Chapter 19 19

He spake: and to confirm his words, out-flew Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs Of mighty Cherubim; the sudden blaze [ 665 ] Far round illumind hell: highly they ragd Against the Highest, and fierce with grasped arms Clashd on thir sounding Shields the din of war, Hurling defiance toward the vault of Heavn. There stood a Hill not far whose griesly top [ 670 ] Belchd 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 Sulfur. Thither winged with speed A numerous Brigad hastend. As when Bands [ 675 ]

Of Pioners with Spade and Pickax armd Forerun the Royal Camp, to trench a Field, Or cast a Rampart. Mammon led them on, Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fell From heavn, for evn in heavn his looks and thoughts [ 680 ] Were always downward bent, admiring more The riches of Heavns pavement, trodn Gold, Then aught divine or holy else enjoyed In vision beatific: by him first Men also, and by his suggestion taught, [ 685 ] Ransacked the Center, and with impious hands Rifld the bowls of thir mother Earth For Treasures better hid. Soon had his crew Opnd into the Hill a spacious wound

And dig out ribs of Gold. Let none admire [ 690 ] That riches grow in Hell; that soyle may best Deserve the precious 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, [ 695 ] And Strength and Art are easily out-done By Spirits reprobate, and in an hour What in an age they with incessant toy And hands innumerable scarce perform.