not
behind in hate
Belial is confirming to his audience that he hates God just as much as Moloch and the rest of the fallen angels. Line 109 in book 2 refers to Belial as, “in act more graceful and humane.” This is the narrator’s way of telling the reader that this evil creature has a more attractive, gentle appearance than the rest of the fallen ones. Also, he has a more eloquent way of speaking. However, this does not mean that Belial is less evil than any of his peers. He has harmful intentions toward God, just as the rest of them do. His appearance is merely a disguise.