Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/171

Rh Stood to entertain her guest from Heaven; no veil She needed, virtue proof; no thought infirm Altered her cheek. On whom the angel Hail! Bestowed, the holy salutation used Long after to blest Mary, second Eve:
 * "Hail, Mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb

Shall find the world more numerous with thy sons, Than with these various fruits the trees of God Have heaped this table!"—Raised of grassy turf Their table was, and mossy seats had round, And on her ample square from side to side All autumn piled, though spring and autumautumn [sic] here Danced hand in hand. Awhile discourse they hold— No fear less dinner cool—when thus began Our author:—"Heavenly stranger, please to taste These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends, To us for food and for delight hath caused The earth to yield; unsavory food perhaps To spiritual natures; only this I know, That one celestial Father gives to all."
 * To whom the Angel:—"Therefore what he gives—

Whose praise be ever sung—to Man, in part Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found No ingrateful food; and food alike those pure