Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/268

262 Surpassest far my naming, how may I Adore thee, Author of this Universe, And all this good to Man? for whose well-being So amply, and with hand so liberal, Thou hast provided all things. But with me I see not who partakes. In solitude What happiness? who can enjoy alone? Or, all enjoying, what contentment find?'— Thus I presumptuous; and the Vision bright, As with a smile more brightened, thus replied:
 * What callest thou solitude? Is not the earth

With various living creatures, and the air Replenished, and all these at thy command To come and play before thee? Knowest thou not Their language and their ways? They also know, And reason not contemptibly; with these Find pastime, and bear rule; thy realm is large.'— So spake the universal Lord, and seemed So ordering. I, with leave of speech implored, And humble deprecation, thus replied:
 * Let not my words offend thee, heavenly Power,

My Maker, be propitious while I speak. Hast thou not made me here thy substitute, And these inferior far beneath me set? Among unequals what society Can sort, what harmony or true delight? Which must be mutual, in proportion due