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To reign is worth ambition though in hell:
Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.
But wherefore let wee then our faithfull friends,
Th' Associates and copartners of our losse
Ly thus astonisht on th' oblivious poole,
And call them not to share with us thir part
In this unhappie Mansion, or once more
With rallied arms to try what may be yet
Regaind in Heav'n, or what more lost in Hell? 270
So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub
Thus answer'd. Leader of those Armies bright,
Which but th' Omnipotent none could have foyl'd,
If once they heare that voice, thir liveliest pledge
Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft
In worst extreams, and on the perilous edge
Of battell when it rag'd, in all assaults
Thir surest signall, they will soon resume
New courage and revive, though now they ly
Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, 280
As we ere while, astounded and amaz'd,
No wonder, fall'n such a pernicious highth.
Hee scarce had ceas't when the superiour fiend
Was moving toward the shore; his ponderous shield
Ethereal temper, massy, large and round
Behind him cast; the broad circumference