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Love not the heavenly Spirits, and how their love Express they? by looks only? or do they mix Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch?

To whom the Angel, with a smile that glow'd Celestial rosy red, Love's proper hue,

Answer'd. Let it suffice thee that thou know'st
Us happy, and without love no happiness.
Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st
(And pure thou wert created), we enjoy
In eminence; and obstacle find none
Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars ;
Easier than air with air, if Spirits embrace,
Total they mix, union of pure with pure
Desiring, nor restrain'd conveyance need,
As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul.
But I can now no more; the parting sun

Beyond the Earth's green Cape and verdant Isles
Hesperian sets, my signal to depart.

Be strong, live happy, and love! But, first of all,
Him, whom to love is to obey, and keep
His great command: take heed lest passion sway
Thy judgment to do aught, which else free will
Would not admit: thine, and of all thy sons,
The weal or woe in thee is plac'd; beware!
I in thy persevering shall rejoice,

And all the Blest: Stand fast; to stand or fall
Free in thine own arbitrement it lies.
Perfect within, no outward aid require;
And all temptation to transgress repel.
So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus

Follow'd with benediction. Since to part,
Go, heavenly guest, ethereal Messenger,
Sent from whose sovereign goodness I adore!
Gentle to me and affable hath been

Thy condescension, and shall be honour'd ever
With grateful memory: Thou to mankind
Be good and friendly still, and oft return!

So parted they; the Angel up to Heaven From the thick shade, and Adam to his bower.

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His gentle dumb exprefsion turn'd at length
The eye of Eve to mark his play;

L.527.

PARADISE LOST.

BOOK IX.

DRAWN BY RICHARD WESTALL, R.A. ENGRAVED BY JOHN PYE. PUBLISHED BY JOHN SHARPE PICCADILLY.

AUG. 24 1816.

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