第11章 10

Adam, now ope thine eyes, and first behold Th effects which thy original crime hath wrought In some to spring from thee, who never touchd [ 425 ] Th excepted Tree, nor with the Snake conspird, Nor sinnd thy sin, yet from that sin derive Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds. His eyes he opnd, and beheld a field,

Part arable and tilth, whereon were Sheaves [ 430 ] New reapt, the other part sheep-walks and foulds; Ith midst an Altar as the Land-mark stood Rustic, of grassie sord; thither anon A sweatie Reaper from his Tillage brought First Fruits, the green Eare, and the yellow Sheaf, [ 435 ] Unculld, as came to hand; a Shepherd next

More meek came with the Firstlings of his Flock Choicest and best; then sacrificing, laid The Inwards and thir Fat, with Incense strewd, On the cleft Wood, and all due Rites performd. [ 440 ] His Offring soon propitious Fire from Heavn Consumd with nimble glance, and grateful steame; The others not, for his was not sincere;

Whereat hee inlie ragd, and as they talkd, Smote him into the Midriff with a stone [ 445 ] That beat out life; he fell, and deadly pale Groand out his Soul with gushing bloud effusd. Much at that sight was Adam in his heart Dismaid, and thus in haste to th Angel crid. O Teacher, some great mischief hath befalln [ 450 ]

To that meek man, who well had sacrificd; Is Pietie thus and pure Devotion paid? T whom Michael thus, hee also movd, replid. These two are Brethren, Adam, and to come Out of thy loyns; th unjust the just hath slain, [ 455 ] For envie that his Brothers Offering found From Heavn acceptance; but the bloodie Fact

Will be avengd, and th others Faith approvd Loose no reward, though here thou see him die, Rowling in dust and gore. To which our Sire. [ 460 ] Alas, both for the deed and for the cause!