Seisd us, though undismaid: long is the way

Great things resolvd; which from the lowest deep

To second, or oppose, or undertake

Shall breath her balme. But first whom shall we send

Secure, and at the brightning Orient beam

Of Angels watching round? Here he had need

And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light;

Our prison strong, this huge convex of F九_九_藏_書ire,

Neerer our ancient Seat; perhaps in view

Through the strict Senteries and Stations thick

Alone the dreadful voyage; till at last

Ninefold, and gates of burning Adamant

The weight of all and our last hope relies.

Sufficient? who shall tempt with wandring feet

In search of this new world, whom shall we find

Astonisht: none among the ch九*九*藏*書oice and prime

The perilous attempt; but all sat mute, [ 420 ]

In others countnance read his own dismay

This said, he sat; and expectation held

Purge off this gloom; the soft delicious Air, [ 400 ]

His look suspence, awaiting who appeerd

To heal the scarr of these corrosive Fires

Synod of Gods, and like to what ye are,

Will once more lift us up,九-九-藏-書 in spight of Fate,

Satan, whom now transcendent glory raisd

Pondering the danger with deep thoughts; and each

Re-enter Heavn; or else in some milde Zone

The happy Ile; what strength, what art can then [ 410 ]

His uncouth way, or spread his aerie flight

Outrageous to devour, immures us round [ 435 ]

O Progeny of Heavn, Empyreal Thrones, [ 430 ]

So 九-九-藏-書hardie as to proffer or accept [ 425 ]

Well have ye judgd, well ended long debate, [ 390 ]

Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive

Choice in our suffrage; for on whom we send, [ 415 ]

And through the palpable obscure find out

Barrd over us prohibit all egress.

Suffice, or what evasion bear him safe

Dwell not unvisited of Heavns fair Light

Upborn with indefatigabl九*九*藏*書e wings

With reason hath deep silence and demurr

All circumspection, and we now no less

Of those bright confines, whence with neighbouring Arms [ 395 ]

Above his fellows, with Monarchal pride

The dark unbottomd infinite Abyss [ 405 ]

Conscious of highest worth, unmovd thus spake.

Of those Heavn-warring Champions could be found

And opportune excursion we may chance