To whom the Angel, with a smile that glowed Celestial rosy-red, love’s proper hue, Answered: “Let it suffice thee that thou know’st Us happy, and without love no happiness. Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy’st (And pure thou wert created) we enjoy In eminence, and obstacle find none Of membrane, joint, or limb, exclusive bars; Easier than air with air, if Spirits embrace, Total they mix, union of pure with pure Desiring, nor restrained conveyance need As flesh to mix with flesh, or soul with soul. But I can now no more; the parting sun Beyond the Earth’s green Cape and verdant Isles Hesperean sets, my signal to depart. Be strong, live happy, and love! but first of all Him whom to love is to obey, and keep His great command; take heed lest passion sway Thy judgment to do aught which else free will Would not admit; thine and of all thy sons The weal or woe in thee is placed; beware! I in thy persevering shall rejoice, And all the Blest. Stand fast; to stand or fall, Free in thine own arbitrement it lies.