The John Milton Library

In which the Tempter, thwarted and confounded by his repeated failures, offers the Son of God the kingdoms of the world on condition of wrongful homage, only to be met with steadfast refusal and divine wisdom surpassing human and heathen learning. Thus, after a final vain attempt to compel despair by setting Him upon the temple pinnacle, the Tempter is cast down in defeat, leaving the Saviour to r...

In which the Son of God encounters the Tempter, who vainly seeks to divert him with enticements of earthly glory and royal dominion, only to be met with calm and profound refutations that praise humility, patience, and divine timing over worldly conquest. Then, from a lofty mountain, the Tempter displays vast empires and military might, yet the Son resolutely rejects such temporal means, affirming...

In which the disciples and Mary grapple with uncertainty and patient hope after the sudden absence of the Messiah, whilst the Son of God, fasting in the desert, contemplates his mission and withstands the Tempter’s subtle and cunning offers of earthly sustenance and power. The discourse unfolds with a sober meditation on virtue, riches, and true kingship, distinguishing inner sovereignty from outw...

In which the Son of God, newly baptised and revealed by heavenly witness, is led by the Spirit into the desert wilderness, there to meditate deeply upon his divine mission and to confront the subtle adversary freshly roused to oppose him. The scene is set with solemn discourse between the celestial powers and their infernal foes, unveiling the stakes of this spiritual conflict amidst the silent an...

In which the Archangel Michael reveals to Adam the unfolding history of mankind from the Flood onwards, proclaiming the divine promises of a Redeemer and the trials of nations under law and grace. With hearts both burdened and reassured, Adam and Eve, thus instructed and comforted, depart from Paradise to face the world anew, guided by Providence and the vigilant cherubim.

In which the prayers of our first parents, contrite and renewed in spirit, ascend to the throne of Heaven where the Father, through the Son's intercession, decrees their expulsion from Paradise, appointing Michael to lead them forth and reveal to Adam the trials that shall befall his progeny. The archangel then shows Adam visions of mankind’s future—both the blessings and the calamities—so that wi...

In which the grievous transgression of Man is revealed and solemnly judged by the Son of God, whose mercy veils their nakedness even as dire punishments are declared; meanwhile, Sin and Death, emboldened by their newfound dominion, construct a formidable bridge from Hell to Earth, spreading despair and desolation through nature and mankind alike. Adam and Eve, cloaked now in sorrow and shame, grap...

In which the celestial narrative unfolds the subtle and measured counsel of Adam and Eve as they deliberate the division of their labours within the bounteous Garden, whilst the insidious foe of mankind, veiled in the form of a cunning serpent, devises his wily approach to Eve, weaving specious reasonings that tempt her to partake of the forbidden fruit. Therein lies a solemn meditation on innocen...

In which the first man Adam, musing on the vast celestial motions and the great Creator’s design, finds his curiosity gently tempered by the Angel Raphael’s wise counsel to seek knowledge more pertinent to his mortal state and earthly abode. Thereafter, Adam recounts the earliest moments of his being, his solitary existence in Paradise, the divine bestowal of a fitting consort, and the noble union...

In which the archangel Raphael, by divine commission, recounts to Adam the majestic creation of the world through the omnipotent will of God and his Son, detailing the harmonious ordering of the heavens, earth, seas, and living creatures in six days, followed by the hallowing of the seventh. Amidst celestial hymns and solemn adoration, the narrative unfolds with reverence for the Creator’s wisdom...

In which the valiant Host of Heaven, led by Michael and Gabriel, engage in fierce combat against the rebellious Powers under Satan’s command, resorting to dreadful engines of war and monumental assaults in a tumult that shakes the very realms celestial. Amidst this divine strife, the Almighty prepares to honour his Anointed Son with the glory of victory, whose advent brings an awe-inspiring turn t...

In which the morning light reveals Eve troubled by a dream of dire import, and Adam, though uneasy, offers comfort and reflection as they prepare to labour in Eden's bounteous midst; and thereafter the angel Raphael descends to impart divine counsel, recounting the celestial rebellion and instructing on the sacred freedom and peril inherent to mortal obedience. In such discourse is unveiled the gr...

In which the arch-fiend, burdened with torment and pride, ventures alone to the enchanting bounds of Eden, beholding with envious gaze the innocent pair of man and woman amidst their blissful abode and forbidden tree, whilst celestial guardians alertly prepare to meet the intruder’s wiles. And thus, as night descends upon the Garden, the watchful angels discover the fiend molesting Eve in slumber,...

In which the Almighty, from his throne in Heaven, contemplates the fate of Man and the wicked designs of the rebellious spirit, foretelling both the peril and the grace appointed to mankind through the willing sacrifice of the Son, embodying divine love and justice. Meanwhile, the malevolent fiend, veiled in guile, roams the newly formed globe and ascends to the celestial gates, engaging the vigil...

In which the fallen spirits convene to debate their grim fortunes and consult on the direst means to reclaim their lost dominion, settling upon a perilous exploration beyond Hell’s gates to discover a new realm where a different kind of creature is fated to arise. The unyielding Satan, in royal confidence and solitary resolution, undertakes this hazardous journey through Chaos and the void, confro...

In which the narrative unfolds the grievous revolt and expulsion of celestial beings from their exalted realm, casting them into a dread abyss of fire and darkness, where amidst despair, their undaunted chief rouses his legions to counsel and devising. Here, the fallen spirits muster with martial splendour and diverse dominions known to men, establishing a mighty throne in dire opposition to their...

In which the poet’s grand design unfolds in noble verse unbound by rhyme, seeking to restore ancient liberty and noble measure to the heroic poem. With humility and admiration, the reader contemplates the lofty subject and majestic style, marveling at the poet’s strength to sing of celestial matters with gravity and ease.

In which the resolute Samson prepares to face his captors with unwavering obedience to his vow and steadfast hope, whilst his father Manoa ardently petitions for his redemption amidst stirring omens. The tale unfolds to reveal a grand and final spectacle of strength and sacrifice that culminates in a profound deliverance wrought through great travail, leaving both lamentation and honour in its wak...

In which Samson reflects upon the bitter consequences of misplaced trust and the deceptive nature of beauty, engaging in a proud and defiant discourse with the Philistine giant Harapha, who mocks his blindness and challenges his might. And in the midst of these confrontations, a commanding messenger arrives, delivering an imperial summons for Samson to display his strength at the feast of Dagon, w...

In which the mournful discourse unfolds between Samson and Dalila, revealing the bitter estrangement born of broken trust and conflicting loyalties, framed by solemn reflections on love, duty, and the grievous weight of mistaken zeal. The lamentations and reproaches pass back and forth, painting a somber picture of pain and pride interwoven, as both seek solace or justification amidst their suffer...

In which Dalila seeks to mitigate her offence by appealing to shared human weakness and the compelling power of love, urging Samson towards pardon with a mingling of contrition and reasoned excuse. In turn, Samson rebuffs her plea with stern judgment, condemning deceit and betrayal as beyond the pale of mere frailty, while Dalila recounts the weighty pressures and solemn duties that swayed her to...

In which the Chorus meditates upon the burdens and sufferings ordained by divine providence, particularly upon those chosen for great purposes, lamenting their frequent descent into adversity, before observing the approach of Dalila, arrayed in splendour and bearing tokens of penitence. And Samson, steeped in mistrust and recalling her past treacheries, rebuffs her attempts at reconciliation, fore...

In which the fallen Champion, lamenting his lost strength and blindness, confesses the deep anguish and despair that torment both his body and soul despite his once miraculous temperance and divine favour. His discourse with a compassionate friend reveals a heart burdened with doubts of mercy and a fervent wish for swift release from unceasing misery, reflecting the sombre weight of forsaken glory...

In which the fallen Samson confesses his grievous errors and mourns the dishonour brought upon his God through his weakened faith and ill counsel, expressing a sombre hope for divine vindication against idolatry. The discourse between him, his Father, and the Chorus reveals a poignant struggle between penitence and despair, as they contemplate fate, forgiveness, and the frailty of mortal resolve.

In which the once-mighty Samson lies captive and blind, lamenting the grievous consequences of his own faltering faith and folly that led to his downfall, while a visiting man reflects mournfully on the frailty of mortal strength and the irony of divine gifts turned to sorrow. The discourse unfolds amid sorrowful recognition of past glories now faded, and the heavy shame cast upon Samson and his h...