Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/75

 And my promotion will be thy destruction?
 * To whom the Tempter, inly rackt reply'd.

Let that come when it comes; all hope is lost Of my reception into grace; what worse? For where no hope is left, is left no fear; If there be worse, the expectation more Of worse torments me then the feeling can. I would be at the worst; worst is my Port, My harbour and my ultimate repose, The end I would attain, my final good. My error was my error, and my crime My crime; whatever for itself condemn'd, And will alike be punish'd; whether thou Raign or raign not; though to that gentle brow Willingly I could fly, and hope thy raign, From that placid aspect and meek regard, Rather then aggravate my evil state, Would stand between me and thy Fathers ire, (Whose ire I dread more then the fire of Hell) Rh