That golden sceptre which thou didst reject When who can uncreate thee thou shalt know. His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal; Nor number, nor example with him wrought And with retorted scorn his back he turn'd On those proud towers to swift destruction doom'd. THE END OF THE FIFTH BOOK. THE ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH BOOK. RAPHAEL Continues to relate how Michael and Gabriel were sent forth to battel against Satan and his Angels. The first fight described: Satan and his powers retire under night: he calls a council, invents devilish engines, which in the second day's fight put Michael and his Angels to some disorder; but they at length pulling up mountains overwhelmed both the force and machines of Satan: yet the tumult not so ending, God on the third day sends Messiah his Son, for whom he had reserved the glory of that victory : he in the power of his Father coming to the place, and causing all his legions to stand still on either side, with his chariot and thunder driving into the midst of his enemies, pursues them unable to resist, towards the wall of Heaven; which opening, they leap down with horror and confusion into the place of punishment prepared for them in the deep: Messiah returns with triumph to his Father. |