Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/267

Rh Of woe and sorrow.' Sternly he pronounced The rigid interdiction, which resounds Yet dreadful in mine ear, though in my choice Not to incur; but soon his clear aspect Returned, and gracious purpose thus renewed: 'Not only these fair bounds, but all the Earth To Thee and to thy race I give; as lords Possess it, and all things that therein live, Or live in sea or air, beast, fish, and fowl. In sign whereof, each bird and beast, behold! After their kinds, I bring them to receive From thee their names, and pay thee feälty With low subjection. Understand the same Of fish within their watery residence, Not hither summoned, since they cannot change Their element to draw the thinner air.'— As thus he spake, each bird and beast behold Approaching two and two; these cowering low With blandishment, each bird stooped on his wing. I named them, as they passed, and understood Their nature, with such knowledge God endued My sudden apprehension. But in these I found not what, methought, I wanted still; And to the heavenly Vision thus presumed:
 * Oh, by what name, for thou above all these,

Above mankind, or aught than mankind higher.