

THE GARDEN 73 



He thought it fit to place him, where 



A kind of heaven too did appear, 

 As far as earth could such a likeness bear : 



That man no happiness might want, 

 Which earth to her first master could afford, 



He did a garden for him plant 

 By the quick hand of His omnipotent word. 

 As the chief help and joy of human life, 

 He gave him the first gift ; first, ev'n before a wife. 



For God, the universal architect, 



'T had been as easy to erect 

 A Louvre or Escurial, or a tower 

 That might with heaven communication hold, 

 As Babel vainly thought to do of old : 



He wanted not the skill or power ; 



In the world's fabric those were shown, 

 And the materials were all his own. 

 But well he knew, what place would best agree 

 With innocence, and with felicity : 

 And we elsewhere still seek for them in vain ; 

 If any part of either yet remain, 

 If any part of either we expect, 



