“Higher Argument”: Paradise Lost 1665–1669Milton’s poignant, quiet, marvelously evocative final lines are elegiac in sub-
stance and tone, conjoining loss and consolation. Prophecy and Providence pro-
vide part of that consolation, but so does Adam and Eve’s loving union: its continuing
comforts and challenges are underscored by the paradoxical description of the pair
going forth “hand in hand” and “solitarie.” The final lines also effect a sharp adjust-
ment of the perspective glass, as we are suddenly translated from the end of time
back to the beginning, and watch Adam and Eve go forth to live out all our woe
and to enact all that has been foreseen.
Som natural tears they drop’d, but wip’d them soon;
The World was all before them, where to choose
Thir place of rest, and Providence thir guide:
They hand in hand, with wandring steps and slow,
Through Eden took thir solitarie way.