Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/189

"'That we were formed then sayest thou? and the work
Of secondary hands, by task transferred
From Father to his Son? strange point, and new!
Doctrine which we would know whence learned. Who saw
When this creation was? rememberest thou
Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being?
We know no time when we were not as now;
Know none before us, self-begot, self-raised860
By our own quickening power, when fatal course
Had circled his full orb, the birth mature
Of this our native Heaven, ethereal sons.
Our puissance is our own; our own right-hand
Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try
Who is our equal. Then thou shalt behold
Whether by supplication we intend
Address, and to begirt the almighty throne
Beseeching or besieging. This report,
These tidings carry to the anointed King;870
And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.'
"He said; and, as the sound of waters deep,
Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause
Through the infinite host; nor less for that
The flaming Seraph, fearless though alone,
Encompased round with foes, thus answered bold:
"'O alienate from God! O Spirit accursed,
Forsaken of all good! I see thy fall