Rhapsody

Will you see the infancy of this sublime and celestial greatness? I

was a stranger, which at my entrance into the world was saluted and

surrounded with innumerable joys: my knowledge was divine. I was

entertained like an angel with the works of God in their splendour and

glory. Heaven and Earth did sing my Creators praises, and could not

make more melody to Adam than to me. Certainly Adam in Paradise had

not more sweet and curious apprehensions of the world than I. All

appeared new, and strange at first, inexpressibly rare and delightful

and beautiful. All things were spotless and pure and glorious.

The corn was orient and immortal wheat, which never should be reaped

nor was ever sown. I thought it had stood from everlasting to

everlasting. The green trees, when I saw them first, transported and

ravished me, their sweetness and unusual beauty made my heart to leap,

and almost mad with ecstasy, they were such strange and wonderful

things.

O what venerable creatures did the aged seem! Immortal cherubims!

and the young men glittering and sparkling angels, and maids strange

seraphic pieces of life and beauty! I knew not that they were born or

should die; but all things abided eternally. I knew not that there

were sins or complaints or laws. I dreamed not of poverties,

contentions or vices. All tears and quarrels were hidden from mine

eyes. I saw all in the peace of Eden. Everything was at rest, free

and immortal.