John Milton's Paradise Lost

Chapter I

Hell is a place made by almighty God to imprison those who rebel against him. It is a dungeon where there is no rest, no peace and no hope. There is endless torture for those imprisoned in it.

In such a place, thousands of angels who rebelled against God lay in a fiery gulf, tortured by whirlwinds of fire and floods of ever-burning sulphur. Two of them, Satan and Beelzebub, lay at quite a distance from the rest. It was Satan who led the revolt thinking he could dethrone God and take his place. Now he lay tormented at the sight of woe that surrounded him.

As a result of the battle, all of them were altered in appearance. Satan, recognizing Beelzebub with some difficulty, said to him: “We have lost the battle but not our will and courage to scorn the victor. We are immortal and hence we can endlessly wage battle after battle against him.”

“O prince,” Beelzebub answered, “since he has defeated such a mighty army as ours, I believe him to be the almighty. Perhaps he has given us the strength to endure all this in order to have us as his slaves in this dismal place.”

“O Beelzebub,” Satan retorted, “we should not lose heart. Let us aim to do evil alone. If he seeks to bring forth good from the evil in us, then we must try to foil his plans. But now let us go to that desolate plain and discuss our future plans.”

Satan, as huge as the sea beast Leviathan, chained to the burning lake, would have remained chained had not God wished otherwise. God left Satan to his plans so that the latter can see how infinite goodness is made to spring even from wickedness. Freeing themselves, Satan and Beelzebub flew out to that desolate plain made of burning soil.

“Alas!” Satan mourned. “Is this the place we must exchange for heaven? This darkness for that celestial light? Goodbye heaven, where joy is found always. O hell, receive me your new king. The mind can make a heaven out of hell and a hell out of heaven. And it is better to be a ruler in hell than to be a slave in heaven.”

“But ah, Beelzebub,” he continued, “Why do we not call our faithful friends to this place, where they can share our thoughts instead of lying dejected in the pool?”

Beelzebub answered: “Leader, they will resume courage at thy voice and will no longer lie dejected in the lake of fire.”

With a moon-like shield and a spear, Satan advanced towards the lake and called out to his faithful friends. He stood on the shore and thundered: “Friends, why are you lying like this? Have you chosen this place to rest? Or have you decided to adore our conqueror? Awake and arise!”

Hearing their leader’s voice, they rose into the air like locusts with outspread wings and landed on the shore. Moloch came first and Belial landed last. After Moloch came Chemos, Astoreth, Thammuz, Rimmon, Osiris, Isis, Orus and all the rest. They were all sad, but became joyous at the sight of Satan the rebel.

Then they blew trumpets and clarions. Azazel raised their imperial flag. Soon, raising a cry of war, all of them raised their banners and spears and stood in battle array.

Satan stood like a tower, deeply worried. His face had not lost all its beauty. He surveyed the fallen angels and tried to speak. He tried thrice, but each time he failed as he was moved to tears. Finally he managed to utter these words: “Immortal spirits, how could we have known that such a strong army as ours would face defeat? Since he seemed weak, we gathered together to dethrone him. But now we know his strength as well as ours. It is time for us to decide whether we should proclaim open war or adopt fraudulent means to defeat him.”

Hearing his words they raised their swords and smote their shields to approve Satan’s speech. The flashing swords illuminated the whole of hell.

They then decided to build a palace for Satan. One group, led by Mammon, bore into a nearby hill and dug out gold. Another group secured gold from the bed of the lake of fire. A third group, led by Mulciber the architect, raised Satan’s palace called Pandemonium from the depths of the earth. Its roofs were of gold, from which hung starry lamps made of bright stones. Its doors were of brass and its floors were smooth. Some admired the palace and some admired Mulciber. Then at Satan’s command, trumpets were blown to call forth a council.

Chapter II

Seated on a royal throne in Pandemonium, Satan addressed the council: “I don’t think you envy me for being the king of hell. So we shall work with unity. I don’t think we have altogether lost heaven. The question is whether we must declare open war or adopt fraudulent means. Anyone who can advise on this may speak.”

Moloch, the most ferocious of all the fallen angels, who had thought he was equal to God, gave this advice: “We must declare open war. Even if we get defeated it would not matter. After all, what can be worse than staying in hell? It would be revenge enough for us to trouble our victor.”

Then Belial, who had the skill of speech, who could with his words make that which is wrong seem right, stood up and gave his counsel: “I don’t agree with Moloch that there can be nothing worse than hell. Did we not find hell a shelter to us from the victor’s thunder? I am not for open war, nor for other tactics; for God knows all our thoughts. Let us quietly remain here and hope that he would reduce our sufferings. And we must get accustomed to this wretched place.”

Then Mammon spoke: “I am not for open war. At the same time I don’t agree with Belial. How can we hope for forgiveness! Then we would be mere slaves singing his praises in heaven. Instead let us live here peacefully. There is nothing in heaven which we cannot imitate here. Soon we will get used to this place and get settled.”

There seemed to be a murmur of approval. But Beelzebub arose and addressed them: “Why do we vainly speak of war and peace? We have already warred with him and tasted defeat. Some of you think that we can build a new empire here. No, that cannot be. This place is a prison. He ruled hell even as he rules heaven. Our leader said before that our victor had plans of creating a new place and a race called man. Let us explore and find out whether we can destroy it or occupy that place.”

Beelzebub’s speech received loud applause. He continued with his speech: “There is only one problem. Who will be bold enough to undertake this dangerous task? On that person alone all our hopes rest.”

There was silence. No one, except Satan, was willing to undertake the task. Finally Satan spoke: “Being your king I think it is my duty to take up this difficult task. Till I return take rest, if there can be rest in this horrible place.”

The council dissolved with applause. The fallen angels dispersed in various directions. Some ran races; some sang songs of their own valour; some pondered philosophically; some marched along the banks of the various rivers. Thus they engaged themselves while waiting for Satan’s return.

Meanwhile Satan advanced towards the gates of hell. There he saw two ugly creatures. One of them arose and advanced menacingly towards Satan. But Satan looked scornfully at him and said: “Who are you, hell-born creature? I am going to pass through those gates without anyone’s permission. Don’t you dare fight with me who is heaven-born.”

Both of them were so enraged that a fight would have ensued. But the other creature, named Sin, who had the shape of a woman above her waist, and the shape of a serpent below, came between them. Sin said to Satan: “How can you seek to kill your only son? Don’t you remember me? I was born out of your head in heaven. We both lived as husband and wife. This is your son, named Death.”

Hearing this Satan made peace and told them of his plans. So Sin with a key opened the gates of hell. Satan plunged into chaos and eternal night. After facing many difficulties and dangers, he reached the earth.

Meanwhile Sin and Death, following Satan’s track, built a long bridge linking hell and earth.

Chapter III

God the father, on whose right side sat God the son, saw from heaven the world that he had created. He saw with pleasure our first parents, Adam and Eve, residing in the Garden of Eden. Then he saw Satan flying near the walls of heaven. God the father turned towards God the son and said: “My son, look at Satan who has escaped from hell and is moving towards the earth. He is planning to tempt Adam and Eve into disobeying me. He will succeed as I have given them the freedom to choose between good and evil. So if they yield to temptation, it is their own fault. Yet I shall forgive them.”

Hearing this information about the future, God the son said: “Father, you are very merciful. By forgiving Adam and Eve you will spoil Satan’s ultimate plans.” To which God the father said: “My only begotten son, your thoughts and mine are the same. Man shall be saved by my grace. But someone else must meet Death in his place. Is there anyone who would volunteer?”

No one came forth. But then God the son volunteered to save man. He said: “Father, I shall leave your side and meet Death. But I know that you will not leave me for long in the grave. I shall rise again and put Death to death. Then all your righteous anger will vanish. And I shall sit by your side once again.”

Hearing this God the father said: “My son, you know how I love all my works. I am willing to let you part from me for some time to save man. You shall be born as a man to a virgin at the appropriate time. You shall succeed in your task. Then you shall be king of kings. Those who do evil shall be judged by you and sent to hell; and those who do good, sent to heaven.”

Then turning towards the angels, he continued: “Praise and honour my son who is willing to give up his life to save man. Adore and honour him as me.”

The angels bowed down in reverence to both the father and the son. Then they shouted with joy. Loud hosannas filled the air. Then with golden harps, which were always tuned, they first sang and praised the father and then the son.

Meanwhile Satan came to a high structure. Exquisite stairs led up to a beautiful gate on top. Satan ascended the stairs and passed through the gate. Then he saw the earth and the sun. He moved towards the dazzling sun in which an enormous amount of gold, silver and precious stones are found. There he saw Uriel, one of the steadfast angels. Taking the shape of a good angel, he approached him and dissembled: “Fair angel, filled with desire to see God’s creation, I have come from heaven. Direct me to the place where man is placed. I wish to see man, created by God to replace the fallen angels who rebelled against him. I am here to wonder at God’s creation and to praise him who is just.”

Uriel, hearing these words of Satan, thought that he really was a good angel and said: “Good angel, God’s works are wonderful indeed. While some are content to hear about them, your coming here to see and admire them with your own eyes deserves praise.” Saying this he directed Satan towards the earth. Satan bowed to Uriel and took leave. He flew towards the earth and alighted on the top of Mount Niphates.

Chapter IV

Though Satan seemed to have escaped from hell, he had not really escaped from it. He carried hell within him. In truth he himself was hell.

The memory of what a bright angel he had been torments him. Sometimes sadly he looks at Eden and sometimes at heaven and the full-blazing sun. Then, looking at the sun, he says: “O sun, let me tell you that I hate your beams. I once was more glorious than you, till I rebelled against heaven’s matchless king. Instead of giving him thanks for all the good that he did to me, I tried to usurp the throne of heaven. If only he had created me an inferior angel, then I would have been happy. But then some other angel would have rebelled and I being mean would have joined him. But still there were angels who withstood the temptation. Did I have the same free will to withstand? Yes. Whom or what, then, can I blame? I can only accuse heaven’s free love dealt equally to all. Well, then, let his love be accursed. I am miserable. Wherever I fly is hell, for I myself am hell. Is there no chance of obtaining forgiveness? There is if I repent and ask for his forgiveness. But then I would have to put down my head in shame before the other spirits who now sing my praises in hell, thinking that I would set them free. Moreover, if I am forgiven by his grace, how soon would I grow ambitious again and incur his wrath! Knowing this he doesn’t forgive me and I don’t seek his forgiveness. All hope to me is lost. Therefore, let evil alone be my good. And using evil I shall perhaps rule more than half his kingdom.”

There was anger, envy and despair in Satan’s voice. Anger, envy and despair tore the disguise of good angel which Satan wore on his face. The angel Uriel, who had been fooled before, now saw Satan in his true colours.

Satan, thinking that his identity still remained a secret, proceeded towards Eden, a beautiful place filled with lovely trees bearing sweet fruits. As Satan neared Eden, he was delighted to inhale the pure air and to smell the sweet perfumes carried by the wind from the many bright flowers that grow there.

Satan then began to climb the hill on which the Garden of Eden is situated. He progressed very slowly as there were shrubs and tangling bushes on his path. Finally he reached the top and saw the only gate of Eden. But as he did not like to enter the garden through the gate, he easily jumped over the wall like a wolf or a thief. Then he flew up and sat on the Tree of Life like a huge sea bird and viewed paradise with wonder.

There were stately trees in that garden where the season was eternal spring. Beside the Tree of Life grew the Tree of Knowledge, whose fruit when eaten would give to the eater the knowledge of good and evil. There were sparkling lakes and rivers. From the ground arose a sapphire fount which watered all the plants. Not that fair field Enna, nor that sweet grove of Paphne, nor that Nyseian isle, nor Mount Amara can be compared to the Garden of Eden.

Satan then saw Adam and Eve. They walked hand in hand and sat down to eat fruits under a group of trees. As they ate they smiled at each other. Adam was the strongest. Eve was the fairest. They both were naked and needed no clothes as they knew no shame. Seeing them so happy, Satan sadly uttered these words: “O hell, what do mine eyes sadly see? I see beautiful creatures, little inferior to us, whom I could love. But I must bring about their downfall to keep my promise to the rebels.”

With that excuse he dropped down from the tree. He assumed the shape of various animals and roamed about Adam and Eve, so that he could gather more news of their situation. He heard Adam say to Eve: “Sweet Eve, the God who made us must indeed be good. He made us out of clay and made us the rulers of this place. To test our obedience, he has made only one simple prohibition. He has told us to not eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. It is not difficult for us to carry out this order. Let us praise him and let us prune these growing plants and tend the flowers.”

Eve replied: “What you say is right. We owe God all our praises and thanks. I owe God more thanks because he has given you to me! I remember that day when I first woke from sleep. I saw a crystal lake nearby. I approached it and looked into it. There I saw a lovely image. I started back and it started back. I returned and it too returned. Still I would have been vainly standing there looking at the image had not I heard a voice which said: ‘What your see, Eve, is only your shadow. I will take you to Adam whose image you are. You shall bear many sons and be called Mother of the human race.’ So I came along, led by that voice, and saw you. You did not seem as beautiful as the image that I saw in the lake. So I turned back towards the lake, but you held me with your hand, saying, ‘God made you out of a rib taken from my side.’ So I stayed and have found that wisdom and manly grace is more beautiful than beauty itself.”

Hearing these words, Adam smiled and kissed Eve; and they embraced each other. Seeing this, the devil turned away his face due to envy and began to lament to himself: “O they are so happy! But to me is given only hell where there is no joy and peace. Ah! I shall tempt them to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. But now I shall go around the garden. By chance I may meet some angel and find out more about them. Be happy, you happy pair, till I return. Soon you’ll be facing hardship.”

So saying, he roamed about the garden. Meanwhile Uriel, who had discerned that Satan was the fallen angel, came straight to Gabriel, who sat between pillars of rock and watched carefully the gate of the garden. Uriel came like a shooting star and spoke in haste these words: “Gabriel, you were left in charge to strictly watch this place. But I fear one of the fallen angels has entered the garden. He came to me disguised as a good angel asking about the wonderful creation of God. I directed him, but soon found him in his true shape. You must somehow find him.” Gabriel answered: “No one passed through these gates except those who are well known in heaven. However, if one such fallen angel has jumped over the fence into the garden, then by tomorrow morning I would have found out.”

So Uriel returned to his place. The sun was about to set. Evening came followed by night. There were lonely stars in the sky. The moon at last arose and shone brightly. The birds were in their nests and the animals were in their grassy couch. All were sleeping except the nightingale who sang all through the night.

Adam turned to Eve and said: “God has set us labour and rest just as he has set day and night. Now it is time for us to take rest. The other creatures need little rest for they do not work. God takes no account of them. Tomorrow we shall prune the trees and tend the flowers. Now we shall rest.”

Eve answered: “Whatever you tell me, I shall obey without a word. That is God’s wish. God is your law and you are my law. Speaking with you I forget all time. The song of birds are sweet. Sweet are the morning, evening and night. Lovely are the stars and moon. But to me all these without you are not sweet. But tell me for whom do these stars and moon shine all night while all are asleep?”

Adam replied: “Think not that they shine in vain. Though we fall asleep a number of creatures invisible to us are there to watch them shine. Often we have heard celestial voices sing God’s praise and lift our thoughts to heaven.”

Together they passed hand in hand to their dwelling place, which was adorned by lovely creepers and flowers. There entered no beast or bird or worm. There was complete privacy.

Both of them knelt and prayed to God: “Lord, you have made night as well as day. You have given us this nice place to dwell. Lord, you have promised us that out of us you will bring forth more and more people to inhabit the earth, who shall with us sing your praises. Lord, grant us good sleep.”

Then they fell asleep. O what a blessed and happy couple! They would remain so if they remain content with what is given to them.

Gabriel turned towards an angel called Uzziel and said: “Uzziel, let some of the angels watch the south and let some of them watch the north.” He also addressed two other angels: “Ithuriel and Zephon, search the garden thoroughly. Leave no nook unsearched, for one of the fallen angels has entered the garden. If you find him, catch him and bring him to me.”

Ithuriel and Zephon searched the garden and found Satan squat like a toad near Eve’s ear, trying to create illusions and awful dreams to instill in her unwanted thoughts and desires. Ithuriel touched him with his spear and Satan jumped up surprised.

Ithuriel asked the surprised Satan: “Which of the fallen angels are you? Why are you sitting near the ones who are asleep?”

“Don’t you know me?” asked Satan scornfully. “Not to know me means that you yourself are unknown. Or if you know me, then why ask me who I am?”

Zephon retorted: “Don’t think you remain beautiful as you were before you were cast into hell. Now you are ugly. But come now and explain to Gabriel your presence here.”

Satan allowed himself to be led by Ithuriel and Zephon. Hearing the sound of their approach, Gabriel addressed the angels: “Friends, I hear the sound of swift feet. Ah, now I see Ithuriel and Zephon. There is another person coming along with them. By his looks he must be none other than Satan!”

Ithuriel and Zephon brought Satan to Gabriel. And Gabriel said to Satan: “Why have you transgressed and disturbed us who have power and right to question your entrance to this place?”

Satan replied: “Gabriel, I thought you were wise. But now I see that you are not. Tell me, is there anyone who loves to live in pain? Who would not break loose from hell? You yourself would! Let him who locked us in hell make stronger gates to keep us imprisoned in hell.” He paused and continued: “It is true that I sat near Eve, but that does not mean I intended to do harm.”

“You think it is wise to escape punishment?” asked Gabriel. “But why are you alone? Where are your companions? Don’t they also wish to fly from pain?”

Satan replied: “Insulting angel, not to shrink from pain I escaped from hell, but to find a suitable place for us to dwell, as I am a faithful leader.”

Gabriel said: “First you say that you wished to fly from pain and then you say that you escaped from hell to find a suitable place to live in. You are no leader but a liar. Now take my advice. Fly from this place or I’ll drag you in chains to hell.”

Satan did not heed to this threat. He said: “Talk not of chains before you defeat me!”

As he said this the angels hemmed him with spears from all sides. Now a terrible battle would have taken place and disturbed the peace in the garden. But God showed a sign in the sky, seeing which Satan fled from the place. Night also fled with him.

Chapter V

Now morning came with rosy steps in the east. Adam awoke and was pleased with the fragrance of flowers and sweet sounds of birds. He wondered to find Eve still asleep, whose face seemed disturbed. He raised himself and beheld her beauty. He softly touched her hand and whispered: “Awake, Eve, you are heaven’s last best gift bestowed on me. Fair Eve, arise to marvel at nature’s beauties. Let us see how the flowers bloom and how the bees extract sweet nectar from them.”

Eve awoke and embraced Adam. She said: “I am glad to see your face. Last night I had a terrible dream. I thought I heard a voice calling me with sweet words. I thought it was your voice. I arose and directed my walk to where the sound came from. And suddenly I came before the Tree of Knowledge. Beside it stood one who resembled an angel. He gazed at it and said, “O fair tree, filled with sweet fruits. Is knowledge forbidden? But nothing can prevent me from tasting of your fruit!’ So saying he plucked a fruit and ate it. He then addressed me with flattering words and offered a fruit. The pleasant smell of the fruit tempted me and I ate of it. I flew with him up to the clouds. From there we saw the earth down below. Suddenly he was gone and I thought I fell down and fell asleep. How glad I am to find it was only a dream!”

Adam said: “Eve I do not like this dream of your. It comes from evil, no doubt. But since you were created pure, no evil can reside in you. Forget about it, for it is the work of fancy. I am sure you would not really eat of the fruit. Don’t be disheartened. Now let us go to our daily work.”

Eve wiped her tears with her hair and together they hastened to the field. But first they knelt down to praise God and pray: “Almighty God, the whole world is yours. Your goodness is beyond thought. Lord, give us only good and disperse evil even as light dispels the dark.”

God heard their prayer and pitied them. He turned to one of the angels, called Raphael, and said: “You have heard how Satan has disturbed Adam and Eve. Go to them and speak with them as a friend and advice them to be careful. Tell them that what the danger is. Let them be forewarned.”

So Raphael, a beautiful angel with six bright wings, flew from heaven to Eden. Adam, discerning Raphael’s approach, asked Eve to set fruits on a table of grass to entertain him.

Eve, yielding to Adam’s wish, plucked various fruits and crushed unfermented wine from various berries to serve as rich food, while Adam walked forth to greet Raphael. He then invited the angel to eat and take rest.

Raphael accepted the invitation. Adam led him to the bower, where Eve was waiting to receive them. Then they sat down to eat.

After they had eaten, Raphael said to Adam: “All things come from God and all return to him. You are happy because God made you so. You will continue to be happy if you continue to be obedient to him. In heaven some of the angels rebelled against God and fell into hell.”

Hearing this, Adam wanted to know about the details of the rebellion. Raphael, then, began to narrate the sad tale …

One day, before this world was made, God summoned all the angels to come before him. All of them came from all the ends of heaven and stood before him.

God said: “This day I have begotten my only son. I appoint him your leader. All knees shall bow to him and proclaim him Lord. Whoever disobeys him disobeys me and shall be cast into hell.”

Hearing these words all seemed pleased, but not all were pleased. They danced about and sang his praise, which pleased almighty God. Then they ate and went to sleep. But Satan did not sleep. He was disturbed. He was now filled with envy. He envied God’s only begotten son.

He awoke one next to him and said: “Dear companion, you and I have often shared our views. How can you sleep now? Have you forgotten the new order? To speak of this here is not safe. Assemble all our peers in the Quarters of the North where we can discuss about this.”

All-knowing God saw that a third part of the angels had taken Satan’s side to rebel against him. He turned towards his son and joked: “My beloved son, I see that Satan has drawn many angels to rebel against us. I am afraid of him.”

Hearing this, the son said: “Father, you justly laugh at Satan. Grant me permission to break his pride.”

Meanwhile in the Quarters of the North, Satan addressed the gathering: “We are assembled here to settle an issue. I feel that it is too much to bow down to one person itself. Now we are expected to kneel down to the son also. Should we tolerate this? Are we not equals? Are we not free?”

Satan’s speech met with approval. But one angel, named Abdiel, disapproved: “What vile words you speak! Would you dictate to God what he should do? Did he not make all of us? He is a just God. Take away this sinful thought and ask for his pardon before it is too late.”

Satan and the others mocked Abdiel and threatened him. But Abdiel, faithful to God, fearlessly turned his back on them. He knew they were heading towards destruction.

Chapter VI

Abdiel flew straight to heaven from the Quarters of the North with the news of the rebellion. But there he found that the angels had already been intimated by God about the rebellion. They joyfully received him and took him straight to all-knowing God, who said: “Well done, Abdiel, you have fought well for the sake of truth. You have faced their insults for my sake. Now you and Michael and Gabriel shall lead the other angels to war against Satan.”

So up in the air the angels marched to fight the rebellious crew. They met them halfway. Satan and the rebels were surprised to see them. They had in fact wanted to surprise them. Abdiel could not tolerate the sight of Satan, who was armed in gold. “How can,” he thought, “such heavenly resemblance still remain in him?”

Then he addressed Satan: “You thought that I was wrong when I did not join your side. But now see that a few can be right where thousands are wrong. To serve God is not bondage, for God is worthy to be served. To serve you is bondage.”

Saying this he lifted his sword and struck Satan. Satan reeled and fell down. The rebellious crew was shocked. The angels shouted with joy and sang ‘hosanna to the highest’. The battle had begun. They rushed at each other. Sometimes they fought on ground and sometimes in air. Michael struck down many of the foes. Seeing this, Satan advanced towards Michael. And Michael turned towards Satan to strike him down and bring the war to an end.

They first attacked each other with words and then they raised their swords to fight. Michael struck him hard and Satan cried in pain. The rebels rushed in to his rescue and took him to his chariot. His wound soon healed but his pride was humbled.

Meanwhile Gabriel, Abdiel and the other angels inflicted severe wounds on their foes. Chariot and charioteer lay overturned. The battlefield was strewn with arms. Night came and brought the first day’s fight to a close. It was really a glorious victory for the angels.

Satan and the rebels held discussions about the first day’s fight. They resolved to make a powerful weapon to defeat the angels and succeeded in inventing the cannon.

Now it was morning. Satan and the rebels advanced with their newly invented weapon. The angel Zophiel warned the others of Satan’s approach. So they all readied themselves to meet him. But what a surprise awaited them! A few blasts from the cannon sent them reeling. Satan laughed at their plights. The rebels were now confident of victory. But soon the angels plucked the hills and hurled them at the rebels. Satan and the rebels were taken aback. They groaned as the hills hit them.

Almighty God, seeing this fierce fight, turned to his only begotten son and said: “The battle is still fierce. Of course, this battle will go on, for I have made them equal. It is for you to end this fight. I have reserved the third day for your glory. Arm yourself and drive the rebellious crew to hell.”

“Father,” the son answered, “You always seek to glorify me and I always seek to glorify you. I love all those you love and hate all those who hate you. Armed with your strength I shall rout the rebels and chain them in hell.”

The third morning came and the son rode well-armed on a magnificent chariot. He ordered the hills to go back to their places. The hills heard his voice and obeyed. The rebels were surprised, but they faced him with scorn.

The son turned towards the angels and said: “Faithful angels, God is pleased with all of you. Now take rest. Watch me fight the rebellious crew all alone. They have envied only me, so let them fight me and see who is the stronger.”

Saying this he put on a fearful face and drove into the midst of the rebels. Frightened by his wrath, they dropped their weapons and fled. He chased them with thunder. He hardly used half his strength, for he intended not to slay but only to drive them into hell. Heaven opened and the rebels fell headlong down for nine days before they fell into hell. The son returned triumphant to his father’s side.

Chapter VII

After hearing the account of the war in heaven, Adam requested Raphael to tell him how the world and all the other things were created. Raphael agreed and began to narrate the story of creation …

When the son returned after tossing Satan and the rebels into hell, God the father said: “Son, Satan has taken one-third of our angels. But still there are enough to inhabit heaven. In a moment I can create another world. But I leave that task to you. Draw the bounds of heaven and earth.”

So the son rode on a golden chariot with a host of angels to fulfil his father’s wish. The gates of heaven opened wide to let him out. Hearing the will of God the father, the angels sang the praise of the son.

He rode far into the darkness and took the golden compasses to circumscribe the universe. He drew the bounds of the earth and hung the earth in the air.

“Let there be light,” he said. And light came. He divided light and darkness and called the former day and the latter night. He found that the light was good. With golden harps the angels sang his praise. Thus ended the first day.

On the second day, he made the firmament and called it heaven. Again the angels sang his praise. Thus ended the second day.

On the third day, the earth was made. But waters covered the surface of the earth. So he separated the waters from the land. He called the dry land ‘earth’ and called the waters ‘sea’. He found it was good. Then he bade the earth to bring forth herbs and trees and fruits and all kinds of vegetables. And the earth obeyed. Again the angels sang his praise. Thus ended the third day.

On the fourth day, he made the sun and the moon and the stars to divide the night from day. The sun ruled by day and the moon and the stars by night. The sun was given a great deal of light to shine by day. The moon borrowed some light from the sun to shine by night. He found that the arrangement was good. Again the angels sang his praise. Thus ended the fourth day.

On the fifth day, he made all kinds of birds. He ordered the seas to generate reptile and fish. He found it was good. Again the angels sang his praise. Thus ended the fifth day.

On the sixth day, he made all kinds of beasts and also the other creatures. Now there were birds in the air, fish in the sea and beasts on the earth. But there yet remained one master work to be done. God the father asked the son to make man in God’s own image to rule over all creatures. So the son made you, Adam, and blew through your nostrils the breath of life. He also made Eve as a companion for you. He gave both of you the right to eat of all fruits except the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Thus ended the sixth day.

Having completed his task, the son ascended to heaven to behold his creation. He found it was good. On the seventh day, he took rest. But the day passed not in silence. The angels sang his praise as they were used to do.

Chapter VIII

Adam was so pleased to hear the story of creation that he told Raphael: “Divine historian, do not know with what I can repay your kindness. You have quenched the thirst I had for knowledge. Yet I have one doubt. This earth when compared to the universe is like a spot. How is it then that the stars and other planets revolve around the earth to give light to it, while the earth sits still and receives warmth and light?”

Even as Adam asked the question, Eve arose from her seat and left the place. She left them not because she had no interest in what was spoken, but because she wanted to hear it from Adam’s lips.

“It does not matter,” Raphael answered, “whether the sun moves around the earth or the earth moves around the sun. That which is brighter need not necessarily be the greater. Moreover, the sun shines not for the earth but for you. Worry not about these things. Be content to know about the things that concern you.”

Adam soon replied: “It is fancy that fills one with curiosity. I was pleased to hear your talk. Would you now listen to my story which perhaps you have not heard? You can see how I try to detain you, for to speak with you gives me exceeding joy.”

Raphael had not heard of Adam’s story, so Adam began his tale …

I do not know when my life began. Suddenly I woke and found me lying on a flowery herb. I arose and surveyed the surroundings. I saw the sky, hills, plains and lakes. I was thrilled. Then I surveyed myself. I did not know who I was and from where I had come. I wanted to speak, and I found that I could speak. I asked the hills, lakes and flowers whether they knew where I had come from. I knew that I had not come by myself. I knew that someone had made me. So I asked them how I could know my maker. Then I sat down on a shady bank. I felt sleepy and so I fell asleep. I thought I dreamed. I saw a shape divine call out to me. He took me to the Garden of Eden. I arose and found that the dream was true. He said, “I make you the ruler of this place. From now on you are the lord of the birds and beasts. From every tree you may pluck fruits and eat, except from the Tree of Knowledge.” Then came birds and beasts pair by pair, and I knew their nature and named them.

I said to the divine shape: “By what name can I call thee? How may I adore thee, who has made all things? You have provided me with all things, but there is no one to share these joys with me. In solitude what happiness is there?” The divine shape replied: “What do you call solitude? Are there not birds and beasts to keep you entertained?” I said: “Lord, you have mad me far above these creatures. How can I with them equally converse? All creatures have their consorts while I have none.” Then the Lord replied: “Do I look happy or not? Am I not above all creatures? Am I not alone?” I quietly replied: “Lord, you are perfect unlike myself. I need someone equal to converse with me.”

Please with my words, the Lord said: “Adam, I myself thought that you should not be alone. I questioned you just to see how well you can speak. I shall bring a good companion for you.”

I fell asleep and in a dream I saw him take a rib from my side. Out of that rib he made a lovely shape which resembled my image. It was Eve. She seemed very beautiful. But suddenly she left the place. I awoke and wanted to search for her, but soon I saw her being led to me by the invisible maker.

I thanked him for providing me with a companion. I took her by the hand and led her to the bower. But then I found that her intellect was slightly lower than mine. But her physical beauty was very great. Whatever she does or says seems right to me. —

When Adam had related his story, Raphael said: “Adam, you are justified in admiring Eve. But be sure that you do not blindly do whatever she asks you to do. She was made for you to love her and not to be her slave. Remember to be obedient to God. Eat not the fruit of the forbidden tree.”

With that warning, Raphael took Adam’s leave and flew back to heaven.

Chapter IX

Satan, who had fled from the Garden of Eden in the morning, returned after the sun had set. In the shape of a mist he entered the garden. He sought to destroy in one day that which God had made in six days. He thought God had made Adam to spite him and his friends. So he wanted to repay God with spite.

As he wandered he came across a serpent sleeping. He found that it would be best for him to enter it and proceed with his plan of tempting Adam and Eve to eat of the fruit of knowledge. He possessed the serpent and patiently waited for day.

Now sacred morn appeared. Adam and Eve arose from their sleep and were ready to carry out their simple tasks. Eve suggested to Adam that it would be better if they carried out their tasks in different places. Otherwise smiles and looks from each other would interrupt their work.

Adam, hearing his wife’s sweet words, said: “Eve, God has not made us for work but for delight. But I appreciate your thoughts, for there is nothing more lovely in a wife than to serve her husband. But if you think our looks and smiles are too much, then for a short absence I can allow as solitude sometimes is good. But I have my fears too. Raphael had warned us of Satan. Therefore it is best that we remain together.”

But Eve said that Satan cannot harm them. Adam tried to dissuade her, but Eve persisted in her wish. She said that to live in fear of Satan would mean that they did not live in the garden of happiness.

Again Adam tried to dissuade her, saying that to seek temptation was not wise. But at last he yielded to her request, but asked her to beware of Satan.

Eve, with Adam’s permission, went alone to her daily task with the promise that she would return to his side by noon.

Satan in the serpent was quite happy to find her alone. He thought his work was made easy because he perceived that Adam had a greater strength to withstand temptation.

Slithering towards Eve, Satan tried to draw Eve’s attention. When he finally drew her attention, he told her with a flattering voice: “Empress, I was just like the other creatures. Once I came across a fair tree filled with fruit. When I ate a fruit of that tree, I noticed a change in me. I could now think and speak. Such a wonderful fruit it is! Then I saw you and came along to worship you.”

Curious Eve asked Satan to show her the tree. He happily led her to the Tree of Knowledge.

But when Eve saw that the serpent had brought her to the Tree of Knowledge, she said: “Serpent, we need not have come here at all. God has asked us not to eat the fruit of this tree.”

Then the serpent said: “Why has God told you to avoid this fruit? See, I have eaten it and have almost become human. If you taste it, you will become a god. Why should you not eat of this fruit? Is knowledge evil? No. God has asked you to keep away from this fruit so that he can keep both of you as his worshippers. Can he be envious? Eat of it, fair Eve, you will not die.” The serpent’s words soon convinced Eve and she longed to eat of the fruit. She first thought for a while. How can she die? This serpent had eaten the fruit and still lived.

Then with a rash hand in an evil hour, she plucked a fruit from the tree and ate. The serpent slithered away into a bush. After eating to her heart’s content, she thought: “What a wonderful fruit this is! Should I share this fruit with Adam? If not, then I would be equal to him or even superior. But then if God should strike me dead for eating this fruit, Adam will get another wife. I must think. Well, I love Adam. So I shall share everything with him.”

Adam missed Eve very much. So he came searching for her with a garland of flowers woven by him. On the way he saw Eve approaching him with the forbidden fruit. She said: “Adam, I missed you very much. Do you know that the forbidden fruit does not bring death? The serpent had eaten it and asked me to eat it, too. I plucked one and ate.”

As soon as Adam heard that Eve had eaten the fruit, he was horrified. The garland dropped from his hand and he thought: “How has my Eve eaten the forbidden fruit! I love her so much that I shall share her sorrow too. If God should strike her dead and provide me with another wife, then also I would not be happy. So I shall eat the fruit too.”

Then he said to Eve: “How is that you have disobeyed God’s command? Perhaps he will not put us to death. Otherwise Satan will say, ‘God first ruined me. Now he has ruined man. Whom will he ruin next?’ So, Eve, I too shall eat the fruit and share your fate.”

Eve embraced him and gave him the fruit. He ate it. Happy to know both good and evil, they fell asleep in each other’s arms. When they awoke they saw that their eyes were opened. They saw that they were naked.

Adam said to Eve: “You have made a mistake. We have lost all good and have gained only evil. How can I face again God or Angel? Let us gather and sew some leaves and wear them about our waist to cover our nakedness.”

They gathered fig leaves and made a sort of dress to cover their nakedness. Then they sat down to weep. Their hearts had been calm once, but now there was only a storm raging in their breast.

Adam rebuked Eve: “had you listened to my words and stayed by my side, we would have escaped from this misery. Now, because of your disobedience, we are in this sad state.”

Eve sorely retorted: “How can you say such words? How could I have known that the serpent was deceiving me? You yourself might have been deceived! You could have firmly told me to stay by your side. Then I would have stayed and we would have remained happy.”

Eve’s words made Adam terribly annoyed. For the first time, he burst out in anger: “Ungrateful Eve, I ate the fruit to share death with you. But you speak like this! I asked you to remain by my side. I did not want to force you!”

Thus arguing vainly they spent the fruitless hours.

Chapter X

The angels from Eden came to heaven with the news of man’s disobedience. But almighty God had already known of it. He sends his son to judge Adam and Eve. The son willingly leaves his father’s side to judge the sinners.

Adam and Eve hid behind the trees when they heard his footsteps. And God the son called out to Adam: “O Adam, where are you? Whenever I came here you used to meet me, but now — where are you?”

Sore afraid, Adam and Eve came out from their hiding place. Adam answered: “Lord, we heard your voice and were afraid, being naked. So we hid ourselves.”

God the son thundered: “Who told you that you are naked? Did you eat the fruit of knowledge?”

Fearing the wrath of God, Adam said that it was Eve who first ate the fruit and gave a part of it to him.

“Was she your God that you obeyed her?” God asked Adam. Then he turned to Eve. She said that the serpent had tempted her to eat the fruit.

Having heard what the sinners said, God the son passed this sentence: “Serpent, be accursed! You shall crawl on your belly. You shall meet your fate in the end. — Eve, you shall suffer pains while giving birth to children. From now on you shall be ruled by Adam. — And Adam, since you have disobeyed my only command, you shall work hard for a living. You were made out of dust and to dust you shall return in the end.”

Though he passed the judgment, God the son was not without pity. He clothed them with the skins of beasts. Then he ascended to heaven to sit by the side of God the father.

Meanwhile Sin and Death constructed an enormous bridge to link hell and earth. Satan, on his way back to hell, admired it and praised Sin and Death. He told them of his success and asked them to go to earth while he went to hell. He came to hell unnoticed and he quietly sat on his throne and watched the happenings. At last he was spotted by the rebels and there was a roar of joy in hell.

Satan told them also of his success: “I have victoriously returned from earth. No more need you dwell in hell. All of us can inhabit the earth. I face many hardships to achieve victory. Now Sin and Death have built a fine bridge on which all of us can easily walk to the earth.”

Even as he said this, all of them turned into serpents and hissed. Nearby there was a grove with trees hat resembled the Tree of Knowledge. All the serpents crawled towards the grove to eat the fruits. But they could bite only ashes. Lord almighty, who had turned them into serpents, restored them to their original forms. Even now some say that Satan and the rebels turn into serpents once a year.

Meanwhile Sin and Death reached earth and looked around the place. God the father, seeing this, turned towards his son: “Son, see how they have come to spoil the place. But soon you shall send them back to hell!”

The angels sang his praise. They were ordered to bring about changes in the weather. Beasts began to kill beasts and there was no harmony in nature.

Adam noticed these changes and thought: “Oh, did I ask God to make me out of dust? What would my future sons and daughters say of me? They would rain curses on my head! Why am I still alive? I wish I were dead.”

Thus he lamented and lay down in a very sad mood. Eve approached him and spoke to him with a soft voice. But he rebuked her. Eve fell at his feet asking for forgiveness: “Adam, why do you rebuke me? You know how much I love you? You have sinned against God only, but I have sinned against God and you. You should not be punished. It is I alone who should be punished!”

Hearing these repentant words, Adam easily forgave Eve. She suggested to Adam that it would be better if they killed themselves. But Adam said that the punishment given to them by God cannot be so easily escaped. He told her that it would be wise to kneel and pray to God asking for his forgiveness.

So they both hastened to the place where God the son judged them. There they knelt and sincerely prayed to God to forgive them.

Chapter XI

God the father asked the archangel Michael to send Adam and Eve out of Eden. All the angels were told to guard the Tree of Life. But since God had heard Adam and Eve’s prayer, he told Michael to show Adam what would happen in the future.

It was morning and Adam said to Eve: “While I prayed to God it seemed to me that he listened to my prayer. There is hope, Eve; there is hope for us.”

As he said this he saw Michael approaching them. So he went forward to meet him. Michael was dressed in a purple coloured military vest. He held a dazzling sword and a spear. He said to Adam: “Your prayers have been heard. The sentence of death on your head has been postponed so that you may have a chance to remedy the sin you have committed. Many good deeds may perhaps cover up one sin. But now you and Eve are to be removed from this garden.”

Eve, who had thought that they had the consolation of staying in the garden, broke into tears. She just could not bear to leave the garden where lovely flowers bloomed. But Michael, seeing her condition, told her that she was not going out alone. He reminded her that she had Adam for company.

Adam said to Michael: “Good angel, I submit to God’s will. But where else can I find his presence?”

Michael replied: “God is present everywhere. Don’t think that he can be found only in Eden.”

God so willed that Eve should sleep while Michael told Adam about the future. Leaving Eve to her sleep, Michael and Adam ascended a hill. Standing on the top Adam saw the future. First he saw a farmer offer vegetables to God. Then he saw a shepherd offer a sheep to God. The shepherd’s offering found acceptance as it was offered sincerely, whereas the farmer’s offering was not accepted. The farmer became angry and killed the shepherd.

Then Adam saw a place where people with different sicknesses were laid. Then he saw wars between men. Then he saw people making merry, saying that there is no God.

All these sights depressed Adam. Then he saw a man called Noah. He went around and spoke to the people of truth, but no one seemed to listen. So he went and made a huge ark. Into that ark he took a pair of every creature. Then he, along with his wife, sons and daughters-in-law, entered the ark. Then the rain came down. There was a heavy downpour. The floods drowned the wicked men and women. Sea covered sea. There was only water everywhere with the ark floating on it.

This sight upset Adam very much. He thought that mankind was to be totally destroyed. But Michael told him that it was not to be so. Then Adam saw the floods subside. He saw the rainbow in the sky. The rainbow had appeared in the sky as a sign to man that God would not destroy the earth with water again.

Chapter XII

Michael said to Adam: “You have seen how one world was destroyed and one begun. Now I shall relate to you all that happened after the flood. People were happy for some time. Then there came a man called Nimrod who killed his fellowmen. He gathered many people and began to build a tower reaching up to heaven. But God brought confusion among them and so the tower was left incomplete.”

Michael went on to narrate how God’s chosen people were held slaves in Egypt and how they were set free. He related how people began to rule over men and how they became idol worshippers.

Lastly he told Adam of the doming of God the son in the form of man, born to a virgin and God the father. He told him how the son taught the truth, how he was scorned and crucified, how he arose from the grave on the third day.

Adam was glad to hear that the son would die for their sins and restore to them the lost paradise. He said to Michael: “I now realize God’s infinite mercy. I shall ever be obedient to him.”

It was time for them to leave the Garden of Eden. Adam went to awaken Eve, but found her already awake. She said to him: “Adam, I know where you have been, for God also appears in dreams. I am now ready to leave this paradise with you. I know that to stay here without you and to go out without you are just the same. Wherever you are — that place will be my paradise.”

As she said this an angel with a flaming sword led them out of paradise. Awhile they wept. But soon they wiped away their tears. The whole world was before them, where they could choose their place of rest. God was also with them. Hand in hand, they then walked away from paradise, knowing that one day it would be restored to them.

Copyright: Nirmaldasan, March 2013