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
Your tender arms and swelling breast from me Also my wreath is slipping off my head. (To the dancers.) How splendid is your turning in your dance: Exotic fire and charm of radiance. CLUVIA I’ll close your eyes if, in these girls, you see The very charms I try to offer you; I cannot get a word of thanks from you. (Pointing to Lucifer.) Rather look there! His face is always sour. Why does he need a pretty woman if He does not know what he should do with her? He would just leave his woman sound asleep While he with scornful smiles and chilly eyes Observed the many sweet and silly things Which give the flavor to our conversation. CATULUS Indeed, a face like his would cover with A shroud of frost a circle’s poesy. He who resists the magic of the moment And does not let his soul be swept away Is not much good — it’s best he stays at home. HIPPIA Truly, I am afraid this poor man’s body Is infected by the pestilence Which causes havoc in the city now. ADAM Stop these sad pictures! Sing a cheerful song! Which woman could intone the fairest verse? 186
