第21章 19

The key of this infernal Pit by due, [ 850 ] And by command of Heavns all-powerful King I keep, by him forbidden to unlock These Adamantine Gates; against all force Death ready stands to interpose his dart, Fearless to be ormatcht by living might. [ 855 ] But what ow I to his commands above

Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down Into this gloom of Tartarus profound, To sit in hateful Office here confind, Inhabitant of Heavn, and heavnlie-born, [ 860 ] Here in perpetual agonie and pain, With terrors and with clamors compasst round Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed:

Thou art my Father, thou my Author, thou My being gavst me; whom should I obey [ 865 ] But thee, whom follow? thou wilt bring me soon To that new world of light and bliss, among The Gods who live at ease, where I shall Reign At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems Thy daughter and thy darling, without end. [ 870 ]

Thus saying, from her side the fatal Key, Sad instrument of all our woe, she took; And towards the Gate rouling her bestial train, Forthwith the huge Porcullis high up drew, Which but her self not all the Stygian powers [ 875 ] Could once have movd; then in the key-hole turns Th intricate wards, and every Bolt and Bar

Of massie Iron or sollid Rock with ease Unfastns: on a sudden opn flie With impetuous recoile and jarring sound [ 880 ] Th infernal dores, and on thir hinges grate Harsh Thunder, that the lowest bottom shook Of Erebus. She opnd, but to shut Exceld her power; the Gates wide opn stood,

That with extended wings a Bannerd Host [ 885 ] Under spread Ensigns marching might pass through With Horse and Chariots rankt in loose array; So wide they stood, and like a Furnace mouth Cast forth redounding smoak and ruddy flame.