From that part of the Heavens where the Sun appears, a Chariot is discovered drawn with white Horses, and in it URIEL, the Regent of the Sun.  The Chariot moves swiftly towards LUCIFER, and at URIEL’S approach the Sun recovers his light.

Uriel. Spirit, who art thou, and from whence arrived? 
(For I remember not thy face in heaven)
Or by command, or hither led by choice? 
Or wander’st thou within this lucid orb,
And, strayed from those fair fields of light above,
Amidst this new creation want’st a guide,
To reconduct thy steps?

Lucifer. Bright Uriel,
Chief of the seven! thou flaming minister,
Who guard’st this new-created orb of light,
(The world’s eye that, and thou the eye of it)
Thy favour and high office make thee known: 
An humble cherub I, and of less note,
Yet bold, by thy permission, hither come,
On high discoveries bent.

Uriel. Speak thy design.

Lucifer. Urged by renown of what I heard above,
Divulged by angels nearest heaven’s high King,
Concerning this new world, I came to view
(If worthy such a favour) and admire
This last effect of our great Maker’s power: 
Thence to my wondering fellows I shall turn,
Full fraught with joyful tidings of these works,
New matter of his praise, and of our songs.

Uriel. Thy business is not what deserves my blame,
Nor thou thyself unwelcome; see, fair spirit,
Below yon sphere (of matter not unlike it)
There hangs the ball of earth and water mixt,
Self-centered and unmoved.

Lucifer. But where dwells man?

Uriel. On yonder mount; thou see’st it fenced with rocks,
And round the ascent a theatre of trees,
A sylvan scene, which, rising by degrees,
Leads up the eye below, nor gluts the sight
With one full prospect, but invites by many,
To view at last the whole:  There his abode,
Thither direct thy flight.

Lucifer. O blest be thou,
Who to my low converse has lent thy ear,
And favoured my request!  Hail, and farewell.
                                       [Flies downward out of sight.

Uriel. Not unobserved thou goest, whoe’er thou art;
Whether some spirit on holy purpose bent,
Or some fallen angel from below broke loose,
Who com’st, with envious eyes and curst intent,
To view this world and its created lord: 
Here will I watch, and, while my orb rolls on,
Pursue from hence thy much suspected flight,
And, if disguised, pierce through with beams of light.
                           [The Chariot drives forward out of sight.

SCENE II.—­Paradise.

Trees cut out on each side, with several Fruits upon them; a
Fountain in the midst:  At the far end the prospect terminates in
Walks.