Cease then this impious rage, And tempt not these; but hast'n to appease Th' incensed Father, and th' incensed Son, While Pardon may be found in time besought.

So spake the fervent Angel, but his zeale None seconded, as out of season judg'd, Or singular and rash, whereat rejoic'd Th' Apostat, and more haughty thus repli'd.

That we were formd then saist thou?
& the work Of secondarie hands, by task transferd From Father to his Son?
strange point and new! Doctrin which we would know whence learnt: who saw When this creation was?
rememberst thou Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being?
We know no time when we were not as now; Know none before us, self-begot, self-rais'd By our own quick'ning power, when fatal course Had circl'd his full Orbe, the birth mature Of this our native Heav'n, Ethereal Sons.

Our puissance is our own, our own right hand Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try Who is our equal: then thou shalt behold Whether by supplication we intend Address, and to begirt th' Almighty Throne Beseeching or besieging.

This report, These tidings carrie to th' anointed King; And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.