Paradise Regained

True Image of the Father, whether throned
In the bosom of bliss, and light of light
Conceiving, or, remote from Heaven, enshrined
In fleshly tabernacle and human form,
Wandering the wilderness—whatever place,
Habit, or state, or motion, still expressing
The Son of God, with Godlike force endued
Against the attempter of your Father’s throne,
And thief of Paradise! Him long of old
You did rebel, and down from Heaven cast
With all his army; now you have avenged
Supplanted Adam, and by vanquishing
Temptation, have regained lost Paradise,
And frustrated the conquest fraudulent.
He never more henceforth will dare set foot
In Paradise to tempt; his snares are broke.
For, though that seat of earthly bliss be failed,
A fairer Paradise is founded now
For Adam and his chosen sons, whom you,
A Savior, are come down to reinstall;
Where they shall dwell secure, when time shall be
Of tempter and temptation without fear.
But you, Infernal Serpent, shall not long
Rule in the clouds. Like an autumnal star,
Or lightning, you shall fall from Heaven, trod down
Under his feet. For proof, ere this you feel
Your wound (yet not your last and deadliest wound)
By this repulse received, and hold in Hell
No triumph; in all her gates Abaddon rues
Your bold attempt. Hereafter learn with awe
To dread the Son of God. He, all unarmed,
Shall chase you, with the terror of his voice,
From your demonic holds, possession foul—
You and your legions; yelling they shall fly,
And beg to hide them in a herd of swine,
Let he command them down into the Deep,
Bound, and to torment sent before their time.
Hail, Son of the Most High, heir of both Worlds,
Queller of Satan! On your glorious work
Now enter, and begin to save Mankind.
Thus they the Son of God, our Savior meek,
Sung victor and, from heavenly feast refreshed,
Brought on his way with joy. He, unobserved,
Home to his mother’s house private returned.

—John Milton (1608-1674)