To Adam and to Eve are given, during their innocence, such
sentiments as innocence can generate and utter. Their love is pure
benevolence and mutual veneration; their repasts are without luxury,
and their diligence without toil. Their addresses to their Maker
have little more than the voice of admiration and gratitude.
Fruition left them nothing to ask; and innocence left them nothing
to fear.

But with guilt enter distrust and discord, mutual accusation, and
stubborn self-defence; they regard each other with alienated minds,
and dread their Creator as the avenger of their transgression. At
last they seek shelter in His mercy, soften to repentance, and melt
in supplication. Both before and after the fall, the superiority of
Adam is diligently sustained.

Of the PROBABLE and the MARVELLOUS, two parts of a vulgar epic poem
which immerge the critic in deep consideration, the "Paradise Lost"
requires little to be said. It contains the history of a miracle,
of creation and redemption; it displays the power and the mercy of
the Supreme Being; the probable therefore is marvellous, and the
marvellous is probable. The substance of the narrative is truth;
and, as truth allows no choice, it is, like necessity, superior to
rule. To the accidental or adventitious parts, as to everything
human, some slight exceptions may be made; but the main fabric is
immovably supported.

It is justly remarked by Addison, that this poem has, by the nature
of its subject, the advantage above all others, that it is
universally and perpetually interesting. All mankind will, through
all ages, bear the same relation to Adam and to Eve, and must