3. The Rebel Angels
Those who, from the pit of Hell
Roaming to seek their prey on Earth, durst fix
Their seats, next the seat of God,
Their altars by his altar and durst abide
Jehovah thundering out of Sion, throned
Between the Cherubim; with cursed things
His holy rites and solemn feasts profaned,
And with their darkness durst affront his light.
 
First, Moloch, horrid king, besmeared with blood of human sacrifice
Next Chemos, th' obscene dread of Moab's sons, from Aroar to Nebo and the wild of southmost Abarim;
Peor, his lustful orgies, lust hard by hate, drove them thence to hell.
Baalim and Ashtaroth, spirits either sex assume, in what shape they choose, works of love or enmity fulfil.
Astoreth, Queen of Heaven with crescent horns
Astarte, beguiling.
Next Dagon, sea-monster, upward man and downward fish, dreaded throughout the coast.
Osiris, Isis, Orus, with monstrous shapes and sorceries abused Fanatic Egypt.
Belial, a Spirit more lewd Fell not from Heaven,
 
All in a moment through the gloom were seen
Ten thousand banners rise into the air,
Their dread Commander, he, above the rest
In shape and gesture proudly eminent,
Stood like a tower. An archangel ruined,
Of dauntless courage, and considerate pride
Waiting revenge.

Adapted byt the composer from Book 1 of Paradise Lost, by Milton

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