But to return to the economical part of the character of Eve. And here she exhibits a consummate specimen and beautiful model of domestic skill and elegance. How exquisitely conceived is her reception and entertainment of Raphael! How modest and yet how dignified! I am afraid I know some husbands who would have had to encounter very ungracious looks, not to say words, if they had brought home even an angel, unexpectedly to dinner. Not so our general mother:
Her dispatchful looks,
Her hospitable thoughts, * * * intent
What choice to choose for delicacy best,
all indicate not only the "prompt" but the cheerful "obedience." Though her repast consisted only of the fruits of Paradise,
Whatever earth, all bearing mother, yields;
yet of these, with a liberal hospitality,
She gathers tribute large, and on the board
Heaps with unsparing hand.
The finest modern lady need not disdain the arrangement of her table, which was
So contrived as not to mix
Tastes not well join'd, inelegant, but bring
Taste after taste, upheld by kindliest change.
It must, however, I fear, be conceded, by the way, that this "taste after taste" rather holds out an encouragement to second courses.
When this unmatched trio had finished their repast, which, let it be observed, before they tasted, Adam acknowledged that