Cain and Abel

Notes: Yes, the biblical story. Not sure which version I looked at for this.

Now the man knew his wife Eve

And she conceived and bore him Cain.

Next she bore his brother Abel

Saying: “I’ve produced a man”.

Now Abel was a keeper of sheep,

Cain a tiller of the ground.

In the course of time

They brought their offering to the Lord.

Cain offered fruit of the ground

And Abel firstlings of his flock,

And the Lord liked Abel’s offering

But for Cain’s had no regard.

So then Cain was very angry

And his countenance fell.

Then the Lord said: “Cain, be careful,

Sin lurks at your door”.

Cain said to his brother Abel:

“Let us go out to the field”.

And when they had gone a distance

Took his knife and Abel killed.

God said: “Cain, where is your brother?

What is it you’ve done?”

Cain said: “Am I my brothers’ keeper?”

But blood cried from the ground.

Now the ground you till has cursed you,

No longer will it yield to you.

You will wander as a fugitive

On the Earth, far from my view,

And if one should kill you Cain

They would suffer seven-fold,

So I put this mark upon you

So all men will know.