Belzebub monologue (Act 2) — Vondel's Lucifer

The assemblage of so many thousand troops, Disturbed by God's command, through Gabriel's trumpet From out the Throne of Thrones proclaimed, demands Some mediation that shall quench this flame; Wherefore I came to gain a better sense 410 Of the ground of their complaints, to quell as best I could this mutiny. But they began With frantic haste and raving recklessness To force their clamorous claims upon me. I Then made attempt their forces to disperse (Let to my faith these faithful choristers Their witness bear), to counsel that they pour Their grievances before God's Throne; but 'mid This tumult and this clamor, vain my zeal, As if to calm a sea swollen to the skies. 420 Let now the Field-marshal lead on; we are Prepared to follow, if he see a way To smooth this difference.