Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/288

282 The woodbine round this arbor, or direct The clasping ivy where to climb; while I, In yonder spring of roses, intermixed With myrtle, find what to redress till noon; For, while so near each other thus all day Our task we choose, what wonder if so near Looks intervene and smiles, or object new Casual discourse draw on! which intermits Our day's work, brought to little, though begun Early, and the hour of supper comes unearned."
 * To whom mild answer Adam thus returned:

"Sole Eve, associate sole, to me beyond Compare above all living creatures dear! Well hast thou motioned, well thy thoughts employed, How we might best fulfill the work which here God hath assigned us, nor of me shalt pass Unpraised; for nothing lovelier can be found In woman, than to study household good, And good works in her husband to promote. Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed Labor, as to debar us when we need Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, Food of the mind, or this sweet intercourse Of looks and smiles; for smiles from reason flow, To brute denied, and are of love the food, Love not the lowest end of human life;