Paradise Lost - Book Vi Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: ABACDADAEEFDAADAGHAA AADDIAJAAAKLDEEMDNDA OPQRASTAALDUVAWDWDAW AADAAGKXWYAAAPZAAAAA AWA2ADAA2DADAAAB2AAA AAAAA2DAAADAAAAA2A2A AAXWAAADC2WA2D2A2AAA AAAADA2AAAA2AAE2DDAA AA2AAXA2F2A2AWWADA2D A2A2A2XG2A2AXAAAH2A2 H2A2AAA2AAXA2AWAXXWA AI2A2J2AAAA2AAAA2F2A 2AA2A2AA2A2A2WAAAA2J 2A2AAA2AA2K2AAAL2AAA AAA2AAAAH2AAPA2WAA2M 2N2AAA2AO2AP2WAAA2A2 AAWXAAQ2AAAAA2AG2WA2 Q2AA2A2AA2A2A2Q2A2AW A2WQ2A2AXAF2A2AN2AA2 A2Q2A2AAG2AN2R2F2A2F 2AQ2AAAAAA2AAAAA2Q2A AS2AAAA2AA2AAQ2AN2Q2 AA2A2AAQ2Q2A2A2Q2AAQ 2AAA2A2A2F2A2AAA2AWA 2A2A2Q2A2AA2AQ2Q2Q2W AA2A2Q2Q2AAAT2AAAAA2 AQ2A2A2Q2AA2AAAAA2AQ 2AAAAAAAAA2A2Q2A2AA2 AA2AAWA2A2AA2AQ2Q2AA F2A2AA2A2A2XAA2AQ2AA 2F2Q2AAA2WA2A2A2WA2X AA2AAQ2A2A2AAF2A2AAA A2A2AAN2AT2Q2AQ2N2A2 S2A2AAA2XAAQ2AQ2AAA2 AAA2A2AQ2A2AN2AQ2AAA N2A2A2AQ2AAAAA2AAA2Q 2A2AAA2WF2AAAAQ2U2U2 AA2Q2Q2A2AQ2AA2V2AT2 AAAAF2AF2A2A2W2AL2Q2 A2AAX2AAQ2AA2AAAA2AA 2AQ2AQ2Q2WWAAAWAAAA2 AA2A2Q2AQ2Q2Q2A2AAAQ 2AA2A2WAA2A2AAAAQ2WA AA2AA2AAAA2AF2A2A2Q2 AA2A2WQ2Q2AA2A2AA2AQ 2A2T2A2Q2AAA2A2AAA2A 2Q2A2Q2AQ2AA2AA2Q2A2 AWAQ2A2A2AAQ2AAA2Q2A AAAAQ2AAAA2A2A2A2Q2A 2A2A2A2Q2A2Q2F2AAA2Q 2A2AAT2A2F2AAAF2A2AQ 2AAWA2Q2AQ2AA2A2A2AA 2Q2AQ2Q2AF2XA2AA2AAA 2AU2WA2A2AQ2Y2AAQ2A2 AAQ2A2A2AA2Q2AA2AAA2 AF2A2AAAAAAA2Q2WWAQ2 AQ2AWWA2AAF2AAAA2A2Q 2A2A2AAAAZ2Q2A2WAQ2W Q2A2A2XAAA2A2A2AAXA2 AA2AAAAAAAA2Q2WQ2A2A 2AQ2Q2AA2AAA2AAAA2AA AA2Q2Q2AA2AT2AAWAAAQ 2A2AAA2AAA2AAF2A2AA2 AAA2Q2Q2AAA2WAAA2Q2F 2Q2A3AA2A2AAAA2

All night the dreadless Angel unpursu'd	A
Through Heav'ns wide Champain held his way till Morn	B
Wak't by the circling Hours with rosie hand	A
Unbarr'd the gates of Light There is a Cave	C
Within the Mount of God fast by his Throne	D
Where light and darkness in perpetual round	A
Lodge and dislodge by turns which makes through Heav'n	D
Grateful vicissitude like Day and Night	A
Light issues forth and at the other dore	E
Obsequious darkness enters till her houre	E
To veile the Heav'n though darkness there might well	F
Seem twilight here and now went forth the Morn	D
Such as in highest Heav'n arrayd in Gold	A
Empyreal from before her vanisht Night	A
Shot through with orient Beams when all the Plain	D
Coverd with thick embatteld Squadrons bright	A
Chariots and flaming Armes and fierie Steeds	G
Reflecting blaze on blaze first met his view	H
Warr he perceav'd warr in procinct and found	A
Already known what he for news had thought	A
To have reported gladly then he mixt	A
Among those friendly Powers who him receav'd	A
With joy and acclamations loud that one	D
That of so many Myriads fall'n yet one	D
Returnd not lost On to the sacred hill	I
They led him high applauded and present	A
Before the seat supream from whence a voice	J
From midst a Golden Cloud thus milde was heard	A
Servant of God well done well hast thou fought	A
The better fight who single hast maintaind	A
Against revolted multitudes the Cause	K
Of Truth in word mightier then they in Armes	L
And for the testimonie of Truth hast born	D
Universal reproach far worse to beare	E
Then violence for this was all thy care	E
To stand approv'd in sight of God though Worlds	M
Judg'd thee perverse the easier conquest now	D
Remains thee aided by this host of friends	N
Back on thy foes more glorious to return	D
Then scornd thou didst depart and to subdue	A
By force who reason for thir Law refuse	O
Right reason for thir Law and for thir King	P
Messiah who by right of merit Reigns	Q
Go Michael of Celestial Armies Prince	R
And thou in Military prowess next	A
Gabriel lead forth to Battel these my Sons	S
Invincible lead forth my armed Saints	T
By Thousands and by Millions rang'd for fight	A
Equal in number to that Godless crew	A
Rebellious them with Fire and hostile Arms	L
Fearless assault and to the brow of Heav'n	D
Pursuing drive them out from God and bliss	U
Into thir place of punishment the Gulf	V
Of Tartarus which ready opens wide	A
His fiery Chaos to receave thir fall	W
So spake the Sovran voice and Clouds began	D
To darken all the Hill and smoak to rowl	W
In duskie wreathes reluctant flames the signe	D
Of wrauth awak't nor with less dread the loud	A
Ethereal Trumpet from on high gan blow	W
At which command the Powers Militant	A
That stood for Heav'n in mighty Quadrate joyn'd	A
Of Union irresistible mov'd on	D
In silence thir bright Legions to the sound	A
Of instrumental Harmonie that breath'd	A
Heroic Ardor to advent'rous deeds	G
Under thir God like Leaders in the Cause	K
Of God and his Messiah On they move	X
Indissolubly firm nor obvious Hill	W
Nor streit'ning Vale nor Wood nor Stream divides	Y
Thir perfet ranks for high above the ground	A
Thir march was and the passive Air upbore	A
Thir nimble tread as when the total kind	A
Of Birds in orderly array on wing	P
Came summond over Eden to receive	Z
Thir names of thee so over many a tract	A
Of Heav'n they march'd and many a Province wide	A
Tenfold the length of this terrene at last	A
Farr in th' Horizon to the North appeer'd	A
From skirt to skirt a fierie Region stretcht	A
In battailous aspect and neerer view	A
Bristl'd with upright beams innumerable	W
Of rigid Spears and Helmets throng'd and Shields	A2
Various with boastful Argument portraid	A
The banded Powers of Satan hasting on	D
With furious expedition for they weend	A
That self same day by fight or by surprize	A2
To win the Mount of God and on his Throne	D
To set the envier of his State the proud	A
Aspirer but thir thoughts prov'd fond and vain	D
In the mid way though strange to us it seemd	A
At first that Angel should with Angel warr	A
And in fierce hosting meet who wont to meet	A
So oft in Festivals of joy and love	B2
Unanimous as sons of one great Sire	A
Hymning th' Eternal Father but the shout	A
Of Battel now began and rushing sound	A
Of onset ended soon each milder thought	A
High in the midst exalted as a God	A
Th' Apostat in his Sun bright Chariot sate	A
Idol of Majestie Divine enclos'd	A
With Flaming Cherubim and golden Shields	A2
Then lighted from his gorgeous Throne for now	D
'Twixt Host and Host but narrow space was left	A
A dreadful interval and Front to Front	A
Presented stood in terrible array	A
Of hideous length before the cloudie Van	D
On the rough edge of battel ere it joyn'd	A
Satan with vast and haughtie strides advanc't	A
Came towring armd in Adamant and Gold	A
Abdiel that sight endur'd not where he stood	A
Among the mightiest bent on highest deeds	A2
And thus his own undaunted heart explores	A2
O Heav'n that such resemblance of the Highest	A
Should yet remain where faith and realtie	A
Remain not wherfore should not strength and might	A
There fail where Vertue fails or weakest prove	X
Where boldest though to sight unconquerable	W
His puissance trusting in th' Almightie's aide	A
I mean to try whose Reason I have tri'd	A
Unsound and false nor is it aught but just	A
That he who in debate of Truth hath won	D
Should win in Arms in both disputes alike	C2
Victor though brutish that contest and foule	W
When Reason hath to deal with force yet so	A2
Most reason is that Reason overcome	D2
So pondering and from his armed Peers	A2
Forth stepping opposite half way he met	A
His daring foe at this prevention more	A
Incens't and thus securely him defi'd	A
Proud art thou met thy hope was to have reacht	A
The highth of thy aspiring unoppos'd	A
The Throne of God unguarded and his side	A
Abandond at the terror of thy Power	A
Or potent tongue fool not to think how vain	D
Against th' Omnipotent to rise in Arms	A2
Who out of smallest things could without end	A
Have rais'd incessant Armies to defeat	A
Thy folly or with solitarie hand	A
Reaching beyond all limit at one blow	A2
Unaided could have finisht thee and whelmd	A
Thy Legions under darkness but thou seest	A
All are not of thy Train there be who Faith	E2
Prefer and Pietie to God though then	D
To thee not visible when I alone	D
Seemd in thy World erroneous to dissent	A
From all my Sect thou seest now learn too late	A
How few somtimes may know when thousands err	A
Whom the grand foe with scornful eye askance	A2
Thus answerd Ill for thee but in wisht houre	A
Of my revenge first sought for thou returnst	A
From flight seditious Angel to receave	X
Thy merited reward the first assay	A2
Of this right hand provok't since first that tongue	F2
Inspir'd with contradiction durst oppose	A2
A third part of the Gods in Synod met	A
Thir Deities to assert who while they feel	W
Vigour Divine within them can allow	W
Omnipotence to none But well thou comst	A
Before thy fellows ambitious to win	D
From me som Plume that thy success may show	A2
Destruction to the rest this pause between	D
Unanswerd least thou boast to let thee know	A2
At first I thought that Libertie and Heav'n	A2
To heav'nly Soules had bin all one but now	A2
I see that most through sloth had rather serve	X
Ministring Spirits traind up in Feast and Song	G2
Such hast thou arm'd the Minstrelsie of Heav'n	A2
Servilitie with freedom to contend	A
As both thir deeds compar'd this day shall prove	X
To whom in brief thus Abdiel stern repli'd	A
Apostat still thou errst nor end wilt find	A
Of erring from the path of truth remote	A
Unjustly thou deprav'st it with the name	H2
Of Servitude to serve whom God ordains	A2
Or Nature God and Nature bid the same	H2
When he who rules is worthiest and excells	A2
Them whom he governs This is servitude	A
To serve th' unwise or him who hath rebelld	A
Against his worthier as thine now serve thee	A2
Thy self not free but to thy self enthrall'd	A
Yet leudly dar'st our ministring upbraid	A
Reign thou in Hell thy Kingdom let mee serve	X
In Heav'n God ever blessed and his Divine	A2
Behests obey worthiest to be obey'd	A
Yet Chains in Hell not Realms expect mean while	W
From mee returnd as erst thou saidst from flight	A
This greeting on thy impious Crest receive	X
So saying a noble stroke he lifted high	X
Which hung not but so swift with tempest fell	W
On the proud Crest of Satan that no sight	A
Nor motion of swift thought less could his Shield	A
Such ruin intercept ten paces huge	I2
He back recoild the tenth on bended knee	A2
His massie Spear upstaid as if on Earth	J2
Winds under ground or waters forcing way	A
Sidelong had push't a Mountain from his seat	A
Half sunk with all his Pines Amazement seis'd	A
The Rebel Thrones but greater rage to see	A2
Thus foil'd thir mightiest ours joy filld and shout	A
Presage of Victorie and fierce desire	A
Of Battel whereat Michael bid sound	A
Th' Arch Angel trumpet through the vast of Heav'n	A2
It sounded and the faithful Armies rung	F2
Hosanna to the Highest nor stood at gaze	A2
The adverse Legions nor less hideous joyn'd	A
The horrid shock now storming furie rose	A2
And clamour such as heard in Heav'n till now	A2
Was never Arms on Armour clashing bray'd	A
Horrible discord and the madding Wheeles	A2
Of brazen Chariots rag'd dire was the noise	A2
Of conflict over head the dismal hiss	A2
Of fiery Darts in flaming volies flew	W
And flying vaulted either Host with fire	A
So under fierie Cope together rush'd	A
Both Battels maine with ruinous assault	A
And inextinguishable rage all Heav'n	A2
Resounded and had Earth bin then all Earth	J2
Had to her Center shook What wonder when	A2
Millions of fierce encountring Angels fought	A
On either side the least of whom could weild	A
These Elements and arm him with the force	A2
Of all thir Regions how much more of Power	A
Armie against Armie numberless to raise	A2
Dreadful combustion warring and disturb	K2
Though not destroy thir happie Native seat	A
Had not th' Eternal King Omnipotent	A
From his strong hold of Heav'n high over rul'd	A
And limited thir might though numberd such	L2
As each divided Legion might have seemd	A
A numerous Host in strength each armed hand	A
A Legion led in fight yet Leader seemd	A
Each Warriour single as in Chief expert	A
When to advance or stand or turn the sway	A
Of Battel open when and when to close	A2
The ridges of grim Warr no thought of flight	A
None of retreat no unbecoming deed	A
That argu'd fear each on himself reli'd	A
As onely in his arm the moment lay	A
Of victorie deeds of eternal fame	H2
Were don but infinite for wide was spred	A
That Warr and various somtimes on firm ground	A
A standing fight then soaring on main wing	P
Tormented all the Air all Air seemd then	A2
Conflicting Fire long time in eeven scale	W
The Battel hung till Satan who that day	A
Prodigious power had shewn and met in Armes	A2
No equal raunging through the dire attack	M2
Of fighting Seraphim confus'd at length	N2
Saw where the Sword of Michael smote and fell'd	A
Squadrons at once with huge two handed sway	A
Brandisht aloft the horrid edge came down	A2
Wide wasting such destruction to withstand	A
He hasted and oppos'd the rockie Orb	O2
Of tenfold Adamant his ample Shield	A
A vast circumference At his approach	P2
The great Arch Angel from his warlike toile	W
Surceas'd and glad as hoping here to end	A
Intestine War in Heav'n the arch foe subdu'd	A
Or Captive drag'd in Chains with hostile frown	A2
And visage all enflam'd first thus began	A2
Author of evil unknown till thy revolt	A
Unnam'd in Heav'n now plenteous as thou seest	A
These Acts of hateful strife hateful to all	W
Though heaviest by just measure on thy self	X
And thy adherents how hast thou disturb'd	A
Heav'ns blessed peace and into Nature brought	A
Miserie uncreated till the crime	Q2
Of thy Rebellion how hast thou instill'd	A
Thy malice into thousands once upright	A
And faithful now prov'd false But think not here	A
To trouble Holy Rest Heav'n casts thee out	A
From all her Confines Heav'n the seat of bliss	A2
Brooks not the works of violence and Warr	A
Hence then and evil go with thee along	G2
Thy ofspring to the place of evil Hell	W
Thou and thy wicked crew there mingle broiles	A2
Ere this avenging Sword begin thy doome	Q2
Or som more sudden vengeance wing'd from God	A
Precipitate thee with augmented paine	A2
So spake the Prince of Angels to whom thus	A2
The Adversarie Nor think thou with wind	A
Of airie threats to aw whom yet with deeds	A2
Thou canst not Hast thou turnd the least of these	A2
To flight or if to fall but that they rise	A2
Unvanquisht easier to transact with mee	Q2
That thou shouldst hope imperious and with threats	A2
To chase me hence erre not that so shall end	A
The strife which thou call'st evil but wee style	W
The strife of Glorie which we mean to win	A2
Or turn this Heav'n it self into the Hell	W
Thou fablest here however to dwell free	Q2
If not to reign mean while thy utmost force	A2
And join him nam'd Almightie to thy aid	A
I flie not but have sought thee farr and nigh	X
They ended parle and both addrest for fight	A
Unspeakable for who though with the tongue	F2
Of Angels can relate or to what things	A2
Liken on Earth conspicuous that may lift	A
Human imagination to such highth	N2
Of Godlike Power for likest Gods they seemd	A
Stood they or mov'd in stature motion arms	A2
Fit to decide the Empire of great Heav'n	A2
Now wav'd thir fierie Swords and in the Aire	Q2
Made horrid Circles two broad Suns thir Shields	A2
Blaz'd opposite while expectation stood	A
In horror from each hand with speed retir'd	A
Where erst was thickest fight th' Angelic throng	G2
And left large field unsafe within the wind	A
Of such commotion such as to set forth	N2
Great things by small If Natures concord broke	R2
Among the Constellations warr were sprung	F2
Two Planets rushing from aspect maligne	A2
Of fiercest opposition in mid Skie	F2
Should combat and thir jarring Sphears confound	A
Together both with next to Almightie Arme	Q2
Uplifted imminent one stroke they aim'd	A
That might determine and not need repeate	A
As not of power at once nor odds appeerd	A
In might or swift prevention but the sword	A
Of Michael from the Armorie of God	A
Was giv'n him temperd so that neither keen	A2
Nor solid might resist that edge it met	A
The sword of Satan with steep force to smite	A
Descending and in half cut sheere nor staid	A
But with swift wheele reverse deep entring shar'd	A
All his right side then Satan first knew pain	A2
And writh'd him to and fro convolv'd so sore	Q2
The griding sword with discontinuous wound	A
Pass'd through him but th' Ethereal substance clos'd	A
Not long divisible and from the gash	S2
A stream of Nectarous humor issuing flow'd	A
Sanguin such as Celestial Spirits may bleed	A
And all his Armour staind ere while so bright	A
Forthwith on all sides to his aide was run	A2
By Angels many and strong who interpos'd	A
Defence while others bore him on thir Shields	A2
Back to his Chariot where it stood retir'd	A
From off the files of warr there they him laid	A
Gnashing for anguish and despite and shame	Q2
To find himself not matchless and his pride	A
Humbl'd by such rebuke so farr beneath	N2
His confidence to equal God in power	Q2
Yet soon he heal'd for Spirits that live throughout	A
Vital in every part not as frail man	A2
In Entrailes Heart or Head Liver or Reines	A2
Cannot but by annihilating die	A
Nor in thir liquid texture mortal wound	A
Receive no more then can the fluid Aire	Q2
All Heart they live all Head all Eye all Eare	Q2
All Intellect all Sense and as they please	A2
They Limb themselves and colour shape or size	A2
Assume as likes them best condense or rare	Q2
Mean while in other parts like deeds deservd	A
Memorial where the might of Gabriel fought	A
And with fierce Ensignes pierc'd the deep array	Q2
Of Moloc furious King who him defi'd	A
And at his Chariot wheeles to drag him bound	A
Threatn'd nor from the Holie One of Heav'n	A2
Refrein'd his tongue blasphemous but anon	A2
Down clov'n to the waste with shatterd Armes	A2
And uncouth paine fled bellowing On each wing	F2
Uriel and Raphael his vaunting foe	A2
Though huge and in a Rock of Diamond Armd	A
Vanquish'd Adramelec and Asmadai	A
Two potent Thrones that to be less then Gods	A2
Disdain'd but meaner thoughts learnd in thir flight	A
Mangl'd with gastly wounds through Plate and Maile	W
Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy	A2
The Atheist crew but with redoubl'd blow	A2
Ariel and Arioc and the violence	A2
Of Ramiel scorcht and blasted overthrew	Q2
I might relate of thousands and thir names	A2
Eternize here on Earth but those elect	A
Angels contented with thir fame in Heav'n	A2
Seek not the praise of men the other sort	A
In might though wondrous and in Acts of Warr	Q2
Nor of Renown less eager yet by doome	Q2
Canceld from Heav'n and sacred memorie	Q2
Nameless in dark oblivion let them dwell	W
For strength from Truth divided and from Just	A
Illaudable naught merits but dispraise	A2
And ignominie yet to glorie aspires	A2
Vain glorious and through infamie seeks fame	Q2
Therfore Eternal silence be thir doome	Q2
And now thir mightiest quelld the battel swerv'd	A
With many an inrode gor'd deformed rout	A
Enter'd and foul disorder all the ground	A
With shiverd armour strow'n and on a heap	T2
Chariot and Charioter lay overturnd	A
And fierie foaming Steeds what stood recoyld	A
Orewearied through the faint Satanic Host	A
Defensive scarse or with pale fear surpris'd	A
Then first with fear surpris'd and sense of paine	A2
Fled ignominious to such evil brought	A
By sinne of disobedience till that hour	Q2
Not liable to fear or flight or paine	A2
Far otherwise th' inviolable Saints	A2
In Cubic Phalanx firm advanc't entire	Q2
Invulnerable impenitrably arm'd	A
Such high advantages thir innocence	A2
Gave them above thir foes not to have sinnd	A
Not to have disobei'd in fight they stood	A
Unwearied unobnoxious to be pain'd	A
By wound though from thir place by violence mov'd	A
Now Night her course began and over Heav'n	A2
Inducing darkness grateful truce impos'd	A
And silence on the odious dinn of Warr	Q2
Under her Cloudie covert both retir'd	A
Victor and Vanquisht on the foughten field	A
Michael and his Angels prevalent	A
Encamping plac'd in Guard thir Watches round	A
Cherubic waving fires on th' other part	A
Satan with his rebellious disappeerd	A
Far in the dark dislodg'd and void of rest	A
His Potentates to Councel call'd by night	A
And in the midst thus undismai'd began	A2
O now in danger tri'd now known in Armes	A2
Not to be overpowerd Companions deare	Q2
Found worthy not of Libertie alone	A2
Too mean pretense but what we more affect	A
Honour Dominion Glorie and renowne	A2
Who have sustaind one day in doubtful fight	A
And if one day why not Eternal dayes	A2
What Heavens Lord had powerfullest to send	A
Against us from about his Throne and judg'd	A
Sufficient to subdue us to his will	W
But proves not so then fallible it seems	A2
Of future we may deem him though till now	A2
Omniscient thought True is less firmly arm'd	A
Some disadvantage we endur'd and paine	A2
Till now not known but known as soon contemnd	A
Since now we find this our Empyreal forme	Q2
Incapable of mortal injurie	Q2
Imperishable and though peirc'd with wound	A
Soon closing and by native vigour heal'd	A
Of evil then so small as easie think	F2
The remedie perhaps more valid Armes	A2
Weapons more violent when next we meet	A
May serve to better us and worse our foes	A2
Or equal what between us made the odds	A2
In Nature none if other hidden cause	A2
Left them Superiour while we can preserve	X
Unhurt our mindes and understanding sound	A
Due search and consultation will disclose	A2
He sat and in th' assembly next upstood	A
Nisroc of Principalities the prime	Q2
As one he stood escap't from cruel fight	A
Sore toild his riv'n Armes to havoc hewn	A2
And cloudie in aspect thus answering spake	F2
Deliverer from new Lords leader to free	Q2
Enjoyment of our right as Gods yet hard	A
For Gods and too unequal work we find	A
Against unequal armes to fight in paine	A2
Against unpaind impassive from which evil	W
Ruin must needs ensue for what availes	A2
Valour or strength though matchless quelld with pain	A2
Which all subdues and makes remiss the hands	A2
Of Mightiest Sense of pleasure we may well	W
Spare out of life perhaps and not repine	A2
But live content which is the calmest life	X
But pain is perfet miserie the worst	A
Of evils and excessive overturnes	A2
All patience He who therefore can invent	A
With what more forcible we may offend	A
Our yet unwounded Enemies or arme	Q2
Our selves with like defence to me deserves	A2
No less then for deliverance what we owe	A2
Whereto with look compos'd Satan repli'd	A
Not uninvented that which thou aright	A
Beleivst so main to our success I bring	F2
Which of us who beholds the bright surface	A2
Of this Ethereous mould whereon we stand	A
This continent of spacious Heav'n adornd	A
With Plant Fruit Flour Ambrosial Gemms and Gold	A
Whose Eye so superficially surveyes	A2
These things as not to mind from whence they grow	A2
Deep under ground materials dark and crude	A
Of spiritous and fierie spume till toucht	A
With Heav'ns ray and temperd they shoot forth	N2
So beauteous op'ning to the ambient light	A
These in thir dark Nativitie the Deep	T2
Shall yeild us pregnant with infernal flame	Q2
Which into hallow Engins long and round	A
Thick rammd at th' other bore with touch of fire	Q2
Dilated and infuriate shall send forth	N2
From far with thundring noise among our foes	A2
Such implements of mischief as shall dash	S2
To pieces and orewhelm whatever stands	A2
Adverse that they shall fear we have disarmd	A
The Thunderer of his only dreaded bolt	A
Nor long shall be our labour yet ere dawne	A2
Effect shall end our wish Mean while revive	X
Abandon fear to strength and counsel joind	A
Think nothing hard much less to be despaird	A
He ended and his words thir drooping chere	Q2
Enlightn'd and thir languisht hope reviv'd	A
Th' invention all admir'd and each how hee	Q2
To be th' inventer miss'd so easie it seemd	A
Once found which yet unfound most would have thought	A
Impossible yet haply of thy Race	A2
In future dayes if Malice should abound	A
Some one intent on mischief or inspir'd	A
With dev'lish machination might devise	A2
Like instrument to plague the Sons of men	A2
For sin on warr and mutual slaughter bent	A
Forthwith from Councel to the work they flew	Q2
None arguing stood innumerable hands	A2
Were ready in a moment up they turnd	A
Wide the Celestial soile and saw beneath	N2
Th' originals of Nature in thir crude	A
Conception Sulphurous and Nitrous Foame	Q2
They found they mingl'd and with suttle Art	A
Concocted and adusted they reduc'd	A
To blackest grain and into store conveyd	A
Part hidd'n veins diggd up nor hath this Earth	N2
Entrails unlike of Mineral and Stone	A2
Whereof to found thir Engins and thir Balls	A2
Of missive ruin part incentive reed	A
Provide pernicious with one touch to fire	Q2
So all ere day spring under conscious Night	A
Secret they finish'd and in order set	A
With silent circumspection unespi'd	A
Now when fair Morn Orient in Heav'n appeerd	A
Up rose the Victor Angels and to Arms	A2
The matin Trumpet Sung in Arms they stood	A
Of Golden Panoplie refulgent Host	A
Soon banded others from the dawning Hills	A2
Lookd round and Scouts each Coast light armed scoure	Q2
Each quarter to descrie the distant foe	A2
Where lodg'd or whither fled or if for fight	A
In motion or in alt him soon they met	A
Under spred Ensignes moving nigh in slow	A2
But firm Battalion back with speediest Sail	W
Zephiel of Cherubim the swiftest wing	F2
Came flying and in mid Aire aloud thus cri'd	A
Arme Warriours Arme for fight the foe at hand	A
Whom fled we thought will save us long pursuit	A
This day fear not his flight so thick a Cloud	A
He comes and settl'd in his face I see	Q2
Sad resolution and secure let each	U2
His Adamantine coat gird well and each	U2
Fit well his Helme gripe fast his orbed Shield	A
Born eevn or high for this day will pour down	A2
If I conjecture aught no drizling showr	Q2
But ratling storm of Arrows barbd with fire	Q2
So warnd he them aware themselves and soon	A2
In order quit of all impediment	A
Instant without disturb they took Allarm	Q2
And onward move Embattelld when behold	A
Not distant far with heavie pace the Foe	A2
Approaching gross and huge in hollow Cube	V2
Training his devilish Enginrie impal'd	A
On every side with shaddowing Squadrons Deep	T2
To hide the fraud At interview both stood	A
A while but suddenly at head appeerd	A
Satan And thus was heard Commanding loud	A
Vangard to Right and Left the Front unfould	A
That all may see who hate us how we seek	F2
Peace and composure and with open brest	A
Stand readie to receive them if they like	F2
Our overture and turn not back perverse	A2
But that I doubt however witness Heaven	A2
Heav'n witness thou anon while we discharge	W2
Freely our part yee who appointed stand	A
Do as you have in charge and briefly touch	L2
What we propound and loud that all may hear	Q2
So scoffing in ambiguous words he scarce	A2
Had ended when to Right and Left the Front	A
Divided and to either Flank retir'd	A
Which to our eyes discoverd new and strange	X2
A triple mounted row of Pillars laid	A
On Wheels for like to Pillars most they seem'd	A
Or hollow'd bodies made of Oak or Firr	Q2
With branches lopt in Wood or Mountain fell'd	A
Brass Iron Stonie mould had not thir mouthes	A2
With hideous orifice gap't on us wide	A
Portending hollow truce at each behind	A
A Seraph stood and in his hand a Reed	A
Stood waving tipt with fire while we suspense	A2
Collected stood within our thoughts amus'd	A
Not long for sudden all at once thir Reeds	A2
Put forth and to a narrow vent appli'd	A
With nicest touch Immediate in a flame	Q2
But soon obscur'd with smoak all Heav'n appeerd	A
From those deep throated Engins belcht whose roar	Q2
Emboweld with outragious noise the Air	Q2
And all her entrails tore disgorging foule	W
Thir devillish glut chaind Thunderbolts and Hail	W
Of Iron Globes which on the Victor Host	A
Level'd with such impetuous furie smote	A
That whom they hit none on thir feet might stand	A
Though standing else as Rocks but down they fell	W
By thousands Angel on Arch Angel rowl'd	A
The sooner for thir Arms unarm'd they might	A
Have easily as Spirits evaded swift	A
By quick contraction or remove but now	A2
Foule dissipation follow'd and forc't rout	A
Nor serv'd it to relax thir serried files	A2
What should they do if on they rusht repulse	A2
Repeated and indecent overthrow	Q2
Doubl'd would render them yet more despis'd	A
And to thir foes a laughter for in view	Q2
Stood rankt of Seraphim another row	Q2
In posture to displode thir second tire	Q2
Of Thunder back defeated to return	A2
They worse abhorr'd Satan beheld thir plight	A
And to his Mates thus in derision call'd	A
O Friends why come not on these Victors proud	A
Ere while they fierce were coming and when wee	Q2
To entertain them fair with open Front	A
And Brest what could we more propounded terms	A2
Of composition strait they chang'd thir minds	A2
Flew off and into strange vagaries fell	W
As they would dance yet for a dance they seemd	A
Somwhat extravagant and wilde perhaps	A2
For joy of offerd peace but I suppose	A2
If our proposals once again were heard	A
We should compel them to a quick result	A
To whom thus Belial in like gamesom mood	A
Leader the terms we sent were terms of weight	A
Of hard contents and full of force urg'd home	Q2
Such as we might perceive amus'd them all	W
And stumbl'd many who receives them right	A
Had need from head to foot well understand	A
Not understood this gift they have besides	A2
They shew us when our foes walk not upright	A
So they among themselves in pleasant veine	A2
Stood scoffing highthn'd in thir thoughts beyond	A
All doubt of Victorie eternal might	A
To match with thir inventions they presum'd	A
So easie and of his Thunder made a scorn	A2
And all his Host derided while they stood	A
A while in trouble but they stood not long	F2
Rage prompted them at length and found them arms	A2
Against such hellish mischief fit to oppose	A2
Forthwith behold the excellence the power	Q2
Which God hath in his mighty Angels plac'd	A
Thir Arms away they threw and to the Hills	A2
For Earth hath this variety from Heav'n	A2
Of pleasure situate in Hill and Dale	W
Light as the Lightning glimps they ran they flew	Q2
From thir foundations loosning to and fro	Q2
They pluckt the seated Hills with all thir load	A
Rocks Waters Woods and by the shaggie tops	A2
Up lifting bore them in thir hands Amaze	A2
Be sure and terrour seis'd the rebel Host	A
When coming towards them so dread they saw	A2
The bottom of the Mountains upward turn'd	A
Till on those cursed Engins triple row	Q2
They saw them whelmd and all thir confidence	A2
Under the weight of Mountains buried deep	T2
Themselves invaded next and on thir heads	A2
Main Promontories flung which in the Air	Q2
Came shadowing and opprest whole Legions arm'd	A
Thir armor help'd thir harm crush't in and brus'd	A
Into thir substance pent which wrought them pain	A2
Implacable and many a dolorous groan	A2
Long strugling underneath ere they could wind	A
Out of such prison though Spirits of purest light	A
Purest at first now gross by sinning grown	A2
The rest in imitation to like Armes	A2
Betook them and the neighbouring Hills uptore	Q2
So Hills amid the Air encounterd Hills	A2
Hurl'd to and fro with jaculation dire	Q2
That under ground they fought in dismal shade	A
Infernal noise Warr seem'd a civil Game	Q2
To this uproar horrid confusion heapt	A
Upon confusion rose and now all Heav'n	A2
Had gone to wrack with ruin overspred	A
Had not th' Almightie Father where he sits	A2
Shrin'd in his Sanctuarie of Heav'n secure	Q2
Consulting on the sum of things foreseen	A2
This tumult and permitted all advis'd	A
That his great purpose he might so fulfill	W
To honour his Anointed Son aveng'd	A
Upon his enemies and to declare	Q2
All power on him transferr'd whence to his Son	A2
Th' Assessor of his Throne he thus began	A2
Effulgence of my Glorie Son belov'd	A
Son in whose face invisible is beheld	A
Visibly what by Deitie I am	Q2
And in whose hand what by Decree I doe	A
Second Omnipotence two dayes are past	A
Two dayes as we compute the dayes of Heav'n	A2
Since Michael and his Powers went forth to tame	Q2
These disobedient sore hath been thir fight	A
As likeliest was when two such Foes met arm'd	A
For to themselves I left them and thou knowst	A
Equal in their Creation they were form'd	A
Save what sin hath impaird which yet hath wrought	A
Insensibly for I suspend thir doom	Q2
Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last	A
Endless and no solution will be found	A
Warr wearied hath perform'd what Warr can do	A
And to disorder'd rage let loose the reines	A2
With Mountains as with Weapons arm'd which makes	A2
Wild work in Heav'n and dangerous to the maine	A2
Two dayes are therefore past the third is thine	A2
For thee I have ordain'd it and thus farr	Q2
Have sufferd that the Glorie may be thine	A2
Of ending this great Warr since none but Thou	A2
Can end it Into thee such Vertue and Grace	A2
Immense I have transfus'd that all may know	A2
In Heav'n and Hell thy Power above compare	Q2
And this perverse Commotion governd thus	A2
To manifest thee worthiest to be Heir	Q2
Of all things to be Heir and to be King	F2
By Sacred Unction thy deserved right	A
Go then thou Mightiest in thy Fathers might	A
Ascend my Chariot guide the rapid Wheeles	A2
That shake Heav'ns basis bring forth all my Warr	Q2
My Bow and Thunder my Almightie Arms	A2
Gird on and Sword upon thy puissant Thigh	A
Pursue these sons of Darkness drive them out	A
From all Heav'ns bounds into the utter Deep	T2
There let them learn as likes them to despise	A2
God and Messiah his anointed King	F2
He said and on his Son with Rayes direct	A
Shon full he all his Father full exprest	A
Ineffably into his face receiv'd	A
And thus the filial Godhead answering spake	F2
O Father O Supream of heav'nly Thrones	A2
First Highest Holiest Best thou alwayes seekst	A
To glorifie thy Son I alwayes thee	Q2
As is most just this I my Glorie account	A
My exaltation and my whole delight	A
That thou in me well pleas'd declarst thy will	W
Fulfill'd which to fulfil is all my bliss	A2
Scepter and Power thy giving I assume	Q2
And gladlier shall resign when in the end	A
Thou shalt be All in All and I in thee	Q2
For ever and in mee all whom thou lov'st	A
But whom thou hat'st I hate and can put on	A2
Thy terrors as I put thy mildness on	A2
Image of thee in all things and shall soon	A2
Armd with thy might rid heav'n of these rebell'd	A
To thir prepar'd ill Mansion driven down	A2
To chains of Darkness and th' undying Worm	Q2
That from thy just obedience could revolt	A
Whom to obey is happiness entire	Q2
Then shall thy Saints unmixt and from th' impure	Q2
Farr separate circling thy holy Mount	A
Unfained Halleluiahs to thee sing	F2
Hymns of high praise and I among them chief	X
So said he o're his Scepter bowing rose	A2
From the right hand of Glorie where he sate	A
And the third sacred Morn began to shine	A2
Dawning through Heav'n forth rush'd with whirlwind sound	A
The Chariot of Paternal Deitie	A
Flashing thick flames Wheele within Wheele undrawn	A2
It self instinct with Spirit but convoyd	A
By four Cherubic shapes four Faces each	U2
Had wondrous as with Starrs thir bodies all	W
And Wings were set with Eyes with Eyes the Wheels	A2
Of Beril and careering Fires between	A2
Over thir heads a chrystal Firmament	A
Whereon a Saphir Throne inlaid with pure	Q2
Amber and colours of the showrie Arch	Y2
Hee in Celestial Panoplie all armd	A
Of radiant Urim work divinely wrought	A
Ascended at his right hand Victorie	Q2
Sate Eagle wing'd beside him hung his Bow	A2
And Quiver with three bolted Thunder stor'd	A
And from about him fierce Effusion rowld	A
Of smoak and bickering flame and sparkles dire	Q2
Attended with ten thousand thousand Saints	A2
He onward came farr off his coming shon	A2
And twentie thousand I thir number heard	A
Chariots of God half on each hand were seen	A2
Hee on the wings of Cherub rode sublime	Q2
On the Crystallin Skie in Saphir Thron'd	A
Illustrious farr and wide but by his own	A2
First seen them unexpected joy surpriz'd	A
When the great Ensign of Messiah blaz'd	A
Aloft by Angels born his Sign in Heav'n	A2
Under whose Conduct Michael soon reduc'd	A
His Armie circumfus'd on either Wing	F2
Under thir Head imbodied all in one	A2
Before him Power Divine his way prepar'd	A
At his command the uprooted Hills retir'd	A
Each to his place they heard his voice and went	A
Obsequious Heav'n his wonted face renewd	A
And with fresh Flourets Hill and Valley smil'd	A
This saw his hapless Foes but stood obdur'd	A
And to rebellious fight rallied thir Powers	A2
Insensate hope conceiving from despair	Q2
In heav'nly Spirits could such perverseness dwell	W
But to convince the proud what Signs availe	W
Or Wonders move th' obdurate to relent	A
They hard'nd more by what might most reclame	Q2
Grieving to see his Glorie at the sight	A
Took envie and aspiring to his highth	Q2
Stood reimbattell'd fierce by force or fraud	A
Weening to prosper and at length prevaile	W
Against God and Messiah or to fall	W
In universal ruin last and now	A2
To final Battel drew disdaining flight	A
Or faint retreat when the great Son of God	A
To all his Host on either hand thus spake	F2
Stand still in bright array ye Saints here stand	A
Ye Angels arm'd this day from Battel rest	A
Faithful hath been your Warfare and of God	A
Accepted fearless in his righteous Cause	A2
And as ye have receivd so have ye don	A2
Invincibly but of this cursed crew	Q2
The punishment to other hand belongs	A2
Vengeance is his or whose he sole appoints	A2
Number to this dayes work is not ordain'd	A
Nor multitude stand onely and behold	A
Gods indignation on these Godless pourd	A
By mee not you but mee they have despis'd	A
Yet envied against mee is all thir rage	Z2
Because the Father t' whom in Heav'n supream	Q2
Kingdom and Power and Glorie appertains	A2
Hath honourd me according to his will	W
Therefore to mee thir doom he hath assig'n'd	A
That they may have thir wish to trie with mee	Q2
In Battel which the stronger proves they all	W
Or I alone against them since by strength	Q2
They measure all of other excellence	A2
Not emulous nor care who them excells	A2
Nor other strife with them do I voutsafe	X
So spake the Son and into terrour chang'd	A
His count'nance too severe to be beheld	A
And full of wrauth bent on his Enemies	A2
At once the Four spred out thir Starrie wings	A2
With dreadful shade contiguous and the Orbes	A2
Of his fierce Chariot rowld as with the sound	A
Of torrent Floods or of a numerous Host	A
Hee on his impious Foes right onward drove	X
Gloomie as Night under his burning Wheeles	A2
The stedfast Empyrean shook throughout	A
All but the Throne it self of God Full soon	A2
Among them he arriv'd in his right hand	A
Grasping ten thousand Thunders which he sent	A
Before him such as in thir Soules infix'd	A
Plagues they astonisht all resistance lost	A
All courage down thir idle weapons drop'd	A
O're Shields and Helmes and helmed heads he rode	A
Of Thrones and mighty Seraphim prostrate	A
That wish'd the Mountains now might be again	A2
Thrown on them as a shelter from his ire	Q2
Nor less on either side tempestuous fell	W
His arrows from the fourfold visag'd Foure	Q2
Distinct with eyes and from the living Wheels	A2
Distinct alike with multitude of eyes	A2
One Spirit in them rul'd and every eye	A
Glar'd lightning and shot forth pernicious fire	Q2
Among th' accurst that witherd all thir strength	Q2
And of thir wonted vigour left them draind	A
Exhausted spiritless afflicted fall'n	A2
Yet half his strength he put not forth but check'd	A
His Thunder in mid Volie for he meant	A
Not to destroy but root them out of Heav'n	A2
The overthrown he rais'd and as a Heard	A
Of Goats or timerous flock together throngd	A
Drove them before him Thunder struck pursu'd	A
With terrors and with furies to the bounds	A2
And Chrystall wall of Heav'n which op'ning wide	A
Rowld inward and a spacious Gap disclos'd	A
Into the wastful Deep the monstrous sight	A
Strook them with horror backward but far worse	A2
Urg'd them behind headlong themselvs they threw	Q2
Down from the verge of Heav'n Eternal wrauth	Q2
Burnt after them to the bottomless pit	A
Hell heard th' unsufferable noise Hell saw	A2
Heav'n ruining from Heav'n and would have fled	A
Affrighted but strict Fate had cast too deep	T2
Her dark foundations and too fast had bound	A
Nine dayes they fell confounded Chaos roard	A
And felt tenfold confusion in thir fall	W
Through his wilde Anarchie so huge a rout	A
Incumberd him with ruin Hell at last	A
Yawning receavd them whole and on them clos'd	A
Hell thir fit habitation fraught with fire	Q2
Unquenchable the house of woe and paine	A2
Disburd'nd Heav'n rejoic'd and soon repaird	A
Her mural breach returning whence it rowld	A
Sole Victor from th' expulsion of his Foes	A2
Messiah his triumphal Chariot turnd	A
To meet him all his Saints who silent stood	A
Eye witnesses of his Almightie Acts	A2
With Jubilie advanc'd and as they went	A
Shaded with branching Palme each order bright	A
Sung Triumph and him sung Victorious King	F2
Son Heire and Lord to him Dominion giv'n	A2
Worthiest to Reign he celebrated rode	A
Triumphant through mid Heav'n into the Courts	A2
And Temple of his mightie Father Thron'd	A
On high who into Glorie him receav'd	A
Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss	A2
Thus measuring things in Heav'n by things on Earth	Q2
At thy request and that thou maist beware	Q2
By what is past to thee I have reveal'd	A
What might have else to human Race bin hid	A
The discord which befel and Warr in Heav'n	A2
Among th' Angelic Powers and the deep fall	W
Of those too high aspiring who rebelld	A
With Satan hee who envies now thy state	A
Who now is plotting how he may seduce	A2
Thee also from obedience that with him	Q2
Bereavd of happiness thou maist partake	F2
His punishment Eternal miserie	Q2
Which would be all his solace and revenge	A3
As a despite don against the most High	A
Thee once to gaine Companion of his woe	A2
But list'n not to his Temptations warne	A2
Thy weaker let it profit thee to have heard	A
By terrible Example the reward	A
Of disobedience firm they might have stood	A
Yet fell remember and fear to transgress	A2

John Milton

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