Il possedoit le monde et non une asseurance;
Il estoit seul partout, hors mis sa conscience,
Et fut marqué au front affin qu'en s'enfuiant
Aucun n'osast tuer ses maux en le tuant.
It is clear that if the poem suggested the subject to Hugo it suggested nothing else.
With Caïn may be compared Le Parricide, one of the 1859 series, which is also inspired by the theme of the guilty conscience pursuing the murderer. In this case remorse is symbolized by a drop of blood which falls upon the head of the criminal wherever he goes.
Assur, English Asshur; the name occurs in the marginal rendering of Gen. x. II (Revised Version).
The names of persons and their descriptions are taken from the account of Cain's descendants in Gen. iv. 17-23.
Jabel, English Jabal, son of Lamech, a descendant of Cain and Adah. 'He was the father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle.'
Tsilla, English Zillah, one of Lamech's wives.