第10章 9

Whom thus the Angelic Vertue answerd milde. Adam, I therefore came, nor art thou such Created, or such place hast here to dwell, As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heavn To visit thee; lead on then where thy Bowre [ 375 ] Oreshades; for these mid-hours, till Eevning rise I have at will. So to the Silvan Lodge

They came, that like Pomonas Arbour smild With flourets deckt and fragrant smells; but Eve Undeckt, save with her self more lovely fair [ 380 ] Then Wood-Nymph, or the fairest Goddess feignd Of three that in Mount Ida naked strove, Stood to entertain her guest from Heavn; no vaile Shee needed, Vertue-proof, no thought infirme

Alterd her cheek. On whom the Angel Haile [ 385 ] Bestowd, the holy salutation usd Long after to blest Marie, second Eve. Haile Mother of Mankind, whose fruitful Womb Shall fill the World more numerous with thy Sons Then with these various fruits the Trees of God [ 390 ] Have heapd this Table. Raisd of grassie terf

Thir Table was, and mossie seats had round, And on her ample Square from side to side All Autumn pild, though Spring and Autumn here Dancd hand in hand. A while discourse they hold; [ 395 ] No fear lest Dinner coole; when thus began Our Authour. Heavnly stranger, please to taste These bounties which our Nourisher, from whom

All perfet good unmeasurd out, descends, To us for food and for delight hath causd [ 400 ] The Earth to yeild; unsavourie food perhaps To spiritual Natures; only this I know, That one Celestial Father gives to all. To whom the Angel. Therefore what he gives (Whose praise be ever sung) to man in part [ 405 ]

Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found No ingrateful food: and food alike those pure Intelligential substances require As doth your Rational; and both contain Within them every lower facultie [ 410 ] Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste, Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate,

And corporeal to incorporeal turn.