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ReadingWillow structured literacy program for Australian students
Poetry Library

— Stephen Crane

I stood upon a high place,

And saw, below, many devils

Running, leaping,

And carousing in sin.

…

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Engaged in or ready for action; characterized by energetic work, thought, or speech.

“The students were very active in class discussions, asking many thoughtful questions.”

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SCENE XII.

29 lines
Arthur Hugh Clough·1819–1861
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Adam and Cain._ _Cain._ This is the history then, my father, is it?This is the perfect whole? _Adam._ My son, it is.And whether a dream, or if it were a dream,A transcript of an inward spiritual fact(As you suggest, and I allow, might be),Not the less true because it was a dream.I know not—O my Cain, I cannot tell,But in my soul I think it was a dream,And but a dream; a thing, whence’er it came,To be forgotten and considered not. _Cain._ Father, you should have told me this before;It is no use now. Oh God, my brother! oh God! * * * * * _Adam._ For what is life, and what is pain or death?You have killed Abel: Abel killed the lamb—An act in him prepense, in you unthought of.One step you stirred, and lo! you stood entrapped. _Cain._ My father, this is true, I know; but yet,There is some truth beside: I cannot say,But I have heard within my soul a voiceAsking, ‘Where is thy brother?’ and I said—That is, the evil heart within me said—‘Am I my brother’s keeper? go ask him.Who was it that provoked me? should he rail,And I not smite? his death be on his head.’But the voice answered in my soul again,So that the other ceased and was no more.
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