Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/278

But I can now no more; the parting sun630
Beyond the earth's Green Cape and Verdant Isles
Hesperean sets, my signal to depart.
Be strong, live happy, and love! but first of all
Him whom to love is to obey, and keep
His great command; take heed lest passion sway
Thy judgment to do aught, which else free-will
Would not admit; thine, and of all thy sons
The weal or woe in thee is placed; beware!
I in thy persevering shall rejoice,
And all the Blest. Stand fast; to stand or fall640
Free in thine own arbitrement it lies.
Perfect within, no outward aid require;
And all temptations to trangress repel."
So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus
Followed with benediction:—"Since to part,
Go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger,
Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore.
Gentle to me and affable hath been
Thy condescension, and shall be honored ever
With grateful memory; thou to mankind650
Be good and friendly still, and oft return."
So parted they, the Angel up to Heaven
From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower.