Chapter 21 19

The key of this inner pit by due, [ 850 ] And by command of Heavns all-powerful King I keep, by him forbidden to unlock These Adamantine Gates; against all force Death ready stands to interpose his dart, Fearless to be ormatcht by living might. [ 855 ] But what ow I to his commands above Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down Into this gloom of Tartarus profound, To sit in hateful Office here confind, Inhabitant of Heavn, and heavnlie-born, [ 860 ] Here in perpetual agony and pain, With terrors and with clamors compass round Of mine own brood, that on my bowls feed:

Thou art my Father, thou my Author, thou art My being gavst me; whom should I obey [ 865 ] But thee, whom follow? thou wilt bring me soon To that new world of light and bliss, among The Gods who live at ease, where I shall Reign At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems Thy daughter and thy darling, without end. [ 870 ] Thus saying, from her side the fatal Key, Sad instrument of all our woe, she took; And towards the Gate routing her bestial train, Forthwith the huge Porcullis high up drew, Which but her self not all the Stygian powers [ 875 ] Could once have movd; then in the key-hole turns

Th intricate wards, and every Bolt and Bar Of massie Iron or sollid Rock with ease Unfastns: on a sudden opn flie With impetuous recoile and jarring sound [ 880 ] Th inner dores, and on thir hinges grate Harsh Thunder, that the lowest bottom shook Of Erebus. She opnd, but to shut Exceld her power; the Gates wide opn stood, That with extended wings a Bannerd Host [ 885 ] Under spread Ensigns marching might pass through With Horse and Chariots rank in loose array; So wide they stood, and like a Furnace mouth Cast forth redounding smoak and ruddy flame.