_Lucif._ Am I become so monstrous, so disfigured, That nature cannot suffer my approach, Or look me in the face, but stands aghast; And that fair light which gilds this new-made orb, Shorn of his beams, shrinks in? accurst ambition! And thou, black empire of the nether world, How dearly have I bought you! But, 'tis past; I have already gone too far to stop, And must push on my dire revenge, in ruin Of this gay frame, and man, my upstart rival, In scorn of me created. Down, my pride, And all my swelling thoughts! I must forget Awhile I am a devil, and put on A smooth submissive face; else I in vain Have past through night and chaos, to discover Those envied skies again, which I have lost. But stay; far off I see a chariot driven, Flaming with beams, and in it Uriel, One of the seven, (I know his hated face) Who stands in presence of the eternal throne, And seems the regent of that glorious light. _From that part of the Heavens where the Sun appears, a Chariot is discovered drawn with white Horses, and in it_ URIEL, _the Regent of the Sun. The Chariot moves swiftly towards_ LUCIFER, _and at_ URIEL'S _approach the Sun recovers his light._ _Uriel._ Spirit, who art thou, and from whence arrived? (For I remember not thy face in heaven) Or by command, or hither led by choice? Or wander'st thou within this lucid orb, And, strayed from those fair fields of light above, Amidst this new creation want'st a guide, To reconduct thy steps? _Lucifer._ Bright Uriel, Chief of the seven! thou flaming minister, Who guard'st this new-created orb of light, (The world's eye that, and thou the eye of it) Thy favour and high office make thee known: An humble cherub I, and of less note, Yet bold, by thy permission, hither come, On high discoveries bent. _Uriel._ Speak thy design. _Lucifer._ Urged by renown of what I heard above, Divulged by angels nearest heaven's high King, Concerning this new world, I came to view (If worthy such a favour) and admire This last effect of our great Maker's power: Thence to my wondering fellows I shall turn, Full fraught with joyful tidings of these works, New matter of his praise, and of our songs. _Uriel._ Thy business is not what deserves my blame, Nor thou thyself unwelcome; see, fair spirit, Below yon sphere (of matter not unlike it) There hangs the ball of earth and water mixt, Self-centered and unmoved. _Lucifer._ But where dwells man? _Uriel._ On yonder mount; thou see'st it fenced with rocks, And round the ascent a theatre of trees, A sylvan scene, which, rising by degrees, Leads up the eye below, nor gluts the sight With one full prospect, but invites by many, To view at last the whole: There his abode, Thither direct thy flight. _Lucifer._ O blest be thou, Who to my low converse has lent thy ear, And favoured my request! Hail, and farewell. [_Flies downward out of sight._