Bereczky Erzsébet (szerk.): Imre Madách: The Tragedy of Man. Essays about the ideas and the directing of the Drama (Budapest, 1985)

Imre Madách: The Tragedy of Man - full text of the drama - Translated by Joseph Grosz

And still I linger, doubt is in my mind That all my plans against them are in vain.

I cannot tempt them with the magic weapon Of knowledge and ambition if their hearts Are shielded by emotion which, like a Sanctuary, protects and strengthens them — Why fret about it? He who ventures wins!

(A gust of wind again. Lucifer appears before the frightened couple, Heaven s glory becomes dim. Lucifer laughs.)

Why do you stare?

(To Eve who starts to run away.)

Stop, charming lady! Smile! Let me admire your beauty for a while.

(Eve stops and slowly gains courage. Lucifer aside) This model will renew a million times. (Aloud)

Adam, are you afraid?

ADAM

Of you, you rogue?

LUCIFER (aside)

He is well-built to sire the human race. (aloud)

I greet you, spirit-brother!

ADAM

Who are you?

Have you come from below or from above? LUCIFER

Just as you please; it’s all the same to us. ADAM

I did not know that other men exist.

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