The Spectator with Sketches of the Lives of the Authors and Explanatory, 5; With Sketches of the Lives of the Authors and Explanatory Notes (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1797 edition. Excerpt: ...mankind extended upon the earth, uttering his midnight complaints, bewailing his existence, and wishing for death, without sympathising with him in his distress? Thus Adam to himself lamented loud Through the still night; not now (as ere man fell) YVhoIesOme, and cool, and mild, but with black air Accompany'd, with damps and dreadful gssloom; Which to his evil conscienee represented All things with double terror. On the ground Outstretclfld he lay, on the cold ground Land oft Curs'd his creation; death as oft accus'd ' Of tardy execution-The part ofEve in this book is no less paffionate, and apt to sway the reader in hersi favour. She is represented with great tenderness as approaching Adam, but is spurned from him with a spirit of upbraiding and indignation, confortnableto the natureof man, whose pasiions hadnow gained the dominion over him. The following passage, wherein she is described as renewing her addresses to him, with the whole speech that follows it, have something in them exquisitely moving and pathetic. He addedssnot, and from her turn'd: but Eve, Not so repuls'd, with tears that ceas'd not flowing, And trefies all disorder'd, at his feet, Fell humble; and embracing them, besought His peace, and thus proceeded in her plaint: Forsake me not thus, Adam I witness heav'n T/Vhat love sincere, and rev'rence in my heart, I bear thee, and Unweeting have offended, . Unhappily deceiv'd I thy suppliant I beg, and clasp thy knees; bereave me not. Whereon I live thy gentle looks, thy aid, a Thy counsel in this uttermost distress, My only strength and stay fsiorlorn of thee, Whither shall I betake me, where subsist? While yet we live (scarce one short hour perhaps) ' Between us two let there be peace, &e. Adam's reconcilement to her...