Paradise Lost

by John Milton

Receive thy new possessor: one who brings A mind not to be changed by place or time. The mind is its own place, and in itself103 255 Can make a Heav’n of Hell, a Hell of Heav’n.

With reason hath deep silence and demur Seized us, though undismayed: long is the way123 And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light; Our prison strong, this huge convex of fire, 435 Outrageous to devour, immures us round124 Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant125 Barred over us prohibit all egress. These passed, if any pass, the void profound Of unessential Night receives him next126 440 Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being Threatens him, plunged in that abortive gulf.

inspiring words to escape hell

For neither man nor angel can discern Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks Invisible, except to God alone, 685 By his permissive will, through Heav’n and earth: And oft though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps At wisdom’s gate, and to simplicity Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill Where no ill seems: which now for once beguiled

Evil into the mind of god or man33 May come and go, so unapproved, and leave34, 35 No spot or blame behind:

From this delightful fruit, nor known till now True relish, tasting; if such pleasure be 1025 In things to us forbidden, it might be wished, For this one tree had been forbidden ten.