Poems, moral and descriptive By the late Richard Jago ... (Prepared for the press, and improved by the author, before his death.) To which is added, some account of the life and writings of Mr. Jago |
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RECITATIVE. |
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 | Poems, moral and descriptive |  |
RECITATIVE.
EVE.Offspring of Heav'n, and Earth, and all Earth's Lord!
That such an enemy we have, who seeks
Our ruin, oft inform'd by thee, I learn.
But that thou shou'dst my firmness therefore doubt,
To God, or thee, because we have a foe
May tempt it, I expected not to hear.
ADAM.
Daughter of God, and man, immortal Eve!
For such thou art, from sin, and blame entire:
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Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid
Th'attempt, which thou thyself with virtuous scorn
And anger wou'd'st resent. Misdeem not then,
If such affront I labour to avert
From thee alone, which on us both at once
The enemy, tho' bold, will hardly dare,
Or daring, first on me th'assault shall light.
Nor thou his malice, and false guile contemn.
Subtle he needs must be, who cou'd seduce
Angels; nor think superfluous others aid.
“I, from the influence of thy looks, receive
“Access in ev'ry virtue; in thy sight,
“More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were,
“Of outward strength; while shame, thou looking on,
“Shame to be overcome, or over-reach'd!
“Wou'd utmost vigour raise, and rais'd unite.”
Why shou'd'st not thou like sense within thee feel,
When I am present, and thy trial chuse
With me, best witness of thy virtue tried?
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If this be our condition, thus to dwell
In narrow circuit, straiten'd by a foe,
Subtle, or violent, we not endued,
Single, with like defence, wherever met,
How are we happy, still in fear of harm?
AIR.
“Frail is our happiness, if this be so,“And Eden were no Eden thus expos'd.”
| Poems, moral and descriptive | |