John Milton on War
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“The brazen throat of war.”
“My sentence is for open war.”
“No war or battle sound Was heard the world around.”
“Heard so oft In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge Of battle.”
“So frown'd the mighty combatants, that hell Grew darker at their frown.”
“Black it stood as night, Fierce as ten furies, terrible as hell, And shook a dreadful dart.”
“Arms on armour clashing bray'd Horrible discord, and the madding wheels Of brazen chariots ray'd; dire was the noise Of conflict.”
“To overcome in battle, and subdue Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch Of human glory.”
“Others more mild, Retreated in a silent valley, sing With notes angelical to many a harp Their own heroic deeds and hapless fall By doom of battle.”
“Th' imperial ensign, which, full high advanc'd, Shone like a meteor, streaming to the wind. With gems and golden lustre rich emblazed, Seraphic arms and trophies.”
“What though the field be lost? All is not lost; the unconquerable will, And study of revenge, immortal hate And courage never to submit or yield, And what is else not to be overcome.”