“I was not more concern’d in that debate Of empire, when our universal state Was put to hazard, and the giant race Our captive skies were ready to embrace; For though the foe was fierce, the seeds of all Rebellion sprung from one original; Now, wheresoever ambient waters glide, All are corrupt, and all must be destroy’d. Let me this holy protestation make; By hell, and hell’s inviolable lake, I tried whatever in the godhead lay; But gangrened members must be lopp’d away, Before the nobler parts are tainted to decay. There dwells below a race of demi-gods, Of nymphs in waters, and of fauns in woods, Who though not worthy yet in heaven to live, Let them, at least, enjoy that earth we give. Can these be thought securely lodged below, When I myself, who no superior know, I, who have heaven and earth at my command, Have been attempted by Lycaon’s hand?”