Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/380

Familiar to our eyes, all places else
Inhospitable appear and desolate,
Nor knowing us nor known. And, if by prayer
Incessant I could hope to change the will
Of Him who all things can, I would not cease
To weary him with my assiduous cries.310
But prayer against his absolute decree
No more avails than breath against the wind,
Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth:
Therefore to his great bidding I submit.
This most afflicts me, that, departing hence,
As from his face I shall be hid, deprived
His blessed countenance. Here I could frequent
With worship place by place where he vouchsafed
Presence Divine, and to my sons relate,
On this mount he appeared, under this tree320
Stood visible, among these pines his voice
I heard, here with him at this fountain talked.
So many grateful altars I would rear
Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone
Of lustre from the brook, in memory
Or monument to ages; and thereon
Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers.
In yonder nether world where shall I seek
His bright appearances, or footstep trace?
For, though I fled him angry, yet, recalled330
To life prolonged and promised race, I now
Gladly behold though but his utmost skirts