Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/398

392 With thought that they must be. Let no man seek Henceforth to be foretold what shall befall Him or his children; evil he may be sure, Which neither his foreknowing can prevent, And he the future evil shall, no less In apprehension than in substance, feel Grievous to bear. But that care now is past, Man is not whom to warn; those few escaped Famine and anguish will at last consume, Wandering that watery desert. I had hope, When violence was ceased and war on earth, All would have then gone well, peace would have crowned With length of happy days the race of Man. But I was far deceived; for now I see Peace to corrupt, no less than war to waste. How comes it thus? unfold, celestial Guide, And whether here the race of Man will end."
 * To whom thus Michael:—"Those, whom last thowthou [sic] sawest

In triumph and luxurious wealth, are they First seen in acts of prowess eminent And great exploits, but of true virtue void; Who having spilt much blood, and done much waste, Subduing nations, and achieved thereby Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey,