First Pair

The wide earth finish'd, from his western throne, In splendid beauty look'd the gladsome sun; Calm were the skies; the fields with lustre crown'd, And nature's incense fili'd th' etherial round. Enshrin'd in sacred light, the Maker stood, Complacent smil'd, and own'd the work was good. Then from his hand, in silent glory, came A nobler form, and man his destin'd name; Erect, and tall, in solemn pomp he stood, And living virtue in his visage glow'd. Then, too, a fairer being show'd her charms; Young beauty wanton'd in her snowy arms; The heav'ns around her bade their graces fly, And love sat blooming in her gentle eye. O pair divine! superior to your kind; To virtue fashion'd, and for bliss design'd!

He, born to rule, with calm uplifted brow, Look'd down majestic on the world below; To heav'n, his mansion, turn'd his thoughts sublime, Or rov'd far onward thro' the scenes of time; O'er nature's kingdom cast a searching eye, And dar'd to trace the secrets of the sky; On fancy's pinions scann'd the bright abode, And claim'd his friend, an angel, or a God.

Her he indu'd with nature more refin'd, A lovelier image, and a softer mind. To her he gave to kindle sweet desire, To rouse great thoughts, and fan th' heroic fire; At pity's gentle call to bend his ear; To prompt for woe the unaffected tear; In scenes refin'd his soft'ning soul improve, And tune his wishes with the hand of love. To her he gave with sweetness to obey, Inspire the friend, and charm the lord away; Each bleeding grief with balmy hand to heal, And teach his rending sinews not to seel; Each joy t' improve, the pious wish to raise, And add new raptures to his languid praise.

To this lov'd pair a bless'd retreat was given, A seat for angels, and an humbler heaven; Fair Eden nam'd: in swift succession, there Glad scenes of rapture led the vernal year; Round the green garden, living beauty play'd; In gay profusion earth her treasures spread; The air breath'd fragrance: streams harmonious rung, And love, and transport, tun'd th' aerial song.