第5章 5

Since through experience of this great event In Arms not worse, in foresight much advanct, We may with more successful hope resolve [ 120 ] To wage by force or guile eternal Warr Irreconcileable, to our grand Foe, Who now triumphs, and in th excess of joy Sole reigning holds the Tyranny of Heavn.

So spake th Apostate Angel, though in pain, [ 125 ] Vaunting aloud, but rackt with deep despare: And him thus answerd soon his bold Compeer. O Prince, O Chief of many Throned Powers, That led th imbattelld Seraphim to Warr Under thy conduct, and in dreadful deeds [ 130 ] Fearless, endangerd Heavns perpetual King;

And put to proof his high Supremacy, Whether upheld by strength, or Chance, or Fate, Too well I see and rue the dire event, That with sad overthrow and foul defeat [ 135 ] Hath lost us Heavn, and all this mighty Host In horrible destruction laid thus low, As far as Gods and Heavnly Essences

Can perish: for the mind and spirit remains Invincible, and vigour soon returns, [ 140 ] Though all our Glory extinct, and happy state Here swallowd up in endless misery. But what if he our Conquerour, (whom I now Of force believe Almighty, since no less Then such could hav orepowrd such force as ours) [ 145 ]

Have left us this our spirit and strength intire Strongly to suffer and support our pains, That we may so suffice his vengeful ire, Or do him mightier service as his thralls By right of Warr, what ere his business be [ 150 ] Here in the heart of Hell to work in Fire, Or do his Errands in the gloomy Deep;

What can it then avail though yet we feel Strength undiminisht, or eternal being To undergo eternal punishment? [ 155 ] Whereto with speedy words th Arch-fiend replyd.