Paradise Lost

by John Milton

Me first 950 He ruined, now mankind; whom will he next? Matter of scorn, not to be given the Foe. However I with thee have fixed my lot, Certain to undergo like doom; if death300 Consort with thee, death is to me as life;301 955 So forcible within my heart I feel The bond of nature draw me to my own, My own in thee, for what thou art is mine; Our state cannot be severed, we are one, One flesh; to lose thee were to lose myself.302 960 So Adam, and thus Eve to him replied. O glorious trial of exceeding love,303 Illustrious evidence, example high! Engaging me to emulate, but short Of thy perfection, how shall I attain, 965 Adam, from whose dear side I boast me sprung, And gladly of our union hear thee speak, One heart, one soul in both; whereof good proof This day affords, declaring thee resolved, Rather than death or aught than death more dread 970 Shall separate us, linked in love so dear, To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, If any be, of tasting this fair fruit, Whose virtue, for of good still good proceeds,304 Direct, or by occasion hath presented 975 This happy trial of thy love, which else So eminently never had been known. Were it I thought death menaced would ensue This my attempt, I would sustain alone The worst, and not persuade thee, rather die 980 Deserted, than oblige thee with a fact305, 306 Pernicious to thy peace, chiefly assured Remarkably so late of thy so true, So faithful love unequalled; but I feel Far otherwise th’ event, not death, but life307 985 ...