Chapter 10 9

Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve, Since Reason not impossibly may meet [ 360 ] Some specific object by the Foe suborn, And fall into deception unaware, Not keeping strict test watch, as she was warned. Seek not temptation then, which to avoid Were better, and most likelie if from mee [ 365 ] Thou sever not: Trial will come unsought. Wouldst thou approve thy constancie, approve First thy obedience; th other who can know, Not seeing thee attempted, who attest? But if thou think, trial unsought may finde [ 370 ] Us both securer then thus warnd thou seemst, Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more;

Go in thy native innocence, relieve On what thou hast of vertue, summon all, For God towards thee hath done his part, do thine. [ 375 ] So spake the Patriarch of Mankinde, but Eve Persisted, yet submit, though last, reply. With thy permission then, and thus forecast Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words Touched only, that our trial, when least sought, [ 380 ] May find us both perhaps farr less prepard, The willinger I go, nor much expect A Foe so proud will first the weaker seek, So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse. Thus saying, from her Husbands hand her hand [ 385 ]

Soft she withdraw, and like a Wood-Nymph light Oread or Dryad, or of Delias Train, Betook her to the Groves, but Delias himself In gate surpassd and Goddess-like deport, Though not as shee with Bow and Quiver armd, [ 390 ] But with such Gardning Tools as Art yet rude, Guiltless of fire had form, or Angels brought. To Pales, or Pomona, thus adorned, Likeliest she seemedd, Pomona when she fled Vertumnus, or to Ceres in her Prime, [ 395 ] Yet Virgin of Proserpina from Jove. Her long with ardent look his Eye pursed Delighted, but desiring more her stay.