Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/214

208 Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud:
 * Vanguard, to right and left! the front unfold!

That all may see who hate us how we seek Peace and composure, and with open breast Stand ready to receive them, if they like Our overture, and turn not back perverse: But that I doubt. However witness, Heaven! Heaven witness thou anon, while we discharge Freely our part. Ye who appointed stand, Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch What we propound, and loud that all may hear.'
 * "So scoffing in ambiguous words he scarce

Had ended, when to right and left the front Divided, and to either flank retired; Which to our eyes discovered, new and strange, A triple mounted row of pillars laid On wheels—for like to pillars most they seemed, Or hollowed bodies made of oak or fir, With branches lopt, in wood or mountain felled— Brass, iron, stony mould, had not their mouths With hideous orifice gaped on us wide, Portending hollow truce. At each behind A Seraph stood, and in his hand a reed Stood waving, tipped with fire; while we, suspense, Collected stood within our thoughts amused; Not long, for sudden all at once their reeds Put forth, and to a narrow vent applied