llowing strain: 'A cool, dark,
solid globe, its surface diversified with mountains and valleys, clothed
in luxuriant vegetation and richly stored with inhabitants, protected by
a heavy cloud-canopy from the intolerable glare of the upper luminous
region, where the dazzling coruscations of a solar aurora some thousands
of miles in depth evolved the stores of light and heat which vivify our
world.' Satan, disguised as a cherub, makes himself known to Uriel,
Regent of the Sun. The upright Seraph in response to his request directs
him to the Earth, the abode of Man--

Look downward on that Globe, whose hither side
With light from hence, though but reflected, shines,
That place is Earth, the seat of Man; that light
His day, which else, as the other hemisphere,
Night would invade; but there neighbouring Moon
(So call that opposite fair star) her aid
Timely interposes, and her monthly round
Still ending, still renewing, through mid-Heaven,
With borrowed light her countenance triform
Hence fills and empties, to enlighten the Earth,
And in her pale dominion checks the night.--iii. 722-32.

It would be impossible not to feel impressed with the accuracy and
comprehensiveness of Milton's astronomical knowledge; and how he has
united in charming poetic expression the dry details of science with the
divine inspiration of the heavenly muse. The distinctive appearances of
the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars; their functional importance as
regards this terrestrial sphere; the splendour and lustre peculiar to
each; and the glory displayed in the entire created heavens, are
portrayed with a skill indicative of a masterly knowledge of the science
of astronomy.

Descend from Heaven, Urania, by that name
If rightly thou art called, whose voice divine
Following, above the Olympian hill I soar,
Above the flight of Pegasean wing!
The meaning, not the name, I call; for thou
Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top
Of old Olympus dwell'st; but heavenly-born,
Before the hills appeared or fountain flowed,
Thou with Eternal Wisdom didst converse,
Wisdom thy sister, and with her didst play
In presence of the Almighty Father, pleased
With thy celestial song. Up led by thee,
Into the Heaven of Heavens I have presumed,
An earthly guest, and drawn empyreal air,
Thy tempering. With like safety guided down,
Return me to my native element;
L