But still thy words at random, as before, [ 930 ]
Argue thy inexperience what behooves
From hard assaies and ill successes past
A faithful Leader, not to hazard all
Through wayes of danger by himself untrid,
I therefore, I alone first uook [ 935 ]
To wing the desolate Abyss, and spie
This new created World, whereof in Hell
Fame is not silent, here in hope to find
Better abode, and my afflicted Powers
To settle here oh, or in mid Aire; [ 940 ]
Though for possession put to try once more
What thou and thy gay Legions dare against;
Whose easier business were to serve thir Lord
High up in Heavn, with songs to hymne his Throne,
And practisd distae, not fight. [ 945 ]
To whom the warriel, soon replid.
To say and strait unsay, pretending first
Wise to flie pain, professihe Spie,
Argues no Leader, but a lyar tract,
Satan, and couldst thou faithful add? O name, [ 950 ]
O sacred name of faithfulness profand!
Faithful to whom? to thy rebellious crew?
Armie of Fiends, fit body to fit head;
Was this your discipline and faith ingagd,
Your military obedieo dissolve [ 955 ]
Allegeao th aowledgd Power supream?
And thou sly hypocrite, who now wouldst seem
Patron of liberty, who more then thou
Once fawnd, and gd, and servilly adord
Heavns awful Monarch? wherefore but in hope [ 960 ]
To dispossess him, and thy self tne?
But mark what I arreede thee now, avant;
Flie thither whehou fledst: if from this houre
Within these hallowd limits thou appeer,
Back to th infernal pit I drag thee d, [ 965 ]
And Seale thee so, as heh not to se
The facil gates of hell too slightly barrd.
So threatnd hee, but Satan to no threats
Gave heed, but waxing more in rage replid.