17

But come, for thou, be sure, shalt give account

To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep

This place inviolable, and these from harm.

So spake the Cherube, and his grave rebuke

Severe in youthful beautie, added grace [ 845 ]

Invincible: abasht the Devil stood,

And felt how awful goodness is, and saw

Vertue in her shape how lovly, saw, and pind

His loss; but chiefly to find here observd

His lustre visibly impaird; yet seemd [ 850 ]

Undaunted. If I must contend, said he,

Best with the best, the Sender not the sent,

Or all at once; more glorie will be wonn,

Or less be lost. Thy fear, said Zephon bold,

Will save us trial what the least can doe [ 855 ]

Single against thee wicked, and thence weak.

The Fiend replid not, overcome with rage;

But like a proud Steed reind, went hautie on,

Chaumping his iron curb: to strive or flie

He held it vain; awe from above had quelld [ 860 ]

His heart, not else dismaid. Now drew they nigh

The western Point, where those half-rounding guards

Just met, and closing stood in squadron joind

Awaiting next command. To whom thir Chief

Gabriel from the Front thus calld aloud. [ 865 ]

O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet

Hasting this way, and now by glimps discerne

Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade,

And with them comes a third of Regal port,

But faded splendor wan; who by his gate [ 870 ]

And fierce demeanour seems the Prince of Hell,

Not likely to part hence without contest;

Stand firm, for in his look defiance lours.

He scarce had ended, when those two approachd

And brief related whom they brought, where found, [ 875 ]

How busied, in what form and posture coucht.

To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake.

Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescribd

To thy transgressions, and disturbd the charge

Of others, who approve not to transgress [ 880 ]

By thy example, but have power and right

To question thy bold entrance on this place;

Imploid it seems to violate sleep, and those

Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?