Part 4

As the least strong thing, The frailest, the most fond, an insect on the wind, Which shall prevail by love, by ignorance, by lack Of all that Man most trusteth to secure his back, To arm his hand with might. What Thy Son dreamed of Man Will I work out anew as some poor cateran, The weakest of the Earth, with only beauty's power And Thy good grace to aid, the creature of an hour Too fugitive for fight, too frail even far to fly, And at the hour's end, Lord, to close my wings and die. Such were the new redemption.

THE LORD GOD

Thou good angel! Nay The World were all unworthy such high price to pay. I will not have thee die.

SATAN

'Tis not for the World's sake, Lord God of Heaven and Earth, that I petition make, But for Thy justice foiled. It irketh me to know That I have tutored Man against Thee, to this woe, And given him sure success. Yet is the World's self good, And I would prove it Thee, lest Man's ingratitude Should so affect all truth, all honour, all high faith, That Thou Thyself, Lord God, shouldst fall a prey to death And leave him in dominion. What to me were Heaven With this thought unappeased--even thus absolved, forgiven, Yet by myself condemned?

THE LORD GOD

Ah, Satan. Thy old pride Still lingereth in the clefts. Yet art thou not denied Since I have sworn thee faith. Go, thou good messenger And God's peace go with thee. Ho! ye without! Give ear. Bow down to the Lord Satan, Our anointed priest, The new incarnate Word.

THE ANGELS

All hail!

MICHAEL (_aside_)

The Antichrist!

PRINTED BY R. FOLKARD AND SON, 22, DEVONSHIRE STREET, QUEEN SQUARE, LONDON, W.C.

Transcriber's Notes:

Passages in italics are indicated by _italics_.