Paradise Lost (Book 8) - John Milton
A Celestial Discourse on Creation and Love
Original (Line 1): The Angel ended, and in Adam’s ear
English (Line 1): The Angel ended, and in Adam’s ear
Original (Line 2): So charming left his voice, that he a while
English (Line 2): So charming left his voice, that he a while
Original (Line 3): Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed to hear;
English (Line 3): Thought him still speaking, still stood fixed to hear;
Original (Line 4): Then, as new waked, thus gratefully replied.
English (Line 4): Then, as new waked, thus gratefully replied.
Original (Line 5): What thanks sufficient, or what recompence
English (Line 5): What thanks sufficient, or what recompence
Original (Line 6): Equal have I to render thee, divine
English (Line 6): Equal have I to render thee, divine
Original (Line 7): Historian, who thus largely hast allayed
English (Line 7): Historian, who thus largely hast allayed
Original (Line 8): The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsafed
English (Line 8): The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsafed
Original (Line 9): This friendly condescension to relate
English (Line 9): This friendly condescension to relate
Original (Line 10): Things else by me unsearchable
English (Line 10): Things else by me unsearchable
Excerpt from the opening of Book 8. Full text is in the public domain.
In Book 8 of John Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost,” the archangel Raphael concludes his divine narratives to Adam and shifts focus to deeper topics of curiosity. The passage begins with Adam, entranced by Raphael’s speech, expressing gratitude for the heavenly insights he has received. This exchange underscores Adam’s hunger for knowledge—particularly about the cosmos and his own place within it.
Throughout Book 8, Milton masterfully blends theology and philosophy, painting a vivid portrait of a newly created human grappling with the wonders of creation. Adam’s respectful inquiry and Raphael’s responses underscore humankind’s unique capacity for reason and moral discernment. Milton highlights the harmonious relationship between divine revelation and human curiosity, stressing that knowledge is a gift but also a responsibility. Too much pursuit of hidden mysteries, Raphael cautions, might distract from faith and obedience.
This dialogue stands as one of the poem’s reflective sections, reminding readers that enlightenment is a constant balance between humility and aspiration. In the broader context of “Paradise Lost,” Book 8 foreshadows Adam’s eventual fall, suggesting that unchecked desire for knowledge can become a fatal temptation. Yet Milton’s overarching message remains hopeful: by guiding human understanding within the boundaries of faith, one can stay aligned with divine will.
Thus, Book 8 weaves together themes of gratitude, intellectual inquiry, and spiritual obedience. It invites readers to appreciate the divinely ordained limits of knowledge, reminding us that the search for understanding should be tempered by trust in the wisdom of Heaven.
Key points
1. Respectful inquiry and humility are vital in the pursuit of knowledge.
2. Balance curiosity with trust in divine wisdom.
3. Gratitude and responsibility guide a virtuous life.
4. Awareness of human limitations can prevent spiritual downfall.
