WHAT MR COGITO THINKS OF HELL

        The lowest circle of hell. Contrary to popular opinion is not populated by despots, matricides, or those who lust after the flesh of others. It is a retreat for artists, full of mirrors, instruments, and paintings. At first glance it is the most comfortable infernal department, free of tar, fire, and physical torture.
        All year round competitions, festivals, and concerts are held. There is no peak season. The peak is permanent and virtually absolute. Every two or three months new movements are formed and nothing, it seems, will halt the triumphant march of the avant-garde.
        Beelzebub is a lover of the arts. He boasts that his choirs, poets, and painters almost outdo those in heaven. Where there's better art, there's better government--that much is clear. Shortly they will be able to measure their strength at the Festival of Two Worlds. And then we'll see what remains of Dante, Fra Angelico, and Bach.
        Beelzebub supports the arts. He guarantees his artists tranquillity, a healthy diet, and complete isolation from infernal life.



--Zbigniew Herbert

(Trans. by Alissa Valles)