14

Thus at thir shadie Lodge arrivd, both stood [ 720 ]

Both turnd, and under opn Skie adord

The God that made both Skie, Air, Earth and Heavn

Which they beheld, the Moons resplendent Globe

And starrie Pole: Thou also madst the Night,

Maker Omnipotent, and thou the Day, [ 725 ]

Which we in our appointed work imployd

Have finisht happie in our mutual help

And mutual love, the Crown of all our bliss

Ordaind by thee, and this delicious place

For us too large, where thy abundance wants [ 730 ]

Partakers, and uncropt falls to the ground.

But thou hast promisd from us two a Race

To fill the Earth, who shall with us extoll

Thy goodness infinite, both when we wake,

And when we seek, as now, thy gift of sleep. [ 735 ]

This said unanimous, and other Rites

Observing none, but adoration pure

Which God likes best, into thir inmost bowre

Handed they went; and easd the putting off

These troublesom disguises which wee wear, [ 740 ]

Strait side by side were laid, nor turnd I weene

Adam from his fair Spouse, nor Eve the Rites

Mysterious of connubial Love refusd:

Whatever Hypocrites austerely talk

Of puritie and place and innocence, [ 745 ]

Defaming as impure what God declares

Pure, and commands to som, leaves free to all.

Our Maker bids increase, who bids abstain

But our Destroyer, foe to God and Man?

Haile wedded Love, mysterious Law, true source [ 750 ]

Of human ofspring, sole propriety,

In Paradise of all things common else.