8

If this be our condition, thus to dwell

In narrow circuit straitnd by a Foe,

Suttle or violent, we not endud

Single with like defence, wherever met, [ 325 ]

How are we happie, still in fear of harm?

But harm precedes not sin: onely our Foe

Tempting affronts us with his foul esteem

Of our integritie: his foul esteeme

Sticks no dishonor on our Front, but turns [ 330 ]

Foul on himself; then wherefore shund or feard

By us? who rather double honour gaine

From his surmise provd false, find peace within,

Favour from Heavn, our witness from th event.

And what is Faith, Love, Vertue unassaid [ 335 ]

Alone, without exterior help sustaind?

Let us not then suspect our happie State

Left so imperfet by the Maker wise,

As not secure to single or combind.

Fraile is our happiness, if this be so, [ 340 ]

And Eden were no Eden thus exposd.

To whom thus Adam fervently replid.

O Woman, best are all things as the will

Of God ordaind them, his creating hand

Nothing imperfet or deficient left [ 345 ]

Of all that he Created, much less Man,

Or aught that might his happie State secure,

Secure from outward force; within himself

The danger lies, yet lies within his power:

Against his will he can receave no harme. [ 350 ]

But God left free the Will, for what obeyes

Reason, is free, and Reason he made right

But bid her well beware, and still erect,

Least by some faire appeering good surprisd

She dictate false, and misinforme the Will [ 355 ]

To do what God expresly hath forbid,

Not then mistrust, but tender love enjoynes,

That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me.