Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/52

Or pinnace, anchors in a craggy bay
After the tempest: such applause was heard290
As Mammon ended, and his sentence pleased,
Advising peace, for such another field
They dreaded worse than Hell; so much the fear
Of thunder and the sword of Michaël
Wrought still within them; and no less desire
To found this nether empire, which might rise,
By policy and long process of time,
In emulation opposite to Heaven.
Which when Beëlzebub perceived, than whom,
Satan except, none higher sat, with grave300
Aspect he rose, and in his rising seemed
A pillar of state; deep on his front engraven
Deliberation sat, and public care;
And princely counsel in his face yet shone,
Majestic though in ruin. Sage he stood,
With Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear
The weight of mightiest monarchies; his look
Drew audience and attention still as night
Or summer's noontide air, while thus he spake:
"Thrones and imperial Powers, Offspring of Heaven,
Ethereal Virtues! or these titles now311
Must we renounce, and changing style be called
Princes of Hell? for so the popular vote
Inclines, hereto continue, and build up here
A growing empire; doubtless! while we dream,