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
SIXTH SCENE (Rome. An open hall with statues of the gods and urns in which fragrant spices bum; in the distance, the Appenines; in the center, a table with three reclining couches. Adam, as Sergiolus; Lucifer, as Milo; Catulus. All three are lechers. Hippia, Cluvia and Eve, as Julia, are lightly-clad carousing courtesans. On the platform two gladiators are fighting. Slaves stand nearby; waiting for orders, while flute-players play music Dusk; later night.) CATULUS Sergiolus, look at his skill and speed! This scarlet-ribboned gladiator will Defeat his rival. I would bet on it. ADAM By Hercules, he won’t! CATULUS By Hercules? Not one among us still believes in gods. Swear by Julia, and I’ll believe you. ADAM Ido! LUCIFER The basis of your oath is strong: A self-styled goddess for a so-called god. Tell me how shall we understand your oath: Is it her pretty face? Your love for her? Perhaps you meant her faithfulness to you. CATULUS Charms fade away, but if they did remain What now you want, you might not like next week. A less attractive woman might seduce You with the magic ecstasy of newness. 182
