10

For know, whatever was created, needs

To be sustaind and fed; of Elements [ 415 ]

The grosser feeds the purer, Earth the Sea,

Earth and the Sea feed Air, the Air those Fires

Ethereal, and as lowest first the Moon;

Whence in her visage round those spots, unpurgd

Vapours not yet into her substance turnd. [ 420 ]

Nor doth the Moon no nourishment exhale

From her moist Continent to higher Orbes.

The Sun that light imparts to all, receives

From all his alimental recompence

In humid exhalations, and at Even [ 425 ]

Sups with the Ocean: though in Heavn the Trees

Of life ambrosial frutage bear, and vines

Yield Nectar, though from off the boughs each Morn

We brush mellifluous Dewes, and find the ground

Coverd with pearly grain: yet God hath here [ 430 ]

Varied his bounty so with new delights,

As may compare with Heaven; and to taste

Think not I shall be nice. So down they sat,

And to thir viands fell, nor seemingly

The Angel, nor in mist, the common gloss [ 435 ]

Of Theologians, but with keen dispatch

Of real hunger, and concoctive heate

To transubstantiate; what redounds, transpires

Through Spirits with ease; nor wonder; if by fire

Of sooty coal the Empiric Alchimist [ 440 ]

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn

Metals of drossiest Ore to perfet Gold

As from the Mine. Mean while at Table Eve

Ministerd naked, and thir flowing cups

With pleasant liquors crownd: O innocence [ 445 ]

Deserving Paradise! if ever, then,

Then had the Sons of God excuse to have bin

Enamourd at that sight; but in those hearts

Love unlibidinous reignd, nor jealousie

Was understood, the injurd Lovers Hell.