Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 5.djvu/252

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 * Cain.I never

As yet have bowed unto my father's God. Although my brother Abel oft implores That I would join with him in sacrifice:— Why should I bow to thee?
 * Lucifer.Hast thou ne'er bowed

To him?
 * Cain. Have I not said it?—need I say it?

Could not thy mighty knowledge teach thee that?
 * Lucifer. He who bows not to him has bowed to me.
 * Cain. But I will bend to neither.
 * Lucifer.Ne'er the less,

Thou art my worshipper; not worshipping Him makes thee mine the same.
 * Cain.And what is that?
 * Lucifer. Thou'lt know here—and hereafter.
 * Cain.Let me but

Be taught the mystery of my being.
 * Lucifer.Follow

Where I will lead thee.
 * Cain. But I must retire

To till the earth—for I had promised—
 * Lucifer.What?
 * Cain. To cull some first-fruits.
 * Lucifer.Why?
 * Cain. To offer up

With Abel on an altar.
 * Lucifer.Said'st thou not

Thou ne'er hadst bent to him who made thee?
 * Cain.Yes—

But Abel's earnest prayer has wrought upon me; The offering is more his than mine—and Adah—
 * Lucifer. Why dost thou hesitate?
 * Cain.She is my sister,