Chapter 6 6

Falln Cherube, to be weak is miserable Doing or Suffering: but of this be sure, To do ought good never will be our task, But ever to do ill our sole delight, [ 160 ] As being the contrary to his high will Whom we resist. If then his Providence Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, Our labor must be to pervert that end, And out of good still to find means of evil; [ 165 ] Which oft times may succeed, so as perhaps Shall grieve him, if I fail not, and disturb His inmost counsels from thir destind aim. But see the angry Victor hath recalled His Ministers of vengeance and pursuit [ 170 ]

Back to the Gates of Heavn: The Sulfurous Hail Shot after us in storm, ore blown hath laid The fiery Surge, that from the Precipice Of Heavn received us falling, and the Thunder, Wingd with red Lightning and impetuous rage, [ 175 ] Perhaps hath spent his shafts, and ceases now To bellow through the vast and boundless Deep. Let us not slip th occasion, whether scorn, Or satiate fury yield it from our Foe. Seest thou yon dreary Plain, forlorn and wilde, [ 180 ] The seat of desolation, voyd of light, Save what the glimmering of these livid flames Casts pale and dreadful? Thither let us tend

From the tossing of these fiery waves, There rest, if any rest can harbor there, [ 185 ] And reassembling our afflicted Powers, Consult how we may henceforth most offend Our Enemy, our own loss how to repair, How to overcome this dire Calamity, What reinforcement we may gain from Hope, [ 190 ] If not what resolution from despair. Thus Satan talking to his nearest Mate With Head up-lift above the wave, and Eyes That sparkling blazd, his other Parts besides Prone on the Flood, extended long and large [ 195 ] Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge As whom the Fables name of monstrous size,