Paradise Lost

Book Excerpt: throne and monarchy of God, Raised impious war in Heaven and battle proud, With vain attempt. Him the Almighty PowerHurled headlong flaming from th' ethereal sky, With hideous ruin and combustion, downTo bottomless perdition, there to dwellIn adamantine chains and penal fire, Who durst defy th' Omnipotent to arms.Nine times the space that measures day and nightTo mortal men, he, with his horrid crew, Lay vanquished, rolling in the fiery gulf, Confounded, though immortal. But his doomReserved him to more wrath; for now the thoughtBoth of lost happiness and lasting painTorments him: round he throws his baleful eyes, That witnessed huge affliction and dismay, Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate.At once, as far as Angels ken, he viewsThe dismal situation waste and wild.A dungeon horrible, on all sides round, As one great furnace flamed; yet from those flamesNo light; but rather darkness visibleServed o