Whom thus the Prince of Darkness answered glad: “Fair daughter, and thou son and grandchild both, High proof ye now have given to be the race Of Satan (for I glory in the name, Antagonist of Heaven’s Almighty King), Amply have merited of me, of all The infernal empire, that so near Heaven’s door Triumphal with triumphal act have met, Mine with this glorious work, and made one realm Hell and this World—one realm, one continent Of easy thoroughfare. Therefore, while I Descend through darkness, on your road with ease, To my associate Powers, them to acquaint With these successes, and with them rejoice, You two this way, among these numerous orbs, All yours, right down to Paradise descend; There dwell and reign in bliss; thence on the Earth Dominion exercise and in the air, Chiefly on Man, sole lord of all declared; Him first make sure your thrall, and lastly kill. My substitutes I send ye, and create Plenipotent on Earth, of matchless might Issuing from me: on your joint vigour now My hold of this new kingdom all depends, Through Sin to Death exposed by my exploit. If your joint power prevail, the affairs of Hell No detriment need fear; go, and be strong.”
So saying, he dismissed them; they with speed Their course through thickest constellations held, Spreading their bane; the blasted stars looked wan, And planets, planet-struck, real eclipse Then suffered. The other way Satan went down The causey to Hell-gate; on either side Disparted Chaos over-built exclaimed, And with rebounding surge the bars assailed, That scorned his indignation. Through the gate, Wide open and unguarded, Satan passed, And all about found desolate; for those Appointed to sit there had left their charge, Flown to the upper World; the rest were all Far to the inland retired, about the walls Of Pandemonium, city and proud seat Of Lucifer, so by allusion called Of