Paradise Regain'd (Book 2) - John Milton
/Paradise Regain'd (Book 2) - John Milton/
Christ’s Further Trials in the Wilderness
Original (Line 1): MEANWHILE the new-baptiz’d, who yet remain’d
English (Line 1): Meanwhile the newly baptized, who yet remained
Original (Line 2): At Jordan with the Baptist, and had seen
English (Line 2): At Jordan with the Baptist, and had seen
Original (Line 3): Him whom they heard so late expressly call’d
English (Line 3): Him they had heard so recently called
Original (Line 4): Jesus Messiah, Son of God declar’d,
English (Line 4): Jesus the Messiah, Son of God declared,
Original (Line 5): And on that high Authority had believ’d,
English (Line 5): And had believed upon that lofty authority,
Original (Line 6): And with him talkt, and with him lodg’d; I mean
English (Line 6): And had spoken with him, lodging at his side—I mean
Original (Line 7): Andrew and Simon, famous after known,
English (Line 7): Andrew and Simon, later famed,
Original (Line 8): With others though in Holy Writ not nam’d;
English (Line 8): Along with others yet unlisted in Holy Scripture,
Original (Line 9): Now missing him their joy so lately found,
English (Line 9): Now missing him, the joy so lately discovered,
Original (Line 10): So lately found, and so abruptly gone,
English (Line 10): So recently found, and so abruptly gone,
Excerpt from the opening of Book 2. Full text is in the public domain.
In Book 2 of John Milton’s “Paradise Regain’d,” the narrative continues immediately after Christ’s baptism, where he is recognized as the Messiah. The disciples, among them Andrew and Simon (later Peter), observe Jesus’s departure and wrestle with questions about his purpose. Meanwhile, the poem follows Christ himself into the wilderness, expanding on the theme of temptation introduced in Book 1.
Milton contrasts this barren, austere setting with the spiritual significance of Christ’s mission. In “Paradise Lost,” Adam falls to Satan’s wiles in Eden’s abundance, but in “Paradise Regain’d,” Jesus triumphs amid the stark emptiness of the desert. This setting highlights Christ’s spiritual fortitude: bereft of creature comforts or human support, he relies on unwavering faith to resist the Tempter’s lure.
The poet uses elevated language to underscore Christ’s divine role and moral integrity. Simultaneously, Milton portrays the subtlety of Satan’s enticements, which often come disguised as seemingly reasonable suggestions. By placing earthly logic in tension with divine obedience, Milton invites readers to reflect on how easily doubt, pride, or ambition can distort the path of righteousness.
Here in Book 2, the stage is set for the deeper revelations and struggles that will define Christ’s confrontation with Satan. The disciples’ uncertainty contrasts with Christ’s clarity of purpose, exemplifying how worldly perspectives frequently clash with spiritual insight. In doing so, Milton advances the central claim of “Paradise Regain’d”: that redemption will be won not through grandiose displays of power but through perfect compliance with divine will. This unwavering resolve stands as a corrective to Adam’s fall, showing that humanity, through Christ, can indeed reclaim the paradise once lost.
Key points
1. Christ’s moral resolve contrasts with humanity’s past failures.
2. The desert setting symbolizes both isolation and spiritual testing.
3. Satan’s temptations are nuanced, blending worldly logic with hidden deceit.
4. Obedience to divine will remains the linchpin of redemption.
