Paradise Lost

On half the Nations, and with fear of change 
Perplexes Monarchs.  Dark'n'd so, yet shon 
Above them all th' Arch Angel: but his face 
Deep scars of Thunder had intrencht, and care 
Sat on his faded cheek, but under Browes 
Of dauntless courage, and considerate Pride 
Waiting revenge: cruel his eye, but cast 
Signs of remorse and passion to behold 
The fellows of his crime, the followers rather 
(Far other once beheld in bliss) condemn'd 
For ever now to have their lot in pain, 
Millions of Spirits for his fault amerc't 
Of Heav'n, and from Eternal Splendors flung 
For his revolt, yet faithfull how they stood, 
Thir Glory witherd.  As when Heavens Fire 
Hath scath'd the Forrest Oaks, or Mountain Pines, 
With singed top their stately growth though bare 
Stands on the blasted Heath.  He now prepar'd 
To speak; whereat their doubl'd Ranks they bend 
From Wing to Wing, and half enclose him round 
With all his Peers: attention held them mute. 
Thrice he assayd, and thrice in spite of scorn, 
Tears such as Angels weep, burst forth: at last 
Words interwove with sighs found out their way. 
  O Myriads of immortal Spirits, O Powers 
Matchless, but with th' Almighty, and that strife 
Was not inglorious, though th' event was dire, 
As this place testifies, and this dire change 
Hateful to utter: but what power of mind 
Foreseeing or presaging, from the Depth 
Of knowledge past or present, could have fear'd, 
How such united force of Gods, how such 
As stood like these, could ever know repulse? 
For who can yet beleeve, though after loss, 
That all these puissant Legions, whose exile 
Hath emptied Heav'n, shall faile to re-ascend 
Self-rais'd, and repossess their native seat. 
For me, be witness all the Host of Heav'n, 
If counsels different, or danger shun'd 
By me, have lost our hopes.  But he who reigns 
Monarch in Heav'n, till then as one secure 
Sat on his Throne, upheld by old repute, 
Consent or custome, and his Regal State 
Put forth at full, but still his strength conceal'd, 
Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fall. 
Henceforth his might we know, and know our own 
So as not either to provoke, or dread 
New warr, provok't; our better part remains 
To work in close design, by fraud or guile 
What force effected not: that he no less 
At length from us may find, who overcomes 
By force, hath overcome but half his foe. 
Space may produce new Worlds; whereof so rife 
There went a fame in Heav'n that he ere long 
Intended to create, and therein plant 
A generation, whom his choice regard 
Should favour equal to the Sons of Heaven: 
Thither, if but to prie, shall be perhaps 
Our first eruption, thither or elsewhere: 
For this Infernal Pit shall never hold 
Caelestial Spirits in Bondage, nor th' Abysse 
Long under darkness cover.  But these thoughts 
Full Counsel must mature: Peace is despaird, 
For who can think Submission?  Warr then, Warr 
Open or understood must be resolv'd. 
  He spake: and to confirm his words, out-flew 
Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs 
Of mighty Cherubim; the sudden blaze 
Far round illumin'd hell: highly they rag'd 
Against the Highest, and fierce with grasped arm's 
Clash'd on their sounding shields the din of war, 
Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heav'n. 
  There stood a Hill not far whose griesly top 
Belch'd fire and rowling smoak; the rest entire 
Shon with a glossie scurff, undoubted sign 
That in his womb was hid metallic Ore, 
The work of Sulphur.  Thither wing'd with speed 
A numerous Brigad hasten'd.  As when bands 
Of Pioners with Spade and Pickaxe arm'd 
Forerun the Royal Camp, to trench a Field, 
Or cast a Rampart.  MAMMON led them on, 
MAMMON, the least erected Spirit that fell 
From heav'n, for ev'n in heav'n his looks & thoughts 
Were always downward bent, admiring more 
The riches of Heav'ns pavement, trod'n Gold, 
Then aught divine or holy else enjoy'd 
In vision beatific: by him first 
Men also, and by his suggestion taught, 
Ransack'd the Center, and with impious hands 
Rifl'd the bowels of thir mother Earth 
For Treasures better hid.  Soon had his crew 
Op'nd into the Hill a spacious wound 
And dig'd out ribs of Gold.  Let none admire 
That riches grow in Hell; that soyle may best 
Deserve the pretious bane.  And here let those 
Who boast in mortal things, and wondring tell 
Of BABEL, and the works of MEMPHIAN Kings, 
Learn how thir greatest Monuments of Fame, 
And Strength and Art are easily outdone 
By Spirits reprobate, and in an hour