SPEECH OF ADAM TO EVE.
Now morn, her rosy steps in th' eastern clime
Advancing, sow'd the earth with orient pearl,
When Adam wak'd; so custom'd; for his sleep
Was airy light, from pure digestion bred,
And temperate vapours bland, which the only found
Of leaves and fuming rills, Aurora's fan,
Lightly dispers'd, and the thrill matin song
Of birds on ev'ry bough. So much the more
His wonder was to find unwaken'd Eve
With tresses discomposed, and glowing cheek.
As through unquiet rest. He, on his side
Leaning half rais'd, with looks of cordial love,
Hung over her enamour'd; and beheld
Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep,
Shot forth peculiar graces. Then, with voice
Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes,
Her hand soft touching, whispered thus; "Awake,
"My fairest, my espous'd, my latest found:
"Heaven's last best gift, my ever new delight,
"Awake!—The morning shines, and the fresh field
"Calls us. We lose the prime; to mark how spring
"Our tended plants; how blows the citron grove:
"What drops the myrrh, and what the balmy reed;
"How nature paints her colours; how the bee
"Sits on the bloom, extracting liquid sweet."