Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/135

From their own mouths. All is not theirs it seems;
One fatal tree there stands, of Knowledge called,
Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden!
Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord
Envy them that? can it be sin to know?
Can it be death? and do they only stand
By ignorance? is that their happy state,
The proof of their obedience and their faith?520
Oh, fair foundation laid whereon to build
Their ruin! Hence I will excite their minds
With more desire to know, and to reject
Envious commands, invented with design
To keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt
Equal with Gods. Aspiring to be such,
They taste and die: what likelier can ensue?—
But first with narrow search I must walk round
This garden, and no corner leave unspied.
A chance but chance may lead where I may meet530
Some wandering Spirit of Heaven by fountainside,
Or in thick shade retired, from him to draw
What further would be learned. Live while ye may
Yet happy pair; enjoy, till I return,
Short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed."
So saying, his proud step he scornful turned,
But with sly circumspection, and began