Page 252 - El paraiso perdido

P A R A D I S E L O S T
B O O K X I
T H E A R G U M E N T
The Son o f Goci presents to hisfather the prayers of our first
parenls now repenting, and intercedes for them. God accepts
them, huí declares that they musí no longer abide in Paradise;
sends Michael with a batid of Cherubim to dispossess them,
bul Jirsi to reveaI to Adam future things: Michael’s coming
down. Adam shows to Eve certain ominous signs: he discerns
Michael's approach; goes oul to meel him: the Angel
denounces their departure. Eve's lamentalion. Adam pleads,
bul submits: the Angel leads him up to a high hill; sets befare
him in visión what shall happen lili the Elood.
THUS they, in lowliest plight. repentant stood
Praying; for from the mercy-scat above
Preven ient gracc dcscending had removed
The stony from their hearts. and made new flesh
Regenérate grow instead. that sighs now breathed
Unutterable. which the Spiril of prayer
Inspired, and winged for Heavcn with speedier flight
Than loudest oratory: yet their port
Not of mean suitors; ñor important less
Seemed their petition than when th' ancient pair 10
In fables oíd. less ancient yet than these.
Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha. to restore
The race of mankind drowncd. beforc the shrine
Of Themis stood devout. To Heaven their prayers
Flew up. ñor missed the wav. by envious winds
Blown vagabond or frústrate: in they passsed
Dimensionlcss through heavcnlv doors: then. ciad
With incense, where the golden altar fumed.
B> their great Intercessor. carne in sight
Beforc the Father’s throne. Them the glad Son 20
Presenling. thus lo intercede began:-
See. Father. what first fruits on Earth are sprung
From thv implanted grace in Man-these sighs
L I B R O X I
Penitentes estaban, humillados.
Rezando, pues del Trono de Piedad.
La Gracia Preveniente había quitado
Su corazón de piedra y puesto otro
De carne, renovado, que anhelaba
Lo indecible, oraciones que el Espíritu
Inspiraba, subiendo más veloces
Que discursos forzados. Mas su porte
No es de vil suplicante, ni mas bajo
Su ruego que el del par antiguo aquél
De las fábulas viejas (éstos más)
De Pirra y Deucalion. que por salvar
A los hombres ahogados, en la ermita
De Themis. los dos rezan. Van al Cielo
Sus ruegos: no se pierden; ni los vientos
Los dispersan o frustran: atrav iesan
Las puertas celestiales; luego, envueltos
En incienso que sube del altar,
Se muestran junto al Gran Intercesor
Ante el Trono del Padre: Alegre, el Hijo
Los presenta y comienza a interceder
"Padre, mira los frutos que han brotado
De tu gracia en el Hombre- estos suspiros