Of conflict; overhead the dismal hiss Of fiery darts in flaming volleys flew, And, flying, vaulted either host with fire. So under fiery cope together rushed Both battles main, with ruinous assault And inextinguishable rage; all Heaven Resounded, and, had Earth been then, all Earth Had to her centre shook. What wonder, when Millions of fierce encountering Angels fought On either side, the least of whom could wield These elements, and arm him with the force Of all their regions? How much more of power Army against army numberless to raise Dreadful combustion warring, and disturb, Though not destroy, their happy native seat! Had not the Eternal King Omnipotent From his stronghold of Heaven high overruled And limited their might; though numbered such As each divided legion might have seemed A numerous host; in strength each armed hand A legion; led in fight, yet leader seemed Each warrior single as in chief⁠—expert When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway Of battle, open when, and when to close