But to return to the economical part of the character of Eve. And here she exhibits a consummate specimen and beautiful model of domestic skill and elegance. How exquisitely conceived is her reception and entertainment of Raphael! How modest and yet how dignified! I am afraid I know some husbands who would have had to encounter very ungracious looks, not to say words, if they had brought home even an angel, _unexpectedly_ to dinner. Not so our general mother: Her dispatchful looks, Her hospitable thoughts, * * * intent What choice to choose for delicacy best, all indicate not only the "prompt" but the cheerful "obedience." Though her repast consisted only of the fruits of Paradise, Whatever earth, all bearing mother, yields; yet of these, with a liberal hospitality, She gathers tribute large, and on the board Heaps with unsparing hand. The finest modern lady need not disdain the arrangement of her table, which was So contrived as not to mix Tastes not well join'd, inelegant, but bring Taste after taste, upheld by kindliest change. It must, however, I fear, be conceded, by the way, that this "taste _after_ taste" rather holds out an encouragement to second courses. When this unmatched trio had finished their repast, which, let it be observed, before they tasted, Adam acknowledged that These bounties from our _Nourisher_ are given, From whom all perfect good descends, Milton, with great liberality to that sex against which he is accused of so much severity, obligingly permitted Eve to sit much longer after dinner, than most modern husbands would allow. She had attentively listened to all the historical and moral subjects so divinely discussed between the first Angel and the first Man; and perhaps there can scarcely be found a more beautiful trait of a delicately attentive wife, than she exhibits, by withdrawing at the exact point of propriety. She does not retire in consequence of any look or gesture, any broad sign of impatience, much less any command or intimation of her husband; but with the ever watchful eye of vigilant affection and deep humility: When by his countenance he seem'd Entering on thoughts abstruse, instructed only by her own quick intuition of what was right and delicate, she withdrew. And here again how admirably does the poet sustain her intellectual dignity, softened by a most tender stroke of conjugal affection. Yet went she not, as not with such discourse Delighted, or not capable her ear Of what was high--such pleasure she reserved, Adam relating, she sole auditress----