T whom Satan turning boldly, thus. Ye Powers
And Spirits of this hermost Abyss,
Chaos and a Night, I e no Spy, [ 970 ]
With purpose to explore or to disturb
The secrets of your Realm, but by straint
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 yloomie bounds
fih Heavn; or if som other place
From your Dominion won, th Ethereal King
Possesses lately, thither to arrive
I travel this profound, direct my course; [ 980 ]
Directed no mean repe brings
To your behoof, if I that Region lost,
All usurpation thence expelld, reduce
To her inal darkness and your sway
(Which is my present journey) and once more [ 985 ]
Erect the Standard there of a Night;
Yours be th advantage all, mihe revenge.
Thus Satan; and him thus the Anarch old
With faultring speed visage inposd
Answerd. 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 silehrough the frighted deep
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, [ 995 ]
fusion worse founded; and Heavn Gates
Pourd out by millions her victorious Bands
Pursuing. I upon my Frontieres here
Keep residence; if all I will serve,
That little which is left so to defend [ 1000 ]
Encroacht on still through our iine broiles
Weakning the Scepter of old Night: first Hell
Your dungeon stretg far and wide beh;
Now lately Heaven ah, another World
Hung ore my Realm, linkd in a golden [ 1005 ]
To that side Heavn from whence yions fell:
If that way be your walk, you have not farr;
So much the neerer danger; go and speed;
Havod spoil and ruin are my gain.