Question

Which lines are enjambed in this excerpt from John Milton’s Paradise Lost?

I may assert th' Eternal Providence,
And justifie the wayes of God to men.
Say first, for Heav'n hides nothing from thy view
Nor the deep Tract of Hell, say first what cause
Mov'd our Grand Parents in that happy State,
Favour'd of Heav'n so highly, to fall off
From their Creator, and transgress his Will
For one restraint, Lords of the World besides?

Answer 1

I may assert eternal providence,

And justify the ways of God to men.

1. Say first, for Heav’n hides nothing from thy view

Nor the deep tract of Hell, say first what cause

Moved our grand parents in that happy state,

2. Favored of Heav’n so highly, to fall off

From their Creator, and transgress his will

For one restraint, lords of the world besides?

Step-by-step explanation:

The two sets of lines marked in bold are the enjambed lines in this excerpt.

This book by John Milton was published in the 17th century. It is a biblical story regarding Adam and Eve, the fallen angel Satan who tempts them in the Garden of Eden, and their expulsion. Milton wanted to justify God's actions towards men.

Answer 2

I may assert th' Eternal Providence, and justifie the wayes of God to men.