IV.

He lifts his look where on the lattice bar, Through clouds fast gathering, shines a single star; Large on the haze of his receding sight It spreads, and spreads, and floods all space with light; Nature's last glorious mournful smile on him Ev'n while on earth so near the Seraphim. Now from the blaze he veils with tremulous hand The scorching eyes:--and now the starlight fades: Midnight and cloud resettle on the Land, And o'er her champion's vision rush the shades.

What rests to both?--the inner light that glows Out from the gloom that Fate on each bestows; There is no PRESENT to a hope sublime; Man has eternity, and Nations time!

[E] The Council of State ordered, January 1649-50, "That Mr. Milton do prepare something in answer to the book of Salmasius, and when he hath done itt, bring itt to the Council." He was present, says his biographer, at the discussion which led to the order, and though warned that the loss of sight would be the certain consequence of obeying it, did so.--He called to mind, to use his own image, the two destinies the oracle announced to Achilles:--"If he stay before Troy, he will return to his land no more, but have everlasting glory--if he withdraw, long will be his life and short his fame."

PART THE FOURTH.

"Thus With The Year Seasons Return, But Not To Me Returns Day, Or The Sweet Approach Of Even Or Morn, Or Sight Of Vernal Bloom, Or Summer's Rose, Or Flocks, Or Herds, Or Human Face Divine; But Cloud Instead, And Ever-during Dark Surrounds Me."--_paradise Lost, Book III._

"Though Fall'n On Evil Days, In Darkness, And With Danger Compass'd Round, And Solitude; Yet Not Alone, While Thou Visit'st My Slumbers Nightly, Or When Morn Purples The East."--_paradise Lost, Book VII._