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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

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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,

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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,

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Wav'd over by that flaming brand, the gate

With dreadful faces throng'd and fiery arms:

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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.

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