Uriel monologue (Act 3) — Vondel's Lucifer

Your wish inflames My spirit to begin, this fearful fray In calmness to describe, with sequence just, Success the army crowns that fights with God. The Field-marshal, great Michael (being warned By the envoy of Heaven, who from above Flew downward, downward swifter than a star That shoots athwart the sky, with the tidings how, 30 Against the high decree proud Lucifer Himself so openly opposed, prepared To lead his incense-swinging worshippers-- All who his standard and his morning-star Had sworn their bold allegiance), quickly donned, At Gabriel's report--that Herald true-- His scaly coat of mail, and with firm voice He forthwith then gave charge to all his chiefs, His captains, lords, and officers to place, In the name of God, the troops in battle rank, 40 That, with united forces and with all Their strength, they might sweep from the airy vast Of purest crystalline this perjured scum: To cast in darkness all those Spirits vile, Ere unawares they us surprise. Upon This charge the legions rapidly deployed Themselves in battle-line, as speedily As flies the nimble arrow from the bow. We saw there countless throngs together swarm In bright array and glowing martial pomp, 50 Until they formed, in serried rank, one firm Trilateral host that, like a triangle, Thrust out its edges sharp upon the eye. We saw a solid mass, like one dense light, Three-pointed, polished mirror-smooth, even like To diamond, and a battle-front advance By God more than by Spirit understood. The Field-marshal towered in the army's heart, Full-faced before God's banner, with the glow Of lurid lightnings in his lifted hand. 60 Who courage would preserve.--would victory And triumph e'er attain.--should first have care To make sure of and then to gain the heart.