Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/194

188 The better fight, who single hast maintained Against revolted multitudes the cause Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms; And for the testimony of truth hast borne Universal reproach, far worse to bear Than violence; for this was all thy care To stand approved in sight of God, though worlds Judged thee perverse. The easier conquest now Remains thee, aided by this host of friends, Back on thy foes more glorious to return Than scorned thou didst depart, and to subdue By force who reason for their law refuse, Right reason for their law, and for their King Messiah, who by right of merit reigns.— Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince, And thou in military prowess next, Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons Invincible; lead forth my armed Saints, By thousands and by millions, ranged for fight, Equal in number to that godless crew Rebellious; them with fire and hostile arms Fearless assault, and, to the brow of Heaven Pursuing, drive them out from God and bliss, Into their place of punishment, the gulf Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide His fiery chaos to receive their fall.'
 * "So spake the sovran voice, and clouds began