6

Not that they durst without his leave attempt,

But us he sends upon his high behests

For state, as Sovran King, and to enure

Our prompt obedience. Fast we found, fast shut [ 240 ]

The dismal Gates, and barricadod strong;

But long ere our approaching heard within

Noise, other then the sound of Dance or Song,

Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage.

Glad we returnd up to the coasts of Light [ 245 ]

Ere Sabbath Eevning: so we had in charge.

But thy relation now; for I attend,

Pleasd with thy words no less then thou with mine.

So spake the Godlike Power, and thus our Sire.

For Man to tell how human Life began [ 250 ]

Is hard; for who himself beginning knew?

Desire with thee still longer to converse

Inducd me. As new wakt from soundest sleep

Soft on the flourie herb I found me laid

In Balmie Sweat, which with his Beames the Sun [ 255 ]

Soon drid, and on the reaking moisture fed.

Strait toward Heavn my wondring Eyes I turnd,

And gazd a while the ample Skie, till raisd

By quick instinctive motion up I sprung,

As thitherward endevoring, and upright [ 260 ]

Stood on my feet; about me round I saw

Hill, Dale, and shadie Woods, and sunnie Plaines,

And liquid Lapse of murmuring Streams; by these,

Creatures that livd, and movd, and walkd, or flew,

Birds on the branches warbling; all things smild, [ 265 ]

With fragrance and with joy my heart oreflowd.

My self I then perusd, and Limb by Limb

Surveyd, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran

With supple joints, as lively vigour led:

But who I was, or where, or from what cause, [ 270 ]

Knew not; to speak I trid, and forthwith spake,

My Tongue obeyd and readily could name

What ere I saw. Thou Sun, said I, faire Light,

And thou enlightnd Earth, so fresh and gay,

Ye Hills and Dales, ye Rivers, Woods, and Plaines, [ 275 ]

And ye that live and move, fair Creatures, tell,

Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, how here?