against God, who required them to pay servile tribute to his Son!
Arguing that they will be gradually reduced to slavery, Satan induces
one-third of the heavenly hosts to rebel, for only one of his
followers, Abdiel, refuses to believe his specious words. In his
indignation, Abdiel bursts forth into flame, denounces Lucifer, and
departs to report to the Almighty what he has heard. He alone proves
faithful among the faithless, so, as he passes out from among them,
the rebel angels, resenting his attitude, overwhelm him with their
scorn.

From amidst them forth he passed,
Long way through hostile scorn, which he sustained
Superior, nor of violence feared aught;
And with retorted scorn his back he turned
On those proud towers to swift destruction doomed.

The Almighty, however, does not require Abdiel's warning, for the
all-seeing eye has already descried what, has occurred, and has
pointed out to the Son how Lucifer, devoured by pride, is about to
rise up against them.

_Book VI._ In spite of the speed with which he travels, Abdiel
requires all night to cross the distance which separates the apostate
angels from the heavenly throne. The news he bears being already known
in heaven, the angels welcome him and conduct him to the throne,
whence, from a golden cloud, issues a voice proclaiming "well done."
Next God bids Michael lead forth a host equal in number to the godless
crew arraying itself in battle order to dispute from the Almighty the
sovereignty of heaven. The divine orders are to oppose Lucifer and
hurl him into the gulf of Tartarus, whose fiery mouth will open wide