Cci. [164]

*“Ye sinful wights and curséd sprights,*   that work iniquity, Depart together from me for ever   to endless Misery; Your portion take in yonder Lake,   where Fire and Brimstone flameth; Suffer the smart which your desert,   *as its due wages claimeth.“*

The terror of it.

CCII.

Oh piercing words, more sharp than swords!   What! to depart from Thee, Whose face before for evermore   the best of Pleasures be! What! to depart (unto our smart),   from thee Eternally! To be for aye banish’d away   with Devils’ company!

CCIII.

What! to be sent to Punishment,   and flames of burning Fire! To be surrounded, and eke confounded   with God’s revengeful Ire! What! to abide, not for a tide,   these Torments, but for Ever! To be releas’d, or to be eas’d,   not after years, but Never!

CCIV.

Oh fearful Doom! now there’s no room   for hope or help at all; Sentence is past which aye shall last;   Christ will not it recall. Then might you hear them rend and tear   the Air with their out-cries; The hideous noise of their sad voice   ascendeth to the Skies.