Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/270

264 The highth and depth of thy eternal ways All human thoughts come short, Supreme of things! Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee Is no deficience found; not so is Man, But in degree, the cause of his desire By conversation with his like to help Or solace his defects. No need that thou Shouldest propagate, already infinite, And through all numbers absolute, though one. But Man by number is to manifest His single imperfection, and beget Like of his like, his image multiplied, In unity defective, which requires Collateral love, and dearest amity. Thou in thy secrecy although alone, Best with thyself accompanied, seekest not Social communication, yet, so pleased, Canst raise thy creature to what highth thou wilt Of union or communion, deified; I, by conversing, cannot these erect From prone, nor in their ways complacence find.'— Thus I emboldened spake, and freedom used Permissive, and acceptance found, which gained This answer from the gracious Voice divine:
 * Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased,

And find thee knowing not of beasts alone,