Page:The poem-book of the Gael - Hull.djvu/75

THE PENANCE OF ADAM AND EVE “There was not among the elements of dear God, one that would come, in heaven or earth, against our will, to destroy us, save only the wicked Lucifer.

“Even Lucifer could not harm us, while we were under law (in a) perfect course according to mandate, according to command.

“Because we wronged dear God who gave us everything, on every height, all creatures together, are (now) in opposition to us.

“It is not God who has been evil towards us, O Eve, ruddy, gentle fair one; it is we who have wronged the Prince, though He provided us with lasting good.” Eve spake, for she was in distress, in sorrow, after the fall; “O Adam, marvellous over every wild, why do you not kill me for my sins?

“It is I who transgressed the law, it is I who committed the transgression, it would then be right that thou should'st slay me, O my Lord, O Adam! Rh