The earth again by flood, nor let the fea Surpafs his bounds, nor rain to drown the world With man therein or beast; but when he brings 895 Over the earth a cloud, will therein fet His triple-color'd bow, whereon to look, And call to mind his covenant: day and night, Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new, THE END OF THE ELEVENTH BOOK. THE ARGUMENT. The Angel Michael continues from the flood to relate what fhall fucceed; then, in the mention of Abraham, comes by degrees to explain who that Seed of the Woman shall be, which was promifed Adam and Eve in the fall; his incarnation, death, refurrection, and afcenfion; the state of the church till his fecond coming. Adam greatly fatisfied and recomforted by these relations and promifes defcends the hill with Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while had flept, but with gentle dreams compos'd to quietness of mind and fubmiffion. Michael in either hand leads them out of Paradife, the fiery fword waving behind them, and the Cherubim taking their itations to guard the place. PARADISE A воок LOST. XII. S one who in his journey bates at noon, Though bent on speed; fo here th' Arch-Angel Betwixt the world destroy'd and world restor'd, With large wine-offerings pour'd, and facred feast, 10 15 20 Shall |