40-137 Milton recounts Raphael's story of the fall of Satan. Adam questions Raphael about the creation of earth: why, when and for what reason. Raphael is reluctant to tell Adam because Adam may be getting too curious. Raphael again reminds Adam and Eve of Satan's fall.
137-192 God plans to create another world to give consolation for the fall of Satan. He calls upon his son to help create the new world, and Heaven rejoices at this news.
193-242 God and his son stand at the edge of Heaven and look out into Chaos' vastness. The son silences the waves of chaos and God creates the earth.
243-260 The first day: God creates light, and calls the light, day, and the darkness, night. The celestial choirs sing praises of God and his work.
261-275 The second day: God creates the firmament and calls it Heaven.
276-338 The third day: God parts the water on earth to reveal dry land, mountains and valleys. Rivers, streams, and seas appear. Then God has flowers, grass, and fruit-bearing trees appear.
339-386 The fourth day: The sun, moon, and stars are created.
387-448 The fifth day: Each kind of beast from air or water is created; including whales, fish, and birds.
Dore etching of the creation of reptiles and birds.449-550 The sixth day is the last day of the creation. God brought forth land animals such as cattle and tigers, insects, and snakes. God and his Son plan to make man in their image. Adam is created. He is also told about the tree of knowledge and that he is forbidden to eat from it.
Dore etching of Paradise on the evening of the first Sabbath.551-640 God rests on the seventh day. He appears through the gates of Heaven, and the angels of Heaven rejoice at God's creation. God rested to the sounds of the harp, dulcimer, organ, and sweet voices.
summarized by Jennifer Isham
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