Michael's Prophecy II — From Abraham to Christ, and the expulsion

Book 12 of Paradise Lost by John Milton

As one who in his journey bates at noon, Though bent on speed, so here the Archangel paused Betwixt the world destroyed and world restored, If Adam aught perhaps might interpose; Then with transition sweet new speech resumes. Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end; And Man as from a second stock proceed. Much thou hast yet to see, but I perceive Thy mortal sight to fail; objects divine Must needs impair and weary human sense: Henceforth what is to come I shall relate, Thou therefore give due audience, and attend. So Michael changed from visions shown direct To narrative told, that Adam's wearied eyes Might rest while yet his understanding grew From history's long unfolding, age to age.

This second source of men, while yet but few, Shall dwell long time in peace by families And nations under patriarchal rule, Till one shall rise of proud ambitious heart, Who not content with fair equality, Fraternal state, will arrogate dominion Undeserved over his brethren, and quite Dispossess concord and the law of nature From the Earth. Hunting — and men not beasts Shall be his game — with war and hostile snare Such as refuse subjection to his empire. A mighty hunter he shall be called before The Lord, as in despite of Heaven itself. He with a crew shall raise upon the plain A city and a tower whose top may reach To Heaven, to get themselves a name, lest far Dispersed in foreign lands they be forgot. But God descending shall confound their tongues That none may understand his fellow's speech; So scattered, babbling, each his separate way.

From among the scattered nations God shall choose One faithful man — Abraham, called from Ur Of the Chaldees, whom idolatry surrounds. Him God vouchsafes to call by vision forth From his father's house, his kindred and false gods, Into a land which he shall show him, where From him shall spring a mighty nation, blessed Above all nations, and upon his seed All peoples of the Earth shall find their blessing. From Abraham came Isaac, Israel's joy, And Jacob after him, whose twelve sons founded The tribes of Israel; who to Egypt journeyed And there in bondage dwelt four hundred years Till God remembered them, and raised a prophet, Moses, meekest of men, to lead them forth With signs and wonders terrible through the sea Divided, Pharaoh's chariots overwhelmed.