Nor number, nor example, with him wrought To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind, And, with retorted scorn, his back he turned 901 On those proud towers to swift destruction doomed. 907 THE ARGUMENT. RAPHAEL Continues to relate how Michael and Gabriel were sent forth to battle against Satan and his Angels. The first fight described: Satan and his Powers retire under night: He calls a council; invents devilish engines, which, in the second day's fight, put Michael and his Angels to some disorder; but they at length, pulling up mountains, overwhelmed both the force and machines of Satan: Yet, the tumult not so ending, God, on the third day, sends MESSIAH his son, for whom he had reserved the glory of that victory: He, in the power of his Father, coming to the place, and causing all his legions to stand still on either side, with his chariot and thunder driving into the midst of his enemies, pursues them unable to resist towards the wall of Heaven; which opening, they leap down with horrour and confusion into the place of punishment prepared for them in the deep: MESSIAH returns with triumph to his Father. PARADISE LOST. BOOK VI. ALL night the dreadless Angel, unpursued, 1 Through Heaven's wide champain held his way: till Morn, Waked by the circling Hours, with rosy hand Unbarred the gates of light. There is a cave Within the mount of God, fast by his throne, Where light and darkness in perpetual round Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through Heaven Grateful vicissitude, like day and night; Light issues forth, and at the other door Obsequious darkness enters, till her hour To veil the Heaven, though darkness there might well Shot through with orient beams; when all the plain VOL. I. 8 16 Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds, Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms; Than violence; for this was all thy care To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds 17 25 34 42 |