Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/318

312 Much pleasure we have lost, while we abstained From this delightful fruit, nor known till now True relish, tasting. If such pleasure be In things to us forbidden, it might be wished For this one tree had been forbidden ten. But come, so well refreshed, now let us play, As meet is, after such delicious fare; For never did thy beauty, since the day, I saw thee first and wedded thee, adorned With all perfections, so inflame my sense With ardor to enjoy thee, fairer now Than ever, bounty of this virtuous tree!"
 * So said he, and forbore not glance or toy

Of amorous intent, well understood Of Eve, whose eye darted contagious fire. Her hand he seized, and to a shady bank, Thick overhead with verdant roof imbowered, He led her nothing loth; flowers were the couch, Pansies and violets, and asphodel, And hyacinth, earth's freshest softest lap. There they their fill of love and love's disport Took largely, of their mutual guilt the seal, The solace of their sin; till dewy sleep Oppressed them, wearied with their amorous play. Soon as the force of that fallacious fruit, That with exhilarating vapor bland About their spirits had played, and inmost powers Made err, was now exhaled, and grosser sleep,