In woman, than to ftudy houfhold good, Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, Of looks and fmiles, for fmiles from reafon flow, Love not the lowest end of human life. 235 240 For not to irksome toil, but to delight He made us, and delight to reafon join'd. These paths and bow'rs doubt not but our joint hands Will keep from wilderness with ease, as wide 245 As we need walk, till younger hands ere long Thee fatiate, to short absence I could yield: And short retirement urges fweet return. 250 Befall thee fever'd from me; for thou know'ft 255 260 Conjugal Conjugal love, than which perhaps no blifs Or this, or worfe, leave not the faithful fide 265 That gave thee be'ing, ftill fhades thee and protects. Who guards her, or with her the worst indures. As one who loves, and fome unkindnefs meets, 270 Offspring of Heav'n and Earth, and all Earth's Lord, That fuch an enemy we have, who feeks Our ruin, both by thee inform'd I learn, And from the parting Angel over-heard, As in a fhady nook I ftood behind, 275 Just then return'd at shut of evening flowers. But that thou shouldft my firmnefs therefore doubt May tempt it, I expected not to hear. 280 His violence thou fear'ft not, being fuch His fraud is then thy fear, which plain infers 285 Thy equal fear that my firm faith and love Can by his fraud be fhaken or feduc'd; Thoughts, which how found they harbour in thy breast, Adam, mis-thought of her to thee fo dear? To whom with healing words Adam reply'd. Daughter of God and Man, immortal Eve, 290 For fuch thou art, from fin and blame entire Not Not diffident of thee do I diffuade Thy abfence from my fight, but to avoid Th' attempt itself, intended by our foe. 295 For he who tempts, though' in vain, at least afperfes Againft temptation: thou thyfelf with fcorn. From thee alone, which on us both at once 300 305 310 More wife, more watchful, stronger, if need were Of outward strength; while fhame, thou looking on, Shame to be overcome or over-reach'd Would utmost vigor raise, and rais'd unite. Why shouldst not thou like sense within thee feel 315 When I am present, and thy trial choose With me, beft witness of thy virtue try'd? So fpake domestic Adam in his care And matrimonial love; but Eve, who thought Lefs attributed to her faith fincere, Thus her reply with accent sweet renew'd. If this be our condition, thus to dwell 320 In narrow circuit ftraiten'd by a foe, 325 Sticks no difhonor on our front, but turns 330 Foul on himself; then wherefore fhunn'd or fear'd By us? who rather double honor gain From his furmife prov'd falfe, find peace within, Favor from Heav'n, our witness from th' event. 335 And what is faith, love, virtue unaffay'd To whom thus Adam fervently reply'd. O Woman, best are all things as the will Of all that he created, much lefs Man, 340 345 350 But But bid her well be ware, and still erect, 355 To do what God exprefly hath forbid. Not then mistrust, but tender love injoins, That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me. Firm we fubfift, yet pollible to fwerve, Since reafon not impoffibly may meet 360 Some fpecious object by the foe fuborn'd, And fall into deception unaware, Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warn'd. Seek not temptation then, which to avoid 369 Were better, and most likely if from me 379 Us both fecurer than thus warn'd thou feem'ft, Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more; On what thou haft of virtue, fummon all, For God towards thee hath done his part, do thine. 5 A foe |