The Holy Lord
bestowed a heavenly heritage and ample bliss on every race, if
they would but forgo that fruit alone, that bitter fruit, which
the mortal tree brought forth upon its boughs. That was the tree
of death which the Lord forbade them!
(ll. 647-654) But the fiend, who hated God, and loathed the King
of heaven, deceived with lies Eve's heart and erring wisdom, and
she believed his words and did his bidding, and came at last to
think his counsels were indeed from God, as he so cunningly had
said. He showed to her a token, and gave her promise of good
faith and friendly purpose. Then to her lord she said:
(ll. 655-665) "Adam, my lord! This fruit is sweet and pleasing
to the heart; this radiant messenger is God's good angel! I know
by his attire he is a herald of our Lord, the King of heaven.
Better to win his favour than his wrath! If thou to-day hast
spoken aught of evil, yet will he still forgive thee, if we will
do his will. Of what avail this bitter strife against the herald
of thy Lord? We need his favour. For he may plead our cause
before Almighty God, the King of heaven.
(ll. 666-683) "I can behold where in the south and east He who
shaped the world sits veiled in splendour. I see the angels
circling round His throne, in winged flight, unnumbered myriads,
clothed in beauty.
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