565

And from whom, I was form'd; flesh of thy flesh; Some wand'ring spirit of heaven, by fountain side
And without whom am to no end; my guide 442 Or in thick shade retir'd, from him to draw
And head! what thou hast said is just and right. What further would be learn'd. Live while ye may,
For we to him indeed all praises owe,

Yet happy pair! Enjoy, till I return,
And daily thanks; I chiefly, who enjoy 445

Short pleasures; for long woes are to succeed !" 535 So far the happier lot, enjoying thee Pre-eminent by so much odds; while thou

So saying, his proud step he scornful turn'd, Like consort to thyself canst no where find.

But with sly circumspection, and began, That day I oft remember, when from sleep

Through wood, through wasté, o'er hill, o'er dale, I first awak'd, and found myself repos'd 450

his roam, Under a shade on flowers; much wond'ring where Meanwhile in utmost longitude, where heaven And what I was, whence thither brought, and how. With earth and ocean meets, the setting sum 540 Not distant far from thence a murm'ring sound Slowly descended; and with right aspect Of waters.issued from a cave, and spread

Against the eastern gate of Paradise Into a liquid plain, then stood unmor'd, 455 Levellid his evening rays: it was a rock Pure as th' expanse of heaven: I thither went, Of alabaster, pil'd up to the clouds, With unexperienc'd thought, and laid me down Conspicuous far; winding with one ascent 545 On the green bank, to look into the clear

Accessible from earth, one entrance high : Smooth lake, that to me seem'd another sky. The rest was craggy Cliff, that overhung As I bent down to look, just opposite

460

Still

as it rose, impossible to climb. A shape within the wat'ry gleam appear'd,

Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat, Bending to look on me: I started backi;

Chief of th' angelic guards, awaiting night: 550 It started back: but pleas'd I soon return'd;

About him exercis'& heroic games Pleas'd it return'd as soon ; with answering looks Th' unarmed youth of heaven; but nigh at hand Of sympathy' and love: there I had fix'd 465 Celestial armoury, shields, helms, and spears, Mine eyes till now, and pind with vain desire, Hung high with diamond flaming, and with gold. Had not a voice thus warn'd me: 'What thou seest, Thither came Uriel, gliding through the even 555 What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself; On a sun-beam, swift

as a shooting star With thee it came and goes: but follow me, In autumn thwarts the night, when vapours fir'd And I will bring thee where no shadow stays 470 Impress the air, and shows the mariner Thy coming, and thy soft embraces; he

From what point of his compass to beware Whose image thou art: him thou shalt enjoy, Impetuous winds: he thus began in haste : 560 Inseparably thine, to him shalt bear Multitudes like thyself, and thence be call'd

“ Gabriel! To thee thy course by lot hath given Mother of human race. What could I do 475 Charge, and strict watch, that to this happy place But follow straight, in visibly thus led

No evil thing approach, or enter in. Till I espied thee, fair indeed, and tall,

This day, at height of noon, came to my sphere Under a platan; yet, methought, less fair,

A spirit; zealous, as he seem'd, to know Less winning soft, less amiably mild,

More of th' Almighty's work; and chiefly man, Than that smooth wat'ry image: back I turn'd; 480 God's latest image: I describ'd his way, Thou following cried'st aloud, ‘Return, fair Eve, Bent all on speed, and mark'd his airy.gait: Whom fliest thou? Whom thou fliest, of him thou But, in the mount that lies from Eden north, His flesh, his bone; to give thee being I lent (art, Where he first lighted, soon discern'd his looks 570 Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart,

Alien from heaven, with passions foul obscurd : Substantial life, to have thee by my side 485 Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade Henceforth an individual solace dear:

Lost sight of him. One of the banish'd crew, Part of my soul, I seek thee; and thee claim, I fear, hath ventur'd from the deep, to raise. My other half. With that, thy gentle hand New troubles; him thy care must be to fina." 575 Seiz'd mine; I yielded; and from that time see How beauty is excell'd by manly grace, 490 To whom the winged warrior thus return'd: And wisdom, which alone is truly fair."

“Uriel ! No wonder if thy perfect sight,

Amid the sun's bright circle, where thou sittst, So spake our general mother; and with eyes See far and wide: in at this gate none pass Of conjugal attraction unrepror'd,

The vigilance here plac'd, but such as come 580 And meek surrender, half embracing lean'd Well known from heaven; and since meridian hour On our first father: half her swelling breast 495 No creature thence: if spirit of other sort, Naked met his, under the flowing gold

So minded, have o'erleap'd these earthy bounds Of her loose tresses hid: he in delight

On purpose, hard thou know'st it to exclude Beth of her beauty and submissive charms,

Spiritual substance with corporeal bar. 585 Smild with superior love; as Jupiter

But, if within the circuit of these walks, On Juno smiles, when he impregns the clouds, 500 In whatsoever shape, he lurk, of whom That shed May flowers; and press'd her matron lip Thou tellst, by morrow dawning I shall know." With kisses pure : aside the Devil turn'd For envy, yet with jealous leer malign

So promis'd he; and Uriel to his charge [rais'd, Eyed them askance; and to himself thus plain'd: Return'd, on that bright beam, whose point now

Bore him slope downward to the sun, now fallen “Sight hateful, sight tormenting! Thus these two, Beneath th' Azores: whither the prime orb, 592 Imparadis'd in one another's arms,

506 Incredible how swift, had thither rollid {The happier Eden!) shall enjoy their fill

Diurnal; or this less volúble earth, Of bliss on bliss: while I to hell am thrust,

By shorter flight to th' east, had left him there, 595 Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire, Arraying with reflected purple' and gold Amongst our other torments not the least, 510 The clouds that on his western throne attend. Still unfulfill'd with pain of longing, pines. Yet let me not forget what I have gain'd

Now came still evening on, and twilight grey From their own mouths: all is not theirs it seems: Had in her sober livery all things clad: One fatal tree there stands, of knowledge call's, Silence accompanied; for beast, and bird, Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden ? They to their grassy couch, these to their nests, Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord 516 Were slunk; all but the wakeful nightingale ; Envy them that? Can it be sin to know?

She all night long her amorous descant sung; Can it be death? And do they only stand

Silence was pleas'do now glow'd the firmament By ignorance? Is that their happy state,

With living sapphires; Hesperus, that led 605 The proof of their obedience and their faith? 520 The starry host, rode brightest; till the moon, fair foundation laid whereon to build

Rising in clouded majesty, at length,
Their ruin! Hence I will excite their minds Apparent queen, unveil'd her peerless light,
With mcre desire to know, and to reject

And o'er the dark her silver mantle threw.
Envious commands, invented with design 524
To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt When Adam thus to Eve:“Fair consort ! th'hour
Equal with gods : aspiring to be such,

Of night, and all things now retird to rest, 611 They taste and die : what likelier can ensue? Mind' us of like repose; since God hath set But first, with narrow search I must walk round Labour and rest, as day and night, to men This garden, and no corner leave unspied; 529 Successive; and the timely dew of sleep, A chance but chance may lead where I may meet Now falling with soft slumbirous weight, inclines

600 Our eyelids: Other creatures all day long 616 Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none; Rove idle, unemploy'd, and less need rest :

Such was their awe of man! In shadier bower 705 Man hath his daily work of body, or mind,

More sacred, and sequester'd, though but feign'd, Appointed, which declares his dignity,

Pan, or Sylvanus, never slept; nor nymph, And the regard of heaven on all his ways:

620 Nor Faunus, haunted. Here, in close recess, While other animals unactive range :

With flowers, garlands, and sweet smelling herbs, And of their doings God takes no account.

Espoused Eve deck'd first her nuptial bed: 710 To-morrow, ere fresh morning streak the east And heavenly choirs the hymenean sung, With first approach of light, we must be risen,

What day the genial angel to our sire And at our pleasant labour, to reform

625 Brought her, in naked beauty more adorn'd, Yon flowery arbours; yonder alleys green,

More lovely than Pandora; whom the gods Our walk at noon, with branches overgrown: Endow'd with all their gifts, (and 0, too like 715 That mock our scant manuring, and require In sad event!) when to th' unwiser son More hands than ours to lop their wanton growth : Of Japhet brought by Hermes, insnar'd Those blossoms also, and those dropping gums, 630 Mankind with her fair looks, to be aveng'd That lie bestrown, unsightly and unsmooth,

On him who had stole Jove's authentic fire. Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease: Meanwhile, as nature wills, night bids us rest." Thus, at their shady lodge arriv'd, both stood,

Both turn'd, and under open sky ador'd 121 To whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty' adorn'd: The God that made both sky, air, earth, and heaven, “My author, and disposer! What thou bid'st 635 Which they beheld; the moon's resplendent globe, Unargued I obey; so God ordains:

And starry pole: "Thou also mad'st the night, God is thy law, thou mine: to know no more Maker Omnipotent! and thou the day, 725 Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise. Which we in our appointed work employ'd With thee conversing I forget all time;

Have finish'd, happy in our mutual help, All seasons and their change, all please alike:

640 And mutual love, the crown of all our bliss Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet,

Ordain'd by thee; and this delicious place, With charm of earliest birds: pleasant the sun, For us too large; where thy abundance wants 730 When first on this delightful land he spreads Partakers, and uncropp'd falls to the ground. His orient beams, on herb, tree, fruit, and flower, But thou hast promis'd from us two a race Glist'ring with dew: fragrant the fertile earth 615 To fill the earth, who shall with us extol After soft showers: and sweet the coming on

Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake Of grateful evening mild: then, silent night,

And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep." 735 With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon, And these the gems of heaven, her starry train : This said unanimous, and other rites But neither breath of morn, when she ascends 650 Observing none, but adoration pure, With charm of earliest birds: nor rising sun

Which God likes best, into their inmost bower On this delightful land: nor herb, fruit, flower, Handed they went; and eas'd the putting off Glist'ring with dew: nor fragrance after showers : These troublesome disguises which we wear, 740 Nor grateful evening mild: nor silent night, Straight side by side were laid: nor turn'd, I ween,

I With this her solemn bird: nor walk by moon,

655 Adam from his fair spouse; nor Eve the rites Or glitt'ring starlight, without thee is sweet. Mysterious of connubial love refus'd: But wherefore all night long shine these? For whom Whatever hypocrites austerely talk This glorious sight, when sleep hath shut all eyes?" Of purity, and place, and innocence;

745

Defaming as impure what God declares To whom our general ancestor replied:

Pure; and commands to some, leaves free to all. "Daughter of God and man, accomplish'd Eve, 660

Our Maker bids increase; who bids abstain
These have their course to finish round the earth But our destroyer, foe to God and man?
By morrow evening, and from land to land

Hail, wedded love! inysterious law, true source 750 In order, though to nations yet unborn,

Of human offspring, sole propriety Ministring light prepar'd, they set and rise;

In Paradise ! of all things common else. Lest total darkness should by night regain

665 | By thee adulterous lust was driven from men, Her old possession, and extinguish life

Among the bestial herds to range; by thee, In nature and all things, which these soft fires Founded in reason, loyal, just, and pure, 755 Not only' enlighten, but with kindly heat

Relations dear, and all the charities Of various influence foment and warm,

Of father, son, and brother, first were known. Temper or nourish, or in part shed down 670

Far be' it, that I should write thee sin, or blame! Their stellar virtue on all kinds that grow

Or think thee unbefitting holiest place; On earth, made hereby apter to receive

Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets! 760 Perfection from the sun's more potent ray.

Whose bed is undefild, and chaste, pronounc'd, These then, though unbeheld in deep of night, 674 Present, or past; as saints and patriarchs us'd. Shine not in vain; nor think, tho' men were none,

Here Love his golden shafts employs, here lights That heaven would want spectators, God want

His constant lamp; and waves his purple wings; praise.

Reigns here, and revels: not in the bought smile Millions of spiritual crcatures walk the earth Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendear'd; 766 Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep:

Casual fruition! nor in court-amours, All these with ceaseless praise his works behold

Mix'd dance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball, Both day and night. How often, from the steep 680 Or serenade, which the starv'd lover sings Of echoing hill, or thicket, have we heard

To his proud fair; best quitted with disdain. 770 Celestial voices, to the midnight air,

These, lull'd by nightingales, embracing slept; Sole, or responsive each to other's note,

And on their naked limbs the flowery roof Singing their great Creator? oft in bands 684 Shower'd roses, which the morn repair'd. Sleep on, While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk,

Bless'd pair; and ( yet happiest, if ye seek With heavenly touch of instrumental sounds,

No happier state, and know to know no more. 775 In full harmonic number join'd, their songs Divide the night, and lift our thoughts to heaven."

Now had night measur'd with her shadowy cone

Half-way up hill this vast sublunar vault: Thus talking, hand in hand, alone they pass'd

And from their ivory port the cherubim, On to their blissful bower: it was a place 690 Forth issuing at th' accustom'd hour, stood arm'd Chosen by the sov'reign Planter, when he fram'd

To their night watches in warlike parade, 780 All things to man's delightful use: the roof,

When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake : Of thickest covert, was inwoven shade, Laurel and myrtle; and what higher grew,

“Uzziel! half these draw off, and coast the south Of firm and fragrant leaf: on either side 695 With strictest watch: these other wheel the north; Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub,

Our circuit meets full west."

As flame they part, Fenc'd up the verdant wall : each beauteous flower, Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear.' 785 Iris all hues, roses and jessamine [wrought from these, two strong and subtle spirits he callid, Rear'd high their flourish'd heads between, and That near him stood, and gave them thus in Mosaic: underfoot the violet,

700

charge : Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay Broider'd the ground; more colour'd than with “ Ithuriel, and Zephon! with wing'd speed Of costliest emblem: other creature here,

(stone Search thro' this garden, leave unsearch'd no nook

But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodge, Not likely to part hence without contest;
Now laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm. 191 Stand firm, for in his look defiance lowers."
This evening from the sun's decline arriva,
Who tells of some infernal spirit, seen

He scarce lad ended, when those two approach'd, Hitherward bent (who could have thought ?) escap'd And brief related whom they brought, where found The bars of hell; on errand bad, no doubt: 795 How busied, in what form and posture couch'd. 876 Such, where ye find, seize fast, and hither bring."

To whom with stern regard thus Gabriel spake: So saying, on he led his radiant files,

“Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds preDazzling the moon: these to the bower direct,

scrib'd In search of whom they sought: him there they To thy transgressions, and disturb'd the charge Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve; (found, of others, who approve

not to transgress 880 Assaying, by his devilish art, to reach 801 By thy example, but have power and right The organs of her fancy', and with them forge To question thy bold entrance on this place; Illusions, as he list, phantoms, and dreams:

Employ'd it seems to violate sleep, and those Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint

Whose dwelling God hath planted here in blins ? Th' animal spirits, that from pure blood arise, 805 Like gentle breaths from rivers pure; thence raise To whom thus Satan with contemptuous brow! At least distemper'd, discontented thoughts; “ Gabriel, thou hadst in heaven th' esteem of wise, Vain hopes, vain aims, inordinate desires,

And such I held thee; but this question ask'd 887 Blown up with high conceits engend'ring pride. Puts ine in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ? Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear 810 Who would not, finding way, break loose from hell, Touch'd lightly; for no falsehood can endure Though thither doom'd? Thou wouldst thyself, no Touch of celestial temper, but returns

doubt,

890 Of force to its own likeness: up he starts,

And boldly venture to whatever place Discover'd and surpris'd. As when a spark Farthest from pain, where thou might'st hope to Lights on a heap of nitrous powder, laid 815

change Fit for the tun, some magazine to store

Torment with ease, and soonest recompense Against a rumour'd war, the smutty grain

Dole with delight, which in this place I sought; With sudden blaze diffus'd, inflames the air : To thee no reason, who know'st only good, 895 So started up in his own shape the fiend.

But evil hast not tried; and wilt object Back stepp'd those two fair angels, half amaz'd, 820 His will who bound us ? let him surer bar So sudden to behold the grisly king;

His iron gates, if he intends our stay Yet thus, unmov'd with fear, accost him soon: In that dark durance: thus much what was ask'd.

The

is true, they found me where they say; " Which of those rebel spirits, adjudg'd to hell, But that implies not violence or harm." 901 Com'st thou, escap'd thy prison and transform'd Why sat'st thou, like an enemy in wait, 825 Thus he in scorn. The warlike angel mov'd, Here watching at the head of these that sleep?" Disdainfully half-smiling, thus replied:

“O loss of one in heaven to judge of wise, “ Know ye not then," said Satan, fillid with Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew, 905 scorn,

And now returns him from his prison scap'd, “Know ye not me? ye knew me once no mate Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise For you, there sitting where ye durst not soar: Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither, Not to know me argues yourselves unknown, 830 Unlicens'd, from his bounds in hell prescrib'd; The lowest of your throng: or if ye know,

So wise he judges it to fly from pain

910 Why ask ye, and superfluous begin

However, and to scape his punishment. Your message, like to end as much in vain ?" So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrath,

Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to hell, scorn:

Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain 915 “Think not, revolted spirit, thy shape the same, 835 Can equal anger infinite provok'd. Or undiminish'd brightness, to be known

But wherefore thou alone? wherefore with thee As when thou stood'st in heaven, upright and pure: Came not all hell broke loose? is pain to them That glory then, when thou no more wast good, Less pain, less to be fled ? or thou than they Departed from thee'; and thou resemblest now Less hardy to endure ? Courageous chief, 920 Thy sin, and place of doom, obscure and foul. 840 The first in flight from pain, hadst thou alleg'd But come; for thou, be sure, shalt give account To thy deserted host this cause of flight, To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive." This place inviolable, and these from harm."

To which the fiend thus answer'd, frowning stern : So spake the cherub; and his grave rebuke, “ Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain, 925 Severe in youthful beauty, added grace 845 Insulting angel: well thou know'st I stood Invincible: abash'd the Devil stood,

Thy fiercest, when in battle to thy aid
And felt how awful goodness is, and saw

The blasting vollied thunder made all speed,
Virtue in her shape how lovely; saw, and pin'd And seconded thy else not dreaded spear:
His loss: but chiefly to find here observ'd

But still thy words at random, as before, 930
His lustre visibly impair'd: yet seem'd 850 Argue thy inexperience what behoves,
Undaunted. “If I must contend," said he, From hard assays and ill successes past,
“ Best with the best, the sender not the sent, A faithful leader, not to hazard all
Or all at once; more glory will be won,

Through ways of danger by himself untried : Or less be lost." “ Thy fear," said Zephon bold, I therefore, I alone first undertook

935 “ Will save us trial what the least can do 855 To wing the desolate abyss, and spy Single against thee wicked, and thence weak." This new-created world, whereof in hell

Faine is not silent, here in hope to find The fiend replied not, overcome with rage; Better abode, and my afflicted powers But like a proud steed rein'd, went haughty on, To settle here on earth, or in mid-air;

940 Champing his iron curb: to strive or fly

Though for possession put to try once more He held ii vain; awe from above had quell'd 860 What thou and thy gay, legions dare against ; His heart, not else dismay'd. Now drew they nigh Whose easier business were to serve their Lord The western point, where those half-rounding High up in heaven, with songs to hymn his throne, guards

And practis'd distances to cringe, not fight." 945 Just met, and closing stood in squadron join'd, Awaiting next command. To whom their chief, To whom the warrior'angel soon replied : Gabriel, from the front thus call'd aloud: 865 “To say and straight

unsay, pretending first

Wise to fly pain, professing next the spy, "O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet Argues no leader but a liar trac'd, Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern Satan, and couldst thou faithful add ?'O name, 950 Ithuriel and Zephon through the shade,

O sacred name of faithfulness profan'd!
And with them comes a third of regal port,

Faithful to whom ? to thy rebellious crew?
But faded splendour wan; who, by his gait 870 Army of fiends, fit body to fit head.
And fierce demeanour, seems the prince of hell, Was this your discipline and faith engag'd,

Your military obedience, to dissolve

955 | Collecting all his might, dilated stood,
Allegiance to th'acknowledg'd power supreme ? Like Teneriff or Atlas, unremov'd :
And thou, sly hypocrite! who now wouldst seem His stature reach'd the sky, and on his crest
Patron of liberty, who more than thou

Sat horror plum'd ; nor wanted in his grasp
Once fawn'd, and cringd, and servilely ador'd What seem'd both spear and shield. Now dread.
Heaven's awful monarch? wherefore, but in hope

ful deeds

990 To dispossess him, and thyself to reign? 961 Might have ensu'd ; nor only Paradise But mark what I areed thee now-Avaunt;

In this commotion, but the starry cope Fly thither whence thou fledst: if from this hour Of heaven perhaps, or all the elements, Within these hallow'd limits thou appear,

At least had gone to wrack, disturb'd, and torn Back to th' infernal pit I drag thee chain'd, 965 With violence of this conflict, had not soon 995 And seal thee so, as henceforth not to scorn

Th' Eternal, to prevent such horrid fray, The facile gates of hell too slightly barr'd."

Hung forth in heaven his golden scales, yet seen

Betwixt Astrea and the Scorpion sign, So threaten'd he; but Satan to no threats Wherein all things created first he weigh'd, Gave heed, but, waxing more in rage, replied: The pendulous round earth with balanc'd air 1000

In counterpoise, now ponders all events, “ Then when I am thy captive talk of chains, Battles and realms: in these he put two weights, Proud limitary cherub, but ere then

971 The sequel each of parting, and of fight; Far heavier load thyself expect to feel

The latter quick up flew, and kick'd the beam; From my prevailing arm; though heaven's king Which Gabriel spying, thus bespake the fiend : 1005 Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy compeers, Us'd to the yoke, draw'st his triumphant wheels 975 “Satan, I know thy strength, and thou know'st In progress through the road of heaven star-pav'd."

mine,

Neither our own, but given ; what folly then While thus he spake, th'angelic squadron bright To boast what arms can do since thine no more Turn'd fiery red, sharp’ning in mooned horns Than heaven permits, nor mine, tho' doubled now Their phalanx, and began to hem him round To trample thee as mire: for proof look up, 1010 With ported spears, as thick as when a field 980

And read thy lot in yon celestial sign, of Ceres ripe for harvest waving bends

Where thou art weigh'd, and shown how light, how Her bearded groves of ears, which way the wind

weak, Sways them; the careful ploughman doubting stands, If thou resist." The fiend look'd up, and knew Lest on the threshing-floor his hopeful sheaves His mounted scale aloft: nor more; but fled 1014 Prore chaff. On the other side, Satan alarm'd, 985 Murm'ring, and with him fled the shades of night,

END OF BOOK FOURTH.

Morning approached, Eve relates to. Adam her troublesome dream; he likes it not, yet comforts her. They come forth to their

day-labours: their morning hymn at the door of their bower. God, to render man in. excusable, sends Raphael to admonish him of his obedience ; of his free estate ; of his enemy near at hand, who he is, and why his enemy; and whatever else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise : his appearance described ; his coming discerned by Adam afur off sitting at the door of his bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got together by Eve; their discourse at table. Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his state and of his enemy; relates, at Adam's request, who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning from his first revolt in heaven, and the occasion thereof; how he drew his legions after him to the parts of the north, and there incited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only Abdiel, a seraph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes him.

6

NOW Morn, her rosy steps in th'eastern clime I rose as at thy call, but found thee not:
Advancing, sow'd the earth with orient pearl, To find thee I directed then my walk;

49 When Adam wak'd, so custom'd, for his sleep And on, methought, alone I pass'd through ways Was airy-light, from pure digestion bred,

That brought me on a sudden to the tree And temp'rate vapours bland, which th only sound Of interdicted knowledge: fair it seem'd, Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan,

6 Much fairer to my fancy than by day; Lightly dispers'd, and the shrill matin song

And, as I wond'ring look'd, beside it stood Of birds on every bough: so much the more One shap'd and

wing'd like one of those from heaven His wonder was to find unwaken'd Eve

By us oft seen: his dewy locks distill'd

56 With tresses discompos'd, and glowing cheek, 10 Ambrosia; on that tree he also gaz'd; As through unquiet rest he, on his side

And, 'O fáir plant,' said he, 'with fruit surcharg'd, Leaning half rais'd, with looks of cordial love, Deigns none to ease thy load and taste thy sweet? Hung over her enamour'd; and beheld

Nor God, nor man? is knowledge so despis'd ? 60 Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep,

Or envy', or what reserve, forbids to taste ? Shot forth peculiar graces; then, with voice 15 Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes,

Longer thy offer'd good; why else set here ?' Her hand soft touching, whisper'd thus Awake, This said he paus'd not, but with vent'rous arm My fairest, my espous'd, my latest found,

He pluck'd, he tasted; me damp horror chill'd 65 Heaven's last best gift, my ever new delight! At such bold words, vouch'd with a deed so bold : Awake; the morning shines, and the fresh field 20 But he thus, overjoy'd : O fruit divine, Calls us, we lose the prime, to mark how spring Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropt, Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove, Forbidden here, it seems as only fit What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed, For gods, yet able to make gods of men: 70 How nature paints her colours, how the bee

And why not gods of men, since good, the more Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet." 25 Communicated, more abundant grows,

The author not impair'd, but honour'd more? Such whisp'ring wak'd her, but with startled eye Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve, On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake: Partake thou also; happy though thou art, 75

Happier thou may'st be, worthier canst not be: “O sole, in whom my thoughts find all repose, Take this, and be henceforth among the gods, My glory, my perfection! glad I see

Thyself a goddess, not to earth contin'd, Thy face and morn return'd; for I this night 30 But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes (Such night till this I never pass'd) have dream'd, Ascend to heaven, by merit thine, and see 80 If dream'd, not, as I oft am wont, of thee,

What life the gods live there, and such live thou.' Works of day past, or morrow's next design,

So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held, But of offence and trouble, which my mind

Even

to my mouth of that same fruit held part Knew never till this irksome night. Methought 35 Which he had pluck'd; the pleasant savoury smell Close at mine ear one call'd me forth to walk So quicken'd appetite, that i, methought, 85 With gentle voice; I thought it thine : it said, Could not but taste. Forth with up to the clouds Why sleep'st thou, Eve ? now is the pleasant time, With him I flew, and underneath beheld The cool, the silent, save where silence yields The earth outstretch'd immense, a prospect wide To the night-warbling bird, that now awake 40 And various : wond'ring at my flight and change Tunes sweetest his love-labour'd song; now reigns To this high exaltation; suddenly

90 Full orb'd the moon, and with more pleasing light My guide was gone, and 1, methought, sunk down, Shadowy sets off the face of things; in vain, And fell asleep; but O how glad I wak'd If none regard; heaven wakes with all his eyes, To find this but a dream!" Thus Eve her night Whom to behold but thee, nature's desire ? 45 Related, and thus Adam answer'd sad : In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment Attracted by thy beauty still to gaze.

“ Best image of myself and dearer half, 95 с