Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/380

374 Familiar to our eyes, all places else Inhospitable appear and desolate, Nor knowing us nor known. And, if by prayer Incessant I could hope to change the will Of Him who all things can, I would not cease To weary him with my assiduous cries. But prayer against his absolute decree No more avails than breath against the wind, Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth: Therefore to his great bidding I submit. This most afflicts me, that, departing hence, As from his face I shall be hid, deprived His blessed countenance. Here I could frequent With worship place by place where he vouchsafed Presence Divine, and to my sons relate, On this mount he appeared, under this tree Stood visible, among these pines his voice I heard, here with him at this fountain talked. So many grateful altars I would rear Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone Of lustre from the brook, in memory Or monument to ages; and thereon Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers. In yonder nether world where shall I seek His bright appearances, or footstep trace? For, though I fled him angry, yet, recalled To life prolonged and promised race, I now Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts