Paradise Regain'd (Book 3) - John Milton
/Paradise Regain'd (Book 3) - John Milton/
Christ’s Resolve Amid Satan’s Worldly Lures
Original (Line 1): So spake the Son of God; and Satan stood
English (Line 1): So spake the Son of God; and Satan stood
Original (Line 2): A while as mute, confounded what to say,
English (Line 2): A while as mute, uncertain how to reply,
Original (Line 3): What to reply, confuted and convinc’d
English (Line 3): He stood confuted and convinced,
Original (Line 4): Of his weak arguing and fallacious drift;
English (Line 4): Sensing the weakness of his own false logic;
Original (Line 5): At length, collecting all his Serpent wiles,
English (Line 5): Then, gathering all his serpent wiles once more,
Original (Line 6): With soothing words renew’d, him thus accosts.
English (Line 6): He spoke again with soothing words, addressing Christ thus.
Original (Line 7): ‘I see thou know’st what is of use to know,
English (Line 7): “I see you grasp what knowledge is most needful,
Original (Line 8): And what conceal’d; not slightly in these things
English (Line 8): While wisely discerning what must lie concealed;
Original (Line 9): Nor skill’d nor studious, happier ignorance,
English (Line 9): Perhaps unburdened by fruitless studies and happier in ignorance,
Original (Line 10): Thy self not aiming to be great, but good.
English (Line 10): Preferring virtue over ambition and renown.”
Excerpt from the opening of Book 3. Full text is in the public domain.
In Book 3 of John Milton’s “Paradise Regain’d,” the tension between Christ and Satan escalates as the Tempter attempts more sophisticated forms of persuasion. Having already failed with basic offers of sustenance and comfort, Satan now exploits worldly allures—knowledge, status, and influence—to sway Christ from his divine mission.
These temptations echo the same pattern seen in Eden, but Milton contrasts Adam’s vulnerability with Christ’s unyielding resolve. Where Adam faltered under the allure of forbidden knowledge, Christ remains steadfast, refusing to compromise virtue for fleeting gain. This unwavering stance underscores the poem’s central argument: genuine power and wisdom arise from humility and reliance on divine truth, rather than from outward displays of grandeur.
Milton’s depiction of Satan highlights subtle manipulations: he feigns admiration for Christ’s intelligence, implying that expansion of worldly knowledge is a worthy endeavor. However, Christ discerns the false premise—true wisdom is not rooted in fame or philosophy alone, but in harmony with God’s will. By continuing to rebuff Satan’s offers, Christ illustrates that moral strength lies in unwavering faith.
Book 3 thus advances the overarching theme of “Paradise Regain’d”: that the path toward reclaiming humanity’s spiritual inheritance is illuminated not through indulgence, but through principled self-discipline, devotion, and fidelity to higher law. By resisting Satan’s appeals, Christ demonstrates that triumph over sin demands clarity of purpose, patience, and a profound understanding of where ultimate authority resides.
Key points
1. Satan’s temptations grow subtler, targeting pride and ambition.
2. Christ’s moral steadfastness highlights humility over worldly glory.
3. True wisdom comes from spiritual alignment, not intellectual pretense.
4. Perseverance in righteousness is key to humanity’s restored hope.
