Lucifer monologue (Act 1) — Vondel's Lucifer

Indeed, thou sayest well: It is not meet for Dominations grave, Powers well-disposed in state, thus to give up So loosely their established rights; and since The Supreme Power is by His laws most bound. 100 To change becomes Him least. Am I a son Of Light, a ruler of the light, my place I shall maintain, to no usurper bow, Not even this Arch-usurper. Let all yield Who will, not one foot shall I e'er retreat. Here is my Fatherland. Nor hardships dire Nor yet disaster nor anathemas Shall me intimidate, or tame. To die, Or to gain port around this dreadful cape, This is my destiny. Doth fate decree 110 That I must fall, of rank and honors shorn, Then let me fall; but fall with this my crown Upon my brow, this sceptre in my grasp, With my own retinue of faithful troops, And with these many thousands on my side. Aye, thus to fall brings honor and shall shed Unfading glory on my name: besides, To be the first prince in some lower court Is better than within the Blessed Light To be the second, or even less. 'Tis thus 120 I weigh the stroke, nor harm nor hindrance fear. But here, hardby, comes Heaven's Interpreter And Herald vigilant, with God's own book Of mysteries, committed to his care. Most opportune for us his coming hither; For I would question him. I shall accost Him then, and from my chariot descend.