No More Learning

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, 330
Born on the same day, of the same womb; and
She wrung from me, with tears, this promise; and
Rather than see her weep, I would, methinks,
Bear all--and worship aught.

_Lucifer_. Then follow me!

_Cain_. I will.

_Enter_ ADAH.

_Adah_. My brother, I have come for thee;
It is our hour of rest and joy--and we
Have less without thee. Thou hast laboured not
This morn; but I have done thy task: the fruits
Are ripe, and glowing as the light which ripens:
Come away.

_Cain_. Seest thou not?

_Adah_. I see an angel; 340
We have seen many: will he share our hour
Of rest?