"ten thousand thunders, which he sent
Before him, such as in their souls infix'd
Plagues."
(P. L. vi. 824-38.)


Now as Son of Man he is confronted with that same Archangel, and he
conquers by "strong sufferance." He comes with no fourfold visage of a
charioteer flashing thick flames, no eye which glares lightning, no
victory eagle-winged and quiver near her with three-bolted thunder
stored, but in "weakness," and with this he is to "overcome satanic
strength."

Milton sees in the temptation to turn the stones into bread a devilish
incitement to use miraculous powers and not to trust the Heavenly
Father.


"Why dost thou then suggest to me distrust,
Knowing who I am, as I know who thou art?"
(P. R. i. 355-6.)


Finding his enemy steadfast, Satan disappears,


"bowing low
His gray dissimulation,"
(P. R. i. 497-8.)