That golden scepter, which thou didst reject, Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly These wicked tents devoted, left the wrath 890 Distinguish not for foon expect to feel Then who created thee lamenting learn, 900 Nor (as Dr. Pearce fays) by underftanding but I fly before the word left. See the fame elliptical way of fpeaking in II. 483. But it would be plainer and eafier with Dr. Bentley's alteration, if there was any authority for it; Thefe wicked tents devote, but left the wrath &c. 896. So Spake the Seraph Abdiel faithful found &c.] The part of Abdiel, who was the only Spirit that in this infinite hott of An gels preferved his allegiance to his Maker, exhibits to us a noble moral of religious fingularity. The zeal of the Seraphim breaks forth in a becoming warmth of fentiments and expreffions, as the character which is given us of him denotes that generous fcorn and intrepidity which attends heroic virtue. The author doubtless defign'd it as a pattern to thofe, who live among mankind in their prefent ftate of degeneracy and corruption. Addifen. Nor number, nor example with him wrought To fwerve from truth, or change his conftant mind Though fingle. From amidst them forth he pass'd, Long way thro' hoftile fcorn, which he sustain'd Superior, nor of violence fear'd ought; And with retorted fcorn his back he turn'd 905 On thofe proud tow'rs to swift deftruction doom'd, The end of the Fifth Book. |