Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 5.djvu/251

Rh Both them who sinned and sinned not, as an ill— What ill?
 * Lucifer. To be resolved into the earth.
 * Cain. But shall I know it?
 * Lucifer.As I know not death,

I cannot answer.
 * Cain.Were I quiet earth,

That were no evil: would I ne'er had been Aught else but dust!
 * Lucifer.That is a grovelling wish,

Less than thy father's–for he wished to know!
 * Cain. But not to live—or wherefore plucked he not

The Life-tree?
 * Lucifer. He was hindered.
 * Cain.Deadly error!

Not to snatch first that fruit:—but ere he plucked The knowledge, he was ignorant of Death. Alas! I scarcely now know what it is. And yet I fear it—fear I know not what!
 * Lucifer. And I, who know all things, fear nothing; see

What is true knowledge.
 * Cain.Wilt thou teach me all?
 * Lucifer. Aye, upon one condition.
 * Cain.Name it.
 * Lucifer.That

Thou dost fall down and worship me—thy Lord.
 * Cain. Thou art not the Lord my father worships.
 * Lucifer.No.
 * Cain. His equal?
 * Lucifer.No;—I have nought in common with him!

Nor would: I would be aught above—beneath— Aught save a sharer or a servant of His power. I dwell apart; but I am great:— Many there are who worship me, and more Who shall—be thou amongst the first.