_Eve._ My soul, my eyes delight! in this I find Thou lov'st; because to love is to be kind. [_Embracing him._ Seeking my trial, I am still on guard: Trials, less sought, would find us less prepared. Our foe's too proud the weaker to assail, Or doubles his dishonour if he fail. [_Exit._ _Adam._ In love, what use of prudence can there be? More perfect I, and yet more powerful she. Blame me not, heaven; if thou love's power hast tried, What could be so unjust to be denied? One look of hers my resolution breaks; Reason itself turns folly when she speaks: And awed by her, whom it was made to sway, Flatters her power, and does its own betray. [_Exit._ _The middle part of the Garden is represented, where four Rivers meet: On the right side of the Scene is placed the Tree of Life; on the left, the Tree of Knowledge._ _Enter_ LUCIFER. _Lucif._ Methinks the beauties of this place should mourn; The immortal fruits and flowers, at my return, Should hang their withered heads; for sure my breath Is now more poisonous, and has gathered death Enough, to blast the whole creation's frame. Swoln with despite, with sorrow, and with shame, Thrice have I beat the wing, and rode with night About the world, behind the globe of light, To shun the watch of heaven; such care I use: (What pains will malice, raised like mine, refuse? Not the most abject form of brutes to take.) Hid in the spiry volumes of the snake, I lurked within the covert of a brake, Not yet descried. But see, the woman here Alone! beyond my hopes! no guardian near. Good omen that: I must retire unseen, And, with my borrowed shape, the work begin. [_Retires._ _Enter_ EVE. _Eve._ Thus far, at least, with leave; nor can it be A sin to look on this celestial tree: I would not more; to touch, a crime may prove: Touching is a remoter taste in love. Death may be there, or poison in the smell, (If death in any thing so fair can dwell:) But heaven forbids: I could be satisfied, Were every tree but this, but this denied. _A Serpent enters on the Stage, and makes directly to the Tree of Knowledge, on which winding himself, he plucks an Apple; then descends, and carries it away._ Strange sight! did then our great Creator grant That privilege, which we, their masters, want, To these inferior brings? Or was it chance? And was he blest with bolder ignorance? I saw his curling crest the trunk enfold: The ruddy fruit, distinguished o'er with gold. And smiling in its native wealth, was torn From the rich bough, and then in triumph borne: The venturous victor marched unpunished hence, And seemed to boast his fortunate offence. _To her_ LUCIFER, _in a human Shape._