Page:Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671).djvu/57

 Under the Trees now trip'd, now solemn stood Nymphs of Diana's train, and Naiades With fruits and flowers from Amalthea's horn, And ladies of th' Hesperides, that seem'd Fairer then feign'd of old, or fabl'd since Of Fairy Damsels met in Forest wide By Knights of Logres, or of Lyones, Lancelot, or Pelleas, or Pellenore, And all the while Harmonious Airs were heard Of chiming strings or charming pipes and winds Of gentlest gale Arabian odors fann'd From their soft wings, and Flora's earliest smells. Such was the Splendour, and the Tempter now His invitation earnestly renew'd.
 * What doubts the Son of God to sit and eat?

These are not Fruits forbidden, no interdict Defends the touching of these viands pure, Thir taste no of evil, But life preserves, destroys life's enemy, Rh Errata