Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/377

Rh To find where Adam sheltered, took his way, Not unperceived of Adam, who to Eve, While the great visitant approached, thus spake:
 * "Eve, now expect great tidings, which perhaps

Of us will soon determine, or impose New laws to be observed; for I descry, From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill, One of the heavenly host, and by his gait None of the meanest; some great Potentate Or of the Thrones above, such majesty Invests him coming; yet not terrible That I should fear, nor sociably mild, As Raphaël, that I should much confide; But solemn and sublime, whom not to offend With reverence I must meet, and thou retire."
 * He ended; and the Archangel soon drew nigh,

Not in his shape celestial, but as man Clad to meet man. Over his lucid arms A military vest of purple flowed, Livelier than Melibœan, or the grain Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old, In time of truce; Iris had dipt the woof. His starry helm unbuckled shewed him prime In manhood where youth ended; by his side, As in a glistering zodiac, hung the sword, Satan's dire dread, and in his hand the spear. Adam bowed low; he kingly from his state Inclined not, but his coming thus declared: