122 Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



Canto VII (11. 1081-1104). — God bids them eat of every tree except one. 

 They shall be without old age, illness, anxiety, etc., and shall go to Heaven at 

 the age of thirty. Adam was a thousand years and six hours in Paradise. 



Canto VIII (11. 1105-1292). — The Devil is jealous,and plans to deceive Adam. 

 When the Hosts of the Seven Heavens used to gather round their King, the 

 animals used to come and adore Adam, and then return right-hand-wise. The 

 Devil finds the serpent, flatters it, and tells it that, as Adam was created 

 younger than it, it should not submit to its junior. He desires a place in the 

 serpent's body, so that they may go together to Eve, and enjoin upon her to 

 eat the fruit. Thus Adam and Eve will be driven out of Paradise. The 

 serpent asks what reward it shall get for permitting the Devil to co-dwell in 

 its body. " This," he replies, " that our union in our habits and our wrath 

 shall be forever spoken of." The Devil gets into the serpent's body, goes to 

 Paradise, and addresses Eve, who says she has no time to talk to anyone, as 

 she is about to go out and feed the animals, as that is her task whenever 

 Adam is away adoring the Creator. The serpent speaks flatteringly to her, 

 and inquires if life in Paradise is pleasant. She says " Yes," but they are not 

 to eat of one tree under penalty of death. He replies that as long as she 

 and Adam are without eating the forbidden fruit they are only on a level 

 with the lower animals, without intelligence, and counsels her to eat. She 

 fears to do so lest she should die, but suggests that the serpent go itself and 

 fetch the apple for her. He promises to do so, and asks her to open the 

 door. She agrees, provided he does not delay within. She then opens the 

 door secretly. The serpent goes to the tree, and gives her the apple. She 

 takes half, and reserves the other half for Adam. 



Canto IX (11. 1293-1440). — When Eve had eaten half the apple, her form 

 changed, and her raiment fell off her. In fear she calls for Adam, who comes, 

 and is perplexed at seeing her naked. He asks the reason, but she says she 

 will not tell him until he eats his half of the apple. He does so, and becomes 

 naked. Eve then tells him about what the serpent had said. Adam upbraids her. 

 To hide their shame they took leaves of the fig tree, as that was the only tree 

 on which there was foliage. Adam then hears an angel telling Gabriel to 

 sound the trumpet in order to summon the angelic hosts. God comes down 

 to Paradise. The wood of Paradise bent down in reverence before the Creator. 

 Adam and Eve fly to the shelter of the tree. God speaks to Adam, who lays 

 the blame on ICve. The Creator then orders the angels to put them both 

 out. Adam implores to be permitted to taste somewhat of the Tree of Life, 

 but this is not granted. 



Canto X (11. 1441-1468), — God says that as they have violated His law, they 

 must go out into the world, where they will have to earn their bread with 



