Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/348

342 Whom they triumphed once lapsed. Thus were they plagued; And, worn with famine, long and ceaseless hiss, Till their lost shape, permitted, they resumed; Yearly enjoyed, some say, to undergo This annual humbling, certain numbered days, To dash their pride and joy for man seduced. However, some tradition they dispersed Among the Heathen of their purchase got, And fabled how the Serpent, whom they called Ophion with Eurynomè—the wide Encroaching Eve perhaps—had first the rule Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driven And Ops, ere yet Dictæan Jove was born.
 * Meanwhile in Paradise the hellish pair

Too soon arrived; Sin, there in power before, Once actual, now in body, and to dwell Habitual habitant; behind her Death, Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet On his pale horse; to whom Sin thus began:
 * "Second of Satan sprung, all-conquering Death!

What thinkest thou of our empire now, though earned With travail difficult? Not better far Than still at Hell's dark threshold to have sat watch Unnamed, undreaded, and thyself half-starved?"