Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/418

412 Then lose it to a stranger, that the true Anointed King, Messiah, might be born Barred of his right; yet at his birth a star, Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come, And guides the eastern sages, who inquire His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold. His place of birth a solemn Angel tells To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night; They gladly thither haste, and, by a quire Of squadroned Angels, hear his carol sung. A Virgin is his mother, but his sire The Power of the Most High. He shall ascend The throne hereditary, and bound his reign With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the heavens."
 * He ceased, discerning Adam with such joy

Surcharged, as had, like grief, been dewed in tears, Without the vent of words, which these he breathed:
 * "O prophet of glad tidings, finisher

Of utmost hope! now clear I understand What oft my steadiest thoughts have searched in vain; Why our great Expectation should be called The Seed of Woman. Virgin Mother, hail! High in the love of Heaven, yet from my loins Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son