Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/171

Stood to entertain her guest from Heaven; no veil
She needed, virtue proof; no thought infirm
Altered her cheek. On whom the angel Hail!
Bestowed, the holy salutation used
Long after to blest Mary, second Eve:
"Hail, Mother of mankind, whose fruitful womb
Shall find the world more numerous with thy sons,
Than with these various fruits the trees of God390
Have heaped this table!"—Raised of grassy turf
Their table was, and mossy seats had round,
And on her ample square from side to side
All autumn piled, though spring and autum here
Danced hand in hand. Awhile discourse they hold—
No fear less dinner cool—when thus began
Our author:—"Heavenly stranger, please to taste
These bounties, which our Nourisher, from whom
All perfect good, unmeasured out, descends,
To us for food and for delight hath caused400
The earth to yield; unsavory food perhaps
To spiritual natures; only this I know,
That one celestial Father gives to all."
To whom the Angel:—"Therefore what he gives—
Whose praise be ever sung—to Man, in part
Spiritual, may of purest Spirits be found
No ingrateful food; and food alike those pure