Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/369

Rh Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair, In fables old, less ancient yet than these, Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore The race of mankind drowned, before the shrine Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers Flew up, nor missed the way, by envious winds Blown vagabond or frustrate: in they passed Dimensionless through heavenly doors; then clad With incense, where the golden altar fumed, By their great Intercessor, came in sight Before the Father's throne. Them the glad Son Presenting thus to intercede began:
 * "See, Father, what first-fruits on Earth are sprung

From thy implanted grace in Man; these sighs And prayers, which in this golden censor, mixed With incense, I thy priest before thee bring; Fruits of more pleasing savor, from thy seed Sown with contrition in his heart, than those Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees Of Paradise could have produced, ere fallen From innocence. Now therefore bend thine ear To supplication; hear his sighs, though mute; Unskillful with what words to pray, let me Interpret for him, me his advocate And propitiation; all his works on me, Good or not good, ingraft; my merit those