# Quote — John Milton, Paradise Lost

> And chiefly Thou O Spirit, that dost prefer
>
> Before all Temples th' upright heart and pure,
>
> Instruct me, for Thou know'st; Thou from the first
>
> Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread
>
> Dove-like satst brooding on the vast Abyss
>
> And mad'st it pregnant: What in me is dark
>
> Illumine, what is low raise and support;
>
> That to the highth of this great Argument
>
> I may assert th' Eternal Providence,
>
> And justifie the wayes of God to men.

- Author: [John Milton](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton.md)
- Book: [Paradise Lost](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost.md)
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/John_Milton#Paradise_Lost_(1667)) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost/and-chiefly-thou

## More from this book

> So scented the grim Feature, and upturn'd
>
> His nostril wide into the murky air,
>
> Sagacious of his quarry from so far.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost/so-scented-the.md)

> Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
>
> In every gesture dignity and love.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost/grace-was-in-all.md)

> To know
>
> That which before us lies in daily life
>
> Is the prime wisdom.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/john-milton/paradise-lost/to-know-that.md)