To whom thus Adam, of short joy bereft: “O pity and shame, that they who to live well Entered so fair should turn aside to tread Paths indirect, or in the midway faint! But still I see the tenor of Man’s woe Holds on the same, from Woman to begin.”

“From Man’s effeminate slackness it begins,” Said the Angel, “who should better hold his place By wisdom, and superior gifts received. But now prepare thee for another scene.”