第6章 5

Adam, well may we labour still to dress [ 205 ] This Garden, still to tend Plant, Herb and Flour, Our pleasant task enjoynd, but till more hands Aid us, the work under our labour grows, Luxurious by restraint; what we by day Lop overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind, [ 210 ] One night or two with wanton growth derides

Tending to wilde. Thou therefore now advise Or hear what to my minde first thoughts present, Let us divide our labours, thou where choice Leads thee, or where most needs, whether to wind [ 215 ] The Woodbine round this Arbour, or direct The clasping Ivie where to climb, while I In yonder Spring of Roses intermixt

With Myrtle, find what to redress till Noon: For while so near each other thus all day [ 220 ] Our taske we choose, what wonder if so near Looks intervene and smiles, or object new Casual discourse draw on, which intermits Our dayes work brought to little, though begun Early, and th hour of Supper comes unearnd. [ 225 ]

To whom mild answer Adam thus returnd. Sole Eve, Associate sole, to me beyond Compare above all living Creatures deare, Well hast thou motiond, well thy thoughts imployd How we might best fulfill the work which here [ 230 ] God hath assignd us, nor of me shalt pass Unpraisd: for nothing lovelier can be found

In Woman, then to studie houshold good, And good workes in her Husband to promote. Yet not so strictly hath our Lord imposd [ 235 ] Labour, as to debarr us when we need Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, Food of the mind, or this sweet intercourse Of looks and smiles, for smiles from Reason flow,

To brute denid, and are of Love the food, [ 240 ] Love not the lowest end of human life. For not to irksom toile, but to delight He made us, and delight to Reason joynd.