The temptation on the pinnacle occupies but a few lines only of the
poem. Hitherto Satan admits that Jesus had conquered, but he had done
no more than any wise and good man could do.
"Now show thy progeny; if not to stand,
Cast thyself down; safely, if Son of God;
For it is written, 'He will give command
Concerning thee to His angels; in their hands
They shall uplift thee, lest at any time
Thou chance to dash thy foot against a stone.'"
(P. R. iv. 554-9.)
The promise of Divine aid is made in mockery.
"To whom thus Jesus: 'Also it is written,
Tempt not the Lord thy God.' He said, and stood:
But Satan, smitten with amazement, fell."
(P. R. iv. 560-2.)
It is not meant, "thou shalt not tempt ME," but rather, "it is not
permitted me to tempt God." In this extreme case Jesus depends on God's
protection. This is the devil's final defeat and the seraphic company
for which our great Example had refused to ask instantly surrounds and
receives him. Angelic quires
"the Son of God, our Saviour meek,
Sung victor, and from heavenly feast refresh't,
Brought on His way with joy; He unobserv'd,
Home to His mother's house private return'd.
Pages:
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118