BOOK IV

Satan , now in prospect of Eden , and nigh the place where be must now attempt the bold enterprise which he undertook alone against God and man, falls into many doubts with himself, and many passions, fear , envy , and despair ; but at length confirms himseif in evil ; journeys on to paradise, whose ont wardprospect and situation is described;overleaps tlie bounds; sits in the shape of a cormorant on the tree of life, as highcst in the garden , to look about him. The garden described ; Satan's Crst sight of Adam and Eve ; his wonder at their excellent form and happy state , but with resolution to work their fall ; overhears thcir discourse , thence gathers that tlie tree of knowledge was forbidden them to eat of, under penalty of death : and Ihereon intends to found his temptation by seducing them to transgress : the» leavcs tlinn