Paradise Lost (Eve)

Lyrics

That day I oft remember, when from sleep I first awaked, and found myself reposed Under a shade, on flowers, much wondering where And what I was, whence thither brought, and how Not distant far from thence a murmuring sound Of waters issued from a cave, and spread Into a liquid plain; then stood unmoved Pure as the expanse of Heaven. I thither went With unexperienced thought, and laid me down On the green bank, to look into the clear Smooth lake, that to mе seemed another sky As I bent down to look, just oppositе A Shape within the watery gleam appeared Bending to look on me. I started back It started back; but pleased I soon returned Pleased it returned as soon with answering looks Of sympathy and love. There I had fixed Mine eyes till now, and pined with vain desire Had not a voice thus warned me: 'What thou seest What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself; With thee it came and goes: but follow me And I will bring thee where no shadow stays Thy coming, and thy soft imbraces—he Whose image thou art; him thou shalt enjoy Inseparably thine; to him shalt bear Multitudes like thyself, and thence be called Mother of human race.' What could I do But follow straight, invisibly thus led? Till I espied thee, fair, indeed, and tall Under a platan; yet methought less fair Less winning soft, less amiably mild That that smooth watery image. Back I turned; Thou, following, cried'st aloud, 'Return, fair Eve; Whom fliest thou? Whom thou fliest, of him thou art His flesh, his bone, to give thee being I lent Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart Substantial life, to have thee by my side Henceforth an individual solace dear: Part of my soul I seek thee, and thee claim My other half.' With that thy gentle hand Seized mine: I yielded, and from that time see How beauty is excelled by manly grace And wisdom, which alone is truly fair."