Of Man's first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste Brought death into the world, and all our woe

Thence up he flew, and on the Tree of Life,/ The middle tree and highest there that grew, / Sat like a cormorant.

So dear I love him that with him all deaths I could endure, without him live no life.

Nor war, or battle's sound / Was heard the world around.

Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; / The world was all before them, where to choose / Their place of rest, and Providence their guide: / They hand in hand with wandering steps and slow / Through Eden took their solitary way.

Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.