rift and cycle

[noobagain]

if I cycle a card with lightning rift in play, do I have to activate the rift you do the 2 damage before I draw the card for cycling or can I pay the 1 mana after drawing?

[Cait_Sith]

2 Things:

1) Lightning Rift's ability is triggered, not activated.

2) This is what happens: You activate a card's cycling ability, it is put on the stack. Lightning Rift triggers in response. Lightning Rift's trigger resolves. You now have a choice of paying the 1 mana or not. The cycling ability resolves. You draw a card.

In short, you must pay before drawing.

[noobagain]

Thats what I thought. I just wanted to double check. thank you