Join me, oh prime of men, sad task and hard
How shall I relate to human sense
Invisible exploits of warring spirits
Darkness descends on Paradise from Hell escaped
Seeking retribution for the war they waged in vain.
Veiled with gorgeous wings
Upspringing light flew through the night
Hear the angel choirs delight.
Strange it seemed, that angel should with angel war.
Drive them out from God and bliss
Let fiery chaos receive their fall.
In dusky wreaths, reluctant flames
The sign of wrath awakes.
Thyself not free but thyself enthralled
Reign thou in hell thy kingdom
Yet chains in hell, not realms, expect.
This greeting on thy impious crest receive!
Dire was the noise of conflict
A horrible discord.
I see thy fall determined, for you have lost your way.
Author of Evil, how hast thou disturbed
Heaven's blessed peace?
How hast thou instilled thy malice
Heaven cast thee out!
Upright and faithful, now proved false
Heaven cast thee out!
Let my sword begin thy doom,
A sudden vengeance winged from God.
And Satan first new pain, as Celestial spirits bleed.
Angels bore him back to his chariot
humbled by such rebuke.
Meanwhile in other parts,
Like deeds deserve memorial.
When Gabriel fought and vanquished his foe
But the angels content with their fame in Heaven
Seek not the praise of men.
Arm warriors, arm for fight! Our foe at hand.
Whom fled we thought, would save us long pursuit.
When will this battle end?
Pursue these sons of darkness into the outer deep
Let them despise, Messiah and his King.
