Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/101

Rh Save on that side which from the wall of Heaven, Though distant far, some small reflection gains Of glimmering air, less vexed with tempest loud: Here walked the Fiend at large in spacious field. As when a vulture on Imaüs bred, Whose snowy ridge the roving Tartar bounds, Dislodging from a region scarce of prey, To gorge the flesh of lambs or yeanling kids, On hills where flocks are fed, flies toward the springs Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams; But in his way lights on the barren plains Of Sericana, where Chineses drive With sails and wind their cany waggons light; So, on this windy sea of land, the Fiend Walks up and down alone, bent on his prey; Alone, for other creature, in this place Living or lifeless, to be found was none; None yet, but store hereafter from the Earth Up hither like aërial vapors flew Of all things transitory and vain, when sin With vanity had filled the works of men: Both all things vain, and all who in vain things Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame, Or happiness in this or the other life. All who have their reward on earth, the fruits Of painful superstition and blind zeal,