To whom our great Progenitor: “Thy words Attentive, and with more delighted ear, Divine instructor, I have heard, than when Cherubic songs by night from neighbouring hills Aerial music send; nor knew I not To be, both will and deed, created free. Yet that we never shall forget to love Our Maker, and obey him whose command Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts Assured me, and still assure; though what thou tell’st Hath passed in Heaven some doubt within me move, But more desire to hear, if thou consent, The full relation, which must needs be strange, Worthy of sacred silence to be heard. And we have yet large day, for scarce the sun Hath finished half his journey, and scarce begins His other half in the great zone of heaven.”

Thus Adam made request; and Raphael, After short pause assenting, thus began: