Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/401

With soft foot toward the deep, who now had stoped
His sluices, as the heaven his windows shut.
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground,
Fast on the top of some high mountain fixed851
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear;
With clamor thence the rapid currents drive,
Toward the retreating sea, their furious tide.
Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies,
And after him, the surer messenger,
A dove, sent forth once and again to spy
Green tree or ground, whereon his foot may light;
The second time returning, in his bill
An olive-leaf he brings, pacific sign.860
Anon dry ground appears, and from his ark
The ancient sire descends, with all his train.
Then, with uplifted hands and eyes devout,
Grateful to Heaven, over his head beholds
A dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow,
Conspicuous with three listed colors gay,
Betokening peace from God, and covenant new.
Whereat the heart of Adam erst so sad
Greatly rejoiced, and thus his joy broke forth:
"O thou, who future things canst represent870
As present, heavenly Instructor! I revive
At this last sight, assured that Man shall live,
With all the creatures, and their seed preserve.
Far less I now lament for one whole world