Chapter 16 15

By thee adulterous lust was drivn from men Among the bestial herds to range, by thee Founded in Reason, Loyal, Just, and Pure, [755] Relations dear, and all the Charities Of Father, Son, and Brother first were known. Farr be it, that I should write thee sin or blame, Or think thee unbefitting holiest place, Perpetual Fountain of Domestic sweets, [ 760 ] Whose bed is undefiled and chaste pronounced, Present, or past, as Saints and Patriarchs usd. Here Love his golden shafts imploies, here lights His constant Lamp, and waves his purple wings, Reigns here and revels; not in the bought smile [ 765 ]

Of Harlots, loveless, joyless, unindeard, Casual fruition, nor in Court Amours Mixt Dance, or wanton Mask, or Midnight Bal, Or Serenate, which the starvd Lover sings To his proud fair, best quit with disdain. [ 770 ] These lulls by Nightingales embrace sleep, And on thir naked limbs the flourie roof Showrd Roses, which the Morn repaired. Sleep on Blest pair; and O yet happiest if ye seek No happier state, and know to know no more. [ 775 ] Now had night measurd with her shaddowie Cone Half way up Hill this vast Sublunar Vault, And from thir Ivorie Port the Cherubim Forth issuing at th acccustomd hour stood armd

To thir night watches in warlike Parade, [ 780 ] When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake. Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the South With strictest watch; these other wheels the North, Our circuit meets full West. As flame they part Half wheeling to the Shield, half to the Spear. [ 785 ] From these, two strong and suttle Spirits he called That neer him stood, and gave them thus in charge. Ithuriel and Zephon, with wingd speed Search through this Garden, leave unsearched no nook, But chiefly where those two fair Creatures Lodge, [ 790 ] Now laid perhaps asleep secure of harm.