To whom thus, half abashed, Adam replied: “Neither her outside formed so fair, nor aught In procreation common to all kinds (Though higher of the genial bed by far, And with mysterious reverence, I deem), So much delights me as those graceful acts, Those thousand decencies, that daily flow From all her words and actions, mixed with love And sweet compliance, which declare unfeigned Union of mind, or in us both one soul; Harmony to behold in wedded pair More grateful than harmonious sound to the ear. Yet these subject not; I to thee disclose What inward thence I feel, not therefore foiled, Who meet with various objects, from the sense Variously representing, yet, still free, Approve the best, and follow what I approve. To love thou blam’st me not; for love, thou say’st, Leads up to Heaven, is both the way and guide; Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask. Love not the Heavenly Spirits, and how their love Express they? by looks only, or do they mix Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch?”