Or cast a rampart. Mammon led them on— Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fell 680 From Heaven; for even in Heaven his looks and thoughts Were always downward bent, admiring more The riches of heaven’s pavement, trodden gold, Than aught divine or holy else enjoyed In vision beatific. By him first 685 Men also, and by his suggestion taught, Ransacked the centre, and with impious hands Rifled the bowels of their mother Earth For treasures better hid. Soon had his crew Opened into the hill a spacious wound, 690 And digged out ribs of gold. Let none admire That riches grow in Hell; that soil
...more
