Lucifer monologue (Act 1) — Vondel's Lucifer

It pleaseth us to hear Thy sense and thy opinion of a grave And weighty plan that cannot fail to win. Tis our intent to pluck the proudest plume From Michael's wings, that our attempt upon His mightiness shall not rebound as vain. With his own arm as many oracles He founds, as ever God Himself hath hewn From deathless diamond with His hand. Behold 320 Now man exalted to the Heaven of Heavens, Through all the circles of the spheres, then see The Spirit world, so deep, so far below, Even 'neath his footcloth there, like feeble worms Already crawling in the dust. I joy To storm this throne with violence, and thus To hazard by one strong, opposing stroke The glory of my state and star and crown.