Under his forming hands a creature grew,

Man-like, but different sex; so lovely fair

That what seemed fair in all the world, seemed now

Mean, or in her summed up, in her contained,

And in her looks; which from that time infused

Sweetness into my heart, unfelt before,

And into all things from her air inspired

The spirit of love and amorous delight.

She disappear'd, and left me dark; I waked

To find her, or for her ever to deplore

Her loss, and other pleasures abjure:

When out of hope, behold her, not far off,

Such as I saw her in my dream, adorned

With what all Earth or Heaven could bestow

To make her amiable: On she came,

Led by her Heavenly Maker, though unseen,

And guided by his voice; nor uninformed

Of nuptial sanctity, and marriage rites:

Grace was in her steps, heaven in her eye,

In every gesture dignity and love.

by JOHN MILTON, Paradise Lost

H A P P Y W O M E N'S D A Y
8 March 2012