Belial monologue (Act 1) — Vondel's Lucifer

Lord Belzebub, thou Privy Councillor Of Heaven's Stadtholder, he riseth steep And wheels from sphere to sphere into our view; The wind he passes by and leaves a track Of light and splendor in his wake, where cleave, His speedy wings the clouds; and now our air He scents in other day and brighter sun, Whose glow is mirrored in the crystal blue. The heavenly globes beneath behold his flight, As up he mounts, and each with wonder sees 20 His speed and godlike grace. He seems to them No more an Angel but a flying fire. No star so swiftly shoots. Behold him now, Here upwards soaring, and within his hands He bears a golden bough. The steep incline He hath accomplished happily.