第5章
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  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\'dinfullLegionsuchcommandwehad

  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,noraughtInprocreationcommontoallkindesThoughhigherofthegenialBedbyfar,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\'stAndpurethouwertcreatedweenjoyIneminence,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。

  InrecompenceforsuchcompliancebadSuchrecompencebestmeritsfromtheboughShegavehimofthatfairenticingFruitWithliberalhand:hescrupl\'dnottoeatAgainsthisbetterknowledge,notdeceav\'d,ButfondlyovercomewithFemalcharm。

  Earthtrembl\'dfromherentrails,asagainInpangs,andNaturegaveasecondgroan,Skielowr\'d,andmutteringThunder,somsaddropsWeptatcompleatingofthemortalSinOriginal;whileADAMtooknothought,Eatinghisfill,norEVEtoiterateHerformertrespassfear\'d,themoretosootheHimwithherlov\'dsocietie,thatnowAswithnewWineintoxicatedbothTheyswiminmirth,andfansiethattheyfeelDivinitiewithinthembreedingwingsWherewithtoscorntheEarth:butthatfalseFruitFarrotheroperationfirstdisplaid,Carnaldesireenflaming,heeonEVE

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