Cain. Alas! my mother,

I know not; there are mysteries in your heart

Which I profess not knowledge of: it may be

That this is so; if so, may God reveal it.

Have faith you too in my heart’s secrets; yea,

All I can say, alas, is that to me,

As I now comprehend it, this were sin.

Atonement—no: not that, but punishment.

But what avails to talk? talk as we will,

As yet we shall not know each other’s hearts;