A snare man may detect in every lust of flesh, If God’s decree will not he fall into its mesh. By God’s decree our reason ceases clear to see, As moon, when darkened all, can hide the sun from me. 350 Whoever dares deny God’s ruling providence, ’Tis Providence decrees his blindness, want of sense. The Father of Mankind, Lord Nomenclator first,[168] In every nerve possess’d a vein of knowledge nursed. He knew the names of all things, right, without default. From first to last his mind could hold them from revolt. Whatever name he gave, that name endured unchanged. If he said: “This thing’s active,” slothful it ne’er ranged. He knew at first who was believer in God’s word. He from the first, too, knew the miscreant toward his Lord. 355 From one who knows them well, of things seek thou the fames, And mystery of the symbol: “God taught him the names.”[169] The name of everything, with us, is what it seems; With God, the name of everything, what He it deems. By Moses was his staff a simple rod proclaimed; By its Creator, God, a dragon was it named. ‘Umer[170] idolater was classed by each array; God him believer called upon creation’s day. What is by man termed seed upon this transient heath, Impressed by God was with the seal: “Father of death.”[171] 360 In realm of nullity that seed received a form, Existent with its God; nor less, nor more; a worm. Result thereof sprung forth the essence of our name With the Creator, who will be our final aim. He each one names according to his last estate, Not with respect to that which is but passing fate. So soon as mind of man with light has gained its strength, It spies the soul, and mysteries of every name, at length. When man perceives therein the kingdom of truth’s rays, He falls in adoration, worships, spends his days. 365 That Adam’s praise, whose blessed name we’re proud to bear,[172] Should I recite till judgment-day, would not end there. Decree of Providence so willed, with all his lore, One single prohibition known, cost him right sore. He asked: “Was prohibition laid, joy to prevent; Or can, by gloss, evasion unto it be lent?” To his mind, explanation having been inferred, His appetites, perplexed, to taste the wheat preferred.[173] A thorn the foot of Eden’s gardener thus rent. A thief the chance perceived, the garden robbed, and went. 370 Amazement o’er, the gardener’s himself again.[174] He saw the thief had carried off th’ unguarded train. He sobbed aloud: “My God, I’ve deeply sinned;” and sighed: “A darkness came, and from the road I turn’d aside.”