But these thoughts… Open or understood, must be resolved.” (Lines 659-662)

Answer: These lines occur in Milton’s immortal epic, ‘Paradise Lost’ Book-I. In these lines, Satan declares before the assembly of the fallen angels, his firm resolution to wage a war, open or secret, against the Almighty.

While delivering his inspiring speech before the fallen angels, Satan informed his comrades that there was a rumour in Heaven that God was about to create a new race equal in favour to the Sons of Heaven. This is a reference to the Universe of Man and Satan has proposed that they should discover this universe and leave hell where they cannot remain confined in fire and darkness because they are celestial spirits. His implied intention is, however, a renewed war with God but not openly. In a war of force, they are sure to be defeated as they have known that God’s arm is much stronger. Only a survey

war by fraud can promise some possibility of success. In the lines under reference, Satan tells his comrades that his proposal about the newly created world of Man needs a detailed discussion. But he hastens to add that a war with god is a certainty. The hope of peace has been lost. God wants their submission which they cannot think of. Therefore, war is the only alternative whether it is fought openly by force or secretly by fraud.

These lines highlight Satan’s strong leadership and his capacity to organise the fallen and defeated angels who have lost their mental spirits.