1 His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal; 900' Nor number, nor example with him wrought To fwerve from truth, or change his constant Long way through hoftile fcorn, which he fuftain'd Superior, nor of violence fear'd ought: 905 And, with retorted fcorn, his back he turn'd On those proud tow'rs to fwift destruction doom'd. The End of the Fiftb Book. BOOK BOOK VI. All night the dreadless Angel unpursu’d, Thro' Heav'n's wide champain held his way, till morn, Wak'd by the circling hours, with rofy hand Grateful viciffitude, like day and night; well 10 Seem twilight here: and now went forth the morn, Such as in highest Heav'n', array'd in gold Empyreal; from before her vanifh'd night, Shot thro' with orient beams; when all the plain 15 Cover'd with thick imbattel'd fquadrons bright, N Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds, Reflecting blaze on blaze, firft met his view. War he perceiv'd, war in procinct, and found Already known, what he for news had thought 20 To have reported: gladly then he mix'd Among those friendly Pow'rs, who him receiv'd With joy and acclamations loud, that One, That of fo many myriads fall'n, yet One Return'd, not loft. On to the facred hill 25 They led him high applauded, and present Before the feat fupreme; from whence a voice, From midft a golden cloud, thus mild was Servant of God, well done, well haft thou fought The better fight, who fingle haft maintain'd 30 Against revolted multitudes the caufe 35 Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms: due By force, who reafon for their law refuse, 40 Right reason for their law, and for their king 45 Gabriel, lead forth to battel thefe my fons 55 So fpake the Sovereign Voice, and clouds began To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll Ethereal trumpet from on high 'gan blow: 60 In filence their bright legions, to the found 65 7 Indiffolubly firm; nor obvious hill, Their perfect ranks; for high above the ground Tenfold the lenght of his terrene. At last, 75 From skirt to skirt a fiery region, stretch'd go fhields 85 Various, with boaftful argument portray'd, In the mid-way. Though ftrange to us it feem'd At first, that Angel fhould with Angel war, |