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This Eevning from the Suns decline arrivd

Who tells of som infernal Spirit seen

Hitherward bent (who could have thought?) escapd

The barrs of Hell, on errand bad no doubt: [ 795 ]

Such where ye find, seise fast, and hither bring.

So saying, on he led his radiant Files,

Dazling the Moon; these to the Bower direct

In search of whom they sought: him there they found

Squat like a Toad, close at the eare of Eve; [ 800 ]

Assaying by his Devilish art to reach

The Organs of her Fancie, and with them forge

Illusions as he list, Phantasms and Dreams,

Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint

Th animal spirits that from pure blood arise [ 805 ]

Like gentle breaths from Rivers pure, thence raise

At least distemperd, discontented thoughts,

Vaine hopes, vaine aimes, inordinate desires

Blown up with high conceits ingendring pride.

Him thus intent Ithuriel with his Spear [ 810 ]

Touchd lightly; for no falshood can endure

Touch of Celestial temper, but returns

Of force to its own likeness: up he starts

Discoverd and surprizd. As when a spark

Lights on a heap of nitrous Powder, laid [ 815 ]

Fit for the Tun som Magazin to store

Against a rumord Warr, the Smuttie graine

With sudden blaze diffusd, inflames the Aire:

So started up in his own shape the Fiend.

Back stept those two fair Angels half amazd [ 820 ]

So sudden to behold the grieslie King;

Yet thus, unmovd with fear, accost him soon.

Which of those rebell Spirits adjudgd to Hell

Comst thou, escapd thy prison, and transformd,

Why satst thou like an enemie in waite [ 825 ]

Here watching at the head of these that sleep?

Know ye not then said Satan, filld with scorn

Know ye not mee? ye knew me once no mate

For you, there sitting where ye durst not soare;

Not to know mee argues your selves unknown, [ 830 ]

The lowest of your throng; or if ye know,

Why ask ye, and superfluous begin

Your message, like to end as much in vain?

To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn.

Think not, revolted Spirit, thy shape the same, [ 835 ]

Or undiminisht brightness, to be known

As when thou stoodst in Heavn upright and pure;

That Glorie then, when thou no more wast good,

Departed from thee, and thou resemblst now

Thy sin and place of doom obscure and foule. [ 840 ]