"Paradise Regained." In it he purports to sing of "deeds heroic
although in secret done" and to describe how Christ was led into the
wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

_Book I._ While baptizing in the Jordan, John suddenly beheld Christ
approaching, and, although he at first demurred, yielded at last to
his request to baptize him too. While the Baptist was doing this, a
heavenly voice proclaimed Christ Son of God. This was heard not only
by John and his disciples, but also by the adversary, who, ever since
the fall, had been roaming around the world, and who for years past
has been closely watching the promised Redeemer in hopes of defeating
his ends.

Suddenly realizing that the conflict between them is about to begin,
Satan hastens back to Hades to take counsel with his crew. When all
are assembled, he reminds them how long they have ruled the earth,
adding that the time has come when their power may be wrested from
them and the curse spoken in Eden fulfilled. He fears Jesus is the
promised Messiah, owing to his miraculous birth, to the testimony of
the precursor, and to the heavenly voice when he was baptized. Besides
he has recognized in Christ's lineaments the imprint of the Father's
glory, and avers that, unless they can counteract and defeat the Son's
ends, they will forfeit all they have gained. Realizing, however, that
this task is far greater than the one he undertook centuries
before,--when he winged his way through chaos to discover the new
world and tempt our first parents,--he volunteers to undertake it in
person, and all the evil spirits applaud him. This settled, Satan
departs to carry out the second temptation.

Meantime another assembly has been held in heaven, where, addressing