Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/305

Rh In Athens or free Rome, where eloquence Flourished, since mute, to some great cause addressed, Stood in himself collected; while each part, Motion, each act, won audience ere the tongue; Sometimes in highth began, as no delay Of preface brooking, through his zeal of right: So standing, moving, or to highth up-grown, The Tempter, all impassioned, thus began:
 * "O sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant,

Mother of science! now I feel thy power Within me clear, not only to discern Things in their causes, but to trace the ways Of highest agents, deemed however wise. Queen of this Universe! do not believe Those rigid threats of death. Ye shall not die. How should you? by the fruit? it gives you life To knowledge; by the threatener? look on me, Me who have touched and tasted, yet both live, And life more perfect have attained than Fate Meant me, by venturing higher than my lot. Shall that be shut to Man, which to the beast Is open? or will God incense his ire For such a petty trepass? and not praise Rather your dauntless virtue? whom the pain Of death denounced—whatever thing death be Deterred not from achieving what might lead To happier life, knowledge of good and evil;