8

Thrones and Imperial Powers, off-spring of heavn [ 310 ]

Ethereal Vertues; or these Titles now

Must we renounce, and changing stile be calld

Princes of Hell? for so the popular vote

Inclines, here to continue, and build up here

A growing Empire; doubtless; while we dream, [ 315 ]

And know not that the King of Heavn hath doomd

This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat

Beyond his Potent arm, to live exempt

From Heavns high jurisdiction, in new League

Banded against his Throne, but to remaine [ 320 ]

In strictest bondage, though thus far removd,

Under th inevitable curb, reservd

His captive multitude: For he, be sure

In heighth or depth, still first and last will Reign

Sole King, and of his Kingdom loose no part [ 325 ]

By our revolt, but over Hell extend

His Empire, and with Iron Scepter rule

Us here, as with his Golden those in Heavn.

What sit we then projecting peace and Warr?

Warr hath determind us, and foild with loss [ 330 ]

Irreparable; tearms of peace yet none

Voutsaft or sought; for what peace will be givn

To us enslavd, but custody severe,

And stripes, and arbitrary punishment

Inflicted? and what peace can we return, [ 335 ]

But to our power hostility and hate,

Untamd reluctance, and revenge though slow,

Yet ever plotting how the Conqueror least

May reap his conquest, and may least rejoyce

In doing what we most in suffering feel? [ 340 ]

Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need

With dangerous expedition to invade

Heavn, whose high walls fear no assault or Siege,

Or ambush from the Deep. What if we find

Some easier enterprize? There is a place [ 345 ]

(If ancient and prophetic fame in Heavn

Err not) another World, the happy seat

Of some new Race calld Man, about this time

To be created like to us, though less

In power and excellence, but favourd more [ 350 ]

Of him who rules above; so was his will

Pronouncd among the Gods, and by an Oath,

That shook Heavns whol circumference, confirmd.