Classic Poem

I prayed to God, “Oh, give me once again
The love I had.
I never cherished it, I never knew it.”
But God made answer, “Surely thou art mad
To pray for Love that thine own hand hath slain.
Thy brow is branded with the mark of Cain,
Thine own hand slew it.”

I prayed to God, “Oh, give me once again
The love I had.
I sinned a sin. I weep it and I rue it.”
But God made answer, “Surely thou art mad,
So foolishly to murmur and complain.
Thy brow is branded with the mark of Cain,
Thine own hand slew it.”

I prayed to God, “Oh, give me once again
The love I had.
I did a cruel wrong. I would undo it.”
But God made answer, “Surely thou art mad,
In loneliness and woe thou must remain,
Thy brow is branded with the mark of Cain,
Thine own hand slew it.”