Chapter 23 twenty one

T whom Satan turning boldly, thus. Ye Powers And Spirits of this nethermost Abyss, Chaos and ancient Night, I come no Spy, [ 970 ] With purpose to explore or to disturb The secrets of your Realm, but by constraint Wandring this darksome Desart, as my way Lies through your spacious Empire up to light, Alone, and without guide, half lost, I seek [ 975 ] What readiest path leads where your gloomie bounds Confine with Heavn; or if som other place From your Dominion won, the Ethereal King Possesses lately, thither to arrive I travel this profound, direct my course; [ 980 ]

Directed no mean compence it brings To your behoof, if I that Region lost, All usurpation then expelled, reduce To her original darkness and your sway (Which is my present journey) and once more [ 985 ] Erect the Standard there of ancient Night; Yours be th advantage all, mine the revenge. Thus Satan; and him thus the Anarch old With faultring speech and visage in composd Answer. I know thee, stranger, who thou art, [ 990 ] That mighty leading Angel, who of late Made head against Heavns King, though overthrown. I saw and heard, for such a numerous Host Fled not in silence through the frighted deep

With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, [ 995 ] Confusion worse confounded; and Heavn Gates Pourd out by millions her victorious Bands Pursuing. I upon my Frontieres here Keep residence; if all I can will serve, That little which is left so to defend [ 1000 ] Encroach on still through our intestinal broiles Weakning the Scepter of old Night: first Hell Your dungeon stretching far and wide beneath; Now lately Heaven and Earth, another World Hung ore my Realm, linked in a golden Chain [ 1005 ] To that side Heavn from whence your Legions fell: If that way be your walk, you have not farr;

So much the neerer danger; go and speed; Havock and spoil and ruin are my gain.