Blushing like a pepper, but as proud as a child whose schoolmistress, whom he is secretly in love with, takes by the hand, you walk by the Nun of Hell's side. She makes you go down majestic black marble stairs escorted, on both banisters, with a thousand candelabra. So you disappear even deeper into the Abyss. In front and above you is a vast stone cave whose walls resound far away with your descending steps.

Waving flames cast the immoderate shadows of both your moving figures on the walls. Hand in hand, you walk like that for hours. But being by her side, these hours are blessed. Each one of her steps is a flash of grace inflaming your brain.

Your body, as if healed from its fatigue by the freshness of her palm, is a happy songbird, triumphant on his love tune.

What didn't you have to go through in order to deserve all that ! But it really was worth the trouble. Now alone with the Nun of Hell, you relish the epic journey you went on, making it pour in your memory. You reach a door whose frontispiece says approximately in Latin : " Enters who dares. "

As you enquire about the Master of the place's identity, for it is presumably him that you will meet, your initiation being completed at last, it is revealed by the Nun.

" You were looking for the Emperor in vain. Down here, you will find no one matching the name Head of the World ; no one but yourself, because you are Satan. Yes, you are the Emperor. We've been expecting you. "

Will you be taken aback by so sudden a revelation — that seems so unexpected to the vulgar ? Not likely.

You had sensed this profound truth for quite a while. There is nobody down here who knows the twisted cogs of Good and Evil like you do. Way above the flock, you contemplate the beings' pathetic commotion. Your disdainful eyes reflect its own meanness onto the once contemplated human turmoil. And it is burnt by it. You are condemnation of the world.

Thus does the Nun take you to the throne that is now — and has always been — yours. For now comes the accession of your reign.

Nevertheless, as much as damnation is at God's Kingdom gate, holiness is at the eternal fire's step. The Nun sees you in her throne room. The forbidden tree's fruit has been digested. The initiation path comes to an end. Your coldly cultivated insight brought you here. Yet, like a tightrope dancer unsteadily balanced between pride and humility, you fell over on the side of humility. The Nun of Hell took note of that choice and propelled you on the earth crust where your righteousness will be put to the test from now on.

But do not forget that damnation is at Heaven's door !

[ you can play again ]