Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/38

 ARGUMENT.

��Mary, the second Eve, is born; the Devil, mewing her matchless perfections, meditates a repetition of his former attempt ; but, dread ing to re-encounter the angelic guards, he descends to hell, and calls a council of the demons. They debate what course is best to be pursued. Opposing counsels divide them, and excite a furious con test. They are appeased by Satan, who exhorts them to direct their wrath against God, and his creature, Man. It is finally agreed to re-invade the earth in force, endeavor to seduce the second Eve to sin, and thereby defeat, perhaps, through her unworthiness, the birth of her divine Son. Balaam, a lost soul, warns them of defeat.

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