Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/213

Rh Each quarter, to descry the distant foe, Where lodged, or whither fled, or if for fight, In motion or in halt Him soon they met Under spread ensigns moving nigh, in slow But firm battalion. Back with speediest sail Zophiel, of Cherubim the swiftest wing, Came flying, and in mid-air aloud thus cried:
 * Arm, warriors, arm for fight! The foe at hand,

Whom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit This day; fear not his flight! so thick a cloud He comes, and settled in his face I see Sad resolution and secure. Let each His adamantine coat gird well, and each Fit well his helm, gripe fast his orbed shield, Borne even or high; for this day will pour down, If I conjecture aught, no drizzling shower, But rattling storm of arrows barbed with fire.'
 * "So warned he them, aware themselves, and soon

In order, quit of all impediment; Instant without disturb they took alarm, And onward moved embattled: when behold, Not distant far, with heavy pace the foe Approaching gross and huge, in hollow cube Training his devilish enginery, impaled On every side with shadowing squadrons deep, To hide the fraud. At interview both stood Awhile; but suddenly at head appeared