Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/293

Rh The danger lies, yet lies within his power: Against his will he can receive no harm. But God left free the will, for what obeys Reason is free; and reason he made right, But bid her well beware, and still erect, Lest, by some fair-appearing good surprised, She dictate false, and misinform the will To do what God expressly hath forbid. Not then mistrust, but tender love, enjoins That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me. Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve, Since reason not impossibly may meet Some specious object by the foe suborned, And fall into deception unaware, Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warned. Seek not temptation then, which to avoid Were better, and most likely it from me Thou sever not; trial will come unsought. Wouldst thou approve thy constancy, approve First thy obedience; the other who can know, Not seeing thee attempted? who attest? But if thou think trial unsought may find Us both securer than thus warned thou seemest, Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more. Go in thy native innocence, rely On what thou hast of virtue, summon all; For God toward thee hath done his part; do thine."