In Milton's Paradise Lost, the two images of sex in Books IV and IX sharply contrast one another in order to show the dichotomy of love and lust. The first act of sex is seen in Book IV and represents holy love. Before going into their bower, Adam and Eve make sure to praise God. This awe for their maker is seen when Adam and Eve "both stood,/Both turned, and under open sky adored/The God that made both sky, air, earth and Heav'n" (IV. 720-2). Even the heavens are in unison with Adam and Eve's love. While Eve decorates their "nuptial bed," there are "heaven'ly choirs" singing the "hymnenean sung" (IV. 709, -10). This love of Adam and Eve's is not "loveless, joyless, unendeared" but instead is "loyal, just, and pure" (IV. 766, 755). After their sacred act of sex, Adam and Eve are enraptured with joy and peace...