The nature of the gift that Abel offered
Through God's approval stands revealed as good;
And, since Love knoweth no respect of persons,
Cain could have won praise also, if he would.
Had he, in preparation for his giving,
Put selfless love and pure devotion first,
He had not listened to that envious hatred
Which stained his record with a deed accursed.
Yet still today, how slow our recognition
That gifts to Love must ever lovely be.
Still mortals strive to lay upon God's altar
Gifts born of pride, of self, of jealousy.
Let us then joy, each in his brother's firstfruits,
Learn Love's impartial law for all mankind,
Else we, like Cain of old, can only offer
The same sad fruitage of the carnal mind.
