t, after he had complained
to the Creator, a deep sleep fell upon him, during which a rib was
removed from his side from which to fashion Eve. Joined by the Creator
himself to this "bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh," Adam
declares since then they have enjoyed nuptial bliss, and artlessly
inquires whether angels marry and are given in marriage too. Whereupon
Raphael rejoins that in heaven love so refines the thoughts and
enlarges the heart that none save spiritual communion is necessary to
secure perfect bliss. Then, seeing the sun about to set, the angel
takes leave of Adam and wends his way back to heaven, while the father
of mankind rejoins his waiting wife.

Book IX. The poet warns us there will be no more question of talk
between man and angels, as his song must now change to a tragic note,
because vile distrust has entered Paradise. Then he describes how
Satan, driven away from Eden by Gabriel, circles around the earth
seven days and nights without rest, and at the end of that time
re-enters Paradise, by means of an underground river and in the guise
of a mist. Then, perched as a bird upon the tree of knowledge of good
and evil, Satan decides to approach our first parents in the guise of
a loathsome serpent and seek his revenge, although fully aware the
consequences will recoil upon himself. Next, finding a serpent asleep,
Satan enters it, and meanders along the paths of Paradise, hoping to
find Adam and Eve apart, for he deems it will be easier to work his
ends on one at a time.

Morning having come, Adam and Eve awake, and after their usual song of
praise set out to attend the garden. But Eve insists that as long as
they are together they allow themselves to be distracted from their
labors, and proposes that they work independently until the noon hour
brings them together to share their simple repast. Although reluctant
at first to be parted from his beloved, Adam, hearing her exclaim he
does not trust her, yields to her pleading. Thus, the serpent, ranging
through the garden, perceives Eve alone among the roses, and rejoices
to think he can make his first attempt upon what he rightly deems the
weaker vessel. Although not without compunction, he wends his way
toward her and startles her by addressing her in a human voice. When
she inquires how it happens a beast can communicate with her, the
serpent rejoins that, although at first speechless like other beasts,
he no sooner tasted a certain fruit than he