Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve,
Since Reason not impossibly may meet [ 360 ]
Some specious object by the Foe subornd,
And fall into deception unaware,
Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warnd.
Seek not temptation then, which to avoide
Were better, and most likelie if from mee [ 365 ]
Thou sever not: Trial will e unsought.
Wouldst thou approve thy stancie, approve
First thy obedieh other who know,
Not seeing thee attempted, who attest?
But if thou think, trial unsought may finde [ 370 ]
Us both securer then thus warnd thou seemst,
Go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more;
Go in thy native innoce, relie
On what thou hast of vertue, summon all,
Fod towards thee hath done his part, do thine. [ 375 ]
So spake the Patriarankinde, but Eve
Persisted, yet submiss, though last, replid.
With thy permission then, and thus forewarnd
Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words
Touchd onely, that our trial, whe sought, [ 380 ]
May finde us both perhaps farr less prepard,
The willinger I goe, nor much expect
A Foe so proud will first the weaker seek,
So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse.
Thus saying, from her Husbands hand her hand [ 385 ]
Soft she withdrew, and like a Wood-Nymph light
Oread or Dryad, or of Delias Traine,
Betook her to the Groves, but Delias self
In gate surpassd and Goddess-like deport,
Though not as shee with Bow and Quiver armd, [ 390 ]
But with such Gardning Tools as Art yet rude,
Guiltless of fire had formd, els brought.
To Pales, or Pomona, thus adornd,
Likeliest she seemd, Pomona when she fled
Vertumnus, or to Ceres in her Prime, [ 395 ]
Yet Virgin of Proserpina from Jove.
Her long with ardent look his Eye pursud
Delighted, but desiring more her stay.