Note 289 — Chapter VIII
Reading edition
Take the following as an instance of the similarity of thought between the two poets. Sharon Turner thus renders a portion of Satan's speech from the Saxon of Cædmon:
"Yet why should I sue for his grace? Or bend to him with any obedience? I may be a God as he is. Stand by me strong companions." Hist. Anglo Sax. vol. ii. p. 314.
The idea is with Milton:
. . . . . . . . To bow to one for grace With suppliant knee, and deify his power, Who from the terror of this arm so late Doubted his empire; that were low indeed! That were an ignominy, and shame beneath This downfall! Paradise Lost, b. i.