78 ORIGIN OF SOCIETY. CANTO n. 



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; 440 



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 .and cause, 



Celestial agencies, 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; 450 



Sweet fruits and kernels gathers from his hoard, 

 With milk and Gutter piles the plenteous board ; 

 While on the heated hearth his Consort bakes 

 Fine flour well kneaded in unleaven'd cakes. 



