9

Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve,

Since Reason not impossibly may meet [ 360 ]

Some specious object by the Foe subornd,

And fall into deception unaware,

Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warnd.

Seek not temptation then, which to avoide

Were better, and most likelie if from mee [ 365 ]

Thou sever not: Trial will come unsought.

Wouldst thou approve thy constancie, approve

First thy obedience; th other who can know,

Not seeing thee attempted, who attest?

But if thou think, trial unsought may finde [ 370 ]

Us both securer then thus warnd thou seemst,

Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more;

Go in thy native innocence, relie

On what thou hast of vertue, summon all,

For God towards thee hath done his part, do thine. [ 375 ]

So spake the Patriarch of Mankinde, but Eve

Persisted, yet submiss, though last, replid.

With thy permission then, and thus forewarnd

Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words

Touchd onely, that our trial, when least sought, [ 380 ]

May finde us both perhaps farr less prepard,

The willinger I goe, nor much expect

A Foe so proud will first the weaker seek,

So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse.

Thus saying, from her Husbands hand her hand [ 385 ]

Soft she withdrew, and like a Wood-Nymph light

Oread or Dryad, or of Delias Traine,

Betook her to the Groves, but Delias self

In gate surpassd and Goddess-like deport,

Though not as shee with Bow and Quiver armd, [ 390 ]

But with such Gardning Tools as Art yet rude,

Guiltless of fire had formd, or Angels brought.

To Pales, or Pomona, thus adornd,

Likeliest she seemd, Pomona when she fled

Vertumnus, or to Ceres in her Prime, [ 395 ]

Yet Virgin of Proserpina from Jove.

Her long with ardent look his Eye pursud

Delighted, but desiring more her stay.