He plucked; he tasted. Me damp horror chilled At such bold words vouched° with a deed so bold, But he thus, overjoyed: ‘O fruit divine, Sweet of thyself, but much more sweet thus cropped, Forbidden here, it seems, as only fit [70] For gods, yet able to make gods of men— And why not gods of men, since good the more Communicated° more abundant grows, The author not impaired but honored more? Here, happy creature, fair angelic Eve, [75] Partake thou also; happy though thou art, Happier thou mayst be, worthier canst not be. Taste this and be henceforth among the gods Thyself a goddess, not to
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