第10章 9
There in captivitie he lets them dwell
The space of seventie years, then brings them back, [ 345 ]
Remembring mercie, and his Covnant sworn
To David, stablisht as the dayes of Heavn.
Returnd from Babylon by leave of Kings
Thir Lords, whom God disposd, the house of God
They first re-edifie, and for a while [ 350 ]
In mean estate live moderate, till grown
In wealth and multitude, factious they grow;
But first among the Priests dissension springs,
Men who attend the Altar, and should most
Endeavour Peace: thir strife pollution brings [ 355 ]
Upon the Temple it self: at last they seise
The Scepter, and regard not Davids Sons,
Then loose it to a stranger, that the true
Anointed King Messiah might be born
Barrd of his right; yet at his Birth a Starr [ 360 ]
Unseen before in Heavn proclaims him com,
And guides the Eastern Sages, who enquire
His place, to offer Incense, Myrrh, and Gold;
His place of birth a solemn Angel tells
To simple Shepherds, keeping watch by night; [ 365 ]
They gladly thither haste, and by a Quire
Of squadrond Angels hear his Carol sung.
A Virgin is his Mother, but his Sire
The Power of the most High; he shall ascend
The Throne hereditarie, and bound his Reign [ 370 ]
With earths wide bounds, his glory with the Heavns.
He ceasd, discerning Adam with such joy
Surchargd, as had like grief bin dewd in tears,
Without the vent of words, which these he breathd.
O Prophet of glad tidings, finisher [ 375 ]
Of utmost hope! now clear I understand
What oft my steddiest thoughts have searcht in vain,
Why our great expectation should be calld
The seed of Woman: Virgin Mother, Haile,
High in the love of Heavn, yet from my Loynes [ 380 ]
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy Womb the Son
Of God most High; So God with man unites.