Or had not said: “Lex talionis is life’s fence,”[422]
Who’d had audacity, of his own will,
To put to death a man who should another kill?170
He knows each creature by His power endued with sight.
And He’s aware a slayer does but work His might.
If His command be set on mortal’s head to slay,—
Albeit his own child,—he must the word obey.
Go! Stand in fear! Blame not, too much, the bad!
Know, thou art equally a slave with him who’s mad!
The eye of Adam fell upon a demon foul,