第15章 14

What should they do? if on they rusht, repulse Repeated, and indecent overthrow Doubld, would render them yet more despisd, And to thir foes a laughter; for in view Stood rankt of Seraphim another row In posture to displode thir second tire [ 605 ] Of Thunder: back defeated to return They worse abhorrd. Satan beheld thir plight,

And to his Mates thus in derision calld. O Friends, why come not on these Victors proud? Ere while they fierce were coming, and when wee, [ 610 ] To entertain them fair with open Front And Brest, (what could we more?) propounded terms Of composition, strait they changd thir minds, Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell,

As they would dance, yet for a dance they seemd [ 615 ] Somwhat extravagant and wilde, perhaps For joy of offerd peace: but I suppose If our proposals once again were heard We should compel them to a quick result. To whom thus Belial in like gamesom mood, [ 620 ] Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight,

Of hard contents, and full of force urgd home, Such as we might perceive amusd them all, And stumbld many, who receives them right, Had need from head to foot well understand; [ 625 ] Not understood, this gift they have besides, They shew us when our foes walk not upright. So they among themselves in pleasant veine

Stood scoffing, highthnd in thir thoughts beyond All doubt of victorie, eternal might [ 630 ] To match with thir inventions they presumd So easie, and of his Thunder made a scorn, And all his Host derided, while they stood A while in trouble; but they stood not long, Rage prompted them at length, and found them arms [ 635 ]

Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose.