Well pleas'd, but answer'd not; for now too high 626
Th' Arch-Angel stood, and from the other hill

To their fix'd station, all in bright array
The Cherubim descended; on the ground
Gliding meteorous, as evening mist

Ris'n from a river o'er the marish glides,
And gathers ground fast at the lab'rer's heel

630

Homeward returning. High in front advanc'd

The brandish'd sword of God before them blaz'd

Fierce as a comet; which with torrid heat,

And vapour as the Libyan air adust,

635

Began to parch that temp'rate clime; whereat
In either hand the hast'ning Angel' caught
Our ling'ring parents, and to th' eastern gate
Led them direct, and down the cliff as fast
To the subjected plain; then disappear'd.
They looking back, all th' eastern side beheld
Of Paradise, so late their happy seat,

640

Wav'd over by that flaming brand, the gate

With dreadful faces throng'd and fiery arms:

646

Some natural tears they dropt, but wip'd them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide : They hand in hand, with wand'ring steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.

FINIS.