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Maps, piaios, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many f^-ames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film^s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6, il est filmd d partir de Tangle supdrieur gauche, de gauche d droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images ndcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 A »£r .» A f. Hl3 % -tr THE TWO OFFERINGS. A DRAMA. By The Author Of THBEE VOLXJMES IN MINIATURE. LAHSTOK PUB. CO. KINGSCLEAE. N. B. CANADA. (1890) "ACADV WOL ! h V I I J CONTJBNTS, THE TWO OFFERINGS. LAMECH. J 11 ♦ I 9^5 7 9 THE TWO OFFERINGS THE PEBSONS. Eve. daughters. Yachal. Adam. sons. Cain. Abel. Chagor. Horam. Shamar. Agmon, Azar, Zemir. Bilcri, Elon, Keras. Chamam son of Gain. NissetKufe of Cain. ZaapJh daughter of Cam. A Messenger. ^ Vernon. Tiphara. Baah. Yaphch. Elpis. Tocheleth, Shirah. Sechoh. Eshcol. Betah. 1 1 t 1 !■ ^.i ! ,1 I! I i- ' '# THE TWO OFFERINGS. I): 'i * > Scene I. Eden, Near the gate of Paradise, Gain, [standing by a heap of fruits and flowers^ THE morning sin^s — remembering Paradise, As in the days my father sometimes speaks of. Not then those fiery sword armed cherubim, Forbid the gateway to that tree of life. And from the full crofts of my husbandry. I now have culled some fruits, in recognition Of the Mysterious One, from whom my mother Said she had gotten a Man. Am I that Seed ? The Man predicted, of whom she was thinking ? I hear the hush of an inspiring hope, Embathed in zephyrs rich with aroma, That stray and lag beyond the sacred limit, Weary with nameless exquisite perfumes ; Those flowers forever hidden and untouched ! — A goodly patrimony — now not ours. But there is sunshine in free rectitude. ll se: Cbc STlDO ©Icr.n^s. With a clear record, have I need to bring A bleeding sacrifice, such as my parents, With gathered branches, often dedicate, Amidst the tongues of a dissolving (lame ? They need it possibly — for they have erred. But never indeed have I. My life is faultless, All perfectly attired 'and unoffending. My deeds have a vitality and purpose. Securing the goodwill and generous friendship Of the High Personage who walked and talked Amidst flower hidden tents. [^Arranges and decorates the pile with /lowers. "[ ."' This adds a grace. \_Standingi with arms extended towards the nt. Yes, sit me down, W^aiting and watching. These moss hidden roots, Offer a couch beneath a flower hung tere.— No token yet, nor any note approving. \_Ahel in the cnstanca apjrroaching. Who comes up yonder avenue, between Those towering trees superb and grandly weighted Rising so rank with beauty, and embossed. Such exquisite tracings, rapturously rich ! Such fruits such blossoms ! -Abel ?-Ye8,*ti8 he. A lamb he leadeth gently. Ah, a fat one. And will he deal the delicate harmless creature A cruel blow. And seek to pacify The Great, the Unknown, with the leeking blood Of helpless innocence ? {Enter Ahel with a lamb. Rcdraining its gamhols Abel Yes, silly creature l. Cam. Unblemished, perfect, choicest of the flock. Lovely, and white! Now spare it, Abel, spare it. What reason is there in an act like that ? . tij, \' l! What is thy sin ? or where the unfounded c^^arge Against this frolic creature ? How much better Is the rich bloodless tribute of my heap. Delicious fruits and flowers Divinely graced. While, with unsullied purity of purpose. Waiting I sit, anticipating light. And Heavenly recognition. Abel. Brother, perhaps He, the most kind, will have respect to thee, And to thy offering. But for myself, I have a diverse feeling. I am consoious Of the decrepitude that hath befallen Our parents and ourselves. We are not, now The free, offenceless, blest and blissful beings, We would have been. The thorn of a decay. Has pierced us and we feel it. Bat, while knowihg And while lamenting it, I have been taught Something emphatic, which I fail to express. And faintly comprehend. It is a leeling, Or rather, a persuasion, that for all Our sad defection and misfortunes, God, The Rich One, the Exalted, has prepared Some way of good : some outlet from this plight : Some stately interchange. Cain. Ah, these must be Far straying thoughts, that sail like birds aloft Yon glory canopied hills. Abel. And He has taught us To offer up the innocent, and atone — Ah, who can know the greatness of our error ? — With blood of lambs, which may be emblematic. 174 1 ••J.* Niiy, 1 believe that it foreshadows something, Harmonious with Hia justice aud His love. Beyond the mountains. Cain. Abel, can that be ? i never shall believe it. I have nothing To expiate. And yet, suppose I had, How could the bleeding of an inocent lamb, The smoke and odor of a sacrifice, Effect an expiation ? Ahel. If I knew, I ml^ht enlighten thee. Yet, though I know not, A restoratJou is connected with it. And more that this, the offering is prescribed, Yes, Cain my brother, by the Vanishi»g One, Who sometimes talks with us. Cain. Proced then, Abel. > Wo differ and take note. But here I watch» Assured the while, and calmly confident, The tiibute of a glowing constancy, Shall meet the simple favor of its quest. (Ill ■ '*-'tm mtmrn I l( T THE TWO OFFERINGS. Scene II. Bank of a Biver, Enter Eve. Sits on a stone^ under a clump of vine ivreathed trees. Sounds and glimpses of children and others in the openings. Eve, FIRST, and both singly born. And yet ^ how different! Cain is the sturdy one» the proud and lofty. He stoops not and he soars. Now like the eagle, Looks from behind the cloud : but gathers something Of blackness that befits not. Once I thought him The promised Seed. Alas, I fear me now ! He was the first who leapt into my arms, I joyed, and I believed he was the man, That Seed the serpent's head destined to bruise. Quickly another son succeeded him. And this seemed ominous, a sign, a signal. And rather interposed amidst my hopes, As if they might be premature. And ep 476 Cljt ^Tino (B^cxin^s, •I ■ , We named him Abel, thus to train oar spiriti To the txp'jctancies of death and Horrow. Oft, very often, has my liean, upl'.aped, By births by doiibb births of sous and daug-ht?r9, But yjt the firat two hold preeminence. [_Enter running Chaoor and Yachal. Chat^or, my bay — alack ! hast torn thy p^arment ? ITnsoil those feet and hands in yonder rill, Aod come to mc a,2;ain. And Y.ichal, — ah. My romping girl ! big drops of sweat arc ready To traverse those flushed cheeks. Yachal. Yes, dear my mother. But why seem you so sad : and all else gay ? The birds are musical, the lambs and kids Gambol and hide mid flowers. Kow dearest mother, lE7iter Hotiam.] Tell us of those rare walks, those trelaced paths Pebbled with gems, deep fringed with odorous plants. Of exquisite beauty Horam. Mother, O yes. Eve. Alas ! The dream is dead the golden day is set, The fangs of want have seized us, Life now shuns us. lEnter Cham am. For you I weep, my darlings. Chagor. No ! sweet Mother, All is not lost, rich love svirvives to bless us, 177 11 li ! I' I 'I Think n H so sadly of it. YwhtJ. flov/ fares CVnm'vn ^ ii^wi. Son Ohamam — of my Cain, of Cain my first born. Hither, my boy : how dainty is thy cheek ! Resembling thy sweet mother's lovely Nisboth. Dear lad, be not so fiery as thy father. Impeach thy name, for it seems ominoas Of nothing very gracious. Ckamam. Mother, nay ! Hasty I am not. How I love the sport With pebbles to earth the birds that fly so nimbly, And quell their merry throats. ^ie. Child, that is naughty, And not to be commended. Iloram. We remember Hearing you sometimes speak with our sage father Of things so wonderful ! Yachal. May vvc not hear them. On this green bank ? Fairer art thou than we, Though our kind brothers call us beautiful. And they are not so handsome as our father, Although we love them better. Chagor, Even prettier. Were you, dear mother, when in those rich bowers^ Or was our father, when you saw him first, Endowed with nobler symmetry ? Eve. Be good, Sweet children, and be glad. Enough is left To please us and to bless. What precious things, The Kind One has preserved to us ! Sometipie 178 CTfje STtoo ©fferin(j3. ♦ri Perhaps I'll tell thee much. I cannot now, For a charged cloud has overshadowed me, And tinges all my musings. Tipkarah. But, sweet mother, O tell us did you fear those stalking monsters?— Lo, here flits Zaaph ! Eve^ Daughter of my son. Of Cain my premier, let me kiss thy lips. My gay one and my lovely, though thy name, Zaaph my dear, denote far otherwise. Thy liniaments are lofty as thy father's. And as thy mother's peerless. She, my first. The dawn star of my excellence, first wedded. And rich in hope. Yapheh. mother, tell us, tell us, Did you not laugh at the grotesque and saucy Strange monkeys and their mimicry ? Or were They not in that fair Gan ? Eve, My pratlers. He Who framed all creatures, loves variety. And has provided for all genial moods. And entertainments tasteful for each trait And feature of his sons and of his daughters, ^ Be good and thus be blissful. Play not rudely. Bun offi all except Shamar. Midst fruits and flowers how gleeful ! But my son My Shamar shuns the frolic ? Shamar. I am musing Of something that I saw some eves ago. It puzzles me, and might I crave, dear mother. One word of counsel. Yet we cluster round the© 179 n ^)t STbo (^^CTrrfnga As a full ne&t of birds about to fly. Upborne by unproved wings and iluttcrlng ever. J?ve. I litten, Sbamar. Shamir, For tbine car alone. My motber, is this tale. Rich was that Even, The moon was up, round as a pearl white rose. And softly sailing. Yonder — it was by Those gray cliffs grandly jutting o'er the cove. Beneath those huge tree« interlocked, wherein Fond birds were sweetly warbling. Seated there. On the stern crag while gladnisss sighed around me Midst twinkling fruits and leaves fanned by soft airs, £ml)Osomed in exhUerating hope. Transported to a region fanciful, I sat, absorbed in glowing ecstacy, Empleading with the future. When behold, Yachai and Elpis, my most lovely sisters. Walked up along the beach. I was about To leave my seat and run to ihem« When lo. Two me« appeared beside them. I Why is thy countenance fallen ? If well thou doest, Fhall there not be nplifting? But if not. Sin crouches at the door ! Thee he desires ! And rule thou over him. Cain, Who spoke so near me ? — • I know ! — Alas, my pride is trodden down. My spirit flounders on the muddy flats. The river of my hope is shrunk and fled. I am o'ertopt and baffled. Eve, {entering suddenly.) my Cain I tE^i QTlao Offerings. Wliat troubles thee, my firstborn ? Can I Jo Aught that will give thee glaln -at ? Cain^ Mother, where Slinks the bland python that onoe cheated thee. And robbed us all of glory ? i will meet him. And cripple him with ray club ! Eoe, Alas, my son. He was too shrewd for me : beware I even thou, Maye»t by hia guile be foiled.. Cain. I do'nt believe it. I feel a surly rancor that shall match him. Eve, My son my Cain, alas, that I could see thco Cheerful and loving, as when yet a prattler, I nursed thee on my k lees ; and from my bosom Fed tbeo in joyful hope. Cam, Mother, no more ! Strides off. Ev% Ah, I have dreamed about him frequently. Alas, this dark deportment ! {Enter Adam.) Come, my lord. Toil cravea some rest. Sit by me. Adam, Was that Cain, Who seems exasperated and extreme, Kavah my gentlest, and goes o\r the hill With hasty strides ? Eve, 'Tis he indeed, my lord, Proud and disdainful. Adam. Meditating ill ? Surely not *gainst that brother whose meek words Hang like a sunset splendor on the cloud That hides a sullen purpose ? Eve. Adam, I fear it, 485 • One of his fairost slstors is the wife Ufthis sad Cain. Wiicnce thon his discontt-nt ? la he not happy in the gentle lovo Of one 80 amiable ? Adam. What can be his lack ? Eve. I know not. But a spectre haunts the look, Tuat sometimes mars his features. Adatn. Can it bo. Some evil purpose prowls around his tent ,* L ,'t us go forth by yonder rivulet. My Kavah, where those luscious vines are gleaming. ( 27/ e?/ arise and go.) Here, where rich fruits are merged in odorous blossoms. Come let us cheer our hearts. Well I remembar The golden hour, when I awoke, and saw A Being beautiful exceeding beauty. Who smiled and spoke. And language like sweet waters. Gushed from the newmade fountain of my heart. And comprehension like au ocean swept Wit.i all its ti les about me. Then again. After some days, in a most fortunate hour, — My memory wafts it, like a song of birds Over still waters from the pensive hills : — I slept — how sweet the purport of that slumber. When I awaked, before me stood The Prince. And by the hand he held — O sweet surprise ! j A new made being. What loveliness complete, 186 i E^t Ctoo ©ffcTingfl. i What marvellous beauty showered me with delight. Kavah, my princess, O my ravishing one : What loveliness excessive. Uve. Stolen by me — Alas, that it should be so : ah, why was it ? Yes, to participate my hapless doom, The princely boon of immortality Was juggled from thee. Death became thy portion, My fondest husband. And we saw, and, lo, What opulence evanished. Adam. Dearest Kavah, Let us dismiss these thoughts. Accept the PjoUvcO Of good and glory that contemn not us. Present inevitably is our plight. But mellow are the fruits of resignation, And filial confidence in our Creator, Whose boon in hopeful tokens, glads our hcarta. Often and oft. From this commanding hill. This breezy nook, this crowning eminence ; Beneath these trees desplaycd in pristine beauty, Alluring vouchers of The Marvellous Hand : Vital with fruits, profuse with laughing Vjlossnms, How charming is the prospect. Songful gUdnens Awakes around us gay with exultation. And still more exquisitely touching, gcc Our dear ones, beautiful as fragrant blostiomo, Enjoy their healthful sports. Blithe ^3, the birds, Merry as lambs and kids that skip vv vth jqy . They see no hardship and they laugh at sorrotsr, 187 ' If In all this beautiful workK Yapheh. {entering) My deorost parents. O see those parrots — one is red, one green. And now they climb — they use their crooked beaks — High up those lofty trees, so full of blossoms. See, see. Agmon, And there a humming-bird is dipping Its long thin beak, poised on its misty wings Sipping the nectar of that great pink flower. Keras. Off for another feast, see ! pauses now Full in the blissful sunshine. Eve. Here come more Scampering merrily. Where have been our darlings ? Azaar, Climbing the hills, the crags, the fruit- hung trees ; Tracing the brooks, watching the shining fish. Baah. Noting gay pictures in the quiet pools, The duplecative image of each other ! Tocheleth. And the bowed heavens that stooped below the hills. Eve, Pleasant and healthful pastime. Adam. This provides Tuition for the graver toils of life. Eve. Be kind, dear boys, and courteous to your Bisters : And you my daughters likewise. Adam. Love each other. Let no coarse word be spoken. Yachal. And, dear mother, 188 C^I^ -T We saw strange birds tall as the an tiered elk. With pendulous plumes prodigeous. Yes and others, Where all the colors of the gem strewn garden Seemed melted o'er thair feather* by the stream* Of golden sunlight. Chagor. Happened on a fountain Boiling beneath a rock. The moving sand Sparkled below the waters crystalline, Verged with such fragrant roses. O it seemed Reviving. Shamar. Could cool founts of Eden, ever Have been more sweet and pleasant. Horam. Tell us, mother. Something of those lost glories and delights. JEve. If good betide us, at our noon repast. When in our tent assembled, as we linger To elude the noontide heat, I will recount Something, contributing variety To the smooth hours and careless quietude Ot your young hearts. Regrets belike may add A pungent flavour : as the past revives Eclipsed and shadow laden. Until then. Some tasks require our presence. Adam. And let each Repair to the allotted toil. Nor smite. By trifling or by indolence profane, The elaborate moments of the ornate days That beckon us far on, and halt not ever. 1S9 THE TWO OFFEEINGS. Scene V. EvB in her tent door talking with AbeIj. Cain passes. Abel. I LOVE him and have stinted nought of honor. And yet he frowns upon me. Saw you not, Dear mother, that dread scowl ? Eve, Alas ! my Abel. There he goes sullenly by yonder brink. I trembh to behold him. Must you go, Dear Abel, 'must you go ? Why not remain Until your sire returns from yonder glen ? The children all are absent — make them glad. Ahel^ My charge is such, dear mother, that I must not. A bear came down upon my flock this morning : Two iambs are missing now. Eve. Go then, my son. 190 L 1"*. - , A Z\)c Z'c:o Cffrrinrcs. • And farcAvtli. Kiiui muthcr- Gocl be Avilh tlico. All! J. And M'ith thee, and each one of us. Adieu. (/J 0171 (J.) EvG. Alas, this woeful day. How deep the taint Of alienation and the cloud in Cain, With li^^htning flashes. Hut in Abel oft I .mark a diifercnt spirit. Something meek, A ;^-erm of holiness. Ocntle and lovin<^^ Noble and reverent. And withal so humble. Placing himself so lo'v, and lifting up Others with fervent eflbrt. Yes, in him God hath perhaps appointed me a race To gladden earth at length, instead of Cain : "Whose offspring, if distinguished, may be famed For rccklcssnes gigantic. Can it be ? Alas, alas, what bitter, burning thoughts ! Albeit a sweet and cooling consolation. Flows by me like this river. And I think It will be well with us, and God will bring Glory from midst the blackness of our fall. T hear some merry voices from the hills. I see them flitting through the open wood. They come, my birds ! and he my liege is coming. It fills my heart with laughter. Though the dole Of a lost splendor hurls its rock to crush me. Behold the uppiled fruits. Come I cheer your hearts 191 It With a regaling plenty. my leige. And you our dear ones all. See what a flock. With beauty crowned and gladness ! '•9' Adam. Dearest Kavab, How tireless the solicitude that charms us. How thoughtful, how considerate thy love That still consoles us. What indeed were life. Without the enchanting presence of my Kavah, My being beautiful ? Star of my lot, Kich in the light of Heaven, and cloudless • shining ! II ■^f THE TWO OFFERINGS. Scene VI. Orapcs and various other rich fruits in jpro/usion heaped around. Parents and children reclining at their repast. BiKRi. O PARENTS dear, we giddy chat- tering birds. Laughingly come— though to an oracle. We bring our nestlings, clamorous and unfledged Musings that puzzle and o'ermaster us. Cantlets of incidents from romps and rambles. Sundries we know not, items we would learn. Merrilv flocking, we presume on privilege. So oft accorded. Elpis, In our late excursions, Flapping and ebon tinted wings o'erswept us. Sailing beyond the limit of our view. It is your wont all lovingly to aid us. Yet the impenetrable mystery ! Eve. Now must your Heaven instructed sire dispense III 2rf)c Cluo Offcrinso. Kuowkago Avith (Mutioiis needful, Avliile wc taste KrcU-rioi s iinits. tic <:rattlul ltH^lif ^;, By our Great Father graciously prepared, liow precious all His gil'tb ! Frocced, my children. Each one in turn : and, Eshcol, will you Ictid ? 4 Eshcol My sire, as I was standing? near a pool Watching the little fish that in the shallow And pebbled waters, seemed delightin.Gf ever To ulide or rest, with shining scales, and fina That noiselessly impel them through the crystal. Quick as a flash I saw a bird swoop down riange in the water an! bring up a fish In i*s curved talons dripping, Elon. T, my father, Bch'ld, rs I was sittin,:; on a stone In an arched pathway, after a long ramble. Perhaps 'twas two hours since— hard by I spied A serpent coiled, neck vivid ringed, head high Advanced and eagerly intent on something Lost in the sky. When lo— O very soon, A pretty bird came flying round and round. In circles ever n rrowing, until — S^e I it alights on tb t red forked tongue — Tis gone — the reptile gorged it at a gulp. And stealthily makes off". Jietah. I too, dear father. Saw something sad, abstruse, inexplicable : 104 !i '''*'*»l*W'BI'gg««gW»WC!«!gBI«BI.' IMI^,i 1 )1 ^ T i I 4 9^t CtDO #lttrms« Alas 1 why should delight and torture mingle > Or wanton sport run riot and subvert ? Walking along the sandy beach this morning. Admiring many things, till lost in revery. Thus passing down along those shining sands. Some kids I noticed gamboling by the water. When suddenly— how sorrowful the tale— A fierce beast pounced upon them, seized and rended. And lugged one off Into the nearest thicket. Fear chaaed me and 1 ran. Shirah. Early this morning, High on yon brow, a little after sunrise, Loitering. And sometimes piping with my lips, One of those sweet entransing melodies, Brought from the blissful garden by our mother. Zemir there found me. And in concert we. As our dear parents oft instructed us. Chanted, or piped, or sang melodeously. Those airs unequaUed. Sometimes alternating, A yearning melody of memories, Wrenched from the past. Zemiry Yes ! reveled we in music. How kind our blest Creator to enrich us, With speech, with singing, with the musical reed Of our own lips, to bid grand echoes sail, , 195 Ill "^1 5n>e STtoo midnQs. Repeating charming harmonies, till aU The merry hills are rapturous. Shvrdh. Just then, A great dark bird dropt sweeping from the cragsi Seized a young lamb, and carried it away, Bleating up to a rock hid eiry high. Then half fledged nestlings shed discordant clamor, Feasting, as we believe. Elon. Dear father, tell us, Were those dread creatures armed and in the train. Which you beheld and named ? EsUol Tell us, deaf father. Did they devour each other ? Did they fight, Or cruelly invade each others rights ? . Or were they gentle ever ? Kdam, Ah, my chUdren, Original glory has departed from us. Sin having entered, for our sakes fair earth "With all its denizens is under ban. Yea, dark eclipse. The liberal herbs, the roots The tender grasses and the dainty buds, ' Erst were the food of all the varied orders Of earth and air. lU would it now beseem us ' Were aU God^s creatures glad except oiuaelves! 196 1 < I The whole earth quite exempted* while we suffer. Once the plantationa of rich earth were ours. With all their, fruits and eeeds. Now toil is added^ And half the original splendor is withdrawn. Yes, our Creator, out of pity to us The rulers, and alas, the sad offenders. Involved the whole creation in our doom. How terrible the vouchers of our fall, The wailing memorizers of revolt! We forced this rich world out of harmony. We by one act evoked the spectre death. The change how vast ! Now they devour each other. B«4 are those tortures really what they seem ? You ask, my children. No, they are not always. Though ever bordered by protective fear, A merciful provision softens down The cruel act, and half exempts the prey From real suffering. Merged as in a dream, Paialess their simple coixsciousness expires. # THE TWO OFFERINGS. SCHKB VII. The repaM now over, Parents and Children git or reclme in the tree shaded Tent, Azi.B. DEAB father — ah, we fear to weaiy thee- Y«t how delighted do we list and learn, Nair&tives that to us are ever dreamlike » And magical intensely. Sechok, Importune? Cease, saucy prattlers ! Yet, and nevertheless. Kind patience sits undimmed. And love will lead Ideally, those troops of wondrous creatures. In that sublime review. Horam. There was the mammoth ? There, the lithe squirrel ? There the tiny bird ? There the swift ostrich winged ? There flying fowl? There reptiles terrible ? There insect broods ? 1»8 \ fEht Crina ©ffcrfnga. t Ehn . O wcTf the yeanlings wonk and the grim monsters That prowl and ramp and shake the woods with tt'fTor, Peaceful logethcr } Adam. Children, you may lislen. - Kver enthiujia.stic, though this icon Often have 1 presented. Bright the sunshine Of golden raemoriua falla over me, Even amidHt the gloom. — I had juat risen. Crowned with ripe glory in my Mukcr'a image. Ho the All Beautiful beside me stood, And summoned His glad creatures for review. Wonder of wondera ! In long varied lines Of wavy splendor, they began their march. I saw them moving o'er the dappled plaing. The tree clad dells, the breezy eminences, The jagged hill tops and the deep ravines. All shapes, each marvellous, strange, grotesque or noble. Strength and agility were repreBe5led. And grace and elegance and rapturous beauty. There the behemoth monstrous as a mountain, Yet exquisitely moulded and superb, There too the elephant of type sagacious. Moved they unwieldy ? No, seemed playful even, Huge leaders of a long admiring file. I saw each creature and percieved its nature. And named them there. Such wisdom thea endowed me. 199 Cljt Ctoo ©flTfimga. StchoTc. But one yon snw not ! Adorn, Ay, my children, ay. Tlie crowning one was missing. Yapheh. 'Twas out mother. Our own loved mother. Adam. Sought by me in vain Amongst God's creatures. Afterwards I saw her. Knraptured and entranced. L've. Ah, dearest Adam. How soon our bliss departed as a dream. Alas, a*aa. Adaw. My Kavah, we forget The healing love of our Oflended One. The sequel of His grace. Now we resume. O'er the campagna on bland zephyrs sailing. See you those birds ? They fleck the firmament. Near and afar mounting and mustering, Singly or grouped-such varied notes and plumage. Joined now by lesser tribes, and tiny vrarblers. With twinkling pennons rapid as a thonght, Flitting from flowers and trees of aroma. Exulting in exuberant life and freedom. Lo ! on yon hill some 6apping monstrous birds. Sail they aloft ? they use their wings to speed Their flying feet askance the dewy glebe. But mark — ye baffling fowls so gently convoyed, Aided by others. Are they pilgrims, led From the salt seas and spreading continents? What smiling oddities, what strict adaptions, What hidden uses, what abstruse desigus. Aad all so exquisite, so wonderful. 200 Yes, binls of every grade and every order ; Kacli slmpo, jiroportitin, plumiijje. dijinity; Minute and inoiiftronfl, (.liDsRir and grotcsLjue. Each as a rt.'pr<'scntative a[)p«N^red, Presenting each a clasH, eusconceU and perfect. All good. Yivphth. Dear father* and you n imed them there. O what a ward, so thrilling, rich and dreamlike, ilow dazzling but to imagine! Shirah, Now. bweet mother, Lovingly chant us yet one blissful song Of life in its beginnings. Yaohaf. Do, dear mother. Let us hear first about the shining river : Those waters cool and sweet and softly sounding, That roiled in silver volume. Zemir. And the gales That laughed and kissed the river, taugiit th3 groves Themes of a heavenly cadence now forgotten, Effusing joy and odors exquisite, Bathing these cheeks deliciously ! (hssing her.) JEve. My darlings, Much of your frequent questioning is answered — Tne hidden glories of the marvellouK garden, By your sage father. Who oft entertains ua ; Dispersing the obscuring mists of night, As a great luminary. This suffices. Some new anxieties have overprest me. And I have fluttered like an injured bird Along the silver brink of this fait morn. mammm >li i Some moment opportunp mi\y yet arrive. To answer your ontrtuULo. So, my (iarHngs, Ijet each perfonn the special tnsk allotted, Not care)f5*8!y, but diligently well. Labor is now both cheer and medicine. And life's stem bulwark in our faBen estate, S\ ce immortallity lies low and shattered. Yajpheh. Yes, but sweet mother, we are not yet weary Cf listening to your counsels kind and lov'ng. And pleasant still is toil. Azar, Just tell us, mother. Of that rich hill of God, the prospect mountain. Yachal. Do, dearest mothef . O we tease thee so. Bat such themes so enchant us* Eve. Well, my darlingE— Can I refrain to gratify my loved ones ? — Now h t your romping fancies from the glens, The witching labyrinths, the gale rencounters, Arise equipped with aeal to follow me. Beyohd us, in the barred full treasured East, Hides a rare mountain. There-its phantom rieet ! O recollection princely and divine ! Monarch of hills — afar, afar behold it ! Up from that base, what stars, what limpid lights, Peering from vines flowers shrubs trees exquisite; With hues superb embellishing the hill. Stars ? nay ! gtones, prisms of special ray, great gems. Lonely in beftuty, each in vigil sitting. 202 • These form a circling flight, high and upleading. A stairway — every step a burning gem. Such gentle aacent, a walk munificent, In jets of lustre leading richly on, And quivering radiantly quite to the summit. There on a floor of polished marquetry. Pearl-wrought and thickly gemmed, a regal seat. Crowned with a sheaf of gay celestial plumes, That blossomed in a halo of surprise. Forever choice, midst stately parapets, Invited us how oft with generous cheer. No repetition cloyed that chaste delight. We viewed the blissful landscape opening far. And the seraphic prospect of the heavens, With their exalted hosts. Oft, oft we watched Clouds multiform huge massing heap on heap. There zigsag lightnings gamboled proud and keen. Amidst sublime reverberating thunders, Grand and imposing, glorious mid the rains That danced for joy to shower the laughing earth. Oft, often have I climbed that flight celestial, With your dear father, going up and up ! — O hear you not those murmurs of rich cadene© ? Yapheh. Ah, could we hear and see the thing* you note, The hill, the jewels and the regal seat : And view the nimble fire-shafts, hear the ctgah Of mountain- shaking thunders — and not fear ! Eve. O for one fruit from those empurple^ Tjut f } 303 Could I but climb as once those regal steps, Mounting on gems resplendent ! Yachal Ah, dear mother. Azar. But were those gems of different stain and order ? Yapheh. How various were they ? Eve. In variety Twelve formed the series. First the precious ruby — Again it lifts ! vested in dazzling vision. See every gem in each due course presented. Watch! as I point. At base the bedded ruby Issues its fiery rule, ensanguined richly. The topaz lights its golden orange flame. The garnet radiant in empurpled brown. Next, the reviving emerald sweetly sheds Its verdant grace and joy voluptuous. Lo ! the blue delicate sapphire, nascent, pure, Laves with cerulean circumambient ray. The diamond flings its many fingered flame— What changeful brilliant hues inspire the flight ! And near, the particolored agate, ringed. In ripe hvmonious blendings burns serene. See you the luminous amethyst superb. Diffusing kingly purple, as jf grapes ? Next, the prized beryl, golden tinged and rare, Kindles its fleecy beauty and steps forth. Now the striped onyx, the rich sard, desplaya New cbarms, august, and flecked, and softly bright, 204 dTJe 8rij)0 ©ffetinga Comes last the spotted jasper's polished prism. With cloud-like colors exquisitely dreamed. Zemir. O what an amphitheatre sublime. Fresh dewed with marvels ! Shirah. So enhanced by chime* That sun creation with exponent light, Pervading life and warmth and redolence. Felt, though unnoticed. Eve. Ever eloquent, Song greeted us from that celestial tower, Exhaustless and imperial. O my darlings ! My heart grows faint, my spirit languishes, With a great yearning, when those visions rise In glory ineffacible. Yapheh. Dear mother ! Eve. Yet I believe, my darlings, something better Is kept in store for us. After this life. This forfeited existence shall have closed, Something far off, in some kind way prepared. Let us love God and so be meet for it. His name is Wonderful, with mystery Unsearchable, and kindness beyond thought. THr TWO OFFERINGS. T i\ 'I i Scene VIII. The bank of a River. Adam standing in seeming abandon. Suddenly enters a mysterious Messengeb. 3 > ill Mess. PRINCE — yet the child of yesterday, all hail ! Adam. All hail t But whence and wherefore art thou come To me a stranger mere, and as thou sayest Created yesterday ? Mess. My dwelling is In the far mansions thou mayest yet behold. And in the light. Some conflict loads thy breast. And therefore am I sent. Adam. Perplexities Entangle me, *tis true. And oft and oft. Sombre become my m si gs. Mess. You were thinking Of matters late reported to your wife : Hatters beyond belief, Adam, Yes, even so, Alai, can such he real ? Mess. Prince, and son Of The Most High, although such things appear Impossible; they ?nay happen. Even we L (!rf)e ^too OffErinflS. 1 ii Arc capable of sinnin^r, and possess Magniiicence of might, which alicni'^ed, Results in twofold ruin. Adam. I have marked, Not apprehensive, with forebodings none, Guardians superlativ-.', as I supposed, Beings evanisliing, who watched intent. With pensive admiration, our fair daughters. They came unnoticed, unperceived they went. Could I mistrust them ? 31ess. Hearken, child of God. Some things alarm. TtKse acts betoken ill. Argue defection in the heavenly ranks, And woe already in some proteus form. Imperiling your daughters. Be advised, Admonish them. Should they become the wivet Of angels who thus leave their first estate, To revel earth, to castdlate the air, To blot the wor, hi j of The Holy One, Your race will be corrupted. Demigods Will arrogate the dignity of Heaven. With tricks and antics will bestride the world, By rule atrocious, and evolve a race Gigantic, horrible. Rank wickedness Will fret and foul and desecrate each clime, And fester earth with violence and shame, Till purged by doom condign. Adam. These words alarm me. Mess. Farewell. Adam. Farewell. — Lo, he ascends — far up. 207 THE TWO OFFERINGS Scene IX. Under a tree, partly storm broken, fruitless and trailing with moss. Cain discovered sul- lenly leaning on a club. Enter a Demon. Dlmon. thy thoughts seem moody, and not well befitting This quiet spot. Cheer up, my friend, for truly These shadows are relieving. And the air Is balmy and inspiring. Cain. Who art thou ? Resembling all my mother's sons — But yet, There seems a difference, tho' i scarce can tell Precisely where it sits. Demon. Exactly so. My name is Freedom, and undoubtedly You have not heard of me. Cain. Possibly not. But I suspect that python, who my mother Says talked to her beneath the fatal tree. Something no serpent can, had taken on him That form for her deceiving. And by means Of liberty dethroned us, Demon. You are slaves, And I would bring you back to opulence 208 CTfjj CTiDO ©Ofermgs, » or purpose and of act. Your mother's sfory Looks any thing but likoly. Who would need l?o silly an exordium *o partake Of something so delightful, but withheld I y arbitrary rule ? Cain. But we have gatherod Some bitter fruits that follow h r misdoing. -And the dread gateway witnesses to something I npleasant even to think of. Demon. Listen patiently. Of all the sons and daughters of your mother,, Have any died ? You can not say so ? Cain. No, Really I cannot. They are numerous, After myself and Abel. I was first. And being a signal birth, alone and single, My mother and my father both predicted Gi'eat things, and a career. But shortly after, Abel was similarly born. Since then, Sometimes — nay frequently, have two competed For the first fondlings of a mother's joy, And sweet reward of pain. Demon. And so it seems As I suspected, you are now eclipsed. Like the fair moon. Cain. I long have felt it so. Demon. And a black jealousy sits like the tiger 209 m C!)c ^Tijjo ©CCcrfnsu. liK' Ready to pounce. T do not wonder at it. You are supplanted by tuis very Abel, He holds the preference. And what reason for it ? W::y should it be so ? Are you not the first born ? High and preeminent ? Cain. In myself I feel The swelling of some fount..in ci.okei and hidden But violently struggling. Demon. Must T suffer The impulse of a rich exalted nature, And bind it by the withs of a resolve, And hold it as a torture? As I said, ^ Tiiere lacks some test that you are not iuimOxtal. Cain. None jet have died. Demon Nor are they likely to. The threat may be a figment. Cain. If I thought so— But no — I'll put it to the proof ! Demon, Just so. If Abel can be set aside. The if May prove too much for you. But if — Cain. What then ? A mountain rocking tempest, caught and pent, Hides *n my bosom. * Demon. Hold it ever there. Nay ! let it force no vent. Cain. But something prompts me. 210 €||t trtDO ho8o comely creatures comiug, To pass before you and recoive their names. Aid'n. Led by The Beautiful One. Eve. Did He uplead them ? Adam. Yes, by a word — one gentle word. How' fleet, With graceful motions, and with frolic acts, All lovingly they came. Eve. And you beheld Some exquisit'/ly moulded, some grotesque. Some vast iu bulk, some wondi'ous, some uncout- Admiring .'' There you named them. In a trice Ti oa comprehended each. Discerned the office Imposed on every creature : and bestowed Befitting names. Adam. But, Kavah ! were you then Not with me ? Eve, Ah ! — I vividly remember Awaking as from sleep ; sleep O how deep, Dreamless, with nought beyoiid it. On (,hat moment, Vitality, time, joy and glory swept 215 SEf)i QTtno <2^ec(ngfl I I In golden vision o'er mo. By me stood The Onk ull anupprouched in loveliness. And just beyond, sketched on a bank of flowers, Scorning engrossed in dreams, 1 spied another, Resembling the High Personage who now, Majestical and kind beyond expression, With courtesy celestial led me forth, Amidst the warbling birds and nodding fruits, And pufl's of air that dipt their mirthful wings In balm and aroma delicious, As we two passed along, 1 and the Kino, To wlicre the sleeper lay ingulfed in flowers. With head upon one arm and limbs diftused, There he lay soundly sleeping, and how sweetly. Fairer than since, yea even before our blight. A strange attraction flung its toils around me. Then spoke The King gently accosting you. You wak'^d — arose — we met — O wondrous ra^tture — We saw each other — thrilling fell your voice. Sweeter than singing birds, and furnished forth The joy of my existence. Then was life Xiicher than suushiue on a thousand plumes. < :'«Si( ! I THE TWO OFFERINGS. fiCENB XI. MIDNIOIIT. EvB (done : walking before her tent. EvB. It 8TEAM along the hillside, n« of waters An inteimiitent tl rob. I only, new Ari8e to watch and ponder. It is strange, ' But slumber seems to dread me or disdain Eyes that have stooped to weeping. With Ml heart, I strove to cheer my hnsband, and divert Presageful thoughts, that like a heavy stone Lay on his shoulders. Neither is it rare That I should play the soother, I who oft Indulge despondent moods, and sink diswayed, Till he uplifts me with a cordial word. And thrills my feoul with gladness. Sleep, my liege. The midnight air is chill. And hi^h above me The heaven is thick with spangles ; and the moon O ermastere them with glory, I alone Refuse to rest. Disquietude with teeth Sharp, and with ravening paws has pounced upon me. Some undefinable dread beats at my heart Forbidding slumber. Sleep, my loved ones', sleep. 1 the sad mother of all living, wait In feverish vigil. Has some ill befatlen ? Abel returned not to his tent this even. Isi he still ^vntching o'er his flock to-night f 1 know not. And I gaze into the deep And lofty dome of night, and I discover No clue to the stem ij[uestiomngs that blind ue Afi with a cloud. What gleam I what star is that ? As if far travelled through a shoreless space. Brighter — it brightens ! — Are these messengers ? How excellent— how glorious. Absorb'jd In splendor a« of holiness sublime. I tremble, tho* enraptured. There «eem many, A brilliant troop on some high mandate sent. Two of them now have left the starry globe. And are descending. Will they visit us ? — Adam ! — awake, my lord ! ' I hesitated* Angelic messengers did just descend, They come not to our tent. O'er yonder hill I saw them gliding down, as streams the sunlight On a gray rack just at the ope of day, Imparting splendor that is foreign to it. And see, my liege, just by that soft clear 8tai% Another star of variable contour, Rich and illuminate with abluent light, Floats poised and passive ! Adam. Did you see their faces^ My Kavah, ? Be they messengers of grace ? ai8 X. 'S»' 'MWV V^^i^i 4llg)l« I see the star^how brilliant ! It may be Composed of glorious beings. Yes, I think so. £ve. But what can be the mission of the twain ? Adam. Two only—you beheld them ? T .1 . ,. -^^«- "Very clearly In their own light, the soft, the eloquent light, rrom the abyss of glory, Arfam. Ah— behold ! Two ?— there are three ! Whence is the other ? were there But two ? not more ? £Jve. But two indeed, my lord I saw them most distinctly. I regret I did not waken you, when first I noticed them iJescending from the starry globe. p.. , Adam. Dear Kavah ! Did you see that ? The one who turned his head. And smiled and beckoned us .> . ^ve. Adam, 'tis Abel ! Agam he smiles. What means this new desplay > Oh, how angelic. Can this be indeed. Our very son— our Abel ? Adam. It is he ! But scarcely can I comprehend this scene. Is It indeed most real ? Or do we dream > Beneath their feet, a golden mist expands.' — Pausing quiescent, and just out of call I Life's plastic matrice moulding each distinctly. In the true subscript, type and cast of joy We know it, and have lost-but there-reltored. Exemplified, before our straining eyes, 219 ^B'yv ^fvuf v«>' «»»k«>»2}'^ In our dear Abel. Eve. Are they taking him. To escape the wra^h of Cain. O suy, my liege ? Really do you thini\. so ? Will he ever Return to us again ? See, they go up ! The three are entering now the shinint^ globe. Was that a strain of music ? Lo, how fleet ! How swift — how swift, — 'tis almost hid — 'tis gone ! Adam, what means all this ? Adam. My dearest Kavah, Let us rejoice. — I see it all — I know it. Our Abel has gone up — but thro' the cave That we must enter. Somewhere in the field, Hidden perhaps, but bloodless, stark and cold, Lies Abel's body — but the man is gone. The lawless hate of Cain has laid him low, But could not harm him. Comfort springs in this, j^ve. Ah, I have feared it. O my Cain ! my Abel ! Can I believe it ? —And do I survive, In all this tideless woe. Adam. My dearest Kavah, Let us be comforted. 'Tis well with Abel. Repine we must not, though a brother's hand In fatal frenzy forced him from our tent. Eve. Must we embrace him nevermore ! Adam. Sweet Kavah, We shall be with him and be glad — doubt not. 220 Suppose we ha,l not sinned, do you not know That after golden day., heaped up perhaps L.ke ghtterins sands ; from midst our ehildren,' Children, We should have been uptaken and advanced To other habitations and delights, Amidst celestial homes ? TT J . . ^'"^' Should we have passed Undying into far beatitudes ? Adam From glory unto glory ! Mounting ever Li just gradation and supreme advancement' Ciod 3 scale of marvels. Eve. Adam, but how could we > We that are weighted down ? w r..i . "^'^'''^' ^^' Nearest Kavah ' How httle do we glean in all our dreamings ' Of the untold resources of our Father. Will He not bring His favor near ? Mos* ,ur.W Through the rich bounty of a high de^;, ""''' In which there lay comprised a peradven ture Lo all infinitudes prostrate before Him Adore the awful Majesty of Heaven * And shall not we in grateful homage render, The tributes of submissive trust and love ' i (" *' \ , iamech: 1 i 1 'li -M M m I I ,' i li L A M E C II . II THE PERSONS. LA U E C H * ADA AND Z ILL Ay IFIFES TO LAMECB. ADA. SHE comes—O shameful ! leaning on his arm. See ! he has woven a chaplet of rich bloss^omS. And stoops and places i: upo.i her brow, With amorous kisses. How it stings my soul ! I^ quiver with resentment. Bursting fires, Fanned by ingratitude, consume me. Once, I was his first love and his only love. The wife first wedded and the single 'bride. Now is my right invaded, trampled, crushed. I sit no longer queen of his afi-ections. Another has usurped my throne, wlio scorns me. O i^amech, Lamech, is my love abhorred ? Aad my devotedness that knew no bounds ? Oh, an inveterate rage is stifling me. What shall I do— ah, whither shall 1 turn } ENTER Lamech and Zilla, Lamech, thou false hearted ! To Zilla. Treacherous nymph— Lamech, she stole my love-robbed ml of right. Hamecf)* ZILLA. Avaunt, dear mistresg. ADA. Give me back that chaplet. Thus do I snatch it — tear it — trample on it ! And thus adjust the ringlets on thy shoulders — As I've been spurned and trampled. Hussy ! take thit. Slapping her, and spoiling her curh. ZILLA. Nay — not so saucy. — Lamech, saw you that ? And not protect me ? LAMECH. Nay, my loves, be kind. Why will you differ and provoke me thm ? I live for both. Is not my love sufficient ? Whole, though divided. ADA. Lamech, dare you thus ? W ell art thou named, black augury of ill ; 3Lamt r^. Wild overthrower of domestic peace. Mine ,8 th. prior, mine the only right, To your ripe love. I hat« this vile dirision. Where did you learn it ? Never was the like. I U not endure it. Give me back my life • You robbed me of it. Cast this base nymph off. ZILIA. Hark, saucy mate, take back that epithet. Am I not Lamech's wife. What more are you } ADA. Nothing-I'm nothing. Lamech nods and fawns Upon a minx-yes minx : v-hiie nis true wife, Disreputably fades in lorn contempt. shame. O infamous. Unworthy man. Ihe first to desecrate the marriage state And foul the waters of serene content. ' Wretohl what induced you thus to cast away The jewel of my love. I-AMECH. I My sweetest Ada. ZILLA. Sweet call you her ? I thought that I alone The kte.t won, was now supremely JZ't. 227 1L a in c f fj . LAMECir. Zilla, my darling. Ada — both my darlings, My sunshine and my joy. Oh, be at peace. ADA. Sunshine indeed ! ZILLA. Now Lamech, hearken to me : I'll none of that. Send oft' this woman. Place her In some dark nook, a day's tramp from my bower. Or vengeance will o'ertake thee. ADA. Hearken, Lamech : You promised me the affluence of bliss, An ocean of aft'ecticv You are false ! And I shall hate you if you do not place Your heel upon this woman. She insults me, ZILLA. Nay, plant your foot on her — or bear my hatred. Ada, Tear him, in pieces ! fling him to the wolves. 228 3tamf c^. ZILLA. Falae has he been to both of us. ADA. Come forward and uvcngo me ! ^^ ^'''" ZILLA. To the black vulture,. "'"' '"' ™"^ ADA. ^X;i:r=''-*'-^^^^^^^ ZILLA. y All too fifOod for him I« any punishment. Our aids "are ready ' Twenty young „en will help us willingl: And each shall have a husband to herself' ADA. Not chapt and minced : no hodge pod.e no sham. ° ^ 6 and 229 3Latn e cfj. LAMECH. Now cease my darlings, listen to me calmly. My Ada and my Zilla hear my voice. Lo, I have slain a man — for wounding me. Justly ! a young man, for assaulting me. If Cain shall be avenged a seven fold : Then surely Lamech seventy and seven. ADA. Name the offence that so embittered you. How dare you thus requite him ? LAMECH. Love impelled me. Jealously I defended your dear honor. The miscreant sought to foil my darlings from me. I wrested both my fair ones from his clutches. Have you ne'er thought some destiny may wink ? I wooed you both, and won you. Strive no more., I love you equally devotedly, And will defend you, cherish and protect. And who can tell but that in after years, Our sons may be the boast of this wide earth, The famed originators of new arts. Ambitious of renown, and seated high 230 E a m c r fj . On rock built fastnesses thtit croNvn the moun. taini*. Let these hopes cheer us, feuds and broils no more Dlsf^race the partners of my truest joys. Strait way I will provide you homes apart, And distant from each other. I shall ^3 A visitor who supplicates the grace Of a kind lodgement and a genial rest, Afte stern days of toil. ZILLA. Forgive me, Ada, But really the fault is scarcely mine ; Laniech is the tirinsgressor. Well he knows. He wooed me ardently — seductively — Determined and resistless. Swayed my will, And chained me to his heart. ADA, I must forgive thee, And yet how difficult — and Lamech also, Dispite his cruel act. Alas, that love So deep, so fixed as mine, should be requited With a half heart and a whole life's repining. 231 31 a tn t c 1^ . 1.AMECH. fi Think not s. sadly, dear ones, just forget it. I^oth shower and sunshine mellow the rich fruits And some cloud muffled fate perhaps is pregnant M ith our brief hi«tory.-Let us hope for good. H it. ich fruits, pregnant »r good.