Clothed us unworthy; pitying while he judged : And teach us further by what means to shun The air attrite to fire; as late the clouds Justling, or pushed with winds, rude in their shock, Tine the slant lightning; whose thwart flame, driven down, Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine; And sends a comfortable heat from far, To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, Humbly our faults, and pardon beg; with tears From his displeasure; in whose look serene, Felt less remorse: they forthwith to the place Humbly their faults, and pardon begged; with tears END OF THE TENTH BOOK. 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, and sets before him in vision what shall happen till the Flood. |