No More Learning

Then what have I further to do with life,
Since I have taken life from my own flesh?
But he can not be dead! --Is silence death?
No; he will wake; then let me watch by him. 350
Life cannot be so slight, as to be quenched
Thus quickly! --he hath spoken to me since--
What shall I say to him? --My brother! --No:
He will not answer to that name; for brethren
Smite not each other. Yet--yet--speak to me.
Oh! for a word more of that gentle voice,
That I may bear to hear my own again!

_Enter_ ZILLAH.

_Zillah_. I heard a heavy sound; what can it be?
'Tis Cain; and watching by my husband.
What
Dost thou there, brother? Doth he sleep? Oh, Heaven! 360
What means this paleness, and yon stream? --No, no!
It is not blood; for who would shed his blood?
Abel! what's this? --who hath done this? He moves not;
He breathes not: and his hands drop down from mine
With stony lifelessness! Ah! cruel Cain!
Why camest thou not in time to save him from
This violence? Whatever hath assailed him,
Thou wert the stronger, and shouldst have stepped in
Between him and aggression! Father! --Eve!