Of merit high to all the infernal host,
Easing their passage hence, for intercourse260
Or transmigration, as their lot shall lead.
Nor can I miss the way, so strongly drawn
By this new-felt attraction and instinct."
Whom thus the meagre shadow answered soon:
"Go whither Fate and inclination strong
Lead thee; I shall not lag behind, nor err
The way, thou leading; such a sent I draw
Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste
The savor of death from all things there that live.
Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest270
Be wanting, but afford thee equal aid."
So saying, with delight he snuffed the smell
Of mortal change on earth. As when a flock
Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote,
Against the day of battle, to a field,
Where armies lie encamped, come flying, lured
With sent of living carcases designed
For death, the following day, in bloody fight:
So sented the grim Feature, and upturned
His nostril wide into the murky air,280
Sagacious of his quarry from so far.
Then both, from out Hell-gates, into the waste
Wide anarchy of Chaos, damp and dark,
Flew diverse; and with power—their power was great—
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PARADISE LOST.