Page:Paradise lost by Milton, John.djvu/385

Rh Choicest and best; then sacrificing laid The inwards and their fat, with incense strewed, On the cleft wood, and all due rites performed. His offering soon propitious fire from heaven Consumed, with nimble glance and grateful steam; The other's not, for his was not sincere. Whereat he inly raged, and, as they talked, Smote him into the midriff with a stone That beat out life; he fell, and deadly pale Groaned out his soul, with gushing blood effused. Much at that sight was Adam in his heart Dismayed, and thus in haste to the Angel cried:
 * "O Teacher, some great mischief hath befallen

To that meek man, who well had sacrificed. Is piety thus and pure devotion paid?"
 * To whom Michael thus, he also moved, replied:

"These are two brethren, Adam, and to come Out of thy loins. The unjust the just hath slain, For envy that his brother's offering found From Heaven acceptance; but the bloody fact Will be avenged, and the other's faith approved Lose no reward, though here thou see him die, Rolling in dust and gore."—To which our sire:
 * "Alas, both for the deed and for the cause!

But have I now seen death? Is this the way I must return to native dust? O sight