Chapter 8 7
As he our darkness, cannot we his Light
Imitate when we please? This Desart soil [ 270 ]
Wants not her hidden lustre, Gemms and Gold;
Nor want we skill or Art, from whence to raise
Magnificence; and what can Heavn shew more?
Our torments also may in length of time
Become our Elements, these piercing Fires [ 275 ]
As soft as now severe, our temper changd
Into their temper; which must needs remove
The sensible of pain. All things invite
To peaceful Counsels, and the settld State
Of order, how in safety best we may [ 280 ]
Compose our present evils, with regard
Of what we are and were, dismissing quite
All thoughts of warr: ye have what I advise.
He scarce had finish, when such murmur filld
Th Assembly, as when hollow Rocks retain [ 285 ]
The sound of blustring winds, which all night long
Had roused the Sea, now with hoarse cadence lull
Sea-faring men orewatcht, whose Bark by chance
Or Pinnace anchors in a crazy Bay
After the Tempest: Such applause was heard [ 290 ]
As Mammon ended, and his Sentence pleased,
Advising peace: for such another Field
They dreaded worse then Hell: so much the fear
Of Thunder and the Sword of Michael
Wrought still within them; and no less desire [ 295 ]
To found this nether Empire, which might rise
By policy, and long process of time,
In emulation opposite to Heavn.
Which when Beelzebub perceivd, then whom,
Satan except, none higher sat, with grave [ 300 ]
Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemsd
A Pillar of State; deep on his Front engraven
Deliberation sat and public care;
And Princely counsel in his face yet shon,
Majestic though in ruin: sage he stood [ 305 ]
With Atlantean shoulders fit to bear
The weight of mightiest Monarchies; his look
Drew audience and attention still as Night
Or Summers Noon-tide air, while thus he spake.