Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE IMMORTAL MARRIAGE, by JAMES DUVAL PHELAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE IMMORTAL MARRIAGE, by                    
First Line: Eve speaks a language none can fail to hear
Last Line: But only nature answers as he falls.
Subject(s): Adam & Eve; Bible


Lines on a Marble Group called "Ante Peccatum"
at Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, California.

For contemplation he and valor formed,
For softness she and sweet attractive grace.
Milton.

Eve speaks a language none can fail to hear,
Yet Adam answers not. The surging tide
Of life—emotion-stirred—confounds, and Fear
The charm obscures of sweet, ingenuous bride;
Those importunings (which, suspects he, sin,)
The question prompts, if pleasing to his God,
But conscious is he of a power within—
A struggling soul—no longer he a clod!
Shall clay, commingling now, perpetuate
The shape divine, just fashioned by His will,
And prove that woman's urge is one with Fate?
No; Adam, sore tormented, doubting still,
Disputes the proof, and lo! on Reason calls!—
But only Nature answers as he falls.





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