Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/98

Their crowns, inwove with amarant and gold;
Immortal amarant, a flower which once
In Paradise, fast by the Tree of Life,
Began to bloom; but soon, for Man's offence,
To Heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows
And flowers aloft shading the Fount of Life,
And where the River of Bliss through midst of Heaven
Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream.
With these that never fade the Spirits elect360
Bind their resplendent locks, inwreathed with beams.
Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright
Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone,
Impurpled with celestial roses smiled.
Then, crowned again, their golden harps they took—
Harps ever tuned, that glittering by their side
Like quivers hung—and with preamble sweet
Of charming symphony they introduce
Their sacred song, and waken raptures high;
No voice exempt, no voice but well could join370
Melodious part, such concord is in Heaven.
Thee, Father, first they sung, omnipotent,
Immutable, immortal, infinite,
Eternal King; thee, Author of all being,
Fountain of light, thyself invisible