Paradise Lost

by John Milton

Remember with what mild And gracious temper he both heard and judged Without wrath or reviling; we expected Immediate dissolution, which we thought 1050 Was meant by death that day, when lo, to thee Pains only in child-bearing were foretold,309 And bringing forth, soon recompensed with joy, Fruit of thy womb: on me the curse aslope310 Glanced on the ground; with labour I must earn 1055 My bread; what harm? Idleness had been worse; My labour will sustain me; and lest cold Or heat should injure us, his timely care Hath unbesought provided, and his hands311 Clothed us unworthy, pitying while he judged; 1060 How much more, if we pray him, will his ear Be open, and his heart to pity incline,312 And teach us further by what means to shun Th’ inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail and snow, Which now the sky with various face begins 1065 To show us in this mountain, while the winds Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks313 Of these fair spreading trees;