Canto First.

The Theme proposed. Invocation. Origin of Love. Its influence in Heaven. The endless theme of praise. Love’s great contrasts in Heaven. Its lesser powers in creation. Its great influence on man. The grand relationship. The soul of man composed largely of love, as proof of divine authorship. The bond of union between man and his Maker. Man’s request. His happiness yet incomplete. Pleasant work. The first meeting. Adam’s ecstatic expression of his joy. Eve’s happy reply. Nature’s joy at the first marriage feast!