Satan monologue — Satan Absolved: A Victorian Mystery

Ay, but not of Man. He is beyond redeeming, or Thy Son had died Not wholly to this loss. Who would be crucified To-day must choose another, a young fleshly form, Free from the simian taint, were it but flower or worm, Or limpet of the rock, or grieving nightingale, Wherein to preach his gospel. Yet should he prevail, If only for truth's sake and that this latest lie Should be laid bare to shame, Time's fraud, Humanity. Choose Thee an Angel, Lord; it were enough. Thy Son Was a price all too great even had the world been won. Nor can it be again. An Angel shall suffice For Thy new second sending, so Thou guide the choice To a more reasoned issue--so Thou leave Mankind Henceforth to his sole ways as at his outset, blind To all but his own lusts, untutored by Thy grace. This is the road, Lord God. I bow before Thy face. I make Thee my submission to do all Thy will, So Thou absolve and pardon.