Of theologians, but with keen dispatch : To transubstantiate what redounds, transpires Can turn, or holds it possible to turn, As from the mine. Mean while at table Eve With pleasant liquors crown'd. Deserving paradise! if ever, then, 440 O innocence 445 Then had the sons of Gon excuse to have been 450 Not burden'd nature, sudden mind arose 443 mine] Mint.' Bentl. MS. 455 his] Tickell, Fenton, Bently, read this' corruptly. 460 Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsaf'd As that more willingly thou could'st not seem 465 470 To whom the winged Hierarch reply'd. O Adam, one Almighty is, from whom All things proceed, and up to him return, If not deprav'd from good, created all Such to perfection, one first matter all, Indu'd with various forms, various degrees Of substance, and, in things that live, of life: But more refin'd, more spirituous, and pure, 475 As nearer to him plac'd, or nearer tending, Each in their several active spheres assign'd, Till body up to spirit work, in bounds Proportion'd to each kind. So from the root Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves More 480 aery, last the bright consummate flow'r Spirits odorous breathes; flow'rs and their fruit, Man's nourishment, by gradual scale sublim'd, To vital spirits aspire, to animal, To intellectual, give both life and sense, 485 482 odorous] So Marino's Sl. of the Inn. by T. R. p. 60. Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours, Differing but in degree, of kind the same. Wonder not then, what God for you saw good If I refuse not, but convert, as you, 490 495 To proper substance: time may come, when men Here or in heav'nly paradises dwell; If ye be found obedient, and retain Unalterably firm his love entire, Whose progeny you are. Mean while enjoy Your fill what happiness this happy state To whom the patriarch of mankind reply'd. O favourable spirit, propitious guest, 500 505 Well hast thou taught the way that might direct In contemplation of created things By steps we may ascend to GOD. But say, What meant that caution join'd, if ye be found Obedient? Can we want obedience then To him, or possibly his love desert, 310 515 Who forin'd us from the dust and plac'd us here 520 To whom the angel. Son of heav'n and earth Attend that thou art happy, owe to God; That thou continu'st such, owe to thy self, That is, to thy obedience; therein stand. This was that caution giv'n thee; be advis'd. GOD made thee perfect, not immutable; And good he made thee, but to persevere He left it in thy power, ordain'd thy will By nature free, not over-rul'd by fate Inextricable, or strict necessity: Our voluntary service he requires, Not our necessitated, such with him 525 530 535 Finds no acceptance, nor can find; for how To whom our great progenitor. Thy words Attentive, and with more delighted ear, Divine instructor, I have heard, than when 540 545 Cherubic songs by night from neighbouring hills Aereal music send; nor knew I not 550 To be both will and deed created free; After short pause, assenting thus began. 555 560 High matter thou enjoin'st me, O prime of men, And perfect while they stood? how last unfold 565 570 Not lawful to reveal? yet for thy good, 557 sacred] Hor. Od. ii. 13. 29. Utrumque sacro digna silentio.' Richardson. |