Festus · Scene 31

XXXI

Scene⁠—The skies.
God*, Angels, Angel of Earth, Lucifer*.
God The age of matter consummates itself. All things that are shall end, save that is mine. As with one world, so shall it he with all; For all are human, fallible, and false⁠— As creature towards Creator must be aye. But for the whole prepare ye, not the less Grade upon grade of glory, sons of God! And Earth shall live again, and like her sons Have resurrection to a brighter being: And waken like a bride, or like a morning, With a long blush of love to a new life. Another race of souls shall rule in her, Creatures all loving, beautiful, and holy. Go, angel! guide her as before through Heaven.
Angel of Earth On! on! my world again! Away we fly Through Heaven’s blue plain, Like thought through the eye. Ye angels keep your Heaven! I, Earth! For that with God I have striven, And have prevailed. I come once more, I come to thee, Earth! Like a ship to shore.
Lucifer Have not I triumphed o’er the earth that was?
God Prince of the powers of air! thy doom is nigh. The prison place of spirits is for thee⁠— As for all others thou hast wronged, for a time⁠— But those who by my favour die not. Him Conduct, ye angels, into Hades; there To wait my will while the world’s sabbath lasts.