REDEMPTION.
��29
��So mused th' arch-fiend, and straightway cast about, With what disguise to cloak his bad intent; Nor long stood at default, perite in wiles. The sun still linger'd in the ev'ning sky, And with refulgent light bathed Naz'reth's cot. Into his cadent beams, a mimic ray, Fraudful the devil leap'd, expert, and sheer Elanced within the consecrated fold. Tartarean fumes evolved, the fiend betray' d, Nor respite gave him to perfect his fraud. That moment sank the sun beneath the hills, And the deceit, a fragmentary ray, Dissever' d stood; which, touch'd by Gabriel's sword, Pure alkahest, was straight t' his hideous shape Restored. Ten thousand flaming darts, instant Transfix' d him where he stood. With rage and pain, Precipitate he fled, nor ceased, until Within the Libyan desert he lay hid.
��THE END OP THE FIRST BOOK.
�� �
