What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree Impart against his will, if all be his? Or is it envy? and can envy dwell In Heavenly breasts? These, these and many more Causes import your need of this fair fruit. Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste!”

He ended, and his words, replete with guile, Into her heart too easy entrance won. Fixed on the fruit she gazed, which to behold Might tempt alone, and in her ears the sound Yet rung of his persuasive words, impregned With reason, to her seeming, and with truth. Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and waked An eager appetite, raised by the smell So savoury of that fruit, which with desire, Inclinable now grown to touch or taste, Solicited her longing eye; yet first, Pausing a while, thus to herself she mused: