Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/145

Rh To his proud fair, best quitted with disdain. These lulled by nightingales, embracing, slept, And on their naked limbs the flowery roof, Showered roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on Blest pair! and oh, yet happiest! if ye seek No happier state, and know to know no more.
 * Now had night measured with her shadowy cone

Half-way up-hill this vast sublunar vault And from their ivory port the Cherubim Forth issuing, at the accustomed hour, stood armed To their night-watches in warlike parade; When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake
 * "Uzziel, have these draw off, and coast the south

With strictest watch; these other wheel the north; Our circuit meets full west."—As flame they part, Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. From these, two strong and subtle Spirits he called That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge:
 * "Ithuriël and Zephon, with winged speed

Search through this garden, leave unsearched no nook: But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge, Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm. This evening from the sun's decline arrived Who tells of some infernal Spirit seen Hitherward bent—who could have thought?—escaped