Definitions

The First Tableau

When God broke the news in Adam's ear
That he and Eve had naught smote in fear,
But Satan's collar wrapped to apprehend,
And so must they to the world descend,
Adam stopped in stupor, then pitted both
Human legs to plight his troth.
Beside his bride he succoured her frame,
Then addressed his saviour close be name,
"Good Father," he said "Are we to understand
There be no man living in the land
But me and my lonely bride,
Close since drawn from my side,
Promised this garden for aught to last,
Now childless we to a meadow cast!
Have pity for your redolent peers,
Who face a future filled with years
Deprived of all the gifts we cherish,
Left now to fall asunder and perish
In the meanest straits of Earth,
And have one blunder be our berth.
God heeded all and turned away.
"You were warned and now you'll stray."
The scene grew dark and the couple saw
A field of stars, where the bowers, a lion's paw.