Page. XIII. To Mr. H. Lawes on the publishing his Airs...... 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. THUS they in lowliest plight repentant stood Praying, for from the mercy-seat above Prevenient grace descending had remov'd The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breath'd 5 Unutterable, which the spirit of prayer Inspir'd, and wing'd for heaven with speedier flight Than loudest oratory: yet their port Not of mean suitors, nor important less Seem'd their petition, than when th' ancient pair 10 In fables old, less ancient yet than these, 11 In fables old] Fables told this. Bentl. MS. Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore The race of mankind drown'd, before the shrine 15 Before the Father's throne: them the glad Son 20 Presenting thus to intercede began. See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprung Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay. The smell of peace toward mankind; let him live 15 envious] Ov. Met. x. 642. 'Detulit aura preces ad me non invida blandas.' 25 30 35 |