It is now contended by those versed in ancient languages that the " apple " of the poets in their visions of paradise need not have been our modern apple, nor need the " serpent " be one of those dreadful creatures that modern humanity everywhere despises. It was some good fruit, and some wily creature, and this is enough. It is a pity that the older poets have not had much patronage from modern readers; and in the belief that with all the talk about Adam's early experiences in the apple orchard few of our younger people are familiar with Milton's dream of it, we give the interview of the serpent with Eve :

"Empress of this fair world, resplendent Eve, I was at first as other beasts that graze The trodden herb, of abject thoughts and low As was my food; nor aught but food discerned Till on a day, roving the field, I chanced A goodly tree far distant to behold Laden with fruit of fairest colors mixed Ruddy and gold : I nearer drew to gaze; When from the boughs a savory odor blown, Grateful to appetite, more pleased my sense Than smell of sweetest fennel. To satisfy the sharp desire I had Of tasting those fair apples. I resolved Not to defer; Hunger and thirst at once Powerful persuaders, quickened at the scent Of that alluring fruit, urged me so keen, Tempting so nigh to pluck and eat my fill I spared not; for such pleasure till that hour, At feed or fountain never had I found. - To whom Eve, yet more amazed, unwary thus replied : 'Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt The virtue of that fruit, in thee first proved: Where grows the tree? from hence how far? For many are the trees of God that grow In Paradise : and various, yet unknown To us in such abundance lies our choice.

As leaves a greater store of fruit untouched, Still hanging uncorruptible, till men Grow to their provision, and more hands Help to disburden nature of her birth.' "