Chapter 9 8

If this be our condition, thus to dwell In narrow circuit straitnd by a Foe, Suttle or violent, we not endud Single with like defense, wherever met, [ 325 ] How are we happy, still in fear of harm? But harm precedes not sin: only our Foe Tempting against us with his foul esteem Of our integrity: his foul esteeme Sticks no dishonor on our Front, but turns [ 330 ] Foul on himself; then wherefore shund or fear By us? who rather double honor gaine From his surmise provd false, find peace within, Favor from Heavn, our witness from th event. And what is Faith, Love, Vertue unassaid [ 335 ]

Alone, without exterior help sustain? Let us not then suspect our happy State Left so imperfet by the Maker wise, As not secure to single or combined. Fraile is our happiness, if this be so, [ 340 ] And Eden were no Eden thus exposd. To whom thus Adam fervently replied. O Woman, best are all things as the will Of God ordained them, his creating hand Nothing imperfet or deficient left [ 345 ] Of all that he Created, much less Man, Or aught that might his happy State secure, Secure from outward force; The danger lies, yet lies within his power: Against his will he can receave no harme. [ 350 ]

But God left free the Will, for what obeys Reason, is free, and Reason he made right But bid her well beware, and still erect, Least by some faire appeering good surprise She dictate false, and misinforme the Will [ 355 ] To do what God expressly hath forbid, Not then mistrust, but tender love enjoynes, That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me.