Heaven (for other place None can than Heaven such glorious shape contain), Since, by descending from the Thrones above, Those happy places thou hast deigned a while To want, and honour these, vouchsafe with us, Two only, who yet by sovereign gift possess This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower To rest, and what the Garden choicest bears To sit and taste, till this meridian heat Be over, and the sun more cool decline.”
Whom thus the angelic Virtue answered mild: “Adam, I therefore came; nor art thou such Created, or such place hast here to dwell, As may not oft invite, though Spirits of Heaven, To visit thee; lead on, then, where thy bower O’ershades; for these mid-hours, till evening rise, I have at will.” So to the sylvan lodge They came, that like Pomona’s arbour smiled, With flowerets decked and fragrant smells; but Eve, Undecked save with herself, more lovely fair Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feigned Of three that in Mount Ida naked strove, Stood to entertain her guest from Heaven; no veil She needed, virtue-proof; no thought infirm Altered her cheek. On whom the Angel “Hail!” Bestowed, the holy salutation used Long after to blest Mary, second Eve: