Side 99 af 239

In that dark durance. Thus much what was asked.

The rest is true, they found me where they say;

But that implies not violence or harm.

Thus he in scorn. The warlike Angel moved, Disdainfully half smiling, thus replied: O loss of one in heaven to judge of wise! Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew, And now returns him from his prison 'scaped, Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither Unlicensed from his bounds in hell prescribed; So wise he judges it to fly from pain, However, and to 'scape his punishment! So judge thou still, presumptuous! till the wrath, Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to hell Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain Can equal anger infinite provoked. But wherefore thou alone? Wherefore with thee Came not all hell broke loose? Is pain to them Less pain, less to be fled; or thou than they Less hardy to endure? Courageous chief! The first in flight from pain! Hast thou alleged To thy deserted host this cause of flight, Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive.

To which the Fiend thus answered, frowning stern:

Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain

Insulting Angel! Well thou knowest I stood

The fiercest, when in battle to thy aid

The blasting vollied thunder made all speed,

And seconded thy else not dreaded spear.

But still thy words at random as before

Argue thy inexperience, what behoves

From hard assays, and ill successes past,

¹ Inexperience, what behoves. - As to what behoves.