TheeIhaveheardrelatingwhatwasdonEremyremembrance:nowhearmeerelateMyStorie,whichperhapsthouhastnotheard;
AndDayisyetnotspent;tillthenthouseestHowsuttlytodetainetheeIdevise,InvitingtheetohearwhileIrelate,Fond,wereitnotinhopeofthyreply:
ForwhileIsitwiththee,IseeminHeav\'n,AndsweeterthydiscourseistomyeareThenFruitsofPalm-treepleasantesttothirstAndhungerboth,fromlabour,atthehoureOfsweetrepast;theysatiate,andsoonfill,Thoughpleasant,butthywordswithGraceDivineImbu\'d,bringtothirsweetnessnosatietie。
TowhomthusRAPHAELanswer\'dheav\'nlymeek。
Norarethylipsungraceful,Sireofmen,Nortongueineloquent;forGodontheeAbundantlyhisgiftshathalsopour\'d,Inwardandoutwardboth,hisimagefaire:
SpeakingormuteallcomlinessandgraceAttendsthee,andeachword,eachmotionformes。
NorlessthinkweeinHeav\'noftheeonEarthThenofourfellowservant,andinquireGladlyintothewayesofGodwithMan:
ForGodweseehathhonour\'dthee,andsetOnManhisequalLove:saythereforeon;
ForIthatDaywasabsent,asbefell,Boundonavoyageuncouthandobscure,FarronexcursiontowardtheGatesofHell;
Squar\'dinfullLegion(suchcommandwehad)
Toseethatnonethenceissu\'dforthaspie,Orenemie,whileGodwasinhiswork,Leastheeincenstatsucheruptionbold,DestructionwithCreationmighthavemixt。
Notthattheydurstwithouthisleaveattempt,ButushesendsuponhishighbehestsForstate,asSovranKing,andtoenureOurpromptobedience。Fastwefound,fastshutThedismalGates,andbarricado\'dstrong;
ButlongereourapproachingheardwithinNoise,otherthenthesoundofDanceorSong,Torment,andlowdlament,andfuriousrage。
Gladwereturn\'duptothecoastsofLightEreSabbathEev\'ning:sowehadincharge。
Butthyrelationnow;forIattend,Pleas\'dwiththywordsnolessthenthouwithmine。
SospaketheGodlikePower,andthusourSire。
ForMantotellhowhumanLifebeganIshard;forwhohimselfbeginningknew?
DesirewiththeestilllongertoconverseInduc\'dme。Asnewwak\'tfromsoundestsleepSoftontheflourieherbIfoundmelaidInBalmieSweat,whichwithhisBeamestheSunSoondri\'d,andonthereakingmoisturefed。
StraittowardHeav\'nmywondringEyesIturnd,Andgaz\'dawhiletheampleSkie,tillrais\'dByquickinstinctivemotionupIsprung,Asthitherwardendevoring,anduprightStoodonmyfeet;aboutmeroundIsawHill,Dale,andshadieWoods,andsunniePlaines,AndliquidLapseofmurmuringStreams;bythese,Creaturesthatlivd,andmovd,andwalk\'d,orflew,Birdsonthebrancheswarbling;allthingssmil\'d,Withfragranceandwithjoymyheartoreflow\'d。
MyselfIthenperus\'d,andLimbbyLimbSurvey\'d,andsometimeswent,andsometimesranWithsupplejoints,aslivelyvigourled:
ButwhoIwas,orwhere,orfromwhatcause,Knewnot;tospeakItri\'d,andforthwithspake,MyTongueobey\'dandreadilycouldnameWhate\'reIsaw。ThouSun,saidI,faireLight,Andthouenlight\'ndEarth,sofreshandgay,YeHillsandDales,yeRivers,Woods,andPlaines,Andyethatliveandmove,fairCreatures,tell,Tell,ifyesaw,howcameIthus,howhere?
Notofmyself;bysomegreatMakerthen,Ingoodnessandinpowerpraeeminent;
Tellme,howmayIknowhim,howadore,FromwhomIhavethatthusImoveandlive,AndfeelthatIamhappierthenIknow。
WhilethusIcall\'d,andstray\'dIknewnotwhither,FromwhereIfirstdrewAire,andfirstbeheldThishappieLight,whenanswernonereturn\'d,OnagreenshadieBankprofuseofFloursPensiveIsatemedown;theregentlesleepFirstfoundme,andwithsoftoppressionseis\'dMydrousedsense,untroubl\'d,thoughIthoughtIthenwaspassingtomyformerstateInsensible,andforthwithtodissolve:
WhensuddenlystoodatmyHeadadream,Whoseinwardapparitiongentlymov\'dMyFancytobelieveIyethadbeing,Andlivd:Onecame,methought,ofshapeDivine,Andsaid,thyMansionwantsthee,ADAM,rise,FirstMan,ofMeninnumerableordain\'dFirstFather,call\'dbytheeIcomethyGuideTotheGardenofbliss,thyseatprepar\'d。
Sosaying,bythehandhetookmerais\'d,AndoverFieldsandWaters,asinAireSmoothslidingwithoutstep,lastledmeupAwoodieMountain;whosehightopwasplaine,ACircuitwide,enclos\'d,withgoodliestTreesPlanted,withWalks,andBowers,thatwhatIsawOfEarthbeforescarsepleasantseemd。EachTreeLoad\'nwithfairestFruit,thathungtotheEyeTempting,stirr\'dinmesuddenappetiteTopluckandeate;whereatIwak\'d,andfoundBeforemineEyesallreal,asthedreamHadlivelyshadowd:HerehadnewbegunMywandring,hadnotheewhowasmyGuideUphither,fromamongtheTreesappeer\'d,PresenceDivine。Rejoycing,butwithawInadorationathisfeetIfellSubmiss:herear\'dme,&;WhomthousoughtstIam,Saidmildely,AuthorofallthisthouseestAbove,orroundabouttheeorbeneath。
ThisParadiseIgivethee,countitthineToTillandkeep,andoftheFruittoeate:
OfeveryTreethatintheGardengrowesEatefreelywithgladheart;fearherenodearth:
ButoftheTreewhoseoperationbringsKnowledgofgoodandill,whichIhavesetThePledgeofthyObedienceandthyFaith,AmidtheGardenbytheTreeofLife,RememberwhatIwarnethee,shuntotaste,Andshunthebitterconsequence:forknow,Thedaythoueat\'stthereof,mysolecommandTransgrest,inevitablythoushaltdye;
Fromthatdaymortal,andthishappieStateShaltloose,expell\'dfromhenceintoaWorldOfwoeandsorrow。Sternlyhepronounc\'dTherigidinterdiction,whichresoundsYetdreadfulinmineeare,thoughinmychoiceNottoincur;butsoonhiscleeraspectReturn\'dandgratiouspurposethusrenew\'d。
Notonelythesefairbounds,butalltheEarthTotheeandtothyRaceIgive;asLordsPossessit,andallthingsthatthereinlive,OrliveinSea,orAire,Beast,Fish,andFowle。
InsignewhereofeachBirdandBeastbeholdAfterthirkindes;IbringthemtoreceaveFromtheethirNames,andpaytheefealtieWithlowsubjection;understandthesameOfFishwithinthirwatryresidence,Nothithersummond,sincetheycannotchangeThirElementtodrawthethinnerAire。
Asthushespake,eachBirdandBeastbeholdApproachingtwoandtwo,ThesecowringlowWithblandishment,eachBirdstoop\'donhiswing。
Inam\'dthem,astheypass\'d,andunderstoodThirNature,withsuchknowledgGodendu\'dMysuddenapprehension:butintheseIfoundnotwhatmethoughtIwantedstill;
AndtotheHeav\'nlyvisionthuspresum\'d。
ObywhatName,forthouaboveallthese,Abovemankinde,oraughtthenmankindehigher,Surpassestfarrmynaming,howmayI
Adorethee,AuthorofthisUniverse,Andallthisgoodtoman,forwhosewellbeingSoamply,andwithhandssoliberalThouhastprovidedallthings:butwithmeeIseenotwhopartakes。InsolitudeWhathappiness,whocanenjoyalone,Orallenjoying,whatcontentmentfind?
ThusIpresumptuous;andthevisionbright,Aswithasmilemorebright\'nd,thusrepli\'d。
Whatcall\'stthousolitude,isnottheEarthWithvariouslivingcreatures,andtheAireReplenisht,andalltheseatthycommandTocomeandplaybeforethee,know\'stthounotThirlanguageandthirwayes,theyalsoknow,Andreasonnotcontemptibly;withtheseFindpastime,andbearerule;thyRealmislarge。
SospaketheUniversalLord,andseem\'dSoordering。Iwithleaveofspeechimplor\'d,Andhumbledeprecationthusrepli\'d。
Letnotmywordsoffendthee,Heav\'nlyPower,MyMaker,bepropitiouswhileIspeak。
Hastthounotmademeherethysubstitute,Andtheseinferiourfarrbeneathmeset?
AmongunequalswhatsocietieCansort,whatharmonieortruedelight?
Whichmustbemutual,inproportiondueGiv\'nandreceiv\'d;butindisparitieTheoneintense,theotherstillremissCannotwellsuitewitheither,butsoonproveTediousalike:OffellowshipIspeakSuchasIseek,fittoparticipateAllrationaldelight,whereinthebruteCannotbehumanconsort;theyrejoyceEachwiththirkinde,LionwithLioness;
Sofitlytheminpairsthouhastcombin\'d;
MuchlesscanBirdwithBeast,orFishwithFowleSowellconverse,norwiththeOxtheApe;
WorsthencanManwithBeast,andleastofall。
Wheretoth\'Almightyanswer\'d,notdispleas\'d。
AniceandsuttlehappinessIseeThoutothyselfproposest,inthechoiceOfthyAssociates,ADAM,andwilttasteNopleasure,thoughinpleasure,solitarie。
Whatthinkstthouthenofmee,andthismyState,SeemItotheesufficientlypossestOfhappiness,ornot?whoamaloneFromallEternitie,fornoneIknowSecondtomeeorlike,equalmuchless。
HowhaveIthenwithwhomtoholdconverseSavewiththeCreatureswhichImade,andthoseTomeinferiour,infinitedescentsBeneathwhatotherCreaturesaretothee?
Heceas\'d,Ilowlyanswer\'d。ToattaineThehighthanddepthofthyEternalwayesAllhumanthoughtscomeshort,Supreamofthings;
Thouinthyselfartperfet,andintheeIsnodeficiencefound;notsoisMan,Butindegree,thecauseofhisdesireByconversationwithhisliketohelp,Orsolacehisdefects。NoneedthatthouShouldstpropagat,alreadyinfinite;
Andthroughallnumbersabsolute,thoughOne;
ButManbynumberistomanifestHissingleimperfection,andbegetLikeofhislike,hisImagemultipli\'d,Inunitiedefective,whichrequiresCollaterallove,anddeerestamitie。
Thouinthysecresiealthoughalone,Bestwiththyselfaccompanied,seek\'stnotSocialcommunication,yetsopleas\'d,CanstraisethyCreaturetowhathighththouwiltOfUnionorCommunion,deifi\'d;
IbyconversingcannottheseerectFromprone,norinthirwayescomplacencefind。
ThusIembold\'ndspake,andfreedomus\'dPermissive,andacceptancefound,whichgain\'dThisanswerfromthegratiousvoiceDivine。
Thusfarrtotrythee,ADAM,Iwaspleas\'d,AndfindetheeknowingnotofBeastsalone,Whichthouhastrightlynam\'d,butofthyself,Expressingwellthespiritwithintheefree,MyImage,notimpartedtotheBrute,WhosefellowshipthereforeunmeetfortheeGoodreasonwasthoufreelyshouldstdislike,Andbesomindedstill;I,erethouspak\'st,KnewitnotgoodforMantobealone,Andnosuchcompanieasthenthousaw\'stIntendedthee,fortrialonelybrought,Toseehowthoucould\'stjudgeoffitandmeet:
WhatnextIbringshallpleasethee,beassur\'d,Thylikeness,thyfithelp,thyotherself,Thywish,exactlytothyheartsdesire。
Heeended,orIheardnomore,fornowMyearthlybyhisHeav\'nlyoverpowerd,Whichithadlongstoodunder,streindtothehighthInthatcelestialColloquiesublime,Aswithanobjectthatexcelsthesense,Dazl\'dandspent,sunkdown,andsoughtrepairOfsleep,whichinstantlyfellonme,call\'dByNatureasinaide,andclos\'dmineeyes。
Mineeyesheclos\'d,butop\'nlefttheCellOfFanciemyinternalsight,bywhichAbstractasinatransemethoughtIsaw,Thoughsleeping,whereIlay,andsawtheshapeStillgloriousbeforewhomawakeIstood;
Whostoopingop\'ndmyleftside,andtookFromthenceaRib,withcordialspiritswarme,AndLife-bloodstreamingfresh;widewasthewound,Butsuddenlywithfleshfill\'dup&;heal\'d:
TheRibheformdandfashondwithhishands;
UnderhisforminghandsaCreaturegrew,Manlike,butdifferentsex,solovlyfaire,ThatwhatseemdfairinalltheWorld,seemdnowMean,orinhersummdup,inhercontaindAndinherlooks,whichfromthattimeinfus\'dSweetnessintomyheart,unfeltbefore,AndintoallthingsfromherAireinspir\'dThespiritofloveandamorousdelight。
Shedisappeerd,andleftmedark,Iwak\'dTofindher,orforevertodeploreHerloss,andotherpleasuresallabjure:
Whenoutofhope,beholdher,notfarroff,SuchasIsawherinmydream,adorndWithwhatallEarthorHeavencouldbestowTomakeheramiable:Onshecame,LedbyherHeav\'nlyMaker,thoughunseen,Andguidedbyhisvoice,noruninformdOfnuptialSanctitieandmarriageRites:
Gracewasinallhersteps,Heav\'ninherEye,Ineverygesturedignitieandlove。
Ioverjoydcouldnotforbearaloud。
Thisturnhathmadeamends;thouhastfulfill\'dThywords,Creatorbounteousandbenigne,Giverofallthingsfaire,butfairestthisOfallthygifts,norenviest。InowseeBoneofmyBone,FleshofmyFlesh,mySelfBeforeme;WomanisherName,ofManExtracted;forthiscauseheshallforgoeFatherandMother,andtohisWifeadhere;
AndtheyshallbeoneFlesh,oneHeart,oneSoule。
Sheheardmethus,andthoughdivinelybrought,YetInnocenceandVirginModestie,Hervertueandtheconscienceofherworth,Thatwouldbewoo\'d,andnotunsoughtbewon,Notobvious,notobtrusive,butretir\'d,Themoredesirable,ortosayall,Natureherself,thoughpureofsinfulthought,Wroughtinherso,thatseeingme,sheturn\'d;
Ifollow\'dher,shewhatwasHonourknew,AndwithobsequiousMajestieapprov\'dMypleadedreason。TotheNuptialBowreIledherblushingliketheMorn:allHeav\'n,AndhappieConstellationsonthathoureShedthirselectestinfluence;theEarthGavesignofgratulation,andeachHill;
JoyoustheBirds;freshGalesandgentleAiresWhisper\'dittotheWoods,andfromthirwingsFlungRose,flungOdoursfromthespicieShrub,Disporting,tilltheamorousBirdofNightSungSpousal,andbidhastetheEevningStarrOnhisHilltop,tolightthebridalLamp。
ThusIhavetoldtheeallmyState,andbroughtMyStorietothesumofearthlyblissWhichIenjoy,andmustconfesstofindInallthingselsedelightindeed,butsuchAsus\'dornot,worksinthemindnochange,Norvehementdesire,thesedelicaciesImeanofTaste,Sight,Smell,Herbs,Fruits,&;Flours,Walks,andthemelodieofBirds;buthereFarrotherwise,transportedIbehold,Transportedtouch;herepassionfirstIfelt,Commotionstrange,inallenjoymentselseSuperiourandunmov\'d,hereonelyweakeAgainstthecharmofBeautiespowerfulglance。
OrNaturefaildinmee,andleftsomepartNotproofenoughsuchObjecttosustain,Orfrommysidesubducting,tookperhapsMorethenenough;atleastonherbestow\'dToomuchofOrnament,inoutwardshewElaborate,ofinwardlessexact。
ForwellIunderstandintheprimeendOfNatureherth\'inferiour,inthemindAndinwardFaculties,whichmostexcell,InoutwardalsoherresemblinglessHisImagewhomadeboth,andlessexpressingThecharacterofthatDominiongiv\'nO\'reotherCreatures;yetwhenIapproachHerloveliness,soabsolutesheseemsAndinherselfcompleat,sowelltoknowHerown,thatwhatshewillstodoorsay,Seemswisest,vertuousest,discreetest,best;
AllhigherknowledgeinherpresencefallsDegraded,WisdomindiscoursewithherLoosesdiscount\'nanc\'t,andlikefollyshewes;
AuthoritieandReasononherwaite,Asoneintendedfirst,notaftermadeOccasionally;andtoconsummateall,GreatnessofmindandnoblenessthirseatBuildinherloveliest,andcreateanaweAbouther,asaguardAngelicplac\'t。
TowhomtheAngelwithcontractedbrow。
AccusenotNature,shehathdonherpart;
Dothoubutthine,andbenotdiffidentOfWisdom,shedesertstheenot,ifthouDismissnother,whenmostthouneedsthernigh,ByattributingovermuchtothingsLessexcellent,asthouthyselfperceav\'st。
Forwhatadmir\'stthou,whattransportstheeso,Anoutside?fairnodoubt,andworthywellThycherishing,thyhonouring,andthylove,Notthysubjection:weighwithherthyself;
Thenvalue:OfttimesnothingprofitsmoreThenself-esteem,groundedonjustandrightWellmanag\'d;ofthatskillthemorethouknow\'st,ThemoreshewillacknowledgetheeherHead,Andtorealitiesyeildallhershows;
Madesoadornforthydelightthemore,Soawful,thatwithhonourthoumaistloveThymate,whoseeswhenthouartseenleastwise。
ButifthesenseoftouchwherebymankindIspropagatedseemsuchdeardelightBeyondallother,thinkthesamevoutsaf\'tToCattelandeachBeast;whichwouldnotbeTothemmadecommon&;divulg\'d,ifaughtThereinenjoy\'dwereworthytosubdueTheSouleofMan,orpassioninhimmove。
WhathigherinhersocietiethoufindstAttractive,human,rational,lovestill;
Inlovingthoudostwell,inpassionnot,WhereintrueLoveconsistsnot;loverefinesThethoughts,andheartenlarges,hathhisseatInReason,andisjudicious,isthescaleBywhichtoheav\'nlyLovethoumaistascend,Notsunkincarnalpleasure,forwhichcauseAmongtheBeastsnoMatefortheewasfound。
Towhomthushalfabash\'tADAMrepli\'d。
Neitherherout-sideformdsofair,noraughtInprocreationcommontoallkindes(ThoughhigherofthegenialBedbyfar,AndwithmysteriousreverenceIdeem)
Somuchdelightsme,asthosegracefulacts,ThosethousanddecenciesthatdailyflowFromallherwordsandactions,mixtwithLoveAndsweetcompliance,whichdeclareunfeign\'dUnionofMind,orinusbothoneSoule;
HarmonietobeholdinweddedpairMoregratefulthenharmonioussoundtotheeare。
Yetthesesubjectnot;ItotheediscloseWhatinwardthenceIfeel,notthereforefoild,Whomeetwithvariousobjects,fromthesenseVariouslyrepresenting;yetstillfreeApprovethebest,andfollowwhatIapprove。
Tolovethoublam\'stmenot,forlovethousaistLeadsuptoHeav\'n,isboththewayandguide;
Bearwithmethen,iflawfulwhatIask;
Lovenottheheav\'nlySpirits,andhowthirLoveExpressthey,bylooksonely,ordotheymixIrradiance,virtualorimmediatetouch?
TowhomtheAngelwithasmilethatglow\'dCelestialrosiered,Lovesproperhue,Answer\'d。Letitsufficetheethatthouknow\'stUshappie,andwithoutLovenohappiness。
Whateverpurethouinthebodyenjoy\'st(Andpurethouwertcreated)weenjoyIneminence,andobstaclefindnoneOfmembrane,joynt,orlimb,exclusivebarrs:
EasierthenAirwithAir,ifSpiritsembrace,Totaltheymix,UnionofPurewithPureDesiring;norrestrain\'dconveyanceneedAsFleshtomixwithFlesh,orSoulwithSoul。
ButIcannownomore;thepartingSunBeyondtheEarthsgreenCapeandverdantIslesHESPEREANsets,mySignaltodepart。
Bestrong,livehappie,andlove,butfirstofallHimwhomtoloveistoobey,andkeepHisgreatcommand;takeheedleastPassionswayThyJudgementtodoaught,whichelsefreeWillWouldnotadmit;thineandofallthySonsThewealorwoeintheeisplac\'t;beware。
Iinthyperseveringshallrejoyce,AndalltheBlest:standfast;tostandorfallFreeinthineownArbitrementitlies。
Perfetwithin,nooutwardaidrequire;
Andalltemptationtotransgressrepel。
Sosaying,hearose;whomADAMthusFollow\'dwithbenediction。Sincetopart,GoheavenlyGuest,EtherealMessenger,SentfromwhosesovrangoodnessIadore。
GentletomeandaffablehathbeenThycondescension,andshallbehonour\'deverWithgratefulMemorie:thoutomankindBegoodandfriendlystill,andoftreturn。
Sopartedthey,theAngeluptoHeav\'nFromthethickshade,andADAMtohisBowre。TheEndoftheSeventhBookParadiseLost-Book8ParadiseLostbyJohnMiltonBook8NomoreoftalkwhereGodorAngelGuestWithMan,aswithhisFriend,familiarus\'dTositindulgent,andwithhimpartakeRuralrepast,permittinghimthewhileVenialdiscourseunblam\'d:InowmustchangeThoseNotestoTragic;fouldistrust,andbreachDisloyalonthepartofMan,revoltAnddisobedience:OnthepartofHeav\'nNowalienated,distanceanddistaste,Angerandjustrebuke,andjudgementgiv\'n,ThatbroughtintothisWorldaworldofwoe,SinneandhershadowDeath,andMiserieDeathsHarbinger:Sadtask,yetargumentNotlessbutmoreHeroicthenthewrauthOfsternACHILLESonhisFoepursu\'dThriceFugitiveaboutTROYWall;orrageOfTURNUSforLAVINIAdisespous\'d,OrNEPTUN\'SireorJUNO\'S,thatsolongPerplex\'dtheGREEKandCYTHEREA\'SSon;
IfanswerablestyleIcanobtaineOfmyCelestialPatroness,whodeignesHernightlyvisitationunimplor\'d,Anddictatestomeslumbring,orinspiresEasiemyunpremeditatedVerse:
SincefirstthissubjectforHeroicSongPleas\'dmelongchoosing,andbeginninglate;
NotsedulousbyNaturetoinditeWarrs,hithertotheonelyArgumentHeroicdeem\'d,chiefmaistrietodissectWithlongandtedioushavocfabl\'dKnightsInBattelsfeign\'d;thebetterfortitudeOfPatienceandHeroicMartyrdomUnsung;ortodescribeRacesandGames,OrtiltingFurniture,emblazon\'dShields,Impresesquaint,CaparisonsandSteeds;
BasesandtinselTrappings,gorgiousKnightsAtJoustandTorneament;thenmarshal\'dFeastServ\'dupinHallwithSewers,andSeneshals;
TheskillofArtificeorOfficemean,NotthatwhichjustlygivesHeroicnameToPersonortoPoem。MeeoftheseNorskilldnorstudious,higherArgumentRemaines,sufficientofitselftoraiseThatname,unlessanagetoolate,orcoldClimat,orYearsdampmyintendedwingDeprest,andmuchtheymay,ifallbemine,NotHerswhobringsitnightlytomyEar。
TheSunwassunk,andafterhimtheStarrOfHESPERUS,whoseOfficeistobringTwilightupontheEarth,shortArbiterTwixtDayandNight,andnowfromendtoendNightsHemispherehadveildtheHorizonround:
WhenSATANwholatefledbeforethethreatsOfGABRIELoutofEDEN,nowimprov\'dInmeditatedfraudandmalice,bentOnmansdestruction,maugrewhatmighthapOfheavieronhimself,fearlessreturn\'d。
ByNighthefled,andatMidnightreturn\'dFromcompassingtheEarth,cautiousofday,SinceURIELRegentoftheSundescri\'dHisentrance,andforewarndtheCherubimThatkeptthirwatch;thencefullofanguishdriv\'n,Thespaceofsevencontinu\'dNightsherodeWithdarkness,thricetheEquinoctialLineHecircl\'d,fourtimescross\'dtheCarrofNightFromPoletoPole,traversingeachColure;
Ontheeighthreturn\'d,andontheCoastaverseFromentranceorCherubicWatch,bystealthFoundunsuspectedway。Therewasaplace,Nownot,thoughSin,notTime,firstwraughtthechange,WhereTIGRISatthefootofParadiseIntoaGulfshotunderground,tillpartRoseupaFountainbytheTreeofLife;
InwiththeRiversunk,andwithitroseSataninvolv\'dinrisingMist,thensoughtWheretoliehid;SeahehadsearchtandLandFromEDENoverPONTUS,andthePooleMAEOTIS,upbeyondtheRiverOB;
DownwardasfarrAntartic;andinlengthWestfromORANTEStotheOceanbarr\'dAtDARIEN,thencetotheLandwhereflowesGANGESandINDUS:thustheOrbheroam\'dWithnarrowsearch;andwithinspectiondeepConsider\'deveryCreature,whichofallMostopportunemightservehisWiles,andfoundTheSerpentsuttlestBeastofalltheField。
Himafterlongdebate,irresoluteOfthoughtsrevolv\'d,hisfinalsentencechoseFitVessel,fittestImpoffraud,inwhomToenter,andhisdarksuggestionshideFromsharpestsight:forinthewilieSnake,Whateversleightsnonewouldsuspiciousmark,AsfromhiswitandnativesuttletieProceeding,whichinotherBeastsobserv\'dDoubtmightbegetofDiabolicpow\'rActivewithinbeyondthesenseofbrute。
Thusheresolv\'d,butfirstfrominwardgriefeHisburstingpassionintoplaintsthuspour\'d:
OEarth,howliketoHeav\'n,ifnotpreferrdMorejustly,SeatworthierofGods,asbuiltWithsecondthoughts,reformingwhatwasold!
ForwhatGodafterbetterworsewouldbuild?
TerrestrialHeav\'n,danc\'troundbyotherHeav\'nsThatshine,yetbearthirbrightofficiousLamps,LightaboveLight,fortheealone,asseems,IntheeconcentringallthirpreciousbeamsOfsacredinfluence:AsGodinHeav\'nIsCenter,yetextendstoall,sothouCentringreceav\'stfromallthoseOrbs;inthee,Notinthemselves,allthirknownvertueappeersProductiveinHerb,Plant,andnoblerbirthOfCreaturesanimatewithgraduallifeOfGrowth,Sense,Reason,allsumm\'dupinMan。
WithwhatdelightcouldIhavewalkttheeroundIfIcouldjoyinaught,sweetinterchangeOfHillandVallie,Rivers,WoodsandPlaines,NowLand,nowSea,&;ShoreswithForrestcrownd,Rocks,Dens,andCaves;butIinnoneoftheseFindplaceorrefuge;andthemoreIseePleasuresaboutme,somuchmoreIfeelTormentwithinme,asfromthehatefulsiegeOfcontraries;allgoodtomebecomesBane,andinHeav\'nmuchworsewouldbemystate。
ButneitherhereseekI,nonorinHeav\'nTodwell,unlessbymaistringHeav\'nsSupreame;
NorhopetobemyselflessmiserableBywhatIseek,butotherstomakesuchAsIthoughtherebyworsetomeredound:
ForonelyindestroyingIfindeeaseTomyrelentlessthoughts;andhimdestroyd,Orwontowhatmayworkhisutterloss,Forwhomallthiswasmade,allthiswillsoonFollow,astohimlinktinwealorwoe,Inwothen;thatdestructionwidemayrange:
TomeeshallbethegloriesoleamongTheinfernalPowers,inonedaytohavemarr\'dWhatheALMIGHTIEstyl\'d,sixNightsandDaysContinu\'dmaking,andwhoknowshowlongBeforehadbincontriving,thoughperhapsNotlongerthensinceIinoneNightfreedFromservitudeingloriouswelnighhalfTh\'AngelicName,andthinnerleftthethrongOfhisadorers:heetobeaveng\'d,Andtorepairehisnumbersthusimpair\'d,WhethersuchvertuespentofoldnowfaildMoreAngelstoCreate,iftheyatleastArehisCreatedortospiteusmore,Determin\'dtoadvanceintoourroomACreatureform\'dofEarth,andhimendow,Exaltedfromsobaseoriginal,WithHeav\'nlyspoils,ourspoils:WhathedecreedHeeffected;Manhemade,andforhimbuiltMagnificentthisWorld,andEarthhisseat,HimLordpronounc\'d,and,Oindignitie!
SubjectedtohisserviceAngelwings,AndflamingMinisterstowatchandtendThirearthlieCharge:OfthesethevigilanceIdread,andtoelude,thuswraptinmistOfmidnightvaporglideobscure,andprieIneveryBushandBrake,wherehapmayfindeTheSerpentsleeping,inwhosemaziefouldsTohideme,andthedarkintentIbring。
Ofouldescent!thatIwhoerstcontendedWithGodstositthehighest,amnowconstraindIntoaBeast,andmixtwithbestialslime,Thisessencetoincarnateandimbrute,ThattothehightofDeitieaspir\'d;
ButwhatwillnotAmbitionandRevengeDescendto?whoaspiresmustdownaslowAshighhesoard,obnoxiousfirstorlastTobasestthings。Revenge,atfirstthoughsweet,Bittererelongbackonitselfrecoiles;
Letit;Irecknot,soitlightwellaim\'d,SincehigherIfallshort,onhimwhonextProvokesmyenvie,thisnewFavoriteOfHeav\'n,thisManofClay,Sonofdespite,WhomusthemoretospitehisMakerrais\'dFromdust:spitethenwithspiteisbestrepaid。
Sosaying,througheachThicketDanckorDrie,Likeablackmistlowcreeping,heheldonHismidnightsearch,wheresoonesthemightfindeTheSerpent:himfastsleepingsoonhefoundInLabyrinthofmanyaroundself-rowl\'d,Hisheadthemidst,wellstor\'dwithsuttlewiles:
NotyetinhorridShadeordismalDen,Notnocentyet,butonthegrassieHerbeFearlessunfeardheslept:inathisMouthTheDevilenterd,andhisbrutalsense,Inheartorhead,possessingsooninspir\'dWithactintelligential;buthissleepDisturbdnot,waitingcloseth\'approachofMorn。
NowwhenassacredLightbegantodawneInEDENonthehumidFlours,thatbreathdThirmorningIncense,whenallthingsthatbreath,Fromth\'EarthsgreatAltarsendupsilentpraiseTotheCreator,andhisNostrilsfillWithgratefullSmell,forthcamethehumanpairAndjoyndthirvocalWorshiptotheQuireOfCreatureswantingvoice,thatdone,partakeTheseason,primeforsweetestSentsandAires:
ThencommunehowthatdaytheybestmayplyThirgrowingwork:formuchthirworkoutgrewThehandsdispatchoftwoGardningsowide。
AndEVEfirsttoherHusbandthusbegan。
ADAM,wellmaywelabourstilltodressThisGarden,stilltotendPlant,HerbandFlour。
Ourpleasanttaskenjoyn\'d,buttillmorehandsAidus,theworkunderourlabourgrows,Luxuriousbyrestraint;whatwebydayLopovergrown,orprune,orprop,orbind,OnenightortwowithwantongrowthderidesTendingtowilde。ThouthereforenowadviseOrhearwhattomymindfirstthoughtspresent,Letusdivideourlabours,thouwherechoiceLeadsthee,orwheremostneeds,whethertowindTheWoodbineroundthisArbour,ordirectTheclaspingIviewheretoclimb,whileI
InyonderSpringofRosesintermixtWithMyrtle,findwhattoredresstillNoon:
ForwhilesoneareachotherthusalldayOurtaskwechoose,whatwonderifnonearLooksinterveneandsmiles,orobjectnewCasualdiscoursedrawon,whichintermitsOurdayesworkbroughttolittle,thoughbegunEarly,andth\'hourofSuppercomesunearn\'d。
TowhommildanswerADAMthusreturn\'d。
SoleEVE,Associatesole,tomebeyondCompareabovealllivingCreaturesdeare,Wellhastthoumotion\'d,welthythoughtsimploydHowwemightbestfulfilltheworkwhichhereGodhathassign\'dus,norofmeshaltpassUnprais\'d:fornothingloveliercanbefoundInwoman,thentostudiehousholdgood,AndgoodworkesinherHusbandtopromote。
YetnotsostrictlyhathourLordimpos\'dLabour,astodebarruswhenweneedRefreshment,whetherfood,ortalkbetween,Foodofthemind,orthissweetintercourseOflooksandsmiles,forsmilesfromReasonflow,Tobrutedeni\'d,andareofLovethefood,Lovenotthelowestendofhumanlife。
Fornottoirksomtoile,buttodelightHemadeus,anddelighttoReasonjoyn\'d。
ThesepathsandBowersdoubtnotbutourjoyntWillkeepfromWildernesswithease,aswideAsweneedwalk,tillyoungerhandserelongAssistus:ButifmuchconverseperhapsTheesatiate,toshortabsenceIcouldyeild。
Forsolitudesomtimesisbestsocietie,Andshortretirementurgessweetreturne。
Butotherdoubtpossessesme,leastharmBefalltheesever\'dfromme;forthouknowstWhathathbinwarn\'dus,whatmaliciousFoeEnvyingourhappiness,andofhisownDespairing,seekstoworkuswoeandshameByslyassault;andsomwherenighathandWatches,nodoubt,withgreedyhopetofindHiswishandbestadvantage,usasunder,Hopelesstocircumventusjoynd,whereeachTootherspeedieaidemightlendatneed;
WhetherhisfirstdesignbetowithdrawOurfealtiefromGod,ortodisturbConjugalLove,thenwhichperhapsnoblissEnjoy\'dbyusexciteshisenviemore;
Orthis,orworse,leavenotthefaithfulsideThatgavetheebeing,stilshadestheeandprotects。
TheWife,wheredangerordishonourlurks,SafestandseemliestbyherHusbandstaies,Whoguardsher,orwithhertheworstendures。
TowhomtheVirginMajestieofEVE,Asonewholoves,andsomeunkindnessmeets,Withsweetausteercomposurethusreply\'d。
OfspringofHeav\'nandEarth,andallEarthsLord,Thatsuchanenemiewehave,whoseeksOurruin,bothbytheeinformdIlearne,AndfromthepartingAngelover-heardAsinashadienookIstoodbehind,JustthenreturndatshutofEveningFlours。
ButthatthoushouldstmyfirmnessthereforedoubtToGodorthee,becausewehaveafoeMaytemptit,Iexpectednottohear。
Hisviolencethoufearstnot,beingsuch,Aswee,notcapableofdeathorpaine,Caneithernotreceave,orcanrepell。
Hisfraudisthenthyfear,whichplaininferrsThyequalfearthatmyfirmFaithandLoveCanbyhisfraudbeshak\'norseduc\'t;
Thoughts,whichhowfoundtheyharbourinthyBrest,ADAM,misthoughtofhertotheesodear?
TowhomwithhealingwordsADAMreply\'d。
DaughterofGodandMan,immortalEVE,Forsuchthouart,fromsinandblameentire:
NotdiffidentoftheedoIdissuadeThyabsencefrommysight,buttoavoidTh\'attemptitself,intendedbyourFoe。
Forheewhotempts,thoughinvain,atleastaspersesThetemptedwithdishonourfoul,suppos\'dNotincorruptibleofFaith,notprooffAgainsttemptation:thouthyselfwithscorneAndangerwouldstresenttheoffer\'dwrong,Thoughineffectualfound:misdeemnotthen,IfsuchaffrontIlabourtoavertFromtheealone,whichonusbothatonceTheEnemie,thoughbold,willhardlydare,Ordaring,firstonmeeth\'assaultshalllight。
Northouhismaliceandfalseguilecontemn;
Suttleheneedsmustbe,whocouldseduceAngels,northinksuperfluousothersaid。
IfromtheinfluenceofthylooksreceaveAccessineveryVertue,inthysightMorewise,morewatchful,stronger,ifneedwereOfoutwardstrength;whileshame,thoulookingon,Shametobeovercomeorover-reachtWouldutmostvigorraise,andrais\'dunite。
WhyshouldstnotthoulikesensewithintheefeelWhenIampresent,andthytrialchooseWithme,bestwitnessofthyVertuetri\'d。
SospakedomestickADAMinhiscareAndMatrimonialLove,butEVE,whothoughtLessattributedtoherFaithsincere,Thusherreplywithaccentsweetrenewd。
Ifthisbeourcondition,thustodwellInnarrowcircuitstrait\'ndbyaFoe,Suttleorviolent,wenotendu\'dSinglewithlikedefence,wherevermet,Howarewehappie,stillinfearofharm?
Butharmprecedesnotsin:onelyourFoeTemptingaffrontsuswithhisfoulesteemOfourintegritie:hisfoulesteemeSticksnodishonoronourFront,butturnsFoulonhimself;thenwherforeshundorfeardByus?whoratherdoublehonourgaineFromhissurmiseprov\'dfalse,findepeacewithin,FavourfromHeav\'n,ourwitnessfromth\'event。
AndwhatisFaith,Love,VertueunassaidAlone,withoutexteriorhelpsustaind?
LetusnotthensuspectourhappieStateLeftsoimperfetbytheMakerwise,Asnotsecuretosingleorcombin\'d。
Fraileisourhappiness,ifthisbeso,AndEDENwerenoEDENthusexpos\'d。
TowhomthusADAMferventlyrepli\'d。
OWoman,bestareallthingsasthewillOfGodordaindthem,hiscreatinghandNothingimperfetordeficientleftOfallthatheCreated,muchlessMan,OroughtthatmighthishappieStatesecure,Securefromoutwardforce;withinhimselfThedangerlies,yetlieswithinhispower:
Againsthiswillhecanreceavenoharme。
ButGodleftfreetheWill,forwhatobeyesReason,isfree,andReasonhemaderight,Butbidherwellbeware,andstillerect,Leastbysomefaireappeeringgoodsurpris\'dShedictatefalse,andmissinformetheWillTodowhatGodexpreslyhathforbid。
Notthenmistrust,buttenderloveenjoynes,ThatIshouldmindtheeoft,andmindthoume。
Firmwesubsist,yetpossibletoswerve,SinceReasonnotimpossiblymaymeetSomespeciousobjectbytheFoesubornd,Andfallintodeceptionunaware,Notkeepingstrictestwatch,asshewaswarnd。
Seeknottemptationthen,whichtoavoideWerebetter,andmostlikelieiffrommeeThousevernot;Trialwillcomeunsought。
Wouldstthouapprovethyconstancie,approveFirstthyobedience;th\'otherwhocanknow,Notseeingtheeattempted,whoattest?
Butifthouthink,trialunsoughtmayfindeUsbothsecurerthenthuswarndthouseemst,Go;forthystay,notfree,absentstheemore;
Gointhynativeinnocence,relieOnwhatthouhastofvertue,summonall,ForGodtowardstheehathdonehispart,dothine。
SospakethePatriarchofMankinde,butEVE
Persisted,yetsubmiss,thoughlast,repli\'d。
Withthypermissionthen,andthusforewarndChieflybywhatthyownlastreasoningwordsTouchdonely,thatourtrial,whenleastsought,Mayfindeusbothperhapsfarrlessprepar\'d,ThewillingerIgoe,normuchexpectAFoesoproudwillfirsttheweakerseek;
Sobent,themoreshallshamehimhisrepulse。
Thussaying,fromherHusbandshandherhandSoftshewithdrew,andlikeaWood-NymphlightOREADorDRYAD,orofDELIA\'sTraine,BetookhertotheGroves,butDELIA\'sselfIngatesurpass\'dandGoddess-likedeport,ThoughnotassheewithBowandQuiverarmd,ButwithsuchGardningToolsasAreyetrude,Guiltlessoffirehadformd,orAngelsbrought,ToPALES,orPOMONA,thusadornd,Likestsheseemd,POMONAwhenshefledVERTUMNUS,ortoCERESinherPrime,YetVirginofPROSERPINAfromJOVE。
HerlongwithardentlookhisEYEpursu\'dDelighted,butdesiringmoreherstay。
Ofthetoherhischargeofquickreturne,Repeated,sheetohimasoftengag\'dTobereturndbyNoonamidtheBowre,AndallthingsinbestordertoinviteNoontiderepast,orAfternoonsrepose。
Omuchdeceav\'d,muchfailing,haplessEVE,Ofthypresum\'dreturn!eventperverse!
ThouneverfromthathoureinParadiseFoundsteithersweetrepast,orfoundrepose;
SuchambushhidamongsweetFloursandShadesWaitedwithhellishrancorimminentTointerceptthyway,orsendtheebackDespoildofInnocence,ofFaith,ofBliss。
Fornow,andsincefirstbreakofdawnetheFiend,MeerSerpentinappearance,forthwascome,AndonhisQuest,wherelikeliesthemightfindeTheonelytwoofMankinde,butinthemThewholeincludedRace,hispurposdprey。
InBowreandFieldhesought,whereanytuftOfGroveorGarden-Plotmorepleasantlay,ThirtendanceorPlantationfordelight,ByFountainorbyshadieRivuletHesoughtthemboth,butwish\'dhishapmightfindEVEseparate,hewish\'d,butnotwithhopeOfwhatsoseldomchanc\'d,whentohiswish,Beyondhishope,EVEseparatehespies,VeildinaCloudofFragrance,whereshestood,Halfspi\'d,sothicktheRosesbushingroundAboutherglowd,oftstoopingtosupportEachFlourofslenderstalk,whoseheadthoughgayCarnation,Purple,Azure,orspectwithGold,Hungdroopingunsustaind,themsheupstaiesGentlywithMirtleband,mindlessthewhile,Herself,thoughfairestunsupportedFlour,Fromherbestpropsofarr,andstornsonigh。
Neererhedrew,andmanyawalktravers\'dOfstateliestCovert,Cedar,Pine,orPalme,Thenvolubleandbold,nowhid,nowseenAmongthick-wov\'nArboretsandFloursImborderdoneachBank,thehandofEVE:
SpotmoredeliciousthenthoseGardensfeign\'dOrofreviv\'dADONIS,orrenowndALCINOUS,hostofoldLAERTESSon,Orthat,notMystic,wheretheSapientKingHelddalliancewithhisfaireEGYPTIANSpouse。
MuchheethePlaceadmir\'d,thePersonmore。
AsonewholonginpopulousCitypent,WhereHousesthickandSewersannoytheAire,ForthissuingonaSummersMorn,tobreatheAmongthepleasantVillagesandFarmesAdjoynd,fromeachthingmetconceavesdelight,ThesmellofGrain,orteddedGrass,orKine,OrDairie,eachruralsight,eachruralsound;
IfchancewithNymphlikestepfairVirginpass,Whatpleasingseemd,forhernowpleasesmore,Shemost,andinherlooksummsallDelight。
SuchPleasuretooktheSerpenttobeholdThisFlouriePlat,thesweetrecessofEVE
Thusearlie,thusalone;herHeav\'nlyformeAngelic,butmoresoft,andFeminine,HergracefulInnocence,hereveryAireOfgestureorlestactionoverawdHisMalice,andwithrapinesweetbereav\'dHisfiercenessofthefierceintentitbrought:
ThatspacetheEviloneabstractedstoodFromhisownevil,andforthetimeremaindStupidlygood,ofenmitiedisarm\'d,Ofguile,ofhate,ofenvie,ofrevenge;
ButthehotHellthatalwayesinhimburnes,ThoughinmidHeav\'n,soonendedhisdelight,Andtortureshimnowmore,themoreheseesOfpleasurenotforhimordain\'d:thensoonFiercehateherecollects,andallhisthoughtsOfmischief,gratulating,thusexcites。
Thoughts,whitherhaveheledme,withwhatsweetCompulsionthustransportedtoforgetWhathitherbroughtus,hate,notlove,norhopeOfParadiseforHell,hopeheretotasteOfpleasure,butallpleasuretodestroy,Savewhatisindestroying,otherjoyTomeislost。ThenletmenotletpassOccasionwhichnowsmiles,beholdaloneTheWoman,opportunetoallattempts,HerHusband,forIviewfarround,notnigh,WhosehigherintellectualmoreIshun,Andstrength,ofcouragehautie,andoflimbHeroicbuilt,thoughofterrestrialmould,Foenotinformidable,exemptfromwound,Inot;somuchhathHelldebas\'d,andpaineInfeebl\'dme,towhatIwasinHeav\'n。
Sheefair,divinelyfair,fitLoveforGods,Notterrible,thoughterrourbeinLoveAndbeautie,notapproachtbystrongerhate,Hatestronger,undershewofLovewellfeign\'d,ThewaywhichtoherruinnowItend。
SospaketheEnemieofMankind,enclos\'dInSerpent,Inmatebad,andtowardEVE
Address\'dhisway,notwithindentedwave,Proneontheground,assince,butonhisreare,Circularbaseofrisingfoulds,thattour\'dFouldabovefouldasurgingMaze,hisHeadCrestedaloft,andCarbunclehisEyes;
WithburnishtNeckofverdantGold,erectAmidsthiscirclingSpires,thatonthegrassFlotedredundant:pleasingwashisshape,Andlovely,neversinceofSerpentkindLovelier,notthosethatinILLYRIAchang\'dHERMIONEandCADMUS,ortheGodInEPIDAURUS;nortowhichtransformdAMMONIANJOVE,orCAPITOLINEwasseen,HeewithOLYMPIAS,thiswithherwhoboreSCIPIOthehighthofROME。WithtractobliqueAtfirst,asonewhosoughtaccess,butfeardTointerrupt,side-longheworkshisway。
AswhenaShipbyskilfulStearsmanwroughtNighRiversmouthorForeland,wheretheWindVeresoft,asoftsosteers,andshiftsherSaile;
Sovariedhee,andofhistortuousTraineCurldmanyawantonwreathinsightofEVE,TolureherEye;sheebusiedheardthesoundOfruslingLeaves,butmindednot,asus\'dTosuchdisportbeforeherthroughtheField,FromeveryBeast,moreduteousathercall,ThenatCIRCEANcalltheHerddisguis\'d。
Heebouldernow,uncall\'dbeforeherstood;
Butasingazeadmiring:OfthebowdHisturretCrest,andsleekenamel\'dNeck,Fawning,andlick\'dthegroundwhereonshetrod。
HisgentledumbexpressionturndatlengthTheEyeofEVEtomarkhisplay;hegladOfherattentiongaind,withSerpentTongueOrganic,orimpulseofvocalAir,Hisfraudulenttemptationthusbegan。
Wondernot,sovranMistress,ifperhapsThoucanst,whoartsoleWonder,muchlessarmThylooks,theHeav\'nofmildness,withdisdain,Displeas\'dthatIapproachtheethus,andgazeInsatiate,Ithussingle;norhavefeardThyawfulbrow,moreawfulthusretir\'d。
FairestresemblanceofthyMakerfaire,Theealllivingthingsgazeon,allthingsthineBygift,andthyCelestialBeautieadoreWithravishmentbeheld,therebestbeheldWhereuniversallyadmir\'d;buthereInthisenclosurewild,theseBeastsamong,Beholdersrude,andshallowtodiscerneHalfwhatintheeisfair,onemanexcept,Whoseesthee?(andwhatisone?)whoshouldstbeseenAGoddessamongGods,ador\'dandserv\'dByAngelsnumberless,thydailyTrain。
Sogloz\'dtheTempter,andhisProemtun\'d;
IntotheHeartofEVEhiswordsmadeway,Thoughatthevoicemuchmarveling;atlengthNotunamaz\'dshethusinanswerspake。
Whatmaythismean?LanguageofManpronounc\'tByTongueofBrute,andhumansenseexprest?
ThefirstatlestoftheseIthoughtdeni\'dToBeasts,whomGodontheirCreation-DayCreatedmutetoallarticulatsound;
ThelatterIdemurre,forinthirlooksMuchreason,andinthiractionsoftappeers。
Thee,Serpent,suttlestbeastofallthefieldIknew,butnotwithhumanvoiceendu\'d;
Redoublethenthismiracle,andsay,Howcam\'stthouspeakableofmute,andhowTomesofriendlygrownabovetherestOfbrutalkind,thatdailyareinsight?
Say,forsuchwonderclaimsattentiondue。
TowhomtheguilefulTempterthusreply\'d。
EmpressofthisfairWorld,resplendentEVE,EasietomeeitistotelltheeallWhatthoucommandst,andrightthoushouldstbeobeyd:
IwasatfirstasotherBeaststhatgrazeThetroddenHerb,ofabjectthoughtsandlow,Aswasmyfood,noraughtbutfooddiscern\'dOrSex,andapprehendednothinghigh:
Tillonadayroavingthefield,Ichanc\'dAgoodlyTreefarrdistanttobeholdLoadenwithfruitoffairestcoloursmixt,RuddieandGold:Inearerdrewtogaze;
Whenfromtheboughesasavorieodourblow\'n,Gratefultoappetite,morepleas\'dmysenseThensmellofsweetestFenel,ortheTeatsOfEweorGoatdroppingwithMilkatEevn,UnsucktofLamborKid,thattendthirplay。
TosatisfiethesharpdesireIhadOftastingthosefairApples,Iresolv\'dNottodeferr;hungerandthirstatonce,Powerfulperswaders,quick\'ndatthescentOfthatalluringfruit,urg\'dmesokeene。
AbouttheMossieTrunkIwoundmesoon,ForhighfromgroundthebrancheswouldrequireThyutmostreachorADAMS:RoundtheTreeAllotherBeaststhatsaw,withlikedesireLongingandenvyingstood,butcouldnotreach。
AmidtheTreenowgot,whereplentiehungTemptingsonigh,topluckandeatmyfillIspar\'dnot,forsuchpleasuretillthathourAtFeedorFountainneverhadIfound。
Satedatlength,erelongImightperceaveStrangealterationinme,todegreeOfReasoninmyinwardPowers,andSpeechWantednotlong,thoughtothisshaperetaind。
ThenceforthtoSpeculationshighordeepIturndmythoughts,andwithcapaciousmindConsiderdallthingsvisibleinHeav\'n,OrEarth,orMiddle,allthingsfairandgood;
ButallthatfairandgoodinthyDivineSemblance,andinthyBeautiesheav\'nlyRayUnitedIbeheld;noFairtothineEquivalentorsecond,whichcompel\'dMeethus,thoughimportuneperhaps,tocomeAndgaze,andworshiptheeofrightdeclar\'dSovranofCreatures,universalDame。
Sotalk\'dthespiritedslySnake;andEVE
Yetmoreamaz\'dunwariethusreply\'d。
Serpent,thyoverpraisingleavesindoubtThevertueofthatFruit,intheefirstprov\'d:
Butsay,wheregrowstheTree,fromhencehowfar?
FormanyaretheTreesofGodthatgrowInParadise,andvarious,yetunknownTous,insuchabundanceliesourchoice,AsleavesagreaterstoreofFruituntoucht,Stillhangingincorruptible,tillmenGrowuptothirprovision,andmorehandsHelptodisburdenNatureofherBearth。
TowhomthewilieAdder,blitheandglad。
Empress,thewayisreadie,andnotlong,BeyondarowofMyrtles,onaFlat,FastbyaFountain,onesmallThicketpastOfblowingMyrrhandBalme;ifthouacceptMyconduct,Icanbringtheethithersoon。
Leadthen,saidEVE。HeeleadingswiftlyrowldIntangles,andmakeintricateseemstrait,Tomischiefswift。Hopeelevates,andjoyBright\'nshisCrest,aswhenawandringFireCompactofunctuousvapor,whichtheNightCondenses,andthecoldinvironsround,Kindl\'dthroughagitationtoaFlame,Whichoft,theysay,someevilSpiritattends,HoveringandblazingwithdelusiveLight,Misleadsth\'amaz\'dNight-wandererfromhiswayToBoggsandMires,&;oftthroughPondorPoole,Thereswallow\'dupandlost,fromsuccourfarr。
Soglister\'dthedireSnakeandintofraudLedEVEourcredulousMother,totheTreeOfprohibition,rootofallourwoe;
Whichwhenshesaw,thustoherguideshespake。
Serpent,wemighthavespar\'dourcominghither,Fruitlesstome,thoughFruitbeheretoexcess,Thecreditofwhosevertuerestwiththee,Wondrousindeed,ifcauseofsucheffects。
ButofthisTreewemaynottastenortouch;
Godsocommanded,andleftthatCommandSoleDaughterofhisvoice;therest,weliveLawtoourselves,ourReasonisourLaw。
TowhomtheTempterguilefullyrepli\'d。
Indeed?hathGodthensaidthatoftheFruitOfalltheseGardenTreesyeshallnoteate,YetLordsdeclar\'dofallinEarthorAire?
TowhomthusEVEyetsinless。OftheFruitOfeachTreeintheGardenwemayeate,ButoftheFruitofthisfairTreeamidstTheGarden,Godhathsaid,YeshallnoteateThereof,norshallyetouchit,leastyedie。
Shescarsehadsaid,thoughbrief,whennowmoreboldTheTempter,butwithshewofZealeandLoveToMan,andindignationathiswrong,Newpartputson,andastopassionmov\'d,Fluctuatsdisturbd,yetcomely,andinactRais\'d,asofsomgreatmattertobegin。
AswhenofoldsomOratorrenoundInATHENSorfreeROME,whereEloquenceFlourishd,sincemute,tosomgreatcauseaddrest,Stoodinhimselfcollected,whileeachpart,Motion,eachactwonaudienceerethetongue,Somtimesinhighthbegan,asnodelayOfPrefacebrookingthroughhisZealofRight。
Sostanding,moving,ortohighthupgrownTheTempterallimpassiondthusbegan。
OSacred,Wise,andWisdom-givingPlant,MotherofScience,NowIfeelthyPowerWithinmecleere,notonelytodiscerneThingsinthirCauses,buttotracethewayesOfhighestAgents,deemdhoweverwise。
QueenofthisUniverse,doenotbelieveThoserigidthreatsofDeath;yeshallnotDie:
Howshouldye?bytheFruit?itgivesyouLifeToKnowledge?BytheThreatner,lookonmee,Meewhohavetouch\'dandtasted,yetbothlive,AndlifemoreperfethaveattaindthenFateMeantmee,byventringhigherthenmyLot。
ShallthatbeshuttoMan,whichtotheBeastIsopen?orwillGodincensehisireForsuchaprettyTrespass,andnotpraiseRatheryourdauntlessvertue,whomthepainOfDeathdenounc\'t,whateverthingDeathbe,DeterrdnotfromatchievingwhatmightleadeTohappierlife,knowledgeofGoodandEvil;
Ofgood,howjust?ofevil,ifwhatisevilBereal,whynotknown,sinceeasiershunnd?
Godthereforecannothurtye,andbejust;
Notjust,notGod;notfeardthen,norobeid:
YourfeareitselfofDeathremovesthefeare。
Whythenwasthisforbid?Whybuttoawe,Whybuttokeepyelowandignorant,Hisworshippers;heknowsthatinthedayYeEatethereof,yourEyesthatseemsocleere,Yetarebutdim,shallperfetlybethenOp\'ndandcleerd,andyeshallbeasGods,KnowingbothGoodandEvilastheyknow。
ThatyeshouldbeasGods,sinceIasMan,InternalMan,isbutproportionmeet,Iofbrutehuman,yeeofhumanGods。
Soyeshaltdieperhaps,byputtingoffHuman,toputonGods,deathtobewisht,Thoughthreat\'nd,whichnoworsethenthiscanbringAndwhatareGodsthatManmaynotbecomeAsthey,participatingGod-likefood?
TheGodsarefirst,andthatadvantageuseOnourbelief,thatallfromthemproceeds,Iquestionit,forthisfairEarthIsee,Warm\'dbytheSun,producingeverykind,Themnothing:Iftheyallthings,whoenclos\'dKnowledgeofGoodandEvilinthisTree,Thatwhosoeatsthereof,forthwithattainsWisdomwithouttheirleave?andwhereinliesTh\'offence,thatManshouldthusattaintoknow?
Whatcanyourknowledgehurthim,orthisTreeImpartagainsthiswillifallbehis?
Orisitenvie,andcanenviedwellInheav\'nlybrests?these,theseandmanymoreCausesimportyourneedofthisfairFruit。
Goddesshumane,reachthen,andfreelytaste。
Heended,andhiswordsrepletewithguileIntoherhearttooeasieentrancewon:
FixtontheFruitshegaz\'d,whichtobeholdMighttemptalone,andinherearsthesoundYetrungofhisperswasivewords,impregn\'dWithReason,toherseeming,andwithTruth;
MeanwhilethehourofNoondrewon,andwak\'dAneagerappetite,rais\'dbythesmellSosavorieofthatFruit,whichwithdesire,Inclinablenowgrowntotouchortaste,Sollicitedherlongingeye;yetfirstPausingawhile,thustoherselfshemus\'d。
GreatarethyVertues,doubtless,bestofFruits,ThoughkeptfromMan,&;worthytobeadmir\'d,Whosetaste,toolongforborn,atfirstassayGaveelocutiontothemute,andtaughtTheTonguenotmadeforSpeechtospeakthypraise:
Thypraiseheealsowhoforbidsthyuse,Concealesnotfromus,namingtheetheTreeOfKnowledge,knowledgebothofgoodandevil;
Forbidsusthentotaste,buthisforbiddingCommendstheemore,whileitinferrsthegoodBytheecommunicated,andourwant:
Forgoodunknown,sureisnothad,orhadAndyetunknown,isasnothadatall。
Inplainthen,whatforbidshebuttoknow,Forbidsusgood,forbidsustobewise?
Suchprohibitionsbindenot。ButifDeathBinduswithafter-bands,whatprofitsthenOurinwardfreedom?InthedayweeateOfthisfairFruit,ourdoomis,weshalldie。
HowdiestheSerpent?heehatheat\'nandlives,Andknows,andspeaks,andreasons,anddiscernes,Irrationaltillthen。ForusaloneWasdeathinvented?ortousdeni\'dThisintellectualfood,forbeastsreserv\'d?
ForBeastsitseems:yetthatoneBeastwhichfirstHathtasted,enviesnot,butbringswithjoyThegoodbefall\'nhim,Authorunsuspect,Friendlytoman,farrfromdeceitorguile。
WhatfearIthen,ratherwhatknowtofeareUnderthisignoranceofGoodandEvil,OfGodorDeath,ofLaworPenaltie?
HeregrowstheCureofall,thisFruitDivine,FairtotheEye,invitingtotheTaste,Ofvertuetomakewise:whathindersthenToreach,andfeedatoncebothBodieandMind?
Sosaying,herrashhandinevilhourForthreachingtotheFruit,shepluck\'d,sheeat:
Earthfeltthewound,andNaturefromherseatSighingthroughallherWorksgavesignsofwoe,Thatallwaslost。BacktotheThicketslunkTheguiltieSerpent,andwellmight,forEVE
Intentnowwhollyonhertaste,naughtelseRegarded,suchdelighttillthen,asseemd,InFruitshenevertasted,whethertrueOrfansiedso,throughexpectationhighOfknowledg,norwasGod-headfromherthought。
Greedilysheingorg\'dwithoutrestraint,AndknewnoteatingDeath:Satiateatlength,Andhight\'ndaswithWine,jocondandboon,Thustoherselfshepleasinglybegan。
OSovran,vertuous,preciousofallTreesInParadise,ofoperationblestToSapience,hithertoobscur\'d,infam\'d,AndthyfairFruitlethang,astonoendCreated;buthenceforthmyearlycare,NotwithoutSong,eachMorning,andduepraiseShalltendthee,andthefertilburdeneaseOfthyfullbranchesoffer\'dfreetoall;
TilldietedbytheeIgrowmatureInknowledge,astheGodswhoallthingsknow;
Thoughothersenviewhattheycannotgive;
Forhadthegiftbintheirs,ithadnothereThusgrown。Experience,nexttotheeIowe,Bestguide;notfollowingthee,IhadremaindInignorance,thouop\'nstWisdomsway,Andgiv\'staccess,thoughsecretsheretire。
AndIperhapsamsecret;Heav\'nishigh,HighandremotetoseefromthencedistinctEachthingonEarth;andothercareperhapsMayhavedivertedfromcontinualwatchOurgreatForbidder,safewithallhisSpiesAbouthim。ButtoADAMinwhatsortShallIappeer?shallItohimmakeknownAsyetmychange,andgivehimtopartakeFullhappinesswithmee,orrathernot,ButkeeptheoddsofKnowledgeinmypowerWithoutCopartner?sotoaddwhatwantsInFemalSex,themoretodrawhisLove,Andrendermemoreequal,andperhapsAthingnotundesireable,somtimeSuperior;forinferiorwhoisfree?
Thismaybewell:butwhatifGodhaveseen,AndDeathensue?thenIshallbenomore,AndADAMweddedtoanotherEVE,Shalllivewithherenjoying,Iextinct;
Adeathtothink。Confirm\'dthenIresolve,ADAMshallsharewithmeinblissorwoe:
SodearIlovehim,thatwithhimalldeathsIcouldendure;withouthimlivenolife。
Sosaying,fromtheTreeherstepsheturnd,ButfirstlowReverencedon,astothepowerThatdweltwithin,whosepresencehadinfus\'dIntotheplantscientialsap,deriv\'dFromNectar,drinkofGods。ADAMthewhileWaitingdesirousherreturn,hadwoveOfchoicestFloursaGarlandtoadorneHerTresses,andherrurallabourscrownAsReapersoftarewontthirHarvestQueen。
Greatjoyhepromis\'dtohisthoughts,andnewSolaceinherreturn,solongdelay\'d;
Yetofthisheart,divineofsomthingill,Misgavehim;heethefaultringmeasurefelt;
Andforthtomeetherwent,thewayshetookThatMornwhenfirsttheyparted;bytheTreeOfKnowledgehemustpass,therehehermet,ScarsefromtheTreereturning;inherhandAboughoffairestfruitthatdowniesmil\'d,Newgatherd,andambrosialsmelldiffus\'d。
Tohimshehasted,inherfaceexcuseCamePrologue,andApologietoprompt,Whichwithblandwordsatwillshethusaddrest。
Hastthounotwonderd,ADAM,atmystay?
TheeIhavemisst,andthoughtitlong,depriv\'dThypresence,agonieoflovetillnowNotfelt,norshallbetwice,fornevermoreMeanItotrie,whatrashuntri\'dIsought,Thepaineofabsencefromthysight。ButstrangeHathbinthecause,andwonderfultoheare:
ThisTreeisnotaswearetold,aTreeOfdangertasted,nortoevilunknownOp\'ningtheway,butofDivineeffectToopenEyes,andmakethemGodswhotaste;
Andhathbintastedsuch;theSerpentwise,Ornotrestraindaswee,ornotobeying,Hatheat\'nofthefruit,andisbecome,Notdead,aswearethreatn\'d,butthenceforthEndu\'dwithhumanvoiceandhumansense,Reasoningtoadmiration,andwithmeePerswasivelyhathsoprevaild,thatI
Havealsotasted,andhavealsofoundTh\'effectstocorrespond,openermineEyes,Dimmerst,dilatedSpirits,amplerHeart,AndgrowinguptoGodhead;whichfortheeChieflyIsought,withouttheecandespise。
Forbliss,asthouhastpart,tomeisbliss,Tedious,unshar\'dwiththee,andodioussoon。
Thouthereforealsotaste,thatequalLotMayjoyneus,equalJoy,asequalLove;
Leastthounottasting,differentdegreeDisjoyneus,andIthentoolaterenounceDeitieforthee,whenFatewillnotpermit。
ThusEVEwithCountnanceblitheherstorietold;
ButinherCheekdistemperflushingglowd。
Onth\'otherside,ADAM,soonasheheardThefatalTrespassdonbyEVE,amaz\'d,AstoniedstoodandBlank,whilehorrorchillRanthroughhisveins,andallhisjoyntsrelax\'d;
FromhisslackhandtheGarlandwreath\'dforEVE
Downdrop\'d,andallthefadedRosesshed:
Speechlesshestoodandpale,tillthusatlengthFirsttohimselfheinwardsilencebroke。
OfairestofCreation,lastandbestOfallGodsWorks,Creatureinwhomexcell\'dWhatevercantofightorthoughtbefound,Holy,divine,good,amiable,orsweet!
Howartthoulost,howonasuddenlost,Defac\'t,deflourd,andnowtoDeathdevote?
RatherhowhastthouyeeldedtotransgressThestrictforbiddance,howtoviolateThesacredFruitforbidd\'n!somcursedfraudOfEnemiehathbeguil\'dthee,yetunknown,Andmeewiththeehathruind,forwiththeeCertainmyresolutionistoDie;
HowcanIlivewithoutthee,howforgoeThysweetConverseandLovesodearlyjoyn\'d,ToliveagaininthesewildeWoodsforlorn?
ShouldGodcreateanotherEVE,andI
AnotherRibafford,yetlossoftheeWouldneverfrommyheart;nono,IfeelTheLinkofNaturedrawme:FleshofFlesh,BoneofmyBonethouart,andfromthyStateMinenevershallbeparted,blissorwoe。
Sohavingsaid,asonefromsaddismayRecomforted,andafterthoughtsdisturbdSubmittingtowhatseemdremediless,ThusincalmemoodhisWordstoEVEheturnd。
Bolddeedthouhastpresum\'d,adventrousEVE,Andperilgreatprovok\'t,whothushastdar\'dHaditbinonelycovetingtoEyeThatsacredFruit,sacredtoabstinence,Muchmoretotasteitunderbannetotouch。
Butpastwhocanrecall,ordonundoe?
NotGodomnipotent,forFate,yetsoPerhapsthoushaltnotDie,perhapstheFactIsnotsohainousnow,foretastedFruit,Profan\'dfirstbytheSerpent,byhimfirstMadecommonandunhallowd:ereonetastes;
Noryetonhimfounddeadly;heyetlives,Lives,asthousaidst,andgainestoliveasManHigherdegreeofLife,inducementstrongTous,aslikelytastingtoattaineProportionalascent,whichcannotbeButtobeGods,orAngelsDemi-gods。
NorcanIthinkthatGod,Creatorwise,Thoughthreatning,willinearnestsodestroyUshisprimeCreatures,dignifi\'dsohigh,SetoverallhisWorks,whichinourFall,Foruscreated,needswithusmustfaile,Dependentmade;soGodshalluncreate,Befrustrate,do,undo,andlabourloose,Notwellconceav\'dofGod,whothoughhisPowerCreationcouldrepeate,yetwouldbeloathUstoabolish,leasttheAdversaryTriumphandsay;FickletheirStatewhomGodMostFavors,whocanpleasehimlong?MeefirstHeruind,nowMankind;whomwillhenext?
Matterofscorne,nottobegiventheFoe。
HoweverIwiththeehavefixtmyLot,Certaintoundergoelikedoom,ifDeathConsortwiththee,DeathistomeeasLife;
SoforciblewithinmyheartIfeelTheBondofNaturedrawmetomyowne,Myowninthee,forwhatthouartismine;
OurStatecannotbeseverd,weareone,OneFlesh;toloosetheeweretoloosemyself。
SoADAM,andthusEVEtohimrepli\'d。
OglorioustrialofexceedingLove,Illustriousevidence,examplehigh!
Ingagingmetoemulate,butshortOfthyperfection,howshallIattaine,ADAM,fromwhosedearesideIboastmesprung,AndgladlyofourUnionhearetheespeak,OneHeart,oneSoulinboth;whereofgoodprooffThisdayaffords,declaringtheeresolvd,RatherthenDeathoraughtthenDeathmoredreadShallseparateus,linktinLovesodeare,ToundergoewithmeeoneGuilt,oneCrime,Ifanybe,oftastingthisfairFruit,Whosevertue,forofgoodstillgoodproceeds,Direct,orbyoccasionhathpresentedThishappietrialofthyLove,whichelseSoeminentlyneverhadbinknown。
WereitIthoughtDeathmenac\'twouldensueThismyattempt,IwouldsustainaloneTheworst,andnotperswadethee,ratherdieDeserted,thenobligetheewithafactPernicioustothyPeace,chieflyassur\'dRemarkablysolateofthysotrue,SofaithfulLoveunequald;butIfeelFarrotherwiseth\'event,notDeath,butLifeAugmented,op\'ndEyes,newHopes,newJoyes,TastesoDivine,thatwhatofsweetbeforeHathtouchtmysense,flatseemstothis,andharsh。
Onmyexperience,ADAM,freelytaste,AndfearofDeathdelivertotheWindes。
Sosaying,sheembrac\'dhim,andforjoyTenderlywept,muchwonthathehisLoveHadsoenobl\'d,asofchoicetoincurrDivinedispleasureforhersake,orDeath。
Inrecompence(forsuchcompliancebadSuchrecompencebestmerits)fromtheboughShegavehimofthatfairenticingFruitWithliberalhand:hescrupl\'dnottoeatAgainsthisbetterknowledge,notdeceav\'d,ButfondlyovercomewithFemalcharm。
Earthtrembl\'dfromherentrails,asagainInpangs,andNaturegaveasecondgroan,Skielowr\'d,andmutteringThunder,somsaddropsWeptatcompleatingofthemortalSinOriginal;whileADAMtooknothought,Eatinghisfill,norEVEtoiterateHerformertrespassfear\'d,themoretosootheHimwithherlov\'dsocietie,thatnowAswithnewWineintoxicatedbothTheyswiminmirth,andfansiethattheyfeelDivinitiewithinthembreedingwingsWherewithtoscorntheEarth:butthatfalseFruitFarrotheroperationfirstdisplaid,Carnaldesireenflaming,heeonEVE