Subjectedtohisservigelwings,[155]

    AndflamingMiowatdtend

    ThirearthyCharge:Ofthesethevigilance

    Idread,andtoelude,thustinmist

    Ofmidnightvaplideobscure,andprie

    IneveryBushandBrake,wherehapmayfinde[160]

    TheSerpentsleeping,inwhosemaziefoulds

    Tohideme,andthedarkiIbring.

    Ofouldest!thatIwhoersttended

    WithGodstositthehighest,amnowstraind

    IntoaBeast,andmixtwithbestialslime,[165]

    Thisesseoinateandimbrute,

    ThattothehightofDeitieaspird;

    ButwhatwillnotAmbitionandRevenge

    Desdto?iresmustdownaslow

    Ashighhesoard,obnoxiousfirstorlast[170]

    Tobasestthings.Revefirstthoughsweet,

    Bittererelongbaitselfrecoiles;

    Letit;Ireot,soitlightwellaimd,

    SincehigherIfallshort,onhimwho

    ProvokesmyehisnewFavorite[175]

    OfHeavn,thisManofClay,Soe,

    WhomusthemoretospitehisMakerraisd

    Fromdust:spitethenwithspiteisbestrepaid.

    Sosaying,througheachThicketDanckorDrie,

    Likeablackmistlowcreeping,heheldon[180]

    Hismidnightsearch,wheresoohemightfinde

    TheSerpent:himfastsleepingsoonhefound

    InLabyrinthofmanyaroundself-rowld,

    Hisheadthemidst,wellstordwithsuttlewiles:

    inhorridShadeordismalDen,[185]

    Noryet,butonthegrassieHerbe

    Fearlessunfeardheslept:inathisMouth

    TheDevilenterd,andhisbrutalsense,

    Iorhead,possessingsooninspird

    Withatelligential;buthissleep[190]

    Disturbdnot,waitingclosethap