Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/80

74 Possesses lately, thither to arrive I travel this profound. Direct my course. Directed no mean recompense it brings To your behoof: if I that region lost, All usurpation thence expelled, reduce To her original darkness and your sway— Which is my present journey—and once more Erect the standard there of ancient Night, Yours be the advantage all, mine the revenge!"
 * Thus Satan, and him thus the Anarch old,

With faltering speech and visage incomposed, Answered: "I know thee, stranger, who thou art, That mighty leading Angel, who of late Made head against Heaven's King, though overthrown. I saw and heard; for such a numerous host Fled not in silence through the frighted Deep, With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, Confusion worse confounded; and Heaven-gates Poured out by millions her victorious bands Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here Keep residence; if all I can will serve, That little which is left so to defend, Encroached on still through your intestine broils, Weakening the sceptre of old Night. First Hell, Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath; Now lately heaven and earth, another world,