from Seeking Faust

Serpent:    (laughing) You’ve been a slave for so long that slave morality, to you, is common sense. It’s visceral—something you feel. Neither Augustine nor Aquinas would approve. These matters must be thought out. You’ll find a better master in me. Now put the vial on the anvil and break the seal.

Wagner:    (Does so.)

(Smoke. The Serpent stands up, vampish, but with an obvious erection beneath her dress.)

Serpent:    That’s better. Now ask your questions, I am at your service.

Wagner:    But must we not first sign a contract?

Serpent:    Don’t be silly. What would written promises mean? What would you do if I double-crossed you—take me to court? As for yourself, our commerce is itself the contract.

Wagner:    Do you have a soul?

Serpent:    Oh my no. Or not yet. Therefore, as Thomas Aquinas wrote, creating my life was art and not blasphemy. Now don’t you feel better?

Wagner:    I care not.

Serpent:    I like you. As a corollary to what I just said, incidentally, I am born without sin. Am I blushing? If I could blush, I would be doing so. Would you fan me please?

Wagner:    (Does so.)

Serpent:    You are SO kind. And good-looking, too. And intelligent. I can tell by the look in your beautiful eyes. Some say that none of us are born with souls, that our purpose here in life is to grow one. Well, except for me. I have another idea in mind.

Wagner:    What is your name? What am I to call you?

Serpent:    The Shining One. Most Beautiful of all Angels. Most Powerful. Wisest of the Animals. The Cunning One. I like that epithet particularly. Or Fly in the Ointment, which I don’t like. Or Son of the Morning.