Thence more at ease thir minds and somwhat rais'd
By false presumptuous hope, the ranged powers
Disband, and wandring, each his several way
Pursues, as inclination or sad choice
Leads him perplext, where he may likeliest find [ 525 ]
Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain
The irksom hours, till his great Chief return.
Part on the Plain, or in the Air sublime
Upon the wing, or in swift Race contend,
As at th' Olympian Games or Pythian fields; [ 530 ]
Part curb thir fierie Steeds, or shun the Goal
With rapid wheels, or fronted Brigads form.
As when to warn proud Cities warr appears
Wag'd in the troubl'd Skie, and Armies rush
To Battel in the Clouds, before each Van [ 535 ]
Prick forth the Aerie Knights, and couch thir Spears
Till thickest Legions close; with feats of Arms
From either end of Heav'n the welkin burns.
Others with vast Typh?an rage more fell
Rend up both Rocks and Hills, and ride the Air [ 540 ]
In whirlwind; Hell scarce holds the wilde uproar.
As when Alcides from Oechalia Crown'd
With conquest, felt th' envenom'd robe, and tore
Through pain up by the roots Thessalian Pines,
And Lichas from the top of Oeta threw [ 545 ]
Into th' Euboic Sea. Others more milde,
Retreated in a silent valley, sing
With notes Angelical to many a Harp
Thir own Heroic deeds and hapless fall
By doom of Battel; and complain that Fate [ 550 ]
Free Vertue should enthrall to Force or Chance.
Thir Song was partial, but the harmony
(What could it less when Spirits immortal sing?)
Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment
The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet [ 555 ]
(For Eloquence the Soul, Song charms the Sense,)
Others apart sat on a Hill retir'd,
In thoughts more elevate, and reason'd high
Of Providence, Foreknowledge, Will and Fate,
Fixt Fate, free will, foreknowledg absolute, [ 560 ]
And found no end, in wandring mazes lost.
Of good and evil much they argu'd then,
Of happiness and final misery,
Passion and Apathie, and glory and shame,
Vain wisdom all, and false Philosophie: [ 565 ]
Yet with a pleasing sorcerie could charm
Pain for a while or anguish, and excite
Fallacious hope, or arm th' obdured brest
With stubborn patience as with triple steel.
Another part in Squadrons and gross Bands, [ 570 ]
On bold adventure to discover wide
That dismal world, if any Clime perhaps
Might yield them easier habitation, bend
Four ways thir flying March, along the Banks
Of four infernal Rivers that disgorge [ 575 ]
Into the burning Lake thir baleful streams;
Abhorred Styx the flood of deadly hate,
Sad Acheron of sorrow, black and deep;
Cocytus, nam'd of lamentation loud
Heard on the ruful stream; fierce Phlegeton [ 580 ]
Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage.
Farr off from these a slow and silent stream,
Lethe the River of Oblivion roules
Her watrie Labyrinth, whereof who drinks,
Forthwith his former state and being forgets, [ 585 ]
Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain.
Beyond this flood a frozen Continent
Lies dark and wilde, beat with perpetual storms
Of Whirlwind and dire Hail, which on firm land
Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems [ 590 ]
Of ancient pile; all else deep snow and ice,
A gulf profound as that Serbonian Bog
Betwixt Damiata and Mount Casius old,
Where Armies whole have sunk: the parching Air
Burns frore, and cold performs th' effect of Fire. [ 595 ]
Thither by harpy-footed Furies hail'd,
At certain revolutions all the damn'd
Are brought: and feel by turns the bitter change
Of fierce extreams, extreams by change more fierce,
From Beds of raging Fire to starve in Ice [ 600 ]
Thir soft Ethereal warmth, and there to pine
Immovable, infixt, and frozen round,
Periods of time, thence hurried back to fire.
They ferry over this Lethean Sound
Both to and fro, thir sorrow to augment, [ 605 ]
And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach
The tempting stream, with one small drop to loose
In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe,
All in one moment, and so neer the brink;
But fate withstands, and to oppose th' attempt [ 610 ]
Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards
The Ford, and of it self the water flies
All taste of living wight, as once it fled
The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on
In confus'd march forlorn, th' adventrous Bands [ 615 ]
With shuddring horror pale, and eyes agast
View'd first thir lamentable lot, and found
No rest: through many a dark and drearie Vaile
They pass'd, and many a Region dolorous,
O'er many a Frozen, many a fierie Alpe, [ 620 ]
Rocks, Caves, Lakes, Fens, Bogs, Dens, and shades of death,
A Universe of death, which God by curse
Created evil, for evil only good,
Where all life dies, death lives, and Nature breeds,
Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things, [ 625 ]
Abominable, inutterable, and worse
Then Fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceiv'd,
Gorgons and Hydra's, and Chimera's dire.
V1：从此他们比以前安心了，
这个缥缈的希望鼓舞着他们，
大天使们纷纷散去，分道扬镳，
心中闷闷，究竟该走向何方，
他们感到纷乱迷惑，
各自去找一个最喜爱的地方来休息，
使不安的思想有个归宿，
以消遣这苦闷时光，
直等到他们伟大将领的回来。
有在旷野里竞走赛跑的，
有在空中高处飞行比赛的，
好像奥林匹克的竞技或派西亚的田赛：
或驾御喷火的骏马，纵马奔驰，
或制飞轮，军车巧避标杆，
或取前线对垒的阵势。
霎时间，空中大乱，
战争阴影笼罩着地狱，
好像是警告骄傲的名城，
在云霄中军队冲入战阵，
在各先锋的前头都有空中的骑士策马横刀，
等待密阵军团的接战，
天的两极到处可见干戈挥舞，
气焰烧灼苍穹。有的发出
比残忍巨人更甚的怒吼，
拔山裂岩，扶摇直上时卷起旋风，
连地狱也禁受不起这样的狂叫。
好像戴上胜利冠冕，
从艾加利凯旋而归的阿尔克得斯，
衣袍染着毒汁，苦痛之余，
连根拔起帖撒利的松树，
连同送衣人利察斯，从艾塔的峰顶，
抛进优卜伊大海里。
有的比较心气和平地退居到
寂静的山谷中去，在众多竖琴的伴奏下，
用天使的曲调，歌唱自己英勇的行动，
和不幸战败，竟遭沉沦的往事；
且自叹命运乖张，
不该让自由的德性作暴力和机会的俘虏。
他们的歌唱是有偏向的，但很谐和，
使潮涌而至的全地狱听众黯然销魂，
精神恍惚。有的在谈话，
那更是赏心乐事有的则胸怀高尚的思想，
坐在僻静的小山上，就理性、
先见、意志和命运，亦即定命、
自由意志和绝对的先见等问题试作高谈阔论；
但都很迷茫，如堕云雾之中，得不到结论。
也有的就幸福和终极的不幸、同情和冷淡、
光荣和耻辱等问题大发高见，
全不过是空洞的智慧，虚伪的哲学！
当然，它并非一无是处，而是另具魅力，
能暂时驱除心头的苦闷，
激起对未来的浮幻的希望，
能武装心胸，增强坚忍力，
像是三重的钢铁铸成一般。
还有的结伙搭伴，向幽冥界作广泛的，
勇敢的探险，寻找能安身立命的地方，
他们分向四方，沿着地狱里
四条有毒的河飞行前进，
这四条河流进火湖。
一条奔流着可厌的死的憎恨的是恨水；
一条水黑而深沉的是泪河；
一条忧愁的是叹息
川水哗哗地高声叹息着，声闻远近；
一条火的瀑布倾泻直下，
卷起滚滚烈焰的狂涛，
猛火熊熊的是火江。
离这四河的远处，有一条静静的川流，
水流缓慢而曲折蜿蜒，
名叫利西，就是忘河，
传说喝了它的水就会忘却以前的事情，
既忘记了喜，也忘记了忧，
既忘记了幸福，也忘记了痛苦。
忘河的那边，横着冰冻的大陆，
那儿黑暗而荒凉，不断地受风暴、
冰雹、大旋风的袭击；
冰雹落在那坚硬的地上却永不消融，
堆积成山，乍看像古塔的残垣断壁。
此外只有很厚的积雪和冰；
像是古代那达米亚达和加修两山之间的
撒卜尼斯大泽的无底深渊，
在那里曾有全军沉没。
那儿的空气干燥而严寒，
冻得你肌肤有如被火灼伤般疼痛。
那些被判罪的犯人，
定期被有怪鸟巨爪的凶女神抓来这里，
刚刚受完烈火的煎熬之后
就在这里受寒冰僵冻，
全身的热气被僵住，动弹不得，
一经期满，仍旧被赶回烈火中去；
这样，以极冷和极热交相变换，
为变换过于急骤而倍感疼痛。
他们一次次在利西忘河上过渡，
往返越频繁，悲伤越深切，
因为过渡时，眼看忘河水近在咫尺，
渴望一饮河水，即使是一小滴，
也可使痛苦和忧愁一齐忘掉；
但命运不允许，从中作梗，
还有女魔墨杜萨，把守着渡头，
用葛共的恐怖威胁他们，严格禁止他们尝试；
那河水本身也飞速逃开活人的嘴，
像当初飞速逃开汤达拉斯的唇吻一样。
这样，那些进行探险的队伍，
在绝望、迷惘中仍不断漫步前行，
脸色苍白，心惊胆战，两眼发直，
开始看到可悲的命运，
而且找不到休息的地方：
他们行经许多地方，有暗黑、凄凉的山谷，
有许多忧伤的境地，有许多冰冻的峰峦，
有火烧的高山，有岩、窟、湖、沼、洞、泽
以及“死”的影子。“死”的宇宙，
是上帝用诅咒制造的“恶”，
那儿只有“恶”活得好，在那儿，
生死颠倒，生者死，死者生，
反常的自然所繁殖的，全是极其狰狞，
极其古怪的东西，讨厌之情，不可名状，
比神话寓言所臆造的还要丑恶，
其可怖远远超出蛇发怪葛共，
蛟龙海德拉和喷火炎炎的怪龙基抹拉。

V2：从此他们比以前安心了，
被这个缥缈的希望所鼓舞，
大天使们纷纷散去，各自分途，
心中闷闷，何所追求何所向，
感到纷乱迷惑，各自去找一个
最喜爱的地方来休息，使不安的
思想有个着落，消遣这苦闷时光，
直等到他们伟大将领的回来。
有的在旷野里竞走赛跑，
有的在空中高处飞行比胜，好象
奥林匹克的竞技或派西亚的田赛：
或御喷火的骏马，奔腾飞驰，
或制飞轮，军车巧避标竿，
或取前线对垒的阵势。
霎时间，空中纷乱，出现战争阴影，
好象是警告骄傲的名城，军队
在云霄冲入战阵，在各先锋的前头
都有空中的骑士策马横刀，
等待密阵军团的接战，天的两极
都见干戈挥舞，气焰烧灼苍穹。
有的发出比残忍巨人更凶的怒吼，
拔山裂岩，扶摇直上时卷起旋风，
连地狱也受不住这样的狂叫。
好象戴上胜利冠冕，从艾加利
凯旋的阿尔克得斯，衣袍染着
毒汁，苦痛之余，把帖撒利的松树
连根拔起，连同送衣人利察斯，
从艾塔的峰顶，抛进优卜伊大海里。
有的比较心气和平地退居到
寂静的山谷中去，用天使的曲调，
应和着许多的竖琴，歌唱自己
英勇的行动，和不幸而战败，
竟遭沉沦的事；且自怨命蹇，
不该 让自由的德性作暴力和机会的俘虏。
他们的歌唱是有偏向的，但很谐和，
（不死天人所唱的岂有不和谐之理？）
使蜂拥而来的全地狱听众销魂恍惚。
有的在谈话，那更是赏心乐事
（因为歌唱悦耳，雄辩悦心），
有的胸怀高尚的思想，坐在
偏僻的小山上面，就理性，
先见、意志和命运，就是定命、
自由意志和绝对的先见等问题
试作高谈阔论；但都很迷茫，
如堕五里雾中，得不到结论。
也有的就幸福和终极的不幸，
同情和冷淡、光荣和耻辱等
问题大发议论，全不过是
空洞的智慧，虚伪的哲学！
然而，其中也另有一种魅力，
能暂时驱除心头的苦闷，
激起对未来的浮幻的希望，
能武装心胸，使能坚忍，
象是三重的钢铁铸成一般。
还有的结队成群，向幽冥界
作广泛的、勇敢的探险，
看是否有个安身居住的地方，
他们分向四方，沿着四条
地狱火河飞行而进，这四条河
是地狱里有毒的河，流进火湖。——
一条是恨水，奔流着可厌的死的憎恨，
一条是泪河，水黑而深沉；
一条是叹息川，忧愁的水 哗
哗地高声叹息着，声闻远近，
一条叫火江，火的瀑布倾泻直下，
卷起滚滚烈焰的狂涛，猛火熊熊。
离这四河的远处，有一条静静的
川流，水流缓慢而曲折蜿蜒，
名叫利西，就是忘河，喝了它的水
就会把以前的事情全都忘光，
忘记了喜，也忘记了忧，
忘记了幸福，也忘记了痛苦。
忘河的那边，横着一个冰冻的大陆，
那儿黑暗而荒凉，不断地受
风暴、冰雹、大旋风的袭击，
冰雹落在那坚硬的地上就不消融，
堆积成山，看来象古塔的断壁残垣。
此外只有很厚的积雪和冰，
一个无底深渊，象是古代那
达米亚达和加修两山之间的
撒卜尼斯大泽，曾有全军沉没在那里。
那儿的空气干燥而严寒，
冻得你肌肤疼痛，有如被火灼伤，
那些被判罪的犯人，定期被
有怪鸟巨爪的凶女神抓来
这里，在烈火的煎熬刚完之后，
就在这里受寒冰僵冻，全身的热气
被僵住，不能行动，不能转移，
一经期满，仍旧被赶回烈火中去，
这样，以极冷和极热交相变换，
因为变换过于急骤而觉得加倍痛楚。
他们一次次在利西忘河上过渡，
来去频繁，悲伤愈益增加，
因为过渡时，眼看忘河水近在身旁，
渴望一饮河水，那怕只要一小滴，
就可使痛苦和忧愁一齐忘掉，
但命运不允许，从中阻止他们，
还有女魔墨杜萨，用葛共的恐怖
把守渡头，严格禁止他们尝试；
那河水本身也飞速逃开活人的嘴，
象当初飞速逃开汤达拉斯的唇吻。
这样，那些进行探险的队伍，
在绝望、迷惘中继续漫步向前走，
脸色苍白，心惊胆战，眼发呆，
开始看到可悲的命运，而且
找不到休息的地方：他们行经许多
暗黑、凄凉的山谷，经过
许多忧伤的境地，越过许多
冰冻的峰峦，火烧的高山，
岩、窟、湖、沼、洞、泽
以及“死”的影子。“死”的宇宙，
是上帝用咒诅制造的“恶”，
那儿只有“恶”活得好，在那儿，
一切生者死，一切死者生，
反常的自然所繁殖的，全是
极其狰狞，极其古怪的东西，
讨厌，不可名状，比神话寓言
所臆造的还要丑恶，其可怖
更甚于蛇发怪葛共，蛟龙海德拉
和喷火炎炎的怪龙基抹拉。.

Mean while the Adversary of God and Man,
Satan with thoughts inflam'd of highest design, [ 630 ]
Puts on swift wings, and towards the Gates of Hell
Explores his solitary flight; som times
He scours the right hand coast, som times the left,
Now shaves with level wing the Deep, then soares
Up to the fiery Concave touring high. [ 635 ]
As when farr off at Sea a Fleet descri'd
Hangs in the Clouds, by ?quinoctial Winds
Close sailing from Bengala, or the Iles
Of Ternate and Tidore, whence Merchants bring
Thir spicie Drugs: they on the Trading Flood [ 640 ]
Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape
Ply stemming nightly toward the Pole. So seem'd
Farr off the flying Fiend: at last appeer
Hell bounds high reaching to the horrid Roof,
And thrice threefold the Gates; three folds were Brass, [ 645 ]
Three Iron, three of Adamantine Rock,
Impenetrable, impal'd with circling fire,
Yet unconsum'd. Before the Gates there sat
On either side a formidable shape;
The one seem'd Woman to the waste, and fair, [ 650 ]
But ended foul in many a scaly fould
Voluminous and vast, a Serpent arm'd
With mortal sting: about her middle round
A cry of Hell Hounds never ceasing bark'd
With wide Cerberian mouths full loud, and rung [ 655 ]
A hideous Peal: yet, when they list, would creep,
If aught disturb'd thir noyse, into her woomb,
And kennel there, yet there still bark'd and howl'd
Within unseen. Farr less abhorrd than these
Vex'd Scylla bathing in the Sea that parts [ 660 ]
Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore:
Nor uglier follow the Night-Hag, when call'd
In secret, riding through the Air she comes
Lur'd with the smell of infant blood, to dance
With Lapland Witches, while the labouring Moon [ 665 ]
Eclipses at thir charms. The other shape,
If shape it might be call'd that shape had none
Distinguishable in member, joynt, or limb,
Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd,
For each seem'd either; black it stood as Night, [ 670 ]
Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell,
And shook a dreadful Dart; what seem'd his head
The likeness of a Kingly Crown had on.
Satan was now at hand, and from his seat
The Monster moving onward came as fast [ 675 ]
With horrid strides, Hell trembled as he strode.
Th' undaunted Fiend what this might be admir'd,
Admir'd, not fear'd; God and his Son except,
Created thing naught valu'd he nor shun'd
And with disdainful look thus first began. [ 680 ]
V1：这时，神和人的仇敌撒旦，
心怀更为高明的计谋，心热如火，
乘健翮，试作孤独的飞行，径直奔向地狱大门；
忽尔往右，忽尔往左，探视着高空；
一会儿平飞掠过渊面，一会儿奋翮高翔，
直冲向火的穹顶。如在海上遥望，
所看见的一缥缈船队，群帆高挂云端，
乘彼岸的贸易风从孟加拉或特拿德、替道诸岛，
亦即商人们贩运香料的地方，
冒着季节潮的危险，
穿越茫茫的埃塞俄比亚海，
遥望好望角，星夜赶向南极，
那飞行的魔王高飞远去，与此无异。
他终于飞到了地狱的关口，
高耸可怕的穹顶；那关口，
有三重三叠的大门：三重铜造，
三重铁铸，又三重金刚岩炼成，
坚牢难破，四面包围着火，却焚烧不起来。
大门前的两旁各盘踞着一个可怕的怪物：
一个上半身是女人，十分妖艳美丽，
下半身巨大，盘蜷，满是鳞甲，
是一条长着致命毒刺的大蛇：
地狱的群犬围在她的中部，
张着塞倍拉斯的巨口，不停地高声狂吠，
样子着实吓人。但当它们高兴
或受到喧哗的声音扰乱时，
就爬进母亲的肚子里去，
但仍在母腹内低声吠狺不停。
这种可怕的情景，不亚于愤怒的
西拉在卡拉伯里和脱里那克里亚中间的海里洗澡时；
也不亚于那丑恶的夜之魔女，
嗅到婴儿的血腥气味之后，
便悄悄地从空中飞来，
邀同拉波兰的妖女们跳舞，
用符咒使月亮亏蚀无光。另一个怪物，
事实上根本不成形，
因为它的耳、鼻、手、足、关节都模糊不清，
看起来像是一个物体的影子，
又不像是影子，形、影二者互相仿佛；
到处一团漆黑，像“夜”一般站着，
比凶神更凶十倍，像地狱一样可怕，
挥舞着标枪；头上似乎戴着王冠模样的东西。
当撒旦向他靠近，那怪物离座迎上，
用可怕的步伐，急速向前走去；
他的脚步踏得地狱都震颤起来。
这是什么；那无畏的恶魔都觉得奇怪，
只奇怪，却毫不畏惧；除了神和神子，
一切被造物全不放在他心上，
他不避开，却轻蔑地注视着他：

V2：这时，神和人的仇敌撒但，
怀着更高的计谋，心热如火，
乘健翮，试作孤独的飞行，
直向地狱大门飞去，有时往右，
有时往左，探视着高空；
一会儿平飞掠过渊面，一会儿
奋翮高翔，直向火的穹顶冲去。
如在海上遥望，见一缥缈船队，
群帆高挂云端，乘彼岸的贸易风
从孟加拉或特拿德、替道诸岛，
就是商人们贩运香料的地方，
冒着季节潮的危险，越过茫茫的
埃塞俄比亚海，遥望好望角，
连夜向南极挺进，那飞行的
魔王高飞远去，仿佛就是这样。
他终于飞到了地狱的关口，
高耸可怕的穹顶；那关口，
有三重三叠的大门：三重铜造，
三重铁铸，又三重金刚岩炼成，
坚牢难破，四面包围着火，却不焚烧。
大门前的两旁各坐着一个可怕的怪物：
一个上半身是女人，相当美丽，
下半身巨大，盘蜷，满是鳞甲，
是一条长着致命毒刺的大蛇：
她的中部围着地狱的群犬，
张着塞倍拉斯的巨口，不停地
高声狂吠，狺狺吓人。但当
它们高兴或有喧哗的声音扰乱时，
就爬进母亲的肚子里去，
但仍在母腹内隐隐吠狺不已。
这种可怕的情景，不下于
忿怒的西拉在卡拉伯里和
脱里那克里亚中间的海里洗澡时；
也不下于那丑恶的夜之魔女，
因为嗅到婴儿的血腥气味，
便悄悄地从空中飞来，
邀同拉波兰的妖女们跳舞，
用符咒弄得月亮亏蚀无光。
另一个怪物，实际上不成形，
因为它的耳、鼻、手、足、关节
都模糊不清，看起来象是一个
物体的影子，象影子又不是影子，
形、影二者互相仿佛，漆黑一团，
象“夜”一般站着，比凶神更凶十倍，
象地狱一样可怕，挥舞着标枪；
头上似乎戴着王冠模样的东西。
撒但走近去，那怪物离座迎上，
用可怕的步伐，急速走向前去，
他的脚步踏得地狱都震颤起来。
那无畏的恶魔觉得奇怪，这是什么，
只奇怪，却不怕，除了神和神子，
一切被造物全不放在他心上，
他不避开，却轻蔑地看他，说道：.

Whence and what art thou, execrable shape,
That dar'st, though grim and terrible, advance
Thy miscreated Front athwart my way
To yonder Gates? through them I mean to pass,
That be assured, without leave askt of thee: [ 685 ]
Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof,
Hell-born, not to contend with Spirits of Heav'n.
V1：“你这丑恶的东西，到底是什么？
哪儿来的？你虽生得狰狞怕人，
却怎敢在那门口挡住我的去路？
我决定从那儿出去，不需你的允许，
滚开吧，否则自讨没趣，
你这地狱儿，别同天国精灵抗衡！

V2：“你这个丑恶的形象是什么？
哪儿来的？你虽生得狰狞怕人，
却怎敢在那门口挡住我的去路？
我决定从那儿出去，不用你许可，
滚开吧，否则自讨没趣，闹笑话，
你这地狱儿，别同天国精灵对抗！”.

To whom the Goblin full of wrauth reply'd,
Art thou that Traitor Angel, art thou hee,
Who first broke peace in Heav'n and Faith, till then [ 690 ]
Unbrok'n, and in proud rebellious Arms
Drew after him the third part of Heav'ns Sons
Conjur'd against the highest, for which both Thou
And they outcast from God, are here condemn'd
To waste Eternal dayes in woe and pain? [ 695 ]
And reck'n'st thou thy self with Spirits of Heav'n,
Hell-doom'd, and breath'st defiance here and scorn
Where I reign King, and to enrage thee more,
Thy King and Lord? Back to thy punishment,
False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings, [ 700 ]
Least with a whip of Scorpions I pursue
Thy lingring, or with one stroke of this Dart
Strange horror seise thee, and pangs unfelt before.
V1：那妖怪大怒道：
“你莫非是那个叛逆的大天使？
你胆敢不逊地动用了武器，
首先打破了天上的和平和信仰，
还阴谋鼓动了三分之一的天国子孙，
共同反对那至高无上的天王，
你和他们都被天王所驱逐，
在此间受罚，把无穷的时日消磨在受苦受难中。
你现在已经定罪，沦落至此，
怎么还敢自称天国的精灵，
出言不逊，猖狂挑衅呢？
我君临此地为王，你也许更不服，
又怎敢在你的君王和主人面前放肆？
你这撒谎的逃犯，快回去受刑吧！
展开双翼赶快飞走吧，别再耽搁了，
免得我用蝎尾的毒鞭赶你走，
或者用这标枪刺你，
给你尝一尝从未尝过的奇痛滋味。

V2：那妖怪便大怒回答他：
“你莫非是那个叛逆的大天使？
你首先打破天上的和平和信仰，
胆敢不逊地动用了武器，还阴谋
鼓动了三分之一的天国子孙，
共同反对那至尊，你和他们
都被至尊所驱逐，罚在此间，
把无穷的时日消磨在受苦受难中。
你现在既经定罪，沉沦在这里，
怎么还敢自称天国的精灵，
在这里出言不逊，猖狂挑衅？
我君临此地为王，你也许更不服，
又怎敢在你的君王和主人面前放肆？
快回去受刑吧，你这撒谎的逃犯！
展开双翼赶快飞走吧，别迟延了，
免得我用蝎尾的毒鞭赶你走，
或者用这标枪刺你，给你
尝一尝从未尝过的奇痛滋味。”.

So spake the grieslie terror, and in shape,
So speaking and so threatning, grew tenfold [ 705 ]
More dreadful and deform: on th' other side
Incenst with indignation Satan stood
Unterrifi'd, and like a Comet burn'd,
That fires the length of Ophiucus huge
In th' Artick Sky, and from his horrid hair [ 710 ]
Shakes Pestilence and Warr. Each at the Head
Level'd his deadly aime; thir fatall hands
No second stroke intend, and such a frown
Each cast at th' other, as when two black Clouds
With Heav'ns Artillery fraught, come rattling on [ 715 ]
Over the Caspian, then stand front to front
Hov'ring a space, till Winds the signal blow
To join thir dark Encounter in mid air:
So frownd the mighty Combatants, that Hell
Grew darker at thir frown, so matcht they stood; [ 720 ]
For never but once more was either like
To meet so great a foe: and now great deeds
Had been achiev'd, whereof all Hell had rung,
Had not the Snakie Sorceress that sat
Fast by Hell Gate, and kept the fatal Key, [ 725 ]
Ris'n, and with hideous outcry rush'd between.
V1：那奇丑的可怖怪物这样说了，
他如此言语，如此恫吓，
他的形像更显十倍的狰狞。
撒旦听完更加愤怒，
毫不惧怕地毅然站立在那里，
如同北极空中燃烧着的彗星，
纵火烧遍巨大的蛇星座的长空，
从他的怒发上抖落瘟疫和杀气。
那二魔都瞄准对方的脑袋，
准备给以致命的一击，尽量不再动手，
相对怒视的姿势，好像两朵乌云，
都满载着天上的炮弹，隆隆地来到里海的上空；
然后面对面对峙片刻，等到风的信号一下，
便在半空中进行激烈的交战一般。
两个大力的角斗士这样严峻对立，
地狱也显得更加阴沉。除此一回，
双方都永远没再遇到这样强大的对手。
那时本来会发生重大的事件，
可以传遍全地狱的；
但那坐在地狱大门另一边的，
掌管着命运钥匙的蛇尾女魔王站起来，
惨叫着冲到二魔中间。

V2：那奇丑的可怖怪物这样说了，
由于他这么说，这么恫吓，
他的形象更显十倍的狰狞。
对方撒但听了愈加气愤，
毫不惧怕地毅然站立在那里，
好象北极空中燃烧着的彗星，
纵火烧遍巨大的蛇星座的长空，
从他的怒发上抖落瘟疫和杀气。
那二魔都向对方的脑袋上瞄准，
准备给以致命的一击，不必再动手，
相对怒视的姿势，好象两朵乌云，
都满载着天上的炮弹，隆隆地
来到里海的上空，然后面对面
峙立一会儿，等到风的信号一下，
便在半空中作暗黑的交锋一般。
两个大力的角斗士这样严峻对立，
使地狱也显得更加阴沉。
双方都除此一回，永远没再
遇到这样强大的对手。
那时本来会发生重大的事件，
可以在全地狱里传遍的；
但那坐在地狱大门另一边的，
掌握命运钥匙的蛇尾女魔王
站起来，惨叫着冲到二魔中间。.

O Father, what intends thy hand, she cry'd,
Against thy only Son? What fury O Son,
Possesses thee to bend that mortal Dart
Against thy Fathers head? and know'st for whom; [ 730 ]
For him who sits above and laughs the while
At thee ordain'd his drudge, to execute
What e're his wrath, which he calls Justice, bids,
His wrath which one day will destroy ye both.
V1：她叫道：“啊，父亲，
你的手怎能同你的私生子交斗？
啊，儿子，你怎能发怒，
用致命的标枪向父亲的脑袋瞄准？
你们知道这是为了谁？
是为了那高高坐在天上的神，
他看到你们这种行为，正中下怀，
正是他发怒时的命令，他正在发笑，
却说这是义愤命令你们这么做的呢！
他的愤怒迟早会把你们统统消灭。”

V2：她叫道：“啊，父亲，你的手
怎么同你的私生子相对抗？
啊，儿子，你怎么发怒，
用致命的标枪向父亲的脑袋瞄准？
你们知道这是为了谁？是为了
那高高坐在天上的神，他看到
你们这种行动，正合心意，正是
他发怒时的命令，他正在发笑，
却说是义愤命令你们做的事呢！
他的忿怒迟早会把你们同归消灭。”.

She spake, and at her words the hellish Pest [ 735 ]
Forbore, then these to her Satan return'd:
V1：她说罢，那地狱的瘟神竟然停手了；
于是那撒旦回答说：

V2：她说罢，那地狱的瘟神
就罢手；于是那撒但回答说：.

So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange
Thou interposest, that my sudden hand
Prevented spares to tell thee yet by deeds
What it intends; till first I know of thee, [ 740 ]
What thing thou art, thus double-form'd, and why
In this infernal Vaile first met thou call'st
Me Father, and that Fantasm call'st my Son?
I know thee not, nor ever saw till now
Sight more detestable then him and thee. [ 745 ]
V1：“你的叫喊声和阻止的话都很奇怪，
竟使这敏捷的手停住，无法满足我的欲望，
给你看清；我首先得知道你这是什么玩意？
你这二重的形像，为什么在这地狱的幽谷中，
同我初次相见就管我叫父亲，
管那幻影叫做我的儿子，我可不认识你们，
从来没有见过像你和他这么奇丑可憎的怪物。”
地狱大门的女司阍这样回答道：

V2：“你的叫喊声真古怪，你阻止的
话也真稀奇，竟使这敏捷的手
停住，不能逞我所欲，给你看清；
我首先得知道你这是什么玩意？
你这二重的形象，为什么在这
地狱的幽谷中，同我初次相见面
就管我叫父亲，管那幻影叫做
我的儿子，可我不认得你们，从来
没有见过象你和他这么奇丑可憎。”
地狱大门的女司阍如此回答他：.

T' whom thus the Portress of Hell Gate reply'd;
Hast thou forgot me then, and do I seem
Now in thine eye so foul, once deemd so fair
In Heav'n, when at th' Assembly, and in sight
Of all the Seraphim with thee combin'd [ 750 ]
In bold conspiracy against Heav'ns King,
All on a sudden miserable pain
Surprisd thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzie swumm
In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast
Threw forth, till on the left side op'ning wide, [ 755 ]
Likest to thee in shape and count'nance bright,
Then shining Heav'nly fair, a Goddess arm'd
Out of thy head I sprung; amazement seis'd
All th' Host of Heav'n back they recoild affraid
At first, and call'd me Sin, and for a Sign [ 760 ]
Portentous held me; but familiar grown,
I pleas'd, and with attractive graces won
The most averse, thee chiefly, who full oft
Thy self in me thy perfect image viewing
Becam'st enamour'd, and such joy thou took'st [ 765 ]
With me in secret, that my womb conceiv'd
A growing burden. Mean while Warr arose,
And fields were fought in Heav'n; wherein remaind
(For what could else) to our Almighty Foe
Cleer Victory, to our part loss and rout [ 770 ]
Through all the Empyrean: down they fell
Driv'n headlong from the Pitch of Heaven, down
Into this Deep, and in the general fall
I also; at which time this powerful Key
Into my hand was giv'n, with charge to keep [ 755 ]
These Gates for ever shut, which none can pass
Without my op'ning. Pensive here I sat
Alone, but long I sat not, till my womb
Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown
Prodigious motion felt and rueful throes. [ 780 ]
At last this odious offspring whom thou seest
Thine own begotten, breaking violent way
Tore through my entrails, that with fear and pain
Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew
Transform'd: but he my inbred enemie [ 785 ]
Forth issu'd, brandishing his fatal Dart
Made to destroy: I fled, and cry'd out Death;
Hell trembl'd at the hideous Name, and sigh'd
From all her Caves, and back resounded Death.
I fled, but he pursu'd (though more, it seems, [ 790 ]
Inflam'd with lust then rage) and swifter far,
Mee overtook his mother all dismaid,
And in embraces forcible and foule
Ingendring with me, of that rape begot
These yelling Monsters that with ceasless cry [ 795 ]
Surround me, as thou sawst, hourly conceiv'd
And hourly born, with sorrow infinite
To me, for when they list into the womb
That bred them they return, and howle and gnaw
My Bowels, thir repast; then bursting forth [ 800 ]
A fresh with conscious terrours vex me round,
That rest or intermission none I find.
Before mine eyes in opposition sits
Grim Death my Son and foe, who sets them on,
And me his Parent would full soon devour [ 805 ]
For want of other prey, but that he knows
His end with mine involvd; and knows that I
Should prove a bitter Morsel, and his bane,
Whenever that shall be; so Fate pronounc'd.
But thou O Father, I forewarn thee, shun [ 810 ]
His deadly arrow; neither vainly hope
To be invulnerable in those bright Arms,
Though temper'd heav'nly, for that mortal dint,
Save he who reigns above, none can resist.
V1：“这么说，你已忘掉我了吗？
如今我在你眼里真显得这么丑了吗？
当时在天上，我可是美人呢。
在一次的集会中，你大胆地和
众撒拉弗合谋背叛天帝时，
你忽然觉得一阵剧烈的疼痛，
双眼眩晕昏暗，你的脑袋里，
有浓焰急速向外面喷迸，
终于在左边裂开一个大口，
我从那儿崩迸而出，
一个全身武装的女神，光辉鲜艳，
如天仙般的美丽动人，
状貌容姿都和你一模一样，
使天上的众神全都惊讶不已，
他们最初是一齐惊讶而后退，
管我叫‘罪恶’，视我为不祥之兆。
后来逐渐熟悉了，连最讨厌我的
也喜欢我富于魅力的妩媚，特别是你。
在我的身上你看到你自己的圆满形像，
便同我爱恋，和我幽会行乐，
使我怀了孕，身子逐渐加重。
就在那时节，战争开始了，
战场就在天上；天庭混乱一片，
我们全能的敌人大获全胜；
我们这方面呢，直到最高天，
无处不败北而失坠；从天顶，
被放逐，倒栽葱，摔下来，
摔到这个无底深渊里，我也随同摔下，
就在那时，这把钥匙被交到我手里，
我就看管这永远禁闭的大门，
没有我的开启，无人可以通过。
我孤苦伶仃地坐在这里，但不久，
你留下的孽根，在我的肚子里长大膨胀了，
剧烈地蠕动，使我感觉得一阵阵钻心似的痛楚。
终于，你看见的这个可厌的孽种，
你自己的儿子，撕裂我的柔肠挣扎出来，
恐怖和痛苦折磨着我，
于是我的下半身变成这个样子。
可是我这个冤家仇人生出以后
竟挥动致命的标枪，要把我毁掉。
因此我四处逃奔，口里直喊着‘死！’
全地狱听到这个可怕的名字都震动了，
所有的洞穴里都发出叹息声，
响彻着‘死’的回音。我逃，他赶，
与其说是愤怒，倒不如说是恼人的欲火燃烧着他。
他跑得比我快得多，捉住了我——
他的母亲，还无耻地猛烈拥抱我，
同我苟合，由于那次的凌辱，
生下一大群狺狺狂吠的怪物，
你看他们不断地吠叫着，围着我，
我每次怀孕，每次生产，他们都给我
无穷的痛苦；因为他们随意地回到我的肚子里来，
仍旧吠叫着，以我的肝肠做食物，
然后又奔窜而出，用恐怖包围我，
使我烦恼不已，不得休息，不得中止。
我亲生的儿子和仇敌，就在我眼前，
和我面对面坐着的，狰狞的‘死’，
因为没有别的牺牲，
便唆使他们来吞噬他的亲娘，
但他知道我要是被吃光了，
他也活不了，也知道我随时会变成苦肉，
成了他的毒饵，‘命运’早已宣告过这些。
你，父亲啊！我预先警告你，
要避开他那致命的箭，
别以为它损坏不了你那发光的武器，
那虽然是天上炼成的，
但除了天上君临者外，谁也不堪他致命的一击。”

V2：“这么说，你把我忘掉了？
如今我在你眼里显得这么丑了吗？
当时在天上，曾被看做美艳的呢。
在一次的集会中，你大胆地
和众撒拉弗计谋反叛天帝时，
你忽然觉得一阵剧烈的疼痛，
双眼眩晕昏暗，从你的脑袋里，
有浓焰急速向外面喷迸，
终于在左边裂开一个大口，我从
那儿崩迸而出，一个武装的女神，
光辉鲜艳，有天仙般的美丽，
状貌容姿都和你一模一样，
使天上的众神全都惊奇不止，
他们最初是一齐惊讶而后退，
管我叫‘罪恶’，认为不祥之兆。
后来逐渐熟悉了，连最讨厌我的
也喜欢我的妩媚富于魅力，特别是你。
你从我的身上看到你自己的圆满形象，
便同我爱恋，和我幽会行乐，
使我怀了孕，身子逐渐加重。
就在那时节，战争开始了，
战场就在天上；天庭大乱了，
（怎么能不乱呢？）我们全能的敌人
得到了全胜；我们这方面呢，
直到最高天，无处不败北而失坠，
从天顶，被放逐，倒栽葱，摔下来，
摔到这个深渊里，我也随同摔下，
就在那时，这把钥匙交我手里，
我就看管这永远禁闭的大门，
没有我的开启，谁也不能通过。
我孤苦伶仃地坐在这里，但不久，
你种下的孽种，在我的肚子里
长大膨胀了，剧烈的蠕动，
使我感觉得一阵阵钻心的痛楚。
终于，你看见的这个可厌的孽种，
你自己的儿子，撕裂我的柔肠
挣扎出来，恐怖和痛苦扭绞我，
使我的下半身变成这个样子。
可是我这个冤家仇人生出以后
就挥动致命的标枪，要毁掉我。
因此我逃奔，口里直喊着‘死！’
全地狱听到这个可怕的名字
都震动了，从所有的洞穴里
都发出叹息声，响着‘死’的回音。
我逃，他赶，与其说是愤怒，
不如说是恼人的欲火燃烧着他。
他跑得比我快得多，捉住了我、
他的母亲，还秽亵地猛烈拥抱我，
和我相交，由于那次的凌辱，
生下这些狺狺狂吠的一大群怪物，
你看他们不断地吠叫着，围着我，
我每时怀孕，每时生产，给我
无穷的痛苦，因为他们随意地
回到我的肚子里来，仍旧吠叫着，
咬我的肝肠做食物，然后又
破迸出来，用恐怖包围我，
使我烦恼，不得休息，不得中止。
在我眼前，和我面对面坐着的，
是我亲生的儿子和仇敌，狰狞的
‘死’，因为没有别的牺牲，便
唆使他们来把他的亲娘吞噬，
但他知道把我吃光了，他也
活不了，也知道我随时会变成
苦肉，成了他的毒饵，
这是‘命运’早已宣告过的。
你，父亲啊！我预先警告你，
要避开他那致命的箭，别以为
你那发光的武器是不会损坏的，
那虽然是天上炼成的，但除了天上
君临者外，谁也不堪他致命的一击。”.

She finish'd, and the suttle Fiend his lore [ 815 ]
Soon learnd, now milder, and thus answerd smooth.
Dear Daughter, since thou claim'st me for thy Sire,
And my fair Son here showst me, the dear pledge
Of dalliance had with thee in Heav'n, and joys
Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change [ 820 ]
Befalln us unforeseen, unthought of, know
I come no enemie, but to set free
From out this dark and dismal house of pain,
Both him and thee, and all the heav'nly Host
Of Spirits that in our just pretenses arm'd [ 825 ]
Fell with us from on high: from them I go
This uncouth errand sole, and one for all
Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread
Th' unfounded deep, and through the void immense
To search with wandring quest a place foretold [ 830 ]
Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere now
Created vast and round, a place of bliss
In the Purlieues of Heav'n, and therein plac't
A race of upstart Creatures, to supply
Perhaps our vacant room, though more remov'd, [ 835 ]
Least Heav'n surcharg'd with potent multitude
Might hap to move new broiles: Be this or aught
Then this more secret now design'd, I haste
To know, and this once known, shall soon return,
And bring ye to the place where Thou and Death [ 840 ]
Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen
Wing silently the buxom Air, imbalm'd
With odours; there ye shall be fed and fill'd
Immeasurably, all things shall be your prey.
He ceas'd, for both seem'd highly pleasd, and Death [ 845 ]
Grinnd horrible a gastly smile, to hear
His famine should be fill'd, and blest his mawe
Destin'd to that good hour: no less rejoyc'd
His mother bad, and thus bespake her Sire.
V1：她说罢，聪明的魔王便警惕起来，
立刻放温和些，委婉地答道：
“亲爱的女儿，你既然叫我父亲，
又指给我看俊美的儿子，
这是我在天界与你嬉戏游玩的纪念品，
当初的欢喜、甜蜜，如今已不堪回首，
都只因这不可预料的不幸变故。
要知道，我这次来并非要同你们敌对，
而是要把你们和一切为正当的权利武装起来，
使从天上坠落的天使军的精灵们
从黑暗和痛苦中解放出来。
我辞别他们，为了大众，独自出来，
敢于冒险，跋涉无底深渊，
越过茫茫太虚无限境界，上下漫游，
是要去探索一个地方，据预言传说，
那是一个福地，各种现像都说明，
那福地现已建成，近在天国的边缘上，
是个巨大的圆形，其中安置着一族新崛起的生灵，
也许是用来填补我们的空缺的，
那地离天庭有一段距离，
为的是怕天庭里充斥强项的族类，
难免再起新的纷争。我现在迫切
想探知这件事或其他更秘密的计划。
一经探明，便急速归来，
带你和‘死’一同前去一个可以安身之地，
可以在那清鲜、芬芳的空气中，
自由自在地从容飞行。
在那儿给养丰富，一切都是你们的食饵。”
他说罢，母子俩大为高兴，
“死”一听说有这样可以吃饱的地方，
不觉微笑露出了狰狞的牙齿，
预祝自己的肚皮将交好运，
邪恶的母亲也同样欢喜，这样对她父亲说：

V2：她说罢，聪明的魔王便警悟，
立刻放温和些，这样委婉地答道，
“亲爱的女儿，你既然叫我父亲，
又把俊美的儿子指给我看，
这是我在天上和你嬉游时的纪念品，
当初的欢喜、甜蜜，今天已不堪回首，
都只因这不可预料的不幸变故。
要知道，我这次来不是要同你们敌对，
而是要把你们和一切为正当的权利
而武装起义，并从天上坠落的
天使军的精灵们解放，从黑暗和
痛苦中解放出来。我辞别他们，
独自出来，为大众敢冒万险，跋涉
无底深渊，越过茫茫太虚无限境界，
上下漫游，去探索一个地方，
据预言传说，那是一个福地，
根据各种现象，那福地现已建成，
近在天国的边缘上，是个巨大的圆形，
其中安置着一族新崛起的生灵，
大概是用以填补我们的空缺的，
那地离开天庭稍有一些距离，
为的是怕天庭里充斥强项的族类，
难免再起新的纷争。我现在急于
要知道这件事或其他更秘密的计划。
一经探明，便急速归来，带你
和‘死’一同前去一个可以安居之地，
可以在那清鲜、芬芳的空气中，
自由自在地从容飞行。在那儿有
无穷的给养，一切都是你们的食饵。”
他说罢，母子俩大为高兴，
“死”一听说有这样可以吃饱的地方，
不觉便露出狰狞的牙齿微笑，
预祝自己的肚皮将交好运，邪恶的
母亲也同样欢喜，这样对她父亲说，.

The key of this infernal Pit by due, [ 850 ]
And by command of Heav'ns all-powerful King
I keep, by him forbidden to unlock
These Adamantine Gates; against all force
Death ready stands to interpose his dart,
Fearless to be o'rmatcht by living might. [ 855 ]
But what ow I to his commands above
Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down
Into this gloom of Tartarus profound,
To sit in hateful Office here confin'd,
Inhabitant of Heav'n, and heav'nlie-born, [ 860 ]
Here in perpetual agonie and pain,
With terrors and with clamors compasst round
Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed:
Thou art my Father, thou my Author, thou
My being gav'st me; whom should I obey [ 865 ]
But thee, whom follow? thou wilt bring me soon
To that new world of light and bliss, among
The Gods who live at ease, where I shall Reign
At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems
Thy daughter and thy darling, without end. [ 870 ]
V1：“我管理的这把地狱的钥匙，
就是我的权利，天主下了命令
禁止把这金刚的大门开启；
‘死’站在这里把守，手持标枪，
抵御一切强力，不被活的威力所压倒。
可是天主憎恨我，把我从天上扔下，
扔进这幽暗深沉的地府，把我幽禁在此，
担任这可恨的职务，我是一个天所生的居民，
为什么要在这里受永恒的苦痛，
亲生的骨肉冤家和噬咬我肝肠的各种恐怖和纷争，
从四周包围着我？我为什么要遵守他的命令呢？
你，我的父亲，我的创造主，
你给了我生命，除你之外，我还该听从谁，
跟着谁走呢？你很快就要带我去那光明幸福的新世界，
快乐地住在众神灵中间。
我将坐在你的右手，君临那里，
纵情享乐，不枉做为你的女儿，
做你的情人，天长地久，永无绝期。

V2：“我所管理的这把地狱的钥匙，
就是我的权利，并由于天上全能王
的命令，禁止把这金刚的大门开启，
‘死’站在这里把守，手持标枪，抗拒
一切强力，不被活的威力所压倒。
可是全能的王恨我，把我从天上扔下，
扔进这幽暗深沉的地府，把我
幽禁在这儿，担任这可恨的职务，
我是一个天上的居民，天所生的，
为什么要在这里受永久的痛苦，
四周围绕着我亲生的骨肉冤家，
咬啮我肝肠的各种恐怖和纠纷？
我为什么要遵守他的命令呢？
你，我的父亲，我的创造主，
你给了我生命，除了你，
我还该听从谁，跟着谁走呢？
你很快就要带我去光明幸福的
新世界，快乐地住在众神灵中间。
我将坐在你的右手，君临那里，
纵情享乐，不愧称为你的女儿，
做你的情人，天长地久，永无绝期。”.

Thus saying, from her side the fatal Key,
Sad instrument of all our woe, she took;
And towards the Gate rouling her bestial train,
Forthwith the huge Porcullis high up drew,
Which but her self not all the Stygian powers [ 875 ]
Could once have mov'd; then in the key-hole turns
Th' intricate wards, and every Bolt and Bar
Of massie Iron or sollid Rock with ease
Unfast'ns: on a sudden op'n flie
With impetuous recoile and jarring sound [ 880 ]
Th' infernal dores, and on thir hinges grate
Harsh Thunder, that the lowest bottom shook
Of Erebus. She op'nd, but to shut
Excel'd her power; the Gates wide op'n stood,
That with extended wings a Bannerd Host [ 885 ]
Under spread Ensigns marching might pass through
With Horse and Chariots rankt in loose array;
So wide they stood, and like a Furnace mouth
Cast forth redounding smoak and ruddy flame.
V1：她边说边从身边取出那不祥的钥匙——
人间万祸的媒介，向着大门转动她的兽尾，
巨大的格子吊闸，被高高地拔起来，
那吊闸坚固、沉重，除了她，
即使用全地狱天使的力量也动弹不了它；
随后她把钥匙放进锁眼里，
旋开了复杂的弹簧，轻轻松开
所有铁铸石炼的门鼻、门闩，
轰隆一声，地狱的大门忽然开了，
由于用力过猛，所以造成反跳，
使得门键上的粗厉声响如雷鸣，
连地狱最深的底层也被震动了。
她开了门，但已无力再关上，
所以大门洞开着，这样大张旗鼓的大军，
战马兵车并列的队伍都能畅通无阻，
好像一个洪炉张开大口，
浓烟和深红色的火焰喷薄而出。

V2：她这样说着，便从身边取出
那不祥的钥匙，人间万祸的媒介，
向着大门转动她的兽尾，将巨大的
格子吊闸，高高地拔起来，
那吊闸坚固、沉重，除了她，
即使用全地狱天使的力量也拔不动，
随后她拿钥匙放进锁眼里，
旋开了复杂的弹簧，轻轻松开
所有铁铸石炼的门鼻、门闩，
哗的一声，地狱的大门忽然开了，
因为用力过猛，造成反跳，
使得门键上的粗厉声响如雷鸣，
连地狱最深的底层都震动了。
她开了门，但没有力气再关上，
所以大门洞开着，大张旗鼓的大军，
战马兵车并列的队伍都可畅通无阻，
好象一个洪炉张开大口，
喷吐出浓烟和深红色的火焰。.

Before thir eyes in sudden view appear [ 890 ]
The secrets of the hoarie deep, a dark
Illimitable Ocean without bound,
Without dimension, where length, breadth, & highth,
And time and place are lost; where eldest Night
And Chaos, Ancestors of Nature, hold [ 895 ]
Eternal Anarchie, amidst the noise
Of endless Warrs, and by confusion stand.
For hot, cold, moist, and dry, four Champions fierce
Strive here for Maistrie, and to Battel bring
Thir embryon Atoms; they around the flag [ 900 ]
Of each his faction, in thir several Clanns,
Light-arm'd or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift or slow,
Swarm populous, unnumber'd as the Sands
Of Barca or Cyrene's torrid soil,
Levied to side with warring Winds, and poise [ 905 ]
Thir lighter wings. To whom these most adhere,
Hee rules a moment; Chaos Umpire sits,
And by decision more imbroiles the fray
By which he Reigns: next him high Arbiter
Chance governs all. Into this wilde Abyss, [ 910 ]
The Womb of nature and perhaps her Grave,
Of neither Sea, nor Shore, nor Air, nor Fire,
But all these in thir pregnant causes mixt
Confus'dly, and which thus must ever fight,
Unless th' Almighty Maker them ordain [ 915 ]
His dark materials to create more Worlds,
Into this wild Abyss the warie fiend
Stood on the brink of Hell and look'd a while,
Pondering his Voyage: for no narrow frith
He had to cross. Nor was his eare less peal'd [ 920 ]
With noises loud and ruinous (to compare
Great things with small) then when Bellona storms,
With all her battering Engines bent to rase
Som Capital City; or less then if this frame
Of Heav'n were falling, and these Elements [ 925 ]
In mutinie had from her Axle torn
The stedfast Earth. At last his Sail-broad Vannes
He spreads for flight, and in the surging smoak
Uplifted spurns the ground, thence many a League
As in a cloudy Chair ascending rides [ 930 ]
Audacious, but that seat soon failing, meets
A vast vacuitie: all unawares
Fluttring his pennons vain plumb down he drops
Ten thousand fadom deep, and to this hour
Down had been falling, had not by ill chance [ 935 ]
The strong rebuff of som tumultuous cloud
Instinct with Fire and Nitre hurried him
As many miles aloft: that furie stay'd,
Quencht in a Boggy Syrtis, neither Sea,
Nor good dry Land: nigh founderd on he fares, [ 940 ]
Treading the crude consistence, half on foot,
Half flying; behoves him now both Oare and Saile.
As when a Gryfon through the Wilderness
With winged course ore Hill or moarie Dale,
Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stelth [ 945 ]
Had from his wakeful custody purloind
The guarded Gold: So eagerly the fiend
Ore bog or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare,
With head, hands, wings, or feet pursues his way,
And swims or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flyes: [ 950 ]
At length a universal hubbub wilde
Of stunning sounds and voices all confus'd
Borne through the hollow dark assaults his eare
With loudest vehemence: thither he plyes,
Undaunted to meet there what ever power [ 955 ]
Or Spirit of the nethermost Abyss
Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask
Which way the neerest coast of darkness lyes
Bordering on light; when strait behold the Throne
Of Chaos, and his dark Pavilion spread [ 960 ]
Wide on the wasteful Deep; with him Enthron'd
Sat Sable-vested Night, eldest of things,
The Consort of his Reign; and by them stood
Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name
Of Demogorgon; Rumor next and Chance, [ 965 ]
And Tumult and Confusion all imbroild,
And Discord with a thousand various mouths.
V1：呈现在他们眼前的是一片
茫茫混沌的神秘景像，黑沉沉，
无边无际的大海洋，
那儿无所谓长度、阔度、高度，
也没有时间和地点；
由于最古老的“夜”和“混沌”，
“自然”的始祖，从洪荒太古就掌握了主权，
在不断的战争喧嚣、纷扰中，
长期保持无政府状态，
并依靠混乱、纷扰，以维持其主权。
四个凶猛的战士——冷、热、燥、湿
在那里争权夺利，还带了
未成形的原子去参加战争。
那些原子围绕各自党派的
旗帜，荷着形形色色的武器，
或轻、或重、或尖、或平、或快、或慢，
群集纷纭，多如巴卡或西陵热地上的砂，
被招集来加入斗争的风，
加重了他们轻捷翅膀的重量。
混沌王坐着作裁判，然而他的判决，
增加了混乱，因为他靠混乱而统治。
其次是“机会”，作为高级裁判，
总管一切。这个狂乱的深渊是“自然”的胎盘，
恐怕也是坟墓，既不是海，
不是地，也不是风，不是火所构成，
而是这些元素的纷然杂陈，产生了原子，
因此必然纷争不断、战乱连年，
直到那万能的创造主把它们
用做黑色的材料去建造新世界。
那时那深思熟虑的魔王站在地狱的岸边，
向那狂乱的深渊观察了片刻，
思虑前去的航程，因为他要渡的渡口并非寻常。
他耳中听到的那猛烈的破坏声，
以小喻大，不弱于别洛娜的暴风雨。
那是破城的大炮或摧毁京城的攻坚器械，
所发出的轰隆的响声；
或者是天的框架倒塌了，
这些元素分裂了，从地轴处，
硬把坚实的大地崩裂了。
终于，他张开巨大的翅膀，
像巨帆一般，乘着涌起的烟波，
就地而起飞。飞过几十里之后，
他坐上了云椅，傲然乘云而上。
但不久云椅忽然散了，于是遇到了一个大真空，
觉得自己双翼徒劳地振拍，直坠于万寻之深，
幸有一团蕴藏着火种和硝石的乱云升上来，
把他托住，再往上带到原来的高度，
否则，他仍在坠落的途中。
他的狂暴平息了，消失在一个沼泽的流沙里，
既不是海，也不是陆地，
他脚踩泥淖，几乎要沉下去，
半走半飞地，拼命往前奔。
此刻，他需要桨，需要帆；
好像鹰狮格里芬，
看见偷金贼独眼龙窃取
他所监守的黄金时急急忙忙飞越旷野，
山谷和沼地。那魔王也这样急急忙忙，
越过低洼、险峻，经过平直、崎岖、茂密和空濛，
头、手、翼、脚齐用，拼命赶路前进，
或泳、或潜、或涉、或爬、或飞。
手段都用尽终于听到一片震耳欲聋的喧哗声，
粗野、混乱、聒耳，这噪声传到
空荡荡的黑暗中来，侵袭他的耳朵。
他却不怕，大胆地急速地飞向响处，
希望能遇见下界的精灵或天人，
好打听从黑暗到光明的最近的路途。
终于望见“混沌”的宝座和他
那阴沉的大天幕广披在狂乱的大海上。
跟他同坐的有黑衣的“夜”，
她是混沌王的妻子，万物的老大姐，
旁边站着奥迦斯、阿得斯和可怕的特摩高根。
还有“谣言”、“投机”、“骚扰”、“混乱”，
一切乱哄哄的，一片混乱，外加千嘴的“吵架”。

V2：忽然间，在他们眼前出现
一片茫茫混沌的神秘景象，
黑沉沉，无边无际的大海洋，
那儿没有长度、阔度、高度，
时间和地点也都丧失了；由于
最古老的“夜”和“浑沌”，“自然”的始祖，
从洪荒太古就掌握了主权，
在没完没了的战争喧嚣、纷扰中，
长期保持无政府状态，
并依靠混乱、纷扰，以维持其主权。
冷、热、燥、湿四个凶猛的战士
在那里争霸，还带了未成形的原子
去参加战争。那些原子围绕各自党派的
旗帜，荷着各种各色的武器，
或轻、或重、或尖、或平、或快、或慢，
群集纷纭，多如巴卡或西陵
热地上的砂，被招收来加入斗争的风，
加重了他们轻捷翅膀的重量。
浑沌王坐着作裁判，由于他的判决，
增加了混乱，他靠混乱而统治。
其次是“机会”，作为高级裁判，
总管一切。这个狂乱的深渊
是“自然”的胎盘，恐怕也是坟墓，
既不是海，也不是地，不是风，
不是火所构成，而是这些元素的
纷然杂陈，产生了原子，
因此必然不断纷争、战乱，
一直到那万能的创造主把它们
用做黑色的材料去建造新世界。
那时那深思熟虑的魔王站在
地狱的岸边，向那狂乱的深渊
观看了一会儿，思虑前去的航程，
因为他要渡的不是普通渡口。
他耳中听到的那猛烈的破坏声，
以小喻大，不弱于别洛娜的暴风雨，
用破城的大炮或摧毁京城的
攻坚器械，轰隆的响声；或者是
天的框架倒塌了，这些元素分裂了，
从地轴处，硬把坚实的大地崩裂了。
终于，他张开广大的翅膀，
象巨帆一般，乘涌起的烟波，
蹴地而起飞。他飞过几十里后，
坐上了云椅，傲然而乘云上升。
但不久云椅忽然散了，于是
遇到了一个大真空，觉得自己双翼
徒劳地振拍，直坠落万寻之深，
幸有一团乱云升上来，
其中蕴藏着火种和硝石，
把他托住，再往上带到原来的高度，
否则，他到现在还在坠落的途中。
他的狂暴平息了，消失在一个沼泽的
流沙里，那不是海也不是陆地，
他脚踩泥淖，几乎要沉下去，
半走半飞地，拚命往前奔。
这时节，他需要桨，需要帆，
好象鹰狮格里芬，看见偷金贼
独眼龙窃取他所监守的黄金时，
急忙忙飞过旷野，越过山谷和沼地。
那魔王也这样急忙忙，越过
低洼、险峻，经过平直、崎岖、
茂密和空蒙，用头、手、翼、脚，
拚命赶路前进，或泳、或潜、
或涉、或爬、或飞。终于听到
一片震耳欲聋的喧哗声，
粗野，混乱、聒耳的噪音，传到
空无所有的黑暗中来，侵袭他的耳朵。
他却不怕，大胆地急速向响处去，
希望能遇见下界的精灵或天人，
好打听从黑暗到光明，哪条路最近。
终于望见“混沌”的宝座和他那
阴沉的大天幕广被在狂乱的大海上。
跟他同坐的有黑衣的“夜”，
她是万物的老大姐，浑沌王的妻子，
旁边站的有奥迦斯、阿得斯
和可怕的特摩高根。还有“谣言”、
“投机”、“骚扰”，“混乱”，乱纷纷，
混成一片，外加千嘴的“吵架”。.

T' whom Satan turning boldly, thus. Ye Powers
And Spirits of this nethermost Abyss,
Chaos and ancient Night, I come no Spy, [ 970 ]
With purpose to explore or to disturb
The secrets of your Realm, but by constraint
Wandring this darksome Desart, as my way
Lies through your spacious Empire up to light,
Alone, and without guide, half lost, I seek [ 975 ]
What readiest path leads where your gloomie bounds
Confine with Heav'n; or if som other place
From your Dominion won, th' Ethereal King
Possesses lately, thither to arrive
I travel this profound, direct my course; [ 980 ]
Directed no mean recompence it brings
To your behoof, if I that Region lost,
All usurpation thence expell'd, reduce
To her original darkness and your sway
(Which is my present journey) and once more [ 985 ]
Erect the Standard there of ancient Night;
Yours be th' advantage all, mine the revenge.
V1：撒旦大胆地向他们这样说道：
“你们下界深渊的掌权者、天使、
‘混沌’和古老的‘夜”啊！
我来不是要侦探你们国中的秘密，
或者从中扰乱你们，而是迫不得已，
为要走向光明，经过你们广大的帝国，
孤身一人，没有人引路，几乎迷失方向，
在黑暗的旷野中徘徊；
因为你们的幽冥地和天国相接，
想请教哪一条是通天国的近路。
如果我能找到那个世界，
对于你们大有好处，
因为我到了你们的失地，
便把侵略者全都驱逐出去，
恢复原来的幽冥，而统治权都将归还你们，
重新树立起古老的‘夜’的旗帜。
这就是我这次来的目的，
你们得到全部利益，而我复了仇。

V2：撒但大胆地向他们这样说道：
“你们下界深渊的掌权者、天使，
‘混沌’和古老的‘夜’啊！
我来不是要侦探你们国中的秘密，
或者从中扰乱你们，而是不得已，
为要走向光明，经过你们广大的
帝国，孤单一身，没有引路人，
几乎迷了路，在黑暗的旷野中彷徨；
你们的幽冥地和天国接壤，
想请教哪一条是通天国的近路。
如果我能寻到那个地方，
对于你们大有好处，囡为我到了
你们的失地，便把窃据者全都
驱逐出去，恢复原来的幽冥，
并且把统治权归还你们，
重新树立起古老的‘夜’的旗帜。
这就是我这次来的目的，
你们得到全部利益，我得到复仇。”.

Thus Satan; and him thus the Anarch old
With faultring speech and visage incompos'd
Answer'd. I know thee, stranger, who thou art, [ 990 ]
That mighty leading Angel, who of late
Made head against Heav'ns King, though overthrown.
I saw and heard, for such a numerous Host
Fled not in silence through the frighted deep
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, [ 995 ]
Confusion worse confounded; and Heav'n Gates
Pourd out by millions her victorious Bands
Pursuing. I upon my Frontieres here
Keep residence; if all I can will serve,
That little which is left so to defend [ 1000 ]
Encroacht on still through our intestine broiles
Weakning the Scepter of old Night: first Hell
Your dungeon stretching far and wide beneath;
Now lately Heaven and Earth, another World
Hung ore my Realm, link'd in a golden Chain [ 1005 ]
To that side Heav'n from whence your Legions fell:
If that way be your walk, you have not farr;
So much the neerer danger; go and speed;
Havock and spoil and ruin are my gain.
V1：撒旦说完；那混沌老王声音发颤，
神色不安地回答道：“客人啊，我知道你是谁，
是最近背叛天神的大能天使长，
可惜没有成功，这事我耳闻目睹。
因为这么多的军队纷纷逃往深渊时不是静默无声的，
它震撼了幽冥界，毁灭上加毁灭，
溃败上加溃败，紊乱上加紊乱；
天门里千百万乘胜追击的庞大队伍倾注而出。
我住在这片领地里，尽力保持它，
这古老的‘夜’的主权日愈缩小，
因为内讧频繁，致使四面八方都向我蚕食；
首先是拘禁你们的地狱，
从下方向我们拓展广大的地盘。
其次是天和地，也侵占我们的地盘，
最近你的部队坠落下去的天的一端，
有金链系着另一世界，就悬挂在我的头上！
那个世界若是你所要探寻的，
那它就不远了，这是你最后的冒险了。
去吧，祝你成功！无论是破灭、
掠夺、毁坏，都是我的收获。”

V2：撒但说罢，那混沌老王
声音抖颤，容色不安地回答道：
“客人啊，我知道你是谁，
是最近背叛天神的大能天使长，
可惜没有成功，这事我亲见亲闻。
因为这么多的军队纷纷逃往
深渊时不是静默无声的，
它使这幽冥界尽都惊骇，
毁灭上加毁灭，溃败上加溃败，
紊乱上加紊乱，天门里倾注出
千百万乘胜追击的庞大队伍。
我住在这片领地里，尽力保持它，
这古老的‘夜’的主权一天天缩小，
因为内讧频仍，致令四面八方
都向我蚕食，首先是地狱，
拘禁你们的地狱，从下方
向我们拓展广大的地盘。
其次是天和地，也向我侵占，
最近你的部队坠落下去的
天的一边，有金链系着另一世界，
就悬挂在我的头上！现在你
所要探寻的若是那个世界，
那就不远了，这是你最后的冒险了。
去吧，祝你成功！破灭、
掠夺、毁坏，都是我的收获。”.

He ceas'd; and Satan staid not to reply, [ 1010 ]
But glad that now his Sea should find a shore,
With fresh alacritie and force renew'd
Springs upward like a Pyramid of fire
Into the wilde expanse, and through the shock
Of fighting Elements, on all sides round [ 1015 ]
Environ'd wins his way; harder beset
And more endanger'd, then when Argo pass'd
Through Bosporus betwixt the justling Rocks:
Or when Ulysses on the Larbord shunnd
Charybdis, and by th' other whirlpool steard. [ 1020 ]
So he with difficulty and labour hard
Mov'd on, with difficulty and labour hee;
But hee once past, soon after when man fell,
Strange alteration! Sin and Death amain
Following his track, such was the will of Heav'n, [ 1025 ]
Pav'd after him a broad and beat'n way
Over the dark Abyss, whose boiling Gulf
Tamely endur'd a Bridge of wondrous length
From Hell continu'd reaching th' utmost Orbe
Of this frail World; by which the Spirits perverse [ 1030 ]
With easie intercourse pass to and fro
To tempt or punish mortals, except whom
God and good Angels guard by special grace.
But now at last the sacred influence
Of light appears, and from the walls of Heav'n [ 1035 ]
Shoots farr into the bosom of dim Night
A glimmering dawn; here Nature first begins
Her fardest verge, and Chaos to retire
As from her outmost works a brok'n foe
With tumult less and with less hostile din, [ 1040 ]
That Satan with less toil, and now with ease
Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light
And like a weather-beaten Vessel holds
Gladly the Port, though Shrouds and Tackle torn;
Or in the emptier waste, resembling Air, [ 1045 ]
Weighs his spread wings, at leasure to behold
Farr off th' Empyreal Heav'n, extended wide
In circuit, undetermind square or round,
With Opal Towrs and Battlements adorn'd
Of living Saphire, once his native Seat; [ 1050 ]
And fast by hanging in a golden Chain
This pendant world, in bigness as a Starr
Of smallest Magnitude close by the Moon.
Thither full fraught with mischievous revenge,
Accurst, and in a cursed hour he hies. [ 1055 ]
V1：他说后；撒旦踌躇满志，
一时无言相对，心里高兴，
他的苦海竟有了边，重新振作精神，
恢复气力，如一座火的高塔升腾而上，
飞入狂乱的混沌界，
在四周都是诸元素纷争冲突的夹缝中夺路向前。
其艰难与危险，更甚于阿尔戈斯船
穿航在两岸岩的博斯喜鲁斯海峡中间；
更甚于攸力栖兹左舷为躲避巨魔加里布提斯，
沿着右舷漩涡而航行。
他正是这样在艰难危险的包围中不断奋斗，
辛苦地前行，奋斗再奋斗，
到了他度过这一关，相继而来的是人类坠落，
便起了奇异的大变化！
“罪”和“死”也急速追踪而去，
这是天的意旨，他的足迹后面，
铺成一条宽广、平坦的道路横贯在黑暗的深渊面上，
沸腾的深渊支起一条奇长的大桥，
从地狱到脆弱人类居住的星球，
从这条桥，坏天使可以通行无阻，
去把人类引诱或施刑，
除非受到天神和善天使的殊恩保护。
现在那神圣的光明余波终于出现，
天壁，曙光被远射到黑暗的“夜”。
从此“自然”开始划定界线，混沌退居一旁，
好像败敌从第一道防线撤退，
扰乱和战斗的动乱一时平息。
于是撒旦少劳而心安，
如一叶扁舟在熹微的晨光中，
平浮在风平浪静的水面上。
又如舟行出险，虽然桅绳船具破败，
却欢天喜地地进入港内时一样。
他那时在空气稀薄的太虚中，
舒展开他的双翼，悠然遥望最高天，
一个广阔无际的地方，分不清是圆是方，
有乳白色的塔楼和城堞，以碧玉装饰着，
那里曾是他的故居；在那近旁，
就是这个用金链条悬挂在空中的世界，
犹如月亮近旁一个最微细的星球。
他怨恨满怀，他要复仇，他要诅咒，
同时，他还要匆忙前行。

V2：他说后；撒但踌躇满志，
一时说不出话来，心里高兴，
他的苦海竟有了边，重新振起精神，
恢复气力，升腾而上如一座火的高塔，
飞入狂乱的混沌界，在四周都是
诸元素纷争冲突的夹缝中夺路而前。
其艰难与危险，更甚于阿尔戈斯船
穿航在两岸巉岩的博斯喜鲁斯海峡中间；
更甚于攸力栖兹左舷为避开巨魔
加里布提斯，沿着右舷漩涡而航行。
他正是这样在艰难危险的围绕中
奋勉、辛苦而前进，前进而奋勉、辛苦。
到了他度过这一关，继着是人类坠落，
便起了奇异的大变化！“罪”和“死”
也急速追踪而去，这是天的意志，
在他的脚迹后面，铺成一条宽广、
平坦的道路横贯在暗黑的渊面上，
沸腾的深渊支起一条奇长的大桥，
从地狱到脆弱人类居住的星球，
由这条桥，坏天使可以往来无阻，
去把人类引诱或施刑，除非有
天神和善天使的殊恩保护。
现在那神圣的光明余波终于出现，
从天壁，把曙光远射到黑暗的“夜”。
从此“自然”开始划定界线，混沌退避，
好象败敌从第一道防线后撤，
扰乱和战斗的动乱一时平息。
于是撤但少劳而心安，如一叶扁舟
在熹微的晨光中，平浮在静波上。
又如舟行出险，虽然桅绳船具破败，
却欢欢喜喜地进入港内时一样。
他那时在空气稀薄的太虚中，
舒展开他的双翼，悠然遥望最高天，
一个广阔无际的地方，不辨是圆是方，
有乳白色的塔楼和城堞，饰着碧玉，
那里曾是他的故居之所在；在那近旁，
就是用金链条悬挂在空中的这个世界，
好象月亮旁边一个最微细的星球。
他满怀怨恨，要去那儿复仇，他诅咒，
并在这诅咒的时辰，急忙前进。.

V1：第三卷　神子声称愿为人类赎罪；撒旦向乐园飞进

V2：第三卷　神子声言自愿为人类赎罪；撒但飞向乐园


THE ARGUMENT 提纲


God sitting on his Throne sees Satan flying towards this world, then newly created; shews him to the Son who sat at his right hand; foretells the success of Satan in perverting mankind; clears his own Justice and Wisdom from all imputation, having created Man free and able enough to have withstood his Tempter; yet declares his purpose of grace towards him, in regard he fell not of his own malice, as did Satan, but by him seduc't. The Son of God renders praises to his Father for the manifestation of his gracious purpose towards Man; but God again declares, that Grace cannot be extended towards Man without the satisfaction of divine justice; Man hath offended the majesty of God by aspiring to God-head, and therefore with all his Progeny devoted to death must dye, unless some one can be found sufficient to answer for his offence, and undergo his Punishment. The Son of God freely offers himself a Ransome for Man: the Father accepts him, ordains his incarnation, pronounces his exaltation above all Names in Heaven and Earth; commands all the Angels to adore him; they obey, and hymning to thir Harps in full Quire, celebrate the Father and the Son. Mean while Satan alights upon the bare Convex of this Worlds outermost Orb; where wandring he first finds a place since call'd The Lymbo of Vanity; what persons and things fly up thither; thence comes to the Gate of Heaven, describ'd ascending by staires, and the waters above the Firmament that flow about it: His passage thence to the Orb of the Sun; he finds there Uriel the Regent of that Orb, but first changes himself into the shape of a meaner Angel; and pretending a zealous desire to behold the new Creation and Man whom God had plac't here, inquires of him the place of his habitation, and is directed; alights first on Mount Niphates.
当撒旦飞向这个新造的世界时，上帝坐在宝座上看见了。并指给坐在他右手的独子看；预言撒旦要蛊惑人类，使之坠落的阴谋将会成功；人本是自由的，有抵抗诱惑，清扫一切对正义、智慧的诽谤的能力。他还宣称；人的犯罪，并非像撒旦那样出于恶意，而是被诱骗而坠落的，因些要施恩于人类。神子对他父亲表示赞赏。但上帝又宣称：如果神的正义不得满足，恩惠还不能给人，因为人有野心，觊觎神格，有渎神格的尊严，难免一死，而且累及子孙；除非有人代他受罪。神子声称自愿舍己为人赎罪；圣父赞赏他，预定他将化为肉身，并宣称他的名誉高于天地之间一切的精灵；让全体天使向他礼赞，一时琴声大作，为大合唱伴奏颂扬祝贺圣父、圣子。与此同时，撒旦歇翼于新宇宙的外缘一片荒地上，在那儿徘徊了一会儿，看见被称为“空虚边境”的地方，有人与物向那边飞升；接着，描写可用梯子攀登的天门和苍穹上面的水流。他再飞到太阳球，碰上管理太阳的尤烈儿。他先变形作下级天使模样，假装热诚，要瞻仰一番新世界和住在其中的人，并打听人的住处。他受到尤烈儿的指点，便向乐园飞去。首先降落在尼法提斯山上。.

HAil holy light, ofspring of Heav'n first-born,
Or of th' Eternal Coeternal beam
May I express thee unblam'd? since God is light,
And never but in unapproached light
Dwelt from Eternitie, dwelt then in thee, [ 5 ]
Bright effluence of bright essence increate.
Or hear'st thou rather pure Ethereal stream,
Whose Fountain who shall tell? before the Sun,
Before the Heavens thou wert, and at the voice
Of God, as with a Mantle didst invest [ 10 ]
The rising world of waters dark and deep,
Won from the void and formless infinite.
Thee I re-visit now with bolder wing,
Escap't the Stygian Pool, though long detain'd
In that obscure sojourn, while in my flight [ 15 ]
Through utter and through middle darkness borne
With other notes then to th' Orphean Lyre
I sung of Chaos and Eternal Night,
Taught by the heav'nly Muse to venture down
The dark descent, and up to reascend, [ 20 ]
美哉！神圣的“光”，上天的初生儿！
将你写成万寿无疆的不灭光线，
想必不算亵渎神圣？因为上帝就是光，
从永劫开始就住在无法靠近的光里，
因为他住在你里面，那么你就是
那辉煌素质所固有的辉煌的流光！
或者称你为纯净空灵的光之流，
谁知你的源泉在哪儿？
你的出现早过太阳，早过天，
由于上帝一声号令，你便像
一件大氅披盖
那从空虚、无形无限中新兴的，
黑暗、深沉、苍穹的新世界。
我如今又大胆地鼓翼重来寻访你，
我虽然久滞于幽暗之中，
但当我逃离那冥湖，长途跋涉，
飞过全暗和半暗的境地时，
唱着天庭诗神新教的曲子，
与俄耳甫斯的竖琴弹奏的不同调子，
歌咏“混沌”和“永恒的夜，”
飞翔着，先朝下方幽冥界降落，
再朝上方返航升起，挺险而入。.

Though hard and rare: thee I revisit safe,
And feel thy sovran vital Lamp; but thou
Revisit'st not these eyes, that rowle in vain
To find thy piercing ray, and find no dawn;
So thick a drop serene hath quencht thir Orbs, [ 25 ]
Or dim suffusion veild. Yet not the more
Cease I to wander where the Muses haunt
Cleer Spring, or shadie Grove, or Sunnie Hill,
Smit with the love of sacred Song; but chief
Thee Sion and the flowrie Brooks beneath [ 30 ]
That wash thy hallowd feet, and warbling flow,
Nightly I visit: nor somtimes forget
Those other two equal'd with me in Fate,
So were I equal'd with them in renown,
Blind Thamyris and blind M?onides, [ 35 ]
And Tiresias and Phineus Prophets old.
Then feed on thoughts, that voluntarie move
Harmonious numbers; as the wakeful Bird
Sings darkling, and in shadiest Covert hid
Tunes her nocturnal Note. Thus with the Year [ 40 ]
Seasons return, but not to me returns
Day, or the sweet approach of Ev'n or Morn,
Or sight of vernal bloom, or Summers Rose,
Or flocks, or heards, or human face divine;
But cloud in stead, and ever-during dark [ 45 ]
Surrounds me, from the chearful wayes of men
Cut off, and for the Book of knowledg fair
Presented with a Universal blanc
Of Nature's works to mee expung'd and ras'd,
And wisdome at one entrance quite shut out. [ 50 ]
So much the rather thou Celestial light
Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers
Irradiate, there plant eyes, all mist from thence
Purge and disperse, that I may see and tell
Of things invisible to mortal sight. [ 55 ]
如今安然向你重访，感觉到你那回生的明灯；
可是我这双眼睛却不再受你的照顾，
它们只徒劳地回转着寻求你那尖利的光线，
却没找到黎明；如此浓翳厚障蒙住我的眼球，
令它们变得暗淡无光。
可是我仍雅爱圣歌，乘兴高飞，
不断地徘徊在缪斯常临的清泉、
森林和日光照耀的小山，
尤其是你，锡安山，
以及你脚下百花竞艳的清溪，
冲洗着你的脚，低吟潺的地方，
夜夜有我。我也忘不了
另外两位和我同命运，地位声望相当的人，
盲人撒米利斯和美奥尼得斯，
以及古先知太利夏斯和菲纽斯。
用能激起微妙和声的思想为诱饵，
好像那不眠的鸟儿隐身于浓荫密林，
在暗夜中歌唱，独自谱奏她那夜的歌曲：
这样，一年四秀不停循环往复，
但白昼总轮不到我，
无论清晨的或黄昏的心旷神怡，
或春天的百花，或夏日的蔷薇，
或羊群，或牛群，或圣贤的面容，
都光临不到我头上。包围着我的
只有阴云和无穷的黑暗，
人世间享乐的一切渠道都和我绝交了，
美丽的知识书本，大自然的杰作，
到我手中便成消削了的无字书，
智慧被关闭在这一重门外。
因此，我迫切需要你，
天上的光呀，照耀我的内心，
照亮我的心怀一切的功能，
在那儿移植眼睛，清除干净，
那儿所有的云雾，让我能把肉眼
看不到的东西都能看得清清楚楚，
并且叙述出来。.

Now had the Almighty Father from above,
From the pure Empyrean where he sits
High Thron'd above all highth, bent down his eye,
His own works and their works at once to view:
About him all the Sanctities of Heaven [ 60 ]
Stood thick as Starrs, and from his sight receiv'd
Beatitude past utterance; on his right
The radiant image of his Glory sat,
His onely Son; On Earth he first beheld
Our two first Parents, yet the onely two [ 65 ]
Of mankind, in the happie Garden plac't,
Reaping immortal fruits of joy and love,
Uninterrupted joy, unrivald love
In blissful solitude; he then survey'd
Hell and the Gulf between, and Satan there [ 70 ]
Coasting the wall of Heav'n on this side Night
In the dun Air sublime, and ready now
To stoop with wearied wings, and willing feet
On the bare outside of this World, that seem'd
Firm land imbosom'd without Firmament, [ 75 ]
Uncertain which, in Ocean or in Air.
Him God beholding from his prospect high,
Wherein past, present, future he beholds,
Thus to his onely Son foreseeing spake.
这时全能的天父从天上，
从他所坐的高高的诸天之上的清虚境，
俯视自己的作品和作品的作品，
一切都一览无余。他的四周，
侍立着天上的圣者，密如群星，
得亲见他的容姿，都有道不完的无上快乐。
他的独生子正坐在他的右手，
这一切是他自己荣光焕发的真像。
在地上，他首先看见的是我们的始祖父母，
那时人类只有他们二人，
天父把他们安置在那幸福的园中，
喜获欢娱和爱恋的不朽果子，
无人阻碍的欢娱，无人争夺的爱恋，
得天独厚。其次，
他俯视地狱和中间的深渊，
看见撒旦正在夜国边境薄暗微明的高空，
飞向天国城墙，正想暂停疲劳的双翼，
用两脚踏上这个世界外缘的一片荒地，
那外缘看似坚硬的土地，
包围着它的不是苍穹，也许是海，
或者是空气，一种未定形的东西。
上帝从一目望尽过去、现在、
未来的高处望着他，向独生子预言说：.

Onely begotten Son, seest thou what rage [ 80 ]
Transports our adversarie, whom no bounds
Prescrib'd, no barrs of Hell, nor all the chains
Heapt on him there, nor yet the main Abyss
Wide interrupt can hold; so bent he seems
On desparate reveng, that shall redound [ 85 ]
Upon his own rebellious head. And now
Through all restraint broke loose he wings his way
Not farr off Heav'n, in the Precincts of light,
Directly towards the new created World,
And Man there plac't, with purpose to assay [ 90 ]
If him by force he can destroy, or worse,
By some false guile pervert; and shall pervert
For man will heark'n to his glozing lyes,
And easily transgress the sole Command,
Sole pledge of his obedience: So will fall, [ 95 ]
Hee and his faithless Progenie: whose fault?
Whose but his own? ingrate, he had of mee
All he could have; I made him just and right,
Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall.
Such I created all th' Ethereal Powers [ 100 ]
And Spirits, both them who stood and them who faild;
Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell.
Not free, what proof could they have givn sincere
Of true allegiance, constant Faith or Love,
Where onely what they needs must do, appeard, [ 105 ]
Not what they would? what praise could they receive?
What pleasure I from such obedience paid,
When Will and Reason (Reason also is choice)
Useless and vain, of freedom both despoild,
Made passive both, had servd necessitie, [ 110 ]
Not mee. They therefore as to right belongd,
So were created, nor can justly accuse
Thir maker, or thir making, or thir Fate,
As if predestination over-rul'd
Thir will, dispos'd by absolute Decree [ 115 ]
Or high foreknowledge; they themselves decreed
Thir own revolt, not I: if I foreknew,
Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault,
Which had no less prov'd certain unforeknown.
So without least impulse or shadow of Fate, [ 120 ]
Or aught by me immutablie foreseen,
They trespass, Authors to themselves in all
Both what they judge and what they choose; for so
I formd them free, and free they must remain,
Till they enthrall themselves: I else must change [ 125 ]
Thir nature, and revoke the high Decree
Unchangeable, Eternal, which ordain'd
Thir freedom, they themselves ordain'd thir fall.
The first sort by thir own suggestion fell,
Self-tempted, self-deprav'd: Man falls deceiv'd [ 130 ]
By the other first: Man therefore shall find grace,
The other none: in Mercy and Justice both,
Through Heav'n and Earth, so shall my glorie excel,
But Mercy first and last shall brightest shine.
“我的独生儿呀，你看见吗？
我们的仇敌是多么的愤怒啊！
无论是划定的界线，或地狱的门闩，
或锁链的重重加身，
或茫茫深渊的阻隔，都制服不了他；
他好像专心一致于拼死的复仇，
最终必定反倒殃及自己叛逆的脑袋。
现在他已经挣脱一切的枷锁，
振翼飞到天国附近的光明界，
计划直接飞向那新造的世界，
安置于人类的地方，
将在那儿试用暴力毁灭人类，
或用更坏的阴谋诡计，
设陷阱使他坠落，人将受骗，
这样人将听了那些谄媚的谎言，
很容易违反他必恪守的惟一禁令，
他和他不忠的子孙将从此坠落。
这过失在于谁？除他自己还问谁？
他不知恩，他已应有尽有了，
我凭正直公平创造了他，既可以站得稳，
当然也有坠落的自由。
我造大天使和天人也是这样，
站稳的，或是站不稳而坠落的。
如果不给以自由，违心行事，
显不出本心的主动，那么凭什么
证明他们的真心实意、忠信、挚爱呢？
意志也好，理性也好，若被夺去自由，
二者则空虚、无用了，
二者成了被动，只服从不得已，
而不服从我，这样的服从，无可赞赏，
我怎么能高兴呢？因此，
他们的创造是正确的，
他们的造法，无法归罪于创造者，
或他们的命运；不要以为
宿命支配他们的意志，
由绝对的天命或高远的预见去安排。
是他们自己决定他们自己的背叛，
同我不相干。如果我预见到，
预见也不会影响他们的犯罪；
如果我没有预见到，他们犯的罪，丝毫不减。
同样，他们的犯罪并不存在任何命运的动机，
或命运的影子；更无关我不变的预见，
他们背叛，一切根源于
他们自己的判断和选择。
因为我赋予他们的自由，他们必须保留自由，
甚至可以自己奴役自己。
否则我必须改变他们的本性，
收回给他们自由的不变成命。
他们坠落是自己决定的。
坠落的天使，是自甘坠落，诱惑自己，
而人的坠落是受前者的诱骗，
所以人可以蒙恩，前者则不能。
我将施慈惠和正义，使我的荣光彪炳天地，
尤其是慈惠将始终一贯地，光华永远不断。”.

Thus while God spake, ambrosial fragrance fill'd [ 135 ]
All Heav'n, and in the blessed Spirits elect
Sense of new joy ineffable diffus'd:
Beyond compare the Son of God was seen
Most glorious, in him all his Father shon
Substantially express'd, and in his face [ 140 ]
Divine compassion visibly appeerd,
Love without end, and without measure Grace,
Which uttering thus he to his Father spake.
上帝这样说时，满天洋溢着天香，
在蒙恩、被选的精灵中间扩散着一种不可言语，
未曾有过的喜悦的感觉。神子的仪态，
是最为光辉灿烂，无可比拟的。
在他身上天父的神性显示出实质，
在他的脸上显现出一种神圣的怜悯，
无限的慈爱，深不可测的恩惠；他对天父说：.

O Father, gracious was that word which clos'd
Thy sovran sentence, that Man should find grace; [ 145 ]
For which both Heav'n and Earth shall high extoll
Thy praises, with th' innumerable sound
Of Hymns and sacred Songs, wherewith thy Throne
Encompass'd shall resound thee ever blest.
For should Man finally be lost, should Man [ 150 ]
Thy creature late so lov'd, thy youngest Son
Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though joynd
With his own folly? that be from thee farr,
That farr be from thee, Father, who art Judg
Of all things made, and judgest onely right. [ 155 ]
Or shall the Adversarie thus obtain
His end, and frustrate thine, shall he fulfill
His malice, and thy goodness bring to naught,
Or proud return though to his heavier doom,
Yet with revenge accomplish't and to Hell [ 160 ]
Draw after him the whole Race of mankind,
By him corrupted? or wilt thou thy self
Abolish thy Creation, and unmake,
For him, what for thy glorie thou hast made?
So should thy goodness and thy greatness both [ 165 ]
Be questiond and blaspheam'd without defence.
“父亲啊，您最高的恩谕，
最后说人应该得到慈惠，纶音可贺；
为了这个纶音，天和地齐声颂扬你赞美你，
无数的天乐，千万种圣歌和圣颂，
响彻云霄，清音袅袅，恒久缭绕你的宝座。
人最终要坠落吗？人是你最近心爱的创造物，
您的幼子，难道由于愚昧无知，
受诡计蛊惑，就得沉沦吗？
您不会这样做的，这样做的不是您，
父亲啊，您是一切创造物的总裁判，
您的裁判绝对公正。
难道我们敌人的计谋就这样得逞，
使您的创造工程半途而废吗？
难道他的恶意得成功，
而您的善心终成一场空吗？或者，
他虽然罪孽深重，但已遂行报复，
得以趾高气扬地凯旋，
并且把受蛊惑的人类全都带到阴间去吗？
或者，毁掉您所创造的作品，
愿来是为了您的光荣而创造的，
如今竟为了他而前功尽弃吗？
这样，您的善心和您的伟大都要
受到怀疑和嘲讽，这是无可质疑的。”.

To whom the great Creatour thus reply'd.
O Son, in whom my Soul hath chief delight,
Son of my bosom, Son who art alone
My word, my wisdom, and effectual might, [ 170 ]
All hast thou spok'n as my thoughts are, all
As my Eternal purpose hath decreed:
Man shall not quite be lost, but sav'd who will,
Yet not of will in him, but grace in me
Freely voutsaft; once more I will renew [ 175 ]
His lapsed powers, though forfeit and enthrall'd
By sin to foul exorbitant desires;
Upheld by me, yet once more he shall stand
On even ground against his mortal foe,
By me upheld, that he may know how frail [ 180 ]
His fall'n condition is, and to me ow
All his deliv'rance, and to none but me.
Some I have chosen of peculiar grace
Elect above the rest; so is my will:
The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warnd [ 185 ]
Thir sinful state, and to appease betimes
Th' incensed Deitie while offerd grace
Invites; for I will cleer thir senses dark,
What may suffice, and soft'n stonie hearts
To pray, repent, and bring obedience due. [ 190 ]
To Prayer, repentance, and obedience due,
Though but endevord with sincere intent,
Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut.
And I will place within them as a guide
My Umpire Conscience, whom if they will hear, [ 195 ]
Light after light well us'd they shall attain,
And to the end persisting, safe arrive.
This my long sufferance and my day of grace
They who neglect and scorn, shall never taste;
But hard be hard'nd, blind be blinded more, [ 200 ]
That they may stumble on, and deeper fall;
And none but such from mercy I exclude.
But yet all is not don; Man disobeying,
Disloyal breaks his fealtie, and sinns
Against the high Supremacie of Heav'n, [ 205 ]
Affecting God-head, and so loosing all,
To expiate his Treason hath naught left,
But to destruction sacred and devote,
He with his whole posteritie must dye,
Dye hee or Justice must; unless for him [ 210 ]
Som other able, and as willing, pay
The rigid satisfaction, death for death.
Say Heav'nly Powers, where shall we find such love,
Which of ye will be mortal to redeem
Mans mortal crime, and just th' unjust to save, [ 215 ]
Dwels in all Heaven charitie so deare?
伟大的造物主这样回答他：
“儿啊，你是我心中最大的喜悦，
你是我的怀中儿，是我的智慧、
我的言语和能力的独生儿子，
你所说的与我所想的一致，
全都合乎我所宣布的永久目的。
人不会彻底坠落，愿者可以得救；
不过拯救并不出自个人意愿，
而是由于我所自由施与的恩惠。
我要再一次恢复他失去的权力，
因犯罪而被剥夺、被奴役的权力，
因非分的妄想而蒙受污损的权力。
只要他得到我的帮助，
就可再次同死敌站在敌对的地位，
在我的帮助下，他就会知道
他坠落的情形是多么糟糕，
也会知道他的拯救完全靠我。
其中有些人，我要赐给特殊恩宠，
挑选来置于其他人等之上。
这是我的意志；其他人等，
要听我的呼唤，要时时受到
我对他们犯罪征兆的警告，
警告他们要恰当地趁施恩的时机，
消除神的怒气；因为
我将充分清除他们阴暗的感觉，
软化他们的铁石心肠，
能祈祷、悔改、适当的顺从。
这祈祷、悔改、正当的顺从，
只要是真心实意，我的耳朵并不迟钝，
我的眼睛也不会紧闭的。
我还要安置公断者的良知在他们的心里，
做为他们的向导；如果他们能听从它，
而且善用它，便会得到一个接一个的光明，
忍耐到底，安全地达到目的。
在我长久容忍的期间，
施恩的日子里，那些蔑视、嘲骂的，
将得不到恩惠；顽固的将更加顽固，
盲目的将更加盲目，他们必然失足，
陷入深渊；慈惠必须排除这些人。
可是事情还未完了；人类不忠、
不顺服，背信弃义，
得罪了天上的至高权，觊觎神性，
这样就丧失了一切，想要赎罪，
再无剩余的本钱了，
有的只是判处特重死罪，
他和他的子孙代代都要灭亡；
他和正义，其中必有一死；
除非有个具有强大能力和意志的人
为他作严峻的赎罪，以死相替。
天上的掌权者们呀，你们说，
我们能找到这样的爱吗？
你们中间有谁愿意化为凡人
用正义救不义，去救赎人的死罪？
全天庭中可有这样可贵的慈爱？”.

He ask'd, but all the Heav'nly Quire stood mute,
And silence was in Heav'n: on mans behalf
Patron or Intercessor none appeerd,
Much less that durst upon his own head draw [ 220 ]
The deadly forfeiture, and ransom set.
And now without redemption all mankind
Must have bin lost, adjudg'd to Death and Hell
By doom severe, had not the Son of God,
In whom the fulness dwells of love divine, [ 225 ]
His dearest mediation thus renewd.
他这样问了之后，天上的乐队嘎然而止，
全体肃立，全天充满寂静。
没有一个出来为人辩护、调解，
更何况为人赎罪，承担违反神命的死罪。
这样，全人类由于得不到救赎，
都得失坠，由于严厉的审判，
而定下死罪和沉沦地狱的极刑；
幸亏有神圣慈爱满怀的神子
出来为人调解，作中介人，
他用最诚恳的言词重复了一遍：.

Father, thy word is past, man shall find grace;
And shall grace not find means, that finds her way,
The speediest of thy winged messengers,
To visit all thy creatures, and to all [ 230 ]
Comes unprevented, unimplor'd, unsought,
Happie for man, so coming; he her aide
Can never seek, once dead in sins and lost;
Attonement for himself or offering meet,
Indebted and undon, hath none to bring: [ 235 ]
Behold mee then, mee for him, life for life
I offer, on mee let thine anger fall;
Account mee man; I for his sake will leave
Thy bosom, and this glorie next to thee
Freely put off, and for him lastly dye [ 240 ]
Well pleas'd, on me let Death wreck all his rage;
Under his gloomie power I shall not long
Lie vanquisht; thou hast givn me to possess
Life in my self for ever, by thee I live,
Though now to Death I yield, and am his due [ 245 ]
All that of me can die, yet that debt paid,
Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsom grave
His prey, nor suffer my unspotted Soule
For ever with corruption there to dwell;
But I shall rise Victorious, and subdue [ 250 ]
My Vanquisher, spoild of his vanted spoile;
Death his deaths wound shall then receive, and stoop
Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarm'd.
I through the ample Air in Triumph high
Shall lead Hell Captive maugre Hell, and show [ 255 ]
The powers of darkness bound. Thou at the sight
Pleas'd, out of Heaven shalt look down and smile,
While by thee rais'd I ruin all my Foes,
Death last, and with his Carcass glut the Grave:
Then with the multitude of my redeemd [ 260 ]
Shall enter Heaven long absent, and returne,
Father, to see thy face, wherein no cloud
Of anger shall remain, but peace assur'd,
And reconcilement; wrauth shall be no more
Thenceforth, but in thy presence Joy entire. [ 265 ]
“父亲啊，您的话一言为定，
人将蒙受恩惠；何不想方设法
派遣您飞得最快的长翼的使者
去遍访你的一切生灵，
叫他们都前来领受幸福，不受阻挠，
不等哀求，也不用请愿！
这样前来的人们，真值得庆幸！
否则，一判死罪，而且沉沦，
便永远不得救助；负债而破产，
连赎买自己的东西都没有了。
那好吧，请看我，我要以自己的生命，
救赎他们，请把怒气发在我身上；
把我当做凡人看，我要为凡人
而离开父亲的怀抱，情愿抛弃
仅次于我父的光荣地位，
甘愿为他终于一死；
任凭‘死’把他全部的愤怒都发泄在我身上。
在他的黑暗统治下，我不会永远屈服；
您既给了我生命，永远为我所有，
我因您而活，虽然如今我让步于‘死’，
凡我应当死的一切，都归他所有，
但别让我所还的债，作为他的食饵，
却把我遗留在令人憎恶的坟墓里，
别让我纯洁无瑕的灵魂，永远住在坟茔里，
与腐朽同居。我将要胜利而再起，
制伏我的征服者，夺取他所夸耀的战利品。
那时，‘死’将受到致命的创伤，
他那致命的毒刺将被拔掉，
他的武装将被解除，他会大大丢脸。
我将经过广阔的天空，获得高天的胜利，
把地狱俘虏，把黑暗的统治者捆绑示众。
您看见高兴，从天上俯瞰微笑，
那时，我由于您的提携，歼灭一切敌人，
最后歼灭的是‘死’，他的尸首将被塞满坟墓。
然后，我带领所赎回的大众，
进入久别的天庭，回家与您重聚，
父亲啊，您的脸上将，
不再残留丝毫愤怒的阴云，
只有确定的和平与和解：
从那时起，您的怒气消失了，
呈现在您面前的只有一片喜悦。.

His words here ended, but his meek aspect
Silent yet spake, and breath'd immortal love
To mortal men, above which only shon
Filial obedience: as a sacrifice
Glad to be offer'd, he attends the will [ 270 ]
Of his great Father. Admiration seis'd
All Heav'n, what this might mean, and whither tend
Wondring; but soon th' Almighty thus reply'd:
他的言词结束，但他那温柔的脸容
仍在静静地说话，对必死的世人
表示不朽的慈爱，更焕发出孝顺父亲的光辉。
自甘献身的他，等待他那伟大父亲的旨意。
全天庭都惊诧万分，不知道是怎么回事，
为什么要这样做。但全能的父随即回答道：.

O thou in Heav'n and Earth the only peace
Found out for mankind under wrauth, O thou [ 275 ]
My sole complacence! well thou know'st how dear,
To me are all my works, nor Man the least
Though last created, that for him I spare
Thee from my bosom and right hand, to save,
By loosing thee a while, the whole Race lost. [ 280 ]
Thou therefore whom thou only canst redeem,
Thir Nature also to thy Nature joyn;
And be thy self Man among men on Earth,
Made flesh, when time shall be, of Virgin seed,
By wondrous birth: Be thou in Adams room [ 285 ]
The Head of all mankind, though Adams Son.
As in him perish all men, so in thee
As from a second root shall be restor'd,
As many as are restor'd, without thee none.
His crime makes guiltie all his Sons, thy merit [ 290 ]
Imputed shall absolve them who renounce
Thir own both righteous and unrighteous deeds,
And live in thee transplanted, and from thee
Receive new life. So Man, as is most just,
Shall satisfie for Man, be judg'd and die, [ 295 ]
And dying rise, and rising with him raise
His Brethren, ransomd with his own dear life.
So Heav'nly love shall outdoo Hellish hate,
Giving to death, and dying to redeeme,
So dearly to redeem what Hellish hate [ 300 ]
So easily destroy'd, and still destroyes
In those who, when they may, accept not grace.
Nor shalt thou by descending to assume
Mans Nature, less'n or degrade thine owne.
Because thou hast, though Thron'd in highest bliss [ 305 ]
Equal to God, and equally enjoying
God-like fruition, quitted all to save
A World from utter loss, and hast been found
By Merit more then Birthright Son of God,
Found worthiest to be so by being Good, [ 310 ]
Farr more then Great or High; because in thee
Love hath abounded more then Glory abounds,
Therefore thy Humiliation shall exalt
With thee thy Manhood also to this Throne;
Here shalt thou sit incarnate, here shalt Reign [ 315 ]
Both God and Man, Son both of God and Man,
Anointed universal King, all Power
I give thee, reign for ever, and assume
Thy Merits; under thee as Head Supream
Thrones, Princedoms, Powers, Dominions I reduce: [ 320 ]
All knees to thee shall bow, of them that bide
In Heaven, or Earth, or under Earth in Hell;
When thou attended gloriously from Heav'n
Shalt in the Sky appeer, and from thee send
The summoning Arch-Angels to proclaime [ 325 ]
Thy dread Tribunal: forthwith from all Windes
The living, and forthwith the cited dead
Of all past Ages to the general Doom
Shall hast'n, such a peal shall rouse thir sleep.
Then all thy Saints assembl'd, thou shalt judge [ 330 ]
Bad men and Angels, they arraignd shall sink
Beneath thy Sentence; Hell her numbers full,
Thenceforth shall be for ever shut. Mean while
The World shall burn, and from her ashes spring
New Heav'n and Earth, wherein the just shall dwell [ 335 ]
And after all thir tribulations long
See golden days, fruitful of golden deeds,
With Joy and Love triumphing, and fair Truth.
Then thou thy regal Scepter shalt lay by,
For regal Scepter then no more shall need, [ 340 ]
God shall be All in All. But all ye Gods,
Adore him, who to compass all this dies,
Adore the Son, and honour him as mee.
“啊，你为了那些在愤怒之下的人类，
在天上地下找到了惟一的和平，
啊，你是我惟一的欢喜！
你完全知道，我是多么喜欢我所有的创造物，
对最后造成的人类也一样，为了他，
我舍得你离开我的怀抱和右手，
你暂时离开我，去拯救失坠的全人类。
因此，我要把那惟有你能够救赎的人的本性，
加在你的本性上；你自己要化为人的肉身，
生活在地上、凡人的中间，那时，
要由处女怀胎，进行奇迹的出生：
你是亚当的子孙，却代替亚当做全人类的头。
由于他，全人类灭亡了；
由于你，而恢复了第二条根子，
凡能恢复的都恢复，但没有你不成。
他的子孙代代都因为他的罪行受罪，
你的功德为他们替罪，只要他们打消，
自己的正义与不义的事业，
将自己移植在你身上，从你那里承受新的生命。
这样，人类将被一个最公正的人救赎，
被判决而死，死而复活，而且和那些
用自己宝贵的生命赎来的同胞兄弟一同起来。
这样，天国的爱，打败了地狱的恨，
因他献身而死，以死相救赎；
以此救赎了地狱憎恨所轻易摧毁的人，
这是如此高价啊！而那些可以受恩而不去接受的，
将继续受摧毁。你虽然从天上降生，
取得人性，却丝毫没有减少或降低自己的本性。
因为你本来位极群神，和上帝平起平坐，
同他一样享受神的至福，却舍弃一切，
去救赎一个被宣判沉沦的世界，
与其说你生而为神子，倒不如说凭功德，
你的善心最有价值，伟大和高贵；
光荣也比不上你身上的慈爱丰盛。
因此，你的谦逊高举起你的人性，
举到你这个高位；在这个高位上，
坐着你的肉身，你将治理神和人。
你是神子又是人子，
将受膏封为宇宙万物的王；我将赐给你，
所有的权柄，永久归你治理的，
确定你的功勋；任命你作为众首领的首领，
统领一切得位天使、王者、掌权者、领主：
无论是住在天上、地上，
地下阴间的都得向你弯腰屈膝。
你将率领华光四射的从者自天而降，显现在云端，
派遣传令的大天使将去宣告，
森严可怕的大法庭即将召开，四方生灵，
以及一切过去各时代死去的死者都可赶来，
参加这个最后的大审判，
喇叭的响声将唤起长眠中的人类。
于是，你的一切圣徒云集，
你要审判一切的坏人和坏天使。
他们中受起诉的，将在你的判决下，
投入地狱；地狱人满时，就把它永远关闭。
同时，要火烧这个世界，
从她的灰烬中造出新的天地，
让正义居住于此。在长时期的苦难之后，
可以得见黄金的功绩所产生的黄金日子，
带着喜、爱和美的真理而凯旋。
到那时，你可以抛弃王杖，
因为从此以后，不再需要王权了，
上帝本身无所不在。但是，
众神们，都要尊崇他，他为此而死，
尊崇神子，像尊敬我一样尊敬他。”.

No sooner had th' Almighty ceas't, but all
The multitude of Angels with a shout [ 345 ]
Loud as from numbers without number, sweet
As from blest voices, uttering joy, Heav'n rung
With Jubilee, and loud Hosanna's filld
Th' eternal Regions: lowly reverent
Towards either Throne they bow, and to the ground [ 350 ]
With solemn adoration down they cast
Thir Crowns inwove with Amarant and Gold,
Immortal Amarant, a Flour which once
In Paradise, fast by the Tree of Life
Began to bloom, but soon for mans offence [ 355 ]
To Heav'n remov'd where first it grew, there grows,
And flours aloft shading the Fount of Life,
And where the river of Bliss through midst of Heavn
Rowls o're Elisian Flours her Amber stream;
With these that never fade the Spirits elect [ 360 ]
Bind thir resplendent locks inwreath'd with beams,
Now in loose Garlands thick thrown off, the bright
Pavement that like a Sea of Jasper shon
Impurpl'd with Celestial Roses smil'd.
Then Crown'd again thir gold'n Harps they took, [ 365 ]
Harps ever tun'd, that glittering by thir side
Like Quivers hung, and with Pr?amble sweet
Of charming symphonie they introduce
Thir sacred Song, and waken raptures high;
No voice exempt, no voice but well could joine [ 370 ]
Melodious part, such concord is in Heav'n.
全能神的话音一落，天使之群便全体高呼喝彩，
响亮如成千上万人的呼喊，
美妙如祝福的温语，一切都表现喜悦，
天界响彻欢声，永恒的国境，
充满嘹亮的“和散那”。
向两宝座深深鞠躬，庄严礼赞，
严肃恭敬地把黄金和不枯花编成的花冠，
投掷在地上，那永不枯萎的花，
最初曾在乐园生命树旁开始含苞，
后来因为人的犯罪，移栽到天国里，
在那里生长开花，高处的花树
荫庇生命之泉以及那条横贯天国中部，
流经极乐花野，转为琥珀之泉的祝福清川。
被选的精灵们把这永不凋零的花
扎在用光线缠绕的灿烂鬓发上。
紫色的天花蔷薇在碧玉之海般的璀璨的地面上，
在投掷得密密稠稠的花冠中间，微笑着。
然后，他们重新戴上花冠，
拿起黄金的竖琴，永远调好琴弦，
发着光辉，像箭袋一样佩在身边，
从美妙动人的交响序曲开始奏起
他们的圣歌挑起极度的欢欣。
那乐歌中没有噪音，没有不谐之声，
只有美妙的和声，这构成天上的仙乐。.

Thee Father first they sung Omnipotent,
Immutable, Immortal, Infinite,
Eternal King; thee Author of all being,
Fountain of Light, thy self invisible [ 375 ]
Amidst the glorious brightness where thou sit'st
Thron'd inaccessible, but when thou shad'st
The full blaze of thy beams, and through a cloud
Drawn round about thee like a radiant Shrine,
Dark with excessive bright thy skirts appeer, [ 380 ]
Yet dazle Heav'n, that brightest Seraphim
Approach not, but with both wings veil thir eyes,
Thee next they sang of all Creation first,
Begotten Son, Divine Similitude,
In whose conspicuous count'nance, without cloud [ 385 ]
Made visible, th' Almighty Father shines,
Whom else no Creature can behold; on thee
Impresst the effulgence of his Glorie abides,
Transfus'd on thee his ample Spirit rests.
Hee Heav'n of Heavens and all the Powers therein [ 390 ]
By thee created, and by thee threw down
Th' Aspiring Dominations: thou that day
Thy Fathers dreadful Thunder didst not spare,
Nor stop thy flaming Chariot wheels, that shook
Heav'ns everlasting Frame, while o're the necks [ 395 ]
Thou drov'st of warring Angels disarraid.
Back from pursuit thy Powers with loud acclaime
Thee only extoll'd, Son of thy Fathers might,
To execute fierce vengeance on his foes,
Not so on Man; him through their malice fall'n, [ 400 ]
Father of Mercie and Grace, thou didst not doome
So strictly, but much more to pitie encline:
No sooner did thy dear and onely Son
Perceive thee purpos'd not to doom frail Man
So strictly, but much more to pitie enclin'd, [ 405 ]
He to appease thy wrauth, and end the strife
Of Mercy and Justice in thy face discern'd,
Regardless of the Bliss wherein hee sat
Second to thee, offerd himself to die
For mans offence. O unexampl'd love, [ 410 ]
Love no where to be found less then Divine!
Hail Son of God, Saviour of Men, thy Name
Shall be the copious matter of my Song
Henceforth, and never shall my Harp thy praise
Forget, nor from thy Fathers praise disjoine. [ 415 ]
他们首先歌颂您，天父，全能、
不变、不死、无限、永恒的王；
颂扬您，万物的创造主，光的源泉，
您自己隐身在那灿烂的光明里，
坐在那不可向迩的宝座上，无人能见，
但当您隐去耀眼夺目的光辉，
引来浓云围绕圣身的四周，
您居云中，犹如一个光的神龛，
从异常的光中露出黑的衣裾，
使全天庭炫目，连最光辉的
撒拉弗天使也不敢逼近，
只好用双翼遮掩双眼。其次，
他们歌颂您，第一个创造物，
独生子，神的肖影，
在他那清秀的容颜上，
并无云彩遮掩，显露出
无人能见的全能神所发出的光辉，
您的脸上辉映着他的荣光，
他那精深博大的精神转移在您身上。
他借着您创造诸天中的天，
以及其中的一切掌权者，
借着您从天庭摔下野心、图霸的天使。
在那一天，您不惜您父的可怕雷霆，
也不停止您那列火熊熊的战车的巨轮，
天国永固的结构甚至都震动了，
在叛乱天使的颈项上驰驱而过。
追击归来后，您的从属权贵，
都高声颂扬您，称您为天父威力之子，
猛烈地报复了他的仇敌。
对人却不这样，人是由于被诱惑而失坠的，
天父怜悯而加恩，您并不对他加严厉的审判，
而是倾注更多的同情哀怜。
您亲爱的独生子见您对人不加严刑，
却倾向于同情，便想平息您的怒气，
平息您容颜上所表现的慈悲与正义之争，
舍弃自己仅次于您的位置与幸福，
甘愿舍身，代替人的罪孽而死。
啊，多么博大的爱！
无愧于神圣的爱呀！善哉！
神子，人类的救星！从此，
您的圣名成为我诗歌的丰富题材，
我的竖琴将永远不忘对您的赞美，
也不会不参加对您父的赞美。.

Thus they in Heav'n, above the starry Sphear,
Thir happie hours in joy and hymning spent.
Mean while upon the firm opacous Globe
Of this round World, whose first convex divides
The luminous inferior Orbs, enclos'd [ 420 ]
From Chaos and th' inroad of Darkness old,
Satan alighted walks: a Globe farr off
It seem'd, now seems a boundless Continent
Dark, waste, and wild, under the frown of Night
Starless expos'd, and ever-threatning storms [ 425 ]
Of Chaos blustring round, inclement skie;
Save on that side which from the wall of Heav'n
Though distant farr some small reflection gaines
Of glimmering air less vext with tempest loud:
Here walk'd the Fiend at large in spacious field. [ 430 ]
在高天上，在群星灿烂的诸天上面，
他们这样歌颂、欢娱，
享受着快乐的生活，撒旦
降落在这个圆形世界，
在坚硬而粗糙的球面上行走，
球的表面第一层和下面光辉诸圆分界，
防止“混沌”、“夜后”的入侵。
远看它像个球，但往近处一看，
像是无边无涯的大陆，黑暗、
荒芜、凄凉，在无星之夜的颦眉下，
不断侵袭着的“混沌”界的风暴，
构成四围艰难险恶的太空。
只有一侧，却得薄明大气幽光的反射，
虽然距离天国的城垣也不近，
但受到猛烈风暴的侵袭却较少，
那魔王在那大地上自由自在地阔步。.

As when a Vultur on Imaus bred,
Whose snowie ridge the roving Tartar bounds,
Dislodging from a Region scarce of prey
To gorge the flesh of Lambs or yeanling Kids
On Hills where Flocks are fed, flies toward the Springs [ 435 ]
Of Ganges or Hydaspes, Indian streams;
But in his way lights on the barren Plaines
Of Sericana, where Chineses drive
With Sails and Wind thir canie Waggons light:
So on this windie Sea of Land, the Fiend [ 440 ]
Walk'd up and down alone bent on his prey,
Alone, for other Creature in this place
Living or liveless to be found was none,
None yet, but store hereafter from the earth
Up hither like Aereal vapours flew [ 445 ]
Of all things transitorie and vain, when Sin
With vanity had filld the works of men:
Both all things vain, and all who in vain things
Built thir fond hopes of Glorie or lasting fame,
Or happiness in this or th' other life; [ 450 ]
All who have thir reward on Earth, the fruits
Of painful Superstition and blind Zeal,
Naught seeking but the praise of men, here find
Fit retribution, emptie as thir deeds;
All th' unaccomplisht works of Natures hand, [ 455 ]
Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mixt,
Dissolvd on earth, fleet hither, and in vain,
Till final dissolution, wander here,
Not in the neighbouring Moon, as some have dreamd;
Those argent Fields more likely habitants, [ 460 ]
Translated Saints, or middle Spirits hold
Betwixt th' Angelical and Human kinde:
Hither of ill-joynd Sons and Daughters born
First from the ancient World those Giants came
With many a vain exploit, though then renownd: [ 465 ]
The builders next of Babel on the Plain
Of Sennaar, and still with vain designe
New Babels, had they wherewithall, would build:
好像一只伊马乌斯山上生长的秃鹫，
在雪岭环绕着鞑靼人流浪的地方，
食饵的缺乏迫使他们到放牧羊群的诸小山上去，
吃饱了羊羔的肉之后，
飞向印度恒河或印度河的发源地；
途中降落在丝利刻奈的荒野，
那儿的中国人用风帆驾驶藤的轻车。
魔王如同这鸷禽，独自徘徊在
如海洋一样多风的大地上，
寻觅食饵。他真觉孤单，
因为那里还找不到其他生物，
无论是活，是死；
只是后来，罪恶用虚荣填满了
人的事业，才从地上升起一切
虚无缥缈的东西，像飘浮的气体
一般升腾到那里：包括一切虚幻的东西，
以及所有人，那些把他们的光荣希望、
不朽声名、今生来世的幸福
都建筑在虚无缥缈上的人们。
有些人在今世得了报应，即可悲的
迷信和盲目的狂热追求所结的果实，
只追求凡人的称赞，和他们的
空虚行为相称的酬报，空虚。
自然所未完成的工程，流产的、畸形的、
乱七八糟混杂在一块儿，在地上消灭了，
都飞到这里来，在这里徒然彷徨，
直到最后破灭；有些人把梦想
寄托在邻近的月球上，那同样是荒谬的。
在那银色的世界里，有各种各样的类族：
近乎真实的居民，超升的圣者，
介乎天使和人类之间的中性精灵；
神的众子和人间女子所生的巨人族，
首先从古代世界来，当时很出名，
还带来了许多空幻的功业。
其次是示拿平原上巴别塔的建筑者，
他们还有虚空的计划，要是材料有余的话，
还要建筑些新的巴别塔。.

Others came single; he who to be deem'd
A God, leap'd fondly into ?tna flames [ 470 ]
Empedocles, and hee who to enjoy
Plato's Elysium, leap'd into the Sea,
Cleombrotus, and many more too long,
Embryo's and Idiots, Eremits and Friers
White, Black and Grey, with all thir trumperie. [ 475 ]
Here Pilgrims roam, that stray'd so farr to seek
In Golgotha him dead, who lives in Heav'n;
And they who to be sure of Paradise
Dying put on the weeds of Dominic,
Or in Franciscan think to pass disguis'd; [ 480 ]
They pass the Planets seven, and pass the fixt,
And that Crystalline Sphear whose ballance weighs
The Trepidation talkt, and that first mov'd;
And now Saint Peter at Heav'ns Wicket seems
To wait them with his Keys, and now at foot [ 485 ]
Of Heav'ns ascent they lift thir Feet, when loe
A violent cross wind from either Coast
Blows them transverse ten thousand Leagues awry
Into the devious Air; then might ye see
Cowles, Hoods and Habits with thir wearers tost [ 490 ]
And flutterd into Raggs, then Reliques, Beads,
Indulgences, Dispenses, Pardons, Bulls,
The sport of Winds: all these upwhirld aloft
Fly o're the backside of the World farr off
Into a Limbo large and broad, since calld [ 495 ]
The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown
Long after, now unpeopl'd, and untrod;
All this dark Globe the Fiend found as he pass'd,
And long he wanderd, till at last a gleame
Of dawning light turnd thither-ward in haste [ 500 ]
His travell'd steps; farr distant he descries
Ascending by degrees magnificent
Up to the wall of Heaven a Structure high,
At top whereof, but farr more rich appeer'd
The work as of a Kingly Palace Gate [ 505 ]
With Frontispice of Diamond and Gold
Imbellisht, thick with sparkling orient Gemmes
The Portal shon, inimitable on Earth
By Model, or by shading Pencil drawn.
The Stairs were such as whereon Jacob saw [ 510 ]
Angels ascending and descending, bands
Of Guardians bright, when he from Esau fled
To Padan-Aram in the field of Luz,
Dreaming by night under the open Skie,
And waking cri'd, This is the Gate of Heav'n [ 515 ]
Each Stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood
There alwayes, but drawn up to Heav'n somtimes
Viewless, and underneath a bright Sea flow'd
Of Jasper, or of liquid Pearle, whereon
Who after came from Earth, sayling arriv'd, [ 520 ]
Wafted by Angels, or flew o're the Lake
Rapt in a Chariot drawn by fiery Steeds.
此外还有些是独自前往的。有个恩披多克斯，
愚蠢地跳进伊特拿的火焰，
只是为了让人相信他是神。
还有个克略姆柏洛图，为要享受
柏拉图的“极乐”而跳进大海。
此外还有很多，说起来未免太冗长，
他们无非是些未成熟的、痴呆的、
穿着黑、白、灰色衣的身
带骗人的假法宝的隐士和托钵僧。
其中有的在这里云游巡礼，
曾到各各他去寻觅那活在天上的死人，
临终穿上圣多明我派或圣方济派的袈裟，
以证明自己确实去过极乐天堂，
他们误以为这样打扮就可畅通无阻。
他们通过七星天，通过“恒星天”，
通过那权衡黄道振动均势的“水晶天”，
并且还通过“原动天”。
圣彼得手拿钥匙，站在天堂的边门口，
像是在等待他们，正要举步登上天堂的阶梯时，
看吧！从左右吹来一阵猛烈的横风，
他们被斜吹到十万里外的远空中去：
那时看见僧帽、头巾、袈裟，
连同它们的穿戴者一起被吹翻扯烂，
还有圣骨、念珠、免罪券、特免证、赦罪证、训谕，
全被高高卷起，都成了风的玩具，
他们飘过这世界的背面而远落在
广大的地狱边缘，被称“愚人的乐园”，
很久之后将是家喻户晓的，
但是现在却是人迹罕至的地方。
魔王走过这整个黑球，经过长久的漫游，
终于发现一线曙光，便加紧他的步伐，
向那边走去。他远远望见一座高大的建筑，
从它那宽大的阶梯拾级而上，
可以抵达天国的城垣，它的顶上，
像有比王宫还要富丽的宫门，
它的正面镶有金刚石和黄金；
大门上密饰着东方的珠宝，光彩夺目，
人间的浓淡画笔也无法描绘它。
那阶梯，像是雅各离开以扫，
逃往巴旦亚兰去的途中，
在路斯的野地里露夜时梦见的，
一队队灿烂的天使卫士上去下来，
醒后叫道：“这是天门。”
阶梯的每一级都蕴含着神奇的寓意，
也不永久固定在那儿，时常被拉到天上去，
踪影全无。下面是一片
似从碧玉或珍珠的溶液流漾而成的，晶莹的海，
后来从地球上来的，必经此海，
要么由天使驾帆，要么
乘火马拉的轻车飞越水面而来这里。.

The Stairs were then let down, whether to dare
The Fiend by easie ascent, or aggravate
His sad exclusion from the dores of Bliss. [ 525 ]
Direct against which opn'd from beneath,
Just o're the blissful seat of Paradise,
A passage down to th' Earth, a passage wide,
Wider by farr then that of after-times
Over Mount Sion, and, though that were large, [ 530 ]
Over the Promis'd Land to God so dear,
By which, to visit oft those happy Tribes,
On high behests his Angels to and fro
Pass'd frequent, and his eye with choice regard
From Paneas the fount of Jordans flood [ 535 ]
To Beersaba, where the Holy Land
Borders on ?gypt and th' Arabian shoare;
So wide the op'ning seemd, where bounds were set
To darkness, such as bound the Ocean wave.
Satan from hence now on the lower stair [ 540 ]
That scal'd by steps of Gold to Heav'n Gate
Looks down with wonder at the sudden view
Of all this World at once. As when a Scout
Through dark and desart wayes with peril gone
All night; at last by break of chearful dawne [ 545 ]
Obtains the brow of some high-climbing Hill,
Which to his eye discovers unaware
The goodly prospect of some forein land
First-seen, or some renown'd Metropolis
With glistering Spires and Pinnacles adorn'd, [ 550 ]
Which now the Rising Sun guilds with his beams.
Such wonder seis'd, though after Heaven seen,
The Spirit maligne, but much more envy seis'd
At sight of all this World beheld so faire.
Round he surveys, and well might, where he stood [ 555 ]
So high above the circling Canopie
Of Nights extended shade; from Eastern Point
Of Libra to the fleecie Starr that bears
Andromeda farr off Atlantic Seas
Beyond th' Horizon; then from Pole to Pole [ 560 ]
He views in bredth, and without longer pause
Down right into the Worlds first Region throws
His flight precipitant, and windes with ease
Through the pure marble Air his oblique way
Amongst innumerable Starrs, that shon [ 565 ]
Stars distant, but nigh hand seemd other Worlds,
Or other Worlds they seemd, or happy Iles,
Like those Hesperian Gardens fam'd of old,
Fortunate Fields, and Groves and flourie Vales,
Thrice happy Iles, but who dwelt happy there [ 570 ]
He stayd not to enquire: above them all
The golden Sun in splendor likest Heaven
Allur'd his eye: Thither his course he bends
Through the calm Firmament; but up or downe
By center, or eccentric, hard to tell, [ 575 ]
Or Longitude, where the great Luminarie
Alooff the vulgar Constellations thick,
That from his Lordly eye keep distance due,
Dispenses Light from farr; they as they move
Thir Starry dance in numbers that compute [ 580 ]
Days, months, & years, towards his all-chearing Lamp
Turn swift thir various motions, or are turnd
By his Magnetic beam, that gently warms
The Univers, and to each inward part
With gentle penetration, though unseen, [ 585 ]
Shoots invisible vertue even to the deep:
So wondrously was set his Station bright.
There lands the Fiend, a spot like which perhaps
Astronomer in the Sun's lucent Orbe
Through his glaz'd Optic Tube yet never saw. [ 590 ]
The place he found beyond expression bright,
Compar'd with aught on Earth, Medal or Stone;
Not all parts like, but all alike informd
With radiant light, as glowing Iron with fire;
If mettal, part seemd Gold, part Silver cleer; [ 595 ]
If stone, Carbuncle most or Chrysolite,
Rubie or Topaz, to the Twelve that shon
In Aarons Brest-plate, and a stone besides
Imagind rather oft then elsewhere seen,
That stone, or like to that which here below [ 600 ]
Philosophers in vain so long have sought,
In vain, though by thir powerful Art they binde
Volatil Hermes, and call up unbound
In various shapes old Proteus from the Sea,
Draind through a Limbec to his Native forme. [ 605 ]
What wonder then if fields and region here
Breathe forth Elixir pure, and Rivers run
Potable Gold, when with one vertuous touch
Th' Arch-chimic Sun so farr from us remote
Produces with Terrestrial Humor mixt [ 610 ]
Here in the dark so many precious things
Of colour glorious and effect so rare?
Here matter new to gaze the Devil met
Undazl'd, farr and wide his eye commands,
For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, [ 615 ]
But all Sun-shine, as when his Beams at Noon
Culminate from th' ?quator, as they now
Shot upward still direct, whence no way round
Shadow from body opaque can fall, and the Aire,
No where so cleer, sharp'nd his visual ray [ 620 ]
To objects distant farr, whereby he soon
Saw within kenn a glorious Angel stand,
The same whom John saw also in the Sun:
His back was turnd, but not his brightness hid;
Of beaming sunnie Raies, a golden tiar [ 625 ]
Circl'd his Head, nor less his Locks behind
Illustrious on his Shoulders fledge with wings
Lay waving round; on som great charge imploy'd
He seemd, or fixt in cogitation deep.
Glad was the Spirit impure as now in hope [ 630 ]
To find who might direct his wandring flight
To Paradise the happie seat of Man,
His journies end and our beginning woe.
But first he casts to change his proper shape,
Which else might work him danger or delay: [ 635 ]
And now a stripling Cherube he appeers,
Not of the prime, yet such as in his face
Youth smil'd Celestial, and to every Limb
Sutable grace diffus'd, so well he feign'd;
Under a Coronet his flowing haire [ 640 ]
In curles on either cheek plaid, wings he wore
Of many a colourd plume sprinkl'd with Gold,
His habit fit for speed succinct, and held
Before his decent steps a Silver wand.
He drew not nigh unheard, the Angel bright, [ 645 ]
Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turnd,
Admonisht by his ear, and strait was known
Th' Arch-Angel Uriel, one of the seav'n
Who in God's presence, neerest to his Throne
Stand ready at command, and are his Eyes [ 650 ]
That run through all the Heav'ns, or down to th' Earth
Bear his swift errands over moist and dry,
O're Sea and Land; him Satan thus accostes;
Uriel, for thou of those seav'n Spirits that stand
In sight of God's high Throne, gloriously bright, [ 655 ]
The first art wont his great authentic will
Interpreter through highest Heav'n to bring,
Where all his Sons thy Embassie attend;
And here art likeliest by supream decree
Like honor to obtain, and as his Eye [ 660 ]
To visit oft this new Creation round;
Unspeakable desire to see, and know
All these his wondrous works, but chiefly Man,
His chief delight and favour, him for whom
All these his works so wondrous he ordaind, [ 665 ]
Hath brought me from the Quires of Cherubim
Alone thus wandring. Brightest Seraph tell
In which of all these shining Orbes hath Man
His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none,
But all these shining Orbes his choice to dwell; [ 670 ]
That I may find him, and with secret gaze,
Or open admiration him behold
On whom the great Creator hath bestowd
Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces powrd;
That both in him and all things, as is meet, [ 675 ]
The Universal Maker we may praise;
Who justly hath driv'n out his Rebell Foes
To deepest Hell, and to repair that loss
Created this new happie Race of Men
To serve him better: wise are all his wayes. [ 680 ]
那时，这阶梯正放下，这或许有两种用意：
一是故意对魔王示意，登天并不难，
一是增加他被摈福门外的悲伤。
门的对面，正在幸福乐园的上方，
有条广阔大道，下通人世地球，
其广阔连后来通到锡安山顶的大道
也无法与之相比，通往上帝
所爱的“应许美地”的大道
同样不可与之相比。天使们
时常在后一条路上，受命往返
拜访那些有福的种族，从帕内亚斯，
约旦的河源，直到别士巴，
就是埃及与阿拉伯岸中间的圣地，
连上帝也垂青顾盼那大道的广阔，
像围住大海洪波的堤坝，
延续到“黑暗”的边界。
黄金铸成的梯级上达天门，
撒旦那时攀上天梯的下段，向下俯视，
忽然见到这整个世界的奇景，十分惊叹。
好比一个侦察兵连夜冒险
在黑暗的荒野上摸索前进，
终于在黎明时分，到达一个
高耸的山崖顶上，却万万没料到
骤然瞥见异国的好风光，
或瞥见一个著名的都城，
点缀着亭台楼阁的辉煌尖顶，
由于镀上旭日的金辉，
而愈加光灿晶莹。那恶魔，
虽然曾见过天庭，却也觉得惊异；
他看到全世界是如此美丽，
横生的妒心远甚于惊叹。
他环顾着四周，因为他站的位置
远高出夜之阴影所张的天幕之上，
看得异常清晰，从东头的天秤星座，
到水平线外远离大西洋的
肩负着仙女宫的白羊星座。
他再从这极到那极，一览无遗。
接着便奋翮而下，向这个世界的
第一区域疾飞，从无量数的星辰
中间绕道而飞，通过新鲜洁净的空气，
飞得平稳；繁星璀璨，
远看只是闪亮的星星，但近看，
又似各异的世界，或者是幸福的岛屿，
好像那些古今闻名的海斯帕利亚花园，
里面有快乐的田野，小森林和百花的山谷，
是谁住在这极其幸福的岛屿，他不去问。
在群星中，金色的太阳最近似天庭的灿烂，
他的眼睛被它深深吸引了；
于是他转向那个方向，飞过幽静的苍穹。
但究竟是向上或是向下，是离心或是向心，
是横飞或是纵飞，这很难说。
在那儿，大日轮大放光彩，
使那些卑微的星群密密麻麻地退避，
和他那威严的眼光保持一定距离，
从远空发出光芒。众星宿按着日、
月、年的计数顺序，跳着星星的
舞蹈有节奏地运行，他们要么
从各种不同的运动中，迅速地
转向太阳这个万物所喜爱的明灯，
要么受他的磁光吸引而旋转，
他那光线给宇宙以温暖，
无形中静静地贯穿到内部，
把肉眼不可见的效果射入深处：
他那发光的位置，安装得真是奇妙啊！
魔王到了那儿便歇下来，给太阳
增加了一个黑点，但这是天文学家的
望远镜所不能发现的。他在那里
看见了说不出来的光亮，
甚至地上的金、玉都无法比拟。
各部分虽不相同，但都同样
是火烧着的铁一般，辐射着灼光。
若说金属，便是黄金、白银各半；
若说石类，便多半是红宝石、
橄榄石、红玉、黄玉之类，
是亚伦胸牌上闪耀着的十二块宝石，
此外还有一种宝石，大概是幻想出来的，
是下界的炼金术士长期炼不出来的，
或者和它相仿的“哲学者之石”；
虽然他们技术高超，能缚住滑头的赫耳墨斯，
从海中唤醒善于变形的普洛丢斯老人，
不加束缚，让他用蒸馏器来蒸发，
还他原形，也总是白费功夫。
太阳这个大炼金术士，虽然远离我们，
但他的灵光一触，再渗入地上的湿润，
这黑暗的地区便能产生许多宝贵的东西，
色泽光润，效果奇妙，那么，
出产在这儿山野里的仙药，
从江河里流出服饮的黄金，又有什么奇怪？
那时恶魔在这里看了新事物，
并不眼花缭乱，他向远处、宽处看，
因为没有障目的东西，也没有阴影，
这所有的作品被安排得如此奇妙，
吸引我离开基路伯的歌唱队，
单独一人漫游于此。最光明的撒拉弗啊，
请你为我指明，在这些发光的星球中，
哪个安置人，哪个不安置人，
或者是这些星球都任他选住？
我想去找他，或者私下窥探，
或者公开瞻仰，看伟大的创造主
如何赐给他世界，如何赐予他全部恩惠；
我要借他和一切物品来歌颂宇宙的创造主，
这是完全应该的。他正确地把他的背叛仇敌逐出，
到最深层的地狱去，为了弥补损失，
创造了这个幸福的新族类，
希望他更好地为自己服务。他的一切安排都是贤明的。.

So spake the false dissembler unperceivd;
For neither Man nor Angel can discern
Hypocrisie, the onely evil that walks
Invisible, except to God alone,
By his permissive will, through Heav'n and Earth: [ 685 ]
And oft though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps
At wisdoms Gate, and to simplicitie
Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill
Where no ill seems: Which now for once beguil'd
Uriel, though Regent of the Sun, and held [ 690 ]
The sharpest sighted Spirit of all in Heav'n;
Who to the fraudulent Impostor foule
In his uprightness answer thus returnd.
伪善者如此说了一番，没有被识破；
因为人和天使都不善于识别伪善，
而这是惟一无形的罪恶，
只有上帝知道，由于他的意志，
纵容它独步天上和人间。
虽然“智慧”是时常清醒的，
但“疑心”却在“智慧”的门口睡着了，
而把责任委托给“单纯”；
“善良”看似不坏的，就认为不坏；
这次尤烈儿就这样上了一回当，
虽然他是太阳的管理者，
又是天上目力最灵敏的一位天使。
他对那卑鄙的伪善者真诚地说：.

The Stairs were then let down, whether to dare
The Fiend by easie ascent, or aggravate
His sad exclusion from the dores of Bliss. [ 525 ]
Direct against which opn'd from beneath,
Just o're the blissful seat of Paradise,
A passage down to th' Earth, a passage wide,
Wider by farr then that of after-times
Over Mount Sion, and, though that were large, [ 530 ]
Over the Promis'd Land to God so dear,
By which, to visit oft those happy Tribes,
On high behests his Angels to and fro
Pass'd frequent, and his eye with choice regard
From Paneas the fount of Jordans flood [ 535 ]
To Beersaba, where the Holy Land
Borders on ?gypt and th' Arabian shoare;
So wide the op'ning seemd, where bounds were set
To darkness, such as bound the Ocean wave.
Satan from hence now on the lower stair [ 540 ]
That scal'd by steps of Gold to Heav'n Gate
Looks down with wonder at the sudden view
Of all this World at once. As when a Scout
Through dark and desart wayes with peril gone
All night; at last by break of chearful dawne [ 545 ]
Obtains the brow of some high-climbing Hill,
Which to his eye discovers unaware
The goodly prospect of some forein land
First-seen, or some renown'd Metropolis
With glistering Spires and Pinnacles adorn'd, [ 550 ]
Which now the Rising Sun guilds with his beams.
Such wonder seis'd, though after Heaven seen,
The Spirit maligne, but much more envy seis'd
At sight of all this World beheld so faire.
Round he surveys, and well might, where he stood [ 555 ]
So high above the circling Canopie
Of Nights extended shade; from Eastern Point
Of Libra to the fleecie Starr that bears
Andromeda farr off Atlantic Seas
Beyond th' Horizon; then from Pole to Pole [ 560 ]
He views in bredth, and without longer pause
Down right into the Worlds first Region throws
His flight precipitant, and windes with ease
Through the pure marble Air his oblique way
Amongst innumerable Starrs, that shon [ 565 ]
Stars distant, but nigh hand seemd other Worlds,
Or other Worlds they seemd, or happy Iles,
Like those Hesperian Gardens fam'd of old,
Fortunate Fields, and Groves and flourie Vales,
Thrice happy Iles, but who dwelt happy there [ 570 ]
He stayd not to enquire: above them all
The golden Sun in splendor likest Heaven
Allur'd his eye: Thither his course he bends
Through the calm Firmament; but up or downe
By center, or eccentric, hard to tell, [ 575 ]
Or Longitude, where the great Luminarie
Alooff the vulgar Constellations thick,
That from his Lordly eye keep distance due,
Dispenses Light from farr; they as they move
Thir Starry dance in numbers that compute [ 580 ]
Days, months, & years, towards his all-chearing Lamp
Turn swift thir various motions, or are turnd
By his Magnetic beam, that gently warms
The Univers, and to each inward part
With gentle penetration, though unseen, [ 585 ]
Shoots invisible vertue even to the deep:
So wondrously was set his Station bright.
There lands the Fiend, a spot like which perhaps
Astronomer in the Sun's lucent Orbe
Through his glaz'd Optic Tube yet never saw. [ 590 ]
The place he found beyond expression bright,
Compar'd with aught on Earth, Medal or Stone;
Not all parts like, but all alike informd
With radiant light, as glowing Iron with fire;
If mettal, part seemd Gold, part Silver cleer; [ 595 ]
If stone, Carbuncle most or Chrysolite,
Rubie or Topaz, to the Twelve that shon
In Aarons Brest-plate, and a stone besides
Imagind rather oft then elsewhere seen,
That stone, or like to that which here below [ 600 ]
Philosophers in vain so long have sought,
In vain, though by thir powerful Art they binde
Volatil Hermes, and call up unbound
In various shapes old Proteus from the Sea,
Draind through a Limbec to his Native forme. [ 605 ]
What wonder then if fields and region here
Breathe forth Elixir pure, and Rivers run
Potable Gold, when with one vertuous touch
Th' Arch-chimic Sun so farr from us remote
Produces with Terrestrial Humor mixt [ 610 ]
Here in the dark so many precious things
Of colour glorious and effect so rare?
Here matter new to gaze the Devil met
Undazl'd, farr and wide his eye commands,
For sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, [ 615 ]
But all Sun-shine, as when his Beams at Noon
Culminate from th' ?quator, as they now
Shot upward still direct, whence no way round
Shadow from body opaque can fall, and the Aire,
No where so cleer, sharp'nd his visual ray [ 620 ]
To objects distant farr, whereby he soon
Saw within kenn a glorious Angel stand,
The same whom John saw also in the Sun:
His back was turnd, but not his brightness hid;
Of beaming sunnie Raies, a golden tiar [ 625 ]
Circl'd his Head, nor less his Locks behind
Illustrious on his Shoulders fledge with wings
Lay waving round; on som great charge imploy'd
He seemd, or fixt in cogitation deep.
Glad was the Spirit impure as now in hope [ 630 ]
To find who might direct his wandring flight
To Paradise the happie seat of Man,
His journies end and our beginning woe.
But first he casts to change his proper shape,
Which else might work him danger or delay: [ 635 ]
And now a stripling Cherube he appeers,
Not of the prime, yet such as in his face
Youth smil'd Celestial, and to every Limb
Sutable grace diffus'd, so well he feign'd;
Under a Coronet his flowing haire [ 640 ]
In curles on either cheek plaid, wings he wore
Of many a colourd plume sprinkl'd with Gold,
His habit fit for speed succinct, and held
Before his decent steps a Silver wand.
He drew not nigh unheard, the Angel bright, [ 645 ]
Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turnd,
Admonisht by his ear, and strait was known
Th' Arch-Angel Uriel, one of the seav'n
Who in God's presence, neerest to his Throne
Stand ready at command, and are his Eyes [ 650 ]
That run through all the Heav'ns, or down to th' Earth
Bear his swift errands over moist and dry,
O're Sea and Land; him Satan thus accostes;
Uriel, for thou of those seav'n Spirits that stand
In sight of God's high Throne, gloriously bright, [ 655 ]
The first art wont his great authentic will
Interpreter through highest Heav'n to bring,
Where all his Sons thy Embassie attend;
And here art likeliest by supream decree
Like honor to obtain, and as his Eye [ 660 ]
To visit oft this new Creation round;
Unspeakable desire to see, and know
All these his wondrous works, but chiefly Man,
His chief delight and favour, him for whom
All these his works so wondrous he ordaind, [ 665 ]
Hath brought me from the Quires of Cherubim
Alone thus wandring. Brightest Seraph tell
In which of all these shining Orbes hath Man
His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none,
But all these shining Orbes his choice to dwell; [ 670 ]
That I may find him, and with secret gaze,
Or open admiration him behold
On whom the great Creator hath bestowd
Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces powrd;
That both in him and all things, as is meet, [ 675 ]
The Universal Maker we may praise;
Who justly hath driv'n out his Rebell Foes
To deepest Hell, and to repair that loss
Created this new happie Race of Men
To serve him better: wise are all his wayes. [ 680 ]
那时，这阶梯正放下，这或许有两种用意：
一是故意对魔王示意，登天并不难，
一是增加他被摈福门外的悲伤。
门的对面，正在幸福乐园的上方，
有条广阔大道，下通人世地球，
其广阔连后来通到锡安山顶的大道
也无法与之相比，通往上帝
所爱的“应许美地”的大道
同样不可与之相比。天使们
时常在后一条路上，受命往返
拜访那些有福的种族，从帕内亚斯，
约旦的河源，直到别士巴，
就是埃及与阿拉伯岸中间的圣地，
连上帝也垂青顾盼那大道的广阔，
像围住大海洪波的堤坝，
延续到“黑暗”的边界。
黄金铸成的梯级上达天门，
撒旦那时攀上天梯的下段，向下俯视，
忽然见到这整个世界的奇景，十分惊叹。
好比一个侦察兵连夜冒险
在黑暗的荒野上摸索前进，
终于在黎明时分，到达一个
高耸的山崖顶上，却万万没料到
骤然瞥见异国的好风光，
或瞥见一个著名的都城，
点缀着亭台楼阁的辉煌尖顶，
由于镀上旭日的金辉，
而愈加光灿晶莹。那恶魔，
虽然曾见过天庭，却也觉得惊异；
他看到全世界是如此美丽，
横生的妒心远甚于惊叹。
他环顾着四周，因为他站的位置
远高出夜之阴影所张的天幕之上，
看得异常清晰，从东头的天秤星座，
到水平线外远离大西洋的
肩负着仙女宫的白羊星座。
他再从这极到那极，一览无遗。
接着便奋翮而下，向这个世界的
第一区域疾飞，从无量数的星辰
中间绕道而飞，通过新鲜洁净的空气，
飞得平稳；繁星璀璨，
远看只是闪亮的星星，但近看，
又似各异的世界，或者是幸福的岛屿，
好像那些古今闻名的海斯帕利亚花园，
里面有快乐的田野，小森林和百花的山谷，
是谁住在这极其幸福的岛屿，他不去问。
在群星中，金色的太阳最近似天庭的灿烂，
他的眼睛被它深深吸引了；
于是他转向那个方向，飞过幽静的苍穹。
但究竟是向上或是向下，是离心或是向心，
是横飞或是纵飞，这很难说。
在那儿，大日轮大放光彩，
使那些卑微的星群密密麻麻地退避，
和他那威严的眼光保持一定距离，
从远空发出光芒。众星宿按着日、
月、年的计数顺序，跳着星星的
舞蹈有节奏地运行，他们要么
从各种不同的运动中，迅速地
转向太阳这个万物所喜爱的明灯，
要么受他的磁光吸引而旋转，
他那光线给宇宙以温暖，
无形中静静地贯穿到内部，
把肉眼不可见的效果射入深处：
他那发光的位置，安装得真是奇妙啊！
魔王到了那儿便歇下来，给太阳
增加了一个黑点，但这是天文学家的
望远镜所不能发现的。他在那里
看见了说不出来的光亮，
甚至地上的金、玉都无法比拟。
各部分虽不相同，但都同样
是火烧着的铁一般，辐射着灼光。
若说金属，便是黄金、白银各半；
若说石类，便多半是红宝石、
橄榄石、红玉、黄玉之类，
是亚伦胸牌上闪耀着的十二块宝石，
此外还有一种宝石，大概是幻想出来的，
是下界的炼金术士长期炼不出来的，
或者和它相仿的“哲学者之石”；
虽然他们技术高超，能缚住滑头的赫耳墨斯，
从海中唤醒善于变形的普洛丢斯老人，
不加束缚，让他用蒸馏器来蒸发，
还他原形，也总是白费功夫。
太阳这个大炼金术士，虽然远离我们，
但他的灵光一触，再渗入地上的湿润，
这黑暗的地区便能产生许多宝贵的东西，
色泽光润，效果奇妙，那么，
出产在这儿山野里的仙药，
从江河里流出服饮的黄金，又有什么奇怪？
那时恶魔在这里看了新事物，
并不眼花缭乱，他向远处、宽处看，
因为没有障目的东西，也没有阴影，
这所有的作品被安排得如此奇妙，
吸引我离开基路伯的歌唱队，
单独一人漫游于此。最光明的撒拉弗啊，
请你为我指明，在这些发光的星球中，
哪个安置人，哪个不安置人，
或者是这些星球都任他选住？
我想去找他，或者私下窥探，
或者公开瞻仰，看伟大的创造主
如何赐给他世界，如何赐予他全部恩惠；
我要借他和一切物品来歌颂宇宙的创造主，
这是完全应该的。他正确地把他的背叛仇敌逐出，
到最深层的地狱去，为了弥补损失，
创造了这个幸福的新族类，
希望他更好地为自己服务。他的一切安排都是贤明的。.

So spake the false dissembler unperceivd;
For neither Man nor Angel can discern
Hypocrisie, the onely evil that walks
Invisible, except to God alone,
By his permissive will, through Heav'n and Earth: [ 685 ]
And oft though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps
At wisdoms Gate, and to simplicitie
Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill
Where no ill seems: Which now for once beguil'd
Uriel, though Regent of the Sun, and held [ 690 ]
The sharpest sighted Spirit of all in Heav'n;
Who to the fraudulent Impostor foule
In his uprightness answer thus returnd.
伪善者如此说了一番，没有被识破；
因为人和天使都不善于识别伪善，
而这是惟一无形的罪恶，
只有上帝知道，由于他的意志，
纵容它独步天上和人间。
虽然“智慧”是时常清醒的，
但“疑心”却在“智慧”的门口睡着了，
而把责任委托给“单纯”；
“善良”看似不坏的，就认为不坏；
这次尤烈儿就这样上了一回当，
虽然他是太阳的管理者，
又是天上目力最灵敏的一位天使。
他对那卑鄙的伪善者真诚地说：.

Faire Angel, thy desire which tends to know
The works of God, thereby to glorifie [ 695 ]
The great Work-Maister, leads to no excess
That reaches blame, but rather merits praise
The more it seems excess, that led thee hither
From thy Empyreal Mansion thus alone,
To witness with thine eyes what some perhaps [ 700 ]
Contented with report hear onely in heav'n:
For wonderful indeed are all his works,
Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all
Had in remembrance alwayes with delight;
But what created mind can comprehend [ 705 ]
Thir number, or the wisdom infinite
That brought them forth, but hid thir causes deep.
I saw when at his Word the formless Mass,
This worlds material mould, came to a heap:
Confusion heard his voice, and wilde uproar [ 710 ]
Stood rul'd, stood vast infinitude confin'd;
Till at his second bidding darkness fled,
Light shon, and order from disorder sprung:
Swift to thir several Quarters hasted then
The cumbrous Elements, Earth, Flood, Aire, Fire, [ 715 ]
And this Ethereal quintessence of Heav'n
Flew upward, spirited with various forms,
That rowld orbicular, and turnd to Starrs
Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move;
Each had his place appointed, each his course, [ 720 ]
The rest in circuit walles this Universe.
Look downward on that Globe whose hither side
With light from hence, though but reflected, shines;
That place is Earth the seat of Man, that light
His day, which else as th' other Hemisphere [ 725 ]
Night would invade, but there the neighbouring Moon
(So call that opposite fair Starr) her aide
Timely interposes, and her monthly round
Still ending, still renewing through mid Heav'n,
With borrowd light her countenance triform [ 730 ]
Hence fills and empties to enlighten th' Earth,
And in her pale dominion checks the night.
That spot to which I point is Paradise,
Adams abode, those loftie shades his Bowre.
Thy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires. [ 735 ]
“美丽的天使啊，你的心愿，
想要去见识一下上帝的工程，
借以歌颂光荣伟大的创造主，
这样的心愿不能说是过分而遭到非难。
其他天人满足于耳闻，
而你却要求亲眼目睹，竟为此远离天界，
独自来到这里，这样的愿望，
愈被认为过分，愈值得称赞。
因为神的工程确实是奇妙，
见识它确是赏心悦目之事，
而且这一切值得高兴地永记在心！
但是，有哪一个被创造的心，
能知造物总数？或了解深藏
无限智慧中的创造原因？我曾目见，
这世界实质不成形的块块，
在神的指点下就变成这许多东西。
‘混沌’听从神的话，旷野的喧哗镇静下去，
无边无垠的空间，也有了界限；
到神第二次发言时，‘黑暗’就逃走了，
‘光明’来临了，从混乱中产生了秩序。
从此，地、水、火、风等
粗笨的元素都赶快各就各位；
同样地，天上轻灵的第五元素
也以各种各样的形式产生出来，
升到空中，滚成球形，正如
你所看见的不可计数的星辰怎样运行。
它们各有指定的地方，各有轨道，
剩下的灵气，成了宇宙的城廓。
你往底下看那个球吧，它的这半边
只是反射，是从这里照过去的光。
那就是人所住的地球，光的是昼，
相反的暗的半球是夜。
他的邻近就是地球对面那美丽星球，
名字叫月亮，定时帮助他，
在半空中，每月绕他转一周，
循环往复，从这里借去的光照耀着大地，
依照盈虚圆缺、嫦娥三相的形式照亮着地球，
在她苍白的领域内控制着夜。
我手所指的那个地方，就是亚当的住所，
乐园；那高大的森林就是他的幽居处。
你去吧，决不会迷路。我要去我所要去的地方了。.

Thus said, he turnd, and Satan bowing low,
As to superior Spirits is wont in Heaven,
Where honour due and reverence none neglects,
Took leave, and toward the coast of Earth beneath,
Down from th' Ecliptic, sped with hop'd success, [ 740 ]
Throws his steep flight in many an Aerie wheele,
Nor staid, till on Niphates top he lights.
这样说后，他转过身去，
撒旦依照上等天使的习惯，
向他深深鞠了一躬；
礼貌和敬意在天上并没有忽视。
他离开那里，从黄道向下面地球的方向飞去，
成功的希望驱使着他，
他在空中打几个回旋，朝着下方不停地飞，
飞到尼法提斯的山上才停下来。
THE  END.

没有这么快The End.
有the twelfth book.