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When they come, there is
always some new wonder, or some new hope: something to live for. They
never want to die, because they are always learning and always creating
either things or wisdom, or at least dreaming of them. And then you,
Cain, come to me with your stupid fighting and destroying, and your
foolish boasting; and you want me to tell you that it is all splendid,
and that you are heroic, and that nothing but death or the dread of
death makes life worth living. Away with you, naughty child; and do you,
Adam, go on with your work and not waste your time listening to him.
CAIN. I am not, perhaps, very clever; but--
EVE [_interrupting him_] Perhaps not; but do not begin to boast of that.
It is no credit to you.
CAIN. For all that, mother, I have an instinct which tells me that death
plays its part in life. Tell me this: who invented death?
_Adam springs to his feet. Eve drops her distaff. Both shew the greatest
consternation._
CAIN. What is the matter with you both?
ADAM. Boy: you have asked us a terrible question.
EVE. You invented murder.


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