PARADISE LOST

One fatal tree there stands, of knowledge called, forbidden them to taste: knowledge forbidden suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord envy them that? Can it be sin to know? Can it be death? And do they only stand by ignorance? Is that their happy state, the proof of their obedience and their faith? O fair foundation laid whereon to build their ruin! Hence, I will incite their minds with more desire to know, and to reject envious commands, invented with design to keep them low, whom knowledge might exalt equal with Gods: aspiring to be such, they taste and die: what likelier can ensue but first with narrow search I must walk round this garden, and no corner leave unespied; a chance but chance may lead where I may meet some wandering Spirit of Heaven by fountain side, or in thick shade retired, from him to draw what further would be learned. Live while ye may, ye happy pair; enjoy till I return , short pleasures, for long woes are to succeed." P. 41, PARADISE LOST by John Milton (1667, 2015)