Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/216

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 * O friends, why come not on these victors proud?

Erewhile they fierce were coming; and when we, To entertain them fair with open front And breast—what could we more?—propounded terms Of composition, straight they changed their minds, Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell, As they would dance. Yet for a dance they seemed Somewhat extravagant and wild; perhaps For joy of offered peace. But I suppose If our proposals once again were heard, We should compel them to a quick result.'
 * "To whom thus Belial, in like gamesome mood:

'Leader, the terms we sent were terms of weight, Of hard contents, and full of force, urged home, Such as we might perceive amused them all, And stumbled many. Who receives them right Had need from head to foot well understand; Not understood, this gift they have besides, They shew us when our foes walk not upright.'
 * "So they among themselves in pleasant vein

Stood scoffing, highthened in their thoughts beyond All doubt of victory; Eternal Might To match with their inventions they presumed