Page:Paradise Lost Manuscript 13.png

 To reign is worth ambition though in hell: Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n. But wherefore let wee then our faithfull friends, Th' Associates and copartners of our losse Ly thus astonisht on th' oblivious poole, And call them not to share with us thir part In this unhappie Mansion, or once more With rallied arms to try what may be yet Regaind in Heav'n, or what more lost in Hell? So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub Thus answer'd. Leader of those Armies bright, Which but th' Omnipotent none could have foyl'd, If once they heare that voice, thir liveliest pledge Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft In worst extreams, and on the perilous edge Of battell when it rag'd, in all assaults Thir surest signall, they will soon resume New courage and revive, though now they ly Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, As we ere while, astounded and amaz'd, No wonder, fall'n such a pernicious highth. Hee scarce had ceas't when the superiour fiend Was moving toward the shore; his ponderous shield Ethereal temper, massy, large and round Behind him cast; the broad circumference