The Poetical Works of John Milton


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Nor God, nor Man; is Knowledge so despis'd?  
Or envie, or what reserve forbids to taste?  
Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold  
Longer thy offerd good, why else set here?  
This said he paus'd not, but with ventrous Arme  
He pluckt, he tasted; mee damp horror chil'd  
At such bold words voucht with a deed so bold:  
But he thus overjoy'd, O Fruit Divine,  
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Sweet of thy self, but much more sweet thus cropt,  
Forbidd'n here, it seems, as onely fit  
For Gods, yet able to make Gods of Men:  
And why not Gods of Men, since good, the more  
Communicated, more abundant growes,  
The Author not impair'd, but honourd more?  
Here, happie Creature, fair Angelic Eve,  
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Partake thou also; happie though thou art,  
Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be:  
Taste this, and be henceforth among the Gods  
Thy self a Goddess, not to Earth confind,  
But somtimes in the Air, as wee, somtimes  
Ascend to Heav'n, by merit thine, and see  
What life the Gods live there, and such live thou.  
So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held,  
Even to my mouth of that same fruit held part  
Which he had pluckt; the pleasant savourie smell  
So quick'nd appetite, that I, methought,  
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Page
351 352 353 354 355

Quick Jump
1 198 395 593 790