Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/31

Rh Their dread commander. He, above the rest In shape and gesture proudly eminent, Stood like a tower; his form had yet not lost All her original brightness, nor appeared Less than Archangel ruined, and the excess Of glory obscured. As when the sun new-risen Looks through the horizontal misty air Shorn of his beams, or, from behind the moon, In dim eclipse disastrous twilight sheds On half the nations, and with fear of change Perplexes monarchs: darkened so yet shone Above them all the Archangel; but his face Deep scars of thunder had intrenched, and care Set on his faded cheek, but under brows Of dauntless courage and considerate pride, Waiting revenge. Cruel his eye, but cast Signs of remorse and passion to behold The fellows of his crime, the followers rather —Far other once beheld in bliss—condemned For ever now to have their lot in pain; Millions of Spirits for his fault amerced Of Heaven, and from eternal spendours flung For his revolt, yet faithful how they stood, Their glory withered: as, when heaven's fire Hath scathed the forest-oaks or mountain-pines, With signed top their stately growth though bare Stands on the blasted heath. He now prepared To speak; whereat their doubled ranks they bend