第14章 14

Witness the Streets of Sodom, and that night In Gibeah, when the hospitable door Exposd a Matron to avoid worse rape. [ 505 ] These were the prime in order and in might; The rest were long to tell, though far renownd, Th Ionian Gods, of Javans Issue held Gods, yet confest later then Heavn and Earth

Thir boasted Parents; Titan Heavns first born [ 510 ] With his enormous brood, and birthright seisd By younger Saturn, he from mightier Jove His own and Rheas Son like measure found; So Jove usurping reignd: these first in Creet And Ida known, thence on the Snowy top [ 515 ] Of cold Olympus ruld the middle Air

Thir highest Heavn; or on the Delphian Cliff, Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds Of Doric Land; or who with Saturn old Fled over Adria to th Hesperian Fields, [ 520 ] And ore the Celtic roamd the utmost Isles. All these and more came flocking; but with looks Down cast and damp, yet such wherein appeard

Obscure some glimps of joy, to have found thir chief Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost [ 525 ] In loss it self; which on his countnance cast Like doubtful hue: but he his wonted pride Soon recollecting, with high words, that bore Semblance of worth, not substance, gently raisd

Thir fainting courage, and dispeld thir fears. [ 530 ] Then strait commands that at the warlike sound Of Trumpets loud and Clarions be upreard His mighty Standard; that proud honour claimd Azazel as his right, a Cherube tall: Who forthwith from the glittering Staff unfurld [ 535 ] Th Imperial Ensign, which full high advanct

Shon like a Meteor streaming to the Wind With Gemms and Golden lustre rich imblazd, Seraphic arms and Trophies: all the while Sonorous mettal blowing Martial sounds: [ 540 ] At which the universal Host upsent A shout that tore Hells Concave, and beyond Frighted the Reign of Chaos and old Night.