Morning approach'd, Eve relates to Adam her troublesome dream; he likes it not, yet comforts her: They come forth to their day-labours: Their morning hymn at the door of their bower. God, to render man inexcusable, sends Ra phael to admonish him of his obedience, of his free estate, of his enemy near at hand, who he is, and why his enemy, and whatever else may avail Adam to know. Raphael comes down to Paradise, his appearance described, his coming discerned by Adam afar off, sitting at the door of his bower; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Paradise got together by Eve; their discourse at table: Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his state and of his enemy; relates, at Adam's request, who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning from his first revolt in Heaven, and the occasion thereof; how he drew his legions after him to the parts of the north, and there incited them to rebel with him, persuading all but only Abdiel a Seraph, who in argument dissuades and opposes him, thes forsakes him. Now morn her rosy steps in th' eastern clime Advancing, sow'd the earth with orient pearl, 5 10 Hung over her enamour'd, and beheld Her hand soft touching, whisper'd thus. Awake SUCH whisp'ring wak'd her, but with startled eye O SOLE in whom my thoughts find all repose, My glory, my perfection, glad I see Thy face, and morn return'd; for I this night 30 (Such night till this I never pass'd) have dream'd, If dream'd, not as I oft am wont, of thee, Works of day past, or morrow's next design, 35 40 Shadowy sets off the face of things; in vain, I rose as at thy call, but found thee not; 45 And on, methought, alone I pass'd through ways 50 And as I wond'ring look'd, beside it stood One shap'd and wing'd like one of those from Heaven By us oft seen; his dewy locks distill'd Ambrosia; on that tree he also gaz'd; And O fair plant, said he, with fruit surcharg'd, For Gods, yet able to make Gods of Men: And why not Gods of Men, since good, the more 36 60 65 70 The author not impair'd, but honour'd more? Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve, Partake thou also; happy though thou art, 75 Happier thou may'st be, worthier canst not be: Take this, and be henceforth among the Gods 80 What life the Gods live there, and such live thou. So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held, Ev'n to my mouth of that same fruit held part Which he had pluck'd : the pleasant savoury smell My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down, To find this but a dream! Thus Eve her night BEST image of myself and dearer half, 85 90 95 The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep This uncouth dream, of evil sprung I fear; Yet evil whence? In thee can harbour none, 100 |