John Milton

Revenge, at first though sweet,
Bitter ere long back on itself recoils.

Revenge, at first though sweet,
Bitter ere long back on itself recoils.

Where glowing embers through the room
Teach light to counterfeit a gloom.

Where glowing embers through the room
Teach light to counterfeit a gloom.

. . . And when night
Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons
Of Belial, flown read more

. . . And when night
Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons
Of Belial, flown with insolence and wine.

If weakness may excuse,
What murderer, what traitor, parricide,
Incestuous, sacrilegious, but may plead it?
read more

If weakness may excuse,
What murderer, what traitor, parricide,
Incestuous, sacrilegious, but may plead it?
All wickedness is weakness; that plea, therefore,
With God or man will gain thee no remission.

Mammon led them on--
Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fell
From Heaven: for even in Heaven read more

Mammon led them on--
Mammon, the least erected Spirit that fell
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.