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Show 78 ORIGIN OF SOCIETY. CANTO ·II · In crystal cups the waves salubrious shine, Unstain'd untainted with immodest wine. Next, ·where emerging from its ancient roots Its widening boughs the Tree of Knowledge shoots; 4:40 Pluck'd with nice choice before the Muse they placed The now no longer interdicted taste. Awhile they sit, from higher cares released, And pleased partake the intellectual feast. Of good and ill they spoke, effect an~ cause, Celestial ~gencies, and Nature's laws. 'So when angelic Forms to Syria sent Sat in the cedar shade by ABRAHAM's tent; A spacious bowl the admiring Patriarch fills With dulcet water from the scanty rills; :Sweet fruits and kernels gathers from his hoard, With milk and butter piles the plenteous board; While on the heated hearth his Consort bakes Fine flour well kneaded in unleaven 'd cakes. 450 CANTO II, REPRODUCTION OF LIFE. 79 The Guests ethereal quaff the lucid :flood, Smile on their hosts, and taste terrestrial food. ' ' And while from seraph-lips sweet converse springs~. Lave their fair feet, and close their silver wings .. :END OF CANTO ll, , |