This is a strategy called double syntax, the notion that "in the Beginning" can modify one verb or the other.

这种手法叫做双关句，也就是,“太初“可同时修饰两个动词。

耶鲁公开课 - 弥尔顿课程节选

In the Beginning" can modify the verb "taught" as easily as it can the verb "rose." It can either verb assume, just as Milton's angels can "either Sex assume."

最初“还可修饰动词“宣讲“,也可修饰动词“生出“，它可修饰任意一个动词，正如弥尔顿笔下的天使可以“化男作女“

耶鲁公开课 - 弥尔顿课程节选