70
With making us the _nothing_ which we are;
And after flattering dust with glimpses of
Eden and Immortality, resolves
It back to dust again--for what?

_Adah_. Thou know'st--
Even for our parents' error.

_Cain_. What is that
To us? they sinned, then _let them_ die!

_Adah_. Thou hast not spoken well, nor is that thought
Thy own, but of the Spirit who was with thee.
Would _I_ could die for them, so _they_ might live!

_Cain_. Why, so say I--provided that one victim 80
Might satiate the Insatiable of life,
And that our little rosy sleeper there
Might never taste of death nor human sorrow,
Nor hand it down to those who spring from him.

_Adah_. How know we that some such atonement one day
May not redeem our race?

_Cain_. By sacrificing
The harmless for the guilty? what atonement[127]
Were there? why, _we_ are innocent: what have we
Done, that we must be victims for a deed
Before our birth, or need have victims to 90
Atone for this mysterious, nameless sin--
If it be such a sin to seek for knowledge?

_Adah_. Alas! thou sinnest now, my Cain: thy words
Sound impious in mine ears.

_Cain_. Then leave me!

_Adah_. Never,
Though thy God left thee.

_Cain_. Say, what have we here?

_Adah_. Two altars, which our brother Abel made
During thine absence, whereupon to offer
A sacrifice to God on thy return.

_Cain_. And how knew _he_, that _I_ would be so ready
With the burnt offerings, which he daily brings 100
With a meek brow, whose base humility
Shows more of fear than worship--as a bribe
To the Creator?

_Adah_. Surely, 'tis well done.

_Cain_. One altar may suffice; _I_ have no offering.

_Adah_. The fruits of the earth,[128] the early, beautiful,
Blossom and bud--and bloom of flowers and fruits--
These are a goodly offering to the Lord,
Given with a gentle and a contrite spirit.

_Cain_. I have toiled, and tilled, and sweaten in the sun,
According to the curse:--must I do more? 110
For what should I be gentle? for a war
With all the elements ere they will yi