They Wondered Why the Fruit had Been Forbidden

They wondered why the fruit had been forbidden:

It taught them nothing new. They hid their pride,

But did not listen much when they were chidden:

They knew exactly what to do outside.

They left. Immediately the memory faded

Of all they known: they could not understand

The dogs now who before had always aided;

The stream was dumb with whom they'd always planned.

They wept and quarrelled: freedom was so wild.

In front maturity as he ascended

Retired like a horizon from the child,

The dangers and the punishments grew greater,

And the way back by angels was defended

Against the poet and the legislator.