{ "id": "john-milton/book-ii", "title": "Book II", "ordinal": null, "subtitle": null, "poet": "John Milton", "poet_slug": "john-milton", "language": "en", "book": "Paradise Lost", "book_slug": "paradise-lost", "book_kind": "volume", "sequence": 2, "container": "Book II", "epigraph": null, "first_published": { "year": 1674, "venue": "Paradise Lost (1674)", "note": "First located printing is this volume; an earlier periodical printing has not been established.", "uncertain": false, "sources": [ "https://github.com/standardebooks/john-milton_paradise-lost" ] }, "source": { "kind": "standard-ebooks", "repo": "standardebooks/john-milton_paradise-lost", "file": "book-2.xhtml", "upstream": [ "https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000634929" ], "rights": "public domain (SE dedication; underlying text pre-1931)" }, "verification": { "level": "structural-only", "last_checked": "2026-08-20" }, "stats": { "n_lines": 1055, "n_stanzas": 32, "n_parts": 0, "longest_line_chars": 59, "max_indent": 0 }, "site_ready": true, "parts": [], "stanzas": [ [ { "text": "High on a throne of royal state, which far", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or where the gorgeous East with richest hand", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Satan exalted sat, by merit raised", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To that bad eminence; and from despair", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Vain war with Heaven; and, by success untaught,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His proud imaginations thus displayed:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heaven!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For since no deep within her gulf can hold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Immortal vigour, though oppressed and fallen,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I give not Heaven for lost: from this descent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Celestial virtues rising will appear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "More glorious and more dread than from no fall,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And trust themselves to fear no second fate.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Me though just right, and the fixed laws of Heaven,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did first create your leader, next, free choice,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With what besides, in counsel or in fight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hath been achieved of merit, yet this loss", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thus far at least recovered, hath much more", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Established in a safe unenvied throne,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yielded with full consent. The happier state", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In Heaven, which follows dignity, might draw", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Envy from each inferior; but who here", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Will envy whom the highest place exposes", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Foremost to stand against the Thunderer’s aim", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of endless pain? Where there is then no good", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For which to strive, no strife can grow up there", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From faction; for none sure will claim in Hell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Precedence, none whose portion is so small", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of present pain, that with ambitious mind", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Will covet more. With this advantage then", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To union, and firm faith, and firm accord,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "More than can be in Heaven, we now return", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To claim our just inheritance of old,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Surer to prosper then prosperity", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Could have assured us; and by what best way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whether of open war or covert guile,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "We now debate; who can advise, may speak.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He ceased, and next him Moloch, sceptred king,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest Spirit", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That fought in Heaven, now fiercer by despair.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His trust was with the Eternal to be deemed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Equal in strength, and rather then be less", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Cared not to be at all; with that care lost", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Went all his fear: of God, or Hell, or worse,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He recked not, and these words thereafter spake:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“My sentence is for open war: of wiles,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "More unexpert, I boast not: them let those", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Contrive who need, or when they need, not now.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For while they sit contriving, shall the rest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The signal to ascend, sit lingering here", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heaven’s fugitives, and for their dwelling-place", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The prison of his tyranny who reigns", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By our delay? No! let us rather choose,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Armed with Hell-flames and fury, all at once", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "O’er Heaven’s high towers to force resistless way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Turning our tortures into horrid arms", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Against the Torturer; when to meet the noise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of his almighty engine he shall hear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Infernal thunder, and for lightning see", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Black fire and horror shot with equal rage", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Among his Angels; and his throne itself", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Mixed with Tartarean sulphur and strange fire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His own invented torments. But perhaps", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The way seems difficult and steep to scale", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With upright wing against a higher foe.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of that forgetful lake benumb not still,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That in our proper motion we ascend", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Up to our native seat; descent and fall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To us is adverse. Who but felt of late,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Insulting, and pursued us through the deep,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With what compulsion and laborious flight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "We sunk thus low? The ascent is easy then;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The event is feared; should we again provoke", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our stronger, some worse way his wrath may find", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To our destruction⁠—if there be in Hell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fear to be worse destroyed! What can be worse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than to dwell here, driven out from bliss, condemned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In this abhorred deep to utter woe;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where pain of unextinguishable fire", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Must exercise us without hope of end,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The vassals of his anger, when the scourge", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Inexorably, and the torturing hour,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Calls us to penance? More destroyed than thus,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "We should be quite abolished, and expire.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What fear we then? what doubt we to incense", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His utmost ire? which, to the highth enraged,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Will either quite consume us, and reduce", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To nothing this essential⁠—happier far", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than miserable to have eternal being!⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or if our substance be indeed divine,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And cannot cease to be, we are at worst", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "On this side nothing; and by proof we feel", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our power sufficient to disturb his Heaven,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And with perpetual inroads to alarm,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though inaccessible, his fatal throne:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which, if not victory, is yet revenge.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He ended frowning, and his look denounced", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To less than gods. On the other side up rose", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Belial, in act more graceful and humane;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A fairer person lost not Heaven; he seemed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For dignity composed, and high exploit.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But all was false and hollow; though his tongue", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Dropt manna, and could make the worse appear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The better reason, to perplex and dash", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Maturest counsels: for his thoughts were low;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Timorous and slothful: yet he pleased the ear,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And with persuasive accent thus began:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“I should be much for open war, O Peers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As not behind in hate, if what was urged", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Main reason to persuade immediate war", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Did not dissuade me most, and seem to cast", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ominous conjecture on the whole success;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "When he who most excels in fact of arms,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In what he counsels and in what excels", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And utter dissolution, as the scope", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of all his aim, after some dire revenge.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "First, what revenge? the towers of Heaven are filled", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With armed watch, that render all access", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Impregnable; oft on the bordering deep", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Encamp their legions, or with obscure wing", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Scout far and wide into the realm of Night,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With blackest insurrection, to confound", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heaven’s purest light, yet our great enemy", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All incorruptible would on his throne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sit unpolluted, and the ethereal mould", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Incapable of stain would soon expel", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is flat despair: we must exasperate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The almighty victor to spend all his rage,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And that must end us, that must be our cure⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To be no more. Sad cure! for who would lose,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though full of pain, this intellectual being,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Those thoughts that wander through eternity,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To perish rather, swallowed up and lost", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In the wide womb of uncreated Night,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Devoid of sense and motion? And who knows,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Let this be good, whether our angry foe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Can give it, or will ever? How he can", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Is doubtful; that he never will is sure.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Will he, so wise, let loose at once his ire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Belike through impotence, or unaware,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To give his enemies their wish, and end", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Them in his anger, whom his anger saves", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To punish endless? ‘Wherefore cease we then?’", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Say they who counsel war; ‘we are decreed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Reserved and destined to eternal woe;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whatever doing, what can we suffer more,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What can we suffer worse?’ Is this then worst,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thus sitting, thus consulting, thus in arms?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What when we fled amain, pursued and strook", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With Heaven’s afflicting thunder, and besought", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The deep to shelter us? this Hell then seemed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A refuge from those wounds. Or when we lay", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Chained on the burning lake? that sure was worse.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What if the breath that kindled those grim fires", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Awaked, should blow them into sevenfold rage,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And plunge us in the flames? or from above", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Should intermitted vengeance arm again", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His red right hand to plague us? What if all", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her stores were opened, and this firmament", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Hell should spout her cataracts of fire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "One day upon our heads; while we perhaps,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Designing or exhorting glorious war,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Caught in a fiery tempest shall be hurled,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Each on his rock transfixed, the sport and prey", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of racking whirlwinds, or for ever sunk", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Under yon boiling ocean, wrapt in chains;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "There to converse with everlasting groans,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ages of hopeless end! This would be worse.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "War therefore, open or concealed, alike", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "My voice dissuades; for what can force or guile", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With him, or who deceive his mind, whose eye", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Views all things at one view? He from Heaven’s highth", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All these our motions vain sees and derides,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not more almighty to resist our might", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heaven", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thus trampled, thus expelled to suffer here", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Chains and these torments? Better these than worse,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By my advice; since fate inevitable", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Subdues us, and omnipotent decree,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The victor’s will. To suffer, as to do,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our strength is equal, nor the law unjust", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That so ordains: this was at first resolved,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If we were wise, against so great a foe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Contending, and so doubtful what might fall.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I laugh, when those who at the spear are bold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And vent’rous, if that fail them, shrink, and fear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What yet they know must follow⁠—to endure", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Exile, or ignominy, or bonds, or pain,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sentence of their conqueror. This is now", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our doom; which if we can sustain and bear,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our supreme foe in time may much remit", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His anger, and perhaps thus far removed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not mind us not offending, satisfied", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With what is punished; whence these raging fires", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our purer essence then will overcome", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their noxious vapour, or inured not feel,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or changed at length, and to the place conformed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In temper and in nature, will receive", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "This horror will grow mild, this darkness light;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Besides what hope the never-ending flight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of future days may bring, what chance, what change", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Worth waiting, since our present lot appears", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For happy though but ill, for ill not worst,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If we procure not to ourselves more woe.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus Belial with words clothed in reason’s garb", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Counseled ignoble ease, and peaceful sloth,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Not peace; and after him thus Mammon spake:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Either to disinthrone the King of Heaven", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "We war, if war be best, or to regain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our own right lost: him to unthrone we then", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The former, vain to hope, argues as vain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The latter; for what place can be for us", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Within Heaven’s bound, unless Heaven’s Lord supreme", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "We overpower? Suppose he should relent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And publish grace to all, on promise made", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of new subjection; with what eyes could we", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Stand in his presence humble, and receive", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Strict laws imposed, to celebrate his throne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With warbled hymns, and to his Godhead sing", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forced Hallelujahs; while he lordly sits", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our envied sovereign, and his altar breathes", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ambrosial odours and ambrosial flowers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our servile offerings? This must be our task", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In Heaven, this our delight; how wearisome", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Eternity so spent in worship paid", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To whom we hate! Let us not then pursue,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By force impossible, by leave obtained,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unacceptable, though in Heaven, our state", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of splendid vassalage; but rather seek", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our own good from ourselves, and from our own", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Live to ourselves, though in this vast recess,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Free, and to none accountable, preferring", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hard liberty before the easy yoke", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of servile pomp. Our greatness will appear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then most conspicuous, when great things of small,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "We can create, and in what place soe’er", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through labour and endurance. This deep world", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of darkness do we dread? How oft amidst", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thick clouds and dark doth Heaven’s all-ruling Sire", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Choose to reside, his glory unobscured,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And with the majesty of darkness round", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Covers his throne, from whence deep thunders roar,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Mustering their rage, and Heaven resembles Hell!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As he our darkness, cannot we his light", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Imitate when we please? This desert soil", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wants not her hidden lustre, gems and gold;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Magnificence; and what can Heaven show more?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our torments also may in length of time", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Become our elements, these piercing fires", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As soft as now severe, our temper changed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into their temper; which must needs remove", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sensible of pain. All things invite", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To peaceful counsels, and the settled state", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of order, how in safety best we may", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Compose our present evils, with regard", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of what we are and where, dismissing quite", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All thoughts of war: ye have what I advise.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He scarce had finished, when such murmur filled", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The assembly, as when hollow rocks retain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The sound of blustering winds, which all night long", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had roused the sea, now with hoarse cadence lull", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sea-faring men o’erwatched, whose bark by chance,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or pinnace anchors in a craggy bay", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "After the tempest: such applause was heard", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Advising peace: for such another field", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They dreaded worse then Hell: so much the fear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of thunder and the sword of Michael", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wrought still within them; and no less desire", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To found this nether empire, which might rise,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By policy, and long process of time,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In emulation opposite to Heaven.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which when Beelzebub perceived, than whom,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Satan except, none higher sat, with grave", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A pillar of state; deep on his front engraven", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Deliberation sat and public care;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And princely counsel in his face yet shone,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Majestic though in ruin. Sage he stood,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With Atlantean shoulders fit to bear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The weight of mightiest monarchies; his look", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Drew audience and attention still as night", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or summer’s noontide air, while thus he spake:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Thrones and imperial Powers, Offspring of Heaven,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ethereal Virtues! or these titles now", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Must we renounce, and changing style, be called", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Princes of Hell? for so the popular vote", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Inclines, here to continue, and build up here", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A growing empire⁠—doubtless! while we dream,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And know not that the King of Heaven hath doomed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Beyond his potent arm, to live exempt", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From Heaven’s high jurisdiction, in new league", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Banded against his throne, but to remain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In strictest bondage, though thus far removed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Under the inevitable curb, reserved", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His captive multitude. For he, be sure,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In highth or depth, still first and last will reign", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sole king, and of his kingdom lose no part", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By our revolt, but over Hell extend", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His empire, and with iron sceptre rule", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Us here, as with his golden those in Heaven.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What sit we then projecting peace and war?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "War hath determined us, and foiled with loss", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Irreparable; terms of peace yet none", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Vouchsafed or sought; for what peace will be given", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To us enslaved, but custody severe,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And stripes, and arbitrary punishment", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Inflicted? and what peace can we return,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But, to our power, hostility and hate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Untamed reluctance, and revenge, though slow,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet ever plotting how the conqueror least", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "May reap his conquest, and may least rejoice", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In doing what we most in suffering feel?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With dangerous expedition to invade", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or ambush from the deep. What if we find", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some easier enterprise? There is a place", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(If ancient and prophetic fame in Heaven", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Err not) another world, the happy seat", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of some new race called Man, about this time", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To be created like to us, though less", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In power and excellence, but favoured more", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of him who rules above; so was his will", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pronounced among the gods, and by an oath,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That shook Heaven’s whole circumference, confirmed.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What creatures there inhabit, of what mould,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or substance, how endued, and what their power,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And where their weakness, how attempted best,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By force or subtlety. Though Heaven be shut,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Heaven’s high Arbitrator sit secure", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In his own strength, this place may lie exposed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The utmost border of his kingdom, left", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To their defence who hold it; here perhaps,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some advantagious act may be achieved", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By sudden onset: either with Hell-fire", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To waste his whole creation, or possess", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All as our own, and drive, as we were driven,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The puny habitants; or if not drive,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Seduce them to our party, that their God", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "May prove their foe, and with repenting hand", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Abolish his own works. This would surpass", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Common revenge, and interrupt his joy", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In our confusion, and our joy upraise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In his disturbance; when his darling sons,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hurled headlong to partake with us, shall curse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their frail original, and faded bliss,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Faded so soon! Advise if this be worth", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Attempting, or to sit in darkness here", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hatching vain empires.” Thus Beelzebub", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pleaded his devilish counsel, first devised", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By Satan, and in part proposed; for whence,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But from the author of all ill, could spring", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So deep a malice, to confound the race", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Mankind in one root, and Earth with Hell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To mingle and involve, done all to spite", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The great Creator? But their spite still serves", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His glory to augment. The bold design", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pleased highly those infernal States, and joy", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sparkled in all their eyes; with full assent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They vote: whereat his speech he thus renews:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Well have ye judged, well ended long debate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Synod of gods, and, like to what ye are,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Great things resolved; which from the lowest deep", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nearer our ancient seat; perhaps in view", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of those bright confines, whence with neighbouring arms", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And opportune excursion, we may chance", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Reenter Heaven; or else in some mild zone", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Dwell not unvisited of Heaven’s fair light,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Secure, and at the brightening orient beam", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Purge off this gloom; the soft delicious air,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To heal the scar of these corrosive fires,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Shall breathe her balm. But first, whom shall we send", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In search of this new world? whom shall we find", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sufficient? who shall tempt with wandering feet", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The dark, unbottomed, infinite Abyss,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And through the palpable obscure find out", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His uncouth way, or spread his aery flight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upborne with indefatigable wings", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The happy isle? What strength, what art, can then", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through the strict senteries and stations thick", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Angels watching round? Here he had need", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All circumspection, and we now no less", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Choice in our suffrage; for on whom we send", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The weight of all, and our last hope, relies.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "This said, he sat; and expectation held", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His look suspense, awaiting who appeared", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To second, or oppose, or undertake", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The perilous attempt; but all sat mute,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pondering the danger with deep thoughts; and each", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In other’s countenance read his own dismay,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Astonished. None among the choice and prime", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of those Heaven-warring champions could be found", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So hardy as to proffer or accept,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Alone, the dreadful voyage; till at last", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Above his fellows, with monarchal pride", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“O Progeny of Heaven, empyreal Thrones!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With reason hath deep silence and demur", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Seized us, though undismayed. Long is the way", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Our prison strong, this huge convex of fire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Outrageous to devour, immures us round", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Barred over us, prohibit all egress.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "These passed, if any pass, the void profound", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of unessential Night receives him next,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wide-gaping, and with utter loss of being", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Threatens him, plunged in that abortive gulf.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If thence he scape into whatever world,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or unknown region, what remains him less", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than unknown dangers and as hard escape?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But I should ill become this Throne, O Peers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And this imperial sovereignty, adorned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With splendour, armed with power, if aught proposed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And judged of public moment, in the shape", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of difficulty, or danger, could deter", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "These royalties, and not refuse to reign,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Refusing to accept as great a share", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of hazard as of honour, due alike", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To him who reigns, and so much to him due", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of hazard more, as he above the rest", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "High honoured sits? Go therefore, mighty Powers,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Terror of Heaven, though fallen; intend at home,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "While here shall be our home, what best may ease", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The present misery, and render Hell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "More tolerable; if there be cure or charm", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of this ill mansion; intermit no watch", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Against a wakeful foe, while I abroad", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Deliverance for us all: this enterprise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "None shall partake with me.” Thus saying, rose", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The Monarch, and prevented all reply;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Prudent, lest, from his resolution raised,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Others among the chief might offer now", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Certain to be refused) what erst they feared,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And, so refused, might in opinion stand", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His rivals, winning cheap the high repute", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which he through hazard huge must earn. But they", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Dreaded not more the adventure than his voice", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forbidding; and at once with him they rose;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their rising all at once was as the sound", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With awful reverence prone; and as a god", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Extol him equal to the Highest in Heaven.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor failed they to express how much they praised", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That for the general safety he despised", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His own; for neither do the Spirits damned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lose all their virtue; lest bad men should boast", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their specious deeds on Earth, which glory excites,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or close ambition varnished o’er with zeal.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus they their doubtful consultations dark", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ended, rejoicing in their matchless Chief:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As when from mountaintops the dusky clouds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ascending, while the North-wind sleeps, o’erspread", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heaven’s cheerful face, the louring element", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Scowls o’er the darkened landskip snow or shower;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If chance the radiant sun with farewell sweet", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Extend his evening beam, the fields revive,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "O shame to men! Devil with devil damned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Firm concord holds, men only disagree", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of creatures rational, though under hope", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of heavenly grace; and, God proclaiming peace,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Among themselves, and levy cruel wars,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wasting the Earth, each other to destroy:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As if (which might induce us to accord)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Man had not hellish foes enow besides,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That day and night for his destruction wait!", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "The Stygian council thus dissolved; and forth", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In order came the grand infernal Peers;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Midst came their mighty Paramount, and seemed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Alone the antagonist of Heaven, nor less", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than Hell’s dread Emperor, with pomp supreme,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And god-like imitated state; him round", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A globe of fiery Seraphim enclosed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With bright emblazonry, and horrent arms.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then of their session ended they bid cry", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With trumpet’s regal sound the great result:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Toward the four winds four speedy Cherubim", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Put to their mouths the sounding alchymy,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By harald’s voice explained; the hollow Abyss", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heard far and wide, and all the host of Hell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With deafening shout returned them loud acclaim.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thence more at ease their minds and somewhat raised", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By false presumptuous hope, the rangèd powers", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Disband; and, wandering, each his several way", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pursues, as inclination or sad choice", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Leads him perplexed, where he may likeliest find", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The irksome hours, till his great Chief return.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Part on the plain, or in the air sublime,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Upon the wing or in swift race contend,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As at the Olympian games or Pythian fields;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With rapid wheels, or fronted brigads form:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As when, to warn proud cities, war appears", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Waged in the troubled sky, and armies rush", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To battle in the clouds; before each van", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Prick forth the aery knights, and couch their spears,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Till thickest legions close; with feats of arms", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From either end of Heaven the welkin burns.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Others, with vast Typhoean rage more fell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In whirlwind; Hell scarce holds the wild uproar:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As when Alcides, from Oechalia crowned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With conquest, felt the envenomed robe, and tore", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through pain up by the roots Thessalian pines,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Lichas from the top of Oeta threw", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into the Euboic sea. Others more mild,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Retreated in a silent valley, sing", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With notes angelical to many a harp", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their own heroic deeds and hapless fall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By doom of battle; and complain that Fate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Free Virtue should enthrall to Force or Chance.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their song was partial, but the harmony", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(What could it less when Spirits immortal sing?)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(For eloquence the soul, song charms the sense)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Others apart sat on a hill retired,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In thoughts more elevate, and reasoned high", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And found no end, in wandering mazes lost.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of good and evil much they argued then,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of happiness and final misery,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Passion and apathy, and glory and shame,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet with a pleasing sorcery could charm", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pain for a while or anguish, and excite", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fallacious hope, or arm the obdured breast", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With stubborn patience as with triple steel.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Another part, in squadrons and gross bands,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "On bold adventure to discover wide", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That dismal world, if any clime perhaps", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Might yield them easier habitation, bend", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Four ways their flying march, along the banks", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of four infernal rivers that disgorge", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into the burning lake their baleful streams:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Abhorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sad Acheron of sorrow, black and deep;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Cocytus, named of lamentation loud", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Heard on the rueful stream; fierce Phlegethon,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Far off from these a slow and silent stream,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forthwith his former state and being forgets,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Beyond this flood a frozen continent", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm land", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of ancient pile; all else deep snow and ice,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A gulf profound as that Serbonian bog", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Betwixt Damiata and Mount Casius old,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where armies whole have sunk: the parching air", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Burns frore, and cold performs the effect of fire.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thither, by harpy-footed Furies haled,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At certain revolutions all the damned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Are brought; and feel by turns the bitter change", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From beds of raging fire to starve in ice", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Immovable, infixed, and frozen round", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Periods of time; thence hurried back to fire.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They ferry over this Lethean sound", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The tempting stream, with one small drop to lose", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All in one moment, and so near the brink;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But Fate withstands, and, to oppose the attempt,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The ford, and of itself the water flies", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All taste of living wight, as once it fled", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In confused march forlorn, the adventurous bands,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With shuddering horror pale, and eyes aghast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Viewed first their lamentable lot, and found", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "No rest. Through many a dark and dreary vale", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "They passed, and many a region dolorous,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "O’er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens, and shades of death,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A universe of death, which God by curse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Created evil, for evil only good,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where all life dies, death lives, and Nature breeds,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Abominable, inutterable, and worse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than fables yet have feigned, or fear conceived,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Gorgons and Hydras, and Chimeras dire.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Meanwhile the Adversary of God and Man,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Satan, with thoughts inflamed of highest design,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Puts on swift wings, and toward the gates of Hell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Explores his solitary flight; sometimes", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He scours the right hand coast, sometimes the left;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Now shaves with level wing the deep, then soars", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Up to the fiery concave towering high.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As when far off at sea a fleet descried", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hangs in the clouds, by equinoctial winds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Close sailing from Bengala, or the isles", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Ternate and Tidore, whence merchants bring", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their spicy drugs; they on the trading flood,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ply stemming nightly toward the pole: so seemed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Far off the flying Fiend. At last appear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hell-bounds, high reaching to the horrid roof,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And thrice threefold the gates; three folds were brass,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Three iron, three of adamantine rock,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yet unconsumed. Before the gates there sat", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "On either side a formidable Shape.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The one seemed woman to the waist, and fair,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But ended foul in many a scaly fold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Voluminous and vast, a serpent armed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With mortal sting. About her middle round", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A cry of Hell-hounds never-ceasing barked", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With wide Cerberean mouths full loud, and rung", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A hideous peal; yet, when they list, would creep,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If aught disturbed their noise, into her womb,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And kennel there, yet there still barked and howled", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Within unseen. Far less abhorred than these", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Vexed Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor uglier follow the night-hag, when, called", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In secret, riding through the air she comes,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lured with the smell of infant blood, to dance", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With Lapland witches, while the labouring moon", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Eclipses at their charms. The other Shape⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If shape it might be called that shape had none", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or substance might be called that shadow seemed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For each seemed either⁠—black it stood as Night,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And shook a dreadful dart; what seemed his head", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The likeness of a kingly crown had on.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Satan was now at hand, and from his seat", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The monster moving onward came as fast,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With horrid strides; Hell trembled as he strode.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The undaunted Fiend what this might be admired,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Admired, not feared⁠—God and his Son except,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Created thing naught valued he nor shunned⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And with disdainful look thus first began:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Whence and what art thou, execrable Shape,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That dar’st, though grim and terrible, advance", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thy miscreated front athwart my way⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To yonder gates? Through them I mean to pass,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That be assured, without leave asked of thee.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hell-born, not to contend with Spirits of Heaven.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To whom the Goblin full of wrath replied:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Art thou that Traitor-Angel, art thou he,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who first broke peace in Heaven and faith, till then", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unbroken, and in proud rebellious arms", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Drew after him the third part of Heaven’s sons,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Conjured against the Highest, for which both thou", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And they, outcast from God, are here condemned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To waste eternal days in woe and pain?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And reckon’st thou thyself with Spirits of Heaven,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hell-doomed, and breath’st defiance here and scorn,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Where I reign king, and, to enrage thee more,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thy king and lord? Back to thy punishment,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "False fugitive, and to thy speed add wings,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thy lingering, or with one stroke of this dart", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Strange horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt before.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "So spake the grisly Terror, and in shape,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So speaking and so threatening, grew tenfold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "More dreadful and deform. On the other side,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Incensed with indignation, Satan stood", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unterrified, and like a comet burned,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In the arctic sky, and from his horrid hair", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Levelled his deadly aim; their fatal hands", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "No second stroke intend; and such a frown", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Each cast at the other, as when two black clouds,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With Heaven’s artillery fraught, come rattling on", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Over the Caspian, then stand front to front", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hovering a space, till winds the signal blow", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To join their dark encounter in mid-air:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So frowned the mighty combatants, that Hell", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Grew darker at their frown; so matched they stood;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For never but once more was either like", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To meet so great a foe. And now great deeds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had not the snaky Sorceress, that sat", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fast by Hell-gate, and kept the fatal key,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Risen, and with hideous outcry rushed between.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“O father, what intends thy hand,” she cried,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Against thy only son? What fury, O son,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Against thy father’s head? and know’st for whom;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For him who sits above, and laughs the while", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At thee ordained his drudge, to execute", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whate’er his wrath, which he calls justice, bids⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His wrath, which one day will destroy ye both!”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She spake, and at her words the hellish Pest", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forbore; then these to her Satan returned:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thou interposest! that my sudden hand,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Prevented, spares to tell thee yet by deeds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What it intends, till first I know of thee", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What thing thou art, thus double-formed, and why,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In this infernal vale first met, thou call’st", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Me father, and that phantasm call’st my son.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I know thee not, nor ever saw till now", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sight more detestable than him and thee.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "T’ whom thus the Portress of Hell-gate replied:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "“Hast thou forgot me then, and do I seem", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Now in thine eye so foul? once deemed so fair", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In Heaven, when at the assembly, and in sight", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of all the Seraphim with thee combined", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In bold conspiracy against Heaven’s King,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All on a sudden miserable pain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Surprised thee; dim thine eyes, and dizzy swum", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Threw forth, till on the left side opening wide,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Likest to thee in shape and countenance bright,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then shining Heavenly-fair, a goddess armed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Out of thy head I sprung. Amazement seized", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All the host of Heaven; back they recoiled afraid", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At first, and called me Sin, and for a sign", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Portentous held me; but, familiar grown,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I pleased, and with attractive graces won", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The most averse, thee chiefly, who full oft", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Becam’st enamoured; and such joy thou took’st", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With me in secret, that my womb conceived", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And fields were fought in Heaven; wherein remained", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(For what could else?) to our almighty foe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Clear victory, to our part loss and rout", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through all the Empyrean. Down they fell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Driven headlong from the pitch of Heaven, down", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into this deep, and in the general fall", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I also; at which time this powerful key", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into my hands was given, with charge to keep", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "These gates for ever shut, which none can pass", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Without my opening. Pensive here I sat", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Alone; but long I sat not, till my womb,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Prodigious motion felt and rueful throes.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At last this odious offspring whom thou seest,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thine own begotten, breaking violent way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Tore through my entrails, that, with fear and pain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Transformed; but he, my inbred enemy,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forth issued, brandishing his fatal dart,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Made to destroy. I fled, and cried out Death!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sighed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From all her caves, and back resounded Death!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I fled; but he pursued (though more, it seems,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Inflamed with lust than rage) and, swifter far,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And, in embraces forcible and foul", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Engendering with me, of that rape begot", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Surround me, as thou saw’st, hourly conceived", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And hourly born, with sorrow infinite", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To me; for, when they list, into the womb", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That bred them they return, and howl, and gnaw", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "My bowels, their repast; then, bursting forth", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Afresh, with conscious terrors vex me round,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That rest or intermission none I find.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Before mine eyes in opposition sits", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Grim Death, my son and foe, who sets them on,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And me, his parent, would full soon devour", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For want of other prey, but that he knows", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His end with mine involved, and knows that I", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Should prove a bitter morsel, and his bane,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Whenever that shall be; so Fate pronounced.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But thou, O father, I forewarn thee, shun", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His deadly arrow; neither vainly hope", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To be invulnerable in those bright arms,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Though tempered heavenly; for that mortal dint,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Save he who reigns above, none can resist.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "She finished; and the subtle Fiend his lore", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Soon learned, now milder, and thus answered smooth:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“Dear daughter⁠—since thou claim’st me for thy sire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And my fair son here show’st me, the dear pledge", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of dalliance had with thee in Heaven, and joys", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Befallen us unforeseen, unthought of⁠—know,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I come no enemy, but to set free", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From out this dark and dismal house of pain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Both him and thee, and all the Heavenly host", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Spirits that, in our just pretences armed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fell with us from on high. From them I go", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "This uncouth errand sole, and one for all", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The unfounded deep, and through the void immense", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To search with wandering quest a place foretold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere now", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Created vast and round, a place of bliss", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In the purlieus of Heaven, and therein placed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A race of upstart creatures, to supply", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Perhaps our vacant room, though more removed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lest Heaven, surcharged with potent multitude,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Might hap to move new broils. Be this, or aught", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Than this more secret, now designed, I haste", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To know; and, this once known, shall soon return,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And bring ye to the place where thou and Death", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wing silently the buxom air, embalmed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With odours: there ye shall be fed and filled", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Immeasurably; all things shall be your prey.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He ceased, for both seemed highly pleased, and Death", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, to hear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His famine should be filled, and blest his maw", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Destined to that good hour. No less rejoiced", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His mother bad, and thus bespake her sire:", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "“The key of this infernal pit by due,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And by command of Heaven’s all-powerful King,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I keep, by him forbidden to unlock", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "These adamantine gates; against all force", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Death ready stands to interpose his dart,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fearless to be o’ermatched by living might.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But what owe I to his commands above,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into this gloom of Tartarus profound,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To sit in hateful office here confined,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Inhabitant of Heaven and Heavenly-born,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Here in perpetual agony and pain,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With terrors and with clamours compassed round", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed?", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thou art my father, thou my author, thou", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "My being gav’st me; whom should I obey", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But thee? whom follow? Thou wilt bring me soon", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To that new world of light and bliss, among", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thy daughter and thy darling, without end.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus saying, from her side the fatal key,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sad instrument of all our woe, she took;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And, towards the gate rolling her bestial train,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Forthwith the huge portcullis high up-drew,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which but herself not all the Stygian powers", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Could once have moved; then in the key-hole turns", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The intricate wards, and every bolt and bar", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of massy iron or solid rock with ease", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unfastens: on a sudden open fly,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With impetuous recoil and jarring sound,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The infernal doors, and on their hinges grate", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Erebus. She opened, but to shut", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Excelled her power; the gates wide open stood,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That with extended wings a bannered host,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Under spread ensigns marching, might pass through", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With horse and chariots ranked in loose array;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So wide they stood, and like a furnace-mouth", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Before their eyes in sudden view appear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The secrets of the hoary deep, a dark", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Illimitable ocean, without bound,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Without dimension; where length, breadth, and highth,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And time, and place, are lost; where eldest Night", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of endless wars, and by confusion stand.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "For Hot, Cold, Moist, and Dry, four champions fierce,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Strive here for mastery, and to battle bring", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their embryon atoms; they around the flag", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of each his faction, in their several clans,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Light-armed or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift, or slow,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Swarm populous, unnumbered as the sands", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Barca or Cyrene’s torrid soil,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Levied to side with warring winds, and poise", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Their lighter wings. To whom these most adhere", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He rules a moment; Chaos umpire sits,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And by decision more embroils the fray", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "By which he reigns; next him, high arbiter,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Chance governs all. Into this wild Abyss,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The womb of Nature, and perhaps her grave,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But all these in their pregnant causes mixed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Unless the Almighty Maker them ordain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "His dark materials to create more worlds⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into this wild Abyss the wary Fiend", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Stood on the brink of Hell and looked a while,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pondering his voyage; for no narrow frith", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He had to cross. Nor was his ear less pealed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With noises loud and ruinous (to compare", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Great things with small) than when Bellona storms,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With all her battering engines bent to rase", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Some capital city; or less than if this frame", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Heaven were falling, and these elements", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In mutiny had from her axle torn", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The steadfast Earth. At last his sail-broad vans", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "He spreads for flight, and in the surging smoke", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Uplifted spurns the ground; thence many a league,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Audacious; but, that seat soon failing, meets", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A vast vacuity: all unawares,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fluttering his pennons vain, plumb-down he drops", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Ten thousand fathom deep, and to this hour", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Down had been falling, had not by ill chance", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The strong rebuff of some tumultuous cloud,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Instinct with fire and nitre, hurried him", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As many miles aloft; that fury stayed⁠—", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Quenched in a boggy Syrtis, neither sea,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Nor good dry land⁠—nigh foundered, on he fares,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Treading the crude consistence, half on foot,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Half flying; behoves him now both oar and sail.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As when a gryphon through the wilderness", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With winged course, o’er hill or moory dale,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stealth", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Had from his wakeful custody purloined", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The guarded gold: So eagerly the Fiend", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "O’er bog or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With head, hands, wings, or feet pursues his way,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And swims or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "At length a universal hubbub wild", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of stunning sounds and voices all confused,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With loudest vehemence. Thither he plies", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Undaunted, to meet there whatever Power", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or Spirit of the nethermost Abyss", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Bordering on light; when strait behold the throne", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wide on the wasteful Deep! With him enthroned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Sat Sable-vested Night, eldest of things,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The consort of his reign; and by them stood", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of Demogorgon; Rumor next and Chance,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Tumult and Confusion all embroiled,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Discord with a thousand various mouths.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "To whom Satan, turning boldly, thus: “Ye Powers", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And Spirits of this nethermost Abyss,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Chaos and ancient Night, I come no spy,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With purpose to explore or to disturb", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "The secrets of your realm; but, by constraint", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wandering this darksome desert, as my way", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Lies through your spacious empire up to light,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Alone and without guide, half lost, I seek,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "What readiest path leads where your gloomy bounds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Confine with Heaven; or if some other place,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From your dominion won, the Ethereal King", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Possesses lately, thither to arrive", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I travel this profound. Direct my course:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Directed, no mean recompense it brings", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To your behoof, if I that region lost,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "All usurpation thence expelled, reduce", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To her original darkness and your sway", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "(Which is my present journey), and once more", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Erect the standard there of ancient Night.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Yours be the advantage all, mine the revenge!”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "Thus Satan; and him thus the Anarch old,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With faltering speech and visage incomposed,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Answered: “I know thee, stranger, who thou art,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That mighty leading Angel, who of late", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Made head against Heaven’s King, though overthrown.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "I saw and heard; for such a numerous host", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Fled not in silence through the frighted deep,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Confusion worse confounded; and Heaven-gates", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Poured out by millions her victorious bands,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Keep residence; if all I can will serve", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That little which is left so to defend,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Encroached on still through our intestine broils", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Weakening the sceptre of old Night: first Hell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Now lately Heaven and Earth, another world", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Hung o’er my realm, linked in a golden chain", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To that side Heaven from whence your legions fell.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "If that way be your walk, you have not far;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So much the nearer danger. Go, and speed!", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Havoc, and spoil, and ruin, are my gain.”", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "He ceased; and Satan stayed not to reply,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But, glad that now his sea should find a shore,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With fresh alacrity and force renewed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Springs upward, like a pyramid of fire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Into the wild expanse, and through the shock", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of fighting elements, on all sides round", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Environed, wins his way; harder beset", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And more endangered, than when Argo passed", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Through Bosporus betwixt the justling rocks;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Charybdis, and by the other whirlpool steered:", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "So he with difficulty and labour hard", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Moved on: with difficulty and labour he;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "But, he once passed, soon after, when Man fell,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Strange alteration! Sin and Death amain,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Following his track (such was the will of Heaven)", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Paved after him a broad and beaten way", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Over the dark Abyss, whose boiling gulf", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Tamely endured a bridge of wondrous length,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "From Hell continued, reaching the utmost orb", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of this frail world; by which the Spirits perverse", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With easy intercourse pass to and fro", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "To tempt or punish mortals, except whom", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "God and good Angels guard by special grace.", "indent": 0 } ], [ { "text": "But now at last the sacred influence", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of light appears, and from the walls of Heaven", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Shoots far into the bosom of dim Night", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "A glimmering dawn. Here Nature first begins", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Her farthest verge, and Chaos to retire,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "As from her outmost works, a broken foe", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With tumult less and with less hostile din;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "That Satan with less toil, and now with ease,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And, like a weather-beaten vessel, holds", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Or in the emptier waste, resembling air,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Far off the empyreal Heaven, extended wide", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "In circuit, undetermined square or round,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "With opal towers and battlements adorned", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of living sapphire, once his native seat;", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "And fast by, hanging in a golden chain,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "This pendent world, in bigness as a star", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Of smallest magnitude close by the moon.", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge,", "indent": 0 }, { "text": "Accurst, and in a cursed hour, he hies.", "indent": 0 } ] ] }