第14章 13

As yet this World was not, and Chaos Wilde Reignd where these Heavns now rowl, where Earth now rests Upon her Center poisd, when on a day (For Time, though in Eternitie, applid [ 580 ] To motion, measures all things durable By present, past, and future) on such day As Heavns great Year brings forth, th Empyreal Host

Of Angels by Imperial summons calld, Innumerable before th Almighties Throne [ 585 ] Forthwith from all the ends of Heavn appeerd Under thir Hierarchs in orders bright Ten thousand thousand Ensignes high advancd, Standards and Gonfalons twixt Van and Reare Streame in the Aire, and for distinction serve [ 590 ]

Of Hierarchies, of Orders, and Degrees; Or in thir glittering Tissues bear imblazd Holy Memorials, acts of Zeale and Love Recorded eminent. Thus when in Orbes Of circuit inexpressible they stood, [ 595 ] Orb within Orb, the Father infinite, By whom in bliss imbosomd sat the Son, Amidst as from a flaming Mount, whose top

Brightness had made invisible, thus spake. Hear all ye Angels, Progenie of Light, [ 600 ] Thrones, Dominations, Princedoms, Vertues, Powers, Hear my Decree, which unrevokt shall stand. This day I have begot whom I declare My onely Son, and on this holy Hill Him have anointed, whom ye now behold [ 605 ]

At my right hand; your Head I him appoint; And by my Self have sworn to him shall bow All knees in Heavn, and shall confess him Lord: Under his great Vice-gerent Reign abide United as one individual Soule [ 610 ] For ever happie: him who disobeyes Mee disobeyes, breaks union, and that day

Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls Into utter darkness, deep ingulft, his place Ordaind without redemption, without end. [ 615 ]