This having learnt, thou hast attained the sum
Of Wisdom; hope no higher, though all the Stars
Thou knew’st by name, and all th’ ethereal Powers,
All secrets of the deep, all Nature’s works,
Or works of God in Heav’n, Air, Earth, or Sea,
And all riches of this World enjoy’dst,
And all the rule, one Empire: only add
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable, add Faith,
Add Virtue, Patience, Temperance, add Love,
By name to come called Charity, the soul
Of all the rest: then wilt though not be loth
To leave this Paradise, but shalt possess
A paradise within thee, happier far.
(XII.575–587)

These lines are spoken by Michael to Adam in Book XII just before Adam and Eve are led out of Paradise. Michael tries to explain to Adam that even though Eve and him have fallen from grace and must leave Paradise, they can still lead a fruitful life. He tells Adam that he has attained all the wisdom he needs; any further knowledge is unnecessary. To assure their happiness, they should live their lives by seven tenets: obedience, faith, virtue, patience, temperance, love, and charity. Living by these tenets will allow them to create an inner Paradise. In contrast, the seven sins allow Satan to create his inner Hell, which he discusses in Book IV. Even though Satan is in Paradise, he feels as if he is still in Hell. Likewise, Adam and Eve can feel as if they never left Paradise if they live their lives accordingly. Heaven and Hell become more than just a place, they become a state of mind.

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