The change in God's own will doth cause this strife.
While one He setteth on a throne. He casts Another down: the one least worthy must 180 Unto the son more favored then submit.
Equality of grace would best become The Godhead. Now the darkness dares to dim The light celestial, while the sons of night Defy the day itself.
Whatever doth breathe May rightly the Creator praises bring, Who each his being gave and unto each Gave his degree. Whene'er it pleaseth Him, The element of earth shall change to air, To water, or to fire; the Heaven itself, 190 To Earth; an Angel, to a beast; mankind, To Angels or to something new and strange. One Power rules over all, and thus can make The proudest tower become the humblest base. The least received is in pure money given. Here is no choice. Here wit and knowledge fail. In such unlikeness doth God's glory lie. So see we with things lightest weighed those things Of greatest weight, which thus e'en heavier grow: Thus beauty fairer glows o'er beauty glossed, 200 Hue cast o'er hue, the diamond splendor over The blue turquoise; so see 'gainst odors odors, The light intense against the glimmer dim, The galaxies unto the stars opposed. Our place within the universal plan Thus to disturb, into confusion all Things throwing that once God did there dispose And place; and all the creature may arrange: This is mis-shapen to the inmost joint. Cease, then, this murmuring. The Godhead can 210 The state of Angels miss; nor aided is By others' service; for the glorious Realm Eterne nor music needs, nor incense, nor These odors swung, nor harmonies of praise. Ungrateful Spirits, be still: your base tongues curb. Ye know not God's design. Be ye content With your established lot, and unto God And Gabriel's decree yourselves submit.
Is then the high state of the ruling Spirits So changeable? They stand on slippery ground, 220 How pitiable their lot! how miserable!
Because a lesser in this Realm shall reign? We shall remain as now: how are we wronged?
They are the nighest God, their refuge sure And Father: they upon His breast have lain: Now lies a lesser one more close than they.
For one to grieve o'er others' bliss shows lack Of love, and scents of envy and of pride. Let not this stain upon the purity And brightness of the Angels thus remain. 230 To strive in concord, love, and faithfulness. The one against the other here, doth please The Father, who all things in ranks ordained.