Translated by J. C. W. HORNE:
THE LORD
Thy part is to pay homage, not to judge.
LUCIFER
The fruit of mine own nature, nought beside
Can I give Thee;
(pointing to the angels)
this abject band may give
Thee praise enough, and it beseems them so.
For Thou has formed them as the light the shade,
But I live ageless from eternity.
Translated by IAIN MACLEOD:
THE LORD
To pay homage is your part, not to judge me.
LUCIFER
That would be out of keeping with my nature.
(pointing at the angels)
Your paltry hosts will give you all the praise
that is appropriate for them to give you
who gave them life, as light begets its shadow,
for I have lived through all eternity.
Translated by GEORGE SZIRTES:
THE LORD
I merit praise alone, not condemnation.
LUCIFER
I only render what is in my nature.
(Pointing to the angels)
This wretched crew will serve to flatter You,
Not surprisingly since they’re Your creatures.
You begat them as light begets a shadow
But I had pre-existence, and am ageless.
Translated by OTTÓ TOMSCHEY:
THE LORD
I can only be respected, not be judged.
LUCIFER
I can pass nothing except my essence.
(Pointing to the angels.)
You are praised enough by this caddish crowd,
As to praise you is only fair of them.
You gave birth to them as light to shadow,
But I've been living since eternity.
