Meanwhile the heinous and despiteful act Of Satan done in Paradise, and how He, in the Serpent, had perverted Eve, Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit, Was known in Heaven; for what can scape the eye Of God all-seeing, or deceive his heart Omniscient? who, in all things wise and just, Hindered not Satan to attempt the mind Of Man, with strength entire and free will armed, Complete to have discovered and repulsed Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend. For still they knew, and ought to have still remembered, The high injunction not to taste that fruit, Whoever tempted; which they not obeying Incurred (what could they less?) the penalty, And, manifold in sin, deserved to fall.
Up into Heaven from Paradise in haste The Angelic guards ascended, mute and sad For Man; for of his state by this they knew, Much wondering how the subtle Fiend had stolen Entrance unseen. Soon as the unwelcome news From Earth arrived at Heaven-gate, displeased All were who heard; dim sadness did not spare That time celestial visages, yet, mixed With pity, violated not their bliss. About the new-arrived, in multitudes, The ethereal people ran, to hear and know How all befell. They towards the throne supreme Accountable made haste to make appear With righteous plea their utmost vigilance, And easily approved; when the Most High Eternal Father, from his secret cloud Amidst, in thunder uttered thus his voice:
“Assembled Angels, and ye Powers returned From unsuccessful charge, be not dismayed, Nor troubled at these tidings from the Earth, Which your sincerest care could not prevent, Foretold so lately what would come to pass, When first this Tempter crossed the gulf from Hell. I told ye then he should prevail and speed On his bad errand; Man should be seduced And flattered out of all, believing lies Against his Maker; no decree of mine Concurring to necessitate his fall, Or touch with lightest