Book I, 52: Mans Progresse

The Earth is that forbiden Tree that growes
Ith' midst of Paradise; Her Fruit that showes
So sweet, so faire, so pleasing to the eyes,
Is worldly pleasure in a faire disguize:
The Flesh suggests: The fruit is aire and good
Apt to make wise, and a delicious Food;
It hath a secret vertue, wherewithall
To make you Gods; and not to dye at all.
Man asts, and empts the frailty of his Brother;
His Brother eats; One bits calls on another:
His guilty Conscience opes his eyes; He sees,
He sees his mpty nakednesse and flees;
He stiches slender Fig-leaves, and does frame
Poore Arguments t'xcuse his Sin, his Shame:
But in the cooler evening of his Dayes,
The voyce calls Adam: Adam's in a Maze:
His Conscince bids him run: The voyce pursues;
Poore Adm trembles, ere he knowes the newes:
Adam must quit the Garden, lest he strive
To tast the saving Tree of life, and live;
Poore Man must goe; But whether is he bound?
Ev'n to the place from whence he came, the round.