whether washed by stream From underground); the liquid ore he drained Into fit moulds prepared; from which he formed First his own tools; then, what might else be wrought Fusil or graven in metal. After these, But on the hither side, a different sort From the high neighbouring hills, which was their seat, Down to the plain descended: by their guise Just men they seemed, and all their study bent To worship God aright, and know his works Not hid; nor those things last which might preserve Freedom and peace to men. They on the plain Long had not walked, when from the tents behold A bevy of fair women, richly gay In gems and wanton dress! to the harp they sung Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on. The men, though grave, eyed them, and let their eyes Rove without rein, till, in the amorous net Fast caught, they liked, and each his liking chose. And now of love they treat, till the evening-star, Love’s harbinger, appeared; then, all in heat, They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke Hymen, then first to marriage rites invoked: With feast and music all the tents resound. Such happy interview, and fair event Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flowers, And charming symphonies, attached the heart Of Adam, soon inclined to admit delight, The bent of Nature; which he thus expressed:
“True opener