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,