In counterpoise⁠—now ponders all events, Battles and realms. In these he put two weights, The sequel each of parting and of fight: The latter quick up flew, and kicked the beam; Which Gabriel spying thus bespake the Fiend:

“Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know’st mine; Neither our own, but given; what folly then To boast what arms can do! since thine no more Than Heaven permits, nor mine, though doubled now To trample thee as mire. For proof look up, And read thy lot in yon celestial sign, Where thou art weighed, and shown how light, how weak If thou resist.” The Fiend looked up, and knew His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled Murmuring, and with him fled the shades of night.