Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/307

Rh Wisdom without their leave? and wherein lies The offence, that Man should thus attain to know? What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree Impart against his will, if all be his? Or is it envy? and can envy dwell In heavenly breasts?—These, these, and many more Causes import your need of this fair fruit Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste!"
 * He ended, and his words, replete with guile,

Into her heart too easy entrance won. Fixed on the fruit she gazed, which to behold Might tempt alone, and in her ears the sound Yet rung of his persuasive words, impregned With reason, to her seeming, and with truth. Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked An eager appetite, raised by the smell So savory of that fruit, which with desire, Inclinable now grown to touch or taste, Solicited her longing eye; yet, first Pausing awhile, thus to herself she mused:
 * "Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits,

Though kept from Man, and worthy to be admired; Whose taste, too long forborne, at first assay Gave elocution to the mute, and taught The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise.