Whom thus the Angelic Vertue answerd milde.
Adam, I therefore came, nor art thou such
Created, or such place hast here to dwell,
As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heavn
To visit thee; lead on then where thy Bowre [ 375 ]
Oreshades; for these mid-hours, till Eevning rise
I have at will. So to the Silvan Lodge
They came, that like Pomonas Arbour smild
With flourets deckt and fragrant smells; but Eve
Undeckt, save with her self more lovely fair [ 380 ]
Then Wood-Nymph, or the fairest Goddess feignd
Of three that in Mount Ida naked strove,
Stood to entertain her guest from Heavn; no vaile
Shee needed, Vertue-proof, no thought infirme
Alterd her cheek. On whom the Angel Haile [ 385 ]
Bestowd, the holy salutation usd
Long after to blest Marie, second Eve.
Haile Mother of Mankind, whose fruitful Womb
Shall fill the World more numerous with thy Sons
Then with these various fruits the Trees of God [ 390 ]
Have heapd this Table. Raisd of grassie terf
Thir Table was, and mossie seats had round,
And on her ample Square from side to side
All Autumn pild, though Spring and Autumn here
Dancd hand in hand. A while discourse they hold; [ 395 ]
No fear lest Dinner coole; when thus began
Our Authour. Heavnly stranger, please to taste
These bounties which our Nourisher, from whom
All perfet good unmeasurd out, descends,
To us for food and for delight hath causd [ 400 ]
The Earth to yeild; unsavourie food perhaps
To spiritual Natures; only this I know,
That one Celestial Father gives to all.
To whom the Angel. Therefore what he gives
(Whose praise be ever sung) to man in part [ 405 ]
Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found
No ingrateful food: and food alike those pure
Intelligential substances require
As doth your Rational; and both contain
Within them every lower facultie [ 410 ]
Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste,
Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate,
And corporeal to incorporeal turn.