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

Perhaps it is a trifle — that’s the worse - Which always hinders my exalted soul.

See, when I strive to leap, my body falls;

My eyes and ears refuse to pay attention When I look out for secrets far away;

And when my vision draws me toward the heights Hunger compels me meekly to return Down to the trampled matter on this earth!

LUCIFER

This bond is far more powerful than I.

ADAM

It seems to me that you are weak, indeed,

If this well hidden cobweb can defy you.

This mesh, this nothing that remains obscure To millions as they leap inside its net Is visioned only by the higher spirits

LUCIFER

And still this mesh is able to defy me Because it is a spirit just as I.

Or do you think is it not strong because It works in silence, well concealed? Don’t ever Believe it! This something, which is able to Create and shatter worlds, exists in darkness Because man would turn giddy from its sight - Only man’s actions glitter and make noise,

But they are bounded by a short-lived life.

ADAM

Then let me see this power as it works A vivid moment, you know my heart is strong — How can this misdirect my mind and me Who am so special, yet an entity?

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