Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/158

And, as I wondering looked, beside it stood
One shaped and winged like one of those from Heaven,
By us oft seen: his dewy locks distilled
Ambrosia. On that tree he also gazed;
And, 'O fair plant,' said he, 'with fruit surcharged,
Deigns none to ease thy load, and taste thy sweet,
Nor God, nor Man? is knowledge so despised?60
Or envy, or what reserve forbids to taste?
Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold
Longer thy offered good; why else set here?
This said, he paused not, but with venturous arm
He plucked, he tasted. Me damp horror chilled
At such bold words, vouched with a deed so bold;
But he thus, overjoyed: 'O fruit divine,
Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropt,
Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit
For Gods, yet able to make Gods of men.70
And why not Gods of men, since good, the more
Communicated, more abundant grows,
The author not impaired, but honored more?
Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve!
Partake thou also; happy though thou art,
Happier thou mayest be, worthier canst not be.
Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods,
Thyself a Goddess, not to earth confined,
But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes