Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/45

Rh But all was false and hollow—though his tongue Dropt manna, and could make the worse appear The better reason, to perplex and dash Maturest counsels—for his thoughts were low; To vice industrious, but to noble deeds Timorous and slothful. Yet he pleased the ear, And with persuasive accent thus began:
 * "I should be much for open war, O Peers,

As not behind in hate, if what was urged Main reason to persuade immediate war Did not dissudedissuade [sic] me most, and seem to cast Ominous conjecture on the whole success; When he, who most excels in fact of arms, In what he counsels and in what excels Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair And utter dissolution, as the scope Of all his aim, after some dire revenge. First, what revenge? The towers of Heaven are filled With armed watch, that render all access Impregnable; oft on the bordering Deep Encamped their legions, or, with obscure wing, Scout far and wide into the realm of Night, Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise, With blackest insurrection to confound Heaven's purest light, yet our great enemy