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So spoke the devil. - But I began to tremble
as a heroic plan bubbled within.
Never before in my entire life
had this magnificent feeling occurred.
"Satan!" I yelled with a haughty gesture,
"You have measured with great cunning
the egotism of the giants of the world.
But you have forgotten one thing!
One thing, Satan, that you forgot,
That stands here before you in shame and outrage:
The satirist is he, the uncorrupted poet,
He who knows no selfish interests.
He who would reveal your dirty pact!
I want to speak to young and old
and wish to accomplish my high duty.
And wish to hold a mirror up to the world.

I'll bellow in the ear of humankind
And drive them to a spring of genuine truth. -