BOOK VI. PARADISE LOST. 171 That whom they hit, none on their feet might nand, Though (landing elfe as rocks ; but down they fell By thoufands, Angel on Arch-Angel rowl'd ; The fooner for their arms ; (unarm'd they might 595 Have eafily, as fpirits, evaded fwift By quick contraaion or remove :) but now Foul diffipation follow'd, and forc'd rout ; Nor ferv'd it to relax their ferried files : What lbould they do ? if on they rufh'd, repulfe 600 Repeated, and indecent overthrow Doubl'd would render them yet more defpis'd, And to their foes a laughter : for in view, Stood rank'd of Seraphim another row, In poflure to difplode their fecond Tire 6cnr; Of thunder : back defeated to return They work abhorr'd. Satan beheld their plight, And to his mates thus in derifion call'd. O friends, why come not on thefe victors proud ? E'er-while they fierce were coming, and when we, To entertain them fair with open Front, 610 And Breaft, (what could we more ?) propounded terms Of compofition, arait they chang'd their minds, Flew off, and into ftrange vagaries fell, As they would dance : yet for a dance they feem'd 615 Somewhat extravagant, and wild; perhaps For joy of offer'd peace : but I fuppofe, If our propofals once again were heard, We fhould compel them to a quick refult. To whom thus Bdial in like gamefome mood : 620 Leader, the terms we fent were terms of weight, Or hard contents, and full of force urg'd home ; Such as we might perceive amus'd them all, And flurnbrd many : who receives them right, Had
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