(ll. 315-333) Alas! how rashly did the cursed fiend resolve to
disobey the King of heaven, the Comfort-bringing Father. With
venom burned and blazed the floor of hell beneath the captive's
feet. The fiends went howling through those windy halls, wailing
their woe. The sin and evil of that multitude were fiercely
purged by fire. Grievous their fate! And their prince, who came
there first of all the host, was lettered fast in fire and flame;
that was unending torment! For ever must his thanes inhabit
there that loathsome realm, nor ever in heaven above hear holy
joy, where they had long had pleasant service with the angels;
all good things had they lost, and might not dwell save in the
pit of hell, in that accursed hall where sounds of weeping are
heard afar, gnashing of teeth and lamentation.
(ll. 334-354) They have no hope but only frost and fire, torture
and pain and swarming serpents, dragons and adders and a house of
darkness. He who stood within twelve miles of hell might hear a
gnashing of teeth, loud and full of woe. God's adversaries
wandered throughout hell, burning with flame above and below (on
every side was torture); oppressed with pain, bereft of joy, and
shorn of glory, they bitterly lamented that ever they had planned
to strip the Saviour of His heavenly kingdom, when they had their
home on high. But He held rightfully the courts of heaven and
His holy throne.
(ll. 355-364) No one is so cunning or so wise, or hath such
understanding, save God alone, that he may describe the radiant
light of heaven; how, by the might of God, the sun there shineth
round about that splendid host, where angels have eternal joy,
and saints chant hymns before the face of God. And there are
blessed souls, who come from earth bearing in their bosoms
fragrant blossoms and pleasant herbs--these are the words of
God. The Father of mankind shall fold them in His arms, and with
His right hand bless them and lead them to the light, where they
shall have eternal life, a heavenly home, a radiant city-dwelling,
for ever and for ever. He shall have bliss whoso inclineth to
obey his Saviour. Well shall it be with him who may obtain it!