Thou good angel! Nay The World were all unworthy such high price to pay.
I will not have thee die.
SATAN
"Tis not for the World"s sake, Lord G.o.d of Heaven and Earth, that I pet.i.tion make, But for Thy justice foiled. It irketh me to know That I have tutored Man against Thee, to this woe, And given him sure success. Yet is the World"s self good, And I would prove it Thee, lest Man"s ingrat.i.tude Should so affect all truth, all honour, all high faith, That Thou Thyself, Lord G.o.d, shouldst fall a prey to death And leave him in dominion. What to me were Heaven With this thought unappeased--even thus absolved, forgiven, Yet by myself condemned?
THE LORD G.o.d
Ah, Satan. Thy old pride Still lingereth in the clefts. Yet art thou not denied Since I have sworn thee faith. Go, thou good messenger And G.o.d"s peace go with thee. Ho! ye without! Give ear.
Bow down to the Lord Satan, Our anointed priest, The new incarnate Word.
THE ANGELS
All hail!
MICHAEL (_aside_)
The Antichrist!