Apollion

Thou know'st what Michael, God's Field-marshal may: 'Neath his command are all God's legions placed. He bears the key of the armoury here on high. To him the watch is trusted, and he keeps A faithful, sleepless eye on all the camps; So that of all the galaxies of Heaven Not even one star, in its celestial march, Dare move itself the least, nor stir without Its ranks. 'Tis easy to commence; but in Such warfare to engage exceeds our might, And drags a train of hardships in its wake. "What ordnance and what martial enginery Could e'er avail his legions proud to quell? Should Heaven's castle ope its diamond port, Nor stratagem, nor ambush, nor assault Could bring it fear.

Belzebub:

But if our bold resolve We strengthen with the sword, I see upon Our standard, raised aloft, the morning-star Defiance flashing till all Heaven's state And rulership is changed.

Apollion:

The Fieldmarshal, The valiant Michael, bears with no less fire And pride God's wondrous name amid the field Of his great banner, with the sun above.

Lucifer:

Though writ in lines of light, what boots a name? Heroic deeds, as this, are ne'er achieved With titles, nor with pomp; not by valor, spirit. And subtle strokes in skill and cunning bred. Thou art a master-wit with craftiness The Spirits to seduce, them to ensnare, To lead and to incite howe'er thou wilt. Thou canst attaint even those among the watch Of most integrity, and teach even those To waver who had thought to waver never. Begin, we see God's legions in two camps Divided, lords and vassals roused to strife And mutiny. The greatest part even now Are blind and deaf, save to their own demands; And one and all cry loudly for a chief. If thou for us a fourth part canst allure, "We'll crown thy craft and dexterous management With place and honor. Go, this plot consider With Belial, for it must be dark indeed, Where he shall lose his way. His countenance, Smooth-varnished with dissimulation's hue, No master in such deep concealment owns. My car I now ascend: think ye this over. The Council hath convened, and now awaits Our own attendance. We shall call you both Within, as soon as ye shall come. And thou, Chief Lord, guard with thy trusty followers This mighty gate that to the palace leads.