Lie thus astonished on the oblivious pool, And call them not to share with us their part In this unhappy mansion, or once more With rallied arms to try what may be yet Regained in Heaven, or what more lost in Hell?”

So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub Thus answered. “Leader of those armies bright, Which but the Omnipotent none could have foiled, If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge Of hope in fears and dangers⁠—heard so oft In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge Of battle when it raged, in all assaults Their surest signal⁠—they will soon resume New courage and revive, though now they lie Groveling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, As we erewhile, astounded and amazed⁠— No wonder, fallen such a pernicious highth!”