Neither her out-side formd so fair, nor aught
In procreation common to all kindes
(Though higher of the genial Bed by far,
And with mysterious reverence I deem)
So much delights me as those graceful acts, [ 600 ]
Those thousand decencies that daily flow
From all her words and actions mixt with Love
And sweet compliance, which declare unfeignd
Union of Mind, or in us both one Soule;
Harmonie to behold in wedded pair [ 605 ]
More grateful then harmonious sound to the eare.
Yet these subject not; I to thee disclose
What inward thence I feel, not therefore foild,
Who meet with various objects, from the sense
Variously representing; yet still free [ 610 ]
Approve the best, and follow what I approve.
To Love thou blamst me not, for love thou saist
Leads up to Heavn, is both the way and guide;
Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask;
Love not the heavnly Spirits, and how thir Love [ 615 ]
Express they, by looks onely, or do they mix
Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch?
To whom the Angel with a smile that glowd
Celestial rosie red, Loves proper hue,
Answerd. Let it suffice thee that thou knowst [ 620 ]
Us happie, and without Love no happiness.
Whatever pure thou in the body enjoyst
(And pure thou wert created) we enjoy
In eminence, and obstacle find none
Of membrane, joynt, or limb, exclusive barrs: [ 625 ]
Easier then Air with Air, if Spirits embrace,
Total they mix, Union of Pure with Pure
Desiring; nor restraind conveyance need
As Flesh to mix with Flesh, or Soul with Soul.
But I can now no more; the parting Sun [ 630 ]
Beyond the Earths green Cape and verdant Isles
Hesperean sets, my Signal to depart.
Be strong, live happie, and love, but first of all
Him whom to love is to obey, and keep
His great command; take heed lest Passion sway [ 635 ]
Thy Judgment to do aught, which else free Will
Would not admit; thine and of all thy Sons
The weal or woe in thee is plact; beware.
I in thy persevering shall rejoyce,
And all the Blest: stand fast; to stand or fall [ 640 ]
Free in thine own Arbitrement it lies.
Perfet within, no outward aid require;
And all temptation to transgress repel.
So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus
Followd with benediction. Since to part, [ 645 ]
Go heavenly Guest, Ethereal Messenger,
Sent from whose sovran goodness I adore.
Gentle to me and affable hath been
Thy condescension, and shall be honourd ever
With grateful Memorie: thou to mankind [ 650 ]
Be good and friendly still, and oft return.
So parted they, the Angel up to Heavn
From the thick shade, and Adam to his Bowre.
The End of the Eighth Book.