To whom thus Raphael answered, Heavenly meek: “Nor are thy lips ungraceful, Sire of Men, Nor tongue ineloquent; for God on thee Abundantly his gifts hath also poured, Inward and outward both, his image fair: Speaking or mute, all comeliness and grace Attends thee, and each word, each motion, forms. Nor less think we in Heaven of thee on Earth Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire Gladly into the ways of God with Man; For God, we see, hath honoured thee, and set On Man his equal love. Say therefore on; For I that day was absent, as befell, Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure, Far on excursion toward the gates of Hell, Squared in full legion (such command we had), To see that none thence issued forth a spy Or enemy, while God was in his work; Lest he, incensed at such eruption bold, Destruction with Creation might have mixed: Not that they durst without his leave attempt; But us he sends upon his high behests For state, as sovereign King, and to inure Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut,