the archangel Gabriel, the Almighty informs him he will soon see the
fulfilment of the message he bore some thirty years previously to
Mary. He adds that his Son, whom he has publicly recognized, is about
to be tempted by Satan, who, although he failed in the case of Job, is
undertaking this new task confident of success. The Almighty also
predicts that Satan will again be defeated, but declares Christ is as
free to yield or resist as Adam when first created, and that before
sending him out to encounter Sin and Death he means to strengthen him
by a sojourn in the desert. On hearing that Satan's evil plans will be
frustrated, the angels burst into a hymn of triumph with which heaven
resounds.

So spake the eternal Father, and all Heaven
Admiring stood a space; then into hymns
Burst forth, and in celestial measures moved,
Circling the throne and singing, while the hand
Sung with the voice; and this the argument:
"Victory and triumph to the Son of God
Now entering his great duel, not of arms,
But to vanquish by wisdom hellish wiles.
The Father knows the Son; therefore secure
Ventures his filial virtue, though untried,
Against whate'er may tempt, whate'er seduce,
Allure, or terrify, or undermine.
Be frustrate, all ye stratagems of Hell,
And devilish machinations come to nought."

During this time the Son of God, after lingering three days by the
Jordan, is driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where he
spends his time meditating upon the great office he had undertaken as