PARADISE LOST J.

MILTON
BOOK II
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~ BOOK II ~
1.
Highonathroneofroyalstate,whichfar
2. OutshonethewealthorOrmusandofInd,
3. Orwherethegorgeouseastwithrichesthand
4. Showersonherkingsbarbaricpearlandgold,
5. Satanexaltedsat,bymeritraised
6. Tothatbademinence;and,fromdespair
7. Thushighupliftedbeyondhope,aspires
8. Beyondthushigh,insatiatetopursue
9. VainwarwithHeaven;and,bysuccessuntaught,
10.Hisproudimaginationsthusdisplayed:
11. PowersandDominions,DeitiesofHeaven,
12.For,sincenodeepwithinhergulfcanhold
13.Immortalvigor,thoughoppressedandfallen,
14.IgivenotHeavenforlost:fromthisdescent
15.Celestialvirtuesrisingwillappear
16.Moregloriousandmoredreadthanfromnofall,
17.Andtrustthemselvestofearnosecondfate.
18.Methoughjustright,andthefixedlawsofHeaven,
19.Didfirstcreateyourleader,next,freechoice
20.Withwhatbesidesincouncilorinfight
21.Hathbeenachievedofmerit,yetthisloss,
22.Thusfaratleastrecovered,hathmuchmore
23.Establishedinasafe,unenviedthrone,
24.Yieldedwithfullconsent.Thehappierstate
25.InHeaven,whichfollowsdignity,mightdraw
26.Envyfromeachinferior;butwhohere
27.Willenvywhomthehighestplaceexposes
28.ForemosttostandagainsttheThunderer'saim
29.Yourbulwark,andcondemnstogreatestshare
30.Ofendlesspain?Wherethereis,then,nogood
31.Forwhichtostrive,nostrifecangrowupthere
32.Fromfaction:fornonesurewillclaiminHell
33.Precedence;nonewhoseportionissosmall

34.Ofpresentpainthatwithambitiousmind
35.Willcovetmore!Withthisadvantage,then,
36.Tounion,andfirmfaith,andfirmaccord,
37.MorethancanbeinHeaven,wenowreturn
38.Toclaimourjustinheritanceofold,
39.Surertoprosperthanprosperity
40.Couldhaveassuredus;andbywhatbestway,
41.Whetherofopenwarorcovertguile,
42.Wenowdebate.Whocanadvisemayspeak.
43. Heceased;andnexthimMoloch,scepteredking,
44.Stoodup,thestrongestandthefiercestspirit
45.ThatfoughtinHeaven,nowfiercerbydespair.
46.HistrustwaswiththeEternaltobedeemed
47.Equalinstrength,andratherthanbeless
48.Carednottobeatall;withthatcarelost
49.Wentallhisfear:ofGod,orHell,orworse,
50.Hereckednot,andthesewordsthereafterspake:
51. Mysentenceisforopenwar.Ofwiles,
52.Moreunexpert,Iboastnot:themletthose
53.Contrivewhoneed,orwhentheyneed;notnow.
54.For,whiletheysitcontriving,shalltherest,
55.Millionsthatstandinarms,andlongingwait
56.Thesignaltoascend,sitlingeringhere,
57.Heaven'sfugitives,andfortheirdwellingplace
58.Acceptthisdarkopprobriousdenofshame,
59.Theprisonofhistyrannywhoreigns
60.Byourdelay?No!letusratherchoose,
61.ArmedwithHellflamesandfury,allatonce
62.O'erHeaven'shightowerstoforceresistlessway,
63.Turningourtorturesintohorridarms
64.AgainsttheTorturer;when,tomeetthenoise
65.Ofhisalmightyengine,heshallhear
66.Infernalthunder,and,forlightning,see
67.Blackfireandhorrorshotwithequalrage
68.AmonghisAngels,andhisthroneitself
69.MixedwithTartareansulfurandstrangefire,
70.Hisowninventedtorments.Butperhaps
71.Thewayseemsdifficult,andsteeptoscale
72.Withuprightwingagainstahigherfoe!
73.Letsuchbethinkthem,ifthesleepydrench
74.Ofthatforgetfullakebenumbnotstill,
75.Thatinourpropermotionweascend

76.Uptoournativeseat;descentandfall
77.Tousisadverse.Whobutfeltoflate,
78.Whenthefiercefoehungonourbrokenrear
79.Insulting,andpursuedusthroughthedeep,
80.Withwhatcompulsionandlaboriousflight
81.Wesunkthuslow?Theascentiseasy,then;
82.Theeventisfeared!Shouldweagainprovoke
83.Ourstronger,someworsewayhiswrathmayfind
84.Toourdestruction,iftherebeinHell
85.Feartobeworsedestroyed!Whatcanbeworse
86.Thantodwellhere,drivenoutfrombliss,condemned
87.Inthisabhorreddeeptoutterwoe!
88.Wherepainofunextinguishablefire
89.Mustexerciseuswithouthopeofend
90.Thevassalsofhisanger,whenthescourge
91.Inexorably,andthetorturinghour,
92.Callsustopenance?Moredestroyedthanthus,
93.Weshouldbequiteabolished,andexpire.
94.Whatfearwethen?whatdoubtwetoincense
95.Hisutmostire?which,totheheightenraged,
96.Willeitherquiteconsumeus,andreduce
97.Tonothingthisessential,happierfar
98.Thanmiserabletohaveeternalbeing.
99.Or,ifoursubstancebeindeeddivine,
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Andcannotceasetobe,weareatworst
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Onthissidenothing;andbyproofwefeel
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OurpowersufficienttodisturbhisHeaven,
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Andwithperpetualinroadstoalarm,
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Thoughinaccessible,hisfatalthrone:
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Which,ifnotvictory,isyetrevenge.
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Heendedfrowning,andhislookdenounced
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Desperaterevenge,andbattledangerous
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Tolessthangods.Ontheothersideuprose
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Belial,inactmoregracefulandhumane.
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AfairerpersonlostnotHeaven;heseemed
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Fordignitycomposed,andhighexploit.
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Butallwasfalseandhollow;thoughhistongue
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Droppedmanna,andcouldmaketheworseappear
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Thebetterreason,toperplexanddash
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Maturestcounsels:forhisthoughtswerelow,
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Toviceindustrious,buttonoblerdeeds
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Timorousandslothful.Yethepleasedtheear,

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Andwithpersuasiveaccentthusbegan:
Ishouldbemuchforopenwar,Ohpeers,
Asnotbehindinhate,ifwhatwasurged
Mainreasontopersuadeimmediatewar
Didnotdissuadememost,andseemtocast
Ominousconjectureonthewholesuccess;
Whenhewhomostexcelsinfactofarms,
Inwhathecounselsandinwhatexcels
Mistrustful,groundshiscourageondespair
Andutterdissolution,asthescope
Ofallhisaim,aftersomedirerevenge.
First,whatrevenge?ThetowersofHeavenarefilled
Witharmedwatch,thatrenderallaccess
Impregnable:oftontheborderingDeep
Encamptheirlegions,orwithobscurewing
Scoutfarandwideintotherealmofnight,
Scorningsurprise.Or,couldwebreakourway
Byforce,andatourheelsallHellshouldrise
Withblackestinsurrectiontoconfound
Heaven'spurestlight,yetourgreatEnemy,
Allincorruptible,wouldonhisthrone
Situnpolluted,andtheetherealmould,
Incapableofstain,wouldsoonexpel
Hermischief,andpurgeoffthebaserfire,
Victorious.Thusrepulsed,ourfinalhope
Isflatdespair:wemustexasperate
TheAlmightyVictortospendallhisrage;
Andthatmustendus;thatmustbeourcure,
Tobenomore.Sadcure!forwhowouldlose,
Thoughfullofpain,thisintellectualbeing,
Thosethoughtsthatwanderthrougheternity,
Toperishrather,swallowedupandlost
Inthewidewombofuncreatednight,
Devoidofsenseandmotion?Andwhoknows,
Letthisbegood,whetherourangryFoe
Cangiveit,orwillever?Howhecan
Isdoubtful;thatheneverwillissure.
Willhe,sowise,letlooseatoncehisire,
Belikethroughimpotenceorunaware,
Togivehisenemiestheirwish,andend
Theminhisangerwhomhisangersaves
Topunishendless?Whereforeceasewe,then?

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Saytheywhocounselwar;wearedecreed,
Reserved,anddestinedtoeternalwoe;
Whateverdoing,whatcanwesuffermore,
Whatcanwesufferworse?Isthis,then,worst,
Thussitting,thusconsulting,thusinarms?
Whatwhenwefledamain,pursuedandstruck
WithHeaven'safflictingthunder,andbesought
TheDeeptoshelterus?ThisHellthenseemed
Arefugefromthosewounds.Orwhenwelay
Chainedontheburninglake?Thatsurewasworse.
Whatifthebreaththatkindledthosegrimfires,
Awaked,shouldblowthemintosevenfoldrage,
Andplungeusintheflames;orfromabove
Shouldintermittedvengeancearmagain
Hisredrighthandtoplagueus?Whatifall
Herstoreswereopened,andthisfirmament
OfHellshouldspouthercataractsoffire,
Impendenthorrors,threateninghideousfall
Onedayuponourheads;whileweperhaps,
Designingorexhortinggloriouswar,
Caughtinafierytempest,shallbehurled,
Eachonhisrocktransfixed,thesportandprey
Orrackingwhirlwinds,orforeversunk
Underyonboilingocean,wrappedinchains,
Theretoconversewitheverlastinggroans,
Unrespited,unpitied,unreprieved,
Agesofhopelessend?Thiswouldbeworse.
War,therefore,openorconcealed,alike
Myvoicedissuades;forwhatcanforceorguile
Withhim,orwhodeceivehismind,whoseeye
Viewsallthingsatoneview?HefromHeaven'sheight
Alltheseourmotionsvainseesandderides,
Notmorealmightytoresistourmight
Thanwisetofrustrateallourplotsandwiles.
Shallwe,then,livethusvile,theraceofHeaven
Thustrampled,thusexpelled,tosufferhere
Chainsandthesetorments?Betterthesethanworse,
Bymyadvice;sincefateinevitable
Subduesus,andomnipotentdecree,
TheVictor'swill.Tosuffer,astodo,
Ourstrengthisequal;northelawunjust
Thatsoordains.Thiswasatfirstresolved,

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Ifwewerewise,againstsogreatafoe
Contending,andsodoubtfulwhatmightfall.
Ilaughwhenthosewhoatthespeararebold
Andventurous,ifthatfailthem,shrink,andfear
Whatyettheyknowmustfollow,toendure
Exile,orignominy,orbonds,orpain,
Thesentenceoftheirconqueror.Thisisnow
Ourdoom;whichifwecansustainandbear,
OurSupremeFoeintimemaymuchremit
Hisanger,andperhaps,thusfarremoved,
Notmindusnotoffending,satisfied
Withwhatispunished;whencetheseragingfires
Willslacken,ifhisbreathstirnottheirflames.
Ourpureressencethenwillovercome
Theirnoxiousvapor;or,inured,notfeel;
Or,changedatlength,andtotheplaceconformed
Intemperandinnature,willreceive
Familiarthefierceheat;and,voidofpain,
Thishorrorwillgrowmild,thisdarknesslight;
Besideswhathopetheneverendingflight
Offuturedaysmaybring,whatchance,whatchange
Worthwaiting,sinceourpresentlotappears
Forhappythoughbutill,forillnotworst,
Ifweprocurenottoourselvesmorewoe.
ThusBelial,withwordsclothedinreason'sgarb,
Counseledignobleeaseandpeacefulsloth,
Notpeace;andafterhimthusMammonspake:
EithertodisenthronetheKingofHeaven
Wewar,ifwarbebest,ortoregain
Ourownrightlost.Himtounthronewethen
Mayhope,wheneverlastingfateshallyield
Toficklechance,andchaosjudgethestrife.
Theformer,vaintohope,arguesasvain
Thelatter;forwhatplacecanbeforus
WithinHeaven'sbound,unlessHeaven'sLordsupreme
Weoverpower?Supposeheshouldrelent
Andpublishgracetoall,onpromisemade
Ofnewsubjection;withwhateyescouldwe
Standinhispresencehumble,andreceive
Strictlawsimposed,tocelebratehisthrone
Withwarbledhymns,andtohisGodheadsing
Forcedhallelujahs,whilehelordlysits

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Ourenviedsovereign,andhisaltarbreathes
Ambrosialodorsandambrosialflowers,
Ourservileofferings?Thismustbeourtask
InHeaven,thisourdelight.Howwearisome
Eternitysospentinworshippaid
Towhomwehate!Letusnotthenpursue,
Byforceimpossible,byleaveobtained
Unacceptable,thoughinHeaven,ourstate
Ofsplendidvassalage;butratherseek
Ourowngoodfromourselves,andfromourown
Livetoourselves,thoughinthisvastrecess,
Freeandtononeaccountable,preferring
Hardlibertybeforetheeasyyoke
Ofservilepomp.Ourgreatnesswillappear
Thenmostconspicuouswhengreatthingsofsmall,
Usefulofhurtful,prosperousofadverse,
Wecancreate,andinwhatplacesoe'er
Thriveunderevil,andworkeaseoutofpain
Throughlaborandendurance.Thisdeepworld
Ofdarknessdowedread?Howoftamidst
ThickcloudsanddarkdothHeaven'sallrulingSire
Choosetoreside,hisgloryunobscured,
Andwiththemajestyofdarknessround
Covershisthrone,fromwhencedeepthundersroar.
Musteringtheirrage,andHeavenresemblesHell!
Asheourdarkness,cannotwehislight
Imitatewhenweplease?Thisdesertsoil
Wantsnotherhiddenluster,gemsandgold;
Norwantweskillorartfromwhencetoraise
Magnificence;andwhatcanHeavenshowmore?
Ourtormentsalsomay,inlengthoftime,
Becomeourelements,thesepiercingfires
Assoftasnowsevere,ourtemperchanged
Intotheirtemper;whichmustneedsremove
Thesensibleofpain.Allthingsinvite
Topeacefulcounsels,andthesettledstate
Oforder,howinsafetybestwemay
Composeourpresentevils,withregard
Ofwhatweareandwhere,dismissingquite
Allthoughtsofwar.YehavewhatIadvise.
Hescarcehadfinished,whensuchmurmurfilled
Theassemblyaswhenhollowrocksretain

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Thesoundofblusteringwinds,whichallnightlong
Hadrousedthesea,nowwithhoarsecadencelull
Seafaringmeno'erwatched,whosebarkbychance
Orpinnace,anchorsinacraggybay
Afterthetempest.Suchapplausewasheard
AsMammonended,andhissentencepleased,
Advisingpeace:forsuchanotherfield
TheydreadedworsethanHell;somuchthefear
OfthunderandtheswordofMichael
Wroughtstillwithinthem;andnolessdesire
Tofoundthisnetherempire,whichmightrise,
Bypolicyandlongprocessoftime,
InemulationoppositetoHeaven.
WhichwhenBeelzebubperceived,thanwhom,
Satanexcept,nonehighersat,withgrave
Aspectherose,andinhisrisingseemed
Apillarofstate.Deeponhisfrontengraven
Deliberationsat,andpubliccare;
Andprincelycounselinhisfaceyetshone,
Majestic,thoughinruin.Sagehestood
WithAtlanteanshoulders,fittobear
Theweightofmightiestmonarchies;hislook
Drewaudienceandattentionstillasnight
Orsummer'snoontideair,whilethushespake:
ThronesandImperialPowers,offspringofHeaven,
EtherealVirtues!orthesetitlesnow
Mustwerenounce,and,changingstyle,becalled
PrincesofHell?forsothepopularvote
Inclines,heretocontinue,andbuilduphere
Agrowingempire;doubtless!whilewedream,
AndknownotthattheKingofHeavenhathdoomed
Thisplaceourdungeon,notoursaferetreat
Beyondhispotentarm,toliveexempt
FromHeaven'shighjurisdiction,innewleague
Bandedagainsthisthrone,buttoremain
Instrictestbondage,thoughthusfarremoved,
Undertheinevitablecurb,reserved
Hiscaptivemultitude.Forhe,tobesure,
Inheightordepth,stillfirstandlastwillreign
Soleking,andofhiskingdomlosenopart
Byourrevolt,butoverHellextend
Hisempire,andwithironscepterrule

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Ushere,aswithhisgoldenthoseinHeaven.
Whatsitwethenprojectingpeaceandwar?
Warhathdeterminedusandfoiledwithloss
Irreparable;termsofpeaceyetnone
Vouchsafedorsought;forwhatpeacewillbegiven
Tousenslaved,butcustodysevere,
Andstripesandarbitrarypunishment
Inflicted?andwhatpeacecanwereturn,
But,toourpower,hostilityandhate,
Untamedreluctance,andrevenge,thoughslow,
YeteverplottinghowtheConquerorleast
Mayreaphisconquest,andmayleastrejoice
Indoingwhatwemostinsufferingfeel?
Norwilloccasionwant,norshallweneed
Withdangerousexpeditiontoinvade
Heaven,whosehighwallsfearnoassaultorsiege,
OrambushfromtheDeep.Whatifwefind
Someeasierenterprise?Thereisaplace
(IfancientandpropheticfameinHeaven
Errnot),anotherworld,thehappyseat
Ofsomenewrace,calledMan,aboutthistime
Tobecreatedliketous,thoughless
Inpowerandexcellence,butfavoredmore
Ofhimwhorulesabove;sowashiswill
Pronouncedamongthegods,andbyanoath
ThatshookHeaven'swholecircumferenceconfirmed.
Thitherletusbendallourthoughts,tolearn
Whatcreaturesthereinhabit,ofwhatmould
Orsubstance,howendued,andwhattheirpower
Andwheretheirweakness:howattemptedbest,
Byforceofsubtlety.ThoughHeavenbeshut,
AndHeaven'shighArbitratorsitsecure
Inhisownstrength,thisplacemaylieexposed,
Theutmostborderofhiskingdom,left
Totheirdefensewhoholdit:here,perhaps,
Someadvantageousactmaybeachieved
Bysuddenonset,eitherwithHellfire
Towastehiswholecreation,orpossess
Allasourown,anddrive,asweweredriven,
Thepunyhabitants;or,ifnotdrive,
Seducethemtoourparty,thattheirGod
Mayprovetheirfoe,andwithrepentinghand

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Abolishhisownworks.Thiswouldsurpass
Commonrevenge,andinterrupthisjoy
Inourconfusion,andourjoyupraise
Inhisdisturbance;whenhisdarlingsons,
Hurledheadlongtopartakewithus,shallcurse
Theirfrailoriginal,andfadedbliss,
Fadedsosoon!Adviseifthisbeworth
Attempting,ortositindarknesshere
Hatchingvainempires.ThusBeelzebub
Pleadedhisdevilishcounsel,firstdevised
BySatan,andinpartproposed:forwhence,
Butfromtheauthorofallill,couldspring
Sodeepamalice,toconfoundtherace
Ofmankindinoneroot,andEarthwithHell
Tomingleandinvolve,donealltospite
ThegreatCreator?Buttheirspitestillserves
Hisglorytoaugment.Thebolddesign
Pleasedhighlythoseinfernalstates,andjoy
Sparkledinalltheireyes:withfullassent
Theyvote:whereathisspeechhethusrenews:
Wellhaveyejudged,wellendedlongdebate,
Synodofgods,and,liketowhatyeare,
Greatthingsresolved,whichfromthelowestdeep
Willoncemoreliftusup,inspiteoffate,
Nearerourancientseat,perhapsinview
Ofthosebrightconfines,whence,withneighboringarms,
Andopportuneexcursion,wemaychance
ReenterHeaven;orelseinsomemildzone
Dwell,notunvisitedofHeaven'sfairlight,
Secure,andatthebrighteningorientbeam
Purgeoffthisgloom:thesoftdeliciousair,
Tohealthescarofthesecorrosivefires,
Shallbreatheherbalm.But,first,whomshallwesend
InsearchofthisnewWorld?whomshallwefind
Sufficient?whoshalltemptwithwanderingfeet
Thedark,unbottomed,infiniteabyss,
Andthroughthepalpableobscurefindout
Hisuncouthway,orspreadhisairyflight,
Upbornewithindefatigablewings
Overthevastabrupt,erehearrive
ThehappyIsle?Whatstrength,whatart,canthen
Suffice,orwhatevasionbearhimsafe,

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Throughthestrictsentriesandstationsthick
Ofangelswatchinground?Herehehadneed
Allcircumspection:andwenownoless
Choiceinoursuffrage;foronwhomwesend
Theweightofall,andourlasthope,relies.
Thissaid,hesat;andexpectationheld
Hislooksuspense,awaitingwhoappeared
Tosecond,oroppose,orundertake
Theperilousattempt.Butallsatmute,
Ponderingthedangerwithdeepthoughts;andeach
Inother'scountenancereadhisowndismay,
Astonished.Noneamongthechoiceandprime
OfthoseHeavenwarringchampionscouldbefound
Sohardyastoprofferoraccept,
Alone,thedreadfulvoyage;till,atlast,
Satan,whomnowtranscendentgloryraised
Abovehisfellows,withmonarchalpride
Consciousofhighestworth,unmovedthusspake:
OhProgenyofHeaven!EmpyrealThrones!
Withreasonhathdeepsilenceanddemur
Seizedus,thoughundismayed.Longistheway
Andhard,thatoutofHellleadsuptolight.
Ourprisonstrong,thishugeconvexoffire,
Outrageoustodevour,immuresusround
Ninefold;andgatesofburningadamant,
Barredoverus,prohibitallegress.
Thesepassed,ifanypass,thevoidprofound
Ofunessentialnightreceiveshimnext,
Widegaping,andwithutterlossofbeing
Threatenshim,plungedinthatabortivegulf.
Ifthencehescape,intowhateverworld,
Orunknownregion,whatremainshimless
Thanunknowndangers,andashardescape?
ButIshouldillbecomethisthrone,OhPeers,
Andthisimperialsovereignty,adorned
Withsplendor,armedwithpower,ifaughtproposed
Andjudgedofpublicmomentintheshape
Ofdifficultyordanger,coulddeter
Mefromattempting.WhereforedoIassume
Theseroyalties,andnotrefusetoreign,
Refusingtoacceptasgreatashare
Ofhazardasofhonor,duealike

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Tohimwhoreigns,andsomuchtohimdue
Ofhazardmoreasheabovetherest
Highhonoredsits?Go,therefore,mightypowers,
TerrorofHeaven,thoughfallen;intendathome,
Whilehereshallbeourhome,whatbestmayease
Thepresentmisery,andrenderHell
Moretolerable;iftherebecureorcharm
Torespite,ordeceive,orslackthepain
Ofthisillmansion:intermitnowatch
Againstawakefulfoe,whileIabroad
Throughallthecoastsofdarkdestructionseek
Deliveranceforusall.Thisenterprise
Noneshallpartakewithme.Thussaying,rose
Themonarch,andpreventedallreply;
Prudentlest,fromhisresolutionraised,
Othersamongthechiefmightoffernow,
Certaintoberefused,whatersttheyfeared,
And,sorefused,mightinopinionstand
Hisrivals,winningcheapthehighrepute
Whichhethroughhazardhugemustearn.Butthey
Dreadednotmoretheadventurethanhisvoice
Forbidding;andatoncewithhimtheyrose.
Theirrisingallatoncewasasthesound
Ofthunderheardremote.Towardshimtheybend
Withawfulreverenceprone,andasagod
ExtolhimequaltotheHighestinHeaven.
Norfailedtheytoexpresshowmuchtheypraised
Thatforthegeneralsafetyhedespised
Hisown:forneitherdothespiritsdamned
Losealltheirvirtue;lestbadmenshouldboast
Theirspeciousdeedsonearth,whichgloryexcites,
Orcloseambitionvarnishedo'erwithzeal.
Thustheytheirdoubtfulconsultationsdark
Ended,rejoicingintheirmatchlesschief:
As,whenfrommountaintopstheduskyclouds
Ascending,whilethenorthwindsleeps,o'erspread
Heaven'scheerfulface,thelouringelement
Scowlso'erthedarkenedlandscapesnoworshower,
Ifchancetheradiantsun,withfarewellsweet,
Extendhiseveningbeam,thefieldsrevive,
Thebirdstheirnotesrenew,andbleatingherds
Attesttheirjoy,thathillandvalleyrings.

496.
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530.
531.
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534.
535.
536.
537.

Ohshametomen!Devilwithdevildamned
Firmconcordholds;menonlydisagree
Ofcreaturesrational,thoughunderhope
Ofheavenlygrace,and,Godproclaimingpeace,
Yetliveinhatred,enmity,andstrife
Amongthemselves,andlevycruelwars
Wastingtheearth,eachothertodestroy:
Asif(whichmightinduceustoaccord)
Manhadnothellishfoesenoughbesides,
Thatdayandnightforhisdestructionwait!
TheStygiancouncilthusdissolved;andforth
Inordercamethegrandinfernalpeers:
Midstcametheirmightyparamount,andseemed
AlonetheantagonistofHeaven,norless
ThanHell'sdreademperor,withpompsupreme,
Andgodlikeimitatedstate:himround
Aglobeoffieryseraphimenclosed
Withbrightemblazonry,andhorrentarms.
Thenoftheirsessionendedtheybidcry
Withtrumpet'sregalsoundthegreatresult:
Towardthefourwindsfourspeedycherubim
Puttotheirmouthsthesoundingalchemy,
Byherald'svoiceexplained;thehollowabyss
Heardfarandwide,andallthehostofHell
Withdeafeningshoutreturnedthemloudacclaim.
Thencemoreateasetheirminds,andsomewhatraised
Byfalsepresumptuoushope,therangedPowers
Disband;and,wandering,eachhisseveralway
Pursues,asinclinationorsadchoice
Leadshimperplexed,wherehemaylikeliestfind
Trucetohisrestlessthoughts,andentertain
Theirksomehours,tillhisgreatchiefreturn.
Partontheplain,orintheairsublime,
Uponthewingorinswiftracecontend,
AsattheOlympiangamesorPythianfields;
Partcurbtheirfierysteeds,orshunthegoal
Withrapidwheels,orfrontedbrigadesform:
Aswhen,towarnproudcities,warappears
Wagedinthetroubledsky,andarmiesrush
Tobattleintheclouds;beforeeachvan
Prickforththeairyknights,andcouchtheirspears,
Tillthickestlegionsclose;withfeatsofarms

538.
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578.
579.

Fromeitherendofheaventhewelkinburns.
Others,withvastTyphoeanrage,morefell,
Rendupbothrocksandhills,andridetheair
Inwhirlwind;Hellscarceholdsthewilduproar:
AswhenAlcides,fromOechaliacrowned
Withconquest,felttheenvenomedrobe,andtore
ThroughpainupbytherootsThessalianpines,
AndLichasfromthetopofOetathrew
IntotheEuboicsea.Others,moremild,
Retreatedinasilentvalley,sing
Withnotesangelicaltomanyaharp
Theirownheroicdeeds,andhaplessfall
Bydoomofbattle,andcomplainthatFate
FreeVirtueshouldenthralltoForceorChance.
Theirsongwaspartial;buttheharmony
(Whatcoulditlesswhenspiritsimmortalsing?)
SuspendedHell,andtookwithravishment
Thethrongingaudience.Indiscoursemoresweet
(ForEloquencethesoul,songcharmsthesense)
Othersapartsatonahillretired,
Inthoughtsmoreelevate,andreasonedhigh
Ofprovidence,foreknowledge,will,andfate,
Fixedfate,freewill,foreknowledgeabsolute,
Andfoundnoend,inwanderingmazeslost.
Ofgoodandevilmuchtheyarguedthen,
Ofhappinessandfinalmisery,
Passionandapathy,andgloryandshame:
Vainwisdomall,andfalsephilosophy.
Yet,withapleasingsorcery,couldcharm
Painforawhileoranguish,andexcite
Fallacioushope,orarmtheobduredbreast
Withstubbornpatienceaswithtriplesteel.
Anotherpart,insquadronsandgrossbands,
Onboldadventuretodiscoverwide
Thatdismalworld,ifanyclimeperhaps
Mightyieldthemeasierhabitation,bend
Fourwaystheirflyingmarch,alongthebanks
Offourinfernalrivers,thatdisgorge
Intotheburninglaketheirbalefulstreams,
AbhorredStyx,thefloodofdeadlyhate;
SadAcheronofsorrow,blackanddeep;
Cocytus,namedoflamentationloud

580.
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619.
620.
621.

Heardontheruefulstream;fiercePhlegeton,
Whosewavesoftorrentfireinflamewithrage.
Farofffromthese,aslowandsilentstream,
Lethe,theriverofoblivion,rolls
Herwaterylabyrinth,whereofwhodrinks
Forthwithhisformerstateandbeingforgets,
Forgetsbothjoyandgrief,pleasureandpain.
Beyondthisfloodafrozencontinent
Liesdarkandwild,beatwithperpetualstorms
Ofwhirlwindanddirehail,whichonfirmland
Thawsnot,butgathersheap,andruinseems
Ofancientpile;allelsedeepsnowandice,
AgulfprofoundasthatSerbonianbog
BetwixtDamiataandMountCasiusold,
Wherearmieswholehavesunk:theparchingair
Burnsfrore,andcoldperformstheeffectoffire.
Thither,byharpyfootedFurieshaled,
Atcertainrevolutionsallthedamned
Arebrought;andfeelbyturnsthebitterchange
Offierceextremes,extremesbychangemorefierce,
Frombedsofragingfiretostarveinice
Theirsoftetherealwarmth,andtheretopine
Immovable,infixed,andfrozenround
Periodsoftime,,thencehurriedbacktofire.
TheyferryoverthisLetheansound
Bothtoandfro,theirsorrowtoaugment,
Andwishandstruggle,astheypass,toreach
Thetemptingstream,withonesmalldroptolose
Insweetforgetfulnessallpainandwoe,
Allinonemoment,andsonearthebrink;
Butfatewithstands,and,toopposetheattempt,
MedusawithGorgonianterrorguards
Theford,andofitselfthewaterflies
Alltasteoflivingwight,asonceitfled
ThelipofTantalus.Thusrovingon
Inconfusedmarchforlorn,theadventurousbands,
Withshudderinghorrorpale,andeyesaghast,
Viewedfirsttheirlamentablelot,andfound
Norest.Throughmanyadarkanddrearyvale
Theypassed,andmanyaregiondolorous,
O'ermanyafrozen,manyafieryalp,
Rocks,caves,lakes,fens,bogs,dens,andshadesofdeath,

622.
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648.
649.
650.
651.
652.
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654.
655.
656.
657.
658.
659.
660.
661.
662.
663.

Auniverseofdeath,whichGodbycurse
Createdevil,forevilonlygood;
Wherealllifedies,deathlives,andnaturebreeds,
Perverse,allmonstrous,allprodigiousthings,
Abominable,inutterable,andworse
Thanfablesyethavefeignedorfearconceived,
Gorgons,andHydras,andChimerasdire.
MeanwhiletheadversaryofGodandman,
Satan,withthoughtsinflamedofhighestdesign,
Putsonswiftwings,andtowardthegatesofHell
Exploreshissolitaryflight:sometimes
Hescourstherighthandcoast,sometimestheleft;
Nowshaveswithlevelwingthedeep,thensoars
Uptothefieryconcavetoweringhigh.
Aswhenfaroffatseaafleetdescried
Hangsintheclouds,byequinoctialwinds
ClosesailingfromBengala,ortheisles
OfTernateandTidore,whencemerchantsbring
Theirspicydrugs;theyonthetradingflood,
ThroughthewideEthiopiantotheCape,
Plystemmingnightlytowardthepole:soseemed
FarofftheflyingFiend.Atlastappear
Hellbounds,highreachingtothehorridroof,
Andthricethreefoldthegates;threefoldswerebrass,
Threeiron,threeofadamantinerock,
Impenetrable,impaledwithcirclingfire,
Yetunconsumed.Beforethegatestheresat
Oneithersideaformidableshape.
Theoneseemedwomantothewaist,andfair,
Butendedfoulinmanyascalyfold,
Voluminousandvast,aserpentarmed
Withmortalsting.Abouthermiddleround
AcryofHellhoundsneverceasingbarked
WithwideCerbereanmouthsfullloud,andrung
Ahideouspeal;yet,whentheylist,wouldcreep,
Ifaughtdisturbedtheirnoise,intoherwomb,
Andkennelthere;yettherestillbarkedandhowled
Withinunseen.Farlessabhorredthanthese
VexedScylla,bathingintheseathatparts
CalabriafromthehoarseTrinacrianshore;
Noruglierfollowthenighthag,when,called
Insecret,ridingthroughtheairshecomes,

664.
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702.
703.
704.
705.

Luredwiththesmellofinfantblood,todance
WithLaplandwitches,whilethelaboringmoon
Eclipsesattheircharms.Theothershape,
Ifshapeitmightbecalledthatshapehadnone
Distinguishableinmember,joint,orlimb;
Orsubstancemightbecalledthatshadowseemed,
Foreachseemedeither,blackitstoodasnight,
Fierceastenfuries,terribleasHell,
Andshookadreadfuldart:whatseemedhishead
Thelikenessofakinglycrownhadon.
Satanwasnowathand,andfromhisseat
Themonstermovingonwardcameasfast
Withhorridstrides;Helltrembledashestrode.
Theundauntedfiendwhatthismightbeadmired,
Admired,notfeared(GodandhisSonexcept,
Createdthingnaughtvaluedhenorshunned),
Andwithdisdainfullookthusfirstbegan:
Whenceandwhatartthou,execrableshape,
Thatdar'st,thoughgrimandterrible,advance
Thymiscreatedfrontathwartmyway
Toyondergates?ThroughthemImeantopass,
Thatbeassured,withoutleaveaskedofthee.
Retire;ortastethyfolly,andlearnbyproof,
Hellborn,nottocontendwithspiritsofHeaven.
Towhomthegoblin,fullofwrath,replied:
ArtthouthattraitorAngel?artthouhe,
WhofirstbrokepeaceinHeavenandfaith,tillthen
Unbroken,andinproudrebelliousarms
DrewafterhimthethirdpartofHeaven'ssons,
ConjuredagainsttheHighest,forwhichboththou
Andthey,outcastfromGod,areherecondemned
Towasteeternaldaysinwoeandpain?
Andreckon'stthouthyselfwithspiritsofHeaven
Helldoomed,andbreath'stdefiancehereandscorn,
WhereIreignking,and,toenragetheemore,
Thykingandlord?Backtothypunishment,
Falsefugitive;andtothyspeedaddwings,
LestwithawhipofscorpionsIpursue
Thylingering,orwithonestrokeofthisdart
Strangehorrorseizethee,andpangsunfeltbefore.
Sospakethegrislyterror,andinshape,
Sospeakingandsothreatening,grewtenfold,

706.
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719.
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721.
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723.
724.
725.
726.
727.
728.
729.
730.
731.
732.
733.
734.
735.
736.
737.
738.
739.
740.
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742.
743.
744.
745.
746.
747.

Moredreadfulanddeform.Ontheotherside,
Incensedwithindignation,Satanstood
Unterrified,andlikeacometburned,
ThatfiresthelengthofOphiuchushuge
Inthearcticsky,andfromhishorridhair
Shakespestilenceandwar.Eachatthehead
Leveledhisdeadlyaim;theirfatalhands
Nosecondstrokeintend;andsuchafrown
Eachcastattheotheraswhentwoblackclouds,
Withheaven'sartilleryfraught,camerattlingon
OvertheCaspian,,thenstandfronttofront
Hoveringaspace,tillwindsthesignalblow
Tojointheirdarkencounterinmidair.
SofrownedthemightycombatantsthatHell
Grewdarkerattheirfrown;somatchedtheystood;
Forneverbutoncemorewaswitherlike
Tomeetsogreatafoe.Andnowgreatdeeds
Hadbeenachieved,whereofallHellhadrung,
HadnotthesnakySorceress,thatsat
FastbyHellgateandkeptthefatalkey,
Risen,andwithhideousoutcryrushedbetween.
Ohfather,whatintendsthyhand,shecried,
Againstthyonlyson?Whatfury,Ohson,
Possessestheetobendthatmortaldart
Againstthyfather'shead?Andknow'stforwhom?
Forhimwhositsabove,andlaughsthewhile
Atthee,ordainedhisdrudgetoexecute
Whate'erhiswrath,whichhecallsjustice,bids,
Hiswrath,whichonedaywilldestroyyeboth!
Shespake,andatherwordsthehellishpest
Forbore:thenthesetoherSatanreturned:
Sostrangethyoutcry,andthywordssostrange
Thouinterposest,thatmysuddenhand,
Prevented,sparestotelltheeyetbydeeds
Whatitintends,tillfirstIknowofthee
Whatthingthouart,thusdoubleformed,andwhy,
Inthisinfernalvalefirstmet,thoucall'st
Mefather,andthatphantasmcall'stmyson.
Iknowtheenot,noreversawtillnow
Sightmoredetestablethanhimandthee.
T'whomthustheportressofHellgatereplied:
Hastthouforgotme,then;anddoIseem

748.
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767.
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771.
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775.
776.
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778.
779.
780.
781.
782.
783.
784.
785.
786.
787.
788.
789.

Nowinthineeyesofoul?,oncedeemedsofair
InHeaven,whenattheassembly,andinsight
Ofalltheseraphimwiththeecombined
InboldconspiracyagainstHeaven'sKing,
Allonasuddenmiserablepain
Surprisedthee,dimthineeyesanddizzyswum
Indarkness,whilethyheadflamesthickandfast
Threwforth,tillontheleftsideopeningwide,
Likesttotheeinshapeandcountenancebright,
Thenshiningheavenlyfair,agoddessarmed,
OutofthyheadIsprung.Amazementseized
AllthehostofHeaven;backtheyrecoiledafraid
Atfirst,andcalledmeSin,andforasign
Portentousheldme;but,familiargrown,
Ipleased,andwithattractivegraceswon
Themostaverse,theechiefly,who,fulloft
Thyselfinmethyperfectimageviewing,
Becam'stenamored;andsuchjoythoutook'st
Withmeinsecretthatmywombconceived
Agrowingburden.Meanwhilewararose,
AndfieldswerefoughtinHeaven:whereinremained
(Forwhatcouldelse?)toourAlmightyFoe
Clearvictory;toourpartlossandrout
ThroughalltheEmpyrean.Downtheyfell,
DrivenheadlongfromthepitchofHeaven,down
Intothisdeep;andinthegeneralfall
Ialso:atwhichtimethispowerfulkey
Intomyhandswasgiven,withchargetokeep
Thesegatesforevershut,whichnonecanpass
Withoutmyopening.PensivehereIsat
Alone;butlongIsatnot,tillmywomb,
Pregnantbythee,andnowexcessivegrown,
Prodigiousmotionfeltandruefulthroes.
Atlastthisodiousoffspringwhomthouseest,
Thineownbegotten,breakingviolentway,
Torethroughmyentrails,that,withfearandpain
Distorted,allmynethershapethusgrew
Transformed:buthemyinbredenemy
Forthissued,brandishinghisfataldart,
Madetodestroy.Ifled,andcriedoutDeath!
Helltrembledatthehideousname,andsighed
Fromallhercaves,andbackresoundedDeath!

790.
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826.
827.
828.
829.
830.
831.

Ifled;buthepursued(thoughmore,itseems,
Inflamedwithlustthanrage),and,swifterfar,
Meovertook,hismother,alldismayed,
And,inembracesforcibleandfoul
Engenderingwithme,ofthatrapebegot
Theseyellingmonsters,thatwithceaselesscry
Surroundme,asthousaw'st,hourlyconceived
Andhourlyborn,withsorrowinfinite
Tome;for,whentheylist,intothewomb
Thatbredthemtheyreturn,andhowl,andgnaw
Mybowels,theirrepast;then,burstingforth
Afresh,withconsciousterrorsvexmeround,
ThatrestorintermissionnoneIfind.
Beforemineeyesinoppositionsits
GrimDeath,mysonandfoe,whosetthemon,
Andme,hisparent,wouldfullsoondevour
Forwantofotherprey,butthatheknows
Hisendwithmineinvolved,andknowsthatI
Shouldproveabittermorsel,andhisbane,
Wheneverthatshallbe:soFatepronounced.
Butthou,Ohfather,Iforewarnthee,shun
Hisdeadlyarrow;neithervainlyhope
Tobeinvulnerableinthosebrightarms,
Throughtemperedheavenly;forthatmortaldint,
Savehewhoreignsabove,nonecanresist.
Shefinished,andthesubtlefiendhislore
Soonlearned,nowmilder,andthusansweredsmooth:
Deardaughter,sincethouclaim'stmeforthysire,
Andmyfairsonhereshow'stme,thedearpledge
OfdalliancehadwiththeeinHeaven,andjoys
Thensweet,nowsadtomention,throughdirechange
Befallenusunforeseen,unthoughtof,know,
Icomenoenemy,buttosetfree
Fromoutthisdarkanddismalhouseofpain
Bothhimandthee,andalltheheavenlyhost
OfSpiritsthat,inourjustpretencesarmed,
Fellwithusfromonhigh.FromthemIgo
Thisuncoutherrandsole,andoneforall
Myselfexpose,withlonelystepstotread
TheunfoundedDeep,andthroughthevoidimmense
Tosearch,withwanderingquest,aplaceforetold
Shouldbe,and,byconcurringsigns,erenow

832.
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844.
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848.
849.
850.
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852.
853.
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857.
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862.
863.
864.
865.
866.
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869.
870.
871.
872.
873.

Createdvastandround,aplaceofbliss
InthepurlieusofHeaven;andthereinplaced
Araceofupstartcreatures,tosupply
Perhapsourvacantroom,thoughmoreremoved,
LestHeaven,surchargedwithpotentmultitude,
Mighthaptomovenewbroils.Bethis,oraught
Thanthismoresecret,nowdesigned,Ihaste
Toknow;and,thisonceknown,shallsoonreturn,
AndbringyetotheplacewherethouandDeath
Shalldwellatease,andupanddownunseen
Wingsilentlythebuxomair,embalmed
Withodors.Thereyeshallbefedandfilled
Immeasurably,allthingsshallbeyourprey.
Heceased,forbothseemedhighlypleased,andDeath
Grinnedhorribleaghastlysmile,tohear
Hisfamineshouldbefilled,andblessedhismaw
Destinedtothatgoodhour.Nolessrejoiced
Hismotherbad,andthusbespakehersire:
Thekeyofthisinfernalpit,bydue
AndbycommandofHeaven'sallpowerfulKing,
Ikeep,byhimforbiddentounlock
Theseadamantinegates;againstallforce
Deathreadystandstointerposehisdart,
Fearlesstobeo'ermatchedbylivingmight.
ButwhatoweItohiscommandsabove,
Whohatesme,andhathhitherthrustmedown
IntothisgloomofTartarusprofound,
Tositinhatefulofficehereconfined,
InhabitantofHeavenandheavenlyborn,
Hereinperpetualagonyandpain,
Withterrorsandwithclamorscompassedround
Ofmineownbrood,thatonmybowelsfeed?
Thouartmyfather,thoumyauthor,thou
Mybeinggav'stme;whomshouldIobey
Butthee?whomfollow?Thouwiltbringmesoon
Tothatnewworldoflightandbliss,among
Thegodswholiveatease,whereIshallreign
Atthyrighthandvoluptuous,asbeseems
Thydaughterandthydarling,withoutend.
Thussaying,fromhersidethefatalkey,
Sadinstrumentofallourwoe,shetook;
And,towardsthegaterollingherbestialtrain,

874.
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913.
914.
915.

Forthwiththehugeportcullishighupdrew,
Which,butherself,notallthestygianpowers
Couldoncehavemoved;theninthekeyholeturns
Theintricatewards,andeveryboltandbar
Ofmassyironorsolidrockwithease
Unfastens.Onasuddenopenfly,
Withimpetuousrecoilandjarringsound,
Theinfernaldoors,andontheirhingesgrate
Harshthunder,thatthelowestbottomshook
OfErebus.Sheopened;buttoshut
Excelledherpower:thegateswideopenstood,
Thatwithextendedwingsabanneredhost,
Underspreadensignsmarching,mightpassthrough
Withhorseandchariotsrankedinloosearray;
Sowidetheystood,andlikeafurnacemouth
Castforthredoundingsmokeandruddyflame.
Beforetheireyesinsuddenviewappear
Thesecretsofthehoarydeep,adark
Illimitableocean,withoutbound,
Withoutdimension;wherelength,breadth,andheight,
Andtime,andplace,arelost;whereeldestnight
Andchaos,ancestorsofnature,hold
Eternalanarchy,amidstthenoise
Ofendlesswars,andbyconfusionstand.
Forhot,cold,moist,anddry,fourchampionsfierce,
Strivehereformastery,andtobattlebring
Theirembryonatoms:theyaroundtheflag
Ofeachhisfaction,intheirseveralclans,
Lightarmedorheavy,sharp,smooth,swift,orslow,
Swarmpopulous,unnumberedasthesands
OfBarcaorCyrene'storridsoil,
Leviedtosidewithwarringwinds,andpoise
Theirlighterwings.Towhomthesemostadhere
Herulesamoment:Chaosumpiresits,
Andbydecisionmoreembroilsthefray
Bywhichhereigns:nexthim,higharbiter,
Chancegovernsall.Intothiswildabyss,
Thewombofnature,andperhapshergrave,
Ofneithersea,norshore,norair,norfire,
Butalltheseintheirpregnantcausesmixed
Confusedly,andwhichthusmusteverfight,
UnlesstheAlmightyMakerthemordain

916.
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Hisdarkmaterialstocreatemoreworlds,
IntothiswildAbyssthewaryFiend
StoodonthebrinkofHellandlookedawhile,
Ponderinghisvoyage;fornonarrowfrith
Hehadtocross.Norwashisearlesspealed
Withnoisesloudandruinous(tocompare
Greatthingswithsmall)thanwhenBellonastorms
Withallherbatteringengines,benttorase
Somecapitalcity;orlessthanifthisframe
OfHeavenwerefalling,andtheseelements
Inmutinyhadfromheraxletorn
ThesteadfastEarth.Atlasthissailbroadvans
Hespreadforflight,and,inthesurgingsmoke
Uplifted,spurnstheground;thencemanyaleague,
Asinacloudychair,ascendingrides
Audacious;but,thatseatsoonfailing,meets
Avastvacuity.Allunawares,
Flutteringhispennonsvain,plumbdownhedrops
Tenthousandfathomdeep,andtothishour
Downhadbeenfalling,hadnot,byillchance,
Thestrongrebuffofsometumultuouscloud,
Instinctwithfireandnitre,hurriedhim
Asmanymilesaloft.Thatfurystayed,
QuenchedinaboggySyrtis,neithersea,
Norgooddryland,nighfoundered,onhefares,
Treadingthecrudeconsistence,halfonfoot,
Halfflying;behooveshimnowbothoarandsail.
Aswhenagryphonthroughthewilderness
Withwingedcourse,o'erhillormoorydale,
PursuestheArimaspian,whobystealth
Hadfromhiswakefulcustodypurloined
Theguardedgold;soeagerlythefiend
O'erbogorsteep,throughstrait,rough,dense,orrare,
Withhead,hands,wings,orfeet,pursueshisway,
Andswims,orsinks,orwades,orcreeps,orflies.
Atlengthauniversalhubbubwild
Ofstunningsounds,andvoicesallconfused,
Bornethroughthehollowdark,assaultshisear
Withloudestvehemence.Thitherheplies
Undaunted,tomeettherewhateverpower
OrspiritofthenethermostAbyss
Mightinthatnoisereside,ofwhomtoask

958.
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999.

Whichwaythenearestcoastofdarknesslies
Borderingonlight;whenstraightbeholdthethrone
OfChaos,andhisdarkpavilionspread
Wideonthewastefuldeep!Withhimenthroned
SatsablevestedNight,eldestofthings,
Theconsortofhisreign;andbythemstood
OrcusandAdes,andthedreadedname
OfDemogorgon;Rumournext,andChance,
AndTumult,andConfusion,allembroiled,
AndDiscordwithathousandvariousmouths.
TowhomSatan,turningboldly,thus:,Yepowers
AndspirtisofthisnethermostAbyss,
ChaosandancientNight,Icomenospy
Withpurposetoexploreortodisturb
Thesecretsofyourrealm;but,byconstraint
Wanderingthisdarksomedesert,asmyway
Liesthroughyourspaciousempireuptolight,
Aloneandwithoutguide,halflost,Iseek,
Whatreadiestpathleadswhereyourgloomybounds
ConfinewithHeaven;or,ifsomeotherplace,
Fromyourdominionwon,theEtherealKing
Possesseslately,thithertoarrive
Itravelthisprofound.Directmycourse:
Directed,nomeanrecompenseitbrings
Toyourbehoove,ifIthatregionlost,
Allusurpationthenceexpelled,reduce
Toheroriginaldarknessandyoursway
(Whichismypresentjourney),andoncemore
Erectthestandardthereofancientnight.
Yoursbetheadvantageall,minetherevenge!
ThusSatan;andhimthustheanarchold,
Withfalteringspeechandvisageincomposed,
Answered:Iknowthee,stranger,whothouart,
Thatmightyleadingangel,whooflate
MadeheadagainstHeaven'sKing,thoughoverthrown.
Isawandheard;forsuchanumeroushost
Flednotinsilencethroughthefrighteddeep,
Withruinuponruin,routonrout,
Confusionworseconfounded;andHeavengates
Pouredoutbymillionshervictoriousbands,
Pursuing.Iuponmyfrontiershere
Keepresidence;ifallIcanwillserve

1000.
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1038.
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1041.

Thatlittlewhichisleftsotodefend,
Encroachedonstillthroughourintestinebroils
WeakeningthescepterofoldNight:first,Hell,
Yourdungeon,stretchingfarandwidebeneath;
NowlatelyHeavenandEarth,anotherworld
Hungo'ermyrealm,linkedinagoldenchain
TothatsideHeavenfromwhenceyourlegionsfell!
Ifthatwaybeyourwalk,youhavenotfar;
Somuchthenearerdanger.Go,andspeed;
Havoc,andspoil,andruin,aremygain.
Heceased;andSatanstayednottoreply,
But,gladthatnowhisseashouldfindashore,
Withfreshalacrityandforcerenewed
Springsupward,likeapyramidoffire,
Intothewildexpanse,andthroughtheshock
Offightingelements,onallsidesround
Environed,winshisway;harderbeset
AndmoreendangeredthanwhenArgopassed
ThroughBosporusbetwixtthejostlingrocks,
OrwhenUlyssesonthelarboardshunned
Charybdis,andbytheotherwhirlpoolsteered.
Sohewithdifficultyandlaborhard
Movedon,withdifficultyandlaborhe;
But,heoncepassed,soonafter,whenmanfell,
Strangealteration!SinandDeathamain,
Followinghistrack(suchwasthewillofHeaven)
Pavedafterhimabroadandbeatenway
Overthedarkabyss,whoseboilinggulf
Tamelyenduredabridgeofwondrouslength,
FromHellcontinued,reachingtheutmostorb
Ofthisfrailworld;bywhichthespiritsperverse
Witheasyintercoursepasstoandfro
Totemptorpunishmortals,exceptwhom
Godandgoodangelsguardbyspecialgrace.
Butnowatlastthesacredinfluence
Oflightappears,andfromthewallsofHeaven
Shootsfarintothebosomofdimnight
Aglimmeringdawn.Herenaturefirstbegins
Herfarthestverge,andchaostoretire,
Asfromheroutmostworks,abrokenfoe,
Withtumultlessandwithlesshostiledin;
ThatSatanwithlesstoil,andnowwithease,

1042.
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1055.

Waftsonthecalmerwavebydubiouslight,
And,likeaweatherbeatenvessel,holds
Gladlytheport,thoughshroudsandtackletorn;
Orintheemptierwaste,resemblingair,
Weighshisspreadwings,atleisuretobehold
FarofftheempyrealHeaven,extendedwide
Incircuit,undeterminedsquareorround,
Withopaltowersandbattlementsadorned
Oflivingsapphire,oncehisnativeseat;
And,fastby,hanginginagoldenchain,
Thispendentworld,inbignessasastar
Ofsmallestmagnitudeclosebythemoon.
Thither,fullfraughtwithmischievousrevenge,
Accursed,andinacursedhour,hehies.