Book III

Milton opens Book III by invoking heavenly Light, praising it as the firstborn of Heaven and the veil God wore at creation.

Milton revisits light as a poet returning from Hell's darkness, lamenting that physical blindness denies him its sight, and appeals for inward illumination.

From his throne God surveys all creation, sees Adam and Eve in Paradise, and watches Satan approaching with hostile intent.

God addresses his Son, describing Satan's purpose to corrupt mankind and declaring that humans, though given free will, will choose to fall—their fault, not God's.

God argues that angels and humans were created free; without freedom their obedience would be worthless—they chose their own fall, and mercy will shine alongside justice.

The Son, moved by divine compassion, appeals to the Father that man should not be utterly lost—that destroying mankind would let Satan triumph and call God's goodness into question.

God responds that man will be saved by grace, not merit alone; however, justice requires that death be paid for by death—he asks who will give their life to redeem mankind.

The Son alone offers himself to die in man's place, promising to descend to Earth, suffer death, and rise victorious—leading redeemed humanity back to Heaven.

God exalts the Son above all, promising that he will be incarnate, judge all creation, and ultimately reign as King; all Heaven worships and sings his praise.

The angelic multitude erupts in joyful hymns, crowning God and the Son with praise, their golden harps filling Heaven with melodious song.

Satan wanders the outer shell of the world before descending through the stars toward the Sun, marveling at the new creation from his vantage point on the golden staircase.

Satan spots the angel Uriel standing on the Sun and, disguising himself as a young cherub, approaches to ask directions to Paradise.

Disguised as a cherub, Satan flatters Uriel with praise of God's works and asks only to find the place where man dwells, so he may adore the creator's masterpiece.

Even the sharpest-sighted angel cannot detect hypocrisy; Uriel is fooled and graciously directs Satan toward Earth and Paradise before Satan speeds away to Niphates' summit.