greedily feed on apples of Sodom, which
offend their taste, a performance to be renewed yearly on the
anniversary of the temptation.

Meanwhile, Sin and Death having entered Paradise,--where they are not
yet allowed to touch human beings,--lay low herbs, fruit, flowers, and
beasts, all of which are now their legitimate prey. Pointing out their
ravages, the Almighty explains that, had man not disobeyed, these
despoilers would never have preyed upon the newly created world, where
they are now to have full sway until the Son hurls them back into
Hades. On hearing these words, the angels praise the ways of the
Almighty, which are ever just, and laud his Son as the destined
restorer of mankind. While they are thus employed, the Almighty
directs some of his attendants to move the sun, so as to subject the
earth to alternate cold and heat, thus making winter follow summer.
The planets, too, are to shed malignant influences upon the earth,
whose axle is slightly turned, while violent winds cause devastation,
and enmity is kindled between creatures which have hitherto lived in
peace. Adam, on perceiving these changes, becomes conscious they are
the effect of his transgression, and is plunged in such grief that
God's order to increase and multiply seems horrible. In his grief he
murmurs aloud, but, after a while, realizing he was left free to
choose between good and evil, he acknowledges his punishment is just.
The fact that God does not immediately visit upon him the penalty he
has incurred does not, however, comfort him, because he longs for
death to end his sorrows. On seeing her husband's grief, Eve now
volunteers to go in quest of their judge, imploring him to visit upon
her alone the penalty of sin. Her readiness to sacrifice herself
touches Adam, who replies that, since they are one, they must share
what awaits them. When Eve intimates that, since they are doomed, it
will be well never to bear any children, Adam reminds her it is only
through repentance they can appease their judge, and bids her not
scorn life or its pleasures.

_Book XI._ Having reached this state of humility and repentance, our
first parents are viewed compassionately by the Redeemer, who,
gathering up their prayers, presents them to the Father as the
first-fruits which have sprung from his mercy.

"See, Father, what first-fruits on earth are sprung
From thy implanted grace in man; these sighs
And prayers, which in this golden censer, mixed