Through his wild anarchy; so huge a rout Encumbered him with ruin. Hell at last, Yawning, received them whole, and on them closed; Hell, their fit habitation, fraught with fire Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain. Disburdened Heaven rejoiced, and soon repaired Her mural breach, returning whence it rolled. Sole victor, from the expulsion of his foes Messiah his triumphal chariot turned. To meet him all his Saints, who silent stood Eye-witnesses of his almighty acts, With jubilee advanced; and as they went, Shaded with branching palm, each order bright Sung triumph, and him sung victorious King, Son, Heir, and Lord, to him dominion given, Worthiest to reign. He, celebrated, rode Triumphant through mid Heaven, into the courts And temple of his mighty Father throned On high; who into glory him received, Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss.
“Thus, measuring things in Heaven by things on Earth, At thy request, and that thou may’st beware By what is past, to thee I have revealed What might have else to human race been hid; The discord which befell, and war in Heaven Among the angelic powers, and the deep fall Of those too high aspiring, who rebelled With Satan: he who envies now thy state, Who now is plotting how he may seduce Thee also from obedience, that, with him Bereaved of happiness, thou may’st partake His punishment, eternal misery; Which would be all his solace and revenge, As a despite done against the Most High, Thee once to gain companion of his woe. But listen not to his temptations; warn Thy weaker; let it profit thee to have heard, By terrible example, the reward Of disobedience. Firm they might have stood, Yet fell; remember, and fear to transgress.”