Paradise Lost

by John Milton

Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power Which God hath in his mighty angels placed) Their arms away they threw, and to the hills 640 (For earth hath this variety from Heav’n Of pleasure situate in hill and dale) Light as the lightning glimpse they ran, they flew, From their foundations loos’ning to and fro They plucked the seated hills with all their load,228 645 Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops Uplifting bore them in their hands: amaze,229 Be sure, and terror seized the rebel host, When coming towards them so dread they saw The bottom of the mountains upward turned, 650 Till on those cursèd engines’ triple-row They saw them whelmed, and all their confidence Under the weight of mountains buried deep, Themselves invaded next, and on their heads Main promontories flung, which in the air230 655 Came shadowing, and oppressed whole legions armed;