Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/57

Rh The weight of all, and our last hope, relies."
 * This said, he sat; and expectation held

His look suspense, awaiting who appeared To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt; but all sat mute, Pondering the danger with deep thoughts, and each In other's countenance read his own dismay, Astonished. None, among the choice and prime Of those Heaven-warring champions, could be found So hardy as to proffer or accept Alone the dreadful voyage; till at last Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised Above his fellows, with monarchal pride, Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake:
 * "O Progeny of Heaven, empyreal Thrones!

With reason hath deep silence and demur Seized us, though undismayed. Long is the way And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light; Our prison strong; this huge convex of fire, Outrageous to devour, immures us round Ninefold, and gates of burning adamant Barred over us prohibit all egress. These passed, if any pass, the void profound Of unessential Night receives him next, Wide gaping, and with utter loss of being