Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/201

Rh So under fiery cope together rushed Both battles main, with Ruinous assault And inextinguishable rage; all Heaven Resounded, and, had Earth been then, all Earth Had to her centre shook. What wonder! when Millions of fierce encountering Angels fought On either side, the least of whom could wield These elements, and arm him with the force Of all their regions. How much more of power, Army against army, numberless to raise Dreadful conbustion warring, and disturb, Though not destroy, their happy native seat! Had not the eternal King omnipotent, From his strong hold of Heaven, high over-ruled And limited their might; though numbered such As each divided legion might have seemed A numerous host, in strength each armed hand A legion; led in fight, yet leader seemed Each warrior single as in chief, expert When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway Of battle, open when, and when to close The ridges of grim war. No thought of flight, None of retreat; no unbecoming deed That argued fear; each on himself relied, As only in his arm the moment lay Of victory. Deeds of eternal fame Were done, but infinite; for wide was spread That war and various; sometimes on firm ground