Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/201

So under fiery cope together rushed
Both battles main, with Ruinous assault
And inextinguishable rage; all Heaven
Resounded, and, had Earth been then, all Earth
Had to her centre shook. What wonder! when
Millions of fierce encountering Angels fought220
On either side, the least of whom could wield
These elements, and arm him with the force
Of all their regions. How much more of power,
Army against army, numberless to raise
Dreadful conbustion warring, and disturb,
Though not destroy, their happy native seat!
Had not the eternal King omnipotent,
From his strong hold of Heaven, high over-ruled
And limited their might; though numbered such
As each divided legion might have seemed230
A numerous host, in strength each armed hand
A legion; led in fight, yet leader seemed
Each warrior single as in chief, expert
When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway
Of battle, open when, and when to close
The ridges of grim war. No thought of flight,
None of retreat; no unbecoming deed
That argued fear; each on himself relied,
As only in his arm the moment lay
Of victory. Deeds of eternal fame240
Were done, but infinite; for wide was spread
That war and various; sometimes on firm ground