7

His violence thou fearst not, being such,

As wee, not capable of death or paine,

Can either not receave, or can repell.

His fraud is then thy fear, which plain inferrs [ 285 ]

Thy equal fear that my firm Faith and Love

Can by his fraud be shakn or seduct;

Thoughts, which how found they harbour in thy brest

Adam, misthought of her to thee so dear?

To whom with healing words Adam replyd. [ 290 ]

Daughter of God and Man, immortal Eve,

For such thou art, from sin and blame entire:

Not diffident of thee do I dissuade

Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid

Th attempt itself, intended by our Foe. [ 295 ]

For hee who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses

The tempted with dishonour foul, supposd

Not incorruptible of Faith, not prooff

Against temptation: thou thy self with scorne

And anger wouldst resent the offerd wrong, [ 300 ]

Though ineffectual found: misdeem not then,

If such affront I labour to avert

From thee alone, which on us both at once

The Enemie, though bold, will hardly dare,

Or daring, first on mee th assault shall light. [ 305 ]

Nor thou his malice and false guile contemn;

Suttle he needs must be, who could seduce

Angels nor think superfluous others aid.

I from the influence of thy looks receave

Access in every Vertue, in thy sight [ 310 ]

More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were

Of outward strength; while shame, thou looking on,

Shame to be overcome or over-reacht

Would utmost vigor raise, and raisd unite.

Why shouldst not thou like sense within thee feel [ 315 ]

When I am present, and thy trial choose

With me, best witness of thy Vertue trid.

So spake domestick Adam in his care

And Matrimonial Love; but Eve, who thought

Less attributed to her Faith sincere, [ 320 ]

Thus her reply with accent sweet renewd.