is to reveal to Adam all that awaits his race in the future,
emphasizing the promise that salvation shall come through his seed.
These orders received, the archangel wends his way down to earth,
where, dawn having appeared, Adam and Eve once more issue from their
bower.

Night has brought some comfort, and Adam exclaims that, since the
penalty of death is to be postponed, they must show their penitence by
laboring hard, working henceforth side by side as contentedly as
their fallen state will allow. On the way to the scene of their wonted
labors they notice an eagle pursuing another bird and see wild beasts
hunting one another. Besides these ominous signs Adam, descrying a
bright light travelling rapidly toward them, informs Eve some message
is on its way. He is not mistaken, for Michael soon emerges from this
cloud of light so, while Eve hurries off to prepare for his
entertainment Adam steps forward to receive him.

Clad in celestial panoply, the angel announces he has been sent to
inform Adam that although the penalty of death is indefinitely
postponed, he is no longer to inhabit Paradise, but is to go forth
into the world and till the ground from whence he sprang.
Horror-stricken at these tidings, Adam remains mute, and Eve, hearing
the decree from a distance, wails aloud at the thought of leaving
home. To comfort her, the angel bids her dry her tears and follow her
husband, making her home wherever he abides. Then Adam wonders whether
by incessant prayer and penitence the Almighty could be induced to
alter his decree and let them remain in Paradise, saying he hoped to
point out to his descendants the places where he met and conversed
with his Maker. But Michael rejoining he will find God everywhere
invites Adam to follow him to the top of a neighboring hill,