Paradise Lost (part 4)
Book 1, Lines 125-155
Lucifer has just finished his opening monologue, assuring his fallen battle buddy, Beelzebub, that although they have lost nearly everything, they have not lost their will, and he vows revenge. This passage picks up as Lucifer finishes speaking.
This monologue is our introduction to Beelzebub, Lucifer's closest friend and ally. He has just heard his commander’s defiant refusal to accept defeat. He has fought by Lucifer's side and been cast out of heaven with him. He is well aware of the repercussions of losing the battle, yet he remains loyal and respectful in his reply. He carefully chooses his words, not because he is afraid of offending Satan, but because he understands that their error was not in skill, but in philosophy.
He is also much more level-headed and realistic than Lucifer. He acknowledges that Lucifer has minimized their loss. Their defeat is tragic and eternal. They have lost heaven forever. Yet, he agrees that they have not lost everything. “As far as Gods and Heav'nly Essences Can perish: for the mind and spirit remains Invincible.” Lucifer glorified their intact will. Beelzebub goes a step further, also acknowledging intelligence and consciousness. However, this is not a comfort for Beelzebub. He immediately realizes that they will never again be happy, yet they are doomed to eternal existence. If that's not bad enough, he continues with an almost horrifying thought: what if God actually purposely left their intellect intact just so they would emotionally suffer for all eternity? Beelzebub realizes what Lucifer didn't. Lucifer treated God as a power that could be destroyed with brute force, and therefore what they gained or lost in battle was truly due to their own military prowess. Beelzebub understands that God's power is absolute and proposes that it's possible that God is intentionally cruel.
We're left feeling sorry for the fallen angels. They wanted freedom and dignity. They got suffering and bondage. Lucifer is defiant and resilient and believes it's ok because they still have their identity and their will. Beelzebub says but who cares if all that means is eternal pain? How can you not feel empathy for them? What crime is ever bad enough to warrant eternal punishment? Beelzebub is respectful and loyal but brutally honest, the kind of friend that rebellious and impulsive Lucifer needed. You can imagine, in the 17th century, Milton would not have been very popular among his peers.
If possible, I encourage you to read this poem out loud. I promise it makes a huge difference.
Forthwith upright he rears from off the pool His mighty stature
Book 1, Lines 125-155
So spake th' Apostate Angel, though in pain, [ 125 ]
Vaunting aloud, but rackt with deep despare:
And him thus answer'd soon his bold Compeer.
O Prince, O Chief of many Throned Powers,
That led th' imbattelld Seraphim to Warr
Under thy conduct, and in dreadful deeds [ 130 ]
Fearless, endanger'd Heav'ns perpetual King;
And put to proof his high Supremacy,
Whether upheld by strength, or Chance, or Fate,
Too well I see and rue the dire event,
That with sad overthrow and foul defeat [ 135 ]
Hath lost us Heav'n, and all this mighty Host
In horrible destruction laid thus low,
As far as Gods and Heav'nly Essences
Can perish: for the mind and spirit remains
Invincible, and vigour soon returns, [ 140 ]
Though all our Glory extinct, and happy state
Here swallow'd up in endless misery.
But what if he our Conquerour, (whom I now
Of force believe Almighty, since no less
Then such could hav orepow'rd such force as ours) [ 145 ]
Have left us this our spirit and strength intire
Strongly to suffer and support our pains,
That we may so suffice his vengeful ire,
Or do him mightier service as his thralls
By right of Warr, what e're his business be [ 150 ]
Here in the heart of Hell to work in Fire,
Or do his Errands in the gloomy Deep;
What can it then avail though yet we feel
Strength undiminisht, or eternal being
To undergo eternal punishment? [ 155 ]