The key of this infernal Pit by due, [ 850 ]

And by command of Heavns all-powerful King

I keep, by him forbidden to unlock

These Adamantine Gates; against all force

Death ready stands to interpose his dart,

Fearless to be ormatcht by living might. [ 855 ]

But what ow I to his commands above

Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down

Into this gloom of Tartarus profound,

To sit in hateful Office here confind,

Inhabitant of Heavn, and heavnlie-born, [ 860 ]

Here in perpetual agonie and pain,

With terrors and with clamors compasst round

Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed:

Thou art my Father, thou my Author, thou

My being gavst me; whom should I obey [ 865 ]

But thee, whom follow? thou wilt bring me soon

To that new world of light and bliss, among

The Gods who live at ease, where I shall Reign

At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems

Thy daughter and thy darling, without end. [ 870 ]

Thus saying, from her side the fatal Key,

Sad instrument of all our woe, she took;

And towards the Gate rouling her bestial train,

Forthwith the huge Porcullis high up drew,

Which but her self not all the Stygian powers [ 875 ]

Could once have movd; then in the key-hole turns

Th intricate wards, and every Bolt and Bar

Of massie Iron or sollid Rock with ease

Unfastns: on a sudden opn flie

With impetuous recoile and jarring sound [ 880 ]

Th infernal dores, and on thir hinges grate

Harsh Thunder, that the lowest bottom shook

Of Erebus. She opnd, but to shut

Exceld her power; the Gates wide opn stood,

That with extended wings a Bannerd Host [ 885 ]

Under spread Ensigns marching might pass through

With Horse and Chariots rankt in loose array;

So wide they stood, and like a Furnace mouth

Cast forth redounding smoak and ruddy flame.