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Visibly what by Deity I am, And in whose hand what by decree I do, Second Omnipotence! two days are past, Two days, as we compute the days of heaven, Since Michael and his powers went forth to tame These disobedient. Sore hath been their fight, As likeliest was, when two such foes met armed: For to themselves I left them; and thou knowest, Equal in their creation they were formed, Save what sin hath impaired, which yet hath wrought Insensibly, for I suspend their doom; Whence in perpetual fight they needs must last Endless, and no solution will be found. War wearied hath performed what war can do, And to disordered rage let loose the reins, With mountains, as with weapons armed; which makes Wild work in heaven, and dangerous to the main.1 Two days are therefore past, the third is Thine; For thee I have ordained it; and thus far Have suffered, that the glory may be thine Of ending this great war, since none but Thou Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace Immense I have transfused, that all may know In Heaven and Hell thy power above compare; And this perverse commotion governed thus, To manifest Thee worthiest to be Heir Of all things; to be Heir and to be King By sacred unction, thy deserved right. Go, then, thou Mightiest, in thy Father's might; Ascend my chariot, guide the rapid wheels That shake heaven's basis, bring forth all my war, My bow and thunder; my almighty arms Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh; Pursue these sons of darkness drive them out

Book VI., lines 410-412.

¹ To the main .- To Heaven itself -- as a whole.