Creation could repeat, yet would be loath 946 Triumph; and fay, Fickle their state whom God 955 The bond of nature draw me to my own; My own in thee, for what thou art is mine; Our state cannot be fever'd, we are one, So Adam, and thus Eve to him reply'd. Of thy perfection, how shall I attain, 960 Adam? from whofe dear fide I boast me sprung, 965 And gladly of our union hear thee speak, One heart, one foul in both; whereof good proof This day affords, declaring thee refolv'd, Rather than death, or ought than death more dread Shall feperate us, link'd in love so dear, To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, If any be, of tafting this fair fruit; Whose virtue (for of good still good proceeds, 970 Direct, or by occafion) hath presented This happy trial of thy love, which else 975 Were it I thought death menac'd would enfue The worst, and not persuade thee, rather die So faithful love unequal'd; but I feel Far otherwise th'event, not death, but life 980 Augmented, open'd eyes, new hopes, new joys, 985 Tafte fo divine, that what of sweet before Hath touch'd my sense, flat feems to this, and harsh. On my experience, Adam, freely tafte, And fear of death deliver to the winds. So faying, fhe embrac'd him, and for joy 990 995 1000 Sky Sky lour'd, and muttering thunder, some sad drops Original; while Adam took no thought, Her former trespass fear'd, the more to footh As with new wine intoxicated both, 1005 They swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel ΙΟΙΟ Divinity within them breeding wings Wherewith to. fcorn the earth: but that false fruit Far other operation first display'd, Carnal desire inflaming; he on Eve Began to caft lafcivious eyes, fhe him As wantonly repaid; in luft they burn: For never did thy beauty fince the day 1015 1020 1025 I saw thee firft and wedded thee, adorn'd 1030 With all perfections, fo inflame my fenfe With ardor to enjoy thee, fairer now Than ever, bounty of this virtuous tree. So faid he, and forbore not glance or toy Of amorous intent, well understood 1035 Of Eve, whofe eye darted contagious fire. Her hand he feis'd, and to a fhady bank, Thick overhead with verdant roof imbowr'd, He led her nothing loath; flow'rs were the couch, Panfies, and violets, and asphodel, And hyacinth, earth's freshest softest lap. There they their fill of love and love's disport 1040 Took largely, of their mutual guilt the seal, Opprefs'd them, wearied with their amorous play. 1046 About their spi rits had play'd, and inmoft powers Soon found their eyes how open'd, and their minds Had shadow'd them from knowing ill, was gone, 1055 Juft confidence, and native righteousness, And honor from about them, naked left Το To guilty shame; he cover'd, but his robe Shorn of his ftrength, They destitute and bare Confounded long they fat, as ftrucken mute; 1060 Till Adam, though not less than Eve abash'd, 1065 1070 1075 Our wonted ornaments, now foil'd and ftain'd, And in our faces evident the signs Of foul concupiscence; whence evil store; Be sure then. How fhall I behold the face 1080 Henceforth of God or Angel, erft with joy And rapture fo oft beheld? those heav'nly shapes Will dazle now this earthly with their blaze Insufferably bright. O might I here In folitude live favage, in fome glade 1085 Obfcur'd, |