Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/142

136 Chosen by the sovran Planter, when he framed All things to Man's delightful use. The roof Of thickest covert was inwoven shade, Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub, Fenced up the verdant wall; each beauteous flower, Iris all hues, roses and jessamine Reared high their flourished heads between, and wrought Mosaic; underfoot the violet, Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay Broidered the ground, more colored than with stone Of costliest emblem: other creature here, Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none, Such was their awe of Man. In shadier bower More sacred and sequestered, though but feigned, Pan or Silvanus never slept, nor Nymph, Nor Faunus haunted. Here, in close recess, With flowers, garlands, and sweet-smelling herbs Espoused Eve decked first her nuptial bed, And heavenly quires the hymenæan sung, What day the genial Angel to our sire Brought her, in naked beauty more adorned, More lovely, than Pandora, whom the Gods Endowed with all their gifts, and, oh! too like