spirits, that live throughout vital in every part,... cannot but by
annihilation die." Thus temporarily deprived of his greatest
opponent, Michael attacks Moloch, while Uriel, Raphael and Abdiel
vanquish other potent angels who have dared to rebel against God.

After describing the battle-field, strewn with shattered armor and
broken chariots, the poet pictures the dismay in the ranks of the
rebel angels, and describes how Satan drew away his troops so they
might rest and be ready to renew the fray on the morrow. In the
silence of that night, he also consults with his adherents how to
fight to better advantage on the morrow, insisting that they now know
they can never be permanently wounded. The demons feel confident that,
granted better arms, they could secure the advantage, so, when one of
their number suggests the manufacture of cannon, all gladly welcome
the idea. Under Satan's direction some of the evil angels draw from
the ground metal, which, molten and poured into moulds, furnishes the
engines of destruction they are seeking. Meanwhile others collect
ingredients for ammunition, and, when morning dawns, they have a
number of weapons ready for use, which they cunningly conceal in the
centre of their fourfold phalanx as they advance.

In the midst of the second encounter, Satan's squadrons suddenly draw
aside to let these cannons belch forth the destruction with which they
are charged, an unexpected broadside which fells the good angels by
thousands; but, although hosts of them are thus laid low, others
spring forward to take their place. On seeing the havoc wrought by
their guns, Satan and his host openly rejoice; but the good angels,
perceiving arms are useless against this artillery, throw them away,
and, picking up the hills, hurl them at their opponents, whom they
bury beneath the weight of mountains. In fact, had not the Almighty
checked this outburst of righteous anger, the fiends would doubtless
have been buried so deep they never would have been able to reappear!

On the third day the Almighty proclaims that, as both forces are equal
in strength, the fighting will never end unless he interferes. He
therefore summons his only begotten Son to wield the thunder-bolts,
his exclusive weapon. Ever ready to do his Father's will, the Son
accepts, mounts a chariot borne by four cherubs, and sets forth,
attended by twenty thousand saints, who wish to witness his triumph.
On seeing him approach, the good angels e