The Argument ｜Text ｜Annotation
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The Consultation begun, Satan debates whether another battle be to be hazarded for the recovery of Heaven: some advise it, others dissuade: A third proposal is preferred mentioned before by Satan, to search the truth of that Prophecy or Tradition in Heaven concerning another world, and another kind of creature equal or not much inferior to themselves, about this time to be created: Their doubt who shall be sent on this difficult search: Satan their chief undertakes alone the voyage, is honored and applauded. The Council thus ended, the rest betake them several ways and to several employments, as their inclinations lead them, to entertain the time till Satan return. He passes on his journey to Hell Gates, finds them shut, and who sat there to guard them, by whom at length they are opened, and discover to him the great Gulf between Hell and Heaven; with what difficulty he passes through, directed by Chaos, the Power of that place, to the sight of this new World which he sought.
1. High on a throne of royal state, which far 2. Outshone the wealth or Ormus and of Ind, 3. Or where the gorgeous East with richest hand 4. Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold, 5. Satan exalted sat, by merit raised 6. To that bad eminence; and, from despair 7. Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires 8. Beyond thus high, insatiate to pursue 9. Vain war with Heaven; and, by success untaught, 10. His proud imaginations thus displayed:-- 11. "Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heaven!-- 12. For, since no deep within her gulf can hold 13. Immortal vigour, though oppressed and fallen, 14. I give not Heaven for lost: from this descent 15. Celestial Virtues rising will appear 16. More glorious and more dread than from no fall, 17. And trust themselves to fear no second fate!-- 18. Me though just right, and the fixed laws of Heaven, 19. Did first create your leader--next, free choice 20. With what besides in council or in fight 21. Hath been achieved of merit--yet this loss, 22. Thus far at least recovered, hath much more 23. Established in a safe, unenvied throne, 24. Yielded with full consent. The happier state 25. In Heaven, which follows dignity, might draw 26. Envy from each inferior; but who here 27. Will envy whom the highest place exposes 28. Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim 29. Your bulwark, and condemns to greatest share 30. Of endless pain? Where there is, then, no good 31. For which to strive, no strife can grow up there 32. From faction: for none sure will claim in Hell 33. Precedence; none whose portion is so small 34. Of present pain that with ambitious mind 35. Will covet more! With this advantage, then, 36. To union, and firm faith, and firm accord, 37. More than can be in Heaven, we now return 38. To claim our just inheritance of old, 39. Surer to prosper than prosperity 40. Could have assured us; and by what best way, 41. Whether of open war or covert guile, 42. We now debate. Who can advise may speak." 43. He ceased; and next him Moloch, sceptred king, 44. Stood up--the strongest and the fiercest Spirit 45. That fought in Heaven, now fiercer by despair. 46. His trust was with th' Eternal to be deemed 47. Equal in strength, and rather than be less 48. Cared not to be at all; with that care lost 49. Went all his fear: of God, or Hell, or worse, 50. He recked not, and these words thereafter spake:-- 51. "My sentence is for open war. Of wiles, 52. More unexpert, I boast not: them let those 53. Contrive who need, or when they need; not now. 54. For, while they sit contriving, shall the rest-- 55. Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait 56. The signal to ascend--sit lingering here, 57. Heaven's fugitives, and for their dwelling-place 58. Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame, 59. The prison of his ryranny who reigns 60. By our delay? No! let us rather choose, 61. Armed with Hell-flames and fury, all at once 62. O'er Heaven's high towers to force resistless way, 63. Turning our tortures into horrid arms 64. Against the Torturer; when, to meet the noise 65. Of his almighty engine, he shall hear 66. Infernal thunder, and, for lightning, see 67. Black fire and horror shot with equal rage 68. Among his Angels, and his throne itself 69. Mixed with Tartarean sulphur and strange fire, 70. His own invented torments. But perhaps 71. The way seems difficult, and steep to scale 72. With upright wing against a higher foe! 73. Let such bethink them, if the sleepy drench 74. Of that forgetful lake benumb not still, 75. That in our porper motion we ascend 76. Up to our native seat; descent and fall 77. To us is adverse. Who but felt of late, 78. When the fierce foe hung on our broken rear 79. Insulting, and pursued us through the Deep, 80. With what compulsion and laborious flight 81. We sunk thus low? Th' ascent is easy, then; 82. Th' event is feared! Should we again provoke 83. Our stronger, some worse way his wrath may find 84. To our destruction, if there be in Hell 85. Fear to be worse destroyed! What can be worse 86. Than to dwell here, driven out from bliss, condemned 87. In this abhorred deep to utter woe! 88. Where pain of unextinguishable fire 89. Must exercise us without hope of end 90. The vassals of his anger, when the scourge 91. Inexorably, and the torturing hour, 92. Calls us to penance? More destroyed than thus, 93. We should be quite abolished, and expire. 94. What fear we then? what doubt we to incense 95. His utmost ire? which, to the height enraged, 96. Will either quite consume us, and reduce 97. To nothing this essential--happier far 98. Than miserable to have eternal being!-- 99. Or, if our substance be indeed divine, 100. And cannot cease to be, we are at worst 101. On this side nothing; and by proof we feel 102. Our power sufficient to disturb his Heaven, 103. And with perpetual inroads to alarm, 104. Though inaccessible, his fatal throne: 105. Which, if not victory, is yet revenge." 106. He ended frowning, and his look denounced 107. Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous 108. To less than gods. On th' other side up rose 109. Belial, in act more graceful and humane. 110. A fairer person lost not Heaven; he seemed 111. For dignity composed, and high exploit. 112. But all was false and hollow; though his tongue 113. Dropped manna, and could make the worse appear 114. The better reason, to perplex and dash 115. Maturest counsels: for his thoughts were low-- 116. To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds 117. Timorous and slothful. Yet he pleased the ear, 118. And with persuasive accent thus began:-- 119. "I should be much for open war, O Peers, 120. As not behind in hate, if what was urged 121. Main reason to persuade immediate war 122. Did not dissuade me most, and seem to cast 123. Ominous conjecture on the whole success; 124. When he who most excels in fact of arms, 125. In what he counsels and in what excels 126. Mistrustful, grounds his courage on despair 127. And utter dissolution, as the scope 128. Of all his aim, after some dire revenge. 129. First, what revenge? The towers of Heaven are filled 130. With armed watch, that render all access 131. Impregnable: oft on the bodering Deep 132. Encamp their legions, or with obscure wing 133. Scout far and wide into the realm of Night, 134. Scorning surprise. Or, could we break our way 135. By force, and at our heels all Hell should rise 136. With blackest insurrection to confound 137. Heaven's purest light, yet our great Enemy, 138. All incorruptible, would on his throne 139. Sit unpolluted, and th' ethereal mould, 140. Incapable of stain, would soon expel 141. Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire, 142. Victorious. Thus repulsed, our final hope 143. Is flat despair: we must exasperate 144. Th' Almighty Victor to spend all his rage; 145. And that must end us; that must be our cure-- 146. To be no more. Sad cure! for who would lose, 147. Though full of pain, this intellectual being, 148. Those thoughts that wander through eternity, 149. To perish rather, swallowed up and lost 150. In the wide womb of uncreated Night, 151. Devoid of sense and motion? And who knows, 152. Let this be good, whether our angry Foe 153. Can give it, or will ever? How he can 154. Is doubtful; that he never will is sure. 155. Will he, so wise, let loose at once his ire, 156. Belike through impotence or unaware, 157. To give his enemies their wish, and end 158. Them in his anger whom his anger saves 159. To punish endless? 'Wherefore cease we, then?' 160. Say they who counsel war; 'we are decreed, 161. Reserved, and destined to eternal woe; 162. Whatever doing, what can we suffer more, 163. What can we suffer worse?' Is this, then, worst-- 164. Thus sitting, thus consulting, thus in arms? 165. What when we fled amain, pursued and struck 166. With Heaven's afflicting thunder, and besought 167. The Deep to shelter us? This Hell then seemed 168. A refuge from those wounds. Or when we lay 169. Chained on the burning lake? That sure was worse. 170. What if the breath that kindled those grim fires, 171. Awaked, should blow them into sevenfold rage, 172. And plunge us in the flames; or from above 173. Should intermitted vengeance arm again 174. His red right hand to plague us? What if all 175. Her stores were opened, and this firmament 176. Of Hell should spout her cataracts of fire, 177. Impendent horrors, threatening hideous fall 178. One day upon our heads; while we perhaps, 179. Designing or exhorting glorious war, 180. Caught in a fiery tempest, shall be hurled, 181. Each on his rock transfixed, the sport and prey 182. Or racking whirlwinds, or for ever sunk 183. Under yon boiling ocean, wrapt in chains, 184. There to converse with everlasting groans, 185. Unrespited, unpitied, unreprieved, 186. Ages of hopeless end? This would be worse. 187. War, therefore, open or concealed, alike 188. My voice dissuades; for what can force or guile 189. With him, or who deceive his mind, whose eye 190. Views all things at one view? He from Heaven's height 191. All these our motions vain sees and derides, 192. Not more almighty to resist our might 193. Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles. 194. Shall we, then, live thus vile--the race of Heaven 195. Thus trampled, thus expelled, to suffer here 196. Chains and these torments? Better these than worse, 197. By my advice; since fate inevitable 198. Subdues us, and omnipotent decree, 199. The Victor's will. To suffer, as to do, 200. Our strength is equal; nor the law unjust 201. That so ordains. This was at first resolved, 202. If we were wise, against so great a foe 203. Contending, and so doubtful what might fall. 204. I laugh when those who at the spear are bold 205. And venturous, if that fail them, shrink, and fear 206. What yet they know must follow--to endure 207. Exile, or igominy, or bonds, or pain, 208. The sentence of their Conqueror. This is now 209. Our doom; which if we can sustain and bear, 210. Our Supreme Foe in time may much remit 211. His anger, and perhaps, thus far removed, 212. Not mind us not offending, satisfied 213. With what is punished; whence these raging fires 214. Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames. 215. Our purer essence then will overcome 216. Their noxious vapour; or, inured, not feel; 217. Or, changed at length, and to the place conformed 218. In temper and in nature, will receive 219. Familiar the fierce heat; and, void of pain, 220. This horror will grow mild, this darkness light; 221. Besides what hope the never-ending flight 222. Of future days may bring, what chance, what change 223. Worth waiting--since our present lot appears 224. For happy though but ill, for ill not worst, 225. If we procure not to ourselves more woe." 226. Thus Belial, with words clothed in reason's garb, 227. Counselled ignoble ease and peaceful sloth, 228. Not peace; and after him thus Mammon spake:-- 229. "Either to disenthrone the King of Heaven 230. We war, if war be best, or to regain 231. Our own right lost. Him to unthrone we then 232. May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield 233. To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife. 234. The former, vain to hope, argues as vain 235. The latter; for what place can be for us 236. Within Heaven's bound, unless Heaven's Lord supreme 237. We overpower? Suppose he should relent 238. And publish grace to all, on promise made 239. Of new subjection; with what eyes could we 240. Stand in his presence humble, and receive 241. Strict laws imposed, to celebrate his throne 242. With warbled hyms, and to his Godhead sing 243. Forced hallelujahs, while he lordly sits 244. Our envied sovereign, and his altar breathes 245. Ambrosial odours and ambrosial flowers, 246. Our servile offerings? This must be our task 247. In Heaven, this our delight. How wearisome 248. Eternity so spent in worship paid 249. To whom we hate! Let us not then pursue, 250. By force impossible, by leave obtained 251. Unacceptable, though in Heaven, our state 252. Of splendid vassalage; but rather seek 253. Our own good from ourselves, and from our own 254. Live to ourselves, though in this vast recess, 255. Free and to none accountable, preferring 256. Hard liberty before the easy yoke 257. Of servile pomp. Our greatness will appear 258. Then most conspicuous when great things of small, 259. Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse, 260. We can create, and in what place soe'er 261. Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain 262. Through labour and endurance. This deep world 263. Of darkness do we dread? How oft amidst 264. Thick clouds and dark doth Heaven's all-ruling Sire 265. Choose to reside, his glory unobscured, 266. And with the majesty of darkness round 267. Covers his throne, from whence deep thunders roar. 268. Mustering their rage, and Heaven resembles Hell! 269. As he our darkness, cannot we his light 270. Imitate when we please? This desert soil 271. Wants not her hidden lustre, gems and gold; 272. Nor want we skill or art from whence to raise 273. Magnificence; and what can Heaven show more? 274. Our torments also may, in length of time, 275. Become our elements, these piercing fires 276. As soft as now severe, our temper changed 277. Into their temper; which must needs remove 278. The sensible of pain. All things invite 279. To peaceful counsels, and the settled state 280. Of order, how in safety best we may 281. Compose our present evils, with regard 282. Of what we are and where, dismissing quite 283. All thoughts of war. Ye have what I advise." 284. He scarce had finished, when such murmur filled 285. Th' assembly as when hollow rocks retain 286. The sound of blustering winds, which all night long 287. Had roused the sea, now with hoarse cadence lull 288. Seafaring men o'erwatched, whose bark by chance 289. Or pinnace, anchors in a craggy bay 290. After the tempest. Such applause was heard 291. As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased, 292. Advising peace: for such another field 293. They dreaded worse than Hell; so much the fear 294. Of thunder and the sword of Michael 295. Wrought still within them; and no less desire 296. To found this nether empire, which might rise, 297. By policy and long process of time, 298. In emulation opposite to Heaven. 299. Which when Beelzebub perceived--than whom, 300. Satan except, none higher sat--with grave 301. Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemed 302. A pillar of state. Deep on his front engraven 303. Deliberation sat, and public care; 304. And princely counsel in his face yet shone, 305. Majestic, though in ruin. Sage he stood 306. With Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear 307. The weight of mightiest monarchies; his look 308. Drew audience and attention still as night 309. Or summer's noontide air, while thus he spake:-- 310. "Thrones and Imperial Powers, Offspring of Heaven, 311. Ethereal Virtues! or these titles now 312. Must we renounce, and, changing style, be called 313. Princes of Hell? for so the popular vote 314. Inclines--here to continue, and build up here 315. A growing empire; doubtless! while we dream, 316. And know not that the King of Heaven hath doomed 317. This place our dungeon, not our safe retreat 318. Beyond his potent arm, to live exempt 319. From Heaven's high jurisdiction, in new league 320. Banded against his throne, but to remain 321. In strictest bondage, though thus far removed, 322. Under th' inevitable curb, reserved 323. His captive multitude. For he, to be sure, 324. In height or depth, still first and last will reign 325. Sole king, and of his kingdom lose no part 326. By our revolt, but over Hell extend 327. His empire, and with iron sceptre rule 328. Us here, as with his golden those in Heaven. 329. What sit we then projecting peace and war? 330. War hath determined us and foiled with loss 331. Irreparable; terms of peace yet none 332. Vouchsafed or sought; for what peace will be given 333. To us enslaved, but custody severe, 334. And stripes and arbitrary punishment 335. Inflicted? and what peace can we return, 336. But, to our power, hostility and hate, 337. Untamed reluctance, and revenge, though slow, 338. Yet ever plotting how the Conqueror least 339. May reap his conquest, and may least rejoice 340. In doing what we most in suffering feel? 341. Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need 342. With dangerous expedition to invade 343. Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege, 344. Or ambush from the Deep. What if we find 345. Some easier enterprise? There is a place 346. (If ancient and prophetic fame in Heaven 347. Err not)--another World, the happy seat 348. Of some new race, called Man, about this time 349. To be created like to us, though less 350. In power and excellence, but favoured more 351. Of him who rules above; so was his will 352. Pronounced among the Gods, and by an oath 353. That shook Heaven's whole circumference confirmed. 354. Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn 355. What creatures there inhabit, of what mould 356. Or substance, how endued, and what their power 357. And where their weakness: how attempted best, 358. By force of subtlety. Though Heaven be shut, 359. And Heaven's high Arbitrator sit secure 360. In his own strength, this place may lie exposed, 361. The utmost border of his kingdom, left 362. To their defence who hold it: here, perhaps, 363. Some advantageous act may be achieved 364. By sudden onset--either with Hell-fire 365. To waste his whole creation, or possess 366. All as our own, and drive, as we were driven, 367. The puny habitants; or, if not drive, 368. Seduce them to our party, that their God 369. May prove their foe, and with repenting hand 370. Abolish his own works. This would surpass 371. Common revenge, and interrupt his joy 372. In our confusion, and our joy upraise 373. In his disturbance; when his darling sons, 374. Hurled headlong to partake with us, shall curse 375. Their frail original, and faded bliss-- 376. Faded so soon! Advise if this be worth 377. Attempting, or to sit in darkness here 378. Hatching vain empires." Thus Beelzebub 379. Pleaded his devilish counsel--first devised 380. By Satan, and in part proposed: for whence, 381. But from the author of all ill, could spring 382. So deep a malice, to confound the race 383. Of mankind in one root, and Earth with Hell 384. To mingle and involve, done all to spite 385. The great Creator? But their spite still serves 386. His glory to augment. The bold design 387. Pleased highly those infernal States, and joy 388. Sparkled in all their eyes: with full assent 389. They vote: whereat his speech he thus renews:-- 390. "Well have ye judged, well ended long debate, 391. Synod of Gods, and, like to what ye are, 392. Great things resolved, which from the lowest deep 393. Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate, 394. Nearer our ancient seat--perhaps in view 395. Of those bright confines, whence, with neighbouring arms, 396. And opportune excursion, we may chance 397. Re-enter Heaven; or else in some mild zone 398. Dwell, not unvisited of Heaven's fair light, 399. Secure, and at the brightening orient beam 400. Purge off this gloom: the soft delicious air, 401. To heal the scar of these corrosive fires, 402. Shall breathe her balm. But, first, whom shall we send 403. In search of this new World? whom shall we find 404. Sufficient? who shall tempt with wandering feet 405. The dark, unbottomed, infinite Abyss, 406. And through the palpable obscure find out 407. His uncouth way, or spread his airy flight, 408. Upborne with indefatigable wings 409. Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive 410. The happy Isle? What strength, what art, can then 411. Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe, 412. Through the strict senteries and stations thick 413. Of Angels watching round? Here he had need 414. All circumspection: and we now no less 415. Choice in our suffrage; for on whom we send 416. The weight of all, and our last hope, relies." 417. This said, he sat; and expectation held 418. His look suspense, awaiting who appeared 419. To second, or oppose, or undertake 420. The perilous attempt. But all sat mute, 421. Pondering the danger with deep thoughts; and each 422. In other's countenance read his own dismay, 423. Astonished. None among the choice and prime 424. Of those Heaven-warring champions could be found 425. So hardy as to proffer or accept, 426. Alone, the dreadful voyage; till, at last, 427. Satan, whom now transcendent glory raised 428. Above his fellows, with monarchal pride 429. Conscious of highest worth, unmoved thus spake:-- 430. "O Progeny of Heaven! Empyreal Thrones! 431. With reason hath deep silence and demur 432. Seized us, though undismayed. Long is the way 433. And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light. 434. Our prison strong, this huge convex of fire, 435. Outrageous to devour, immures us round 436. Ninefold; and gates of burning adamant, 437. Barred over us, prohibit all egress. 438. These passed, if any pass, the void profound 439. Of unessential Night receives him next, 440. Wide-gaping, and with utter loss of being 441. Threatens him, plunged in that abortive gulf. 442. If thence he scape, into whatever world, 443. Or unknown region, what remains him less 444. Than unknown dangers, and as hard escape? 445. But I should ill become this throne, O Peers, 446. And this imperial sovereignty, adorned 447. With splendour, armed with power, if aught proposed 448. And judged of public moment in the shape 449. Of difficulty or danger, could deter 450. Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume 451. These royalties, and not refuse to reign, 452. Refusing to accept as great a share 453. Of hazard as of honour, due alike 454. To him who reigns, and so much to him due 455. Of hazard more as he above the rest 456. High honoured sits? Go, therefore, mighty Powers, 457. Terror of Heaven, though fallen; intend at home, 458. While here shall be our home, what best may ease 459. The present misery, and render Hell 460. More tolerable; if there be cure or charm 461. To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain 462. Of this ill mansion: intermit no watch 463. Against a wakeful foe, while I abroad 464. Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek 465. Deliverance for us all. This enterprise 466. None shall partake with me." Thus saying, rose 467. The Monarch, and prevented all reply; 468. Prudent lest, from his resolution raised, 469. Others among the chief might offer now, 470. Certain to be refused, what erst they feared, 471. And, so refused, might in opinion stand 472. His rivals, winning cheap the high repute 473. Which he through hazard huge must earn. But they 474. Dreaded not more th' adventure than his voice 475. Forbidding; and at once with him they rose. 476. Their rising all at once was as the sound 477. Of thunder heard remote. Towards him they bend 478. With awful reverence prone, and as a God 479. Extol him equal to the Highest in Heaven. 480. Nor failed they to express how much they praised 481. That for the general safety he despised 482. His own: for neither do the Spirits damned 483. Lose all their virtue; lest bad men should boast 484. Their specious deeds on earth, which glory excites, 485. Or close ambition varnished o'er with zeal. 486. Thus they their doubtful consultations dark 487. Ended, rejoicing in their matchless Chief: 488. As, when from mountain-tops the dusky clouds 489. Ascending, while the north wind sleeps, o'erspread 490. Heaven's cheerful face, the louring element 491. Scowls o'er the darkened landscape snow or shower, 492. If chance the radiant sun, with farewell sweet, 493. Extend his evening beam, the fields revive, 494. The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds 495. Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings. 496. O shame to men! Devil with devil damned 497. Firm concord holds; men only disagree 498. Of creatures rational, though under hope 499. Of heavenly grace, and, God proclaiming peace, 500. Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife 501. Among themselves, and levy cruel wars 502. Wasting the earth, each other to destroy: 503. As if (which might induce us to accord) 504. Man had not hellish foes enow besides, 505. That day and night for his destruction wait! 506. The Stygian council thus dissolved; and forth 507. In order came the grand infernal Peers: 508. Midst came their mighty Paramount, and seemed 509. Alone th' antagonist of Heaven, nor less 510. Than Hell's dread Emperor, with pomp supreme, 511. And god-like imitated state: him round 512. A globe of fiery Seraphim enclosed 513. With bright emblazonry, and horrent arms. 514. Then of their session ended they bid cry 515. With trumpet's regal sound the great result: 516. Toward the four winds four speedy Cherubim 517. Put to their mouths the sounding alchemy, 518. By herald's voice explained; the hollow Abyss 519. Heard far adn wide, and all the host of Hell 520. With deafening shout returned them loud acclaim. 521. Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat raised 522. By false presumptuous hope, the ranged Powers 523. Disband; and, wandering, each his several way 524. Pursues, as inclination or sad choice 525. Leads him perplexed, where he may likeliest find 526. Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain 527. The irksome hours, till his great Chief return. 528. Part on the plain, or in the air sublime, 529. Upon the wing or in swift race contend, 530. As at th' Olympian games or Pythian fields; 531. Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal 532. With rapid wheels, or fronted brigades form: 533. As when, to warn proud cities, war appears 534. Waged in the troubled sky, and armies rush 535. To battle in the clouds; before each van 536. Prick forth the airy knights, and couch their spears, 537. Till thickest legions close; with feats of arms 538. From either end of heaven the welkin burns. 539. Others, with vast Typhoean rage, more fell, 540. Rend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air 541. In whirlwind; Hell scarce holds the wild uproar:-- 542. As when Alcides, from Oechalia crowned 543. With conquest, felt th' envenomed robe, and tore 544. Through pain up by the roots Thessalian pines, 545. And Lichas from the top of Oeta threw 546. Into th' Euboic sea. Others, more mild, 547. Retreated in a silent valley, sing 548. With notes angelical to many a harp 549. Their own heroic deeds, and hapless fall 550. By doom of battle, and complain that Fate 551. Free Virtue should enthrall to Force or Chance. 552. Their song was partial; but the harmony 553. (What could it less when Spirits immortal sing?) 554. Suspended Hell, and took with ravishment 555. The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet 556. (For Eloquence the Soul, Song charms the Sense) 557. Others apart sat on a hill retired, 558. In thoughts more elevate, and reasoned high 559. Of Providence, Foreknowledge, Will, and Fate-- 560. Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute, 561. And found no end, in wandering mazes lost. 562. Of good and evil much they argued then, 563. Of happiness and final misery, 564. Passion and apathy, and glory and shame: 565. Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy!-- 566. Yet, with a pleasing sorcery, could charm 567. Pain for a while or anguish, and excite 568. Fallacious hope, or arm th' obdured breast 569. With stubborn patience as with triple steel. 570. Another part, in squadrons and gross bands, 571. On bold adventure to discover wide 572. That dismal world, if any clime perhaps 573. Might yield them easier habitation, bend 574. Four ways their flying march, along the banks 575. Of four infernal rivers, that disgorge 576. Into the burning lake their baleful streams-- 577. Abhorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate; 578. Sad Acheron of sorrow, black and deep; 579. Cocytus, named of lamentation loud 580. Heard on the rueful stream; fierce Phlegeton, 581. Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage. 582. Far off from these, a slow and silent stream, 583. Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls 584. Her watery labyrinth, whereof who drinks 585. Forthwith his former state and being forgets-- 586. Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain. 587. Beyond this flood a frozen continent 588. Lies dark and wild, beat with perpetual storms 589. Of whirlwind and dire hail, which on firm land 590. Thaws not, but gathers heap, and ruin seems 591. Of ancient pile; all else deep snow and ice, 592. A gulf profound as that Serbonian bog 593. Betwixt Damiata and Mount Casius old, 594. Where armies whole have sunk: the parching air 595. Burns frore, and cold performs th' effect of fire. 596. Thither, by harpy-footed Furies haled, 597. At certain revolutions all the damned 598. Are brought; and feel by turns the bitter change 599. Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce, 600. From beds of raging fire to starve in ice 601. Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine 602. Immovable, infixed, and frozen round 603. Periods of time,--thence hurried back to fire. 604. They ferry over this Lethean sound 605. Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment, 606. And wish and struggle, as they pass, to reach 607. The tempting stream, with one small drop to lose 608. In sweet forgetfulness all pain and woe, 609. All in one moment, and so near the brink; 610. But Fate withstands, and, to oppose th' attempt, 611. Medusa with Gorgonian terror guards 612. The ford, and of itself the water flies 613. All taste of living wight, as once it fled 614. The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on 615. In confused march forlorn, th' adventurous bands, 616. With shuddering horror pale, and eyes aghast, 617. Viewed first their lamentable lot, and found 618. No rest. Through many a dark and dreary vale 619. They passed, and many a region dolorous, 620. O'er many a frozen, many a fiery alp, 621. Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens, and shades of death-- 622. A universe of death, which God by curse 623. Created evil, for evil only good; 624. Where all life dies, death lives, and Nature breeds, 625. Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things, 626. Obominable, inutterable, and worse 627. Than fables yet have feigned or fear conceived, 628. Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimeras dire. 629. Meanwhile the Adversary of God and Man, 630. Satan, with thoughts inflamed of highest design, 631. Puts on swift wings, and toward the gates of Hell 632. Explores his solitary flight: sometimes 633. He scours the right hand coast, sometimes the left; 634. Now shaves with level wing the deep, then soars 635. Up to the fiery concave towering high. 636. As when far off at sea a fleet descried 637. Hangs in the clouds, by equinoctial winds 638. Close sailing from Bengala, or the isles 639. Of Ternate and Tidore, whence merchants bring 640. Their spicy drugs; they on the trading flood, 641. Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape, 642. Ply stemming nightly toward the pole: so seemed 643. Far off the flying Fiend. At last appear 644. Hell-bounds, high reaching to the horrid roof, 645. And thrice threefold the gates; three folds were brass, 646. Three iron, three of adamantine rock, 647. Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire, 648. Yet unconsumed. Before the gates there sat 649. On either side a formidable Shape. 650. The one seemed woman to the waist, and fair, 651. But ended foul in many a scaly fold, 652. Voluminous and vast--a serpent armed 653. With mortal sting. About her middle round 654. A cry of Hell-hounds never-ceasing barked 655. With wide Cerberean mouths full loud, and rung 656. A hideous peal; yet, when they list, would creep, 657. If aught disturbed their noise, into her womb, 658. And kennel there; yet there still barked and howled 659. Within unseen. Far less abhorred than these 660. Vexed Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts 661. Calabria from the hoarse Trinacrian shore; 662. Nor uglier follow the night-hag, when, called 663. In secret, riding through the air she comes, 664. Lured with the smell of infant blood, to dance 665. With Lapland witches, while the labouring moon 666. Eclipses at their charms. The other Shape-- 667. If shape it might be called that shape had none 668. Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb; 669. Or substance might be called that shadow seemed, 670. For each seemed either--black it stood as Night, 671. Fierce as ten Furies, terrible as Hell, 672. And shook a dreadful dart: what seemed his head 673. The likeness of a kingly crown had on. 674. Satan was now at hand, and from his seat 675. The monster moving onward came as fast 676. With horrid strides; Hell trembled as he strode. 677. Th' undaunted Fiend what this might be admired-- 678. Admired, not feared (God and his Son except, 679. Created thing naught valued he nor shunned), 680. And with disdainful look thus first began:-- 681. "Whence and what art thou, execrable Shape, 682. That dar'st, though grim and terrible, advance 683. Thy miscreated front athwart my way 684. To yonder gates? Through them I mean to pass, 685. That be assured, without leave asked of thee. 686. Retire; or taste thy folly, and learn by proof, 687. Hell-born, not to contend with Spirits of Heaven." 688. To whom the Goblin, full of wrath, replied:-- 689. "Art thou that traitor Angel? art thou he, 690. Who first broke peace in Heaven and faith, till then 691. Unbroken, and in proud rebellious arms 692. Drew after him the third part of Heaven's sons, 693. Conjured against the Highest--for which both thou 694. And they, outcast from God, are here condemned 695. To waste eternal days in woe and pain? 696. And reckon'st thou thyself with Spirits of Heaven 697. Hell-doomed, and breath'st defiance here and scorn, 698. Where I reign king, and, to enrage thee more, 699. Thy king and lord? Back to thy punishment, 700. False fugitive; and to thy speed add wings, 701. Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue 702. Thy lingering, or with one stroke of this dart 703. Strange horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt before." 704. So spake the grisly Terror, and in shape, 705. So speaking and so threatening, grew tenfold, 706. More dreadful and deform. On th' other side, 707. Incensed with indignation, Satan stood 708. Unterrified, and like a comet burned, 709. That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge 710. In th' arctic sky, and from his horrid hair 711. Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head 712. Levelled his deadly aim; their fatal hands 713. No second stroke intend; and such a frown 714. Each cast at th' other as when two black clouds, 715. With heaven's artillery fraught, came rattling on 716. Over the Caspian,--then stand front to front 717. Hovering a space, till winds the signal blow 718. To join their dark encounter in mid-air. 719. So frowned the mighty combatants that Hell 720. Grew darker at their frown; so matched they stood; 721. For never but once more was wither like 722. To meet so great a foe. And now great deeds 723. Had been achieved, whereof all Hell had rung, 724. Had not the snaky Sorceress, that sat 725. Fast by Hell-gate and kept the fatal key, 726. Risen, and with hideous outcry rushed between. 727. "O father, what intends thy hand," she cried, 728. "Against thy only son? What fury, O son, 729. Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart 730. Against thy father's head? And know'st for whom? 731. For him who sits above, and laughs the while 732. At thee, ordained his drudge to execute 733. Whate'er his wrath, which he calls justice, bids-- 734. His wrath, which one day will destroy ye both!" 735. She spake, and at her words the hellish Pest 736. Forbore: then these to her Satan returned:-- 737. "So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange 738. Thou interposest, that my sudden hand, 739. Prevented, spares to tell thee yet by deeds 740. What it intends, till first I know of thee 741. What thing thou art, thus double-formed, and why, 742. In this infernal vale first met, thou call'st 743. Me father, and that phantasm call'st my son. 744. I know thee not, nor ever saw till now 745. Sight more detestable than him and thee." 746. T' whom thus the Portress of Hell-gate replied:-- 747. "Hast thou forgot me, then; and do I seem 748. Now in thine eye so foul?--once deemed so fair 749. In Heaven, when at th' assembly, and in sight 750. Of all the Seraphim with thee combined 751. In bold conspiracy against Heaven's King, 752. All on a sudden miserable pain 753. Surprised thee, dim thine eyes and dizzy swum 754. In darkness, while thy head flames thick and fast 755. Threw forth, till on the left side opening wide, 756. Likest to thee in shape and countenance bright, 757. Then shining heavenly fair, a goddess armed, 758. Out of thy head I sprung. Amazement seized 759. All th' host of Heaven; back they recoiled afraid 760. At first, and called me Sin, and for a sign 761. Portentous held me; but, familiar grown, 762. I pleased, and with attractive graces won 763. The most averse--thee chiefly, who, full oft 764. Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing, 765. Becam'st enamoured; and such joy thou took'st 766. With me in secret that my womb conceived 767. A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose, 768. And fields were fought in Heaven: wherein remained 769. (For what could else?) to our Almighty Foe 770. Clear victory; to our part loss and rout 771. Through all the Empyrean. Down they fell, 772. Driven headlong from the pitch of Heaven, down 773. Into this Deep; and in the general fall 774. I also: at which time this powerful key 775. Into my hands was given, with charge to keep 776. These gates for ever shut, which none can pass 777. Without my opening. Pensive here I sat 778. Alone; but long I sat not, till my womb, 779. Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown, 780. Prodigious motion felt and rueful throes. 781. At last this odious offspring whom thou seest, 782. Thine own begotten, breaking violent way, 783. Tore through my entrails, that, with fear and pain 784. Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew 785. Transformed: but he my inbred enemy 786. Forth issued, brandishing his fatal dart, 787. Made to destroy. I fled, and cried out Death! 788. Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sighed 789. From all her caves, and back resounded Death! 790. I fled; but he pursued (though more, it seems, 791. Inflamed with lust than rage), and, swifter far, 792. Me overtook, his mother, all dismayed, 793. And, in embraces forcible and foul 794. Engendering with me, of that rape begot 795. These yelling monsters, that with ceaseless cry 796. Surround me, as thou saw'st--hourly conceived 797. And hourly born, with sorrow infinite 798. To me; for, when they list, into the womb 799. That bred them they return, and howl, and gnaw 800. My bowels, their repast; then, bursting forth 801. Afresh, with conscious terrors vex me round, 802. That rest or intermission none I find. 803. Before mine eyes in opposition sits 804. Grim Death, my son and foe, who set them on, 805. And me, his parent, would full soon devour 806. For want of other prey, but that he knows 807. His end with mine involved, and knows that I 808. Should prove a bitter morsel, and his bane, 809. Whenever that shall be: so Fate pronounced. 810. But thou, O father, I forewarn thee, shun 811. His deadly arrow; neither vainly hope 812. To be invulnerable in those bright arms, 813. Through tempered heavenly; for that mortal dint, 814. Save he who reigns above, none can resist." 815. She finished; and the subtle Fiend his lore 816. Soon learned, now milder, and thus answered smooth:-- 817. "Dear daughter--since thou claim'st me for thy sire, 818. And my fair son here show'st me, the dear pledge 819. Of dalliance had with thee in Heaven, and joys 820. Then sweet, now sad to mention, through dire change 821. Befallen us unforeseen, unthought-of--know, 822. I come no enemy, but to set free 823. From out this dark and dismal house of pain 824. Both him and thee, and all the heavenly host 825. Of Spirits that, in our just pretences armed, 826. Fell with us from on high. From them I go 827. This uncouth errand sole, and one for all 828. Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread 829. Th' unfounded Deep, and through the void immense 830. To search, with wandering quest, a place foretold 831. Should be--and, by concurring signs, ere now 832. Created vast and round--a place of bliss 833. In the purlieus of Heaven; and therein placed 834. A race of upstart creatures, to supply 835. Perhaps our vacant room, though more removed, 836. Lest Heaven, surcharged with potent multitude, 837. Might hap to move new broils. Be this, or aught 838. Than this more secret, now designed, I haste 839. To know; and, this once known, shall soon return, 840. And bring ye to the place where thou and Death 841. Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen 842. Wing silently the buxom air, embalmed 843. With odours. There ye shall be fed and filled 844. Immeasurably; all things shall be your prey." 845. He ceased; for both seemed highly pleased, and Death 846. Grinned horrible a ghastly smile, to hear 847. His famine should be filled, and blessed his maw 848. Destined to that good hour. No less rejoiced 849. His mother bad, and thus bespake her sire:-- 850. "The key of this infernal Pit, by due 851. And by command of Heaven's all-powerful King, 852. I keep, by him forbidden to unlock 853. These adamantine gates; against all force 854. Death ready stands to interpose his dart, 855. Fearless to be o'ermatched by living might. 856. But what owe I to his commands above, 857. Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down 858. Into this gloom of Tartarus profound, 859. To sit in hateful office here confined, 860. Inhabitant of Heaven and heavenly born-- 861. Here in perpetual agony and pain, 862. With terrors and with clamours compassed round 863. Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed? 864. Thou art my father, thou my author, thou 865. My being gav'st me; whom should I obey 866. But thee? whom follow? Thou wilt bring me soon 867. To that new world of light and bliss, among 868. The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign 869. At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems 870. Thy daughter and thy darling, without end." 871. Thus saying, from her side the fatal key, 872. Sad instrument of all our woe, she took; 873. And, towards the gate rolling her bestial train, 874. Forthwith the huge portcullis high up-drew, 875. Which, but herself, not all the Stygian Powers 876. Could once have moved; then in the key-hole turns 877. Th' intricate wards, and every bolt and bar 878. Of massy iron or solid rock with ease 879. Unfastens. On a sudden open fly, 880. With impetuous recoil and jarring sound, 881. Th' infernal doors, and on their hinges grate 882. Harsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook 883. Of Erebus. She opened; but to shut 884. Excelled her power: the gates wide open stood, 885. That with extended wings a bannered host, 886. Under spread ensigns marching, mibht pass through 887. With horse and chariots ranked in loose array; 888. So wide they stood, and like a furnace-mouth 889. Cast forth redounding smoke and ruddy flame. 890. Before their eyes in sudden view appear 891. The secrets of the hoary Deep--a dark 892. Illimitable ocean, without bound, 893. Without dimension; where length, breadth, and height, 894. And time, and place, are lost; where eldest Night 895. And Chaos, ancestors of Nature, hold 896. Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise 897. Of endless wars, and by confusion stand. 898. For Hot, Cold, Moist, and Dry, four champions fierce, 899. Strive here for mastery, and to battle bring 900. Their embryon atoms: they around the flag 901. Of each his faction, in their several clans, 902. Light-armed or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift, or slow, 903. Swarm populous, unnumbered as the sands 904. Of Barca or Cyrene's torrid soil, 905. Levied to side with warring winds, and poise 906. Their lighter wings. To whom these most adhere 907. He rules a moment: Chaos umpire sits, 908. And by decision more embroils the fray 909. By which he reigns: next him, high arbiter, 910. Chance governs all. Into this wild Abyss, 911. The womb of Nature, and perhaps her grave, 912. Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire, 913. But all these in their pregnant causes mixed 914. Confusedly, and which thus must ever fight, 915. Unless th' Almighty Maker them ordain 916. His dark materials to create more worlds-- 917. Into this wild Abyss the wary Fiend 918. Stood on the brink of Hell and looked a while, 919. Pondering his voyage; for no narrow frith 920. He had to cross. Nor was his ear less pealed 921. With noises loud and ruinous (to compare 922. Great things with small) than when Bellona storms 923. With all her battering engines, bent to rase 924. Some capital city; or less than if this frame 925. Of Heaven were falling, and these elements 926. In mutiny had from her axle torn 927. The steadfast Earth. At last his sail-broad vans 928. He spread for flight, and, in the surging smoke 929. Uplifted, spurns the ground; thence many a league, 930. As in a cloudy chair, ascending rides 931. Audacious; but, that seat soon failing, meets 932. A vast vacuity. All unawares, 933. Fluttering his pennons vain, plumb-down he drops 934. Ten thousand fathom deep, and to this hour 935. Down had been falling, had not, by ill chance, 936. The strong rebuff of some tumultuous cloud, 937. Instinct with fire and nitre, hurried him 938. As many miles aloft. That fury stayed-- 939. Quenched in a boggy Syrtis, neither sea, 940. Nor good dry land--nigh foundered, on he fares, 941. Treading the crude consistence, half on foot, 942. Half flying; behoves him now both oar and sail. 943. As when a gryphon through the wilderness 944. With winged course, o'er hill or moory dale, 945. Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stealth 946. Had from his wakeful custody purloined 947. The guarded gold; so eagerly the Fiend 948. O'er bog or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare, 949. With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his way, 950. And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies. 951. At length a universal hubbub wild 952. Of stunning sounds, and voices all confused, 953. Borne through the hollow dark, assaults his ear 954. With loudest vehemence. Thither he plies 955. Undaunted, to meet there whatever Power 956. Or Spirit of the nethermost Abyss 957. Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask 958. Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies 959. Bordering on light; when straight behold the throne 960. Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread 961. Wide on the wasteful Deep! With him enthroned 962. Sat sable-vested Night, eldest of things, 963. The consort of his reign; and by them stood 964. Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name 965. Of Demogorgon; Rumour next, and Chance, 966. And Tumult, and Confusion, all embroiled, 967. And Discord with a thousand various mouths. 968. T' whom Satan, turning boldly, thus:--"Ye Powers 969. And Spirtis of this nethermost Abyss, 970. Chaos and ancient Night, I come no spy 971. With purpose to explore or to disturb 972. The secrets of your realm; but, by constraint 973. Wandering this darksome desert, as my way 974. Lies through your spacious empire up to light, 975. Alone and without guide, half lost, I seek, 976. What readiest path leads where your gloomy bounds 977. Confine with Heaven; or, if some other place, 978. From your dominion won, th' Ethereal King 979. Possesses lately, thither to arrive 980. I travel this profound. Direct my course: 981. Directed, no mean recompense it brings 982. To your behoof, if I that region lost, 983. All usurpation thence expelled, reduce 984. To her original darkness and your sway 985. (Which is my present journey), and once more 986. Erect the standard there of ancient Night. 987. Yours be th' advantage all, mine the revenge!" 988. Thus Satan; and him thus the Anarch old, 989. With faltering speech and visage incomposed, 990. Answered: "I know thee, stranger, who thou art-- 991. That mighty leading Angel, who of late 992. Made head against Heaven's King, though overthrown. 993. I saw and heard; for such a numerous host 994. Fled not in silence through the frighted Deep, 995. With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, 996. Confusion worse confounded; and Heaven-gates 997. Poured out by millions her victorious bands, 998. Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here 999. Keep residence; if all I can will serve 1000. That little which is left so to defend, 1001. Encroached on still through our intestine broils 1002. Weakening the sceptre of old Night: first, Hell, 1003. Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath; 1004. Now lately Heaven and Earth, another world 1005. Hung o'er my realm, linked in a golden chain 1006. To that side Heaven from whence your legions fell! 1007. If that way be your walk, you have not far; 1008. So much the nearer danger. Go, and speed; 1009. Havoc, and spoil, and ruin, are my gain." 1010. He ceased; and Satan stayed not to reply, 1011. But, glad that now his sea should find a shore, 1012. With fresh alacrity and force renewed 1013. Springs upward, like a pyramid of fire, 1014. Into the wild expanse, and through the shock 1015. Of fighting elements, on all sides round 1016. Environed, wins his way; harder beset 1017. And more endangered than when Argo passed 1018. Through Bosporus betwixt the justling rocks, 1019. Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunned 1020. Charybdis, and by th' other whirlpool steered. 1021. So he with difficulty and labour hard 1022. Moved on, with difficulty and labour he; 1023. But, he once passed, soon after, when Man fell, 1024. Strange alteration! Sin and Death amain, 1025. Following his track (such was the will of Heaven) 1026. Paved after him a broad and beaten way 1027. Over the dark Abyss, whose boiling gulf 1028. Tamely endured a bridge of wondrous length, 1029. From Hell continued, reaching th' utmost orb 1030. Of this frail World; by which the Spirits perverse 1031. With easy intercourse pass to and fro 1032. To tempt or punish mortals, except whom 1033. God and good Angels guard by special grace. 1034. But now at last the sacred influence 1035. Of light appears, and from the walls of Heaven 1036. Shoots far into the bosom of dim Night 1037. A glimmering dawn. Here Nature first begins 1038. Her farthest verge, and Chaos to retire, 1039. As from her outmost works, a broken foe, 1040. With tumult less and with less hostile din; 1041. That Satan with less toil, and now with ease, 1042. Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light, 1043. And, like a weather-beaten vessel, holds 1044. Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn; 1045. Or in the emptier waste, resembling air, 1046. Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold 1047. Far off th' empyreal Heaven, extended wide 1048. In circuit, undetermined square or round, 1049. With opal towers and battlements adorned 1050. Of living sapphire, once his native seat; 1051. And, fast by, hanging in a golden chain, 1052. This pendent World, in bigness as a star 1053. Of smallest magnitude close by the moon. 1054. Thither, full fraught with mischievous revenge, 1055. Accursed, and in a cursed hour, he hies.
5 by merit raised: 撒旦造反是因為他認為他的實力（merit）足以讓他成為上帝的接班人。所以當他發現希望落空時，就策動叛變。布雷克（William Blake）曾說密爾頓是魔鬼的同路人（the Devil's party），許多批評家也認為密爾頓的撒旦反映當時反抗英王查理二世的革命軍。但是撒旦並不是《失樂園》裡的英雄。他的獨裁、虛榮與驕傲證明他可以為王（king），卻不可能成神（God）。 <BACK>
11 Powers and Dominions, Deities of Heaven: 撒旦模仿上帝的口吻像眾墮落天使演說，參照第五卷第六六一行。 <BACK>
23-4 Established in.../...full consent: 撒旦認為他在地獄的王位是經過大家一致贊成產生，沒有人存有妒念。事實是為了保住這個領導者的位子，他必須一再證明自己的能力。 <BACK>
41 Whether of open war or covert guile: 在第一卷第六四六行撒旦已點明他希望以權謀詐術（"by fraud or guile"）向上帝宣戰，而在第六六三行眾墮落天使也歡呼表示贊同（"to confirm his words"）。所以萬魔殿的會議似乎形式多於實質意義。 <BACK>
42 debate: 萬魔殿的辯論是類三段論法（a semblance of syllogism）：[一]正面看法（positive statement）：直接向上帝武力開戰。[二]反面看法（negative statement）：留在地獄，尋求和平。[三]結論（conclusion）：向上帝創造的人類宣戰。而真正的三段論法應該是[一]主前提（major premise）：人會死。[二]次前提（minor premise）：蘇格拉底會死。[三]結論（conclusion）：蘇格拉底是人。 <BACK>
42 Who can advise may speak: 會議結論既已早就定論，狡猾的撒旦或許是要藉這個機會瞭解大家對他的忠誠度。 <BACK>
44 the strongest and the fiercest Spirit: 摩洛（Moloch）在第一卷當撒旦整頓軍容時，他是第一個報到的將領。在萬魔殿的會議，他也是第一個發言。密爾頓以此來描繪一個衝動好鬥、有勇無謀的角色。
189-90 whose eye / Views all things at one view: 對上帝而言，沒有所謂的過去、現在或未來。時間是人類的觀念。上帝在一眼之間看到宇宙萬物從開始到結束，所有發生的一切。也可以說密爾頓的《失樂園》是企圖用人類有限的時間與智慧，解釋上帝的全知全能。 <BACK>
344-5 What if we find / Some easier enterprise: 別西卜因為不敢再面對面挑戰上帝，所以建議找一個簡單一點的復仇方式，亦即向上帝所創造的人類展開報復。別西卜說的正是撒旦心中想的。而這當然不是真正的史詩英雄應有的行徑。 <BACK>
364-70 either with.../...own works: 別西卜建議三種對付人類，報復上帝的方法：摧毀伊甸園、或放逐人類，佔領伊甸園、或引誘人類向魔鬼靠攏。 <BACK>
402-3 whom shall.../...new World: 撒旦的善於辭令與工於計謀在此表露無遺。他先說明必須找尋一個自願出發到伊甸園探路的人。接下來警告此行困難重重，要有極大勇氣的人才能擔當。最後說他自願為大家一肩挑起這個重責大任。撒旦因而利用這個機會鞏固自己的領導地位。 <BACK>
410 The happy Isle: 這是典型的隱喻（metaphor），將伊甸園比喻成孤島，而撒旦是探險家。 <BACK>
530 th' Olympian games: 舉辦奧林匹亞運動競賽是史詩中常見的休閒娛樂。 <BACK>
621-2 Rocks, caves.../...of death: 這是密爾頓筆下的地獄景觀。自中世紀以來，不論在文學作品（如但丁的《神曲》）或繪畫，地獄裡總是充滿折磨罪人的刑房。但密爾頓的地獄卻荒涼如死城。原因可能有二：一是這時人類尚未犯罪，地獄裡當然沒有罪人可以被魔鬼折磨。二是密爾頓用荒蕪的 外觀景致比喻墮落天使們內在的貧乏。 <BACK>
692 Drew after him the third part of Heaven's sons: 在天堂大戰中，撒旦鼓動三分之一的天使與他一起叛變。 <BACK>
727 O father: 對照第三卷第一四四行，聖子對聖父的稱呼。 <BACK>
751-3 In bold.../...Surprised thee: 撒旦是第一個產生犯罪念頭的天使，所以罪惡女神從他的頭上迸出來。這個典故來自希臘神話，雅典娜（Athene）女神也是從宙斯（Zeus）的頭上迸出來。 <BACK>
755 on the left side opening wide: 罪惡女神從撒旦左邊的腦袋誕生，而夏娃則是用亞當左邊的肋骨塑造出來。左邊向來被當作是邪惡的一面。 <BACK>
757 a goddess: 罪惡稱自己為女神，是因為要與其他天使有所區分。她不像其他天使一樣由上帝創造出來，而天使們有時亦被稱為神祇（gods）。她也是夏娃誕生前出現的第一個女性。 <BACK>
760 Sin: 罪惡與死亡（Death）成為擬人化（personification）的角色，這是寓言故事（allegory）的特色。 <BACK>
766-7 my womb conceived / A growing burden: 罪惡女神因與撒旦交合而產下死神，而夏娃因與亞當偷嚐禁果而將罪惡與死亡帶到人間，並讓自己的子孫生生世世受生兒育女之苦。聖經《新約全書》之《雅各書》 提到：『當慾念產生，必帶來罪惡。當罪惡結束，必招致死亡。』（"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."） <BACK>
868-70 where I.../...without end: 罪惡坐在撒旦右邊是模仿聖子（God the Son）坐在聖父（God the Father）之右。參照第三卷第六十二行註解。 <BACK>
888 like a furnace-mouth: 傳統文學與繪畫常將地獄的入口形容成火爐一般。 <BACK>
917-9 Into this.../...his voyage: 有別於出發前在其他墮落天使面前的信心滿滿，撒旦在這裡所表現的遲疑，似乎顯示他也有脆弱的一面。 <BACK>
973 Wandering this darksome desert: 在海上或陸地上旅行也是史詩傳統之一。 <BACK>
1005 linked in a golden chain: 這是源自希臘神話的典故，天堂與人間原有一金鍊連接。密爾頓在《失樂園》中進一步延伸，只要人類服從上帝，假以時日必能沿著這條天梯上天堂。但在亞當和夏娃被逐出伊甸園之後，金鍊就消失了。 <BACK> |