Paradise Lost (Book 7) - John Milton
/Paradise Lost (Book 7) - John Milton/
Celestial Origins and the Genesis of Creation
Original (Line 1): Descend from Heav'n, Urania, by that name
English (Line 1): Descend from Heav'n, Urania, by that name
Original (Line 2): If rightly thou art call'd, whose voice divine
English (Line 2): If rightly thou art call'd, whose voice divine
Original (Line 3): Following, above th' Olympian hill I soare,
English (Line 3): Following, above th' Olympian hill I soare,
Original (Line 4): Above the flight of Pegasean wing.
English (Line 4): Above the flight of Pegasean wing.
Original (Line 5): The meaning, not the name I call: for thou
English (Line 5): The meaning, not the name I call: for thou
Original (Line 6): Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top
English (Line 6): Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top
Original (Line 7): Of old Olympus dwell'st, but Heav'nly born,
English (Line 7): Of old Olympus dwell'st, but Heav'nly born,
Original (Line 8): Before the Hills appear'd, or Fountain flow'd;
English (Line 8): Before the Hills appear'd, or Fountain flow'd;
Original (Line 9): Thou with Eternal Wisdom didst converse,
English (Line 9): Thou with Eternal Wisdom didst converse,
Original (Line 10): Wisdom thy Sister, and with her didst play
English (Line 10): Wisdom thy Sister, and with her didst play
[Due to length constraints, this is a brief excerpt. “Paradise Lost” Book 7 in its entirety is in the public domain and can be found in full from various sources.]
In Book 7 of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” the narrative shifts to the wondrous account of Earth’s creation. Continuing his conversation with Adam, the archangel Raphael delves into how God, through His Son, brings forth the world and all living things. Milton’s language, both majestic and methodical, recounts the formation of light, land, seas, celestial spheres, and the varied creatures destined to inhabit this new realm.
The overarching theme is the manifestation of divine power tempered by profound love—creation as a deliberate act of care for future beings. Raphael’s words also foreshadow humanity’s immense responsibility, emphasizing that humankind’s harmony and dominion over nature must be grounded in gratitude to the Creator. The newly crafted Eden, with its fertile beauty, stands as a testament to God’s perfection and sets the stage for the delicate balance of free will.
This pivotal book links the cosmic grandeur of Heaven’s debates and the rebellion’s aftermath to Earth’s humble yet extraordinary beginnings, illustrating that the drama in Heaven echoes in the very fabric of the mortal sphere. Through Raphael’s teaching, Milton gives readers a theological foundation for understanding humanity’s place in a divinely orchestrated universe. The glory and fragility of creation become a point of reflection, shaping how we see our own stewardship of the natural world.
Key points
• Book 7 narrates the creation of Earth and living creatures.
• Raphael’s explanation highlights God’s power and love in forming the world.
• Creation reflects harmony, yet it demands responsible stewardship.
• The new realm of Eden showcases divine perfection and foreshadows humanity’s crucial role.
• Milton ties cosmic events to Earthly beginnings, linking angelic conflict with mortal existence.