vrijdag 1 februari 2008
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
second part Lucifer
L U C I F E R
3rd stage
sunrise on the right
star sky on the left
778 - 839 skipped
840
Luciferists, marching, dancing like American Baptists 19th century:
Oh brothers, asking what went wrong
It 's Gabriel coming along
He 's trumpeting a strange command:
to slave for Earth on its demand
Did we wrong, did we cheat, did we fail
that such dust, that such junk, that such tail
gets God's eye, gets us sunk, gets the hail?
Nominated only recently
as pillars firm. And decently to
God's court we serve
But not valid seems our contract
Our Creator lessens contact
This disturbs our nerve
Angels, there's no longer sunshine in our life
Adam's triumph equals a flower cutting knife
Why are former rights now suddenly denied
Gone 's our future, morning generates a night
Chorus:
Are you upset?
Upset on Gabri's message?
Upset at God's decisions?
This looks like madness
Who dares criticize God,
who thinks himself in a situation to have
negative comment on the orders from above?
We are bound to respect what God makes law
as He is just to do so and has to be
glorified for it
Protest means breaking the seal of the Highest One
Obeyance pleases the Lord of the Cosmic
Empire more than music on your instruments, even
sound it almost devine, more than gifts of sweet
odour on your altars
You are not created to rule. Then be not so
proud and not concerned on your status
Please, fellow brothers, stop your complaining
and be willing to accept the weight
of the Supreme Command
874
Luciferists:
You had better say
the weight of erring ants
Chorus:
If God arranges it thus
you have to go their way
Luciferists:
Give us reason and explanation
that we will become of second rank
Chorus:
Your impatience is hurting
Luciferists:
But our spirit is harmed
We hold to the rights that were granted us
Chorus:
What is god
always will be above that
skipped 882 - 926 + 928, 929
927
Apollion:
Change in God's will is cause of present tumult
930
Belial:
Equal distribution of God's good things
would fit best to the Upper Ruler
skipped 931 + 932
933
Chorus:
The breathing beings should thank Him
who in diversity creates
If some are thick and others slim
that not be subject of debates
One Power all has sorted out
made not the composition grey
but called for voices soft and loud
directed each to have own way
The turqoise shouldn't ressemble jade
and odours not all please the nose
Some stars stay brilliant, others fade
Are n't multicoloured man and rose?
Disturb variety is bad
Who wants to surely can be missed
It even holds for gay and sad
Both pain and luck are to be fished
955 - 1030 skipped
1031:
Luciferists:
The youngest born steals the crown and the blessing
The oldest one is sent away with empty hands
He is marked a slave by the Divine
Majesty in response on his obediance,
his love, his loyalty
That sparks anger
that calls for revenge
that raises justified hate
towards man who should be
drowned in his own blood
before he attacks and overruns the
position of us, angels
and gets us move in fear of his whip
Is n't he already practizing with the animals
down there below?
Lord Beelzebub, find us a leader who prevents
our fall, we are ready to follow the
banner that symbolizes our rights
1046 skip 1291
Chorus:
It now has come
that angeldom
is split apart
forgot its start
A sword in hand
stands up each band
But there 's no gain
by brothers slain
To chaide is none
concile be done
Tumult and toil
the Reighn will spoil
Oh, sons of State
why choose such fate
1306
The schism renders the Angels people wandering.
Their visions get blinded from uncertainty that rises with the cry for steadiness and secure positions in a changing world.
God, their beakon is out of sight and tribulation on its way. Union must give in for personal success.
Their wealth in the magnificent heaven suppressed old feelings of happiness that were generated by partaking in community. Then greed got its chance. Greed as a seed of war in these thus far so peaceful skies plenty of royal gifts.
1320
All that greed will take
is of little sake
though it sets on fire
nation and empire
But it burns the soul
turning things to foul
Ain't there a protector
acting as corrector?
1330 - 1381 skipped
1382
Michael:
Uriel, bring me the lightning,
my harnass, helm and shield;
unroll God's flag
Blow the horn, awake the regiments
Take weapon, all God's soldiers
and hurry to your posts and man the flights
Gabriel:
The harness fits you
like you were born to it
Here comes the banner with God's name
that promises you victory
Here come the lieftenants, sworn
to the banner
Be courageous General Michael, you will
conduct a righteous war
1398 + 1399 skipped
other side of the stage
1400
Lucifer:
Our army, is it ready?
1401
Beelzebub:
It wants to attack
And under your leadership destroy
Michael's forces
1403
Luciferists:
We wait for your order, Lucifer
Then we'll deploy our wings and raise our arms
We'll sweep away the air from under the enemy wings and when he falls
we'll catch him in chains
Lucifer:
How many are we?
1408
Beelzebub:
Our number is growing, from all sides and spheres
reinforcement is coming in to form a mass of blinking steel
I think one third of heaven's population has chosen our side already, if not half
Michael's wave is ebbing. From all hierarchies Cherubins, Archangels,
Seraphins turn their back to Michael
And down on Earth the green of Paradise is loosing colour like
autumn is ahead with its decay
Above the heads a dark cloud has constituted
a sure sign that indicates our advantage
The Luciferists have to make a start only
to get the crown on their head
1423
Lucifer:
That sounds better to me than Gabriel's trumpet
Listen all ye brave to what we have to say
In short: You know how far we are yet
We have protested openly and clearly
We have disapproved the measure of the Head of heaven
We have committed ourselves to maintain our position
and to submit not
We thus resist and it would be foolish
to think that the other side will
do as if nothing has passed
What we have done and are up to is not cause for amnesty
So nothing rests but to assemble power
and without looking back defend our banner
under my leadership. Till we reach
a free State of Angels after harsh battle
1436
May come what is due,
just be couragious in unsad mood
Our souls are made of eternal stuff
that even almighty power cannot destroy
If you march eagerly and use your strength
in the collission with the enemy army
and will be triumphant
then tiranny will disappear
to make place for a free state
A Free State in which Adam nor his sons will bind you
with a necklace to labour for them
If you follow me as Head of your liberation movement
that knows not of an everlasting copperstrong and heavy juich
then repeat unanimously and in harmony
the oath to the Morning Star
1451
Luciferists:
We swear both to God and Lucifer
1452
Beelzebub:
Attention, there comes Rafael from Above
He is upset and full of pity
He holds a white flag and wants to mediate
in order to save your heads
1455
Rafael:
Governor, spokesman of the Divine Authority
What swept you from the trail of obedience
Are you to oppose the Creator
who made you as you are,
so splendid in all respects
Did you open your mind to doubt,
is your loyalty no longer guaranteed?
I hope not so but I am desolate
and while embracing you my face is
whiter than pale
Lucifer:
Honest, just Rafael!
Rafael:
My joy, my desire, please hear to me
Lucifer:
Speak, anytime and on anything
Rafael:
Be gentle, Lucifer, take care of yourself
and do not put on a harness against me
1465
For your sake tears prop up in my eyes
I come with medicine for the evil that has
overtaken you, with ointment of mercy
from God who put you on the governor's seat
What madness is it that brings you out of senses?
You, who was crowned with unequalled gifts of beauty,
wisdom and popularity
And had none shortage of diamonds, gold or the scepter
Would you forsake your loyalty and throw your honour and your authority
to become companion of dragoon and griffion?
Throw away that rebel banner, put off that harnass and lay down the ax
Put down, put down the arms and fold your wings before God
takes away the cushion of your throne
and you fall down to where is misery,
death, dispair and not ending repent
1512
Lucifer:
Dear Rafael
I deserve neither threat nor anger
My heroes are sworn in to God and Lucifer
No matter what is said I fight
to maintain the divine Declaration
as it was before Adam saw daylight and the sun awakened his paradise
No man will sit on angels' shoulders
No angel will be man's footbank
His neck will not wear the slave band
unless we're kicked out of heaven
I stand for this holy justice. I am urged to
by thousands of complaining tongues
Go and report this to the Father
whom I serve
1532
Rafael:
Oh Governor, do not try to give your thoughts a cover up
Do not deny your aim which is feeding your greed
Your talking makes it appear even more horrible. I am stunned
Oh Morning Star that got lost, you cannot
cheat God who knows everything
1540
Lucifer:
What greed. Was I somewhere short to fullfill my duty?
Rafael:
What 's in your heart going round?
"I want to climb the top, nevertheless
the clouds, and there be an equal of God
All will be dependent on me
and I will choose how to distribute the
good things or withhold those"
Cover your face and bow. Avoid to strive for more power
Lucifer:
How do you mean. Is n't it me the Governor?
Rafael:
You are, in the name of God
Lucifer:
And how long? Till king Adam puts us aside?
Rafael:
If the Supreme Ruler wants to give him power
then let it be
1561
Lucifer: That is an invitation to sharpen this ax
Rafael:
for your own neck. Reckless you are!
Think of where we are. In heaven
envy, hatred, greed and proudness cannot exist
Need not simulate that something else is at stage. I would like to
hide these shameful things
but I cannot
Lucifer, where has gone your aura
Lucifer:
My aura has been given to Adam
I am no longer the heir
skip 1572 - 1582
If only men and angels were given the same status
That would have been bearable
But now the flame of rebellion is unleased
To keep man off is to resist God
How can God's heart be called big
when He humiliates the one He gave the
biggest scepter. When He robs one's fine well-being
It is taking away the chair where one
wants to repose in his rightfull seat
Better were it not to have lived at all
Not to be surpasses rejection a thousand times
The shade doesn't know the sun and does
not miss her warmth but what was
enlighted and then looses must be called damned
Rafael:
Stick to your job and task
Why fortify yourself with iron?
Lucifer:
The iron is for defense
We only want to be free, is such not allowed to us?
1610
Rafael:
Victory in civil war is not victorious
It is lamentabel when brothers are overwon
For our sake, for God's and because
of His punishment, oh, please Governor,
make your regiments retreat
Michael's army is nearing already
So stop your mad campaign
1622
Lucifer:
What use in that
Even if one thinks it over and over
there is no door to conciliation
Rafael:
I assure you, I'll be hostage
Lucifer:
To darken the Morning Star
To dwindle and see my enemies
take possession of my office!
Rafael:
Lucifer!, fuck off, I see
hell longing for you. Will you,
the most perfect of all God's creatures,
be a voluntary prey of eternal fire?
God forbid! Please, I beg you
1634
Lucifer:
I don't know if any creature
was ever such a looser as I am
On one side there is faint hope,
on the other terror frightens
To win is most difficult
to be beaten seems likely
It is a hazard to go into battle when
Gods banner is on the other side
1638
How far away we are now from our duty
Quarreling and trying to change the law
Hurting the majesty of our rich Father
and devalue His blessings
I am rebellious towards my Creator
How can I make that all right?
No, we have gone too far. Things cannot
be made undone. What should we do?
What advise should be followed?
There 's no time left. There 's left only a moment
of time which is not sufficient when the
question regards salvation
or be damned
It 's too late, minor punishment for what we
did has no solid ground
Hope is gone. I hear the trumpet
1656
Apollion:
Lord Governor There 's no time for reflection
General Michael is coming with his regiments
We must take our positions and attack
The battle will be ours
Lucifer:
You speak too early
Battle and war are serious business
Apollion:
Michael looked frightened
We are in the mood to destroy
Lucifer:
Follow the banner
1670
Rafael:
He was not so sure anymore
Now despair takes him at hand
The Archangel brings himself and all his people
to misery
Never again he will be allowed to appear in the joyful palace
unless Divinity's heart speaks
Prayer may break a heart of diamond stone
1678
Our Father who prefers the way
of kneeling down and silent pray
above all gold and songs on tray
Thy creature though with harsh mischief
comes near in trust and with belief
to lay before Thee joy and grief
Thou has watched this Morning Star
who climbed so proud the warrior car
For greed he 's blind, now high and far
he wants to be with God at par
Retain him from his fall
and stop who heard his call
to rule and conquer all
as if our size 's not small
1696
Be merciful and quit
this Lucifer whose wit
is to be crowned
while Thou art downed
Oh Lord do not permit
that such fine soul stays split
but cure his mind
Thine heart he find'
1708 - 1940 skipped
4th act, epilogue
in spotlight
1710 -1940 skipped, but projected on screen a resumé:
Lucifer mounted on his warrior car
of gold metal with the wheels sed with red precious stones
A lion and a dragoon draw Lucifer's car
to the middle of his army which was
positioned in the form of the rising moon/of a rocket
The lion roared and teared
The dragoon spit fire and smog
while beside the car Hydra shot out its
tongue filled with poison
and Lucifer raised the ax to cut down
the banner with God's name, that went in
front of Michael's army, positioned in a triangle
Then lightning strikes Lucifer
who tumbles backward out of
his car that is smashed into a thousand pieces
and with it sink the half moon/terror spreading soldiers
(note: In the author's time the Turks went for Vienna)
1941
Uriel:
When noon has gone and evil night comes near
the sun sinks down, its golden rays then disappear
Alike while tumbling glamour has quit Lucifer;
his skin turns red, the hairs to rotten fur
That once mild face gives way to frightning jaws
Caressed the hands so kindly? Now they 'r steel proof claws
Where once the stern spread sympathy stiff horns grow out
The diadem is lost and mud with tar is caught
Inside with curses, shameless and destructive
the character to death becomes productive
Living the life for sake of have and get
the senses spoil and cheat as one is far from God
1962
Rafael:
It is the consequence of reaching to the crown of God
How went Apollion?
Uriel:
When he saw that the tide was not favourable
he fled. He fled when the Morning Star went down. And everybody fled
Lightning and thunder rolled over them
and turned them into monsters. They ran
They were hunted downward
It was a shower raining fallen angels, clearing the sky
How sweet to our ears was the sound of this rain
They ebbed down for our flood powered by God
We marched on and hit and did away
what was left, what was not hurrying enough in flight
Wildly, bereft of angel body and heading for hell
they barked, and roared and shouted
and cried outrageous in disgust of hell's features
I hear triumphant Michael who comes to show the victory
The chorus greet him with music and singing
Harp and trumpet announce his parade
Green leaves are spread out on the road while the
flute is playing a heavenly melody
1982
Chorus:
Blessed be the hero
who counters evil might
stops it in flight, dares feroce fight, stands for what 's right
and kicks the bandits out of sight
Michael managed
to keep God's banner high
Though they were sly, stuck to their ly, went for the try
Now all are sent to hell and fry
Justice yields honour
For peace it is a must
Only what 's just values for trust, tops upon lust
though mercy creates beauty's crust
Sing all ye angels
disharmony has gone
Each echelon thanks for what 's done, praise in bon ton
It 's God who fought for us and won
2002
Michael:
Praise to God; heaven's state has changed. The enemy is slain;
his banner conquered. The star on the morning sky has a new master as well as many
others that twinkle like clapping the hands, jubilant of the triumph and giving testimony
that misbehaviour nor greed, which cause rebellious state of mind,
can last
Not anymore a mist of brutal ungratefulness will dim the light and brilliance
coming from His Majesty, the Creator of all things and
beings, natures and capacities
The enemies tremble and wander into utmost lowness, horribly deformed
That 's the way it ends for those who storm the throne
2018
Chorus:
That 's the way it ends for those who storm the throne
and try to punish man in whom God's soul is shown
2020
Gabriel:
Woe, Woe, Woe, how things have turned
Why feasting! The triumph is in vain
No use to show triumphantly the conquered banner,
the enemy's conquered banner
Michael:
What do you say, Gabriel?
Gabriel:
Nothing but that Adam has fallen
The father, the root of the human race
has been brought down in a most miserable way
and without a moment of respite
His position is perfectly horizontal now
Michael:
Such is thunder in my ears
My heart is unwilling but my brain
wants to hear about this defeat
That dedainful Lucifer has
mixed in with Earth, has n't he?
2029
Gabriel:
After the battle he gathered the remnants,
adressing himself first to the
lieftenants among his followers,
though these disgust each other now
for what they look like
He called for revenge and said:
"You, who so proudly did your best for our just cause
and have suffered such dammage;
it is time now to put hate towards heaven
as that stays to its preference for the human race
Catch this race in its craddle, before it becomes strong
and will take possession of its heritage
My aim is to spoil Adam's future and that of his children
I know how to saddle him up with such heavy
breaking of law that body and mind will be poisoned
and he'll never be able to sit in the reserved
chair that belonged to us
Misery without end will be on Adam's trail,
hard labour and suffering, followed by death in all
the world. Nature will be disrupted and long for not-being.
I see before me already the human become
the opposite of God's image. His will, his memory,
his reasoning, the given gentleness, it all will be
affected and disfunction
2060
Weeping will be normal at mid-day;
from his mother's bossom he will be on the way to the mouth
of inevitable Hades
I will stimulate tyranny, increase it in brutality
And you my sons will be sitting
as princes in the churches, on the altars
up to the roof and take your shares
So much will it cost
my crown to Adam"
2070
Michael:
Dirty, damned creature, still provoking God?
It won't be long before we teach you another lesson
Gabriel:
After his speech Lucifer immediately
sent Belial to obtain the fall of man
Belial knows what to do and takes the
shape of a snake, the slyest among all animals
With a few words only the snake, winding
itself around a branch of the tree of
knowledge, tackels the most innocent person,
asking:
"Did God restrict your freedom, are you
not allowed to taste the sweet fruit of the
best amongst all trees?
Dear Eva, that cannot be so; just look
at this apple: it is glowing from gold and red
colours, inviting to taste a king's food
My sister, there's no harm in joining
enlightment, don't be afraid of wisdom
like God is familiar with. May-be God would like
to keep it all for himself and does not want
that others understand about things and play with
these as they like
I think you should eat the fruit
and I promise that you will feel much better then
and more free"
That 's enough to raise Eva's heartbeat
and her longing for the forbidden fruit increases
as it is offered so kindly to her eye and
her mouth, which sighs deeply
2094
Then desire moves to the hand
The arm stretches out and the fingers take
So she takes and tastes and has
Adam joined, to the bewilderment
of her sprouts
Their eyes open and they see
their nakedness. They cover themselves with
leaves for they are ashamed
They feel shame and hide in the shadow
But don't become invisible to God
The sky darkens, is the rainbow sign of
coming plagues? They run but fear and
anxiety accompany them. Even a dropping leave frightens them
Chorus talking:
Man shouldn't have been shaped to man, but
stay an ape
Then greed would 've been
restricted to fruit
and not evolve to a rape
of what belongs to God
2120
Gabriel:
God thunders:
"Adam, what have you come up to!"
But Adam says that Eva is more guilty and
Eva says that the snake is the most guiltiest
You know what must follow
and Uriel is sent to drive Adam and his Eve
out of Paradise
Yet God has a solution
and His promise is trustworthy:
All:
Salvator who will crush the biting snake its head
For guilt of mankind that from seduced Adam spread
bring God's redemption in due time and then unlock
to Eva promised Greater Eden for your flock
We count the ages and the years, yeah day and hour
till your fine grace appears and Nature shall reflower
As then the bodies and the souls in your house dwell
and stand around the throne from where those angels fell
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