SCENE XII

Adam and Cain.

Cain. This is the history then, my father, is it? This is the perfect whole?

Adam. My son, it is. And whether a dream, or if it were a dream, A transcript of an inward spiritual fact (As you suggest, and I allow, might be), Not the less true because it was a dream. I know not O my Cain, I cannot tell, But in my soul I think it was a dream, And but a dream; a thing, whence’er it came, To be forgotten and considered not.

Cain. Father, you should have told me this before; It is no use now. Oh God, my brother! oh God!

Adam. For what is life, and what is pain or death? You have killed Abel: Abel killed the lamb An act in him prepense, in you unthought of. One step you stirred, and lo! you stood entrapped.

Cain. My father, this is true, I know; but yet, There is some truth beside: I cannot say, But I have heard within my soul a voice Asking, ‘Where is thy brother,’ and I said That is, the evil heart within me said ‘Am I my brother’s keeper? go ask him. Who was it that provoked me? should he rail, And I not smite? his death be on his head.’ But the voice answered in my soul again, So that the other ceased and was no more.