Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/288

The woodbine round this arbor, or direct
The clasping ivy where to climb; while I,
In yonder spring of roses, intermixed
With myrtle, find what to redress till noon;
For, while so near each other thus all day 220
Our task we choose, what wonder if so near
Looks intervene and smiles, or object new
Casual discourse draw on! which intermits
Our day's work, brought to little, though begun
Early, and the hour of supper comes unearned."
To whom mild answer Adam thus returned:
"Sole Eve, associate sole, to me beyond
Compare above all living creatures dear!
Well hast thou motioned, well thy thoughts employed,
How we might best fulfill the work which here 230
God hath assigned us, nor of me shalt pass
Unpraised; for nothing lovelier can be found
In woman, than to study household good,
And good works in her husband to promote.
Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposed
Labor, as to debar us when we need
Refreshment, whether food, or talk between,
Food of the mind, or this sweet intercourse
Of looks and smiles; for smiles from reason flow,
To brute denied, and are of love the food, 240
Love not the lowest end of human life;