Thy Brother’s Blood
I have no Brother—they who meet me now Offer a hand with their own will defiled, And while they wear a smooth unwrinkled brow, Know not that Truth can never be beguiled; Go wash the hand that still betrays thy guilt; Before the spirit's gaze what stain can hide? Abel's red blood upon the earth is spilt, And by their tongue it cannot be denied; I hear not with the ear—the heart doth tell Its secret deeds to me untold before; Go, all its hidden plunder quickly sell, Then shalt thou cleanse thee from thy brother's gore, Then will I take thy gift—that bloody stain Shall not be seen upon thy hand again.
February 2, 1839
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