Of all my meditations, and in this
Favourite of all, in this the most of all.
—What Being, therefore, since the birth of man
Had ever more abundant cause to speak
Thanks, and if favours of the heavenly Muse 100
Make him more thankful, then to call on verse
To aid him, and in Song resound his joy.
The boon is absolute; surpassing grace
To me hath been vouchsafed; among the bowers
Of blissful Eden this was neither given, 105