Side by side in this drama with the exposure of the hollowness of the general orthodox belief in God, we have a passionate representation of the infinite misery of human existence. To what underlies this, the empty, unmeaning name of _pessimism_ has been given; the true definition is, a profound compassion for the undeniable sufferings of humanity. Far deeper down in Byron's soul than wrath with the power which creates only to destroy, lies the feeling of the obligatory sympathy of all with all--sympathy with all the suffering which it is impossible to relieve, but equally impossible not to be conscious of. _Cain_ is a tragedy dealing with the source of all tragedy--the fact that man is born, suffers, sins, and dies. Byron revolves in his mind the Bible legend: Adam has been tamed; Eve has been cowed; Abel is a gentle, submissive boy; Cain is young humanity--pondering, questioning, desiring, demanding. He is to take part in the general thanksgiving. Praise and give thanks for what? For life? Am I not to die? For life? Did I ask to live? Am I still in the garden of Eden? Why should I suffer? For Adam's transgression? "What had _I_ done in this?--I was unborn: I sought not to be born; nor love the state To which that birth has brought me. Why did he Yield to the serpent and the woman? Or, Yielding, why suffer? What was there in this? The tree was planted, and why not for him? If not, why place him near it, where it grew, The fairest in the centre? They have but One answer to all questions: 'Twas _his_ will, And _he_ is good.' How know I that? Because He is all-powerful, must all-good, too, follow?" Goodness would not create evil, and what hath He created but evil? And even supposing evil leads to good?--why not create good at once? He has "multiplied himself in misery," and yet He is happy. Who could be happy alone, happy in being the only happy one? And that is what He is--the "indefinite, indissoluble tyrant."