“To whom, in brief, thus Abdiel stern replied: ‘Apostate! still thou err’st, nor end wilt find Of erring, from the path of truth remote. Unjustly thou deprav’st it with the name Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains, Or Nature: God and Nature bid the same, When he who rules is worthiest, and excels Them whom he governs. This is servitude, To serve the unwise, or him who hath rebelled Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee, Thyself not free, but to thyself enthralled; Yet lewdly dar’st our ministering upbraid. Reign thou in Hell, thy kingdom; let me serve In Heaven God ever blest, and his divine Behests obey, worthiest to be obeyed; Yet chains in Hell, not realms, expect: meanwhile, From me returned, as erst thou saidst, from flight, This greeting on thy impious crest receive.’