_Cain_. But not to live--or wherefore plucked he not The Life-tree? _Lucifer_. He was hindered. _Cain_. Deadly error! Not to snatch first that fruit:--but ere he plucked The knowledge, he was ignorant of Death. Alas! I scarcely now know what it is, And yet I fear it--fear I know not what! _Lucifer_. And I, who know all things, fear nothing; see 300 What is true knowledge. _Cain_. Wilt thou teach me all? _Lucifer_. Aye, upon one condition. _Cain_. Name it. _Lucifer_. That Thou dost fall down and worship me--thy Lord. _Cain_. Thou art not the Lord my father worships. _Lucifer_. No. _Cain_. His equal? _Lucifer_. No;--I have nought in common with him! Nor would: I would be aught above--beneath-- Aught save a sharer or a servant of His power. I dwell apart; but I am great:-- Many there are who worship me, and more Who shall--be thou amongst the first. _Cain_. I never 310 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.[104] _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? 320 _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, 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!