Satan Absolved

SATAN

A suppliant for Thy pardon, and in love, not fear,
One who Thou knowest doth love Thee, ay, and more than these.

THE LORD GOD

That word was Peter's once.

SATAN

I speak no flatteries;
Nor shall I Thee deny for this man nor that maid,
Nor for the cock that crew.

THE LORD GOD

Thou shalt not be gainsaid.
I grant thee audience. Speak.

SATAN

Alone?

THE LORD GOD

'Twere best alone.
Angels, ye are dismissed. (_The angels depart._) Good Satan, now say on.

SATAN (_alone with_ THE LORD GOD)

Omnipotent Lord God! Thou knowest all. I speak
Only as Thy poor echo, faltering with words weak,
A far-off broken sound, yet haply not unheard.
Thou knowest the Worlds Thou madest, and Thine own high word Declaring they were good. Good were they in all sooth
The mighty Globes Thou mouldedst