[W]hat cause Mov’d the Creator, in his holy rest Through all eternity, so late to build In Chaos, and, the work begun, how soon Absolv’d, if unforbid thou may’st unfold What we, not to explore the secrets, ask Of his eternal empire, but the more To magnify his works the more we know. (VII, 90–96)
Know then, that after Lucifer from heaven (So call him, brighter once amidst the host Of angels than that star the stars among) Fell with his flaming legions through the deep Into his place, and the great Son return’d Victorious with his saints, th’ omnipotent Eternal Father from his throne beheld Their multitude[,] (VII, 131–138)
And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee This I perform; speak thou, and be it done: My overshadowing Spirit and might with thee I send along; ride forth, and bid the deep Within appointed bounds be heaven and earth, Boundless the deep, because I am who fill Infinitude, nor vacuous space. Though I am uncircumscrib’d myself retire, And put not forth my goodness, which is free To act or not, necessity and chance Approach not me, and what I will is fate. (VII, 163–173)
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