Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/14

8 That we may so suffice his vengeful ire, Or do him mightier service, as his thralls By right of war, whate'er his business be; Here in the heart of Hell to work in fire, Or do his errands in the gloomy Deep! What can it then avail, though yet we feel Strength undiminished, or eternal being To undergo eternal punishment?"
 * Whereto with speedy words the Arch-Fiend replied:

"Fallen Cherub, to be weak is miserable Doing or suffering. But of this be sure, To do aught good never will be our task; But ever to do ill our sole delight, As being the contrary to his high will Whom we resist. If then his providence Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, Our labor must be to pervert that end; And out of good still to find means of evil; Which oft-times may succeed, so as perhaps Shall grieve him, if I fail not, and disturb His inmost counsels from their destined aim.— But see! the angry victor hath recalled His ministers of vengeance and pursuit Back to the gates of Heaven; the sulphurous hail, Shot after us in storm, o'erblown hath laid The fiery surge, that from the precipice