Lilith

"I have struggled in vain; I can do no more. I am very weary, and sleep lies heavy upon my lids."
"The moment you open your hand, you will sleep. Open it, and make an end."
A tinge of colour arose in the parchment−like face; the contorted hand trembled with agonised effort. Mara
took it, and sought to aid her.
"Hold, Mara!" cried her father. "There is danger!"
The princess turned her eyes upon Eve, beseechingly.
"There was a sword I once saw in your husband's hands," she murmured. "I fled when I saw it. I heard him
who bore it say it would divide whatever was not one and indivisible!"
"I have the sword," said Adam. "The angel gave it me when he left the gate."
"Bring it, Adam," pleaded Lilith, "and cut me off this hand that I may sleep."
"I will," he answered.
He gave the candle to Eve, and went. The princess closed her eyes.
In a few minutes Adam returned with an ancient weapon in his hand. The scabbard looked like vellum grown
dark with years, but the hilt shone like gold that nothing could tarnish. He drew out the blade. It flashed like a
pale blue northern streamer, and the light of it made the princess open her eyes. She saw the sword,
shuddered, and held out her hand. Adam took it. The sword gleamed once, there was one little gush of blood,
and he laid the severed hand in Mara's lap. Lilith had given one moan, and was already fast asleep. Mara
covered the arm with the sheet, and the three turned away.
"Will you not dress the wound?" I said.
"A wound from that sword," answered Adam, "needs no dressing. It is healing and not hurt."
"Poor lady!" I said, "she will wake with but one hand!"
"Where the dead deformity clung," replied Mara, "the true, lovely hand is already growing."
We heard a childish voice behind us, and turned again. The candle in Eve's hand shone on the sleeping face
of Lilith, and the waking faces of the three Little Ones, grouped on the other side of her couch. "How
beautiful she is grown!" said one of them.
"Poor princess!" said another; "I will sleep with her. She will not bite any more!"
As he spoke he climbed into her bed, and was immediately fast asleep. Eve covered him with the sheet.
"I will go on her other side," said the third. "She shall have two to kiss her when she wakes!"
"And I am left alone!" said the first mournfully.
"I will put you to bed," said Eve.
Lilith
Lilith 140