Shine not in vain; nor think, though men were none, Unseen, both when we wake, and when we sleep. 686 690 While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk, 695 677 walk the earth] The same expression occurs in P. L. vii. 477. 'Creep the ground.' Cicero de Finibus, ii. c. 34. Maria ambulavisset.' See Wakef. Lucret. ii. v. 206. 688 Divide] Sil. Ital. vii. 154. 'Cum buccina noctem Richardson. Mosaic; under foot the violet, Crocus, and hyacinth with rich inlay 700 Broider'd the ground, more colour'd than with stone Beast, bird, insect, or worm, durst enter none; 705 710 715 Thus at their shady lodge arriv'd, both stood 720 Both turn'd, and under open sky adored The GOD that made both sky, air, earth, and heaven Which they beheld, the moon's resplendent globe, 703 emblem] Inlay. Arte pavimenti, atque emblemati vermiculato.' Bentley. 705 shadier] shadie, 2nd ed. 719 authentic fire] 'Or him who stole from Jove narthecal fire.' Bentl. MS. 723 moon] Virg. Æn. vi. 725. 'Lucentemque globum lunæ.' Hume. And starry pole. Thou also mad'st the night, 725 730 735 740 This said unanimous, and other rites Observing none, but adoration pure Which GOD likes best, into their inmost bower Handed they went; and, eas'd the putting off These troublesome disguises which we wear, Straight side by side were laid; nor turn'd, I ween, Adam from his fair spouse; nor Eve the rites Mysterious of connubial love refus'd: Whatever hypocrites austerely talk Of purity, and place, and innocence, Defaming as impure what God declares Pure, and commands to some, leaves free to all. Our Maker bids increase; who bids abstain But our destroyer, foe to GoD and man? 745 Hail wedded love, mysterious law, true source 750 750 Hail wedded love] Mr. Dyce compares Middleton: 'Reverend and honourable matrimony, Mother of law full sweetes, unshamed mornings, Of human offspring, sole propriety In paradise of all things common else! By thee adulterous lust was driv'n from men 755 760 Of father, son, and brother, first were known. Mix'd dance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball, 770 | Shower'd roses, which the morn repair'd. Sleep on, Dangerlesse pleasures; thou that mak'st the bed Both pleasant, and legitimately fruitful: without thee, The Phonix, 1607. Sig. D 4. Blest pair, and O! yet happiest if 775 ye seek No happier state, and know to know no more. Now had night measur'd with her shadowy cone Half way up hill this vast sublunar vault, And from their ivory port the cherubim Forth issuing at th' accustom'd hour stood arm'd To their night watches in warlike parade, When Gabriel to his next in power thus spake. 780 Uzziel, half these draw off, and coast the south With strictest watch; these other wheel the north; Our circuit meets full west. As flame they part, Half wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. From these, two strong and subtle spirits he call'd 785 That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge. Ithuriel and Zephon, with winged speed 1 Search through this garden, leave unsearch'd no nook; This evening from the sun's decline arriv'd, 795 Hitherward bent, (who could have thought?) escap'd Dazzling the moon; these to the bower direct In search of whom they sought him there they found, Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve, 778 ivory] Ov. Met. iv. 185. 'Lemnius extemplo valuas patefecit eburnas.' Newton. 785 shield] Declinare ad hastam, vel ad scutum.' Livy. Hume. 800 |