Chapter 9 8
Thrones and Imperial Powers, off-spring of heavn [ 310 ]
Ethereal Vertues; or these Titles now
Must we renounce, and changing stile be calld
Princes of Hell? for so the popular vote
Inclines, here to continue, and build up here
A growing Empire; doubtless; while we dream, [ 315 ]
And know not that the King of Heavn hath doomed
This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat
Beyond his Potent arm, to live exempt
From Heavns high jurisdiction, in new League
Banded against his Throne, but to remain [ 320 ]
In strict test bondage, though thus far removed,
Under th inevitable curb, reserve
His captive multitude: For he, be sure
In height or depth, still first and last will Reign
Sole King, and of his Kingdom loose no part [ 325 ]
By our revolt, but over Hell extend
His Empire, and with Iron Scepter rule
Us here, as with his Golden those in Heavn.
What sit we then projecting peace and Warr?
Warr hath determine us, and foiled with loss [ 330 ]
Irreparable; tears of peace yet none
Voutsaft or sought; for what peace will be givn
To us enslavd, but custody severe,
And stripes, and arbitrary punishment
Inflicted? and what peace can we return, [ 335 ]
But to our power hostility and hate,
Untamd reluctance, and revenge though slow,
Yet ever plotting how the Conqueror least
May reap his conquest, and may least rejoyce
In doing what we most in suffering feel? [ 340 ]
Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need
With dangerous expedition to invade
Heavn, whose high walls fear no assault or Siege,
Or ambush from the Deep. What if we find
Some easier enterprize? There is a place [ 345 ]
(If ancient and prophetic fame in Heavn
Err not) another World, the happy seat
Of some new Race calld Man, about this time
To be created like to us, though less
In power and excellence, but favored more [ 350 ]
Of him who rules above; so was his will
Pronouncd among the Gods, and by an Oath,
That shook Heavns whol circumference, confirmd.