The strongest and the fiercest spirit That fought in heaven, now fiercer by despair.
Behold now this vast city [London]; a city of refuge, the mansion-house of liberty, encompassed and surrounded with His protection.
Few sometimes may know, when thousands err.
Take heed lest passion sway Thy judgement to do aught, which else free will Would not admit.
Those whom reason hath equalled, force hath made supreme
'Paradise Lost' is one of the books which the reader admires and lays down, and forgets to take up again. None ever wished it longer than it is.