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Daughter of Sin, among the irrational

Death introduced, through fierce antipathy.

Beast now with beast 'gan war, and fowl with fowl,

And fish with fish: to graze the herb all leaving,

Devoured each other; nor stood much in awe

Of man, but fled him, or, with countenance grim,

Glared on him passing. These were, from without,

The growing miseries which Adam saw

Already in part, though hid in gloomiest shade,

To sorrow abandoned, but worse felt within;

And in a troubled sea of passion tost,

Thus to disburden sought with sad complaint:

Oh miserable of happy! Is this the end Of this new glorious world, and me so late The glory of that glory? who now, become Accursed of blessed, hide me from the face Of God, whom to behold was then my height Of happiness! Yet well, if here would end The misery; I deserved it, and would bear My own deservings. But this will not serve; All that I eat or drink, or shall beget, Is propagated curse. Oh voice, once heard Delightfully-Increase and multiply; Now death to hear! for what can I increase, Or multiply, but curses on my head? Who of all ages to succeed, but, feeling The evil on him brought by me, will curse My head? Ill fare our ancestor impure! For this we may thank Adam! but his thanks Shall be the execration. So, besides Mine own that bide upon me, all from me Shall with a flerce reflux on me redound; On me, as on their natural centre, light Heavy, though in their place. Oh fleeting joys Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes! Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay