Chapter 18 17
But come, for thou, be sure, shalt give account
To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep
This place inviolable, and these from harm.
So spake the Cherube, and his grave rebuke
Severe in youthful beautie, added grace [ 845 ]
Invincible: abasht the Devil stood,
And felt how awful goodness is, and saw
Vertue in her shape how lovly, saw, and pind
His loss; but chiefly to find here observd
His luster visibly impaired; yet seemed [ 850 ]
Undaunted. If I must contend, said he,
Best with the best, the Sender not the sent,
Or all at once; more glorie will be wonn,
Or less be lost. Thy fear, said Zephon bold,
Will save us trial what the least can do [ 855 ]
Single against thee wicked, and then weak.
The Fiend replied not, overcome with rage;
But like a proud Steed reind, went hautie on,
Chaumping his iron curb: to strive or flie
He held it vain; awe from above had quelld [ 860 ]
His heart, not else dismaid. Now drew they night
The western Point, where those half-rounding guards
Just met, and closing stood in squadron joind
Awaiting next command. To whom thir Chief
Gabriel from the Front thus called aloud. [865]
O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet
Hasting this way, and now by glimpses discerne
Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade,
And with them comes a third of Regal port,
But faded splendor wan; who by his gate [ 870 ]
And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell,
Not likely to part henceforth without contest;
Stand firm, for in his look defiance loours.
He scarce had ended, when those two approachd
And brief related whom they brought, where found, [ 875 ]
How busied, in what form and posture coucht.
To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake.
Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribd
To thy transgressions, and disturb the charge
Of others, who approve not to transgress [ 880 ]
By thy example, but have power and right
To question thy bold entrance on this place;
Imploid it seems to violate sleep, and those
Who dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?