After defeating the rebel angels, God expelled them from Paradise, placing them in Hell, a desperate and horrible place. Satan describes God as a tyrant who believes himself to be better than everyone, placing God as his epic adversary, "...our great Enemy/Who now triumphs, and in excess of joy/The One reigns holds the tyranny of Heaven" (1.122-124). Satan refuses to accept his defeat and instead seeks to enact vengeance against God by once again leading his servants into battle or using his cunning. Satan demonstrates his leadership, intelligence, and characteristics valued by his fellow fallen angels in the early Paradise Lost books. Satan speaks eloquently throughout the entire play, which demonstrates both his intelligence and ability to manipulate others: “Powers and dominions, gods of heaven! / For, as no depth in his abyss can contain / immortal vigor, though oppressed and fallen, / I do not give Paradise for lost... reclaim our righteous heritage of yore, / More sure to prosper than prosperity / could have assured us, and how better, than by open war or with hidden cunning, / Now let us debate; he who can advise, can speak” (2.11-42). Satan beautifully addresses his peers and cunningly proposes a democracy, disguising his leadership and intentions to take himself. decisions However, his companions in Hell blindly