unity defective; which requires Collateral love, and dearest amity. Thou, in thy secrecy although alone, Best with thyself accompanied, seek’st not Social communication; yet, so pleased, Canst raise thy creature to what highth thou wilt Of union or communion, deified; I, by conversing, cannot these erect From prone, nor in their ways complacence find.’ Thus I emboldened spake, and freedom used Permissive, and acceptance found; which gained This answer from the gracious Voice Divine:
“ ‘Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased, And find thee knowing not of beasts alone, Which thou hast rightly named, but of thyself, Expressing well the spirit within thee free, My image, not imparted to the brute; Whose fellowship therefore, unmeet for thee, Good reason was thou freely shouldst dislike; And be so minded still. I, ere thou spak’st, Knew it not good for Man to be alone, And no such company as then thou saw’st Intended thee—for trial only brought, To see how thou couldst judge of fit and meet. What next I bring shall please thee, be assured, Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, Thy wish exactly to thy heart’s desire.’