Page:Paradise Lost (1667).djvu/65

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Our priſon ſtrong, this huge convex of Fire,
Outrageous to devour, immures us round
Ninefold, and gates of burning Adamant,
Barr’d over us prohibit all egreſs.
Theſe paſt, if any paſs, the void profound
Of uneſſential Night receives him next
440Wide gaping, and with utter loſs of being
Threatens him, plung’d in that abortive gulf.
If thence he ſcape into whatever world,
Or unknown Region, what remains him leſs
Then unknown dangers and as hard eſcape.
But I ſhould ill become this Throne, O Peers,
And this Imperial Sov’ranty, adorn’d
With ſplendor, arm’d with power, if aught propos’d
And judg’d of public moment, in the ſhape
Of difficulty or danger, could deterre
450Me from attempting. Wherefore do I aſſume
Theſe Royalties, and not refuſe to Reign,
Refuſing to accept as great a ſhare
Of hazard as of honour, due alike
To him who Reigns, and ſo much to him due
Of hazard more, as he above the reſt
High honoured ſits? Go therefore mighty powers,
Terror of Heav’n, though fall’n; intend at home,
While here ſhall be our home, what beſt may eaſe
The preſent miſery, and render Hell
460More tollerable; if there be cure or charm
To reſpite or deceive, or ſlack the pain
Of this ill Manſion: intermit no watch
Againſt a wakeful Foe, while I abroad
Through all the coaſts of dark deſtruction ſeek
Deliverance for us all: this enterprize