Of amplitude almost immense, with stars Numerous, and every star perhaps a world Of destined habitation; but thou know’st Their seasons; among these the seat of Men, Earth, with her nether ocean circumfused, Their pleasant dwelling-place. Thrice happy Men, And sons of Men! whom God hath thus advanced, Created in his image, there to dwell And worship him, and in reward to rule Over his works, on earth, in sea, or air, And multiply a race of worshippers Holy and just; thrice happy, if they know Their happiness, and persevere upright!”

“So sung they, and the Empyrean rung With hallelujahs. Thus was Sabbath kept. And thy request think now fulfilled, that asked How first this World and face of things began, And what before thy memory was done From the beginning, that posterity, Informed by thee, might know. If else thou seek’st Aught, not surpassing human measure, say.”