In all things else delight indeed, but such
As, used or not, works in the mind no change,
Nor vehement desire; these delicacies
I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and flowers, Walks, and the melody of birds: but here
Far otherwise, transported I behold, Transported touch: here passion first I felt, Commotion strange! in all enjoyments else Superior and unmov'd; here only weak Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance. Or nature fail'd in me, and left some part Not proof enough such object to sustain; Or, from my side subducting, took perhaps More than enough; at least on her bestow'd Too much of ornament, in outward show Elaborate, of inward less exact:
For well I understand in the prime end Of nature her the inferior, in the mind And inward faculties, which most excel; In outward also her resembling less
His image who made both, and less expressing The character of that dominion given O'er other creatures: yet when I approach Her loveliness, so absolute she seems, And in herself complete, so well to know Her own, that what she wills to do or say Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best: All higher knowledge in her presence falls Degraded; wisdom in discourse with her Loses discountenanced, and like folly shows; Authority and reason on her wait, As one intended first, not after made
Occasionally; and, to consummate all,
Greatness of mind and nobleness, their seat Build in her loveliest, and create an awe About her, as a guard angelic placed.
To whom the angel, with contracted brow : « Accuse not nature, she hath done her part; Do thou but thine; and be not diffident
Of wisdom; she deserts thee not, if thou Dismiss not her, when most thou need'st her nigh, By attributing overmuch to things
Less excellent, as thou thyself perceiv'st.
For, what admir'st thou, what transports thee so? An outside? fair, no doubt, and worthy well Thy cherishing, thy honouring, and thy love; Not thy subjection: weigh with her thyself; Then value: oft-times nothing profits more Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right Well managed; of that skiil the more thou know'st, The more she will acknowledge thee her head, And to realities yield all her shows :
Made to adorn for thy delight the more,
So awful, that with honour thou may'st love Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise. But if the sense of touch, whereby mankind Is propagated, seem such dear delight
Beyond all other, think the same vouchsaf'd To cattle and each beast; which would not be To them made common and divulg'd, if aught Therein enjoy'd were worthy to subdue The soul of man, or passion in him move. What higher in her society thou find'st Attractive, human, rational, love still;
In loving thou dost well, in passion not,
Wherein true love consists not : love refines The thoughts, and heart enlarges; hath his seat In reason, and is judicious; is the scale
By which to heavenly love thou may'st ascend, Not sunk in carnal pleasure; for which cause, Among the beasts no mate for thee was found. »
To whom thus, half abash'd, Adam replied: « Neither her outside form'd so fair, nor aught In procreation common to all kinds, (Though higher of the genial bed by far, And with mysterious reverence I deem,) So much delights me, as those graceful acts, Those thousand decencies, that daily flow From all her words and actions, mix'd with love And sweet compliance, which declare unfeign'd Union of mind, or in us both one soul; Harmony to behold in wedded pair,
More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear. Yet these subject not: I to thee disclose
What inward thence I feel, not therefore foil'd, Who meet with various objects, from the sense Variously representing: yet, still free, Approve the best, and follow what I approve. To love, thou blam'st me not; for love, thou say'st, Leads up to heaven, is both the way and guide; Bear with me then, if awful what I ask :
Love not the heavenly spirits, and how their love Express they? by looks only? or do they mix Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch? >>
To whom the angel, with a smile that glow'd
Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue,
Answer'd: «Let it suffice thee that thou know'st Us happy, and without love no happiness. Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st, (And pure thou wert created) we enjoy In eminence; and obstacle find none
Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars; Easier than air with air, if spirits embrace, Total they mix, union of pure with
pure Desiring; nor restrain'd conveyance need, As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul. But I can now no more; the parting sun Beyond the earth's green cape and verdant isles Hesperian sets, my signal to depart.
Be strong, live happy, and love! but, first of all, Him, whom to love is to obey, and keep
great command; take heed lest passion sway Thy judgment to do aught, which else free will Would not admit: thine, and of all thy sons, The weal or woe in thee is plac'd; beware! I in thy persevering shall rejoice,
And all the blest: stand fast; to stand or fall Free in thine own arbitrement it lies Perfect within, no outward aid require ; And all temptation to transgress repel.
So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus Follow'd with benediction: « Since to part, Go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger, Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore! Gentle to me and affable hath been
Thy condescension, and shall be honour'd ever
With grateful memory: thou to mankind
Be good and friendly still, and oft return! »
So parted they; the angel up to heaven From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower.
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