THE ARGUMENT. The Son of God presents to his Father the prayers of our first parents now repenting, and intercedes for them: God accepts them, but declares that they must no longer abide in Paradise; sends Michael with a band of cherubim to dispossess them; but first to reveal to Adam future things: Michael's coming down. Adam shows to Eve certain ominous signs: he discerns Michael's approach; goes out to meet him: the angel denounces their departure. Eve's lamentation. Adam pleads, but submits: the angel leads him up to a high hill; sets before him in vision what shall happen till the flood. PARADISE LOST. BOOK XI. THUS they, in lowliest plight, repentant stood Inspired, and wing'd for heaven with speedier flight Not of mean suitors; nor important less Seem'd their petition, than when the ancient pair, The race of mankind drown'd, before the shrine See, Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung From thy implanted grace in man; these sighs And prayers, which, in this golden censer, mix'd Number'd, though sad, till death, his doom (which I |