and calls to council his peers. He disregards the proposal of Belial to
attempt the seduction of Jesus with women. If he is vulnerable it will
be to objects


"such as have more shew
Of worth, of honour, glory, and popular praise,
Rocks whereon greatest men have oftest wreck'd;
Or that which only seems to satisfy
Lawful desires of Nature, not beyond."
(P. R. ii. 226-30.)


The former appeal is first of all renewed. "Tell me," says Satan,


"'if food were now before thee set
Would'st thou not eat?' 'Thereafter as I like
The giver,' answered Jesus."
(P. R. ii. 320-22.)


A banquet is laid, and Satan invites Jesus to partake of it.


"What doubts the Son of God to sit and eat?
These are not fruits forbidd'n."
(P. R. ii. 368-9.)