Lucifer

 
    L U C I F E R
                        Joost van den Vondel
                                                         abbreviated translation, 1997
 
                                first act,
                                             on a cloud
 
Beelzebub:
                Belial, come here and tell me whether you have seen already a glimpse of Apollion returning
He was sent by lord Lucifer to Down Under to get an impression of what's going on on Earth, now that the Almighty has created Adam
 
Belial:
          I was out and from a high cloud I had a vast look. Apollion will be here soon. It is time though to report on Adam's state and prospects. A good servant hurries when his superior winks and he puts his shoulders under the task that is trusted to him. Even more when he has to respond to you, oh sir Beelzebub, Advisor at heavens principality.
 
Beelzebub:
                 Yes, I see him coming now.
 
      Look how he speeds up in flight
      takes over winds with spurs of light
      The clouds are shattered by each wing
      He jumps to spheres that sing
      in cristal blue of higher day
      where night cannot have its way
 
      The realms of heaven welcome him
      while he is rising from Earth's rim
      In swift and stout manoeuvre he gains hight
      the other angels smile at sight so bright
      Even the falling stars sleem slow
      compared to messenger Apollion
 
      Now he's arriving with a golden leave
      has conquered heaven's stairs in brief
24
Belial: 
         Apollion! What's new?
 
Apollion:
               Dear Beelzebub, I made reconnaissance of the Low Lying Areas as well as I could and here is the result:
So fár below us, under skies and sun that are not ours fruit grows from clay in a garden planted by God en blessed to feed the humans.
 
Beelzebub:
                 I see the green leaves with dawdrups like pearls, bedded in silver on the still wet plant. How sweet its odour is, how colourful it is dyed in red and gold; it raises appetite.
Would not it be a pity to lessen its glance by touching? But the eyes seduce the mouth. Who would not get his mouth watered in longing for such delicious thing from Earth?
If you may pluck such fruit you won't long for heaven's manna; you won't appreciate anymore our meals.
Our heavenly Paradise in exchange for Adams garden would be an advantageous deal. And no such offer being available sad mood will be practized.
Man thrives away happiness of angels.
 
Apollion:
               I agree, sir Beelzebub. Though heaven seems to be the upper limit we are in a low state.
What I have seen with my eyes has touched my heart and soul: the pleasures of that world, the Eden story, ranks far out life in our perfect palace.
 
Beelzebub:
                 Let hear what you saw; we listen eagerly.
 
Apollion:
              Need not tell much about descending
              which I managed very fast
              sinking through the nine spheres
              that faster than an arrow flies
              turn around the globe
 
        Faster they turn around and around than
        our senses are able to construct thoughts
        Then I glid down under the moon
        and under the clouds I plied my feathers
        to stationary position, just to have a good look
        of sunrise lighted landscape, of continents
        surrounded by oceans with huge queer creatures in it
 
                      I saw the distant skyline of high mountains
                      that bring forth waterfalls, the roots of four rivers
                      hurrying down the valleys
                      I stretched my body and bowed my head
                      to touch the mountain top from where there is
                      overall view of splendid lustry counties in
                      that World Below
 
Beelzebub:
                 What is the Eden garden like, what is its appearance?
60
Apollion:
              It is a park all around
in perfect harmony mirroring the globe's dimensions.
In the middle peaks up the mountain
with the main source of the stream that splits
into four branches to reach all grounds with its water.
Water that stills thurst of trees and grassland.
The waters are pure, the streams brought fertile clay and so
the ground gets all it needs.
 
Also precious stones, onix and diamonds are found
and though the night sky may glitter with a thousand
lights, here Nature wrought in stone ravishing stars
surpassing all what shines in the dark.
Here gold sprouts up to daylight.
Here all treasures of Nature are at disposal.
 
Beelzebub:
                 What about the air that enters the noses of the creatures to give life?
 
Apollion:
              No angel has such sweet breath
as the fresh spirit that meets man
and cools his stern, and
caresses and gives its blessing.
 
Then: the fields burst out in plants;
coloured, buttoned, flowered and
with a hundred odours.
 
Morning mist refreshes.
Sun dawn and set do not linger.
The rays of light and warmth are measured
to each plant, each seazon is abundant
both in greens and fruits.
 
Beelzebub:
                 Now tell me what the humans look like and what is their character.
 
Apollion:  
              Who would prefer to be an angel if one sees
creatures like mankind so superior.
They have authority upon all other animals.
I saw a hundredthousand beasts
each of them contently walking around
or playing in the air with each other
or swim in the river, just like each one prefers. Making its surroundings vivid
and special by its stamp.
 
89
Nobody else than Adam knows
each kind and its qualities
for he gave them their names.
The mountain lion greeted him with its tail
and took pleasant face towards the master.
The tiger laid down all his wildness
before the king.
The bull lowered his horns but not to strike.
The elephant sank its slurf.
The bear forgot his anger.
The griffion came listening to this person
as well as the eagle.
Also dragoon, rhino and even the monsters of the sea.
 
Yet I have not spoken of what is sung to man in a
chorus from the tree tops, a manyvoiced aubade.
While the wind touches the tree leaves and
the creek runs along its borders in eternal play;
a background music that is never dull to the heart.
As for me, Apollion, if I had not been sent to report
I would not have turned back to our heaven
but stay in Adams empire.
 
103
Beelzebub:
                 What is your opinion on the couple you saw down there?
 
Apollion:
              Never I saw living beings that so
pleased my eyes, not even when peeping in upper realms,
as these two, down at the very bottom of all what exists.
Who was able to twine so funny body and soul,
making the double of an angel,
and that from greyish clay with some bones,
making a beautiful slender body figure.
It is art of the Creator, by itself an exhibition
that attracts. And rendering concious what
reflects in mind on value.
 
Which body part drew my attention most?
I saw soul's image put on the face.
All that is beautiful on the body has its
summon here. Divine seems the complexion
that is fed from behind the eyes.
Reason and intelligence blink from the forehead.
While not-knowing beasts and mute animals
look down to their feet on the ground man lifts his head
proudly, he lifts it up to God his Creator, praised be He.
 
Belial:
          Quite understandable that man praises God as he receives so many rich gifts.
118
Apollion:
              The human being is like a god with no equals
in all domain of Earth; only he is at master position.
His invisible soul is formed of spirit and not made from nature's tributes.
Made for eternity, no rust nor weapon harms her.
She cannot be caught or trapped.
She owns knowledge and is careful.
Virtue as well as free choice is possessed by her.
Her majesty baffles all ghosts.
 
Soon the world will be loaded with humans
and souls will multiply like corn seeds yield
a rich harvest. That 's why God devised male and female.
 
Beelzebub or other angel who came listening:
                                                               What is your opinion on that companion made from one of his ribs, the sweet spouse?
 
129
Apollion:
              I hid my face my eyes
              with those big wings of mine
              to put my thoughts my wit
              and sympathy on line
              As she came to my reach
              when Adam hand in hand
              was leading her along
              through all the greens and land
 
              Did they pause for short rest
              then sprang a flame in Adams breast
              was he to kiss his bride
              upon which Eva-sweet replied
              Then there was marriage, they took the carriage
              to the honey moon with love in burning fever
              No words are fit to paint a couple's union ever
              describe the utmost lust, not given angels as a must
              How poor is mono gender
              it misses ties so tender
              that bind the virgin to a man
              for all of earthly life its span
              Too bad, for us no hidden pearl
              it's not at us that boy meets girl
143
Beelzebub:
                 I guess that will render ultimately a lot of humans, enough to occupy the whole world.
 
Apollion:
               Yes, by making pleasure, by making love,
instinctively.
Their senses compell to do it
It keeps the couple together
To fall in love and be loved, this is their life
They have got compassion
that is fullfilled all the time
yet never lessens or extinguishes.
 
Beelzebub:
                 Tell us more about this bride, what 's Eva like?
 
Apollion:
               Nature is unsurpassed in this woman, ink is not
sufficient to depict her, you should see her in full daylight.
 
Man and woman both are created perfectly,
most beautifully.
Adam is taller, well muscled and with a lot of appeal:
he is a son of gods destined to rule the world.
 
But what Eve has got is most welcomed by man
She possesses softness, a charming skin
Her complexion is attractive, her eyes invite
Her mouth wants to be kissed and she speaks
in a melodious way.
Ivory treasures are her breasts
and more she has on which is not talked
especially not when spiritual life has to
be paid attention to.
 
Whatever angel one may meet, so splendid as they are,
these are mere shades compared to a girl
in broad daylight coming to adolescence.
 
Belial:
          You seem to be very charmed by that female being.
 
Apollion:
              Indeed. Even the pens of my wings were
attracted so much that I had difficulty
to rise from where that pleasant fire is burning
I had to make efforts like heavy rowing
to gain height and reach this Angel City
Departure was painful, three times my head
turned to look back.
 
168
For in all heavens there is no angel, not even
of the upper kind, the Seraphines, like this woman Eve
with her long hair catching a crown of light
Her curls hang upon the shoulders and when she
shakes her head they ply themselves like a
sun strucken river from the top of the head down
to her back, which thus shows pleasance
to anyone who sees her from behind
The pearl may be pure and cristal clear
but her apparition is worth more.
 
Beelzebub:
                 But what value can be attributed to man as beauty
attaches only a short time to him and
vanishes like wild flowers, soon and
no more noticed.
 
Apollion:
              As long as that garden down there
gives fruit this benigned couple
may consume the apple that gives
eternal youth
In the very middle of this paradise
this wonderful tree grows
its roots constantly moistured by the river
It is called the tree of life
as its juices are healing all deficiency
So the humans will become immortal
and be equal to their brothers, the angels
Even will they surpass the angels
Man shall reign
in an evergrowing empire. Who could
stop him? Angels are not able to
multiply in thousands of generations, into an
uncountable number. You can figure
the outcome.
 
Beelzebub:
                 So man is powerful enough to rise above us.
 
Apollion:
              His growth will amost sure surprise
and terrify us
Though he is a lord now only on what is under the moon,
soon he will increase his might, he will continue
to climb higher and higher until he is present
in heaven and may have a throne there
If God does not stop him, how could we?
God has preference for him and made him sit in the center.
 
Beelzebub (or other angel):
                                       Listen  That sound  A trumpet
Surely a voice will follow  Have a look on what 's going on while we wait here
 
Apollion (or other angel):
                                    It is the archangel Gabriel accompanied
by the heavenly chorus. He is sent to us
from the supreme on His throne
to explain as a messenger what was
communicated to him
 
Beelzebub:
                 We like to hear what the Archangel will command.
 
202
Gabriel  (speech):
                           Dear angels, honoured beings of heaven
I hope you will appreciate the things I have to report to you
Now, God Almighty, the creator of everything that is all right and
who never gets tired being good to all of us from His immense
benevolance - I have to say that we cannot properly conceive His
nature - well, he created man and so in such a way that this creature
ressembles Him.
 
As you know He created the angels too and with this purpose
that we together will take care of the immense world with full
zeal and willing spirit, according to the build-in laws of nature.
And possess this world together with God.
 
He who is the upper Benevolence built this wonderful and splendid
cosmos to please Him and also man.
Man is set to rule
and by procreation a multitude will know about God and serve and
honour Him. Man is destined to climb the ladder unto the high
Source above of eternal light with healing glamour.
 
217
Though the spiritual world seems to supersede everything else,
yet God has decided already in the beginning to rise mankind,
even up to the domain of angels, to such lucidity that is inherent
to Himself.
You will see what is called the Word of God
in human body, ointed Head and judge
as well as in the reign of spirits and angels
as in the world of mankind.
Already his throne is prepared in the middle of
an Empire without shadow.
All angels must be ready to fall at his feet
and he will be the expression of the human person
ranking above the state of the angels.
The highest angel, so bright he spreads light
will be shadow compared to
what is coming from man for he
has the aureole of a god.
 
231
The Merciful has surpassed existing nature of angels reign in
heaven. It is not otherwise. It is a lasting decision.
 
Chorus:
            All what is decided from Above
will please all heavenly creatures.
 
Gabriel:
            Then serve truly    God and man
as the Highest Self is inclined to man so much.
Respecting Adam will be liked by Adams father.
Man and angel both come forth from the same root.
Are brothers, chosen companions, sons and heirs of the Almighty.
Be united then towards the same
and be bound by love.
 
You know that there are nine kinds of angels.
The Seraphine are highest ranking. Then come Cherubine and
Throne knights. These participate in God's Council and see to it
that His commands are transmitted clearly and sufficiently.
The medium ranks are composed of ruling Lordships,
Power angels and Mighty Ones. They have the general task
to concretisize Gods decisions to the advantage
and wellbeing of the humans.
The lower ranks, that is Lords, Archangels and angels
have to obey the former ones and are given tasks too
outside the cristal clear heaven, anywhere in the universe they may be
sent, up to the stars if necessary.
 
253
When the human world expands
each of these lower angels has its own special region,
or city or house or person to attend his care
as so the crown of God will be enriched.
 
So you, immortal sons of God
go and do as Lucifer tells you, for he
is most loyal and eager to carry out God's orders.
Be honourable in your duty, everybody at his place and hour.
 
Let some put flame in the dish full of Arab gum
as a delicious stir of God's nose.
Some may bring the offerings of mankind to His throne.
Others can recite prayers and sing songs.
The music may be heard throughout heaven's landscapes.
Still another angel should keep moving the stars and planets.
Or clean the sky and paint it deep blue.
Or just the other way cover it with clouds and open these to pour
their sweet rain on mountains and hills.
And have the sun shine
or moisten in the morning the plants with
droplets and spread the wool packed seeds of trees in the wind
as the citizens of Eden long for God and know not else.
 
Who hurries through the elements, he has to
slow down natural processes so that these won't
hurt Adam. The lightning be tamed, the storm kept under controll,
the sea will not overrun the beaches.
 
And yet other angels keep guard when man walks along.
For God counted every hair on his head and wants him to be protected.
If necessary just perform a small miracle so that
he won't have pain.
 
If from the Upper Angels message is received for Adam,
the king of Earth, you should be quickly to have it delivered.
That is the task you are due to God.
 
281
Chorus:
              Who so highly seated is He
              so far in spheres of blending light
              not bound to time, from aging free
              and choosing self what 's wrong or right
 
              Who so strong and mighty is He
              so powerful to turn the world round
              not cast along but referee
              and ruling how it all is wound
 
              Who such vivid spirit is He
              such lively being from his own
              not touched by sun, in no one's lee
              and only source of what is known
 
              Who such fount of wisdom is He
              such a creative mind to build
              not hampered by "there cannot be"
              and dreams of heaven's house fullfilled
 
              Who such heart of loving is He
              so merciful His goodness spreads
              not drippling but from majesty
              intensely like the ocean wets
 
              Who such summon of existence
              so worth our praise and psalms is He
              not to describe with angels' pens
              We lower wings and bow our knee
 
309 - 336 skipped
 
Chorus  (shouting):       
                               Holy, holy, always holy,
                               perfect is our Lord our God
                               Without Him there is no being
                               from His throne comes all we've got
 
                               Then be obeyed all His commandmends
                               that brave Gabriel announces us
                               Let us honour God by serving Adam
                               All that pleases Him be acting thus
 
 
                     second act,
                                      in a glass palace
348
Lucifer:
             Fast spirits, hold your step and ply your wings
             The Morning Star no further tops all things
             His place was high enough, a bell now rings
             And wakes the sleeping men to rise as kings
 
             I, Lucifer, should bow for fruit from land
             Lay down my crown and staff in clay and sand
             'Cause Adam will take all this in his hand
             From Number One position I'll be banned
 
             A new light down from Earth sweeps up its ray
             A sun is born that shines both night and day
             It takes the brilliant sky of stars away
             We angels fade, have minor role to play
 
             Are we to serve the clay and bone as slaves?
             Is such the highborn angel best behaves?
             Then with his wings the road for man he paves
             If Adam does wrong step the angel saves
 
             The firstborn now comes second, so it's set
             The Fathers's heart prefers the sixth day's bet
             And protest is in vain, will not be met
             As Gabriel confirms with his trumpet
 
Beelzebub:
                 Oh, governor of Heavens Commonwealth
we did hear it quite clearly
The chorus sang so well but there was that
sound that spoils,
the message of Gabriel
His words need no explanation
It was not necessary to send Apollion down
below the moon for watching what
Adam possesses. It is clear that he is
God's favorite and a many thousands
counting guard is to protect him.
Just if he already is master above all spirits
Gate to heaven is open to Adam's descendants,
to the sons of a worm out of the earth
and made from clay
You will see mankind outranking you,
it will laugh at your presumed high status
and you will have to be obedient without
comment
 
393
You will have to glorify him, bow for his
highness and admire his power
Invited by the Almighty mankind will take
seat beside God and rule
Rule longer than eternity and farther
than this cosmos
Rule like God where it is centered on
 
God wants to raise men and lower us
Angels, give your scepter to the man from below who gets the crown
Fade away for this new star
who becomes a sun so bright
Or honour the triumphator with music
and gifts of utmost quality
Soon heaven will be changed
and its inhabitants make place for the coming man
 
410
Lucifer:
            Well said;  lawful government
should stick to its nomination
It is a principle of just power
As I was appointed to my position
I will do the duties of that position
I will not give in to violations of this
I will stand firm
 
435
This here is my native country
Disasters nor curses will deflect us
We will be overwon or win at the end
If fate is that I will perish and loose all I've got
so with my crown on the head
and the scepter in the hand
And if many thousands will fall beside me
they will have conquered honour for all times
I prefer to be number one in a smaller and lower court
than to be second in the greatest palace
That I have a chance is my comfort
and therefore there is no place for fear or anger
 
But heavens herald is coming; with him he
carries the resumees of the highest planning
It would be wise to get
the confidential information he brings with him
I'll step down to meet him
 
Gabriel:
             My Lord Governor, where are you going?
 
Lucifer:
              To you, dear Herald from Above
 
Gabriel:
              I think I can guess your mood from your face
 
Lucifer:
               Please tell me what you know from the Highest Council,
as well the backgrounds
 
Gabriel:
              What bothers you?
456
Lucifer:
               The plan from Above to place Earth in such
a high position that the stars and heaven will be under
 
To put mankind on the position that was given to the angels and make
us mere servants while we were first born
 
That worm from Earth, coming out of the dust
will grow above our heads
both in position and numbers
 
466
Why does the Merciful drop us?
Which angel was short in serving Him?
How is it possible that God will mix with men,
neglecting the angels and their fine nature
to get a body, to knot eternity to what is created,
to bind the highest to the lowest
Who could make a sense out of this?
Will heaven's eternal light be tamed
and have night its way in an earthly context?
 
Will then all those superior
souls that have no flesh that decays,
will they have to bow for that
brute low being which
receives godliness?
 
We angels are not able to understand this.
You must explain what is the meaning of all this.
You carry the papers that explain. Please read them to us
 
484
Gabriel:
             The Almighty gives us insight only
to that degree that He thinks is wise
Knowing much is not always to the advantage,
it even may have negative consequences sometimes
So I can tell you only what is understandable
to the most intelligent ones amongst us, the Seraphines
 
The essence is that God will
once manifest Himself in human form
and rule the stars, the Earth, the sea
and all that lives
The reason for this is hidden, only in
due time this will be revealed
Just obey the new instructions:
you have heard what is His will
 
499
Lucifer:
             Thus a stranger will give orders here, up in heaven
and own people, angels, have to submit?
Will man take place above God?
 
Gabriel:
             Be content with your part
God made you the First Angel,
but not to envy the success of someone else
If you object you won't keep your position
and all the benefits of it
Your rank is not from yourself but was given to you
 
Lucifer:
             So far I took orders only from God
510
Gabriel:
             Then go on so and comply for the decisions
from higher hand that are aimed
on well being future
though we cannot lay grip on it
 
513
Lucifer:
             To see the man become superior
to watch him become the center of creation
respected and adored by all living creatures
in a multitude of praising songs
 
That darkens the Morning Star
that stops its wonderful rays
All pleasure in heaven is gone
and sadness soars
 
Gabriel:
             Happiness is quiet contentness with what God does
 
Lucifer:
             The majesty of God diminuishes if
it takes human nature
We spirits are more like God
It is like the sun that looses its path
and gets into a black mist
How could the Earth be lighted then anymore
and how would the air be filled with
complaints of dying animals
Disorder would be complete
and therefore my dear Gabriel
I take the liberty for a small modification
of what you made known
We will do all the necessary efforts to keep the
glory of God high and support His supreme status
I have to, even if it means not following
the direct orders
 
Gabriel:
             You are very dedicated to
honour God but do not consider
that He knows much better how that will
be realized best
So drop your efforts
The Son of God will open the Book of Secrets
that is closed by seven seals
Presently one cannot taste what 's inside
but sees only the packing paper
Later the reason will be revealed,
the kernel of what is holy
Now we must accept that God
in His wisdom puts a new light into being
that will bring forth a day
at which noon things will become clear
Everybody meanwhile respectfully
meet this newcomer
and be prepared to reach him helping hand
 
560
Lord Governor, let it be the way it is
and just fullfill your duty
I go on around with my message
 
Lucifer:
             It will be paid much attention to
 
Beelzebub:
                  The Governor has heard what this announcement means
that was so proudly brought by the trumpeting Gabriel
He transmitted the plans of God to you,
these can be noticed sharply:
your wings will be shortened
 
Lucifer:
             Not that easy; surely not, it is out of
the question that the lower ranking one
will give orders to the Superior
 
Beelzebub:
                  He threatens to crush resistance
 
Lucifer:
              I swear to my crown that I will do
the utmost to keep my seat throughout
all heavens,
stay reigning the course of all planets
and not give up controll of the stars
The sky its rainbow will be my throne
Earth will stay under my feet
 
576
On a charriot of clouds
swift and great I will crush to dust
all what resists us, be it above or from below
even if it were the chief of heaven's legions
 
This blue sky, so vast and magnificent
will burst to brizzles, Earth will be kicked
as a worthless stone before we would leave
our positions
Who dares oppose Lucifer to bring him down?
Call Apollion
 
Beelzebub:
                 Here he comes
 
587
Apollion:
               Oh Governor that acts on behalf of God,
personification of His will in the
council of all responsable angels
 
I want to render you my services and wait
for your orders
What does your majesty demand from
her devoted subject?
 
Lucifer:
             I like your analysis on an important question
that is to neutralize archangel Michael
I think the feathers of his wings gone would
be sufficient
Then we will be free to proceed with our plans
 
594-600 skipped
 
601
With pleasure I will use violence
as much as possible in my rank, with my
power and the daring of it too
 
Apollion:
              An honourable act of governing!
That will strenghten your position
I am flattered to serve under you
whatever your course is, left or right
 
But the fight should not be without a good strategy
How will the opponent best be met?
 
Lucifer:
              Our destiny we will force with cunning
 
Apollion:
                There you say something. It is not wise
to weigh received powers in a balance
with the power of the Almighty
We would be found too light
 
Lucifer:
              We have enough weight for the balance to tremble
 
Apollion:
                Who should start the attack and when and
where? Thinking of it is already kind
of rebellion against God
 
619
Lucifer:
              Don't mix in God. Just let us take
firm steps higher up the mountain
though there are no pathes
Cleverness and braveness will
stand dangers
 
Apollion:
               Not any almighty will accept
disobeyance that is threatening his
position. One should not start such a thing
unless one needs a lesson
The lower placed has to respect the superior
 
Lucifer:
              No question of the Almighty One; it is a case among equals about equality
We will see who best makes use of the weapons
I see our enemies flee, leaving heaven
empty in one strike. Our legion
conquers all and then will have council in broad
 
630
Apollion:
               It is known what general Michael is able to
God's legions are under his command
and he carries the key of the armour storage
He is a good guard of order
We can make war against him but
to conclude it successfully is beyond our power
and a whole lot of trouble will succeed
What armour, what defence can resist him
Even if the heaven city leaves its gates open
there is no chance that it will be
occupied by a foreign power
 
643
Beelzebub:
                  If our decision will be supported by our sword
then I see the Morning Star Lucifer be
triumphant and rules in heaven will change
 
Apollion:
               Chief of staff Michael operates
under the flag of God. That banner is
invincible. It never is connecxted to defeat
 
Lucifer:
              What is a flag worth though it is splendidly made
This fierce battle in no way will be won or lost
other than by courage
to which sly strategy is added
 
652
Apollion, you are most able and willing to chatter,
to get people do what you want,
to bring them to rebellion
You even can spoil the most dedicated person of the guard
and make reconsider what never was doubted
 
Begin, and the regular legions will be split
Both the chiefs and lower ranks will quarrel
and then most of the power vanishes already
Everybody will call for a new leader
 
660
If you can bring a quarter of the legion to our side
This success will be rewarded with medal and promotion
Go and work it out with Belial
He can simulate so well and put an expression
on his face that everybody thinks to come
straight out of an honest heart
I go and speak to the court Council that
has gathered already. Both of you will be called in too.
Meanwhile the guard must be very alert
 
670
Belial:
          The governor has given us an important task
 
Apollion:
              We'll do it swiftly like an arrow flies
 
Belial:
           That is aimed on a target, though this is difficult to hit
 
Apollion:
               Behold, heaven will shake
 
Belial:
            Have it shake, now it is going to be
 
Apollion:
               How will we start in the best way?
 
Belial:
            Start at the regular legions
 
Apollion:
               The chiefs first, most important ones first
 
Belial:
            We'll tell them a nice story
 
Apollion:
               What is it, let me hear
 
Belial:
            Angels' rights, positions, jobs and ranks
are to be maintained. To this prospect a chief
will be chosen in which everybody has confidence
 
683
Apollion:
                I want no mutiny, nor will I raise my voice
                To split community by such is not my free choice
                Each one should keep his state with mind that 's firm and brave
                As lawful rank and fate that the Almighty gave
 
                Our home is this domain, for spirits that can fly
                Here body acts as chain, it 's not for men to try
                It 's not the Earthling's sphere, where one can drift on wings
                So high just renders fear, he 's bound to heavy things
 
                Thus man, stay down below
                Don't climb the heavens' bow
                Like beasts of flesh and blood
                That stick to grass and mud
                In Eden he walk round
                Where lovely fruit is found
                Take flowers' honey spoon
                Till rise the stars and moon
 
                Man's business be in east
                and west, but up the least
                We have no king from Earth
                Please help transmit this verse
 
Belial:
           What you mean is that man will never get access to heaven
 
706
Apollion:
               That sounds wonderful to the ears of all angels
That will go round and spread like a fire
through all places of heaven and in all ranks
 
Belial:
           Then let 's hurry; speed determines our success
 
Apollion:
               Also courage and cunning, stoutness and strategy
 
Belial:
            When the legions come to our side we will not have shortage of these
 
Apollion:
               The legions are murmuring already
One has to pour a little bit of oil on the fire
There is enough stuff to get giant flames
 
Belial:
           Then Beelzebub who is esteemed very much
must appear and support them in their complaints
 
Apollion:
              Not of a sudden, but step for step
 
Belial:
           After that the Governor will give presence
and approve the plans to hold the angels' positions
 
Apollion:
              In the Council his proposals will be dealt with
For a short while he may seem still doubting
but at the end he shall show himself willing
to head the risen legions
 
Belial:
           It is uttermost important that there will be a chief
Without a leader they won't get into motion,
nevertheless how much you promise them
 
Apollion:
              Our leader would loose most of his ranking
and power. No need to convince him to take part
and do the first steps that thousand will follow
 
Belial:
           He is right and deserves to be the leader. But before
we continue we have to estimate the dangers and do
nothing before the Council approves with its signature
 
733
Chorus:    (melody like songs of the Legion d'Etrangers)
 
             How now, the palace in red
             red on the faces misled
                on the faces of angels misled deep red
             Darkening clouds and chilly mist
             mist that gives reality a twist
                gives reality a twist that mist
             Where has gone the warming glow
             glow of caressing cedes to sudden blow
                cedes to sudden blow that caressing glow
 
             How now, the world in red
             red to the eyes of angels upset
                in the eyes of angels deep red
             Darkening blood and many a fist
             fist of rebellion calling to enlist
                rebellion calling to enlist with fist
             Where has gone the heaven praise and singing show
             show that fades away 'cause Adam starts below
                'cause Adam starts below his show
 
754
When Gabriel's trumpet sparked us and a new song was sung
about the immense beautiful palace that is heaven
it seemed that Envy crept up through the corridors
And silenced a lot of spirits. The angels, many at a time,
went off, pale and like unvivid, angered as they were
The eyelid down, the forehead frowned
Those innocent souls, peaceful like pigeons,
were sighing as if all of a sudden
heaven lost its vast measure
when Adam was elected to
wear a crown
Such mismanagement turns the angels' light
into a flame pointed
in God's direction
The chorus will try to
soothen
       
      

            

 
  
 
 

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