Chapter I - The Attack on the Throne

Summary

SOME PRE-SHAKESPEAREAN STATEMENTS

Each of the four cycles of miracle plays that have come down to us in some measure of completeness opens with the presentation of the first sin. This is, of course, the original rebellion of Lucifer, and in each cycle it receives all the emphasis of which a well-developed dramatic tradition is capable. Raised on pageant or mansion stage is seated God the Father, and round him stand the angelic hierarchies.

Lord, throughe thy grace and mighte thou hast us wrought:

Nyne orders of Angelles here as you may see: …

In thie bliss full righte they be,

And I the principall lord here in thie sight.

Chester Plays: Fall of Lucifer, 11. 28 ff.

When Lucifer falls from his high eminence he makes a visible descent, and his white and golden garments are changed for the black or shaggy tights and horrific mask made familiar by countless carvings and paintings.

In the Ludus Coventriae the proclamation, which serves as programme to what follows, introduces Man's principal antagonist thus:

But Lucifer that angel so gay

In such pomp then is he pite

And set in so great pride

That God's seat he ginneth to take

His Lord's peer himself to make.

Proclamation, 11. 18 ff.

After his fall Lucifer tempts Eve as he had done the angels:

Of this apple if thou wilt bite

Even as God is so shall ye be.

Wise of cunning as I you plight

Like unto God in all degree.

Sun and moon and stars bright

Fish and fowl both sound and sea

At your bidding both day and night

All things shall be in your power.

Ye shall be God's peer.

Fall of Man, 11. 182 ff.