Beyond the eastern ridge, in quest for one

Whom he named Cain, brother to Seth, true uncle

To these young spearmen; they should lead him here

For a last benediction at his hands.

First-born yet outlawed! Scarcely they believed

In this strange word of "Cain," in this new man,

Man, yet outside the tents; but Adam swore

And gave them a fair sign of recognition.

There was a brand, he said, a firm red pillar

Parting Cain's brows, and Cain had mighty hands,