An epic poem written in blank verse that narrates Christ’s temptation in the desert. It is divided into four books. In the first, the baptism in the Jordan is described, and how Satan becomes alarmed after Christ’s forty days in the desert, which lead to the temptations. In the second book, the temptations of hunger and wealth are presented, and in the third, Satan takes Christ to a high mountain to grant Him power over all that He sees. The fourth book shows how Christ remains unmoved, returns to the desert, and is led to the pinnacle of the temple. Satan is defeated, and Christ is attended by His angels.

John Milton was born in 1608 in London, educated at Cambridge, became blind at the age of 43, and died in 1674. He was a strict Puritan who wrote pamphlets against the Royalists, which led to his arrest, a heavy fine, and his subsequent release. His theology leaned toward Arianism.

C.C. (U.K., 2016)