Chapter 17 16

She scarse had said, though brief, when now more bold The Tempter, but with shew of Zeale and Love [ 665 ] To Man, and indignation at his wrong, New part puts on, and as to passion movd, Fluctuats disturbed, yet comely and in act Raisd, as of som great matter to begin. As when of old som Orator renound [ 670 ] In Athens or free Rome, where Eloquence Flourishd, since mute, to som great cause addrest, Stood in himself collected, while each part, Motion, each act won audience ere the tongue, Somtimes in highth began, as no delay [ 675 ] Of Preface brooking through his Zeal of Right.

So standing, moving, or to high upgrown The Tempter all impassioned thus began. O Sacred, Wise, and Wisdom-giving Plant, Mother of Science, Now I feel thy Power [ 680 ] Within me cleere, not only to discerne Things in thir Causes, but to trace the ways Of highest Agents, deemd however wise. Queen of this Universe, do not believe Those rigid threats of Death; ye shall not Die: [ 685 ] How should ye? by the Fruit? it gives you Life To Knowledge, By the Threatner, look on mee, Mee who have touchd and tasted, yet both live, And life more perfet have attained then Fate Meant mee, by ventring higher then my Lot. [ 690 ]

Shall that be shut to Man, which to the Beast Is open? or will God incense his ire For such a petty Trespass, and not praise Rather your dauntless vertue, whom the pain Of Death denounct, whatever thing Death be, [ 695 ] Deterrd not from attracting what might lead To happy life, knowledge of Good and Evil; Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil Be real, why not known, since easier shunnd? God therefore cannot hurt ye, and be just; [ 700 ] Not just, not God; not fear then, nor obey: Your fear it self of Death removes the fear.