Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/234

228 Drew many, whom their place knows here no more. Yet far the greater part have kept, I see, Their station; Heaven yet populous retains Number sufficient to possess her realms, Though wide, and this high temple to frequent With ministeries due, and solemn rites. But, lest his heart exalt him in the harm Already done, to have dispeopled Heaven, My damage fondly deemed, I can repair That detriment, if such it be to lose Self-lost, and in a moment will create Another world, out of one man a race Of men innumerable, there to dwell, Not here; till, by degrees of merit raised, They open to themselves at length the way Up hither, under long obedience tried, And Earth be changed to Heaven, and Heaven to Earth, One kingdom, joy and union without end. Meanwhile inhabit lax, ye Powers of Heaven; And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee This I perform; speak thou, and be it done! My overshadowing Spirit and might with thee I send along: ride forth, and bid the Deep Within appointed bounds be heaven and earth— Boundless the Deep, because I am to fill Infinitude; nor vacuous the space, Though I, uncircumscribed, myself retire,