Chapter 11 10

For know, whatever was created, needs To be sustained and fed; of Elements [ 415 ] The grosser feeds the purer, Earth the Sea, Earth and the Sea feed Air, the Air those Fires Ethereal, and as the lowest first the Moon; Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurged Vapours not yet into her substance turn. [ 420 ] Nor doth the Moon no nourishment exhale From her moist Continent to higher Orbes. The Sun that light imparts to all, receives From all his alimental recompence In humid exhalations, and at Even [ 425 ] Sups with the Ocean: though in Heavn the Trees Of life ambrosial frutage bear, and vines

Yield Nectar, though from off the boughs each Morn We brush mellifluous Dewes, and find the ground Covered with pearly grain: yet God hath here [ 430 ] Varied his bounty so with new delights, As may compare with Heaven; and to taste Think not I shall be nice. So down they sat, And to thir viands fell, nor seemingly The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss [ 435 ] Of Theologians, but with keen dispatch Of real hunger, and concoctive heat To transubstantiate; what redounds, transpires Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder; if by fire Of sooty coal the Empiric Alchimist [ 440 ]

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn Metals of drossiest Ore to perfet Gold As from the Mine. Mean while at Table Eve Minister naked, and thir flowing cups With pleasant liquors crown: O innocence [ 445 ] Deserving Paradise! if ever, then, Then had the Sons of God excuse to have bin Enamourd at that sight; but in those hearts Love unlibidinous reign, nor jealousy Was understood, the injury Lovers Hell.