about God's Son is an insult to liberty, so he claims.
Most of the angels liked what they hear, but not Abdiel, an angel whose
devotion to God is unquestionable.
He tells Satan that his arguments are blasphemous. He asks "Shalt thou
give law to God, shalt thou dispute/ With him the points of liberty?" (5.822823).

God always has their best interests in mind, says Abdiel. He is "bent
rather to exalt / Our happy state" rather than lessen it.
Abdiel tells Satan that he better hurry up and apologize to God while
there's still time.
Nobody is interested in Abdiel's arguments, which amuses Satan, who
then responds to Abdiel's speech, challenging the claims to God's role in
creation.
Satan says nobody remembers their birth; he claims that he and his
angels were "self-begot" and "self-raised." He's denying God's priority,
essentially, and he tells Abdiel to go tell the Son the very same.
There is some applause but Abdiel is undeterred; "I see thy fall/
Determined, and thy hapless crew involved / In this perfidious fraud."
Satan will soon know who created him, and he'll regret it.
Abdiel turns his back on Satan and company. "His loyalty he kept, his
love, his zeal."

Book 6Abdiel heads back to where the good angels are. As morning
dawns he notices the plain of Heaven "Covered with thick embattled
squadrons bright,/ Chariots and flaming Arms, and fiery steeds"
(6.16-17).

God addresses Abdiel from behind a golden cloud, saying essentially

"well done, servant of God. You've made the more difficult but the
right choice."

God then orders the angels Michael and Gabriel to wage war against
the rebel angels and send them to Hell.

The clouds darken over God's hill and a trumpet is blown; the angels
begin marching, rank and file, towards the north, where they
encounter Satan's legions armed and ready.

The two sides close in on each other, until there is just a narrow
space between them; Satan, who is sitting on a "sun-bright chariot"
amidst his crew, descends.

Abdiel can't endure the sight, and says to his fellow angels: "I can't
believe this guy still looks like an angel. Once he betrayed God his
appearance should have withered."

He then addresses Satan, saying, "You're crazy. God could destroy

you with anything. Some of us prefer faith and trust in God, as you
can see."

Satan responds, telling Abdiel that he will be the first to feel Satan's
wrath ("the first assay/ Of this right hand provoked").

He says that he (Abdiel) was just trying to get on God's good side,
and that many of the "good" angels are choosing servitude over
freedom.

Abdiel responds, telling Satan that he's wrong. Worshipping and

obeying God is not slavery or servitude; servitude is worshiping an
"unwise" leader like Satan.

With that, Abdiel strikes Satan so swiftly that he doesn't have time to
repel it. His legions are shocked and "enraged" to see their leader
thus treated.

Michael gives the order for the trumpet to sound, and the armies
clash: "now storming fury rose [] Arms on armor clashing brayed/
Horrible discord, and the madding wheels/ of brazen chariots raged"
(6.207; 209-211).

If the earth had existed at this point, it would have shaken to the
center; even the weakest angel could wield the cosmos. Just imagine
millions that strong, says Raphael. Luckily, God limits their strength.

The battle is brutal; it is sometimes fought on land, sometimes in the

air. Even the worst rebel angel behaves like a good soldier though.

Satan notices Michael, and approaches him with his shield. Michael,
seeing an opportunity to capture Satan and end this civil
("intestine") war, addresses Satan.

He tells him he (Satan ) has brought "misery" into Heaven, which

had known only peace before. Heaven will not tolerate him: "Get of
here and take your evil with you to Hell," he seems to say

Satan responds, saying something like: "Don't talk trash, Michael,

because you can't back it up. We plan to win Heaven or turn it into
Hell, so long as we're free in the end. I'm not afraid of you or God so
bring it! I've been looking for you."

The two stop talking and start fighting; they seem like two planets
coming together. As both try to kill each other with one stroke,
Michael chops Satan's sword in half and then slashes his right side.

A "nectarous" substance oozes from Satan's body, which quickly

heals, though his armor is stained. "Then Satan first knew pain,"
says Raphael.

His minions rush to his aid and cart him back to his chariot. Satan is
furious because he realizes he's not the "matchless" fighter he
thought himself to be.

Meanwhile, the battle rages. Gabriel thrashes Moloch while Uriel,

Raphael, and Abdiel all confound various enemies.

The battle field is a mess of broken chariots and wounded steeds;

the rebel angels are wounded and many are fleeing. This battle is
the first time they feel "fear" and "pain."

Night falls, which causes a natural break in the action. Both sides
bivouac for the night; Satan calls a council.

He feeds his legions a bunch of bull; he says they've proven

themselves worthy of "honor, dominion, glory, and renown."

He says they thought God all-powerful, but the force He sent hasn't
been able to defeat them; ipso facto, He's fallible. Yeah, sure,
they've been hurt, but they also can't really die. No biggie.

But, Nisroc responds, the pain really, really sucks. Whoever can
come up with a more effective strategy will be much appreciated.

Satan says he has an idea; he'll build canons ("hollow engines long
and round"), which they'll shoot at the enemy.

The rebel angels set to work on building the canons; they dig up the
ground, find the necessary elements, etc.

In the morning, the good angels are preparing for battle when
Zophiel, a scout, alerts them that Satan and his forces are marching
towards them so they should get ready.

Satan's army approaches in the shape of a square with an empty

center ("hollow cube") to conceal the canon. He orders his soldiers
to flank right and left.

The canons are unveiled and lit by the rebels. Smoke, flames,
"chained thunderbolts and hail/ Of Iron globes" level thousands of
angels. They don't know what to do; they can't advance or retreat.

Satan sees this and remarks, in derision, that the good angels were
coming towards them but then they changed their minds! Belial
responds with his own sarcastic remarks.

Satan and company are convinced of victory and laugh at God's

thunder; but the good angels aren't done yet. They're mad, and they
begin tearing out the surrounding hills!

"Amaze/ And terror" seize the rebel host as God's angels throw the
hills at them. They're crushed, but those not buried by mountains
copy God's angels and throw hills back.

God can see the whole thing. He turns to His Son and says this
thing's been going on for two days and that it's as brutal ("sore"), as
expected.

He tells Jesus that only His Son has the power to end the war; take
my chariot, my sword, and my thunder and "drive them out / From
all Heaven's bounds into the utter deep" (6.715-716).

The Son responds, saying he always does what his father asks. He'll
do it, and afterwards everyone will rejoice.

The chariot comes forth, pulled by "four Cherubic shapes." Their

bodies are "set" with stars, their wings with eyes, and the wheels of
the chariot also with eyes.

Jesus, with his bow and quiver, ascends the chariot. He approaches
the battle "in sapphire throned." Michael moves his soldiers around
to make room for the Son.

The rebel angels rally for another attack; they're only invigorated by
the Son's arrival.

The Son addresses his angels, telling them they can stop fighting.
He'll do the rest because it's his job ("to me their doom he [God]
hath assigned").

The Son assumes a very terrible countenance and flies towards the
rebel army; all of Heaven shakes, except for God's throne.

The rebel angels are astonished, and immediately drop their

weapons. He shoots arrows while the cherubim pulling the chariot
shoot fire and lightning.

He gathers the rebels together like goats and pushes them towards
the wall of Heaven; a hole opens up, revealing the chaos without.
The angels are horrified and throw themselves out of Heaven.

They fall for nine days, until Hell, "the house of woe and pain,"
receives them.

The hole in the wall of Heaven is closed, and the angels approach
the Son, rejoicing. He returns to his father.

Raphael concludes, telling Adam that he's done his best to make him
comprehend things beyond human comprehension. Satan is trying to
undo him (Adam) as they speak, he says.

"Let it profit thee to have heard/ By terrible example the reward/ Of

Disobedience" (6.909-911), he concludes.

Book 7

The narrator begins Book 7, imploring his Muse, Urania, to descend

from Heaven. She's not one of the traditional nine muses of Ancient
Greece; she predates those pagan figures.

She helped him aspire to (i.e., sing about) Heaven, and now he
wants her to help return to earth. For the rest of the poem, he will
sing "Standing on earth."

It's safer there, even though he (John Milton) is surrounded by

dangers. He asks his muse to protect him from the fate that befell
Orpheus (the "Thracian bard"), who was torn to pieces.

Adam and Eve have listened attentively to Raphael, and now Adam
wants to know more, especially about the creation of the world. He
asks Raphael to say why and how God created the world.

Raphael says he'll tell him, though it too will be tough to explain. He
warns Adam not to get too curious after he leaves; knowledge is like
food, he tells him, and also must be rationed, otherwise one will get
sick.

God, Raphael says, sees Satan fall and tells His Son that he will now
create another world, lest Satan boast that he took a bunch of
angels with him.

According to God, there will be one man that will give birth to an
entire race; but he'll live somewhere else, not in Heaven.

God tells his Son that he'll give His Son the power to create another
world (he's sub-contracting the job to His Son).

There's much rejoicing in Heaven as the Son comes forth; the gates
of Heaven are opened, and he (here called the "Word") bids the
"troubled waves" of the abyss to be still as he rides into Chaos.

A bunch of angels follow him to watch the creation; he takes a

golden compass and measures out the bounds of the universe.

He infuses "vital virtue" and "vital warmth" into the abyss while also
moving the black, lifeless matter far away. He then groups
("conglobe") like substances into spheres, such as the earth.

Then comes the famous "Let there be light," as God divides night
and day; the angels praise his creation as the first day comes to a
close.

On the second day he creates the "firmament," which is something

like the atmosphere that acts as a buffer between the waters on the
surface of the earth and the heavens.

On the third day he creates dry land; mountains emerge as various

forms of water (streams, etc.) make their way to the sea.

God names the huge bodies of water "seas" and orders that grass,
trees, and vegetation come forth. The formerly barren earth all of a
sudden blooms as the third day ends.

On the fourth day he creates the sun, moon, and stars to make the
divisions between night, day, and the seasons clear.

On the fifth day, he creates reptiles, birds, and whales; he says to

them "Be fruitful, multiply." Many other animals breed and populate
the oceans, creeks, etc.

On the sixth day, He creates the "beasts" of the earth, such as

cattle, lions, tigers, and others. He also makes insects (such as
bees), worms, and other little creatures. But there's still something
missing.

God says to His Son, "Let us make now Man in our image," which he
does. He also creates a female, Eve, to be his companion and says
to both: "Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth."

He places them in Eden, gives them dominion over everything, and

says they can do anything except eat from the Tree of Knowledge.

The Son goes back to Heaven amidst rejoicing; he returns to sit as

His Father's side and rest from his six-day labor. The seventh day is
now hallowed, though not in silence: music, harps, and rejoicing are
heard throughout Heaven.

Raphael finishes, and asks Adam if there's anything else (within

reason) that he would like to kno

The narrator begins Book 7, imploring his Muse, Urania, to descend from
Heaven. She's not one of the traditional nine muses of Ancient Greece; she
predates those pagan figures.
She helped him aspire to (i.e., sing about) Heaven, and now he wants her
to help return to earth. For the rest of the poem, he will sing "Standing on
earth."

It's safer there, even though he (John Milton) is surrounded by

dangers. HThe narrator begins Book 7, imploring his Muse, Urania, to
descend from Heaven. She's not one of the traditional nine muses of Ancient
Greece; she predates those pagan figures.

She helped him aspire to (i.e., sing about) Heaven, and now he wants her to
help return to earth. For the rest of the poem, he will sing "Standing on earth."

It's safer there, even though he (John Milton) is surrounded by dangers. He

asks his muse to protect him from the fate that befell Orpheus (the "Thracian
bard"), who was torn to pieces.

Adam and Eve have listened attentively to Raphael, and now Adam wants to
know more, especially about the creation of the world. He asks Raphael to say
why and how God created the world.

Raphael says he'll tell him, though it too will be tough to explain. He warns
Adam not to get too curious after he leaves; knowledge is like food, he tells
him, and also must be rationed, otherwise one will get sick.

God, Raphael says, sees Satan fall and tells His Son that he will now create
another world, lest Satan boast that he took a bunch of angels with him.

According to God, there will be one man that will give birth to an entire race;
but he'll live somewhere else, not in Heaven.

God tells his Son that he'll give His Son the power to create another world
(he's sub-contracting the job to His Son).

There's much rejoicing in Heaven as the Son comes forth; the gates of
Heaven are opened, and he (here called the "Word") bids the "troubled waves"
of the abyss to be still as he rides into Chaos.

A bunch of angels follow him to watch the creation; he takes a golden

compass and measures out the bounds of the universe.

He infuses "vital virtue" and "vital warmth" into the abyss while also moving the
black, lifeless matter far away. He then groups ("conglobe") like substances
into spheres, such as the earth.

Then comes the famous "Let there be light," as God divides night and day; the
angels praise his creation as the first day comes to a close.

On the second day he creates the "firmament," which is something like the
atmosphere that acts as a buffer between the waters on the surface of the
earth and the heavens.

On the third day he creates dry land; mountains emerge as various forms of
water (streams, etc.) make their way to the sea.

God names the huge bodies of water "seas" and orders that grass, trees, and
vegetation come forth. The formerly barren earth all of a sudden blooms as the
third day ends.

On the fourth day he creates the sun, moon, and stars to make the divisions
between night, day, and the seasons clear.

On the fifth day, he creates reptiles, birds, and whales; he says to them "Be
fruitful, multiply." Many other animals breed and populate the oceans, creeks,
etc.

On the sixth day, He creates the "beasts" of the earth, such as cattle, lions,
tigers, and others. He also makes insects (such as bees), worms, and other
little creatures. But there's still something missing.

God says to His Son, "Let us make now Man in our image," which he does. He
also creates a female, Eve, to be his companion and says to both: "Be fruitful,
multiply, and fill the earth."

He places them in Eden, gives them dominion over everything, and says they
can do anything except eat from the Tree of Knowledge.

The Son goes back to Heaven amidst rejoicing; he returns to sit as His
Father's side and rest from his six-day labor. The seventh day is now
hallowed, though not in silence: music, harps, and rejoicing are heard
throughout Heaven.

Raphael finishes, and asks Adam if there's anything else (within reason) that
he would like to know.

BACK

NEX

e asks his muse to protect him from the fate that befell Orpheus (the
"Thracian bard"), who was torn to pieces.
Adam and Eve have listened attentively to Raphael, and now Adam wants
to know more, especially about the creation of the world. He asks Raphael
to say why and how God created the world.
Raphael says he'll tell him, though it too will be tough to explain. He warns
Adam not to get too curious after he leaves; knowledge is like food, he
tells him, and also must be rationed, otherwise one will get sick.
God, Raphael says, sees Satan fall and tells His Son that he will now create
another world, lest Satan boast that he took a bunch of angels with him.
According to God, there will be one man that will give birth to an entire
race; but he'll live somewhere else, not in Heaven.
God tells his Son that he'll give His Son the power to create another world
(he's sub-contracting the job to His Son).
There's much rejoicing in Heaven as the Son comes forth; the gates of
Heaven are opened, and he (here called the "Word") bids the "troubled
waves" of the abyss to be still as he rides into Chaos.
A bunch of angels follow him to watch the creation; he takes a golden
compass and measures out the bounds of the universe.
He infuses "vital virtue" and "vital warmth" into the abyss while also
moving the black, lifeless matter far away. He then groups ("conglobe")
like substances into spheres, such as the earth.
Then comes the famous "Let there be light," as God divides night and day;
the angels praise his creation as the first day comes to a close.
On the second day he creates the "firmament," which is something like the
atmosphere that acts as a buffer between the waters on the surface of the
earth and the heavens.
On the third day he creates dry land; mountains emerge as various forms
of water (streams, etc.) make their way to the sea.
God names the huge bodies of water "seas" and orders that grass, trees,
and vegetation come forth. The formerly barren earth all of a sudden
blooms as the third day ends.

On the fourth day he creates the sun, moon, and stars to make the
divisions between night, day, and the seasons clear. The narrator
begins Book 7, imploring his Muse, Urania, to descend from Heaven. She's

not one of the traditional nine muses of Ancient Greece; she predates those
pagan figures.

She helped him aspire to (i.e., sing about) Heaven, and now he wants her to
help return to earth. For the rest of the poem, he will sing "Standing on earth."

It's safer there, even though he (John Milton) is surrounded by dangers. He

asks his muse to protect him from the fate that befell Orpheus (the "Thracian
bard"), who was torn to pieces.

Adam and Eve have listened attentively to Raphael, and now Adam wants to
know more, especially about the creation of the world. He asks Raphael to say
why and how God created the world.

Raphael says he'll tell him, though it too will be tough to explain. He warns
Adam not to get too curious after he leaves; knowledge is like food, he tells
him, and also must be rationed, otherwise one will get sick.

God, Raphael says, sees Satan fall and tells His Son that he will now create
another world, lest Satan boast that he took a bunch of angels with him.

According to God, there will be one man that will give birth to an entire race;
but he'll live somewhere else, not in Heaven.

God tells his Son that he'll give His Son the power to create another world
(he's sub-contracting the job to His Son).

There's much rejoicing in Heaven as the Son comes forth; the gates of
Heaven are opened, and he (here called the "Word") bids the "troubled waves"
of the abyss to be still as he rides into Chaos.

A bunch of angels follow him to watch the creation; he takes a golden

compass and measures out the bounds of the universe.

He infuses "vital virtue" and "vital warmth" into the abyss while also moving the
black, lifeless matter far away. He then groups ("conglobe") like substances
into spheres, such as the earth.

Then comes the famous "Let there be light," as God divides night and day; the
angels praise his creation as the first day comes to a close.

On the second day he creates the "firmament," which is something like the
atmosphere that acts as a buffer between the waters on the surface of the
earth and the heavens.

On the third day he creates dry land; mountains emerge as various forms of
water (streams, etc.) make their way to the sea.

God names the huge bodies of water "seas" and orders that grass, trees, and
vegetation come forth. The formerly barren earth all of a sudden blooms as the
third day ends.

On the fourth day he creates the sun, moon, and stars to make the divisions
between night, day, and the seasons clear.

On the fifth day, he creates reptiles, birds, and whales; he says to them "Be
fruitful, multiply." Many other animals breed and populate the oceans, creeks,
etc.

On the sixth day, He creates the "beasts" of the earth, such as cattle, lions,
tigers, and others. He also makes insects (such as bees), worms, and other
little creatures. But there's still something missing.

God says to His Son, "Let us make now Man in our image," which he does. He
also creates a female, Eve, to be his companion and says to both: "Be fruitful,
multiply, and fill the earth."

He places them in Eden, gives them dominion over everything, and says they
can do anything except eat from the Tree of Knowledge.

The Son goes back to Heaven amidst rejoicing; he returns to sit as His
Father's side and rest from his six-day labor. The seventh day is now
hallowed, though not in silence: music, harps, and rejoicing are heard
throughout Heaven.

Raphael finishes, and asks Adam if there's anything else (within reason) that
he would like to know.

BACK

NEX

On the fifth day, he creates reptiles, birds, and whales; he says to them
"Be fruitful, multiply." Many other animals breed and populate the oceans,
creeks, etc.
On the sixth day, He creates the "beasts" of the earth, such as cattle,
lions, tigers, and others. He also makes insects (such as bees), worms, and
other little creatures. But there's still something missing.

God says to His Son, "Let us make now Man in our image," which he does.
He also creates a female, Eve, to be his companion and says to both: "Be
fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth."

He places them in Eden, gives them dominion over everything, and

says they can do anything except eat from the Tree of Knowledge.
The narrator begins Book 7, imploring his Muse, Urania, to descend from
Heaven. She's not one of the traditional nine muses of Ancient Greece; she
predates those pagan figures.

She helped him aspire to (i.e., sing about) Heaven, and now he wants her to
help return to earth. For the rest of the poem, he will sing "Standing on earth."

It's safer there, even though he (John Milton) is surrounded by dangers. He

asks his muse to protect him from the fate that befell Orpheus (the "Thracian
bard"), who was torn to pieces.

Adam and Eve have listened attentively to Raphael, and now Adam wants to
know more, especially about the creation of the world. He asks Raphael to say
why and how God created the world.

Raphael says he'll tell him, though it too will be tough to explain. He warns
Adam not to get too curious after he leaves; knowledge is like food, he tells
him, and also must be rationed, otherwise one will get sick.

God, Raphael says, sees Satan fall and tells His Son that he will now create
another world, lest Satan boast that he took a bunch of angels with him.

According to God, there will be one man that will give birth to an entire race;
but he'll live somewhere else, not in Heaven.

God tells his Son that he'll give His Son the power to create another world
(he's sub-contracting the job to His Son).

There's much rejoicing in Heaven as the Son comes forth; the gates of
Heaven are opened, and he (here called the "Word") bids the "troubled waves"
of the abyss to be still as he rides into Chaos.

A bunch of angels follow him to watch the creation; he takes a golden

compass and measures out the bounds of the universe.

He infuses "vital virtue" and "vital warmth" into the abyss while also moving the
black, lifeless matter far away. He then groups ("conglobe") like substances
into spheres, such as the earth.

Then comes the famous "Let there be light," as God divides night and day; the
angels praise his creation as the first day comes to a close.

On the second day he creates the "firmament," which is something like the
atmosphere that acts as a buffer between the waters on the surface of the
earth and the heavens.

On the third day he creates dry land; mountains emerge as various forms of
water (streams, etc.) make their way to the sea.

God names the huge bodies of water "seas" and orders that grass, trees, and
vegetation come forth. The formerly barren earth all of a sudden blooms as the
third day ends.

On the fourth day he creates the sun, moon, and stars to make the divisions
between night, day, and the seasons clear.

On the fifth day, he creates reptiles, birds, and whales; he says to them "Be
fruitful, multiply." Many other animals breed and populate the oceans, creeks,
etc.

On the sixth day, He creates the "beasts" of the earth, such as cattle, lions,
tigers, and others. He also makes insects (such as bees), worms, and other
little creatures. But there's still something missing.

God says to His Son, "Let us make now Man in our image," which he does. He
also creates a female, Eve, to be his companion and says to both: "Be fruitful,
multiply, and fill the earth."

He places them in Eden, gives them dominion over everything, and says they
can do anything except eat from the Tree of Knowledge.

The Son goes back to Heaven amidst rejoicing; he returns to sit as His
Father's side and rest from his six-day labor. The seventh day is now
hallowed, though not in silence: music, harps, and rejoicing are heard
throughout Heaven.

Raphael finishes, and asks Adam if there's anything else (within reason) that
he would like to know .

The Son goes back to Heaven amidst rejoicing; he returns to sit as His
Father's side and rest from his six-day labor. The seventh day is now
hallowed, though not in silence: music, harps, and rejoicing are heard
throughout Heaven.Raphael finishes, and asks Adam if there's anything
else (within reason) that he would like to know.

Book 8

Raphael finishes speaking, and Adam thanks him. But there's still some things
he's curious about. Why do all huge stars and planets, etc. move all over the
place rather than the earth?

Eve gets up and walks out in the garden, but not because she can't handle the
discussion that's about to follow. She'd rather hear it from Adam, not Raphael,
because Adam will give her little kisses while he's telling her things.

Raphael responds, saying it doesn't really matter whether the earth or the
heavens are moving. Some things God has concealed.

The point though, he tells Adam, is that he (Adam) doesn't really know what's
going on. The earth isn't necessarily less than other heavenly bodies just
because it's smaller.

Raphael then goes on to describe a number of complicated astronomical

theories, ultimately telling Adam, "Solicit not thy thoughts with matters hid,/
Leave them to God above, him serve and fear" (8.167-168).

Adam is satisfied, and says he understands: there's no point worrying about all
kinds of crazy stuff in the universe and God's purposes in making it that.

Adam says he's going to do some narrating and tell Raphael his earliest
memories. Raphael says he'd be delighted to hear because God sent him to
watch the gates of Hell when Adam first awoke.

Adam says he woke up and immediately looked up to Heaven, and then

around him. He walked around and discovered that he could speak and name
things.

He also says, "But who I was, or where, or from what cause,/ Knew not"
(8.270-271). He deduced that he was created by somebody but he doesn't
know who.

He then sat down, fell asleep and had a dream. In the dream, a divine
apparition called to him and led him to the Garden of Eden. Adam awoke, and
found that he had actually been transplanted there!

The same divine being came forth and tells Adam he's the guy Adam's been
looking for, the creator of everything.

"This is all yours," he essentially says, "except for the Tree of Knowledge. You
eat that, you become mortal and have to leave the garden."

After this guy (it's God) finishes, all the animals come before Adam in pairs. He
names them, but doesn't see what he wants among them.

He asks the heavenly vision how he's supposed to be happy if he's all alone.
He has no companion.

God responds by asking him, essentially, "What do you mean alone? Look at
all these animals." Adam responds by saying they're too different from him; he
can't converse with lions!

God says this is all very interesting but why doesn't He, God, need anybody?
Adam "Thou in thy self art perfect," which means he doesn't need anybody.
Adam does, though.

God responds, saying that he was just testing Adam to see how he would
handle being alone. He then tells him to watch what he (God) has in store for
him next.

God then puts Adam to sleep, but Adam's "fancy" (whatever that is) can still
see what's happening, "as in a trance."

He watches God create Eve, the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. Then
he wakes up and goes looking for her; he sees her, coming towards him led by
God's voice. He thanks God.

He then led Eve to the marriage bower while all the birds of Paradise were
singing. He loves Eve, but realizes that she's "in the prime end /Of naturethe
inferior" (8.540-541).

Raphael responds, telling Adam to be careful and not to be too over-awed with
Eve's beauty. She's worthy of Adam's love, but not his "subjection."

Adam says he understands and tells Raphael not to worry. Then he asks him
whether or not the angels make love. Hehehe.

Raphael smiles, blushes, and says angels are happy, and there's no
happiness without love.

He then tells Adam it's time for him to go. He tells Adam to keep obeying God
and to resist temptation; he and the other angels have high hopes for him.

They say their goodbyes, and Raphael returns to Heaven.

Book 9

Book 9 opens with Milton's final invocation; he says he must now change his
"notes" (i.e., his poem) to "tragic."

Milton says that his theme is more heroic than all the martial epics of Homer,
Virgil, and Spenser that have preceded him. The themes of those poems are
"Not that which justly gives heroic name/ To person or to poem" (9.40-41).

The sun sets and night falls as Satan returns "fearless" and "bent on man's
destruction" to the garden. He's been gone for about a week.

There's a river (the Tigris) that flows underground and remerges as a fountain
in Paradise; Satan uses this river to get back into the garden.

He decides to become a serpent to execute his designs against Adam and

Eve.

Before that, though, he bursts out in complaint, saying the earth is really
beautiful; "With what delight could I have walked thee round," he exclaims.

It turns out, though, that Satan really can't enjoy it; the whole thing just makes
him mad. He's not hoping to become happy because of what he's doing; he
just wants to make others as miserable as he is.

He searches throughout the night for the serpent. He finds him (the serpent),
enters through his mouth, and waits until dawn.

As the sun rises, Adam and Eve come forth. Eve suggests to Adam that they
divide their labor; often, when working together, they don't get anything done.

Adam responds by saying labor isn't such a big deal that they can't rest and
take it easy. But, if

Eve wants to get away for a while, that's OK with him because "Solitude
sometimes is best society."

Adam is uneasy though; he reminds Eve that they've been warned about
Satan and that they're better off together.

Eve isn't crazy about Adam's comment, so she says in return that she's upset
that Adam has his doubts about her.

Adam responds by saying that he doesn't doubt her ability to resist temptation;
he just thinks it would be dishonorable for her to suffer temptation alone.

Eve responds, saying that temptation in itself isn't a bad thing; it will only prove
how strong she and Adam are, and how evil Satan is.

Adam replies with some remarks about the importance of trial and concludes
by telling Eve that he doesn't want to make her work with him against her will.

Eve says she'll back by noon or so and that such a proud foe as Satan is
wouldn't dare attempt to mess with the "weaker" sex because that would make
his punishment all the more shameful.

Satan is waiting in the bushes for Eve; he had been hoping to find her alone
and lo and behold his wish has come true!

Satan can't believe how gorgeous Eve is; seeing her is like being pent up in a
disgusting city and then going out to the country for some fresh air. For a
moment, Satan forgets his hate.

Then he snaps out of it and tells himself not to forget about the hate and
revenge that brought him here. He also makes some remark about how much
easier this is going to be with just Eve.

He moves towards Eve, except he moves in a sideways motion, almost as if

he didn't want to interrupt her. Oh, and he's walking upright, not crawling on
his belly.

He approaches here, and makes some noise in an effort to get her attention;
she doesn't notice because she's used to it, so he makes some bolder
gestures. He even licks the ground she walks on!

By the way, the first letter of each line from 510-514 spells "Satan." That's
called an acrostic.

Satan addresses Eve, telling her not to wonder. He tells her she's so beautiful
that everybody should be able to gaze on her, not just Adam.

Eve is surprised ("not unamazed"); she says she didn't think animals could talk
and wants to know how it is that he can speak.

Satan responds, again with flattery, by saying he used to be as dumb as the

other animals. But then he saw a tree whose fruit looked soooooo good; he
couldn't resist so he slithered up the trunk and took some.

It was marvelous, he says, because then he could talk and think and reason.

Eve is amazed. She asks the Satan (disguised as a serpent) which tree it was
and to lead her to it, which he gladly does.

He's clearly deceiving her; he's kind of like a mirage or fire at night that
distracts wandering travelers and leads them astray.

He leads Eve to the "Tree/ Of prohibition." Eve tells Satan that she's not
allowed to eat from it and makes a cute pun as well: it is "Fruitlessthough
fruit be here to excess," she says. Hehe.

Satan can't believe it and realizes he will have to more persuasive. He starts
moving around like some ancient orator in Greece or Rome.

He tells Eve that the fruit won't kill her; just look at him! He ate from it, and he's
fine! Besides, why shouldn't she be able to eat the same stuff as the beasts
(i.e., the serpent)?

What is more, he says, God will admire her boldness in eating what will make
her smarter, despite God's threats of death!

God wouldn't hurt Eve, he continues, because that wouldn't be just. The only
reason he's forbidden her to eat is because he wants to "keep ye low and
ignorant."

If she eats the fruit, she'll become like the gods and possess a much clearer
vision of things, just like the serpent.

The only death that will result is that she will put off her human nature and
assume a godlike one, he claims. So eat the fruit, he says to her.

Eve is tricked by Satan; his words have "too easy entrance won" into her
heart. It's near lunchtime, and she's hungry; that fruit looks so good, and she
can't stop staring at it.

Eve addresses the fruit, saying it is quite powerful (it gave the serpent the
ability to speak) and the fact that it is forbidden makes it even more desirable.

Why should mankind be denied knowledge, she asks? It has done wonders
for the serpent so why shouldn't she be allowed to have it too? Was death
made only for mankind?

She eats the fruit; or rather, she stuffs her face with it until she's full. Nature
shudders as Eve eats death.

She addresses the fruit then as the most "precious" of all trees. She vows to
sing to it everyday, and eat from it everyday until she grows wise.

But what about Adam? Should she tell him? If he doesn't eat, and she dies
because she ate it, Adam will get a new Eve. She decides to tell him.

Meanwhile, Adam has been weaving a little garland for Eve's hair. Anxious, he
goes looking for her and eventually bumps into her near the Tree of
Knowledge.

Eve runs up to him with a bunch of fruit and tells Adam that the tree isn't like
what they've been told. It has not caused death but has rather opened her
eyes. She wants Adam to eat some of the fruit too.

Adam is shocked; his blood turns icy cold. He drops the pretty garland he has
made for her and then speaks to himself.

He says, "How art thou lost, how on a sudden lost" (9.900). He can't believe it;
he's doomed too, he says, because he can't stand to be without Eve, or to
watch her suffer.

He then tells Eve that she's done a bold thing; however, it's clear that the fruit
will cause them to become like gods.

God won't kill his first-made creatures, says Adam; besides, he would have to
un-create the world too, which was made for and is dependent on Adam and
Eve.

Adam loves Eve too much, and he will go down with her.

Eve says everything she's thought about Adam has been confirmed. She
encourages him to eat with similar language that Satan used with her: "Adam,
freely taste."

With that, Eve offers Adam a healthy portion of the fruit; he eats it, and the
earth groans again. Thunder is heard, and some rain drops fall.

They both feel like gods, and experience lust for the first time ("in lust they
burn"). Adam gives Eve a look, she returns it, and then Adam says "now let us
play."

They have sex for a while in some thicket, fall asleep, and then wake up "as
from unrest." The fruit is bad, almost a drug, and they're now waking up with a
hangover.

They now realize they are naked, and Adam tells Eve that the serpent lied and
that they have lost their innocence.

He suggests that they find something to cover up their private parts; they
choose some fig leaves. They then sit down and cry while various passions
like anger and hate tear up their insides.

Adam tells Eve that if she had only stayed home that morning this wouldn't
have happened; Eve responds by saying it could just as easily have happened
because the serpent was so persuasive.

They spend the rest of the day accusing/blaming each other.

Book 10

God is aware of what has happened; what can escape his eye? Adam and
Eve deserved to fall, says the narrator, because they had the power to resist
temptation but didn't.

A sadness pervades Heaven as the angelic squadrons return from their guard
(they're no longer necessary) bearing the bad news.

God speaks, saying not to be "dismayed" because there was nothing anybody
could do. He says he'll send His Son down to execute justice on Adam and
Eve.

The Son responds, saying he will temper justice with mercy; nobody will
behold the judgment except Adam and Eve. The serpent, of course, is
innocent.

The judge goes down to the garden; it is near evening, and Adam and Eve go
hide themselves when they realize God's voice (i.e., the Son) is in there.

The Son asks Adam where he is. Adam and Eve appear, clearly upset and
without love in their eyes.

Adam tells the Son that he hid himself because he was afraid and was naked.
The Son is perturbed, and asks him how he knows he's naked? Did he eat
from the tree?

Adam answers indirectly by talking about his wife and how things are going
badly; eventually, he admits that Eve gave him the fruit and he ate it.

The Son rebukes Adam, telling him that he shouldn't have given in to Eve's
demands; Adam was given the power to rule, not Eve.

He then addresses Eve, who admits to her mistake.

The Son then curses the serpent, saying he shall walk on his belly from here
on out (note that this contradicts the Father's earlier assertion that the serpent
would not be punished, in line 10.84).

He then punishes Adam and Eve. He tells Eve that childbirth will be painful
and that she must submit to her husband. For Adam, the ground will not be as
fertile as it once was.

He then makes them clothes (almost as if he were a father clothing his

children) before returning to His Father's side in Heaven.

Meanwhile, our old friends Sin and Death are waiting by the gates of Hell; Sin
tells Death that she thinks Satan has succeeded (otherwise he would have
returned by now).

She feels a new strength within her, and suggests that they build a bridge from
Hell to earth, just in case Satan can't find his way back.

Death responds by saying he will help her; he smells fresh prey on earth,
almost as if he were some type of vulture gathering around a battle field,
waiting for everyone to die so he can feed.

The two begin separating the elements of Chaos and building a bridge that
connects Hell to the walls of earth, which is now "fenceless."

They travel along the bridge and encounter Satan, who is coming towards
them in the likeness of an angel; they recognize their father.

After he slunk away, Satan changed his shape and watched the sequel of
what he had initiated.

Sin tells Satan that they have a connection ("secret harmony"); she could feel
that he had succeeded in his task.

He has succeeded in liberating Sin and Death from Hell, she says. Hell
couldn't contain the three of them anyway. Satan is now the lord of earth, she
says.

Satan responds, saying that Sin and Death (both his son and grandchild) have
proven themselves worthy of being the race of Satan.

He tells them to go ahead and head over to Paradise and start wreaking
havoc; he's going to go back to Hell and inform his legions of the good news.

Satan enters the gates of Hell; his legions are hanging out around
Pandemonium. Others are debating in council on the inside.

He sneaks in, disguised as a lesser angel; he makes himself invisible,

assumes his throne, and then suddenly appears.

His legions shout in approval. He tells them he's come to lead them forth from
Hell to possess the new world he has conquered.

He tells the story of how he tricked Adam and Eve; he then expects to hear
some applause but instead hears "A dismal universal hiss."

He feels his body changing and notices that he is changing into a serpent! All
the other fallen angels around him turn to serpents too; it's punishment for
their crimes.

Satan and his legions exit Pandemonium; the other fallen angels behold their
comrades as serpents, and then themselves turn to serpents.

Nearby, a grove springs up, laden with fruit that resembles the Forbidden Fruit.
All the snakes are compelled to eat it because they've suddenly become so
thirsty.

When they eat it, though, it turns to ashes in their mouth! Eventually, they're
allowed to resume their original shapes, though some they have to undergo
this change every year.

Meanwhile, Sin and Death (the "hellish pair") arrive in Paradise. They each go
their separate ways to wreak havoc.

God sees this, and says it's Adam's fault that these fiends are now in
Paradise. He says eventually the Son will expel them for good. But that comes
later.

The angels in Heaven sing their praises as God institutes the seasons and
fixes the orbits of the five planets (Milton only knew of five when he wrote). Big
climactic changes are happening.

The animals in paradise no longer get along; they kill each other for food and
flee man's presence.

Adam sees this, feels horrible, and bursts out with a complaint. He says it
would be great if all this were to end right now because his children will all be
cursed.

He imagines future generations cursing him and then complains that he never
asked to be created, and therefore God should return him to dust.

Then he realizes, he accepted God's terms from the get-go, and that it is
illogical to make arguments about not wishing to be born.

He says he eagerly awaits that day, but then he speculates on what death is
like for some time. He wonders if he'll still suffer after he's dead.

Eventually, Adam admits that God was justified in punishing him. As he

complains, Eve comes over and tries to comfort him, but he tells her to take a
hike, calling her a serpent.

He says "But for thee/ I had persisted happy" (10.873-874) and continues to
blame her, at least in part, for her transgressions. He says, essentially, it was a
dumb idea to create woman.

Eve is really upset; she falls at his feet, crying, and asks Adam not to abandon
her. She takes full responsibility, and wants there to be peace between them.

Adam is moved to "commiseration" and tells her to get up. They've blamed
each other enough.

Eve responds, saying the best way to cheat death is just not to have children,
and to abstain from "love's due rites." Better yet, why don't they just seek
death now, she asks.

Adam responds by saying God has probably figured this one out. Besides,
how will they "bruise" Satan if they're dead or if they don't have any children?

He says God didn't kill them right away but rather gave them clothes and only
said that Eve will have labor pains and Adam will have to labor for his food.

It could have been worse, he says; and besides, there is reason to hope that
God will help them deal with what the future holds. "We need not fear/ To pass
commodiously this life" (10.1082-1083).

He says they should go pray to God and water the ground with their tears,
which they do.

Book 11

Book 11 opens with Adam and Eve sending up their prayers to Heaven.

The Son receives them and presents them to the Father. He intercedes on
their behalf, and asks God to proclaim peace for mankind, to forgive him, etc.

God accedes to the Son's requests, but says Adam and Eve still have to leave
Paradise. Death will be their punishment, but it will lead to a second birth, so
it's not all bad.

God tells Michael to go down to Adam and Eve and banish them, but to be
nice about it. He also tells him to tell Adam about what will happen in the
future.

Adam and Eve finish their prayers and feel more hopeful. Adam even tells Eve
that he thinks the "bitterness of death/ Is past" (11.157-158).

Eve responds by saying that she deserves to be reproached, but that her
judge was "infinite in pardon."

She tells Adam that it's time to go to work, and that she will never stray from
his side again.

As they go to work, they notice that things have changed; an eagle is chasing
a peacock and a lion is looking for prey.

Adam interprets these as signs that something else is still in store. He doesn't
quite realize what's going to happen yet.

Meanwhile, Michael and a few other angels arrive; Michael approaches Adam,
who realizes that this angel is a bit sterner than Raphael.

Michael says, in effect, that Adam and Eve must leave Paradise. Adam is
shocked (as is Eve). He stands "Heart-strook with chilling gripe of sorrow."

Eve is really sad; she can't bear the thought of leaving Paradise.

Michael, however, tells her not to worry. She lost Paradise fair in square, but at
least Adam is going with her.

Adam responds to Michael, saying that the angel has gently delivered his
message.

Adam is worried, though; the garden is a special place, full of the memories of
many encounters with God. "In yonder nether World where shall I seek/ His
bright appearances, or foot step-trace?" (11.328-329) he asks.

Michael responds by saying that God fills the entire earth, not just Paradise.
Adam will have access to many signs of God's presence.

He then tells Adam that he will show him the future; the two ascend the tallest
mountain in Paradise while Eve sleeps below (Michael's put her to sleep).

He puts some things in Adam's eyes; Adam falls down, and then Michael helps
him up and tells him to open his eyes.

Adam sees a field and two guys; both bring sacrifices, but God only accepts
one. The guy whose sacrifice is rejected kills the other one (this is the story of
Cain and Abel, from Genesis).

Adam is horrified and asks if this is death? Michael responds and says it is
one form of death, but there are others.

The scene changes again and Adam sees a "Lazar house," a sort of hospital
that has every type of sick person known to man.

All these people are slowly dying; Death refuses to take them, so they're still
suffering.

Adam can't help but weep; if that's death, he suggests, life isn't worth it. Isn't
there some other way?

Michael shows Adam another scene; this time, there are a whole bunch of
guys around a bunch of tents. Eventually, a lot of women come out and they
all pair off, sing, dance, and get married.

Adam is delighted, but Michael checks his response by telling him that these
are actually evil men, the descendants of the guy (Cain) who killed his brother.
They will give up a lot for lust and wickedness.

Adam is upset, but Michael shows him another vision; this time, he sees a city
and a lot of fighting. It's basically, a chaotic battle scene, with lots of blood.

There is one guy who stands up and speaks on behalf of justice; a cloud
descends and whisks him away.

Adam cries again; he can't believe all the slaughter. Michael tells him this is
the result of the marriages he saw earlier on the plain.

Michael continues, saying that there was one guy who refused to participate in
all the fighting; as a reward, he was taken away to Heaven, to enjoy
everlasting life.

Michael then shows Adam what happened after all the battles; the scene
changes, and though the fighting is no more, there is all kinds of lust, adultery,
etc.

A guy wanders through the city, trying to persuade people to get back on the
right path; they don't listen, so he moves his tents away from the city.

Eventually, he builds an ark and fills it with a bunch of animals and provisions;
he, his three sons, and their wives all get in before a giant flood destroys
everything.

Adam again cries; he falls down, and Michael has to help him up. Adam
wishes he didn't have to learn the future; he feels there is no hope. Is this the
end of the human race, he asks?

Michael summarizes the events Adam has just witnessed and then shows him
the sequel: the flood eventually recedes, the mountains reappear, Noah and
his family emerge. They see a rainbow in the sky.

Adam rejoices and says to Michael: "Far less I now lament for one whole
World/ Of wicked Sons destroyed" (11.874-5).

Michael tells Adam that, after this flood, God will never destroy the race of
mankind again, until the end of time when fire will consume it.

BOOK 12

Michael halts his narration to give Adam a breather.

He resumes, saying that after the Flood there will be peace for a while, but
eventually a guy named Nimrod will get bored and build an empire.

He will hunt "With war and hostile snare such as refuse/ Subjection to his
empire tyrannous." Then, he and his followers will build a huge tower to rival
Heaven.

God will observe this and get mad; as punishment, he makes everybody
associated with the tower speak different languages so they can no longer
understand each other.

Adam sees all this and is displeased; he says this Nimrod guy is nuts. God did
not give man power over other men.

Michael approves of Adam's disapproval and tells him that this is yet another
result of the Fall. Man's sins ensure that he will occasionally be subjected to
tyrants.

Michael continues, saying that eventually God will get so sick of the way
people are (corrupt, tyrannous, etc.) that he will select one group of people to
be his.

This new nation will spring from a man that God named Abraham (not named
for a while yet); God will call him and promise him the land of Canaan.

Abraham will leave everything he knows and trust in God, who eventually
leads him to the Promised Land. He will have many descendants.

Eventually, his descendants will make their way to Egypt; in a later generation,
the pharaoh will get worried about their growing numbers and enslave them.

Eventually, two brothers Moses and Aaron will lead them out of Egypt and
back to the Promised Land.

The pharaoh and his people will suffer immensely as a result; God will send
ten plagues in order to make him release His people (the plagues include
frogs, lice, darkness, the death of livestock, rivers turning to blood, and the
death of very first-born child in Egypt).

The pharaoh will pursue his former slaves. While the freed slaves are
permitted to cross the Red Sea (Moses' staff has the power to part the sea),
the pharaoh will try to cross and drown.

Moses will act as a mediator between God and the people since God is too
powerful for human apprehension.

God will give them a bunch of laws (including the Ten Commandments, which
are carried around in a little shrine), government, etc.

Eventually, they will enter the Promised Land, but not for a while.

Adam interrupts at this point, and tells Michael that now he truly sees; but, he
asks Michael, why are there so many laws? Is there really that much sin in the
world?

After being settled in the Promised Land (Canaan) for some time, there will be
wars; God will protect them through judges and then through kings (both of
which are books of the Bible).

The second king a guy named David is in the line of descent that stretches
from Abraham (the founder of God's race), and ends with Jesus.

Jesus will be the last king ever, for "of his reign shall be no end."

But that comes later; in the meantime, David's second son Solomon will
build a massive temple to house the Ark (a wooden thing that contains the Ten
Commandments).

Eventually Solomon's followers will screw it up and the Israelites (that's what
God's race is called in the Bible) will be captured and imprisoned by the
Babylonians for 70 years!

After the Babylonian Captivity, things will be OK for a while, but eventually the
Israelites will fight amongst themselves and permit a stranger (a Roman) to
take over their kingdom.

Adam is so happy he's crying; he tells Michael that he now understands. He

asks when the big battle between Satan and Jesus will take place.

Michael tells him it's not going to be a traditional battle.

He tells Adam that the Son will become a man called Jesus and will suffer
a cruel death for man's sins. He will rise from the dead after three days.

It is "this act" which "shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength."

Jesus will hang out for a while with his disciples, and then go back to Heaven.
He'll come back at some later time in the future and judge the living and the
dead.

Adam rejoices again, happy that so much good will eventually come from his
mistakes. He asks Michael what will happen to the disciples.

Michael says they will be persecuted, but that Jesus will give them courage in
the form of the "Spirit" of God, which will comfort them.

Michael continues, saying the future history of God's people will be

complicated; bad people will pretend to be good people, and there will be
more persecutions, until Jesus returns.

Adam says he now understands everything. "Henceforth I learn, that to obey is

best," he says.

Michael makes a few more remarks and then tells Adam that it's time to
descend from the mountain. Adam must leave the garden soon.

He tells him to go wake Eve; he (Michael) has given her pleasant dreams.

Adam finds Eve already awake; she says she knows some good will come
from their mistakeseventually.

She says to Adam, in one of the most touching moments of the poem: "thou to
me/ Art all things under Heav'n" (12.617-618).

The angels lead Adam and Eve out of the garden and down into the plain
below.

They look back at Paradise, "so late their happy seat," and see a flaming
sword covering the eastern side.

They shed some tears, but wipe them. They take each other's hands, and
make their way through Eden (the region that contains the garden).