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 66 See, Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung From thy implanted grace in man; these sighs |