Nature then proceeds to name the various objects about her, accompanying each name with some appropriate remark, and is led quite naturally to indulge in some boasting at her dominion over such a beautiful and varied kingdom.
This is the moment Lucifer and Sin select to appear in the disguise of rustics. The latter remains concealed in the tree; the former introduces himself to Human Nature as a gardener, and says very gallantly that he lost his last place on her account.
Nature hastens to turn a conversation becoming somewhat personal by asking what he is cultivating.
“That beautiful tree.”
“It is extremely lovely.”
“There is something more singular about it than being merely lovely.”
“What?”
“Earth, who brought it forth, can tell thee.”
“I am earth, since I was formed of earth; so I will tell the Earth to keep me no longer in suspense.”
“Then speak to her, and thou shalt see.”