Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/402

396 Of wicked sons destroyed, than I rejoice For one man found so perfect and so just, That God vouchsafes to raise another world From him, and all his anger to forget. But say, what mean those colored streaks in heaven Distended? as the brow of God appeased? Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind The fluid skirts of that same watery cloud, Lest it again dissolve and shower the earth?"
 * To whom the Archangel:—"Dexterously thou aimest.

So willingly doth God remit his ire, Though late repenting him of Man depraved; Grieved at his heart, when looking down he saw The whole earth filled with violence, and all flesh Corrupting each their way; yet, those removed, Such grace shall one just man find in his sight, That he relents not to blot out mankind, And makes a convenantcovenant [sic] never to destroy The earth again by flood, nor let the sea Surpass his bounds, nor rain to drown the world, With man therein or beast; but, when he brings Over the earth a cloud, will therein set His triple-colored bow, whereon to look, And call to mind his covenant. Day and night,