BOOK XI. PARADISE LOST. 319 In gems and wanton drefs; to th' harp they Tung Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on : Themen, tho' grave, ey'd them ; and let their eyes 585 Rove without rein ; till in the amorous net Firft caught, they lik'd ; and each his liking chofe: And now of love they treat, till th' (tar (Love's harbinger) appear'd : then, all in heat They light the nuptial torch ; and bid invoke 590 Hymen, then firft to marriage rites invok'd ; With feaft and rnufic all the tents refound. Such happy interview, and fair event Of love and youth not loft, longs, garlands, flow'rs; And charming fymphonies, attach'd the heart 595 Of Adam, (loon inclin'd t' admit delight, The bent of nature !) which he thus expreft. True opener of mine eyes, prime Angel Nett ! Much better feems this vifion, and more hope Of peaceful days portends, than thofe two part : 600 Thole were of hate, and death, or pain much worfe ; Here, nature feems fulfill'd in all her ends. To whom thus Michael. Judge not what is belt By pleafure, though to nature feeming meet ; Created, as thou art, to nobler end Holy and pure, conformity divine ! Thole tents thou faw'ft fo pleafant, were the tents Of wickednefs ; wherein (hall dwell his mace Who flew his brother : ftudious they appear Of arts that polifh life ; inventors rare ; Unmindful of their Maker, though his Spirit Taught them ; but they his gifts acknowledg'd none. Yet they a beauteous offspring (hall beget. For that fair female troop thou faw'ft, that feem'd Of Goddeffes, fo blithe, fo fmooth, fo gay ; 615 Yet 6o5 610
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